SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in a double-fatal crash during a police chase in a stolen SUV will make an unscheduled court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May of 2019, police reported then 24-year-old Mia Collins led officers on a chase in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle. After about on mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.

The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children. She is Wood’s daughter and McElroy’s aunt.

&nbsp;Collins was on probation for stealing a handgun at the time of the crash. A passenger in her car, 38-year-old Christopher English, was on parole. They were not seriously injured in the crash.

She is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20020842">charged with two counts </a>of first-degree murder and numerous other charges. The trial is scheduled to begin in October.

Check the Post for additional details on the hearing as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597421975250.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal 2019 crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal 2019 crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in a double-fatal crash during a police chase in a stolen SUV will make an unscheduled court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May of 2019, police reported then 24-year-old Mia Collins led officers on a chase in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle. After about on mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children. She is Wood’s daughter and McElroy’s aunt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597432907464.png" alt="Collins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Collins was on probation for stealing a handgun at the time of the crash. A passenger in her car, 38-year-old Christopher English, was on parole. They were not seriously injured in the crash.She is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20020842">charged with two counts </a>of first-degree murder and numerous other charges. The trial is scheduled to begin in October.Check the Post for additional details on the hearing as it becomes available.---

Kan. woman charged in fatal crash to make unscheduled court appearance

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Dr. Rachel Levine was sworn in Tuesday to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, officially becoming the first openly transgender four-star officer in the uniformed services and first female four-star admiral of the U.S.P.H.S.

In March, the U.S. Senate confirmed the former Pennsylvania Health Secretary to be the nation's assistant secretary of health. 

She was the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation. The final vote was 52-48, mostly along party lines. Levine had been serving as Pennsylvania’s top health official since 2017, and emerged as the public face of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

As Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel Levine fights every day to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. She's working to help our nation overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger foundation for a healthier future - one in which every American can attain their full health potential, according to a statement in her HHS bio. ADM Levine also is the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned one of the eight uniformed services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634681586647.png" alt="Dr. Levine photo U.S. Health and Human services" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Levine photo U.S. Health and Human services</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Dr. Rachel Levine was sworn in Tuesday to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, officially becoming the first openly transgender four-star officer in the uniformed services and first female four-star admiral of the U.S.P.H.S.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am deeply honored &amp; grateful to join the ranks of men &amp; women across this great nation who have committed to defend the United States against small &amp; large threats, known and unknown. I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities. <a href="https://t.co/ryfwRqbAoz">https://t.co/ryfwRqbAoz</a>&mdash; ADM Rachel Levine (@HHS_ASH) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHS_ASH/status/1450446086645198851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In March, the U.S. Senate confirmed the former Pennsylvania Health Secretary to be the nation's assistant secretary of health. She was the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation. The final vote was 52-48, mostly along party lines. Levine had been serving as Pennsylvania’s top health official since 2017, and emerged as the public face of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634682020466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel Levine fights every day to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. She's working to help our nation overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger foundation for a healthier future - one in which every American can attain their full health potential, according to a statement in her HHS bio. ADM Levine also is the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned one of the eight uniformed services.

🎥Transgender U.S. health official sworn in as four-star admiral

<a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Betzner-Melvin/4756113/">Melvin Betzner Obituary - Atwood, KS | Baalmann Mortuary</a>

&nbsp;February 14, 1940 -&nbsp; October 17, 2021

Melvin Eugene Betzner was born in Tarkio, Missouri, on February 14, 1940 to Clinton A. and Margaret (Mason) Betzner. He was the fifth of seven children. Life for Melvin changed at the age of 17 when he was sent to live in several institutions and state hospitals for almost 20 years. In 1977 Melvin became a member of the PDC family in Atwood, Kansas. This would be his home for 44 years. Melvin became an inspiration to others by becoming very independent and living in his own apartment. For many years he worked at the PDC cleaning. He enjoyed eating lunch at the Obert Center, eating out, walking around Lake Atwood, going shopping, going to the movies, cooking, and reading newspapers. Several years ago, PDC did a project with murals around town. Melvin drew his favorite childhood toy-which were marbles that he colored. When the artist asked him, Melvin in his very quiet voice and bowed head, told about his marbles even using his fingers like he remembered holding them. A community member gave him a sack of marbles. A memory of marbles sparked a “happy” time in his life. Another happy memory was when he was reunited with two sisters that he had not seen in over 50 years. Melvin leaves to mourn his sister Madeline Doyle of Texas and his family at PDC. He may have been quiet, but he was a real “highlight” to our PDC family. All of us would like to express our deep appreciation to Stephanie Pelkey and Mel Pelkey for all they did for our dear Melvin. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Prairie Developmental Center, Atwood.

Memorials are suggested to PDC and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. 

For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Melvin Betzner, Atwood</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634687726768.jpeg" alt="Melvin Betzner.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Melvin Betzner.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Betzner-Melvin/4756113/">Melvin Betzner Obituary - Atwood, KS | Baalmann Mortuary</a>&nbsp;February 14, 1940 -&nbsp; October 17, 2021Melvin Eugene Betzner was born in Tarkio, Missouri, on February 14, 1940 to Clinton A. and Margaret (Mason) Betzner. He was the fifth of seven children. Life for Melvin changed at the age of 17 when he was sent to live in several institutions and state hospitals for almost 20 years. In 1977 Melvin became a member of the PDC family in Atwood, Kansas. This would be his home for 44 years. Melvin became an inspiration to others by becoming very independent and living in his own apartment. For many years he worked at the PDC cleaning. He enjoyed eating lunch at the Obert Center, eating out, walking around Lake Atwood, going shopping, going to the movies, cooking, and reading newspapers. Several years ago, PDC did a project with murals around town. Melvin drew his favorite childhood toy-which were marbles that he colored. When the artist asked him, Melvin in his very quiet voice and bowed head, told about his marbles even using his fingers like he remembered holding them. A community member gave him a sack of marbles. A memory of marbles sparked a “happy” time in his life. Another happy memory was when he was reunited with two sisters that he had not seen in over 50 years. Melvin leaves to mourn his sister Madeline Doyle of Texas and his family at PDC. He may have been quiet, but he was a real “highlight” to our PDC family. All of us would like to express our deep appreciation to Stephanie Pelkey and Mel Pelkey for all they did for our dear Melvin. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Prairie Developmental Center, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to PDC and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Melvin Betzner

TOPEKA – Directing FBI agents across the country to monitor school board meetings sends a threatening message from the federal government and has a chilling effect on free speech rights that must not be continued, according to a statement from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/biden_doj_parent-speech-at-school-board-mtg-final.pdf?sfvrsn=dbbda51a_2">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp; copy of the letter sent to U.S. Attorney General

Schmidt joined a 17-state effort calling on the Biden administration to withdraw a directive that the FBI engage in monitoring local school board meetings and actions. The attorneys general outlined their concerns in a letter sent yesterday to President Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

“For many Americans, their first, live personal interaction with their government is with their local public school board,” the attorneys general wrote. “Parents or other taxpayers may be aggrieved by what happened at school and/or they want more information about some issue or school practice. … We as a country should celebrate their participation in our system of self-government, not silence them by accusing them of ‘domestic terrorism’ and threaten them with the prospect of the FBI knocking on their door to investigate their activities.”

On Oct. 4, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum decrying a “disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.” The Biden administration, however, has provided no convincing evidence of any “spike” in threats against school personnel, and in any event such conduct would ordinarily be effectively handled by local law enforcement without federal involvement. The specter of federal involvement instead&nbsp;seems designed to chill the lawful dissent of parents who express concerns about their children’s education at local public school board meetings.

The Department of Justice memo echoed a National School Board Association (NSBA) letter sent Sept. 29 to the Biden administration that lamented the rise of parents pushing back against divisive ideologies, including critical race theory. The NSBA letter raised the specter of local protests rising to the level of “domestic terrorism.”

The attorneys general letter reiterates the primary role that parents have in directing the education of their children and asks Biden and Garland to “immediately withdraw the October 4, 2021 Memorandum, to immediately cease any further actions designed to intimidate parents from expressing their opinions on the education of their children, and demand that you respect their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to raise their children.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633455127488.png" alt="During a July 26 board meeting, one parent told the Shawnee Mission Kan. School Board,&nbsp; "The CDC, the county health department and school board members are not the law."&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>During a July 26 board meeting, one parent told the Shawnee Mission Kan. School Board,&nbsp; "The CDC, the county health department and school board members are not the law."&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Directing FBI agents across the country to monitor school board meetings sends a threatening message from the federal government and has a chilling effect on free speech rights that must not be continued, according to a statement from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/biden_doj_parent-speech-at-school-board-mtg-final.pdf?sfvrsn=dbbda51a_2">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp; copy of the letter sent to U.S. Attorney GeneralSchmidt joined a 17-state effort calling on the Biden administration to withdraw a directive that the FBI engage in monitoring local school board meetings and actions. The attorneys general outlined their concerns in a letter sent yesterday to President Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.“For many Americans, their first, live personal interaction with their government is with their local public school board,” the attorneys general wrote. “Parents or other taxpayers may be aggrieved by what happened at school and/or they want more information about some issue or school practice. … We as a country should celebrate their participation in our system of self-government, not silence them by accusing them of ‘domestic terrorism’ and threaten them with the prospect of the FBI knocking on their door to investigate their activities.”On Oct. 4, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum decrying a “disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.” The Biden administration, however, has provided no convincing evidence of any “spike” in threats against school personnel, and in any event such conduct would ordinarily be effectively handled by local law enforcement without federal involvement. The specter of federal involvement instead&nbsp;seems designed to chill the lawful dissent of parents who express concerns about their children’s education at local public school board meetings.The Department of Justice memo echoed a National School Board Association (NSBA) letter sent Sept. 29 to the Biden administration that lamented the rise of parents pushing back against divisive ideologies, including critical race theory. The NSBA letter raised the specter of local protests rising to the level of “domestic terrorism.”The attorneys general letter reiterates the primary role that parents have in directing the education of their children and asks Biden and Garland to “immediately withdraw the October 4, 2021 Memorandum, to immediately cease any further actions designed to intimidate parents from expressing their opinions on the education of their children, and demand that you respect their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to raise their children.”

Kan. AG: Directing FBI to monitor school board meetings is wrong

Viola Patricia "Pat" Phillips, 90, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2021, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital. Pat was born in Valley Center, Kansas on October 22, 1930. She graduated from Natoma High School in Natoma, Kansas. 


Pat was united in marriage to William "Bill" Crawford on November 20, 1949; they were married 45 years until his death in 1995. On October 22, 1998, she married Dr. Darrell "Doc" Phillips; they were married 22 years. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked as the head of the accounting department for Trego-WaKeeney State Bank for 11 years and at First Federal Savings &amp; Loan for 4 years. She enjoyed golf, bridge, painting, travel, and fashion. She was also actively involved in Gamma Eta Sorority of E.S.A., GFWC Locust Club, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and her church, First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. 


