Tammy Harris Morris, 58, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, 
February 1, 2022, at the Stormont Vail Health Center in Topeka, Kansas

Tammy was born on May 29, 1963, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of 
Kenneth Mitchell and Billie Jean (Zimmerman) Beck.&nbsp; She grew up in 
Ellsworth and graduated from Ellsworth High School.&nbsp; She graduated from 
Brown Mackie College in 1983.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Ray Morris 
on October 25, 2021, in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;She formerly worked as a 
certified nurses assistant at Wheatland Nursing Home in Russell. She 
currently was owner and operator of Bonus Full Services.&nbsp; She was a 
longtime member of the Second Baptist Church in Russell.&nbsp; She enjoyed 
shopping, decorating, painting and caring for her family and friends.&nbsp; 
Most of all she loved God and loved going to church and spend time with 
her family.&nbsp;

Surviving family include her husband Ray Morris of the home, 
daughters Acasia Smith of Great Bend, Kansas, Ashadia Harris, Anajia 
Harris, Amirriah Harris-Morris, Ajadia Morris and son Ray Morris, Jr. 
all of Russell, Kansas; brother Joel Cleavenger and wife Marcia of 
Salina, Kansas and step-brother Les Javens of Russell.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janet Daniels and infant brother Evan James Mitchell.

Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial funeral 
service to celebrate Tammy’s life will be held at 12 P.M. on Saturday, 
February 12, 2022, at the 2nd Baptist Church in Russell.&nbsp; 
Family will greet guests the day of the service at the church.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

Tammy Harris Morris, 58, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, 
February 1, 2022, at the Stormont Vail Health Center in Topeka, KansasTammy was born on May 29, 1963, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of 
Kenneth Mitchell and Billie Jean (Zimmerman) Beck.&nbsp; She grew up in 
Ellsworth and graduated from Ellsworth High School.&nbsp; She graduated from 
Brown Mackie College in 1983.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Ray Morris 
on October 25, 2021, in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;She formerly worked as a 
certified nurses assistant at Wheatland Nursing Home in Russell. She 
currently was owner and operator of Bonus Full Services.&nbsp; She was a 
longtime member of the Second Baptist Church in Russell.&nbsp; She enjoyed 
shopping, decorating, painting and caring for her family and friends.&nbsp; 
Most of all she loved God and loved going to church and spend time with 
her family.&nbsp;Surviving family include her husband Ray Morris of the home, 
daughters Acasia Smith of Great Bend, Kansas, Ashadia Harris, Anajia 
Harris, Amirriah Harris-Morris, Ajadia Morris and son Ray Morris, Jr. 
all of Russell, Kansas; brother Joel Cleavenger and wife Marcia of 
Salina, Kansas and step-brother Les Javens of Russell.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janet Daniels and infant brother Evan James Mitchell.Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial funeral 
service to celebrate Tammy’s life will be held at 12 P.M. on Saturday, 
February 12, 2022, at the 2nd Baptist Church in Russell.&nbsp; 
Family will greet guests the day of the service at the church.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

Tammy Harris Morris

By JULIE FREIJAT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/new-bill-would-allow-year-round-sale-of-fireworks-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — As it stands, retail fireworks sellers in Kansas are only allowed to 
sell their wares from June 27 to July 6, a shorter time period than some
 neighboring states.

Seasonal retailers in Missouri can sell fireworks from <a target="_blank" href="https://dfs.dps.mo.gov/programs/fireworks/">June 20 to July 10 and from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2.</a> Missouri also allows the sale of fireworks year round.&nbsp;

The Senate Commerce Committee is 
considering a bill that looks to expand the timeframe in Kansas from 
June 15 through July 6 — and allow for year-round sales.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb378/">Senate Bill 378</a> was introduced by Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker. The legislation closely resembles a bill from 2020.&nbsp;The
 new bill introduces a definition for annual retailers. Those looking to
 sell fireworks throughout the year must meet state and local fire 
safety regulations and obtain a license.

Doug Jorgenson, Kansas fire marshal, 
said licenses would be issued through the Office of the State Fire 
Marshal, which doesn’t intend to charge for the license.&nbsp;

Local governments would still control how fireworks are regulated in their jurisdictions.

Sarah Beagle, a retail firework owner in southeast Kansas, said fireworks can be shot off all year round in Allen County.

“Each individual city in the county 
sets their own regulations, and then the county itself sets their 
regulations,” Beagle said. “A hundred percent, our bigger counties, our 
higher-populated areas, absolutely — they shouldn’t be lighting 
fireworks at midnight on a Tuesday in the middle of October when kids 
are in school and people have jobs. It makes sense.”

Philip Bradley of the Kansas Fireworks Association said he thinks the bill covers almost everyone’s concerns.&nbsp;

“In no way does the bill or does our 
association want to impinge upon the rights of local government to make 
the rules that are appropriate to that area, and we support that, and 
that was one of the amendments we insisted on having,” Bradley said.

Beagle said the bill would match Kansas’ fireworks season to its surrounding states’ seasons.

“We are losing a lot of revenue to 
our surrounding states — just from things I have heard from my 
customers,” Beagle said. “For me, when we won the Super Bowl in 2020, 
there were so many fireworks that were lit off, the National Weather 
Service was able to see it on their radar. For me, that’s just 
incredible, because where’d they get them from? Sure, some people might 
save fireworks after the season. But for most people, if you’re like my 
family, it’s getting blown up that night.”

Beagle said she favored expanding the seasonal retail period, as it would help both local and bigger retailers.&nbsp;

“I believe it’s 13 days would be what
 we would add to the sell season — and that is a lot of revenue we can 
make in those few days,” Beagle said.

Many seasonal retailers are looking to expand in the future, Bradley said.&nbsp;

“They’re looking down the road, and 
if the law passed so that they could do that, they would start laying 
those plans, getting the financing they need and go into that type of a 
business,” Bradley said. “And, most of them would have one location in 
their local area, so it would make even more of those sales for the 
folks … who go to Oklahoma and go to Missouri stay in the state of 
Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644244288665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIE FREIJAT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/new-bill-would-allow-year-round-sale-of-fireworks-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — As it stands, retail fireworks sellers in Kansas are only allowed to 
sell their wares from June 27 to July 6, a shorter time period than some
 neighboring states.Seasonal retailers in Missouri can sell fireworks from <a target="_blank" href="https://dfs.dps.mo.gov/programs/fireworks/">June 20 to July 10 and from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2.</a> Missouri also allows the sale of fireworks year round.&nbsp;The Senate Commerce Committee is 
considering a bill that looks to expand the timeframe in Kansas from 
June 15 through July 6 — and allow for year-round sales.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb378/">Senate Bill 378</a> was introduced by Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker. The legislation closely resembles a bill from 2020.&nbsp;The
 new bill introduces a definition for annual retailers. Those looking to
 sell fireworks throughout the year must meet state and local fire 
safety regulations and obtain a license.Doug Jorgenson, Kansas fire marshal, 
said licenses would be issued through the Office of the State Fire 
Marshal, which doesn’t intend to charge for the license.&nbsp;Local governments would still control how fireworks are regulated in their jurisdictions.Sarah Beagle, a retail firework owner in southeast Kansas, said fireworks can be shot off all year round in Allen County.“Each individual city in the county 
sets their own regulations, and then the county itself sets their 
regulations,” Beagle said. “A hundred percent, our bigger counties, our 
higher-populated areas, absolutely — they shouldn’t be lighting 
fireworks at midnight on a Tuesday in the middle of October when kids 
are in school and people have jobs. It makes sense.”Philip Bradley of the Kansas Fireworks Association said he thinks the bill covers almost everyone’s concerns.&nbsp;“In no way does the bill or does our 
association want to impinge upon the rights of local government to make 
the rules that are appropriate to that area, and we support that, and 
that was one of the amendments we insisted on having,” Bradley said.Beagle said the bill would match Kansas’ fireworks season to its surrounding states’ seasons.“We are losing a lot of revenue to 
our surrounding states — just from things I have heard from my 
customers,” Beagle said. “For me, when we won the Super Bowl in 2020, 
there were so many fireworks that were lit off, the National Weather 
Service was able to see it on their radar. For me, that’s just 
incredible, because where’d they get them from? Sure, some people might 
save fireworks after the season. But for most people, if you’re like my 
family, it’s getting blown up that night.”Beagle said she favored expanding the seasonal retail period, as it would help both local and bigger retailers.&nbsp;“I believe it’s 13 days would be what
 we would add to the sell season — and that is a lot of revenue we can 
make in those few days,” Beagle said.Many seasonal retailers are looking to expand in the future, Bradley said.&nbsp;“They’re looking down the road, and 
if the law passed so that they could do that, they would start laying 
those plans, getting the financing they need and go into that type of a 
business,” Bradley said. “And, most of them would have one location in 
their local area, so it would make even more of those sales for the 
folks … who go to Oklahoma and go to Missouri stay in the state of 
Kansas.”

New bill would allow year-round sale of fireworks in Kansas

Sister Mary Louise Pfannenstiel, CSA, formerly known as Sister Theodore,
 died unexpectedly and peacefully February 1, 2022, at St. Agnes 
Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
 Mary Louise was born in Hays, Kansas, on September 20, 1937, the 
daughter of Theodore L. Pfannenstiel and Basilia Wittman Pfannenstiel. 
Shortly after her birth, her parents moved with Mary Louise to a family 
farm in Plainville, Kansas, where she spent her childhood. Her mother 
died when she was ten years old, leaving Mary Louise to be raised by her
 father, her grandmother, and her aunts. In September of 1951, Mary 
Louise entered St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and attended
 St. Agnes High School. She made her profession of vows in the 
Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as Sister Theodore on August 15, 
1956.
 Sister Mary Louise received a BS in Elementary Education from Marian
 College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, an MS in Elementary Education from St.
 Francis College, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and a Certificate in Library 
Science from Marian College of Fond du Lac. An avid learner and lover of
 books, she also earned several additional credits throughout her years 
in active ministry in religious studies, children’s literature, the 
teaching of reading, and building school libraries. From 1958 —1972, 
she was a primary grade teacher at St. Florian School, Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin; St. John the Baptist School, New Haven, Indiana; St. Joseph 
School, Decatur, Indiana. Beginning In 1972, she served as a learning 
center coordinator and librarian at St. Nicholas School, Evanston, 
Illinois; Brother Dutton School, Beloit, Wisconsin; and Sacred Heart 
School, Colby, Kansas. Sister Mary Louise returned to her birthplace, 
Hays, KS, in 1989 to care for her father and to volunteer as a primary 
teacher aide, library assistant, childcare provider, and foster 
grandparent at St. Joseph School in Hays, now known as Holy Family 
Elementary School. After her father’s death in 1998, she remained in 
Hays to continue her volunteer service until joining the community of 
CSA sisters at Nazareth Court and Center in Fond du Lac in October 2013.
 
