Douglas Fredrick Michaelis, 69, of Salina, KS passed
 away on October 19, 2021, with his loving family by his side.&nbsp; Doug was 
born November 9, 1951, in Russell, KS. to Oscar C. Michaelis and 
Elizabeth D. (Koppel) Michaelis.&nbsp; Doug married Nancy Neaderhiser on June
 16, 1974, at the Methodist church, Manchester, Ks.&nbsp; To this union was 
born two children, Derek and Erin. &nbsp;

Doug is a Veteran who served as a mechanic in the US Army stationed 
in Germany and Vietnam.&nbsp; After leaving the service he worked for a local
 concrete company and then became a superintendent for Nelson 
Construction.&nbsp; He then started his own company, Michaelis Construction, 
in 1978. He remodeled and built custom homes and developed land in 
Salina and surrounding areas. He loved playing with his real life “Tonka
 Toys,” digging basements, doing dirt work and installing septic 
systems. He also had a life long love for horses and started “Painted 
Acres” in the 1990’s. Doug and his wife, Nancy, traveled to horse sales,
 making friends wherever they went.

Doug was an extremely loving and devoted husband and father always 
making sure his family had fun and was busy making memories.&nbsp; He lit a 
room with his signature grin and contagious laughter. He loved boating, 
camping at the lake, and hot-rodding and reminiscing at car shows. 
Wether it was Doug’s personal or professional life, he improved 
everything he touched and made a lasting imprint, wether in a heart or a
 home. &nbsp;

Doug is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his two children, Derek and 
Erin Michaelis, brother Virgil (Judy) Michaelis, and multiple nieces and
 nephews. Doug is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arnold 
Michaelis.

His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 23rd, 10:30 am, 
at Central Baptist Church, 2026 Starlight Drive, Salina, Ks.&nbsp; In lieu of
 flowers, memorials may be given to the local charity, Salina Shares.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634849491049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas Fredrick Michaelis, 69, of Salina, KS passed
 away on October 19, 2021, with his loving family by his side.&nbsp; Doug was 
born November 9, 1951, in Russell, KS. to Oscar C. Michaelis and 
Elizabeth D. (Koppel) Michaelis.&nbsp; Doug married Nancy Neaderhiser on June
 16, 1974, at the Methodist church, Manchester, Ks.&nbsp; To this union was 
born two children, Derek and Erin. &nbsp;Doug is a Veteran who served as a mechanic in the US Army stationed 
in Germany and Vietnam.&nbsp; After leaving the service he worked for a local
 concrete company and then became a superintendent for Nelson 
Construction.&nbsp; He then started his own company, Michaelis Construction, 
in 1978. He remodeled and built custom homes and developed land in 
Salina and surrounding areas. He loved playing with his real life “Tonka
 Toys,” digging basements, doing dirt work and installing septic 
systems. He also had a life long love for horses and started “Painted 
Acres” in the 1990’s. Doug and his wife, Nancy, traveled to horse sales,
 making friends wherever they went.Doug was an extremely loving and devoted husband and father always 
making sure his family had fun and was busy making memories.&nbsp; He lit a 
room with his signature grin and contagious laughter. He loved boating, 
camping at the lake, and hot-rodding and reminiscing at car shows. 
Wether it was Doug’s personal or professional life, he improved 
everything he touched and made a lasting imprint, wether in a heart or a
 home. &nbsp;Doug is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his two children, Derek and 
Erin Michaelis, brother Virgil (Judy) Michaelis, and multiple nieces and
 nephews. Doug is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arnold 
Michaelis.His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 23rd, 10:30 am, 
at Central Baptist Church, 2026 Starlight Drive, Salina, Ks.&nbsp; In lieu of
 flowers, memorials may be given to the local charity, Salina Shares.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Douglas Fredrick Michaelis

John Alan Reiling, 55, passed away on October 18, 2021, at his home 
in Great Bend. He was born on July 27, 1966, to Harold and Elsie (Weeks)
 Reiling. John married Nancy Slattery on April 13, 1995, in Dodge City. 
She survives.

John was a resident of Great Bend, moving from Dodge City in 2006. 
Previously an engineer for the Dodge City Fire Department, he worked as 
Warehouse Manager at Clarke Well and Equipment in Great Bend prior to 
his retirement. He enjoyed rock ’n roll music, loved his pets, playing 
chess, the Denver Broncos, and teaching his children how to drive, 
change a tire, balance a checkbook, and many other things needed to be a
 successful adult. John was constantly creating new dishes for his 
family and his talents never ceased.

Survivors include wife, Nancy Slattery, of the home; one son, Blake 
(Tracy) Reiling of Kinsley; daughters, Branagan Reiling of Kinsley, 
Megan Hinderliter of Dodge City, and Tandy (Jason) Boese of Great Bend; 
and eight grandchildren, Tiara Bollig, Alexis Hinderliter, Rylan 
Michael, Declan Zink, Ashtyn Reiling, Kasey Boese, Ronnie Boese, and 
Chelsea Boese. He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been 
designated to the Dodge City Fire Department or Golden Belt Humane 
Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634847122899.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Alan Reiling, 55, passed away on October 18, 2021, at his home 
in Great Bend. He was born on July 27, 1966, to Harold and Elsie (Weeks)
 Reiling. John married Nancy Slattery on April 13, 1995, in Dodge City. 
She survives.John was a resident of Great Bend, moving from Dodge City in 2006. 
Previously an engineer for the Dodge City Fire Department, he worked as 
Warehouse Manager at Clarke Well and Equipment in Great Bend prior to 
his retirement. He enjoyed rock ’n roll music, loved his pets, playing 
chess, the Denver Broncos, and teaching his children how to drive, 
change a tire, balance a checkbook, and many other things needed to be a
 successful adult. John was constantly creating new dishes for his 
family and his talents never ceased.Survivors include wife, Nancy Slattery, of the home; one son, Blake 
(Tracy) Reiling of Kinsley; daughters, Branagan Reiling of Kinsley, 
Megan Hinderliter of Dodge City, and Tandy (Jason) Boese of Great Bend; 
and eight grandchildren, Tiara Bollig, Alexis Hinderliter, Rylan 
Michael, Declan Zink, Ashtyn Reiling, Kasey Boese, Ronnie Boese, and 
Chelsea Boese. He is preceded in death by his parents.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been 
designated to the Dodge City Fire Department or Golden Belt Humane 
Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

John Alan Reiling

Larry Gene Schenk, 57, died October 17, 2021, at his home in Great 
Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born February 10, 1964, in Hoisington, Kansas, the
 son of Donald D. “Shorty” and Karlene K. (Kraus) Schenk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry 
graduated from Great Bend High School.

A Great Bend resident, formerly of Olmitz, Larry had worked for 
Stoneridge Golf Course. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church of 
Olmitz.

