Maverick Archie Paul Way, 26, passed away on January 14, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.

Maverick was born on January 20, 1995, in Corry, PA, to Kevin Way and Christi Kubich. He was the youngest of three.

On October 17, 2015, he married his best friend Erika Fyfe of 
Goodland, Kansas at the Bellamy Ranch. All though, no children to this 
union, they have three fur babies: Copenhagen, Dixie, and Tinker.

Raised in and around Georgia. Through their moves, it was quickly 
noticed that Maverick was a good friend. He didn’t know a stranger, and 
if you started off as one it wasn’t long before he was considering you a
 friend. Throughout his high school career, he found a love for sports, 
especially wrestling, being a state placer. He graduated from Alexander 
High school in 2013 and brought his wrestling to Northwest Kansas 
Technical College in Goodland, KS. While at the college he earned his 
Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology, graduating in 2015.

When Maverick wasn’t being a diesel mechanic or working on a project 
of his own, he could be found spending time with his family and friends.
 He loved spending quality time with the people that loved him, doing 
the things he loved most like hunting, fishing, working with livestock, 
and riding horses. His smile, light, and laugh were contagious, and once
 he considered you a friend, he would do anything for you, but he 
wouldn’t leave you without one of his big hugs. In his quiet time, he 
could be found reading the Word and increasing his love for Jesus, 
playing Xbox with friends, or dabbling in his newest found love of 
drawing. Maverick was a good-hearted man that just loved to be loved and
 would do his all for the ones he loved.

Preceding him in death was his brother-in-law, Lee Fyfe.

Survivors include: his wife of the home, Erika, their dogs, parents: 
Kevin Way and Christi Kubich, Dennis and Dulci Fyfe, siblings: Ethan 
(Bethany) Way, Gabryelle (Ryan) Snow, and Jordan Englebrecht, nieces and
 nephews and countless life-long friends.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Maverick-Way">HERE</a> for service details.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642543351044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maverick Archie Paul Way, 26, passed away on January 14, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.Maverick was born on January 20, 1995, in Corry, PA, to Kevin Way and Christi Kubich. He was the youngest of three.On October 17, 2015, he married his best friend Erika Fyfe of 
Goodland, Kansas at the Bellamy Ranch. All though, no children to this 
union, they have three fur babies: Copenhagen, Dixie, and Tinker.Raised in and around Georgia. Through their moves, it was quickly 
noticed that Maverick was a good friend. He didn’t know a stranger, and 
if you started off as one it wasn’t long before he was considering you a
 friend. Throughout his high school career, he found a love for sports, 
especially wrestling, being a state placer. He graduated from Alexander 
High school in 2013 and brought his wrestling to Northwest Kansas 
Technical College in Goodland, KS. While at the college he earned his 
Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology, graduating in 2015.When Maverick wasn’t being a diesel mechanic or working on a project 
of his own, he could be found spending time with his family and friends.
 He loved spending quality time with the people that loved him, doing 
the things he loved most like hunting, fishing, working with livestock, 
and riding horses. His smile, light, and laugh were contagious, and once
 he considered you a friend, he would do anything for you, but he 
wouldn’t leave you without one of his big hugs. In his quiet time, he 
could be found reading the Word and increasing his love for Jesus, 
playing Xbox with friends, or dabbling in his newest found love of 
drawing. Maverick was a good-hearted man that just loved to be loved and
 would do his all for the ones he loved.Preceding him in death was his brother-in-law, Lee Fyfe.Survivors include: his wife of the home, Erika, their dogs, parents: 
Kevin Way and Christi Kubich, Dennis and Dulci Fyfe, siblings: Ethan 
(Bethany) Way, Gabryelle (Ryan) Snow, and Jordan Englebrecht, nieces and
 nephews and countless life-long friends.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Maverick-Way">HERE</a> for service details.&nbsp;

Maverick Archie Paul Way

Soleda “Shirlee” Hernandez, 67, passed away January 16, 2022, at 
Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on October 23, 1954 at
 Brownfield, Texas, to Jose &amp; Lydia (Flores) Garza. She married Jose
 Hernandez on February 27, 2016, at Great Bend.

Coming from Dodge City in 2000, Shirlee was a Great Bend resident. 
She was a receptionist at the University of Kansas Health System Great 
Bend Campus. She enjoyed casinos, garage sales, bingo and fishing. 
Shirlee also enjoyed making tamales but especially loved spending time 
with her family, friends and her dogs Benji and Charlie.

Survivors include, her husband, Jose Hernandez of the home; five 
sons, Paul Rios, Leon Rios, Jesse Rios, Adam Rios and Pablo Rios; two 
brothers, Victor Garza and Richard Garza; a sister, Caroline Garza; many
 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death 
by her parents; two daughters, Vicki Rios and Amanda Rios; and three 
brothers, Joe Garza, Carlos Garza and Elias Garza.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 
January 20, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home and 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Friday, 
January 21, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 
at 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Heartland Community Church in
 Great Bend with Pastor Troy Miller presiding. A private family 
inurnment will be held at a later date in the Ulysses Cemetery. 


Memorials have been designated to the Shirlee Hernandez Memorial Fund, 
in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642543245307.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Soleda “Shirlee” Hernandez, 67, passed away January 16, 2022, at 
Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on October 23, 1954 at
 Brownfield, Texas, to Jose &amp; Lydia (Flores) Garza. She married Jose
 Hernandez on February 27, 2016, at Great Bend.Coming from Dodge City in 2000, Shirlee was a Great Bend resident. 
She was a receptionist at the University of Kansas Health System Great 
Bend Campus. She enjoyed casinos, garage sales, bingo and fishing. 
Shirlee also enjoyed making tamales but especially loved spending time 
with her family, friends and her dogs Benji and Charlie.Survivors include, her husband, Jose Hernandez of the home; five 
sons, Paul Rios, Leon Rios, Jesse Rios, Adam Rios and Pablo Rios; two 
brothers, Victor Garza and Richard Garza; a sister, Caroline Garza; many
 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death 
by her parents; two daughters, Vicki Rios and Amanda Rios; and three 
brothers, Joe Garza, Carlos Garza and Elias Garza.Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 
January 20, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home and 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Friday, 
January 21, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 
at 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Heartland Community Church in
 Great Bend with Pastor Troy Miller presiding. A private family 
inurnment will be held at a later date in the Ulysses Cemetery. 
Memorials have been designated to the Shirlee Hernandez Memorial Fund, 
in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Soleda 'Shirlee' Hernandez

Roderic E. Deines, 90, of Russell, Kansas died on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Home in Lawrence, Kansas.

Rod was born on October 18th, 1931, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Herman and Marcella (O’Grady)

Deines. He spent most of his younger years in Russell but for a short
 time lived in Chicago, Illinois.&nbsp; Growing up he worked the family 
business at the Deines Furniture Store. He worked for a brief time in 
the oil field but decided to join the Army and served from February 
15,1952 to January 27, 1954, during the Korean War. After serving his 
country, he returned to Russell to work and met who would be his first 
wife Marilyn Krueger. &nbsp;They were united in marriage in August of 1956, 
during this time they both attended Kansas University where he was a 
member of the Delta Chi fraternity. They moved to Dallas, Texas, where 
he attended and graduated from the Dallas Institute Gupton Jones College
 of Mortuary Science and achieved Summa Cum Laude honors. They moved 
back to Russell to raise their two children, Michelle and Phillip. Once 
again, he worked the family business as a mortician at the Deines 
Funeral Home and Ambulance Service.&nbsp; He and Marilyn eventually divorced 
and later he married his second wife, Dorothy (Steinert) Nuss in 1966.&nbsp; 
From this union they were blessed with two children Bonny and Mike. 

Rod 
worked selling insurance through various companies such as Interstate 
Insurance and Franklin Life Insurance. They were members of Trinity 
United Methodist Church and active in various roles within the church. 
He served as Lay Leader and was part of the Methodist Mens group. &nbsp;He 
enjoyed church volleyball, and they played a major part in founding the 
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that are available to the community. 
He played a convincing Santa Clause as well on Christmas eve for the 
children at the Christmas eve celebration.&nbsp; Rod also served on the board
 of the Russell Regional Hospital. He repeatedly achieved high ranking 
recognition in his sales with the Franklin Life Insurance Company. In 
his spare time he loved gardening, coaching little league baseball and 
enjoyed drawing or as he called it doodling.&nbsp; After 19 years of marriage
 Rod and Dorothy divorced which led to Rod moving to the small town of 
Baldwin City, Kansas and started the Legionnaire Baseball Team for young
 men that wanted to play baseball. Eventually he decided to move a few 
miles north to his beloved Lawrence, Kansas and Alma Mater KU.&nbsp; Here he 
continued a career in money management seminars and in his later years 
dabbled in Real Estate Opportunities. His favorite pass time included 
enjoying time with his two Brittany dogs, Torrie and Missy. His final 
few years after changes in his health were spent at Pioneer Ridge 
Nursing Home until his final destination to live life eternal with his 
Lord Jesus Christ.

Surviving family include his daughter Bonny Deines, companion Tim Ball of Lawrence; son Mike

Deines and wife Wendy of Basehor, Kansas; step siblings Mary Ann 
(Deines)Hogan, companion Glenn Kyle; Wanda (Deines) Brown and husband 
Dennis Brown and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in 
death by his parents; sister June Deines; Ex-wife Marilyn Krueger; 
Ex-wife Dorothy Nielsen.

