UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The head of the World Food Program says the Nobel Peace Prize has given the U.N. agency a spotlight and megaphone to warn world leaders that next year is going to be worse than this year, and without billions of dollars “we are going to have famines of biblical proportions in 2021.”

David Beasley said in an interview with The Associated Press that the Norwegian Nobel Committee was looking at the work the agency does every day in conflicts, disasters and refugee camps, often putting staffers’ lives at risk to feed millions of hungry people -- but also to send “a message to the world that it’s getting worse out there ... (and) that our hardest work is yet to come.”

“It was so timely because we’ve been fighting to get above the choir,” Beasley said of last month’s award, pointing to the news being dominated by the U.S. elections and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the difficulty of getting global attention focused on “the travesty that we’re facing around the world.”

“So this was really a gift from above,” Beasley said, recalling the surprise and delight of WFP’s 20,000 staffers worldwide, and his own shock at being interrupted during a meeting in Niger in Africa’s Sahel region with the news.

Beasley recalled his warning to the U.N. Security Council in April that as the world was dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it was also “on the brink of a hunger pandemic” that could lead to “multiple famines of biblical proportions” within a few months if immediate action wasn’t taken.

“We were able to avert it in 2020 ... because the world leaders responded with money, stimulus packages, deferral of debt,” he said.

Now, Beasley said, COVID-19 is surging again, economies are continuing to deteriorate particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and there is another wave of lockdowns and shutdowns.

But he said the money that was available in 2020 isn’t going to be available in 2021, so he has been using the Nobel to meet leaders virtually and in person, talk to parliaments, and give speeches to sensitize those with power to “this tragedy that we are facing -- crises that really are going to be extraordinary over the next, who knows, 12 to 18 months.”

“Everybody now wants to meet with the Nobel Peace Prize winner,” Beasley said, explaining he now gets 45 minutes instead of 15 minutes with leaders and is able to go into depth and explain how bad things are going to be next year and how leaders are going to have to prioritize programs. “And the response has really been good,” he said.

“I’m telling them you’re not going to have enough money to fund all the projects you historically fund,” he said.

“Those are important things,” Beasley said, but he likened the upcoming crisis to the Titanic saying “right now, we really need to focus on icebergs, and icebergs are famine, starvation, destabilization and migration.”

Beasley said WFP needs $15 billion next year -- $5 billion just to avert famine and $10 billion to carry out the agency’s global programs including for malnourished children and school lunches which are often the only meal youngsters get.

“If I could get that coupled with our normal money, then we avert famine around the world” and minimize destabilization as well as migration. he said.

In addition to raising extra money from governments, Beasley said, his other “great hope” is that billionaires that have made billions during the COVID-19 pandemic will step up on a one-time basis. He plans to start pushing this message probably in December or January.

In April, Beasley said 135 million people faced “crisis levels of hunger or worse.” A WFP analysis then showed that COVID=19 could push an additional 130 million people “to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020.”

He said in Wednesday’s virtual interview from Rome, where WFP is based, that while famine was averted this year, the number of people facing crisis levels of hunger is increasing toward 270 million.

“There’s about three dozen countries that could possibly enter the famine conditions if we don’t have the money we need,” Beasley said.

According to a joint analysis by WFP and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization in October, 20 countries “are likely to face potential spikes in high acute food insecurity” in the next three to six months, “and require urgent attention.”

Of those, Yemen, South Sudan, northeastern Nigeria and Burkina Faso have some areas that “have reached a critical hunger situation following years of conflict or other shocks,” the U.N. agencies said, and any further deterioration in coming months “could lead to a risk of famine.”

Other countries requiring “urgent attention” are Afghanistan, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somali, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, they said.

Beasley said a COVID-19 vaccine “will create some optimism that hopefully will help jump the economies around the world, particularly the Western economies. But the WFP executive director said there’s already been $17 billion of economic stimulus this year “and we’re not going to have that globally.”

“We’re very, very, very concerned” that with deferred debt payments for low- and middle-income countries resuming in January, new lockdowns and the rippling economic impact, “2021’s going to be a very bad year,” Beasley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605525867097.png" alt="World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley during a zoom conference Saturday" />
 <figcaption>World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley during a zoom conference Saturday</figcaption>
 </figure>UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The head of the World Food Program says the Nobel Peace Prize has given the U.N. agency a spotlight and megaphone to warn world leaders that next year is going to be worse than this year, and without billions of dollars “we are going to have famines of biblical proportions in 2021.”David Beasley said in an interview with The Associated Press that the Norwegian Nobel Committee was looking at the work the agency does every day in conflicts, disasters and refugee camps, often putting staffers’ lives at risk to feed millions of hungry people -- but also to send “a message to the world that it’s getting worse out there ... (and) that our hardest work is yet to come.”“It was so timely because we’ve been fighting to get above the choir,” Beasley said of last month’s award, pointing to the news being dominated by the U.S. elections and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the difficulty of getting global attention focused on “the travesty that we’re facing around the world.”“So this was really a gift from above,” Beasley said, recalling the surprise and delight of WFP’s 20,000 staffers worldwide, and his own shock at being interrupted during a meeting in Niger in Africa’s Sahel region with the news.Beasley recalled his warning to the U.N. Security Council in April that as the world was dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it was also “on the brink of a hunger pandemic” that could lead to “multiple famines of biblical proportions” within a few months if immediate action wasn’t taken.“We were able to avert it in 2020 ... because the world leaders responded with money, stimulus packages, deferral of debt,” he said.Now, Beasley said, COVID-19 is surging again, economies are continuing to deteriorate particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and there is another wave of lockdowns and shutdowns.But he said the money that was available in 2020 isn’t going to be available in 2021, so he has been using the Nobel to meet leaders virtually and in person, talk to parliaments, and give speeches to sensitize those with power to “this tragedy that we are facing -- crises that really are going to be extraordinary over the next, who knows, 12 to 18 months.”“Everybody now wants to meet with the Nobel Peace Prize winner,” Beasley said, explaining he now gets 45 minutes instead of 15 minutes with leaders and is able to go into depth and explain how bad things are going to be next year and how leaders are going to have to prioritize programs. “And the response has really been good,” he said.“I’m telling them you’re not going to have enough money to fund all the projects you historically fund,” he said.“Those are important things,” Beasley said, but he likened the upcoming crisis to the Titanic saying “right now, we really need to focus on icebergs, and icebergs are famine, starvation, destabilization and migration.”Beasley said WFP needs $15 billion next year -- $5 billion just to avert famine and $10 billion to carry out the agency’s global programs including for malnourished children and school lunches which are often the only meal youngsters get.“If I could get that coupled with our normal money, then we avert famine around the world” and minimize destabilization as well as migration. he said.In addition to raising extra money from governments, Beasley said, his other “great hope” is that billionaires that have made billions during the COVID-19 pandemic will step up on a one-time basis. He plans to start pushing this message probably in December or January.In April, Beasley said 135 million people faced “crisis levels of hunger or worse.” A WFP analysis then showed that COVID=19 could push an additional 130 million people “to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020.”He said in Wednesday’s virtual interview from Rome, where WFP is based, that while famine was averted this year, the number of people facing crisis levels of hunger is increasing toward 270 million.“There’s about three dozen countries that could possibly enter the famine conditions if we don’t have the money we need,” Beasley said.According to a joint analysis by WFP and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization in October, 20 countries “are likely to face potential spikes in high acute food insecurity” in the next three to six months, “and require urgent attention.”Of those, Yemen, South Sudan, northeastern Nigeria and Burkina Faso have some areas that “have reached a critical hunger situation following years of conflict or other shocks,” the U.N. agencies said, and any further deterioration in coming months “could lead to a risk of famine.”Other countries requiring “urgent attention” are Afghanistan, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somali, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, they said.Beasley said a COVID-19 vaccine “will create some optimism that hopefully will help jump the economies around the world, particularly the Western economies. But the WFP executive director said there’s already been $17 billion of economic stimulus this year “and we’re not going to have that globally.”“We’re very, very, very concerned” that with deferred debt payments for low- and middle-income countries resuming in January, new lockdowns and the rippling economic impact, “2021’s going to be a very bad year,” Beasley said.

Nobel UN food agency: 2021 will be worse than 2020

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin prosecutors have charged a 19-year-old Oconomowoc man with sexually assaulting a Missouri girl who went missing in September.