Pat is survived by her husband Darrell; son Steven Crawford and wife Rebecca of Greenville, Illinois; son Alan Crawford and wife Cara of Latham, Missouri; stepdaughter Sue Ahlquist and husband Tracy of Onaga, Kansas; stepdaughter Janet Fletcher and husband Jeff of Wichita, Kansas; stepdaughter Sarah Simon and husband Brad of Studley, Kansas; stepson John Phillips and wife Julie of Lee's Summit, Missouri; stepson Chad Phillips of Soldier, Kansas; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and other family and friends. 


Pat was preceded in death by her parents William and Alice Faught, brother Robert Faught, sisters Elaine Hammers and Beverly Weld, and first husband, Bill Crawford. 


Funeral service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, October 26, at First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. Pastor Robert Clemence of WaKeeney United Methodist Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at WaKeeney City Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. 


Visitation will be Tuesday, October 26, from 10-11 am at First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Trego-County Lemke Memorial Hospital or First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. 

Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676475627.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Viola Patricia "Pat" Phillips, 90, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2021, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital. Pat was born in Valley Center, Kansas on October 22, 1930. She graduated from Natoma High School in Natoma, Kansas. 
Pat was united in marriage to William "Bill" Crawford on November 20, 1949; they were married 45 years until his death in 1995. On October 22, 1998, she married Dr. Darrell "Doc" Phillips; they were married 22 years. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked as the head of the accounting department for Trego-WaKeeney State Bank for 11 years and at First Federal Savings &amp; Loan for 4 years. She enjoyed golf, bridge, painting, travel, and fashion. She was also actively involved in Gamma Eta Sorority of E.S.A., GFWC Locust Club, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and her church, First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. 
Pat is survived by her husband Darrell; son Steven Crawford and wife Rebecca of Greenville, Illinois; son Alan Crawford and wife Cara of Latham, Missouri; stepdaughter Sue Ahlquist and husband Tracy of Onaga, Kansas; stepdaughter Janet Fletcher and husband Jeff of Wichita, Kansas; stepdaughter Sarah Simon and husband Brad of Studley, Kansas; stepson John Phillips and wife Julie of Lee's Summit, Missouri; stepson Chad Phillips of Soldier, Kansas; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and other family and friends. 
Pat was preceded in death by her parents William and Alice Faught, brother Robert Faught, sisters Elaine Hammers and Beverly Weld, and first husband, Bill Crawford. 
Funeral service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, October 26, at First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. Pastor Robert Clemence of WaKeeney United Methodist Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at WaKeeney City Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. 
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 26, from 10-11 am at First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Trego-County Lemke Memorial Hospital or First Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Viola Patricia 'Pat' Phillips

Duane B. Lindsay, 87, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021. He was born May 1, 1934, in Grinnell, KS to George A. and Eva (Bennett) Lindsay.

Duane married Maxine L. (Tomanek) on October 1, 1966, and they 
happily celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. Maxine and 
Duane lived in Hays, KS for 47 years where they became members of the 
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. They moved to Salina in 2013 and joined
 the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

He was past commander of VFW Post 9076 in Hays and a very proud member of their VFW Honor Guard.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine; one sister, Ann; stepson Charlie 
Rupp (Mary Lou); four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, two 
great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Char, two brothers and six sisters.

Duane chose cremation with placement of his ashes in the Kansas 
Veteran’s Cemetery at WaKeeney, Kansas during a private family ceremony.
 Military honors will be presented by the Hays VFW Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in care of Ryan Mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634675862656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Duane B. Lindsay, 87, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021. He was born May 1, 1934, in Grinnell, KS to George A. and Eva (Bennett) Lindsay.Duane married Maxine L. (Tomanek) on October 1, 1966, and they 
happily celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. Maxine and 
Duane lived in Hays, KS for 47 years where they became members of the 
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. They moved to Salina in 2013 and joined
 the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.He was past commander of VFW Post 9076 in Hays and a very proud member of their VFW Honor Guard.Survivors include his wife, Maxine; one sister, Ann; stepson Charlie 
Rupp (Mary Lou); four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, two 
great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Char, two brothers and six sisters.Duane chose cremation with placement of his ashes in the Kansas 
Veteran’s Cemetery at WaKeeney, Kansas during a private family ceremony.
 Military honors will be presented by the Hays VFW Honor Guard.In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in care of Ryan Mortuary.

Duane B. Lindsay

Leonora&nbsp;G. Tipton, 94, died October 18, 2021, at The Lodge at 
Brookline Nursing Home, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.&nbsp; She was born April 15,
 1927, in Ellinwood, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Frances 
(Auchstetter) Schartz.&nbsp;

On May 28, 1946, she married Francis R. “Tip” Tipton in Ellinwood, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 6, 2007.

Leonora was a longtime resident of Hoisington moving to Oklahoma City
 in 2000 to be closer to family. She was a member of St. John the 
Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society. An avid quilter she made 
many cherished quilts for friends and family.

She is survived by two grandchildren; Chris Crabtree and wife Melanie
 of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Tammy Walden and husband Don of 
Edmond, Oklahoma; great grandson, Ryan Walden of Edmond, Oklahoma, 
son-in-law, Don Crabtree of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, brother, Gilbert 
Schartz of Great Bend and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and only daughter,
 Jacqueline Crabtree, &nbsp;brothers, Richard Schartz, Aubrey Schartz, and 
sisters, Berneice Meckel and Rita Bixby.

Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Rosary will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to 
follow at 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2021, at St. John the 
Evangelist Catholic Church celebrated by Father Anselm Eke. Burial will 
follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, rural Great Bend, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in care 
of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634675666375.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leonora&nbsp;G. Tipton, 94, died October 18, 2021, at The Lodge at 
Brookline Nursing Home, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.&nbsp; She was born April 15,
 1927, in Ellinwood, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Frances 
(Auchstetter) Schartz.&nbsp;On May 28, 1946, she married Francis R. “Tip” Tipton in Ellinwood, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 6, 2007.Leonora was a longtime resident of Hoisington moving to Oklahoma City
 in 2000 to be closer to family. She was a member of St. John the 
Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society. An avid quilter she made 
many cherished quilts for friends and family.She is survived by two grandchildren; Chris Crabtree and wife Melanie
 of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Tammy Walden and husband Don of 
Edmond, Oklahoma; great grandson, Ryan Walden of Edmond, Oklahoma, 
son-in-law, Don Crabtree of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, brother, Gilbert 
Schartz of Great Bend and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and only daughter,
 Jacqueline Crabtree, &nbsp;brothers, Richard Schartz, Aubrey Schartz, and 
sisters, Berneice Meckel and Rita Bixby.Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.Rosary will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to 
follow at 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2021, at St. John the 
Evangelist Catholic Church celebrated by Father Anselm Eke. Burial will 
follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, rural Great Bend, Kansas.Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in care 
of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leonora G. Tipton

July 31, 1960
 -
 October 18, 2021

An obituary and services are pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

July 31, 1960
 -
 October 18, 2021An obituary and services are pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Connie Jean Keith

Marjorie L. Bell, age 89, passed away Sunday October 17, 2021, at the Downs Care and Rehabilitation Center in Downs, KS.

Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Marjorie-Lelia-Maydew-Bell?obId=22691132#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634650096569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marjorie L. Bell, age 89, passed away Sunday October 17, 2021, at the Downs Care and Rehabilitation Center in Downs, KS.Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Marjorie-Lelia-Maydew-Bell?obId=22691132#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Marjorie L. Bell

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Washington State fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants on Monday for refusing a state mandate that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19, making him the first major college coach to lose his job over vaccination status.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, had set a deadline of Monday for thousands of state employees, including the Cougars’ coach, to be vaccinated. Rolovich applied for a religious exemption, which was denied Monday, Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said.

Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert will be elevated to acting coach and his first game in charge will be Saturday at home against BYU.

“This is a tough day for Washington State football,” Chun said at a news conference. “Nobody wants to be here.”

Also fired for refusing vaccination were assistant coaches Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber. Chun said there may be no precedent for a team losing its head coach and so many assistants in the middle of a season.

“Our student-athletes are the biggest losers in this,” he said.

Rolovich was not immediately available for comment.

The 42-year-old Rolovich was the highest-paid state employee with an annual salary of more than $3 million in a contract that runs through 2025. He had said he wouldn’t get vaccinated but wouldn’t specify his reasons. He was the only unvaccinated head coach in the Pac-12 and had worn a mask during games.

Rolovich was fired for cause, which means the university does not have to honor the rest of his contract, although lawsuits over the decision are likely. The Washington State athletic department is currently facing a shortfall of more than $30 million.

Around the country, many college football coaches have publicly advocated for vaccination, including Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Alabama’s Nick Saban. Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin said not getting vaccinated would be irresponsible and bragged about his team being 100% vaccinated.

Many coaches have talked about their teams’ high vaccination rates, though schools are not under any obligation to share those numbers.

Unlike last season, when COVID-19 cases swept through major college football, postponing and canceling games weekly, no games have needed to be rescheduled because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Rolovich was hired from Hawaii two years ago, after Mike Leach left for Mississippi State, and led Washington State to a 1-3 record in the Pac-12 in a 2020 season cut short because of the pandemic. Washington State has won its past three games and is 4-3 this season, including a 34-31 win over Stanford last Saturday. He finishes with a 5-6 record at the Pullman campus in southeastern Washington.

Rolovich revealed in July that he would not get vaccinated and couldn’t attend Pac-12 media day in person because of it.

He said in mid-August that he intended to follow the new mandate requiring vaccinations for every state employee but repeatedly declined to say how.

After refusing for weeks to reveal his plans, Rolovich on Oct. 9 confirmed he was seeking a religious exemption to the mandate. He has not specified his religious beliefs.

Chun said he met with Rolovich over a period of several months, but could not change the coach’s mind.

“He was resolute in his stance,” Chun said.

Rolovich needed to prove a sincerely held religious belief that prevented him from getting vaccinated in his exemption application. The application was put before a committee that reviewed the requests without knowing names of the applicants.

To continue coaching, Rolovich needed to receive the religious exemption and also to have Chun determine that Rolovich could do his job while keeping the public safe. In addition to his work as a coach, Rolovich oversaw a youth football program and participated in promotional and fundraising events.

Dickert is in his second season as Washington State’s defensive coordinator and came to Pullman after three seasons at Wyoming. He has not previously been a head coach.

Chun said the school is looking to hire assistants immediately to fill the vacancies on the staff.

Washington State President Kirk Schulz said nearly 90% of WSU employees and 97% of students had been vaccinated. Fewer than 50 of some 10,000 employees have sought exemptions, Schulz said.

The vaccine issue has percolated all season, dividing Washington State fans and providing a continual distraction.

“There was a lot of frustration with such a prominent employee choosing to be unvaccinated,” Schulz said.

Players stood up for their coach as the season progressed. Quarterback Jayden de Laura told a sideline reporter after Saturday’s win: “Stop hating on Rolo. We love him.”

