Garth Guy Frydendall, 86, passed away November 23, 2020, at Country 
Place Memory Care, Hoisington.&nbsp; He was born November 23, 1934, at 
Bellaire, Smith County, Kansas, to Harold Guy and Ida Lenore (Baldwin) 
Frydendall.&nbsp; Garth married JoAnn Jewell October 10, 1955, in Osborne.

Garth, a Great Bend resident since 1964 coming from Smith Center, 
hauled grain and feed for Great Bend Feeding for 40 years, retiring in 
2004. &nbsp;Following retirement, he drove semi for various area farmers 
during harvest. In Garth's spare time, when he was not driving his 
truck, Garth did repairs on his truck.&nbsp; He got to enjoy flying on 
occasion.&nbsp; Garth also enjoyed mowing and keeping his yard looking sharp.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn of the home; two daughters, Debbie 
Evers and husband Daryl of Olathe and Brenda Axman and husband Paul of 
Hoisington; four grandchildren, Derek Evers and wife Heather, Deren 
Evers, Dawna Konkel and husband Devin, Douglas Axman and wife Jenn; and 
two great grandchildren, Harrison Evers and Adalynn Axman.&nbsp; He was 
preceded in passing by his parents and two brothers.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at
 Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend, with Pastor Troy Miller 
presiding.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to 
the Garth Frydendall Memorial Fund or Kindred Hospice, in care of Bryant
 Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606227342503.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Garth Guy Frydendall, 86, passed away November 23, 2020, at Country 
Place Memory Care, Hoisington.&nbsp; He was born November 23, 1934, at 
Bellaire, Smith County, Kansas, to Harold Guy and Ida Lenore (Baldwin) 
Frydendall.&nbsp; Garth married JoAnn Jewell October 10, 1955, in Osborne.Garth, a Great Bend resident since 1964 coming from Smith Center, 
hauled grain and feed for Great Bend Feeding for 40 years, retiring in 
2004. &nbsp;Following retirement, he drove semi for various area farmers 
during harvest. In Garth's spare time, when he was not driving his 
truck, Garth did repairs on his truck.&nbsp; He got to enjoy flying on 
occasion.&nbsp; Garth also enjoyed mowing and keeping his yard looking sharp.Survivors include his wife, JoAnn of the home; two daughters, Debbie 
Evers and husband Daryl of Olathe and Brenda Axman and husband Paul of 
Hoisington; four grandchildren, Derek Evers and wife Heather, Deren 
Evers, Dawna Konkel and husband Devin, Douglas Axman and wife Jenn; and 
two great grandchildren, Harrison Evers and Adalynn Axman.&nbsp; He was 
preceded in passing by his parents and two brothers.Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at
 Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend, with Pastor Troy Miller 
presiding.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to 
the Garth Frydendall Memorial Fund or Kindred Hospice, in care of Bryant
 Funeral Home.

Garth Guy Frydendall

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Surging pandemic numbers are straining hospitals across Kansas just days before Thanksgiving gatherings that public health officials fear could worsen the outbreak.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported on Monday 95 new hospitalizations, bringing the total of hospitalizations to 4,777 since the start of the pandemic. The state’s COVID-19 dashboard showed 240 coronavirus patients were in ICU units, with 36% of ICU capacity remaining in Kansas.

State health officials added 7,526 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Friday, bringing the total to 142,059. The data showed that Kansas averaged 2,760 new confirmed and probable coronavirus a day for the seven days ending Monday. That is just slightly below the record average of 2,766 cases.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths also rose by 46 to 1,456.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly requested on Monday an extension of federal authority allowing the use of Kansas National Guard to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state. The letter requests extension of 100% of funding for up to 500 National Guard members through the end of March.

“With the President’s approval, this extension will enable Kansas to maintain community-based testing, continue distributing medical and testing supplies, and ensure Kansas businesses can stay open,” Kelly said in a news release.

Chuck Welch, vice president of the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said his hospital has averaged about 30 COVID-19 patients since October, compared to about four in the months before -- an increase of more than 600%. Nurses have had to take about 10 shifts in a row, with less time off, Welch said.

“And not just the nurses, the physicians, we have four pulmonologists that are working around the clock, our respiratory therapists, our lab people, our imaging people. Everybody is just stretched,” Welch said, “our housekeeping, they have to go in and clean those rooms thoroughly before we can put anybody else in them.”

The University of Kansas Hospital broke records on Monday for the total number of hospitalized coronavirus patients, those in the ICU and the number of virus patients on ventilators, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/site-services/newsletters/coronavirus-latest-nl/article247369879.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

The hospital had 139 COVID-19 patients, said Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System.

Of the 100 patients deemed active coronavirus cases, 46 are in the intensive care unit, and 26 of those in the ICU are on a ventilator, he said. In addition to those active cases, 39 other patients are in recovery at the hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603360957118.png" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly requested on Monday an extension of federal authority allowing the use of Kansas National Guard to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly requested on Monday an extension of federal authority allowing the use of Kansas National Guard to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Surging pandemic numbers are straining hospitals across Kansas just days before Thanksgiving gatherings that public health officials fear could worsen the outbreak.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported on Monday 95 new hospitalizations, bringing the total of hospitalizations to 4,777 since the start of the pandemic. The state’s COVID-19 dashboard showed 240 coronavirus patients were in ICU units, with 36% of ICU capacity remaining in Kansas.State health officials added 7,526 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Friday, bringing the total to 142,059. The data showed that Kansas averaged 2,760 new confirmed and probable coronavirus a day for the seven days ending Monday. That is just slightly below the record average of 2,766 cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606154907887.png" alt="Monday Nov. 23, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Nov. 23, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The number of COVID-19 related deaths also rose by 46 to 1,456.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly requested on Monday an extension of federal authority allowing the use of Kansas National Guard to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state. The letter requests extension of 100% of funding for up to 500 National Guard members through the end of March.“With the President’s approval, this extension will enable Kansas to maintain community-based testing, continue distributing medical and testing supplies, and ensure Kansas businesses can stay open,” Kelly said in a news release.Chuck Welch, vice president of the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said his hospital has averaged about 30 COVID-19 patients since October, compared to about four in the months before -- an increase of more than 600%. Nurses have had to take about 10 shifts in a row, with less time off, Welch said.“And not just the nurses, the physicians, we have four pulmonologists that are working around the clock, our respiratory therapists, our lab people, our imaging people. Everybody is just stretched,” Welch said, “our housekeeping, they have to go in and clean those rooms thoroughly before we can put anybody else in them.”The University of Kansas Hospital broke records on Monday for the total number of hospitalized coronavirus patients, those in the ICU and the number of virus patients on ventilators, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/site-services/newsletters/coronavirus-latest-nl/article247369879.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.The hospital had 139 COVID-19 patients, said Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System.Of the 100 patients deemed active coronavirus cases, 46 are in the intensive care unit, and 26 of those in the ICU are on a ventilator, he said. In addition to those active cases, 39 other patients are in recovery at the hospital.

Pandemic straining Kansas hospitals days before Thanksgiving

Ricky Lee Hardiek was born October 8, 1957, in Norton, KS to Virgil Joseph and Kathryn Irene (Reedy) Hardiek. He passed away November 20, 2020, at his home in Norton at the age of 63. 

Rick grew up in Lenora and was a 1975 Lenora High School graduate. He went on to attend Fort Hays State and Wichita State Universities. Rick married Lisa Chaney on October 9, 1993 in Las Vegas, NV. He has worked for the Norton Correction Facility for the last 29 years. Rick enjoyed golfing and watching Jayhawks Basketball and Dodgers Baseball. He loved his family and his dog Annie. 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Kay Berls and Rhonda Frack; infant siblings, David and Judith; brothers-in-law, Danny McMillin and Jerry Berls. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa of Norton; step-daughter, Colleen Rivera; brother, Roger (Bev) Hardiek of Norton; sisters, Pat (John) VanDiest of Lenora, Connie (Roger) Dreher of Hays and Cathy (Danny) McMillin of Hays and step-grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob Rivera and Kelby Santiago.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, Densmore, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rick Hardiek Memorial Fund in care of Enfield Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.enfieldfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606163731698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ricky Lee Hardiek was born October 8, 1957, in Norton, KS to Virgil Joseph and Kathryn Irene (Reedy) Hardiek. He passed away November 20, 2020, at his home in Norton at the age of 63. Rick grew up in Lenora and was a 1975 Lenora High School graduate. He went on to attend Fort Hays State and Wichita State Universities. Rick married Lisa Chaney on October 9, 1993 in Las Vegas, NV. He has worked for the Norton Correction Facility for the last 29 years. Rick enjoyed golfing and watching Jayhawks Basketball and Dodgers Baseball. He loved his family and his dog Annie. Rick was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Kay Berls and Rhonda Frack; infant siblings, David and Judith; brothers-in-law, Danny McMillin and Jerry Berls. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa of Norton; step-daughter, Colleen Rivera; brother, Roger (Bev) Hardiek of Norton; sisters, Pat (John) VanDiest of Lenora, Connie (Roger) Dreher of Hays and Cathy (Danny) McMillin of Hays and step-grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob Rivera and Kelby Santiago.Inurnment will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, Densmore, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rick Hardiek Memorial Fund in care of Enfield Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.enfieldfh.com

Ricky Lee Hardiek

Cyril Fisher, 88, Hays, died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

He was born May 17, 1932 in Hyacinth, 
the son of Zacheus and Monica (Rupp) Fisher.&nbsp; On May 3, 1955 he was 
united in marriage to Alice Geist at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays,
 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage before she preceded him in 
death on October 2, 2020.&nbsp; Cyril entered the United States Army in 1952 
during the Korean War, serving most of his time in Korea with the 3rd 
Infantry Division achieving the rank of Sergeant.&nbsp; Upon returning from 
the Army, he worked for Ford Plumbing and Heating and his brother Ralph 
Fisher at Fisher Floor Covering before moving to Phillipsburg, Kansas in
 December 1958.&nbsp;&nbsp; In Phillipsburg, Cyril and Alice owned and operated 
C&amp;A Floor Covering Store working side-by-side until their retirement
 in November 1995.&nbsp; They moved back to Hays in February 2003 to a 
retirement home.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. 
Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus of Schoenchen, Fourth Degree 
Knights of Columbus Bishop Cunningham Assembly, and Hays VFW Post 
#9076.&nbsp; He was a charter Grand Knight when the Phillipsburg Knights of 
Columbus Council started.&nbsp; Cyril enjoyed golf and achieved two holes in 
one, one at Phillipsburg and one at Fort Hays Golf Course.