Nathan Nehs was charged Nov. 6 in Waukesha County with one felony count of repeated sexual assault of a child.

&nbsp;The criminal complaint states that Nehs met the girl about three years ago through an online gaming platform. He was 17 at the time; she was 11.

According to the complaint, Nehs drove to Missouri on Sept. 16 to pick up the girl and take her back to his parents' house in Oconomowoc. They arrived at the house on Sept. 17 but the complaint says his parents didn't know she was there until sometime between Sept. 20 and early October. Nehs allegedly told them he was dating her and she told them that she was 16 and lived in the area.

Nehs held her captive in his bedroom and kept her in a closet for two weeks, according to the complaint. Text messages from the girl's electronic devices indicate she was also held captive in a car trunk; she demanded in multiple messages to Nehs on Sept. 20 that he let her out of the trunk.

He sexually assaulted her 24 times, according to the complaint.

&nbsp;Nehs' cash bond has been set at $50,000. His attorney, Leah Thomas, didn't immediately respond to messages after hours Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605452661950.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin prosecutors have charged a 19-year-old Oconomowoc man with sexually assaulting a Missouri girl who went missing in September.Nathan Nehs was charged Nov. 6 in Waukesha County with one felony count of repeated sexual assault of a child.&nbsp;The criminal complaint states that Nehs met the girl about three years ago through an online gaming platform. He was 17 at the time; she was 11.According to the complaint, Nehs drove to Missouri on Sept. 16 to pick up the girl and take her back to his parents' house in Oconomowoc. They arrived at the house on Sept. 17 but the complaint says his parents didn't know she was there until sometime between Sept. 20 and early October. Nehs allegedly told them he was dating her and she told them that she was 16 and lived in the area.Nehs held her captive in his bedroom and kept her in a closet for two weeks, according to the complaint. Text messages from the girl's electronic devices indicate she was also held captive in a car trunk; she demanded in multiple messages to Nehs on Sept. 20 that he let her out of the trunk.He sexually assaulted her 24 times, according to the complaint.&nbsp;Nehs' cash bond has been set at $50,000. His attorney, Leah Thomas, didn't immediately respond to messages after hours Friday.

Man charged with assaulting missing Missouri girl

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/12/new-kansas-survey-of-state-agencies-affirms-broad-cybersecurity-vulnerabilities/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The first 
mandated cybersecurity self-assessment by dozens of state agencies 
affirmed problems with managing risk, handling information available to 
vendors, updating disaster-recovery plans and complying consistently 
with data management protocol, state officials said Thursday.

Security challenges in 
large and small agencies of Kansas’ executive branch have been 
identified in confidential state government reports produced during the 
past several years. All that analysis of vulnerability at state agencies
 prompted the Kansas Legislature to require self-assessments every two 
years to keep a spotlight on progress to amend weaknesses.

DeAngela Burns-Wallace, 
secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and since September
 2019 the state’s executive chief information technology officer, said 
survey responses had been submitted by 42 agencies. Ten agencies, all 
smaller agencies without full-time IT staff, didn’t meet the mid-October
 deadline for filing the report.

She didn’t identify 
agencies that missed the deadline, but said “we need this work done” and
 would compel production of the reports because it is “key and 
critical.”

She said there was need 
across state agencies for more standardization of data management. State
 organizations struggle to identify, track and manage cybersecurity 
risk, she said. The survey showed many agencies had disaster continuity 
plans, but “are not properly developing, testing and maintaining them,” 
an issue heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Burns-Wallace
 said, the survey chronicled agencies that struggle to maintain 
information security when engaged with third-party vendors.

“The level of IT 
sophistication around security is varied,” Burns-Wallace said. 
“Particularly some of our smaller non-Cabinet agencies that don’t have 
full-time IT staff. Even in our larger Cabinet agencies, the IT 
expertise is one thing and that security expertise is a little bit 
different.”

The administration 
secretary said the state provided access to information security 
officers to help non-Cabinet agencies with cybersecurity concerns. In 
the future, she said, monthly training for executives and technical 
staff would be implemented to work on security.

Rep. Kyle Hoffman, a 
Coldwater Republican and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on 
Information Technology, said it was clear state government leaders 
failed in the past to pay sufficient attention to cybersecurity. He said
 problems at the Kansas Department of Labor was a vivid example, but the
 survey of dozens of agencies and the initiation of three-year IT 
improvement plans during the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly had been
 a step in the right direction.

“I think we have let 
cybersecurity go for so long,” Hoffman said. “It just seems like we just
 have struggled to get any sort of a good cybersecurity system going. I 
really appreciate what you’re doing with this.”

Hoffman did express 
concern with delays and cost overruns with an IT overhaul at Fort Hays 
State University and with hiccups in implementation of a state data 
center in Overland Park. Migration to the data center is expected to be 
finished in December, but Burns-Wallace said that project had been stuck
 at less than 20% migration for more than two years.

Rep. Pam Curtis, a member 
of the committee and a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said it was 
important for state agencies to embrace business efficiencies afforded 
by greater reliance on information technology during the pandemic.

Sen. Kevin Braun, a Kansas
 City, Kansas, Republican on the IT committee, said he had been in 
meetings in which state agencies were aware of security problems but 
lacked the expertise to apply a fix. The idea of integrating security 
work into routine IT training is an “incredible leap forward in the last
 two years,” he said.

Burns-Wallace said the 
objective wasn’t to force centralization of IT operations for state 
government, but to establish a baseline for agencies of different sizes 
and with different missions.

It’s not enough for a 
handful of state agencies to meet benchmark standards while others 
muddle along without meeting expectations, she said.

“What are the things that you need to protect that are part of the backbone?” she said.

Burns-Wallace said the 
self-assessment process provided agencies opportunity to be reflective 
and to take ownership of their cybersecurity stance.

In terms of the state 
agency surveys on cybersecurity, Burns-Wallace said 25 agencies reported
 having an organization-wide security program. Ten agencies said they 
didn’t have such a program and seven agencies said they were unsure.

The survey asked whether 
the agency assessed and documented risks to IT systems that process, 
store or transmit restricted-use data. The response: 14 said yes, 25 
said no and three were uncertain.

On the question of whether
 agencies implemented standards to guarantee data and information 
technology resources were maintained in compliance with state and 
federal law, here was the response: yes, 32 agencies; no, seven; unsure,
 three.

A question about 
implementation of cost-effective safeguards to reduce, eliminate or 
recover from identified threats data and IT technology resources: 35 
said yes, three said no and four were uncertain.

And, another: Does the 
organization conduct an annual internal assessment of its security 
program? The answer: 21 said yes, 13 said no and eight were uncertain.

“That’s not great,” she 
said. “At minimum, you want to know if you have it or not. if you’re 
unsure, that means we have some work to do.”

