KANSAS CITY —The staff at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium are mourning the loss of African elephant Lois, who lived at the KCZoo for more than four decades, according to a statement from the zoo.

At 47-years old, Lois was considered a geriatric elephant, so her long life is really a testament to the excellent care of the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary health teams. 

Lois was beloved by Zoo staff and guests, and most easily identified by her pointed left tusk and red hair on top of her head. Lois was born in 1978 and arrived in Kansas City on September 17, 1982, with another African elephant, Lea, who still resides at the Zoo. 

Due to her age, Lois showed signs of degenerative joints and had also ruptured the caudal cruciate ligament (CCL) in one of her hind legs 15 years ago. 

This type of injury would have been fatal in her native range, but the specialized care provided at the Zoo gave her many more years of wellbeing. 

While treating an elephant is complex, Lois responded well to laser therapy, anti-inflammatories, changes to the substrate in the barn stall, and other accommodations to make her comfortable. 

Recently, Lois had been experiencing more challenges with movement, and she did not respond to additional treatment options over the past week. 

The difficult decision to euthanize her was made on October 21 due to diminished quality of life. The care specialists that knew her best described Lois as “a strong-willed girl with an unwavering spirit.”

 They say she was a fiery redhead with a spunky personality who loved snacks and lots of attention. Her favorite game was showering her unsuspecting caregivers with water, soaking them and all their paperwork and supplies. Those early morning showers will be remembered fondly.

With the loss of Lois, the Zoo is home to eight elephants, four of which are considered geriatric. Lady is the oldest African elephant in North America at the age of 57, and Lea, Megan, and Tattoo, are also all 47 years old. Zoe, 40, Christy, 38, Zuri, 15, and Tamani, a 20-year-old male, round out the herd

.Lois was a beloved ambassador for her endangered species and helped to inspire the Zoo’s conservation efforts to save elephants and other wildlife through programs in Zambia and South Africa.  Lois will be dearly missed by all her Zoo family, including staff, volunteers, and guests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761178925460.png" alt="Lois photo Kansas City Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Lois photo Kansas City Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The staff at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium are mourning the loss of African elephant Lois, who lived at the KCZoo for more than four decades, according to a statement from the zoo.At 47-years old, Lois was considered a geriatric elephant, so her long life is really a testament to the excellent care of the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary health teams. Lois was beloved by Zoo staff and guests, and most easily identified by her pointed left tusk and red hair on top of her head. Lois was born in 1978 and arrived in Kansas City on September 17, 1982, with another African elephant, Lea, who still resides at the Zoo. Due to her age, Lois showed signs of degenerative joints and had also ruptured the caudal cruciate ligament (CCL) in one of her hind legs 15 years ago. This type of injury would have been fatal in her native range, but the specialized care provided at the Zoo gave her many more years of wellbeing. While treating an elephant is complex, Lois responded well to laser therapy, anti-inflammatories, changes to the substrate in the barn stall, and other accommodations to make her comfortable. Recently, Lois had been experiencing more challenges with movement, and she did not respond to additional treatment options over the past week. The difficult decision to euthanize her was made on October 21 due to diminished quality of life. The care specialists that knew her best described Lois as “a strong-willed girl with an unwavering spirit.” They say she was a fiery redhead with a spunky personality who loved snacks and lots of attention. Her favorite game was showering her unsuspecting caregivers with water, soaking them and all their paperwork and supplies. Those early morning showers will be remembered fondly.With the loss of Lois, the Zoo is home to eight elephants, four of which are considered geriatric. Lady is the oldest African elephant in North America at the age of 57, and Lea, Megan, and Tattoo, are also all 47 years old. Zoe, 40, Christy, 38, Zuri, 15, and Tamani, a 20-year-old male, round out the herd.Lois was a beloved ambassador for her endangered species and helped to inspire the Zoo’s conservation efforts to save elephants and other wildlife through programs in Zambia and South Africa. Lois will be dearly missed by all her Zoo family, including staff, volunteers, and guests.

 Kansas City Zoo mourns loss of 47-year-old elephant

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military on Wednesday launched its ninth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d" rel="nofollow">strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel</a>, killing three people in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, further expanding the Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd" rel="nofollow">campaign against drug trafficking in South America</a>.

Wednesday’s strike followed a strike Tuesday night, also in the eastern Pacific, that killed two people, according to Hegseth.

The attacks Tuesday and Wednesday were departures from the seven previous U.S. strikes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c" rel="nofollow">had targeted vessels</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean. They bring the death toll to at least 37 from attacks that began last month.

The strikes represent an expansion of the military’s targeting area as well as a shift to the waters off South America where much of the cocaine from the world’s largest producers is smuggled. Hegseth’s social media posts also drew a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e" rel="nofollow">direct comparison between the war on terrorism</a>&nbsp;that the U.S. declared after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the Trump administration’s crackdown.

“Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people,” Hegseth said, adding “there will be no refuge or forgiveness — only justice.”

Later Wednesday, he referred to the alleged drug-runners as “the ‘Al Qaeda’ of our hemisphere.”

Republican President Donald Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d" rel="nofollow">an “armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and proclaiming the criminal organizations unlawful combatants, relying on the same legal authority used by President George W. Bush’s administration for the war on terrorism.

Asked about the latest boat attack, Trump insisted that “we have legal authority. We’re allowed to do that.” He said similar strikes could eventually come on land.

“We will hit them very hard when they come in by land,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We’re totally prepared to do that. And we’ll probably go back to Congress and explain exactly what we’re doing when we come to the land.”

Lawmakers from both political parties have expressed concerns about Trump ordering the military actions without receiving authorization from Congress or providing many details.

Appearing alongside Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended such strikes, saying, “If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States.”

Targeting a boat in a thoroughfare for cocaine smuggling

In the first brief video Hegseth posted Wednesday, a small boat, half-filled with brown packages, is seen moving along the water. Several seconds into the video, the boat explodes and is seen floating motionless on the water in flames.

The second video shows another boat moving quickly before being struck by an explosion. Video apparently recorded after the explosion shows packages floating in the water.

The U.S. military has built up an unusually large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d" rel="nofollow">force in the Caribbean Sea</a>&nbsp;and the waters off the coast of Venezuela since this summer, raising speculation that Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0" rel="nofollow">could try to topple</a>&nbsp;Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-indictments-armed-forces-united-states-miami-d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f" rel="nofollow">charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.</a>

In his posts on the strikes, Trump has repeatedly argued that illegal narcotics and the drug fentanyl carried by the vessels have been poisoning Americans.

While the bulk of American overdose deaths are from fentanyl, the drug is transported by land from Mexico. Venezuela is a major drug transit zone, but the eastern Pacific Ocean, not the Caribbean, is the primary area for smuggling cocaine.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-coca-crop-033c449cf1124b4ce23cec3716e1aeef" rel="nofollow">Colombia</a>&nbsp;and Peru, countries with coastlines on the eastern Pacific, are the world’s top cocaine producers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-bananas-cocaine-europe-drug-trafficking-6d6529e2b1d8f3cbd16aea74ade0b93d" rel="nofollow">Wedged between them is Ecuador</a>, whose world-class ports and myriad maritime shipping containers filled with bananas have become the perfect vehicle for drug traffickers to move their product.

The administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd" rel="nofollow">sidestepped prosecuting any occupants</a>&nbsp;of alleged drug-running vessels after returning two survivors of an earlier strike to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-strike-caribbean-trump-fentanyl-colombia-venezuela-0f8f1c004064857046398b388ddb8df5" rel="nofollow">Ecuadorian officials later said</a>&nbsp;they released the man who was returned because they had no evidence he committed a crime in their country.

Questions from Congress as strikes continue

Some Republican lawmakers have asked the White House for more clarification on its legal justification and specifics on how the strikes are conducted, while Democrats insist they are violations of U.S. and international law.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he was alarmed and angry about a lack of information on the strikes.

“Expanding the geography simply expands the lawlessness and the recklessness in the use of the American military without seeming legal or practical justification,” Blumenthal said.

He said the way to target trafficking would be stopping the boats and interrogating those aboard to find the source of the drugs, “not just destroy the smugglers who are likely to be at the bottom of the smuggling chain.”

The Republican-controlled Senate recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-war-power-congress-2c8c491f88836249801b6b15b19217b5" rel="nofollow">voted down</a>&nbsp;a Democratic-sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63" rel="nofollow">war powers</a>&nbsp;resolution, mostly along party lines, that would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said he’s met with Rubio.

“He has researched the legal ramifications carefully and he believes we’re on solid ground in attacking these narcoterrorists,” Kennedy said. “I trust his judgment.”

Associated Press writers Will Weissert and Kevin Freking in Washington and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted its eighth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drugs-venezuela-boat-strike-af1a784864268707a76755a98615563e">strike against an alleged drug vessel</a>, killing two people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday.

The Tuesday night strike occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The seven previous strikes all targeted vessels in the Caribbean. According to Hegseth in a social media post, the strike killed two people, bringing the death toll from all the strikes to at least 34 people.

In a brief video released by Hegseth, a small boat, half-filled with brown packages, is seen moving along the water. Several seconds into the video, the boat explodes and is seen floating motionless on the water in flames.

In his post, Hegseth took the unusual step of equating the alleged drug traffickers to the group behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.

President Donald Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">an “armed conflict”</a>&nbsp;with drug cartels and is relying on the same legal authority used by President George W. Bush's administration when it declared a war on terrorism after the Sept. 11 attack.