Survivors include a brother: Victor 
Fisher and wife Lillian of Hays, a sister: Dolores Pfannenstiel and 
husband Virgil of Hays, three sisters-in-law: Josie Fisher and Diane 
Fisher, both of Hays, and Tina Rohleder and husband Val of Abilene, and 
many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his 
parents, his wife Alice, four brothers: Edwin, Ralph, Alvin, and Francis
 Fisher, three sisters: Agnes Waldschmidt and her husband Rudy, Rita Mae
 Giebler and her husband John, and Georgine Jacobs and husband Louis, 
and a sister-in-law: Anna Mary (Pfeifer) Fisher.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 
with Fr. Matthew Cowan and Fr. Alvin Werth officiating.&nbsp; Burial with 
military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in 
St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on 
Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday at Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; The Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus 
will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30, a vigil service will be 
at 6:30 pm, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of 
Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are 
suggested for masses, to St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to TMP-Marian 
High School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Cyril may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606163618194.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cyril Fisher, 88, Hays, died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.He was born May 17, 1932 in Hyacinth, 
the son of Zacheus and Monica (Rupp) Fisher.&nbsp; On May 3, 1955 he was 
united in marriage to Alice Geist at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays,
 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage before she preceded him in 
death on October 2, 2020.&nbsp; Cyril entered the United States Army in 1952 
during the Korean War, serving most of his time in Korea with the 3rd 
Infantry Division achieving the rank of Sergeant.&nbsp; Upon returning from 
the Army, he worked for Ford Plumbing and Heating and his brother Ralph 
Fisher at Fisher Floor Covering before moving to Phillipsburg, Kansas in
 December 1958.&nbsp;&nbsp; In Phillipsburg, Cyril and Alice owned and operated 
C&amp;A Floor Covering Store working side-by-side until their retirement
 in November 1995.&nbsp; They moved back to Hays in February 2003 to a 
retirement home.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. 
Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus of Schoenchen, Fourth Degree 
Knights of Columbus Bishop Cunningham Assembly, and Hays VFW Post 
#9076.&nbsp; He was a charter Grand Knight when the Phillipsburg Knights of 
Columbus Council started.&nbsp; Cyril enjoyed golf and achieved two holes in 
one, one at Phillipsburg and one at Fort Hays Golf Course.Survivors include a brother: Victor 
Fisher and wife Lillian of Hays, a sister: Dolores Pfannenstiel and 
husband Virgil of Hays, three sisters-in-law: Josie Fisher and Diane 
Fisher, both of Hays, and Tina Rohleder and husband Val of Abilene, and 
many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his 
parents, his wife Alice, four brothers: Edwin, Ralph, Alvin, and Francis
 Fisher, three sisters: Agnes Waldschmidt and her husband Rudy, Rita Mae
 Giebler and her husband John, and Georgine Jacobs and husband Louis, 
and a sister-in-law: Anna Mary (Pfeifer) Fisher.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 
with Fr. Matthew Cowan and Fr. Alvin Werth officiating.&nbsp; Burial with 
military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in 
St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on 
Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday at Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; The Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus 
will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30, a vigil service will be 
at 6:30 pm, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of 
Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are 
suggested for masses, to St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to TMP-Marian 
High School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Cyril may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

Cyril Fisher

Loran Charles Zimmerman, 64, formerly of Schoenchen now residing in LaCrosse, died Saturday, November 21, 2020, at HaysMed.

He was born September 7, 1956, in Wichita, the son of Lester C. and Lillian (Herrman) Zimmerman.&nbsp; He was a graduate of Thomas More Prep High School in the class of 1974 and Goodland Vocational Technical School.&nbsp; On October 8, 1977, he was united in marriage to Jolene M. Hertel at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage.&nbsp; For nearly 20 years, he was service manager for James Lincoln Mercury GMC and McLaren Lincoln Mercury GMC.&nbsp; In the late 90’s he built up the family farm as a rancher and farmer and later was the vice president of production for IACX.&nbsp; His memberships included St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus, where he was past Grand Knight.&nbsp; He was a Schoenchen City Councilman, chairman of Rural Water District One, Ellis County Fair Board President, RPM Speedway board member, and on the St. Anthony Church and Cemetery committees.&nbsp; He loved classic cars, watching American Pickers, K-State sports, and the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp; He looked forward to Thursday night gatherings, going to Mecum Auctions with friends, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jolene of LaCrosse, two sons: Lance Zimmerman and wife Andria of St. George and Kyle Zimmerman and wife Sara of Schoenchen, his mother-in-law: Delores Hertel of Schoenchen, a brother: Brian Zimmerman and wife Lori of Ulysses, four sisters: Linda Cole and husband Aaron of Russell, Bonnie Rose and husband Richard of Mobile, AL, Brenda Thyfault and husband Jim of Hays, and Shari Gale and husband Randy of Shell Knob, MO, three step-brothers: Lester Leiker and wife Jerri Ann of Hays, Terry Leiker of LaCrosse and Neal Leiker and wife Linda of Hays, a step-sister: Brenda Park and husband Dan of Olathe, four grandchildren: Lawson, Macie, Abigail, and Ellie Zimmerman, one grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Norbert K. Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. Anthony cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at St. Anthony Catholic Church.&nbsp; A combined Daughters of Isabella and Altar Society Christian Mothers rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, and a Third Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will follow the vigil, all on Tuesday at the church.&nbsp; 

Instead of flowers and plants, the family suggests memorials to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to St. Anthony Cemetery, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Loran mare be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606141061600.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Loran Charles Zimmerman, 64, formerly of Schoenchen now residing in LaCrosse, died Saturday, November 21, 2020, at HaysMed.He was born September 7, 1956, in Wichita, the son of Lester C. and Lillian (Herrman) Zimmerman.&nbsp; He was a graduate of Thomas More Prep High School in the class of 1974 and Goodland Vocational Technical School.&nbsp; On October 8, 1977, he was united in marriage to Jolene M. Hertel at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage.&nbsp; For nearly 20 years, he was service manager for James Lincoln Mercury GMC and McLaren Lincoln Mercury GMC.&nbsp; In the late 90’s he built up the family farm as a rancher and farmer and later was the vice president of production for IACX.&nbsp; His memberships included St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus, where he was past Grand Knight.&nbsp; He was a Schoenchen City Councilman, chairman of Rural Water District One, Ellis County Fair Board President, RPM Speedway board member, and on the St. Anthony Church and Cemetery committees.&nbsp; He loved classic cars, watching American Pickers, K-State sports, and the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp; He looked forward to Thursday night gatherings, going to Mecum Auctions with friends, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.Survivors include his wife Jolene of LaCrosse, two sons: Lance Zimmerman and wife Andria of St. George and Kyle Zimmerman and wife Sara of Schoenchen, his mother-in-law: Delores Hertel of Schoenchen, a brother: Brian Zimmerman and wife Lori of Ulysses, four sisters: Linda Cole and husband Aaron of Russell, Bonnie Rose and husband Richard of Mobile, AL, Brenda Thyfault and husband Jim of Hays, and Shari Gale and husband Randy of Shell Knob, MO, three step-brothers: Lester Leiker and wife Jerri Ann of Hays, Terry Leiker of LaCrosse and Neal Leiker and wife Linda of Hays, a step-sister: Brenda Park and husband Dan of Olathe, four grandchildren: Lawson, Macie, Abigail, and Ellie Zimmerman, one grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Norbert K. Leiker.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. Anthony cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at St. Anthony Catholic Church.&nbsp; A combined Daughters of Isabella and Altar Society Christian Mothers rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, and a Third Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will follow the vigil, all on Tuesday at the church.&nbsp; Instead of flowers and plants, the family suggests memorials to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to St. Anthony Cemetery, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Loran mare be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Loran Charles Zimmerman

Minnie Keller, age 101, of Ellis, 
Kansas passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Good Samaritan 
Society in Ellis. She was born June 23, 1919 in Ellis County, Kansas to 
Frank and Carrie (Wendling) Keller. On November 5, 1942 she married 
Gerhard Keller. He preceded her in death October 7, 1980.

Minnie had worked at the Plainville 
hospital until her retirement. After retirement she stayed active 
working at the Palco Café. Minnie was very fond of Palco and was known 
to walk throughout the town and visit with the residents. She enjoyed 
flower gardening, birds and she especially liked Halloween and dressing 
up for it. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and St. John 
Lutheran Church.

She is survived by a son, Gerald Keller
 of Kansas City, Kansas; grandchildren, Brenda Schumacher and husband 
Bruce of Lawrence, Kansas, Mark Armbrister and wife Crystal of Ellis and
 her great grandchildren, Katelyn and Cole Schumacher and Logan and 
Morgan Armbrister.

She was preceded in death by her 
daughter, Carolyn Armbrister; brothers, Oscar and Arthur and sisters, 
Freda, Irene, Helen and Martha.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM 
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis,
 Kansas 67637. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral chapel.

