Donita P. Buerkle, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021,&nbsp; at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Kidwell Hagler.&nbsp; A 
resident of Holcomb, Kansas since 1946 moving from Kearny County, 
Kansas, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas and a member of EHU &amp; ESA.

On August 12, 1945, she married Robert Buerkle in Deerfield, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 12, 2020, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Daughters - Anita &amp; Dennis Miller of 
Wilson, Kansas, Christine &amp; Gregg Joy of Garden City, Kansas, One 
Sons - Gail &amp; Karen Buerkle of Azel, Texas, Eight Grandchildren - 
Lisa &amp; Todd Scott of Holcomb, Kansas, Brett &amp; Wendy Pollman of 
Wichita, Kansas, Rachel &amp; John Schmit of Valrico, Florida, Kenton 
Pollman of Augusta, Kansas, Tammy Miller of Russell, Kansas, Pam &amp; 
Bobby Funk of Alabama, Terry Miller of Beaver, Kansas, Garry Lee &amp; 
Kylene Miller of Ellsworth, Kansas, Twenty One Great grandchildren, 31 
Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Two Sons - Alan 
Buerkle and Gary Lee Buerkle, One Sister - Dorothy Williams-Yakel, Four 
Brothers - Loren Hagler, Olin “Short” Hagler, Kenneth Hagler, and 
Maurice Hagler.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021 at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.

Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or the Prairie 
View Church of the Brethren or the Masonic Lodge in care of Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Interment will be in the Prairie View Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Friend, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021 at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635540540221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donita P. Buerkle, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021,&nbsp; at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Kidwell Hagler.&nbsp; A 
resident of Holcomb, Kansas since 1946 moving from Kearny County, 
Kansas, she was a homemaker.She was a member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas and a member of EHU &amp; ESA.On August 12, 1945, she married Robert Buerkle in Deerfield, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 12, 2020, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Two Daughters - Anita &amp; Dennis Miller of 
Wilson, Kansas, Christine &amp; Gregg Joy of Garden City, Kansas, One 
Sons - Gail &amp; Karen Buerkle of Azel, Texas, Eight Grandchildren - 
Lisa &amp; Todd Scott of Holcomb, Kansas, Brett &amp; Wendy Pollman of 
Wichita, Kansas, Rachel &amp; John Schmit of Valrico, Florida, Kenton 
Pollman of Augusta, Kansas, Tammy Miller of Russell, Kansas, Pam &amp; 
Bobby Funk of Alabama, Terry Miller of Beaver, Kansas, Garry Lee &amp; 
Kylene Miller of Ellsworth, Kansas, Twenty One Great grandchildren, 31 
Great Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Two Sons - Alan 
Buerkle and Gary Lee Buerkle, One Sister - Dorothy Williams-Yakel, Four 
Brothers - Loren Hagler, Olin “Short” Hagler, Kenneth Hagler, and 
Maurice Hagler.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021 at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or the Prairie 
View Church of the Brethren or the Masonic Lodge in care of Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.Interment will be in the Prairie View Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Friend, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021 at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Donita P. Buerkle

Donna Jean (Stevenson) Gosser passed away on October 27, 2021, at the 
Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 84. She 
was born on February 28, 1937, to Edgar and Helen (Spiehs) Stevenson in 
Grand Island, Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Allen Lee Gosser 
on September 13, 1958, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple were 
blessed with three children: Connie Jo, Lorrie and Robert.
 Donna grew up in Grand Island and attended Grand Island High School.
 She started working as a waitress at the Milnes Café in Nebraska before
 she was married in 1958 to Allen. The couple moved to Plainville where 
they started their family. Then the family moved to Hays where they 
farmed with Allen’s father. In May of 1965 they settled in Codell. When 
they moved to Codell she worked for Daylight Donuts then C.O. Mammels 
Grocery until 1981. She then retired and became a full-time wife and 
mother. Donna loved to cook; the kids’ most memorable dishes where 
cranberry salad, potato salad, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, and a
 green Oreo mint salad that was made one too many times…in abundance.&nbsp;

She was even the creator of “the Donna Special” at Taco Express in 
Plainville. She loved being a farmer’s wife, and their large family 
gatherings. It was important to her to entertain during the summer for 
her many nieces and nephews out at the farm. Outside of her love for the
 family she enjoyed gambling on $2 scratch cards and holding two spots 
at quarter machines and playing bingo, along with card games like Pitch 
and Pinochle. Donna was also fond of things like the color purple, 
angels, and interacting with friends and family through Facebook. She 
was a member of the Codell Community Church.
 She is survived by her husband, Allen Gosser of Codell, KS; 
children, Connie Austin of Codell, and Lorrie Bland of Plainville and 
Robert Gosser of Plainville; sister, Shirley Spencer of St. Paul, NE; 
brother-in-law, Jim Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; five grandchildren, 
Alan (Lori) Austin, Jennifer (Dan) Gibbons, Lance Gosser, Traci (Logan) 
Burns, and Rachel (Blake) Lundstrom; thirteen great-grandchildren, 
Trevor, Thomas, Cale, Lana, Emmitt, Sutton, Jacob, Nora, Katy, Lucas, 
Hudson, Anniston, and Greta; and other family members and many friends.
 Donna is preceded in death by her parents; Edgar and Helen Stevenson; sister, Fern Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gerald Spencer.
 A Funeral Service will be held at the Codell Community Church on 
Monday, November 1, 2021, at 10AM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, at
 the funeral home in Plainville from 2 PM until 6PM with Family 
Receiving Friends from 4PM to 5:30PM.
 Memorials are suggested to the Codell Community Church, Rooks County
 Health Center, or the Codell Community Center and may be sent in care 
of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663. 
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635540381587.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Jean (Stevenson) Gosser passed away on October 27, 2021, at the 
Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 84. She 
was born on February 28, 1937, to Edgar and Helen (Spiehs) Stevenson in 
Grand Island, Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Allen Lee Gosser 
on September 13, 1958, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple were 
blessed with three children: Connie Jo, Lorrie and Robert.
 Donna grew up in Grand Island and attended Grand Island High School.
 She started working as a waitress at the Milnes Café in Nebraska before
 she was married in 1958 to Allen. The couple moved to Plainville where 
they started their family. Then the family moved to Hays where they 
farmed with Allen’s father. In May of 1965 they settled in Codell. When 
they moved to Codell she worked for Daylight Donuts then C.O. Mammels 
Grocery until 1981. She then retired and became a full-time wife and 
mother. Donna loved to cook; the kids’ most memorable dishes where 
cranberry salad, potato salad, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, and a
 green Oreo mint salad that was made one too many times…in abundance.&nbsp; She was even the creator of “the Donna Special” at Taco Express in 
Plainville. She loved being a farmer’s wife, and their large family 
gatherings. It was important to her to entertain during the summer for 
her many nieces and nephews out at the farm. Outside of her love for the
 family she enjoyed gambling on $2 scratch cards and holding two spots 
at quarter machines and playing bingo, along with card games like Pitch 
and Pinochle. Donna was also fond of things like the color purple, 
angels, and interacting with friends and family through Facebook. She 
was a member of the Codell Community Church.
 She is survived by her husband, Allen Gosser of Codell, KS; 
children, Connie Austin of Codell, and Lorrie Bland of Plainville and 
Robert Gosser of Plainville; sister, Shirley Spencer of St. Paul, NE; 
brother-in-law, Jim Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; five grandchildren, 
Alan (Lori) Austin, Jennifer (Dan) Gibbons, Lance Gosser, Traci (Logan) 
Burns, and Rachel (Blake) Lundstrom; thirteen great-grandchildren, 
Trevor, Thomas, Cale, Lana, Emmitt, Sutton, Jacob, Nora, Katy, Lucas, 
Hudson, Anniston, and Greta; and other family members and many friends.
 Donna is preceded in death by her parents; Edgar and Helen Stevenson; sister, Fern Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gerald Spencer.
 A Funeral Service will be held at the Codell Community Church on 
Monday, November 1, 2021, at 10AM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, at
 the funeral home in Plainville from 2 PM until 6PM with Family 
Receiving Friends from 4PM to 5:30PM.
 Memorials are suggested to the Codell Community Church, Rooks County
 Health Center, or the Codell Community Center and may be sent in care 
of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663. 
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Donna Jean (Stevenson) Gosser

ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;

During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;

 Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”

After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. 

The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514031020.png" alt="First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635513708354.png" alt="President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure> Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on whether the issue of abortion came up during his meeting with Pope Francis: &quot;No, it didn&#39;t … We just talked about the fact he was happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving communion.&quot;<a href="https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj">https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj</a> <a href="https://t.co/8XWTGXv3ah">pic.twitter.com/8XWTGXv3ah</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1454110513848270854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Pres. Biden, Pope discuss Communion during lengthy meeting

Maebeth Walter, 97, Downs, KS. passed away October 28, 2021, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Maebeth was born to Gideon and Ruth (Goheen) Walter on April 13, 1924, in the Rose Valley community northwest of Downs. 

