Phillipsburg resident Melba N. Ehm passed away Thursday, February 
10, 2022, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the
 age of 90.

She was born March 19, 1931, in Russellville, MO the daughter of Julius and Sedonia (Hofmockel) Buchta.

Melba was united in marriage to Virgil D. Ehm on October 11, 1953, in Russellville, MO.&nbsp;

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645465687888.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phillipsburg resident Melba N. Ehm passed away Thursday, February 
10, 2022, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the
 age of 90.She was born March 19, 1931, in Russellville, MO the daughter of Julius and Sedonia (Hofmockel) Buchta.Melba was united in marriage to Virgil D. Ehm on October 11, 1953, in Russellville, MO.&nbsp;Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Melba N. Ehm

Technology and time has negated the need for a large home
for the city’s official newspaper.

But as a testament to the ongoing ability of area residents
to adapt to the future, the former home of the Hays Daily News at 507 Main soon will be home to a science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning
center.

The building’s new owner, Dallas Haselhorst, has named the
upcoming center STEM Harvest, reflecting his desire to encourage STEM education
in the region, while also finding in the building a new home for office spaces
downtown, including his own TreeTop Security.

And while creating a new learning center in downtown Hays is
an exciting opportunity for Haselhorst, he also said saving and rehabilitating
the building, while preserving its history is also a rewarding experience.

“As I was growing up, obviously had a lot of ties to the
building,” Haselhorst said. “I had friends that had newspaper routes, and I'd
often fill in for them. So obviously even I have my own bit of history with it,
but it really is a community centerpiece that a lot of people have looked at
over the years.

While most today will remember the building as the home to
the newspaper, it was first built as a home for Scheufler Supply Co., an automotive
parts and repair business in 1954, according to a 1979 Hays Daily News article.

It would also temporarily serve as the Hays Post Office from
Feb. 1, 1964, until Jan. 31, 1965, while the current facility was being constructed
from the shell of the previous building standing in the same location as it is
today.

A few years after the post office moved into its new
facility, Scheufler would also move out his business to a smaller location and
sell the building to Pete Felten, who then would sell the building to Hays Daily
News in January 1967.

After the first of several remodels, the paper would move
into the location in October of the same year.

The paper’s local operations would run from there until
Haselhorst bought the building from Gannett in 2021.&nbsp;

As soon as the purchase was completed, he would begin work
to secure the building, which had been suffering water damage from a roof that
was in desperate need of repair.

"(The) very first thing that we did, before we even purchased
the building, was actually go out and get some roofing bids,” Haselhorst said, “because the roof was about 10 to 15 years past where we needed it to be.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df916f657544d3fe90e7c9c">Related
story: Historical society faces artifact damage, considers church demo</a>

After getting a new roof on the building, the next step was
cleaning out the countless office supplies and artifacts left behind.

“We actually picked up a handful of old newspapers, some
from the 1800s,” Haselhorst said. “So those are kind of interesting to kind
of leaf through and see,” noting some included President McKinley on the campaign trail.

“To go through some of that stuff, we found some old
negatives of, say, the Kennedy assassination, some things like that from the
actual front page of the Hays Daily, so yeah, lots of cool history, lots of
cool artifacts.”

While he saved some of the most unique items, stacks of everyday newspapers from decades gone by — many damaged beyond saving — were discarded.

“We recycled a lot of paper — to say the least. We actually
ended up taking, I think, 27 truckloads of recycled materials of papers that
have just been from the past 20 years that didn't really have any value,”
Haselhorst said.

For the materials that were saved, he said finding ways to
showcase that history for the community is in the works.

Now moving the building away from the past, with an eye
toward the future, a large portion of the building will be dedicated to STEM Harvest, designed as a center for STEM education.

“STEM Harvest is something that honestly is about 10 years
in the making,” Haselhorst said. “And so it's going to have a heavy tech
slant, obviously, with me being involved with it. So coding, programming, 3D
printing, prototyping, fast-track prototyping is something that we've talked
about — to where you kind of get all of those skills together, you now start
producing products and start creating ideas.”

He said the center could provide after-school learning opportunities,
as well as camps, where youth can learn about the skills needed
for jobs in the future.

“And really, it kind of goes back to you teach the
fundamentals, and then see what a kid can create,” Haselhorst said.

“We can also bring in some mentors,” he said. “I have kind
of friends all over the place in the tech field. … We've also talked with
bringing in some different experts, at least on a monthly basis.”

Those experts span a wide range of fields and positions who Haselhorst said would be happy to share their experiences with the next generation.

“I think it has the chance, the possibility, to be really,
really special for the area,” he said.

As the space continues to develop, Haselhorst said the search
for funding is underway, to help him achieve his goal of a free-to-use facility.

“One of probably the most exciting things for me is
we are currently working for trying to get grants, sponsorships and things like
that,” he said. “I, ultimately, I want it to be free. … What I really, really
want to do is to keep that free so every kid that really has access to it.”

And ultimately, Haselhorst said, bringing high-tech
educational opportunities could strengthen and grow the local workforce.

“The the idea is to get kids to really learn those skills,
and then stay right here,” he said. “Whether that means that they're working
remotely for some other company, or whether they're generating new businesses,
new ideas for this area, there's absolutely zero reason that we can't be a tech
(center). Maybe we're not going to be a Denver, we're not going to be a Kansas
City, but Hays is a very attractive place to live and there's no reason why we
can't keep people here.”

While he hopes for a summer opening for STEM Harvest, as work
continues inside the building, other businesses, including his own TreeTop Security,
could soon be located there as well. A new façade is planned for March, which will break the front of the building up into separate offices.

“So it's revisioning, dividing that up a little bit, for
some other businesses to come in and add to the vibrancy of downtown,”
Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst will also turn the building into a home for his cybersecurity
company, TreeTop Security, along with office space for other area enterprises.

“For the last few years, we've been looking for space for
the kids’ area, as well as TreeTop,” Haselhorst said. “And so I knew going in
that we were needing about 6,000 square feet.”

That large a space in Hays has been hard to come by, he
said, but when the former Hays Daily News building came up for sale, he knew it
would be a fit, but also there would be ample space left over.

“It was kind of the idea that, well, what else can we do
with this?” Haselhorst said. “What other ideas? Could we make it kind of a — not gonna say a centerpiece, beautiful downtown Hays is already there and very
well established — but how can we make it kind of its own unique blend?”

He hopes that along with what is already located in downtown
Hays, the facility can be another draw with the right combination of businesses.

“There's already a lot of fantastic businesses, fantastic
things to do,” Haselhorst said. “You have the pool right there. You have a
lot of festivities and activities in downtown. So (it will) just to try and
promote that area, even just a little bit more.”

And while he works toward those long-term plans, he knows
the process will be a long one.

“Phase one, really, is to have the front 60 percent of the
building … hopefully have it 100 percent used,” Haselhorst said. 

For the remainder of the space, currently in the form of a warehouse
space that housed the paper’s printing press and circulation operations, finding
the right operation to move in remains up in the air.

“So it's really, get the front half going because, well,
honestly, that's easiest,” Haselhorst said. “But then also, kind of that back
half, that's where the artifacts, hopefully, eventually play into that.”

But he is also open to other ideas for the space.

“I've had a number of other ideas, business owners pitch
ideas I should say, for different things that that could be transformed into,”
Haselhorst said. “So yeah, we'll see. It's a space there and available that we
can try some different things with.”

For more about STEM Harvest, visit <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">stemharvest.org.</a>