All attending will be expected to wear 
masks and observe all Covid appropriate precautions. For those who are 
not comfortable with the regulations or being in a confined setting 
please use the guest book to express your condolences to the family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606140913367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Minnie Keller, age 101, of Ellis, 
Kansas passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Good Samaritan 
Society in Ellis. She was born June 23, 1919 in Ellis County, Kansas to 
Frank and Carrie (Wendling) Keller. On November 5, 1942 she married 
Gerhard Keller. He preceded her in death October 7, 1980.Minnie had worked at the Plainville 
hospital until her retirement. After retirement she stayed active 
working at the Palco Café. Minnie was very fond of Palco and was known 
to walk throughout the town and visit with the residents. She enjoyed 
flower gardening, birds and she especially liked Halloween and dressing 
up for it. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and St. John 
Lutheran Church.She is survived by a son, Gerald Keller
 of Kansas City, Kansas; grandchildren, Brenda Schumacher and husband 
Bruce of Lawrence, Kansas, Mark Armbrister and wife Crystal of Ellis and
 her great grandchildren, Katelyn and Cole Schumacher and Logan and 
Morgan Armbrister.She was preceded in death by her 
daughter, Carolyn Armbrister; brothers, Oscar and Arthur and sisters, 
Freda, Irene, Helen and Martha.Funeral services will be 2:00 PM 
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis,
 Kansas 67637. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.Visitation will be Tuesday 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral chapel.All attending will be expected to wear 
masks and observe all Covid appropriate precautions. For those who are 
not comfortable with the regulations or being in a confined setting 
please use the guest book to express your condolences to the family.Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.

Minnie Keller

Mary Bernice Berning, age 91, peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at the Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas.  She was born on July 22, 1929, in Marienthal, Kansas, the daughter of Alfons and Loretta Kreutzer Gerstberger.  A lifetime resident of Leoti, Kansas, she was a homemaker and a school cook.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas, and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society, Red Hat Society, and EHU.

On October 15, 1946, she married Joe Berning, Jr. at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.  He passed away on April 14, 2017 in Leoti, KS.

Survivors include her Seven Children - Jolene Thurston of Great Bend, Kansas, Terry &amp; Suzy Berning of Scott City, Kansas, Pam &amp; Mark Weinmann of Scott City, Kansas, David &amp; Nancy Berning of Marienthal, Kansas, Brad &amp; Louaine Berning of Leoti, Kansas, Jeff &amp; Becky Berning of Garden City, Kansas, Russell &amp; Jolene Berning of Leoti, Kansas, One Brother - Jerry Gerstberger of Overland Park, Kansas, One Sister - Shirley Kuriyama of Amarillo, Texas, 21 Grandchildren, 42 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, One Son - Bruce Berning, Two Sisters - Lillian Akagi &amp; Jola Kraus and One Son In Law - James Thurston.

Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 pm Monday, November 23, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Fathers Tim Hickey officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Friends may call from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday and from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas. 

Memorials may be written to the Wichita County Health Center LTCU or St Mary Catholic Church Cemetery Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Homes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606058141994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Bernice Berning, age 91, peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at the Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. She was born on July 22, 1929, in Marienthal, Kansas, the daughter of Alfons and Loretta Kreutzer Gerstberger. A lifetime resident of Leoti, Kansas, she was a homemaker and a school cook.She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas, and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society, Red Hat Society, and EHU.On October 15, 1946, she married Joe Berning, Jr. at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas. He passed away on April 14, 2017 in Leoti, KS.Survivors include her Seven Children - Jolene Thurston of Great Bend, Kansas, Terry &amp; Suzy Berning of Scott City, Kansas, Pam &amp; Mark Weinmann of Scott City, Kansas, David &amp; Nancy Berning of Marienthal, Kansas, Brad &amp; Louaine Berning of Leoti, Kansas, Jeff &amp; Becky Berning of Garden City, Kansas, Russell &amp; Jolene Berning of Leoti, Kansas, One Brother - Jerry Gerstberger of Overland Park, Kansas, One Sister - Shirley Kuriyama of Amarillo, Texas, 21 Grandchildren, 42 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, One Son - Bruce Berning, Two Sisters - Lillian Akagi &amp; Jola Kraus and One Son In Law - James Thurston.Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 pm Monday, November 23, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Fathers Tim Hickey officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.Friends may call from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday and from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas. Memorials may be written to the Wichita County Health Center LTCU or St Mary Catholic Church Cemetery Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Homes.

Mary Bernice Berning

George Robert “Bob” Kennemer, 84, died Friday, November 20, 2020, at the 
Lane County Hospital in Dighton, Kansas. He was born October 6, 1936, in
 Springfield, Missouri the son of B.G. and Delores Kennemer. 
 Bob graduated from Strafford, Missouri High School in 1954. He was
 a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Navy 
from 1954 to 1957. He was employed at Mumma Feed Yard, later known as 
Ranger Feeders, for more than 40 years. Bob was a member of the First 
Christian Church of Dighton, the VFW and the American Legion. 
 On July 12, 1958, he married Gwendolyn “Gwen” Mendenhall in Hays, 
Kansas. She died May 9, 2011. Bob is also preceded in death by his 
parents; a son Rod Kennemer; and two sisters Barbara Delp and Norma 
Kelley. 
 Survivors include a son Dr. Robert &amp; wife Traci Kennemer of 
Hays, Kansas; a daughter Joni &amp; husband Dan Bollinger of Dighton, 
Kansas; a daughter-in-law Jana Kennemer of Garden City, Kansas; and four
 grandchildren Trevor Bollinger of Lawrence, Kansas, Abby Kennemer of 
Hays, Kansas, Brandon Kennemer of Hays, Kansas, and Sean Kennemer of 
Garden City, Kansas. 
 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 
25, 2020 at the First Christian Church in Dighton, Kansas with Rev. 
Berniece Ludlum officiating. Burial will follow at the Dighton Memorial
 Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the United States 
Navy Honor Guard and the Dighton American Legion, Post #190 Honor Guard.
 Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Boomhower 
Funeral Home in Dighton, Kansas.

 The family suggests memorials given to
 the First Christian Church or to the Hays Humane Society both in care 
of the funeral home.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606058045777.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>George Robert “Bob” Kennemer, 84, died Friday, November 20, 2020, at the 
Lane County Hospital in Dighton, Kansas. He was born October 6, 1936, in
 Springfield, Missouri the son of B.G. and Delores Kennemer. 
 Bob graduated from Strafford, Missouri High School in 1954. He was
 a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Navy 
from 1954 to 1957. He was employed at Mumma Feed Yard, later known as 
Ranger Feeders, for more than 40 years. Bob was a member of the First 
Christian Church of Dighton, the VFW and the American Legion. 
 On July 12, 1958, he married Gwendolyn “Gwen” Mendenhall in Hays, 
Kansas. She died May 9, 2011. Bob is also preceded in death by his 
parents; a son Rod Kennemer; and two sisters Barbara Delp and Norma 
Kelley. 
 Survivors include a son Dr. Robert &amp; wife Traci Kennemer of 
Hays, Kansas; a daughter Joni &amp; husband Dan Bollinger of Dighton, 
Kansas; a daughter-in-law Jana Kennemer of Garden City, Kansas; and four
 grandchildren Trevor Bollinger of Lawrence, Kansas, Abby Kennemer of 
Hays, Kansas, Brandon Kennemer of Hays, Kansas, and Sean Kennemer of 
Garden City, Kansas. 
 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 
25, 2020 at the First Christian Church in Dighton, Kansas with Rev. 
Berniece Ludlum officiating. Burial will follow at the Dighton Memorial
 Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the United States 
Navy Honor Guard and the Dighton American Legion, Post #190 Honor Guard.
 Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Boomhower 
Funeral Home in Dighton, Kansas. The family suggests memorials given to
 the First Christian Church or to the Hays Humane Society both in care 
of the funeral home.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

George Robert 'Bob' Kennemer

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — In July, fourth-grade teacher Susanne Michael was ecstatic as she celebrated the adoption of a former student from a troubled home and two of the girl’s brothers. For the festivities, Michael dressed them and her other children in matching T-shirts that read “Gotcha FOREVER.”

By October, the 47-year-old Jonesboro, Arkansas, woman was dead — one of an estimated nearly 300 school employees killed by the coronavirus in the U.S. since the outbreak took hold. All together, the U.S. had more than 250,000 confirmed virus deaths as of Wednesday.

“She just basically would eat, sleep and drink teaching. She loved it,” said her husband, Keith Michael, who is now left to raise the three new additions, ages 3, 8 and 13, along with the couple’s two other children, 16 and 22.

Across the U.S., the deaths of educators have torn at the fabric of the school experience, taking the lives of teachers, principals, superintendents, coaches, a middle school secretary, a security guard. The losses have forced school boards to make hard decisions of whether to keep classrooms open and have left students and staff members grief-stricken.

Harrisburg Elementary, where Michael taught, remained open after her death, but 14 counselors descended on the school the next morning to help distraught students and teachers.

“I can honestly tell you now, none of us would have made the day if it were not for them,” Harrisburg School Superintendent Chris Ferrell recalled, choking up.

At home, Susanne Michael’s death has been particularly hard for her toddler. “He will just point to the sky and say, ‘Mama is up there,’” her husband said.

His wife had diabetes, was a uterine cancer survivor and had just one kidney. Therein lies the main challenge of operating schools: While children generally have mild cases or no symptoms at all, about 1 in 4 of their teachers, or nearly 1.5 million of them, have a condition that raises their risk of getting seriously ill from the coronavirus, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Early research suggested that children are unlikely to contract or spread the coronavirus — an idea that influenced school reopenings in some communities. But Laura Garabedian, a professor of population medicine at Harvard Medical School, said much of that research was conducted during lockdowns when children were home and testing wasn’t being done on those with mild or symptomless cases.

“I think the key question is whether being at school puts teachers at increased risk of getting COVID. I don’t think we know that,” she said. But she added: “There are kids who definitely transmit it, and we know that.”