A celebration of Roderic’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, 
January 21, 2022, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, 
Kansas. &nbsp;Military rites will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post 
#6240. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday, January 20, 
2022, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to
 7 P.M. Thursday evening.&nbsp; 

Memorials may be given to Trinity United 
Methodist Church and sent to the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler 
Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service 
arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642543156744.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Roderic E. Deines, 90, of Russell, Kansas died on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Home in Lawrence, Kansas.Rod was born on October 18th, 1931, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Herman and Marcella (O’Grady)Deines. He spent most of his younger years in Russell but for a short
 time lived in Chicago, Illinois.&nbsp; Growing up he worked the family 
business at the Deines Furniture Store. He worked for a brief time in 
the oil field but decided to join the Army and served from February 
15,1952 to January 27, 1954, during the Korean War. After serving his 
country, he returned to Russell to work and met who would be his first 
wife Marilyn Krueger. &nbsp;They were united in marriage in August of 1956, 
during this time they both attended Kansas University where he was a 
member of the Delta Chi fraternity. They moved to Dallas, Texas, where 
he attended and graduated from the Dallas Institute Gupton Jones College
 of Mortuary Science and achieved Summa Cum Laude honors. They moved 
back to Russell to raise their two children, Michelle and Phillip. Once 
again, he worked the family business as a mortician at the Deines 
Funeral Home and Ambulance Service.&nbsp; He and Marilyn eventually divorced 
and later he married his second wife, Dorothy (Steinert) Nuss in 1966.&nbsp; 
From this union they were blessed with two children Bonny and Mike. Rod 
worked selling insurance through various companies such as Interstate 
Insurance and Franklin Life Insurance. They were members of Trinity 
United Methodist Church and active in various roles within the church. 
He served as Lay Leader and was part of the Methodist Mens group. &nbsp;He 
enjoyed church volleyball, and they played a major part in founding the 
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that are available to the community. 
He played a convincing Santa Clause as well on Christmas eve for the 
children at the Christmas eve celebration.&nbsp; Rod also served on the board
 of the Russell Regional Hospital. He repeatedly achieved high ranking 
recognition in his sales with the Franklin Life Insurance Company. In 
his spare time he loved gardening, coaching little league baseball and 
enjoyed drawing or as he called it doodling.&nbsp; After 19 years of marriage
 Rod and Dorothy divorced which led to Rod moving to the small town of 
Baldwin City, Kansas and started the Legionnaire Baseball Team for young
 men that wanted to play baseball. Eventually he decided to move a few 
miles north to his beloved Lawrence, Kansas and Alma Mater KU.&nbsp; Here he 
continued a career in money management seminars and in his later years 
dabbled in Real Estate Opportunities. His favorite pass time included 
enjoying time with his two Brittany dogs, Torrie and Missy. His final 
few years after changes in his health were spent at Pioneer Ridge 
Nursing Home until his final destination to live life eternal with his 
Lord Jesus Christ.Surviving family include his daughter Bonny Deines, companion Tim Ball of Lawrence; son MikeDeines and wife Wendy of Basehor, Kansas; step siblings Mary Ann 
(Deines)Hogan, companion Glenn Kyle; Wanda (Deines) Brown and husband 
Dennis Brown and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in 
death by his parents; sister June Deines; Ex-wife Marilyn Krueger; 
Ex-wife Dorothy Nielsen.A celebration of Roderic’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, 
January 21, 2022, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, 
Kansas. &nbsp;Military rites will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post 
#6240. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday, January 20, 
2022, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to
 7 P.M. Thursday evening.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to Trinity United 
Methodist Church and sent to the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler 
Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service 
arrangements.

Roderic E. Deines

Carl William Henkle, 93, passed away January 16, 2022, at Sandstone 
Heights Nursing Home in Little River. He was born on January 31, 1928 at
 Fredonia, Kansas, to Clarence &amp; Freida (Christiansen) Henkle. He 
married Mary Elizabeth Reynolds on February 12, 1950, at Holyrood.&nbsp; She 
died October 21, 2014.

Carl hauled propane for A-A Propane for many years, he also was a 
chicken and pig farmer. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in 
Great Bend. Carl enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, 
especially his grandchildren. Carl was a United States Navy Veteran 
obtaining the rank of Seaman Second Class and served during World War 
II.

Survivors include, two daughters, Carlon White and Sandy Berges and 
husband Reen all of Great Bend; a son, Bob Henkle and wife Cheryl of 
Seward eleven grandchildren, Richelle Wellman (Sam), Patrick White 
(Joanna), Jim Henkle (Angela), Lee Wilburn (Shannon), Shonda Caskey, 
Bill Crawford (Megan), Joe Crawford (Karla), Christy Meyer (Jeff), 
Melissa Mead, Jeff Berges (Casey) and Shawndra Harbaugh (Mike); 
thirty-five great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. He 
was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Henkle; a daughter, 
Linda Lyman; a sister, Fern Klameth; a grandson, Chad Henkle; a great 
grandson, Wyatt Henkle and a great granddaughter, Sarah Kemp.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, 
at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding and Military 
Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. A Private Family 
Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North at a later date. 


Memorials have been designated to the Carl Henkle Expense Fund, in care 
of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642533322806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carl William Henkle, 93, passed away January 16, 2022, at Sandstone 
Heights Nursing Home in Little River. He was born on January 31, 1928 at
 Fredonia, Kansas, to Clarence &amp; Freida (Christiansen) Henkle. He 
married Mary Elizabeth Reynolds on February 12, 1950, at Holyrood.&nbsp; She 
died October 21, 2014.Carl hauled propane for A-A Propane for many years, he also was a 
chicken and pig farmer. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in 
Great Bend. Carl enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, 
especially his grandchildren. Carl was a United States Navy Veteran 
obtaining the rank of Seaman Second Class and served during World War 
II.Survivors include, two daughters, Carlon White and Sandy Berges and 
husband Reen all of Great Bend; a son, Bob Henkle and wife Cheryl of 
Seward eleven grandchildren, Richelle Wellman (Sam), Patrick White 
(Joanna), Jim Henkle (Angela), Lee Wilburn (Shannon), Shonda Caskey, 
Bill Crawford (Megan), Joe Crawford (Karla), Christy Meyer (Jeff), 
Melissa Mead, Jeff Berges (Casey) and Shawndra Harbaugh (Mike); 
thirty-five great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. He 
was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Henkle; a daughter, 
Linda Lyman; a sister, Fern Klameth; a grandson, Chad Henkle; a great 
grandson, Wyatt Henkle and a great granddaughter, Sarah Kemp.Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, 
at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding and Military 
Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. A Private Family 
Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North at a later date. 
Memorials have been designated to the Carl Henkle Expense Fund, in care 
of Bryant Funeral Home.

Carl William Henkle

Shirley I. Huey, 86, of Manhattan, KS, formerly of Bogue, Kansas, passed
 away on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, at her home in Manhattan. &nbsp;She was 
retired from KSU Vet Science as an Animal Care Intake.
 Shirley was born in Natoma, KS on October 15, 1935, the daughter of 
the late Victor and Rosa Lillie (Strutt) Hayes. She attended school at 
the Natoma Schools and received her GED. &nbsp;On May 2, 1954, she and Art 
Huey were united in marriage in Stockton, Kansas and he proceeds her in 
death. &nbsp;She was a member of the &nbsp;First United Methodist Church in 
Manhattan and had been a cook in the dormitories and a housekeeper at 
KSU. &nbsp;
 Shirley is survived by three daughters, Susan Kent, of Manhattan; 
Ruth Huey, of Manhattan; Renee (Jim) Hubner, of Manhattan; three sons 
Leland Huey, of Manhattan; &nbsp;James (Sondra) Huey, of Bella Vista, AR; 
Dale (Dana Kay) Huey, of Overland Park; &nbsp;17 grandchildren, many 
great-grandchildren. &nbsp;Shirley is also preceded in death by her son, 
Daniel and 2 brothers, and 1 sister.
 A funeral service was held Friday, January 14th, at
 Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation in Manhattan, 
with Daneal White officiating. &nbsp;Graveside Services were held in the Wildhorse Cemetery at Bogue, Kansas. &nbsp;
 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the 
Alzheimer's Association 3625 SW 29th St #102 Topeka, KS 66614., 
 To send an email condolence to the family visit the funeral home 
website, www.irvnparkview.com &nbsp;Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home 
&amp; Cremation, Manhattan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642528647446.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley I. Huey, 86, of Manhattan, KS, formerly of Bogue, Kansas, passed
 away on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, at her home in Manhattan. &nbsp;She was 
retired from KSU Vet Science as an Animal Care Intake.
 Shirley was born in Natoma, KS on October 15, 1935, the daughter of 
the late Victor and Rosa Lillie (Strutt) Hayes. She attended school at 
the Natoma Schools and received her GED. &nbsp;On May 2, 1954, she and Art 
Huey were united in marriage in Stockton, Kansas and he proceeds her in 
death. &nbsp;She was a member of the &nbsp;First United Methodist Church in 
Manhattan and had been a cook in the dormitories and a housekeeper at 
KSU. &nbsp;
 Shirley is survived by three daughters, Susan Kent, of Manhattan; 
Ruth Huey, of Manhattan; Renee (Jim) Hubner, of Manhattan; three sons 
Leland Huey, of Manhattan; &nbsp;James (Sondra) Huey, of Bella Vista, AR; 
Dale (Dana Kay) Huey, of Overland Park; &nbsp;17 grandchildren, many 
great-grandchildren. &nbsp;Shirley is also preceded in death by her son, 
Daniel and 2 brothers, and 1 sister.
 A funeral service was held Friday, January 14th, at
 Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation in Manhattan, 
with Daneal White officiating. &nbsp;Graveside Services were held in the Wildhorse Cemetery at Bogue, Kansas. &nbsp;
 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the 
Alzheimer's Association 3625 SW 29th St #102 Topeka, KS 66614., 
 To send an email condolence to the family visit the funeral home 
website, www.irvnparkview.com &nbsp;Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home 
&amp; Cremation, Manhattan.&nbsp;

Shirley I. Huey

Jerome W. Randa, 90, Liebenthal, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Jerome was born August 26, 1931, in Liebenthal, Kansas, the son of 
John J. and Matilda (Depperschmidt) Randa.&nbsp; After Matilda’s death when 
Jerome was a young child, he was raised by John and his second wife, 
Adeline (Leiker) Randa.&nbsp; He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was a feed mill operator for La Crosse Co-op, La Crosse, 
Kansas, for 36 years before his retirement.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and a 62 year member
 of&nbsp; Knights of Columbus Council 2340, both of Liebenthal, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Jerome was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Great Bend, 
Kansas.&nbsp;

Jerome enjoyed watching westerns, gardening and fishing.&nbsp; He loved 
spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great 
grandchildren.&nbsp; They were his pride and joy.

On October 27, 1956, he married Agnes Herrman at St. Joseph’s 
Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. She preceded him in death March 4, 
2014.

Survivors include:&nbsp; two sons, Darold Randa, Liebenthal, Kansas, and 
Dermot Randa (Suzanne), La Crosse, Kansas; two daughters, Coleen Janda 
(Michael), Salina, Kansas, and Christine Werth, Hays, Kansas, eight 
grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Randa, 
Derby, Kansas, and Harold Randa, Manhattan, Kansas; and two sisters, 
Ardis Viegra, La Crosse, Kansas, and Florine Hansen, Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one daughter in 
law, Mary Ann Randa; a twin brother, Gerald Randa; two brothers, Alfred 
Randa, and Marvin Randa; and one sister, Lillian Randa.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 
P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with the 
family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.&nbsp; A vigil service 
and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;

Church visitation will be Monday, January 24, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. to
 10:20 P.M. at St. Josephs Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Monday, January 24, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at 
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with Father Stephen 
Dabanka officiating.&nbsp; Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 
Liebenthal, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the 
Liebenthal Fire Department, Liebenthal, Kansas, or Big Timber Township 
(to assist with the perpetual care of St. Joseph’s Cemetery).