He is survived by his mother, Karlene K. Schenk of Ellinwood; sister,
 Sheryl Hickel and husband Jim of Claflin; brother, Randy Schenk of 
Great Bend; and nephew, Dylan Hickel of Claflin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Shorty Schenk, and brothers, Darrell and Ronald Schenk.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, October 29, 
2020, at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Olmitz. Friends may sign the book now until
 service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has 
taken place.Memorials may be made to the Larry Schenk Memorial Fund in 
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634841251196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Gene Schenk, 57, died October 17, 2021, at his home in Great 
Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born February 10, 1964, in Hoisington, Kansas, the
 son of Donald D. “Shorty” and Karlene K. (Kraus) Schenk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry 
graduated from Great Bend High School.A Great Bend resident, formerly of Olmitz, Larry had worked for 
Stoneridge Golf Course. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church of 
Olmitz.He is survived by his mother, Karlene K. Schenk of Ellinwood; sister,
 Sheryl Hickel and husband Jim of Claflin; brother, Randy Schenk of 
Great Bend; and nephew, Dylan Hickel of Claflin.He was preceded in death by his father, Shorty Schenk, and brothers, Darrell and Ronald Schenk.A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, October 29, 
2020, at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Olmitz. Friends may sign the book now until
 service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has 
taken place.Memorials may be made to the Larry Schenk Memorial Fund in 
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Larry Gene Schenk

Epigmenio Chacón-Muñoz, 82, passed away on October 19, 2021, at the 
Sun Porch of Dodge City in Dodge City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on June 10, 
1939, in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, the son of Epigmenio and Diega (Munoz)
 Chacón-Muñoz.

On May 16, 1966, he married Estela Jimenez in Madera, Chihuahua, 
Mexico. He was a farmer and had lived and worked in Ness City for many 
years.

Mr. Chacon is survived by his wife, Estela Chacón-Muñoz; three sons, 
Javier Chacón, Rigo Chacón, and Oscar Chacón; three daughters, Araceli 
Chacón, Maria Chacón, and Nora Chacón; two brothers, Manuel Jesus 
Chacón, Armando Chacón; three sisters, Manuela Martinez, Lupe Prieto, 
Berta Silva; 21 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded
 in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.

A private family funeral service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness 
City, Kansas. Burial in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City, Kansas.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634827061721.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Epigmenio Chacón-Muñoz, 82, passed away on October 19, 2021, at the 
Sun Porch of Dodge City in Dodge City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on June 10, 
1939, in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, the son of Epigmenio and Diega (Munoz)
 Chacón-Muñoz.On May 16, 1966, he married Estela Jimenez in Madera, Chihuahua, 
Mexico. He was a farmer and had lived and worked in Ness City for many 
years.Mr. Chacon is survived by his wife, Estela Chacón-Muñoz; three sons, 
Javier Chacón, Rigo Chacón, and Oscar Chacón; three daughters, Araceli 
Chacón, Maria Chacón, and Nora Chacón; two brothers, Manuel Jesus 
Chacón, Armando Chacón; three sisters, Manuela Martinez, Lupe Prieto, 
Berta Silva; 21 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded
 in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.A private family funeral service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness 
City, Kansas. Burial in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City, Kansas.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Epigmenio Chacón-Muñoz

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the2021 Week 7 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted byMonday, October 18. This is the final week of rankings for the 2021 season.

Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s Rank

Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 36-0 (1) 2. Blue Valley North 31-2 (2) 3. Blue Valley West 26-8 (3) 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest 29-8 (4) 5. Wichita Northwest 37-1 (5) 6. Olathe Northwest 22-10 (6) 7. Lawrence-Free State 22-9 (7) 8. Hutchinson 29-5 (8) 9. Blue Valley Northwest 20-14 (9) 10. Derby 24-11 (10)

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 31-3 (1) 2. Lansing 30-1 (2) 3. Spring Hill 27-6 (7) 4. St. James Academy 24-9 (3) 5. Mill Valley 29-7 (4) 6. Maize South 26-8 (5) 7. Seaman 23-10 (6) 8. Goddard-Eisenhower 23-9 (8) 9. Basehor-Linwood 23-9 (9) 10. Emporia 24-7 (NR)

Class 4A 1. Andale 32-2 (1) 2. McPherson 29-6 (2) 3. Baldwin 26-3 (4) 4. Circle 29-6 (3) 5. Clay Center 23-5 (5) 6. Ottawa 18-16 (9) 7. Bishop Miege 12-23 (8) 8. Louisburg 18-16 (7) 9. Labette County 34-3 (10) 10. Abilene 23-13 (NR)

Class 3A 1. Cheney 32-2 (1) 2. Smoky Valley 32-3 (2) 3. Heritage Christian 30-2 (3) 4. Hiawatha 34-3 (5) 5. Nemaha Central 31-6 (4) 6. Goodland 34-3 (6) 7. Silver Lake 25-8 (9) 8. Wichita-Trinity Academy 27-6 (NR) 9. Riverton 33-3 (7) 10. Eureka 31-1 (8)

Class 2A 1. Smith Center 33-2 (1) 2. Sedgwick 31-3 (2) 3. Ellinwood 31-4 (4) 4. Garden Plain 25-8 (3) 5. Hillsboro 27-8 (5) 6. Sterling 27-7 (6) 7. Wabaunsee 28-7 (7) 8. Inman 24-10 (9) 9. Meade/Fowler 31-1 (8) 10. Jefferson County North 29-6 (10)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Centralia 32-5 (1) 2. Pretty Prairie 34-4 (4) 3. Little River 31-4 (2) 4. Victoria 26-5 (3) 5. Kiowa County 27-5 (5) 6. Spearville 27-6 (6) 7. Burlingame 23-7 (8) 8. St. Paul 28-4 (7) 9. St. John-Hudson 20-12 (10) 10. Goessel 24-11 (NR)

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 32-5 (1) 2. Lebo 26-4 (2) 3. Attica 31-3 (3) 4. Central Plains 24-8 (4) 5. Wheatland-Grinnell 26-9 (7) 6. Central Christian 23-9 (8) 7. Golden Plains 30-6 (6) 8. Linn 24-12 (5) 9. Dighton 23-9 (9) 10. Argonia 25-6 (10)