She attended the Rose Valley one-room school and graduated from Downs High School with the class of 1941. Her college education began at Fort Hays College with years of teaching at Elm Creek, Rose Valley, and Union #4 country schools.  Next she studied a business course at Westmar College, a college associated with her church. She worked at the Downs National Bank for a few years then resumed her career teaching at Oak Creek and later, the 2nd grade in Downs completing her education degree from Fort Hays, retiring in 1986. 

Maebeth was a lifelong member of the Rose Valley United Methodist Church and was active in leadership roles in the youth programs and the United Methodist Women. Opportunities to serve in mission at Red Bird, KY, and a life-time auxiliary membership of Gideons International were close to her heart. This generous spirit led her to be involved in the local American Red Cross chapter and numerous other community organizations.

During retirement she enlarged her doll collection and her hobby of growing flowers. She and family members also enjoyed traveling far and wide to such places as Russia, Europe, and Alaska, and to football bowl games.

Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers, Chet and Lloyd (both killed in World War II), sister, Lucile Freeborn and husband, Harold, and sister, Eileen Doane and husband, Ralph. 

Surviving her are nieces and nephews, Kent (Barbara) Freeborn, Keith (Marsha) Doane, Brent (Linda) Doane, Kathryn (Ron, deceased) McCary, Gary (Glennys) Doane, Karol (Jim) Gregory, Steve (Heidi) Doane; 16 great nieces and nephews and more family and friends to treasure her memory.  

Services for Maebeth Walter will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 am at the Rose Valley UMC, 2 miles west and 3 miles north of Downs. Visitation with the family present will be at the church on Monday, November 1, 2021, 7-8:30 pm. 

Suggested memorials are to the Rose Valley UMC, or The Gideons International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635533745869.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maebeth Walter, 97, Downs, KS. passed away October 28, 2021, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Maebeth was born to Gideon and Ruth (Goheen) Walter on April 13, 1924, in the Rose Valley community northwest of Downs. She attended the Rose Valley one-room school and graduated from Downs High School with the class of 1941. Her college education began at Fort Hays College with years of teaching at Elm Creek, Rose Valley, and Union #4 country schools. Next she studied a business course at Westmar College, a college associated with her church. She worked at the Downs National Bank for a few years then resumed her career teaching at Oak Creek and later, the 2nd grade in Downs completing her education degree from Fort Hays, retiring in 1986. Maebeth was a lifelong member of the Rose Valley United Methodist Church and was active in leadership roles in the youth programs and the United Methodist Women. Opportunities to serve in mission at Red Bird, KY, and a life-time auxiliary membership of Gideons International were close to her heart. This generous spirit led her to be involved in the local American Red Cross chapter and numerous other community organizations.During retirement she enlarged her doll collection and her hobby of growing flowers. She and family members also enjoyed traveling far and wide to such places as Russia, Europe, and Alaska, and to football bowl games.Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers, Chet and Lloyd (both killed in World War II), sister, Lucile Freeborn and husband, Harold, and sister, Eileen Doane and husband, Ralph. Surviving her are nieces and nephews, Kent (Barbara) Freeborn, Keith (Marsha) Doane, Brent (Linda) Doane, Kathryn (Ron, deceased) McCary, Gary (Glennys) Doane, Karol (Jim) Gregory, Steve (Heidi) Doane; 16 great nieces and nephews and more family and friends to treasure her memory. Services for Maebeth Walter will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 am at the Rose Valley UMC, 2 miles west and 3 miles north of Downs. Visitation with the family present will be at the church on Monday, November 1, 2021, 7-8:30 pm. Suggested memorials are to the Rose Valley UMC, or The Gideons International.

Maebeth Walter

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635527384554.png" alt="Friday October 29, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 29, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,900 new cases, 70 more COVID deaths

David Lee “Dave” Legleiter, 63, Hays, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at his home.

He was born February 6, 1958, in Hays, 
the son of Wilfred “Fritz” and Deltha (Werth) Legleiter.&nbsp; He worked for 
Dreher Guttering and was a farmer and stockman.&nbsp; Dave enjoyed fishing, 
trains, flower gardening, landscaping, tinkering, and spending time 
remodeling his shed into a tiny house.&nbsp;

Survivors include two brothers: 
Terrence Legleiter of Hays, Darrel Legleiter and wife Nadine of Frisco, 
TX, three sisters: Kathleen Dreher of Hays, Sheryl Hayslip and husband 
Jerry of Frisco, TX, and Sandra Bradshaw and husband Marc of Jetmore, 
and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Troy Legleiter, and a brother-in-law: Ron Dreher.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Catholic Church with Fr. Elias Chinzara officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow
 in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on 
Friday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on 
Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested for masses or to 
Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Dave may be 
shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635518646705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David Lee “Dave” Legleiter, 63, Hays, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at his home.He was born February 6, 1958, in Hays, 
the son of Wilfred “Fritz” and Deltha (Werth) Legleiter.&nbsp; He worked for 
Dreher Guttering and was a farmer and stockman.&nbsp; Dave enjoyed fishing, 
trains, flower gardening, landscaping, tinkering, and spending time 
remodeling his shed into a tiny house.&nbsp;Survivors include two brothers: 
Terrence Legleiter of Hays, Darrel Legleiter and wife Nadine of Frisco, 
TX, three sisters: Kathleen Dreher of Hays, Sheryl Hayslip and husband 
Jerry of Frisco, TX, and Sandra Bradshaw and husband Marc of Jetmore, 
and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Troy Legleiter, and a brother-in-law: Ron Dreher.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Catholic Church with Fr. Elias Chinzara officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow
 in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on 
Friday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on 
Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested for masses or to 
Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Dave may be 
shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

David Lee 'Dave' Legleiter

Tina M. McMichael, age 61, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, 
at her home in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on May 31, 1960, in 
Hoxie, Kansas, the daughter of Tom Ellis and Ruth Marie William Irwin.&nbsp; A
 resident of Garden City, Kansas since 1964 moving from Hoxie, Kansas, 
she was a caretaker for adults &amp; children with disabilities.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas.

On May 26, 1979, she married Terry McMichael in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;
 He passed away on November 8, 2000, in Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son - Dustin McMichael of Garden City, 
Kansas, One Daughter - Kristi McMichael, Two Brothers - Stuart &amp; 
Venus Irwin of Johnson, Kansas, Shaun Irwin of Garden City, Kansas, 
Three Sisters - Renie Irwin of Scott City, Kansas, Veronica &amp; Steve 
Courchesne of Fletcher, Oklahoma, Brenda &amp; John Streckfus of Garden 
City, Kansas, Six Grandchildren - Madison &amp; Julio&nbsp;(Ortiz) Santoyo of
 Springfield, Colorado, Abigail Ortiz of Garden City, Kansas, Alex Ortiz
 of Garden City, Kansas, Chloe Flores of Garden City, Kansas, Zach 
Strong of Garden City, Kansas, Kaitlyn Hardesty of Garden City, Kansas, 
Two Great Grandchildren - Mila Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado, and 
Rafael Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by Parents, and Husband.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021,&nbsp; at the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas, with the Rev. Jon 
Sanders presiding.

Memorials may be written to the Tina M. McMichael Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, 
Kansas, 67846.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514775757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tina M. McMichael, age 61, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, 
at her home in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on May 31, 1960, in 
Hoxie, Kansas, the daughter of Tom Ellis and Ruth Marie William Irwin.&nbsp; A
 resident of Garden City, Kansas since 1964 moving from Hoxie, Kansas, 
she was a caretaker for adults &amp; children with disabilities.She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas.On May 26, 1979, she married Terry McMichael in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;
 He passed away on November 8, 2000, in Garden City, Kansas.Survivors include her One Son - Dustin McMichael of Garden City, 
Kansas, One Daughter - Kristi McMichael, Two Brothers - Stuart &amp; 
Venus Irwin of Johnson, Kansas, Shaun Irwin of Garden City, Kansas, 
Three Sisters - Renie Irwin of Scott City, Kansas, Veronica &amp; Steve 
Courchesne of Fletcher, Oklahoma, Brenda &amp; John Streckfus of Garden 
City, Kansas, Six Grandchildren - Madison &amp; Julio&nbsp;(Ortiz) Santoyo of
 Springfield, Colorado, Abigail Ortiz of Garden City, Kansas, Alex Ortiz
 of Garden City, Kansas, Chloe Flores of Garden City, Kansas, Zach 
Strong of Garden City, Kansas, Kaitlyn Hardesty of Garden City, Kansas, 
Two Great Grandchildren - Mila Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado, and 
Rafael Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado.She was preceded in death by Parents, and Husband.Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021,&nbsp; at the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas, with the Rev. Jon 
Sanders presiding.There will be no calling times.Memorials may be written to the Tina M. McMichael Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, 
Kansas, 67846.