However, the Trump administration has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd">sidestepped prosecuting any of the occupants</a>&nbsp;of the alleged drug-running vessels after it returned two survivors of an earlier strike to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-strike-caribbean-trump-fentanyl-colombia-venezuela-0f8f1c004064857046398b388ddb8df5">Ecuadorian officials later said</a>&nbsp;that they released the man that was returned to their country, saying that they had no evidence he committed a crime in their country.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military on Wednesday launched its ninth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d" rel="nofollow">strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel</a>, killing three people in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, further expanding the Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd" rel="nofollow">campaign against drug trafficking in South America</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out yet another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO). Yet again, the now-deceased terrorists were engaged in narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. The… <a href="https://t.co/PEaKmakivD">pic.twitter.com/PEaKmakivD</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981167670989926902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel being operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization and conducting narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. The vessel was known by our intelligence to be… <a href="https://t.co/BayDhUZ4Ac">pic.twitter.com/BayDhUZ4Ac</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981049943306752361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wednesday’s strike followed a strike Tuesday night, also in the eastern Pacific, that killed two people, according to Hegseth.The attacks Tuesday and Wednesday were departures from the seven previous U.S. strikes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c" rel="nofollow">had targeted vessels</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean. They bring the death toll to at least 37 from attacks that began last month.The strikes represent an expansion of the military’s targeting area as well as a shift to the waters off South America where much of the cocaine from the world’s largest producers is smuggled. Hegseth’s social media posts also drew a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e" rel="nofollow">direct comparison between the war on terrorism</a>&nbsp;that the U.S. declared after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the Trump administration’s crackdown.“Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people,” Hegseth said, adding “there will be no refuge or forgiveness — only justice.”Later Wednesday, he referred to the alleged drug-runners as “the ‘Al Qaeda’ of our hemisphere.”Republican President Donald Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d" rel="nofollow">an “armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and proclaiming the criminal organizations unlawful combatants, relying on the same legal authority used by President George W. Bush’s administration for the war on terrorism.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on strikes against narcoterrorists: &quot;This is a national security problem... They killed 300,000 Americans last year.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eKwaKMgGnT">pic.twitter.com/eKwaKMgGnT</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981109926526132687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: &quot;These are drug boats. If people want to stop seeing drug boats blown up, stop sending drugs to the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qACz92D54g">pic.twitter.com/qACz92D54g</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981109821031272738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Trump says strikes on land could be next</h2>Asked about the latest boat attack, Trump insisted that “we have legal authority. We’re allowed to do that.” He said similar strikes could eventually come on land.“We will hit them very hard when they come in by land,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We’re totally prepared to do that. And we’ll probably go back to Congress and explain exactly what we’re doing when we come to the land.”Lawmakers from both political parties have expressed concerns about Trump ordering the military actions without receiving authorization from Congress or providing many details.Appearing alongside Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended such strikes, saying, “If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States.”<h2>Targeting a boat in a thoroughfare for cocaine smuggling</h2>In the first brief video Hegseth posted Wednesday, a small boat, half-filled with brown packages, is seen moving along the water. Several seconds into the video, the boat explodes and is seen floating motionless on the water in flames.The second video shows another boat moving quickly before being struck by an explosion. Video apparently recorded after the explosion shows packages floating in the water.The U.S. military has built up an unusually large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d" rel="nofollow">force in the Caribbean Sea</a>&nbsp;and the waters off the coast of Venezuela since this summer, raising speculation that Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0" rel="nofollow">could try to topple</a>&nbsp;Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-indictments-armed-forces-united-states-miami-d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f" rel="nofollow">charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.</a>In his posts on the strikes, Trump has repeatedly argued that illegal narcotics and the drug fentanyl carried by the vessels have been poisoning Americans.While the bulk of American overdose deaths are from fentanyl, the drug is transported by land from Mexico. Venezuela is a major drug transit zone, but the eastern Pacific Ocean, not the Caribbean, is the primary area for smuggling cocaine.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-coca-crop-033c449cf1124b4ce23cec3716e1aeef" rel="nofollow">Colombia</a>&nbsp;and Peru, countries with coastlines on the eastern Pacific, are the world’s top cocaine producers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-bananas-cocaine-europe-drug-trafficking-6d6529e2b1d8f3cbd16aea74ade0b93d" rel="nofollow">Wedged between them is Ecuador</a>, whose world-class ports and myriad maritime shipping containers filled with bananas have become the perfect vehicle for drug traffickers to move their product.The administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd" rel="nofollow">sidestepped prosecuting any occupants</a>&nbsp;of alleged drug-running vessels after returning two survivors of an earlier strike to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-strike-caribbean-trump-fentanyl-colombia-venezuela-0f8f1c004064857046398b388ddb8df5" rel="nofollow">Ecuadorian officials later said</a>&nbsp;they released the man who was returned because they had no evidence he committed a crime in their country.<h2>Questions from Congress as strikes continue</h2>Some Republican lawmakers have asked the White House for more clarification on its legal justification and specifics on how the strikes are conducted, while Democrats insist they are violations of U.S. and international law.Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he was alarmed and angry about a lack of information on the strikes.“Expanding the geography simply expands the lawlessness and the recklessness in the use of the American military without seeming legal or practical justification,” Blumenthal said.He said the way to target trafficking would be stopping the boats and interrogating those aboard to find the source of the drugs, “not just destroy the smugglers who are likely to be at the bottom of the smuggling chain.”The Republican-controlled Senate recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-war-power-congress-2c8c491f88836249801b6b15b19217b5" rel="nofollow">voted down</a>&nbsp;a Democratic-sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-powers-act-trump-congress-9e6832fb5f5f844acf8992008d3a8d63" rel="nofollow">war powers</a>&nbsp;resolution, mostly along party lines, that would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes.Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said he’s met with Rubio.“He has researched the legal ramifications carefully and he believes we’re on solid ground in attacking these narcoterrorists,” Kennedy said. “I trust his judgment.”___Associated Press writers Will Weissert and Kevin Freking in Washington and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted its eighth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drugs-venezuela-boat-strike-af1a784864268707a76755a98615563e">strike against an alleged drug vessel</a>, killing two people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel being operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization and conducting narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. The vessel was known by our intelligence to be… <a href="https://t.co/BayDhUZ4Ac">pic.twitter.com/BayDhUZ4Ac</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981049943306752361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Tuesday night strike occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The seven previous strikes all targeted vessels in the Caribbean. According to Hegseth in a social media post, the strike killed two people, bringing the death toll from all the strikes to at least 34 people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on strikes against narcoterrorists: &quot;This is a national security problem... They killed 300,000 Americans last year.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eKwaKMgGnT">pic.twitter.com/eKwaKMgGnT</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981109926526132687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: &quot;These are drug boats. If people want to stop seeing drug boats blown up, stop sending drugs to the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qACz92D54g">pic.twitter.com/qACz92D54g</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981109821031272738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a brief video released by Hegseth, a small boat, half-filled with brown packages, is seen moving along the water. Several seconds into the video, the boat explodes and is seen floating motionless on the water in flames.In his post, Hegseth took the unusual step of equating the alleged drug traffickers to the group behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.“Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people,” Hegseth said, adding “there will be no refuge or forgiveness — only justice.”President Donald Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">an “armed conflict”</a>&nbsp;with drug cartels and is relying on the same legal authority used by President George W. Bush's administration when it declared a war on terrorism after the Sept. 11 attack.However, the Trump administration has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd">sidestepped prosecuting any of the occupants</a>&nbsp;of the alleged drug-running vessels after it returned two survivors of an earlier strike to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-strike-caribbean-trump-fentanyl-colombia-venezuela-0f8f1c004064857046398b388ddb8df5">Ecuadorian officials later said</a>&nbsp;that they released the man that was returned to their country, saying that they had no evidence he committed a crime in their country.

US strikes two alleged drug boats, expanding attacks to the Pacific

The Kansas Volleyball Association has released its final rankings of the 2025 season.

Victoria (31-5) moved up a spot to No. 5 in Class 1A in 1A Division 2. Wheatland-Grinnell (24-12) is in at No. 10.

Quinter (23-10) holds down the No. 8 spot against this week in Class 1A Division 1.

One team from the Mid-Continent League is ranked and that's Oakley (33-3) who is sixth in 2A.

Sub-state tournaments will be held this Saturday, October 25. State tournaments are set for October 30-November 1.

Records below reflect information that was submitted by Monday, October 20.

Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s Rank Class 6A 1. Mill Valley 28-4 (1) 2. Blue Valley West 28-4 (2) 3. Olathe West 23-7 (3)} 4. Gardner-Edgerton 24-10 (9) 5. Washburn Rural 28-6 (6) 6. Olathe Northwest 26-8 (4) 7. Manhattan 25-8 (7) 8. Blue Valley North 20-13 (5) 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 20-10 (8) 10. Wichita Northwest 28-6 (10)

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 25-5 (1) 2. Blue Valley Southwest 30-4 (2) 3. Maize South 33-4 (3) 4. Bishop Carroll 35-1 (4) 5. St. James Academy 24-9 (5) 6. Lansing 27-9 (6) 7. Andover Central 24-10 (7) 8. Great Bend 25-9 (10) 9. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 25-10 (NR) 10. Pittsburg 22-9 (NR)

Class 4A 1. Clay Center 36-2 (1) 2. Andale 29-1 (2) 3. Hayden 26-8 (3) 4. Bishop Miege 5-24 (4) 5. McPherson 31-6 (5) 6. Chanute 35-1 (6) 7. Rock Creek 30-6 (7) 8. Circle 25-10 (8) 9. Eudora 25-10 (10) 10. Paola 24-8 (9)

Class 3A 1. Silver Lake 36-1 (1) 2. Halstead 30-5 (3) 3. Holton 29-9 (2) 4. Hoisington 31-4 (4) 5. Trinity Academy 23-5 (6) 6. Beloit 27-8 (5) 7. Holcomb 32-4 (8) 8. Maranatha Christian Academy 34-4 (7) 9. Garden Plain 27-8 (9) 10. Hesston 21-12 (10)