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the2021 Week 7 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted byMonday, October 18. This is the final week of rankings for the 2021 season.Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s RankClass 6A 1. Washburn Rural 36-0 (1) 2. Blue Valley North 31-2 (2) 3. Blue Valley West 26-8 (3) 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest 29-8 (4) 5. Wichita Northwest 37-1 (5) 6. Olathe Northwest 22-10 (6) 7. Lawrence-Free State 22-9 (7) 8. Hutchinson 29-5 (8) 9. Blue Valley Northwest 20-14 (9) 10. Derby 24-11 (10)Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 31-3 (1) 2. Lansing 30-1 (2) 3. Spring Hill 27-6 (7) 4. St. James Academy 24-9 (3) 5. Mill Valley 29-7 (4) 6. Maize South 26-8 (5) 7. Seaman 23-10 (6) 8. Goddard-Eisenhower 23-9 (8) 9. Basehor-Linwood 23-9 (9) 10. Emporia 24-7 (NR)Class 4A 1. Andale 32-2 (1) 2. McPherson 29-6 (2) 3. Baldwin 26-3 (4) 4. Circle 29-6 (3) 5. Clay Center 23-5 (5) 6. Ottawa 18-16 (9) 7. Bishop Miege 12-23 (8) 8. Louisburg 18-16 (7) 9. Labette County 34-3 (10) 10. Abilene 23-13 (NR)Class 3A 1. Cheney 32-2 (1) 2. Smoky Valley 32-3 (2) 3. Heritage Christian 30-2 (3) 4. Hiawatha 34-3 (5) 5. Nemaha Central 31-6 (4) 6. Goodland 34-3 (6) 7. Silver Lake 25-8 (9) 8. Wichita-Trinity Academy 27-6 (NR) 9. Riverton 33-3 (7) 10. Eureka 31-1 (8)Class 2A 1. Smith Center 33-2 (1) 2. Sedgwick 31-3 (2) 3. Ellinwood 31-4 (4) 4. Garden Plain 25-8 (3) 5. Hillsboro 27-8 (5) 6. Sterling 27-7 (6) 7. Wabaunsee 28-7 (7) 8. Inman 24-10 (9) 9. Meade/Fowler 31-1 (8) 10. Jefferson County North 29-6 (10)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Centralia 32-5 (1) 2. Pretty Prairie 34-4 (4) 3. Little River 31-4 (2) 4. Victoria 26-5 (3) 5. Kiowa County 27-5 (5) 6. Spearville 27-6 (6) 7. Burlingame 23-7 (8) 8. St. Paul 28-4 (7) 9. St. John-Hudson 20-12 (10) 10. Goessel 24-11 (NR)Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 32-5 (1) 2. Lebo 26-4 (2) 3. Attica 31-3 (3) 4. Central Plains 24-8 (4) 5. Wheatland-Grinnell 26-9 (7) 6. Central Christian 23-9 (8) 7. Golden Plains 30-6 (6) 8. Linn 24-12 (5) 9. Dighton 23-9 (9) 10. Argonia 25-6 (10)

🏐 Week seven KVA rankings

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann introduced legislation to honor the memory of Fr. Emil Kapaun and asked members to support his bill to designate the post office in Herrington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building."

"Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him."

Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan and American hero.

H.R. 2044 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp; and will be sent to the U.S. Senate for final passage.

Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Catholic church named him a “Servant of God,” which began the lengthy process of canonization.

Funeral services for Rev. Emil Kapaun were held last month, decades after the priest from Pilsen, Kansas, died while ministering to fellow prisoners of war. He was interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.. Kapuan's remains were identified in March and returned to his Kansas family Sept. 21. The Roman Catholic Church is considering Kapaun for sainthood.

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann introduced legislation to honor the memory of Fr. Emil Kapaun and asked members to support his bill to designate the post office in Herrington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him. Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan &amp; American hero. <a href="https://t.co/3PnLtcCXaE">pic.twitter.com/3PnLtcCXaE</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1450919724221673473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him."Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan and American hero.H.R. 2044 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp; and will be sent to the U.S. Senate for final passage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951." />
 <figcaption>Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Catholic church named him a “Servant of God,” which began the lengthy process of canonization.Funeral services for Rev. Emil Kapaun were held last month, decades after the priest from Pilsen, Kansas, died while ministering to fellow prisoners of war. He was interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.. Kapuan's remains were identified in March and returned to his Kansas family Sept. 21. The Roman Catholic Church is considering Kapaun for sainthood.

🎥 U.S. House passes resolution to honor revered Kansas priest

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepson, according to District Attorney Mike Kagy.

Steven Dale Dishner, 46,&nbsp; will be eligible to see the parole board after serving 25 years.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In July of 2017, the Topeka Police Department was contacted in reference to Dishner sexually abusing his stepson, who was 10 at the time of the report. 

The abuse was alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012. Dishner was arrested and charged in 2018. He was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy in October of 2018. However, in September of 2020 the Kansas Court of Appeals found that there was an error in the jury instructions during the first trial and the conviction was overturned. 

The case was then returned to district court for a new trial. Dishner was again convicted after a jury trial in September of 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634744229557.png" alt="Dishner KBI offener registry" />
 <figcaption>Dishner KBI offener registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepson, according to District Attorney Mike Kagy.Steven Dale Dishner, 46,&nbsp; will be eligible to see the parole board after serving 25 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July of 2017, the Topeka Police Department was contacted in reference to Dishner sexually abusing his stepson, who was 10 at the time of the report. The abuse was alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012. Dishner was arrested and charged in 2018. He was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy in October of 2018. However, in September of 2020 the Kansas Court of Appeals found that there was an error in the jury instructions during the first trial and the conviction was overturned. The case was then returned to district court for a new trial. Dishner was again convicted after a jury trial in September of 2021.

Kansas man sentenced for sex crimes involving 10-year-old

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After a three-week break, Hays city commissioners will meet in a work session Thursday night.

The next step - setting a public hearing - will be discussed in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90c93372-2fbd-46d9-9156-f1b1352c38cf">establishing an RHID </a>(Rural Housing Improvement District) for the former St. Joseph School,&nbsp;210 W. 13th Street.&nbsp;

Commissioners will also look ahead with Erin Giebler, human resources director, to the 2022 city employee health insurance plan.

Two quotes have been received from the city's current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, but there is a wide gap in the costs, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.

As improvements continue at the intersection of 230th and 55th Avenues preparing for a new travel center and completion of the Northwest Business Corridor, the city will gain four new water customers.

"(The improvements) created a conflict with an existing Rural Water District #2 water main, and it would have been a costly replacement.

"The city's water main infrastructure is now up there due to the truck plaza. So the Rural Water District and the city and the four customers that are going to be impacted have agreed to switch from rural water district territory to city territory," Bielser explained.

"So we'll be taking on four new customers and some minor infrastructure that serves those customers."&nbsp;

Other agenda items include discussion of replacing a 25-year-old reuse pump house and a request from the Kiwanis Club for a city flag pole dedication.