Tina M. McMichael

September 23, 1921
 -
 October 28, 2021

An obituary is pending with Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Margaret-Peggy-Ruby-Allen?obId=22837063#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

September 23, 1921
 -
 October 28, 2021An obituary is pending with Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Margaret-Peggy-Ruby-Allen?obId=22837063#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Margaret 'Peggy' Ruby Allen

James Philip “Jim” Steitz, 80, passed away October 28, 2021, at his 
home in Great Bend. He was born on October 28, 1941, in Ness County to 
Richard and Emilie (Mateyec) Steitz. He married Ruth Van Winkle August 
21, 1964, at Byers.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Jim was the owner of J&amp;S Cash 
Register Sales and Service. He also farmed and sold Aloe Vera in his 
spare time. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the 
Building and Grounds Committee, as well as the Stewardship Board. He was
 a proud supporter of 4-H, loved attending his coffee group, and 
especially cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was a 
veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1963-1967, having made 
two West Pac cruises aboard the U.S.S. Gurke.

Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Steitz of the home; daughters. Kim 
Kummer (Steve) of Great Bend; Vicki Tucker (Brad) of Pleasant Dale, Neb.
 and their children, Bailee Tucker, Miranda Tucker and Cason Tucker, and
 Brenda French (John) of Council Grove and their children, Brendan 
Steitz, Emilie French, Hawk French, Natalie French, Blaise French and 
Grace French; sisters in law, Lynda Steitz and Gail Drotts; brother in 
law, Ken Van Winkle (Paula); and nieces and nephews, Jaime, Nicole, 
Jorja, Mikel, Kandee, Kathy, Kerrie, Kristy, and Todd; and family at 
heart, Martha Wondra, Tiffany (Tim), Tamara (Mark), Jessi, Abi (Chris) 
and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, 
Bill Steitz and Dan Steitz.

According to Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Bryant
 Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
Memorial Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, 
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Merle Brockhoff 
presiding. Inurnment will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Ness City Cemetery, 
with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. 


Memorials have been designated to Barton County Food Bank or Barton 
County Emergency Aid, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514571761.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James Philip “Jim” Steitz, 80, passed away October 28, 2021, at his 
home in Great Bend. He was born on October 28, 1941, in Ness County to 
Richard and Emilie (Mateyec) Steitz. He married Ruth Van Winkle August 
21, 1964, at Byers.A longtime Great Bend resident, Jim was the owner of J&amp;S Cash 
Register Sales and Service. He also farmed and sold Aloe Vera in his 
spare time. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the 
Building and Grounds Committee, as well as the Stewardship Board. He was
 a proud supporter of 4-H, loved attending his coffee group, and 
especially cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was a 
veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1963-1967, having made 
two West Pac cruises aboard the U.S.S. Gurke.Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Steitz of the home; daughters. Kim 
Kummer (Steve) of Great Bend; Vicki Tucker (Brad) of Pleasant Dale, Neb.
 and their children, Bailee Tucker, Miranda Tucker and Cason Tucker, and
 Brenda French (John) of Council Grove and their children, Brendan 
Steitz, Emilie French, Hawk French, Natalie French, Blaise French and 
Grace French; sisters in law, Lynda Steitz and Gail Drotts; brother in 
law, Ken Van Winkle (Paula); and nieces and nephews, Jaime, Nicole, 
Jorja, Mikel, Kandee, Kathy, Kerrie, Kristy, and Todd; and family at 
heart, Martha Wondra, Tiffany (Tim), Tamara (Mark), Jessi, Abi (Chris) 
and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, 
Bill Steitz and Dan Steitz.According to Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Bryant
 Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
Memorial Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, 
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Merle Brockhoff 
presiding. Inurnment will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Ness City Cemetery, 
with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. 
Memorials have been designated to Barton County Food Bank or Barton 
County Emergency Aid, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

James Philip 'Jim' Steitz

November 28, 1934
 -
 October 6, 2021

An obituary and services are pending with Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635792595402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>November 28, 1934
 -
 October 6, 2021 An obituary and services are pending with Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home.

Walter Franklin McCormick

SALINA —Strong winds pummeled the state most of Thursday. A gust of wind equal to that of an EF-0 tornado blasted Salina Thursday afternoon. The Salina Regional Airport recorded a 66 mph gust at 3:53 p.m. According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65-85 mph.

Several locations in Kansas had wind gusts of 50-60 mph. The high wind warnings ended Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635464790310.jpeg" alt="Thursday's high winds wreaked havoc on Salina's trees, including this tree at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Columbia Avenue. Photo by Randy Pick" />
 <figcaption>Thursday's high winds wreaked havoc on Salina's trees, including this tree at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Columbia Avenue. Photo by Randy Pick</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Strong winds pummeled the state most of Thursday. A gust of wind equal to that of an EF-0 tornado blasted Salina Thursday afternoon. The Salina Regional Airport recorded a 66 mph gust at 3:53 p.m. According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65-85 mph.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here&#39;s a look at some of the higher wind reports from across the area today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/uc65uI8Gp9">pic.twitter.com/uc65uI8Gp9</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1453882469548113920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Several locations in Kansas had wind gusts of 50-60 mph. The high wind warnings ended Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported.

60-mph wind gusts cause damage across Kansas

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's will be in Hays this weekend

• October 30, Municipal Park, Downtown HaysWalk route is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Promise Garden Flower Ceremony is at 10 a.m.

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's will be in Hays this weekend• October 30, Municipal Park, Downtown HaysWalk route is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Promise Garden Flower Ceremony is at 10 a.m.<a href="http://act.alz.org/hays">act.alz.org/hays</a>— Submitted

Walk to End Alzheimer's is Saturday in Hays

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021, at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Donita P. Buerkle, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021,&nbsp; at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Kidwell Hagler.&nbsp; A 
resident of Holcomb, Kansas since 1946 moving from Kearny County, 
Kansas, she was a homemaker.She was a member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas and a member of EHU &amp; ESA.On August 12, 1945, she married Robert Buerkle in Deerfield, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 12, 2020, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Two Daughters - Anita &amp; Dennis Miller of 
Wilson, Kansas, Christine &amp; Gregg Joy of Garden City, Kansas, One 
Sons - Gail &amp; Karen Buerkle of Azel, Texas, Eight Grandchildren - 
Lisa &amp; Todd Scott of Holcomb, Kansas, Brett &amp; Wendy Pollman of 
Wichita, Kansas, Rachel &amp; John Schmit of Valrico, Florida, Kenton 
Pollman of Augusta, Kansas, Tammy Miller of Russell, Kansas, Pam &amp; 
Bobby Funk of Alabama, Terry Miller of Beaver, Kansas, Garry Lee &amp; 
Kylene Miller of Ellsworth, Kansas, Twenty One Great grandchildren, 31 
Great Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Two Sons - Alan 
Buerkle and Gary Lee Buerkle, One Sister - Dorothy Williams-Yakel, Four 
Brothers - Loren Hagler, Olin “Short” Hagler, Kenneth Hagler, and 
Maurice Hagler.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021, at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or the Prairie 
View Church of the Brethren or the Masonic Lodge in care of Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.Interment will be in the Prairie View Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Friend, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Mary Louise Mapps was born June 14, 1926, to Robert and Virginia Dockery 
in Los Angeles, CA. She met and married the love of her life, her 
next-door neighbor, Frank Mapps Jr. To this 36-year union was born their
 two daughters, Rachel and Leah.
 Frank and Mary became committed Christians. They attended and 
graduated from the Los Angeles Bible Training School. They joined 
Evangelical Baptist Church where they and their daughters attended all 
services faithfully for many years. Frank Mapps became the assistant 
Pastor and Mary was on the Trustee Board.
 After Frank’s death in 1986, Mary moved in with her oldest daughter,
 Rachel. Within the last 12 or so years of Mary's life, she and Rachel 
moved to Kansas. They joined Lenora Church of God where she attended 
faithfully until her health no longer permitted.
 Her gentle, sweet spirit made her a beloved member of the church.
 On October 23, with her daughter at her side, she slipped peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 Absent from the body, present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8b
 The service for Mary Louise Mapps will be held at Lenora Church of 
God on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12 noon, 120 West Iowa Ave, Lenora,
 KS 67645. Private Burial will be held at a later date at the Riverside 
National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Condolences may be left at 
www.plumergobber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635455357821.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Louise Mapps was born June 14, 1926, to Robert and Virginia Dockery 
in Los Angeles, CA. She met and married the love of her life, her 
next-door neighbor, Frank Mapps Jr. To this 36-year union was born their
 two daughters, Rachel and Leah.
 Frank and Mary became committed Christians. They attended and 
graduated from the Los Angeles Bible Training School. They joined 
Evangelical Baptist Church where they and their daughters attended all 
services faithfully for many years. Frank Mapps became the assistant 
Pastor and Mary was on the Trustee Board.
 After Frank’s death in 1986, Mary moved in with her oldest daughter,
 Rachel. Within the last 12 or so years of Mary's life, she and Rachel 
moved to Kansas. They joined Lenora Church of God where she attended 
faithfully until her health no longer permitted.
 Her gentle, sweet spirit made her a beloved member of the church.
 On October 23, with her daughter at her side, she slipped peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 Absent from the body, present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8b
 The service for Mary Louise Mapps will be held at Lenora Church of 
God on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12 noon, 120 West Iowa Ave, Lenora,
 KS 67645. Private Burial will be held at a later date at the Riverside 
National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Condolences may be left at 
www.plumergobber.com