Wide receiver Travell Harris commended Rolovich after the game for being a “players’ coach.”

“He’s a coach we all love to play for,” Harris said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634639299144.png" alt="Coach Rolovich&nbsp;photo courtesy Washington State University" />
 <figcaption>Coach Rolovich&nbsp;photo courtesy Washington State University</figcaption>
 </figure>SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Washington State fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants on Monday for refusing a state mandate that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19, making him the first major college coach to lose his job over vaccination status.Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, had set a deadline of Monday for thousands of state employees, including the Cougars’ coach, to be vaccinated. Rolovich applied for a religious exemption, which was denied Monday, Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said.Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert will be elevated to acting coach and his first game in charge will be Saturday at home against BYU.“This is a tough day for Washington State football,” Chun said at a news conference. “Nobody wants to be here.”Also fired for refusing vaccination were assistant coaches Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber. Chun said there may be no precedent for a team losing its head coach and so many assistants in the middle of a season.“Our student-athletes are the biggest losers in this,” he said.Rolovich was not immediately available for comment.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHAT A GAME! COUGS WIN!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoCougs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoCougs</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackHome</a> <a href="https://t.co/WmNdP57HmJ">pic.twitter.com/WmNdP57HmJ</a>&mdash; Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/WSUCougarFB/status/1449571261055582208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 42-year-old Rolovich was the highest-paid state employee with an annual salary of more than $3 million in a contract that runs through 2025. He had said he wouldn’t get vaccinated but wouldn’t specify his reasons. He was the only unvaccinated head coach in the Pac-12 and had worn a mask during games.Rolovich was fired for cause, which means the university does not have to honor the rest of his contract, although lawsuits over the decision are likely. The Washington State athletic department is currently facing a shortfall of more than $30 million.Around the country, many college football coaches have publicly advocated for vaccination, including Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Alabama’s Nick Saban. Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin said not getting vaccinated would be irresponsible and bragged about his team being 100% vaccinated.Many coaches have talked about their teams’ high vaccination rates, though schools are not under any obligation to share those numbers.Unlike last season, when COVID-19 cases swept through major college football, postponing and canceling games weekly, no games have needed to be rescheduled because of a COVID-19 outbreak.Rolovich was hired from Hawaii two years ago, after Mike Leach left for Mississippi State, and led Washington State to a 1-3 record in the Pac-12 in a 2020 season cut short because of the pandemic. Washington State has won its past three games and is 4-3 this season, including a 34-31 win over Stanford last Saturday. He finishes with a 5-6 record at the Pullman campus in southeastern Washington.Rolovich revealed in July that he would not get vaccinated and couldn’t attend Pac-12 media day in person because of it.He said in mid-August that he intended to follow the new mandate requiring vaccinations for every state employee but repeatedly declined to say how.After refusing for weeks to reveal his plans, Rolovich on Oct. 9 confirmed he was seeking a religious exemption to the mandate. He has not specified his religious beliefs.Chun said he met with Rolovich over a period of several months, but could not change the coach’s mind.“He was resolute in his stance,” Chun said.Rolovich needed to prove a sincerely held religious belief that prevented him from getting vaccinated in his exemption application. The application was put before a committee that reviewed the requests without knowing names of the applicants.To continue coaching, Rolovich needed to receive the religious exemption and also to have Chun determine that Rolovich could do his job while keeping the public safe. In addition to his work as a coach, Rolovich oversaw a youth football program and participated in promotional and fundraising events.Dickert is in his second season as Washington State’s defensive coordinator and came to Pullman after three seasons at Wyoming. He has not previously been a head coach.Chun said the school is looking to hire assistants immediately to fill the vacancies on the staff.Washington State President Kirk Schulz said nearly 90% of WSU employees and 97% of students had been vaccinated. Fewer than 50 of some 10,000 employees have sought exemptions, Schulz said.The vaccine issue has percolated all season, dividing Washington State fans and providing a continual distraction.“There was a lot of frustration with such a prominent employee choosing to be unvaccinated,” Schulz said.Players stood up for their coach as the season progressed. Quarterback Jayden de Laura told a sideline reporter after Saturday’s win: “Stop hating on Rolo. We love him.”Wide receiver Travell Harris commended Rolovich after the game for being a “players’ coach.”“He’s a coach we all love to play for,” Harris said.___

NCAA Division 1 head football coach fired for refusing vaccine

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude prices—here in Kansas, across the country, and around the world—continue to set seven-year records. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $72.50 per barrel after gaining a dollar on Friday. Kansas prices have gained more than $6 a barrel since the beginning of the month. Friday's price is the highest in McPherson since Oct. 16, 2014.&nbsp; U.S. crude futures rose slightly Monday morning, gaining eleven cents to $82.39 per barrel. The near-month contract for light sweet crude settled Friday at $82.28, topping $82 for the first time in seven years. Brent crude retreated slightly, dropping 13 cents to $84.73 per barrel, still the highest price in London in seven years.&nbsp; Based on the number of wells spudded, drilling activity in Kansas this year is up 80% over the same time a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the number of operators exploring in Kansas is up 37% from a year ago.&nbsp; The Rig Count in Kansas shows a slight uptick this week, with 23 active rigs in the western half of the state, up one rig. The rig count in eastern Kansas was unchanged at 15 active drilling rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Barton County, one in Russell County, and one in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 543 active drilling rigs nationally, an increase of 12 oil rigs. The count in the Gulf of Mexico increased by two rigs. Texas is up three, Oklahoma is up two, and New Mexico is down one for the week. Kansas regulators approved 26 new drilling permits last week. Total new drilling locations approved statewide so far this year reached 845, nearly one-and-a-half times the total at this time last year. There are three new permits in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators completed nine new wells last week. That's 680 so far this year, which equals the number at this time last year. The government reported domestic crude-oil production over 11 million barrels per day for the second week in a row. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. operators pumped 100,000 barrels per day more than they did a week ago, and a million barrels per day more than a year ago. U.S. crude inventories increased last week by more than six million barrels. But as of October 8th stockpiles were about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles are about two percent below the five year average. Imports dropped by one million barrels per day, but 22 percent higher than last year over the last four weeks. Oil-by-rail shipments dropped more than eight percent last week across the U.S. compared to a year ago, but were up nearly 15% in Canada. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,395 tanker cars hauling U.S. petroleum in the week through October 9th, down nearly five hundred carloads from the week before.&nbsp; Surging crude prices are leading to surging demands on your personal budget this week. Gasoline prices reached their highest levels since October of 2014. The national average on Thursday was $3.29 a gallon, up a nickel on the week, up 12 cents on the month, and over a dollar and a dime higher than a year ago. The average across Kansas reached three dollars a gallon Thursday for the first time since 2014. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you nearly $15 more than a year ago at this time. Crude production in the number-three crude producing state increased in August by nearly three percent. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reported output of 1.1 million barrels per day. The statewide gas-capture rate improved to 92%, with just eight percent of produced natural gas either flared or vented.&nbsp; Oklahoma is proves once again that a robust oil patch translates into a robust state treasury. Government revenues in Oklahoma set records for September and for the year through September. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said revenue from the state's oil patch increased by nearly 130 percent compared to a year earlier, due largely to rising prices. Gross production taxes collected in September reflect production in July, after prices had topped $72 for the first time in seven years. A year earlier, crude prices were just over $40 a barrel. Despite surging crude-oil costs, U.S. refiners are seeing improving margins as U.S. gasoline and diesel consumption spike. Reuters reports profit margins on refined products have more than doubled from last year at this time. Analysts continue to escalate their predictions of the impact rising natural-gas prices will have on global crude-oil demand. By some estimates, the increase in crude demand could reach two million barrels per day within the next few years. That's about five times the impact offered in similar estimates just a week ago. Power producers are increasingly switching from natural gas to oil, reversing a ten-year trend in the other direction. The world's top oil exporter has been supplying full volumes to Asia, despite limiting its total output in order to comply with the OPEC-Plus agreement. Saudi Aramco is selling additional crude to at least three Asian buyers next month, and meeting full contracted volumes with four others, according to a Reuters report. The company also cut prices in Asia for the second month in a row, as it renews competition with other Middle East producers. Canada, the world's fourth largest producer of crude oil, has set some lofty goals to curb carbon pollution, hoping for net-zero emissions in thirty years. Oil and gas companies are asking the Canadian government for a system of tax credits to pay for 75% of the cost of new carbon-capture facilities. According to Reuters, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers made the request in August.