The complete October 21 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212021-1303">here</a>.&nbsp;

The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621979683487.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter a three-week break, Hays city commissioners will meet in a work session Thursday night.The next step - setting a public hearing - will be discussed in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90c93372-2fbd-46d9-9156-f1b1352c38cf">establishing an RHID </a>(Rural Housing Improvement District) for the former St. Joseph School,&nbsp;210 W. 13th Street.&nbsp;Commissioners will also look ahead with Erin Giebler, human resources director, to the 2022 city employee health insurance plan.Two quotes have been received from the city's current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, but there is a wide gap in the costs, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBwfiy5Yytc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As improvements continue at the intersection of 230th and 55th Avenues preparing for a new travel center and completion of the Northwest Business Corridor, the city will gain four new water customers."(The improvements) created a conflict with an existing Rural Water District #2 water main, and it would have been a costly replacement."The city's water main infrastructure is now up there due to the truck plaza. So the Rural Water District and the city and the four customers that are going to be impacted have agreed to switch from rural water district territory to city territory," Bielser explained."So we'll be taking on four new customers and some minor infrastructure that serves those customers."&nbsp;Other agenda items include discussion of replacing a 25-year-old reuse pump house and a request from the Kiwanis Club for a city flag pole dedication.The complete October 21 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212021-1303">here</a>.&nbsp;The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

 🎥 Improvements for travel plaza will move customers to city water

Richard M. Lowenthal, age 71, passed away on Monday, October 18, 
2021, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born 
on July 29, 1950, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Alfred Jr. &amp; Ruth 
Hueftle Lowenthal.&nbsp; He was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1972 
moving from Colby, Kansas, and retired from Midwest Energy as a Field 
Service Representative in 2014.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakley &amp; Colby,
 Kansas and a Past President and Member of the Scott City County Club.

On April 20, 1985, he married Kathy Unrein in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.

Survivors include his Wife - Kathy Lowenthal of Scott City, Kansas, 
One Son - Blake &amp; Rhiannon Lowenthal of Topeka, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Jackie &amp; Toby Eastland of Prosper, Texas, Janessa 
Lowenthal of Overland Park, Kansas, One Brother - David Lowenthal of 
Lawrence, Kansas, One Sister - Deb &amp; Ron Teeter of Lawrence, Kansas,
 Two Granddaughters - Taylor Eastland of Prosper, Texas, and Katelyn 
Eastland of Prosper, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, and One Brother - Jeff Lowenthal.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to the Richard M. Lowenthal Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

Inurnment will be in the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634758900063.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard M. Lowenthal, age 71, passed away on Monday, October 18, 
2021, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born 
on July 29, 1950, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Alfred Jr. &amp; Ruth 
Hueftle Lowenthal.&nbsp; He was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1972 
moving from Colby, Kansas, and retired from Midwest Energy as a Field 
Service Representative in 2014.He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakley &amp; Colby,
 Kansas and a Past President and Member of the Scott City County Club.On April 20, 1985, he married Kathy Unrein in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.Survivors include his Wife - Kathy Lowenthal of Scott City, Kansas, 
One Son - Blake &amp; Rhiannon Lowenthal of Topeka, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Jackie &amp; Toby Eastland of Prosper, Texas, Janessa 
Lowenthal of Overland Park, Kansas, One Brother - David Lowenthal of 
Lawrence, Kansas, One Sister - Deb &amp; Ron Teeter of Lawrence, Kansas,
 Two Granddaughters - Taylor Eastland of Prosper, Texas, and Katelyn 
Eastland of Prosper, Texas.He was preceded in death by his Parents, and One Brother - Jeff Lowenthal.Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials can be made to the Richard M. Lowenthal Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.Inurnment will be in the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, Kansas.There will be no calling times.

Richard M. Lowenthal

Reva L. Leech, 78, passed away October 19, 2021, at Clara Barton 
Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on April 7, 1943, at Aline, Okla. 
to Loren &amp; Vona (Haight) Sacket. She was raised by her father and 
stepmother, Loren and Dale Sacket. She married Morris F. Leech, Jr. on 
May 19, 1963, at Alva, Oklahoma.&nbsp; He died May 20, 2019.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Reva was a homemaker. She was a 
member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Stafford. She 
especially loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include, two sons, Tyler Leech and Todd Leech, both of 
Great Bend; two daughters, Connie Daniels of Montrose, Colo. and Christy
 Leech of Great Bend; two brothers, Richard Sacket and Wayne Sacket, 
both of Okla.; fifteen grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Morris Leech, 
Jr.; two sons, Toby J. Leech and Terry Leech; and two daughters, Cindy 
Leech and Carla Leech.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 25, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October
 26, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. 
Memorials have been designated to Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634758793861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reva L. Leech, 78, passed away October 19, 2021, at Clara Barton 
Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on April 7, 1943, at Aline, Okla. 
to Loren &amp; Vona (Haight) Sacket. She was raised by her father and 
stepmother, Loren and Dale Sacket. She married Morris F. Leech, Jr. on 
May 19, 1963, at Alva, Oklahoma.&nbsp; He died May 20, 2019.A longtime Great Bend resident, Reva was a homemaker. She was a 
member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Stafford. She 
especially loved spending time with her family.Survivors include, two sons, Tyler Leech and Todd Leech, both of 
Great Bend; two daughters, Connie Daniels of Montrose, Colo. and Christy
 Leech of Great Bend; two brothers, Richard Sacket and Wayne Sacket, 
both of Okla.; fifteen grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Morris Leech, 
Jr.; two sons, Toby J. Leech and Terry Leech; and two daughters, Cindy 
Leech and Carla Leech.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 25, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October
 26, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. 
Memorials have been designated to Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Reva L. Leech

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) to host the fourth annual Kansas Prevention Conference October 21-22, 2021, with a pre-conference session October 20. This year’s conference, “Strong for the Next Generation,” is a virtual event and welcomes two nationally recognized keynote speakers. Last year, the conference drew more than 175 virtual attendees who joined for educational opportunities designed to help them in their prevention work throughout the state.

The KPC Conference will provide attendees with educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends in prevention, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse and advocate for best practices. Participants in the conference will also learn ways to connect and network with their community and advocate for best practices in prevention.

“Each year this conference attracts people across that state who understand that the work we do around prevention is a fundamental part of the larger public health conversation we must have in our state,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Bringing everyone together is one of the ways we can share our knowledge with coalitions and communities across the state in an effort to empower them to move forward with some of the strategies presented in the diverse breakout sessions offered.”

The conference will kick off October 21 with opening remarks by Secretary Howard followed by a keynote address by speaker Dr. Wanda Boone, founder of Together for Resilient Youth (TRY). Dr. Boone’s presentation will reveal how traumatic events and experiences impact prevention as she also takes a dive into the importance of identifying trauma as a social determinant of health and how to apply a resilience-based, equity informed, and community driven lens to prevention.

National Director of Children’s Programs at Betty Ford Center, Jerry Moe, MA, will also give a keynote presentation, “Through a Child’s Eyes,” on the second day of the conference. He will discuss how children are impacted in a family with alcoholism and drug addiction and uncover specific prevention strategies that can make a real difference in their lives.

KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Commission and the KPC are excited to provide this learning opportunity to communities across Kansas. To learn more about the conference, view the schedule and read more about the keynote speakers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTMuNDczMDUwMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhc3ByZXZlbnRpb25jb2xsYWJvcmF0aXZlLm9yZy9jb25mZXJlbmNlLyJ9.ejtgaglswcmR7cPWIR59n8C-At40AnFgpfrgcxVurvo/s/1303161001/br/113852068779-l" target="_blank">kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/conference</a>.

KPC is a group of eight partner organizations funded by KDADS working to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. This conference is part of KPC’s strategy to ensure that Kansans get the tools they need to prevent underage drinking, substance misuse, problem gambling and suicide. Partner organizations are KDADS, Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, DCCCA, Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush, and Life Span Institute University of Kansas.