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642519593237.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jerome W. Randa, 90, Liebenthal, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.Jerome was born August 26, 1931, in Liebenthal, Kansas, the son of 
John J. and Matilda (Depperschmidt) Randa.&nbsp; After Matilda’s death when 
Jerome was a young child, he was raised by John and his second wife, 
Adeline (Leiker) Randa.&nbsp; He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was a feed mill operator for La Crosse Co-op, La Crosse, 
Kansas, for 36 years before his retirement.He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and a 62 year member
 of&nbsp; Knights of Columbus Council 2340, both of Liebenthal, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Jerome was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Great Bend, 
Kansas.&nbsp;Jerome enjoyed watching westerns, gardening and fishing.&nbsp; He loved 
spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great 
grandchildren.&nbsp; They were his pride and joy.On October 27, 1956, he married Agnes Herrman at St. Joseph’s 
Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. She preceded him in death March 4, 
2014.Survivors include:&nbsp; two sons, Darold Randa, Liebenthal, Kansas, and 
Dermot Randa (Suzanne), La Crosse, Kansas; two daughters, Coleen Janda 
(Michael), Salina, Kansas, and Christine Werth, Hays, Kansas, eight 
grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Randa, 
Derby, Kansas, and Harold Randa, Manhattan, Kansas; and two sisters, 
Ardis Viegra, La Crosse, Kansas, and Florine Hansen, Las Vegas, Nevada.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one daughter in 
law, Mary Ann Randa; a twin brother, Gerald Randa; two brothers, Alfred 
Randa, and Marvin Randa; and one sister, Lillian Randa.Visitation will be Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 
P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with the 
family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.&nbsp; A vigil service 
and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;Church visitation will be Monday, January 24, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. to
 10:20 P.M. at St. Josephs Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.Funeral service will be Monday, January 24, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at 
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with Father Stephen 
Dabanka officiating.&nbsp; Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 
Liebenthal, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the 
Liebenthal Fire Department, Liebenthal, Kansas, or Big Timber Township 
(to assist with the perpetual care of St. Joseph’s Cemetery).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.

Jerome W. Randa

Kansas crude prices are at their highest in more three months. Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS was $74 per barrel, after rising nearly two dollars on Friday. Kansas prices jumped more than $11 so far this year. US crude futures prices were above $84 in midday trading Monday. The last time light sweet crude in New York rose above $84 was November of 2021, and before that you have to go back to October of 2014 to find better prices. Futures prices rose seven percent last week, posting increases of more than five dollars per barrel. Friday's settlement on the Nymex for the benchmark contract was $83.82 per barrel.&nbsp; The Rig Count in Kansas is up slightly. There are 18 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up one, and 25 west of Wichita, which is unchanged. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported drilling underway on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties. Operators were drilling on one well and about to spud another in Barton County. Baker Hughes reports a sizable increase in its weekly Rotary Rig Count, with 601 active rigs nationwide, an increase of 11 oil rigs and two seeking natural gas. The count in Texas is up seven rigs for the week. Operators in Kansas completed 35 wells last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 26 west of Wichita. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two new completions in Barton County and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. That’s 54 newly-completed wells so far this year across the state. Kansas regulators gave approved 19 new drilling permits last week, 42 so far this year. There are five new permits on file in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, including on in Ellis County. Gasoline prices are slightly higher, with the national average climbing last week to just over $3.30 per gallon, nearly half a cent higher than a week earlier, but three cents lower than a month ago. The average in Kansas rose to $2.97 per gallon. Kansas motorists are paying nearly two cents more than a month ago, and 83 cents more than a year ago, according to the auto club Triple-A.&nbsp; The government reported a big drop in crude-oil inventories last week. The report from the Energy Information Administration shows US stockpiles dropped 4.6 million barrels from the previous week to 413.3 million barrels. Inventories are about eight percent below the five year average for this time of year. EIA said gasoline stockpiles increased by eight million barrels, but are about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA reports crude imports were up 185,000 barrels per day last week, to 6.1 million barrels per day. The four-week average is nearly 11 percent higher than the same four weeks last year. U.S. crude production last week dropped by nearly 100,000 barrels per day to 11.66 million barrels per day. That’s nearly 600,000 barrels per day higher than during the same week last year. Oil-by-rail shipments in the U.S. are down 20% year-over year after dropping 112 carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,894 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week through January 8th. AAR says overall rail traffic is down 16% from a year ago. Rail shipments of Canadian crude are down 25% from a year ago, but increased by nearly 300 carloads last week.&nbsp; China doubled down on imports of crude oil from Iran and Venezuela last year, as refiners brushed off the risk of penalties under US sanctions to scoop up cheap oil. Bloomberg reports 324 million barrels in Chinese imports from the rogue regimes in 2021, the most in three years. US liquefied natural gas cargoes are heading to Europe instead of more-traditional winter markets in Asia, with 41 tankers likely heading to Europe compared to 24 on the way to Asia. That's the biggest disparity so far this winter. The bigger draw was brought on by volatile gas prices in Europe, where storage inventories are low and their major supplier, Russia, has not delivered as promised.

By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices are at their highest in more three months. Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS was $74 per barrel, after rising nearly two dollars on Friday. Kansas prices jumped more than $11 so far this year. US crude futures prices were above $84 in midday trading Monday. The last time light sweet crude in New York rose above $84 was November of 2021, and before that you have to go back to October of 2014 to find better prices. Futures prices rose seven percent last week, posting increases of more than five dollars per barrel. Friday's settlement on the Nymex for the benchmark contract was $83.82 per barrel.&nbsp; The Rig Count in Kansas is up slightly. There are 18 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up one, and 25 west of Wichita, which is unchanged. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported drilling underway on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties. Operators were drilling on one well and about to spud another in Barton County. Baker Hughes reports a sizable increase in its weekly Rotary Rig Count, with 601 active rigs nationwide, an increase of 11 oil rigs and two seeking natural gas. The count in Texas is up seven rigs for the week. Operators in Kansas completed 35 wells last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 26 west of Wichita. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two new completions in Barton County and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. That’s 54 newly-completed wells so far this year across the state. Kansas regulators gave approved 19 new drilling permits last week, 42 so far this year. There are five new permits on file in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, including on in Ellis County. Gasoline prices are slightly higher, with the national average climbing last week to just over $3.30 per gallon, nearly half a cent higher than a week earlier, but three cents lower than a month ago. The average in Kansas rose to $2.97 per gallon. Kansas motorists are paying nearly two cents more than a month ago, and 83 cents more than a year ago, according to the auto club Triple-A.&nbsp; The government reported a big drop in crude-oil inventories last week. The report from the Energy Information Administration shows US stockpiles dropped 4.6 million barrels from the previous week to 413.3 million barrels. Inventories are about eight percent below the five year average for this time of year. EIA said gasoline stockpiles increased by eight million barrels, but are about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA reports crude imports were up 185,000 barrels per day last week, to 6.1 million barrels per day. The four-week average is nearly 11 percent higher than the same four weeks last year. U.S. crude production last week dropped by nearly 100,000 barrels per day to 11.66 million barrels per day. That’s nearly 600,000 barrels per day higher than during the same week last year. Oil-by-rail shipments in the U.S. are down 20% year-over year after dropping 112 carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,894 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week through January 8th. AAR says overall rail traffic is down 16% from a year ago. Rail shipments of Canadian crude are down 25% from a year ago, but increased by nearly 300 carloads last week.&nbsp; China doubled down on imports of crude oil from Iran and Venezuela last year, as refiners brushed off the risk of penalties under US sanctions to scoop up cheap oil. Bloomberg reports 324 million barrels in Chinese imports from the rogue regimes in 2021, the most in three years. US liquefied natural gas cargoes are heading to Europe instead of more-traditional winter markets in Asia, with 41 tankers likely heading to Europe compared to 24 on the way to Asia. That's the biggest disparity so far this winter. The bigger draw was brought on by volatile gas prices in Europe, where storage inventories are low and their major supplier, Russia, has not delivered as promised.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude prices reach 3-month highs

ABILENE - Join us for Ike's Book Club where this year we will read and discuss various books about leadership. Generally held the second Tuesday evening of every other month, our theme this year is titled "Dwight Eisenhower: The Making of a Leader." Our book selection focuses on the categories of family, military, presidency, and mentorship. The book discussions will each focus on how they relate to Dwight Eisenhower's leadership. The first book in February is "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni with the discussion led by Dr. Gene Chaves with Humanities Kansas.

The March selection is perfect for the entire family to read and join in the discussion. 

This year-long leadership series culminates in October with Susan Eisenhower discussing her recent book "How Ike Led."

The full&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_loH7oL8aydDiUfTHKfqCvnK4cLe_IFc75YWw1Qub7ILmALzrPCHw2yZ1PY-p8mr2_Z7Fz2rWdGMCQXwD6fhDOmt65azOhN5PRgqY8glBeCFO7PwAgKcQyTe2SJVZP-vFiOzytFP49_364MpVgqCsgNsTUQB1QIenYGMP_kinmfMcfQEFEwl9z6Q=&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">reading list and schedule</a>&nbsp;is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_lv6CnU9TCLzhh-D1Gi9Nge5rza9J8pYXG6IRiRm6BMqXTluUvErnCaqKytaTmWV06_quLITVyGveuIYQ67ihuyeGn60yvOyDQg==&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>. Ike's Book Club will meet using the Zoom platform where you can register to attend each book discussion and add the connection details on your personal calendar.

President Eisenhower was a voracious reader. We honor his love for reading with our book club. You are welcome to share your related stories and experiences even if you haven't yet read the book or just listen in to gain insight from others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642439417951.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedABILENE - Join us for Ike's Book Club where this year we will read and discuss various books about leadership. Generally held the second Tuesday evening of every other month, our theme this year is titled "Dwight Eisenhower: The Making of a Leader." Our book selection focuses on the categories of family, military, presidency, and mentorship. The book discussions will each focus on how they relate to Dwight Eisenhower's leadership. The first book in February is "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni with the discussion led by Dr. Gene Chaves with Humanities Kansas. The March selection is perfect for the entire family to read and join in the discussion. This year-long leadership series culminates in October with Susan Eisenhower discussing her recent book "How Ike Led." The full&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_loH7oL8aydDiUfTHKfqCvnK4cLe_IFc75YWw1Qub7ILmALzrPCHw2yZ1PY-p8mr2_Z7Fz2rWdGMCQXwD6fhDOmt65azOhN5PRgqY8glBeCFO7PwAgKcQyTe2SJVZP-vFiOzytFP49_364MpVgqCsgNsTUQB1QIenYGMP_kinmfMcfQEFEwl9z6Q=&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">reading list and schedule</a>&nbsp;is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_lv6CnU9TCLzhh-D1Gi9Nge5rza9J8pYXG6IRiRm6BMqXTluUvErnCaqKytaTmWV06_quLITVyGveuIYQ67ihuyeGn60yvOyDQg==&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>. Ike's Book Club will meet using the Zoom platform where you can register to attend each book discussion and add the connection details on your personal calendar.President Eisenhower was a voracious reader. We honor his love for reading with our book club. You are welcome to share your related stories and experiences even if you haven't yet read the book or just listen in to gain insight from others.