Mary Louise Mapps

Ronald David Walz, 85, of Colby, KS died, as a result of a fall, on 
October 26, 2021, at Swedish Hospital in Denver, CO. He was born July 22,
 1936, in Wichita, KS to Henry David and Hattie Simons Walz. 
Ron grew up in El Dorado, KS where he graduated from El Dorado High 
School in 1954. He went into the Navy and served for four years after 
which he attended El Dorado Junior College and later graduated from 
Kansas State University with a BS in social studies in secondary 
education and a MS in counseling and administration. 
Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Abraham on July 30, 1961, and 
celebrated 60 years of marriage this past summer. Ron spent his years 
in education as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and GED tester in 
Westmoreland, Beloit, Colby, and Norton, KS. He loved working with his 
students and wherever we went, people would come up and identify 
themselves as former students. Many thanked him for being there for them
 or helping them believe in themselves when they needed support. 
He had a good sense of humor and liked sharing a good laugh or story. 
Ron was a people person and was always glad to help you if he could. He 
served Meals on Wheels for twelve years and volunteered at the Colby 
Visitor Center. He helped teach Financial Stewardship classes at his 
church for 17 years. Ron claimed the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, 
and his goal was to walk out his faith. Serving the Lord in our church 
was important to him and he served as board member, treasurer, greeter, 
and usher. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and 
loved being a part of their lives and following their progress. 
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Lela Jantz, Doyle Walz, and sister-in-law, Alice Walz. 
Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the home, daughters; Beth 
Snodgrass, Marcy DeKoning (Rod) and Christi Gordon (Jason), and son; 
Bryan Walz; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
A cremation memorial service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 
10:30am at College Drive Assembly of God Church, Colby, KS. Burial will 
be at Walnut Valley Memorial Park in El Dorado, KS on November 6, 2021, 
at 4:00pm.

Memorials may be made to Genesis-Thomas County, Inc. Food 
Pantry in Colby, KS and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635446275337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald David Walz, 85, of Colby, KS died, as a result of a fall, on 
October 26, 2021, at Swedish Hospital in Denver, CO. He was born July 22,
 1936, in Wichita, KS to Henry David and Hattie Simons Walz. 
Ron grew up in El Dorado, KS where he graduated from El Dorado High 
School in 1954. He went into the Navy and served for four years after 
which he attended El Dorado Junior College and later graduated from 
Kansas State University with a BS in social studies in secondary 
education and a MS in counseling and administration. 
Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Abraham on July 30, 1961, and 
celebrated 60 years of marriage this past summer. Ron spent his years 
in education as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and GED tester in 
Westmoreland, Beloit, Colby, and Norton, KS. He loved working with his 
students and wherever we went, people would come up and identify 
themselves as former students. Many thanked him for being there for them
 or helping them believe in themselves when they needed support. 
He had a good sense of humor and liked sharing a good laugh or story. 
Ron was a people person and was always glad to help you if he could. He 
served Meals on Wheels for twelve years and volunteered at the Colby 
Visitor Center. He helped teach Financial Stewardship classes at his 
church for 17 years. Ron claimed the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, 
and his goal was to walk out his faith. Serving the Lord in our church 
was important to him and he served as board member, treasurer, greeter, 
and usher. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and 
loved being a part of their lives and following their progress. 
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Lela Jantz, Doyle Walz, and sister-in-law, Alice Walz. 
Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the home, daughters; Beth 
Snodgrass, Marcy DeKoning (Rod) and Christi Gordon (Jason), and son; 
Bryan Walz; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
A cremation memorial service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 
10:30am at College Drive Assembly of God Church, Colby, KS. Burial will 
be at Walnut Valley Memorial Park in El Dorado, KS on November 6, 2021, 
at 4:00pm. Memorials may be made to Genesis-Thomas County, Inc. Food 
Pantry in Colby, KS and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ron Walz

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult.

On October 26, Osage County Investigators and Jefferson County Deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie on an Osage County arrest warrant, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

Smith was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was held on the warrant.

On Wednesday, Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail Facility where he is being held on requested charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635416096432.png" alt="Smith photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult.On October 26, Osage County Investigators and Jefferson County Deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie on an Osage County arrest warrant, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.Smith was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was held on the warrant.On Wednesday, Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail Facility where he is being held on requested charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of online child sex crime

Loarn Leo Bucl, 69, of Sublette, died Monday, October 25, 2021, in 
hospice in Kansas City, after a long battle with cancer. He was born 
October 11, 1952, in La Crosse, KS, to Ernest and Hedy Bucl.

He graduated from Otis-Bison High School and attended Kansas State 
University, earning a bachelor's degree in Crop Protection. On April 16,
 1977, he married Janet Sullivan in Holton. They made their home in 
Sublette, where he established and ran a business as a crop consultant 
in the Southwest Kan. region.

Loarn had a passion for all things related to agriculture, including 
crop production and entomology.&nbsp; He loved to teach and share his 
knowledge with others.&nbsp; He was an avid hunter and enjoyed sharing these 
experiences with family and friends.&nbsp;

He was an active member and served on the boards of the National 
Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, Kansas Association of 
Independent Crop Consultants, and the Foundation for Environmental 
Agriculture Education. Survivors include his four sons, Casper 
(Jenni) of McKinney, TX, Lucas (Lindsay) of Overland Park, KS, Sheldon 
of Overland Park, KS, and Colby of Lenexa, KS; three brothers, Craig, 
Bradley, &amp; Bryan; one sister, Diana Sunley; and five grandchildren, 
Mackenzie, Owen, Carter, Jackson and Leo. He was preceded in death by 
his wife, Janet; mother Hedy and father Ernest. Visitation will 
be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Bryant 
Funeral Home in Great Bend, with prayer service and time of sharing at 
7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, 
November 5, 2021, at&nbsp;Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken.&nbsp;Interment 
will be in Bohemian National Cemetery, Timken. The family is planning a 
celebration of life in Sublette, KS, at a later date.

Memorial gifts can
 be made to&nbsp;the Loarn Bucl Memorial Scholarship or the Bohemian National
 Cemetery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635438428650.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Loarn Leo Bucl, 69, of Sublette, died Monday, October 25, 2021, in 
hospice in Kansas City, after a long battle with cancer. He was born 
October 11, 1952, in La Crosse, KS, to Ernest and Hedy Bucl.He graduated from Otis-Bison High School and attended Kansas State 
University, earning a bachelor's degree in Crop Protection. On April 16,
 1977, he married Janet Sullivan in Holton. They made their home in 
Sublette, where he established and ran a business as a crop consultant 
in the Southwest Kan. region.Loarn had a passion for all things related to agriculture, including 
crop production and entomology.&nbsp; He loved to teach and share his 
knowledge with others.&nbsp; He was an avid hunter and enjoyed sharing these 
experiences with family and friends.&nbsp;He was an active member and served on the boards of the National 
Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, Kansas Association of 
Independent Crop Consultants, and the Foundation for Environmental 
Agriculture Education. Survivors include his four sons, Casper 
(Jenni) of McKinney, TX, Lucas (Lindsay) of Overland Park, KS, Sheldon 
of Overland Park, KS, and Colby of Lenexa, KS; three brothers, Craig, 
Bradley, &amp; Bryan; one sister, Diana Sunley; and five grandchildren, 
Mackenzie, Owen, Carter, Jackson and Leo. He was preceded in death by 
his wife, Janet; mother Hedy and father Ernest. Visitation will 
be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Bryant 
Funeral Home in Great Bend, with prayer service and time of sharing at 
7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, 
November 5, 2021, at&nbsp;Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken.&nbsp;Interment 
will be in Bohemian National Cemetery, Timken. The family is planning a 
celebration of life in Sublette, KS, at a later date. Memorial gifts can
 be made to&nbsp;the Loarn Bucl Memorial Scholarship or the Bohemian National
 Cemetery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Loarn Leo Bucl

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

The Hays Symphony at Fort Hays State University will be presenting&nbsp;Creepy Classics: A Children’s Halloween Concert, featuring loud noises, creepy sounds and the scary stories music can tell, on Sunday, October 31, 2021, 2:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

The program features&nbsp;Danse Macabre&nbsp;by Camille Saint-Saens,&nbsp;Night on Bald Mountain, by Modest Mussorgsky,&nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, by Edward Grieg,&nbsp;Suite from Psycho, by Bernard Herrmann,&nbsp;March to the Scaffold from Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, and&nbsp;Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite, by John Williams.

In addition, a host of music and Halloween themed pre-concert activities will be offered starting at 1:30 p.m.

 “We think it’s important for kids to get their hands on instruments and to make connections between the music they’re hearing and how it’s created,” said Buckstead.