With community spread rampant across much of the country and contact tracers overwhelmed, it is is often hard to tell where teachers are becoming infected.

When cases can be traced back to their source, it is often an informal gathering, a restaurant or a sporting event, not a classroom, said Emily Oster, a Brown University economics professor whose analysis of in-school infection data from all 50 states found that bringing students together in schools does not appear to be driving the spread.

“I don’t think anyone would claim that no one has gotten COVID at a school. That would be unrealistic,” she said. “But in most of the cases we are seeing among people who are affiliated with schools, the actual case was not acquired at a school.”

Her database identified 17 cases per 100,000 students and 26 per 100,000 staff members as of Friday. She said the staff rate is slightly higher than the general rate in the community.

“There are people who would say if even one teacher acquires COVID at a school and dies, then it would not have been worth it to open schools,” Oster said. “I think that argument is complicated because people are going to suffer tremendously from schools being closed, but that is a tricky calculus.”

Keith Michael, who is the transportation supervisor for the city of Jonesboro, talked with his wife about the risk of returning to her school before classes started and suspects she might have been infected there.

Through the summer, his wife largely stayed at home, going out mainly to buy groceries. She worked diligently to space out desks in her classroom, according to her husband, though he added, “When you have a full classroom it is impossible to totally socially distance everyone.”

Soon, she was coughing, feverish and vomiting violently. She spent nearly two weeks on a ventilator before a blood clot broke loose and killed her.

Her death was another blow to the newly adopted children, the oldest of whom, Holly, met Susanne Michael during a year in which the youngster often missed class to care for her baby brother. When welfare officials stepped in, the Michaels volunteered to become the girl’s foster parents.

A social worker “showed up with Holly and the two brothers, and they said they were going to take them to two separate places,” Keith Michael recalled. His wife, he said, “looked at me and I knew what she was fixin’ to ask.” The couple ended up taking all three children.

Keith Michael, third from left, sits on a sofa with his children, from left, Hunter, Jessica, Sara, Houston and Holly, at their home on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Jonesboro, Ark. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, which has kept count of educators killed by the virus, said the stories “break your heart.”

They include 71-year-old South Carolina first-grade teacher Margie Kidd and 53-year-old Iowa special education assistant Jennifer Crawford. Their families said they suspect the two were infected at school.

A district in Phoenix lost special education worker Nawaialoha Keli’imahiai Kalai to COVID-19 earlier this month and began its board meeting with a moment of silence before deciding to keep classrooms open. There, too, grief counselors provided support to children and staff members.

“I am devastated by the fact that remote education is not an effective substitute. And I want probably as much as anybody else to reopen school buildings for children,” Weingarten said.

“But here is the caveat: You have to have the safeguards that the CDC recommends, and you can’t have a spike going on at the same time. And you have to have the testing, and all of that is expensive.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596106754858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHMISSION, Kan. (AP) — In July, fourth-grade teacher Susanne Michael was ecstatic as she celebrated the adoption of a former student from a troubled home and two of the girl’s brothers. For the festivities, Michael dressed them and her other children in matching T-shirts that read “Gotcha FOREVER.”By October, the 47-year-old Jonesboro, Arkansas, woman was dead — one of an estimated nearly 300 school employees killed by the coronavirus in the U.S. since the outbreak took hold. All together, the U.S. had more than 250,000 confirmed virus deaths as of Wednesday.“She just basically would eat, sleep and drink teaching. She loved it,” said her husband, Keith Michael, who is now left to raise the three new additions, ages 3, 8 and 13, along with the couple’s two other children, 16 and 22.Across the U.S., the deaths of educators have torn at the fabric of the school experience, taking the lives of teachers, principals, superintendents, coaches, a middle school secretary, a security guard. The losses have forced school boards to make hard decisions of whether to keep classrooms open and have left students and staff members grief-stricken.Harrisburg Elementary, where Michael taught, remained open after her death, but 14 counselors descended on the school the next morning to help distraught students and teachers.“I can honestly tell you now, none of us would have made the day if it were not for them,” Harrisburg School Superintendent Chris Ferrell recalled, choking up.At home, Susanne Michael’s death has been particularly hard for her toddler. “He will just point to the sky and say, ‘Mama is up there,’” her husband said.His wife had diabetes, was a uterine cancer survivor and had just one kidney. Therein lies the main challenge of operating schools: While children generally have mild cases or no symptoms at all, about 1 in 4 of their teachers, or nearly 1.5 million of them, have a condition that raises their risk of getting seriously ill from the coronavirus, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.MORE COVID-19 NEWS:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-allows-1st-rapid-virus-test-at-home-0430fe7460b4385bd952978f19b3d88d">–&nbsp;FDA allows 1st rapid virus test that gives results at home</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/toilet-paper-limits-virus-surge-3e22bd5b4d448c3906c1dabd81f19abe">–&nbsp;Toilet paper limits, empty shelves are back as virus surges</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-thomas-bach-tokyo-coronavirus-pandemic-japan-4b6ce5c7e15d90af64b98b422f113635">–&nbsp;The Latest: S Korea begins stronger limits in some areas</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/pfizer-covid-19-shot-95-percent-9d71455cfce0ff047dee4df873ec1023">–&nbsp;Pfizer: COVID-19 shot 95% effective, seeking clearance soon</a></li>
 </ul>Early research suggested that children are unlikely to contract or spread the coronavirus — an idea that influenced school reopenings in some communities. But Laura Garabedian, a professor of population medicine at Harvard Medical School, said much of that research was conducted during lockdowns when children were home and testing wasn’t being done on those with mild or symptomless cases.“I think the key question is whether being at school puts teachers at increased risk of getting COVID. I don’t think we know that,” she said. But she added: “There are kids who definitely transmit it, and we know that.”With community spread rampant across much of the country and contact tracers overwhelmed, it is is often hard to tell where teachers are becoming infected.When cases can be traced back to their source, it is often an informal gathering, a restaurant or a sporting event, not a classroom, said Emily Oster, a Brown University economics professor whose analysis of in-school infection data from all 50 states found that bringing students together in schools does not appear to be driving the spread.“I don’t think anyone would claim that no one has gotten COVID at a school. That would be unrealistic,” she said. “But in most of the cases we are seeing among people who are affiliated with schools, the actual case was not acquired at a school.”Her database identified 17 cases per 100,000 students and 26 per 100,000 staff members as of Friday. She said the staff rate is slightly higher than the general rate in the community.“There are people who would say if even one teacher acquires COVID at a school and dies, then it would not have been worth it to open schools,” Oster said. “I think that argument is complicated because people are going to suffer tremendously from schools being closed, but that is a tricky calculus.”Keith Michael, who is the transportation supervisor for the city of Jonesboro, talked with his wife about the risk of returning to her school before classes started and suspects she might have been infected there.Through the summer, his wife largely stayed at home, going out mainly to buy groceries. She worked diligently to space out desks in her classroom, according to her husband, though he added, “When you have a full classroom it is impossible to totally socially distance everyone.”Soon, she was coughing, feverish and vomiting violently. She spent nearly two weeks on a ventilator before a blood clot broke loose and killed her.Her death was another blow to the newly adopted children, the oldest of whom, Holly, met Susanne Michael during a year in which the youngster often missed class to care for her baby brother. When welfare officials stepped in, the Michaels volunteered to become the girl’s foster parents.A social worker “showed up with Holly and the two brothers, and they said they were going to take them to two separate places,” Keith Michael recalled. His wife, he said, “looked at me and I knew what she was fixin’ to ask.” The couple ended up taking all three children.Keith Michael, third from left, sits on a sofa with his children, from left, Hunter, Jessica, Sara, Houston and Holly, at their home on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Jonesboro, Ark. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, which has kept count of educators killed by the virus, said the stories “break your heart.”They include 71-year-old South Carolina first-grade teacher Margie Kidd and 53-year-old Iowa special education assistant Jennifer Crawford. Their families said they suspect the two were infected at school.A district in Phoenix lost special education worker Nawaialoha Keli’imahiai Kalai to COVID-19 earlier this month and began its board meeting with a moment of silence before deciding to keep classrooms open. There, too, grief counselors provided support to children and staff members.“I am devastated by the fact that remote education is not an effective substitute. And I want probably as much as anybody else to reopen school buildings for children,” Weingarten said.“But here is the caveat: You have to have the safeguards that the CDC recommends, and you can’t have a spike going on at the same time. And you have to have the testing, and all of that is expensive.”

Empty desks: Coronavirus robs US classrooms of teachers

Larry Gene Lauber, 65, passed away November 20, 2020, at Diversicare 
of Larned. He was born October 11, 1955, at Russell, to Wilford &amp; 
Peggy (Kuntzsch) Lauber. He married Mary Addington June 17, 1977, at 
Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Larry was a driller in the oilfield 
for 38 years. He was a member of the Church of God in Great Bend. He 
enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding Harley motorcycles. He especially loved
 to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife Mary Lauber of the home; four sons, Larry
 Lauber, Jr., Andrew Lauber, and Daniel Lauber and wife Janice, all of 
Great Bend, and Jason Lauber of Lyons; a daughter, Raven Lauber-Hamit 
and husband David of Great Bend; a brother, Patrick Lauber and wife 
Dorothy of Osborne; a sister, Angela Lauber of Arizona; and fifteen 
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, November 23, 
2020 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 
p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Chaplain Darren Johnson 
presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. 