Virtual Ike's Book Club resumes next month

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs were going nowhere on offense against Pittsburgh early Sunday night, so coach Andy Reid had wide receiver Mecole Hardman take a shotgun snap and hand off to running back Darrel Williams on a trick play.

Their exchange hit the ground, T.J. Watt picked it up and returned the fumble for a touchdown.

It was precisely the kind of play that should have energized the heavy underdogs, playing in a tough environment on the road, but it wound up doing something else entirely: It ticked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

He proceeded to throw for 404 yards and five scores, leading Kansas City to the end zone on six straight possessions after the turnover, and the Chiefs cruised through the second half for a 42-21 wild-card victory.

“We were all pissed at ourselves,” Mahomes said. “We weren't playing with enough energy. We weren't playing at a high enough level. We all motivated ourselves. Everyone was talking to each other, and we came out with a different urgency.”

Byron Pringle caught touchdown passes from both Mahomes and Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon and Tyreek Hill also had scoring catches, while the Chiefs (13-5) shut down the retiring Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.

The performance not only sent Kansas City into the divisional round of the playoffs, it also turned next Sunday night's game against Buffalo — a rematch of last year's AFC title game — into appointment viewing. The Bills had a similarly easy time with their 47-17 victory over New England on Saturday.

“When you’ve been to the Super Bowl the last two years and you walk off that field with a loss last year, you want to go back and get that revenge, get that win,” Mahomes said. "We have the Bills coming here this next week and we’re going to have to play our best football.”

Roethlisberger, who acknowledged the Steelers (9-8-1) were “not a very good football team” this week, wasn't very good in his own right. The 39-year-old quarterback was 29 of 44 for 215 yards with two meaningless TD passes late in the game, providing the coda to a career that includes six Pro Bowl trips and two Super Bowl wins.

“I mean, we lost. It stinks. But when you get to the tournament, only one team is going to end the season the way you want,” Roethlisberger said. “I will say, I'm proud of the way our guys fought tonight.”

Judging by the final score, you'd never guess the first quarter was all about defense: The Steelers ran 14 plays and went 12 yards, while the Chiefs had more punt return yards (70) than they had from scrimmage (62).

Made sense that the first points would be scored on defense, too.

After the Steelers punted for a fifth straight time, the Chiefs inexplicably had Hardman take a snap rather than their four-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Williams bobbled the exchange, Watt grabbed the fumble and Pittsburgh had a 7-0 lead.

Mahomes responded by completing his next six passes, capping a 76-yard drive with a nifty underhand flick to McKinnon that tied it. Then the brilliant young quarterback found Pringle in the corner of the end zone for a score, and he put an exclamation mark on the half by hitting Kelce with a 48-yard touchdown strike.

In the span of less than six minutes, Mahomes and the Chiefs had turned a seven-point deficit into a 21-7 lead.

“You know what? I didn't have to say much,” Reid said. “The players know better than anybody when there's a screwup. They beared down. Nobody was hanging their head. They said, ‘Let’s go. We need to amp it up here a little bit.'"

It wasn't quite the 23-0 halftime advantage the Chiefs had in their December blowout of the Steelers, but it sure felt that way. Roethlisberger was 5 of 14 for 24 yards in the first half and Pittsburgh had 55 yards total offense.

Not much of a retirement party if Roethlisberger indeed calls it quits.

“I don't think any of us played well,” he said. “We didn't make the plays we had to early to give ourselves a chance, and doing that, we didn't keep our defense off the field. Those are tough situations to go against such a high-powered offense.”

As for the Chiefs, their celebration started in earnest after Mahomes led them on another TD drive to start the second half. The game was such a laugher by that point that when Hill was ruled down just shy of the goal line, Mahomes simply threw his next pass on third-and-goal to offensive tackle Nick Allegretti for the score.

Hill got his TD catch eventually; it came after Steelers rookie Najee Harris lost a fumble for the first time all season.

The Chiefs kept scoring, too — Kelce's mom, who began the day watching her other son, Jason, and his Eagles lose in Tampa Bay, got to see her younger son throw a TD pass in the fourth quarter. By that point, the Chiefs had scored so often, they had to post a message on the Arrowhead Stadium video boards that they had run out of fireworks.

Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs had provided enough of their own.

“As opposed to coming in here and talking about the things we didn't do — I just expressed it to the football team — the classy thing to do is compliment the Kansas City Chiefs,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “They have a really good football team, they have an explosive team, and they did a really good job tonight.”

Steelers: Their ego was severely bruised.

Chiefs: CB Rashad Fenton hurt his shoulder before the game.

Pittsburgh heads to the offseason contemplating how they might replace their long-time starting quarterback.

The Chiefs welcome Buffalo next Sunday night for a rematch of a game the Bills won 38-20 in October. Mahomes threw three TD passes in a 38-24 victory for the AFC crown last January.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs were going nowhere on offense against Pittsburgh early Sunday night, so coach Andy Reid had wide receiver Mecole Hardman take a shotgun snap and hand off to running back Darrel Williams on a trick play.Their exchange hit the ground, T.J. Watt picked it up and returned the fumble for a touchdown.It was precisely the kind of play that should have energized the heavy underdogs, playing in a tough environment on the road, but it wound up doing something else entirely: It ticked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.He proceeded to throw for 404 yards and five scores, leading Kansas City to the end zone on six straight possessions after the turnover, and the Chiefs cruised through the second half for a 42-21 wild-card victory.“We were all pissed at ourselves,” Mahomes said. “We weren't playing with enough energy. We weren't playing at a high enough level. We all motivated ourselves. Everyone was talking to each other, and we came out with a different urgency.”Byron Pringle caught touchdown passes from both Mahomes and Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon and Tyreek Hill also had scoring catches, while the Chiefs (13-5) shut down the retiring Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.The performance not only sent Kansas City into the divisional round of the playoffs, it also turned next Sunday night's game against Buffalo — a rematch of last year's AFC title game — into appointment viewing. The Bills had a similarly easy time with their 47-17 victory over New England on Saturday.“When you’ve been to the Super Bowl the last two years and you walk off that field with a loss last year, you want to go back and get that revenge, get that win,” Mahomes said. "We have the Bills coming here this next week and we’re going to have to play our best football.”Roethlisberger, who acknowledged the Steelers (9-8-1) were “not a very good football team” this week, wasn't very good in his own right. The 39-year-old quarterback was 29 of 44 for 215 yards with two meaningless TD passes late in the game, providing the coda to a career that includes six Pro Bowl trips and two Super Bowl wins.“I mean, we lost. It stinks. But when you get to the tournament, only one team is going to end the season the way you want,” Roethlisberger said. “I will say, I'm proud of the way our guys fought tonight.”Judging by the final score, you'd never guess the first quarter was all about defense: The Steelers ran 14 plays and went 12 yards, while the Chiefs had more punt return yards (70) than they had from scrimmage (62).Made sense that the first points would be scored on defense, too.After the Steelers punted for a fifth straight time, the Chiefs inexplicably had Hardman take a snap rather than their four-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Williams bobbled the exchange, Watt grabbed the fumble and Pittsburgh had a 7-0 lead.It didn't last long.Mahomes responded by completing his next six passes, capping a 76-yard drive with a nifty underhand flick to McKinnon that tied it. Then the brilliant young quarterback found Pringle in the corner of the end zone for a score, and he put an exclamation mark on the half by hitting Kelce with a 48-yard touchdown strike.In the span of less than six minutes, Mahomes and the Chiefs had turned a seven-point deficit into a 21-7 lead.“You know what? I didn't have to say much,” Reid said. “The players know better than anybody when there's a screwup. They beared down. Nobody was hanging their head. They said, ‘Let’s go. We need to amp it up here a little bit.'"It wasn't quite the 23-0 halftime advantage the Chiefs had in their December blowout of the Steelers, but it sure felt that way. Roethlisberger was 5 of 14 for 24 yards in the first half and Pittsburgh had 55 yards total offense.Not much of a retirement party if Roethlisberger indeed calls it quits.“I don't think any of us played well,” he said. “We didn't make the plays we had to early to give ourselves a chance, and doing that, we didn't keep our defense off the field. Those are tough situations to go against such a high-powered offense.”As for the Chiefs, their celebration started in earnest after Mahomes led them on another TD drive to start the second half. The game was such a laugher by that point that when Hill was ruled down just shy of the goal line, Mahomes simply threw his next pass on third-and-goal to offensive tackle Nick Allegretti for the score.Hill got his TD catch eventually; it came after Steelers rookie Najee Harris lost a fumble for the first time all season.The Chiefs kept scoring, too — Kelce's mom, who began the day watching her other son, Jason, and his Eagles lose in Tampa Bay, got to see her younger son throw a TD pass in the fourth quarter. By that point, the Chiefs had scored so often, they had to post a message on the Arrowhead Stadium video boards that they had run out of fireworks.Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs had provided enough of their own.“As opposed to coming in here and talking about the things we didn't do — I just expressed it to the football team — the classy thing to do is compliment the Kansas City Chiefs,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “They have a really good football team, they have an explosive team, and they did a really good job tonight.”INJURIESSteelers: Their ego was severely bruised.Chiefs: CB Rashad Fenton hurt his shoulder before the game.UP NEXTPittsburgh heads to the offseason contemplating how they might replace their long-time starting quarterback.The Chiefs welcome Buffalo next Sunday night for a rematch of a game the Bills won 38-20 in October. Mahomes threw three TD passes in a 38-24 victory for the AFC crown last January.

🏈 Mahomes leads Chiefs to wild-card romp over Steelers

Viola Rosa Hurst, 94, Hays, died Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her home.

She was born April 10, 1927, on the 
family farm near Blakeman in rural Rawlins County, the daughter of Peter
 James and Margaret Oletha (Bliss) Heaton.&nbsp; She was a 1945 graduate of 
Atwood High School.&nbsp; On September 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to
 Donald J. Hurst at the Atwood Christian Church.&nbsp; They celebrated 70 
years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 27, 2021.&nbsp; 
Viola and Don raised nine children and lived most of their lives in 
Hays.&nbsp; She was an excellent cook and known for her delicious pies.&nbsp; Her 
family knew they were lucky to have such a wonderful mother and 
grandmother.&nbsp; Family was her passion.&nbsp; Viola was a member of Hays First 
United Methodist Church.&nbsp; After some years at home raising their family,
 she worked at Travenol, then as the school secretary at Wilson 
Elementary School prior to her retirement in 1992.&nbsp; Viola and Donald 
enjoyed many summers in the Colorado mountains after retirement.

