Ruth G. Leas, 104, Hays, died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at her son’s home in Hays.

She was born December 5, 1915, in 
Elkhart, Kansas the daughter of James B. and Viola (Schnauffer) Garlow.&nbsp;
 She was a graduate of Hays High School in 1933, and she earned her 
Bachelor’s Degree at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;On April 10, 1936,&nbsp; she was united in marriage to Arthur J. Leas in Hays, and they 
celebrated 75 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on 
January 11, 2012.&nbsp; She worked at Markwell’s Office Supply, was a 
secretary for the school nurse at Hays High School, and worked in the 
children’s department at the Hays Public Library.&nbsp; Ruth was a longtime 
member of the First Baptist Church and P.E.O.&nbsp; She creatively crafted 
much of her own home décor, enjoyed creating string artwork, and liked 
traveling with Arthur.

She is survived by a son; Mike Leas and
 wife Debbie of Hays, four grandchildren; Jana Mannan and husband Maq, 
Julie Ertel and husband Greg, Chris Leas, and Ryan Leas and wife Lisa, 
and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her husband; Arthur, a daughter; Judy Swail, a brother; Maurice
 Garlow, and a sister; Blanche Small.&nbsp;

A celebration of life gathering will be
 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at The 
Heritage Eatery, 114 E. 12th Street, Hays.&nbsp; The family requests those 
attending wear a mask or have full vaccination.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Memorials are 
suggested to the FHSU Endowment Foundation, in care of Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Ruth may be shared 
with the family at www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631724509368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ruth G. Leas, 104, Hays, died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at her son’s home in Hays.She was born December 5, 1915, in 
Elkhart, Kansas the daughter of James B. and Viola (Schnauffer) Garlow.&nbsp;
 She was a graduate of Hays High School in 1933, and she earned her 
Bachelor’s Degree at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;On April 10, 1936,&nbsp; she was united in marriage to Arthur J. Leas in Hays, and they 
celebrated 75 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on 
January 11, 2012.&nbsp; She worked at Markwell’s Office Supply, was a 
secretary for the school nurse at Hays High School, and worked in the 
children’s department at the Hays Public Library.&nbsp; Ruth was a longtime 
member of the First Baptist Church and P.E.O.&nbsp; She creatively crafted 
much of her own home décor, enjoyed creating string artwork, and liked 
traveling with Arthur.She is survived by a son; Mike Leas and
 wife Debbie of Hays, four grandchildren; Jana Mannan and husband Maq, 
Julie Ertel and husband Greg, Chris Leas, and Ryan Leas and wife Lisa, 
and five great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her husband; Arthur, a daughter; Judy Swail, a brother; Maurice
 Garlow, and a sister; Blanche Small.&nbsp;A celebration of life gathering will be
 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at The 
Heritage Eatery, 114 E. 12th Street, Hays.&nbsp; The family requests those 
attending wear a mask or have full vaccination.&nbsp; &nbsp;Memorials are 
suggested to the FHSU Endowment Foundation, in care of Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Ruth may be shared 
with the family at www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;

Ruth G. Leas

TOPEKA&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Kansas Manufacturing Council has announced the 16 products headed to the next round of
 voting for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhLQmueMl8bRX267yrdzEat8syy-4YStw5yyGkPqpnFkc9Ung-sZ2AcnL_JC4few2HLj6oB0-EXERIrIz4YtvVNGW6CVP1y1jdg==&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">2021 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>&nbsp;tournament.

They include <a href="https://www.patsbeefjerky.com/shop">Pat's Beef Jerky</a> made in Liebenthal.

Presented by BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors,&nbsp;more than 14,000 votes were cast during
    the first round of voting that concluded Sept. 10.

KMC Interim Executive Director Sherriene Jones-Sontag said the
    competition is to raise awareness about the state’s manufacturing industry
    and is a great way to learn about the many products manufactured in Kansas.

"It’s also a wonderful opportunity for Kansas
 manufacturers to show their best stuff and prove they have what it takes to
 be the&nbsp;Coolest Thing Made in Kansas," said Jones-Sontag.

The winner will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhHTy7NMsHKPQsPnBX-qZQpSy-pAPCgOzXj8rlCIC3MX2dV3liyxrI3SRLdxWHtQDSrgPcw9GYy9fKVF6nFj65GElu2K3VOoWb005kxaN75jA&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhHTy7NMsHKPQsPnBX-qZQpSy-pAPCgOzXj8rlCIC3MX2dV3liyxrI3SRLdxWHtQDSrgPcw9GYy9fKVF6nFj65GElu2K3VOoWb005kxaN75jA&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 12, at the Kansas Star Casino and
 Event Center.&nbsp;The 32 manufacturers
 featured in the contest will be invited to display their products during
 the Coolest Celebration Reception to take place the night before the
 summit.

&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhJXddIFPI-vg0jUPD_S23JizwyiKjdakc3Xt61LctL9bM3r8309ZsvHo95hIUcjVW-oA1CvtvpdgZgsIafzM1khDb6LvYLKzUhT-sjQ4ZYeekWRp-2l10aQS3OYDffxdutzCAYmrVRkVDVHzfSPTR8EQ-5Mhv59aKlQTD_5cyr9y9wmDlymE_Io=&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the list of the 32
 products that qualified for the tournament.

The reigning&nbsp;Coolest Thing Made in
 Kansas&nbsp;is the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhJhgzXBe8ZseE6_pdh4DgDRC1h371uFbHKFhQC3EyRZwOsai9OISGEsD-LUyU39veU3q02RoUF-2W2I13iKKfWsCgAPnVvFzlw==&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">EMP Shield</a>&nbsp;made in
 Burlington. EMP Shield is the world’s first electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
 surge protection technology for an entire home and vehicle tested to
 military and UL 1449 standards from ETL. How cool is that?

·&nbsp; Voting during the tournament is
open to the public. A voter may vote once per match-up per round. ·&nbsp; Nominated products will advance through a series of voting rounds. ·&nbsp; Products receiving the most votes during each voting period will advance to the next rounds of 16, eight, and four. ·&nbsp; The winner will be announced October 12 at the 2021 Kansas Manufacturing Summit. ·&nbsp; The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round.

·&nbsp; Sept. 13 – 24:&nbsp;Voting
for Top 16 Products · Sept. 27 – Oct. 1st: Voting for Top Eight Products · Oct. 4 – Oct. 1h: Voting for Top Four Products · Oct. 12: 2021 CTMK Winner Announced

&nbsp; Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhLQmueMl8bRX267yrdzEat8syy-4YStw5yyGkPqpnFkc9Ung-sZ2AcnL_JC4few2HLj6oB0-EXERIrIz4YtvVNGW6CVP1y1jdg==&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">www.KansasCool.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631565046482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KMCTOPEKA&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Kansas Manufacturing Council has announced the 16 products headed to the next round of
 voting for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhLQmueMl8bRX267yrdzEat8syy-4YStw5yyGkPqpnFkc9Ung-sZ2AcnL_JC4few2HLj6oB0-EXERIrIz4YtvVNGW6CVP1y1jdg==&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">2021 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>&nbsp;tournament.They include <a href="https://www.patsbeefjerky.com/shop">Pat's Beef Jerky</a> made in Liebenthal.Presented by BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors,&nbsp;more than 14,000 votes were cast during
 the first round of voting that concluded Sept. 10.KMC Interim Executive Director Sherriene Jones-Sontag said the
 competition is to raise awareness about the state’s manufacturing industry
 and is a great way to learn about the many products manufactured in Kansas."It’s also a wonderful opportunity for Kansas
 manufacturers to show their best stuff and prove they have what it takes to
 be the&nbsp;Coolest Thing Made in Kansas," said Jones-Sontag.The winner will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhHTy7NMsHKPQsPnBX-qZQpSy-pAPCgOzXj8rlCIC3MX2dV3liyxrI3SRLdxWHtQDSrgPcw9GYy9fKVF6nFj65GElu2K3VOoWb005kxaN75jA&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhHTy7NMsHKPQsPnBX-qZQpSy-pAPCgOzXj8rlCIC3MX2dV3liyxrI3SRLdxWHtQDSrgPcw9GYy9fKVF6nFj65GElu2K3VOoWb005kxaN75jA&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 12, at the Kansas Star Casino and
 Event Center.&nbsp;The 32 manufacturers
 featured in the contest will be invited to display their products during
 the Coolest Celebration Reception to take place the night before the
 summit.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhJXddIFPI-vg0jUPD_S23JizwyiKjdakc3Xt61LctL9bM3r8309ZsvHo95hIUcjVW-oA1CvtvpdgZgsIafzM1khDb6LvYLKzUhT-sjQ4ZYeekWRp-2l10aQS3OYDffxdutzCAYmrVRkVDVHzfSPTR8EQ-5Mhv59aKlQTD_5cyr9y9wmDlymE_Io=&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the list of the 32
 products that qualified for the tournament.The reigning&nbsp;Coolest Thing Made in
 Kansas&nbsp;is the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhJhgzXBe8ZseE6_pdh4DgDRC1h371uFbHKFhQC3EyRZwOsai9OISGEsD-LUyU39veU3q02RoUF-2W2I13iKKfWsCgAPnVvFzlw==&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">EMP Shield</a>&nbsp;made in
 Burlington. EMP Shield is the world’s first electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
 surge protection technology for an entire home and vehicle tested to
 military and UL 1449 standards from ETL. How cool is that?TOURNAMENT DETAILS﻿Voting Rules·&nbsp; Voting during the tournament is
open to the public. A voter may vote once per match-up per round. ·&nbsp; Nominated products will advance through a series of voting rounds. ·&nbsp; Products receiving the most votes during each voting period will advance to the next rounds of 16, eight, and four. ·&nbsp; The winner will be announced October 12 at the 2021 Kansas Manufacturing Summit. ·&nbsp; The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round. 2021 Contest Calendar·&nbsp; Sept. 13 – 24:&nbsp;Voting
for Top 16 Products · Sept. 27 – Oct. 1st: Voting for Top Eight Products · Oct. 4 – Oct. 1h: Voting for Top Four Products · Oct. 12: 2021 CTMK Winner Announced &nbsp; Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NfO8OvS-jjW_GmHv1hGjJv079bZdDMV3_g-ojkj7i1cw-T-hYkvRhLQmueMl8bRX267yrdzEat8syy-4YStw5yyGkPqpnFkc9Ung-sZ2AcnL_JC4few2HLj6oB0-EXERIrIz4YtvVNGW6CVP1y1jdg==&amp;c=T1XY8DZ0npQwJ6blfAa6fpQ8b4yocP6u4TaFU15EjRb5VOtP-Agucw==&amp;ch=Y3FrYl0UV1QKMDiYX4NewvcfmtyU8rjLrw28OpKPRdA2gJa3ZeAczg==" target="_blank">www.KansasCool.com</a>

Pat's Beef Jerky among contestants for 'Coolest Thing Made in Kansas'

BOSTON (AP) — Apple released a critical software patch to fix a security vulnerability that researchers said could allow hackers to directly infect iPhones and other Apple devices without any user action.

Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab said the security issue was exploited to plant spyware on a Saudi activist’s iPhone. They said they had high confidence that the world’s most infamous hacker-for-hire firm, Israel’s NSO Group, was behind that attack.

The previously unknown vulnerability affected all major Apple devices — iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches, the researchers said. NSO Group responded with a one-sentence statement saying it will continue providing tools for fighting “terror and crime.”

It was the first time a so-called “zero-click” exploit — one that doesn’t require users to click on suspect links or open infected files — has been caught and analyzed, the researchers said. They found the malicious code on Sept. 7 and immediately alerted Apple. The targeted activist asked to remain anonymous, they said.

“We’re not necessarily attributing this attack to the Saudi government,” said researcher Bill Marczak.

Citizen Lab previously found evidence of zero-click exploits being used to hack into the phones of al-Jazeera journalists and other targets, but hasn’t previously seen the malicious code itself.

Although security experts say that average iPhone, iPad and Mac user generally need not worry — such attacks tend to be limited to specific targets — the discovery still alarmed security professionals.

Malicious image files were transmitted to the activist’s phone via the iMessage instant-messaging app before it was hacked with NSO’s Pegasus spyware, which opens a phone to eavesdropping and remote data theft, Marczak said. It was discovered during a second examination of the phone, which forensics showed had been infected in March. He said the malicious file causes devices to crash.

Citizen Lab says the case reveals, once again, that NSO Group is allowing its spyware to be used against ordinary civilians.

<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212807" target="_blank">In a blog post</a>, Apple said it was issuing a security update for iPhones and iPads because a “maliciously crafted” PDF file could lead to them being hacked. It said it was aware that the issue may have been exploited and cited Citizen Lab.

In a subsequent statement, Apple security chief Ivan Krstić commended Citizen Lab and said such exploits “are not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users.” He noted, as he has in the past, that such exploits typically cost millions of dollars to develop and often have a short shelf life. Apple didn’t respond to questions regarding whether this was the first time it had patched a zero-click vulnerability.

Users should get alerts on their iPhones prompting them to update the phone’s iOS software. Those who want to jump the gun can go into the phone settings, click “General” then “Software Update,” and trigger the patch update directly.

Citizen Lab called the iMessage exploit FORCEDENTRY and said it was effective against Apple iOS, MacOS and WatchOS devices. It urged people to immediately install security updates.

Researcher John Scott-Railton said the news highlights the importance of securing popular messaging apps against such attacks. “Chat apps are increasingly becoming a major way that nation-states and mercenary hackers are gaining access to phones,” he said. “And it’s why it’s so important that companies focus on making sure that they are as locked down as possible.”

The researchers said it also undermines NSO Group’s claims that it only sells its spyware to law enforcement officials for use against criminals and terrorists and audits its customers to ensure it’s not abused.

“If Pegasus was only being used against criminals and terrorists, we never would have found this stuff,” said Marczak.

Facebook’s WhatsApp was also allegedly targeted by an NSO zero-click exploit. In October 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-us-news-israel-spyware-a7ad0788b9e4498a878009d1a8c5a206">Facebook sued NSO in U.S. federal court</a>&nbsp;for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of the encrypted messaging service with spyware.

In July, a global media consortium published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-israel-jamal-khashoggi-2b72451d84cd60fdcdfa37d8ee908784">damning report</a>&nbsp;on how clients of NSO Group have been spying for years on journalists, human rights activists, political dissidents, and people close to them, with the hacker-for-hire group directly involved in the targeting. Amnesty International said it confirmed 37 successful Pegasus infections based on a leaked targeting list whose origin was not disclosed.

One case involved the fiancee of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi just four days after he was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The CIA attributed the murder to the Saudi government.

The recent revelations also prompted calls for an investigation into whether Hungary’s right-wing government used Pegasus to secretly monitor critical journalists, lawyers and business figures. India’s parliament also erupted in protests as opposition lawmakers accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of using NSO Groups’ product to spy on political opponents and others.

France is also trying to get to the bottom of allegations that President Emmanuel Macron and members of his government may have been targeted in 2019 by an unidentified Moroccan security service using Pegasus. Morocco, a key French ally, denied those reports and is taking legal action to counter allegations implicating the North African kingdom in the spyware scandal.

BOSTON (AP) — Apple released a critical software patch to fix a security vulnerability that researchers said could allow hackers to directly infect iPhones and other Apple devices without any user action.Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab said the security issue was exploited to plant spyware on a Saudi activist’s iPhone. They said they had high confidence that the world’s most infamous hacker-for-hire firm, Israel’s NSO Group, was behind that attack.The previously unknown vulnerability affected all major Apple devices — iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches, the researchers said. NSO Group responded with a one-sentence statement saying it will continue providing tools for fighting “terror and crime.”It was the first time a so-called “zero-click” exploit — one that doesn’t require users to click on suspect links or open infected files — has been caught and analyzed, the researchers said. They found the malicious code on Sept. 7 and immediately alerted Apple. The targeted activist asked to remain anonymous, they said.“We’re not necessarily attributing this attack to the Saudi government,” said researcher Bill Marczak.Citizen Lab previously found evidence of zero-click exploits being used to hack into the phones of al-Jazeera journalists and other targets, but hasn’t previously seen the malicious code itself.Although security experts say that average iPhone, iPad and Mac user generally need not worry — such attacks tend to be limited to specific targets — the discovery still alarmed security professionals.Malicious image files were transmitted to the activist’s phone via the iMessage instant-messaging app before it was hacked with NSO’s Pegasus spyware, which opens a phone to eavesdropping and remote data theft, Marczak said. It was discovered during a second examination of the phone, which forensics showed had been infected in March. He said the malicious file causes devices to crash.Citizen Lab says the case reveals, once again, that NSO Group is allowing its spyware to be used against ordinary civilians.<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212807" target="_blank">In a blog post</a>, Apple said it was issuing a security update for iPhones and iPads because a “maliciously crafted” PDF file could lead to them being hacked. It said it was aware that the issue may have been exploited and cited Citizen Lab.In a subsequent statement, Apple security chief Ivan Krstić commended Citizen Lab and said such exploits “are not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users.” He noted, as he has in the past, that such exploits typically cost millions of dollars to develop and often have a short shelf life. Apple didn’t respond to questions regarding whether this was the first time it had patched a zero-click vulnerability.Users should get alerts on their iPhones prompting them to update the phone’s iOS software. Those who want to jump the gun can go into the phone settings, click “General” then “Software Update,” and trigger the patch update directly.Citizen Lab called the iMessage exploit FORCEDENTRY and said it was effective against Apple iOS, MacOS and WatchOS devices. It urged people to immediately install security updates.Researcher John Scott-Railton said the news highlights the importance of securing popular messaging apps against such attacks. “Chat apps are increasingly becoming a major way that nation-states and mercenary hackers are gaining access to phones,” he said. “And it’s why it’s so important that companies focus on making sure that they are as locked down as possible.”The researchers said it also undermines NSO Group’s claims that it only sells its spyware to law enforcement officials for use against criminals and terrorists and audits its customers to ensure it’s not abused.“If Pegasus was only being used against criminals and terrorists, we never would have found this stuff,” said Marczak.Facebook’s WhatsApp was also allegedly targeted by an NSO zero-click exploit. In October 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-us-news-israel-spyware-a7ad0788b9e4498a878009d1a8c5a206">Facebook sued NSO in U.S. federal court</a>&nbsp;for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of the encrypted messaging service with spyware.In July, a global media consortium published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-israel-jamal-khashoggi-2b72451d84cd60fdcdfa37d8ee908784">damning report</a>&nbsp;on how clients of NSO Group have been spying for years on journalists, human rights activists, political dissidents, and people close to them, with the hacker-for-hire group directly involved in the targeting. Amnesty International said it confirmed 37 successful Pegasus infections based on a leaked targeting list whose origin was not disclosed.One case involved the fiancee of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi just four days after he was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The CIA attributed the murder to the Saudi government.The recent revelations also prompted calls for an investigation into whether Hungary’s right-wing government used Pegasus to secretly monitor critical journalists, lawyers and business figures. India’s parliament also erupted in protests as opposition lawmakers accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of using NSO Groups’ product to spy on political opponents and others.France is also trying to get to the bottom of allegations that President Emmanuel Macron and members of his government may have been targeted in 2019 by an unidentified Moroccan security service using Pegasus. Morocco, a key French ally, denied those reports and is taking legal action to counter allegations implicating the North African kingdom in the spyware scandal.

Apple fixes security hole reportedly used to hack iPhone

John Charles Squier, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home in 
Ransom, Kansas, on September 10, 2021. He was born October 22, 1960, to Russell and Veta 
(Walker) Squier.

John was a United States Army Ranger veteran, world traveler, poet, 
author, philosopher of life and brother to many. One of John’s greatest 
achievements was the publication of his novel and his collection of 
poetry writings.

Survivors include a brother Marion Lee (Colette Pearce) Squier, 
Austin, Texas, 2 nieces Stefanie Squier and Cecily (Dave Kehr) Squier; 2
 great nephews Nels and Karsten Visser; and many friends he met along 
his journey in life. He was preceded in death by a brother William 
Squier, Jr; a sister, Doveta Squier and his parents William Russell 
Squier and Veta (Walker) Squier.

John left his stamp on this world through his stories (told and 
untold) and friendships along the way. John left us with some simple yet
 profound words of advice “Don’t ever change and keep learning. Do what 
you love and continue to grow with it. Never stop growing as a person. 
We all get this one life, use it wisely.” He lives on in the hearts and 
minds of his many friends, family and colleagues.

Services will be held October 23, 2021, at 2pm at the American Legion Sunley-Squier Post 382, Brownell, Kansas.