For more about TreeTop Security, visit <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">treetopsecurity.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Icon of Hays’ past to become beacon for the future" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dp7h3-11ae8cc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=315"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645216228969.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostTechnology and time has negated the need for a large home
for the city’s official newspaper.But as a testament to the ongoing ability of area residents
to adapt to the future, the former home of the Hays Daily News at 507 Main soon will be home to a science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning
center.The building’s new owner, Dallas Haselhorst, has named the
upcoming center STEM Harvest, reflecting his desire to encourage STEM education
in the region, while also finding in the building a new home for office spaces
downtown, including his own TreeTop Security.And while creating a new learning center in downtown Hays is
an exciting opportunity for Haselhorst, he also said saving and rehabilitating
the building, while preserving its history is also a rewarding experience.“As I was growing up, obviously had a lot of ties to the
building,” Haselhorst said. “I had friends that had newspaper routes, and I'd
often fill in for them. So obviously even I have my own bit of history with it,
but it really is a community centerpiece that a lot of people have looked at
over the years.“It's a part of the community.”While most today will remember the building as the home to
the newspaper, it was first built as a home for Scheufler Supply Co., an automotive
parts and repair business in 1954, according to a 1979 Hays Daily News article.It would also temporarily serve as the Hays Post Office from
Feb. 1, 1964, until Jan. 31, 1965, while the current facility was being constructed
from the shell of the previous building standing in the same location as it is
today.A few years after the post office moved into its new
facility, Scheufler would also move out his business to a smaller location and
sell the building to Pete Felten, who then would sell the building to Hays Daily
News in January 1967.After the first of several remodels, the paper would move
into the location in October of the same year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219214071.jpeg" alt="An undated photo of the Hays Daily building, before it was remodeled into its current configuration. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>An undated photo of the Hays Daily building, before it was remodeled into its current configuration. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure>The paper’s local operations would run from there until
Haselhorst bought the building from Gannett in 2021.&nbsp;As soon as the purchase was completed, he would begin work
to secure the building, which had been suffering water damage from a roof that
was in desperate need of repair."(The) very first thing that we did, before we even purchased
the building, was actually go out and get some roofing bids,” Haselhorst said, “because the roof was about 10 to 15 years past where we needed it to be.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218041805.jpeg" alt="Buckets located around the building collected water from a leaking roof. - Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Buckets located around the building collected water from a leaking roof. - Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218070736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df916f657544d3fe90e7c9c">Related
story: Historical society faces artifact damage, considers church demo</a>After getting a new roof on the building, the next step was
cleaning out the countless office supplies and artifacts left behind.“We actually picked up a handful of old newspapers, some
from the 1800s,” Haselhorst said. “So those are kind of interesting to kind
of leaf through and see,” noting some included President McKinley on the campaign trail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218163903.jpeg" alt="Items and artifacts left behind after Haselhorst bought the building at 507 Main. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Items and artifacts left behind after Haselhorst bought the building at 507 Main. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645217939504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“To go through some of that stuff, we found some old
negatives of, say, the Kennedy assassination, some things like that from the
actual front page of the Hays Daily, so yeah, lots of cool history, lots of
cool artifacts.”While he saved some of the most unique items, stacks of everyday newspapers from decades gone by — many damaged beyond saving — were discarded.“We recycled a lot of paper — to say the least. We actually
ended up taking, I think, 27 truckloads of recycled materials of papers that
have just been from the past 20 years that didn't really have any value,”
Haselhorst said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218108460.jpeg" alt="Among the items left behind were stacks of editions of the Hays Daily News. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Among the items left behind were stacks of editions of the Hays Daily News. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219151939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For the materials that were saved, he said finding ways to
showcase that history for the community is in the works.<h2>STEM Harvest</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219093437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Now moving the building away from the past, with an eye
toward the future, a large portion of the building will be dedicated to STEM Harvest, designed as a center for STEM education.“STEM Harvest is something that honestly is about 10 years
in the making,” Haselhorst said. “And so it's going to have a heavy tech
slant, obviously, with me being involved with it. So coding, programming, 3D
printing, prototyping, fast-track prototyping is something that we've talked
about — to where you kind of get all of those skills together, you now start
producing products and start creating ideas.”He said the center could provide after-school learning opportunities,
as well as camps, where youth can learn about the skills needed
for jobs in the future.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219242630.png" alt="An architectural drawing shows the vision for the STEM Harvest space. -Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>An architectural drawing shows the vision for the STEM Harvest space. -Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure>“And really, it kind of goes back to you teach the
fundamentals, and then see what a kid can create,” Haselhorst said.“We can also bring in some mentors,” he said. “I have kind
of friends all over the place in the tech field. … We've also talked with
bringing in some different experts, at least on a monthly basis.”Those experts span a wide range of fields and positions who Haselhorst said would be happy to share their experiences with the next generation.“I think it has the chance, the possibility, to be really,
really special for the area,” he said.As the space continues to develop, Haselhorst said the search
for funding is underway, to help him achieve his goal of a free-to-use facility.“One of probably the most exciting things for me is
we are currently working for trying to get grants, sponsorships and things like
that,” he said. “I, ultimately, I want it to be free. … What I really, really
want to do is to keep that free so every kid that really has access to it.”And ultimately, Haselhorst said, bringing high-tech
educational opportunities could strengthen and grow the local workforce.“The the idea is to get kids to really learn those skills,
and then stay right here,” he said. “Whether that means that they're working
remotely for some other company, or whether they're generating new businesses,
new ideas for this area, there's absolutely zero reason that we can't be a tech
(center). Maybe we're not going to be a Denver, we're not going to be a Kansas
City, but Hays is a very attractive place to live and there's no reason why we
can't keep people here.”While he hopes for a summer opening for STEM Harvest, as work
continues inside the building, other businesses, including his own TreeTop Security,
could soon be located there as well. A new façade is planned for March, which will break the front of the building up into separate offices.“So it's revisioning, dividing that up a little bit, for
some other businesses to come in and add to the vibrancy of downtown,”
Haselhorst said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218017967.jpeg" alt="Several pieces of leftover furniture are being rehabbed for use in the new space. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Several pieces of leftover furniture are being rehabbed for use in the new space. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>TreeTop Security and more</h2>Haselhorst will also turn the building into a home for his cybersecurity
company, TreeTop Security, along with office space for other area enterprises.“For the last few years, we've been looking for space for
the kids’ area, as well as TreeTop,” Haselhorst said. “And so I knew going in
that we were needing about 6,000 square feet.”That large a space in Hays has been hard to come by, he
said, but when the former Hays Daily News building came up for sale, he knew it
would be a fit, but also there would be ample space left over.“It was kind of the idea that, well, what else can we do
with this?” Haselhorst said. “What other ideas? Could we make it kind of a — not gonna say a centerpiece, beautiful downtown Hays is already there and very
well established — but how can we make it kind of its own unique blend?”He hopes that along with what is already located in downtown
Hays, the facility can be another draw with the right combination of businesses.“There's already a lot of fantastic businesses, fantastic
things to do,” Haselhorst said. “You have the pool right there. You have a
lot of festivities and activities in downtown. So (it will) just to try and
promote that area, even just a little bit more.”And while he works toward those long-term plans, he knows
the process will be a long one.“Phase one, really, is to have the front 60 percent of the
building … hopefully have it 100 percent used,” Haselhorst said. For the remainder of the space, currently in the form of a warehouse
space that housed the paper’s printing press and circulation operations, finding
the right operation to move in remains up in the air.“So it's really, get the front half going because, well,
honestly, that's easiest,” Haselhorst said. “But then also, kind of that back
half, that's where the artifacts, hopefully, eventually play into that.”But he is also open to other ideas for the space.“I've had a number of other ideas, business owners pitch
ideas I should say, for different things that that could be transformed into,”
Haselhorst said. “So yeah, we'll see. It's a space there and available that we
can try some different things with.”For more about STEM Harvest, visit <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">stemharvest.org.</a>For more about TreeTop Security, visit <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">treetopsecurity.com.</a>

🎙 TURN THE PAGE: Icon of Hays' past to become beacon to future

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, Buckingham Palace said, adding that the famously stoic 95-year-old monarch still plans to carry on working. The diagnosis prompted concern and get-well wishes from across Britain’s political spectrum.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a fixture in the life of the nation, the queen reached the milestone of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-europe-arts-and-entertainment-prince-charles-85988dc8f2b109ded943169dfc18fa27">70 years on the throne on Feb. 6,</a>&nbsp;the anniversary of the 1952 death of her father, King George VI. She will turn 96 on April 21.

The palace said the queen, who has been fully vaccinated and had a booster shot, would continue with “light” duties at Windsor Castle over the coming week.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.

People in the U.K. who test positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;are required to self-isolate for at least five days, although the British government says it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-pandemics-2a717a276b483431f30622f7fa7602cb">plans to lift that requirement for England</a>&nbsp;this week.

Both the queen’s eldest son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-queen-elizabeth-ii-health-king-felipe-vi-british-museum-9cf9c919c194398968bdbee381c07a28">Prince Charles</a>, 73, and her 74-year-old daughter-in-law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-coronavirus-pandemic-health-arts-and-entertainment-europe-e8ffffb2dd3a0b2ca4631938dc89325d">Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall</a>&nbsp;contracted COVID-19 earlier this month. Charles has since returned to work. There are also thought to be several recent virus cases among staff at Windsor Castle, where the queen is staying.

A host of senior British politicians sent get-well messages. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from COVID and a rapid return to vibrant good health.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid wrote that he was “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a quick recovery,” while opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer wished the queen “good health and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Ma’am.”

Elizabeth has been in robust health for most of her reign and has been photographed riding a horse as recently as 2020. In the past year she has been seen using a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-princess-anne-royalty-arts-and-entertainment-64794d87da24ab3f61675b523000ab97">walking stick</a>, and in October she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-london-royalty-c9e4d83169f38fcff329adc02f969704">spent a night in a London hospital</a>&nbsp;for unspecified tests.

The queen’s doctors ordered her to rest after that and she was forced to cancel appearances at several key events, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-back-spring-remembrance-day-3b90d882719307bcb0c815091ceb53f8">Remembrance Sunday</a>&nbsp;services and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-environment-and-nature-london-b00e0b26dd216974aa59fe957fc438c5">COP26 climate conference</a>&nbsp;in Glasgow, Scotland in November.

This month she returned to public duties and has held audiences both virtually and in person with diplomats, politicians and senior military officers. During one exchange caught on camera last week, she walked slowly with a stick and said “as you can see I can’t move” in apparent reference to her leg.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said members of the royal family would be very concerned by the COVID-19 diagnosis.

“I would guess that she will be matter-of-fact about the diagnosis in a way perhaps that the people around her are less matter-of-fact,” he said.

The queen has a busy schedule over the next few months of her Platinum Jubilee year, and is scheduled to attend in-person public engagements in the coming weeks, including a diplomatic reception at Windsor on March 2 and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.

On March 29, she has a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey for her husband Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at 99.

Public celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee are scheduled over a long weekend June 2-5, with festivities including a military parade, a day of horse racing and neighborhood parties.

The queen is the latest monarch from around the world to catch COVID-19. Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 82, and Spain’s King Felipe VI, 54,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-spain-europe-arts-and-entertainment-62f6dc8c38afc40b20d7059a910ddf0e">both tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the illness earlier in February and had mild symptoms.

Her diagnosis comes after a difficult week for Britain’s royal family.

