MISSION, Kan. (AP) — School board races, once sleepy and localized, have become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-e41350b7d9e3662d279c2dad287f7009">the new front in a culture war</a>&nbsp;raging across the nation as resentments over COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism curriculum</a>&nbsp;reach a boiling point.

On Tuesday, voters weigh in on dozens of races that have been dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. The outcomes will decide not just districts’ policies but also whether the education fight has staying power as part of the national discourse and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.

Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.

The political tracking website Ballotpedia has identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions and which the National School Boards Association says is not taught in K-12 public schools.

1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, has been urging candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials have done so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.

“2021 is really going to sort of be seen as kind of a canary in the coal mine of what’s coming down the pike next year and into the future,” Waldeck said. “This will be the year that I think primarily parents stand up and say, ‘You know, we have a voice, too.’ And I think it’s going to be overwhelming.”

Board meetings have grown so contentious that they are being mocked in “Saturday Night Live” skits. Some board members have been called Nazis and child abusers. The National School Boards Association even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">likened some of what is happening to “domestic terrorism”</a>&nbsp;before apologizing.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds with the goal of winning elections by politicizing both public health and history.” She noted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-campaigns-virginia-election-2020-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">the Virginia governor’s race</a>, in which Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin has seized on conservatives’ frustrations with schools over pandemic policies and diversity education.

Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;has gotten into the game, taking a moment during a campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates in Tuesday’s election.

Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board president Chris McCune.

The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on the ballot, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.

“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” he said.

The 1776 Project PAC, which is separate from 1776 Action and headed by New York political operative and author Ryan Girdusky, has invested in races across the country. It raised $289,544 in the third quarter, according to the latest report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

“I think anybody that’s running was probably to a degree tipped over by COVID,” said Jim McMullen, who is among three candidates the group is backing in the Blue Valley district in suburban Kansas City. The former English teacher and father of five had considered running before the pandemic but finally decided to mount a bid after the district went virtual and hybrid for parts of last year.

In Colorado, Schumé Navarro, who is running for the Cherry Creek School District, went to court last month to win the right to go without a face covering at a district candidate event. The mother of five said she’s unable to wear a mask because of abuse she suffered as a child.

“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.

In Ohio, former state Republican chair Jane Timken has taken time from her campaign for the U.S. Senate to offer guidance and funding totaling more than $40,000 to more than 40 conservative candidates in hyperlocal school board races.

“We are helping them not just financially, but my team is knocking doors and making calls with them,” said Timken, who said she completed a critical race theory “listening tour” that exposed cases of children being “indoctrinated with leftist policies.”

In Wisconsin, voters in Mequon will decide whether to replace the majority of the Mequon-Thiensville school board. Amber Schroeder, an organizer of the Recall MTSD movement, said that along with slipping academic performance, parents are most concerned with critical race theory, which she sees as evident in the district’s emphasis on equity.

“It’s huge here,” Schroeder said, noting the district’s hiring of diversity consultants. “It’s already infiltrated our curriculum.”

In Minnesota, Erin Shelton has joined two other conservative candidates on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.” If all three are elected, they would hold an ideological majority on the board in Wayzata.

“I don’t believe that the way to academic excellence involves making any group of students feel like victims or any other feel responsible for that victimization,” Shelton said via email.

In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole received a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds as she runs for the school board of the Ankeny school district in suburban Des Moines. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.

“The level of involvement in her campaign, I’ve never seen anything like it in a school board race before,” said Barthole’s treasurer, Steve Boal, whose own wife served on the board more than two decades ago. “Usually it’s kind of a pretty low-key thing.”

The governor’s backing in that race is just the beginning, predicted Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates.

“Our governor here in Florida has all but said he’s going to be involved in school board races,” said Descovich, who is a former member of the Brevard County School Board in Florida. “I’m curious to see what that looks like for 2022.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635857227869.png" alt="Preparing to receive voters -photo courtesy Johnson County election office" />
 <figcaption>Preparing to receive voters -photo courtesy Johnson County election office</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — School board races, once sleepy and localized, have become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-e41350b7d9e3662d279c2dad287f7009">the new front in a culture war</a>&nbsp;raging across the nation as resentments over COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism curriculum</a>&nbsp;reach a boiling point.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At gatherings across the country, I’ve talked with Americans who agree we’ve learned the hard way that who sits on our local boards impacts our lives. Get out &amp; vote in your local elections. And, in Andover, KS—vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/jawellstrio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jawellstrio</a>! (2/2)&mdash; Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1453785146872696844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday, voters weigh in on dozens of races that have been dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. The outcomes will decide not just districts’ policies but also whether the education fight has staying power as part of the national discourse and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.The political tracking website Ballotpedia has identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions and which the National School Boards Association says is not taught in K-12 public schools.1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, has been urging candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials have done so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.“2021 is really going to sort of be seen as kind of a canary in the coal mine of what’s coming down the pike next year and into the future,” Waldeck said. “This will be the year that I think primarily parents stand up and say, ‘You know, we have a voice, too.’ And I think it’s going to be overwhelming.”Board meetings have grown so contentious that they are being mocked in “Saturday Night Live” skits. Some board members have been called Nazis and child abusers. The National School Boards Association even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">likened some of what is happening to “domestic terrorism”</a>&nbsp;before apologizing.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds with the goal of winning elections by politicizing both public health and history.” She noted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-campaigns-virginia-election-2020-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">the Virginia governor’s race</a>, in which Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin has seized on conservatives’ frustrations with schools over pandemic policies and diversity education.Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;has gotten into the game, taking a moment during a campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates in Tuesday’s election.Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board president Chris McCune.The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on the ballot, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” he said.The 1776 Project PAC, which is separate from 1776 Action and headed by New York political operative and author Ryan Girdusky, has invested in races across the country. It raised $289,544 in the third quarter, according to the latest report filed with the Federal Election Commission.“I think anybody that’s running was probably to a degree tipped over by COVID,” said Jim McMullen, who is among three candidates the group is backing in the Blue Valley district in suburban Kansas City. The former English teacher and father of five had considered running before the pandemic but finally decided to mount a bid after the district went virtual and hybrid for parts of last year.In Colorado, Schumé Navarro, who is running for the Cherry Creek School District, went to court last month to win the right to go without a face covering at a district candidate event. The mother of five said she’s unable to wear a mask because of abuse she suffered as a child.“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.In Ohio, former state Republican chair Jane Timken has taken time from her campaign for the U.S. Senate to offer guidance and funding totaling more than $40,000 to more than 40 conservative candidates in hyperlocal school board races.“We are helping them not just financially, but my team is knocking doors and making calls with them,” said Timken, who said she completed a critical race theory “listening tour” that exposed cases of children being “indoctrinated with leftist policies.”In Wisconsin, voters in Mequon will decide whether to replace the majority of the Mequon-Thiensville school board. Amber Schroeder, an organizer of the Recall MTSD movement, said that along with slipping academic performance, parents are most concerned with critical race theory, which she sees as evident in the district’s emphasis on equity.“It’s huge here,” Schroeder said, noting the district’s hiring of diversity consultants. “It’s already infiltrated our curriculum.”In Minnesota, Erin Shelton has joined two other conservative candidates on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.” If all three are elected, they would hold an ideological majority on the board in Wayzata.“I don’t believe that the way to academic excellence involves making any group of students feel like victims or any other feel responsible for that victimization,” Shelton said via email.In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole received a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds as she runs for the school board of the Ankeny school district in suburban Des Moines. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.“The level of involvement in her campaign, I’ve never seen anything like it in a school board race before,” said Barthole’s treasurer, Steve Boal, whose own wife served on the board more than two decades ago. “Usually it’s kind of a pretty low-key thing.”The governor’s backing in that race is just the beginning, predicted Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates.“Our governor here in Florida has all but said he’s going to be involved in school board races,” said Descovich, who is a former member of the Brevard County School Board in Florida. “I’m curious to see what that looks like for 2022.”___