Class 2A 1. Ellinwood 37-0 (1) 2. Hillsboro 27-9 (2) 3. Moundridge 34-2 (3) 4. Medicine Lodge 31-4 (5) 5. Valley Heights 25-8 (6) 6. Oakley 32-3 (4) 7. Rossville 23-13 (7) 8. Jefferson County North 35-4 (8) 9. Berean Academy 27-8 (10) 10. Bennington 30-7 (NR)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Little River 34-2 (1) 2. Centralia 28-8 (2) 3. Wabaunsee 31-5 (3) 4. South Gray 31-4 (4) 5. Spearville 30-6 (6) 6. Rock Hills 35-1 (5) 7. Goessel 26-10 (7) 8. Quinter 23-10 (8) 9. Onaga 17-13 (10) 10. Greeley County 23-10 (9)

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Marais des Cygnes Valley 34-2 (2) 2. Ingalls 30-5 (1) 3. Linn 27-5 (3) 4. Hanover 27-7 (4) 5. Victoria 29-6 (6) 6. Cheylin 25-8 (7) 7. Axtell 22-13 (8) 8. Dighton 23-12 (9) 9. Bucklin 20-11 (10) 10. Wheatland-Grinnell 24-12 (NR)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694203728754.png" alt="Kansas Volleyball Association image" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Volleyball Association image</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Volleyball Association has released its final rankings of the 2025 season.Victoria (31-5) moved up a spot to No. 5 in Class 1A in 1A Division 2. Wheatland-Grinnell (24-12) is in at No. 10.Quinter (23-10) holds down the No. 8 spot against this week in Class 1A Division 1.One team from the Mid-Continent League is ranked and that's Oakley (33-3) who is sixth in 2A.Sub-state tournaments will be held this Saturday, October 25. State tournaments are set for October 30-November 1.Records below reflect information that was submitted by Monday, October 20.Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s Rank Class 6A 1. Mill Valley 28-4 (1) 2. Blue Valley West 28-4 (2) 3. Olathe West 23-7 (3)} 4. Gardner-Edgerton 24-10 (9) 5. Washburn Rural 28-6 (6) 6. Olathe Northwest 26-8 (4) 7. Manhattan 25-8 (7) 8. Blue Valley North 20-13 (5) 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 20-10 (8) 10. Wichita Northwest 28-6 (10)Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 25-5 (1) 2. Blue Valley Southwest 30-4 (2) 3. Maize South 33-4 (3) 4. Bishop Carroll 35-1 (4) 5. St. James Academy 24-9 (5) 6. Lansing 27-9 (6) 7. Andover Central 24-10 (7) 8. Great Bend 25-9 (10) 9. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 25-10 (NR) 10. Pittsburg 22-9 (NR)Class 4A 1. Clay Center 36-2 (1) 2. Andale 29-1 (2) 3. Hayden 26-8 (3) 4. Bishop Miege 5-24 (4) 5. McPherson 31-6 (5) 6. Chanute 35-1 (6) 7. Rock Creek 30-6 (7) 8. Circle 25-10 (8) 9. Eudora 25-10 (10) 10. Paola 24-8 (9)Class 3A 1. Silver Lake 36-1 (1) 2. Halstead 30-5 (3) 3. Holton 29-9 (2) 4. Hoisington 31-4 (4) 5. Trinity Academy 23-5 (6) 6. Beloit 27-8 (5) 7. Holcomb 32-4 (8) 8. Maranatha Christian Academy 34-4 (7) 9. Garden Plain 27-8 (9) 10. Hesston 21-12 (10)Class 2A 1. Ellinwood 37-0 (1) 2. Hillsboro 27-9 (2) 3. Moundridge 34-2 (3) 4. Medicine Lodge 31-4 (5) 5. Valley Heights 25-8 (6) 6. Oakley 32-3 (4) 7. Rossville 23-13 (7) 8. Jefferson County North 35-4 (8) 9. Berean Academy 27-8 (10) 10. Bennington 30-7 (NR)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Little River 34-2 (1) 2. Centralia 28-8 (2) 3. Wabaunsee 31-5 (3) 4. South Gray 31-4 (4) 5. Spearville 30-6 (6) 6. Rock Hills 35-1 (5) 7. Goessel 26-10 (7) 8. Quinter 23-10 (8) 9. Onaga 17-13 (10) 10. Greeley County 23-10 (9)Class 1A – Division 2 1. Marais des Cygnes Valley 34-2 (2) 2. Ingalls 30-5 (1) 3. Linn 27-5 (3) 4. Hanover 27-7 (4) 5. Victoria 29-6 (6) 6. Cheylin 25-8 (7) 7. Axtell 22-13 (8) 8. Dighton 23-12 (9) 9. Bucklin 20-11 (10) 10. Wheatland-Grinnell 24-12 (NR)

🏐 Victoria, Quinter and Wheatland-Grinnell in final KVA Rankings

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Decision allows lawsuit against Capitol Federal to proceed in Shawnee County

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court unanimously affirmed reversal of a district court judge who dismissed legal challenges to a Kansas bank’s policy on assessing overdraft fees.

The Supreme Court sent the case back to Shawnee County District Court, where Judge Merlin Wheeler had dismissed claims of plaintiffs alleging Capitol Federal Savings Bank’s practice of applying overdraft penalties on checking accounts was flawed.

One plaintiff claimed a breach of contract when Topeka-headquartered Capitol Federal charged multiple overdraft fees for repeated attempts to process a single payment that was returned for insufficient funds. Another plaintiff alleged the bank violated its contract by charging multiple fees on transactions that wouldn’t have initially overdrawn the account, but were later processed when the account was deficient.

Wheeler granted in October 2024 the bank’s motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ petition after concluding overdraft provisions of the contract with customers mandated each report “errors or improper charges” within 30 days of receiving an account statement.

The judge said plaintiffs Jennifer Harding and Samantha Ramirez failed to comply with the bank’s “very clear notice provision” regarding challenges of fees and both were prohibited from proceeding with claims.

The Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the district court after concluding Capitol Federal’s use of the term “improper charges” in its contract wasn’t “inherently clear” to consumers. Capitol Federal, which serves clients in Missouri and Kansas, appealed to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall, appointed in 2014 by Gov. Sam Brownback, wrote the unanimous opinion affirming the Court of Appeals’ view that ambiguity in Capitol Federal’s contract meant the 30-day notice provision couldn’t be applied to the bank’s overdraft fees.

“We agree with the Court of Appeals that the contractual term ‘improper charges’ is ambiguous,” Stegall wrote in the opinion. “When a court properly finds a contract to be ambiguous, the court must construe that ambiguity against the drafter. Our task, at this point, becomes simple. The ambiguity inherent in the contested phrase ‘improper charges’ must be construed against Capitol Federal to exclude the fees the bank itself imposes upon its own customers.”

The case was remanded by the Supreme Court back to district court for further proceedings. The plaintiffs have sought to represent a class action against the bank.

Harding’s lawyers filed suit in 2022 asserting Capitol Federal assessed a overdraft fee for a purchase that was authorized when she had a positive balance in her checking account. The conflict arose when a subsequent, unrelated transaction that further lowered her account balance pushed the balance into overdraft status. When the original electronic transaction was presented for settlement, the transaction was declared an overdraft and the fee charged.

Harding claimed this sequence was a violation of the bank’s customer agreement to charge a $32 overdraft fee on the original transaction.

Ramirez’ counsel alleged Capitol Federal broke the account agreement by charging a fee each time AT&amp;T attempted to collect on a $164.87 bill. She alleged nothing in the customer agreement gave Capitol Federal authority to assess the $32 overdraft fee three separate times on a single debit card item.

Here is the key portion of Capitol Federal’s contract with customers that became a focus of the court case: “If your account statement contains any errors or improper charges, you agree to notify us of any such errors or improper charges within 30 days of the date on which we mailed or otherwise made the affected statement available to you. If you do not notify us within that time, you are barred from bringing any action against us that is in any way related to the errors or improper charges.”

Kersten Holzhueter, a Kansas City, Missouri, attorney who represented Capitol Federal in oral arguments last month before the Supreme Court, said the challenged fee structure was permitted by language contained in the contract with customers. She said the 30-day limit on challenges of fees was reasonable.

“Having a bank account comes with obligations on the bank, but it also has responsibility for the account holder,” she told Supreme Court justices. “This includes an obligation to notify Capitol Federal of certain disputes.”

However, the Supreme Court decided the bank’s notice provision didn’t clearly say “improper charges” included “bank fees.”