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605277123238.png" alt="DeAngela Burns-Wallace, secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and the state's executive chief information technology officer, received bipartisan praise Thursday from a legislative committee regarding her work to improve IT systems and get a handle on cybersecurity problems in state government. (Tim Carpenter/Kanas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>DeAngela Burns-Wallace, secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and the state's executive chief information technology officer, received bipartisan praise Thursday from a legislative committee regarding her work to improve IT systems and get a handle on cybersecurity problems in state government. (Tim Carpenter/Kanas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/12/new-kansas-survey-of-state-agencies-affirms-broad-cybersecurity-vulnerabilities/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The first 
mandated cybersecurity self-assessment by dozens of state agencies 
affirmed problems with managing risk, handling information available to 
vendors, updating disaster-recovery plans and complying consistently 
with data management protocol, state officials said Thursday.Security challenges in 
large and small agencies of Kansas’ executive branch have been 
identified in confidential state government reports produced during the 
past several years. All that analysis of vulnerability at state agencies
 prompted the Kansas Legislature to require self-assessments every two 
years to keep a spotlight on progress to amend weaknesses.DeAngela Burns-Wallace, 
secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and since September
 2019 the state’s executive chief information technology officer, said 
survey responses had been submitted by 42 agencies. Ten agencies, all 
smaller agencies without full-time IT staff, didn’t meet the mid-October
 deadline for filing the report.She didn’t identify 
agencies that missed the deadline, but said “we need this work done” and
 would compel production of the reports because it is “key and 
critical.”She said there was need 
across state agencies for more standardization of data management. State
 organizations struggle to identify, track and manage cybersecurity 
risk, she said. The survey showed many agencies had disaster continuity 
plans, but “are not properly developing, testing and maintaining them,” 
an issue heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.In addition, Burns-Wallace
 said, the survey chronicled agencies that struggle to maintain 
information security when engaged with third-party vendors.“The level of IT 
sophistication around security is varied,” Burns-Wallace said. 
“Particularly some of our smaller non-Cabinet agencies that don’t have 
full-time IT staff. Even in our larger Cabinet agencies, the IT 
expertise is one thing and that security expertise is a little bit 
different.”The administration 
secretary said the state provided access to information security 
officers to help non-Cabinet agencies with cybersecurity concerns. In 
the future, she said, monthly training for executives and technical 
staff would be implemented to work on security.Rep. Kyle Hoffman, a 
Coldwater Republican and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on 
Information Technology, said it was clear state government leaders 
failed in the past to pay sufficient attention to cybersecurity. He said
 problems at the Kansas Department of Labor was a vivid example, but the
 survey of dozens of agencies and the initiation of three-year IT 
improvement plans during the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly had been
 a step in the right direction.“I think we have let 
cybersecurity go for so long,” Hoffman said. “It just seems like we just
 have struggled to get any sort of a good cybersecurity system going. I 
really appreciate what you’re doing with this.”Hoffman did express 
concern with delays and cost overruns with an IT overhaul at Fort Hays 
State University and with hiccups in implementation of a state data 
center in Overland Park. Migration to the data center is expected to be 
finished in December, but Burns-Wallace said that project had been stuck
 at less than 20% migration for more than two years.Rep. Pam Curtis, a member 
of the committee and a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said it was 
important for state agencies to embrace business efficiencies afforded 
by greater reliance on information technology during the pandemic.Sen. Kevin Braun, a Kansas
 City, Kansas, Republican on the IT committee, said he had been in 
meetings in which state agencies were aware of security problems but 
lacked the expertise to apply a fix. The idea of integrating security 
work into routine IT training is an “incredible leap forward in the last
 two years,” he said.Burns-Wallace said the 
objective wasn’t to force centralization of IT operations for state 
government, but to establish a baseline for agencies of different sizes 
and with different missions.It’s not enough for a 
handful of state agencies to meet benchmark standards while others 
muddle along without meeting expectations, she said.“What are the things that you need to protect that are part of the backbone?” she said.Burns-Wallace said the 
self-assessment process provided agencies opportunity to be reflective 
and to take ownership of their cybersecurity stance.In terms of the state 
agency surveys on cybersecurity, Burns-Wallace said 25 agencies reported
 having an organization-wide security program. Ten agencies said they 
didn’t have such a program and seven agencies said they were unsure.The survey asked whether 
the agency assessed and documented risks to IT systems that process, 
store or transmit restricted-use data. The response: 14 said yes, 25 
said no and three were uncertain.On the question of whether
 agencies implemented standards to guarantee data and information 
technology resources were maintained in compliance with state and 
federal law, here was the response: yes, 32 agencies; no, seven; unsure,
 three.A question about 
implementation of cost-effective safeguards to reduce, eliminate or 
recover from identified threats data and IT technology resources: 35 
said yes, three said no and four were uncertain.And, another: Does the 
organization conduct an annual internal assessment of its security 
program? The answer: 21 said yes, 13 said no and eight were uncertain.“That’s not great,” she 
said. “At minimum, you want to know if you have it or not. if you’re 
unsure, that means we have some work to do.”Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. survey of state agencies affirms broad cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Paul Dennis Pavlu, 70, passed away on November 11, 2020 at the Salina
 Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 24, 
1950 in Hays, Kansas the son of Frances and Margery (Gaudette) Pavlu.

Paul was a farmer stockman. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd
 Degree in Ness City. He belonged to the Sunley-Squier American Legion 
Post No. 382 in Brownell and the VFW Post No. 7972 of Ransom. He was the
 President of St. Mary’s Heritage Foundation in McCracken. &nbsp;He married 
Pamela McDonald on July 30, 1971, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Pavlu of the home; 2 sons, Aaron 
&nbsp;and wife, Stephanie Pavlu, Jason Pavlu, all of Ness City; &nbsp;a daughter, 
Amanda, and husband, Chris Thom of Hastings, NE; 4 sisters, Linda and 
husband, Steven Hanan of San Antonio, TX, Marye and husband, Bob 
Clouston of Manhattan, Joan and husband, Mike Bruntz of Bazine, Laurie 
and husband Darrell Dechant of Manhattan; 8 grandchildren, Mckenna, 
Alex, Jaiden, Audrey, Kaleb, Dylan, Alivia, and Estelle.&nbsp; He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margery Pavlu and nieces, 
Christina Hanan and Angela Dechant.

Rosary and Parish Vigil will be on Sunday, November 15, 2020,&nbsp; 6:30 
P.M. at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. Funeral service will be on 
Monday, November 16, 2020, 10:00 A.M., at the Sacred Heart Church. 
Burial in the Vansburgh Cemetery, Brownell, Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may call at
 Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Western Plains Honor Flight, Sacred Heart School, or St. Mary's Heritage Foundation.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

The rosary and funeral service will be available for viewing via Facebook live at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldFuneral">https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldFuneral</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605375585085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Dennis Pavlu, 70, passed away on November 11, 2020 at the Salina
 Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 24, 
1950 in Hays, Kansas the son of Frances and Margery (Gaudette) Pavlu.Paul was a farmer stockman. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd
 Degree in Ness City. He belonged to the Sunley-Squier American Legion 
Post No. 382 in Brownell and the VFW Post No. 7972 of Ransom. He was the
 President of St. Mary’s Heritage Foundation in McCracken. &nbsp;He married 
Pamela McDonald on July 30, 1971, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;Survivors include his wife, Pamela Pavlu of the home; 2 sons, Aaron 
&nbsp;and wife, Stephanie Pavlu, Jason Pavlu, all of Ness City; &nbsp;a daughter, 
Amanda, and husband, Chris Thom of Hastings, NE; 4 sisters, Linda and 
husband, Steven Hanan of San Antonio, TX, Marye and husband, Bob 
Clouston of Manhattan, Joan and husband, Mike Bruntz of Bazine, Laurie 
and husband Darrell Dechant of Manhattan; 8 grandchildren, Mckenna, 
Alex, Jaiden, Audrey, Kaleb, Dylan, Alivia, and Estelle.&nbsp; He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margery Pavlu and nieces, 
Christina Hanan and Angela Dechant.Rosary and Parish Vigil will be on Sunday, November 15, 2020,&nbsp; 6:30 
P.M. at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. Funeral service will be on 
Monday, November 16, 2020, 10:00 A.M., at the Sacred Heart Church. 
Burial in the Vansburgh Cemetery, Brownell, Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may call at
 Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Sunday, November 15, 2020.Memorial contributions may be given to the Western Plains Honor Flight, Sacred Heart School, or St. Mary's Heritage Foundation.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.The rosary and funeral service will be available for viewing via Facebook live at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldFuneral">https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldFuneral</a>

Paul D. Pavlu

Mary Ann (Kuhn) Randa, 60, Liebenthal, Kansas, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Hays Med in Hays, Kansas.

Mary Ann was born November 3, 1960, at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, 
Kansas, to Remigius Callistus and Roberta May (Barrett) Kuhn. She was a 
lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas, and Ellis County, Kansas. She 
was a 1978 graduate of Hays High School in Hays, Kansas. In 1979 Mary 
Ann became a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Hays, Kansas. 
In 1981 she went on to become a secretary at the La Crosse Furniture 
Factory in La Crosse, Kansas. In 1982 she became the bookkeeper for 
James Lincoln-Mercury-GMC in Hays, Kansas. In 1990 she became an office 
manager at the Hays Recreation Commission in Hays, Kansas. In 1992 she 
went on to receive her insurance agents’ license with designations in 
CIC and CISR to become a Select Marketing Representative for Insurance 
Planning Incorporated in Hays, Kansas. She also worked many part-time 
jobs while working her full time jobs - payroll clerk for Alan Pfeifer 
Construction in Hays, Kansas; payroll clerk for McIntyre Plumbing 
Heating &amp; Air in Hays, Kansas; bookkeeper for Pat’s Beef Jerky in 
Liebenthal, Kansas; and bookkeeper for T-Roy’s Roustabout in La Crosse, 
Kansas.