 Sister Mary Louise will be remembered for her creative efforts to 
share with children her love for reading and literature. While deeply 
proud of her Kansas roots, she loved to travel and visit historical 
sites across the country often riding for days on a bus to reach her 
destination. Gifted with a brilliant mind, an inquisitive spirit, and a 
heart for the poor, she was unwavering in her determination to remain 
actively engaged in the life and mission of her CSA community even as 
her increasing physical limitations made travel and group participation 
more difficult. She kept her resolve to live life fully—up to the 
moment of her unexpected death.
 Sister Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her infant 
sister Joan Catherine, her stepmother Pauline Leiker Pfannenstiel, and 
her aunts Sister Mary Bridget Wittman, CSA, and Sister Audrey 
Pfannenstiel, CSA. 
 She is survived by her aunt, Mildred Walters; her cousins; and the 
Sisters of St. Agnes, with whom she lived, prayed and ministered.
 Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 9 
–11:00 a.m. and from 12:00 -1:30 p.m. at Nazareth Court and Center, 375 
Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. A Prayer Service will be held 
at 11:00 a.m. in Nazareth Center Chapel. Please check in for the 
Visitation and Prayer Service at the 375 Gillett Street entrance only.
 A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Louise will be offered on
 Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Francis Home Chapel, 
33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with Father Larry Abler, 
Capuchin, presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery, 
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
 Memorials may be directed to the CSA Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.
 The Sisters of St. Agnes are grateful to the nurses and staff of 
Nazareth Court and Center and St. Agnes Hospital for their care of 
Sister Mary Louise.
 Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644264031021.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sister Mary Louise Pfannenstiel, CSA, formerly known as Sister Theodore,
 died unexpectedly and peacefully February 1, 2022, at St. Agnes 
Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
 Mary Louise was born in Hays, Kansas, on September 20, 1937, the 
daughter of Theodore L. Pfannenstiel and Basilia Wittman Pfannenstiel. 
Shortly after her birth, her parents moved with Mary Louise to a family 
farm in Plainville, Kansas, where she spent her childhood. Her mother 
died when she was ten years old, leaving Mary Louise to be raised by her
 father, her grandmother, and her aunts. In September of 1951, Mary 
Louise entered St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and attended
 St. Agnes High School. She made her profession of vows in the 
Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as Sister Theodore on August 15, 
1956.
 Sister Mary Louise received a BS in Elementary Education from Marian
 College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, an MS in Elementary Education from St.
 Francis College, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and a Certificate in Library 
Science from Marian College of Fond du Lac. An avid learner and lover of
 books, she also earned several additional credits throughout her years 
in active ministry in religious studies, children’s literature, the 
teaching of reading, and building school libraries. From 1958 —1972, 
she was a primary grade teacher at St. Florian School, Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin; St. John the Baptist School, New Haven, Indiana; St. Joseph 
School, Decatur, Indiana. Beginning In 1972, she served as a learning 
center coordinator and librarian at St. Nicholas School, Evanston, 
Illinois; Brother Dutton School, Beloit, Wisconsin; and Sacred Heart 
School, Colby, Kansas. Sister Mary Louise returned to her birthplace, 
Hays, KS, in 1989 to care for her father and to volunteer as a primary 
teacher aide, library assistant, childcare provider, and foster 
grandparent at St. Joseph School in Hays, now known as Holy Family 
Elementary School. After her father’s death in 1998, she remained in 
Hays to continue her volunteer service until joining the community of 
CSA sisters at Nazareth Court and Center in Fond du Lac in October 2013.
 
 Sister Mary Louise will be remembered for her creative efforts to 
share with children her love for reading and literature. While deeply 
proud of her Kansas roots, she loved to travel and visit historical 
sites across the country often riding for days on a bus to reach her 
destination. Gifted with a brilliant mind, an inquisitive spirit, and a 
heart for the poor, she was unwavering in her determination to remain 
actively engaged in the life and mission of her CSA community even as 
her increasing physical limitations made travel and group participation 
more difficult. She kept her resolve to live life fully—up to the 
moment of her unexpected death.
 Sister Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her infant 
sister Joan Catherine, her stepmother Pauline Leiker Pfannenstiel, and 
her aunts Sister Mary Bridget Wittman, CSA, and Sister Audrey 
Pfannenstiel, CSA. 
 She is survived by her aunt, Mildred Walters; her cousins; and the 
Sisters of St. Agnes, with whom she lived, prayed and ministered.
 Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 9 
–11:00 a.m. and from 12:00 -1:30 p.m. at Nazareth Court and Center, 375 
Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. A Prayer Service will be held 
at 11:00 a.m. in Nazareth Center Chapel. Please check in for the 
Visitation and Prayer Service at the 375 Gillett Street entrance only.
 A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Louise will be offered on
 Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Francis Home Chapel, 
33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with Father Larry Abler, 
Capuchin, presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery, 
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
 Memorials may be directed to the CSA Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.
 The Sisters of St. Agnes are grateful to the nurses and staff of 
Nazareth Court and Center and St. Agnes Hospital for their care of 
Sister Mary Louise.
 Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.

Sister Mary Louise Pfannenstiel

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-07/salina-parents-want-lgbtq-memoir-removed-from-school-libraries">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— Some parents in the Salina school 
district want a book removed from high school libraries, citing sexually
 explicit passages that they say are not appropriate for young readers.

The book “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by nonbinary author and activist <a href="https://iamgmjohnson.com/" target="_blank">George M. Johnson</a>, bills itself as a “memoir-manifesto” intended for adolescent readers. It <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-10-12/shawnee-mission-weighs-policy-change-after-parents-raise-concerns-about-books-descriptions-of-sex" target="_blank">came under fire</a> in the Shawnee Mission school district last fall and has been <a href="https://flaglerlive.com/170745/books-returned-withheld/" target="_blank">removed from school libraries</a> or classrooms in several states.

Chad Farber, pastor of Central Baptist Church in Salina, submitted one of two requests to review the book on Jan. 25.

In
 his request to district officials, Farber says the book contains 
“pornographic, lude (sic), and obscene content described in great 
detail” and that “this material could be used by some to experiment 
w/anal sex on other students (and) groom some to be molested by 
predators.”

Another parent, Jessica A. Henton, filed a request the same day to review “All Boys Aren’t Blue.”

“While,
 to my understanding, there is great educational content in the rest of 
the book, the obscene (and) descriptive text about ‘sex’ has no place on
 school library shelves,” Henton wrote.

District officials say the
 book is being reviewed by a school-level committee that includes a 
principal, librarian, teachers and parents. The Salina school board is 
expected to hear from people on both sides of the debate during its 
meeting Tuesday.

The case reflects a national trend that has 
school districts trying to balance parental outrage with students’ 
access to certain books. In recent months, dozens of books have been <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">challenged by parents and community members</a> who contend that they’re sexually explicit or <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promote critical race theory</a>.

<a href="https://pen.org/user/james-tager/" target="_blank">James Tager</a>,
 research director for the free expression group PEN America, has 
tracked book challenges since 2016 and says the number and intensity of 
challenges is increasing dramatically. But the targets are largely the 
same.

“Most of the books have to do with the presentation of 
diverse viewpoints, which is to say that they feature characters or 
they're written by people of color,” Tager said.

Challenges focused on obscenity tend to target books by LGBTQ authors, he said.

“Whenever
 these arguments are raised, I hardly ever see an effort to evaluate 
this against the literary and educational merit of the book,” he said. 
“There’s a focus on a few passages or a few parts rather than on the 
book in and of itself.”

In an author’s note at the start of “All 
Boys Aren’t Blue,” Johnson acknowledges that his book features 
provocative and potentially controversial material.

“As heavy as 
these subjects may be, it is necessary that they are not only told, but 
also read by teens who may have to navigate many of these same 
experiences in their own lives,” Johnson writes.

“This book will 
touch on sexual assault (including molestation), loss of virginity, 
homophobia, racism, and anti-Blackness. These discussions at times may 
be a bit graphic, but nonetheless they are experiences that many reading
 this book will encounter or have already encountered. And I want those 
readers to be seen and heard in these pages.”

Both people who 
filed complaints in Salina said they had not read “All Boys Aren’t 
Blue,” but saw portions of the book shared on social media.

Parent
 groups have raised issues about a four-page passage near the end of the
 book. In a chapter titled “Losing My Virginity Twice,” Johnson relates a
 consensual homosexual encounter in detail, including oral sex, 
masturbation and intercourse.

Rodney Penn, a Salina father and founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/990859254309004/" target="_blank">Kansas Parents Involved in Education</a>,
 said books containing explicit material should be removed from school 
libraries or labeled as explicit, like movies and music, and kept in a 
section that requires parental consent before students can check them 
out.

“We have statutes in the state of Kansas that talk about how a
 school district must monitor and protect kids from internet-based 
obscenities. But what about print obscenities?” Penn said.

Kansas law prohibits the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_064_0000_article/021_064_0001_section/021_064_0001_k/#:~:text=2012%20Statute&amp;text=(b)%20Promoting%20obscenity%20to%20minors,the%20age%20of%2018%20years" target="_blank">promotion of obscenity to minors</a>.
 But the law exempts “institutions having scientific, educational or 
governmental justification,” such as schools, universities and public 
libraries.

A school district in North Kansas City, Mo., pulled 
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” and another LGBTQ-themed title, “Fun Home,” from 
high school shelves last October but <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/education/north-kansas-city-school-district-returning-lgbtq-books-to-shelves-after-pushback/#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20North%20Kansas%20City%20School%20District,said%20it%20was%20sent%20Friday." target="_blank">returned them</a> after students petitioned to keep the books.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” was on a list of books briefly <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">pulled from circulation</a> at school libraries in Goddard in November. The district <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">reversed its decision</a> after receiving national pushback from authors and free-speech advocates.

Chris
 Field, a former Salina teacher who ran unsuccessfully for school board 
in November, said he’s disturbed by challenges that target materials 
dealing with race, gender and sexuality. He said libraries need diverse 
materials to help students navigate real-life experiences.

“To be 
able to find books that they can identify with and know that other 
people in the world are struggling with these issues also. … That’s got 
to be comforting to these children,” he said.