Memories and words of support can be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631634695685.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Charles Squier, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home in 
Ransom, Kansas, on September 10, 2021. He was born October 22, 1960, to Russell and Veta 
(Walker) Squier.John was a United States Army Ranger veteran, world traveler, poet, 
author, philosopher of life and brother to many. One of John’s greatest 
achievements was the publication of his novel and his collection of 
poetry writings.Survivors include a brother Marion Lee (Colette Pearce) Squier, 
Austin, Texas, 2 nieces Stefanie Squier and Cecily (Dave Kehr) Squier; 2
 great nephews Nels and Karsten Visser; and many friends he met along 
his journey in life. He was preceded in death by a brother William 
Squier, Jr; a sister, Doveta Squier and his parents William Russell 
Squier and Veta (Walker) Squier.John left his stamp on this world through his stories (told and 
untold) and friendships along the way. John left us with some simple yet
 profound words of advice “Don’t ever change and keep learning. Do what 
you love and continue to grow with it. Never stop growing as a person. 
We all get this one life, use it wisely.” He lives on in the hearts and 
minds of his many friends, family and colleagues.Services will be held October 23, 2021, at 2pm at the American Legion Sunley-Squier Post 382, Brownell, Kansas.Memories and words of support can be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

John Charles Squier

WASHINGTON — With many businesses facing a tight job market, the 
Internal Revenue Service reminds employers to check out a valuable tax 
credit available to them for hiring long-term unemployment recipients 
and other groups of workers facing significant barriers to employment.

During <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/small-business-week">National Small Business Week</a>,
 the IRS is highlighting tax benefits and resources designed to help new
 and existing small businesses. For any business now hiring, the Work 
Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) may help.

Legislation enacted in December extended the WOTC through the end of 
2025. This long-standing tax benefit encourages employers to hire 
workers certified as members of any of ten targeted groups facing 
barriers to employment. With millions of Americans out of work at one 
time or another since the pandemic began, the IRS noted that one of 
these targeted groups is long-term unemployment recipients who have been
 unemployed for at least 27 consecutive weeks and have received state or
 federal unemployment benefits during part or all of that time.

The other groups include certain veterans and recipients of various 
kinds of public assistance, among others. Specifically, the 10 groups 
are:

To qualify for the credit, an employer must first request certification by submitting IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8850">Form 8850, Pre-screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit</a>, to their state workforce agency (SWA). Do not submit this form to the IRS.

Normally, Form 8850 must be submitted to the SWA within 28 days after
 the eligible worker begins work. But under a special relief provision, a
 November&nbsp;8, 2021, submission deadline applies to two groups of new 
hires—qualified summer youth employees living in Empowerment Zones and 
designated community residents living in Empowerment Zones.

To qualify for the Nov. 8 submission deadline, eligible employees 
must start work on or after January&nbsp;1, 2021, and before October&nbsp;9, 2021.
 Other requirements and further details can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-43.pdf">Notice 2021-43</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8850.pdf">instructions to Form 8850</a>.

Eligible businesses claim the WOTC on their federal income tax 
return. It is generally based on wages paid to eligible workers during 
the first year of employment.

The credit is first figured on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5884">Form 5884, Work Opportunity Credit</a>, and then is claimed on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3800">Form 3800, General Business Credit</a>.

Though the credit is not available to tax-exempt organizations for 
most groups of new hires, a special rule allows them to claim the WOTC 
for hiring qualified veterans. These organizations claim the credit 
against payroll taxes on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5884-c">Form 5884-C, Work Opportunity Credit for Qualified Tax Exempt Organizations</a>.

For more information about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/work-opportunity-tax-credit">IRS.gov/wotc</a>.

Help spread the word-advance Child Tax Credit

The IRS encourages employers to help get the word out about the 
advance&nbsp;payments of the Child Tax Credit during Small Business Week. 
Employers have direct access to many who may receive this credit. More 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance&nbsp;Child Tax Credit</a> is available on IRS.gov. The website has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">tools employers can use</a>
 to deliver this information, including e-posters, drop-in articles (for
 paycheck stuffers, newsletters) and social media posts to share.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With many businesses facing a tight job market, the 
Internal Revenue Service reminds employers to check out a valuable tax 
credit available to them for hiring long-term unemployment recipients 
and other groups of workers facing significant barriers to employment.During <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/small-business-week">National Small Business Week</a>,
 the IRS is highlighting tax benefits and resources designed to help new
 and existing small businesses. For any business now hiring, the Work 
Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) may help.Legislation enacted in December extended the WOTC through the end of 
2025. This long-standing tax benefit encourages employers to hire 
workers certified as members of any of ten targeted groups facing 
barriers to employment. With millions of Americans out of work at one 
time or another since the pandemic began, the IRS noted that one of 
these targeted groups is long-term unemployment recipients who have been
 unemployed for at least 27 consecutive weeks and have received state or
 federal unemployment benefits during part or all of that time.The other groups include certain veterans and recipients of various 
kinds of public assistance, among others. Specifically, the 10 groups 
are:<ul>
 <li>Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients,</li><li>Unemployed veterans, including disabled veterans,</li><li>Formerly incarcerated individuals,</li><li>Designated community residents living in Empowerment Zones or Rural Renewal Counties,</li><li>Vocational rehabilitation referrals,</li><li>Summer youth employees living in Empowerment Zones,</li><li>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients,</li><li>Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients,</li><li>Long-term family assistance recipients,</li><li>Long-term unemployment recipients.</li>
 </ul>To qualify for the credit, an employer must first request certification by submitting IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8850">Form 8850, Pre-screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit</a>, to their state workforce agency (SWA). Do not submit this form to the IRS.Normally, Form 8850 must be submitted to the SWA within 28 days after
 the eligible worker begins work. But under a special relief provision, a
 November&nbsp;8, 2021, submission deadline applies to two groups of new 
hires—qualified summer youth employees living in Empowerment Zones and 
designated community residents living in Empowerment Zones.To qualify for the Nov. 8 submission deadline, eligible employees 
must start work on or after January&nbsp;1, 2021, and before October&nbsp;9, 2021.
 Other requirements and further details can be found in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-43.pdf">Notice 2021-43</a> and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8850.pdf">instructions to Form 8850</a>.Eligible businesses claim the WOTC on their federal income tax 
return. It is generally based on wages paid to eligible workers during 
the first year of employment.The credit is first figured on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5884">Form 5884, Work Opportunity Credit</a>, and then is claimed on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3800">Form 3800, General Business Credit</a>.Though the credit is not available to tax-exempt organizations for 
most groups of new hires, a special rule allows them to claim the WOTC 
for hiring qualified veterans. These organizations claim the credit 
against payroll taxes on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5884-c">Form 5884-C, Work Opportunity Credit for Qualified Tax Exempt Organizations</a>.For more information about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/work-opportunity-tax-credit">IRS.gov/wotc</a>.<h2>Help spread the word-advance Child Tax Credit</h2>The IRS encourages employers to help get the word out about the 
advance&nbsp;payments of the Child Tax Credit during Small Business Week. 
Employers have direct access to many who may receive this credit. More 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance&nbsp;Child Tax Credit</a> is available on IRS.gov. The website has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">tools employers can use</a>
 to deliver this information, including e-posters, drop-in articles (for
 paycheck stuffers, newsletters) and social media posts to share.

Renewed tax credit can help employers hire workers

The Kansas benchmark at CHS closed out the month of August with an average price of &nbsp;$57.96 per barrel, the best August average in McPherson in three years. Kansas prices are 20 dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $60 per barrel after gaining $1.50 on Friday. U.S. crude futures prices rose above $70 Monday, after settling Friday at $69.72 per barrel. Baker Hughes reported an increase of seven oil rigs, bringing its weekly Rotary Rig Count to 503 active rigs nationwide. Louisiana saw an increase of four rigs, while the count in Texas was up three. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas was up one rig to nine active rigs in eastern Kansas. The count west of Wichita was unchanged at 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 16 drilling permits last week. That makes 693 new drilling locations statewide so far this year. There are five new permits east of Wichita, and 11 in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 36 newly-completed wells across Kansas, 7 of them east of Wichita and 29 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County, and two each in Russell and Stafford counties. Shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico contributed to a huge decline in U.S. crude production. August production in the Gulf of Mexico was down 300, barrels per day from July. The government said output for the week through September 3rd dropped to just over 10 million barrels per day, down more than one and a half million barrels per day from the week before, but still slightly better than last year at this time. EIA expects Gulf production to rebound by the end of the year. U.S. crude inventories were down 1.5 million barrels last week and are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said imports were down half a million barrels per day but the four-week average is up more than 12 percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments last week were down slightly from the week before, but largely unchanged from a year ago at 10,065 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products. The Association of American Railroads reports a slight weekly decline but another big jump year-over-year in Canada. A consumer group investigating spikes in the price of natural gas during February's cold snap got some bad news last week from the Kansas Corporation Commission. The Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition was hoping to receive and make public the supplier invoices from utilities in the region as well as information from S&amp;P Global Platts on its Daily Price Index. The group says ratepayers will soon be asked to pay more than $450 million for seven days of natural gas, and they blame price gouging. But the KCC says it does not have jurisdiction over federal market manipulation, and says all the key investigative bodies in Kansas already have access to the invoices from Kansas utilities. The Commission denied both requests for subpoenas. Kansas regulators have not yet approved any rate increases to pay for the February storm response. A refinery in Texas suspended operations because of a shortage of oxygen brought on in part by a spike in COVID cases. Refineries use oxygen in their sulfur-recovery process to meet emissions standards. Bloomberg cites an environmental filing in Texas which says Citgo Petroleum halted some operations due to a higher medical need for oxygen in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard said it was investigating nearly 350 reports of oil spills in and along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The storm wreaked havoc on offshore oil production platforms and onshore oil and gas processing plants. More than a week after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29, about 88% of the region's offshore oil production remained shut, and more than 100 of the area's production platforms remained unoccupied. The government says the amount of money we spent on energy in 2019 fell to $1.2 trillion, down five percent in real terms compared to the year before. The Energy Information Administration says total energy consumption fell by one percent, while average prices fell five percent. EIA reported per-capita energy spending in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors was down six percent. The most controversial pipeline in the world could be open for business next month. Unnamed sources tell Bloomberg the Russian firm Gazprom plans to start pushing natural gas into Germany through the Nord Stream Two pipeline on October first. The last section of pipe was set to be lowered onto the seabed last week. The next step would be to connect the Danish and German sections before pre-commissioning work is carried out. The project still needs to receive technical certification, insurance, and approval from the German regulator. The long-awaited pipeline could provide some relief to European gas markets facing a supply crunch before the start of winter, with prices already at a record.