These eight partner organizations along with these nine conference sponsors make this year’s event possible: Aire Recovery Center, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, United Behavioral Health, Mirror, Opioid Response Network, Valeo, C.E. Mendez Foundation, Inc., Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc., Valley Hope Addiction and Recovery, Norton.

About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative:&nbsp;The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 in an effort to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different state, educational, and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to be more inclusive of mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as to increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For interviews, media inquiries, or more information, please contact the Kansas Prevention Collaborative at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KPCTeam@wichita.edu" target="_blank">KPCTeam@wichita.edu</a>.

KDADSTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) to host the fourth annual Kansas Prevention Conference October 21-22, 2021, with a pre-conference session October 20. This year’s conference, “Strong for the Next Generation,” is a virtual event and welcomes two nationally recognized keynote speakers. Last year, the conference drew more than 175 virtual attendees who joined for educational opportunities designed to help them in their prevention work throughout the state.The KPC Conference will provide attendees with educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends in prevention, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse and advocate for best practices. Participants in the conference will also learn ways to connect and network with their community and advocate for best practices in prevention.“Each year this conference attracts people across that state who understand that the work we do around prevention is a fundamental part of the larger public health conversation we must have in our state,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Bringing everyone together is one of the ways we can share our knowledge with coalitions and communities across the state in an effort to empower them to move forward with some of the strategies presented in the diverse breakout sessions offered.”The conference will kick off October 21 with opening remarks by Secretary Howard followed by a keynote address by speaker Dr. Wanda Boone, founder of Together for Resilient Youth (TRY). Dr. Boone’s presentation will reveal how traumatic events and experiences impact prevention as she also takes a dive into the importance of identifying trauma as a social determinant of health and how to apply a resilience-based, equity informed, and community driven lens to prevention.National Director of Children’s Programs at Betty Ford Center, Jerry Moe, MA, will also give a keynote presentation, “Through a Child’s Eyes,” on the second day of the conference. He will discuss how children are impacted in a family with alcoholism and drug addiction and uncover specific prevention strategies that can make a real difference in their lives.KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Commission and the KPC are excited to provide this learning opportunity to communities across Kansas. To learn more about the conference, view the schedule and read more about the keynote speakers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTMuNDczMDUwMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhc3ByZXZlbnRpb25jb2xsYWJvcmF0aXZlLm9yZy9jb25mZXJlbmNlLyJ9.ejtgaglswcmR7cPWIR59n8C-At40AnFgpfrgcxVurvo/s/1303161001/br/113852068779-l" target="_blank">kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/conference</a>.KPC is a group of eight partner organizations funded by KDADS working to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. This conference is part of KPC’s strategy to ensure that Kansans get the tools they need to prevent underage drinking, substance misuse, problem gambling and suicide. Partner organizations are KDADS, Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, DCCCA, Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush, and Life Span Institute University of Kansas.These eight partner organizations along with these nine conference sponsors make this year’s event possible: Aire Recovery Center, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, United Behavioral Health, Mirror, Opioid Response Network, Valeo, C.E. Mendez Foundation, Inc., Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc., Valley Hope Addiction and Recovery, Norton.About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative:&nbsp;The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 in an effort to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different state, educational, and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to be more inclusive of mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as to increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For interviews, media inquiries, or more information, please contact the Kansas Prevention Collaborative at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KPCTeam@wichita.edu" target="_blank">KPCTeam@wichita.edu</a>.

Norton's Valley Hope part of online Kansas Prevention Conference 

Sandie E. Robinson Kigar, 44, passed away October 19, 2021, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt.

She was born August 1, 1977, in Larned; the daughter of Keith W. and 
Sandra E. Miller Robinson.&nbsp; A lifetime Larned resident; she was a 
Librarian for USD #495 Larned High School.

Survivors include; her parents of Larned; her son Lucas Robinson, of 
Larned, who was her whole life with God’s blessing; two nephews, Victor 
Robinson, Dorrance and Colton Robinson, Wilson and her beloved dog 
Bosco.

She was preceded in death by; her son, Keith Aaron McKinney and her brother Keith Robinson Jr.

Private family graveside service with Robert Sallee presiding will be
 in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.&nbsp; Public visitation will be 1:00
 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24th, at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorial may be given too the USD #495 Larned High School Library, in
 care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634749554453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sandie E. Robinson Kigar, 44, passed away October 19, 2021, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt.She was born August 1, 1977, in Larned; the daughter of Keith W. and 
Sandra E. Miller Robinson.&nbsp; A lifetime Larned resident; she was a 
Librarian for USD #495 Larned High School.She was of the Christian Faith.Survivors include; her parents of Larned; her son Lucas Robinson, of 
Larned, who was her whole life with God’s blessing; two nephews, Victor 
Robinson, Dorrance and Colton Robinson, Wilson and her beloved dog 
Bosco.She was preceded in death by; her son, Keith Aaron McKinney and her brother Keith Robinson Jr.Private family graveside service with Robert Sallee presiding will be
 in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.&nbsp; Public visitation will be 1:00
 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24th, at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.Memorial may be given too the USD #495 Larned High School Library, in
 care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Sandie E. Robinson Kigar

James Alton Anderson, 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas

James was born on May 28, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Alton and Nadene Anderson.&nbsp; He enjoyed riding the Russell Public Transportation bus to run errands, watching television, playing bingo and card games.

A private burial will take place at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

James Alton Anderson, 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, KansasJames was born on May 28, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Alton and Nadene Anderson.&nbsp; He enjoyed riding the Russell Public Transportation bus to run errands, watching television, playing bingo and card games.A private burial will take place at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

James Alton Anderson

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,121 to a total of 426,923, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 15 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,185.

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,121 to a total of 426,923, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 15 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,185.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634749192521.png" alt="Wednesday October 20,2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday October 20,2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 2,100 new cases, 15 more COVID deaths