Mary Ann loved her family dearly. She loved spending time with them 
and planning family get togethers. She was an amazing, loving, and 
caring wife, mother, Mimi, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. Mary Ann 
enjoyed bowling in her free time. She was an advocate and volunteer for 
Relay for Life, serving as a committee member for over 15 years.

On July 30, 1979, she married Darold Randa at St. Joseph’s Catholic 
Church in Liebenthal, Kansas. On October 5, 1990 they had their daughter
 Vanessa at Hadley Hospital in Hays, Kansas.

Survivors include: her husband, Darold Randa, Liebenthal, Kansas; one
 daughter, Vanessa McClung (Jason), La Crosse, Kansas; one grandson, 
Copelan McClung, La Crosse, Kansas; four brothers, Leon Kuhn (Tonya), 
Downs, Kansas, Ronald Kuhn (Mary), Ladera Ranch, California, Steven Kuhn
 (Lynn), Pampa, Texas, and Terry Kuhn (Lisa), WaKeeney, Kansas; father 
in law, Jerome Randa, Liebenthal, Kansas; four sisters in law, Cyndi 
Kuhn, Gardner, Kansas, Vallie Hesket (Daniel), Haven, Kansas, Christine 
Werth, Hays, Kansas, and Coleen Janda (Michael), Salina, Kansas; one 
brother in law, Dermot Randa (Suzanne), La Crosse, Kansas; numerous 
nephews and nieces; and numerous great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Kuhn, 
and Michael Kuhn; one sister Roberta Marie Kuhn; and mother in law Agnes
 Randa.

Mary Ann had a heart of gold. She was truly an angel on earth, always
 helping others and putting others first. She will be forever missed.

Due to the current challenges the world is facing at the present 
time, the family will host a Celebration of Life and inurnment of ashes 
in the future, to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the Mary Ann Randa Memorial Fund.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P&nbsp; O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas&nbsp; 67548, 785/222-2517.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605375444119.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Ann (Kuhn) Randa, 60, Liebenthal, Kansas, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Hays Med in Hays, Kansas.Mary Ann was born November 3, 1960, at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, 
Kansas, to Remigius Callistus and Roberta May (Barrett) Kuhn. She was a 
lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas, and Ellis County, Kansas. She 
was a 1978 graduate of Hays High School in Hays, Kansas. In 1979 Mary 
Ann became a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Hays, Kansas. 
In 1981 she went on to become a secretary at the La Crosse Furniture 
Factory in La Crosse, Kansas. In 1982 she became the bookkeeper for 
James Lincoln-Mercury-GMC in Hays, Kansas. In 1990 she became an office 
manager at the Hays Recreation Commission in Hays, Kansas. In 1992 she 
went on to receive her insurance agents’ license with designations in 
CIC and CISR to become a Select Marketing Representative for Insurance 
Planning Incorporated in Hays, Kansas. She also worked many part-time 
jobs while working her full time jobs - payroll clerk for Alan Pfeifer 
Construction in Hays, Kansas; payroll clerk for McIntyre Plumbing 
Heating &amp; Air in Hays, Kansas; bookkeeper for Pat’s Beef Jerky in 
Liebenthal, Kansas; and bookkeeper for T-Roy’s Roustabout in La Crosse, 
Kansas.Mary Ann loved her family dearly. She loved spending time with them 
and planning family get togethers. She was an amazing, loving, and 
caring wife, mother, Mimi, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. Mary Ann 
enjoyed bowling in her free time. She was an advocate and volunteer for 
Relay for Life, serving as a committee member for over 15 years.On July 30, 1979, she married Darold Randa at St. Joseph’s Catholic 
Church in Liebenthal, Kansas. On October 5, 1990 they had their daughter
 Vanessa at Hadley Hospital in Hays, Kansas.Survivors include: her husband, Darold Randa, Liebenthal, Kansas; one
 daughter, Vanessa McClung (Jason), La Crosse, Kansas; one grandson, 
Copelan McClung, La Crosse, Kansas; four brothers, Leon Kuhn (Tonya), 
Downs, Kansas, Ronald Kuhn (Mary), Ladera Ranch, California, Steven Kuhn
 (Lynn), Pampa, Texas, and Terry Kuhn (Lisa), WaKeeney, Kansas; father 
in law, Jerome Randa, Liebenthal, Kansas; four sisters in law, Cyndi 
Kuhn, Gardner, Kansas, Vallie Hesket (Daniel), Haven, Kansas, Christine 
Werth, Hays, Kansas, and Coleen Janda (Michael), Salina, Kansas; one 
brother in law, Dermot Randa (Suzanne), La Crosse, Kansas; numerous 
nephews and nieces; and numerous great nephews and nieces.She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Kuhn, 
and Michael Kuhn; one sister Roberta Marie Kuhn; and mother in law Agnes
 Randa.Mary Ann had a heart of gold. She was truly an angel on earth, always
 helping others and putting others first. She will be forever missed.Due to the current challenges the world is facing at the present 
time, the family will host a Celebration of Life and inurnment of ashes 
in the future, to be announced at a later date.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the Mary Ann Randa Memorial Fund.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P&nbsp; O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas&nbsp; 67548, 785/222-2517.

Mary Ann (Kuhn) Randa

During the pandemic, kids are being especially hit hard with the cancelation of many events and moving to online learning for school

 Old Chicago Hays celebrated Cinco de Mayo in October this year, with the goal of donating the proceeds from the sale of their Cinco de Mayo t-shirts to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County.

The proceeds totaled $725, and Jennie Bates, Big Brother Big Sisters Northwest Kansas executive director, said the donation would help impact their programs and the kids they support, especially during this time. 

Old Chicago Hays is always looking for ways to give back to the community that supports them. Big Brothers Big Sisters received their donation on Friday, Nov. 6, and the live video can be viewed on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OldChicagoHays/videos/2698264117053378/?__cft__[0]=AZWsFQMiJX1dqIjPuo0as6raen_E6Hrv321UkoQn4IaiAGp-kgwSz0RJZZOAHJ4KtoUoCcTIpxws5_DK07KicoeVBJXd4fwJd8pZHWI1O1LKaL1v0wPAHitcgodJv4QSx7PIGXQ-wFjI7_cNzzBmi4LB0l5UR5NB31lNtoBzSaBKWQ&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Facebook here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605028718955.png" alt="Ellis County Big Brothers Big Sisters' Jenny Bates (fourth from left) accepts a donation from Old Chicago Hays on Nov. 6." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Big Brothers Big Sisters' Jenny Bates (fourth from left) accepts a donation from Old Chicago Hays on Nov. 6.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the pandemic, kids are being especially hit hard with the cancelation of many events and moving to online learning for school Old Chicago Hays celebrated Cinco de Mayo in October this year, with the goal of donating the proceeds from the sale of their Cinco de Mayo t-shirts to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County.The proceeds totaled $725, and Jennie Bates, Big Brother Big Sisters Northwest Kansas executive director, said the donation would help impact their programs and the kids they support, especially during this time. Old Chicago Hays is always looking for ways to give back to the community that supports them. Big Brothers Big Sisters received their donation on Friday, Nov. 6, and the live video can be viewed on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OldChicagoHays/videos/2698264117053378/?__cft__[0]=AZWsFQMiJX1dqIjPuo0as6raen_E6Hrv321UkoQn4IaiAGp-kgwSz0RJZZOAHJ4KtoUoCcTIpxws5_DK07KicoeVBJXd4fwJd8pZHWI1O1LKaL1v0wPAHitcgodJv4QSx7PIGXQ-wFjI7_cNzzBmi4LB0l5UR5NB31lNtoBzSaBKWQ&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Facebook here</a>.- Submitted

BBBS receives donation from Old Chicago Hays fundraiser

TOPEKA — District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark of Russell County received the Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge of 2020.

The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association presented the award to Clark at its annual meeting in October.

Clark serves in the 20th Judicial District, which also includes Barton, Ellsworth, Rice and Stafford counties.

"It's an honor to receive this award knowing the quality of judges who have received it in previous years," Clark said.

Clark served the past year as president of the association.

Judges have faced new challenges during the pandemic, such as working remotely and using videoconferencing for court proceedings. Clark said he and the association's executive committee fielded questions from other judges, offered advice, and shared best practices.