Symphony musicians and members of the FHSU Chapter of the National Association for Music Education will assist with pre-concert activities which include:

· &nbsp;Spooky Music Tour—costumed statues come to life playing clips of the scariest sounds and music kids will hear in the concert

· &nbsp;Drumming Circle—bongos, tam-tams, and other rhythm devices for making lots of loud noise

· &nbsp;String Instrument Petting Zoo—hands-on guided experimenting with violins, violas and cellos

· &nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King—tiptoe past the troll….run for your life in this retelling of the Mountain King story full of music, story and action

· &nbsp;Meet the Family: Winds &amp; Brass—flutes, trumpets, tubas, clarinets and more. FHSU students demonstrate their instruments from the wind and brass families

· &nbsp;Creepy Arts and Crafts—create a variety of Halloween characters and props with a treasure box of arts supplies

· &nbsp;Halloween Costume Parade—follow the brass leaders as costumed children parade around Beach-Schmidt and into the auditorium for the start of the concert

· &nbsp;Free Trick-or-Treat Bags to the first 250 kids

The concert and treats are sponsored by a generous donation from Werth Wealth Management.

All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. 

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.

<div><iframe title="Creepy Classics concert from the Hays Symphony to celebrate Halloween" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6twc4-1118256-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>SubmittedThe Hays Symphony at Fort Hays State University will be presenting&nbsp;Creepy Classics: A Children’s Halloween Concert, featuring loud noises, creepy sounds and the scary stories music can tell, on Sunday, October 31, 2021, 2:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.The program features&nbsp;Danse Macabre&nbsp;by Camille Saint-Saens,&nbsp;Night on Bald Mountain, by Modest Mussorgsky,&nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, by Edward Grieg,&nbsp;Suite from Psycho, by Bernard Herrmann,&nbsp;March to the Scaffold from Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, and&nbsp;Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite, by John Williams.In addition, a host of music and Halloween themed pre-concert activities will be offered starting at 1:30 p.m. “We think it’s important for kids to get their hands on instruments and to make connections between the music they’re hearing and how it’s created,” said Buckstead.Symphony musicians and members of the FHSU Chapter of the National Association for Music Education will assist with pre-concert activities which include:· &nbsp;Spooky Music Tour—costumed statues come to life playing clips of the scariest sounds and music kids will hear in the concert· &nbsp;Drumming Circle—bongos, tam-tams, and other rhythm devices for making lots of loud noise· &nbsp;String Instrument Petting Zoo—hands-on guided experimenting with violins, violas and cellos· &nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King—tiptoe past the troll….run for your life in this retelling of the Mountain King story full of music, story and action· &nbsp;Meet the Family: Winds &amp; Brass—flutes, trumpets, tubas, clarinets and more. FHSU students demonstrate their instruments from the wind and brass families· &nbsp;Creepy Arts and Crafts—create a variety of Halloween characters and props with a treasure box of arts supplies· &nbsp;Halloween Costume Parade—follow the brass leaders as costumed children parade around Beach-Schmidt and into the auditorium for the start of the concert· &nbsp;Free Trick-or-Treat Bags to the first 250 kidsThe concert and treats are sponsored by a generous donation from Werth Wealth Management.All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635433097819.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙Post Podcast: Creepy Classics concert from the Hays Symphony to celebrate Halloween 

A Memorial Mass 
for Marietta L. Dreiling will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 
11:00 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with
 Father Thomas Lux as Celebrant.&nbsp; Rosary will be recited prior to the 
Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the church.&nbsp; &nbsp;A private inurnment will be
 held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Marietta 
Lee (Munk) Dreiling passed away peacefully on October 26, 2021 
surrounded by her family.&nbsp; Marietta was 76 years young and spent the 
last 16 years of her life fighting a hard fight against breast cancer. 
Marietta was born in Quinter, Kansas on October 21, 1945 to Joseph and 
Mary Esther (Schmidt) Munk. She was the 5th of 11 children and grew up 
on a farm in Oakley, Kansas where she graduated from high school and 
then attended one year of college at Fort Hays State University. 
Marietta wanted to be a nurse, but after one year of college, met the 
love of her life and married Clarence (Butch) Dreiling on August 21, 
1965. Butch and Marietta were blessed with 56 years of marriage, three 
children:&nbsp; Kelly, Leslee, and Matt, and their seven grandchildren. 
They’ve shared their last 44 years of marriage in Holdrege.&nbsp;

Marietta 
stayed home with the kids until all of them were in school and then 
worked at Home Federal Bank for many years, until retiring in 1996.&nbsp; 
After retiring, Marietta was eager to be a full-time grandma, being 
present for as many of their special events and activities as possible.&nbsp;
 She was always the first one to help when a new grandbaby arrived! All 
seven were her pride and joy!

Marietta was
 a role model of service to her community, church, and hospital.&nbsp; For 
many years, she helped decorate the hospital for Christmas and other 
special events.&nbsp; She was a member of the Alter Society at the All Saints
 Catholic Church in Holdrege, a member of Chapter HM P.E.O., and the 
Hospital Service League. Marietta was a loyal member of the Prairie 
Quilt Guild and made countless visits to quilt shops all over the 
Midwest with her fellow members.&nbsp; She put endless love into designing 
and making personalized quilts for her grandchildren and other family 
members, as well as donating her beautiful creations for various 
fundraisers. Along with her quilting, Marietta was a Master Gardener and
 created so many beautiful masterpieces, in her garden and wherever she 
found potential for another masterpiece.

Marietta was 
an avid golfer in her day and loved being a part of the ladies league. 
She even managed the golf course for a short time. Marietta also loved 
playing Bridge and played for years, teaching others how to play along 
the way. She always looked forward to her time with her friends.&nbsp; 
Lastly, Marietta never let a good glass (or bottle) of Cabernet go to 
waste. She loved her glass of wine, especially when she was with friends
 and family.

Marietta was 
preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings:&nbsp; Naydene Spresser; 
Billie Jean Ostemeyer; Gerrie Munk; and Keith Munk.

Marietta is 
survived by her husband, Clarence “Butch” Dreiling of Holdrege; two 
daughters: &nbsp;Kelly (Clinton) Ratliff of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; and Leslee
 (Brian) Valenta of Grimes, Iowa; son, Matt (Tiffany) Dreiling of 
Destrehan, Louisiana; seven grandchildren:&nbsp; &nbsp;Jarrett Ratliff, Jakob 
Ratliff, Zoey Valenta, Wyatt Valenta, Tate Valenta, Brayden Dreiling and
 Emma Dreiling; two sisters: Eloise Tholen of Hays, Kansas; Barbara Voth
 of Oakley, Kansas; four brothers:&nbsp; Richard (Connie) Munk of Bassett, 
Nebraska; Frank (Lona) Munk of Oakley, Kansas; Jodie Munk of Oakley, 
Kansas; and Craig Munk of Taylor, Texas; two sisters-in-law: Marilyn 
Munk of Russell, Kansas; and Mary (Dwight) York of Oakley, Kansas; two 
brothers-in-law, Harry Spresser of Hoxie, Kansas; and Jackie (Anne) 
Ostemeyer of Oakley, Kansas; along with many nieces, nephews and 
extended family members.&nbsp;

A memorial 
book signing will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 
3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family 
greeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Marietta’s family wanted to thank everyone who has assisted in her care these past 16 years.

A memorial 
has been established in Marietta’s honor and will be forwarded to Phelps
 Memorial Health Center and the American Cancer Society.&nbsp; Expressions of
 caring and kindness can be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.nelsonbauerfh.com">www.nelsonbauerfh.com</a>