GOP push to politicize school board races gets election test

Kansas crude production in August reached nearly 2.4 million barrels, or 77,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reports that's an improvement over July, but a drop of more than seven percent from the very brief spike in August of last year. EIA reports U.S. operators pumped more than 345 million barrels of crude oil in August, for an average of over 11.1 million barrels per day. That's down slightly from the month before, when output averaged just over 11.3 million. Kansas crude prices start the month on a high note. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common is fetching $73.75 per barrel, up more than seven dollars from the beginning of the month, and $35 a barrel more than at the beginning of the year. In early Nymex trading Monday, light sweet crude for December delivery was up 92 cents at $84.49 per barrel. London Brent gained more than a dollar at $84.82 reducing the prices difference between the two benchmarks to less than half a dollar, the smallest spread this year. Regulators in Kansas approved 58 new drilling permits last week, which is more than in any single week in three years. There are 41 new permits in eastern Kansas and 17 west of Wichita. So far this year, there are 927 new drilling locations across the state, up nearly 150% over last year at this time.&nbsp; Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says Kansas drilling activity based on spudded wells is up more than 84% from a year ago. The number of active operators exploring for oil and gas is up nearly 36%. The rig count is up one rig, to 24, in Western Kansas. East of Wichita the count was down three at 16 active rigs. Operators were drilling Friday on one lease in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 544 active drilling rigs across the country this week, with Texas gaining one, and Louisiana dropping by one. Operators in Kansas completed 23 new wells last week, including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 14 new completions in eastern Kansas and nine in the western half of the state, for a year-to-date total of 720 completed wells.&nbsp; EIA reported an increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories of over four million barrels. Stockpiles as of October 22nd reached 430.8 million barrels, about six percent below the five year seasonal average. U.S. crude production last week increased 11,000 barrels per days compared to the week before, to just over 11.3 million barrels per day, according to a government report. That's nearly 300,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. U.S. crude imports increased nearly 430,000 barrels per day from the week before, at 6.3 million. Over the past four weeks, domestic imports averaged about 15 percent more than during the same four-week period last year. Bloomberg is reporting what it calls a stunning reversal at the crude-storage hub at Cushing, Oklahoma. Analysts warn that Oklahoma stockpiles are at historic lows, and likely to drop further. This signals just how tight global supplies are, and threatens to drive prices even higher. Just last year the pandemic prompted a glut of oil so big that traders resorted to storing it in tankers at sea. Worldwide demand for Cushing crude has now surged to its highest level ever, because it is still the cheapest in the world.&nbsp; Seven years after it was announced, the controversial Enbridge Line3 replacement pipeline resumed full operations earlier this month, delivering crude from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. EIA suggests increased pipeline shipments could displace some crude now moved by rail.&nbsp; The change could also ramp up prices for Western Canada Select crude, and narrow its current discount to the U.S. benchmark. Enbridge’s Line 3 originally became operational in 1968 but, due to corrosion, transported decreasing amounts of crude oil over time. The replacement project was proposed in 2014, but litigation over the replacement pipeline’s approval, particularly in Minnesota, delayed its opening. The pipeline capacity was restored to its original 760,000 barrels per day from about half that. &nbsp; A group of environmental organizations is demanding the Biden administration suspend and cancel oil and gas leases in federal waters off the California coast. After the recent pipeline spill, about three dozen organizations sent a petition to the Department of the Interior, arguing it has the authority to end these leases. The groups say offshore drilling threatens wildlife, fisheries and tourism and the decades-old platforms off the coast of California are especially susceptible to problems related to their age. The newly-remade board of directors at Exxon Mobil is now debating whether to discontinue several major oil and gas projects. People familiar with the matter say the oil giant is reconsidering its investment strategy amid the quickly-changing energy landscape. The Wall Street Journal reports Exxon board members, many installed last year by an activist investor, are weighing the fate of future projects. The company is facing pressure from investors to restrain fossil-fuel investment to limit carbon emissions and return more cash to shareholders.

By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude production in August reached nearly 2.4 million barrels, or 77,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reports that's an improvement over July, but a drop of more than seven percent from the very brief spike in August of last year. EIA reports U.S. operators pumped more than 345 million barrels of crude oil in August, for an average of over 11.1 million barrels per day. That's down slightly from the month before, when output averaged just over 11.3 million. Kansas crude prices start the month on a high note. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common is fetching $73.75 per barrel, up more than seven dollars from the beginning of the month, and $35 a barrel more than at the beginning of the year. In early Nymex trading Monday, light sweet crude for December delivery was up 92 cents at $84.49 per barrel. London Brent gained more than a dollar at $84.82 reducing the prices difference between the two benchmarks to less than half a dollar, the smallest spread this year. Regulators in Kansas approved 58 new drilling permits last week, which is more than in any single week in three years. There are 41 new permits in eastern Kansas and 17 west of Wichita. So far this year, there are 927 new drilling locations across the state, up nearly 150% over last year at this time.&nbsp; Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says Kansas drilling activity based on spudded wells is up more than 84% from a year ago. The number of active operators exploring for oil and gas is up nearly 36%. The rig count is up one rig, to 24, in Western Kansas. East of Wichita the count was down three at 16 active rigs. Operators were drilling Friday on one lease in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 544 active drilling rigs across the country this week, with Texas gaining one, and Louisiana dropping by one. Operators in Kansas completed 23 new wells last week, including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 14 new completions in eastern Kansas and nine in the western half of the state, for a year-to-date total of 720 completed wells.&nbsp; EIA reported an increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories of over four million barrels. Stockpiles as of October 22nd reached 430.8 million barrels, about six percent below the five year seasonal average. U.S. crude production last week increased 11,000 barrels per days compared to the week before, to just over 11.3 million barrels per day, according to a government report. That's nearly 300,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. U.S. crude imports increased nearly 430,000 barrels per day from the week before, at 6.3 million. Over the past four weeks, domestic imports averaged about 15 percent more than during the same four-week period last year. Bloomberg is reporting what it calls a stunning reversal at the crude-storage hub at Cushing, Oklahoma. Analysts warn that Oklahoma stockpiles are at historic lows, and likely to drop further. This signals just how tight global supplies are, and threatens to drive prices even higher. Just last year the pandemic prompted a glut of oil so big that traders resorted to storing it in tankers at sea. Worldwide demand for Cushing crude has now surged to its highest level ever, because it is still the cheapest in the world.&nbsp; Seven years after it was announced, the controversial Enbridge Line3 replacement pipeline resumed full operations earlier this month, delivering crude from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. EIA suggests increased pipeline shipments could displace some crude now moved by rail.&nbsp; The change could also ramp up prices for Western Canada Select crude, and narrow its current discount to the U.S. benchmark. Enbridge’s Line 3 originally became operational in 1968 but, due to corrosion, transported decreasing amounts of crude oil over time. The replacement project was proposed in 2014, but litigation over the replacement pipeline’s approval, particularly in Minnesota, delayed its opening. The pipeline capacity was restored to its original 760,000 barrels per day from about half that. &nbsp; A group of environmental organizations is demanding the Biden administration suspend and cancel oil and gas leases in federal waters off the California coast. After the recent pipeline spill, about three dozen organizations sent a petition to the Department of the Interior, arguing it has the authority to end these leases. The groups say offshore drilling threatens wildlife, fisheries and tourism and the decades-old platforms off the coast of California are especially susceptible to problems related to their age. The newly-remade board of directors at Exxon Mobil is now debating whether to discontinue several major oil and gas projects. People familiar with the matter say the oil giant is reconsidering its investment strategy amid the quickly-changing energy landscape. The Wall Street Journal reports Exxon board members, many installed last year by an activist investor, are weighing the fate of future projects. The company is facing pressure from investors to restrain fossil-fuel investment to limit carbon emissions and return more cash to shareholders.

News From the Oil Patch: Permits, production, prices all higher

In just a couple of weeks, we’ll be celebrating one of my favorite 4-H events in the annual Achievement Celebration!

The 4-H year begins in October with 4-H members selecting projects, setting goals, and working on those project areas throughout the year. Hopefully, along the way, they share their knowledge with friends, a school class, or present a demonstration or illustrated talk about their project. We also hope that they will find ways to give back to their communities in one or more of their project areas.

Project learning, leadership, and citizenship are hallmarks of the 4-H program and it is always important to celebrate successful learning! Often the most important lessons don’t come with blue ribbons but do come from perseverance, thinking of others, and working through challenges.

4-H members complete record books which highlight their activities and involvement for the year and provide a platform to work on written communication skills as well as provide a record for someday filling out scholarship or job applications! 4-H members are also encouraged to complete a project record for one or more of their projects. The project record goes into detail about when, where, and what project learning occurred; what challenges were faced and how they overcame the challenge. For our younger 4-H members, this includes a place for a parent to note what they believed their child learned from the program and I love reading these! Older 4-H members have an opportunity for top-placing project records to compete at the regional and, potentially, state level. While record keeping isn’t the most glamorous part of 4-H, our banks and accountants appreciate that we develop good record keeping skills!

Even putting the Achievement Celebration together is project learning as this is handled by a committee of youth and parents so they practice including others, creativity, and teamwork. We are looking forward to an evening to “Show Your True Colors” in 4-H!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>In just a couple of weeks, we’ll be celebrating one of my favorite 4-H events in the annual Achievement Celebration!The 4-H year begins in October with 4-H members selecting projects, setting goals, and working on those project areas throughout the year. Hopefully, along the way, they share their knowledge with friends, a school class, or present a demonstration or illustrated talk about their project. We also hope that they will find ways to give back to their communities in one or more of their project areas.Project learning, leadership, and citizenship are hallmarks of the 4-H program and it is always important to celebrate successful learning! Often the most important lessons don’t come with blue ribbons but do come from perseverance, thinking of others, and working through challenges.4-H members complete record books which highlight their activities and involvement for the year and provide a platform to work on written communication skills as well as provide a record for someday filling out scholarship or job applications! 4-H members are also encouraged to complete a project record for one or more of their projects. The project record goes into detail about when, where, and what project learning occurred; what challenges were faced and how they overcame the challenge. For our younger 4-H members, this includes a place for a parent to note what they believed their child learned from the program and I love reading these! Older 4-H members have an opportunity for top-placing project records to compete at the regional and, potentially, state level. While record keeping isn’t the most glamorous part of 4-H, our banks and accountants appreciate that we develop good record keeping skills!Even putting the Achievement Celebration together is project learning as this is handled by a committee of youth and parents so they practice including others, creativity, and teamwork. We are looking forward to an evening to “Show Your True Colors” in 4-H!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 'Show Your True Colors' with 4-H

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas lawmaker who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation Monday after he was charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home.

Magistrate Judge James Phelan said Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City could be freed on a personal recognizance bond, without putting up a deposit or collateral. The hearing was held via Zoom and Coleman didn’t appear because he is receiving medical care. No information was provided about his health status and Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking details.