<div><div id="adslot-506123965645" class="emp-ad-video" style="text-align:center"><script type="text/javascript">if (!window.AdButler){(function(){var s = document.createElement("script"); s.async = true; s.type = "text/javascript";s.src = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/app.js';var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; n.parentNode.insertBefore(s, n);}());}</script><script type="text/javascript">var EmpowerDiv = document.querySelector('#adslot-506123965645').parentNode.clientWidth;var EmpowerPlace = EmpowerDiv >= 0 ? 502255 : 503574;var EmpowerSize = EmpowerDiv >= 0 ? [0,0] : [320,50];var AdButler = AdButler || {}; AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || [];var abkw = window.abkw || '';var emppmt = window.emppmt || 0;document.write('<'+'div id="placement_'+EmpowerPlace+'_'+emppmt+'"></'+'div>');AdButler.ads.push({handler: function(opt){ AdButler.register(181918, EmpowerPlace, EmpowerSize, 'placement_'+EmpowerPlace+'_'+opt.place, opt); }, opt: { place: emppmt++, keywords: abkw, domain: 'ads.empowerlocal.co', click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER' }});</script></div></div>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude prices—here in Kansas, across the country, and around the world—continue to set seven-year records. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $72.50 per barrel after gaining a dollar on Friday. Kansas prices have gained more than $6 a barrel since the beginning of the month. Friday's price is the highest in McPherson since Oct. 16, 2014.&nbsp; U.S. crude futures rose slightly Monday morning, gaining eleven cents to $82.39 per barrel. The near-month contract for light sweet crude settled Friday at $82.28, topping $82 for the first time in seven years. Brent crude retreated slightly, dropping 13 cents to $84.73 per barrel, still the highest price in London in seven years.&nbsp; Based on the number of wells spudded, drilling activity in Kansas this year is up 80% over the same time a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the number of operators exploring in Kansas is up 37% from a year ago.&nbsp; The Rig Count in Kansas shows a slight uptick this week, with 23 active rigs in the western half of the state, up one rig. The rig count in eastern Kansas was unchanged at 15 active drilling rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Barton County, one in Russell County, and one in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 543 active drilling rigs nationally, an increase of 12 oil rigs. The count in the Gulf of Mexico increased by two rigs. Texas is up three, Oklahoma is up two, and New Mexico is down one for the week. Kansas regulators approved 26 new drilling permits last week. Total new drilling locations approved statewide so far this year reached 845, nearly one-and-a-half times the total at this time last year. There are three new permits in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators completed nine new wells last week. That's 680 so far this year, which equals the number at this time last year. The government reported domestic crude-oil production over 11 million barrels per day for the second week in a row. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. operators pumped 100,000 barrels per day more than they did a week ago, and a million barrels per day more than a year ago. U.S. crude inventories increased last week by more than six million barrels. But as of October 8th stockpiles were about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles are about two percent below the five year average. Imports dropped by one million barrels per day, but 22 percent higher than last year over the last four weeks. Oil-by-rail shipments dropped more than eight percent last week across the U.S. compared to a year ago, but were up nearly 15% in Canada. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,395 tanker cars hauling U.S. petroleum in the week through October 9th, down nearly five hundred carloads from the week before.&nbsp; Surging crude prices are leading to surging demands on your personal budget this week. Gasoline prices reached their highest levels since October of 2014. The national average on Thursday was $3.29 a gallon, up a nickel on the week, up 12 cents on the month, and over a dollar and a dime higher than a year ago. The average across Kansas reached three dollars a gallon Thursday for the first time since 2014. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you nearly $15 more than a year ago at this time. Crude production in the number-three crude producing state increased in August by nearly three percent. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reported output of 1.1 million barrels per day. The statewide gas-capture rate improved to 92%, with just eight percent of produced natural gas either flared or vented.&nbsp; Oklahoma is proves once again that a robust oil patch translates into a robust state treasury. Government revenues in Oklahoma set records for September and for the year through September. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said revenue from the state's oil patch increased by nearly 130 percent compared to a year earlier, due largely to rising prices. Gross production taxes collected in September reflect production in July, after prices had topped $72 for the first time in seven years. A year earlier, crude prices were just over $40 a barrel. Despite surging crude-oil costs, U.S. refiners are seeing improving margins as U.S. gasoline and diesel consumption spike. Reuters reports profit margins on refined products have more than doubled from last year at this time. Analysts continue to escalate their predictions of the impact rising natural-gas prices will have on global crude-oil demand. By some estimates, the increase in crude demand could reach two million barrels per day within the next few years. That's about five times the impact offered in similar estimates just a week ago. Power producers are increasingly switching from natural gas to oil, reversing a ten-year trend in the other direction. The world's top oil exporter has been supplying full volumes to Asia, despite limiting its total output in order to comply with the OPEC-Plus agreement. Saudi Aramco is selling additional crude to at least three Asian buyers next month, and meeting full contracted volumes with four others, according to a Reuters report. The company also cut prices in Asia for the second month in a row, as it renews competition with other Middle East producers. Canada, the world's fourth largest producer of crude oil, has set some lofty goals to curb carbon pollution, hoping for net-zero emissions in thirty years. Oil and gas companies are asking the Canadian government for a system of tax credits to pay for 75% of the cost of new carbon-capture facilities. According to Reuters, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers made the request in August.

News From the Oil Patch: Seven-year price records tumble

Dennis Ray Rall was born February 2, 1964 in Hoxie, Kansas to Elta 
(Detjen) and Elmer Rall. He was the youngest of three sons. Dennis 
passed away October 17th, 2021 at the Sheridan County Hospital. As a 
child he was baptized and confirmed in the Hoxie Lutheran Church. 
Dennis graduated from the Hoxie High School with the class of 1982. 
After graduation, Dennis continued to live and work in Hoxie for the 
rest of his life. 
 Dennis worked at the Sheridan County Hospital, Hoxie Feedlot, Pratt 
Ranch, Taylor Implement and most recently at BTI. He loved animals and 
raised many different birds and livestock. He enjoyed going to animal 
sales and talking with people there. Everyone knew “Popcorn”.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Elta and Elmer Rall, his grandparents, and other family members.
 Survivors include brothers, Doug Rall (Lisa) and David Rall (Sandra)
 all of Hoxie, Kansas; nephews, Clayton Rall (Megan) of El Paso, Texas 
and Taylor Rall (Alex) of Hoxie, Kansas; great-nieces Brandon Rall of El
 Paso, Texas and Crimsyn Rall of Hoxie, Kansas. Dennis has family and 
friends who will mourn his passing.
 A funeral service is planned for Friday, October 22, 2021, 11:00 
A.M., at the Christ Community Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be
 Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family 
receiving friends from 5:30 P.M until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the
 family suggests memorials to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk. Words 
of caring may be left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com. 
 Dennis has family and friends who will mourn his loss.
 The dress code for those attending the funeral is casual.

Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Dennis-Ray-Rall?obId=22693172#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Dennis Ray Rall was born February 2, 1964 in Hoxie, Kansas to Elta 
(Detjen) and Elmer Rall. He was the youngest of three sons. Dennis 
passed away October 17th, 2021 at the Sheridan County Hospital. As a 
child he was baptized and confirmed in the Hoxie Lutheran Church. 
Dennis graduated from the Hoxie High School with the class of 1982. 
After graduation, Dennis continued to live and work in Hoxie for the 
rest of his life. 
 Dennis worked at the Sheridan County Hospital, Hoxie Feedlot, Pratt 
Ranch, Taylor Implement and most recently at BTI. He loved animals and 
raised many different birds and livestock. He enjoyed going to animal 
sales and talking with people there. Everyone knew “Popcorn”.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Elta and Elmer Rall, his grandparents, and other family members.
 Survivors include brothers, Doug Rall (Lisa) and David Rall (Sandra)
 all of Hoxie, Kansas; nephews, Clayton Rall (Megan) of El Paso, Texas 
and Taylor Rall (Alex) of Hoxie, Kansas; great-nieces Brandon Rall of El
 Paso, Texas and Crimsyn Rall of Hoxie, Kansas. Dennis has family and 
friends who will mourn his passing.
 A funeral service is planned for Friday, October 22, 2021, 11:00 
A.M., at the Christ Community Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be
 Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family 
receiving friends from 5:30 P.M until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the
 family suggests memorials to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk. Words 
of caring may be left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com. 
 Dennis has family and friends who will mourn his loss.
 The dress code for those attending the funeral is casual.Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Dennis-Ray-Rall?obId=22693172#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Dennis Ray Rall

Gary L. Johnson, 74, of Oakley, Kansas, entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, 
October 15th, 2021, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. He 
was born to Frank and Doris (Phelps) Johnson in Quinter, Kansas, on 
December 5th, 1946. 
Gary married the love of his life, Toni Mitten on January 21, 1968. In 
1969 they moved to Oakley were Gary and his father-in-law, Jim Mitten 
built and operated Mitten Truck Stop which became Gary and Toni’s 
lifelong careers. Gary was extremely proud of the fact the truckstop has
 now grown to a full-service Travel Center and a multifaceted business 
that is still in the family and being operated by his nephew Matt 
Mildenberger. Through all the years his years of working so hard to make
 the business grow, Gary’s greatest joy was all of his dedicated 
employees. He always felt that it was their hard work that contributed 
to making Mitten Inc. what it has become today. He appreciated each and
 every one. 
Throughout the years Gary was very active in the Truckstop industry, 
where he served on the NATSO board, NATSN Board, PMCA board, KMCA board 
and Texaco Directors board. Gary was extremely proud of his involvement
 in bringing Western Plains Energy to Oakley and has served on its board
 from its origin until the time of his death. He served his community 
by being on the Logan County Fair Board, The Oakley Trap Club board, 
Oakley Country Club board and his leadership continued into his 
retirement where he served on the Gulf Waters RV Resort board in Texas. 
Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and his dogs, 
whether they turned out to be wonderful hunting companions or in some 
cases just loving friends. His passion for trap shooting and sporting 
clays involved running numerous shoots at the Oakley Trap Club and 
starting a sporting clay course (Horseshoe Bend) North of Hoxie. He and 
his family spent many years enjoying their family’s cabin at Webster 
State Park. If you hadn’t seen Gary in a day or two and it was 
summertime, there’s a pretty good chance you could find him on the lake 
at Webster fishing, or playing pitch with his buddies in Stockton. 
Gary and Toni loved traveling throughout the country in their RV for 
much of their lives. Gulf Waters RV Resort became their winter home for 
the last 12 years. They were blessed there to meet so many people from 
all over the entire country that became very special lifelong friends. 
There was nothing more important to Gary than friends. And he seemed to 
always make new ones wherever he went. 
Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Toni, son Chris and his fiancé
 Malinda Dean, sister Kathy Thomas, brother-in-law Larry Bley, nephew 
and niece Matt and Misty Mildenberger, nephew Greg Thomas, niece Cody 
Dale, and the two brightest lights of his life, MaKenzie and Mariah 
Mildenberger, affectionately known to Gary as Charlie and Maynard! 
He was proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Doris Johnson, his 
in-laws Jim and Estelene Mitten and his sister-in-law, Tami (Mitten) 
Bley and many close friends who were dear to his heart. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 20, 
2021, at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, Oakley. In lieu of flowers, 
memorials can be made to the “Friends of Webster,” which will benefit 
Webster State Park so it can continue to be enjoyed by all in the way he
 and his family have loved it, or the charity of your choice and sent in
 care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. 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/2021/10/1634585501848.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gary L. Johnson, 74, of Oakley, Kansas, entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, 
October 15th, 2021, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. He 
was born to Frank and Doris (Phelps) Johnson in Quinter, Kansas, on 
December 5th, 1946. 
Gary married the love of his life, Toni Mitten on January 21, 1968. In 
1969 they moved to Oakley were Gary and his father-in-law, Jim Mitten 
built and operated Mitten Truck Stop which became Gary and Toni’s 
lifelong careers. Gary was extremely proud of the fact the truckstop has
 now grown to a full-service Travel Center and a multifaceted business 
that is still in the family and being operated by his nephew Matt 
Mildenberger. Through all the years his years of working so hard to make
 the business grow, Gary’s greatest joy was all of his dedicated 
employees. He always felt that it was their hard work that contributed 
to making Mitten Inc. what it has become today. He appreciated each and
 every one. 
Throughout the years Gary was very active in the Truckstop industry, 
where he served on the NATSO board, NATSN Board, PMCA board, KMCA board 
and Texaco Directors board. Gary was extremely proud of his involvement
 in bringing Western Plains Energy to Oakley and has served on its board
 from its origin until the time of his death. He served his community 
by being on the Logan County Fair Board, The Oakley Trap Club board, 
Oakley Country Club board and his leadership continued into his 
retirement where he served on the Gulf Waters RV Resort board in Texas. 
Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and his dogs, 
whether they turned out to be wonderful hunting companions or in some 
cases just loving friends. His passion for trap shooting and sporting 
clays involved running numerous shoots at the Oakley Trap Club and 
starting a sporting clay course (Horseshoe Bend) North of Hoxie. He and 
his family spent many years enjoying their family’s cabin at Webster 
State Park. If you hadn’t seen Gary in a day or two and it was 
summertime, there’s a pretty good chance you could find him on the lake 
at Webster fishing, or playing pitch with his buddies in Stockton. 
Gary and Toni loved traveling throughout the country in their RV for 
much of their lives. Gulf Waters RV Resort became their winter home for 
the last 12 years. They were blessed there to meet so many people from 
all over the entire country that became very special lifelong friends. 
There was nothing more important to Gary than friends. And he seemed to 
always make new ones wherever he went. 
Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Toni, son Chris and his fiancé
 Malinda Dean, sister Kathy Thomas, brother-in-law Larry Bley, nephew 
and niece Matt and Misty Mildenberger, nephew Greg Thomas, niece Cody 
Dale, and the two brightest lights of his life, MaKenzie and Mariah 
Mildenberger, affectionately known to Gary as Charlie and Maynard! 
He was proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Doris Johnson, his 
in-laws Jim and Estelene Mitten and his sister-in-law, Tami (Mitten) 
Bley and many close friends who were dear to his heart. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 20, 
2021, at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, Oakley. In lieu of flowers, 
memorials can be made to the “Friends of Webster,” which will benefit 
Webster State Park so it can continue to be enjoyed by all in the way he
 and his family have loved it, or the charity of your choice and sent in
 care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For 
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Gary L. Johnson