By JOHN P. TRETBARThe Kansas benchmark at CHS closed out the month of August with an average price of &nbsp;$57.96 per barrel, the best August average in McPherson in three years. Kansas prices are 20 dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $60 per barrel after gaining $1.50 on Friday. U.S. crude futures prices rose above $70 Monday, after settling Friday at $69.72 per barrel. Baker Hughes reported an increase of seven oil rigs, bringing its weekly Rotary Rig Count to 503 active rigs nationwide. Louisiana saw an increase of four rigs, while the count in Texas was up three. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas was up one rig to nine active rigs in eastern Kansas. The count west of Wichita was unchanged at 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 16 drilling permits last week. That makes 693 new drilling locations statewide so far this year. There are five new permits east of Wichita, and 11 in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 36 newly-completed wells across Kansas, 7 of them east of Wichita and 29 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County, and two each in Russell and Stafford counties. Shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico contributed to a huge decline in U.S. crude production. August production in the Gulf of Mexico was down 300, barrels per day from July. The government said output for the week through September 3rd dropped to just over 10 million barrels per day, down more than one and a half million barrels per day from the week before, but still slightly better than last year at this time. EIA expects Gulf production to rebound by the end of the year. U.S. crude inventories were down 1.5 million barrels last week and are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said imports were down half a million barrels per day but the four-week average is up more than 12 percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments last week were down slightly from the week before, but largely unchanged from a year ago at 10,065 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products. The Association of American Railroads reports a slight weekly decline but another big jump year-over-year in Canada. A consumer group investigating spikes in the price of natural gas during February's cold snap got some bad news last week from the Kansas Corporation Commission. The Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition was hoping to receive and make public the supplier invoices from utilities in the region as well as information from S&amp;P Global Platts on its Daily Price Index. The group says ratepayers will soon be asked to pay more than $450 million for seven days of natural gas, and they blame price gouging. But the KCC says it does not have jurisdiction over federal market manipulation, and says all the key investigative bodies in Kansas already have access to the invoices from Kansas utilities. The Commission denied both requests for subpoenas. Kansas regulators have not yet approved any rate increases to pay for the February storm response. A refinery in Texas suspended operations because of a shortage of oxygen brought on in part by a spike in COVID cases. Refineries use oxygen in their sulfur-recovery process to meet emissions standards. Bloomberg cites an environmental filing in Texas which says Citgo Petroleum halted some operations due to a higher medical need for oxygen in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard said it was investigating nearly 350 reports of oil spills in and along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The storm wreaked havoc on offshore oil production platforms and onshore oil and gas processing plants. More than a week after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29, about 88% of the region's offshore oil production remained shut, and more than 100 of the area's production platforms remained unoccupied. The government says the amount of money we spent on energy in 2019 fell to $1.2 trillion, down five percent in real terms compared to the year before. The Energy Information Administration says total energy consumption fell by one percent, while average prices fell five percent. EIA reported per-capita energy spending in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors was down six percent. The most controversial pipeline in the world could be open for business next month. Unnamed sources tell Bloomberg the Russian firm Gazprom plans to start pushing natural gas into Germany through the Nord Stream Two pipeline on October first. The last section of pipe was set to be lowered onto the seabed last week. The next step would be to connect the Danish and German sections before pre-commissioning work is carried out. The project still needs to receive technical certification, insurance, and approval from the German regulator. The long-awaited pipeline could provide some relief to European gas markets facing a supply crunch before the start of winter, with prices already at a record.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices $20 higher than open of 2021

Each year here in Inman, we see one or two hummingbirds in the spring or in the fall, then we’ll hustle to get a feeder up but never see them again. Three weeks ago, the scenario repeated itself, we put up a couple feeders, and three of the little buggers have been regularly slurping sugar water every day since. In researching hummingbird “gurus” here in KS, I was told to contact Chuck Otte, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Geary County.

Chuck told me both his mother and grandmother were avid bird watchers. He says “I was predisposed as early as four years old to be an avid “birder” like them, and now backyard “birding” is my passion.” He says that hummingbirds here in KS “leisurely” begin meandering south in late July; the adult males first, followed by the adult females then this-years young. Otte also says winds and weather fronts &amp; patterns help determine when they leave for their winter digs in southern Mexico or northern Central America. I just assumed they would all go together in one large group, especially so the youngsters could safely follow, but he says that’s not the case. &nbsp;

Here in the Hutchinson area, we are in a transition zone that runs north clear to North Dakota, putting us on the very western edge of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds range, but they are still the most likely species we’ll see. West of us, the Rufous, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned and Calliope species are more prevalent, and being this close to the edge of their boundaries, it’s possible to see some of those species around our area too.&nbsp;

When talking hummingbirds, feeding them always enters the discussion, and Otte had lots of advice. He advises feeding hummingbirds straight sugar water, mixed one-part sugar to four parts water; NO red food color, NO honey, NO sugar substitutes or other additives, just straight sugar water. Don’t mix the syrup stronger than that as hummingbirds get most of their water from the syrup they drink. They are attracted to the color red, so it may be helpful if the feeder is red, but avoid yellow on the feeder as yellow attracts bees and wasps. Put the feeders up in mid-April for the hummers’ arrival and take them down in early June. If you continue seeing a couple birds after that, they are possibly nesting nearby and leaving a feeder up will benefit them. Otherwise, put feeders back up around July 20, and leave them up till the little guys leave in early October. Otte says while there is obviously no guarantee the same hummers will visit you next year, Ruby-throated hummingbirds do remember where they feed in the fall. He also debunked the theory that leaving feeders up longer in the fall will coerce hummingbirds to stay too late, putting their migration in peril. Otte says their instinct and drive to migrate and to leave when they need to leave is stronger than anything we humans can do to keep them here.

Natural attracters can also help draw and possibly keep hummingbirds near your garden. Plants with red or bright orange cone-shaped flowers that produce lots of nectar are especially noticed by hummingbirds. Salvia, red Cannas, Hollyhocks and Trumpet vine are all good. Another fact new to me is that hummers’ need to eat small insects for protein, so as they flit amongst your flowers, they are also looking for snacks besides just nectar.

I won’t get into hummingbird trivia here, like how fast their little hearts beat or how fast their tiny delicate wings move, but I challenge you to watch one for any length of time without finding yourself completely in awe of God’s handiwork the day He Created hummingbirds.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Each year here in Inman, we see one or two hummingbirds in the spring or in the fall, then we’ll hustle to get a feeder up but never see them again. Three weeks ago, the scenario repeated itself, we put up a couple feeders, and three of the little buggers have been regularly slurping sugar water every day since. In researching hummingbird “gurus” here in KS, I was told to contact Chuck Otte, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Geary County.Chuck told me both his mother and grandmother were avid bird watchers. He says “I was predisposed as early as four years old to be an avid “birder” like them, and now backyard “birding” is my passion.” He says that hummingbirds here in KS “leisurely” begin meandering south in late July; the adult males first, followed by the adult females then this-years young. Otte also says winds and weather fronts &amp; patterns help determine when they leave for their winter digs in southern Mexico or northern Central America. I just assumed they would all go together in one large group, especially so the youngsters could safely follow, but he says that’s not the case. &nbsp;Here in the Hutchinson area, we are in a transition zone that runs north clear to North Dakota, putting us on the very western edge of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds range, but they are still the most likely species we’ll see. West of us, the Rufous, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned and Calliope species are more prevalent, and being this close to the edge of their boundaries, it’s possible to see some of those species around our area too.&nbsp;When talking hummingbirds, feeding them always enters the discussion, and Otte had lots of advice. He advises feeding hummingbirds straight sugar water, mixed one-part sugar to four parts water; NO red food color, NO honey, NO sugar substitutes or other additives, just straight sugar water. Don’t mix the syrup stronger than that as hummingbirds get most of their water from the syrup they drink. They are attracted to the color red, so it may be helpful if the feeder is red, but avoid yellow on the feeder as yellow attracts bees and wasps. Put the feeders up in mid-April for the hummers’ arrival and take them down in early June. If you continue seeing a couple birds after that, they are possibly nesting nearby and leaving a feeder up will benefit them. Otherwise, put feeders back up around July 20, and leave them up till the little guys leave in early October. Otte says while there is obviously no guarantee the same hummers will visit you next year, Ruby-throated hummingbirds do remember where they feed in the fall. He also debunked the theory that leaving feeders up longer in the fall will coerce hummingbirds to stay too late, putting their migration in peril. Otte says their instinct and drive to migrate and to leave when they need to leave is stronger than anything we humans can do to keep them here.Natural attracters can also help draw and possibly keep hummingbirds near your garden. Plants with red or bright orange cone-shaped flowers that produce lots of nectar are especially noticed by hummingbirds. Salvia, red Cannas, Hollyhocks and Trumpet vine are all good. Another fact new to me is that hummers’ need to eat small insects for protein, so as they flit amongst your flowers, they are also looking for snacks besides just nectar.I won’t get into hummingbird trivia here, like how fast their little hearts beat or how fast their tiny delicate wings move, but I challenge you to watch one for any length of time without finding yourself completely in awe of God’s handiwork the day He Created hummingbirds.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com. &nbsp;

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Hummingbirds in Kansas

MANHATTAN — Raising and marketing purebred livestock has never been easy, but in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging. For five weeks this fall, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will be offering a free webinar series designed to provide more insight into innovative livestock marketing plans and strategies. The five-part webinar series will be held Wednesday evenings, from October 6 through November 3, at 7:00 p.m.

“In order to support their customers, successful seedstock operations are continually seeking improvement, whether it be the genetic quality of the livestock they are selling, or the marketing programs and services offered to customers,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. Innovative programming and educational opportunities help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand and serve as economic engines in their communities.

Through the webinar series,&nbsp;Marketing Like a Champion, participants can expect to learn the basics of marketing strategies used in the livestock industry. Rachel Cutrer of Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc. will cover building your brand name, identifying your target customer, and building international markets. Crystal Blin of Hundred Acre Media will discuss content calendars, Facebook advertising, and strategies to grow your email list. Abram Mertz with Livestock Direct will discuss how to optimize your marketing strategy including how to transition from marketing to sales.

Registration is now open and there is no cost to participate in the webinars. Participants will register for each of the five sessions separately. Find out more and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDkuNDU2OTkyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9CdXNpbmVzc0RldmVsb3BtZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.XocNBv_rcT-YmtkD2kTaxI2yCPkYFzTkgR0IKKAHKdA/s/1377890594/br/112125157336-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment</a>.