Overland Park police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">arrested the 21-year-old Saturday evening</a>.

Bell entered a plea of not guilty. He said the allegations involved two family members at the home of Coleman’s grandfather, Ronald Tomberlin.

Tomberlin and Coleman’s brother, both spoke on the call and said they weren’t afraid of the lawmaker.

“Judge, I have spoken to his mother and we are going to seek help for Mr. Coleman to help him with some of the issues that he is facing,” Bell said.

Phelan set his next court appearance for Dec. 22 and gave Coleman 21 days to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow the recommendations of a mental health specialist.

Coleman’s grandmother, Marsha Tomberlin, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/11/01/kansas-rep-aaron-coleman-arrest-misdemeanor-domestic-battery-charge-argument-family-member/6234078001/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;</a>that the dispute was over “religious beliefs.” She said Coleman also accused his brother of stealing his phone to call the police. No further details were provided.

The Associated Press filed records requests for the probable cause affidavit, but it wasn’t immediately available. The police incident report provided no details about what the dispute was over and the grandmother’s phone number wasn’t listed.

It wasn’t immediately clear what consequences Coleman might face in the House.

“Given what little we know about the situation, I am concerned for everyone involved,” Speaker of the House, Ron Ryckman said in a weekend statement. “I know that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and assess the situation so that we can take appropriate action.”

House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer issued a statement urging Coleman to resign and calling his arrest “extremely disturbing.”

After he was elected last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">Coleman received a written reprimand&nbsp;</a>from a legislative committee about his conduct before taking office. The House committee’s investigation of Coleman followed accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women. He acknowledged some of the behavior on social media and said he had been a troubled teenager.

Earlier this month, Coleman was also banned from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices because the agency’s director said Coleman had tried to improperly gain entry to the department’s main office through a secured employee entry and berated a security officer.

At that time, Coleman said he was trying to help constituents deal with the state’s unemployment system.

Coleman&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1454440954153160704" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>before his arrest Saturday that he had been isolated from other students while in grade schools, leaving him “traumatized as well as several years behind in my social skills.”

“This deficiency,” he wrote, “makes it difficult to express to the world the love that I hold in my tender heart. It makes it even harder to form and maintain meaningful relationships, including romantic relationships.”

He didn’t immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A first-year Kansas lawmaker, who was reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. 

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City was arrested Saturday evening and Johnson County Jail records show he remains in custody Sunday afternoon.

The 21-year-old's arrest comes eight months after he received a written warning from a legislative committee about conduct before taking office that included abusive behavior toward young woman and girls.

 House Democratic leader Tom Sawyer says Coleman's constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Aaron Coleman in his Saturday night booking photo from Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Coleman in his Saturday night booking photo from Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas lawmaker who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation Monday after he was charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home.Magistrate Judge James Phelan said Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City could be freed on a personal recognizance bond, without putting up a deposit or collateral. The hearing was held via Zoom and Coleman didn’t appear because he is receiving medical care. No information was provided about his health status and Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking details.Overland Park police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">arrested the 21-year-old Saturday evening</a>.Bell entered a plea of not guilty. He said the allegations involved two family members at the home of Coleman’s grandfather, Ronald Tomberlin.Tomberlin and Coleman’s brother, both spoke on the call and said they weren’t afraid of the lawmaker.“Judge, I have spoken to his mother and we are going to seek help for Mr. Coleman to help him with some of the issues that he is facing,” Bell said.Phelan set his next court appearance for Dec. 22 and gave Coleman 21 days to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow the recommendations of a mental health specialist.Coleman’s grandmother, Marsha Tomberlin, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/11/01/kansas-rep-aaron-coleman-arrest-misdemeanor-domestic-battery-charge-argument-family-member/6234078001/" target="_blank">The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;</a>that the dispute was over “religious beliefs.” She said Coleman also accused his brother of stealing his phone to call the police. No further details were provided.The Associated Press filed records requests for the probable cause affidavit, but it wasn’t immediately available. The police incident report provided no details about what the dispute was over and the grandmother’s phone number wasn’t listed.It wasn’t immediately clear what consequences Coleman might face in the House.“Given what little we know about the situation, I am concerned for everyone involved,” Speaker of the House, Ron Ryckman said in a weekend statement. “I know that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and assess the situation so that we can take appropriate action.”House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer issued a statement urging Coleman to resign and calling his arrest “extremely disturbing.”After he was elected last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">Coleman received a written reprimand&nbsp;</a>from a legislative committee about his conduct before taking office. The House committee’s investigation of Coleman followed accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women. He acknowledged some of the behavior on social media and said he had been a troubled teenager.Earlier this month, Coleman was also banned from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices because the agency’s director said Coleman had tried to improperly gain entry to the department’s main office through a secured employee entry and berated a security officer.At that time, Coleman said he was trying to help constituents deal with the state’s unemployment system.Coleman&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1454440954153160704" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>before his arrest Saturday that he had been isolated from other students while in grade schools, leaving him “traumatized as well as several years behind in my social skills.”“This deficiency,” he wrote, “makes it difficult to express to the world the love that I hold in my tender heart. It makes it even harder to form and maintain meaningful relationships, including romantic relationships.”He didn’t immediately respond to a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.___OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A first-year Kansas lawmaker, who was reprimanded by his colleagues for abusive conduct before taking office, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City was arrested Saturday evening and Johnson County Jail records show he remains in custody Sunday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635710410061.png" alt="Image courtesy Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The 21-year-old's arrest comes eight months after he received a written warning from a legislative committee about conduct before taking office that included abusive behavior toward young woman and girls.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RELEASE: House Democratic Leader Responds to Representative’s Arrest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/p340E5QDAU">pic.twitter.com/p340E5QDAU</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1454872735516086272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> House Democratic leader Tom Sawyer says Coleman's constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs.

Judge orders mental exam for Kan. lawmaker after battery charge 

The
 Federal Trade Commission is sending 34,893 checks and PayPal refunds 
totaling more than $2 million to consumers who lost money through a 
deceptive direct mail publications scheme. Agora Financial, LLC, 
NewMarket Health, and other related defendants tricked consumers into 
buying pamphlets, newsletters, and other publications through false 
promises and deceptive marketing.&nbsp; The refunds will provide full 
compensation for consumers who bought certain health- and 
finance-related publications sold by the defendants.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-sues-publisher-targeting-seniors-phony-diabetes-cure-money">According to an October 2019 FTC complaint</a>, the Agora defendants primarily targeted its publications, including The Doctor’s Guide to Reversing Diabetes in 28 Days, at older consumers nationwide. Agora falsely marketed The Doctor’s Guide
 as a simple and scientifically proven protocol that can permanently 
cure type 2 diabetes in 28 days, without any changes in diet or 
exercise.

The FTC also alleged that the Agora defendants deceptively marketed Congress’ Secret $1.17 Trillion Giveaway,
 falsely promising that the book would show consumers how to claim 
hundreds to thousands of dollars to which they are entitled in 
“Congressional Checks” or “Republican Checks.”

The FTC is using the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/02/publisher-will-pay-more-2-million-settle-ftc-charges-it-targeted">money it recovered from Agora Financial and related defendants</a>
 to provide consumer refunds totaling $2,052,868, via paper checks and 
PayPal. People who receive refund checks should deposit or cash them 
within 90 days, as indicated on the check. PayPal refunds will be 
available for 30 days after they are issued. Recipients who have 
questions about their refund can call the administrator, Ankura 
Consulting Group, LLC, at 1-833-460-2437. The FTC never requires people 
to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

In
 2020, FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier 
this year that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek 
monetary relief in federal court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is sending 34,893 checks and PayPal refunds 
totaling more than $2 million to consumers who lost money through a 
deceptive direct mail publications scheme. Agora Financial, LLC, 
NewMarket Health, and other related defendants tricked consumers into 
buying pamphlets, newsletters, and other publications through false 
promises and deceptive marketing.&nbsp; The refunds will provide full 
compensation for consumers who bought certain health- and 
finance-related publications sold by the defendants.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-sues-publisher-targeting-seniors-phony-diabetes-cure-money">According to an October 2019 FTC complaint</a>, the Agora defendants primarily targeted its publications, including The Doctor’s Guide to Reversing Diabetes in 28 Days, at older consumers nationwide. Agora falsely marketed The Doctor’s Guide
 as a simple and scientifically proven protocol that can permanently 
cure type 2 diabetes in 28 days, without any changes in diet or 
exercise.The FTC also alleged that the Agora defendants deceptively marketed Congress’ Secret $1.17 Trillion Giveaway,
 falsely promising that the book would show consumers how to claim 
hundreds to thousands of dollars to which they are entitled in 
“Congressional Checks” or “Republican Checks.”The FTC is using the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/02/publisher-will-pay-more-2-million-settle-ftc-charges-it-targeted">money it recovered from Agora Financial and related defendants</a>
 to provide consumer refunds totaling $2,052,868, via paper checks and 
PayPal. People who receive refund checks should deposit or cash them 
within 90 days, as indicated on the check. PayPal refunds will be 
available for 30 days after they are issued. Recipients who have 
questions about their refund can call the administrator, Ankura 
Consulting Group, LLC, at 1-833-460-2437. The FTC never requires people 
to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.In
 2020, FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier 
this year that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek 
monetary relief in federal court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competition">promote competition</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">stop deceptive and unfair business practices and scams</a>, and <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">educate consumers</a>. Report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Get consumer advice at <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a>, and read the FTC’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

Feds send $2M to consumers duped by direct mail scheme

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crime and have made an arrest.