On Tuesday the queen’s second son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">Prince Andrew, settled a U.S. lawsuit</a>&nbsp;brought by a woman who claimed he had sexually abused with her when she was 17 and traveling with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew strenuously denied the claim by Virginia Giuffre. He agreed in a settlement to make a substantial donation to his accuser’s charity.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-police-london-philanthropy-6573c05f26a12cebe15de1940536587c">London’s Metropolitan Police launched an investigation</a>&nbsp;into allegations that people associated with one of Prince Charles’ charities offered to help a Saudi billionaire secure honors and citizenship in return for donations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634738473421.png" alt="Queen Elizabeth at the G7 conference in June -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Queen Elizabeth at the G7 conference in June -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, Buckingham Palace said, adding that the famously stoic 95-year-old monarch still plans to carry on working. The diagnosis prompted concern and get-well wishes from across Britain’s political spectrum.Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a fixture in the life of the nation, the queen reached the milestone of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-europe-arts-and-entertainment-prince-charles-85988dc8f2b109ded943169dfc18fa27">70 years on the throne on Feb. 6,</a>&nbsp;the anniversary of the 1952 death of her father, King George VI. She will turn 96 on April 21.The palace said the queen, who has been fully vaccinated and had a booster shot, would continue with “light” duties at Windsor Castle over the coming week.“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.People in the U.K. who test positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;are required to self-isolate for at least five days, although the British government says it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-pandemics-2a717a276b483431f30622f7fa7602cb">plans to lift that requirement for England</a>&nbsp;this week.Both the queen’s eldest son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-queen-elizabeth-ii-health-king-felipe-vi-british-museum-9cf9c919c194398968bdbee381c07a28">Prince Charles</a>, 73, and her 74-year-old daughter-in-law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-coronavirus-pandemic-health-arts-and-entertainment-europe-e8ffffb2dd3a0b2ca4631938dc89325d">Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall</a>&nbsp;contracted COVID-19 earlier this month. Charles has since returned to work. There are also thought to be several recent virus cases among staff at Windsor Castle, where the queen is staying.A host of senior British politicians sent get-well messages. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from COVID and a rapid return to vibrant good health.”Health Secretary Sajid Javid wrote that he was “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a quick recovery,” while opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer wished the queen “good health and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Ma’am.”Elizabeth has been in robust health for most of her reign and has been photographed riding a horse as recently as 2020. In the past year she has been seen using a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-princess-anne-royalty-arts-and-entertainment-64794d87da24ab3f61675b523000ab97">walking stick</a>, and in October she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-london-royalty-c9e4d83169f38fcff329adc02f969704">spent a night in a London hospital</a>&nbsp;for unspecified tests.The queen’s doctors ordered her to rest after that and she was forced to cancel appearances at several key events, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-back-spring-remembrance-day-3b90d882719307bcb0c815091ceb53f8">Remembrance Sunday</a>&nbsp;services and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-environment-and-nature-london-b00e0b26dd216974aa59fe957fc438c5">COP26 climate conference</a>&nbsp;in Glasgow, Scotland in November.This month she returned to public duties and has held audiences both virtually and in person with diplomats, politicians and senior military officers. During one exchange caught on camera last week, she walked slowly with a stick and said “as you can see I can’t move” in apparent reference to her leg.Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said members of the royal family would be very concerned by the COVID-19 diagnosis.“I would guess that she will be matter-of-fact about the diagnosis in a way perhaps that the people around her are less matter-of-fact,” he said.The queen has a busy schedule over the next few months of her Platinum Jubilee year, and is scheduled to attend in-person public engagements in the coming weeks, including a diplomatic reception at Windsor on March 2 and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.On March 29, she has a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey for her husband Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at 99.Public celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee are scheduled over a long weekend June 2-5, with festivities including a military parade, a day of horse racing and neighborhood parties.The queen is the latest monarch from around the world to catch COVID-19. Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 82, and Spain’s King Felipe VI, 54,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-spain-europe-arts-and-entertainment-62f6dc8c38afc40b20d7059a910ddf0e">both tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the illness earlier in February and had mild symptoms.Her diagnosis comes after a difficult week for Britain’s royal family.On Tuesday the queen’s second son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">Prince Andrew, settled a U.S. lawsuit</a>&nbsp;brought by a woman who claimed he had sexually abused with her when she was 17 and traveling with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew strenuously denied the claim by Virginia Giuffre. He agreed in a settlement to make a substantial donation to his accuser’s charity.On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-police-london-philanthropy-6573c05f26a12cebe15de1940536587c">London’s Metropolitan Police launched an investigation</a>&nbsp;into allegations that people associated with one of Prince Charles’ charities offered to help a Saudi billionaire secure honors and citizenship in return for donations.___

Fully vaccinated Queen Elizabeth II tests positive for COVID

Greta Marie (Waggoner) Paxson, 86, Penokee, Kansas died Tuesday, 
February 15, 2022, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City. She was 
born December 14, 1935, to Galen and Agnes (Hildebrand) Waggoner at the 
family farm home south of Morland, the second of three children. She had
 an older sister Anita, and a younger brother Tim.
 	Greta went to Shiloh School in rural Graham County, from first 
through eighth grade. After her dad’s first heart attack, when Greta was
 in seventh grade, she did chores and fed cattle before going to school.
 She attended high school in Hill City. When Greta was a freshman and 
Anita a senior, they roomed together during the school week. After 
Anita’s graduation, she stayed the next three years with Cora Trexler, a
 very sweet lady, who had just lost her husband.
 	 Greta loved music. She played the baritone saxophone and was a 
member of the Hill City High School Dinner Band. Her most memorable 
music experience was playing a concert for the Topeka Correctional 
Facility. That band received a one rating at the Kansas High School 
Music Contest. She always received ones for her state saxophone solos. 
 	 Greta began dating Bob Paxson their sophomore year. What a great 
time they had! Bob drove a 1941 blue Ford four-door car. When school was
 dismissed, Greta loaded up all her girlfriends and paraded through the 
streets in that ’41 Ford while Bob was at sports practices. After Friday
 night games, Bob always took her home, no matter how late his games 
lasted. In April of their senior year Bob gave her an engagement ring. 
She and Bob graduated from Hill City High School in May of 1953. Bob’s 
dad had told Bob he couldn’t get married until all the fall farm work 
was done. When it was completed, they were married October 31, 1953, in 
Penokee at the Methodist Church.
 	The couple rented a small, four room farmhouse with a half 
basement. Greta took a great deal of pride in keeping her house just so.
 They milked cows, raised chickens, and farmed some with his parents. 
Their first daughter, Laurie was born April 11, 1957, just after a huge 
blizzard which produced between 36 and 40 inches of snow. The farm was 
without electricity for 23 days. Water and heat were available, but 
there was no way to cook. They survived though, along with their new 
daughter and 300 baby chicks they kept in the house! Their second 
daughter, Audrey was born May 26, 1958. 
 	In August of 1963 Bob and Greta started building their dream home. 
Greta cooked and fed lunch to all the carpenters. They never missed 
taking a break in the afternoon to enjoy Greta’s pies or cinnamon rolls.
 The family moved into their new home November 22, 1963. They always 
remembered that date because it was the day President Kennedy was 
assassinated, a very happy day for them, but a sad day, too.
 	The family was complete with the birth of their third daughter, 
Roberta, December 4, 1969. From 1970 to 2000 Greta drove a school bus 
for Morland USD 280. She had many stories to tell through the years as 
she picked up three generations of school children. Her homemade banana 
bread was always a hit when she handed it out as an after-school snack 
while the children were heading home. Greta liked farming with her 
husband and could run almost every piece of equipment. She drove a 
tractor and truck with the best of them. Greta had many talents. She was
 an excellent seamstress and a great cook. Her theory was, “It’s always 
better to have lots of leftovers than not enough food.”
 	Greta enjoyed dancing. It was very important that all her 
grandchildren learned to dance. There were always dancing lessons in the
 kitchen, from the waltz to the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”. She was a 
long-time member of the Helping Hands Club. Greta never missed an 
opportunity to play cards whether it was with neighbors, grandchildren, 
or friends. She also liked gambling in Topeka and Dodge City, and she 
was extremely lucky. She did share her winnings with Bob who was always 
around to help spend part of it.
 	You never had to second guess Greta. She always told it like it was
 and sometimes where to get off. She was Bob’s best friend and always a 
part of any decision making. 
 	Greta was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Audrey, 
her granddaughter Amber, and her brother Tim. Survivors left to cherish 
her memory include her husband Robert “Bob” Paxson of the home; her 
daughters Laurie Ketterl and husband Bernard of Eagle, Nebraska, and 
Roberta Oborny of Hays; her sister Anita Middleton of Hill City; 10 
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
 	 “God bless you, Honey. Now you are home. May you rest in peace.”

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Greta-Marie-Paxson?obId=24024209#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645106302279.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greta Marie (Waggoner) Paxson, 86, Penokee, Kansas died Tuesday, 
February 15, 2022, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City. She was 
born December 14, 1935, to Galen and Agnes (Hildebrand) Waggoner at the 
family farm home south of Morland, the second of three children. She had
 an older sister Anita, and a younger brother Tim.
 	Greta went to Shiloh School in rural Graham County, from first 
through eighth grade. After her dad’s first heart attack, when Greta was
 in seventh grade, she did chores and fed cattle before going to school.
 She attended high school in Hill City. When Greta was a freshman and 
Anita a senior, they roomed together during the school week. After 
Anita’s graduation, she stayed the next three years with Cora Trexler, a
 very sweet lady, who had just lost her husband.
 	 Greta loved music. She played the baritone saxophone and was a 
member of the Hill City High School Dinner Band. Her most memorable 
music experience was playing a concert for the Topeka Correctional 
Facility. That band received a one rating at the Kansas High School 
Music Contest. She always received ones for her state saxophone solos. 
 	 Greta began dating Bob Paxson their sophomore year. What a great 
time they had! Bob drove a 1941 blue Ford four-door car. When school was
 dismissed, Greta loaded up all her girlfriends and paraded through the 
streets in that ’41 Ford while Bob was at sports practices. After Friday
 night games, Bob always took her home, no matter how late his games 
lasted. In April of their senior year Bob gave her an engagement ring. 
She and Bob graduated from Hill City High School in May of 1953. Bob’s 
dad had told Bob he couldn’t get married until all the fall farm work 
was done. When it was completed, they were married October 31, 1953, in 
Penokee at the Methodist Church.
 	The couple rented a small, four room farmhouse with a half 
basement. Greta took a great deal of pride in keeping her house just so.
 They milked cows, raised chickens, and farmed some with his parents. 
Their first daughter, Laurie was born April 11, 1957, just after a huge 
blizzard which produced between 36 and 40 inches of snow. The farm was 
without electricity for 23 days. Water and heat were available, but 
there was no way to cook. They survived though, along with their new 
daughter and 300 baby chicks they kept in the house! Their second 
daughter, Audrey was born May 26, 1958. 
 	In August of 1963 Bob and Greta started building their dream home. 
Greta cooked and fed lunch to all the carpenters. They never missed 
taking a break in the afternoon to enjoy Greta’s pies or cinnamon rolls.
 The family moved into their new home November 22, 1963. They always 
remembered that date because it was the day President Kennedy was 
assassinated, a very happy day for them, but a sad day, too.
 	The family was complete with the birth of their third daughter, 
Roberta, December 4, 1969. From 1970 to 2000 Greta drove a school bus 
for Morland USD 280. She had many stories to tell through the years as 
she picked up three generations of school children. Her homemade banana 
bread was always a hit when she handed it out as an after-school snack 
while the children were heading home. Greta liked farming with her 
husband and could run almost every piece of equipment. She drove a 
tractor and truck with the best of them. Greta had many talents. She was
 an excellent seamstress and a great cook. Her theory was, “It’s always 
better to have lots of leftovers than not enough food.”
 	Greta enjoyed dancing. It was very important that all her 
grandchildren learned to dance. There were always dancing lessons in the
 kitchen, from the waltz to the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”. She was a 
long-time member of the Helping Hands Club. Greta never missed an 
opportunity to play cards whether it was with neighbors, grandchildren, 
or friends. She also liked gambling in Topeka and Dodge City, and she 
was extremely lucky. She did share her winnings with Bob who was always 
around to help spend part of it.
 	You never had to second guess Greta. She always told it like it was
 and sometimes where to get off. She was Bob’s best friend and always a 
part of any decision making. 
 	Greta was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Audrey, 
her granddaughter Amber, and her brother Tim. Survivors left to cherish 
her memory include her husband Robert “Bob” Paxson of the home; her 
daughters Laurie Ketterl and husband Bernard of Eagle, Nebraska, and 
Roberta Oborny of Hays; her sister Anita Middleton of Hill City; 10 
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
 	 “God bless you, Honey. Now you are home. May you rest in peace.”Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Greta-Marie-Paxson?obId=24024209#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Greta Marie Paxson

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.