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635431237832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Memorial Mass 
for Marietta L. Dreiling will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 
11:00 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with
 Father Thomas Lux as Celebrant.&nbsp; Rosary will be recited prior to the 
Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the church.&nbsp; &nbsp;A private inurnment will be
 held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.Marietta 
Lee (Munk) Dreiling passed away peacefully on October 26, 2021 
surrounded by her family.&nbsp; Marietta was 76 years young and spent the 
last 16 years of her life fighting a hard fight against breast cancer. 
Marietta was born in Quinter, Kansas on October 21, 1945 to Joseph and 
Mary Esther (Schmidt) Munk. She was the 5th of 11 children and grew up 
on a farm in Oakley, Kansas where she graduated from high school and 
then attended one year of college at Fort Hays State University. 
Marietta wanted to be a nurse, but after one year of college, met the 
love of her life and married Clarence (Butch) Dreiling on August 21, 
1965. Butch and Marietta were blessed with 56 years of marriage, three 
children:&nbsp; Kelly, Leslee, and Matt, and their seven grandchildren. 
They’ve shared their last 44 years of marriage in Holdrege.&nbsp;Marietta 
stayed home with the kids until all of them were in school and then 
worked at Home Federal Bank for many years, until retiring in 1996.&nbsp; 
After retiring, Marietta was eager to be a full-time grandma, being 
present for as many of their special events and activities as possible.&nbsp;
 She was always the first one to help when a new grandbaby arrived! All 
seven were her pride and joy!Marietta was
 a role model of service to her community, church, and hospital.&nbsp; For 
many years, she helped decorate the hospital for Christmas and other 
special events.&nbsp; She was a member of the Alter Society at the All Saints
 Catholic Church in Holdrege, a member of Chapter HM P.E.O., and the 
Hospital Service League. Marietta was a loyal member of the Prairie 
Quilt Guild and made countless visits to quilt shops all over the 
Midwest with her fellow members.&nbsp; She put endless love into designing 
and making personalized quilts for her grandchildren and other family 
members, as well as donating her beautiful creations for various 
fundraisers. Along with her quilting, Marietta was a Master Gardener and
 created so many beautiful masterpieces, in her garden and wherever she 
found potential for another masterpiece.Marietta was 
an avid golfer in her day and loved being a part of the ladies league. 
She even managed the golf course for a short time. Marietta also loved 
playing Bridge and played for years, teaching others how to play along 
the way. She always looked forward to her time with her friends.&nbsp; 
Lastly, Marietta never let a good glass (or bottle) of Cabernet go to 
waste. She loved her glass of wine, especially when she was with friends
 and family.Marietta was 
preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings:&nbsp; Naydene Spresser; 
Billie Jean Ostemeyer; Gerrie Munk; and Keith Munk.Marietta is 
survived by her husband, Clarence “Butch” Dreiling of Holdrege; two 
daughters: &nbsp;Kelly (Clinton) Ratliff of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; and Leslee
 (Brian) Valenta of Grimes, Iowa; son, Matt (Tiffany) Dreiling of 
Destrehan, Louisiana; seven grandchildren:&nbsp; &nbsp;Jarrett Ratliff, Jakob 
Ratliff, Zoey Valenta, Wyatt Valenta, Tate Valenta, Brayden Dreiling and
 Emma Dreiling; two sisters: Eloise Tholen of Hays, Kansas; Barbara Voth
 of Oakley, Kansas; four brothers:&nbsp; Richard (Connie) Munk of Bassett, 
Nebraska; Frank (Lona) Munk of Oakley, Kansas; Jodie Munk of Oakley, 
Kansas; and Craig Munk of Taylor, Texas; two sisters-in-law: Marilyn 
Munk of Russell, Kansas; and Mary (Dwight) York of Oakley, Kansas; two 
brothers-in-law, Harry Spresser of Hoxie, Kansas; and Jackie (Anne) 
Ostemeyer of Oakley, Kansas; along with many nieces, nephews and 
extended family members.&nbsp;A memorial 
book signing will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 
3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family 
greeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Marietta’s family wanted to thank everyone who has assisted in her care these past 16 years.A memorial 
has been established in Marietta’s honor and will be forwarded to Phelps
 Memorial Health Center and the American Cancer Society.&nbsp; Expressions of
 caring and kindness can be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.nelsonbauerfh.com">www.nelsonbauerfh.com</a>The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

Marietta L. Dreiling

February 28, 1937
 -
 October 27, 2021

An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Donna-Jean-Gosser?obId=22787358#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635429702113.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>February 28, 1937
 -
 October 27, 2021An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Donna-Jean-Gosser?obId=22787358#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Donna Jean Gosser

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday defended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/McConnell,%20R-Ky.,%20was%20initially%20cool%20to%20a%20Walker%20candidacy.%20But%20by%20endorsing%20him%20now,%20McConnell%20can%20sidestep%20what%20could%20have%20been%20a%20messy%20intraparty%20fight%20with%20Trump%20that%20might%20have%20complicated%20the%20quest%20to%20retake%20a%20Senate%20majority." target="_blank">a memo aimed at combating threats against school officials nationwide</a>&nbsp;while Republicans insisted he rescind the directive. He signaled he had no plans to do so despite their criticism.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1438986/download" target="_blank">The memo</a>&nbsp;took center stage as Garland appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee – his second congressional appearance in a week – and said it was meant to respond to violence and threats of violence directed against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">local school board officials</a>.

<a href="https://nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-letter-to-president-biden-concerning-threats-to-public-schools-and-school-board-members-92921.pdf">CLICK HERE </a>to read the full letter originally sent to the President by the National School Boards Assn.

The memo came out Oct. 4, less than a week after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-federal-assistance-letter-9292021.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=430A3833A52FB1D2B8DF25160BCD8EFFBDE93CC2" target="_blank">National School Board Association</a>&nbsp;wrote the Biden administration about the threats to school officials and asked for help. Some school board meetings have devolved into shouting contests over issues such as how racial issues are taught, masks in schools, and COVID-19 vaccines and testing requirements.

Republicans say Garland went too far in instructing Justice Department divisions to coordinate with local law enforcement. In his memo Garland said there had been “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.”

An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-addresses-violent-threats-against-school-officials-and-teachers" target="_blank">accompanying news release</a>&nbsp;mentioned the FBI, the department’s criminal division, national security division, civil rights division and other parts.

“The obligation of the Justice Department is to protect the American people against violence and threats of violence and that particularly includes public officials,” Garland said.

Republicans on the Senate committee also seized on a memo from Leif Johnson, the acting U.S. attorney in Montana, to the state attorney general, county attorneys, sheriffs and school officials in the state. The memo spells out federal crimes that could be used in prosecutions for violence, harassment or intimidation of school board officials.

The Montana memo, obtained by The Associated Press, cites about a dozen federal statues from conspiracy to deprive someone of civil rights to stalking and “anonymous telephone harassment.” It instructs the recipients to contact the FBI “if you believe that a person has violated one of these statutes.”

Garland told senators he was never sent the U.S. attorney’s memo and did not know specifics about it. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Montana did not immediately respond to questions about whether Johnson had consulted senior Justice Department officials before issuing the memo.

“I’ve never seen that memo,” Garland said. “No one has sent me that memo, so I haven’t seen it.”

The National School Board Association has since said “we regret and apologize” for its letter, which asked for federal assistance to combat harassment and violence against school officials and said some of the acts could be “domestic terrorism.”

The original letter asked for the federal government to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. The association asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.

The letter documented more than 20 instances of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cited the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.

Garland has said parents have the right to express their concerns to school boards but his primary concern is if that devolves into violence or when threats emerge. During questioning Wednesday, Garland said that making a Nazi salute would be protected under the First Amendment. He also acknowledged that he did not have an accounting of the number of incidents.

At least two Republican senators – Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri – called for Garland to resign over his handling of the memo.

“This is shameful,” Cotton exclaimed. “You should resign in disgrace.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635370077745.png" alt="Attorney General Merrick Garland during Wednesday's Senate hearing-image courtesy CSPAN." />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Merrick Garland during Wednesday's Senate hearing-image courtesy CSPAN.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday defended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/McConnell,%20R-Ky.,%20was%20initially%20cool%20to%20a%20Walker%20candidacy.%20But%20by%20endorsing%20him%20now,%20McConnell%20can%20sidestep%20what%20could%20have%20been%20a%20messy%20intraparty%20fight%20with%20Trump%20that%20might%20have%20complicated%20the%20quest%20to%20retake%20a%20Senate%20majority." target="_blank">a memo aimed at combating threats against school officials nationwide</a>&nbsp;while Republicans insisted he rescind the directive. He signaled he had no plans to do so despite their criticism.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AG Derek Schmidt to Biden administration: Withdraw directive for federal monitoring of local school board meetings <a href="https://t.co/ZzcNfWLnpq">https://t.co/ZzcNfWLnpq</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1453470308392849410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/page/file/1438986/download" target="_blank">The memo</a>&nbsp;took center stage as Garland appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee – his second congressional appearance in a week – and said it was meant to respond to violence and threats of violence directed against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-education-school-boards-940da42fac771366929fc2150c8acf4d">local school board officials</a>.<a href="https://nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-letter-to-president-biden-concerning-threats-to-public-schools-and-school-board-members-92921.pdf">CLICK HERE </a>to read the full letter originally sent to the President by the National School Boards Assn.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633090424533.png" alt="The first of the of the six page letter to President Biden from the National School Board Assn." />
 <figcaption>The first of the of the six page letter to President Biden from the National School Board Assn.</figcaption>
 </figure>The memo came out Oct. 4, less than a week after the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-federal-assistance-letter-9292021.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=430A3833A52FB1D2B8DF25160BCD8EFFBDE93CC2" target="_blank">National School Board Association</a>&nbsp;wrote the Biden administration about the threats to school officials and asked for help. Some school board meetings have devolved into shouting contests over issues such as how racial issues are taught, masks in schools, and COVID-19 vaccines and testing requirements.Republicans say Garland went too far in instructing Justice Department divisions to coordinate with local law enforcement. In his memo Garland said there had been “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.”An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-addresses-violent-threats-against-school-officials-and-teachers" target="_blank">accompanying news release</a>&nbsp;mentioned the FBI, the department’s criminal division, national security division, civil rights division and other parts.“The obligation of the Justice Department is to protect the American people against violence and threats of violence and that particularly includes public officials,” Garland said.Republicans on the Senate committee also seized on a memo from Leif Johnson, the acting U.S. attorney in Montana, to the state attorney general, county attorneys, sheriffs and school officials in the state. The memo spells out federal crimes that could be used in prosecutions for violence, harassment or intimidation of school board officials.The Montana memo, obtained by The Associated Press, cites about a dozen federal statues from conspiracy to deprive someone of civil rights to stalking and “anonymous telephone harassment.” It instructs the recipients to contact the FBI “if you believe that a person has violated one of these statutes.”Garland told senators he was never sent the U.S. attorney’s memo and did not know specifics about it. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Montana did not immediately respond to questions about whether Johnson had consulted senior Justice Department officials before issuing the memo.“I’ve never seen that memo,” Garland said. “No one has sent me that memo, so I haven’t seen it.”The National School Board Association has since said “we regret and apologize” for its letter, which asked for federal assistance to combat harassment and violence against school officials and said some of the acts could be “domestic terrorism.”The original letter asked for the federal government to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. The association asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.The letter documented more than 20 instances of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cited the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.Garland has said parents have the right to express their concerns to school boards but his primary concern is if that devolves into violence or when threats emerge. During questioning Wednesday, Garland said that making a Nazi salute would be protected under the First Amendment. He also acknowledged that he did not have an accounting of the number of incidents.At least two Republican senators – Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri – called for Garland to resign over his handling of the memo.“This is shameful,” Cotton exclaimed. “You should resign in disgrace.”