It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell livestock. For more information, contact KDA compliance education coordinator Dana Ladner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Dana.Ladner@ks.gov" target="_blank">Dana.Ladner@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6660.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631223220989.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Raising and marketing purebred livestock has never been easy, but in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging. For five weeks this fall, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will be offering a free webinar series designed to provide more insight into innovative livestock marketing plans and strategies. The five-part webinar series will be held Wednesday evenings, from October 6 through November 3, at 7:00 p.m.“In order to support their customers, successful seedstock operations are continually seeking improvement, whether it be the genetic quality of the livestock they are selling, or the marketing programs and services offered to customers,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. Innovative programming and educational opportunities help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand and serve as economic engines in their communities.Through the webinar series,&nbsp;Marketing Like a Champion, participants can expect to learn the basics of marketing strategies used in the livestock industry. Rachel Cutrer of Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc. will cover building your brand name, identifying your target customer, and building international markets. Crystal Blin of Hundred Acre Media will discuss content calendars, Facebook advertising, and strategies to grow your email list. Abram Mertz with Livestock Direct will discuss how to optimize your marketing strategy including how to transition from marketing to sales.Registration is now open and there is no cost to participate in the webinars. Participants will register for each of the five sessions separately. Find out more and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDkuNDU2OTkyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9CdXNpbmVzc0RldmVsb3BtZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.XocNBv_rcT-YmtkD2kTaxI2yCPkYFzTkgR0IKKAHKdA/s/1377890594/br/112125157336-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment</a>.It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell livestock. For more information, contact KDA compliance education coordinator Dana Ladner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Dana.Ladner@ks.gov" target="_blank">Dana.Ladner@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6660.

Free livestock marketing webinar series offered by KDA

Dorothy Mae Kasten, age 94, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 
2021, at the Wallace County Community Care Center in Sharon Springs, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on September 2, 1927, in Russell, Kansas, the 
daughter of Bert &amp; Clara Morgenstern Potter.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas, since 1956, she moved to Sharon Springs, Kansas, in 2016.&nbsp; 
She was a homemaker and a nurse's aide.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, and Eastern Star in Scott City, Kansas.

On October 5, 1947, she married Carl G. Kasten in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on August 18, 2010, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Three Sons, Gerald L. &amp; Janet Kasten of 
Skandia, Michigan, Donald H. &amp; Linda Kasten of Houston, Texas, and 
Larry B. &amp; Lynn Kasten of Sharon Springs, Kansas, One Brother - 
Robert Potter of Osage City, Kansas, Eight Grandchildren, and Nine 
Great-Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Two Sisters - Wanda Bird and Darlene Caldwell, and One Grandson - Christopher.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery.

Dorothy Mae Kasten, age 94, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 
2021, at the Wallace County Community Care Center in Sharon Springs, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on September 2, 1927, in Russell, Kansas, the 
daughter of Bert &amp; Clara Morgenstern Potter.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas, since 1956, she moved to Sharon Springs, Kansas, in 2016.&nbsp; 
She was a homemaker and a nurse's aide.She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, and Eastern Star in Scott City, Kansas.On October 5, 1947, she married Carl G. Kasten in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on August 18, 2010, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Three Sons, Gerald L. &amp; Janet Kasten of 
Skandia, Michigan, Donald H. &amp; Linda Kasten of Houston, Texas, and 
Larry B. &amp; Lynn Kasten of Sharon Springs, Kansas, One Brother - 
Robert Potter of Osage City, Kansas, Eight Grandchildren, and Nine 
Great-Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Husband, Two Sisters - Wanda Bird and Darlene Caldwell, and One Grandson - Christopher.Private family services will be held at a later date.Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery.There are no calling times.

Dorothy Mae Kasten

Alvin L. Matheson, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, 
September 7, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital with his family by 
his side.

Alvin was born October 4, 1938, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of four 
children born to Raymond and Frances (Terry) Matheson.&nbsp; He grew up on 
the farm one mile west of Natoma and was a Natoma Rural High School 
graduate.&nbsp; He then attended Ft. Hays State University.

Alvin served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1964.&nbsp; He
 was stationed at the Hickman A.F.B. in Hawaii.&nbsp; After his military 
duty, Alvin returned to the Natoma area and was apart of the Natoma 
Police Department.&nbsp; Then while attending college he worked for the Hays 
City Police Department.&nbsp; Then he joined the Kansas State Troopers 
working over 20 years in Ellsworth County and six years in Russell 
County.&nbsp; Then he was the Russell County Under Sheriff until his 
retirement in 1996.

Alvin was united in marriage to DeeAnn Bray Wittman on October 28, 1995, in Russell.&nbsp; They made their home in the Russell area.

Alvin was active in the Trinity United Methodist Church and served on
 many committees in the Church.&nbsp; He was a Farm Bureau Board member, the 
Natoma American Legion Post and the Russell Township Board.&nbsp; When he was
 younger, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors.&nbsp; Later in life
 he enjoyed coffee time twice a day at McDonalds and spending as much 
time as he could with his grandchildren.

Alvin’s surviving family include his wife of 25 years DeeAnn of the 
home; daughter, Tamara Anglin of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Patty Jo Dale
 of Dallas, Georgia and Marthana Reynolds of Russell, Kansas; and three 
grandchildren Kaylee, Johnny and Michael Anglin.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, son David Wittman and 
brother Larry Matheson. Celebration of Alvin’s Life will be held at 
10:30 AM, Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Trinity United Methodist 
Church.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends
 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; 

A Memorial has been established with Natoma 
Heritage Seekers.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556048513.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alvin L. Matheson, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, 
September 7, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital with his family by 
his side.Alvin was born October 4, 1938, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of four 
children born to Raymond and Frances (Terry) Matheson.&nbsp; He grew up on 
the farm one mile west of Natoma and was a Natoma Rural High School 
graduate.&nbsp; He then attended Ft. Hays State University.Alvin served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1964.&nbsp; He
 was stationed at the Hickman A.F.B. in Hawaii.&nbsp; After his military 
duty, Alvin returned to the Natoma area and was apart of the Natoma 
Police Department.&nbsp; Then while attending college he worked for the Hays 
City Police Department.&nbsp; Then he joined the Kansas State Troopers 
working over 20 years in Ellsworth County and six years in Russell 
County.&nbsp; Then he was the Russell County Under Sheriff until his 
retirement in 1996.Alvin was united in marriage to DeeAnn Bray Wittman on October 28, 1995, in Russell.&nbsp; They made their home in the Russell area.Alvin was active in the Trinity United Methodist Church and served on
 many committees in the Church.&nbsp; He was a Farm Bureau Board member, the 
Natoma American Legion Post and the Russell Township Board.&nbsp; When he was
 younger, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors.&nbsp; Later in life
 he enjoyed coffee time twice a day at McDonalds and spending as much 
time as he could with his grandchildren.Alvin’s surviving family include his wife of 25 years DeeAnn of the 
home; daughter, Tamara Anglin of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Patty Jo Dale
 of Dallas, Georgia and Marthana Reynolds of Russell, Kansas; and three 
grandchildren Kaylee, Johnny and Michael Anglin.Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, son David Wittman and 
brother Larry Matheson. Celebration of Alvin’s Life will be held at 
10:30 AM, Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Trinity United Methodist 
Church.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends
 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with Natoma 
Heritage Seekers.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Alvin L. Matheson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area have told the federal government that they have the capacity to welcome 625 refugees from Afghanistan.

Three organizations designated by the U.S. State Department as resettlement agencies submitted the figure in a proposal to the agency in late August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article254137513.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reports.</a>&nbsp;The agencies are Della Lamb Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

But Della Lamb Executive Director Ryan Hudnall said the figure is subject to change depending on who chooses to come to Kansas and who has existing relationships in the area.

Catholic Charities has agreed to receive 85 Afghan refugees, but spokesperson Carol Cowdrey said the number is likely to grow. It already has settled three families.

President Joe Biden in May raised the overall cap on refugees from the historic low set by former President Donald Trump’s administration to 62,500. Biden said his goal was to boost the cap to 125,000 starting in October.

Hudnall said the situation is further complicated by the fact that agencies may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice to receive someone evaculated from Afghanistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817340549.png" alt="Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport last month in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport last month in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area have told the federal government that they have the capacity to welcome 625 refugees from Afghanistan.Three organizations designated by the U.S. State Department as resettlement agencies submitted the figure in a proposal to the agency in late August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article254137513.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reports.</a>&nbsp;The agencies are Della Lamb Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.But Della Lamb Executive Director Ryan Hudnall said the figure is subject to change depending on who chooses to come to Kansas and who has existing relationships in the area.Catholic Charities has agreed to receive 85 Afghan refugees, but spokesperson Carol Cowdrey said the number is likely to grow. It already has settled three families.President Joe Biden in May raised the overall cap on refugees from the historic low set by former President Donald Trump’s administration to 62,500. Biden said his goal was to boost the cap to 125,000 starting in October.Hudnall said the situation is further complicated by the fact that agencies may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice to receive someone evaculated from Afghanistan.

Local agencies: KC area could welcome 625 Afghan refugees

John C. Squier, age 60, died at his home on September 10, 2021.&nbsp; He 
was born on October 22, 1960 the son of William Russell and Veta 
(Walker) Squier.

Memorial services are pending and will be announced by Fitzgerald Funeral Home.

John C. Squier, age 60, died at his home on September 10, 2021.&nbsp; He 
was born on October 22, 1960 the son of William Russell and Veta 
(Walker) Squier.Memorial services are pending and will be announced by Fitzgerald Funeral Home.

John C. Squier

Terrance Russell Gabel, age 85, died on September 8, 2021, at Cedar 
Village in Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born in Ness City on July 11, 1936,&nbsp; the son of Michael and Clair (Meis) Gabel.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021, 11:00 
a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may 
be given to the Sacred Heart School or the Ness City Leisure Years.&nbsp; 

Terrance Russell Gabel, age 85, died on September 8, 2021, at Cedar 
Village in Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born in Ness City on July 11, 1936,&nbsp; the son of Michael and Clair (Meis) Gabel.A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021, 11:00 
a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may 
be given to the Sacred Heart School or the Ness City Leisure Years.&nbsp;

Terrance Russell Gabel

Ora Louise Meyer, 93, passed away September 11, 2021, at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born April 30, 1928, in Larned, the daughter of Francis A. and
 Mary C. Bowman Rolo.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, she was a housewife and
 Nurse Aide for Parkview Manor and St. Joseph Hospital.

She was a member of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belpre.

On October 7, 1947, she married Dale Francis Meyer in Belpre.&nbsp; He passed away March 9, 2004.

Survivors include: four sons, Dennis Meyer, Amarillo, TX, Edward 
Meyer, Larned, Mark Meyer, Halstead, KS, Kelly Meyer, Larned, KS; six 
daughters, Ann Marie Grizzell, Macksville, KS, Teresa Martin, Larned, 
KS, Rebecca Sack, Rye, CO, Kathy Hogan, Andover, KS, Tracy Deighton, St.
 John, KS, Jeanne Quinn, Theodosia, MO; three brothers, Barry Rolo, 
Lubbock, TX, Arthur Rolo, Plainville, KS, and Larry Rolo, Colorado City,
 TX; 43 grandchildren, 104 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great 
grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Patrick Meyer; five 
brothers, Allen, Kenneth, Keith, Wilbur and Bryce Rolo; a sister, Mary 
Ann Rolo; two grandsons, Ryan Deighton and Brandon Hammeke and a great 
grandson, Johnathan Hopkins.