“Ninety-nine percent
 of the books that are on these lists and being attacked are not harming
 children. They’re actually helping them get through life.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644244121019.png" alt=""All Boys Aren't Blue," a memoir by LGBTQ author George M. Johnson, has been the target of book challenges nationwide. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>"All Boys Aren't Blue," a memoir by LGBTQ author George M. Johnson, has been the target of book challenges nationwide. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-07/salina-parents-want-lgbtq-memoir-removed-from-school-libraries">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— Some parents in the Salina school 
district want a book removed from high school libraries, citing sexually
 explicit passages that they say are not appropriate for young readers.The book “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by nonbinary author and activist <a href="https://iamgmjohnson.com/" target="_blank">George M. Johnson</a>, bills itself as a “memoir-manifesto” intended for adolescent readers. It <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2021-10-12/shawnee-mission-weighs-policy-change-after-parents-raise-concerns-about-books-descriptions-of-sex" target="_blank">came under fire</a> in the Shawnee Mission school district last fall and has been <a href="https://flaglerlive.com/170745/books-returned-withheld/" target="_blank">removed from school libraries</a> or classrooms in several states.Chad Farber, pastor of Central Baptist Church in Salina, submitted one of two requests to review the book on Jan. 25.In
 his request to district officials, Farber says the book contains 
“pornographic, lude (sic), and obscene content described in great 
detail” and that “this material could be used by some to experiment 
w/anal sex on other students (and) groom some to be molested by 
predators.”Another parent, Jessica A. Henton, filed a request the same day to review “All Boys Aren’t Blue.”“While,
 to my understanding, there is great educational content in the rest of 
the book, the obscene (and) descriptive text about ‘sex’ has no place on
 school library shelves,” Henton wrote.District officials say the
 book is being reviewed by a school-level committee that includes a 
principal, librarian, teachers and parents. The Salina school board is 
expected to hear from people on both sides of the debate during its 
meeting Tuesday.The case reflects a national trend that has 
school districts trying to balance parental outrage with students’ 
access to certain books. In recent months, dozens of books have been <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">challenged by parents and community members</a> who contend that they’re sexually explicit or <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promote critical race theory</a>.<a href="https://pen.org/user/james-tager/" target="_blank">James Tager</a>,
 research director for the free expression group PEN America, has 
tracked book challenges since 2016 and says the number and intensity of 
challenges is increasing dramatically. But the targets are largely the 
same.“Most of the books have to do with the presentation of 
diverse viewpoints, which is to say that they feature characters or 
they're written by people of color,” Tager said.Challenges focused on obscenity tend to target books by LGBTQ authors, he said.“Whenever
 these arguments are raised, I hardly ever see an effort to evaluate 
this against the literary and educational merit of the book,” he said. 
“There’s a focus on a few passages or a few parts rather than on the 
book in and of itself.”In an author’s note at the start of “All 
Boys Aren’t Blue,” Johnson acknowledges that his book features 
provocative and potentially controversial material.“As heavy as 
these subjects may be, it is necessary that they are not only told, but 
also read by teens who may have to navigate many of these same 
experiences in their own lives,” Johnson writes.“This book will 
touch on sexual assault (including molestation), loss of virginity, 
homophobia, racism, and anti-Blackness. These discussions at times may 
be a bit graphic, but nonetheless they are experiences that many reading
 this book will encounter or have already encountered. And I want those 
readers to be seen and heard in these pages.”Both people who 
filed complaints in Salina said they had not read “All Boys Aren’t 
Blue,” but saw portions of the book shared on social media.Parent
 groups have raised issues about a four-page passage near the end of the
 book. In a chapter titled “Losing My Virginity Twice,” Johnson relates a
 consensual homosexual encounter in detail, including oral sex, 
masturbation and intercourse.Rodney Penn, a Salina father and founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/990859254309004/" target="_blank">Kansas Parents Involved in Education</a>,
 said books containing explicit material should be removed from school 
libraries or labeled as explicit, like movies and music, and kept in a 
section that requires parental consent before students can check them 
out.“We have statutes in the state of Kansas that talk about how a
 school district must monitor and protect kids from internet-based 
obscenities. But what about print obscenities?” Penn said.Kansas law prohibits the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_064_0000_article/021_064_0001_section/021_064_0001_k/#:~:text=2012%20Statute&amp;text=(b)%20Promoting%20obscenity%20to%20minors,the%20age%20of%2018%20years" target="_blank">promotion of obscenity to minors</a>.
 But the law exempts “institutions having scientific, educational or 
governmental justification,” such as schools, universities and public 
libraries.A school district in North Kansas City, Mo., pulled 
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” and another LGBTQ-themed title, “Fun Home,” from 
high school shelves last October but <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/education/north-kansas-city-school-district-returning-lgbtq-books-to-shelves-after-pushback/#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20North%20Kansas%20City%20School%20District,said%20it%20was%20sent%20Friday." target="_blank">returned them</a> after students petitioned to keep the books.“All Boys Aren’t Blue” was on a list of books briefly <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">pulled from circulation</a> at school libraries in Goddard in November. The district <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books" target="_blank">reversed its decision</a> after receiving national pushback from authors and free-speech advocates.Chris
 Field, a former Salina teacher who ran unsuccessfully for school board 
in November, said he’s disturbed by challenges that target materials 
dealing with race, gender and sexuality. He said libraries need diverse 
materials to help students navigate real-life experiences.“To be 
able to find books that they can identify with and know that other 
people in the world are struggling with these issues also. … That’s got 
to be comforting to these children,” he said.“Ninety-nine percent
 of the books that are on these lists and being attacked are not harming
 children. They’re actually helping them get through life.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kan. parents want LGBTQ memoir removed from school libraries

The Kansas Department of Transportation has awarded $2 million to install electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways.

KDOT received 32 project proposals seeking to use $2 million of the state’s allocation of Volkswagen Mitigation Trust funds dedicated to the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations. KDOT had identified 12 priority locations for these funds to improve public access to charging stations along primary corridors, to which applicants made their case for providing EV services.

Projects in Oakley, WaKeeney and Russell are included.&nbsp;

“The quality of proposals made the selection process very competitive, and it was clear there is much support across Kansas for electric vehicles and infrastructure,” said Matt Messina, KDOT’s Transportation Planning Manager. “Many applicants proved dedication to EV services beyond the required five-year commitment as they are eager to promote transportation options.”

Staff from KDOT, the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and a team of consultants evaluated each project proposal and made selections based on criteria provided in a Request for Proposals (RFP) announced in October 2021. Responses were due mid-December 2021.

Each award recipient is responsible for providing 20% of the project cost, bringing the total estimated investment for the seven selected proposals to nearly $2.5 million. Proposals selected to receive an award are identified below.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has awarded $2 million to install electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways.KDOT received 32 project proposals seeking to use $2 million of the state’s allocation of Volkswagen Mitigation Trust funds dedicated to the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations. KDOT had identified 12 priority locations for these funds to improve public access to charging stations along primary corridors, to which applicants made their case for providing EV services.Projects in Oakley, WaKeeney and Russell are included.&nbsp;“The quality of proposals made the selection process very competitive, and it was clear there is much support across Kansas for electric vehicles and infrastructure,” said Matt Messina, KDOT’s Transportation Planning Manager. “Many applicants proved dedication to EV services beyond the required five-year commitment as they are eager to promote transportation options.”Staff from KDOT, the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and a team of consultants evaluated each project proposal and made selections based on criteria provided in a Request for Proposals (RFP) announced in October 2021. Responses were due mid-December 2021.Each award recipient is responsible for providing 20% of the project cost, bringing the total estimated investment for the seven selected proposals to nearly $2.5 million. Proposals selected to receive an award are identified below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643989194179.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. charging stations among those awarded grants

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

GREAT BEND — A conceptual budget for the new Great Bend police station to
be presented before the Great Bend City Council this upcoming Monday will be
more than $380,000 over budget. 
Less than a year ago, the construction was not to exceed $5 million and as of
February 2022, the project budget is nearly $7.7 million. GLMV Architecture and
McCown-Gordon Construction will present a proposal of over $8 million. 
On Monday’s agenda, city staff noted the amount is not necessarily the guaranteed
maximum price and there are significant contingencies built into the total
project cost. The city pointed out there are coronavirus aid and relief and
economic security funds available to cover the upfront cost if needed. 
Citizens voted in favor of a .10% sales tax increase this past November to go
toward bond debt with a sunset in 20 years. The city anticipates more than $5.6
million from the bond proceeds and currently have over $2 million in savings
for the project. 
The new police station will be constructed on the city-owned parking lot at the
intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue. The new facility will
roughly triple the size of the existing police station that was built in 1938. 
In June of 2021, it was reported the anticipated cost was not to exceed $5
million. In September, the projected cost was $5.8 million. In October, the
anticipated cost was $6.7 million. In December, the design and construction was
estimated at $7.3 million. 
Construction costs per square foot jumped much higher than what Great Bend initially
anticipated. 
McCown-Gordon proposed beginning the site demolition in July and finishing the
construction in April of 2023. 
The update and proposal will go before the city council Monday, Feb. 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643991808272.png" alt="When preliminary talks were had to construct a new police station in Great Bend, the anticipated cost of construction was not to exceed $5 million. The Great Bend City Council will receive an update Monday, Feb. 7 of a proposal costing over $8 million." />
 <figcaption>When preliminary talks were had to construct a new police station in Great Bend, the anticipated cost of construction was not to exceed $5 million. The Great Bend City Council will receive an update Monday, Feb. 7 of a proposal costing over $8 million.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — A conceptual budget for the new Great Bend police station to
be presented before the Great Bend City Council this upcoming Monday will be
more than $380,000 over budget. 
Less than a year ago, the construction was not to exceed $5 million and as of
February 2022, the project budget is nearly $7.7 million. GLMV Architecture and
McCown-Gordon Construction will present a proposal of over $8 million. 
On Monday’s agenda, city staff noted the amount is not necessarily the guaranteed
maximum price and there are significant contingencies built into the total
project cost. The city pointed out there are coronavirus aid and relief and
economic security funds available to cover the upfront cost if needed. 
Citizens voted in favor of a .10% sales tax increase this past November to go
toward bond debt with a sunset in 20 years. The city anticipates more than $5.6
million from the bond proceeds and currently have over $2 million in savings
for the project. 
The new police station will be constructed on the city-owned parking lot at the
intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue. The new facility will
roughly triple the size of the existing police station that was built in 1938. 
In June of 2021, it was reported the anticipated cost was not to exceed $5
million. In September, the projected cost was $5.8 million. In October, the
anticipated cost was $6.7 million. In December, the design and construction was
estimated at $7.3 million. 
Construction costs per square foot jumped much higher than what Great Bend initially
anticipated. 
McCown-Gordon proposed beginning the site demolition in July and finishing the
construction in April of 2023. 
The update and proposal will go before the city council Monday, Feb. 7.

Price tag for new Great Bend police station keeps rising

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Television personality and car enthusiast Jay Leno will be the featured speaker at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet in April.

That announcement was made this afternoon in, perhaps, the most fitting location in Salina, The Garage, the automotive museum at 134 S. Fourth Street, that is scheduled to open later this month.

Leno will be in Salina on April 8 through a partnership between the chamber, the Stiefel Theatre, and The Garage. Upon arrival, he will attend a by-invitation-only event at The Garage to tour Salina’s newest experience. Then he will address those gathered for the chamber banquet, speaking about his business experiences and motor hobbies. 

Following the chamber banquet, Leno is scheduled to perform a stand-up show at the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Tickets for the Stiefel performance will go on sale at noon Friday and may be purchased by contacting the Stiefel at 785-827-1998 or at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/tickets">www.stiefeltheatre.org/tickets</a>.

“This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that has aligned for Salina, through the partnership, this series of unique events are geared at supporting each of the host organization missions and elevating Salina’s community profile overall. Jay Leno checks the box as one of the world’s biggest car enthusiasts, one of the biggest names in entertainment, and one of the best comedians in America history!” said Travis Young, 2022 chamber board chair. “It is a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate all of the momentum that Salina has, and we look forward to his positive and humorous message at the banquet.” 

The chamber plans to have a membership networking reception from 3-5:45 p.m. April 8 in the Great Plains Manufacturing Hall of Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway. This reception, however, won't be a typical chamber gathering. The reception will be customized this year with a car show featuring an array of special automobiles owned by chamber members and will be sponsored by Holm Automotive Salina/Abilene.

The chamber annual banquet will follow in the Tony's Pizza Events Center arena. Seating will consist of tables of eight. Tickets for chamber members are $65 per person for the banquet. Tickets for non-members are $90 per person for the banquet. Chamber members and the general public can make reservations by calling the chamber office ticket hotline at 785-827-9310, ext. 123, stopping by the chamber office, 120 W. Ash, or emailing Sandy Cole at <a href="mailto:scole@salinakansas.org">scole@salinakansas.org</a>. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come first-served basis.

The banquet will include remarks by outgoing Chamber Chair Jeff Maes and incoming Chair Travis Young, as well as a brief review of the chamber’s 2021 accomplishments, and the address by Leno.

Speaker information provided by the chamber

Leno is an acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist. He is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”

Leno’s late night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the No. 1-rated The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. After the first two years Leno never lost a single ratings year in which he served as host.

This fall, Leno brings back the classic game show You Bet Your Life. This comedy show wrapped in a game show will feature two strangers paired up to play for prize money by answering trivia questions correctly. Co-hosted by Kevin Eubanks and produced by Tom Werner&nbsp;and David Hurwitz, You Bet Your Life will deliver a fun series filled with the warmth and laughter that America needs now.