Survivors include two sons: James Hurst
 and wife Terri, Douglas Hurst, seven daughters: Margaret “Jodi” 
Brungardt, Beverly “Jill” Schuckman, Joyce Klaus and husband Al, DJ 
Hurst, Connie Hurst-Bayless and husband Ben, Ardie Hurst, and Marsha 
Stremel and husband Cary, one sister: Beulah Coulson, and many 
grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, and two grandchildren: Janice Schuckman and Cambry Dinkel.

Funeral services were Friday, January 
14, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Rev. Craig Hauschild
 officiating.&nbsp; Burial followed in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; 

Memorials
 are suggested to Hays First United Methodist Church or to the Ronald 
McDonald House Charities Wichita, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Viola may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642261760653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Viola Rosa Hurst, 94, Hays, died Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her home.She was born April 10, 1927, on the 
family farm near Blakeman in rural Rawlins County, the daughter of Peter
 James and Margaret Oletha (Bliss) Heaton.&nbsp; She was a 1945 graduate of 
Atwood High School.&nbsp; On September 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to
 Donald J. Hurst at the Atwood Christian Church.&nbsp; They celebrated 70 
years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 27, 2021.&nbsp; 
Viola and Don raised nine children and lived most of their lives in 
Hays.&nbsp; She was an excellent cook and known for her delicious pies.&nbsp; Her 
family knew they were lucky to have such a wonderful mother and 
grandmother.&nbsp; Family was her passion.&nbsp; Viola was a member of Hays First 
United Methodist Church.&nbsp; After some years at home raising their family,
 she worked at Travenol, then as the school secretary at Wilson 
Elementary School prior to her retirement in 1992.&nbsp; Viola and Donald 
enjoyed many summers in the Colorado mountains after retirement.Survivors include two sons: James Hurst
 and wife Terri, Douglas Hurst, seven daughters: Margaret “Jodi” 
Brungardt, Beverly “Jill” Schuckman, Joyce Klaus and husband Al, DJ 
Hurst, Connie Hurst-Bayless and husband Ben, Ardie Hurst, and Marsha 
Stremel and husband Cary, one sister: Beulah Coulson, and many 
grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, and two grandchildren: Janice Schuckman and Cambry Dinkel.Funeral services were Friday, January 
14, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Rev. Craig Hauschild
 officiating.&nbsp; Burial followed in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; Memorials
 are suggested to Hays First United Methodist Church or to the Ronald 
McDonald House Charities Wichita, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Viola may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

Viola Rosa Hurst

Marilyn Sauer, 77, died January 12, 2022, at her home in Dodge City. 
She was born on October 6, 1944, in Cimarron, Kansas the daughter of John
 and Leola (Miller) Wendel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

She married Vincent “Mike” Sauer on September 28, 1963, in Cimarron, 
he passed away on January 12, 2022. Mrs. Sauer enjoyed Gardening and 
taking care of her fur babies “pets” in her spare time. She worked as a 
secretary for Cimarron Insurance Company for years and later for the 
Gray County Road and Bridge Department. She had a great sense of humor. 
She loved watching Wheel of Fortune never missing a episode.

She is survived by her two sons Eric Sauer and wife Jennifer of 
Topeka, Kansas; Kevin Sauer and wife Christy of Manhattan, Kansas; one 
brother Glen Wendel of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister Marla Duncan and 
husband Scott of Reeds Spring, Missouri. She is also survived by four 
Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Bob Wendel.

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday 
January 21, 2022, at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff&nbsp; Hiers presiding. Inurnment 
will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no 
visitation as cremation has taken place. 

Memorials are suggested to Ford
 County Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and 
memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642188379579.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn Sauer, 77, died January 12, 2022, at her home in Dodge City. 
She was born on October 6, 1944, in Cimarron, Kansas the daughter of John
 and Leola (Miller) Wendel. &nbsp;&nbsp;She married Vincent “Mike” Sauer on September 28, 1963, in Cimarron, 
he passed away on January 12, 2022. Mrs. Sauer enjoyed Gardening and 
taking care of her fur babies “pets” in her spare time. She worked as a 
secretary for Cimarron Insurance Company for years and later for the 
Gray County Road and Bridge Department. She had a great sense of humor. 
She loved watching Wheel of Fortune never missing a episode.She is survived by her two sons Eric Sauer and wife Jennifer of 
Topeka, Kansas; Kevin Sauer and wife Christy of Manhattan, Kansas; one 
brother Glen Wendel of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister Marla Duncan and 
husband Scott of Reeds Spring, Missouri. She is also survived by four 
Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Bob Wendel.Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday 
January 21, 2022, at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff&nbsp; Hiers presiding. Inurnment 
will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no 
visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Ford
 County Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and 
memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.&nbsp;

Marilyn Sauer

Rhea Jean Schartz, 62, passed away on January 12, 2022, at St. 
Catherine Hospital, Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 26, 
1959, at Great Bend, Kansas, to Robert Eugene &amp; Dora Jean (Smith) 
Applegate. Rhea married Kevin Schartz December 17, 1977, at Great Bend, 
Kansas.&nbsp;

A lifetime area resident, she worked for St. Joseph Catholic School 
as a cook for 18 years. Rhea enjoyed playing the lottery and casinos, 
specifically slots. She loved the school children, holidays especially 
the family time that came with them, and spoiling her grandkids.

Rhea is survived by her husband Kevin Schartz of the home; two sons, 
Aaron (Lindsey) Schartz of Great Bend, Seth (Krystal) Schartz of 
Ellinwood; three brothers: Robert “Lynn” (Noreen) Applegate of Topeka, 
Randy (Diane) Applegate of Hoisington, Ryan (Chawntae) Applegate of 
Hebron, Kent.; and three grandchildren, Avery, Payton, and Parker 
Schartz. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 1:00 to 
8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral 
Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 
17, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father 
Terrance Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. 


Memorials can be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642114349250.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rhea Jean Schartz, 62, passed away on January 12, 2022, at St. 
Catherine Hospital, Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 26, 
1959, at Great Bend, Kansas, to Robert Eugene &amp; Dora Jean (Smith) 
Applegate. Rhea married Kevin Schartz December 17, 1977, at Great Bend, 
Kansas.&nbsp;A lifetime area resident, she worked for St. Joseph Catholic School 
as a cook for 18 years. Rhea enjoyed playing the lottery and casinos, 
specifically slots. She loved the school children, holidays especially 
the family time that came with them, and spoiling her grandkids.Rhea is survived by her husband Kevin Schartz of the home; two sons, 
Aaron (Lindsey) Schartz of Great Bend, Seth (Krystal) Schartz of 
Ellinwood; three brothers: Robert “Lynn” (Noreen) Applegate of Topeka, 
Randy (Diane) Applegate of Hoisington, Ryan (Chawntae) Applegate of 
Hebron, Kent.; and three grandchildren, Avery, Payton, and Parker 
Schartz. She is preceded in death by her parents.Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 1:00 to 
8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral 
Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 
17, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father 
Terrance Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. 
Memorials can be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

Rhea Jean Schartz

Henry L. “Hank” Geist, 69, Hays, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Morningside Place in Overland Park.

He was born September 18, 1952 in Hays,
 the son of Joseph and Virginia (Klaus) Geist.&nbsp; He was a 1971 graduate 
of Hays High School.&nbsp; On October 6, 1978 he was united in marriage to 
Susan Weber in Hays.&nbsp; He worked for many years at Hi-Plains Alignment 
with his dad.&nbsp; After semi-retiring, he picked up cars for Hays 
dealerships and worked a couple of summers for the city of Hays watering
 newly planted trees and mowing at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp; 
He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and enjoyed 
fishing, boating, and camping.&nbsp; Henry took great pride in teaching young
 people to ski and was always willing to help family, neighbors, and 
friends.&nbsp; He could fix anything and was knowledgeable in building, 
plumbing, electrical, and cars.&nbsp; Henry never knew a stranger, could talk
 to anybody, and loved to visit.

Survivors include his wife Susan of 
Hays, son: Michael Schmidtberger and wife Marcey of Walker, two 
daughters: Sarah Thomason and husband Jared of Olathe and Amber Zeman of
 Wichita, a brother: Joe Geist, Jr. of Hays, a sister: Nancy Seib and 
husband Mike of Hays, seven grandchildren: Taylor Schmidtberger, Cole 
Schmidtberger, Kiley (Schmidtberger) Beagley and husband Braden, Gavin 
Thomason, Ashlyn Thomason, Layton Zeman and Layla Zeman, and a great 
grandchild due in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Christopher Geist.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic
 Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in 
St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until
 8:00 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am 
until service time on Wednesday at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service and 
rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are
 suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Nicholas of Myra 
Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with 
the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642103561959.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henry L. “Hank” Geist, 69, Hays, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Morningside Place in Overland Park.He was born September 18, 1952 in Hays,
 the son of Joseph and Virginia (Klaus) Geist.&nbsp; He was a 1971 graduate 
of Hays High School.&nbsp; On October 6, 1978 he was united in marriage to 
Susan Weber in Hays.&nbsp; He worked for many years at Hi-Plains Alignment 
with his dad.&nbsp; After semi-retiring, he picked up cars for Hays 
dealerships and worked a couple of summers for the city of Hays watering
 newly planted trees and mowing at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp; 
He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and enjoyed 
fishing, boating, and camping.&nbsp; Henry took great pride in teaching young
 people to ski and was always willing to help family, neighbors, and 
friends.&nbsp; He could fix anything and was knowledgeable in building, 
plumbing, electrical, and cars.&nbsp; Henry never knew a stranger, could talk
 to anybody, and loved to visit.Survivors include his wife Susan of 
Hays, son: Michael Schmidtberger and wife Marcey of Walker, two 
daughters: Sarah Thomason and husband Jared of Olathe and Amber Zeman of
 Wichita, a brother: Joe Geist, Jr. of Hays, a sister: Nancy Seib and 
husband Mike of Hays, seven grandchildren: Taylor Schmidtberger, Cole 
Schmidtberger, Kiley (Schmidtberger) Beagley and husband Braden, Gavin 
Thomason, Ashlyn Thomason, Layton Zeman and Layla Zeman, and a great 
grandchild due in July.He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Christopher Geist.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic
 Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in 
St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until
 8:00 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am 
until service time on Wednesday at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service and 
rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are
 suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Nicholas of Myra 
Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with 
the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Henry L. 'Hank' Geist

Robert Joseph “Bob” Litson, 73, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Bob was born July 24, 1948, in Quinter, Kansas, the son of Ralph 
Wayne and Maxine (Mendenhall) Litson.&nbsp; He was a resident of La Crosse, 
Kansas, for 42 years, moving from Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob was a 1966 
graduate of Gove High School, Gove, Kansas, and a 1968 graduate of Brown
 Mackie College, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He was employed for 11 years by 
Dechant &amp; Taylor, La Crosse, Kansas, before his retirement.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, a 
life member of Rush County VFW Post 3147; and a member of Walnut City 
Masonic Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas.&nbsp; He also crafted the belt 
buckles for the McCracken Rodeo every year since the rodeo’s very first 
year.