A Funeral Mass for family only will be held at St. Bernard’s Catholic
 Church, Belpre, with Father Bernard Felix presiding.&nbsp; Visitation will 
be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Beckwith 
Mortuary, Larned, with a public rosary at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Burial will be in 
the Belpre Catholic Cemetery, Belpre.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at Dominican Sisters of 
Great Bend or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Beckwith 
Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631461288380.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ora Louise Meyer, 93, passed away September 11, 2021, at Diversicare of Larned.She was born April 30, 1928, in Larned, the daughter of Francis A. and
 Mary C. Bowman Rolo.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, she was a housewife and
 Nurse Aide for Parkview Manor and St. Joseph Hospital.She was a member of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belpre.On October 7, 1947, she married Dale Francis Meyer in Belpre.&nbsp; He passed away March 9, 2004.Survivors include: four sons, Dennis Meyer, Amarillo, TX, Edward 
Meyer, Larned, Mark Meyer, Halstead, KS, Kelly Meyer, Larned, KS; six 
daughters, Ann Marie Grizzell, Macksville, KS, Teresa Martin, Larned, 
KS, Rebecca Sack, Rye, CO, Kathy Hogan, Andover, KS, Tracy Deighton, St.
 John, KS, Jeanne Quinn, Theodosia, MO; three brothers, Barry Rolo, 
Lubbock, TX, Arthur Rolo, Plainville, KS, and Larry Rolo, Colorado City,
 TX; 43 grandchildren, 104 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great 
grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Patrick Meyer; five 
brothers, Allen, Kenneth, Keith, Wilbur and Bryce Rolo; a sister, Mary 
Ann Rolo; two grandsons, Ryan Deighton and Brandon Hammeke and a great 
grandson, Johnathan Hopkins.A Funeral Mass for family only will be held at St. Bernard’s Catholic
 Church, Belpre, with Father Bernard Felix presiding.&nbsp; Visitation will 
be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Beckwith 
Mortuary, Larned, with a public rosary at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Burial will be in 
the Belpre Catholic Cemetery, Belpre.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at Dominican Sisters of 
Great Bend or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Beckwith 
Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Ora Louise Meyer

Cool- and warm-season grasses need year-round care&nbsp;

By EMILY HALSTEAD K-State Research and Extension news writer

MANHATTAN — Keeping a healthy home lawn can be difficult for those who are not well versed in horticulture and lawn care. Kansas State University horticulture specialist Ward Upham shared his tips for maintaining a healthy lawn in Kansas.&nbsp;

“We live in a transition zone where we are too warm to grow cool-season grasses well, while also being too cold to grow warm season grasses well,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some examples are fescue and Kentucky bluegrass which are cool-season grasses; and bermudagrass, zoysia and buffalo grass, which are warm-season grasses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While buffalograss may not always grow well in Kansas, it is one of the most popular turfgrass species in the state, along with tall fescue Upham said.&nbsp;

“Buffalograss has become more popular in recent years due to its reputation as a low maintenance grass,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Upham gave some tips and things to look out for in home lawns in fall, winter, spring and next summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Summertime is very difficult for cool-season grasses because they do not have the heat or moisture stress tolerance that warm season grasses have,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He added that lawn care in Kansas can be tricky, but K-State Research and Extension has many&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/publications/lawns-and-turf.html">helpful publications</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">experts</a>&nbsp;to answer questions.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VNDNTaP49_o"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cool- and warm-season grasses need year-round care&nbsp;</h2>By EMILY HALSTEAD K-State Research and Extension news writerMANHATTAN — Keeping a healthy home lawn can be difficult for those who are not well versed in horticulture and lawn care. Kansas State University horticulture specialist Ward Upham shared his tips for maintaining a healthy lawn in Kansas.&nbsp;“We live in a transition zone where we are too warm to grow cool-season grasses well, while also being too cold to grow warm season grasses well,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some examples are fescue and Kentucky bluegrass which are cool-season grasses; and bermudagrass, zoysia and buffalo grass, which are warm-season grasses.&nbsp;&nbsp;While buffalograss may not always grow well in Kansas, it is one of the most popular turfgrass species in the state, along with tall fescue Upham said.&nbsp;“Buffalograss has become more popular in recent years due to its reputation as a low maintenance grass,” Upham said.&nbsp;Upham gave some tips and things to look out for in home lawns in fall, winter, spring and next summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fall&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Get ready to fertilize in September and early November for cool-season grasses.&nbsp;</li><li>If broadleaf weeds are an issue, spray for them in late October. Treat on a day that is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and do not irrigate within 24 hours.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Winter&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Winter is the time for dormant overseeding, if there is a need to fill in bare spots that were not overseeded in the fall.&nbsp;</li><li>Dormant overseeding can be effective for cool-season grasses when done in small areas of a lawn from December through February.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Spring&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Crabgrass preventer can be applied between April 1 and April 15. If using a product that contains prodiamine, the preventer should be applied two weeks earlier.&nbsp;</li><li>For crabgrass preventers to work, they must be watered in, meaning the product must be washed into the soil either by rain or watering.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>If broadleaf weeds are still an issue in the spring, spot treatment can be helpful.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Summer&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>June is a good time to aerate warm-season lawns.&nbsp;</li><li>Late July through August is the best time to apply a grub killer if experiencing grub damage.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“Summertime is very difficult for cool-season grasses because they do not have the heat or moisture stress tolerance that warm season grasses have,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that lawn care in Kansas can be tricky, but K-State Research and Extension has many&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/publications/lawns-and-turf.html">helpful publications</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">experts</a>&nbsp;to answer questions.&nbsp;

🎥 Lawn Calendar: K-State expert shares tips for healthy home lawns 

Wilma Marie DeBeer, formerly of Sharon Springs, Kansas, passed away September 4, 2021.&nbsp;

She was born October 6, 1923, to William and Mattie Schreiber of Lost 
Springs, Kansas.&nbsp; When she was 7 years old, they moved to Sharon 
Springs, Kansas where she made her home until her husband, George, 
passed away.&nbsp; She then moved to Abilene, Kansas until her passing.&nbsp;

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Conlon of Abilene and Barbara
 Cook of Denver, CO; son, Earl (Karen) DeBeer of Salina, KS; grandson, 
Eric Conlon of Abilene; granddaughters, Amy (Bob) Fagnani of Denver, CO 
and Khris (Jared) Reynolds of Columbus, NE; great grandsons, Taylor 
McClure, Dylan McClure and Alex (Ayano) Montgomery; great 
granddaughters, Ashley (Brenden) Montgomery and Kaylen Reyes; and 3 
great great granddaughters and 2 great great grandsons.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George, 1 sister, 3 brothers, 1 nephew, a son-in-law and 2 sister-in-law.&nbsp;

Wilma was very loved and happiest when she was with her family or outside tending her flowers.&nbsp;

Memorials may be left at the service or sent in care of Bateman 
Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735.&nbsp; Information and 
online condolences www.batemanfuneral.com.

Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Wilma-DeBeer">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631380530800.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wilma Marie DeBeer, formerly of Sharon Springs, Kansas, passed away September 4, 2021.&nbsp;She was born October 6, 1923, to William and Mattie Schreiber of Lost 
Springs, Kansas.&nbsp; When she was 7 years old, they moved to Sharon 
Springs, Kansas where she made her home until her husband, George, 
passed away.&nbsp; She then moved to Abilene, Kansas until her passing.&nbsp;She is survived by her daughters, Linda Conlon of Abilene and Barbara
 Cook of Denver, CO; son, Earl (Karen) DeBeer of Salina, KS; grandson, 
Eric Conlon of Abilene; granddaughters, Amy (Bob) Fagnani of Denver, CO 
and Khris (Jared) Reynolds of Columbus, NE; great grandsons, Taylor 
McClure, Dylan McClure and Alex (Ayano) Montgomery; great 
granddaughters, Ashley (Brenden) Montgomery and Kaylen Reyes; and 3 
great great granddaughters and 2 great great grandsons.She is preceded in death by her husband, George, 1 sister, 3 brothers, 1 nephew, a son-in-law and 2 sister-in-law.&nbsp;Wilma was very loved and happiest when she was with her family or outside tending her flowers.&nbsp;Memorials may be left at the service or sent in care of Bateman 
Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735.&nbsp; Information and 
online condolences www.batemanfuneral.com.Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Wilma-DeBeer">HERE</a> for service details.

Wilma Marie DeBeer

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday $50 million available for hospitals to either provide premium pay or improve retention of nursing resources and support personnel, approved by the SPARK Executive Committee. This emergency funding will provide immediate support for Kansas hospitals to manage the current COVID-19 surge and address critical shortages in nurse staffing across the state.

Qualified facilities may use the funding for either premium pay as defined in ARPA or for funding a program designed by the facility to improve the retention of nursing resources and support personnel. Premium pay may be distributed by the hospitals to frontline employees in the manner that they believe is most appropriate to ensure retention of critical resources and maintenance of staffed hospital beds.

“Many of our nurses are risking their lives every day to save Kansans from COVID-19 – and the immense strain on our hospitals is causing them to be exhausted and disheartened,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“They’re taking on extra shifts and caring for more patients than they can handle – and it’s our responsibility to give them the support they need.

“Frontline nurses need this funding to continue battling the COVID-19 surge here at home. I sincerely thank all Kansas frontline nurses and health care workers for all they do to protect our communities from the threat of COVID-19. I encourage all Kansans to do their part and get vaccinated immediately - for our health care workers, for our businesses, and for our families.”

The funding can provide frontline nurses and care workers with premium pay by increasing their hourly wages up to $13 per hour. Hospitals can apply for these State Fiscal Recovery Funds and receive funding based on their number of nursing resources, and will have discretion over how to distribute premium pay.

Additionally, hospitals will be allowed to use the funding for alternative purposes to retain staff if it meets compliance with ARPA guidance. Funding in retention programs must be spent on pay and associated benefits of qualified employees.

By October 31, 2021 and for each month thereafter, all Qualified Facilities receiving funding shall report the following to the Office of Recovery and the SPARK Committee:

Julie Glass, a nurse at Newman Regional Hospital in Emporia,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.tN8DIMcZxCSIQPHd6Mlt9DMbAwS-TgReRzre-4js5x0/s/1303160919/br/112210891436-l" target="_blank">posted to the hospital’s Facebook page</a>&nbsp;last month:&nbsp;“It’s come to a point where you not only pray for your family member to not get COVID, but you pray that they don’t have any other illness or medical emergency either because there’s not enough space or staff for them to receive adequate medical care.”