Kan. AG to Biden: Withdraw directive on monitoring of local school board meetings

February 3, 1942
 -
 October 24, 2021

Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Vernon-Joseph-Rietcheck?obId=22787302#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

February 3, 1942
 -
 October 24, 2021An obituary is pending with Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Vernon-Joseph-Rietcheck?obId=22787302#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Vernon Joseph Rietcheck

Henrietta Haselhorst, 90, Hays, died Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Via Christi Village.

She was born January 14, 1931, in 
Liebenthal, the daughter of Isidore and Albertina (Legleiter) Herrman.&nbsp; 
On June 12, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold F. Haselhorst at 
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Liebenthal.&nbsp; They were married for almost 
64 years before he preceded her in death on April 28, 2014.&nbsp; She began 
her career as an office worker at St. Anthony Hospital and was the first
 secretary at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.&nbsp; Harold and 
Henrietta were charter members of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 
she belonged to the St. Nicholas Ladies Guild, and was actively involved
 with the church.&nbsp; She loved playing Pinochle, Pitch, and Poker, and 
always had a little container of coins should she need them for Poker.&nbsp; 
She was an avid Scrabble player and a fierce competitor that challenged 
her opponents.&nbsp; Henrietta was an excellent cook and loved providing 
wonderful meals for her family.&nbsp; As a mother of ten children, she also 
canned much of the garden produce.&nbsp; Her pickles were always a hit at 
family meals.&nbsp; She enjoyed trying new recipes from Capper’s Weekly and 
Taste of Home magazines.&nbsp; All were welcome at her table to enjoy her 
creations.

Survivors include three sons: Glenn 
Haselhorst and wife Sonya of Hays, Gary Haselhorst and wife Sandy of 
Hays, and Kenneth Haselhorst and wife Becky of Olathe, five daughters: 
Lila Montgomery and husband Bill of Hays, Sheila Thompson and husband 
Mike of McKinney, TX, Diane Haselhorst of Shawnee, Nadine McGrath of 
Kansas City, and Stacey Haselhorst of Lee’s Summit, MO, a son-in-law: 
Frank Muñoz of South Sioux City, NE, a daughter-in-law: Beth Haselhorst 
of Hays, a brother: William “Bill” Herrman and wife Lucy of La Crosse, 
two sisters: Mary Catherine Dreher of Plainville and Georgiana Herrman 
of Austin, TX, a sister-in-law: Alice Herrman of Kingman, 23 
grandchildren: Rebecca Eckhoff and husband Mark, Ricky Muñoz and wife 
Christine, Michelle Muñoz, Anthony Muñoz, Troy Haselhorst, Kyle 
Haselhorst, Andrea Legleiter and husband Brent, Amy Haselhorst, Renee 
Pfeifer and husband Jason, Terra Dudenhoeffer and husband Doug, Todd 
Haselhorst, Dan Montgomery, David Montgomery and wife Angie, Darren 
Montgomery, Chelsea Powell and husband Tommy, Travis Baird and wife 
Samantha, Ashley Baird, Matthew Karlin and wife DaLaena, Craig Schmidt 
and wife Kelly, Jennifer Jacques, Kayla Jacques, Kiya Shavers, and Iana 
Shavers, 28 great grandchildren, two great-great grandsons, and numerous
 step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, husband Harold, a son: Daryl Haselhorst, a daughter: Belinda 
Muñoz, two sons-in-law: John Jacques and Richard McGrath, a brother: 
Mike Herrman, two sisters: Viola Depperschmidt and Lillian Leiker, and a
 granddaughter: Lindsey Jacques.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church with Fr. Damian Richards and Fr. Dan Scheetz officiating.&nbsp; Burial
 will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm 
until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 10:00 on Tuesday, all at the
 church.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the
 church.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church, Hospice of HaysMed, or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi 
Village, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and 
memories of Henrietta may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635427093783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henrietta Haselhorst, 90, Hays, died Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Via Christi Village.She was born January 14, 1931, in 
Liebenthal, the daughter of Isidore and Albertina (Legleiter) Herrman.&nbsp; 
On June 12, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold F. Haselhorst at 
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Liebenthal.&nbsp; They were married for almost 
64 years before he preceded her in death on April 28, 2014.&nbsp; She began 
her career as an office worker at St. Anthony Hospital and was the first
 secretary at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.&nbsp; Harold and 
Henrietta were charter members of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 
she belonged to the St. Nicholas Ladies Guild, and was actively involved
 with the church.&nbsp; She loved playing Pinochle, Pitch, and Poker, and 
always had a little container of coins should she need them for Poker.&nbsp; 
She was an avid Scrabble player and a fierce competitor that challenged 
her opponents.&nbsp; Henrietta was an excellent cook and loved providing 
wonderful meals for her family.&nbsp; As a mother of ten children, she also 
canned much of the garden produce.&nbsp; Her pickles were always a hit at 
family meals.&nbsp; She enjoyed trying new recipes from Capper’s Weekly and 
Taste of Home magazines.&nbsp; All were welcome at her table to enjoy her 
creations.Survivors include three sons: Glenn 
Haselhorst and wife Sonya of Hays, Gary Haselhorst and wife Sandy of 
Hays, and Kenneth Haselhorst and wife Becky of Olathe, five daughters: 
Lila Montgomery and husband Bill of Hays, Sheila Thompson and husband 
Mike of McKinney, TX, Diane Haselhorst of Shawnee, Nadine McGrath of 
Kansas City, and Stacey Haselhorst of Lee’s Summit, MO, a son-in-law: 
Frank Muñoz of South Sioux City, NE, a daughter-in-law: Beth Haselhorst 
of Hays, a brother: William “Bill” Herrman and wife Lucy of La Crosse, 
two sisters: Mary Catherine Dreher of Plainville and Georgiana Herrman 
of Austin, TX, a sister-in-law: Alice Herrman of Kingman, 23 
grandchildren: Rebecca Eckhoff and husband Mark, Ricky Muñoz and wife 
Christine, Michelle Muñoz, Anthony Muñoz, Troy Haselhorst, Kyle 
Haselhorst, Andrea Legleiter and husband Brent, Amy Haselhorst, Renee 
Pfeifer and husband Jason, Terra Dudenhoeffer and husband Doug, Todd 
Haselhorst, Dan Montgomery, David Montgomery and wife Angie, Darren 
Montgomery, Chelsea Powell and husband Tommy, Travis Baird and wife 
Samantha, Ashley Baird, Matthew Karlin and wife DaLaena, Craig Schmidt 
and wife Kelly, Jennifer Jacques, Kayla Jacques, Kiya Shavers, and Iana 
Shavers, 28 great grandchildren, two great-great grandsons, and numerous
 step grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, husband Harold, a son: Daryl Haselhorst, a daughter: Belinda 
Muñoz, two sons-in-law: John Jacques and Richard McGrath, a brother: 
Mike Herrman, two sisters: Viola Depperschmidt and Lillian Leiker, and a
 granddaughter: Lindsey Jacques.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church with Fr. Damian Richards and Fr. Dan Scheetz officiating.&nbsp; Burial
 will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm 
until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 10:00 on Tuesday, all at the
 church.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the
 church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church, Hospice of HaysMed, or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi 
Village, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and 
memories of Henrietta may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Henrietta Haselhorst

During last year's first iteration of the Cajetan Cash fundraiser at Holy Family Elementary, organizers nearly doubled their expected donation total.