"Although it was a challenging year, I enjoyed serving as president of KDMJA the past year and will work to support the newly elected officers," he said.

District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge presented the award to Clark. Bigge serves in Rooks County of the 23rd Judicial District.

Bigge, a past recipient of the award and past association president, cited Clark's longtime service on the association's executive committee and on other judicial committees.

"He has been a great example for other judges to follow," Bigge said.

District Magistrate Judge Jenifer Ashford, who is the new association president, added, "Judge Clark is an ardent advocate for the association." Ashford serves in the 10th Judicial District, composed of Johnson County.

Clark is a Smith Center native and has been a magistrate judge since 1998. He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1989 with a degree in sociology and an emphasis in criminal justice. He currently serves on the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission and the judicial branch's Judges Assistance Committee. He is a member of the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.

He was named Kansas CASA Judge of the Year in 1989 and nominated twice for the National CASA Judge of the Year.

The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association award is named for Judge Lee Nusser, who served as a district magistrate judge in Stafford County from 1976 to 1999. He died in 2003.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605022031665.jpeg" alt="District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark" />
 <figcaption>District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark of Russell County received the Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge of 2020.The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association presented the award to Clark at its annual meeting in October.Clark serves in the 20th Judicial District, which also includes Barton, Ellsworth, Rice and Stafford counties."It's an honor to receive this award knowing the quality of judges who have received it in previous years," Clark said.Clark served the past year as president of the association.Judges have faced new challenges during the pandemic, such as working remotely and using videoconferencing for court proceedings. Clark said he and the association's executive committee fielded questions from other judges, offered advice, and shared best practices."Although it was a challenging year, I enjoyed serving as president of KDMJA the past year and will work to support the newly elected officers," he said.District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge presented the award to Clark. Bigge serves in Rooks County of the 23rd Judicial District.Bigge, a past recipient of the award and past association president, cited Clark's longtime service on the association's executive committee and on other judicial committees."He has been a great example for other judges to follow," Bigge said.District Magistrate Judge Jenifer Ashford, who is the new association president, added, "Judge Clark is an ardent advocate for the association." Ashford serves in the 10th Judicial District, composed of Johnson County.Clark is a Smith Center native and has been a magistrate judge since 1998. He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1989 with a degree in sociology and an emphasis in criminal justice. He currently serves on the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission and the judicial branch's Judges Assistance Committee. He is a member of the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.He was named Kansas CASA Judge of the Year in 1989 and nominated twice for the National CASA Judge of the Year.The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association award is named for Judge Lee Nusser, who served as a district magistrate judge in Stafford County from 1976 to 1999. He died in 2003.

Russell County judge receives statewide award

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court for a Social Security and bankruptcy fraud scheme.

On Nov. 6, Carol L. Dille, 68, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Dille to pay $76,601 in restitution, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Jan. 31, 2020, Dille pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Dille admitted that she filed an online application for Social Security retirement insurance benefits in September 2013, using the identity – including the name, date of birth, and Social Security number – of her former husband, Gerald Sanders, from whom she separated in 2009. Sanders had been living overseas since the 2009 separation, and was unaware that Dille filed the application.

Dille, representing herself as Sanders, provided her own address, phone number, and email address as contact information. Dille, while still representing herself as Sanders, indicated benefits should be direct deposited into the bank account of “Alliance of Divine Love Chapel 1202,” of which she was the sole authorized signor on the account.

In June 2016, as Sanders neared his 65th birthday, Dille emailed him offering to help set up his benefits – even though she had been secretly collecting them herself for nearly three years. She pretended to help him and to be sympathetic to his financial distress while diverting $1,420 a month of his benefits to her own bank account.

In August 2016, Sanders moved from Indonesia to Guam. After his move, Sanders went into the Guam Social Security office to check on his application. At that point he was told a claim had already been filed and the Social Security Administration had been paying monthly benefits in his name since October 2013. As a direct result of the fraudulent application filed by Dille, the government paid a total of $76,601 in monthly benefits earmarked for Sanders.

In addition to the Social Security fraud scheme, Dille used the Alliance of Divine Love Chapel bank account twice to commit bankruptcy fraud.

On May 7, 2015, Dille filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. She claimed $500,001 to $1 million in estimated liabilities, but failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. Dille’s bankruptcy case was dismissed on Oct. 5, 2015, because she failed to make required payments.

On March 9, 2016, Dille again filed for bankruptcy. Dille again failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. This case was dismissed on May 5, 2016, because Dille again failed to make required payments.

The court also ruled today that Dille violated the terms of her plea agreement by committing another crime between the time of her guilty plea and today’s sentencing. Within three months of entering her guilty plea, Dille committed bankruptcy fraud again when she concealed the attempted sale of a real estate parcel that was an asset of her bankruptcy estate, and the related sale documents, from the bankruptcy court and U.S. Trustee’s Office. Dille admitted that had the sale gone through, she did not intend to use the proceeds to repay her bankruptcy creditors.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court for a Social Security and bankruptcy fraud scheme.On Nov. 6, Carol L. Dille, 68, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Dille to pay $76,601 in restitution, according to the United State's Attorney.On Jan. 31, 2020, Dille pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Dille admitted that she filed an online application for Social Security retirement insurance benefits in September 2013, using the identity – including the name, date of birth, and Social Security number – of her former husband, Gerald Sanders, from whom she separated in 2009. Sanders had been living overseas since the 2009 separation, and was unaware that Dille filed the application.Dille, representing herself as Sanders, provided her own address, phone number, and email address as contact information. Dille, while still representing herself as Sanders, indicated benefits should be direct deposited into the bank account of “Alliance of Divine Love Chapel 1202,” of which she was the sole authorized signor on the account.In June 2016, as Sanders neared his 65th birthday, Dille emailed him offering to help set up his benefits – even though she had been secretly collecting them herself for nearly three years. She pretended to help him and to be sympathetic to his financial distress while diverting $1,420 a month of his benefits to her own bank account.In August 2016, Sanders moved from Indonesia to Guam. After his move, Sanders went into the Guam Social Security office to check on his application. At that point he was told a claim had already been filed and the Social Security Administration had been paying monthly benefits in his name since October 2013. As a direct result of the fraudulent application filed by Dille, the government paid a total of $76,601 in monthly benefits earmarked for Sanders.In addition to the Social Security fraud scheme, Dille used the Alliance of Divine Love Chapel bank account twice to commit bankruptcy fraud.On May 7, 2015, Dille filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. She claimed $500,001 to $1 million in estimated liabilities, but failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. Dille’s bankruptcy case was dismissed on Oct. 5, 2015, because she failed to make required payments.On March 9, 2016, Dille again filed for bankruptcy. Dille again failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. This case was dismissed on May 5, 2016, because Dille again failed to make required payments.The court also ruled today that Dille violated the terms of her plea agreement by committing another crime between the time of her guilty plea and today’s sentencing. Within three months of entering her guilty plea, Dille committed bankruptcy fraud again when she concealed the attempted sale of a real estate parcel that was an asset of her bankruptcy estate, and the related sale documents, from the bankruptcy court and U.S. Trustee’s Office. Dille admitted that had the sale gone through, she did not intend to use the proceeds to repay her bankruptcy creditors.

KC woman collected ex-husband's Social Security benefits

Breast cancer diagnosis down 50%, sparking concerns that cancer won’t be detected soon enough

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/10/women-imperiled-by-pandemic-skipping-breast-exams-and-battling-covid-19-with-cancer/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Amid a battle with breast cancer, Kari Rawley found herself combating a second potentially fatal condition — COVID-19.

The Kansas City, Missouri,
 woman thought she had done everything right to help herself in her 
immunocompromised state. Her family wore masks and practiced social 
distancing, but after a small going away party for her daughter with 
family and close friends, Rawley tested positive, and later so did 
several other family members.

Rawley’s coronavirus 
symptoms began as they often do with aches and pains before 
transitioning to severe fatigue, breathing problems and eventually 
pneumonia. Rawley was admitted to the hospital for treatment.

“The worst part was being 
in the hospital alone and not knowing,” Rawley said. “At home, I had 
three other family members that also had COVID, and a sister and her 
husband ended up being positive also. So, the fear of the unknown and 
not knowing if it would get better or the next day I was going to end up
 on a ventilator.”