District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. 

The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.

The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076547899.png" alt="Houser-Photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Houser-Photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

Kan. state hospital employee sentenced for sex offender's escape

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a
pharmacist with one count of tampering with a consumer product, one count of possession of
Tramadol by deception and subterfuge, one count of possession of Zolpidem by deception and
subterfuge, and one count of possession of oxycodone hydrochloride by deception and subterfuge.


According to court documents, from July 2020 to October 2020, Benjamin Dandurand, 34, of
Shawnee Mission is accused of allegedly using his fingerprint at a pharmacy in Lenexa to remove
oxycodone hydrochloride from a safe. He allegedly removed the controlled substance from the
bottle and replaced it with an alternate liquid substance before returning the bottle to the safe.
Dandurand also allegedly took Tramadol, oxycodone hydrochloride, and Zolpidem from the
pharmacy between September 2020 and October 2020.


The Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the
case.


Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.


U.S. Attorney's OfficeKANSAS CITY, Kan. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a
pharmacist with one count of tampering with a consumer product, one count of possession of
Tramadol by deception and subterfuge, one count of possession of Zolpidem by deception and
subterfuge, and one count of possession of oxycodone hydrochloride by deception and subterfuge.
According to court documents, from July 2020 to October 2020, Benjamin Dandurand, 34, of
Shawnee Mission is accused of allegedly using his fingerprint at a pharmacy in Lenexa to remove
oxycodone hydrochloride from a safe. He allegedly removed the controlled substance from the
bottle and replaced it with an alternate liquid substance before returning the bottle to the safe.
Dandurand also allegedly took Tramadol, oxycodone hydrochloride, and Zolpidem from the
pharmacy between September 2020 and October 2020.
The Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the
case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.

Grand jury indicts Kan. pharmacist on multiple drug allegations

Cheryl D. O’Connell, age 68, passed away on Friday, February 11, 
2022, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp; 
She was born on October 21, 1953, in Kansas City,&nbsp; Missouri, the 
daughter of Louis Freeland and Patricia A. Casper.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas since 2006 moving from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she was a 
Radiologist Technologist for 25 years.

She was a member of the Baptist Faith and Abate of Kansas Chapter 13 and Highway Guardians.

On June 6, 2008, she married Neil O’Connell in Golden, Colorado.&nbsp; He survives.

Survivors include her Husband - Neil O’Connell of Scott City, Kansas,
 One Son - John “Jake” &amp; Amy Jones of Scott City, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Suzan Gilbert of Garden City, Kansas, Shirkara Lumpkins of 
Newton, Kansas, One Brother - David Freeland of Illinois, Nine 
Grandchildren, and Two Great Grandchildren. &nbsp; &nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers - Lonnie 
“Ratty” Freeland, and Two Grandchildren - Trent Truax and Hunter Truax.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 
2022, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle 
Evans presiding.

Memorials may be written to the Cheryl O’Connell Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645051064355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl D. O’Connell, age 68, passed away on Friday, February 11, 
2022, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp; 
She was born on October 21, 1953, in Kansas City,&nbsp; Missouri, the 
daughter of Louis Freeland and Patricia A. Casper.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas since 2006 moving from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she was a 
Radiologist Technologist for 25 years.She was a member of the Baptist Faith and Abate of Kansas Chapter 13 and Highway Guardians.On June 6, 2008, she married Neil O’Connell in Golden, Colorado.&nbsp; He survives.Survivors include her Husband - Neil O’Connell of Scott City, Kansas,
 One Son - John “Jake” &amp; Amy Jones of Scott City, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Suzan Gilbert of Garden City, Kansas, Shirkara Lumpkins of 
Newton, Kansas, One Brother - David Freeland of Illinois, Nine 
Grandchildren, and Two Great Grandchildren. &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers - Lonnie 
“Ratty” Freeland, and Two Grandchildren - Trent Truax and Hunter Truax.Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 
2022, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle 
Evans presiding.There will be no calling times.Memorials may be written to the Cheryl O’Connell Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

Cheryl D. O’Connell

Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served&nbsp;as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct Medal.&nbsp;

He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.&nbsp;

Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri,&nbsp;Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca of Carroll, Iowa, and&nbsp;by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neita, brother Ernest Hofstetter, and sister Frieda Pfortmiller.

Edwin’s&nbsp;funeral&nbsp;will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the&nbsp;North Lutheran Cemetery&nbsp;north of Natoma. &nbsp;Military honors will be provided by the&nbsp;Russell V.F.W. Post 6240. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service. &nbsp;

Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and sent in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644974687190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served&nbsp;as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct Medal.&nbsp;He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.&nbsp;Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri,&nbsp;Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca of Carroll, Iowa, and&nbsp;by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neita, brother Ernest Hofstetter, and sister Frieda Pfortmiller.Edwin’s&nbsp;funeral&nbsp;will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the&nbsp;North Lutheran Cemetery&nbsp;north of Natoma. &nbsp;Military honors will be provided by the&nbsp;Russell V.F.W. Post 6240. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service. &nbsp;Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and sent in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Edwin Carl Hofstetter

George&nbsp;and Cooper Gier, of Russell, Kansas, died&nbsp;in a tragic car accident&nbsp;on Friday, February 11, 2022, in rural Russell County, Kansas.

George&nbsp;Cecil Gier&nbsp;was born on June 28, 1981,&nbsp;in Salina,&nbsp;Kansas, the son of&nbsp;Leo G. and Marian K. (Cooper) Gier. &nbsp;He grew up in Osborne, Kansas, and graduated from Osborne High School in the class of&nbsp;1999. &nbsp;After high school he played football&nbsp;for 2 years at Highland Community College. &nbsp;He was united in marriage to Marcia Dawn Woodyard on&nbsp;October 07, 2006 in&nbsp;Manhattan, Kansas. &nbsp;From this union they were blessed with two children Hailey and Cooper. &nbsp;He worked as a ranchhand and was 100%&nbsp;country&nbsp;and cowboy. &nbsp;He was a member of&nbsp;St. John Lutheran Church in Russell,&nbsp;lifelong 4-H&nbsp;member,&nbsp;American Quarter Horse Association, and former Fire Chief in Wheaton, Kansas. &nbsp;He enjoyed spending time performing his ranch chores, tending cattle, being outdoors,&nbsp;working and competing in rodeos,&nbsp;working with his horses and&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;dogs, hunting and teaching his children&nbsp;to appreciate the things he loved. &nbsp;Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, laughing, being a goof ball&nbsp;and&nbsp;having&nbsp;a&nbsp;good time.

Cooper&nbsp;Francis Gier&nbsp;was born on June 03, 2011, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son&nbsp;of George&nbsp;and Marcia (Woodyard) Gier. &nbsp;He attended Bickerdyke Elementary in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;He was a member of&nbsp;St. John Lutheran Church in Russell,&nbsp;Fossil&nbsp;Creek&nbsp;4-H, Bickerdyke Bunch, 2 x 5 youth group&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russell&nbsp;Recreation football and basketball teams.&nbsp;He enjoyed&nbsp;helping his father with his ranch chores,&nbsp;pestering his&nbsp;sister,&nbsp;being outdoors, playing football,&nbsp;playing with his friends, spending time with his&nbsp;family&nbsp;and snuggling with his mom and dad. &nbsp;

Surviving family include&nbsp;wife and mother Marcia,&nbsp;daughter and&nbsp;sister Hailey&nbsp;both of the home;George’s&nbsp;parents&nbsp;Leo and Marian Gier of Osborne, Kansas;&nbsp;Marcia’s parents&nbsp;Daryl and Cathy&nbsp;Woodyard&nbsp;of Wamego, Kansas;&nbsp;George’s&nbsp;brother Garred&nbsp;Gier of Concordia, Kansas and Marcia’s brother Brandon Woodyard and wife Kristy&nbsp;of Denver, Colorado;&nbsp;George’s grandmother and&nbsp;Cooper’s great grandmother&nbsp;Lois Cooper of Lucas, Kansas.