“The context within the notice provision itself is actually focused on forgeries and alterations and is clearly concerned with fraudulent activity on a customer’s account,” Stegall wrote in the opinion. “That is, it is talking about a disputed ‘charge’ made by a third party against the balance in a customer’s account. It is confusing at best to conflate this with a ‘charge’ made by the bank against the customer for services rendered” such as covering an overdraft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761159136896.png" alt="Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall, right, authored the high court's unanimous opinion rejecting arguments by Capitol Federal Savings Bank, headquartered in Topeka, that plaintiffs shouldn't be allowed to pursue a lawsuit claiming the bank's customer contract didn't clearly outline rules on overdraft fees. The Supreme Court affirmed a decision by the Kansas Court Appeals against Capitol Federal, which sends the case back to Shawnee County District Court. In this image from Jan. 15, 2025, Stegall is with Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall, right, authored the high court's unanimous opinion rejecting arguments by Capitol Federal Savings Bank, headquartered in Topeka, that plaintiffs shouldn't be allowed to pursue a lawsuit claiming the bank's customer contract didn't clearly outline rules on overdraft fees. The Supreme Court affirmed a decision by the Kansas Court Appeals against Capitol Federal, which sends the case back to Shawnee County District Court. In this image from Jan. 15, 2025, Stegall is with Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Decision allows lawsuit against Capitol Federal to proceed in Shawnee County</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court unanimously affirmed reversal of a district court judge who dismissed legal challenges to a Kansas bank’s policy on assessing overdraft fees.The Supreme Court sent the case back to Shawnee County District Court, where Judge Merlin Wheeler had dismissed claims of plaintiffs alleging Capitol Federal Savings Bank’s practice of applying overdraft penalties on checking accounts was flawed.One plaintiff claimed a breach of contract when Topeka-headquartered Capitol Federal charged multiple overdraft fees for repeated attempts to process a single payment that was returned for insufficient funds. Another plaintiff alleged the bank violated its contract by charging multiple fees on transactions that wouldn’t have initially overdrawn the account, but were later processed when the account was deficient.Wheeler granted in October 2024 the bank’s motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ petition after concluding overdraft provisions of the contract with customers mandated each report “errors or improper charges” within 30 days of receiving an account statement.The judge said plaintiffs Jennifer Harding and Samantha Ramirez failed to comply with the bank’s “very clear notice provision” regarding challenges of fees and both were prohibited from proceeding with claims.The Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the district court after concluding Capitol Federal’s use of the term “improper charges” in its contract wasn’t “inherently clear” to consumers. Capitol Federal, which serves clients in Missouri and Kansas, appealed to the Supreme Court.Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall, appointed in 2014 by Gov. Sam Brownback, wrote the unanimous opinion affirming the Court of Appeals’ view that ambiguity in Capitol Federal’s contract meant the 30-day notice provision couldn’t be applied to the bank’s overdraft fees.“We agree with the Court of Appeals that the contractual term ‘improper charges’ is ambiguous,” Stegall wrote in the opinion. “When a court properly finds a contract to be ambiguous, the court must construe that ambiguity against the drafter. Our task, at this point, becomes simple. The ambiguity inherent in the contested phrase ‘improper charges’ must be construed against Capitol Federal to exclude the fees the bank itself imposes upon its own customers.”The case was remanded by the Supreme Court back to district court for further proceedings. The plaintiffs have sought to represent a class action against the bank.Harding’s lawyers filed suit in 2022 asserting Capitol Federal assessed a overdraft fee for a purchase that was authorized when she had a positive balance in her checking account. The conflict arose when a subsequent, unrelated transaction that further lowered her account balance pushed the balance into overdraft status. When the original electronic transaction was presented for settlement, the transaction was declared an overdraft and the fee charged.Harding claimed this sequence was a violation of the bank’s customer agreement to charge a $32 overdraft fee on the original transaction.Ramirez’ counsel alleged Capitol Federal broke the account agreement by charging a fee each time AT&amp;T attempted to collect on a $164.87 bill. She alleged nothing in the customer agreement gave Capitol Federal authority to assess the $32 overdraft fee three separate times on a single debit card item.Here is the key portion of Capitol Federal’s contract with customers that became a focus of the court case: “If your account statement contains any errors or improper charges, you agree to notify us of any such errors or improper charges within 30 days of the date on which we mailed or otherwise made the affected statement available to you. If you do not notify us within that time, you are barred from bringing any action against us that is in any way related to the errors or improper charges.”Kersten Holzhueter, a Kansas City, Missouri, attorney who represented Capitol Federal in oral arguments last month before the Supreme Court, said the challenged fee structure was permitted by language contained in the contract with customers. She said the 30-day limit on challenges of fees was reasonable.“Having a bank account comes with obligations on the bank, but it also has responsibility for the account holder,” she told Supreme Court justices. “This includes an obligation to notify Capitol Federal of certain disputes.”However, the Supreme Court decided the bank’s notice provision didn’t clearly say “improper charges” included “bank fees.”“The context within the notice provision itself is actually focused on forgeries and alterations and is clearly concerned with fraudulent activity on a customer’s account,” Stegall wrote in the opinion. “That is, it is talking about a disputed ‘charge’ made by a third party against the balance in a customer’s account. It is confusing at best to conflate this with a ‘charge’ made by the bank against the customer for services rendered” such as covering an overdraft.

Kan. Supreme Court unanimously rejects bank’s overdraft fee policy as ‘ambiguous’

Gene P. Chrisler, 85, of
Natoma, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Hays Medical
Center in Hays, Kansas.

Gene was born May 12, 1940 in
Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of five children to H. Donald and Leona
(Jantzen) Chrisler.&nbsp; He grew up on the Saline River west of Fairport,
Kansas.&nbsp; He graduated from Natoma High School.

Gene met, fell in love, and
was united in marriage to Dorene Reich on September 6, 1959 in Russell.&nbsp;
This union was blessed with three children; Teresa, Andrea and Anthony.&nbsp;
They made their home west of Natoma for three years before moving to the farm
south of Natoma.

Gene was a Rancher and Farmer
most all of his life. He took great pride in raising horned Hereford and Angus
cattle and Poco Bueno bred cow horses and strived to be a steward of the land
for the livestock and wildlife.&nbsp; He enjoyed collecting western
memorabilia, guns, and knives.&nbsp; He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing,
and spending time with his livestock. A school board member for Natoma and then
the joint Natoma, Paradise, Waldo School District, Gene worked hard to ensure
area families would have a quality education, including all his grandchildren.
He was a long time AQHA member and a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge and
Isis Shrine.&nbsp; 

Gene’s surviving family
include his wife of 66 years, Dorene of the home; daughters, Teresa Reimer
(Jim) of Paradise, Kansas and Andrea Chambray (David) of Natoma, Kansas; son,
Anthony Chrisler (Melissa) of Natoma, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Clint Griffin,
Dodge City, Kansas, Benjamin Griffin (Janine), Hays, Kansas, Lincoln Griffin
(Alisha) Waxahachie, Texas, Riley Chrisler (Adreinne), Natoma, Kansas, Jacob
Chambray (Fernanda), Hays, Kansas, Kayley Marcin (Mack) Cherry Creek, New York,
Doran Griffin (Ciaralyn), Platte City, Missouri, Hannah Chambray (Weston
Sommers) Hutchinson, Kansas, Carley Chrisler (Kyler Smith), Salina, Kansas:
four step-grandchildren, Jessica Roberts (Darren), Shields, Kansas, Jacob
Reimer (Ashlyn) Smithville, Missouri, Janelyn Nichols, (Jared), Dodge City,
Kanas, Juliette Cain (Champ), Stillwater, Oklahoma; and seven
great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by
his parents; brothers, Eldon Chrisler, Delmar Chrisler and Ralph Chrisler; and
sister, Ellen Ruth Strang.

Celebration of Gene’s life
will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 27, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary in Russell.&nbsp; A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday
at the Fairport Cemetery in Fairport, Kansas.&nbsp; The family will be present
to greet friends on the day of the service starting at 9:30 AM at the
mortuary.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who
is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761157745860.jpeg" alt="Gene P. Chrisler" />
 <figcaption>Gene P. Chrisler</figcaption>
 </figure>Gene P. Chrisler, 85, of
Natoma, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Hays Medical
Center in Hays, Kansas.Gene was born May 12, 1940 in
Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of five children to H. Donald and Leona
(Jantzen) Chrisler.&nbsp; He grew up on the Saline River west of Fairport,
Kansas.&nbsp; He graduated from Natoma High School.Gene met, fell in love, and
was united in marriage to Dorene Reich on September 6, 1959 in Russell.&nbsp;
This union was blessed with three children; Teresa, Andrea and Anthony.&nbsp;
They made their home west of Natoma for three years before moving to the farm
south of Natoma.Gene was a Rancher and Farmer
most all of his life. He took great pride in raising horned Hereford and Angus
cattle and Poco Bueno bred cow horses and strived to be a steward of the land
for the livestock and wildlife.&nbsp; He enjoyed collecting western
memorabilia, guns, and knives.&nbsp; He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing,
and spending time with his livestock. A school board member for Natoma and then
the joint Natoma, Paradise, Waldo School District, Gene worked hard to ensure
area families would have a quality education, including all his grandchildren.
He was a long time AQHA member and a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge and
Isis Shrine.&nbsp; Gene’s surviving family
include his wife of 66 years, Dorene of the home; daughters, Teresa Reimer
(Jim) of Paradise, Kansas and Andrea Chambray (David) of Natoma, Kansas; son,
Anthony Chrisler (Melissa) of Natoma, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Clint Griffin,
Dodge City, Kansas, Benjamin Griffin (Janine), Hays, Kansas, Lincoln Griffin
(Alisha) Waxahachie, Texas, Riley Chrisler (Adreinne), Natoma, Kansas, Jacob
Chambray (Fernanda), Hays, Kansas, Kayley Marcin (Mack) Cherry Creek, New York,
Doran Griffin (Ciaralyn), Platte City, Missouri, Hannah Chambray (Weston
Sommers) Hutchinson, Kansas, Carley Chrisler (Kyler Smith), Salina, Kansas:
four step-grandchildren, Jessica Roberts (Darren), Shields, Kansas, Jacob
Reimer (Ashlyn) Smithville, Missouri, Janelyn Nichols, (Jared), Dodge City,
Kanas, Juliette Cain (Champ), Stillwater, Oklahoma; and seven
great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.Gene was preceded in death by
his parents; brothers, Eldon Chrisler, Delmar Chrisler and Ralph Chrisler; and
sister, Ellen Ruth Strang.Celebration of Gene’s life
will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 27, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary in Russell.&nbsp; A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday
at the Fairport Cemetery in Fairport, Kansas.&nbsp; The family will be present
to greet friends on the day of the service starting at 9:30 AM at the
mortuary.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who
is in charge of these arrangements.

Gene P. Chrisler

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man jailed for a deadly shooting on a&nbsp;City of Wichita bus made his first court appearance on Tuesday.

&nbsp;Travis L. Finney, 34, was charged with first degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and probation violation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 3:30 p.m. October 16, police responded to a report of a shooting at South Meridian and West Burton. When officers arrived, they found a 54-year-old&nbsp; Reginald Griffith suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Sedgwick County EMS pronounced him deceased on scene.

Investigators determined that both Finney and Griffith were passengers on the bus and knew each other.