Dorothy Ann (Stover) Sprenkel was born February 24, 1938, in 
WaKeeney, Kansas and departed our earth October 15, 2021, at the Graham 
County Hospital in Hill City. A loving older sister to her younger 
siblings, she admittedly appeared indifferent to their existence at 
times. 
 She attended elementary and junior/senior high school in Hill City 
and started her freshman year at Fort Hays State University in the Fall 
of 1957. But the pull of love was too strong to keep her in school and 
after finishing her freshman year, she came back to Hill City to marry 
the man of her dreams, Dwayne Sprenkel. They were married in September 
of 1958. 
 For the first few years of marriage, Dorothy worked for the Hill 
City Times and as the 60’s came rolling in, so did her babies. Dorothy 
juggled her work at the Times office while being a homemaker, but 
eventually chose to be a full-time stay at home mom. In addition to 
being a homemaker and mother, Dorothy volunteered as the Choir Director 
for the First Presbyterian Church in Hill City, as well as fulfilling 
piano/organ playing duties at the church. She remained active with her 
children’s many activities and sporting events. One confession from 
daughter Annie was that mom stayed up all night baking the best cookies 
for the Graham County Fair, for which Annie would receive her purple 
ribbons. The Sprenkel kids have many wonderful memories from their 
childhoods in which Dorothy made every event feel special and unique to 
them. Their home was always open and welcoming to their many childhood 
friends who came to treat Dwayne and Dorothy as a set of second parents.
 
 In the early to mid-80’s when most of the children were grown and 
out of the house, Dorothy began the process to fulfill a life-long dream
 and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education/History from Fort Hays
 State University. Her first teaching position was in Morland as the 
high school English teacher and her family could not have been prouder. 
She taught for many years in Morland, but took early retirement when her
 husband became ill. Sometime after the passing away of Dwayne in 2001, 
Dorothy began looking for teaching positions again. As she was fond of 
saying, “Aside from sex, teaching was the best activity she’d ever 
done.” She was hired as a high school English teacher with the 
Palco/Damar School District and stayed in that position for many years, 
even teaching in the same classroom her father Gayle Stover taught. In 
addition to teaching English in both school districts, Dorothy coached 
Forensics and directed school plays. 
 In addition to her husband Dwayne, Dorothy is preceded in death by 
her parents, Gayle and Anna Lou Stover; her sister Sara Lou Williams, 
and her son-in-law Bill Grevas. Dorothy leaves behind many loved ones 
and friends, but her biggest admirers are her children: Michael D. 
Sprenkel (Patti), Bentonville, Arkansas; David G. Sprenkel (Melanie), 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Annie E. Grevas, Salina, and Mary S. Hammond 
(Ed), Hays; her brother J.F. Stover, Hill City; 11 grandchildren and 
three great-grandchildren. Dorothy’s body was cremated and a private 
family burial will occur. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday,
 November 26, 2021, at 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Hill 
City. Overflow will be available at the Guild Hall next door and the 
service will be live streamed.

Memorials suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Hill City, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634585414419.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dorothy Ann (Stover) Sprenkel was born February 24, 1938, in 
WaKeeney, Kansas and departed our earth October 15, 2021, at the Graham 
County Hospital in Hill City. A loving older sister to her younger 
siblings, she admittedly appeared indifferent to their existence at 
times. 
 She attended elementary and junior/senior high school in Hill City 
and started her freshman year at Fort Hays State University in the Fall 
of 1957. But the pull of love was too strong to keep her in school and 
after finishing her freshman year, she came back to Hill City to marry 
the man of her dreams, Dwayne Sprenkel. They were married in September 
of 1958. 
 For the first few years of marriage, Dorothy worked for the Hill 
City Times and as the 60’s came rolling in, so did her babies. Dorothy 
juggled her work at the Times office while being a homemaker, but 
eventually chose to be a full-time stay at home mom. In addition to 
being a homemaker and mother, Dorothy volunteered as the Choir Director 
for the First Presbyterian Church in Hill City, as well as fulfilling 
piano/organ playing duties at the church. She remained active with her 
children’s many activities and sporting events. One confession from 
daughter Annie was that mom stayed up all night baking the best cookies 
for the Graham County Fair, for which Annie would receive her purple 
ribbons. The Sprenkel kids have many wonderful memories from their 
childhoods in which Dorothy made every event feel special and unique to 
them. Their home was always open and welcoming to their many childhood 
friends who came to treat Dwayne and Dorothy as a set of second parents.
 
 In the early to mid-80’s when most of the children were grown and 
out of the house, Dorothy began the process to fulfill a life-long dream
 and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education/History from Fort Hays
 State University. Her first teaching position was in Morland as the 
high school English teacher and her family could not have been prouder. 
She taught for many years in Morland, but took early retirement when her
 husband became ill. Sometime after the passing away of Dwayne in 2001, 
Dorothy began looking for teaching positions again. As she was fond of 
saying, “Aside from sex, teaching was the best activity she’d ever 
done.” She was hired as a high school English teacher with the 
Palco/Damar School District and stayed in that position for many years, 
even teaching in the same classroom her father Gayle Stover taught. In 
addition to teaching English in both school districts, Dorothy coached 
Forensics and directed school plays. 
 In addition to her husband Dwayne, Dorothy is preceded in death by 
her parents, Gayle and Anna Lou Stover; her sister Sara Lou Williams, 
and her son-in-law Bill Grevas. Dorothy leaves behind many loved ones 
and friends, but her biggest admirers are her children: Michael D. 
Sprenkel (Patti), Bentonville, Arkansas; David G. Sprenkel (Melanie), 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Annie E. Grevas, Salina, and Mary S. Hammond 
(Ed), Hays; her brother J.F. Stover, Hill City; 11 grandchildren and 
three great-grandchildren. Dorothy’s body was cremated and a private 
family burial will occur. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday,
 November 26, 2021, at 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Hill 
City. Overflow will be available at the Guild Hall next door and the 
service will be live streamed.Memorials suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Hill City, KS.

Dorothy Ann (Stover) Sprenkel

Kristi Cranwell, 50 of Hays, formerly of Chapman, passed away October 12, 2021, at Hays Medical Center. She was born in Junction City April 29, 1971, the daughter of Gary and Marge (Hall) Gfeller. 

She grew up in the Chapman area, graduating from Chapman High School in 1989. She went on to receive a Bachler’s degree in Ag Business at Kansas State University and her Masters of Science at the University of Nebraska. She worked in sales for Woofter Construction and Irrigation Company in Colby. She was also an adjunct professor of agriculture at Fort Hays State University. On March 5, 1996, she was united in marriage to Clyde Cranwell in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

She was many things to many people, but Kristi was best at being a mom. She served everyone in such a personal way and there isn’t a person who met Kristi that doesn’t have a fond memory of her. She was a giver to all and brought energy into every room she entered. She loved nothing more than spending time outside in the sun when she wasn’t busy shuffling kids around. She loved reading, church, and her family. She was a motivator, mentor and supporter that leaves both a legacy and an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the many people she touched. 

Kristi is survived by her loving husband Clyde of the home and five daughters, Amanda, Emily, Megan, Haley, and Kaycee. She also leaves behind her parents, one brother, Steve (Christa) Gfeller of Chapman and two sisters, Sally (Dr. Kenny) Johnson of Assaria and Dr. Kim (Kelly) Kirkham of Hugoton as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Alida Upland Co-Op Church, 2243 3300 Ave, Junction City, KS, with Pastor Allen Hodges officiating. Burial will follow at the Alida Church. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-8 P.M. at the Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel in Chapman. 

The family suggests memorials be given to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation or to the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Memorials may be dropped off at the funeral home or mailed to Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel, PO Box 411, Chapman, Kansas 67431. Online condolences may be sent to www.londeenfuneralchapel.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634580768793.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kristi Cranwell, 50 of Hays, formerly of Chapman, passed away October 12, 2021, at Hays Medical Center. She was born in Junction City April 29, 1971, the daughter of Gary and Marge (Hall) Gfeller. She grew up in the Chapman area, graduating from Chapman High School in 1989. She went on to receive a Bachler’s degree in Ag Business at Kansas State University and her Masters of Science at the University of Nebraska. She worked in sales for Woofter Construction and Irrigation Company in Colby. She was also an adjunct professor of agriculture at Fort Hays State University. On March 5, 1996, she was united in marriage to Clyde Cranwell in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was many things to many people, but Kristi was best at being a mom. She served everyone in such a personal way and there isn’t a person who met Kristi that doesn’t have a fond memory of her. She was a giver to all and brought energy into every room she entered. She loved nothing more than spending time outside in the sun when she wasn’t busy shuffling kids around. She loved reading, church, and her family. She was a motivator, mentor and supporter that leaves both a legacy and an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the many people she touched. Kristi is survived by her loving husband Clyde of the home and five daughters, Amanda, Emily, Megan, Haley, and Kaycee. She also leaves behind her parents, one brother, Steve (Christa) Gfeller of Chapman and two sisters, Sally (Dr. Kenny) Johnson of Assaria and Dr. Kim (Kelly) Kirkham of Hugoton as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Alida Upland Co-Op Church, 2243 3300 Ave, Junction City, KS, with Pastor Allen Hodges officiating. Burial will follow at the Alida Church. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-8 P.M. at the Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel in Chapman. The family suggests memorials be given to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation or to the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Memorials may be dropped off at the funeral home or mailed to Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel, PO Box 411, Chapman, Kansas 67431. Online condolences may be sent to www.londeenfuneralchapel.com&nbsp;

Kristi Cranwell

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are setting the stage for a national COVID-19 vaccination campaign for younger children, inviting state officials to order doses before the shots are authorized.

Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is currently being given to people as young as 12 in the U.S. In the next three weeks, federal officials plan to discuss making smaller-dose versions available to the nation’s 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11.