A celebration of George’s and Cooper’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran&nbsp;Cemetery in Russell. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Friday, February 18, 2022, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from&nbsp;6 P.M. to 8 P.M.&nbsp;Friday evening. &nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Russell County 4-H&nbsp;and sent in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644974614533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>George&nbsp;and Cooper Gier, of Russell, Kansas, died&nbsp;in a tragic car accident&nbsp;on Friday, February 11, 2022, in rural Russell County, Kansas.George&nbsp;Cecil Gier&nbsp;was born on June 28, 1981,&nbsp;in Salina,&nbsp;Kansas, the son of&nbsp;Leo G. and Marian K. (Cooper) Gier. &nbsp;He grew up in Osborne, Kansas, and graduated from Osborne High School in the class of&nbsp;1999. &nbsp;After high school he played football&nbsp;for 2 years at Highland Community College. &nbsp;He was united in marriage to Marcia Dawn Woodyard on&nbsp;October 07, 2006 in&nbsp;Manhattan, Kansas. &nbsp;From this union they were blessed with two children Hailey and Cooper. &nbsp;He worked as a ranchhand and was 100%&nbsp;country&nbsp;and cowboy. &nbsp;He was a member of&nbsp;St. John Lutheran Church in Russell,&nbsp;lifelong 4-H&nbsp;member,&nbsp;American Quarter Horse Association, and former Fire Chief in Wheaton, Kansas. &nbsp;He enjoyed spending time performing his ranch chores, tending cattle, being outdoors,&nbsp;working and competing in rodeos,&nbsp;working with his horses and&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;dogs, hunting and teaching his children&nbsp;to appreciate the things he loved. &nbsp;Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, laughing, being a goof ball&nbsp;and&nbsp;having&nbsp;a&nbsp;good time.Cooper&nbsp;Francis Gier&nbsp;was born on June 03, 2011, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son&nbsp;of George&nbsp;and Marcia (Woodyard) Gier. &nbsp;He attended Bickerdyke Elementary in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;He was a member of&nbsp;St. John Lutheran Church in Russell,&nbsp;Fossil&nbsp;Creek&nbsp;4-H, Bickerdyke Bunch, 2 x 5 youth group&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russell&nbsp;Recreation football and basketball teams.&nbsp;He enjoyed&nbsp;helping his father with his ranch chores,&nbsp;pestering his&nbsp;sister,&nbsp;being outdoors, playing football,&nbsp;playing with his friends, spending time with his&nbsp;family&nbsp;and snuggling with his mom and dad. &nbsp;Surviving family include&nbsp;wife and mother Marcia,&nbsp;daughter and&nbsp;sister Hailey&nbsp;both of the home;George’s&nbsp;parents&nbsp;Leo and Marian Gier of Osborne, Kansas;&nbsp;Marcia’s parents&nbsp;Daryl and Cathy&nbsp;Woodyard&nbsp;of Wamego, Kansas;&nbsp;George’s&nbsp;brother Garred&nbsp;Gier of Concordia, Kansas and Marcia’s brother Brandon Woodyard and wife Kristy&nbsp;of Denver, Colorado;&nbsp;George’s grandmother and&nbsp;Cooper’s great grandmother&nbsp;Lois Cooper of Lucas, Kansas.A celebration of George’s and Cooper’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran&nbsp;Cemetery in Russell. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Friday, February 18, 2022, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from&nbsp;6 P.M. to 8 P.M.&nbsp;Friday evening. &nbsp;In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Russell County 4-H&nbsp;and sent in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

George and Cooper Gier

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers was in a familiar spot earlier this month when Republican legislators sent him a bill that would have banned anti-racist teachings in schools. For the 66th time since taking office in 2019, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-wisconsin-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-legislature-8db54c00be82e0183ac6badc2d4c0804">pulled out his veto pen</a>.

The rejection was the latest reminder of the crucial role Evers and a select group of fellow Democratic governors play in some of the most politically divided states. They are the only backstop against a wave of GOP-backed legislation targeting everything from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-d42fda272f2276b9a3e340763752a609">abortion rights</a>&nbsp;and school curricula to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-election-2020-voting-voting-rights-health-3f46e438bf9368d9b3535824e8c6c911">access to voting</a>.

“I have to prevent some really bad things from happening,” Evers said in an interview. “It is a bit lonely, but I know I’m representing the people of Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin is one of four states emerging as top priorities for Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/midterm-elections">an election year</a>&nbsp;when the party is facing fierce political headwinds. In those states — Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — Republicans control the state Legislatures and Democratic-held governorships are on the ballot in the fall.

If the governorships switch parties, a flood of GOP legislation that has so far been blocked would likely become law. That’s especially concerning for Democrats when it comes to voting rights. The four incumbents — Evers, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf — have vetoed more than a dozen bills aimed at restricting voting.

Those moves were particularly important in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, all narrowly divided states that could decide the 2024 presidential election. If Republicans win the governor’s race in any of those states, they will almost certainly approve voting restrictions that have so far been rejected.

In Wisconsin, for example, the Legislature is fast-tracking a host of bills changing election administration and voting rules, all of which Evers is expected to veto but that other Republican candidates for governor support.

Governors also have an important role in the mechanics of presidential elections — under federal law, the electors they say reflect the winners of their state get extra weight in any congressional fight over certifying the choice of the next president. That means in more extreme scenarios, GOP governors may seek to reject Democratic electors in a presidential race, a step&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-electoral-college-elections-0ee1ccae092c21bc8e8c3ace90208cac">then-President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pressed some Republicans to take in 2020.

Many GOP candidates running for governor this year have expressed support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s lie that the last election was stolen</a>. In Wisconsin last week, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, a conspiracy theorist who was disciplined by Republican leadership over false election claims,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wisconsin-elections-media-election-2020-52fa80d33c56621f3a35c845b2a75553">filed paperwork</a>&nbsp;to run for governor.

Federal and state election officials and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">Trump’s own attorney general</a>&nbsp;have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. The former president’s allegations of fraud were also roundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-pennsylvania-elections-talk-radio-433b6efe72720d8648221f405c2111f9">rejected by courts</a>, including by judges Trump appointed.

Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, the head of the Democratic Governors Association, said the four governors are “standing in the breach against Republican state legislatures’ attacks on voting rights.”

Cooper, who also contends with a Republican legislature, said the governors are “protecting the foundation of our democracy.”

Republicans argue that Democrats are being obstructionist and simply refusing to work with the party that controls the legislatures in their states.

“An inability to work effectively with their legislature, regardless of party control, will ultimately be viewed by voters as a failure of leadership,” said Phil Cox, a Republican strategist and former executive director of the Republican Governors Association.

Democrats aren’t limiting their work this year to protecting their position in the four states in question. They are also hoping to pick up Republican-held seats in states like Georgia, Massachusetts and Maryland.

But the DGA is stepping up its opposition research efforts on Republican candidates in Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. And the Democratic candidates themselves are sitting on sizable campaign accounts.

At the end of 2021, Evers had about $10 million while Josh Shapiro, the likely Democratic nominee for governor in Pennsylvania, had $13 million, according to state campaign records. In Kansas, Kelly is expected to have a more difficult bid for reelection than in 2018, when she won in a three-way race. She had $2 million at the end of last year.

And in Michigan, Whitmer was sitting on $10 million. An independent expenditure group affiliated with the DGA also ran a pro-Whitmer ad in Michigan worth roughly $200,000 during December and January.

Whitmer has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-voting-michigan-gretchen-whitmer-legislature-60cd10512a22d8167e9f12a3ca589282">vetoed multiple bills</a>&nbsp;that would make it harder to vote, rejecting nine such measures in October alone.

“Gov. Whitmer is the backstop in a world where, if Republicans were to control legislative chambers and the governor’s office in any of these states, stripping voting rights would just automatically become law,” said Patrick Schuh, Michigan director of the Democratic-leaning voter access advocacy group America Votes.

One measure would have tacked on extra identification requirements for absentee ballot requests and blocked the state’s top election official from sending vote-by-mail requests out widely. Republicans have been forced to try to end-run Whitmer by attempting a ballot initiative, one that Schuh’s group hopes to counter with its own.

In Pennsylvania, Wolf&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pa-state-wire-business-bills-elections-government-and-politics-8400bdb8742fe7a04b3b469c7136b498">blocked similar efforts</a>, vetoing a massive bill that also would have reduced the days drop boxes for absentee ballots would be open. Wolf, finishing his second four-year term, is not seeking reelection, but Shapiro supports his vetoes.

Those Democrats have some advantages that could help them politically this year, including robust budget surpluses, state revenue that outperformed dire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;forecasts and billions in federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">COVID-19 relief</a>&nbsp;and incoming infrastructure money.

In Wisconsin, Evers has plans for the state’s largest budget surplus, $3 billion, including child care tax credits for working families and similar credits for full-time volunteer caregivers for the elderly and homebound, moves he sees as smart use of extra money at a time of need. With the flatness of low expectations, the mild-mannered former state school superintendent said he hopes Republicans “take a look at it.”