COVID-19 risks are 
amplified for immunosuppressed breast cancer patients, and women 
nationwide are opting out of coming in for mammograms for fear of 
contracting the virus. This leaves women at risk of developing advanced 
breast cancer.

Those already diagnosed, 
like Rawley, often must cease treatment that suppresses their immune 
system. Rawley, for example, was asked to hold her medication from her 
COVID-19 diagnosis until she was clinically improving.

“COVID-19 infection this 
year has been a big hurdle in the cancer world to deal with because, as 
we know, cancer doesn’t stop for COVID,” said Lauren Nye, Rawley’s 
medical oncologist at the University of Kansas Health System. “We’ve had
 to figure out ways to continue on treatments and to continue our 
screening and still take care of our patients.”

Nye said altering 
treatment is often necessary so as not to put patients at further risk, 
but this can complicate their outcome. While telehealth is an option, 
she said coming into the clinic for cancer treatment is still one of the
 safest courses of action.

A concerning trend amid 
COVID-19, however, is curbing the number of patients receiving 
treatment. Since the pandemic began, there has been a 50% drop in the 
number of breast cancer diagnoses across the country.

Jamie Wagner, chief of the
 Breast Surgery Division at KU Health System, said this is not because 
there is less breast cancer, but rather because of a fear of contracting
 COVID-19 driving people to put off breast cancer screening.

“What that then leads to 
is women finding it at more advanced stages, and that’s when they’re 
finally coming in versus what that screening mammogram would have 
otherwise picked up at an early stage,” Wagner said. “That dramatically 
changes the breast cancer treatment that we then can offer patients, and
 a lot of times it’s much, much more significant types of treatments 
they are having to receive.”

Wagner said the number of 
diagnoses did rise in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but not 
enough to offset the decrease amid the pandemic. She said women should 
still come in for a yearly screening and that they should not be worried
 about contracting coronavirus.

Patients are spaced out in
 waiting rooms, equipment is sterilized, and all technicians and 
physicians are using appropriate personal protective equipment. Online 
scheduling also allows increased flexibility and reduced chance of virus
 transmission.

“We’ve really settled on 
very good procedures. We have very good PPE stores now. There are masks 
available, and there is eye protection,” said Dana Hawkinson, medical 
director of infection prevention and control at KU Health System. “It’s 
all geared toward keeping the patients safe from each other, keeping the
 patient safe from the health care workers and keeping the health care 
workers safe from each other as well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605045425157.png" alt="Kari Rawley was already battling breast cancer when she was diagnosed with COVID-19. Like many breast cancer patients, Rawley had to cease treatment that suppressed her immune system. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kari Rawley was already battling breast cancer when she was diagnosed with COVID-19. Like many breast cancer patients, Rawley had to cease treatment that suppressed her immune system. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Breast cancer diagnosis down 50%, sparking concerns that cancer won’t be detected soon enough</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/10/women-imperiled-by-pandemic-skipping-breast-exams-and-battling-covid-19-with-cancer/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Amid a battle with breast cancer, Kari Rawley found herself combating a second potentially fatal condition — COVID-19.The Kansas City, Missouri,
 woman thought she had done everything right to help herself in her 
immunocompromised state. Her family wore masks and practiced social 
distancing, but after a small going away party for her daughter with 
family and close friends, Rawley tested positive, and later so did 
several other family members.Rawley’s coronavirus 
symptoms began as they often do with aches and pains before 
transitioning to severe fatigue, breathing problems and eventually 
pneumonia. Rawley was admitted to the hospital for treatment.“The worst part was being 
in the hospital alone and not knowing,” Rawley said. “At home, I had 
three other family members that also had COVID, and a sister and her 
husband ended up being positive also. So, the fear of the unknown and 
not knowing if it would get better or the next day I was going to end up
 on a ventilator.”COVID-19 risks are 
amplified for immunosuppressed breast cancer patients, and women 
nationwide are opting out of coming in for mammograms for fear of 
contracting the virus. This leaves women at risk of developing advanced 
breast cancer.Those already diagnosed, 
like Rawley, often must cease treatment that suppresses their immune 
system. Rawley, for example, was asked to hold her medication from her 
COVID-19 diagnosis until she was clinically improving.“COVID-19 infection this 
year has been a big hurdle in the cancer world to deal with because, as 
we know, cancer doesn’t stop for COVID,” said Lauren Nye, Rawley’s 
medical oncologist at the University of Kansas Health System. “We’ve had
 to figure out ways to continue on treatments and to continue our 
screening and still take care of our patients.”Nye said altering 
treatment is often necessary so as not to put patients at further risk, 
but this can complicate their outcome. While telehealth is an option, 
she said coming into the clinic for cancer treatment is still one of the
 safest courses of action.A concerning trend amid 
COVID-19, however, is curbing the number of patients receiving 
treatment. Since the pandemic began, there has been a 50% drop in the 
number of breast cancer diagnoses across the country.Jamie Wagner, chief of the
 Breast Surgery Division at KU Health System, said this is not because 
there is less breast cancer, but rather because of a fear of contracting
 COVID-19 driving people to put off breast cancer screening.“What that then leads to 
is women finding it at more advanced stages, and that’s when they’re 
finally coming in versus what that screening mammogram would have 
otherwise picked up at an early stage,” Wagner said. “That dramatically 
changes the breast cancer treatment that we then can offer patients, and
 a lot of times it’s much, much more significant types of treatments 
they are having to receive.”Wagner said the number of 
diagnoses did rise in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but not 
enough to offset the decrease amid the pandemic. She said women should 
still come in for a yearly screening and that they should not be worried
 about contracting coronavirus.Patients are spaced out in
 waiting rooms, equipment is sterilized, and all technicians and 
physicians are using appropriate personal protective equipment. Online 
scheduling also allows increased flexibility and reduced chance of virus
 transmission.“We’ve really settled on 
very good procedures. We have very good PPE stores now. There are masks 
available, and there is eye protection,” said Dana Hawkinson, medical 
director of infection prevention and control at KU Health System. “It’s 
all geared toward keeping the patients safe from each other, keeping the
 patient safe from the health care workers and keeping the health care 
workers safe from each other as well.”

COVID-19 presents new dangers for women battling cancer, skipping exams

WICHITA – A man who led police on a high speed chase with a young child in the car has been sentenced. 

On Tuesday, District Judge Stephen Ternes sentenced Lametrius Turner, 20 of Wichita, to 16 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

On February 5th during a police traffic stop near Market and Mt. Vernon in Wichita, Turner drove away from an officer as she walked up to Turner's car. 

During a chase with several officers, Turner ran stop signs and red lights and threw a gun out of the car. 

The car stopped in the 2500 block of W. Wildwood, and Turner ran on foot. Police found him lying on the floor of a nearby apartment.

After Turner's arrest, a two year old child wearing a seatbelt was found in the backseat of the car. Turner's girlfriend was also in the car. She later told police that during the chase, she told Turner he should stop the car and run on foot so she and her child would be safe.

On October 10, Turner pled guilty to flee and elude and endangering a child. Turner had one 2019 conviction in Sedgwick County for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. On January 21, he was placed on parole. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580923967576.png" alt="Lametrius Turner photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lametrius Turner photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – A man who led police on a high speed chase with a young child in the car has been sentenced. On Tuesday, District Judge Stephen Ternes sentenced Lametrius Turner, 20 of Wichita, to 16 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.On February 5th during a police traffic stop near Market and Mt. Vernon in Wichita, Turner drove away from an officer as she walked up to Turner's car. During a chase with several officers, Turner ran stop signs and red lights and threw a gun out of the car. The car stopped in the 2500 block of W. Wildwood, and Turner ran on foot. Police found him lying on the floor of a nearby apartment.After Turner's arrest, a two year old child wearing a seatbelt was found in the backseat of the car. Turner's girlfriend was also in the car. She later told police that during the chase, she told Turner he should stop the car and run on foot so she and her child would be safe.On October 10, Turner pled guilty to flee and elude and endangering a child. Turner had one 2019 conviction in Sedgwick County for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. On January 21, he was placed on parole.