Richard Marion Weltmer, 90, passed away on October 16, 2021 at SunPorch 
of Smith County in Smith Center, Kansas. He was born at home in Banner 
Township, Smith County, Kansas, on January 20, 1931, the fourth child of
 Charley Lawrence and Gertrude Marion Duer Weltmer.
 The family moved up to a rented farm one and a half miles south of 
Thornburg where Richard and Robert started to the one room school at the
 same time in August of 1935. Charley wanted to take 2 boys by 
horseback to and from school. The boys were classmates and best 
friends.
 In April of 1939 a little sister, Norma Kay Joined their family. 
Richard was close to his sister Kay and proud to be one of her big 
brothers.
 The family moved a house from Bellaire to Park Street in Smith 
Center in 1945 when Charley started work for Hardman Lumberyard. The 
boys started to school in Smith Center. Richard worked for Ormal Martin
 helping feed cattle before and after school thru high school. Ormal 
let Richard off in the afternoons in the fall of 1947 to play football 
since it was his senior year. Richard and Robert graduated from Smith 
Center High School in 1948. Richard then went to Business School in 
Chillicothe, Missouri for six months studying business and also learned 
teletyping.
 Richard started going to the Nazarene Youth Group. It seems a nice 
young lady named Avis Sprague caught his eye. Richard and Avis were 
married on December 3, 1950 in the Smith Center Nazarene Church.
 Richard was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and when 
they learned he knew how to teletype and read morse code, he was 
stationed in Germany. While he was in basic training in Pennsylvania, 
Avis was with him, then she came home to Smith Center while he was 
overseas.
 After Richard was discharged he got a job with the Santa Fe Railroad
 as a teletypist in Newton, Kansas. While Richard and Avis were in 
Newton older Son, Kenton LeRoy was born in 1954.
 Richard missed Smith Center and living and working on a farm, so in 
1955 they purchased their little farmstead east of Smith Center where 
Kenton and Deb live today. Richard and Avis’s father Dewey Sprague went
 into farming together as Weltmer and Sprague. Richard had milk cows, a
 sow herd, a cow/calf operation and raised wheat, milo and hay. In 1956
 son Michael Brent joined the family. When Kenton and Mike got old 
enough to start farming with their dad, Dewey backed out of the 
operation. The W &amp; S brand would now stand for Weltmer and Sons. 
In 1976 Richard and Avis incorporated with their sons to form W &amp; S 
Ranch, Inc. In 1977 Kenton married Deborah Zabel and in 1978 Mike 
married Ladonna Lytle, making 6 active members of the ranch. In 1980 
grandsons, Simeon and Philip were born and in 1983 Timothy and Steven 
were born. Richard and Avis loved watching their family expand. Not 
only were they farming together, they all went to the Nazarene Church 
together. Richard was blessed to go to church with his 
great-grandchildren also.
 Richard started working in the 1970’s for Chandler Livestock 
Auction. After the death of Chan’s brother, Hugh, Richard became Chan’s
 partner. In 1983 Chan was ready to retire and Richard and Avis bought 
the sale barn and called it Weltmer Livestock Auction, Inc. He would 
own and operate the sale barn for 22 years. Mike, Ladonna and Philip 
worked with Richard at some point during those years.
 In October of 2001 Avis got the devastating news she had lung 
cancer. Richard would lose the love of his life on December 30, 2001.
 Richard was a member of the Smith Center Nazarene Church, Gideons, 
61 year member of the American Legion, and was on the Fairview Cemetery 
board for 24 years.
 Richard was preceded in death by his wife Avis Lee; his parents; 
infant siblings, Willard LaRue and Doris Arlene; brother Robert 
Winfield; sister Norma Kay Schultz; and grandson Dr. Simeon George 
Weltmer.
 Left to cherish his memory are his sons. Kenton and wife Deborah and
 Michael and wife Ladonna all of Smith Center; grandsons, Philip and 
wife Jessica, Timothy and wife Dayna and Steven and wife Vanessa, all of
 Smith Center; and granddaughter-in-law Jennie Weltmer Collins and 
husband Adam of Kearney, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaden, Korey 
and Kaylee Weltmer, Deklynn, Drake, Darris and Dayvie Weltmer, Tessa, 
Micah, Cora and Clara Weltmer all of Smith Center; Austin Weltmer 
Collins, Aaron and Anderson Richard Collins all of Kearney, Missouri; 
along with many relatives and friends.

Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Richard-Dick-M-Weltmer?obId=22681687#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634740300197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard Marion Weltmer, 90, passed away on October 16, 2021 at SunPorch 
of Smith County in Smith Center, Kansas. He was born at home in Banner 
Township, Smith County, Kansas, on January 20, 1931, the fourth child of
 Charley Lawrence and Gertrude Marion Duer Weltmer.
 The family moved up to a rented farm one and a half miles south of 
Thornburg where Richard and Robert started to the one room school at the
 same time in August of 1935. Charley wanted to take 2 boys by 
horseback to and from school. The boys were classmates and best 
friends.
 In April of 1939 a little sister, Norma Kay Joined their family. 
Richard was close to his sister Kay and proud to be one of her big 
brothers.
 The family moved a house from Bellaire to Park Street in Smith 
Center in 1945 when Charley started work for Hardman Lumberyard. The 
boys started to school in Smith Center. Richard worked for Ormal Martin
 helping feed cattle before and after school thru high school. Ormal 
let Richard off in the afternoons in the fall of 1947 to play football 
since it was his senior year. Richard and Robert graduated from Smith 
Center High School in 1948. Richard then went to Business School in 
Chillicothe, Missouri for six months studying business and also learned 
teletyping.
 Richard started going to the Nazarene Youth Group. It seems a nice 
young lady named Avis Sprague caught his eye. Richard and Avis were 
married on December 3, 1950 in the Smith Center Nazarene Church.
 Richard was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and when 
they learned he knew how to teletype and read morse code, he was 
stationed in Germany. While he was in basic training in Pennsylvania, 
Avis was with him, then she came home to Smith Center while he was 
overseas.
 After Richard was discharged he got a job with the Santa Fe Railroad
 as a teletypist in Newton, Kansas. While Richard and Avis were in 
Newton older Son, Kenton LeRoy was born in 1954.
 Richard missed Smith Center and living and working on a farm, so in 
1955 they purchased their little farmstead east of Smith Center where 
Kenton and Deb live today. Richard and Avis’s father Dewey Sprague went
 into farming together as Weltmer and Sprague. Richard had milk cows, a
 sow herd, a cow/calf operation and raised wheat, milo and hay. In 1956
 son Michael Brent joined the family. When Kenton and Mike got old 
enough to start farming with their dad, Dewey backed out of the 
operation. The W &amp; S brand would now stand for Weltmer and Sons. 
In 1976 Richard and Avis incorporated with their sons to form W &amp; S 
Ranch, Inc. In 1977 Kenton married Deborah Zabel and in 1978 Mike 
married Ladonna Lytle, making 6 active members of the ranch. In 1980 
grandsons, Simeon and Philip were born and in 1983 Timothy and Steven 
were born. Richard and Avis loved watching their family expand. Not 
only were they farming together, they all went to the Nazarene Church 
together. Richard was blessed to go to church with his 
great-grandchildren also.
 Richard started working in the 1970’s for Chandler Livestock 
Auction. After the death of Chan’s brother, Hugh, Richard became Chan’s
 partner. In 1983 Chan was ready to retire and Richard and Avis bought 
the sale barn and called it Weltmer Livestock Auction, Inc. He would 
own and operate the sale barn for 22 years. Mike, Ladonna and Philip 
worked with Richard at some point during those years.
 In October of 2001 Avis got the devastating news she had lung 
cancer. Richard would lose the love of his life on December 30, 2001.
 Richard was a member of the Smith Center Nazarene Church, Gideons, 
61 year member of the American Legion, and was on the Fairview Cemetery 
board for 24 years.
 Richard was preceded in death by his wife Avis Lee; his parents; 
infant siblings, Willard LaRue and Doris Arlene; brother Robert 
Winfield; sister Norma Kay Schultz; and grandson Dr. Simeon George 
Weltmer.
 Left to cherish his memory are his sons. Kenton and wife Deborah and
 Michael and wife Ladonna all of Smith Center; grandsons, Philip and 
wife Jessica, Timothy and wife Dayna and Steven and wife Vanessa, all of
 Smith Center; and granddaughter-in-law Jennie Weltmer Collins and 
husband Adam of Kearney, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaden, Korey 
and Kaylee Weltmer, Deklynn, Drake, Darris and Dayvie Weltmer, Tessa, 
Micah, Cora and Clara Weltmer all of Smith Center; Austin Weltmer 
Collins, Aaron and Anderson Richard Collins all of Kearney, Missouri; 
along with many relatives and friends.Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Richard-Dick-M-Weltmer?obId=22681687#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Richard 'Dick' Weltmer

Pammie Rose Shank, 58, passed away October 18, 2021, at her home in Larned.