Governor Kelly believes it is imperative to act now and protect the health and safety of our frontline nurses. This funding will ensure that Kansas hospitals are adequately equipped with experienced staff, rural hospitals can keep their doors open, and nurses can appropriately be compensated for their tireless and courageous work throughout this pandemic.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Kansas with a daily average of 1,331 new cases from August 30 to September 7 – levels not seen since January 2021. On September 10, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported 4,302 new COVID-19 cases since the last update two days prior. Hospitalizations continue to rise, with 612 hospitalized COVID patients as of September 10. This poses a challenge for hospitals to be able to provide surge support staffing and incentivize nurses to stay at their current pay rates.

More information will be provided to eligible Kansas hospitals in the coming days about how to access and properly allocate this funding to their nurses and frontline care workers.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday $50 million available for hospitals to either provide premium pay or improve retention of nursing resources and support personnel, approved by the SPARK Executive Committee. This emergency funding will provide immediate support for Kansas hospitals to manage the current COVID-19 surge and address critical shortages in nurse staffing across the state.Qualified facilities may use the funding for either premium pay as defined in ARPA or for funding a program designed by the facility to improve the retention of nursing resources and support personnel. Premium pay may be distributed by the hospitals to frontline employees in the manner that they believe is most appropriate to ensure retention of critical resources and maintenance of staffed hospital beds.“Many of our nurses are risking their lives every day to save Kansans from COVID-19 – and the immense strain on our hospitals is causing them to be exhausted and disheartened,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“They’re taking on extra shifts and caring for more patients than they can handle – and it’s our responsibility to give them the support they need.“Frontline nurses need this funding to continue battling the COVID-19 surge here at home. I sincerely thank all Kansas frontline nurses and health care workers for all they do to protect our communities from the threat of COVID-19. I encourage all Kansans to do their part and get vaccinated immediately - for our health care workers, for our businesses, and for our families.”The funding can provide frontline nurses and care workers with premium pay by increasing their hourly wages up to $13 per hour. Hospitals can apply for these State Fiscal Recovery Funds and receive funding based on their number of nursing resources, and will have discretion over how to distribute premium pay.Additionally, hospitals will be allowed to use the funding for alternative purposes to retain staff if it meets compliance with ARPA guidance. Funding in retention programs must be spent on pay and associated benefits of qualified employees.By October 31, 2021 and for each month thereafter, all Qualified Facilities receiving funding shall report the following to the Office of Recovery and the SPARK Committee:<ol>
 <li>The number of nurses on a full-time equivalence basis staffing ICU beds and non-ICU beds as of the most recent pay period ending prior to September 15, 2021, broken out by contract nurses and employees.</li><li>The number of nurses on a full-time equivalence basis staffing ICU beds and non-ICU beds as of the most recent pay period ending prior to or on October 31, 2021, broken out by contract nurses and employees.</li><li>How much of the money received by the Qualified Facility has been earned under the program to date.</li><li>The number of weeks the Qualified Facility has had the program in place.</li><li>The number of frontline clinical employees and nurses who left the employment of the Qualified Facility during the period from June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021.</li><li>The number of frontline clinical employees and nurses who left the employment of the Qualified Facility during each month from September 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022.</li><li>For any terminations of clinical frontline workers and nurses from September 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022, the number of such terminations and the reason given for all voluntary and involuntary terminations.</li><li>All current Covid-related policies, such as testing policies, quarantine policies, and vaccine policies, and any changes thereto with the date such changes were announced and implemented.</li>
 </ol>Julie Glass, a nurse at Newman Regional Hospital in Emporia,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.tN8DIMcZxCSIQPHd6Mlt9DMbAwS-TgReRzre-4js5x0/s/1303160919/br/112210891436-l" target="_blank">posted to the hospital’s Facebook page</a>&nbsp;last month:&nbsp;“It’s come to a point where you not only pray for your family member to not get COVID, but you pray that they don’t have any other illness or medical emergency either because there’s not enough space or staff for them to receive adequate medical care.”Governor Kelly believes it is imperative to act now and protect the health and safety of our frontline nurses. This funding will ensure that Kansas hospitals are adequately equipped with experienced staff, rural hospitals can keep their doors open, and nurses can appropriately be compensated for their tireless and courageous work throughout this pandemic.COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Kansas with a daily average of 1,331 new cases from August 30 to September 7 – levels not seen since January 2021. On September 10, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported 4,302 new COVID-19 cases since the last update two days prior. Hospitalizations continue to rise, with 612 hospitalized COVID patients as of September 10. This poses a challenge for hospitals to be able to provide surge support staffing and incentivize nurses to stay at their current pay rates.More information will be provided to eligible Kansas hospitals in the coming days about how to access and properly allocate this funding to their nurses and frontline care workers.

Kan. pandemic response panel approves extra $50M for nurses

October 6, 1923 ~ September 4, 2021

An obituary is pending with Bateman Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631293652184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>October 6, 1923 ~ September 4, 2021An obituary is pending with Bateman Funeral Home.Click HERE for service details.

Wilma Marie (Schreiber) DeBeer

Billie Sue Allen Briscoe Budd Perry, 87, entered heaven on Sunday, 
September 5, 2021 at the Ranch House Nursing Home in Garden City, 
Kansas. Billie Sue was born October 6, 1933 in Flint, Texas to Sammuel 
Allen and Lora McKendrick. She resided in a variety of places which 
include Texas, New Mexico and Kansas. She married Willie E. Briscoe, 
Frank Budd, and her latest husband James G. Perry on August 27, 1971. 
 When Billie moved to Garden City, Kansas she worked as a 
housekeeper at the Hilton Inn and St. Catherine Hospital where she 
retired and later resided in Garden City. Billie was a member of the 
Second Baptist Church in Garden City. 
 Billie was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved spending time
 with her family and friends. In her “younger days,” she loved 
gardening, cooking, reading, dancing, and fishing. As life slowed down,
 she enjoyed telling stories about her youth and watching old westerns. 
 She always loved tending to her plants, flowers, birds, goldfish, and 
dogs. 
 Survivors include her children Brenda Briscoe-Knight of 
Springfield, MO, Kenny and Andrea Briscoe of Garden City, KS, Larry and 
Lorelei Briscoe of Garden City, KS, Billie and Melinda Budd of Dighton, 
KS, Aaron and Debbie Budd-Cooper of Ponchatoula, LA, Kerry Budd of 
Springfield, MO, Lora Budd and Rodney Gray of Springfield, MO, Zinnia 
Budd-Carr of Springfield, MO, Michael and Jamie Perry of Forsyth, MO; a 
step-son Tyrone Perry of Oklahoma City, OK; a daughter-in-law Teresa 
Perry of Oklahoma City, OK; and one adopted son Bobby Jackson of 
Midland, TX. She is also survived by 31 grandchildren; 58 
great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren. 
 Billie Sue is preceded in death by her husband James Perry; her 
daughter Barbara Sue Budd; granddaughter Tiana Budd; parents Sammuel 
Allen and Lora McKendrick; step-children Marvin Perry and Linda Perry; 
brothers JW Allen, Sammuel Allen, Richard Allen, and Kenneth McKendrick;
 and sisters Juanita Broughton and Maxine Redman. 
 We have lost the sweetest, most kindhearted and beautiful person we
 have ever known, but Heaven received a perfect angel. We grieve but 
Heaven celebrates. 
 A public and family viewing will be held on September 17, 2021 at 
Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A 
private family graveside service will be held on September 18, 2021 at 
Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. The family suggests memorials in 
Billie’s name to St. Catherine Hospice in care of the funeral home.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631280500428.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Billie Sue Allen Briscoe Budd Perry, 87, entered heaven on Sunday, 
September 5, 2021 at the Ranch House Nursing Home in Garden City, 
Kansas. Billie Sue was born October 6, 1933 in Flint, Texas to Sammuel 
Allen and Lora McKendrick. She resided in a variety of places which 
include Texas, New Mexico and Kansas. She married Willie E. Briscoe, 
Frank Budd, and her latest husband James G. Perry on August 27, 1971. 
 When Billie moved to Garden City, Kansas she worked as a 
housekeeper at the Hilton Inn and St. Catherine Hospital where she 
retired and later resided in Garden City. Billie was a member of the 
Second Baptist Church in Garden City. 
 Billie was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved spending time
 with her family and friends. In her “younger days,” she loved 
gardening, cooking, reading, dancing, and fishing. As life slowed down,
 she enjoyed telling stories about her youth and watching old westerns. 
 She always loved tending to her plants, flowers, birds, goldfish, and 
dogs. 
 Survivors include her children Brenda Briscoe-Knight of 
Springfield, MO, Kenny and Andrea Briscoe of Garden City, KS, Larry and 
Lorelei Briscoe of Garden City, KS, Billie and Melinda Budd of Dighton, 
KS, Aaron and Debbie Budd-Cooper of Ponchatoula, LA, Kerry Budd of 
Springfield, MO, Lora Budd and Rodney Gray of Springfield, MO, Zinnia 
Budd-Carr of Springfield, MO, Michael and Jamie Perry of Forsyth, MO; a 
step-son Tyrone Perry of Oklahoma City, OK; a daughter-in-law Teresa 
Perry of Oklahoma City, OK; and one adopted son Bobby Jackson of 
Midland, TX. She is also survived by 31 grandchildren; 58 
great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren. 
 Billie Sue is preceded in death by her husband James Perry; her 
daughter Barbara Sue Budd; granddaughter Tiana Budd; parents Sammuel 
Allen and Lora McKendrick; step-children Marvin Perry and Linda Perry; 
brothers JW Allen, Sammuel Allen, Richard Allen, and Kenneth McKendrick;
 and sisters Juanita Broughton and Maxine Redman. 
 We have lost the sweetest, most kindhearted and beautiful person we
 have ever known, but Heaven received a perfect angel. We grieve but 
Heaven celebrates. 
 A public and family viewing will be held on September 17, 2021 at 
Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A 
private family graveside service will be held on September 18, 2021 at 
Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. The family suggests memorials in 
Billie’s name to St. Catherine Hospice in care of the funeral home.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Billie Sue Perry

WASHINGTON (AP) — In his most forceful pandemic actions and words, President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered sweeping new federal vaccine requirements for as many as 100 million Americans in an all-out effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations and curb the surging delta variant.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514532-1/president-biden-expresses-frustration-pandemic-politics-mandates-vaccines-federal-workers">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the President's comments

Speaking at the White House, Biden sharply criticized the tens of millions of Americans who are not yet vaccinated, despite months of availability and incentives.