Kan. man sentenced for police chase with child in car

Eldon Lyle Bird, age 93, of Quinter, KS, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2020, at Andbe Home in Norton, KS. He was born in Quinter, KS on June 11, 1927 to Andrew and Mary (Anderson) Bird.&nbsp;

Eldon grew up on the family farm south of Quinter where he worked with his father. He liked to farm, work with cattle, and break horses with his dad and brother. He liked to hunt, fish, garden, visit with friends, and hunt for fossils on the farm. Eldon and his brother discovered a 12-inch fossil and some tail links of what turned out to be the “fish within a fish” that was later donated by Andrew and Mary Bird to the Sternberg Museum. He especially enjoyed “fixing broken stuff.”

Eldon enlisted in the army in 1945, and was called to duty in January of 1946, when he processed through the Denver, CO induction center. He completed basic training at Shephard Field, WA, where he was trained in demolitions and airplane mechanics. He was then sent to Clarke air base in the Philippines, where he worked on B-17’s, B-24’s, and B-29’s, all of which were primary bombers of World War II. Eldon also proudly served with the Quinter American Legion for over 50 years.

After returning home, Eldon went back to his life of farming and raising cattle, ran Bird’s K-T Fina station, worked as a meat cutter, and managed Fink grocery store for several years, eventually buying the store, which he operated for 25 years. He also had his own trucking operation, feed lot calves, and took pride in helping other local farmers. On December 9, 1957, Eldon was united in marriage to Cecelia Schmidt. To this union 2 sons were born, Gregory and Mitchell, by whom he is survived.

Eldon was preceded in death by both parents; brother Roland; and sisters Eva, Reva Lanore, Loreene, and Norma.

Services for Eldon will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Eldon Bird Memorial fund. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, KS 67752.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604951367244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eldon Lyle Bird, age 93, of Quinter, KS, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2020, at Andbe Home in Norton, KS. He was born in Quinter, KS on June 11, 1927 to Andrew and Mary (Anderson) Bird.&nbsp;Eldon grew up on the family farm south of Quinter where he worked with his father. He liked to farm, work with cattle, and break horses with his dad and brother. He liked to hunt, fish, garden, visit with friends, and hunt for fossils on the farm. Eldon and his brother discovered a 12-inch fossil and some tail links of what turned out to be the “fish within a fish” that was later donated by Andrew and Mary Bird to the Sternberg Museum. He especially enjoyed “fixing broken stuff.”Eldon enlisted in the army in 1945, and was called to duty in January of 1946, when he processed through the Denver, CO induction center. He completed basic training at Shephard Field, WA, where he was trained in demolitions and airplane mechanics. He was then sent to Clarke air base in the Philippines, where he worked on B-17’s, B-24’s, and B-29’s, all of which were primary bombers of World War II. Eldon also proudly served with the Quinter American Legion for over 50 years.After returning home, Eldon went back to his life of farming and raising cattle, ran Bird’s K-T Fina station, worked as a meat cutter, and managed Fink grocery store for several years, eventually buying the store, which he operated for 25 years. He also had his own trucking operation, feed lot calves, and took pride in helping other local farmers. On December 9, 1957, Eldon was united in marriage to Cecelia Schmidt. To this union 2 sons were born, Gregory and Mitchell, by whom he is survived.Eldon was preceded in death by both parents; brother Roland; and sisters Eva, Reva Lanore, Loreene, and Norma.Services for Eldon will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Eldon Bird Memorial fund. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, KS 67752.Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

Eldon Bird

Myron H. Kornmeyer, 79, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 at his home
 in Wilson, KS. He was born November 10, 1940 in Waldo, KS to Howard 
and Blanche (Hubbard) Kornmeyer. Myron grew up in Waldo and attended 
the Waldo school district. He was united in marriage to Janiece Pejsha 
on October 20, 2000 in Ellsworth, KS.
 Myron spent most of his life as a mechanic. He worked for Lucas 
Motive for 32 years and for the State of Kansas in Ellsworth for 5 
years. Myron was a handyman and could fix anything, but he enjoyed 
fixing old International tractors the most. He could make or find just 
about any part he needed from his scrap iron pile.
 Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Janiece of the home, nieces,
 Laura Phillips, Gail Barnes, Diana Worman, and Cindy Carnahan; and 
nephews, Joe Kornmeyer, and John Noel.
 He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Blanche; brother,
 Milton Kornmeyer; sister, Neta Mae Noel; and nephew, Joseph Noel.

Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Myron-H-Kornmeyer?obId=18906557#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604962769878.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Myron H. Kornmeyer, 79, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 at his home
 in Wilson, KS. He was born November 10, 1940 in Waldo, KS to Howard 
and Blanche (Hubbard) Kornmeyer. Myron grew up in Waldo and attended 
the Waldo school district. He was united in marriage to Janiece Pejsha 
on October 20, 2000 in Ellsworth, KS.
 Myron spent most of his life as a mechanic. He worked for Lucas 
Motive for 32 years and for the State of Kansas in Ellsworth for 5 
years. Myron was a handyman and could fix anything, but he enjoyed 
fixing old International tractors the most. He could make or find just 
about any part he needed from his scrap iron pile.
 Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Janiece of the home, nieces,
 Laura Phillips, Gail Barnes, Diana Worman, and Cindy Carnahan; and 
nephews, Joe Kornmeyer, and John Noel.
 He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Blanche; brother,
 Milton Kornmeyer; sister, Neta Mae Noel; and nephew, Joseph Noel.Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Myron-H-Kornmeyer?obId=18906557#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Myron H. Kornmeyer

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays received its first precipitation of the month overnight Monday.

According to the official report from K-State Agricultural Research Center, 0.62 inches of rain fell during a thunderstorm with lightning.

After an overnight low of 28 degrees, the rain was frozen Tuesday morning on elevated surfaces,

The rain was welcome following a dry October with just 0.16 inches of precipitation. Normal precipitation in Hays during October is 1.45 inches.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows Ellis County with abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions as of Nov. 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565020359206.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays received its first precipitation of the month overnight Monday.According to the official report from K-State Agricultural Research Center, 0.62 inches of rain fell during a thunderstorm with lightning.After an overnight low of 28 degrees, the rain was frozen Tuesday morning on elevated surfaces,The rain was welcome following a dry October with just 0.16 inches of precipitation. Normal precipitation in Hays during October is 1.45 inches.The U.S. Drought Monitor shows Ellis County with abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions as of Nov. 5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605030969222.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

First precipitation of November falls in Hays; Ellis County in drought

My father, Donald Lee Davison, passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas, on November 4, 2020, at the age of 86.  He was born to Carl and Pauline (Porter) in Lakin, Kansas, on September 10, 1934, in the middle of a dust storm.  He weighed 2.5 lbs.  He lived the first six months in the bottom dresser drawer.

Don graduated from Lakin High School in May 1956.  Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and later Alaska.  While living in Alaska, where he became a bush pilot and weather man and he helped discover the jet stream.

On August 10, 1958, Don sobered up and never took a drink of alcohol again.  In 1964, he returned to Lakin and in October he met his future wife, Wanda Hawley, on a blind date.  They were married in April 1965, immediately moved to Kansas City, Missouri.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Pauline and Sharon.  In 1968, they moved Lexington, Missouri, and in 1969, they moved to Richmond, Missouri.  In August 1976, we moved to Hill City, Kansas, where dad worked as a maintenance man for Dawson Place and the hospital.  In June 1978, we moved to Lenora, Kansas, where he worked building terraces and dirt work, remodeling houses and restoring cars among many other aid jobs.

In 1987, the family moved to Lake Wales, Florida.  Dad went back to college to become a pastor.  He got a three-month position at a treatment center and it turned into a full-time job.  In April 1992, we moved to Avon Park, Florida, where he worked at South Florida College.  In May 1999, he became an ordained minister.  He worked at Avon Park Correctional Facility for many years.  Following his retirement, they moved back home to Kansas.  In June 2012, they moved to Norton where they lived with their daughter and three grandchildren.  No one was a stranger to my dad.  He has many kids and grandkids he has "adopted" along the way.  Due to his health, he moved into the Andbe Home in April 2020.

Survivors include:  his wife, Wanda Davison, of the Andbe Home in Norton; his daughters, Pauline King, Norton; Sharon (Bill) Avedesian, Avon Park, Florida; five grandchildren, Larry Keith King, Larned, Kansas; James King, Beaumont, Texas; Ricky and Andrew King, Norton; and Anna Avedesian, Avon Park, Florida; one sister, Katherine Miller, Kansas City, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Norma Hawley, Norton; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Lois Stukey Davison, one infant brother, one sister, Velma Kay, two step-sisters, Lois Ann and Edith Ann, and one step-brother, Gordon Dale. 