To help states and cities prepare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out a seven-page document with guidance on how to set up expanded vaccination programs.

For example, it notes pharmacies in every state can give COVID-19 shots to children, but it clarifies that only doses prepared and packaged specifically for children are to be used for those under 12.

It doesn’t speak to some thornier questions, however, such as how much school-based clinics should be relied on or whether kids should be required to get then shots as a condition of school attendance.

Those questions will have to be worked out in each state and city.

The guidance comes as communities are gearing up for a new phase in the 10-month-old effort to vaccinate as many people as possible against a virus that has killed more than 720,000 in the U.S.

The disease has been most dangerous to older adults, who have higher rates of death and hospitalization than children. But some kids are at risk for severe illness, and more than 540 U.S. children have died from COVID-19, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Just as important, health officials believe that vaccinating children will reduce virus spread to vulnerable adults.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech are furthest along in researching use of their vaccine in younger children. They say a two-dose vaccine series — one-third as potent as the version giving to people over 12 years old — is safe and effective in 5- to 11-year-olds.

An independent expert panel that advises the Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to publicly debate the evidence at a meeting in late October. If the FDA authorizes the kid-size doses, a different expert panel advising the CDC would take up the matter in early November, and then offer a recommendation to the CDC.

It’s not yet clear how many people will get shots for their younger kids right away, said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

“We’re going to have potentially a very busy, and perhaps modestly chaotic time” initially, he said.

But there probably will not be the kind of heavy demand seen when shots first became available for adults, he added.

The new CDC guidance calls for shots to be given at the offices of pediatricians and family-practice doctors, and at pharmacies, rural health clinics and federally-qualified health centers.

The CDC discussed the option of vaccination clinics at schools, but stopped short of endorsing that as a primary way to get kids vaccinated. School clinics are logistically appealing, but many parents may not be comfortable with the idea, Plescia said.

The guidance also warns health care providers to only use doses that have been prepared especially for kids, and not try to fraction adult doses, Plescia noted.

CDC guidance said immunization program managers can start ordering doses Wednesday, though vials wouldn’t be delivered until the FDA and CDC sign off.

When the coronavirus vaccines were first authorized in December, the U.S. government prioritized having hospitals and pharmacies administer them. Some office-based physicians felt left out.

Dr. Jesse Hackell registered early with New York state to be able to administer the shots to teens. He said his office, located 25 miles north of New York City, didn’t receive doses for that until May.

But Hackell said the CDC has reassured pediatricians that once authorization happens for 5- to-11-year-olds, the process will go more smoothly and pediatricians’ offices will be able to get shipments quickly.

Dr. Richard Besser called on the government to do more to address racial and economic disparities that might emerge in the push to vaccinate younger kids.

For example, kids may not get shots if parents can’t get time off from work to bring them in.

“It’s really important that we recognize the barriers to vaccinations,” said Besser, chief executive of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are setting the stage for a national COVID-19 vaccination campaign for younger children, inviting state officials to order doses before the shots are authorized.Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is currently being given to people as young as 12 in the U.S. In the next three weeks, federal officials plan to discuss making smaller-dose versions available to the nation’s 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11.To help states and cities prepare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out a seven-page document with guidance on how to set up expanded vaccination programs.For example, it notes pharmacies in every state can give COVID-19 shots to children, but it clarifies that only doses prepared and packaged specifically for children are to be used for those under 12.It doesn’t speak to some thornier questions, however, such as how much school-based clinics should be relied on or whether kids should be required to get then shots as a condition of school attendance.Those questions will have to be worked out in each state and city.The guidance comes as communities are gearing up for a new phase in the 10-month-old effort to vaccinate as many people as possible against a virus that has killed more than 720,000 in the U.S.The disease has been most dangerous to older adults, who have higher rates of death and hospitalization than children. But some kids are at risk for severe illness, and more than 540 U.S. children have died from COVID-19, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.Just as important, health officials believe that vaccinating children will reduce virus spread to vulnerable adults.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech are furthest along in researching use of their vaccine in younger children. They say a two-dose vaccine series — one-third as potent as the version giving to people over 12 years old — is safe and effective in 5- to 11-year-olds.An independent expert panel that advises the Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to publicly debate the evidence at a meeting in late October. If the FDA authorizes the kid-size doses, a different expert panel advising the CDC would take up the matter in early November, and then offer a recommendation to the CDC.It’s not yet clear how many people will get shots for their younger kids right away, said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.“We’re going to have potentially a very busy, and perhaps modestly chaotic time” initially, he said.But there probably will not be the kind of heavy demand seen when shots first became available for adults, he added.The new CDC guidance calls for shots to be given at the offices of pediatricians and family-practice doctors, and at pharmacies, rural health clinics and federally-qualified health centers.The CDC discussed the option of vaccination clinics at schools, but stopped short of endorsing that as a primary way to get kids vaccinated. School clinics are logistically appealing, but many parents may not be comfortable with the idea, Plescia said.The guidance also warns health care providers to only use doses that have been prepared especially for kids, and not try to fraction adult doses, Plescia noted.CDC guidance said immunization program managers can start ordering doses Wednesday, though vials wouldn’t be delivered until the FDA and CDC sign off.When the coronavirus vaccines were first authorized in December, the U.S. government prioritized having hospitals and pharmacies administer them. Some office-based physicians felt left out.Dr. Jesse Hackell registered early with New York state to be able to administer the shots to teens. He said his office, located 25 miles north of New York City, didn’t receive doses for that until May.But Hackell said the CDC has reassured pediatricians that once authorization happens for 5- to-11-year-olds, the process will go more smoothly and pediatricians’ offices will be able to get shipments quickly.Dr. Richard Besser called on the government to do more to address racial and economic disparities that might emerge in the push to vaccinate younger kids.For example, kids may not get shots if parents can’t get time off from work to bring them in.“It’s really important that we recognize the barriers to vaccinations,” said Besser, chief executive of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC.___

States set to reserve COVID-19 shots for younger kids 

Joe Hartman, 42, of Salina, passed away Wednesday, 
October 13, 2021. He was born March 18, 1979, at the U.S. Naval Base 
Subic Bay in the Philippines. He spent most of his childhood in San 
Diego but has been a Salinan for most of his life.

Joe "MF" Hartman was a force of life. His unique personality and 
crazy antics were the cause of an immeasurable number of smiles and 
deep-rooted laughter. Anyone that knew Joe personally, has a ton of 
stories to tell, most of them almost unbelievable. While he was big and 
scary to those that just saw him, he was a big teddy bear to those of us
 that were lucky enough to know him. His voice, laughter, and everything
 that is Joe "MF" Hartman will always live on.

Visitation for friends and family will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. 
Wednesday, October 20, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina. Funeral 
services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634579622365.jpeg" alt="Joe Hartman" />
 <figcaption>Joe Hartman</figcaption>
 </figure>Joe Hartman, 42, of Salina, passed away Wednesday, 
October 13, 2021. He was born March 18, 1979, at the U.S. Naval Base 
Subic Bay in the Philippines. He spent most of his childhood in San 
Diego but has been a Salinan for most of his life.Joe "MF" Hartman was a force of life. His unique personality and 
crazy antics were the cause of an immeasurable number of smiles and 
deep-rooted laughter. Anyone that knew Joe personally, has a ton of 
stories to tell, most of them almost unbelievable. While he was big and 
scary to those that just saw him, he was a big teddy bear to those of us
 that were lucky enough to know him. His voice, laughter, and everything
 that is Joe "MF" Hartman will always live on.Visitation for friends and family will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. 
Wednesday, October 20, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina. Funeral 
services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary.

Joe Hartman

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
beginning October 18, the IRS's large business division will accept all 
taxpayer requests to meet with IRS employees using secure 
videoconferencing. This step extends the practice used during the 
pandemic to accommodate taxpayers who sought more than meeting with an 
IRS employee over telephone calls.

"Since 2020, we advanced several measures to better interact 
virtually and digitally with large business taxpayers," said Nikole 
Flax, IRS commissioner of the Large Business and International Division 
(LB&amp;I). "Our success in using these tools and the convenience and 
efficiency for taxpayers and their representatives convinced us that the
 way forward will continue to involve the use of 
video-teleconferencing."

The new guidance, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/foia/ig/lmsb/lbi-04-0821-0011.pdf">Video Meetings with LB&amp;I Taxpayers and their Representatives</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 requires LB&amp;I employees to grant large business taxpayer requests 
for a secure video meeting with IRS-approved platforms in lieu of an 
in-person or telephone discussion with a compliance function.

Today's announcement represents a step forward in the IRS's effort to
 work with taxpayers in a virtual environment, including the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/foia/ig/spder/nhq-01-0421-0001.pdf">expanded use of secure email</a>&nbsp;PDF
 and the launch of a virtual reading room environment to enable large 
LB&amp;I taxpayers and IRS agents to share certain privileged taxpayer 
documents in a read-only capacity. In addition, LB&amp;I also launched 
and expanded its use of paperless processes so that cases can continue 
to move swiftly through examination and resolution.

These efforts are aimed at continuing to improve service to meet the 
needs of large business taxpayers and their representatives and are a 
part of the IRS's ongoing commitment to find more convenient and 
effective ways to interact with taxpayers and the community of tax 
professionals.

LB&amp;I is responsible for tax administration activities for 
domestic and foreign businesses with a United States tax reporting 
requirement and assets equal to or exceeding $10 million, as well as the
 Global High Wealth and International Individual Compliance programs.

IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
beginning October 18, the IRS's large business division will accept all 
taxpayer requests to meet with IRS employees using secure 
videoconferencing. This step extends the practice used during the 
pandemic to accommodate taxpayers who sought more than meeting with an 
IRS employee over telephone calls."Since 2020, we advanced several measures to better interact 
virtually and digitally with large business taxpayers," said Nikole 
Flax, IRS commissioner of the Large Business and International Division 
(LB&amp;I). "Our success in using these tools and the convenience and 
efficiency for taxpayers and their representatives convinced us that the
 way forward will continue to involve the use of 
video-teleconferencing."The new guidance, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/foia/ig/lmsb/lbi-04-0821-0011.pdf">Video Meetings with LB&amp;I Taxpayers and their Representatives</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 requires LB&amp;I employees to grant large business taxpayer requests 
for a secure video meeting with IRS-approved platforms in lieu of an 
in-person or telephone discussion with a compliance function.Today's announcement represents a step forward in the IRS's effort to
 work with taxpayers in a virtual environment, including the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/foia/ig/spder/nhq-01-0421-0001.pdf">expanded use of secure email</a>&nbsp;PDF
 and the launch of a virtual reading room environment to enable large 
LB&amp;I taxpayers and IRS agents to share certain privileged taxpayer 
documents in a read-only capacity. In addition, LB&amp;I also launched 
and expanded its use of paperless processes so that cases can continue 
to move swiftly through examination and resolution.These efforts are aimed at continuing to improve service to meet the 
needs of large business taxpayers and their representatives and are a 
part of the IRS's ongoing commitment to find more convenient and 
effective ways to interact with taxpayers and the community of tax 
professionals.LB&amp;I is responsible for tax administration activities for 
domestic and foreign businesses with a United States tax reporting 
requirement and assets equal to or exceeding $10 million, as well as the
 Global High Wealth and International Individual Compliance programs.