Leno also currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage now in its sixth season. Jay Leno’s Garage explores the world of cars, never forgetting that it’s the people behind the wheel who provide the real stories. The series debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history. New episodes of Jay Leno’s Garage can be viewed on CNBC or CNBC On Demand throughout the year.

The show is an outgrowth of Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube channel which Leno produces. The channel has an international following on the internet and has garnered several Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs.

His new product line, Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care launched in December of 2016 and has been well received by the automotive industry worldwide. Products are available on www.lenosgarage.com.

Along with his CNBC show, Leno is currently on air with various other television series, including Last Man Standing. When he’s not on TV, Leno performs more than 100 stand-up shows annually across the country and internationally, participates in numerous charity and corporate events, does voice-overs for animated series, pens children’s books, and writes a monthly column in various automotive magazines. And in his “spare” time, he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles. In fact, he has built a number of cars, including an acclaimed eco-car in his eco-friendly green garage.

Leno is the recipient of many honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards, Harris Poll selection as most popular star on television, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, The Mark Twain Prize, recipient of the Patriot Award given by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and being the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events.

He and his wife, Mavis, an ardent human rights activist, live in Los Angeles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643842927844.jpeg" alt="Jay Leno. Photo courtesy Salina Area Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Jay Leno. Photo courtesy Salina Area Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTelevision personality and car enthusiast Jay Leno will be the featured speaker at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet in April.That announcement was made this afternoon in, perhaps, the most fitting location in Salina, The Garage, the automotive museum at 134 S. Fourth Street, that is scheduled to open later this month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643842992290.jpeg" alt="Jane Gates, executive director of the Stiefel Theatre, explains how all of the Leno events came together as, from left, Eric Brown, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Tom Pestinger, a supporter of the Stiefel Theatre and The Garage, Michelle Peck, executive director of The Garage, and Travis&nbsp; Young, incoming chamber chair, look on. With support and encouragement from the rest of the group, Gates was able to successfully negotiate the three-event Leno package. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Jane Gates, executive director of the Stiefel Theatre, explains how all of the Leno events came together as, from left, Eric Brown, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Tom Pestinger, a supporter of the Stiefel Theatre and The Garage, Michelle Peck, executive director of The Garage, and Travis&nbsp; Young, incoming chamber chair, look on. With support and encouragement from the rest of the group, Gates was able to successfully negotiate the three-event Leno package. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Leno will be in Salina on April 8 through a partnership between the chamber, the Stiefel Theatre, and The Garage. Upon arrival, he will attend a by-invitation-only event at The Garage to tour Salina’s newest experience. Then he will address those gathered for the chamber banquet, speaking about his business experiences and motor hobbies. Following the chamber banquet, Leno is scheduled to perform a stand-up show at the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Tickets for the Stiefel performance will go on sale at noon Friday and may be purchased by contacting the Stiefel at 785-827-1998 or at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/tickets">www.stiefeltheatre.org/tickets</a>.“This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that has aligned for Salina, through the partnership, this series of unique events are geared at supporting each of the host organization missions and elevating Salina’s community profile overall. Jay Leno checks the box as one of the world’s biggest car enthusiasts, one of the biggest names in entertainment, and one of the best comedians in America history!” said Travis Young, 2022 chamber board chair. “It is a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate all of the momentum that Salina has, and we look forward to his positive and humorous message at the banquet.” The chamber eventThe chamber plans to have a membership networking reception from 3-5:45 p.m. April 8 in the Great Plains Manufacturing Hall of Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway. This reception, however, won't be a typical chamber gathering. The reception will be customized this year with a car show featuring an array of special automobiles owned by chamber members and will be sponsored by Holm Automotive Salina/Abilene.The chamber annual banquet will follow in the Tony's Pizza Events Center arena. Seating will consist of tables of eight. Tickets for chamber members are $65 per person for the banquet. Tickets for non-members are $90 per person for the banquet. Chamber members and the general public can make reservations by calling the chamber office ticket hotline at 785-827-9310, ext. 123, stopping by the chamber office, 120 W. Ash, or emailing Sandy Cole at <a href="mailto:scole@salinakansas.org">scole@salinakansas.org</a>. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come first-served basis.The banquet will include remarks by outgoing Chamber Chair Jeff Maes and incoming Chair Travis Young, as well as a brief review of the chamber’s 2021 accomplishments, and the address by Leno.Speaker information provided by the chamberLeno is an acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist. He is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”Leno’s late night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the No. 1-rated The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. After the first two years Leno never lost a single ratings year in which he served as host.This fall, Leno brings back the classic game show You Bet Your Life. This comedy show wrapped in a game show will feature two strangers paired up to play for prize money by answering trivia questions correctly. Co-hosted by Kevin Eubanks and produced by Tom Werner&nbsp;and David Hurwitz, You Bet Your Life will deliver a fun series filled with the warmth and laughter that America needs now.Leno also currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage now in its sixth season. Jay Leno’s Garage explores the world of cars, never forgetting that it’s the people behind the wheel who provide the real stories. The series debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history. New episodes of Jay Leno’s Garage can be viewed on CNBC or CNBC On Demand throughout the year.The show is an outgrowth of Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube channel which Leno produces. The channel has an international following on the internet and has garnered several Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs.His new product line, Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care launched in December of 2016 and has been well received by the automotive industry worldwide. Products are available on www.lenosgarage.com.Along with his CNBC show, Leno is currently on air with various other television series, including Last Man Standing. When he’s not on TV, Leno performs more than 100 stand-up shows annually across the country and internationally, participates in numerous charity and corporate events, does voice-overs for animated series, pens children’s books, and writes a monthly column in various automotive magazines. And in his “spare” time, he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles. In fact, he has built a number of cars, including an acclaimed eco-car in his eco-friendly green garage.Leno is the recipient of many honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards, Harris Poll selection as most popular star on television, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, The Mark Twain Prize, recipient of the Patriot Award given by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and being the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events.He and his wife, Mavis, an ardent human rights activist, live in Los Angeles.

Jay Leno to speak at chamber banquet in Salina, perform at Stiefel 

Elaine Carol Tustin was born February 14, 1937, on the family farm 1 
mile west of Oakley, KS to Emma (Herdt) and Vernon Clark.&nbsp; She passed 
away on January 30, 2022, just 2 weeks from her 85th birthday.

She attended school at a country school just west of Oakley and 
graduated from Oakley High School with the class of 1955, the first 
class to graduate in Oakley’s new high school.&nbsp;

On October 28, 1956, Elaine was united in marriage to her high school
 sweetheart, Richard H. Tustin, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oakley.&nbsp; 
They began their nearly 58 years of married life on the family farm 10 
miles southeast of Gove, KS, which had been tended by the Tustin family 
since 1900.&nbsp; Elaine was very proud to have continued living on the farm 
until her final days.&nbsp;

Elaine was active for many years in the Modern Homemakers Club and the neighborhood Sew &amp; So Club.

Elaine was a member of the Gove United Methodist Church and very 
active in the UMW, holding several offices throughout the years.&nbsp; She 
was very involved with the youth of the church as the leader of the Jr. 
Choir and enjoyed sharing flannel board bible stories at VBS and 
anything else she was called upon to do.&nbsp; She was the church organist 
for many years and passed on her musical talent to her daughters and 
also taught piano lessons.&nbsp; Elaine was very strong in her faith and 
always looked at the positive side of every situation.&nbsp; She was a very 
strong willed, determined, and independent lady until the very end, 
never wanting to be a burden to anyone.

Elaine was a very creative person and loved making items for the 
church bazaar for many years.&nbsp; She spent hours doing counted-cross 
stitch and crocheting, making an afghan for each of her grandkids.

In 1975, Elaine and Richard both took flying lessons to get their 
pilots licenses. She wanted to be able to land the plane if something 
happened to Richard and he needed her knowledge to pass the tests.&nbsp; He 
was thrilled when his test score was higher than hers.&nbsp;

Elaine and Richard loved spontaneous road trips to see the 
countryside and go to collectible shows, whether it was guns, cars, 
airplanes, or dishes.&nbsp; Richard’s main goal was to see how far they could
 travel by nightfall and see as many new sights as possible.&nbsp; They tried
 every summer to take a family vacation and their children have many 
fond memories of the states they traveled.&nbsp;

Elaine will be dearly missed by her family and friends.&nbsp; Survivors 
include her children; Jana and husband, Shawn Huse, Mankato, MN; Wayde 
Tustin and wife, Cindy, Gove, KS; Jill and husband, Mark Bosse, 
Grainfield, KS;&nbsp; Grandchildren; Kadie (Huse) and husband, Alex Taft, 
West Windsor, VT; Emily (Huse) and husband, Jared Wangen, Minneapolis, 
MN; Rebecca Huse, Mankato, MN; Taylor (Tustin) and husband, Wade 
Niermeier, Hoxie, KS; Evan Tustin, Manhattan, KS; Kyle Shaw, Grinnell, 
KS; Dayna (Shaw) and husband, Jonathan Alexander, Bird City, KS; great 
granddaughter, Brooklyn Alexander, Bird City, KS; sister, Betty 
Pinkston, Greeley, CO; sisters-in-law, Cherrie Clark, Oakley, KS; 
Carolyn Smith, Wichita, KS; and brother-in-law, Don Bland, McPherson, 
KS.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in October of 
2014; infant daughter, Jannine Elaine in 1959; her parents; brother, 
Robert Clark; sister-in-law, Berniece Bland; brothers-in-law, Kenneth 
Pinkston, Don Smith, and Conard Rose.

Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 
Grainfield on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. followed by 
burial&nbsp; in the Gove Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.&nbsp; Visitation will be held at 
Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter on Friday, February 4, 2022, from 5:00 to 
7:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Elaine Tustin Memorial Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643756882240.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elaine Carol Tustin was born February 14, 1937, on the family farm 1 
mile west of Oakley, KS to Emma (Herdt) and Vernon Clark.&nbsp; She passed 
away on January 30, 2022, just 2 weeks from her 85th birthday.She attended school at a country school just west of Oakley and 
graduated from Oakley High School with the class of 1955, the first 
class to graduate in Oakley’s new high school.&nbsp;On October 28, 1956, Elaine was united in marriage to her high school
 sweetheart, Richard H. Tustin, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oakley.&nbsp; 
They began their nearly 58 years of married life on the family farm 10 
miles southeast of Gove, KS, which had been tended by the Tustin family 
since 1900.&nbsp; Elaine was very proud to have continued living on the farm 
until her final days.&nbsp;Elaine was active for many years in the Modern Homemakers Club and the neighborhood Sew &amp; So Club.Elaine was a member of the Gove United Methodist Church and very 
active in the UMW, holding several offices throughout the years.&nbsp; She 
was very involved with the youth of the church as the leader of the Jr. 
Choir and enjoyed sharing flannel board bible stories at VBS and 
anything else she was called upon to do.&nbsp; She was the church organist 
for many years and passed on her musical talent to her daughters and 
also taught piano lessons.&nbsp; Elaine was very strong in her faith and 
always looked at the positive side of every situation.&nbsp; She was a very 
strong willed, determined, and independent lady until the very end, 
never wanting to be a burden to anyone.Elaine was a very creative person and loved making items for the 
church bazaar for many years.&nbsp; She spent hours doing counted-cross 
stitch and crocheting, making an afghan for each of her grandkids.In 1975, Elaine and Richard both took flying lessons to get their 
pilots licenses. She wanted to be able to land the plane if something 
happened to Richard and he needed her knowledge to pass the tests.&nbsp; He 
was thrilled when his test score was higher than hers.&nbsp;Elaine and Richard loved spontaneous road trips to see the 
countryside and go to collectible shows, whether it was guns, cars, 
airplanes, or dishes.&nbsp; Richard’s main goal was to see how far they could
 travel by nightfall and see as many new sights as possible.&nbsp; They tried
 every summer to take a family vacation and their children have many 
fond memories of the states they traveled.&nbsp;Elaine will be dearly missed by her family and friends.&nbsp; Survivors 
include her children; Jana and husband, Shawn Huse, Mankato, MN; Wayde 
Tustin and wife, Cindy, Gove, KS; Jill and husband, Mark Bosse, 
Grainfield, KS;&nbsp; Grandchildren; Kadie (Huse) and husband, Alex Taft, 
West Windsor, VT; Emily (Huse) and husband, Jared Wangen, Minneapolis, 
MN; Rebecca Huse, Mankato, MN; Taylor (Tustin) and husband, Wade 
Niermeier, Hoxie, KS; Evan Tustin, Manhattan, KS; Kyle Shaw, Grinnell, 
KS; Dayna (Shaw) and husband, Jonathan Alexander, Bird City, KS; great 
granddaughter, Brooklyn Alexander, Bird City, KS; sister, Betty 
Pinkston, Greeley, CO; sisters-in-law, Cherrie Clark, Oakley, KS; 
Carolyn Smith, Wichita, KS; and brother-in-law, Don Bland, McPherson, 
KS.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in October of 
2014; infant daughter, Jannine Elaine in 1959; her parents; brother, 
Robert Clark; sister-in-law, Berniece Bland; brothers-in-law, Kenneth 
Pinkston, Don Smith, and Conard Rose.Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 
Grainfield on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. followed by 
burial&nbsp; in the Gove Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.&nbsp; Visitation will be held at 
Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter on Friday, February 4, 2022, from 5:00 to 
7:00 p.m.Memorial Contributions may be given to the Elaine Tustin Memorial Fund.