Finney remains jailed on bonds of&nbsp;$2,575,000.00, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760655721036.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man jailed for a deadly shooting on a&nbsp;City of Wichita bus made his first court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp;Travis L. Finney, 34, was charged with first degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and probation violation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760696407932.png" alt="Finney photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Finney photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 3:30 p.m. October 16, police responded to a report of a shooting at South Meridian and West Burton. When officers arrived, they found a 54-year-old&nbsp; Reginald Griffith suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Sedgwick County EMS pronounced him deceased on scene.Investigators determined that both Finney and Griffith were passengers on the bus and knew each other.Finney remains jailed on bonds of&nbsp;$2,575,000.00, according to online jail records.

Kan. suspect accused of killing a man on city bus faces a judge

Thomas Dale Potter, age 76, of
WaKeeney, Kansas passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Wesley Medical
Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on October 23, 1948, in Lexington,
Nebraska to Warren and Elsie (Tietz) Potter. He married Deborah Ann (McGinnis)
on February 22, 1971, in Santa Ana, California. She preceded him in death on
May 17, 2021, after 50 years of marriage.

Tom was a man
whose hands told the story of a full and hardworking life. For over 50 years,
he traveled the open roads throughout the United States as a devoted truck
driver, often with his wife, children, or grandchildren riding alongside him in
the passenger seat as his 'navigator.' Wherever he went, he had a gift for
turning strangers into friends through his remarkable storytelling, his talent
for making people laugh, and his indelible willingness to lend a helping hand
to those in need. 

When he wasn’t on
the road, he poured that same steady dedication into the things and people he
loved the most: his family, his home, and his crafts. With a patience and
creativity that reflected his gentle spirit, he worked alongside his wife as an
avid quilter, creating pieces that brought color and warmth to those around
him.

Later in
life, he found a love for diamond painting, spending his days of retirement
creating dazzling works, always with the intention of gifting them to those
around him. He was a man of simple joys, endless stories, and a kindness that
left a mark on every person lucky enough to know him.

Thomas is
survived by his daughters, Laurie Van Ingen, Bellingham, WA; Stacey Potter,
Hays, KS; his siblings, Judy Sabag, AR; Michael Potter, CA; his seven
grandchildren, Amy; Anna; Gerri; Amber; Jennifer; Matthew; and Justin; his
three great-grandchildren, Olivia; Kaido; and Charlie. 

He was preceded
in death by his parents, Warren and Elsie (Tietz) Potter; wife, Deborah
(McGinnis) Potter; and his daughter, Michele Potter, 

Graveside
Services and Inurnment will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 25, with Reverend
John Anderson officiating at the WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas. 

The family
suggests memorial to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.&nbsp; A small gathering
for family and friends will follow at the Western Cooperative Electric
Association building in WaKeeney, Kansas.&nbsp; 

Services are
entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1919+East+22?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">1919
East 22</a>nd&nbsp;Street,
Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com" target="_blank">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or left by
guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Thomas Dale Potter, age 76, of
WaKeeney, Kansas passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Wesley Medical
Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on October 23, 1948, in Lexington,
Nebraska to Warren and Elsie (Tietz) Potter. He married Deborah Ann (McGinnis)
on February 22, 1971, in Santa Ana, California. She preceded him in death on
May 17, 2021, after 50 years of marriage.Tom was a man
whose hands told the story of a full and hardworking life. For over 50 years,
he traveled the open roads throughout the United States as a devoted truck
driver, often with his wife, children, or grandchildren riding alongside him in
the passenger seat as his 'navigator.' Wherever he went, he had a gift for
turning strangers into friends through his remarkable storytelling, his talent
for making people laugh, and his indelible willingness to lend a helping hand
to those in need. When he wasn’t on
the road, he poured that same steady dedication into the things and people he
loved the most: his family, his home, and his crafts. With a patience and
creativity that reflected his gentle spirit, he worked alongside his wife as an
avid quilter, creating pieces that brought color and warmth to those around
him.Later in
life, he found a love for diamond painting, spending his days of retirement
creating dazzling works, always with the intention of gifting them to those
around him. He was a man of simple joys, endless stories, and a kindness that
left a mark on every person lucky enough to know him.Thomas is
survived by his daughters, Laurie Van Ingen, Bellingham, WA; Stacey Potter,
Hays, KS; his siblings, Judy Sabag, AR; Michael Potter, CA; his seven
grandchildren, Amy; Anna; Gerri; Amber; Jennifer; Matthew; and Justin; his
three great-grandchildren, Olivia; Kaido; and Charlie. He was preceded
in death by his parents, Warren and Elsie (Tietz) Potter; wife, Deborah
(McGinnis) Potter; and his daughter, Michele Potter, Graveside
Services and Inurnment will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 25, with Reverend
John Anderson officiating at the WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas. The family
suggests memorial to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.&nbsp; A small gathering
for family and friends will follow at the Western Cooperative Electric
Association building in WaKeeney, Kansas.&nbsp; Services are
entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1919+East+22?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">1919
East 22</a>nd&nbsp;Street,
Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com" target="_blank">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or left by
guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Thomas Dale Potter

Marjorie
‘Marge’ Ann (Karlin) Weishaar, 87, resident of Colby, died peacefully at her
home with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. She
was born August 2nd, 1938, in Hays, KS, the daughter of Joseph and
Mary (Schoendaller) Karlin. She attended grade school in Catherine, KS and high
school at Girls Catholic High School (now Thomas More Prep-Marian) in Hays
graduating in 1956. She married William ‘Bill’ Joseph Weishaar from Gem, KS on
August 22, 1959, in Catherine. They moved to Colby in 1959 where she resided
until her passing. She worked at St. Thomas Hospital in the Medical Records
department and then at the K-State Farm Management office doing income taxes
for local farmers until her retirement in 2003. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Marge
was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Queen Mary Circle.&nbsp;
She was also a member of the 'Wednesday Ladies Eat Out' and volunteered with
the Hospital Pink Ladies, Northwest Kansas RSVP and Prairie Museum of Art &amp;
History to name a few.&nbsp; She and Bill were active in the Golden Buckle
Square Dance Club of Colby and served as officers. She enjoyed traveling with
friends and family, sports of all types, cross-stitching and a variety of other
hobbies, but family was her number one priority for her entire life.&nbsp;
Marge was a private and thoughtful person whose life centered around her church
and her loved ones. Those who knew her will remember her for her kindness,
honesty and gentle spirit.

Marge
was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers Norman and Marvin
Karlin, sisters Mildred Schmeidler, Helen Preston Koester and Rita Befort and
grandson Michael Evans Weishaar. Survivors include three sons and their
families, Mark and Wendy (Frahm) Weishaar of Colby, KS, Gary and Beth (Wiseman)
Weishaar of Manhattan, KS, Dean and Stefanie (Knox) Weishaar of Lenexa, KS;
grandson Parker of Colby, KS, granddaughter Amanda Finney (BJ) of Manhattan,
KS, grandson Derrick of New York, NY, grandson Colby (Megan) of Denver, CO and
granddaughter Chloe of Lenexa, KS: great-grandchildren Zoey, Benjamin and
Bradley Finney of Manhattan, KS; sister Patricia Brungardt of Hays, KS and many
nieces &amp; nephews.&nbsp; 

Services
will be at 11:00 am on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Colby, with Father Brian Lager officiating. Graveside
services to follow. Visitation will be Sunday, October 26th from 3 –
5 pm at Baalmann Mortuary with vigil services at 5 pm. The family suggests
memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pioneer Memorial Library or the
Prairie Museum of Art and History sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box
391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761150914002.jpeg" alt="Marjorie ‘Marge’ Ann (Karlin) Weishaar" />
 <figcaption>Marjorie ‘Marge’ Ann (Karlin) Weishaar</figcaption>
 </figure>Marjorie
‘Marge’ Ann (Karlin) Weishaar, 87, resident of Colby, died peacefully at her
home with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. She
was born August 2nd, 1938, in Hays, KS, the daughter of Joseph and
Mary (Schoendaller) Karlin. She attended grade school in Catherine, KS and high
school at Girls Catholic High School (now Thomas More Prep-Marian) in Hays
graduating in 1956. She married William ‘Bill’ Joseph Weishaar from Gem, KS on
August 22, 1959, in Catherine. They moved to Colby in 1959 where she resided
until her passing. She worked at St. Thomas Hospital in the Medical Records
department and then at the K-State Farm Management office doing income taxes
for local farmers until her retirement in 2003. &nbsp;&nbsp;Marge
was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Queen Mary Circle.&nbsp;
She was also a member of the 'Wednesday Ladies Eat Out' and volunteered with
the Hospital Pink Ladies, Northwest Kansas RSVP and Prairie Museum of Art &amp;
History to name a few.&nbsp; She and Bill were active in the Golden Buckle
Square Dance Club of Colby and served as officers. She enjoyed traveling with
friends and family, sports of all types, cross-stitching and a variety of other
hobbies, but family was her number one priority for her entire life.&nbsp;
Marge was a private and thoughtful person whose life centered around her church
and her loved ones. Those who knew her will remember her for her kindness,
honesty and gentle spirit.Marge
was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers Norman and Marvin
Karlin, sisters Mildred Schmeidler, Helen Preston Koester and Rita Befort and
grandson Michael Evans Weishaar. Survivors include three sons and their
families, Mark and Wendy (Frahm) Weishaar of Colby, KS, Gary and Beth (Wiseman)
Weishaar of Manhattan, KS, Dean and Stefanie (Knox) Weishaar of Lenexa, KS;
grandson Parker of Colby, KS, granddaughter Amanda Finney (BJ) of Manhattan,
KS, grandson Derrick of New York, NY, grandson Colby (Megan) of Denver, CO and
granddaughter Chloe of Lenexa, KS: great-grandchildren Zoey, Benjamin and
Bradley Finney of Manhattan, KS; sister Patricia Brungardt of Hays, KS and many
nieces &amp; nephews.&nbsp; Services
will be at 11:00 am on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Colby, with Father Brian Lager officiating. Graveside
services to follow. Visitation will be Sunday, October 26th from 3 –
5 pm at Baalmann Mortuary with vigil services at 5 pm. The family suggests
memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pioneer Memorial Library or the
Prairie Museum of Art and History sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box
391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

Marjorie ‘Marge’ Ann (Karlin) Weishaar

Garry H. Batt, 81, of rural
Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at his home with his
wife by his side.