IRS extends videoconferencing to large business taxpayers

Jeannie Marie (Laevenstein) Hamrick of Plainville, Kansas passed away 
unexpectedly on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at her mother’s home in Hoxie,
 Kansas. She was born into the family of Donald and Janet (Diederich) 
Laevenstein on February 12, 1974. She was joined by a baby sister 
Shelly, nine months later. Don and Janet loved and welcomed their 
daughters into their hearts. They made their home in Hoxie, Kansas. 
Jeannie attended Hoxie Grade School and Hoxie High School graduating 
with the class of 1992. After graduation, Jeannie attended Cloud County
 Community College. Jeannie earned an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality
 and Hotel Management. During her course of study, she went to several 
large cities including New York City, which was a highlight in her life. 
 Jeannie was baptized at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Hoxie 
where she was confirmed and took her first communion.
 Jeannie worked at the Sheridan County Health Complex in the kitchen 
and housekeeping departments. Most of her life she spent as a 
homemaker. She loved her house plants and flowers. She had a green 
thumb and could grow most anything. Jeannie had many health conditions,
 but she was so caring, she worried more about other people and how they
 were doing. Jeannie’s family, including her puppy, Clyde was so 
important to her. 
 Jeannie is survived by her sister, Shelly Kuhn and husband Keith of 
Hoxie, Kansas; niece, Ashley Kuhn of Hoxie, Kansas ; nephew, Andrew Kuhn
 of Hoxie, Kansas; puppy, Clyde; and many relatives and friends.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Janet Laevenstein;
 grandparents, Gabe and Elizabeth Laevenstein, Julius and Mae Diederich.
 A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 2:00 
P.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Visitation will be held 
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until 1:45 P.M. at the 
funeral home with Family receiving friends from 1:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M. 
with a Rosary to be held at 1:45 prior to the service. Interment will be
 in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery following the service. 
The family suggests memorials to the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic 
Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home,
 PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of Comfort and caring may be 
left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
 Jeannie’s life was not always easy. Now, she has made the journey 
home and is resting in the arms of her Lord and savior. She has no more
 pain, sadness or sorrow and will never hurt again. She has earned her 
wings, and God is taking care of her now. She is remembered with love.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634575179301.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jeannie Marie (Laevenstein) Hamrick of Plainville, Kansas passed away 
unexpectedly on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at her mother’s home in Hoxie,
 Kansas. She was born into the family of Donald and Janet (Diederich) 
Laevenstein on February 12, 1974. She was joined by a baby sister 
Shelly, nine months later. Don and Janet loved and welcomed their 
daughters into their hearts. They made their home in Hoxie, Kansas. 
Jeannie attended Hoxie Grade School and Hoxie High School graduating 
with the class of 1992. After graduation, Jeannie attended Cloud County
 Community College. Jeannie earned an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality
 and Hotel Management. During her course of study, she went to several 
large cities including New York City, which was a highlight in her life. 
 Jeannie was baptized at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Hoxie 
where she was confirmed and took her first communion.
 Jeannie worked at the Sheridan County Health Complex in the kitchen 
and housekeeping departments. Most of her life she spent as a 
homemaker. She loved her house plants and flowers. She had a green 
thumb and could grow most anything. Jeannie had many health conditions,
 but she was so caring, she worried more about other people and how they
 were doing. Jeannie’s family, including her puppy, Clyde was so 
important to her. 
 Jeannie is survived by her sister, Shelly Kuhn and husband Keith of 
Hoxie, Kansas; niece, Ashley Kuhn of Hoxie, Kansas ; nephew, Andrew Kuhn
 of Hoxie, Kansas; puppy, Clyde; and many relatives and friends.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Janet Laevenstein;
 grandparents, Gabe and Elizabeth Laevenstein, Julius and Mae Diederich.
 A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 2:00 
P.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Visitation will be held 
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until 1:45 P.M. at the 
funeral home with Family receiving friends from 1:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M. 
with a Rosary to be held at 1:45 prior to the service. Interment will be
 in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery following the service. 
The family suggests memorials to the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic 
Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home,
 PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of Comfort and caring may be 
left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
 Jeannie’s life was not always easy. Now, she has made the journey 
home and is resting in the arms of her Lord and savior. She has no more
 pain, sadness or sorrow and will never hurt again. She has earned her 
wings, and God is taking care of her now. She is remembered with love.

Jeannie Marie (Laevenstein) Hamrick

William Lee Smith, age 67, passed away on Sunday October 17, 2021, at his home in Norton, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634585585632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William Lee Smith, age 67, passed away on Sunday October 17, 2021, at his home in Norton, KS.Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

William Lee Smith

WASHIINGTON (AP) — Colin Powell, who served Democratic and Republican presidents in war and peace but whose sterling reputation was forever stained when he went before the U.N. and made faulty claims to justify the U.S. war in Iraq, has died of COVID-19 complications. He was 84.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Powell rose to the rank of four-star general and in 1989 became the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that role he oversaw the U.S. invasion of Panama and later the U.S. invasion of Kuwait to oust the Iraqi army in 1991.

But his legacy was marred when, in 2003, he went before the U.N. Security Council as secretary of state and made the case for U.S. war against Iraq at a moment of great international skepticism. He cited faulty information claiming Saddam Hussein had secretly stashed away weapons of mass destruction. Iraq’s claims that it had no such weapons represented “a web of lies,” he told the world body.

In announcing his death on social media, Powell’s family said he had been fully vaccinated.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father and grandfather and a great American,” the family said. Powell had been treated at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Powell was the first American official to publicly lay the blame for the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network and made a lightning trip to Pakistan in October, 2001 to demand that then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf cooperate with the United States in going after the Afghanistan-based group, which also had a presence in Pakistan, where bin Laden was later killed.

As President George W. Bush’s first secretary of state, Powell led a State Department that was dubious of the military and intelligence communities’ conviction that Saddam Hussein possessed or was developing weapons of mass destruction. And yet, despite his reservations, he presented the administration’s case that Saddam indeed posed a major regional and global threat in a speech to the UN Security Council in the run-up to the war.

That speech, replete with his display of a vial of what he said could have been a biological weapon, was later derided as a low-point in Powell’s career, although he had removed some elements that he deemed to have been based on poor intelligence assessments.

Bush said Monday that he and former first lady Laura Bush were “deeply saddened” by Powell’s death.

“He was a great public servant” and “widely respected at home and abroad,” Bush said. “And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”

Powell rose to national prominence under Republican presidents and considered a presidential bid of his own, but ultimately moved away from the party. He endorsed Democrats in the last four presidential elections, starting with former President Barack Obama. He emerged as a vocal Donald Trump critic in recent years, describing Trump as “a national disgrace” who should have been removed from office through impeachment. Following the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, Powell said he no longer considers himself a Republican.

Powell rose from a childhood in a fraying New York neighborhood to become the nation’s chief diplomat. “Mine is the story of a black kid of no early promise from an immigrant family of limited means who was raised in the South Bronx,” he wrote in his 1995 autobiography “My American Journey.”

At City College, Powell discovered the ROTC. When he put on his first uniform, “I liked what I saw,” he wrote.

He joined the Army and in 1962 he was one of more than 16,000 military advisers sent to South Vietnam by President John F. Kennedy. A series of promotions led to the Pentagon and assignment as a military assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, who became his unofficial sponsor. He later became commander of the Army’s 5th Corps in Germany and later was national security assistant to President Ronald Reagan.

During his term as Joint Chiefs chairman, his approach to war became known as the Powell Doctrine, which held that the United States should only commit forces in a conflict if it has clear and achievable objectives with public support, sufficient firepower and a strategy for ending the war.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a retired Army general, said the news of Powell’s death left “a hole in my heart.”

“The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed,” Austin said while traveling in Europe. “Alma lost a great husband and the family lost a tremendous father and I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me and I can always go to him with tough issues, he always had great counsel.”

Powell’s appearances at the United Nations as secretary of state, including his Iraq speech, were often accompanied by fond reminiscing of his childhood in the city, where he grew up the child of Jamaican immigrants who got one of his first jobs at the Pepsi-Cola bottling plant directly across the East River from the UN headquarters.

A fan of calypso music, Powell was the subject of criticism from, among others, singing legend Harry Belafonte, who likened Powell to a “house slave” for going along with the decision to invade Iraq. Powell declined to get into a public spat with Belafonte, but made it known that he was not a fan and much preferred the Trinidadian calypso star the “Mighty Sparrow.”

Powell maintained, in a 2012 interview with The Associated Press, that on balance, U.S. succeeded in Iraq.

“I think we had a lot of successes,” Powell said. “Iraq’s terrible dictator is gone.” Saddam was captured by U.S. forces while hiding out in northern Iraq in December 2003 and later executed by the Iraqi government. But the insurgency grew, and the war dragged on far longer than had been foreseen. Obama pulled U.S. troops out of Iraq in 2011, but he sent advisers back in 2014 after the Islamic State group swept into the country from Syria and captured large swaths of Iraqi territory.

WASHIINGTON (AP) — Colin Powell, former Joint Chiefs chairman and secretary of state, has died from COVID-19 complications, his family said Monday. In an announcement on social media, the family said Powell had been fully vaccinated. 

Powell was the first African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. But his reputation also suffered a painful setback when, in 2003, Powell went before the U.N. Security Council and made the case for U.S. war against Iraq. 