Elaine Carol Tustin

A man whose death sentence was overturned three times before being reinstated is now scheduled to die in May for killing a small-town couple nearly 26 years ago.

The Missouri Supreme Court on Monday set a May 3 execution date for Carman Deck. Executions in Missouri are carried out at the prison in Bonne Terre.

James and Zelma Long were fatally shot during a robbery inside their home in De Soto, about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, in July 1996. Deck confessed to the killings and was sentenced to death in 1998. The Missouri Supreme Court threw out the sentence due to errors by Deck's trial lawyer.

After he was sentenced a second time, the U.S. Supreme Court tossed that sentence in 2005, citing the prejudice caused by Deck being shackled in front of the sentencing jury.

He was sentenced to death for a third time in 2008. In 2017, U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/59b0d23c85d04ed7b8374ce433393748">determined that “substantial” evidence arguing against the death penalty</a>&nbsp;in Deck’s first two penalty phases was unavailable for the third because witnesses had died, couldn’t be found or declined to cooperate.

In October 2020, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-courts-michael-brown-courts-dafff1dff6fdc35801b8fee2065af7ff">restored the death penalty</a>, ruling that Deck should have raised his concern first in state court, not federal court.

Court records said Deck and his sister went to the Long home under the guise of asking for directions, but with the intent to rob them. Deck pulled a pistol from his waistband and ordered them to lie facedown on their bed. He shot them in the head.

Prosecutors said Deck later gave a full account of the killings in oral, written and audio taped statements.

Only 11 people were executed in the U.S. last year, the fewest since 1988. Among them was Ernest Lee Johnson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-columbia-st-louis-missouri-religion-ec42295f28d14e01055aab20075c6422">was put to death in Missouri in October</a>&nbsp;for killing three Columbia convenience store workers in 1994.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643738665139.png" alt="Deck photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Deck photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM SALTER, Associated PressA man whose death sentence was overturned three times before being reinstated is now scheduled to die in May for killing a small-town couple nearly 26 years ago.The Missouri Supreme Court on Monday set a May 3 execution date for Carman Deck. Executions in Missouri are carried out at the prison in Bonne Terre.James and Zelma Long were fatally shot during a robbery inside their home in De Soto, about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, in July 1996. Deck confessed to the killings and was sentenced to death in 1998. The Missouri Supreme Court threw out the sentence due to errors by Deck's trial lawyer.After he was sentenced a second time, the U.S. Supreme Court tossed that sentence in 2005, citing the prejudice caused by Deck being shackled in front of the sentencing jury.He was sentenced to death for a third time in 2008. In 2017, U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/59b0d23c85d04ed7b8374ce433393748">determined that “substantial” evidence arguing against the death penalty</a>&nbsp;in Deck’s first two penalty phases was unavailable for the third because witnesses had died, couldn’t be found or declined to cooperate.In October 2020, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-courts-michael-brown-courts-dafff1dff6fdc35801b8fee2065af7ff">restored the death penalty</a>, ruling that Deck should have raised his concern first in state court, not federal court.Court records said Deck and his sister went to the Long home under the guise of asking for directions, but with the intent to rob them. Deck pulled a pistol from his waistband and ordered them to lie facedown on their bed. He shot them in the head.Prosecutors said Deck later gave a full account of the killings in oral, written and audio taped statements.Only 11 people were executed in the U.S. last year, the fewest since 1988. Among them was Ernest Lee Johnson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-columbia-st-louis-missouri-religion-ec42295f28d14e01055aab20075c6422">was put to death in Missouri in October</a>&nbsp;for killing three Columbia convenience store workers in 1994.

Execution set for man whose sentence was overturned 3 times

Clifton Leon “Cliff” Riggs Sr., 85, 
Hays, died Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Hays Good Samaritan 
Center.&nbsp; He was born October 26, 1936, in Dennison, Texas the son of 
Corine (West) Riggs-Branch.&nbsp; 

Cliff graduated from Yuba, Oklahoma, High 
School in 1955 and was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving with the 
second battalion, 180th infantry.&nbsp; He was a salesman for Tennison 
Brothers for many years, serving his customers’ needs for quality 
building products across six states.&nbsp; On July 6, 1963, he was united in 
marriage to Mary A. Brungardt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp; He
 was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the 
third-degree Knights of Columbus council #6984, the Bishop Cunningham 
Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the Hays American Legion, and the 
Ellis Golf Course.&nbsp; He enjoyed golfing with friends and couples golf, 
building and fixing golf clubs, and was an excellent handyman, able to 
fix almost anything for friends and family.&nbsp; He possessed a beautiful 
voice and passion for singing at a young age and that matured into 
singing for numerous weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and masses at 
his church.&nbsp; In addition to being an avid KU Basketball fan, Cliff was 
honest, hardworking, and a true man of integrity who loved his family 
and especially loved his grandchildren, giving them horsey rides, 
playing Santa at Christmas, and taking them fishing.

Survivors include his wife Mary, of 
Hays, three sons:&nbsp; Jeffrey Riggs of Wichita, Clifton Riggs, Jr. and wife
 Ramona of Hutchinson, and Cory Riggs of Tulsa, OK, a daughter:&nbsp; 
Michelle Whitlow of Oklahoma City, two brothers:&nbsp; Jack Branch and wife 
Cynthia of Salinas, CA and Roy Newman Branch and wife Vickie of Hendrix,
 OK, eleven grandchildren:&nbsp; Justin Riggs and wife Darcie, Aaron Riggs, 
Clifton Riggs, III and wife Sara, Dominic Riggs, Charles Whitlow, Corine
 Cammack and husband Dillon, Taylor Riggs, Sara Riggs, Ashley Riggs, 
Samantha Riggs, and Alley Riggs, eight great grandchildren: Atlas, Iris,
 Margot, Tre, Zeke, Braxton, Avyana, and Matthew, and one on the way in 
April.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Corine Branch, and a great grandson, Corbin Michael Whitlow.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow
 with military honors by the Hays VFW #9076 Honor Guard in St. Joseph 
Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday, 
February 11, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and on Saturday 
from 9:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service will be 
at 6:30 pm on Friday followed by a combined third and fourth-degree 
Knights of Columbus rosary.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart
 of Mary Catholic Church building fund.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of 
Cliff may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643648117812.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clifton Leon “Cliff” Riggs Sr., 85, 
Hays, died Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Hays Good Samaritan 
Center.&nbsp; He was born October 26, 1936, in Dennison, Texas the son of 
Corine (West) Riggs-Branch.&nbsp; Cliff graduated from Yuba, Oklahoma, High 
School in 1955 and was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving with the 
second battalion, 180th infantry.&nbsp; He was a salesman for Tennison 
Brothers for many years, serving his customers’ needs for quality 
building products across six states.&nbsp; On July 6, 1963, he was united in 
marriage to Mary A. Brungardt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp; He
 was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the 
third-degree Knights of Columbus council #6984, the Bishop Cunningham 
Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the Hays American Legion, and the 
Ellis Golf Course.&nbsp; He enjoyed golfing with friends and couples golf, 
building and fixing golf clubs, and was an excellent handyman, able to 
fix almost anything for friends and family.&nbsp; He possessed a beautiful 
voice and passion for singing at a young age and that matured into 
singing for numerous weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and masses at 
his church.&nbsp; In addition to being an avid KU Basketball fan, Cliff was 
honest, hardworking, and a true man of integrity who loved his family 
and especially loved his grandchildren, giving them horsey rides, 
playing Santa at Christmas, and taking them fishing.Survivors include his wife Mary, of 
Hays, three sons:&nbsp; Jeffrey Riggs of Wichita, Clifton Riggs, Jr. and wife
 Ramona of Hutchinson, and Cory Riggs of Tulsa, OK, a daughter:&nbsp; 
Michelle Whitlow of Oklahoma City, two brothers:&nbsp; Jack Branch and wife 
Cynthia of Salinas, CA and Roy Newman Branch and wife Vickie of Hendrix,
 OK, eleven grandchildren:&nbsp; Justin Riggs and wife Darcie, Aaron Riggs, 
Clifton Riggs, III and wife Sara, Dominic Riggs, Charles Whitlow, Corine
 Cammack and husband Dillon, Taylor Riggs, Sara Riggs, Ashley Riggs, 
Samantha Riggs, and Alley Riggs, eight great grandchildren: Atlas, Iris,
 Margot, Tre, Zeke, Braxton, Avyana, and Matthew, and one on the way in 
April.He was preceded in death by his mother, Corine Branch, and a great grandson, Corbin Michael Whitlow.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow
 with military honors by the Hays VFW #9076 Honor Guard in St. Joseph 
Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday, 
February 11, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and on Saturday 
from 9:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service will be 
at 6:30 pm on Friday followed by a combined third and fourth-degree 
Knights of Columbus rosary.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart
 of Mary Catholic Church building fund.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of 
Cliff may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Clifton Leon 'Cliff' Riggs Sr.

Orchestra students, nationally board certified teachers also honored

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board accepted a check for $45,000 from the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence at its meeting Jan. 24.

The foundation had its annual dinner fundraiser in October.

The foundation was able to raise an additional $13,000 for the foundation's grant program.

"We were just blown away by the support of the community, the businesses, the donors, the sponsorship," said Curtis Brown, foundation board chairman.

Over four years, the foundation has raised more than $180,000 for school security upgrades, Brown said.

Other foundation grants have paid for renovations at Westside school, tech upgrades at the middle school, purchase of a laser engraver, purchase of books, to fix or replace broken musical instruments and purchase PE equipment at O'Loughlin Elementary School. 

The board also recognized Hays High students Sydney Wittkorn and Kiersten Goertzen for making All- State Orchestra.

The board recognized Laura Gaughan, Kay Shippy and Kim Schmeidler as becoming nationally board certified teachers.