Bob was a United States Air Force veteran serving in Vietnam from 
1969 to 1970, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery.

On October 27, 1968, he married Merlynn O. “Lynn” Brack at the United Methodist Church, Hoisington, Kansas.

Survivors include:&nbsp; his wife, Merlynn “Lynn” Litson, La Crosse, 
Kansas; his daughter, Rachelle Hartwich (Brent), Shawnee, Kansas; his 
grandson, Tyler Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas; and his granddaughter, Reese 
Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ron Litson, and Larry Litson.

Visitation will be Friday, January 21, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 
P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family 
receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Church visitation will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. 
to 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Memorial service will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at
 the&nbsp; United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott 
Tempero officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, 
La Crosse, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the 
Rush County EMT’s, or the McCracken Rodeo, McCracken, Kansas, or the 
United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642083505618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Joseph “Bob” Litson, 73, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.Bob was born July 24, 1948, in Quinter, Kansas, the son of Ralph 
Wayne and Maxine (Mendenhall) Litson.&nbsp; He was a resident of La Crosse, 
Kansas, for 42 years, moving from Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob was a 1966 
graduate of Gove High School, Gove, Kansas, and a 1968 graduate of Brown
 Mackie College, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He was employed for 11 years by 
Dechant &amp; Taylor, La Crosse, Kansas, before his retirement.He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, a 
life member of Rush County VFW Post 3147; and a member of Walnut City 
Masonic Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas.&nbsp; He also crafted the belt 
buckles for the McCracken Rodeo every year since the rodeo’s very first 
year.Bob was a United States Air Force veteran serving in Vietnam from 
1969 to 1970, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery.On October 27, 1968, he married Merlynn O. “Lynn” Brack at the United Methodist Church, Hoisington, Kansas.Survivors include:&nbsp; his wife, Merlynn “Lynn” Litson, La Crosse, 
Kansas; his daughter, Rachelle Hartwich (Brent), Shawnee, Kansas; his 
grandson, Tyler Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas; and his granddaughter, Reese 
Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ron Litson, and Larry Litson.Visitation will be Friday, January 21, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 
P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family 
receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.Church visitation will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. 
to 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.Memorial service will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at
 the&nbsp; United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott 
Tempero officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, 
La Crosse, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the 
Rush County EMT’s, or the McCracken Rodeo, McCracken, Kansas, or the 
United Methodist Church, La Crosse, 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.

Robert Joseph 'Bob' Litson

Nora Irene Meerian, age 101, of Oakley, passed away on January 10, 
2022, at the Logan County Senior Living Nursing Home, Oakley.&nbsp; Nora was 
born on October 3, 1920, in rural Russell Springs, Logan County, to Oscar
 and Ruth (Hill) Huey.&nbsp; Nora married William "Bill" Meerian on December 
21, 1956, in Grinnell.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church 
and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and quilting. Nora was 
preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, two brothers:&nbsp; 
Allen Huey and Jim Huey, and her sister, Sarah Sutton. She is 
survived by three sons:&nbsp; Raymond Meerian of Wichita, Francis (Cindy) of 
Andover, and Chuck Meerian of Peck, and her daughter, Kathy (Gary) 
Sutphin of Denver. A complete obituary to follow.

Visitation will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at 
Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home. Vigil Service &amp; Rosary will be in the 
evening (time to be determined.) Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, 
Tuesday, January 18 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. 
Luke Thielen officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;


Memorials to the Nora Irene Meerian Memorial Fund, your choice of local
 animal shelter, or Logan County Senior Living, Oakley may be sent in 
care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748. Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642083436296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nora Irene Meerian, age 101, of Oakley, passed away on January 10, 
2022, at the Logan County Senior Living Nursing Home, Oakley.&nbsp; Nora was 
born on October 3, 1920, in rural Russell Springs, Logan County, to Oscar
 and Ruth (Hill) Huey.&nbsp; Nora married William "Bill" Meerian on December 
21, 1956, in Grinnell.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church 
and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and quilting. Nora was 
preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, two brothers:&nbsp; 
Allen Huey and Jim Huey, and her sister, Sarah Sutton. She is 
survived by three sons:&nbsp; Raymond Meerian of Wichita, Francis (Cindy) of 
Andover, and Chuck Meerian of Peck, and her daughter, Kathy (Gary) 
Sutphin of Denver. A complete obituary to follow.Visitation will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at 
Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home. Vigil Service &amp; Rosary will be in the 
evening (time to be determined.) Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, 
Tuesday, January 18 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. 
Luke Thielen officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;
 Memorials to the Nora Irene Meerian Memorial Fund, your choice of local
 animal shelter, or Logan County Senior Living, Oakley may be sent in 
care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748. Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com

Nora Irene Meerian

Patricia Ann Daniels, age 74, of Beaver City, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at
Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege. She has left a hole in our hearts that won't be filled again until we meet
our Creator. She was born in Wray, Colorado on March 6, 1947 to Rex Harrold and Florence Lorraine (Reed)
Daniels. She was the first of their three daughters.


"Patsy," as her father called her, grew up on a ranch that is about as far northwest in Kansas as you can get.
In fact, the tri-state marker was about three miles from the house where she grew up, and the family ranch now
encompasses the marker.


Pat grew up in the saddle, working with livestock, and knowing what it meant to work and to work hard. She
never seemed to complain about the work she did. Even later in life, family members cannot recall a time where
she complained about it. She loved the outdoors, and in her youth she and her sisters would trade chores- Pat
taking the outside chores while Peggy and Sally did the indoor chores. She remained true to this until the day
she died. 
Pat started first grade in Cheyenne County, Pleasant Hill West 10, a one-room country school. The same
teacher taught all eight grades. She attended just one year here, then went to Haigler where she graduated in
1965 as Valedictorian. She attended Kansas Wesleyan for 2 years and transferred to Fort Hays State, where
she rodeoed for 1 year. She had dreamed of being a vet, but her father discouraged her from this. Pat was well
educated in multiple areas and loved to study, despite not having a college degree.

She met her soul mate during flying lessons with Glenn Packard in Imperial, and they went on their first date
on October 12, 1968. Just short of six months later, on April 3, 1969, she married Charles Keith Theobald. They
lived in Imperial during the week where he taught Industrial Arts. Pat and Keith both had their pilot’s licenses
and would fly home to Beaver City every weekend to farm.


They officially moved to Beaver City in 1971, renting various houses in or near town. One day Keith told her to
draw up a house plan, and she did so on the back of an envelope. They started building their new home, moving
in 50 years ago this coming spring.


They welcomed their first baby, Travis Daniel Theobald, on February 6, 1974. Sandi Lorraine Theobald joined
them on October 12, 1977. Raising her children became the most important job she ever had. Both agree that
while they may not have always had everything they wanted, they always had more than they needed. Pat did
everything for her family, always putting her needs second to those of her family.


She had had many jobs over her nearly 75 years, many of which were volunteer positions. Pat loved to help
others. Many can share a personal story of such generosity. If following one’s passion can be called a “job,” her
longest role was as leader of the 4-H Horse Club. She did this religiously for 50 years. She loved her horses and
would drop about anything to go for a ride.


Her second longest service was that of being an EMT, serving in the capacity of EMS Chief for many years.
She did this for nearly 30 years, which included many years of being an EMT and CPR instructor as well. She
would leave whatever she was doing to go on a call. Even after her health began to decline approximately one
year ago, she still responded when able. She was a member of the Nebraska Troop D Critical Incident Stress
Management (CISM) team. Pat spent at least 10 years as Beaver City Pool Manager, where she enjoyed
teaching swimming lessons, lifeguard training and doing water aerobics.


Pat grew up attending the Haigler United Methodist Church, and after coming to Beaver City became an active
member of the First Presbyterian Church. She and Keith were members of the Presbyterian Mariners for many
years. She taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and later at the Wilsonville United Baptist-Christian
Church, when Keith became a minister there. Her love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed.


Pat drove the school bus both in Imperial and Beaver City. She worked as a locksmith for Edgar Hatheway in
Imperial for almost four years. She loved to paint, draw and write, contributing a sports column to the Beaver
City Times-Tribune for a few years. Memories of her childhood in northwest Kansas were included in a short
story published in the “Sod Houses and The Dirty Thirties” book. Local author Warren Dunlap asked her to draw
the cover for his book “Purgatorie Shooting.” Ever humble, she never felt any of her work was "good".


Pat was a humble, gracious, and amazing woman of God. She was a true Prayer Warrior. She loved others
and would take anyone in as her own. She loved animals, especially her horses.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Florence Daniels; father- and mother-in-law, John and
Metta Theobald; and brothers-in-law Kelley Theobald, David Theobald, and Larry Hardenbrook.


She is survived by her husband Keith; son Travis (Dolly) Theobald of Beaver City; daughter Sandi (Chad)
Longfellow of Ansley; sisters Sally (Dan) Leinen of Haigler, Nebraska, and Peggy (Bill) Deremer of Arvada, Colo.;
sister-in-laws Karen Hardenbrook of Beaver City and Pat Theobald of Michigan; brother-in-law Blake (Tere)
Theobald of New Mexico; grandchildren Jordyn Vincent, David Theobald, Jett Vincent, Trey Vincent, Ashton,
Maisy and Madison Longfellow, and Daniel and Jacy Theobald; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Memorials are suggested to the Beaver City Ambulance, Gideons International, or the Furnas County 4-H
Council.