“I think the Republicans will be hard-pressed to say no to this. But they’ve done it before,” Evers said. “Whatever the number I’ve vetoed, it’s paltry compared to the number I’m going to.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641933594915.png" alt="Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a candidate for governor in 2022, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who is seeking re-election. (Photos by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a candidate for governor in 2022, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who is seeking re-election. (Photos by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By THOMAS BEAUMONT, Associated PressWisconsin Gov. Tony Evers was in a familiar spot earlier this month when Republican legislators sent him a bill that would have banned anti-racist teachings in schools. For the 66th time since taking office in 2019, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-wisconsin-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-legislature-8db54c00be82e0183ac6badc2d4c0804">pulled out his veto pen</a>.The rejection was the latest reminder of the crucial role Evers and a select group of fellow Democratic governors play in some of the most politically divided states. They are the only backstop against a wave of GOP-backed legislation targeting everything from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-d42fda272f2276b9a3e340763752a609">abortion rights</a>&nbsp;and school curricula to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-election-2020-voting-voting-rights-health-3f46e438bf9368d9b3535824e8c6c911">access to voting</a>.“I have to prevent some really bad things from happening,” Evers said in an interview. “It is a bit lonely, but I know I’m representing the people of Wisconsin.”Wisconsin is one of four states emerging as top priorities for Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/midterm-elections">an election year</a>&nbsp;when the party is facing fierce political headwinds. In those states — Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — Republicans control the state Legislatures and Democratic-held governorships are on the ballot in the fall.If the governorships switch parties, a flood of GOP legislation that has so far been blocked would likely become law. That’s especially concerning for Democrats when it comes to voting rights. The four incumbents — Evers, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf — have vetoed more than a dozen bills aimed at restricting voting.Those moves were particularly important in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, all narrowly divided states that could decide the 2024 presidential election. If Republicans win the governor’s race in any of those states, they will almost certainly approve voting restrictions that have so far been rejected.In Wisconsin, for example, the Legislature is fast-tracking a host of bills changing election administration and voting rules, all of which Evers is expected to veto but that other Republican candidates for governor support.Governors also have an important role in the mechanics of presidential elections — under federal law, the electors they say reflect the winners of their state get extra weight in any congressional fight over certifying the choice of the next president. That means in more extreme scenarios, GOP governors may seek to reject Democratic electors in a presidential race, a step&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-electoral-college-elections-0ee1ccae092c21bc8e8c3ace90208cac">then-President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pressed some Republicans to take in 2020.Many GOP candidates running for governor this year have expressed support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">Trump’s lie that the last election was stolen</a>. In Wisconsin last week, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, a conspiracy theorist who was disciplined by Republican leadership over false election claims,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wisconsin-elections-media-election-2020-52fa80d33c56621f3a35c845b2a75553">filed paperwork</a>&nbsp;to run for governor.Federal and state election officials and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">Trump’s own attorney general</a>&nbsp;have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. The former president’s allegations of fraud were also roundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-pennsylvania-elections-talk-radio-433b6efe72720d8648221f405c2111f9">rejected by courts</a>, including by judges Trump appointed.Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, the head of the Democratic Governors Association, said the four governors are “standing in the breach against Republican state legislatures’ attacks on voting rights.”Cooper, who also contends with a Republican legislature, said the governors are “protecting the foundation of our democracy.”Republicans argue that Democrats are being obstructionist and simply refusing to work with the party that controls the legislatures in their states.“An inability to work effectively with their legislature, regardless of party control, will ultimately be viewed by voters as a failure of leadership,” said Phil Cox, a Republican strategist and former executive director of the Republican Governors Association.Democrats aren’t limiting their work this year to protecting their position in the four states in question. They are also hoping to pick up Republican-held seats in states like Georgia, Massachusetts and Maryland.But the DGA is stepping up its opposition research efforts on Republican candidates in Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. And the Democratic candidates themselves are sitting on sizable campaign accounts.At the end of 2021, Evers had about $10 million while Josh Shapiro, the likely Democratic nominee for governor in Pennsylvania, had $13 million, according to state campaign records. In Kansas, Kelly is expected to have a more difficult bid for reelection than in 2018, when she won in a three-way race. She had $2 million at the end of last year.And in Michigan, Whitmer was sitting on $10 million. An independent expenditure group affiliated with the DGA also ran a pro-Whitmer ad in Michigan worth roughly $200,000 during December and January.Whitmer has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-voting-michigan-gretchen-whitmer-legislature-60cd10512a22d8167e9f12a3ca589282">vetoed multiple bills</a>&nbsp;that would make it harder to vote, rejecting nine such measures in October alone.“Gov. Whitmer is the backstop in a world where, if Republicans were to control legislative chambers and the governor’s office in any of these states, stripping voting rights would just automatically become law,” said Patrick Schuh, Michigan director of the Democratic-leaning voter access advocacy group America Votes.One measure would have tacked on extra identification requirements for absentee ballot requests and blocked the state’s top election official from sending vote-by-mail requests out widely. Republicans have been forced to try to end-run Whitmer by attempting a ballot initiative, one that Schuh’s group hopes to counter with its own.In Pennsylvania, Wolf&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pa-state-wire-business-bills-elections-government-and-politics-8400bdb8742fe7a04b3b469c7136b498">blocked similar efforts</a>, vetoing a massive bill that also would have reduced the days drop boxes for absentee ballots would be open. Wolf, finishing his second four-year term, is not seeking reelection, but Shapiro supports his vetoes.Those Democrats have some advantages that could help them politically this year, including robust budget surpluses, state revenue that outperformed dire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;forecasts and billions in federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">COVID-19 relief</a>&nbsp;and incoming infrastructure money.In Wisconsin, Evers has plans for the state’s largest budget surplus, $3 billion, including child care tax credits for working families and similar credits for full-time volunteer caregivers for the elderly and homebound, moves he sees as smart use of extra money at a time of need. With the flatness of low expectations, the mild-mannered former state school superintendent said he hopes Republicans “take a look at it.”“I think the Republicans will be hard-pressed to say no to this. But they’ve done it before,” Evers said. “Whatever the number I’ve vetoed, it’s paltry compared to the number I’m going to.”___

Democrats eye key governors' races as backstop against GOP

Phillipsburg resident Mike Engling passed away February 12, 2022,&nbsp; peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends at the age of 
64.

He was born October 17, 1957, in Plainville, KS the son of Edward M. 
Engling Sr. and Clara R. (Golembiewski) Engling.&nbsp; He graduated from the 
Plainville High School.

Following high school Mike went to work for Tom’s Machine and Welding
 Service in Plainville, KS, then for Kyle Railroad in 1989 in 
Phillipsburg, KS.&nbsp; He later returned to Tom’s Machine followed by 
G&amp;S Roustabout in Demar.

He was united in marriage to Dee Chandler on June 20, 2003, in Phillipsburg, KS.

Survivors include his wife Dee of Phillipsburg; 6 step-daughters 
Bonnie Garman of Salina, Staci Smith of McPherson, Casey Ralphs of Utah,
 Stacey Goscha of Tulsa, OK, Trisha McMullen of Salina, and Erica Tatro 
of Salina; a step-son Dustin Peterson of Phillipsburg; 11 grandchildren;
 5 great grandchildren; 3 brothers Edward Engling, Jr. and Andrew 
Engling both of Natoma, and Anthony Engling of Salina; and a sister 
Christine Hoffman of Hays.

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A private family service will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Engling Memorial Fund 
c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

Phillipsburg resident Mike Engling passed away February 12, 2022,&nbsp; peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends at the age of 
64.He was born October 17, 1957, in Plainville, KS the son of Edward M. 
Engling Sr. and Clara R. (Golembiewski) Engling.&nbsp; He graduated from the 
Plainville High School.Following high school Mike went to work for Tom’s Machine and Welding
 Service in Plainville, KS, then for Kyle Railroad in 1989 in 
Phillipsburg, KS.&nbsp; He later returned to Tom’s Machine followed by 
G&amp;S Roustabout in Demar.He was united in marriage to Dee Chandler on June 20, 2003, in Phillipsburg, KS.He was preceded in death by his parents.Survivors include his wife Dee of Phillipsburg; 6 step-daughters 
Bonnie Garman of Salina, Staci Smith of McPherson, Casey Ralphs of Utah,
 Stacey Goscha of Tulsa, OK, Trisha McMullen of Salina, and Erica Tatro 
of Salina; a step-son Dustin Peterson of Phillipsburg; 11 grandchildren;
 5 great grandchildren; 3 brothers Edward Engling, Jr. and Andrew 
Engling both of Natoma, and Anthony Engling of Salina; and a sister 
Christine Hoffman of Hays.Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A private family service will take place at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Engling Memorial Fund 
c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

Mike Engling

Ernest Jule Mudd, 78, died Friday February 11, 2022, at Lane County 
Hospital in Dighton, Kansas. He was born October 31, 1943, and was the 
adopted son of Marvin &amp; Ethel Mudd of Alamota, Kansas. 
All he ever wanted to do was work on the farm. He was dedicated to his 
cattle as well as farming the ground. In his youth he liked fast cars 
&amp; fast boats, if he had free time he was always tinkering on a 
vehicle, or at the lake. He was always looking for an opportunity to 
play practical jokes or stump you with a novelty puzzle or game. 
On Oct. 21, 1978, he married Carolyn Kay Bartlett. Through this union, he
 adopted Kay's two children - Robert (Bob) and Jennifer. In 1979, their 
daughter Melissa was born. After Kay retired from the FSA office, they 
began their crafting business, Mudd Puddle Creations. He enjoyed 
hunting, creating various crafts, and spending time with family and 
friends.&nbsp; 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ethel Mudd. His wife Carolyn Kay Mudd. And grandchild Jordan Mudd. 
He is survived by his Children- Bob Mudd of Dighton, Kansas Jennifer 
&amp; Marty Garcia of Arvada, Colorado, Melissa &amp; Jarric of 
Lawrence, Kansas 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and Sister- Lola
 &amp; Jim Mote of Wichita, Kansas. 
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday February 19, 2022, at 
the First Christian Church in Dighton, Kansas with Alana Chapman 
officiating. Services will also be available via Facebook Live on the 
Garnand Funeral Homes Facebook Page. Memorial contributions are 
suggested to the Ernest Mudd Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral 
Home. Condolences may be posted by visiting www.garnandfuneralhomes.com 
Boomhower Funeral Home 145 N. Wichita P.O. Box 891 Dighton, Ks 67839&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644856907462.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ernest Jule Mudd, 78, died Friday February 11, 2022, at Lane County 
Hospital in Dighton, Kansas. He was born October 31, 1943, and was the 
adopted son of Marvin &amp; Ethel Mudd of Alamota, Kansas. 
All he ever wanted to do was work on the farm. He was dedicated to his 
cattle as well as farming the ground. In his youth he liked fast cars 
&amp; fast boats, if he had free time he was always tinkering on a 
vehicle, or at the lake. He was always looking for an opportunity to 
play practical jokes or stump you with a novelty puzzle or game. 
On Oct. 21, 1978, he married Carolyn Kay Bartlett. Through this union, he
 adopted Kay's two children - Robert (Bob) and Jennifer. In 1979, their 
daughter Melissa was born. After Kay retired from the FSA office, they 
began their crafting business, Mudd Puddle Creations. He enjoyed 
hunting, creating various crafts, and spending time with family and 
friends.&nbsp; 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ethel Mudd. His wife Carolyn Kay Mudd. And grandchild Jordan Mudd. 
He is survived by his Children- Bob Mudd of Dighton, Kansas Jennifer 
&amp; Marty Garcia of Arvada, Colorado, Melissa &amp; Jarric of 
Lawrence, Kansas 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and Sister- Lola
 &amp; Jim Mote of Wichita, Kansas. 
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday February 19, 2022, at 
the First Christian Church in Dighton, Kansas with Alana Chapman 
officiating. Services will also be available via Facebook Live on the 
Garnand Funeral Homes Facebook Page. Memorial contributions are 
suggested to the Ernest Mudd Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral 
Home. Condolences may be posted by visiting www.garnandfuneralhomes.com 
Boomhower Funeral Home 145 N. Wichita P.O. Box 891 Dighton, Ks 67839&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ernest Jule Mudd

George and Cooper Gier, of Russell, Kansas, died in a tragic car 
accident on Friday, February 11, 2022, in rural Russell County, Kansas.