On Friday, police arrested 32-year-0ld&nbsp;Tyler D. Chalfant of Atchison. 

He is being held on requested charges of unlawful use of a financial card, computer crimes and theft in connection to the fraudulent use of a financial card at two businesses on October 21, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Chalfant also charged with criminal trespass at 314 Santa Fe in Atchison. He remains in custody. Chafant has has been jailed in Atchison County ten times since 2013, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635784623624.png" alt="Chalfant photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Chalfant photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crime and have made an arrest.On Friday, police arrested 32-year-0ld&nbsp;Tyler D. Chalfant of Atchison. He is being held on requested charges of unlawful use of a financial card, computer crimes and theft in connection to the fraudulent use of a financial card at two businesses on October 21, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Chalfant also charged with criminal trespass at 314 Santa Fe in Atchison. He remains in custody. Chafant has has been jailed in Atchison County ten times since 2013, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man accused of fraudulent use of credit card

Alex Francis Riedel Jr., age 87, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021, at the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. Alex was born June 24, 1934, in Ellis to Alex F. and Anna (Glassman) Riedel.&nbsp; Alex graduated from Ellis High School and then served in the US Army. He worked for Midwest Energy for over 35 years and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and refurbishing antique furniture. Alex was also a dedicated blood donor for many years. He is survived by two brothers, Paul Riedel and wife Mary of Minneapolis, Kansas and Joe Riedel and wife Kathy of Garden Plain, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Alvin, Fr. Richard, Tony, Ted, Alfred, Elmer and Eugene as well as a sister, Mary Ann Blue. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, November 5, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Inurnment will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery. The Funeral Mass may be viewed on Facebook Live. If you want to view online please go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;and select the Facebook Live tab at the top of the page. Once the service starts the video will come on live. Memorials are suggested to Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital and Long Term Care. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent to Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804742077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alex Francis Riedel Jr., age 87, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021, at the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. Alex was born June 24, 1934, in Ellis to Alex F. and Anna (Glassman) Riedel.&nbsp; Alex graduated from Ellis High School and then served in the US Army. He worked for Midwest Energy for over 35 years and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and refurbishing antique furniture. Alex was also a dedicated blood donor for many years. He is survived by two brothers, Paul Riedel and wife Mary of Minneapolis, Kansas and Joe Riedel and wife Kathy of Garden Plain, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Alvin, Fr. Richard, Tony, Ted, Alfred, Elmer and Eugene as well as a sister, Mary Ann Blue. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, November 5, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Inurnment will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery. The Funeral Mass may be viewed on Facebook Live. If you want to view online please go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;and select the Facebook Live tab at the top of the page. Once the service starts the video will come on live. Memorials are suggested to Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital and Long Term Care. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent to Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Alex Francis Riedel Jr.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of the Supreme Court signaled Monday they would allow abortion providers to pursue a court challenge to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">a Texas law</a>&nbsp;that has virtually ended abortion in the nation’s second-largest state after six weeks of pregnancy.

But it was unclear how quickly the court would rule and whether it would issue an order blocking the law that has been in effect for two months, or require providers to ask a lower court put the law on hold.

Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, two conservative appointees of former President Donald Trump, voted in September to allow the law to take effect, but they raised questions Monday about its novel structure. The law, written to make it difficult to mount legal challenges, subjects clinics, doctors and any others who facilitate abortions to large financial penalties.

“Millions and millions retroactively imposed, even though the activity was perfectly lawful under all court orders and precedent at the time it was undertaken, right?” Kavanaugh asked, one of several skeptical questions he put to Judd E. Stone II, representing Texas.

Barrett, too, pressed Stone about provisions of the law that force providers to fight lawsuits one by one and, she said, don’t allow their constitutional rights to be “fully aired.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-9c75eae9d7fddcd34b70bbf3fccb9be3">The justices heard three hours of arguments</a>&nbsp;Monday in two cases over whether abortion providers or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-bills-149e66a206890b29ccdf15ce26916085">the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;can mount federal court challenges to the law, which has an unusual enforcement scheme its defenders argue shields it from federal court review.

The Biden administration filed its lawsuit after the justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">voted 5-4 to refuse a request by providers to keep the law on hold</a>. Justice Neil Gorsuch, also a Trump appointee, and two other conservative justices joined Barrett and Kavanaugh in the majority to let the law take effect. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissent.

The justices sounded less convinced that the Justice Department lawsuit should go forward, and Justice Elena Kagan suggested that a ruling instead in favor of the providers would allow the court to avoid difficult issues of federal power.

In neither case argued Monday is the right to an abortion directly at issue. But the motivation for the lawsuits is that the Texas law conflicts with landmark Supreme Court rulings that prevent a state from banning abortion early in pregnancy.

Arguing for the United States, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar told the justices that Texas’ law was enacted in “open defiance” of Supreme Court precedent. “It enacted a law that clearly violates this court’s precedents,” she said.

Under the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision, states are prevented from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The justices will hear a separate challenge to those decisions in a case over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-supreme-court-mississippi-7ee64ee43f9d5c291133cf14b66f6875">Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks</a>. Those arguments are set for Dec. 1.

The most direct reference to the Mississippi case came from Justice Samuel Alito, who asked if the decision by providers to stop doing abortions in Texas “is attributable to the fear of liability if Roe or Casey is altered?”

But most questions focused on the Texas law and how it has altered abortion in the state even before the high court has made any change in abortion law. Kagan told Stone that until Texas passed its law, “no state dreamed” of trying to make an end-run around Supreme Court precedent in the same way.

If the Supreme Court doesn’t do anything about that, she said, it would be inviting states to try to flout precedent: “Guns. Same-sex marriage. Religious rights. Whatever you don’t like: go ahead,” she said. Kagan, who disagreed with her colleagues’ decision to let the law take effect, said Texas’ law has prevented women in Texas “from exercising a constitutional right.”

Kavanaugh also raised concerns about laws that might affect other constitutional rights.

The Texas law has been in effect since September when the Supreme Court declined to intervene, except for a 48-hour period in early October when it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-business-texas-courts-5eb085acee67615da3623212953220c9">blocked by a lower court</a>. The high court got involved again less than two weeks ago, moving at extraordinary speed. The court offered no explanation for its decision to hear the cases so quickly.

If the court allows the providers to continue their lawsuit, it would still take a separate order from the justices or a lower court to put the law on hold.

Amy Hagstrom Miller, chief executive of Whole Woman’s Health, said her four clinics would resume abortion services if they get a favorable court order.

The Texas ban, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortion after cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are pregnant.

The law makes exceptions for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest.

A study published by researchers at the University of Texas found that the number of abortions statewide fell by 50% after the law took effect in September, compared to the same month in 2020. The study was based on data from 19 of the state’s 24 abortion clinics, according to the Texas Policy Evaluation Project.

At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.

Rather than have state officials enforce the law, Texas deputizes private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids and abets an abortion. If someone bringing suit is successful, they are entitled to at least $10,000. Women who obtain abortions can’t be sued under the law.

During arguments Monday, Roberts at one point asked whether the law could be challenged if Texas had made the entitlement much higher, $1 million. Texas’ lawyer told him no.

The structure of the law threatens abortion providers with huge financial penalties if they violate it. Clinics throughout the state have stopped performing abortions once cardiac activity is found.

The result, both the providers and the Biden administration said, is that women who are financially able have traveled to other states and those without the means must either continue their pregnancies against their will or find other, potentially dangerous ways to end them.

Stone and Jonathan Mitchell, an architect of the law who also argued Monday, defended the law and its unusual structure. They said both the providers and the Justice Department lack the right to go into federal court, and should be asking Congress,not the justices, to expand court access.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up challenges to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">a Texas law</a>&nbsp;that has virtually ended abortion in the nation’s second-largest state after six weeks of pregnancy.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-9c75eae9d7fddcd34b70bbf3fccb9be3">The justices are hearing arguments</a>&nbsp;Monday in two cases over whether abortion providers or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-bills-149e66a206890b29ccdf15ce26916085">the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;can mount federal court challenges to the law, which has an unusual enforcement scheme its defenders argue shields it from federal court review.

In neither case is the right to an abortion directly at issue, but the motivation for lawsuits filed by abortion providers and the Justice Department is that the Texas law conflicts with landmark Supreme Court rulings that prevent a state from banning abortion early in pregnancy.

The justices will hear a separate challenge to the decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in a case over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-supreme-court-mississippi-7ee64ee43f9d5c291133cf14b66f6875">Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks</a>. Those arguments are set for Dec. 1.

The Texas law has been in effect since September, except for a 48-hour period in early October when it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-business-texas-courts-5eb085acee67615da3623212953220c9">blocked by a lower court</a>.

The high court jumped into the Texas cases less than two weeks ago, moving at extraordinary speed, but only after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">rejecting a plea to block the law</a>&nbsp;by a 5-4 vote in early September.

Five conservative justices, including three who were appointed by President Donald Trump, were in the majority. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissent.

The court offered no explanation for its decision to hear the cases so quickly.

But rather than have state officials enforce it, the Texas law deputizes private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids and abets an abortion. If they’re successful, they are entitled to at least $10,000. Women who obtain abortions can’t be sued under the law.