He cited faulty information claiming Saddam Hussein had secretly stashed away weapons of mass destruction. Iraq’s claims that it had not represented “a web of lies,” he told the world body.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634560584731.png" alt=" Former Secretary of State Colin Powell interviewed at a Virtual Leadership Conference in February of 2021-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption> Former Secretary of State Colin Powell interviewed at a Virtual Leadership Conference in February of 2021-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHIINGTON (AP) — Colin Powell, who served Democratic and Republican presidents in war and peace but whose sterling reputation was forever stained when he went before the U.N. and made faulty claims to justify the U.S. war in Iraq, has died of COVID-19 complications. He was 84.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell: <a href="https://t.co/7uwRtsk0K9">pic.twitter.com/7uwRtsk0K9</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1450115133267644416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A veteran of the Vietnam War, Powell rose to the rank of four-star general and in 1989 became the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that role he oversaw the U.S. invasion of Panama and later the U.S. invasion of Kuwait to oust the Iraqi army in 1991.But his legacy was marred when, in 2003, he went before the U.N. Security Council as secretary of state and made the case for U.S. war against Iraq at a moment of great international skepticism. He cited faulty information claiming Saddam Hussein had secretly stashed away weapons of mass destruction. Iraq’s claims that it had no such weapons represented “a web of lies,” he told the world body.In announcing his death on social media, Powell’s family said he had been fully vaccinated.“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father and grandfather and a great American,” the family said. Powell had been treated at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.Powell was the first American official to publicly lay the blame for the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network and made a lightning trip to Pakistan in October, 2001 to demand that then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf cooperate with the United States in going after the Afghanistan-based group, which also had a presence in Pakistan, where bin Laden was later killed.As President George W. Bush’s first secretary of state, Powell led a State Department that was dubious of the military and intelligence communities’ conviction that Saddam Hussein possessed or was developing weapons of mass destruction. And yet, despite his reservations, he presented the administration’s case that Saddam indeed posed a major regional and global threat in a speech to the UN Security Council in the run-up to the war.That speech, replete with his display of a vial of what he said could have been a biological weapon, was later derided as a low-point in Powell’s career, although he had removed some elements that he deemed to have been based on poor intelligence assessments.Bush said Monday that he and former first lady Laura Bush were “deeply saddened” by Powell’s death.“He was a great public servant” and “widely respected at home and abroad,” Bush said. “And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”Powell rose to national prominence under Republican presidents and considered a presidential bid of his own, but ultimately moved away from the party. He endorsed Democrats in the last four presidential elections, starting with former President Barack Obama. He emerged as a vocal Donald Trump critic in recent years, describing Trump as “a national disgrace” who should have been removed from office through impeachment. Following the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, Powell said he no longer considers himself a Republican.Powell rose from a childhood in a fraying New York neighborhood to become the nation’s chief diplomat. “Mine is the story of a black kid of no early promise from an immigrant family of limited means who was raised in the South Bronx,” he wrote in his 1995 autobiography “My American Journey.”At City College, Powell discovered the ROTC. When he put on his first uniform, “I liked what I saw,” he wrote.He joined the Army and in 1962 he was one of more than 16,000 military advisers sent to South Vietnam by President John F. Kennedy. A series of promotions led to the Pentagon and assignment as a military assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, who became his unofficial sponsor. He later became commander of the Army’s 5th Corps in Germany and later was national security assistant to President Ronald Reagan.During his term as Joint Chiefs chairman, his approach to war became known as the Powell Doctrine, which held that the United States should only commit forces in a conflict if it has clear and achievable objectives with public support, sufficient firepower and a strategy for ending the war.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a retired Army general, said the news of Powell’s death left “a hole in my heart.”“The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed,” Austin said while traveling in Europe. “Alma lost a great husband and the family lost a tremendous father and I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me and I can always go to him with tough issues, he always had great counsel.”Powell’s appearances at the United Nations as secretary of state, including his Iraq speech, were often accompanied by fond reminiscing of his childhood in the city, where he grew up the child of Jamaican immigrants who got one of his first jobs at the Pepsi-Cola bottling plant directly across the East River from the UN headquarters.A fan of calypso music, Powell was the subject of criticism from, among others, singing legend Harry Belafonte, who likened Powell to a “house slave” for going along with the decision to invade Iraq. Powell declined to get into a public spat with Belafonte, but made it known that he was not a fan and much preferred the Trinidadian calypso star the “Mighty Sparrow.”Powell maintained, in a 2012 interview with The Associated Press, that on balance, U.S. succeeded in Iraq.“I think we had a lot of successes,” Powell said. “Iraq’s terrible dictator is gone.” Saddam was captured by U.S. forces while hiding out in northern Iraq in December 2003 and later executed by the Iraqi government. But the insurgency grew, and the war dragged on far longer than had been foreseen. Obama pulled U.S. troops out of Iraq in 2011, but he sent advisers back in 2014 after the Islamic State group swept into the country from Syria and captured large swaths of Iraqi territory.------WASHIINGTON (AP) — Colin Powell, former Joint Chiefs chairman and secretary of state, has died from COVID-19 complications, his family said Monday. In an announcement on social media, the family said Powell had been fully vaccinated. Powell was the first African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. But his reputation also suffered a painful setback when, in 2003, Powell went before the U.N. Security Council and made the case for U.S. war against Iraq. He cited faulty information claiming Saddam Hussein had secretly stashed away weapons of mass destruction. Iraq’s claims that it had not represented “a web of lies,” he told the world body.

Kan. Gov. on the passing of former U.S. Sec. of State Colin Powell

Gladys Louise Baird, 87, of Bunker Hill, Kansas, died on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at her home in Bunker Hill.

Gladys Louise (Lange) Baird was born August 12, 1934, at the family home North of Bunker Hill, Kansas. Her parents were Frank and Alma (Frick) Lange. Her elementary school years were at the Success and Cedar Creek country schools. Her High School years were at the Bunker Hill High School where she graduated in 1952. After graduation she attended Brown Mackie Business School in Salina, KS. She completed her schooling there and then went to work for Bradly Construction Company in Salina and worked there for 20 years. On May 25, 1974 she married Bill Baird and they moved to Mindon, Nebraska. In 1979 Bill became ill and they moved to Anthony, KS to be closer to his family. Bill passed away February 5, 1980. After his death, Gladys moved back to Bunker Hill. She worked for Abco Wire for several years and then worked as a waitress at the Bear House Cafe until she retired. During her years in Salina she enjoyed Bowling and won many trophies. She also had a great interest in flying and took lessons. She ultimately got her pilots license. In later years she followed in her Mother’s footsteps and took great interest in the family genealogy and enjoyed the many years of family reunions. Gladys was a proud member of the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, The Bunker Hill Historical Society, and The Eastern Star. Her entire adult life she had many pets that gave her great love and companionship!&nbsp;

She is survived by her brother Roy Lange, sister Verna Hutchings (Dale Baysinger), sister in law Patty Lange, niece Traci (Klaus) Viljanmaa, nephew Tim (Laurie) Hutchings, nephew Troy (Dayna) Hutchings, many great nieces and nephews, and many beloved pets.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, brother John Lange, and infant sister Joyce Lange, and brother in law Gerald Hutchings.&nbsp;

A memorial service to celebrate Gladys’ life will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Bunker Hill Community Center in Bunker Hill, Kansas.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the family and her ashes will be inurned in the Bunker Hill Cemetery.&nbsp; Family will greet guests the day of the service on Wednesday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the Bunker Hill Community Center.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the Bunker Hill Historical Society and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634567769346.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gladys Louise Baird, 87, of Bunker Hill, Kansas, died on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at her home in Bunker Hill.Gladys Louise (Lange) Baird was born August 12, 1934, at the family home North of Bunker Hill, Kansas. Her parents were Frank and Alma (Frick) Lange. Her elementary school years were at the Success and Cedar Creek country schools. Her High School years were at the Bunker Hill High School where she graduated in 1952. After graduation she attended Brown Mackie Business School in Salina, KS. She completed her schooling there and then went to work for Bradly Construction Company in Salina and worked there for 20 years. On May 25, 1974 she married Bill Baird and they moved to Mindon, Nebraska. In 1979 Bill became ill and they moved to Anthony, KS to be closer to his family. Bill passed away February 5, 1980. After his death, Gladys moved back to Bunker Hill. She worked for Abco Wire for several years and then worked as a waitress at the Bear House Cafe until she retired. During her years in Salina she enjoyed Bowling and won many trophies. She also had a great interest in flying and took lessons. She ultimately got her pilots license. In later years she followed in her Mother’s footsteps and took great interest in the family genealogy and enjoyed the many years of family reunions. Gladys was a proud member of the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, The Bunker Hill Historical Society, and The Eastern Star. Her entire adult life she had many pets that gave her great love and companionship!&nbsp;She is survived by her brother Roy Lange, sister Verna Hutchings (Dale Baysinger), sister in law Patty Lange, niece Traci (Klaus) Viljanmaa, nephew Tim (Laurie) Hutchings, nephew Troy (Dayna) Hutchings, many great nieces and nephews, and many beloved pets.Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, brother John Lange, and infant sister Joyce Lange, and brother in law Gerald Hutchings.&nbsp;A memorial service to celebrate Gladys’ life will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Bunker Hill Community Center in Bunker Hill, Kansas.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the family and her ashes will be inurned in the Bunker Hill Cemetery.&nbsp; Family will greet guests the day of the service on Wednesday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the Bunker Hill Community Center.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the Bunker Hill Historical Society and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Gladys Louise Baird

Steve A. Schmidt, age 68, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 
at his home in Greeley County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 21, 1952,
 in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Dwayne C. and Edith Mathews Schmidt.&nbsp; A 
lifetime resident of Tribune, Kansas, he was a Farmer, Rancher, Crop 
Adjuster, and the past Sheriff of Tribune, Kansas where he served for 
over 12 years.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas, and the Sheriff’s Association.

On January 1, 1980, he married Debbie M. Shoemaker in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.

Survivors include his Wife - Debbie M. Schmidt of Tribune, Kansas, 
Two Sons - Kelly &amp; Gwynneth Harris of Elbert, Colorado, Jarrod &amp;
 Janie Schmidt or Tribune, Kansas, One Daughter - Tina &amp; Brian 
Rodriguez of La Crosse, Kansas, One Sister - Cheryl Ann &amp; Randall 
Graham of Fort Worth, Texas, Nine Grandchildren - Andrew, Katherine, 
Alex, Kylee, Quintin, Taven, Baileigh, Grayson and Grady, Six Great 
Grandchildren - Travis, Treston, Asher, Krew, Crimsyn, and Emily.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634564825473.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steve A. Schmidt, age 68, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 
at his home in Greeley County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 21, 1952,
 in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Dwayne C. and Edith Mathews Schmidt.&nbsp; A 
lifetime resident of Tribune, Kansas, he was a Farmer, Rancher, Crop 
Adjuster, and the past Sheriff of Tribune, Kansas where he served for 
over 12 years.He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas, and the Sheriff’s Association.On January 1, 1980, he married Debbie M. Shoemaker in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.Survivors include his Wife - Debbie M. Schmidt of Tribune, Kansas, 
Two Sons - Kelly &amp; Gwynneth Harris of Elbert, Colorado, Jarrod &amp;
 Janie Schmidt or Tribune, Kansas, One Daughter - Tina &amp; Brian 
Rodriguez of La Crosse, Kansas, One Sister - Cheryl Ann &amp; Randall 
Graham of Fort Worth, Texas, Nine Grandchildren - Andrew, Katherine, 
Alex, Kylee, Quintin, Taven, Baileigh, Grayson and Grady, Six Great 
Grandchildren - Travis, Treston, Asher, Krew, Crimsyn, and Emily.He was preceded in death by his Parents, and a special Uncle - Donald Schmidt along with numerous other Aunts &amp; Uncles.Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, 
at the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas, with Pastor Dustin 
Fritzmeier presiding.Inurnment will be in the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas.Memorials in Lieu Of Flowers can be written to the Steve Schmidt 
Memorial Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 161, 
Leoti, Kansas, 67861.There will be no calling times.