George Cecil Gier was born on June 28, 1981, in Salina, Kansas, the 
son of Leo G. and Marian K. (Cooper) Gier.&nbsp; He grew up in Osborne, 
Kansas, and graduated from Osborne High School in the class of 1999.&nbsp; 
After high school he played football for 2 years at Highland Community 
College.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Marcia Dawn Woodyard on October 
07, 2006 in Manhattan, Kansas.&nbsp; From this union they were blessed with 
two children Hailey and Cooper.&nbsp; He worked as a ranch hand and was 100% 
country and cowboy.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in 
Russell, lifelong 4-H member, American Quarter Horse Association, and 
former Fire Chief in Wheaton, Kansas.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time 
performing his ranch chores, tending cattle, being outdoors, working and
 competing in rodeos, working with his horses and cattle dogs, hunting 
and teaching his children to appreciate the things he loved.&nbsp; Most of 
all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, laughing, 
being a goof ball and having a good time.

Cooper Francis Gier was born on June 03, 2011, in Manhattan, Kansas, 
the son of George and Marcia (Woodyard) Gier.&nbsp; He attended Bickerdyke 
Elementary in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John Lutheran 
Church in Russell, Fossil Creek 4-H, Bickerdyke Bunch, 2 x 5 youth group
 and Russell Recreation football and basketball teams. &nbsp;He enjoyed 
helping his father with his ranch chores, pestering his sister, being 
outdoors, playing football, playing with his friends, spending time with
 his family and snuggling with his mom and dad.&nbsp;

Surviving family include wife and mother Marcia, daughter and sister 
Hailey both of the home; George’s parents Leo and Marian Gier of 
Osborne, Kansas; Marcia’s parents Daryl and Cathy Woodyard of Wamego, 
Kansas; George’s brother Garred Gier of Concordia, Kansas and Marcia’s 
brother Brandon Woodyard and wife Kristy of Denver, Colorado; George’s 
grandmother and Cooper’s great grandmother Lois Cooper of Lucas, Kansas.
 A celebration of George’s and Cooper’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. 
on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic
 Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran
 Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Friday,
 February 18, 2022, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 
P.M. to 8 P.M. Friday evening.&nbsp; 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests 
memorials be given to the Russell County 4-H and sent in care of the 
mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in 
charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644847258212.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>George and Cooper Gier, of Russell, Kansas, died in a tragic car 
accident on Friday, February 11, 2022, in rural Russell County, Kansas.George Cecil Gier was born on June 28, 1981, in Salina, Kansas, the 
son of Leo G. and Marian K. (Cooper) Gier.&nbsp; He grew up in Osborne, 
Kansas, and graduated from Osborne High School in the class of 1999.&nbsp; 
After high school he played football for 2 years at Highland Community 
College.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Marcia Dawn Woodyard on October 
07, 2006 in Manhattan, Kansas.&nbsp; From this union they were blessed with 
two children Hailey and Cooper.&nbsp; He worked as a ranch hand and was 100% 
country and cowboy.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in 
Russell, lifelong 4-H member, American Quarter Horse Association, and 
former Fire Chief in Wheaton, Kansas.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time 
performing his ranch chores, tending cattle, being outdoors, working and
 competing in rodeos, working with his horses and cattle dogs, hunting 
and teaching his children to appreciate the things he loved.&nbsp; Most of 
all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, laughing, 
being a goof ball and having a good time.Cooper Francis Gier was born on June 03, 2011, in Manhattan, Kansas, 
the son of George and Marcia (Woodyard) Gier.&nbsp; He attended Bickerdyke 
Elementary in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John Lutheran 
Church in Russell, Fossil Creek 4-H, Bickerdyke Bunch, 2 x 5 youth group
 and Russell Recreation football and basketball teams. &nbsp;He enjoyed 
helping his father with his ranch chores, pestering his sister, being 
outdoors, playing football, playing with his friends, spending time with
 his family and snuggling with his mom and dad.&nbsp;Surviving family include wife and mother Marcia, daughter and sister 
Hailey both of the home; George’s parents Leo and Marian Gier of 
Osborne, Kansas; Marcia’s parents Daryl and Cathy Woodyard of Wamego, 
Kansas; George’s brother Garred Gier of Concordia, Kansas and Marcia’s 
brother Brandon Woodyard and wife Kristy of Denver, Colorado; George’s 
grandmother and Cooper’s great grandmother Lois Cooper of Lucas, Kansas.
 A celebration of George’s and Cooper’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. 
on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic
 Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran
 Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Friday,
 February 18, 2022, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 
P.M. to 8 P.M. Friday evening.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the family requests 
memorials be given to the Russell County 4-H and sent in care of the 
mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in 
charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 
2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 
10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in 
rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma 
High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served as a 
Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War 
II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He 
received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory 
Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct 
Medal.

He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm 
north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong 
member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the 
congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. 
Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma 
School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their 
home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed 
pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, 
hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time
 with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren 
and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.

Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of 
Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven
 grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, 
Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri, Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas 
City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, 
Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and 
husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca 
of Carroll, Iowa, and by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 
his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, 
Kansas and many nieces and nephews.

Edwin’s funeral will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022,
 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at 
the North Lutheran Cemetery north of Natoma.&nbsp; Military honors will be 
provided by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9:30 
A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service.&nbsp; 

Memorials may 
be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and sent in care of the 
mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in 
charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644847205987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 
2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 
10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in 
rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma 
High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served as a 
Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War 
II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He 
received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory 
Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct 
Medal.He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm 
north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong 
member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the 
congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. 
Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma 
School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their 
home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed 
pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, 
hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time
 with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren 
and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of 
Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven
 grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, 
Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri, Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas 
City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, 
Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and 
husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca 
of Carroll, Iowa, and by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 
his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, 
Kansas and many nieces and nephews.Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neita, brother Ernest Hofstetter, and sister Frieda Pfortmiller.Edwin’s funeral will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022,
 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at 
the North Lutheran Cemetery north of Natoma.&nbsp; Military honors will be 
provided by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9:30 
A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service.&nbsp; Memorials may 
be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and sent in care of the 
mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in 
charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Donovan Lyle "Don" Gatewood, 77, formerly of Aurora, CO passed away due to complications from Agent Orange, on January 13, 2022, in Rotonda West, Florida.

Don was born in Hays, Kansas, to Donovan and Virginia Gatewood on October 6, 1944. He attended St. Joseph's Military Academy and graduated in 1962. He went on to honorably serve our country in the United States Army, completing two tours in Vietnam. Later, he went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He worked as a Sales Rep for Tweco for 35 years. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed good music, playing guitar, and he loved Classic Cars/Mopar.

Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy of Rotonda West, FL, his daughter Erin (Ryan) Smith, daughter Niki Gatewood, son Jesse (Jazmine) Gatewood, sister Gwynne Van Scoyk, brother Stephen Fitz James, he has two grandchildren he adored and finally, his "Best Buddy," his dog - Corona.

Memorial services will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MabryAnders.org scholarship fund. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Tidewell Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemonbayfh.com for the GATEWOOD family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644773227824.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donovan Lyle "Don" Gatewood, 77, formerly of Aurora, CO passed away due to complications from Agent Orange, on January 13, 2022, in Rotonda West, Florida.Don was born in Hays, Kansas, to Donovan and Virginia Gatewood on October 6, 1944. He attended St. Joseph's Military Academy and graduated in 1962. He went on to honorably serve our country in the United States Army, completing two tours in Vietnam. Later, he went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He worked as a Sales Rep for Tweco for 35 years. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed good music, playing guitar, and he loved Classic Cars/Mopar.Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy of Rotonda West, FL, his daughter Erin (Ryan) Smith, daughter Niki Gatewood, son Jesse (Jazmine) Gatewood, sister Gwynne Van Scoyk, brother Stephen Fitz James, he has two grandchildren he adored and finally, his "Best Buddy," his dog - Corona.Memorial services will be announced later.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MabryAnders.org scholarship fund. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Tidewell Hospice.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemonbayfh.com for the GATEWOOD family.

Donovan Lyle 'Don' Gatewood

Sunday, October 21st, 1962-Thursday, February 10th, 2022

An obituary and services are pending with&nbsp;Boomhower Funeral Home, 145 N. Wichita, P.O. Box 891, Dighton, Ks 67839 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644681032435.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunday, October 21st, 1962-Thursday, February 10th, 2022An obituary and services are pending with&nbsp;Boomhower Funeral Home, 145 N. Wichita, P.O. Box 891, Dighton, Ks 67839

Alan M. Hanna

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 38-year-old man has been sentenced in the death of a Leavenworth man who was stabbed more than 25 times. 

Jeffery Samulczyk was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years. He pleaded guilty in January to felony murder in the death of Joshua Gilson, whose body was found wrapped in plastic in the basement of his Leavenworth home in October 2020.

Investigators found text messages between Samulczyk and the victim's wife, discussing the murder and how to cover it up. Text messages also indicated that Alexandra Gilson and Jeffery Samulczyk were having an affair.

Alexandra, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year and was also sentenced to life in prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604404064511.png" alt="Samulczyk-photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Samulczyk-photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 38-year-old man has been sentenced in the death of a Leavenworth man who was stabbed more than 25 times. Jeffery Samulczyk was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years. He pleaded guilty in January to felony murder in the death of Joshua Gilson, whose body was found wrapped in plastic in the basement of his Leavenworth home in October 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604366540962.png" alt="Gilson photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Gilson photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators found text messages between Samulczyk and the victim's wife, discussing the murder and how to cover it up. Text messages also indicated that Alexandra Gilson and Jeffery Samulczyk were having an affair.Alexandra, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year and was also sentenced to life in prison.&nbsp;

Man texted Kansas woman on how to cover up husband's murder

Yvonne Robbins, 82, passed away February 7th, 2022, 
peacefully at her home in Olathe, surrounded by her loving family. 
Yvonne was born in Kinsley, KS, on July 17, 1939.&nbsp; She spent her 
childhood growing up in central Kansas and always had an appreciation 
and love of the prairieland, the hard-working people of this area and 
the educational opportunities for young people.&nbsp; She married William Rex
 “WR” Robbins in Kinsley, KS, on October 20th, 1957, and to 
this union, they were blessed with three children – Karesa, Penny and 
Monte.&nbsp; Yvonne was a devoted mother and grandmother and a supportive 
wife.