She was born February 7, 1963, in Aransas Pass, TX, the daughter of 
Clinton Harold and Iona “Betty” Bethine Norris Lauber. A longtime area 
resident, she was the Assistant Cashier for 32 years at the Fusion Bank 
(First State Bank) in Larned.

She was a member of the Larned Area Chamber Ambassadors and a past 
member of the Jaycees Club.&nbsp; She enjoyed fishing, hunting and loved to 
travel.

On May 1, 1989, she married Jan Arlyn Shank in Las Vegas, N.V. He survives.

Other survivors include: brother, David (Martha) Lauber, Cheney, WA; 
sister, Tammie (Jimmy) McClaren, Kinsley; two nieces, Kaitlyn (Joby) 
Reisenauer and their children, Quintin and Tobin, Mackenzie (Cory) 
Dilport and their daughter, Ember and a nephew, Cole (Kristin) McClaren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Terry Lauber and a sister, Sandra Davis.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Pammie Rose Shank, 58, passed away October 18, 2021, at her home in Larned.She was born February 7, 1963, in Aransas Pass, TX, the daughter of 
Clinton Harold and Iona “Betty” Bethine Norris Lauber. A longtime area 
resident, she was the Assistant Cashier for 32 years at the Fusion Bank 
(First State Bank) in Larned.She was a member of the Larned Area Chamber Ambassadors and a past 
member of the Jaycees Club.&nbsp; She enjoyed fishing, hunting and loved to 
travel.On May 1, 1989, she married Jan Arlyn Shank in Las Vegas, N.V. He survives.Other survivors include: brother, David (Martha) Lauber, Cheney, WA; 
sister, Tammie (Jimmy) McClaren, Kinsley; two nieces, Kaitlyn (Joby) 
Reisenauer and their children, Quintin and Tobin, Mackenzie (Cory) 
Dilport and their daughter, Ember and a nephew, Cole (Kristin) McClaren.She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Terry Lauber and a sister, Sandra Davis.Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at a later date.Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Pammie Rose Shank

Jerome Fredrick Gormley, 81, of Grinnell, died Monday, October 18, 2021.
 He was born February 7, 1940, in Grinnell, KS, to Chester and Reba 
(Schroeder) Gormley. Jerry was a lifelong farmer, who never stopped 
working. He devoted his life to his work and was a perfectionist in 
whatever he did, never quitting until the job was done right. If he 
wasn’t in the field, you could find him in his shop where he always had a
 project going and was often inventing or creating things. When he did 
take a break from work, Jerry kept busy watching sports on TV and doing 
crossword and jigsaw puzzles. On April 11, 1961, Jerry married Jeanie 
Stephens and to this union three children were born. 
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Anita Huelsmann and brother Randall Struckhoff. 
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanie; children, Sharon (Don) 
Burks, Steven (Melissa Shupe) and James; sister Judy (Roger) Hartman; 
brother-in-law Charlie Huelsman; ten grandchildren and nine 
great-grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Immaculate
 Conception Parish Center, Grinnell, KS, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. 
Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Immaculate 
Conception Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. 
Memorials may be made for Masses or the Immaculate Conception Cemetery 
Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 
67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634735896227.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jerome Fredrick Gormley, 81, of Grinnell, died Monday, October 18, 2021.
 He was born February 7, 1940, in Grinnell, KS, to Chester and Reba 
(Schroeder) Gormley. Jerry was a lifelong farmer, who never stopped 
working. He devoted his life to his work and was a perfectionist in 
whatever he did, never quitting until the job was done right. If he 
wasn’t in the field, you could find him in his shop where he always had a
 project going and was often inventing or creating things. When he did 
take a break from work, Jerry kept busy watching sports on TV and doing 
crossword and jigsaw puzzles. On April 11, 1961, Jerry married Jeanie 
Stephens and to this union three children were born. 
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Anita Huelsmann and brother Randall Struckhoff. 
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanie; children, Sharon (Don) 
Burks, Steven (Melissa Shupe) and James; sister Judy (Roger) Hartman; 
brother-in-law Charlie Huelsman; ten grandchildren and nine 
great-grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Immaculate
 Conception Parish Center, Grinnell, KS, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. 
Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Immaculate 
Conception Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. 
Memorials may be made for Masses or the Immaculate Conception Cemetery 
Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 
67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jerome Frederick Gormley

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Negotiations stretched into a fourth day seeking the return of 17 members of a U.S.-based missionary group kidnapped over the weekend by a violent gang that is demanding $1 million ransom per person.

The group includes five children whose ages range from 8 months to 15 years, although authorities were not clear whether the ransom amount included them, a top Haitian official said Tuesday. Sixteen of the abductees are Americans and one Canadian.

The abduction is one of at least 119 kidnappings recorded in Haiti for the first half of October, according to the Center of Analysis and Research of Human Rights, a local nonprofit group. It said a Haitian driver was abducted along with the missionaries, bringing the total to 18 people taken by the gang.

The Haitian official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, told The Associated Press that someone from the 400 Mawozo gang made the ransom demand Saturday in a call to a leader of the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries shortly after the abduction.

“This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti,” the Ohio group said, adding that the missionaries worked most recently on a project to help rebuild homes lost in a magnitude-7.2 earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti on Aug. 14.

The group was returning from visiting an orphanage when it was abducted, the organization said.

Responding to the recent wave of kidnappings, workers staged a protest strike that shuttered businesses, schools and public transportation starting Monday. The work stoppage was a new blow to Haiti’s anemic economy. Unions and other groups vowed to continue the shutdown indefinitely.

In a peaceful demonstration Tuesday north of Port-au-Prince, dozens of people walked through the streets of Titanyen demanding the release of the missionaries. Some carried signs that read “Free the Americans” and “No to Kidnapping!” and explained that the missionaries helped pay bills and build roads and schools.

“They do a lot for us,” said Beatrice Jean.

Meanwhile, the country’s fuel shortage worsened, with businesses blaming gangs for blocking roads and gas distribution terminals.