Memorials have 
been suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society and St. Jude Children’s
 Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605975536415.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Gene Lauber, 65, passed away November 20, 2020, at Diversicare 
of Larned. He was born October 11, 1955, at Russell, to Wilford &amp; 
Peggy (Kuntzsch) Lauber. He married Mary Addington June 17, 1977, at 
Great Bend. She survives.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Larry was a driller in the oilfield 
for 38 years. He was a member of the Church of God in Great Bend. He 
enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding Harley motorcycles. He especially loved
 to spend time with his children and grandchildren.Survivors include, his wife Mary Lauber of the home; four sons, Larry
 Lauber, Jr., Andrew Lauber, and Daniel Lauber and wife Janice, all of 
Great Bend, and Jason Lauber of Lyons; a daughter, Raven Lauber-Hamit 
and husband David of Great Bend; a brother, Patrick Lauber and wife 
Dorothy of Osborne; a sister, Angela Lauber of Arizona; and fifteen 
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, November 23, 
2020 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 
p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Chaplain Darren Johnson 
presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have 
been suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society and St. Jude Children’s
 Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Larry Gene Lauber

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, has elected officers to serve the organization in the coming year.

Judge Dan Creitz was elected president. He is chief judge of the 31st Judicial District, composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

"I am honored to serve as president of this outstanding, hard-working association," Creitz said. "The pandemic delivered the Kansas court system unprecedented challenges, which our courts are diligently working through. The judges on the KDJA executive committee play a critical role supporting our district court judges and the Kansas Supreme Court as we address these challenges."

Creitz has served as a district judge since 2002 and chief judge since 2011. He is a native of Iola and graduated from Iola High School, Allen Community College, Emporia State University, and Washburn University School of Law.

Creitz succeeds Judge Bruce Gatterman as president. Gatterman is chief judge of the 24th Judicial District, composed of Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties. He will serve on the executive committee as immediate past-president.

Members elected the new officers during a virtual conference for judges in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605718382688.jpeg" alt="Kim Kudney, chief judge of the 12th Judicial District, composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties." />
 <figcaption>Kim Kudney, chief judge of the 12th Judicial District, composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.</figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, has elected officers to serve the organization in the coming year.Judge Dan Creitz was elected president. He is chief judge of the 31st Judicial District, composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties."I am honored to serve as president of this outstanding, hard-working association," Creitz said. "The pandemic delivered the Kansas court system unprecedented challenges, which our courts are diligently working through. The judges on the KDJA executive committee play a critical role supporting our district court judges and the Kansas Supreme Court as we address these challenges."Creitz has served as a district judge since 2002 and chief judge since 2011. He is a native of Iola and graduated from Iola High School, Allen Community College, Emporia State University, and Washburn University School of Law.Creitz succeeds Judge Bruce Gatterman as president. Gatterman is chief judge of the 24th Judicial District, composed of Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties. He will serve on the executive committee as immediate past-president.Other officers elected:<ul>
 <li>Judge Kim Cudney, president-elect. She is chief judge of the 12th Judicial District, composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties. </li><li>Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan, secretary. He is chief judge of the 10th Judicial District, composed of Johnson County. </li><li>Judge Brenda Cameron, treasurer. She is a district judge in the 10th Judicial District.</li>
 </ul>Members elected the new officers during a virtual conference for judges in October.

Regional judge is president-elect of Kansas District Judges Association

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.3 percent in October. This was a decrease from 5.9 percent in September and an increase from 3.1 percent in October 2019.

“The October report shows that Kansas has continued to make an economic recovery during the pandemic,” said Acting Secretary Ryan Wright. “We have seen an increase in the number of jobs and those employed in the labor force, along with another drop in the unemployment rate which decreased to 5.3 percent in October.”

Jobless rates in Ellis County continued to trend toward pre-COVID numbers, which primarily reached their regional peak in May. The Ellis County unemployment rate remained steady at 2.9 percent, and most northwest Kansas counties posted rates below 3 percent.

The highest rates in the region were Graham, Rooks and Barton counties, all  with unemployment rates higher than 4 percent — but still far below the 7.2 percent statewide high in Sedgwick County.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 7,200 from September. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 5,900 from the previous month, while government increased by 1,300.

“October estimates show Kansas added jobs over-the-month and the state has now recovered 54.6 percent of nonfarm jobs lost in March and April,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “The professional and business services and leisure and hospitality industries saw the largest increases in October, with each industry adding more than 2,500 jobs.”

Since October 2019, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have declined by 53,000. This change is due to a decrease of 41,300 private sector jobs and 11,700 government jobs.

BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for September upward by 1,300 jobs, from 1,360,400 to 1,361,700. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were revised upward by 1,500 jobs, from 1,113,100 to 1,114,600.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605886687992.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.3 percent in October. This was a decrease from 5.9 percent in September and an increase from 3.1 percent in October 2019.“The October report shows that Kansas has continued to make an economic recovery during the pandemic,” said Acting Secretary Ryan Wright. “We have seen an increase in the number of jobs and those employed in the labor force, along with another drop in the unemployment rate which decreased to 5.3 percent in October.”Jobless rates in Ellis County continued to trend toward pre-COVID numbers, which primarily reached their regional peak in May. The Ellis County unemployment rate remained steady at 2.9 percent, and most northwest Kansas counties posted rates below 3 percent.The highest rates in the region were Graham, Rooks and Barton counties, all with unemployment rates higher than 4 percent — but still far below the 7.2 percent statewide high in Sedgwick County.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 7,200 from September. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 5,900 from the previous month, while government increased by 1,300.“October estimates show Kansas added jobs over-the-month and the state has now recovered 54.6 percent of nonfarm jobs lost in March and April,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “The professional and business services and leisure and hospitality industries saw the largest increases in October, with each industry adding more than 2,500 jobs.”Since October 2019, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have declined by 53,000. This change is due to a decrease of 41,300 private sector jobs and 11,700 government jobs.BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for September upward by 1,300 jobs, from 1,360,400 to 1,361,700. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were revised upward by 1,500 jobs, from 1,113,100 to 1,114,600.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605886713510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. jobless rates continue to normalize after May spike

TOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Jenifer Ashford was elected president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.

The organization, open to all state district magistrate court judges, elected officers to serve in the coming year during a virtual conference for judges in October.

Ashford serves in Johnson County of the 10th Judicial District. She previously was first vice president of the association.

"Serving on the association board the previous two years provided me the opportunity to meet and work with judges, court staff, the Governor’s office, and the legislators from across Kansas," Ashford said. "As president, I will continue cultivating these relationships spanning all three branches of government to further efforts to provide equal access to justice for all Kansans.”

Before becoming a judge in 2017, Ashford was a prosecutor for 20 years for Jackson County and St. Louis in Missouri and Johnson County, Shawnee, and Lake Quivira in Kansas.

Ashford grew up on a farm near Summerfield in Marshall County and graduated from Marysville High School. She received a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University and a law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law.

Ashford is a member of the American Judges Association, Kansas Bar Association, Johnson County Bar Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Kansas Women’s Attorney Association, Earl O’Conner Inns of Court, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. She also serves on the Supreme Court Task Force for Permanency Planning.

As president, she succeeds District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark, who serves in Russell County of the 20th Judicial District. Clark will serve on the executive committee as immediate past-president.

The organization also presented service awards:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591379358070.jpeg" alt="(Image by David Mark/ Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Image by David Mark/ Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Jenifer Ashford was elected president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.The organization, open to all state district magistrate court judges, elected officers to serve in the coming year during a virtual conference for judges in October.Ashford serves in Johnson County of the 10th Judicial District. She previously was first vice president of the association."Serving on the association board the previous two years provided me the opportunity to meet and work with judges, court staff, the Governor’s office, and the legislators from across Kansas," Ashford said. "As president, I will continue cultivating these relationships spanning all three branches of government to further efforts to provide equal access to justice for all Kansans.”Before becoming a judge in 2017, Ashford was a prosecutor for 20 years for Jackson County and St. Louis in Missouri and Johnson County, Shawnee, and Lake Quivira in Kansas.Ashford grew up on a farm near Summerfield in Marshall County and graduated from Marysville High School. She received a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University and a law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law.Ashford is a member of the American Judges Association, Kansas Bar Association, Johnson County Bar Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Kansas Women’s Attorney Association, Earl O’Conner Inns of Court, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. She also serves on the Supreme Court Task Force for Permanency Planning.As president, she succeeds District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark, who serves in Russell County of the 20th Judicial District. Clark will serve on the executive committee as immediate past-president.Other officers are:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605717787053.jpeg" alt="Brendon Boone, District Magistrate Judge 23rd Judicial District, Gove County" />
 <figcaption>Brendon Boone, District Magistrate Judge 23rd Judicial District, Gove County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605717635721.jpeg" alt="Debra Anderson﻿, District Magistrate Judge&nbsp;17th Judicial District, Norton County" />
 <figcaption>Debra Anderson﻿, District Magistrate Judge&nbsp;17th Judicial District, Norton County</figcaption>
 </figure><ul>
 <li>District Magistrate Judge Brendon Boone, first vice president. He serves in Gove County of the 23rd Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Shannon Rush, second vice president. She serves in Osage County of the 4th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Rustin Martin, third vice president. He serves in Comanche County of the 16th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Debra Anderson, reelected secretary. She serves in Norton County of the 17th Judicial District.&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan, reelected treasurer. He serves in Reno County, which is the 27th Judicial District. </li>
 </ul>Elected to the board of directors were:<ul>
 <li>District Magistrate Judge Robert Scott, who serves in Johnson County of the 10th Judicial District; </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Philip Moore, who serves in Clark County of the 16th Judicial District; and </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Doug Bigge, who serves in Rooks County of the 23rd Judicial District.</li>
 </ul>Years of service﻿The organization also presented service awards:45 years<ul>
 <li>District Magistrate Judge Dennis Reiling, who serves in Jefferson County of the 2nd Judicial District.</li>
 </ul>20 years<ul>
 <li>District Magistrate Judge Timarie Walter, who serves in Stafford County of the 20th Judicial District.</li>
 </ul>15 years<ul>
 <li>District Magistrate Judge Angela Hecke, who serves in Marshall County of the 22nd Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Vernon Butt, who serves in Stanton County of the 26th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Mark Temaat, who serves in Logan County of the 15th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Guy Steier, who serves in Cloud County of the 12th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Richard Hodson, who serves in Kearny County of the 25th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Paula Sosa, who serves in Stevens County of the 26th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Michael Kirchhoff, who serves in Smith County of the 17th Judicial District. </li><li>District Magistrate Judge Wade Dixon, who serves in Greeley County of the 25th Judicial District.</li>
 </ul>10 years<ul>
 <li>District Magistrate Judge Daniel Vokins, who serves in Johnson County of the 10th Judicial District.</li>
 </ul>

Area judges elected to Kan. District Magistrate Judges Association

Lavern George Bieker, age 75, of McCook, NE passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.