Viewing and visitation will be Friday, January, 14, 2022 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home in
Beaver City, Nebraska. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2 PM at Faith Community Church
of Beaver City, Nebraska with Travis Theobald, officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, of
Beaver City. Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolence and personal
reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com


Patricia Ann Daniels, age 74, of Beaver City, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at
Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege. She has left a hole in our hearts that won't be filled again until we meet
our Creator. She was born in Wray, Colorado on March 6, 1947 to Rex Harrold and Florence Lorraine (Reed)
Daniels. She was the first of their three daughters.
"Patsy," as her father called her, grew up on a ranch that is about as far northwest in Kansas as you can get.
In fact, the tri-state marker was about three miles from the house where she grew up, and the family ranch now
encompasses the marker.
Pat grew up in the saddle, working with livestock, and knowing what it meant to work and to work hard. She
never seemed to complain about the work she did. Even later in life, family members cannot recall a time where
she complained about it. She loved the outdoors, and in her youth she and her sisters would trade chores- Pat
taking the outside chores while Peggy and Sally did the indoor chores. She remained true to this until the day
she died. 
Pat started first grade in Cheyenne County, Pleasant Hill West 10, a one-room country school. The same
teacher taught all eight grades. She attended just one year here, then went to Haigler where she graduated in
1965 as Valedictorian. She attended Kansas Wesleyan for 2 years and transferred to Fort Hays State, where
she rodeoed for 1 year. She had dreamed of being a vet, but her father discouraged her from this. Pat was well
educated in multiple areas and loved to study, despite not having a college degree.
She met her soul mate during flying lessons with Glenn Packard in Imperial, and they went on their first date
on October 12, 1968. Just short of six months later, on April 3, 1969, she married Charles Keith Theobald. They
lived in Imperial during the week where he taught Industrial Arts. Pat and Keith both had their pilot’s licenses
and would fly home to Beaver City every weekend to farm.
They officially moved to Beaver City in 1971, renting various houses in or near town. One day Keith told her to
draw up a house plan, and she did so on the back of an envelope. They started building their new home, moving
in 50 years ago this coming spring.
They welcomed their first baby, Travis Daniel Theobald, on February 6, 1974. Sandi Lorraine Theobald joined
them on October 12, 1977. Raising her children became the most important job she ever had. Both agree that
while they may not have always had everything they wanted, they always had more than they needed. Pat did
everything for her family, always putting her needs second to those of her family.
She had had many jobs over her nearly 75 years, many of which were volunteer positions. Pat loved to help
others. Many can share a personal story of such generosity. If following one’s passion can be called a “job,” her
longest role was as leader of the 4-H Horse Club. She did this religiously for 50 years. She loved her horses and
would drop about anything to go for a ride.
Her second longest service was that of being an EMT, serving in the capacity of EMS Chief for many years.
She did this for nearly 30 years, which included many years of being an EMT and CPR instructor as well. She
would leave whatever she was doing to go on a call. Even after her health began to decline approximately one
year ago, she still responded when able. She was a member of the Nebraska Troop D Critical Incident Stress
Management (CISM) team. Pat spent at least 10 years as Beaver City Pool Manager, where she enjoyed
teaching swimming lessons, lifeguard training and doing water aerobics.
Pat grew up attending the Haigler United Methodist Church, and after coming to Beaver City became an active
member of the First Presbyterian Church. She and Keith were members of the Presbyterian Mariners for many
years. She taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and later at the Wilsonville United Baptist-Christian
Church, when Keith became a minister there. Her love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed.
Pat drove the school bus both in Imperial and Beaver City. She worked as a locksmith for Edgar Hatheway in
Imperial for almost four years. She loved to paint, draw and write, contributing a sports column to the Beaver
City Times-Tribune for a few years. Memories of her childhood in northwest Kansas were included in a short
story published in the “Sod Houses and The Dirty Thirties” book. Local author Warren Dunlap asked her to draw
the cover for his book “Purgatorie Shooting.” Ever humble, she never felt any of her work was "good".
Pat was a humble, gracious, and amazing woman of God. She was a true Prayer Warrior. She loved others
and would take anyone in as her own. She loved animals, especially her horses.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Florence Daniels; father- and mother-in-law, John and
Metta Theobald; and brothers-in-law Kelley Theobald, David Theobald, and Larry Hardenbrook.
She is survived by her husband Keith; son Travis (Dolly) Theobald of Beaver City; daughter Sandi (Chad)
Longfellow of Ansley; sisters Sally (Dan) Leinen of Haigler, Nebraska, and Peggy (Bill) Deremer of Arvada, Colo.;
sister-in-laws Karen Hardenbrook of Beaver City and Pat Theobald of Michigan; brother-in-law Blake (Tere)
Theobald of New Mexico; grandchildren Jordyn Vincent, David Theobald, Jett Vincent, Trey Vincent, Ashton,
Maisy and Madison Longfellow, and Daniel and Jacy Theobald; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials are suggested to the Beaver City Ambulance, Gideons International, or the Furnas County 4-H
Council.
Viewing and visitation will be Friday, January, 14, 2022 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home in
Beaver City, Nebraska. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2 PM at Faith Community Church
of Beaver City, Nebraska with Travis Theobald, officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, of
Beaver City. Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolence and personal
reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Daniels

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-10/dealers-are-spiking-drugs-with-fentanyl-and-killing-even-more-kansans-during-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

People come to Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas, to get clean. They’re
 fed up with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine or OxyContin.

And
 that’s when some find out through a drug test that they’re actually 
hooked on something else, too: A drug they didn’t even know they were 
taking.

This synthetic opioid is <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/" target="_blank">far more potent</a> than morphine or heroin. Even small amounts can kill. Withdrawal from it is painful.

And
 the growing practice of spiking other drugs with fentanyl — to heighten
 the addiction and keep buyers coming back for more — is fueling a sharp
 increase in fatal overdoses across Kansas and the U.S.

Physician 
Jon Siebert, Valley Hope Association’s medical director, sees the shock 
that patients experience when they learn they’re addicted to fentanyl. 
He asks them what they’ve been buying.

“The typical answer is, 
they’ll say, ‘Well, I’m doing Oxy-30,’” he said. “People who are 
manufacturing fentanyl, they press it into a pill.”

The pills look
 like 30mg OxyContin. It’s enough to trick people into trying it. Some 
eventually realize it contains fentanyl, but by then stopping is no easy
 feat.

The latest <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">preliminary federal and state tallies</a> of drug deaths paint an alarming picture for 2020 that appears to be worsening in 2021.

Overdose deaths increased 30% <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">across the country</a> in 2020, and rose by one-quarter in Kansas and by one-fifth in Missouri.

The federal government says the national death toll — it topped 
90,000 in 2020 — set a grim record. In Kansas, it appears nearly 500 
people died from overdoses.

Figures aren’t complete for 2021, but 
the most recent tallies published by the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention suggest fatal overdoses continue to trend upward.

Experts say the alarming trend is fueled largely by the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">prevalence of fentanyl</a> and similar substances that people often consume unknowingly when mixed into other opioids and drugs.

National
 health officials suspect a direct link to the spread of COVID-19, which
 isolated people, destabilized their finances and housing, and 
complicated their access to medical and mental health care.

For
 many people, he said, “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Staying 
clean requires support, and the pandemic cuts off more people from loved
 ones, friends or professionals.

“You’re not able to be around your peers and get the help you need when you’re having a bad day,” he said.

Valley
 Hope Association, which has residential centers in seven states, has 
continued to serve people through the pandemic. COVID-19 regularly 
interrupts that work.

Across the Valley Hope network, Siebert said COVID-19 disruptions happen almost weekly.

“You
 can’t guarantee that everyone’s not got COVID when they check in,” 
Siebert said. “And so occasionally someone does get sick, and you have 
to pause admissions.”

Though a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">federal survey</a>
 found many people said the pandemic interrupted their access to illegal
 drugs, it also found that millions reported increasing their 
consumption in 2020.

In October, the Biden administration said it would back strategies meant to save lives among people struggling with addiction.

That
 includes approaches that are sometimes controversial, such as providing
 test strips that help drug users check for fentanyl contamination in 
other substances they buy from dealers, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049245787/biden-hhs-tackle-drug-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.

Kansas is one of a handful of states <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm" target="_blank">reporting the biggest jumps</a> — percentage-wise — in lives lost to overdoses during a 12-month period early in the pandemic.

Kansans can get <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free training</a>
 in administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. 
Naloxone (also known by the brand name, Narcan) counteracts the 
overdose.

<a href="https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing" target="_blank">Many pharmacies</a> across Kansas dispense it without a prescription. A state-federal program also offers limited supplies of <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free naloxone</a>.

Kansas
 health officials say that an analysis of overdoses during the first six
 months of 2021 shows the vast majority of deaths involved 
methamphetamine, fentanyl or similar substances called fentanyl analogs.

Prescription opioids and cocaine also played a role, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says.

Federal officials say even in fatal overdoses on methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">fentanyl contamination</a> is usually involved.

The federal government operates <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">a website</a>
 meant to help people struggling with addiction to find treatment. The 
Kansas hotline for substance addictions is (866) 645-8216.