Garry was born October 29, 1943
in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of three
children to Herman and Esther (Elsasser) Batt.&nbsp;
He grew up in northern Barton County and graduated from Hoisington High
School in 1961.&nbsp; He then attended and
graduated from the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; He served his country in the US Army from
1962 to 1964 and saw active duty in Vietnam.&nbsp;
After his tour of duty, he returned to northern Barton County.

Garry met, fell in love, and was
united in marriage to Ellen Boxberger on October 23, 1965 in Milberger,
Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two
sons; Terry and Tom.&nbsp; They lived in
Milberger for a short time before moving out to the farm.

Garry was a Farmer and
Rancher.&nbsp; He also was owner and operator
of Garry Batt Real Estate Auction and worked with Don Krug with K&amp;B Auction
Service.&nbsp; He was very active in trap
shooting contests for many years.&nbsp; He was
an oil pumper for many years and did dirt work for H.S. Radke.&nbsp; He served on the Township Board for 35 years.&nbsp; He was a member of the American Trap
Association and the Kansas Trap Association and was a life member of the
Russell V.F.W. #6240.&nbsp; He loved playing
Polka with the Dutchmasters and the Polka Kings.&nbsp; In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and
traveling around with Ellen.

Garry’s surviving family include
his wife of 59 years, Ellen of the home; son, Tom Batt (Sandy) of Russell,
Kansas; sister, Shirley Dewald of Russell, Kansas; two grandchildren,
Christopher Batt and Cody Batt; two step grandchildren, Craig Boos and Jakob
Boos; three great grandchildren, Sophia Batt, Hagen Batt, and Cheyenne Batt;
and step great grandchild, Claire Boos.

Garry was preceded in death by
his parents; son, Terry Batt; and sister, Arletta Batt.

Celebration of Garry’s Life will
be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church of
Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the
Trinity Bender Hill Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation
will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, where the family will be present to greet
friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A
memorial has been established with the Trinity Bender Hill Cemetery Fund.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761150553966.jpeg" alt="Garry H. Batt" />
 <figcaption>Garry H. Batt</figcaption>
 </figure>Garry H. Batt, 81, of rural
Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at his home with his
wife by his side.Garry was born October 29, 1943
in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of three
children to Herman and Esther (Elsasser) Batt.&nbsp;
He grew up in northern Barton County and graduated from Hoisington High
School in 1961.&nbsp; He then attended and
graduated from the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; He served his country in the US Army from
1962 to 1964 and saw active duty in Vietnam.&nbsp;
After his tour of duty, he returned to northern Barton County.Garry met, fell in love, and was
united in marriage to Ellen Boxberger on October 23, 1965 in Milberger,
Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two
sons; Terry and Tom.&nbsp; They lived in
Milberger for a short time before moving out to the farm.Garry was a Farmer and
Rancher.&nbsp; He also was owner and operator
of Garry Batt Real Estate Auction and worked with Don Krug with K&amp;B Auction
Service.&nbsp; He was very active in trap
shooting contests for many years.&nbsp; He was
an oil pumper for many years and did dirt work for H.S. Radke.&nbsp; He served on the Township Board for 35 years.&nbsp; He was a member of the American Trap
Association and the Kansas Trap Association and was a life member of the
Russell V.F.W. #6240.&nbsp; He loved playing
Polka with the Dutchmasters and the Polka Kings.&nbsp; In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and
traveling around with Ellen.Garry’s surviving family include
his wife of 59 years, Ellen of the home; son, Tom Batt (Sandy) of Russell,
Kansas; sister, Shirley Dewald of Russell, Kansas; two grandchildren,
Christopher Batt and Cody Batt; two step grandchildren, Craig Boos and Jakob
Boos; three great grandchildren, Sophia Batt, Hagen Batt, and Cheyenne Batt;
and step great grandchild, Claire Boos.Garry was preceded in death by
his parents; son, Terry Batt; and sister, Arletta Batt.Celebration of Garry’s Life will
be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church of
Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the
Trinity Bender Hill Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation
will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, where the family will be present to greet
friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A
memorial has been established with the Trinity Bender Hill Cemetery Fund.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Garry H. Batt

Minnie Lou Krannawitter, 93, former Hays, KS, resident, died
Monday, October 13, 2025, at Otterbein-Springboro Senior Life in Centerville,
OH. She was born January 6, 1932, in Selden, KS, to Oliver A. and Elsie I.
(Bosworth) Shrader. She married Wilfred W. Krannawitter in Hoxie, KS, on
October 28, 1950. He died in 1970.

Minnie grew up during the Great Depression and learned the
importance of hard work and frugality. She and her husband Wilfred farmed near
Hoxie for several years. When he became seriously ill and could no longer farm,
she had to take care of him and raise her sons by herself; they later moved to
Hays.

After Wilfred’s death, she worked as a ward clerk at St. Anthony
Hospital, as an assembler at the Travenol factory, as a cook at Thomas More
Prep high school, as a nurse assistant at the Good Samaritan Society nursing
home, and later at Hays Medical Center, where she obtained her Certified
Nursing Assistant training and license. Minnie will be remembered as a
kindhearted, generous, and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her two sons Michael J. Krannawitter (Maria
Sarratud) of Kettering, OH, and Jon W. Krannawitter (Kathleen Mar) of Garden
City, KS, as well as three grandchildren: Angela M. Krannawitter (Joshua
Weinstein) of Kettering, Josue E. Krannawitter (Addison Heptig) of Wichita, KS,
and Amy L. Krannawitter (Jaron Zamarripa) of Garden City. Minnie is also
survived by seven great-grandchildren: David A. Weinstein, Elizabeth M.
Weinstein, Marcus G. Krannawitter, William J. Krannawitter, Zaylyn N. Krannawitter,
Geddy Zamarripa, and Benmont Zamarripa. Also left to mourn her passing are her
sister Margaret Tripp, sister-in-law Marie Bjorklund Shrader (widow of James
Shrader), and many nieces and nephews.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a
grandson David J. Krannawitter, and her siblings Al Shrader (Barbara Stegman),
Frances Pryor (William), Katherine McKinzie (Vergil), James Shrader, and Mabel
Wells (Wayne). She was also predeceased by all of Wilfred’s siblings and their
spouses.

Graveside services and inurnment will be at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday,
October 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761150145972.jpeg" alt="Minnie Lou Krannawitter" />
 <figcaption>Minnie Lou Krannawitter</figcaption>
 </figure>Minnie Lou Krannawitter, 93, former Hays, KS, resident, died
Monday, October 13, 2025, at Otterbein-Springboro Senior Life in Centerville,
OH. She was born January 6, 1932, in Selden, KS, to Oliver A. and Elsie I.
(Bosworth) Shrader. She married Wilfred W. Krannawitter in Hoxie, KS, on
October 28, 1950. He died in 1970.Minnie grew up during the Great Depression and learned the
importance of hard work and frugality. She and her husband Wilfred farmed near
Hoxie for several years. When he became seriously ill and could no longer farm,
she had to take care of him and raise her sons by herself; they later moved to
Hays.After Wilfred’s death, she worked as a ward clerk at St. Anthony
Hospital, as an assembler at the Travenol factory, as a cook at Thomas More
Prep high school, as a nurse assistant at the Good Samaritan Society nursing
home, and later at Hays Medical Center, where she obtained her Certified
Nursing Assistant training and license. Minnie will be remembered as a
kindhearted, generous, and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.She is survived by her two sons Michael J. Krannawitter (Maria
Sarratud) of Kettering, OH, and Jon W. Krannawitter (Kathleen Mar) of Garden
City, KS, as well as three grandchildren: Angela M. Krannawitter (Joshua
Weinstein) of Kettering, Josue E. Krannawitter (Addison Heptig) of Wichita, KS,
and Amy L. Krannawitter (Jaron Zamarripa) of Garden City. Minnie is also
survived by seven great-grandchildren: David A. Weinstein, Elizabeth M.
Weinstein, Marcus G. Krannawitter, William J. Krannawitter, Zaylyn N. Krannawitter,
Geddy Zamarripa, and Benmont Zamarripa. Also left to mourn her passing are her
sister Margaret Tripp, sister-in-law Marie Bjorklund Shrader (widow of James
Shrader), and many nieces and nephews.Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a
grandson David J. Krannawitter, and her siblings Al Shrader (Barbara Stegman),
Frances Pryor (William), Katherine McKinzie (Vergil), James Shrader, and Mabel
Wells (Wayne). She was also predeceased by all of Wilfred’s siblings and their
spouses.Graveside services and inurnment will be at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday,
October 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, KS

Minnie Lou Krannawitter

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a media release from the ageny.

 That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.

The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.

SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households&nbsp;–&nbsp;nearly 188,000 Kansans&nbsp;–&nbsp;who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.

This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.

DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.

“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.&nbsp;“Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”

October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.

DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/Pw50Ky-F6jZe97hbD8910xmJbnwz4c5ds_T1aiJ-LPY=427">dcf.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fcontacts.aspx/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/yIVHnmTgHvIx8KE_7gV4h9rxS4s3LfNUIP6BARB07NQ=427">dcf.ks.gov</a>.

DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fcontacts.aspx/2/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/HyecglYp9szWTxUSH16i3dNP81VB1Yk_TwHNB2z3F1w=427">dcf.ks.gov</a>.

For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansasfoodsource.org%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/VEyJqWTKk0_hI2zUeCwKkZH_zjY6AZ1kmIwda4WDuIY=427">kansasfoodsource.org</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.harvesters.org%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/1MBJcfOfx5eKTBQ3gAxcMFp0N-zWt-YKc8YD-kB-byo=427">Harvesters.org</a>&nbsp;provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.211.org%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/_1vmhiAbZnEEnnUeIbHPI9qqsXHd2UeeT-8vEaesxug=427">211.org</a>, and 1-800-CHILDREN,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2F1800childrenks.com%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/ito8OQbQ2CaG44nOjBaS7MmKFdED3Q_3sl4uhHFy5Go=427">1800childrenks.com</a>, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.