Lavern was born October 29, 1945 to parents Martin and Josephine 
(Jegan) Bieker on the family farm near Grainfield, KS. He was one of 
three children who attended school in Hoxie, KS, graduating from Hoxie 
High School with the Class of 1963.&nbsp; Following high school, Lavern 
proudly served his country in the United States Army where he earned a 
Purple Heart during his tour in Vietnam.&nbsp;

On November 30, 1968, Lavern married Kathleen (Holzmeister) Bieker at
 Angelus, KS. The couple was blessed with four wonderful children.&nbsp; The 
family made their home in the Hoxie area until 1982 when they moved to 
Hayes Center, NE.&nbsp; Lavern worked in grain management for several years 
before starting his own business, Bieker Welding, in Hayes Center. He 
later moved the business to McCook.

Lavern was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Knights of 
Columbus, a lifetime member of the 11th Armored Calvary’s Veterans of 
Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as a member of St. Patrick’s Church. He 
served on the Hayes Center School Board and was a commander for the 
American Legion.&nbsp; Lavern was also the Veteran’s Service Officer for many
 years in Hayes County.&nbsp;

Welding and fabrication were Lavern’s pride and joy.&nbsp; He spent numerous hours in his shop just tinkering.

Lavern was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Josephine 
Bieker; his father and mother in law, Lawrence (Frances) Holzmeister and
 bother in law, William Mask.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife of almost 52 years,
 Kathleen Bieker of McCook; sons, Lester (Traci) Bieker, Leelan (Maria) 
Bieker and Jason Bieker and friend Emily Perry, all of McCook; daughter,
 Collete Guynan of North Platte, NE; brother, Lawrence Bieker of Hoxie, 
KS; sister, Loretta Mask of Russell, KS; six grandchildren, six great 
grandchildren and a host of extended family member and lifelong friends.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605796141077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lavern George Bieker, age 75, of McCook, NE passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.Lavern was born October 29, 1945 to parents Martin and Josephine 
(Jegan) Bieker on the family farm near Grainfield, KS. He was one of 
three children who attended school in Hoxie, KS, graduating from Hoxie 
High School with the Class of 1963.&nbsp; Following high school, Lavern 
proudly served his country in the United States Army where he earned a 
Purple Heart during his tour in Vietnam.&nbsp;On November 30, 1968, Lavern married Kathleen (Holzmeister) Bieker at
 Angelus, KS. The couple was blessed with four wonderful children.&nbsp; The 
family made their home in the Hoxie area until 1982 when they moved to 
Hayes Center, NE.&nbsp; Lavern worked in grain management for several years 
before starting his own business, Bieker Welding, in Hayes Center. He 
later moved the business to McCook.Lavern was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Knights of 
Columbus, a lifetime member of the 11th Armored Calvary’s Veterans of 
Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as a member of St. Patrick’s Church. He 
served on the Hayes Center School Board and was a commander for the 
American Legion.&nbsp; Lavern was also the Veteran’s Service Officer for many
 years in Hayes County.&nbsp;Welding and fabrication were Lavern’s pride and joy.&nbsp; He spent numerous hours in his shop just tinkering.Lavern was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Josephine 
Bieker; his father and mother in law, Lawrence (Frances) Holzmeister and
 bother in law, William Mask.Those left to celebrate his life include his wife of almost 52 years,
 Kathleen Bieker of McCook; sons, Lester (Traci) Bieker, Leelan (Maria) 
Bieker and Jason Bieker and friend Emily Perry, all of McCook; daughter,
 Collete Guynan of North Platte, NE; brother, Lawrence Bieker of Hoxie, 
KS; sister, Loretta Mask of Russell, KS; six grandchildren, six great 
grandchildren and a host of extended family member and lifelong friends.

Lavern George Bieker

BELOIT — Waconda USD 272 was awarded a state SPARK grant with which they purchased 35 touchless faucets for both Lakeside Elementary School in Cawker City and Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School in Downs.

Administration ordered the faucets in June although they did not arrive until October. To fulfill the requirements of the grant, the faucets were to be installed by the end of 2020. 

Pressed for time and resources, Jesse Janssen, Waconda superintendent, reached out to Shannon Duskie, student activities coordinator on the NCK Technical College Beloit campus. 

“I had just recently started with NCK Tech and saw a great learning and civic leadership opportunity for our PHAC students,” Duskie said.

The Beloit Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Program students first installed the faucets in Cawker City and then in Downs.

Robert Chitty, PHAC instructor, said “This project helped the students better understand what tools to use and how to use them properly. I split them into five groups of two and showed them what to expect with the first sink, as a demonstration. 

"Most of the [existing] fixtures are old, providing them experience with the many things that can go wrong while getting the old out and the new in. I think about every sink and faucet posed a different problem to overcome. The students are ready to see what other challenges they can experience and overcome as we finish.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605549229344.jpeg" alt="NCKTech Beloit PHAC students install touchless faucets." />
 <figcaption>NCKTech Beloit PHAC students install touchless faucets.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605549314508.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechBELOIT — Waconda USD 272 was awarded a state SPARK grant with which they purchased 35 touchless faucets for both Lakeside Elementary School in Cawker City and Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School in Downs.Administration ordered the faucets in June although they did not arrive until October. To fulfill the requirements of the grant, the faucets were to be installed by the end of 2020. Pressed for time and resources, Jesse Janssen, Waconda superintendent, reached out to Shannon Duskie, student activities coordinator on the NCK Technical College Beloit campus. “I had just recently started with NCK Tech and saw a great learning and civic leadership opportunity for our PHAC students,” Duskie said.The Beloit Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Program students first installed the faucets in Cawker City and then in Downs.Robert Chitty, PHAC instructor, said “This project helped the students better understand what tools to use and how to use them properly. I split them into five groups of two and showed them what to expect with the first sink, as a demonstration. "Most of the [existing] fixtures are old, providing them experience with the many things that can go wrong while getting the old out and the new in. I think about every sink and faucet posed a different problem to overcome. The students are ready to see what other challenges they can experience and overcome as we finish.”

NCK Tech students lend a hand to help area schools

DIGHTON&nbsp; – A former Lane County man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Geoffrey David Birney, 35, formerly of Healy, was sentenced to 122 months in state prison on two counts of aggravated internet trading of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of child. The sentence was given by Chief Judge Bruce T. Gatterman in Lane County District Court. Birney entered his guilty plea to the charges in October. Investigators determined the crimes occurred between November 7, 2018 and March 9, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Wichita Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit, Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Topeka office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605699173134.png" alt="Birney-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Birney-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>DIGHTON&nbsp; – A former Lane County man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Geoffrey David Birney, 35, formerly of Healy, was sentenced to 122 months in state prison on two counts of aggravated internet trading of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of child. The sentence was given by Chief Judge Bruce T. Gatterman in Lane County District Court. Birney entered his guilty plea to the charges in October. Investigators determined the crimes occurred between November 7, 2018 and March 9, 2019. The case was investigated by the Wichita Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit, Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Topeka office.&nbsp;

Kansas man sentenced for child sex crimes

On January 2nd, 1935, in the small rural Western Kansas town of Oakley, Noe (later changed to Noah) and Eulalia (Wolfe) Frazier welcomed their third child and second daughter into the family.&nbsp; They named this little dark-haired girl Beverly June (her dad liked to call her “Bevy June”

Despite being born during the Great Depression and the infamous Dust Bowl Era, Beverly grew up happy.&nbsp; Except for a year in Klamath Falls OR, the family lived all of Beverly’s pre-adult life in Oakley.&nbsp; She was involved in countless community, church and school activities and was Valedictorian of her Oakley High School graduation class.&nbsp; “Bev” as she became known, attended Cottey College in Nevada MO for a year, then Washburn University in Topeka KS for a semester.

While Bev was going to college, her parents moved from Oakley to Hays KS where they owned and operated a motel.&nbsp; She helped her parents by working at the motel the summer of 1954; and she met Roger Faubion that August.&nbsp; While it wasn’t quite love at first sight, it was close:&nbsp; they were married 7 months later on March 5, 1955.&nbsp; To this union were born 3 sons, one died in infancy.

During the next several years the family lived in Hays plus other Kansas towns of Hill City, Goodland and Larned where Roger oversaw large construction projects.&nbsp; When the boys started school, Mom stayed in Hays with them while Dad commuted from wherever his job location took him.

These stay-at-home years gave Bev the opportunity to work for the local Radio/TV station KAYS, at a variety of jobs.&nbsp; Her most memorable jobs there were as host of “Bev’s Party Line” and “Women’s Page” (daily weekday radio programs).&nbsp; Bev was very active in Hays and surrounding community functions:&nbsp; MC for fashions shows; on judging panels for various area competitions; a participant in local talent productions; President of the Lincoln Elementary School PTA; a Director on the State Board of the Kansas Women’s Bowling Association; in charge of the girls summer slow-pitch softball program in Hays; a slow-pitch umpire; and an active member of many other clubs and organizations.