Gaughan completed her certificate in 2021, while Shippy and Schmeidler finished their certification in 2020, but because of COVID, the board was unable to give them the proper recognition.&nbsp;

Gaughan has been teaching for 30 years with 27 of those years in USD 489.&nbsp; Shippy is in her 31st&nbsp;year of teaching with all those years at USD 489. Schmeidler has been teaching at USD 489 for 21 years and has a total of 25 years in education.

"We are proud of the time and effort you put into passing the National Board Certification and truly grateful you have chosen to teach the students of USD 489," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. 

"We are better because of you. Congratulations again on your achievement. Reminder that out of the 3 million teachers in the U.S., only 125,000 are nationally board certified. This is quite an accomplishment, and we are proud of you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643664624300.png" alt="Members of the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence present $45,000 to the Hays school board on Jan. 24. " />
 <figcaption>Members of the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence present $45,000 to the Hays school board on Jan. 24. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Orchestra students, nationally board certified teachers also honored</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The Hays USD 489 school board accepted a check for $45,000 from the USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence at its meeting Jan. 24.The foundation had its annual dinner fundraiser in October. The foundation was able to raise an additional $13,000 for the foundation's grant program."We were just blown away by the support of the community, the businesses, the donors, the sponsorship," said Curtis Brown, foundation board chairman.Over four years, the foundation has raised more than $180,000 for school security upgrades, Brown said.Other foundation grants have paid for renovations at Westside school, tech upgrades at the middle school, purchase of a laser engraver, purchase of books, to fix or replace broken musical instruments and purchase PE equipment at O'Loughlin Elementary School. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643664739784.png" alt="Hays High orchestra students Sydney Wittkorn and Kiersten Goertzen" />
 <figcaption>Hays High orchestra students Sydney Wittkorn and Kiersten Goertzen</figcaption>
 </figure>The board also recognized Hays High students Sydney Wittkorn and Kiersten Goertzen for making All- State Orchestra.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643664812231.png" alt="Laura Gaughan, Kay Shippy and Kim Schmeidleras, nationally board certified teachers." />
 <figcaption>Laura Gaughan, Kay Shippy and Kim Schmeidleras, nationally board certified teachers.</figcaption>
 </figure>The board recognized Laura Gaughan, Kay Shippy and Kim Schmeidler as becoming nationally board certified teachers.Gaughan completed her certificate in 2021, while Shippy and Schmeidler finished their certification in 2020, but because of COVID, the board was unable to give them the proper recognition.&nbsp;Gaughan has been teaching for 30 years with 27 of those years in USD 489.&nbsp; Shippy is in her 31st&nbsp;year of teaching with all those years at USD 489. Schmeidler has been teaching at USD 489 for 21 years and has a total of 25 years in education."We are proud of the time and effort you put into passing the National Board Certification and truly grateful you have chosen to teach the students of USD 489," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We are better because of you. Congratulations again on your achievement. Reminder that out of the 3 million teachers in the U.S., only 125,000 are nationally board certified. This is quite an accomplishment, and we are proud of you."

USD 489 Foundation presents district with $45,000 for security upgrades

Crude futures prices inched upward from seven-year highs Monday. The settlement price on Friday for Nymex benchmark crude was $86.82 per barrel.&nbsp; That's up nearly two dollars on the week and about ten dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. The last time the international crude-oil benchmark traded above $91 a barrel was in early October 2014, at the beginning of a long slide in prices. Monday morning on the ICE in London, Brent crude was fetching $91.14 per barrel. Kansas Common crude is about $12 higher than at the first of the year and up more than $34 a barrel from a year ago. Prices at CHS in McPherson start the week at $77 a barrel. Statewide drilling activity, based on spudded wells, is slightly ahead of last year in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the 60 wells spudded thus far in 2022 outpace last year by 21 wells. There are 30 active operators in the state, compared with 26 at this time last year. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig in eastern Kansas to 17, and up one west of Wichita at 26. Operators were preparing to spud one well in Barton County and two in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a lease in Russell County. Kansas regulators approved 14 new drilling locations across the state last week. There are six new permits in eastern Kansas, and eight in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 32 newly completed wells in Kansas, 17 east of Wichita, and 15 in western Kansas. US crude inventories reached 416.2 million barrels as of January 21st, an increase of 2.4 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are about eight percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government report contradicts weekly numbers from the American Petroleum Institute, which reported a drawdown in supplies. US crude production declined last week for the third consecutive week. The government reported we pumped just short of 11.65 million barrels per day in the week through January 21st, which is down about 6,000 barrels per day from the week before. Output is more than one and a half million barrels per day higher than the same period last year. Pump prices are on the rise nationally but dropping locally. The auto club AAA says the national average price for a gallon of regular rose three cents over the last a week to just over $3.36 per gallon. Prices in Kansas rose to an average just shy of $3.07. It dropped under $3.00 a gallon at several outlets across Hays and Great Bend. The average cost for a 15-gallon fill-up is &nbsp;nearly two dollars higher than a month ago. Oil-by-rail traffic last week was down amid a ten percent drop in total rail traffic. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,608 carloads of petroleum rolling the rails in the week through January 22nd.&nbsp; That's down 174 cars from the week before and more than 23% lower than a year ago. Canadian traffic we\as down more than 1,000 carloads for the week, marking an 11% drop year-over-year. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are rolling out a project to repurpose abandoned oil and gas wells to provide geothermal energy to heat nearby public schools. Under the project funded by the Energy Department, they hope to bring hot, underground water to the surface to create steam to rotate turbines. The project still requires proof-of-concept and field work (about three years) before they can roll it out publicly. DOE awarded $1.7 million to fund the research.&nbsp; OPEC and its Russia-led partners have promised to increase oil production to pre-pandemic levels this year. But The Wall Street Journal reports they are falling short of those public commitments, and that's stoking fast-rising global crude prices. Last month, the OPEC-Plus group increased output by just 60% of what they promised for the month. The International Energy Agency reports the group is pumping 790,000 barrels per day below its publicly-stated targets.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude futures prices inched upward from seven-year highs Monday. The settlement price on Friday for Nymex benchmark crude was $86.82 per barrel.&nbsp; That's up nearly two dollars on the week and about ten dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. The last time the international crude-oil benchmark traded above $91 a barrel was in early October 2014, at the beginning of a long slide in prices. Monday morning on the ICE in London, Brent crude was fetching $91.14 per barrel. Kansas Common crude is about $12 higher than at the first of the year and up more than $34 a barrel from a year ago. Prices at CHS in McPherson start the week at $77 a barrel. Statewide drilling activity, based on spudded wells, is slightly ahead of last year in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the 60 wells spudded thus far in 2022 outpace last year by 21 wells. There are 30 active operators in the state, compared with 26 at this time last year. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig in eastern Kansas to 17, and up one west of Wichita at 26. Operators were preparing to spud one well in Barton County and two in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a lease in Russell County. Kansas regulators approved 14 new drilling locations across the state last week. There are six new permits in eastern Kansas, and eight in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 32 newly completed wells in Kansas, 17 east of Wichita, and 15 in western Kansas. US crude inventories reached 416.2 million barrels as of January 21st, an increase of 2.4 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are about eight percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government report contradicts weekly numbers from the American Petroleum Institute, which reported a drawdown in supplies. US crude production declined last week for the third consecutive week. The government reported we pumped just short of 11.65 million barrels per day in the week through January 21st, which is down about 6,000 barrels per day from the week before. Output is more than one and a half million barrels per day higher than the same period last year. Pump prices are on the rise nationally but dropping locally. The auto club AAA says the national average price for a gallon of regular rose three cents over the last a week to just over $3.36 per gallon. Prices in Kansas rose to an average just shy of $3.07. It dropped under $3.00 a gallon at several outlets across Hays and Great Bend. The average cost for a 15-gallon fill-up is &nbsp;nearly two dollars higher than a month ago. Oil-by-rail traffic last week was down amid a ten percent drop in total rail traffic. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,608 carloads of petroleum rolling the rails in the week through January 22nd.&nbsp; That's down 174 cars from the week before and more than 23% lower than a year ago. Canadian traffic we\as down more than 1,000 carloads for the week, marking an 11% drop year-over-year. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are rolling out a project to repurpose abandoned oil and gas wells to provide geothermal energy to heat nearby public schools. Under the project funded by the Energy Department, they hope to bring hot, underground water to the surface to create steam to rotate turbines. The project still requires proof-of-concept and field work (about three years) before they can roll it out publicly. DOE awarded $1.7 million to fund the research.&nbsp; OPEC and its Russia-led partners have promised to increase oil production to pre-pandemic levels this year. But The Wall Street Journal reports they are falling short of those public commitments, and that's stoking fast-rising global crude prices. Last month, the OPEC-Plus group increased output by just 60% of what they promised for the month. The International Energy Agency reports the group is pumping 790,000 barrels per day below its publicly-stated targets.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices rise

Calvin Richard Ufford, 95, passed away January 28, 2022, in Overbrook, 
Ks, with his family by his side. He was born May 15, 1926, to Richard 
Herbert and Bertha Mae Peters Ufford, and raised southwest of Oberlin, 
Ks on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in 1874. He attended Addleman
 Country School and graduated from Decatur County High School in May 
1944. He also attended Kansas State University. On October 28, 1949, 
Calvin married Ruth JoAnn Lincoln in Oberlin. Two sons and a daughter 
were born to them. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy as a 
Motor Machinist Mate 3rd class, and honorably discharged on June 3, 
1946. He returned to Oberlin, and worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation 
Service, later moving to Hiawatha, Ks, for eight years, and then in 
Overbrook, Ks, for 11 years. He retired after 35 years service in 1981. 
In 1987 Calvin and JoAnn returned to Oberlin to live in the house he 
moved to 602 West Sappa Street in 1956. In 2020 he moved to Berryton, 
Ks., to live with his daughter, and later moved to Brookside Retirement 
Community, Overbrook. 
 Calvin provided leadership to Boy Scout troops in Oberlin and 
Hiawatha for many years. In addition, he served 9 years on the Overbrook
 City Council and twice served as Overbrook Mayor from April 1977 to 
April 1979, and again June 1985 to June 1987. He was well-known for his 
hobbies of hunting Indian artifacts, collecting antiques, woodworking, 
and antique tractor restoration. He was a member of the Overbrook United
 Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Mini-Sappa Antique Club 
of Oberlin. In later years, he was often called upon to give narration of
 the last Indian raid in Kansas, which occurred in 1878 in Decatur 
County. 
 He was preceded in death by a son, Michael in 1951, his wife, JoAnn 
in 2011, and his parents. Survivors include a son, Richard Ufford and 
wife, Wendy, Carbondale, Ks; daughter, Janie Rutherford and husband, Rob
 Roy Rutherford III, Berryton, Ks.; grandchildren, Shannon Warthen and 
fiancé Joseph Pritchard, Sara Ufford, Corey Ufford and wife, Courtney, 
Rob Roy Rutherford IV and wife Isha; and James Rutherford and wife Amy; 
great-grandchildren, Colton Warthen, Casen Warthen, Stephon Johnson, 
Addison Ufford, Ember Jo Ufford, and Rob Roy Rutherford V, nieces and 
nephews.
 Services pending at Paul’s Funeral Home, Oberlin. For more information: www.paulsfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643654662142.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Calvin Richard Ufford, 95, passed away January 28, 2022, in Overbrook, 
Ks, with his family by his side. He was born May 15, 1926, to Richard 
Herbert and Bertha Mae Peters Ufford, and raised southwest of Oberlin, 
Ks on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in 1874. He attended Addleman
 Country School and graduated from Decatur County High School in May 
1944. He also attended Kansas State University. On October 28, 1949, 
Calvin married Ruth JoAnn Lincoln in Oberlin. Two sons and a daughter 
were born to them. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy as a 
Motor Machinist Mate 3rd class, and honorably discharged on June 3, 
1946. He returned to Oberlin, and worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation 
Service, later moving to Hiawatha, Ks, for eight years, and then in 
Overbrook, Ks, for 11 years. He retired after 35 years service in 1981. 
In 1987 Calvin and JoAnn returned to Oberlin to live in the house he 
moved to 602 West Sappa Street in 1956. In 2020 he moved to Berryton, 
Ks., to live with his daughter, and later moved to Brookside Retirement 
Community, Overbrook. 
 Calvin provided leadership to Boy Scout troops in Oberlin and 
Hiawatha for many years. In addition, he served 9 years on the Overbrook
 City Council and twice served as Overbrook Mayor from April 1977 to 
April 1979, and again June 1985 to June 1987. He was well-known for his 
hobbies of hunting Indian artifacts, collecting antiques, woodworking, 
and antique tractor restoration. He was a member of the Overbrook United
 Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Mini-Sappa Antique Club 
of Oberlin. In later years, he was often called upon to give narration of
 the last Indian raid in Kansas, which occurred in 1878 in Decatur 
County. 
 He was preceded in death by a son, Michael in 1951, his wife, JoAnn 
in 2011, and his parents. Survivors include a son, Richard Ufford and 
wife, Wendy, Carbondale, Ks; daughter, Janie Rutherford and husband, Rob
 Roy Rutherford III, Berryton, Ks.; grandchildren, Shannon Warthen and 
fiancé Joseph Pritchard, Sara Ufford, Corey Ufford and wife, Courtney, 
Rob Roy Rutherford IV and wife Isha; and James Rutherford and wife Amy; 
great-grandchildren, Colton Warthen, Casen Warthen, Stephon Johnson, 
Addison Ufford, Ember Jo Ufford, and Rob Roy Rutherford V, nieces and 
nephews.
 Services pending at Paul’s Funeral Home, Oberlin. For more information: www.paulsfh.com