The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansasfoodsource.org%2F/2/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/M-IrQv87Mio2He4EBpIzXKtc4WoQbFYcAAObNQh6drE=427">kansasfoodsource.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a media release from the ageny. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households&nbsp;–&nbsp;nearly 188,000 Kansans&nbsp;–&nbsp;who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.Impact on KansansThis potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.&nbsp;“Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/Pw50Ky-F6jZe97hbD8910xmJbnwz4c5ds_T1aiJ-LPY=427">dcf.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fcontacts.aspx/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/yIVHnmTgHvIx8KE_7gV4h9rxS4s3LfNUIP6BARB07NQ=427">dcf.ks.gov</a>.What happens next?DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fcontacts.aspx/2/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/HyecglYp9szWTxUSH16i3dNP81VB1Yk_TwHNB2z3F1w=427">dcf.ks.gov</a>.Help for KansansFor Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansasfoodsource.org%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/VEyJqWTKk0_hI2zUeCwKkZH_zjY6AZ1kmIwda4WDuIY=427">kansasfoodsource.org</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.harvesters.org%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/1MBJcfOfx5eKTBQ3gAxcMFp0N-zWt-YKc8YD-kB-byo=427">Harvesters.org</a>&nbsp;provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.211.org%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/_1vmhiAbZnEEnnUeIbHPI9qqsXHd2UeeT-8vEaesxug=427">211.org</a>, and 1-800-CHILDREN,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2F1800childrenks.com%2F/1/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/ito8OQbQ2CaG44nOjBaS7MmKFdED3Q_3sl4uhHFy5Go=427">1800childrenks.com</a>, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansasfoodsource.org%2F/2/0101019a09046a94-dc1eaf74-ebe0-4b03-ba24-ecde7a79d679-000000/M-IrQv87Mio2He4EBpIzXKtc4WoQbFYcAAObNQh6drE=427">kansasfoodsource.org</a>.

Kan. SNAP benefits on hold for November due to government shutdown

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!

Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!Thanks for playing and good luck!!Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.<div><script src="https://xp.audience.io/widget.js"></script>
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💰 ENTER CASH GRAB HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $250!

COLBY — Western Plains Arts Alliance will be hosting the Denver Brass Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center on the Colby Community College campus in Colby.&nbsp; 

Denver Brass is one of the nation’s premier brass ensembles, featuring 14 world-class musicians who perform original compositions and innovative arrangements. 

Each year the ensemble performs over 140 concerts and provides outreach programs that inspire and delight more than 30,000 people across the Denver area. Denver Brass works diligently and methodically to increase outreach and exposure, not just to be heard or appreciated, but to provide inspiration, nourish and uplift the human spirit. 

Tickets available at the door if you don’t already have your WPAA season ticket.&nbsp;

 We would like to thank our sponsors and Dane G Hansen Foundation for your support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761057386482.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCOLBY — Western Plains Arts Alliance will be hosting the Denver Brass Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center on the Colby Community College campus in Colby.&nbsp; Denver Brass is one of the nation’s premier brass ensembles, featuring 14 world-class musicians who perform original compositions and innovative arrangements. Each year the ensemble performs over 140 concerts and provides outreach programs that inspire and delight more than 30,000 people across the Denver area. Denver Brass works diligently and methodically to increase outreach and exposure, not just to be heard or appreciated, but to provide inspiration, nourish and uplift the human spirit. Tickets available at the door if you don’t already have your WPAA season ticket.&nbsp; We would like to thank our sponsors and Dane G Hansen Foundation for your support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Denver Brass to perform Oct. 26 at Colby Cultural Arts Center

ELLIS — Ellis High School proudly recognizes our seniors in Band, Cross Country, and Football. Senior Recognition will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025.

 Seniors and their parents will be honored before the football game against the Wichita County-Leoti Indians at 6:40 p.m. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Back Row (L to R):&nbsp; Brendan Seibel, son of Craig and Becky Seibel; Tracyn Bollig, son of Preston and Annie Bollig; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer; Benjamyn Byers, son of Nickole Byers; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; Owen Richards, son Brady and Jamie Richards.

Front Row (L to R):&nbsp; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Tayler Schmidt, daughter of Tyler and Ashley Schmidt and Teresa Graham.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761065938119.jpeg" alt="Ellis High School&nbsp; seniors in band, cross country and football. Photo courtesy Ellis High School&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis High School&nbsp; seniors in band, cross country and football. Photo courtesy Ellis High School&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis High SchoolELLIS — Ellis High School proudly recognizes our seniors in Band, Cross Country, and Football. Senior Recognition will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025. Seniors and their parents will be honored before the football game against the Wichita County-Leoti Indians at 6:40 p.m. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.PICTURED ABOVE:Back Row (L to R):&nbsp; Brendan Seibel, son of Craig and Becky Seibel; Tracyn Bollig, son of Preston and Annie Bollig; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer; Benjamyn Byers, son of Nickole Byers; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; Owen Richards, son Brady and Jamie Richards.Front Row (L to R):&nbsp; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Tayler Schmidt, daughter of Tyler and Ashley Schmidt and Teresa Graham.Congratulations to our seniors!

Ellis High School Railer senior to be honored Friday evening

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Wednesday, October 22
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Thursday, October 23
 none

Friday, October 24
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Louisville (exhibition), 6:00pm KKQY: Thunder Ridge FB at Osborne, 6:00pm&nbsp; KFIX: Hays High FB at Liberal, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Plainville, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 25
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Kansas State, 9:30am KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at Washburn, 12:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, October 22
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 23
 noneFriday, October 24
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Louisville (exhibition), 6:00pm KKQY: Thunder Ridge FB at Osborne, 6:00pm&nbsp; KFIX: Hays High FB at Liberal, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Plainville, 6:30pmSaturday, October 25
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Kansas State, 9:30am KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at Washburn, 12:00pm Sunday, October 26
 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.

The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Democrats attempt to be recognized during House Pro Forma Session. <a href="https://t.co/VcH9hZqGVu">pic.twitter.com/VcH9hZqGVu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1980699082415874173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Leader Thune is offering to negotiate on the Affordable Care Act with you if you re-open the government. Why won&#39;t you take the deal?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>: &quot;The bottom line is that&#39;s no deal, that&#39;s a partisan plan that leaves the American people high and dry.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/zDYUyqlyhr">pic.twitter.com/zDYUyqlyhr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1980713747120275965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>: &quot;People keep saying, &#39;Negotiate!&#39; — Negotiate what? I don&#39;t know what that is right now. The government needs to open up, and then we&#39;re happy to sit down and talk about any other issues the Democrats want to talk about.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LCms5PQq3K">pic.twitter.com/LCms5PQq3K</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980706435945119745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Three weeks in, Washington Democrats are still playing politics with Americans’ livelihoods.<a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseGOP</a> passed a clean, non-partisan CR to keep the government open 36 days ago, but Washington Democrats would rather fight for free health care for illegal immigrants than keep basic…&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1980703529149837819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenJohnBarrasso?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJohnBarrasso</a>: &quot;The government has been closed now for 21 days and the Democrats have had a chance to open it 11 times — and each time, they voted no... The Democrats are holding this country hostage. It&#39;s time for it to END. It&#39;s time to reopen the government...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fp7UYE8iXR">pic.twitter.com/fp7UYE8iXR</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980702533929607441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;From the beginning, our message has been very simple: we will NOT be extorted&quot; by Democrats, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> tells Senate Republicans. &quot;Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats need to vote for the clean, bipartisan CR and reopen our government!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/g4GaTYWB8s">pic.twitter.com/g4GaTYWB8s</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980682137264144490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

🎥What Congressional leaders are saying about the gov't shutdown

On October 7, 2025,
Marilyn (Truan) Riedel went to heaven. Mom was a farm girl who grew up south of
Gorham, KS and married John M Riedel Jr a couple months after graduating from high
school. Dad was a farm boy from the next town over in Walker, KS. Their early
years were spent in Hays, KS until moving to Salina, KS in 1981. Mom was an
active member of the Salina community until moving to Overland Park, KS shortly
after dad's passing in 2001. We couldn't begin to put mom's beautiful life into
words so we ask those that knew mom to reminisce on happy memories spent with
her. 

A funeral Mass will be
held at St. Ann’s in Walker, KS on Friday, 14 November 2025 at 10:30am. Mass
will be followed by interment at St. Ann’s cemetery in Walker. Friends and
family are invited to lunch following the interment at the Walker school hall. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Marilyn is survived by her
three children - Amy Riedel of Overland Park, J.L. Riedel and his wife Jayme of
Salina, and Ann Ewy of Lenexa; four grandchildren - Jack, John, Makenzie, and
JJ; her brother Rick Truan of Gorham, KS and sister Jerilyn Esfeld of Great
Bend, KS. Marilyn was proceeded in death by her husband John and her sister
Jacquelyn Truan. 