In 1973, the family moved to Arizona.&nbsp; It wasn’t long before Bev decided to get back in the outside work force.&nbsp; She started as a Kelly Girl Temp which led to a permanent position with the Arizona Department of Public Safely eventually as a Supervisor in the CIS Division.&nbsp; After the boys were out of high school and in college, Bev quit her job to go along with Roger when he was sent out of town on construction projects.&nbsp; They enjoyed living in several Arizona cities and towns, plus a year in Albuquerque NM, making many close and lasting friendships along the way.

This ‘vagabond era’ ended in 1989 when Roger and Bev settled in Scottsdale AZ.&nbsp; While there, Bev once again went back to work, this time with Rural/Metro Corporation (fire and ambulance with nationwide operations).&nbsp; She had progressed to the position of Executive Assistant in the Finance Department when she retired in 2000.&nbsp; In the meantime, Roger had established his own business and Bev managed those office duties as well.&nbsp; When Roger retired in 2002, they moved to Solera, an active adult community in Chandler AZ.

At the age of 71 (2006), Bev’s right leg was amputated above the knee.&nbsp; It was a bit of a set-back, or course, but Bev took it all in stride (pun intended) and never let it get her down:&nbsp; she maintained a positive attitude along with her signature love of life.&nbsp; She even named her stump LTH (Less Than Half), her prosthesis Lena (get it?) and her walker Nessy (short for Necessary).&nbsp; Also, hand controls were installed on the car so she could continue to drive (you go girl!).

Bev passed away peacefully in her sleep, on October 27th, 2020. She was at her home with her loved ones. She was 85 years young.&nbsp; She chose to do a full-body donation to scientific research, followed by cremation.&nbsp; There will be no funeral nor memorial service; a Celebration of Life may be held later. In lieu of flowers, Bev requested that any gesture of remembrance be given to your favorite charity in her name – with special thanks and heartfelt appreciation from Bev and her family.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband Roger (2011), their son Brad (2018), their infant son Ralph David (1957), her parents, her brother, two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.

Survivors include her cherished family of son Chuck (Gwen) of Sun City AZ, daughter-in-law Jan of Gilbert AZ; sister Dorothy “Dee” Petree of Littleton CO; sister-in-law Sue Faubion of Denver CO; 5 grandchildren: Faith Lochmann of Hays KS, Melissa (Kris) Heddings of Glendale AZ, Marcus (Ashley) Faubion of Cave Creek AZ, Erin (David) Price of Tucson AZ and Matt (Amanda) Faubion of Gilbert AZ; 1 step-granddaughter Tara Fair Smith (Gerald) of Phoenix AZ; 3 great-grandsons: Samuel Heddings, Tristan Faubion and Owen Price; 1 great-granddaughter Jordan Faubion; 1 adopted great-granddaughter Hannah Baxter; 5 step-great-grandchildren: K. J., Jocelyn and Kade Heddings, Austin Sloan and Zaden Collins;&nbsp; 1 step-great-great grandson Kace James Heddings; 1 adopted great-great granddaughter; Indigo Dietz; several nieces, nephews and many extended family members.

Bev served &amp; impacted countless people during her lifetime with fun and an ever-present positive attitude. Especially her loved ones. She is dearly missed and will never be forgotten.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605644955026.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On January 2nd, 1935, in the small rural Western Kansas town of Oakley, Noe (later changed to Noah) and Eulalia (Wolfe) Frazier welcomed their third child and second daughter into the family.&nbsp; They named this little dark-haired girl Beverly June (her dad liked to call her “Bevy June”Despite being born during the Great Depression and the infamous Dust Bowl Era, Beverly grew up happy.&nbsp; Except for a year in Klamath Falls OR, the family lived all of Beverly’s pre-adult life in Oakley.&nbsp; She was involved in countless community, church and school activities and was Valedictorian of her Oakley High School graduation class.&nbsp; “Bev” as she became known, attended Cottey College in Nevada MO for a year, then Washburn University in Topeka KS for a semester.While Bev was going to college, her parents moved from Oakley to Hays KS where they owned and operated a motel.&nbsp; She helped her parents by working at the motel the summer of 1954; and she met Roger Faubion that August.&nbsp; While it wasn’t quite love at first sight, it was close:&nbsp; they were married 7 months later on March 5, 1955.&nbsp; To this union were born 3 sons, one died in infancy.During the next several years the family lived in Hays plus other Kansas towns of Hill City, Goodland and Larned where Roger oversaw large construction projects.&nbsp; When the boys started school, Mom stayed in Hays with them while Dad commuted from wherever his job location took him.These stay-at-home years gave Bev the opportunity to work for the local Radio/TV station KAYS, at a variety of jobs.&nbsp; Her most memorable jobs there were as host of “Bev’s Party Line” and “Women’s Page” (daily weekday radio programs).&nbsp; Bev was very active in Hays and surrounding community functions:&nbsp; MC for fashions shows; on judging panels for various area competitions; a participant in local talent productions; President of the Lincoln Elementary School PTA; a Director on the State Board of the Kansas Women’s Bowling Association; in charge of the girls summer slow-pitch softball program in Hays; a slow-pitch umpire; and an active member of many other clubs and organizations.In 1973, the family moved to Arizona.&nbsp; It wasn’t long before Bev decided to get back in the outside work force.&nbsp; She started as a Kelly Girl Temp which led to a permanent position with the Arizona Department of Public Safely eventually as a Supervisor in the CIS Division.&nbsp; After the boys were out of high school and in college, Bev quit her job to go along with Roger when he was sent out of town on construction projects.&nbsp; They enjoyed living in several Arizona cities and towns, plus a year in Albuquerque NM, making many close and lasting friendships along the way.This ‘vagabond era’ ended in 1989 when Roger and Bev settled in Scottsdale AZ.&nbsp; While there, Bev once again went back to work, this time with Rural/Metro Corporation (fire and ambulance with nationwide operations).&nbsp; She had progressed to the position of Executive Assistant in the Finance Department when she retired in 2000.&nbsp; In the meantime, Roger had established his own business and Bev managed those office duties as well.&nbsp; When Roger retired in 2002, they moved to Solera, an active adult community in Chandler AZ.At the age of 71 (2006), Bev’s right leg was amputated above the knee.&nbsp; It was a bit of a set-back, or course, but Bev took it all in stride (pun intended) and never let it get her down:&nbsp; she maintained a positive attitude along with her signature love of life.&nbsp; She even named her stump LTH (Less Than Half), her prosthesis Lena (get it?) and her walker Nessy (short for Necessary).&nbsp; Also, hand controls were installed on the car so she could continue to drive (you go girl!).Bev passed away peacefully in her sleep, on October 27th, 2020. She was at her home with her loved ones. She was 85 years young.&nbsp; She chose to do a full-body donation to scientific research, followed by cremation.&nbsp; There will be no funeral nor memorial service; a Celebration of Life may be held later. In lieu of flowers, Bev requested that any gesture of remembrance be given to your favorite charity in her name – with special thanks and heartfelt appreciation from Bev and her family.Bev was preceded in death by her husband Roger (2011), their son Brad (2018), their infant son Ralph David (1957), her parents, her brother, two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.Survivors include her cherished family of son Chuck (Gwen) of Sun City AZ, daughter-in-law Jan of Gilbert AZ; sister Dorothy “Dee” Petree of Littleton CO; sister-in-law Sue Faubion of Denver CO; 5 grandchildren: Faith Lochmann of Hays KS, Melissa (Kris) Heddings of Glendale AZ, Marcus (Ashley) Faubion of Cave Creek AZ, Erin (David) Price of Tucson AZ and Matt (Amanda) Faubion of Gilbert AZ; 1 step-granddaughter Tara Fair Smith (Gerald) of Phoenix AZ; 3 great-grandsons: Samuel Heddings, Tristan Faubion and Owen Price; 1 great-granddaughter Jordan Faubion; 1 adopted great-granddaughter Hannah Baxter; 5 step-great-grandchildren: K. J., Jocelyn and Kade Heddings, Austin Sloan and Zaden Collins;&nbsp; 1 step-great-great grandson Kace James Heddings; 1 adopted great-great granddaughter; Indigo Dietz; several nieces, nephews and many extended family members.Bev served &amp; impacted countless people during her lifetime with fun and an ever-present positive attitude. Especially her loved ones. She is dearly missed and will never be forgotten.&nbsp;

Beverly June 'Bev' Frazier Faubion

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall has resigned following an investigation into allegations of verbal and physical abuse. 

Marshall, who has long been known for his combustible sideline persona, came under scrutiny when former player Shaq Morris claimed he’d been struck twice by his coach during an October 2015 practice. Morris also claimed that he’d seen Marshall choke assistant coach Kyle Lindsted, who soon departed to become an assistant at Minnesota.

Wichita State Director of Athletics Darron Boatright has accepted the resignation of Head Men’s Basketball Coach Gregg Marshall, effective immediately, according to a media release from the university.

“This was a difficult decision, but one I feel was necessary for my family, the university and, most importantly, the student-athletes,” Marshall said. “I remain grateful for my years spent at Wichita State. I wish to thank the coaches, student-athletes, the university, the community, and all of Shocker Nation for their unending dedication, support and loyalty. I am incredibly proud of this men’s basketball program and all it has achieved over the past 14 years and am confident of its continued success.”&nbsp;

As part of Marshall’s resignation, the University has agreed to a contract settlement for $7.75 million to be paid over a period of six years. The university’s Intercollegiate Athletic Association will cover the settlement.