This year, almost as a testament to its namesake, St. Cajetan, the fundraiser raised over $80,000 for the school after replacing the well-known Red Wheel fundraiser.

"Last year, our home and school was looking for a little bit more of a supplemental income," said&nbsp;Cajetan Cash fundraiser chair Olivia Becker. "Because, with COVID, we weren't able to have our family fun nights, like at the restaurants in town. So we're trying to think you know, what can we do? And a raffle idea came up."

That simple idea would become the fundraiser, but not after searching for a unique and fitting name.

"Last year, when we first initially did the fundraiser, and we started looking at saints, what kind of saints would pertain to this and we found St. Cajetan," Becker said. "He is the saint of good fortune. That's fitting for a raffle. And so that's we came up with Cajetan Cash."

During this year's fundraiser, $10 tickets were sold, the same as last year, but with the expanded effort, more prizes were added.

"This year, we thought we needed to do some more," Becker said. "So we did four drawings, one for $1,000, one for $2,500 and $5,000 and $10,000 this year."

But it wasn't just a select group of ticket holders who won during the effort — the children also were rewarded with prizes and prize drawings.

"We made
it a challenge for the students to sell so many tickets," Becker said. "We made it fun
for the students, so they turned in sale sheets of tickets that they sold the
week prior."

From those totals, she said they had special rewards to continue incentivizing sales.

"They got like an ice cream cone day, they had a lollipop day, things
like that," Becker said. "And then every student who sold 40 tickets or more gets to
have a Taco Shop lunch at school one day."

She said 79 lunch winners were recognized during the fundraiser.

"So that was really
great," Becker said. "And then every highest seller in every classroom received $25 cash."

"So
and then we did a student drawing as well. We had four drawings for the
students that they could win. For every 10 tickets they sold, they got an entry
into those drawings. And we gave away gift cards that they could choose from
local vendors here like Taco Shop, McDonald's, Walmart, whatever. And then we
gave away an electric scooter as well."

And while the effort is rewarding for the students, fundraisers like these help generate funds to operate the school.

"I mean,
it's critical as part of their budgets,"&nbsp;Becker said. "It's not just an extra, you know, we
just want some extra money just to do some things for the school. It's for
the electricity bills. It's for the supplies for the schools.
It's for everything."

By the end of the fundraiser, she said the results speak to the generosity of the community.

"We
ended up selling at 8,800 tickets," Becker said. "And...we had great
sponsors that helped us with our payouts, too. So overall, we're looking at
$80,000 or a little over."

With the excellent response, Becker said the&nbsp;Cajetan Cash fundraiser is likely to return next year.

"As far as I know, every year now," she said. "We'll sell tickets always
through the month of September and have the drawings in the beginning of
October."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613660020276.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary raises over $80,000 during Cajetan Cash fundraiser" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=zieb4-110d003-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostDuring last year's first iteration of the Cajetan Cash fundraiser at Holy Family Elementary, organizers nearly doubled their expected donation total.This year, almost as a testament to its namesake, St. Cajetan, the fundraiser raised over $80,000 for the school after replacing the well-known Red Wheel fundraiser."Last year, our home and school was looking for a little bit more of a supplemental income," said&nbsp;Cajetan Cash fundraiser chair Olivia Becker. "Because, with COVID, we weren't able to have our family fun nights, like at the restaurants in town. So we're trying to think you know, what can we do? And a raffle idea came up."That simple idea would become the fundraiser, but not after searching for a unique and fitting name."Last year, when we first initially did the fundraiser, and we started looking at saints, what kind of saints would pertain to this and we found St. Cajetan," Becker said. "He is the saint of good fortune. That's fitting for a raffle. And so that's we came up with Cajetan Cash."During this year's fundraiser, $10 tickets were sold, the same as last year, but with the expanded effort, more prizes were added."This year, we thought we needed to do some more," Becker said. "So we did four drawings, one for $1,000, one for $2,500 and $5,000 and $10,000 this year."But it wasn't just a select group of ticket holders who won during the effort — the children also were rewarded with prizes and prize drawings."We made
it a challenge for the students to sell so many tickets," Becker said. "We made it fun
for the students, so they turned in sale sheets of tickets that they sold the
week prior."From those totals, she said they had special rewards to continue incentivizing sales."They got like an ice cream cone day, they had a lollipop day, things
like that," Becker said. "And then every student who sold 40 tickets or more gets to
have a Taco Shop lunch at school one day."She said 79 lunch winners were recognized during the fundraiser."So that was really
great," Becker said. "And then every highest seller in every classroom received $25 cash.""So
and then we did a student drawing as well. We had four drawings for the
students that they could win. For every 10 tickets they sold, they got an entry
into those drawings. And we gave away gift cards that they could choose from
local vendors here like Taco Shop, McDonald's, Walmart, whatever. And then we
gave away an electric scooter as well."And while the effort is rewarding for the students, fundraisers like these help generate funds to operate the school."I mean,
it's critical as part of their budgets,"&nbsp;Becker said. "It's not just an extra, you know, we
just want some extra money just to do some things for the school. It's for
the electricity bills. It's for the supplies for the schools.
It's for everything."By the end of the fundraiser, she said the results speak to the generosity of the community."We
ended up selling at 8,800 tickets," Becker said. "And...we had great
sponsors that helped us with our payouts, too. So overall, we're looking at
$80,000 or a little over."With the excellent response, Becker said the&nbsp;Cajetan Cash fundraiser is likely to return next year."As far as I know, every year now," she said. "We'll sell tickets always
through the month of September and have the drawings in the beginning of
October."

🎙 Holy Family finds good fortune during Cajetan Cash fundraiser

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal prosecutors allege eight people connected to a&nbsp;Kansas-based organization conspired to provide unpaid child labor to businesses across the country and physically abused them for years.

The organization, formerly known as the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, was labeled a cult by a federal judge in the District of Kansas in 2018.

In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the Kansas City group beat children, imposed severe dietary restrictions and forced children, some as young as 8, to work without pay.

Royall Jenkins had been a member of the Nation of Islam until 1978, when he founded the separate United Nation of Islam. He persuaded his followers that he was shown the proper way to rule the Earth after being “taken through the galaxy by aliens on a spaceship,” according to the indictment. At one point, the group had hundreds of followers.

Eight leaders of the organization, including three of Jenkins’ “many wives,” were named in the indictment after they were arrested in cities across the U.S. They are Randolph Hadley, Jacelyn Greenwell, Etinia Kinnard, Dana Peach, Daniel Jenkins, James Staton, Yunus Rassoul and Kaaba Majeed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635365692259.png" alt="Royall Jenkins-image from the organization's Youtube page" />
 <figcaption>Royall Jenkins-image from the organization's Youtube page</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal prosecutors allege eight people connected to a&nbsp;Kansas-based organization conspired to provide unpaid child labor to businesses across the country and physically abused them for years.The organization, formerly known as the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, was labeled a cult by a federal judge in the District of Kansas in 2018.In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the Kansas City group beat children, imposed severe dietary restrictions and forced children, some as young as 8, to work without pay.Royall Jenkins had been a member of the Nation of Islam until 1978, when he founded the separate United Nation of Islam. He persuaded his followers that he was shown the proper way to rule the Earth after being “taken through the galaxy by aliens on a spaceship,” according to the indictment. At one point, the group had hundreds of followers.Eight leaders of the organization, including three of Jenkins’ “many wives,” were named in the indictment after they were arrested in cities across the U.S. They are Randolph Hadley, Jacelyn Greenwell, Etinia Kinnard, Dana Peach, Daniel Jenkins, James Staton, Yunus Rassoul and Kaaba Majeed.They are accused of conspiracy to commit forced labor and forced labor. None of the defendants had an attorney listed in federal court records.Prosecutors allege that beginning in October 2000, the organization ran businesses such as gas stations, bakeries and restaurants in several states using unpaid labor from group members and their children, some as young as 8.Parents were encouraged to send their children to an unlicensed school in Kansas City, Kansas, called the University of Arts and Logistics of Civilization, which did not provide appropriate instruction in most subjects.The indictment said those who didn't attend the school were forced to work instead.Some of the child victims worked in businesses in Kansas City, while others were trafficked to businesses in other states, including&nbsp;New Jersey,&nbsp;New York,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;and&nbsp;North Carolina, the indictment alleges.Prosecutors said the victims also lived in “overcrowded dormitories, barracks, or households of adult members who were not related,” and many were forced to work up to 16 hours per day. Their diet consisted of bean soup, salad, and occasionally fruit, and frequent cleanses were ordered that included only consuming lemon juice for days.Physical abuse mentioned in the indictment included routine “Fruit of Islam Beatdowns” organized by three of the defendants to punish male members for violating its code by such offenses as stealing food.The indictment names 10 children who were forced to work for the organization between October 2000 and November 2012. Some worked for 12 years without pay, the indictment says.In May 2018, U.S. Judge Daniel Crabtree called the group a cult and ordered it to pay $8 million to Kendra Ross, who said she spent 10 years performing unpaid labor.