The state and Jonathan Mitchell, an architect of the law, say in their briefs that the providers and the Justice Department lack the right to go into federal court and can’t sue state judges and clerks who are not responsible for enforcing the abortion ban. They also contend that there is no effective way of blocking the law, in part because federal court can’t force state judges to abstain from hearing the lawsuits the law authorizes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635782546230.png" alt="Protesters outside the Supreme Court Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protesters outside the Supreme Court Monday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of the Supreme Court signaled Monday they would allow abortion providers to pursue a court challenge to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">a Texas law</a>&nbsp;that has virtually ended abortion in the nation’s second-largest state after six weeks of pregnancy.But it was unclear how quickly the court would rule and whether it would issue an order blocking the law that has been in effect for two months, or require providers to ask a lower court put the law on hold.Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, two conservative appointees of former President Donald Trump, voted in September to allow the law to take effect, but they raised questions Monday about its novel structure. The law, written to make it difficult to mount legal challenges, subjects clinics, doctors and any others who facilitate abortions to large financial penalties.“Millions and millions retroactively imposed, even though the activity was perfectly lawful under all court orders and precedent at the time it was undertaken, right?” Kavanaugh asked, one of several skeptical questions he put to Judd E. Stone II, representing Texas.Barrett, too, pressed Stone about provisions of the law that force providers to fight lawsuits one by one and, she said, don’t allow their constitutional rights to be “fully aired.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-9c75eae9d7fddcd34b70bbf3fccb9be3">The justices heard three hours of arguments</a>&nbsp;Monday in two cases over whether abortion providers or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-bills-149e66a206890b29ccdf15ce26916085">the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;can mount federal court challenges to the law, which has an unusual enforcement scheme its defenders argue shields it from federal court review.The Biden administration filed its lawsuit after the justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">voted 5-4 to refuse a request by providers to keep the law on hold</a>. Justice Neil Gorsuch, also a Trump appointee, and two other conservative justices joined Barrett and Kavanaugh in the majority to let the law take effect. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissent.The justices sounded less convinced that the Justice Department lawsuit should go forward, and Justice Elena Kagan suggested that a ruling instead in favor of the providers would allow the court to avoid difficult issues of federal power.In neither case argued Monday is the right to an abortion directly at issue. But the motivation for the lawsuits is that the Texas law conflicts with landmark Supreme Court rulings that prevent a state from banning abortion early in pregnancy.Arguing for the United States, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar told the justices that Texas’ law was enacted in “open defiance” of Supreme Court precedent. “It enacted a law that clearly violates this court’s precedents,” she said.Under the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision, states are prevented from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.The justices will hear a separate challenge to those decisions in a case over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-supreme-court-mississippi-7ee64ee43f9d5c291133cf14b66f6875">Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks</a>. Those arguments are set for Dec. 1.The most direct reference to the Mississippi case came from Justice Samuel Alito, who asked if the decision by providers to stop doing abortions in Texas “is attributable to the fear of liability if Roe or Casey is altered?”But most questions focused on the Texas law and how it has altered abortion in the state even before the high court has made any change in abortion law. Kagan told Stone that until Texas passed its law, “no state dreamed” of trying to make an end-run around Supreme Court precedent in the same way.If the Supreme Court doesn’t do anything about that, she said, it would be inviting states to try to flout precedent: “Guns. Same-sex marriage. Religious rights. Whatever you don’t like: go ahead,” she said. Kagan, who disagreed with her colleagues’ decision to let the law take effect, said Texas’ law has prevented women in Texas “from exercising a constitutional right.”Kavanaugh also raised concerns about laws that might affect other constitutional rights.The Texas law has been in effect since September when the Supreme Court declined to intervene, except for a 48-hour period in early October when it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-business-texas-courts-5eb085acee67615da3623212953220c9">blocked by a lower court</a>. The high court got involved again less than two weeks ago, moving at extraordinary speed. The court offered no explanation for its decision to hear the cases so quickly.If the court allows the providers to continue their lawsuit, it would still take a separate order from the justices or a lower court to put the law on hold.Amy Hagstrom Miller, chief executive of Whole Woman’s Health, said her four clinics would resume abortion services if they get a favorable court order.The Texas ban, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortion after cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are pregnant.The law makes exceptions for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest.A study published by researchers at the University of Texas found that the number of abortions statewide fell by 50% after the law took effect in September, compared to the same month in 2020. The study was based on data from 19 of the state’s 24 abortion clinics, according to the Texas Policy Evaluation Project.At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.Rather than have state officials enforce the law, Texas deputizes private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids and abets an abortion. If someone bringing suit is successful, they are entitled to at least $10,000. Women who obtain abortions can’t be sued under the law.During arguments Monday, Roberts at one point asked whether the law could be challenged if Texas had made the entitlement much higher, $1 million. Texas’ lawyer told him no.The structure of the law threatens abortion providers with huge financial penalties if they violate it. Clinics throughout the state have stopped performing abortions once cardiac activity is found.The result, both the providers and the Biden administration said, is that women who are financially able have traveled to other states and those without the means must either continue their pregnancies against their will or find other, potentially dangerous ways to end them.Stone and Jonathan Mitchell, an architect of the law who also argued Monday, defended the law and its unusual structure. They said both the providers and the Justice Department lack the right to go into federal court, and should be asking Congress,not the justices, to expand court access.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up challenges to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">a Texas law</a>&nbsp;that has virtually ended abortion in the nation’s second-largest state after six weeks of pregnancy.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-9c75eae9d7fddcd34b70bbf3fccb9be3">The justices are hearing arguments</a>&nbsp;Monday in two cases over whether abortion providers or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-bills-149e66a206890b29ccdf15ce26916085">the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;can mount federal court challenges to the law, which has an unusual enforcement scheme its defenders argue shields it from federal court review.In neither case is the right to an abortion directly at issue, but the motivation for lawsuits filed by abortion providers and the Justice Department is that the Texas law conflicts with landmark Supreme Court rulings that prevent a state from banning abortion early in pregnancy.The justices will hear a separate challenge to the decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in a case over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-supreme-court-mississippi-7ee64ee43f9d5c291133cf14b66f6875">Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks</a>. Those arguments are set for Dec. 1.The Texas law has been in effect since September, except for a 48-hour period in early October when it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-business-texas-courts-5eb085acee67615da3623212953220c9">blocked by a lower court</a>.The high court jumped into the Texas cases less than two weeks ago, moving at extraordinary speed, but only after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">rejecting a plea to block the law</a>&nbsp;by a 5-4 vote in early September.Five conservative justices, including three who were appointed by President Donald Trump, were in the majority. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissent.The court offered no explanation for its decision to hear the cases so quickly.The Texas ban, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortion after cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are pregnant.The law makes exceptions for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest.At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.But rather than have state officials enforce it, the Texas law deputizes private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids and abets an abortion. If they’re successful, they are entitled to at least $10,000. Women who obtain abortions can’t be sued under the law.The structure of the law threatens abortion providers with huge financial penalties if they violate it. Clinics throughout the state have stopped performing abortions once cardiac activity is found.The result, both the providers and the Biden administration said, is that women who are financially able have traveled to other states and those without the means must either continue their pregnancies against their will or find other, potentially dangerous ways to end them.The state and Jonathan Mitchell, an architect of the law, say in their briefs that the providers and the Justice Department lack the right to go into federal court and can’t sue state judges and clerks who are not responsible for enforcing the abortion ban. They also contend that there is no effective way of blocking the law, in part because federal court can’t force state judges to abstain from hearing the lawsuits the law authorizes.

Supreme Court takes up nation's most restrictive abortion law

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The trade began to hit Von Miller as he toddled past the photo gallery of great moments that decorate the Denver Broncos headquarters.

The featured shot is the one of him knocking the ball and, in effect, the Lombardi Trophy, from Cam Newton's grasp five years and nine months ago.

"Always have Super Bowl 50,” a choked-up Miller said on a gray Monday morning as snowflakes danced into the black Cadillac Escalade's open back window and melted on his tie-dye hoodie.

“Seeing the pictures as I was walking out made me tear up.”

Miller is no longer the face of the franchise in Denver.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/pgraham34/status/1455235920869789698?s=20">loquacious linebacker</a>&nbsp;is headed West to join Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey with the Los Angeles Rams in a trade that surprised him.

“It’s all kind of new,” said Miller, who insisted he didn't ask out. “I’m on my way to L.A.”

“Great team. Been a huge fan of Aaron Donald for a long time,” Miller said. “They’ve got a great defense. Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, all these guys. I’m excited."

Two people familiar with the deal that wasn't immediately announced by either team told The Associated Press that the Rams are sending the Broncos second- and third-round picks in the 2022 draft for the perennial Pro Bowler.

The Broncos also are picking up $9 million of the $9.722 million left on his contract.

Miller’s trophy case includes his Super Bowl 50 MVP award for leading Denver to a 24-10 win over heavily favored Carolina following the 2015 season and 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honor.

He’s an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time AP All-Pro and a member of the league’s 2010s All-Decade team. And he’s the Broncos’ franchise leader with 110½ sacks in the regular season and has another 6½ in the playoffs.

“It's hard to put the emotions into words," Miller said. "It's always tough whenever you leave. I love all my fans. I love Broncos country. When I said Broncos for life, I meant that. It was an honor and a privilege to play here.

“John Elway picked me. It's life changing. Ever since then, been able to play with Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, Tim Tebow. It's still kind of hard to put into words.”