The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a>
 says every state has seen overdose spikes during the pandemic. It wants
 the federal government to help remove insurance hurdles and other 
barriers to addiction treatment.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on
 consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641841246356.png" alt="Fake OxyContin pills often contain fentanyl. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration" />
 <figcaption>Fake OxyContin pills often contain fentanyl. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-10/dealers-are-spiking-drugs-with-fentanyl-and-killing-even-more-kansans-during-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>People come to Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas, to get clean. They’re
 fed up with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine or OxyContin.And
 that’s when some find out through a drug test that they’re actually 
hooked on something else, too: A drug they didn’t even know they were 
taking.Fentanyl.This synthetic opioid is <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/" target="_blank">far more potent</a> than morphine or heroin. Even small amounts can kill. Withdrawal from it is painful.And
 the growing practice of spiking other drugs with fentanyl — to heighten
 the addiction and keep buyers coming back for more — is fueling a sharp
 increase in fatal overdoses across Kansas and the U.S.Physician 
Jon Siebert, Valley Hope Association’s medical director, sees the shock 
that patients experience when they learn they’re addicted to fentanyl. 
He asks them what they’ve been buying.“The typical answer is, 
they’ll say, ‘Well, I’m doing Oxy-30,’” he said. “People who are 
manufacturing fentanyl, they press it into a pill.”The pills look
 like 30mg OxyContin. It’s enough to trick people into trying it. Some 
eventually realize it contains fentanyl, but by then stopping is no easy
 feat.The latest <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">preliminary federal and state tallies</a> of drug deaths paint an alarming picture for 2020 that appears to be worsening in 2021.Overdose deaths increased 30% <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">across the country</a> in 2020, and rose by one-quarter in Kansas and by one-fifth in Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641841308282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The federal government says the national death toll — it topped 
90,000 in 2020 — set a grim record. In Kansas, it appears nearly 500 
people died from overdoses.Figures aren’t complete for 2021, but 
the most recent tallies published by the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention suggest fatal overdoses continue to trend upward.Experts say the alarming trend is fueled largely by the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">prevalence of fentanyl</a> and similar substances that people often consume unknowingly when mixed into other opioids and drugs.National
 health officials suspect a direct link to the spread of COVID-19, which
 isolated people, destabilized their finances and housing, and 
complicated their access to medical and mental health care.Siebert agrees.For
 many people, he said, “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Staying 
clean requires support, and the pandemic cuts off more people from loved
 ones, friends or professionals.“You’re not able to be around your peers and get the help you need when you’re having a bad day,” he said.Valley
 Hope Association, which has residential centers in seven states, has 
continued to serve people through the pandemic. COVID-19 regularly 
interrupts that work.Across the Valley Hope network, Siebert said COVID-19 disruptions happen almost weekly.“You
 can’t guarantee that everyone’s not got COVID when they check in,” 
Siebert said. “And so occasionally someone does get sick, and you have 
to pause admissions.”Though a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">federal survey</a>
 found many people said the pandemic interrupted their access to illegal
 drugs, it also found that millions reported increasing their 
consumption in 2020.In October, the Biden administration said it would back strategies meant to save lives among people struggling with addiction.That
 includes approaches that are sometimes controversial, such as providing
 test strips that help drug users check for fentanyl contamination in 
other substances they buy from dealers, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049245787/biden-hhs-tackle-drug-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.Kansas is one of a handful of states <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm" target="_blank">reporting the biggest jumps</a> — percentage-wise — in lives lost to overdoses during a 12-month period early in the pandemic.Kansans can get <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free training</a>
 in administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. 
Naloxone (also known by the brand name, Narcan) counteracts the 
overdose.<a href="https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing" target="_blank">Many pharmacies</a> across Kansas dispense it without a prescription. A state-federal program also offers limited supplies of <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free naloxone</a>.Kansas
 health officials say that an analysis of overdoses during the first six
 months of 2021 shows the vast majority of deaths involved 
methamphetamine, fentanyl or similar substances called fentanyl analogs.Prescription opioids and cocaine also played a role, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says.Federal officials say even in fatal overdoses on methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">fentanyl contamination</a> is usually involved.The federal government operates <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">a website</a>
 meant to help people struggling with addiction to find treatment. The 
Kansas hotline for substance addictions is (866) 645-8216.The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a>
 says every state has seen overdose spikes during the pandemic. It wants
 the federal government to help remove insurance hurdles and other 
barriers to addiction treatment.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on
 consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Dealers spiking drugs with fentanyl, and killing even more Kansans

GEARY COUNTY—The United State's Army is asking the public for help and offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of&nbsp;Enfinnity Hayes.

According to the Geary County Sheriff,&nbsp; On October 3, a man described as 6-foot-1 or taller and dressed in all black approached 22-year-old Enfinnity Hayes and her husband at the&nbsp; Milford State Park Group Shelter. The suspect&nbsp; attempted to rob the couple at gun point and shot&nbsp;Enfinnity. Her husband drove her to Geary Community Hospital where she died.

Anyone with any information on a suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261, or after hours at 785-762-5912.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637156736481.png" alt="Enfinnity Hayes- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Enfinnity Hayes- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—The United State's Army is asking the public for help and offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of&nbsp;Enfinnity Hayes.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGearyCountySheriffsDepartment%2Fposts%2F237576788555786&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="497" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>According to the Geary County Sheriff,&nbsp; On October 3, a man described as 6-foot-1 or taller and dressed in all black approached 22-year-old Enfinnity Hayes and her husband at the&nbsp; Milford State Park Group Shelter. The suspect&nbsp; attempted to rob the couple at gun point and shot&nbsp;Enfinnity. Her husband drove her to Geary Community Hospital where she died.Anyone with any information on a suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261, or after hours at 785-762-5912.

Army offers $25,000 reward for info in murder of Kan. woman

Helen Marie (Mason) Isom was born October 14, 1932, in Rooks County 
near Woodston, Kansas, to Lawrence and Winnie (Haines) Mason.  She was 
the oldest of six children, having three brothers and two sisters.  She 
was baptized in the First Methodist Church in Woodston.  Helen attended 
elementary and high school through her junior year in Woodston, KS.  She
 spent her senior year of high school with the family of Nick 
Heidtschmidt and graduated from Covert High School with the Class of 
1950.  After high school, Helen moved to Osborne, KS and worked at 
Duckwalls, JC Penney’s, and several cafes. 

Helen met the love of her life, Arden
 Isom, in January of 1952.  They were married on June 22, 1952, on one 
of the hottest days of the year, and were blessed with seven children:  
five boys and two girls.  At the time of Helen’s passing, they had 
celebrated 69 years of marriage.  During these many years together, they
 moved several times as that was part of working in the fossil fuel 
industry and lived in as many as five state in one year.   

They settled in Banner County, NE in 
1962 where they lived for 27 years.  From there, they moved to LaSalle, 
CO where they were again involved in the fossil fuel industry.  During 
their time in Colorado, Helen had a cleaning business and worked in 
property management.  There were very few that could outwork Helen, a 
quality she was proud of and instilled in her children.  Goodness knows 
that Helen had a knack for getting everyone up and moving as there was 
always something that needed to be done! 
Helen’s first priority was her family and very often, friends became 
family and were treated as such.  Wherever Arden and Helen lived, they 
had the gift of making many life-time friends, with Helen often keeping a
 watchful eye on neighbors, sharing meals, and generally just looking 
out for those around her.  Helen was an excellent cook and her kitchen 
was always open.  She was known for her hot rolls, jellies, and cinnamon
 rolls.  Helen took great pleasure in preparing favorite meals for those
 at her table.  Helen loved to garden and to preserve her produce which 
she gladly shared with those around her.  There are many stories about 
how many loaves of bread and hot rolls she baked while kids were still 
at home and about the huge gardens planted all over the county just in 
case one might be hailed on.  The Banner County Cookbook was never far 
away and she made sure all her children and their children had a copy of
 their own, as it was the “Kitchen Bible.”  She took great pride and 
enjoyment in gathering those important to her and cooking for all of 
them, which was rarely a small gathering.  It is hard to say how many 
electric roasters Helen has worn out over the years, doing just that. 


Helen was involved with and 
supportive of her children and did whatever she could to attend their 
many events through the years, often traveling many miles and sometimes 
in weather that it might have been better stay home in.  Many of you 
might remember the blue station wagon packed with whatever you might 
need for travel or feeding several hungry kids along the way. 

Helen was a lifetime member of the 
Order of the Eastern Star.  Arden and Helen retired back to Ogallala, NE
 in 2006 to be centrally located among their children.  It didn’t hurt 
to have a lake big enough to put a boat in and spend a little time 
fishing.  Very often, Helen was along to fish but also made sure 
everyone had a great meal at the end of the day and a bed to stay in for
 the night. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642000070998.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Helen Marie (Mason) Isom was born October 14, 1932, in Rooks County 
near Woodston, Kansas, to Lawrence and Winnie (Haines) Mason. She was 
the oldest of six children, having three brothers and two sisters. She 
was baptized in the First Methodist Church in Woodston. Helen attended 
elementary and high school through her junior year in Woodston, KS. She
 spent her senior year of high school with the family of Nick 
Heidtschmidt and graduated from Covert High School with the Class of 
1950. After high school, Helen moved to Osborne, KS and worked at 
Duckwalls, JC Penney’s, and several cafes. Helen met the love of her life, Arden
 Isom, in January of 1952. They were married on June 22, 1952, on one 
of the hottest days of the year, and were blessed with seven children: 
five boys and two girls. At the time of Helen’s passing, they had 
celebrated 69 years of marriage. During these many years together, they
 moved several times as that was part of working in the fossil fuel 
industry and lived in as many as five state in one year. They settled in Banner County, NE in 
1962 where they lived for 27 years. From there, they moved to LaSalle, 
CO where they were again involved in the fossil fuel industry. During 
their time in Colorado, Helen had a cleaning business and worked in 
property management. There were very few that could outwork Helen, a 
quality she was proud of and instilled in her children. Goodness knows 
that Helen had a knack for getting everyone up and moving as there was 
always something that needed to be done! 
Helen’s first priority was her family and very often, friends became 
family and were treated as such. Wherever Arden and Helen lived, they 
had the gift of making many life-time friends, with Helen often keeping a
 watchful eye on neighbors, sharing meals, and generally just looking 
out for those around her. Helen was an excellent cook and her kitchen 
was always open. She was known for her hot rolls, jellies, and cinnamon
 rolls. Helen took great pleasure in preparing favorite meals for those
 at her table. Helen loved to garden and to preserve her produce which 
she gladly shared with those around her. There are many stories about 
how many loaves of bread and hot rolls she baked while kids were still 
at home and about the huge gardens planted all over the county just in 
case one might be hailed on. The Banner County Cookbook was never far 
away and she made sure all her children and their children had a copy of
 their own, as it was the “Kitchen Bible.” She took great pride and 
enjoyment in gathering those important to her and cooking for all of 
them, which was rarely a small gathering. It is hard to say how many 
electric roasters Helen has worn out over the years, doing just that. 
Helen was involved with and 
supportive of her children and did whatever she could to attend their 
many events through the years, often traveling many miles and sometimes 
in weather that it might have been better stay home in. Many of you 
might remember the blue station wagon packed with whatever you might 
need for travel or feeding several hungry kids along the way. Helen was a lifetime member of the 
Order of the Eastern Star. Arden and Helen retired back to Ogallala, NE
 in 2006 to be centrally located among their children. It didn’t hurt 
to have a lake big enough to put a boat in and spend a little time 
fishing. Very often, Helen was along to fish but also made sure 
everyone had a great meal at the end of the day and a bed to stay in for
 the night. Helen is survived by her husband, 
Arden, of 69 years; brother Clifford Mason of Hays, KS; sister Peggy 
(Gene) Bockeresett of Cuttoff, LA; children: Larry (Gloria) of 
Lewistown, MT, Thresa Cary of Gillette, WY, Stephen (Jamie) of 
Valentine, NE, Charles (Michele) of Hemingford, NE, Jerry (Bobbi) of 
North Platte, NE, and Barbara (Larry) Wolfe of Cheyenne, WY; 17 
grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and 
many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Helen was preceded in death by her 
son John Oliver; son-in-law Wayne Cary, parents Lawrence and Winnie 
Mason, brothers Delane Mason and Dale Lee Mason, and sister Louise 
Johnson and her husband Arlen. Helen’s visitation will be held from 4
 to 7 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in 
Scottsbluff. Her graveside funeral service will be held at 2 PM on 
Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Chaulk Creek Cemetery with Phillip 
McConnell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at <a href="http://www.shareomaha.org;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.shareomaha.org;</a>
 select Nebraska Walleye Association Kids Fishing, and use Isom for the 
code or a charity of the donor’s choice. Fond memories and expressions 
of sympathy may be shared at <a href="http://www.dugankramer.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.dugankramer.com</a> for the Isom family.