“We’ve been patient. But our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us,” he said, all but biting off his words. The unvaccinated minority “can cause a lot of damage, and they are.”

Republican leaders — and some union chiefs, too — said Biden was going too far in trying to muscle private companies and workers, a certain sign of legal challenges to come.

Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina said in a statement that “Biden and the radical Democrats (have) thumbed their noses at the Constitution,” while American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley insisted that “changes like this should be negotiated with our bargaining units where appropriate.”

On the other hand, there were strong words of praise for Biden’s efforts to get the nation vaccinated from the American Medical Association, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Business Roundtable — though no direct mention of his mandate for private companies.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">The expansive rules</a>&nbsp;mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. And the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid also will have to be fully vaccinated.

Biden is also requiring vaccination for employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government — with no option to test out. That covers several million more workers.

Biden announced the new requirements in a Thursday afternoon address from the White House as part of a new “action plan” to address the latest rise in coronavirus cases and the stagnating pace of COVID-19 shots.

Just two months ago Biden prematurely declared the nation’s “independence” from the virus. Now, despite more than 208 million Americans having at least one dose of the vaccines, the U.S. is seeing about 300% more new COVID-19 infections a day, about two-and-a-half times more hospitalizations, and nearly twice the number of deaths compared to the same time last year. Some 80 million people remain unvaccinated.

“We are in the tough stretch and it could last for a while,” Biden said.

After months of using promotions to drive the vaccination rate, Biden is taking a much firmer hand, as he blames people who have not yet received shots for the sharp rise in cases killing more than 1,000 people per day and imperiling a fragile economic rebound.

In addition to the vaccination requirements, Biden moved to double federal fines for airline passengers who refuse to wear masks on flights or to maintain face covering requirements on federal property in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

He announced that the government will work to increase the supply of virus tests, and that the White House has secured concessions from retailers including Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger to sell at-home testing kits at cost beginning this week.

The administration is also sending additional federal support to assist schools in safely operating, including additional funding for testing. And Biden called for large entertainment venues and arenas to require vaccinations or proof of a negative test for entry.

The requirement for large companies to mandate vaccinations or weekly testing for employees will be enacted through a forthcoming rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that carries penalties of $14,000 per violation, an administration official said.

The rule will require that large companies provide paid time off for vaccination.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services will extend a vaccination requirement issued earlier this summer — for nursing home staff — to other healthcare settings including hospitals, home-health agencies and dialysis centers.

Separately, the Department of Health and Human Services will require vaccinations in Head Start Programs, as well as schools run by the Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education, affecting about 300,000 employees.

Biden’s order for executive branch workers and contractors includes exceptions for workers seeking religious or medical exemptions from vaccination, according to press secretary Jen Psaki. Federal workers who don’t comply will be referred to their agencies’ human resources departments for counseling and discipline, to include potential termination.

An AP-NORC poll conducted in August found 55% of Americans in favor of requiring government workers to be fully vaccinated, compared with 21% opposed. Similar majorities also backed vaccine mandates for health care workers, teachers working at K-12 schools and workers who interact with the public, as at restaurants and stores.

Biden has encouraged COVID-19 vaccine requirements in settings like schools, workplaces and university campuses. On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-los-angeles-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-3e6d32b5545965d20128953478ee144d">the Los Angeles Board of Education v</a>&nbsp;oted to require all students 12 and older to be fully vaccinated in the the nation’s second-largest school district.

Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, said in late July it was requiring that all workers at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as its managers who travel within the U.S. be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. But the company had stopped short of requiring shots for its frontline workers.

CVS Health said in late August it would require certain employees who interact with patients to be fully vaccinated by the end of October. That includes nurses, care managers and pharmacists.

In the government, several federal agencies have previously announced vaccine requirements for much of their staffs, particularly those in healthcare roles like the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Pentagon moved last month to require all servicemembers to get vaccinated. Combined, the White House estimates those requirements cover 2.5 million Americans. Thursday’s order is expected to impact nearly 2 million more federal workers and potentially millions of contractors.

Biden’s measures should help, but what’s really needed is a change in mindset for many people, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.

“There is an aspect to this now that has to do with our country being so divided,” said Sharfstein. “This has become so politicized that people can’t see the value of a vaccination that can save their lives. Our own divisions are preventing us from ending a pandemic.”

More than 177 million Americans are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but confirmed cases have shot up in recent weeks to an average of about 140,000 per day with on average about 1,000 deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631238505467.png" alt="<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">The expansive rules</a>&nbsp;mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. And the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid also will have to be fully vaccinated-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">The expansive rules</a>&nbsp;mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. And the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid also will have to be fully vaccinated-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — In his most forceful pandemic actions and words, President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered sweeping new federal vaccine requirements for as many as 100 million Americans in an all-out effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations and curb the surging delta variant.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514532-1/president-biden-expresses-frustration-pandemic-politics-mandates-vaccines-federal-workers">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the President's commentsSpeaking at the White House, Biden sharply criticized the tens of millions of Americans who are not yet vaccinated, despite months of availability and incentives.“We’ve been patient. But our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us,” he said, all but biting off his words. The unvaccinated minority “can cause a lot of damage, and they are.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I strongly oppose the Biden administration’s extreme government overreach in requiring vaccinations and urge them to focus on solutions that will empower patients to make educated decisions of their own choosing.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1436148803367804929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>’ vaccination decree is an all-out assault on private business, our civil liberties, and our entire constitutional system of limited government. This will likely get struck down in the courts - but is a terrifying glimpse of the new Marxist Dem Party.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1436083413509869569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican leaders — and some union chiefs, too — said Biden was going too far in trying to muscle private companies and workers, a certain sign of legal challenges to come.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is dangerous. A president who abandoned hundreds of American civilians to the enemy and has lost the confidence of the public starts threatening executive power grabs <a href="https://t.co/XoK8joEIef">https://t.co/XoK8joEIef</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1436097986522660867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina said in a statement that “Biden and the radical Democrats (have) thumbed their noses at the Constitution,” while American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley insisted that “changes like this should be negotiated with our bargaining units where appropriate.”On the other hand, there were strong words of praise for Biden’s efforts to get the nation vaccinated from the American Medical Association, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Business Roundtable — though no direct mention of his mandate for private companies.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">The expansive rules</a>&nbsp;mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. And the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid also will have to be fully vaccinated.Biden is also requiring vaccination for employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government — with no option to test out. That covers several million more workers.Biden announced the new requirements in a Thursday afternoon address from the White House as part of a new “action plan” to address the latest rise in coronavirus cases and the stagnating pace of COVID-19 shots.Just two months ago Biden prematurely declared the nation’s “independence” from the virus. Now, despite more than 208 million Americans having at least one dose of the vaccines, the U.S. is seeing about 300% more new COVID-19 infections a day, about two-and-a-half times more hospitalizations, and nearly twice the number of deaths compared to the same time last year. Some 80 million people remain unvaccinated.“We are in the tough stretch and it could last for a while,” Biden said.After months of using promotions to drive the vaccination rate, Biden is taking a much firmer hand, as he blames people who have not yet received shots for the sharp rise in cases killing more than 1,000 people per day and imperiling a fragile economic rebound.In addition to the vaccination requirements, Biden moved to double federal fines for airline passengers who refuse to wear masks on flights or to maintain face covering requirements on federal property in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.He announced that the government will work to increase the supply of virus tests, and that the White House has secured concessions from retailers including Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger to sell at-home testing kits at cost beginning this week.The administration is also sending additional federal support to assist schools in safely operating, including additional funding for testing. And Biden called for large entertainment venues and arenas to require vaccinations or proof of a negative test for entry.The requirement for large companies to mandate vaccinations or weekly testing for employees will be enacted through a forthcoming rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that carries penalties of $14,000 per violation, an administration official said.The rule will require that large companies provide paid time off for vaccination.Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services will extend a vaccination requirement issued earlier this summer — for nursing home staff — to other healthcare settings including hospitals, home-health agencies and dialysis centers.Separately, the Department of Health and Human Services will require vaccinations in Head Start Programs, as well as schools run by the Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education, affecting about 300,000 employees.Biden’s order for executive branch workers and contractors includes exceptions for workers seeking religious or medical exemptions from vaccination, according to press secretary Jen Psaki. Federal workers who don’t comply will be referred to their agencies’ human resources departments for counseling and discipline, to include potential termination.An AP-NORC poll conducted in August found 55% of Americans in favor of requiring government workers to be fully vaccinated, compared with 21% opposed. Similar majorities also backed vaccine mandates for health care workers, teachers working at K-12 schools and workers who interact with the public, as at restaurants and stores.Biden has encouraged COVID-19 vaccine requirements in settings like schools, workplaces and university campuses. On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-los-angeles-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-3e6d32b5545965d20128953478ee144d">the Los Angeles Board of Education v</a>&nbsp;oted to require all students 12 and older to be fully vaccinated in the the nation’s second-largest school district.Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, said in late July it was requiring that all workers at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as its managers who travel within the U.S. be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. But the company had stopped short of requiring shots for its frontline workers.CVS Health said in late August it would require certain employees who interact with patients to be fully vaccinated by the end of October. That includes nurses, care managers and pharmacists.In the government, several federal agencies have previously announced vaccine requirements for much of their staffs, particularly those in healthcare roles like the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Pentagon moved last month to require all servicemembers to get vaccinated. Combined, the White House estimates those requirements cover 2.5 million Americans. Thursday’s order is expected to impact nearly 2 million more federal workers and potentially millions of contractors.Biden’s measures should help, but what’s really needed is a change in mindset for many people, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.“There is an aspect to this now that has to do with our country being so divided,” said Sharfstein. “This has become so politicized that people can’t see the value of a vaccination that can save their lives. Our own divisions are preventing us from ending a pandemic.”More than 177 million Americans are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but confirmed cases have shot up in recent weeks to an average of about 140,000 per day with on average about 1,000 deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Most of the spread — and the vast majority of severe illness and death — is occurring among those not yet fully vaccinated. So-called breakthrough infections in vaccinated people occur, but tend to be far less dangerous.Federal officials are moving ahead with plans to begin administering booster shots of the mRNA vaccines to bolster protection against the more transmissible delta variant. Last month Biden announced plans to make them available beginning on Sept. 20, but only the Pfizer vaccine will likely have received regulatory approval for a third dose by that time.Officials are aiming to administer the booster shots about eight months after the second dose of the two-dose vaccines.