“&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1455220386233151488?s=20">We're all in</a>,” the Rams (7-1) tweeted along with a meme of actor John Malkovich splashing the pot at the poker table.

And it looks as though the Broncos (4-4) are folding their hand.

With Miller watching from the sideline because of a sprained ankle he said should be fine by next weekend, the Broncos edged Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-denver-broncos-justin-simmons-washington-football-team-95941260d6fc256c6073d685996f424e">17-10</a>&nbsp;Sunday, narrowly avoiding their first winless October since 1967.

But it took two defensive stops in the final minute because the Broncos bungled their last possession following safety Justin Simmons' seemingly game-sealing end zone interception with 49 seconds left.

In between Teddy Bridgewater inexplicably throwing an incompletion to stop the clock with 32 seconds left and saving Washington a timeout, the Broncos fumbled twice, losing the second one at their 24 with 21 seconds remaining.

That served as a fitting farewell to Miller, who never got back to the playoffs with Denver after leading their Super Bowl parade.

Plagued by instability at quarterback, unimaginative offensive play-calling, draft busts and free-agent flops, the once-proud franchise is mired in one of its longest runs of mediocrity since the 1960s.

“This team, they’re going to start winning soon,” Miller said. “I wanted to be a part of it to fix it.”

Miller joins a Rams team that's tied with the Packers and Cardinals for the NFL's best record at 7-1. But the path to the Super Bowl — at the Rams' home, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — appears much rockier in the NFC with Dallas at 6-1 and defending champion Tampa Bay sitting at 6-2.

Only one team in the AFC has more than five wins: Tennessee is 6-2 but just lost cornerstone Derrick Henry to a foot injury. The Rams host the Titans on Sunday night.

Miller expects to step right into the Rams lineup after missing his final Broncos game with a sprained left ankle.

Miller, who's in the final year of his contract, was sidelined all of last year with a dislocated ankle tendon. He had a splashy comeback, winning the AFC Defensive Player of the Month honor in September.

Despite a quiet October — save for guaranteeing he was going to destroy Cleveland's offensive line — Miller was still considered a gem for contenders as Tuesday's trade deadline approached.

Miller's departure means kicker Brandon McManus is the only remaining member of the 2015 team that won the franchise's third Super Bowl thanks to Miller's memorable performance that cemented his legacy as one of his generation's top pass rushers.

Miller was rewarded with a record six-year, $114.1 million contract that pays him $17.5 million this season.

Had the Broncos held on to Miller and let him leave in free agency after the season, they best they could have netted was a fifth-round compensatory pick in 2022.

In LA, Miller joins fellow stars Donald and Ramsey, the type of talent he hasn't had around him since the Broncos were regular Super Bowl threats during Manning's four seasons in Denver from 2012-15.

Moreover, former Broncos and Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said Miller is a better fit in L.A.'s version of the 3-4 defensive scheme and should shine in sunny California.

Miller, 32, has mused all year about wanting to play several more seasons whether in Denver or elsewhere. He recently became a father and said he wants his boy to see him play in a few years.

He repeatedly refused to fret over his football future, saying he was “at peace" with whatever happens.

“Somebody told me once if you want to make God laugh, then make plans,” Miller said before rolling up his window. “Had a lot of beautiful years here. Have a lot of great memories here.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The trade began to hit Von Miller as he toddled past the photo gallery of great moments that decorate the Denver Broncos headquarters.The featured shot is the one of him knocking the ball and, in effect, the Lombardi Trophy, from Cam Newton's grasp five years and nine months ago."Always have Super Bowl 50,” a choked-up Miller said on a gray Monday morning as snowflakes danced into the black Cadillac Escalade's open back window and melted on his tie-dye hoodie.“Seeing the pictures as I was walking out made me tear up.”Miller is no longer the face of the franchise in Denver.The&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/pgraham34/status/1455235920869789698?s=20">loquacious linebacker</a>&nbsp;is headed West to join Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey with the Los Angeles Rams in a trade that surprised him.“It’s all kind of new,” said Miller, who insisted he didn't ask out. “I’m on my way to L.A.”Where a Super Bowl contender awaits.“Great team. Been a huge fan of Aaron Donald for a long time,” Miller said. “They’ve got a great defense. Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, all these guys. I’m excited."Two people familiar with the deal that wasn't immediately announced by either team told The Associated Press that the Rams are sending the Broncos second- and third-round picks in the 2022 draft for the perennial Pro Bowler.The Broncos also are picking up $9 million of the $9.722 million left on his contract.Miller’s trophy case includes his Super Bowl 50 MVP award for leading Denver to a 24-10 win over heavily favored Carolina following the 2015 season and 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honor.He’s an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time AP All-Pro and a member of the league’s 2010s All-Decade team. And he’s the Broncos’ franchise leader with 110½ sacks in the regular season and has another 6½ in the playoffs.“It's hard to put the emotions into words," Miller said. "It's always tough whenever you leave. I love all my fans. I love Broncos country. When I said Broncos for life, I meant that. It was an honor and a privilege to play here.“John Elway picked me. It's life changing. Ever since then, been able to play with Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, Tim Tebow. It's still kind of hard to put into words.”The Rams summed it up quite succinctly.“&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1455220386233151488?s=20">We're all in</a>,” the Rams (7-1) tweeted along with a meme of actor John Malkovich splashing the pot at the poker table.And it looks as though the Broncos (4-4) are folding their hand.With Miller watching from the sideline because of a sprained ankle he said should be fine by next weekend, the Broncos edged Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-denver-broncos-justin-simmons-washington-football-team-95941260d6fc256c6073d685996f424e">17-10</a>&nbsp;Sunday, narrowly avoiding their first winless October since 1967.But it took two defensive stops in the final minute because the Broncos bungled their last possession following safety Justin Simmons' seemingly game-sealing end zone interception with 49 seconds left.In between Teddy Bridgewater inexplicably throwing an incompletion to stop the clock with 32 seconds left and saving Washington a timeout, the Broncos fumbled twice, losing the second one at their 24 with 21 seconds remaining.That served as a fitting farewell to Miller, who never got back to the playoffs with Denver after leading their Super Bowl parade.Plagued by instability at quarterback, unimaginative offensive play-calling, draft busts and free-agent flops, the once-proud franchise is mired in one of its longest runs of mediocrity since the 1960s.“This team, they’re going to start winning soon,” Miller said. “I wanted to be a part of it to fix it.”Miller joins a Rams team that's tied with the Packers and Cardinals for the NFL's best record at 7-1. But the path to the Super Bowl — at the Rams' home, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — appears much rockier in the NFC with Dallas at 6-1 and defending champion Tampa Bay sitting at 6-2.Only one team in the AFC has more than five wins: Tennessee is 6-2 but just lost cornerstone Derrick Henry to a foot injury. The Rams host the Titans on Sunday night.Miller expects to step right into the Rams lineup after missing his final Broncos game with a sprained left ankle.“I was close last week,” he said.Miller, who's in the final year of his contract, was sidelined all of last year with a dislocated ankle tendon. He had a splashy comeback, winning the AFC Defensive Player of the Month honor in September.Despite a quiet October — save for guaranteeing he was going to destroy Cleveland's offensive line — Miller was still considered a gem for contenders as Tuesday's trade deadline approached.Miller's departure means kicker Brandon McManus is the only remaining member of the 2015 team that won the franchise's third Super Bowl thanks to Miller's memorable performance that cemented his legacy as one of his generation's top pass rushers.Miller was rewarded with a record six-year, $114.1 million contract that pays him $17.5 million this season.Had the Broncos held on to Miller and let him leave in free agency after the season, they best they could have netted was a fifth-round compensatory pick in 2022.In LA, Miller joins fellow stars Donald and Ramsey, the type of talent he hasn't had around him since the Broncos were regular Super Bowl threats during Manning's four seasons in Denver from 2012-15.Moreover, former Broncos and Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said Miller is a better fit in L.A.'s version of the 3-4 defensive scheme and should shine in sunny California.Miller, 32, has mused all year about wanting to play several more seasons whether in Denver or elsewhere. He recently became a father and said he wants his boy to see him play in a few years.He repeatedly refused to fret over his football future, saying he was “at peace" with whatever happens.“Somebody told me once if you want to make God laugh, then make plans,” Miller said before rolling up his window. “Had a lot of beautiful years here. Have a lot of great memories here.”

🏈Von Miller leaves snowy Denver behind for Rams, sunshine

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that October continued the trend of Kansas’ total tax collections being more than the estimate as total tax collections were $662.7 million for the month. That is 18.7%, or $104.2 million, more than the estimate. That is also $66.1 million, or 11.1%, more than the same month of last year, according to a media release from the Kansas Dept. of Revenue.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.XJgmhKB1xYUcbDGdYV2ZqKygOF00wGJlNl9wf9-2FLY/s/1303160919/br/116084717722-l" target="_blank">Click here to October tax receipts&nbsp;</a>

“As I’ve said before, though our state’s revenue numbers continue to out-pace estimates, we must keep practicing fiscal responsibility,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s how we’ll continue to grow our economy and protect our fiscal health.”

Individual income tax collections were $301.6 million which is $46.6 million, or 18.3%, more than the estimate. That is $17.9 million, or 6.3%, more than October 2020. Corporate income tax collections were $40.0 million for the month. That is $25.0 million, or 166.8%, more than the estimate and $13.9 million, or 53.3%, more than the same month of last year.