Marilyn’s children would like
to&nbsp;thank everyone for their support and friendship through their loss.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761084643516.jpeg" alt="Marilyn (Truan) Riedel" />
 <figcaption>Marilyn (Truan) Riedel</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 7, 2025,
Marilyn (Truan) Riedel went to heaven. Mom was a farm girl who grew up south of
Gorham, KS and married John M Riedel Jr a couple months after graduating from high
school. Dad was a farm boy from the next town over in Walker, KS. Their early
years were spent in Hays, KS until moving to Salina, KS in 1981. Mom was an
active member of the Salina community until moving to Overland Park, KS shortly
after dad's passing in 2001. We couldn't begin to put mom's beautiful life into
words so we ask those that knew mom to reminisce on happy memories spent with
her. A funeral Mass will be
held at St. Ann’s in Walker, KS on Friday, 14 November 2025 at 10:30am. Mass
will be followed by interment at St. Ann’s cemetery in Walker. Friends and
family are invited to lunch following the interment at the Walker school hall. &nbsp;&nbsp;Marilyn is survived by her
three children - Amy Riedel of Overland Park, J.L. Riedel and his wife Jayme of
Salina, and Ann Ewy of Lenexa; four grandchildren - Jack, John, Makenzie, and
JJ; her brother Rick Truan of Gorham, KS and sister Jerilyn Esfeld of Great
Bend, KS. Marilyn was proceeded in death by her husband John and her sister
Jacquelyn Truan. Marilyn’s children would like
to&nbsp;thank everyone for their support and friendship through their loss.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Marilyn (Truan) Riedel

MONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed seventh among MIAA teams at the second conference mandated event of the 2025-26 season, the MSSU Fall Invitational held at Shangri La Resort October 20-21. FHSU was 10th overall out of the 18 total teams in the field, which included seven teams outside of the conference. Cooper Scheck tied for the 10th-best finish among MIAA individuals in the field and was 12th overall.

Scoring was tough in the first round with windswept conditions. The Tigers shot 26-over par (314) as a team in the first round, but drastically improved that down to a 6-over 294 in the second round. FHSU posted a 12-over par team score of 300 in the final round. FHSU finished at 44-over par for the tournament. Central Oklahoma ran away with the team title at 10-under par overall as a team, 33 strokes better than Washburn at 23-over par overall.

Central Oklahoma had three of the top five finishers individually, including champion Baylor Bostick, who shot 4-under par overall. Teammate Bryant Polhill was a shot back at 3-under, while Nicholas Canales tied for fifth at 2-over par.

Scheck finished at 5-over par overall, remaining even over his final 36 holes after an opening round 77 (+5). He shot a 2-under par 70 in the second round and then a 2-over par 74 in the final round. He carded 10 birdies throughout the tournament and half of those were in the second round.

Chutithep Rungpajchim was the second-best finisher for FHSU, staying in the top 25 at 24th individually. He shot 9-over par overall. He had a big week on par 5s, shooting 6-under par on that type of hole. He eagled the par-5 16th in the first round and eagled the par-5 18th in the final round. He matched Scheck in birdie count with 10. He also shot a first-round 77 (+5), then backed that with rounds of 73 (+1) and 75 (+3).

Colby Hays placed 50th as an individual at 15-over par overall. He shot rounds of 79, 76, and 76 while posting six birdies (two in each round). Jordan McCaslin was right on his heels at 16-over par overall, tying for 60th. He carded rounds of 82, 75, and 75 and had eight birdies in the tournament, including five in the second round. Isaak Bowman also competed for FHSU and shot +30 overall. He had rounds of 81, 81, and 84 and had a pair of birdies for the tournament.

FHSU wraps up its fall portion of the 2025-26 schedule next week at the Tulsa Cup. The tournament will take place at The Club at Indian Springs, October 27-28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761129439147.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Cooper Scheck hits a shot off the tee at the the MSSU Fall Invitational on Tuesday, October 22, 2025 at Monkey Island, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Cooper Scheck hits a shot off the tee at the the MSSU Fall Invitational on Tuesday, October 22, 2025 at Monkey Island, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed seventh among MIAA teams at the second conference mandated event of the 2025-26 season, the MSSU Fall Invitational held at Shangri La Resort October 20-21. FHSU was 10th overall out of the 18 total teams in the field, which included seven teams outside of the conference. Cooper Scheck tied for the 10th-best finish among MIAA individuals in the field and was 12th overall.Scoring was tough in the first round with windswept conditions. The Tigers shot 26-over par (314) as a team in the first round, but drastically improved that down to a 6-over 294 in the second round. FHSU posted a 12-over par team score of 300 in the final round. FHSU finished at 44-over par for the tournament. Central Oklahoma ran away with the team title at 10-under par overall as a team, 33 strokes better than Washburn at 23-over par overall.Central Oklahoma had three of the top five finishers individually, including champion Baylor Bostick, who shot 4-under par overall. Teammate Bryant Polhill was a shot back at 3-under, while Nicholas Canales tied for fifth at 2-over par.Scheck finished at 5-over par overall, remaining even over his final 36 holes after an opening round 77 (+5). He shot a 2-under par 70 in the second round and then a 2-over par 74 in the final round. He carded 10 birdies throughout the tournament and half of those were in the second round.Chutithep Rungpajchim was the second-best finisher for FHSU, staying in the top 25 at 24th individually. He shot 9-over par overall. He had a big week on par 5s, shooting 6-under par on that type of hole. He eagled the par-5 16th in the first round and eagled the par-5 18th in the final round. He matched Scheck in birdie count with 10. He also shot a first-round 77 (+5), then backed that with rounds of 73 (+1) and 75 (+3).Colby Hays placed 50th as an individual at 15-over par overall. He shot rounds of 79, 76, and 76 while posting six birdies (two in each round). Jordan McCaslin was right on his heels at 16-over par overall, tying for 60th. He carded rounds of 82, 75, and 75 and had eight birdies in the tournament, including five in the second round. Isaak Bowman also competed for FHSU and shot +30 overall. He had rounds of 81, 81, and 84 and had a pair of birdies for the tournament.FHSU wraps up its fall portion of the 2025-26 schedule next week at the Tulsa Cup. The tournament will take place at The Club at Indian Springs, October 27-28.

⛳ FHSU men seventh among MIAA teams, Scheck Top 10 among MIAA individuals at MSSU Fall Invite

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State elevated another notch to No. 5 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll released on Tuesday. The Tigers are in the top five of the poll for just the third time in program history. FHSU was No. 4 in the final poll of 2018 and then No. 3 in the preseason poll of 2019, which are the two highest marks in the poll for the program.

Fort Hays State remains unbeaten through 13 matches this season with a record of 11-0-2 overall. They are 7-0 so far in GAC play and have five matches remaining in the season, all in conference play. Fort Hays State plays host to Southern Nazarene and Rogers State this week in Hays.

This is the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history and 13 matches ties the second-longest unbeaten streak in program history at any point of a season. Last year's team had a 13-match unbeaten run from September 25-November 22, 2024. The program record is 16, set by the 2018 team that made the national semifinals.

Fort Hays State is also riding a 10-match win streak going back to September 14. It is just the second time in program history the Tigers have reached a win streak of double figures, second only to a 14-match win streak by the 2018 squad.

Fort Hays State and Rogers State continue as the two teams from the GAC represented in the Top 25. The Hillcats are No. 17 in the latest poll with an overall record of 9-1-3. Rogers State's only loss this year was to Fort Hays State. Northeastern State is among the receiving votes section of the latest poll.

Fort Hays State is one of six teams in the top 10 this week that remain unbeaten for the season. FHSU and No. 1 ranked Cal State-Stanislaus are tied for the national lead in wins, both with 11. There are eight total teams in the top 25 without a loss this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761129973666.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State elevated another notch to No. 5 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll released on Tuesday. The Tigers are in the top five of the poll for just the third time in program history. FHSU was No. 4 in the final poll of 2018 and then No. 3 in the preseason poll of 2019, which are the two highest marks in the poll for the program.Fort Hays State remains unbeaten through 13 matches this season with a record of 11-0-2 overall. They are 7-0 so far in GAC play and have five matches remaining in the season, all in conference play. Fort Hays State plays host to Southern Nazarene and Rogers State this week in Hays.This is the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history and 13 matches ties the second-longest unbeaten streak in program history at any point of a season. Last year's team had a 13-match unbeaten run from September 25-November 22, 2024. The program record is 16, set by the 2018 team that made the national semifinals.Fort Hays State is also riding a 10-match win streak going back to September 14. It is just the second time in program history the Tigers have reached a win streak of double figures, second only to a 14-match win streak by the 2018 squad.Fort Hays State and Rogers State continue as the two teams from the GAC represented in the Top 25. The Hillcats are No. 17 in the latest poll with an overall record of 9-1-3. Rogers State's only loss this year was to Fort Hays State. Northeastern State is among the receiving votes section of the latest poll.Fort Hays State is one of six teams in the top 10 this week that remain unbeaten for the season. FHSU and No. 1 ranked Cal State-Stanislaus are tied for the national lead in wins, both with 11. There are eight total teams in the top 25 without a loss this season.Aside from wins, Fort Hays State is also the national leader in total goals (41), total assists (42), total points (124), goal differential (+35), assists per match (3.23), corner kicks per match (8.08), and points per match (9.54).United Soccer Coaches Top 25 (October 21, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1. California State University Stanislaus	2	11-0-1 2. University of Charleston	3	10-0-3 3. Palm Beach Atlantic University	5	10-1-1 4. Anderson University (S.C.)	4	7-0-4 5. Fort Hays State University	6	11-0-2 6. Lynn University	1	9-1-1 7. Bentley University	10	8-1-2 8. Young Harris College	7	10-0-2 9. Cedarville University	8	8-0-5 10. Point Loma Nazarene University	11	8-2-1 11. Colorado State University-Pueblo	23	6-1-7 12. Midwestern State University	9	8-3-3 13. Bloomsburg University	13	6-0-5 14. Southern New Hampshire University	12	9-1-2 15. Florida Tech	16	6-1-5 16. California State University-Dominguez Hills	RV	8-2-3 17. Rogers State University	14	9-1-3 18. Rockhurst University	17	9-2-2 19. Fort Lewis College	18	5-3-4 20. University of North Georgia	RV	7-3-4 21. Lincoln University (Mo.)	20	8-0-4 22. Franklin Pierce University	NR	6-2-3 23. University of West Florida	19	8-1-4 24. Gannon University	RV	6-2-4 25. Cal Poly Pomona	25	6-3-4Receiving Votes: California State University-Los Angeles, Flagler College, Post University, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Northeastern State University, Rollins College, University of Tampa.