Calvin Richard Ufford

Lois Darlene Selle, 90, passed away on January 29, 2022, at her home 
in Great Bend, Kansas. She was born October 18, 1931, at Hudson, Kansas,
 to Willie &amp; Amelia (Erosiek) Fischer. Lois married Eugene G. Selle 
on October 23, 1949, at Peace Church, Hudson, Kansas.&nbsp; He died September
 16, 1996.

A life-time Great Bend resident, Louis worked as a homemaker. She was
 a member of the First Church of God and was an organist there. Lois was
 a known gardener, canner, crocheter, and enjoyed putting together 
jigsaw puzzles.

Survivors include two sons, Allen (Marilyn) Selle and Dwight (Carol) 
Selle, both of Great Bend, Kansas; a daughter, caregiver, and companion,
 Donna Selle of Great Bend, Kansas; sister-in-law, Juanita Fischer of 
St. John, Kansas; sister-in-law, Donna Fischer of Hudson, Kansas; and 
many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by
 her husband; son, Marvin Selle; and brothers, Glenn, Lawrence, Marvin, 
Gerald, and Leroy Fischer.

Visitation will be held from 9: 00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 
February 2, 2022, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 
6:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 
10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with 
Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend 
Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
 or First Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643648178600.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lois Darlene Selle, 90, passed away on January 29, 2022, at her home 
in Great Bend, Kansas. She was born October 18, 1931, at Hudson, Kansas,
 to Willie &amp; Amelia (Erosiek) Fischer. Lois married Eugene G. Selle 
on October 23, 1949, at Peace Church, Hudson, Kansas.&nbsp; He died September
 16, 1996.A life-time Great Bend resident, Louis worked as a homemaker. She was
 a member of the First Church of God and was an organist there. Lois was
 a known gardener, canner, crocheter, and enjoyed putting together 
jigsaw puzzles.Survivors include two sons, Allen (Marilyn) Selle and Dwight (Carol) 
Selle, both of Great Bend, Kansas; a daughter, caregiver, and companion,
 Donna Selle of Great Bend, Kansas; sister-in-law, Juanita Fischer of 
St. John, Kansas; sister-in-law, Donna Fischer of Hudson, Kansas; and 
many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by
 her husband; son, Marvin Selle; and brothers, Glenn, Lawrence, Marvin, 
Gerald, and Leroy Fischer.Visitation will be held from 9: 00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 
February 2, 2022, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 
6:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 
10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with 
Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend 
Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
 or First Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Lois Darlene Selle

Greg Anderson, 57, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Lane County 
Hospital in Dighton. He was born on October 30, 1964, at Dighton the son
 of Jackie L. &amp; Fran L. (Kenoyer) Anderson. He married Chelle 
Marsteller on February 8, 1992. 
Greg graduated from Healy High School in 1983. He attended Fort Hays 
State University before going to work for Pilkington Construction. He 
moved back to Dighton and worked at Farmers Co-op Elevator, Lane County 
Feeders, Sexton at Dighton Memorial Cemetery and currently was an 
Equipment Operator for Kansas Department Of Transportation. Greg 
enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and always having his pet dogs. 
He is survived by his Wife- Chelle Anderson, Mother- Fran Ross of Ellis,
 Brother- Harold &amp; Eileen Anderson of Hays, Step-Mother- Yvonne 
Anderson of Lincoln, Nebraska, 2 Step-Sisters- LaFonda &amp; Dan Sharp 
of Healy and Rhonda &amp; Jeff Koehn of York, Nebraska and Step-Brother-
 Byler Sunley of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was preceded in death 
by his Father. 
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday at United Methodist Church
 in Dighton with Rev Darrin Hammond officiating. There will be a 
private family burial at Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are 
suggested to the Greg Anderson Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower 
Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com Boomhower Funeral Home Box 891. Dighton, Ks. 67839. 620-397-5792&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643637520252.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greg Anderson, 57, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Lane County 
Hospital in Dighton. He was born on October 30, 1964, at Dighton the son
 of Jackie L. &amp; Fran L. (Kenoyer) Anderson. He married Chelle 
Marsteller on February 8, 1992. 
Greg graduated from Healy High School in 1983. He attended Fort Hays 
State University before going to work for Pilkington Construction. He 
moved back to Dighton and worked at Farmers Co-op Elevator, Lane County 
Feeders, Sexton at Dighton Memorial Cemetery and currently was an 
Equipment Operator for Kansas Department Of Transportation. Greg 
enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and always having his pet dogs. 
He is survived by his Wife- Chelle Anderson, Mother- Fran Ross of Ellis,
 Brother- Harold &amp; Eileen Anderson of Hays, Step-Mother- Yvonne 
Anderson of Lincoln, Nebraska, 2 Step-Sisters- LaFonda &amp; Dan Sharp 
of Healy and Rhonda &amp; Jeff Koehn of York, Nebraska and Step-Brother-
 Byler Sunley of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was preceded in death 
by his Father. 
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday at United Methodist Church
 in Dighton with Rev Darrin Hammond officiating. There will be a 
private family burial at Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are 
suggested to the Greg Anderson Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower 
Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com Boomhower Funeral Home Box 891. Dighton, Ks. 67839. 620-397-5792&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Greg Anderson

Virginia E. Taylor, 96, Alexander, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, 
January 26, 2022, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas.

Virginia was born November 9, 1925, in Alexander, Kansas, the 
daughter of Frank Avery and Josephine Myrtle (Foster) Thompson.&nbsp; She was
 a resident of Alexander, Kansas, for 60+ years.&nbsp; A 1943 graduate of 
Alexander High School, Alexander, Kansas, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, and Golden Keys, both of Alexander, Kansas.

On October 10, 1948, she married Stanley S. Taylor at a friend’s home in Morton, Texas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death May 28, 1981.

Survivors include:&nbsp; two sons, Steven Taylor (Andrea), Phoenix, 
Arizona, and Michael Taylor (Shelly), Wickenburg, Arizona; one&nbsp; 
daughter, Carla Strobach (William), Raymore, Missouri; six 
grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, 
Duane Thompson, and Ural Thompson; and one sister, Darlene Werhahn.

Funeral service will be Monday, January 31, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at 
the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Deb Harvey 
officiating.&nbsp; Interment will be in the McCracken City Cemetery, 
McCracken, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Alexander Fire Department, Alexander, Kansas, or the McCracken Library, McCracken, Kansas.

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

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

Virginia E. Taylor, 96, Alexander, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, 
January 26, 2022, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas.Virginia was born November 9, 1925, in Alexander, Kansas, the 
daughter of Frank Avery and Josephine Myrtle (Foster) Thompson.&nbsp; She was
 a resident of Alexander, Kansas, for 60+ years.&nbsp; A 1943 graduate of 
Alexander High School, Alexander, Kansas, she was a homemaker.She was a member of the United Methodist Church, and Golden Keys, both of Alexander, Kansas.On October 10, 1948, she married Stanley S. Taylor at a friend’s home in Morton, Texas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death May 28, 1981.Survivors include:&nbsp; two sons, Steven Taylor (Andrea), Phoenix, 
Arizona, and Michael Taylor (Shelly), Wickenburg, Arizona; one&nbsp; 
daughter, Carla Strobach (William), Raymore, Missouri; six 
grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, 
Duane Thompson, and Ural Thompson; and one sister, Darlene Werhahn.Funeral service will be Monday, January 31, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at 
the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Deb Harvey 
officiating.&nbsp; Interment will be in the McCracken City Cemetery, 
McCracken, Kansas.Memorials are suggested to the Alexander Fire Department, Alexander, Kansas, or the McCracken Library, McCracken, Kansas.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Virginia E. Taylor

WASHINGTON (AP) — A measure of prices that is closely tracked by the Federal Reserve rose 5.8% last year, the sharpest increase since 1982, as brisk consumer spending collided with snarled supply chains to raise the costs of food, furniture, appliances and other goods.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/pi1221.pdf" target="_blank">report Friday from the Commerce Department</a>&nbsp;also said that consumer spending fell 0.6% in December, with purchases of cars, electronics, and clothes declining. Higher prices might have discouraged some shoppers, along with a wave of omicron cases that kept many Americans from traveling, eating out or visiting entertainment venues.

At the same time, incomes rose 0.3% last month, providing fuel for future spending.

Stubbornly high inflation has hammered household budgets, wiped out last year’s healthy wage gains and posed a severe political challenge to President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. It also led the Federal Reserve to signal Wednesday that it plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-interest-rates-inflation-1dd9283e46162b3c0d29a2c55a2934d1">raise interest rates multiple times</a>&nbsp;this year beginning in March to try to get accelerating prices under control.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called core prices rose 4.9% last year, the biggest increase since 1983. That was up from a 4.7% year-over-year rise in core prices in November.

From November to December, prices rose 0.4%, down from a 0.6% increase from October to November. Core prices rose 0.5% for a second straight month.

The economy is expanding at its fastest pace in decades, and job creation reached a five-decade high last year. But the rebound occurred so quickly after the pandemic shutdowns that it left many companies flat-footed, with fewer workers and supplies than they needed.

Besides raising interest rates, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Fed will move to shrink its huge $8.9 trillion of bond holdings this year, another step that will likely tighten credit, slow spending and potentially weaken the economy.

Speaking at a news conference, Powell acknowledged that inflation has gotten “slightly worse” in the past month. He cautioned that higher prices “have now spread to a broader range of goods and services,” after initially affecting sectors of the economy, like factory-made products for homes, that were most disrupted by the pandemic.