Retail sales tax collections were $227.7 million, which is 8.4%, or $17.7 million, more than the estimate. Those collections are $16.7 million, or 7.9%, more than last October. Compensating use tax collections were $67.6 million which is $12.6 million, or 22.9%, more than the estimate. That is a growth of $16.9 million, or 33.3%, over the same month of 2020.

“The difficult steps taken early on in the COVID-19 pandemic have helped the state’s economy not only rebound quicker than expected but has also moved the state towards a sustainable and healthy economic future,”&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.

The last time the state had tax collections below the monthly estimate was July 2020.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet November 10.

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that October continued the trend of Kansas’ total tax collections being more than the estimate as total tax collections were $662.7 million for the month. That is 18.7%, or $104.2 million, more than the estimate. That is also $66.1 million, or 11.1%, more than the same month of last year, according to a media release from the Kansas Dept. of Revenue.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTExMDEuNDgyMjc5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnb3Zlcm5vci5rYW5zYXMuZ292JTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkYyMDIxJTJGMTElMkYwNF9PY3RvYmVyX1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDIyXzExLTAxLTIwMjFfRmluYWwucGRmJmRhdGE9MDQlN0MwMSU3Q1JheW5hLkthcnN0JTQwa3MuZ292JTdDNWNkMWNmNmNmYTQ3NGMyZWM1N2QwOGQ5OWQ3NWJjMDIlN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3NzEzOTUxMjU0NjE4NTM4JTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzEwMDAmc2RhdGE9OW50cmpya0VraDk4SWhqYlJuSFZJdE1kUUZTaUpONkwyakYxNVBoJTJGVUE0JTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.XJgmhKB1xYUcbDGdYV2ZqKygOF00wGJlNl9wf9-2FLY/s/1303160919/br/116084717722-l" target="_blank">Click here to October tax receipts&nbsp;</a>“As I’ve said before, though our state’s revenue numbers continue to out-pace estimates, we must keep practicing fiscal responsibility,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s how we’ll continue to grow our economy and protect our fiscal health.”Individual income tax collections were $301.6 million which is $46.6 million, or 18.3%, more than the estimate. That is $17.9 million, or 6.3%, more than October 2020. Corporate income tax collections were $40.0 million for the month. That is $25.0 million, or 166.8%, more than the estimate and $13.9 million, or 53.3%, more than the same month of last year.Retail sales tax collections were $227.7 million, which is 8.4%, or $17.7 million, more than the estimate. Those collections are $16.7 million, or 7.9%, more than last October. Compensating use tax collections were $67.6 million which is $12.6 million, or 22.9%, more than the estimate. That is a growth of $16.9 million, or 33.3%, over the same month of 2020.“The difficult steps taken early on in the COVID-19 pandemic have helped the state’s economy not only rebound quicker than expected but has also moved the state towards a sustainable and healthy economic future,”&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.The last time the state had tax collections below the monthly estimate was July 2020.The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet November 10.

Oct. total tax receipts in Kan. exceed the estimate by $104.2M

Geary Gene Schafer, 80, of Gorham, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 
31, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Geary was born on June 10, 1941, in Milberger, Kansas, the son of 
Elmer and Esther I. (Nuss) Schafer.&nbsp; He grew up in the Milberger, 
Galatia, Russell and Gorham, Kansas area and attended Milberger Rural 
Schools.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Judith Arlene Dumler in 1961.&nbsp; 
From this union Geary and Judith were blessed with raising two children 
Tonya and Terry.&nbsp; Judith preceded him in death on June 28, 1985.&nbsp; Geary 
found love for a second time and was united in marriage to Iris Emma 
Schroeder on October 04, 2001, in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Geary worked most 
all his life as a truck driver working in the oilfield industry, Pepsi 
and Abco.&nbsp; He was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association 
and American Anglers Association.&nbsp; He enjoyed hunting, fishing and 
collecting aluminum cans.&nbsp; Most of all he loved spending time with his 
wife, kids, grandkids, great grandkids and extended family.

Surviving family include his wife Iris Schafer of the home; daughter 
Tonya Cullen and husband Jeffrey of Gorham, Kansas; son Terry Schafer of
 Salina, Kansas; brother Robert Schafer and sister Roberta Hupfer and 
fiancée Jim Mermis all of Gorham, Kansas; 5 grandkids and 6 great 
grandkids.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, infant son Tracy 
Schafer and granddaughter Jenna Schafer. 

A celebration of Geary’s life 
will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 04, 2021, at the St. 
John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. 
John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 
A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, November 03, 2021, at the mortuary with 
family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening.&nbsp; 


Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635799635520.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Geary Gene Schafer, 80, of Gorham, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 
31, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.Geary was born on June 10, 1941, in Milberger, Kansas, the son of 
Elmer and Esther I. (Nuss) Schafer.&nbsp; He grew up in the Milberger, 
Galatia, Russell and Gorham, Kansas area and attended Milberger Rural 
Schools.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Judith Arlene Dumler in 1961.&nbsp; 
From this union Geary and Judith were blessed with raising two children 
Tonya and Terry.&nbsp; Judith preceded him in death on June 28, 1985.&nbsp; Geary 
found love for a second time and was united in marriage to Iris Emma 
Schroeder on October 04, 2001, in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Geary worked most 
all his life as a truck driver working in the oilfield industry, Pepsi 
and Abco.&nbsp; He was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association 
and American Anglers Association.&nbsp; He enjoyed hunting, fishing and 
collecting aluminum cans.&nbsp; Most of all he loved spending time with his 
wife, kids, grandkids, great grandkids and extended family.Surviving family include his wife Iris Schafer of the home; daughter 
Tonya Cullen and husband Jeffrey of Gorham, Kansas; son Terry Schafer of
 Salina, Kansas; brother Robert Schafer and sister Roberta Hupfer and 
fiancée Jim Mermis all of Gorham, Kansas; 5 grandkids and 6 great 
grandkids.He was also preceded in death by his parents, infant son Tracy 
Schafer and granddaughter Jenna Schafer. A celebration of Geary’s life 
will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 04, 2021, at the St. 
John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. 
John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 
A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, November 03, 2021, at the mortuary with 
family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

Geary Gene Schafer

Terri J. Rather, 65, of Salina, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 30,
 2021, at the Eaglecrest Retirement Community in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; God 
blessed Terri with a holy death and took her home to rest in the arms of
 Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead.

God gave to Terri (Pfortmiller) Rather the gift of earthly life on 
February 18, 1956, born to Orville and Loretta (Blank) Pfortmiller in 
Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;God gave her the gift of new life in Christ through 
the sacrament of Holy Baptism on March 4, 1956, and she was confirmed in
 this Christian faith on May 17, 1970, at Peace Lutheran Church in 
Natoma, Kansas. &nbsp;On May 18, 1991, Terri and Ron Rather were united in 
marriage.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina.&nbsp; May our 
Savior, Jesus Christ, who came for us all, give comfort and strength to 
Terri’s family and friends through His promise, “I am the resurrection 
and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and 
whoever lives and believes in me will never die!” (John 11:24-26).

Terri is survived by her father, Orville of Natoma, Kansas; her 
husband, Ron Rather of Salina, Kansas; son Clayton Slipke and wife 
Lindsay of Klamath Falls, Oregon, sister Becky Mangus and husband Gary 
of Winfield, Kansas, brothers Ricky Pfortmiller and wife Joy of Natoma, 
Kansas and Scott Pfortmiller and wife Jennifer of St. John,<a></a> Kansas, and five dearly beloved nieces.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Loretta Pfortmiller on August 29th, 2002.

A celebration of Terri’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday,
 November 6, 2021, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow at the Natoma Lutheran Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 
from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning, November 6th at the 
church. &nbsp;Terri was passionate about serving in the Lutheran Women’s 
Missionary League. 

The family suggests memorials to the LWML Kansas 
District.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell and Natoma, Kansas,
 is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635799577222.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Terri J. Rather, 65, of Salina, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 30,
 2021, at the Eaglecrest Retirement Community in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; God 
blessed Terri with a holy death and took her home to rest in the arms of
 Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead.God gave to Terri (Pfortmiller) Rather the gift of earthly life on 
February 18, 1956, born to Orville and Loretta (Blank) Pfortmiller in 
Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;God gave her the gift of new life in Christ through 
the sacrament of Holy Baptism on March 4, 1956, and she was confirmed in
 this Christian faith on May 17, 1970, at Peace Lutheran Church in 
Natoma, Kansas. &nbsp;On May 18, 1991, Terri and Ron Rather were united in 
marriage.She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina.&nbsp; May our 
Savior, Jesus Christ, who came for us all, give comfort and strength to 
Terri’s family and friends through His promise, “I am the resurrection 
and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and 
whoever lives and believes in me will never die!” (John 11:24-26).Terri is survived by her father, Orville of Natoma, Kansas; her 
husband, Ron Rather of Salina, Kansas; son Clayton Slipke and wife 
Lindsay of Klamath Falls, Oregon, sister Becky Mangus and husband Gary 
of Winfield, Kansas, brothers Ricky Pfortmiller and wife Joy of Natoma, 
Kansas and Scott Pfortmiller and wife Jennifer of St. John,<a></a> Kansas, and five dearly beloved nieces.She was preceded in death by her mother, Loretta Pfortmiller on August 29th, 2002.A celebration of Terri’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday,
 November 6, 2021, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow at the Natoma Lutheran Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 
from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning, November 6th at the 
church. &nbsp;Terri was passionate about serving in the Lutheran Women’s 
Missionary League. The family suggests memorials to the LWML Kansas 
District.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell and Natoma, Kansas,
 is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!