“Our student-athletes are our primary concern,” said Director of Athletics Darron Boatright. “While the university acknowledges the success of the basketball program under Coach Marshall, this decision is in the best interest of the university, its student athletes and the WSU community. WSU will continue its pursuit of excellence with the help of its student-athletes, staff and loyal supporters of the basketball program.” &nbsp; “I’m incredibly proud of this basketball program. Our family – Lynn, Kellen, and Maggie – love Wichita,” said Gregg Marshall. &nbsp; Assistant Coach Isaac Brown will serve as the team’s interim head coach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261953575.png" alt="Coach Greg Marshall-photo courtesy Wichita State" />
 <figcaption>Coach Greg Marshall-photo courtesy Wichita State</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall has resigned following an investigation into allegations of verbal and physical abuse. Marshall, who has long been known for his combustible sideline persona, came under scrutiny when former player Shaq Morris claimed he’d been struck twice by his coach during an October 2015 practice. Morris also claimed that he’d seen Marshall choke assistant coach Kyle Lindsted, who soon departed to become an assistant at Minnesota.----------Wichita State Director of Athletics Darron Boatright has accepted the resignation of Head Men’s Basketball Coach Gregg Marshall, effective immediately, according to a media release from the university.“This was a difficult decision, but one I feel was necessary for my family, the university and, most importantly, the student-athletes,” Marshall said. “I remain grateful for my years spent at Wichita State. I wish to thank the coaches, student-athletes, the university, the community, and all of Shocker Nation for their unending dedication, support and loyalty. I am incredibly proud of this men’s basketball program and all it has achieved over the past 14 years and am confident of its continued success.”&nbsp;As part of Marshall’s resignation, the University has agreed to a contract settlement for $7.75 million to be paid over a period of six years. The university’s Intercollegiate Athletic Association will cover the settlement.“Our student-athletes are our primary concern,” said Director of Athletics Darron Boatright. “While the university acknowledges the success of the basketball program under Coach Marshall, this decision is in the best interest of the university, its student athletes and the WSU community. WSU will continue its pursuit of excellence with the help of its student-athletes, staff and loyal supporters of the basketball program.” &nbsp; “I’m incredibly proud of this basketball program. Our family – Lynn, Kellen, and Maggie – love Wichita,” said Gregg Marshall. &nbsp; Assistant Coach Isaac Brown will serve as the team’s interim head coach.

Gregg Marshall resigns as basketball coach at Wichita State 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall resigned Tuesday following an investigation into allegations of verbal and physical abuse, ending a tenure that soared to the Final Four and crashed on the eve of the upcoming season.

The school said Marshall agreed to a settlement of $7.75 million to be paid over the next six years.

Athletic director Darron Boatright said “this decision is in the best interest of the university, its student athletes and the WSU community.” Shockers assistant coach Isaac Brown will serve as the interim coach.

Wichita State opens its season Nov. 25 against Utah State in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall resigned Tuesday following an investigation into allegations of verbal and physical abuse, ending a tenure that soared to the Final Four and crashed on the eve of the upcoming season.The school said Marshall agreed to a settlement of $7.75 million to be paid over the next six years.Athletic director Darron Boatright said “this decision is in the best interest of the university, its student athletes and the WSU community.” Shockers assistant coach Isaac Brown will serve as the interim coach.Marshall, who has long been known for his combustible sideline persona, came under scrutiny when former player Shaq Morris claimed he’d been struck twice by his coach during an October 2015 practice. Morris also claimed that he’d seen Marshall choke assistant coach Kyle Lindsted, who soon departed to become an assistant at Minnesota.Wichita State opens its season Nov. 25 against Utah State in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

🏀 Wichita State coach Marshall resigns after misconduct probe

Floyd Edward Schuckman, 88, passed away on November 15, 2020 at the 
Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 3, 
1932 in McCracken, Kansas the son of Alexander and Anna (Schaeffer) 
Schuckman.

Graveside funeral service will be on Saturday, November 21, 2020, 
12:00 noon, at the St. Aloysius Cemetery, Ransom, Kansas. Viewing will 
be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Friday, November 20th, 
2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 -
 7:00 p.m..

Memorial contributions may be given to the Rhode Island Suites, or Grisell Memorial Hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605635210016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Floyd Edward Schuckman, 88, passed away on November 15, 2020 at the 
Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 3, 
1932 in McCracken, Kansas the son of Alexander and Anna (Schaeffer) 
Schuckman.Graveside funeral service will be on Saturday, November 21, 2020, 
12:00 noon, at the St. Aloysius Cemetery, Ransom, Kansas. Viewing will 
be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Friday, November 20th, 
2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 -
 7:00 p.m..Memorial contributions may be given to the Rhode Island Suites, or Grisell Memorial Hospital.

Floyd Edward Schuckman

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-16/kansas-hospitals-seek-help-from-nearby-states-but-the-whole-midwest-is-struggling-with-a-covid-surge">Kansas News Service</a>

Hospitals in Colorado and Nebraska are calling Kansas in desperate 
search of beds for coronavirus patients. But Kansas hospitals are asking
 them for the same.

November has brought on the strongest surge yet of the coronavirus <a href="https://covidtracking.com/data/charts/week-of-single-day-record-of-cases-per-state" target="_blank">across the region</a> — and that’s before Thanksgiving gathers families together.

“The entire Midwest is on fire,” said Steven Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.

Already,
 priceless hours slip away for deathly ill patients while doctors at 
smaller hospitals in Kansas place call after call seeking intensive care
 openings at larger facilities.

Searches can take several hours of calling around followed by hours-long ambulance rides.

“It’s not just COVID patients that can’t get transferred,” Stites said. “It’s a heart attack. It’s a stroke. It’s everything.”

In October, KU Health System turned away 140 transfers. The flood of requests has continued this month.

The
 calls for help come from across Kansas and Missouri, but also as far 
away as Arkansas, Iowa, Colorado, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

“It’s a very scary situation,” Concordia, Kansas, family physician Justin Poore said. “We need help.”

Cloud
 County Health Center, where he works, called eight in-state hospitals 
for a recent patient. But people answering the phones in Salina, Topeka,
 Wichita, Manhattan and elsewhere all offered the same bad news.

The
 central Kansas hospital had to send its patient three hours by ground 
ambulance to Omaha, Nebraska. Because openings change daily, it had to 
repeat that search for the next patient, until finding them a spot in 
Lincoln.

As it is, even if Kansans all stayed home starting tomorrow, the 
surge would likely continue for weeks because more cases are incubating 
and progressing to the point of hospitalization.

“We need our communities to wear masks,” Poore said. “We need our communities to stop these larger indoor gatherings.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605557231927.png" alt=" Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-16/kansas-hospitals-seek-help-from-nearby-states-but-the-whole-midwest-is-struggling-with-a-covid-surge">Kansas News Service</a>Hospitals in Colorado and Nebraska are calling Kansas in desperate 
search of beds for coronavirus patients. But Kansas hospitals are asking
 them for the same.November has brought on the strongest surge yet of the coronavirus <a href="https://covidtracking.com/data/charts/week-of-single-day-record-of-cases-per-state" target="_blank">across the region</a> — and that’s before Thanksgiving gathers families together.“The entire Midwest is on fire,” said Steven Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.Already,
 priceless hours slip away for deathly ill patients while doctors at 
smaller hospitals in Kansas place call after call seeking intensive care
 openings at larger facilities.Searches can take several hours of calling around followed by hours-long ambulance rides.“It’s not just COVID patients that can’t get transferred,” Stites said. “It’s a heart attack. It’s a stroke. It’s everything.”In October, KU Health System turned away 140 transfers. The flood of requests has continued this month.The
 calls for help come from across Kansas and Missouri, but also as far 
away as Arkansas, Iowa, Colorado, Oklahoma and Nebraska.“It’s a very scary situation,” Concordia, Kansas, family physician Justin Poore said. “We need help.”Cloud
 County Health Center, where he works, called eight in-state hospitals 
for a recent patient. But people answering the phones in Salina, Topeka,
 Wichita, Manhattan and elsewhere all offered the same bad news.The
 central Kansas hospital had to send its patient three hours by ground 
ambulance to Omaha, Nebraska. Because openings change daily, it had to 
repeat that search for the next patient, until finding them a spot in 
Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605557284176.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As it is, even if Kansans all stayed home starting tomorrow, the 
surge would likely continue for weeks because more cases are incubating 
and progressing to the point of hospitalization.“We need our communities to wear masks,” Poore said. “We need our communities to stop these larger indoor gatherings.”During
 most of the pandemic, he said, his county of about 8,700 people managed
 to avoid major COVID outbreaks. This month, it has seen 200 cases.Statewide,
 Kansas just confirmed 18,000 in seven days. It’s among more than 20 
states that set fresh records for new COVID cases last week.On an
 average day back in April, when Kansas was locked down, hospitals 
reported 104 hospitalized coronavirus patients to state health 
officials. The situation has worsened sharply in recent weeks. On 
Tuesday, the daily total topped 800 for the first time.State 
health officials say some hospitals actually have open ICU beds. In 
effect, though, it doesn’t help because they lack enough nurses and 
doctors to function at full capacity.Maj. Gen. David Weishaar 
told legislative leaders Friday that the Kansas National Guard isn’t 
pursuing the idea of field hospitals yet. There wouldn’t be enough 
health care workers to staff them anyway.Some larger hospitals have opened overflow ICUs and scaled back elective care to make way for more of the critically ill.Stormont
 Vail, the largest hospital in Topeka, is postponing some non-emergency 
surgeries that would take up beds overnight. On Thursday, KU Health 
System also began delaying some surgeries.Meanwhile, Thanksgiving
 looms, with its prospect of even more people traveling and commingling.
 Across Kansas, tens of thousands of college students will head home 
from their campuses.Stites fears Kansas City and surrounding 
areas are teetering on a cliff. Day after day, in video updates on 
Facebook, he begs the public to mask up for the greater good, and abide 
by social distancing.“If you have a heart attack or a stroke, 
where are you going to go?” he pleaded on Thursday. “If you’re in a car 
accident, you have a big trauma, and you need to go to the hospital, 
where are you going to go? If the hospital’s overwhelmed with COVID 
patients, where are you going to go?”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.