Powell also said the Fed is increasingly focused on the question of whether rising wages are acting as a primary driver of inflation, by forcing companies to charge more to cover their higher labor costs. Such a “wage-price spiral,” which the United States hasn’t experienced since the 1970s, can make inflation difficult to cool.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf" target="_blank">separate report Friday</a>&nbsp;said that workers’ salaries and benefits jumped 4% last year. It was the biggest increase in 20 years. Powell has said that a sharp rise in pay and benefits, reported in November, was a key reason why the Fed began shifting its policy toward higher interest rates. While rising wages are good for employees, they can also elevate inflation if they aren’t offset by efficiency gains.

The inflation figure that the government reported Friday is its personal consumption expenditures index. Though the consumer price index is a better-known barometer, the Fed tends to track the PCE in setting its interest rate policies. The PCE index tracks actual purchases consumers make each month, while the CPI follows a fixed market basket of goods.

Earlier this month, the government said the CPI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-c1bfd93ed1719cf0135420f4fd0270f9">jumped 7% last year</a>, also the fastest pace in nearly four decades.

Prices have jumped in the past year as Americans have spent freely, helped by large stimulus checks in the spring and higher pay. Spending on autos, electronics and other goods jumped 12% in 2021, the government reported Wednesday, the biggest increase since 1946.

At the same time, bottlenecked supply chains and shortages of components, notably semiconductors, have left many retailers and auto dealers with fewer cars and other goods to sell. Powell has blamed mainly ongoing “supply and demand imbalances” for driving inflation.

On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-368ae566f355df5bf5b150a4145fea3b">McDonald’s said that while sales last year grew</a>&nbsp;at a healthy pace, higher costs for food and paper products and the need to raise pay to attract and keep workers eroded profits even after it had raised prices 6% last year.

Likewise, Procter &amp; Gamble said last week that it plans to raise prices for detergents like Tide, Gain, and Downy and for personal care products. The company anticipates price increases for chemicals and other commodities this year.

Higher prices may be weighing on some Americans’ willingness to spend. Still, last month’s drop in consumer spending is likely to be temporary. Americans are already showing signs of heading back out to restaurants and movie theaters as the huge jump in omicron infections has started to decline.

JPMorgan Chase says spending on its credit cards for hotels, travel, and entertainment venues has rebounded this month, after falling in December. Spending has risen more in states where COVID-19 cases have come down the most.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623947660841.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A measure of prices that is closely tracked by the Federal Reserve rose 5.8% last year, the sharpest increase since 1982, as brisk consumer spending collided with snarled supply chains to raise the costs of food, furniture, appliances and other goods.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/pi1221.pdf" target="_blank">report Friday from the Commerce Department</a>&nbsp;also said that consumer spending fell 0.6% in December, with purchases of cars, electronics, and clothes declining. Higher prices might have discouraged some shoppers, along with a wave of omicron cases that kept many Americans from traveling, eating out or visiting entertainment venues.At the same time, incomes rose 0.3% last month, providing fuel for future spending.Stubbornly high inflation has hammered household budgets, wiped out last year’s healthy wage gains and posed a severe political challenge to President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. It also led the Federal Reserve to signal Wednesday that it plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-interest-rates-inflation-1dd9283e46162b3c0d29a2c55a2934d1">raise interest rates multiple times</a>&nbsp;this year beginning in March to try to get accelerating prices under control.Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called core prices rose 4.9% last year, the biggest increase since 1983. That was up from a 4.7% year-over-year rise in core prices in November.From November to December, prices rose 0.4%, down from a 0.6% increase from October to November. Core prices rose 0.5% for a second straight month.The economy is expanding at its fastest pace in decades, and job creation reached a five-decade high last year. But the rebound occurred so quickly after the pandemic shutdowns that it left many companies flat-footed, with fewer workers and supplies than they needed.Besides raising interest rates, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Fed will move to shrink its huge $8.9 trillion of bond holdings this year, another step that will likely tighten credit, slow spending and potentially weaken the economy.Speaking at a news conference, Powell acknowledged that inflation has gotten “slightly worse” in the past month. He cautioned that higher prices “have now spread to a broader range of goods and services,” after initially affecting sectors of the economy, like factory-made products for homes, that were most disrupted by the pandemic.Powell also said the Fed is increasingly focused on the question of whether rising wages are acting as a primary driver of inflation, by forcing companies to charge more to cover their higher labor costs. Such a “wage-price spiral,” which the United States hasn’t experienced since the 1970s, can make inflation difficult to cool.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf" target="_blank">separate report Friday</a>&nbsp;said that workers’ salaries and benefits jumped 4% last year. It was the biggest increase in 20 years. Powell has said that a sharp rise in pay and benefits, reported in November, was a key reason why the Fed began shifting its policy toward higher interest rates. While rising wages are good for employees, they can also elevate inflation if they aren’t offset by efficiency gains.The inflation figure that the government reported Friday is its personal consumption expenditures index. Though the consumer price index is a better-known barometer, the Fed tends to track the PCE in setting its interest rate policies. The PCE index tracks actual purchases consumers make each month, while the CPI follows a fixed market basket of goods.Earlier this month, the government said the CPI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-c1bfd93ed1719cf0135420f4fd0270f9">jumped 7% last year</a>, also the fastest pace in nearly four decades.Prices have jumped in the past year as Americans have spent freely, helped by large stimulus checks in the spring and higher pay. Spending on autos, electronics and other goods jumped 12% in 2021, the government reported Wednesday, the biggest increase since 1946.At the same time, bottlenecked supply chains and shortages of components, notably semiconductors, have left many retailers and auto dealers with fewer cars and other goods to sell. Powell has blamed mainly ongoing “supply and demand imbalances” for driving inflation.On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-earnings-368ae566f355df5bf5b150a4145fea3b">McDonald’s said that while sales last year grew</a>&nbsp;at a healthy pace, higher costs for food and paper products and the need to raise pay to attract and keep workers eroded profits even after it had raised prices 6% last year.Likewise, Procter &amp; Gamble said last week that it plans to raise prices for detergents like Tide, Gain, and Downy and for personal care products. The company anticipates price increases for chemicals and other commodities this year.Higher prices may be weighing on some Americans’ willingness to spend. Still, last month’s drop in consumer spending is likely to be temporary. Americans are already showing signs of heading back out to restaurants and movie theaters as the huge jump in omicron infections has started to decline.JPMorgan Chase says spending on its credit cards for hotels, travel, and entertainment venues has rebounded this month, after falling in December. Spending has risen more in states where COVID-19 cases have come down the most.

A key inflation gauge rose 5.8% in 2021, most in 39 years

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state legislator has been charged with two traffic violations over his late November arrest on Interstate 70 in northeast&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;but not with driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the potential crime initially listed by the Highway Patrol.

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City, also still faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in a separate criminal case in the Kansas City area over an Oct. 30 fight with his younger brother. Coleman pled not guilty, and a scheduling hearing in that case is set for Wednesday in Johnson County District Court.

In neighboring Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the main University of Kansas campus, Coleman faces charges of speeding and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle as required by law over a Nov. 27 stop. A complaint filed Jan. 21 by an assistant district attorney says Coleman was driving 92 mph when the post speed limit was 75 mph Together, the charges could result in several hundred dollars in fines.

Coleman is scheduled to have the charges formally read to him and enter a plea on April 15, during a break in the Kansas Legislature's annual session. His attorney did not respond to a telephone message and the lawmaker did not reply to a text seeking comment.

Coleman has been embroiled in controversy since he ran for the House in 2020, when he acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women. A legislative committee reprimanded Coleman in writing in February 2020 over those abuses. After his two arrests within a month, six female Democrats in the House filed a complaint against him with the House designed to lead to his ouster.

The Kansas Highway Patrol initially said he had been arrested in Douglas County on suspicion of DUI, but a decision on charges waited on the report to the district attorney's office from the patrol on the substances in Coleman's body at the time of the stop. Coleman has said he wasn't under the influence.

Jill Jess, a spokesperson for the Douglas County district attorney's office, said the charges were “based on evidence presented,” without elaborating. The Associated Press has requested a copy of the patrol's report.

“Mr. Coleman faces no further charges in Douglas County at this time,” she wrote.

Coleman is free on bond in both criminal cases. At the Statehouse, he's been pursuing a liberal agenda and earlier this month introduced a bill to reduce criminal penalties for possessing or distributing psychedelic mushrooms. But Democratic leaders have refused to give him any committee assignments.

The complaint filed against him by six fellow Democrats revived the committee of three Republicans and three Democrats that admonished him in writing last year. But its chairman has said it doesn't plan to meet again until Coleman's criminal cases are resolved.

In the Johnson County case, Coleman was ordered to undergo a mental health exam. Court documents said Coleman, who is Jewish, had a fight with his younger brother over the brother's plans for a Christian baptism.

A police sergeant wrote in an affidavit that Coleman was uncooperative and “extremely erratic,” and that he reported not sleeping for three days. Coleman tweeted Nov. 25 — two days before his arrest in Douglas County — that he's suffered from chronic insomnia “my whole adult life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman as shown in his October booking photo in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman as shown in his October booking photo in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state legislator has been charged with two traffic violations over his late November arrest on Interstate 70 in northeast&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;but not with driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the potential crime initially listed by the Highway Patrol.Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City, also still faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in a separate criminal case in the Kansas City area over an Oct. 30 fight with his younger brother. Coleman pled not guilty, and a scheduling hearing in that case is set for Wednesday in Johnson County District Court.In neighboring Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the main University of Kansas campus, Coleman faces charges of speeding and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle as required by law over a Nov. 27 stop. A complaint filed Jan. 21 by an assistant district attorney says Coleman was driving 92 mph when the post speed limit was 75 mph Together, the charges could result in several hundred dollars in fines.Coleman is scheduled to have the charges formally read to him and enter a plea on April 15, during a break in the Kansas Legislature's annual session. His attorney did not respond to a telephone message and the lawmaker did not reply to a text seeking comment.Coleman has been embroiled in controversy since he ran for the House in 2020, when he acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women. A legislative committee reprimanded Coleman in writing in February 2020 over those abuses. After his two arrests within a month, six female Democrats in the House filed a complaint against him with the House designed to lead to his ouster.The Kansas Highway Patrol initially said he had been arrested in Douglas County on suspicion of DUI, but a decision on charges waited on the report to the district attorney's office from the patrol on the substances in Coleman's body at the time of the stop. Coleman has said he wasn't under the influence.Jill Jess, a spokesperson for the Douglas County district attorney's office, said the charges were “based on evidence presented,” without elaborating. The Associated Press has requested a copy of the patrol's report.“Mr. Coleman faces no further charges in Douglas County at this time,” she wrote.Coleman is free on bond in both criminal cases. At the Statehouse, he's been pursuing a liberal agenda and earlier this month introduced a bill to reduce criminal penalties for possessing or distributing psychedelic mushrooms. But Democratic leaders have refused to give him any committee assignments.The complaint filed against him by six fellow Democrats revived the committee of three Republicans and three Democrats that admonished him in writing last year. But its chairman has said it doesn't plan to meet again until Coleman's criminal cases are resolved.In the Johnson County case, Coleman was ordered to undergo a mental health exam. Court documents said Coleman, who is Jewish, had a fight with his younger brother over the brother's plans for a Christian baptism.A police sergeant wrote in an affidavit that Coleman was uncooperative and “extremely erratic,” and that he reported not sleeping for three days. Coleman tweeted Nov. 25 — two days before his arrest in Douglas County — that he's suffered from chronic insomnia “my whole adult life.”