Hundreds of motorcycles zoomed through the streets of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday as the drivers yelled, “If there’s no fuel, we’re going to burn it all down!”

One protest took place near the prime minister’s residence, where police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd demanding fuel.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the FBI was “part of a coordinated U.S. government effort” to free the missionaries. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince was coordinating with local officials and the hostages’ families.

“We know these groups target U.S. citizens who they assume have the resources and finances to pay ransoms, even if that is not the case,” Psaki said, noting that the government has urged U.S. citizens not to visit Haiti.

It is longstanding U.S. policy not to negotiate with hostage takers, and Psaki declined to discuss details of the operation.

The kidnapping was the largest of its kind reported in recent years. Haitian gangs have grown more brazen as the country tries to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the earthquake that killed more than 2,200 people.

Christian Aid Ministries said the kidnapped group included six women, six men and five children. A sign on the door at the organization’s headquarters in Berlin, Ohio, said it was closed due to the kidnapping situation.

News of the kidnappings spread swiftly in and around Holmes County, Ohio, hub of one of the largest populations of Amish and conservative Mennonites in the United States, said Marcus Yoder, executive director of the Amish &amp; Mennonite Heritage Center in nearby Millersburg, Ohio.

Christian Aid Ministries is supported by conservative Mennonite, Amish and related groups that are part of the Anabaptist tradition.

The organization was founded in the early 1980s and began working in Haiti later that decade, said Steven Nolt, professor of history and Anabaptist studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. The group has year-round mission staff in Haiti and several countries, he said, and it ships religious, school and medical supplies throughout the world.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Negotiations stretched into a fourth day seeking the return of 17 members of a U.S.-based missionary group kidnapped over the weekend by a violent gang that is demanding $1 million ransom per person.The group includes five children whose ages range from 8 months to 15 years, although authorities were not clear whether the ransom amount included them, a top Haitian official said Tuesday. Sixteen of the abductees are Americans and one Canadian.The abduction is one of at least 119 kidnappings recorded in Haiti for the first half of October, according to the Center of Analysis and Research of Human Rights, a local nonprofit group. It said a Haitian driver was abducted along with the missionaries, bringing the total to 18 people taken by the gang.The Haitian official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, told The Associated Press that someone from the 400 Mawozo gang made the ransom demand Saturday in a call to a leader of the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries shortly after the abduction.“This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti,” the Ohio group said, adding that the missionaries worked most recently on a project to help rebuild homes lost in a magnitude-7.2 earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti on Aug. 14.The group was returning from visiting an orphanage when it was abducted, the organization said.Responding to the recent wave of kidnappings, workers staged a protest strike that shuttered businesses, schools and public transportation starting Monday. The work stoppage was a new blow to Haiti’s anemic economy. Unions and other groups vowed to continue the shutdown indefinitely.In a peaceful demonstration Tuesday north of Port-au-Prince, dozens of people walked through the streets of Titanyen demanding the release of the missionaries. Some carried signs that read “Free the Americans” and “No to Kidnapping!” and explained that the missionaries helped pay bills and build roads and schools.“They do a lot for us,” said Beatrice Jean.Meanwhile, the country’s fuel shortage worsened, with businesses blaming gangs for blocking roads and gas distribution terminals.Hundreds of motorcycles zoomed through the streets of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday as the drivers yelled, “If there’s no fuel, we’re going to burn it all down!”One protest took place near the prime minister’s residence, where police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd demanding fuel.In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the FBI was “part of a coordinated U.S. government effort” to free the missionaries. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince was coordinating with local officials and the hostages’ families.“We know these groups target U.S. citizens who they assume have the resources and finances to pay ransoms, even if that is not the case,” Psaki said, noting that the government has urged U.S. citizens not to visit Haiti.It is longstanding U.S. policy not to negotiate with hostage takers, and Psaki declined to discuss details of the operation.The kidnapping was the largest of its kind reported in recent years. Haitian gangs have grown more brazen as the country tries to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the earthquake that killed more than 2,200 people.Christian Aid Ministries said the kidnapped group included six women, six men and five children. A sign on the door at the organization’s headquarters in Berlin, Ohio, said it was closed due to the kidnapping situation.News of the kidnappings spread swiftly in and around Holmes County, Ohio, hub of one of the largest populations of Amish and conservative Mennonites in the United States, said Marcus Yoder, executive director of the Amish &amp; Mennonite Heritage Center in nearby Millersburg, Ohio.Christian Aid Ministries is supported by conservative Mennonite, Amish and related groups that are part of the Anabaptist tradition.The organization was founded in the early 1980s and began working in Haiti later that decade, said Steven Nolt, professor of history and Anabaptist studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. The group has year-round mission staff in Haiti and several countries, he said, and it ships religious, school and medical supplies throughout the world.

Negotiations drag on to free U.S. missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

Webinar to be conducted on October 28, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. EDT

In partnership with the Hawai’i Attorney General, the Federal Communications Commission will host a virtual public webinar on spoofing and robocalls.   The event will follow up on the Hawai’i Attorney General’s spoofing alert issued last month, and will feature state government officials and other Hawai’i-based partners.  It will provide tips consumers can use to protect themselves from scams.  

The Webinar will begin at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. Eastern time and stream live on www.fcc.gov/live.  It is a free virtual event and does not require advanced registration.

Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to the recipient’s caller ID display to disguise their identity.  Scammers often use “neighbor spoofing” so it appears that an incoming call is from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that consumers may know and trust.  Spoofing is often used in concert with a robocall by fraudsters seeking to steal consumers’ money and/or identity.

Questions can be submitted during or in advance of this event by sending an email to Outreach@fcc.gov. 

Open captioning will be provided for this event.  Other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request.  Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer &amp; Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice).  Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed.  In addition, please include a way for the FCC to contact the requester if more information is needed to fill the request.  Last minute requests will be accepted, but it may not be possible to accommodate the request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWebinar to be conducted on October 28, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. EDT In partnership with the Hawai’i Attorney General, the Federal Communications Commission will host a virtual public webinar on spoofing and robocalls. The event will follow up on the Hawai’i Attorney General’s spoofing alert issued last month, and will feature state government officials and other Hawai’i-based partners. It will provide tips consumers can use to protect themselves from scams. The Webinar will begin at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. Eastern time and stream live on www.fcc.gov/live. It is a free virtual event and does not require advanced registration.Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to the recipient’s caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use “neighbor spoofing” so it appears that an incoming call is from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that consumers may know and trust. Spoofing is often used in concert with a robocall by fraudsters seeking to steal consumers’ money and/or identity.Questions can be submitted during or in advance of this event by sending an email to Outreach@fcc.gov. Open captioning will be provided for this event. Other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer &amp; Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice). Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. In addition, please include a way for the FCC to contact the requester if more information is needed to fill the request. Last minute requests will be accepted, but it may not be possible to accommodate the request.

Consumer webinar will focus on plague of robocalls in US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Melvin Betzner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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