Yvonne devoted her energy to business, educational and philanthropic 
initiatives over the years. She assisted her husband as they worked 
together in growing Farmers Bank and Trust, a community bank located in 
central and eastern Kansas. She was instrumental in developing programs 
at Farmers Bank which offered travel and benefits for customers. Yvonne 
established educational scholarships at Barton Community College, Dodge 
City Community College and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; She focused on 
opportunities to enhance the community through her work with nonprofit 
organizations and church affiliations.&nbsp; In addition, Yvonne enjoyed 
working alongside her husband in his efforts while President of the 
Kansas Bankers Association and created many friendships along the way.

She was particularly devoted to her children and grandchildren, 
supporting all of them in numerous academic opportunities, athletic 
activities, business endeavors, music and the arts and military 
service.&nbsp; Her consistent kind and gentle demeanor was always a bright 
light in her interactions with others.&nbsp; Although impacted by Alzheimer’s
 in her later years, it was important for her to use her time left to 
support and connect with her family.

Yvonne is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, WR Robbins of 
the home; her children, Karesa Harrison, Penny Kirk and Monte Robbins; 
and grandchildren, Chadd Harrison, Hunter Harrison, Garrett Kirk, Taylor
 Kirk, Nicole Robbins and Will Robbins.

A celebration of life for Yvonne will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15th,
 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, KS, with Reverend
 Tim Bever presiding.&nbsp; Visitation with the family will take place at 
1:00 p.m. at the church prior to services.&nbsp; Interment will be in the 
Great Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests 
contributions be made in Yvonne’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association,
 in care of Bryant Funeral Home. The family extends their appreciation 
to friends and caregivers who cared so lovingly for Yvonne during her 
journey with Alzheimer’s.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644533348264.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Yvonne Robbins, 82, passed away February 7th, 2022, 
peacefully at her home in Olathe, surrounded by her loving family. 
Yvonne was born in Kinsley, KS, on July 17, 1939.&nbsp; She spent her 
childhood growing up in central Kansas and always had an appreciation 
and love of the prairieland, the hard-working people of this area and 
the educational opportunities for young people.&nbsp; She married William Rex
 “WR” Robbins in Kinsley, KS, on October 20th, 1957, and to 
this union, they were blessed with three children – Karesa, Penny and 
Monte.&nbsp; Yvonne was a devoted mother and grandmother and a supportive 
wife.Yvonne devoted her energy to business, educational and philanthropic 
initiatives over the years. She assisted her husband as they worked 
together in growing Farmers Bank and Trust, a community bank located in 
central and eastern Kansas. She was instrumental in developing programs 
at Farmers Bank which offered travel and benefits for customers. Yvonne 
established educational scholarships at Barton Community College, Dodge 
City Community College and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; She focused on 
opportunities to enhance the community through her work with nonprofit 
organizations and church affiliations.&nbsp; In addition, Yvonne enjoyed 
working alongside her husband in his efforts while President of the 
Kansas Bankers Association and created many friendships along the way.She was particularly devoted to her children and grandchildren, 
supporting all of them in numerous academic opportunities, athletic 
activities, business endeavors, music and the arts and military 
service.&nbsp; Her consistent kind and gentle demeanor was always a bright 
light in her interactions with others.&nbsp; Although impacted by Alzheimer’s
 in her later years, it was important for her to use her time left to 
support and connect with her family.Yvonne is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, WR Robbins of 
the home; her children, Karesa Harrison, Penny Kirk and Monte Robbins; 
and grandchildren, Chadd Harrison, Hunter Harrison, Garrett Kirk, Taylor
 Kirk, Nicole Robbins and Will Robbins.A celebration of life for Yvonne will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15th,
 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, KS, with Reverend
 Tim Bever presiding.&nbsp; Visitation with the family will take place at 
1:00 p.m. at the church prior to services.&nbsp; Interment will be in the 
Great Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the family suggests 
contributions be made in Yvonne’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association,
 in care of Bryant Funeral Home. The family extends their appreciation 
to friends and caregivers who cared so lovingly for Yvonne during her 
journey with Alzheimer’s.&nbsp;

Yvonne Robbins

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— A Kansas high school principal was forced to apologize for showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.

Tim
 Hamblin, principal at Derby High School, shared a four-minute video 
during a staff in-service day last month that featured Black author Joy 
DeGruy. In it, the author relates a story about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">being treated differently at a store</a> because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644504632159.png" alt="In a 2011 video, author Joy DeGruy relates a story about being treated differently at a store because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her. WorldTrustTV / YouTube" />
 <figcaption>In a 2011 video, author Joy DeGruy relates a story about being treated differently at a store because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her. WorldTrustTV / YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— A Kansas high school principal was forced to apologize for showing a video about white privilege during an employee meeting.Tim
 Hamblin, principal at Derby High School, shared a four-minute video 
during a staff in-service day last month that featured Black author Joy 
DeGruy. In it, the author relates a story about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">being treated differently at a store</a> because of her race, and how a lighter-skinned family member spoke up for her.“She
 used her white privilege to educate and make right a situation that was
 wrong,” DeGruy says in the 2011 video. “That’s what you can do every 
single day.”Members of the Derby High girls basketball team were 
shown the same video in response to race-based comments made toward some
 team members on social media late last year.Hamblin shared the 
video with staff members in January so they would be aware of what the 
students had seen, he explained in the email.A teacher who 
attended the meeting told a Derby school board member the video was 
offensive and created a hostile work environment. The board member then 
directed Hamblin to apologize for showing it.“The point was 
nothing more than to share what some of our kids were dealing with and 
one thing that they would see to try and help them get through it,” 
Hamblin said in the email.“I apologize to anyone that felt the 
video or its content which reference white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”Hamblin declined to comment for this story.Superintendent
 Heather Bohaty “is aware of the email you’re referencing and didn’t 
have further details or comments to share,” said district spokeswoman 
Katie Carlson in an email.“The (school) Board as a whole had made
 no directive regarding specific videos or teaching materials of this 
type,” Carlson said.School board president Michael Blankenship would not say which board member contacted Hamblin.“This
 email was intended between him and his staff,” Blankenship said in an 
email to KMUW. “We respect the opinions and views of all our staff and 
work to maintain an environment where we support all students and 
staff.”<h2>A larger debate</h2>The episode illustrates an <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-12-13/conservatives-see-critical-race-theory-in-anti-racist-schooling-and-they-want-it-gone-from-kansas" target="_blank">ongoing debate over lessons about racism</a>
 and discrimination in Kansas schools. Critics say schools’ efforts to 
promote diversity can breed white guilt and accelerate racial conflict.During
 a recent discussion about critical race theory in the Kansas 
Legislature, Rep. Patrick Penn, a Republican from Wichita, decried some 
school districts’ efforts to promote anti-racism.“They reject 
wholeheartedly the theory or the notion of colorblindness. … They look 
at everything through a racial lens,” Penn said.Tamara Seyler-James, a parent in the Blue Valley school district, also objected to themes of implicit bias or white privilege.Public
 schools “drive the conversation exclusively toward the topic of … 
whites behaving badly, as opposed to balancing the equation and stating 
that everybody, no matter their skin color, is human, and is flawed and 
could commit the sin of bias and racism,” Seyler-James said. “I find 
that problematic.”A conservative majority was elected to the Derby school board in November.Blankenship, the board president, was one of two parents to <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article251170139.html" target="_blank">sue the Derby district</a> over its mask requirement. As one of its first orders of business last month, the Derby board <a href="http://www.derbyinformer.com/news/derby_news/derby-school-board-strips-covid-mask-mandate/article_e010225e-72ec-11ec-ab1f-a34405a0a980.html" target="_blank">eliminated any mask mandates</a>.In
 a post on his campaign Facebook page in October, Blankenship listed 
“items and issues that have come to my attention by members of our 
community, parents and teachers.”The list includes “CRT in school
 curriculum / changing or skewing historical facts about the foundation 
of our country” and “parents being limited or prevented in speaking out 
to school board members or meetings.”<h2>Pointing out injustice</h2>In
 the video shared in Derby, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about being in a
 grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks “whiter than 
most white folks.”The sister-in-law writes a check for her 
groceries without incident. Immediately after that, DeGruy writes a 
check and is asked for two forms of identification. Then the cashier 
“pulls out the ‘bad check’ book” and searches it for DeGruy’s license.“I’m
 standing there trying to decide what to do, and it’s really deeply 
humiliating,” DeGruy says in the video. “My sister-in-law walks back 
over, and she steps in, and she says, ‘Excuse me, why are you doing 
this?’”The sister-in-law points out inconsistencies to the cashier and then to the store manager.“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”It’s 
unclear which Derby High staff member complained to school board members
 about the video. The board member told Hamblin the employee “feared 
retaliation for sharing their concerns,” he said in the email.“I 
can guarantee there is not a single member(s) of this staff that can 
produce one piece of evidence I have ever retaliated against anyone as 
the Principal of Derby High School,” he added.A letter supporting
 Hamblin circulated through Derby High School this week, as some 
teachers gathered signatures in hopes of sharing the letter with school 
board members.“Mr. Hamblin at no time suggested that we were bad people nor did he call anyone out or try to shame anyone,” the letter says.“On
 the contrary, he provided an outlet to discuss an issue that is at the 
forefront of our society right now. Derby has a checkered history 
handling race issues. … Mr. Hamblin has always done his best to help us 
recognize that there is a world outside our bubble of white privilege. 
It is time members of this board do the same.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.