Terri J. Rather

Josephine Marie Marshall (Sandi) Kinser, 75, of Concordia, passed 
away peacefully at Park Villa nursing home in Clyde KS on October 22, 
2021. She was born October 1, 1946, in Enid, OK and was adopted at the 
age of nine years by Paul and Josephine Marshall.

She married Jerry Kinser on March 5, 1966, and they were blessed with two daughters: Jolene and Janell.

She graduated from Pratt High School and earned her Bachelor of 
Science in Elementary Education from Ft. Hays State University and her 
master’s degree in library science from Kansas State University. She was
 a life-long educator, teaching in Weskan, Glasco, and Miltonvale 
schools and serving as a district librarian.

She was a leader and volunteer in her community, a member of Delta 
Kappa Gamma, Kansas State Board of Regents, and several other 
professional organizations. She was a faithful servant and member of 
Fellowship Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Josephine 
Marshall; parents-in-law, Joseph and Josephine Kinser; brothers-in-law, 
Tim Kinser and John Stanley; sister-in-law, Kay Reedy.

Survivors: Husband, Jerry Kinser of Clyde; and daughters, Jolene Girard (Patrick) of Clyde; Janell McMillan (Scott) of Topeka.

Grandchildren: Paige Shafferman (Jeff) of Altoona, IA; Stephen 
McMillan (Emmelina) of Meriden, KS; Dorian Fahey (Brett) of Clifton, KS;
 Joseph McMillan (Susan) of Topeka, KS; Elias Girard and Adria Girard of
 Hays, KS; and Scott McMillan of Topeka, KS.

Great-grandchildren: Jack Shafferman, Elizabeth, Danny, and Nova 
McMillan, Evyn and Isla Fahey, Abigail, Thomas, and Clarissa McMillan.

Sister-in-law, Linda Stanley; sister-in-law Janet Morrin (Damon); 
brother-in-law Tom Reedy (Joann); brother-in-law, John Kinser (Kay), 
sister-in-law Mary Kinser-Cressler (Russell); many beloved nieces and 
nephews and friends.

The funeral service will be Friday, November 5, at 11:00 AM at 
Fellowship Christian Church 614 Cedar St, Concordia KS. A private family
 burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Park Villa Nursing 
Home, Fellowship Christian Church, or Meadowlark Hospice in care of 
Nutter Mortuary.

For Online Condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635797295078.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Josephine Marie Marshall (Sandi) Kinser, 75, of Concordia, passed 
away peacefully at Park Villa nursing home in Clyde KS on October 22, 
2021. She was born October 1, 1946, in Enid, OK and was adopted at the 
age of nine years by Paul and Josephine Marshall.She married Jerry Kinser on March 5, 1966, and they were blessed with two daughters: Jolene and Janell.She graduated from Pratt High School and earned her Bachelor of 
Science in Elementary Education from Ft. Hays State University and her 
master’s degree in library science from Kansas State University. She was
 a life-long educator, teaching in Weskan, Glasco, and Miltonvale 
schools and serving as a district librarian.She was a leader and volunteer in her community, a member of Delta 
Kappa Gamma, Kansas State Board of Regents, and several other 
professional organizations. She was a faithful servant and member of 
Fellowship Christian Church.She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Josephine 
Marshall; parents-in-law, Joseph and Josephine Kinser; brothers-in-law, 
Tim Kinser and John Stanley; sister-in-law, Kay Reedy.Survivors: Husband, Jerry Kinser of Clyde; and daughters, Jolene Girard (Patrick) of Clyde; Janell McMillan (Scott) of Topeka.Grandchildren: Paige Shafferman (Jeff) of Altoona, IA; Stephen 
McMillan (Emmelina) of Meriden, KS; Dorian Fahey (Brett) of Clifton, KS;
 Joseph McMillan (Susan) of Topeka, KS; Elias Girard and Adria Girard of
 Hays, KS; and Scott McMillan of Topeka, KS.Great-grandchildren: Jack Shafferman, Elizabeth, Danny, and Nova 
McMillan, Evyn and Isla Fahey, Abigail, Thomas, and Clarissa McMillan.Sister-in-law, Linda Stanley; sister-in-law Janet Morrin (Damon); 
brother-in-law Tom Reedy (Joann); brother-in-law, John Kinser (Kay), 
sister-in-law Mary Kinser-Cressler (Russell); many beloved nieces and 
nephews and friends.The funeral service will be Friday, November 5, at 11:00 AM at 
Fellowship Christian Church 614 Cedar St, Concordia KS. A private family
 burial will take place at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Park Villa Nursing 
Home, Fellowship Christian Church, or Meadowlark Hospice in care of 
Nutter Mortuary.For Online Condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com

Josephine (Sandi) Marie Marshall Kinser

Rose Ann, “Rosie” to her family and friends, 91, was welcomed to her 
heavenly home on October 30, 2021.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635788624307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rose Ann, “Rosie” to her family and friends, 91, was welcomed to her 
heavenly home on October 30, 2021.&nbsp; “Welcome Home good and faithful 
servant."She was born September 11, 1930, in the family farmhouse in Stratton, 
NE to Mary (Hulbl) and Bohumel Faimon.&nbsp; She had a&nbsp; strong bond with her 
twin brother Rich and they were intuitive to each other’s needs.&nbsp; Rudy, 
her older brother took Rosie under his wing.&nbsp; He protected her and 
influenced her with the gift of music.&nbsp; Rose loved playing the organ, 
piano and accordion.&nbsp; She freely danced the polka with ease!Her only sister, Sr. Agatha Faimon, Community of the Holy Spirit, has
 been her dedicated older sister.&nbsp; She has devoted her past years 
tending to Rosie’s needs, which allowed Rosie to remain at home for as 
long as she could.The family is very appreciative for Sr. Agatha’s love 
and compassion.On April 25th, 1955 Rosie married her sweetheart, Charles Pianalto.&nbsp; 
She was quickly accepted into his Italian family of 16 siblings. Even in
 her last stages of her illness, she would mouth the words to their 
wedding dance, “Blue Skirt Waltz”.To this union, five children were given as gifts from God.&nbsp; Joe 
(deceased), Tony, Jeanette, Mary Ellen and Ed.&nbsp; At the age of 50, 
Charlie passed away.&nbsp; With the help of God, family and friends, she&nbsp; 
raised and influenced them to become respectful, compassionate and 
loving adults.Later in life, Rose married Urban Baalman(deceased).Some of Rose’s most cherished times included weekend family fishing 
adventures, Christmas gatherings , singing around the piano during 
holidays, dancing around&nbsp; in the living room,&nbsp; gardening, painting and 
crafting.&nbsp; Rose enjoyed traveling to Europe with Sr. Agatha. They spent 
time connecting with family in Czechoslovakia, speaking with their 
cousins in Czech and exploring family heritage.&nbsp; Rosie loved hollering 
“Bingo” and playing slots!&nbsp; She enjoyed organizing gatherings and was 
defined as a ‘people lover’.Prior to the onset of dementia which robbed her&nbsp; body,&nbsp; sight, mind 
and spirit, Rose had a huge personality, smile and generous,&nbsp; humble 
spirit.&nbsp; Her personal integrity, strong determinate will and 
compassionate heart of service were immense.&nbsp; These facts do not begin 
to convey how much she was loved and respected.This respect for others was evident in the multiple positions she 
held throughout life….. being a loving&nbsp; Christian wife and mother,&nbsp; a 
country school teacher, Boy Scout den leader, Catholic Religious 
Educator,&nbsp; liturgical musician, Pediatric nurse aide , sharing her love 
with nieces and nephews along with leading the senior Catholics in 
Harvest House were just a few of her ways to live discipleship.Rosie’s strong faith in God helped her survive many heartaches, 
losses and struggles. Those that have departed ahead of her include: 
Charlie, Urb, her parents, brothers Rich and Rudy,&nbsp; son Joe along with 
his family,&nbsp; Shirley,&nbsp; Anne and Jennifer and a host of family and&nbsp; 
friends.Survivors that will miss her immensely include:&nbsp; her sister, Sr. 
Agatha Faimon, daughters Mary Ellen and Jeanette Hermes (Bill),&nbsp; sons 
Tony (Wanda) , Ed (Sheila) , grandchildren, great grand-children along 
with nieces, nephews and in-laws.&nbsp; May her spirit live on through them.Her family wishes to thank all those near and far who have assisted 
through this journey.&nbsp; May God bless you for all your prayers, loving 
words, notes, care, presence and support&nbsp; during Rosie’s illness.&nbsp; Your 
compassion has not gone unnoticed.&nbsp; We truly appreciate all that you 
have done.Please remember Rose with memorials to Community of the Holy Spirit, 
San Diego, CA (to go toward the care of Sr. Agatha), or to Holy Cross 
Catholic School, Hutchinson KS.Parish Rosary - Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021, at&nbsp; 10:30am followed by
 Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, both at the Church of the Holy 
Cross, 2631 Independence Rd., Hutchinson KS. Burial will follow at 11:00 am 
Thursday, November 4th , 2021, in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Atwood KS.&nbsp; 
Friends may call from 1-8, Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021, at Elliot 
Mortuary.