Funeral services will be held at a later date and a memorial has been established to the Don Davison Memorial Fund.

My father, Donald Lee Davison, passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas, on November 4, 2020, at the age of 86. He was born to Carl and Pauline (Porter) in Lakin, Kansas, on September 10, 1934, in the middle of a dust storm. He weighed 2.5 lbs. He lived the first six months in the bottom dresser drawer.Don graduated from Lakin High School in May 1956. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and later Alaska. While living in Alaska, where he became a bush pilot and weather man and he helped discover the jet stream.On August 10, 1958, Don sobered up and never took a drink of alcohol again. In 1964, he returned to Lakin and in October he met his future wife, Wanda Hawley, on a blind date. They were married in April 1965, immediately moved to Kansas City, Missouri. This union was blessed with two daughters, Pauline and Sharon. In 1968, they moved Lexington, Missouri, and in 1969, they moved to Richmond, Missouri. In August 1976, we moved to Hill City, Kansas, where dad worked as a maintenance man for Dawson Place and the hospital. In June 1978, we moved to Lenora, Kansas, where he worked building terraces and dirt work, remodeling houses and restoring cars among many other aid jobs.In 1987, the family moved to Lake Wales, Florida. Dad went back to college to become a pastor. He got a three-month position at a treatment center and it turned into a full-time job. In April 1992, we moved to Avon Park, Florida, where he worked at South Florida College. In May 1999, he became an ordained minister. He worked at Avon Park Correctional Facility for many years. Following his retirement, they moved back home to Kansas. In June 2012, they moved to Norton where they lived with their daughter and three grandchildren. No one was a stranger to my dad. He has many kids and grandkids he has "adopted" along the way. Due to his health, he moved into the Andbe Home in April 2020.Survivors include: his wife, Wanda Davison, of the Andbe Home in Norton; his daughters, Pauline King, Norton; Sharon (Bill) Avedesian, Avon Park, Florida; five grandchildren, Larry Keith King, Larned, Kansas; James King, Beaumont, Texas; Ricky and Andrew King, Norton; and Anna Avedesian, Avon Park, Florida; one sister, Katherine Miller, Kansas City, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Norma Hawley, Norton; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.Don was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Lois Stukey Davison, one infant brother, one sister, Velma Kay, two step-sisters, Lois Ann and Edith Ann, and one step-brother, Gordon Dale. Funeral services will be held at a later date and a memorial has been established to the Don Davison Memorial Fund.

Donald Lee Davison

Funeral services for Dr. Jeffrie Fox, age 49 of Beemer, NE will be on 
Thursday, November 12, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church 
in West Point, NE. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 
7:00 p.m. at the Minnick Funeral Home in West Point and will continue on
 Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In
 lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for his 
children's future education. Cards can be sent to Minnick Funeral Home 
Attn: Fox Family 830 S. Colfax St. West Point, NE 68788 and we will 
gladly get them to the family. 
Per current COVID-19 concerns masks are encouraged while in attendance 
at the visitation and funeral and seating will be socially distanced. 
The funeral service on Thursday will be live streamed on the Minnick 
Funeral Service Facebook page at the following link, 
www.facebook.com/minnickfuneralserviceinc . 
Jeff passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Franciscan Healthcare in West Point, NE. 
Jeffrie Thomas Fox was born on October 27, 1971, in Hays, KS to Chester 
and Glenda (Watt) Fox. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Andrew 
Catholic Church in Wright, KS. Jeff graduated high school from Dodge 
City High School in Dodge City, KS. He attended Kansas State University
 obtaining a B.S. Degree in Animal Science, became a Doctor of 
Veterinary Medicine, and later obtained his Masters Degree in Feedlot 
Management 
On September 7, 1996, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Hollrah at St.
 Paul’s Lutheran Church in Enid, OK. In October of that year he was 
confirmed as an adult at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The couple resided
 in Enid, OK, Manhattan, KS, then in Guymon, OK for six years before 
moving to Beemer, NE in 2010. He started and operated Bovine Veterinary
 Management Resources. 
Jeff has always taken an active role in the cattle industry, where he 
served or belonged to many organizations. He was currently a member of 
the Nebraska Cattlemen serving as Committee Chairman for the Animal 
Health and Nutrition Committee. He was a member of American Veterinary 
Consultants(AVC), where he served on the Board of Directors and also 
served on the Beef Cattle Health and Well Being Committee. Jeff went to
 Washington, DC multiple times to represent AVC at the National 
Cattlemen's Beef Association Legislative Forums. Jeff was also a member
 of the Bovine Practitioners. 
Jeff was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in West Point and had 
formerly served as an Elder at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Beemer. 
He also served as a Board Member at the Indian Trails Country Club, 
rural Beemer, NE. 
Jeff was profound in his faith with God. He loved to golf, hunt 
pheasants, ducks and quail, and train hunting dogs. He took pride in 
sharing these passions with his children. Jeff had an innate ability to
 build friendships with everyone he met. He loved his K-State Football.
 Jeff’s moral compass was always pointing due North. 
Survivors include his wife-Rhonda, children-Lacie, Owen, and Chad, 
mother-Glenda and Harold Flax of Dodge City, KS, his parents-in-law-Gene
 (Hoot) and Christine Hollrah of Enid, OK, brother-Adam and Jessica Flax
 of Topeka, KS, sister-in-law-Donna and Mike Hutchison of Cibolo, TX, 
and brother-in-law-Patrick and Kristy Hollrah of Edmund, OK. He is also
 survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
Jeff was preceded in death by his father-Chester Fox, 
grandparents-Kenneth and Anna Mae (Meem) Watt, Paul Junior and Bernice 
Shrum, and Albert and Frances Flax, and a niece-Kylie Marie Hollrah.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605021901949.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Funeral services for Dr. Jeffrie Fox, age 49 of Beemer, NE will be on 
Thursday, November 12, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church 
in West Point, NE. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 
7:00 p.m. at the Minnick Funeral Home in West Point and will continue on
 Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In
 lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for his 
children's future education. Cards can be sent to Minnick Funeral Home 
Attn: Fox Family 830 S. Colfax St. West Point, NE 68788 and we will 
gladly get them to the family. 
Per current COVID-19 concerns masks are encouraged while in attendance 
at the visitation and funeral and seating will be socially distanced. 
The funeral service on Thursday will be live streamed on the Minnick 
Funeral Service Facebook page at the following link, 
www.facebook.com/minnickfuneralserviceinc . 
Jeff passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Franciscan Healthcare in West Point, NE. 
Jeffrie Thomas Fox was born on October 27, 1971, in Hays, KS to Chester 
and Glenda (Watt) Fox. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Andrew 
Catholic Church in Wright, KS. Jeff graduated high school from Dodge 
City High School in Dodge City, KS. He attended Kansas State University
 obtaining a B.S. Degree in Animal Science, became a Doctor of 
Veterinary Medicine, and later obtained his Masters Degree in Feedlot 
Management 
On September 7, 1996, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Hollrah at St.
 Paul’s Lutheran Church in Enid, OK. In October of that year he was 
confirmed as an adult at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The couple resided
 in Enid, OK, Manhattan, KS, then in Guymon, OK for six years before 
moving to Beemer, NE in 2010. He started and operated Bovine Veterinary
 Management Resources. 
Jeff has always taken an active role in the cattle industry, where he 
served or belonged to many organizations. He was currently a member of 
the Nebraska Cattlemen serving as Committee Chairman for the Animal 
Health and Nutrition Committee. He was a member of American Veterinary 
Consultants(AVC), where he served on the Board of Directors and also 
served on the Beef Cattle Health and Well Being Committee. Jeff went to
 Washington, DC multiple times to represent AVC at the National 
Cattlemen's Beef Association Legislative Forums. Jeff was also a member
 of the Bovine Practitioners. 
Jeff was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in West Point and had 
formerly served as an Elder at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Beemer. 
He also served as a Board Member at the Indian Trails Country Club, 
rural Beemer, NE. 
Jeff was profound in his faith with God. He loved to golf, hunt 
pheasants, ducks and quail, and train hunting dogs. He took pride in 
sharing these passions with his children. Jeff had an innate ability to
 build friendships with everyone he met. He loved his K-State Football.
 Jeff’s moral compass was always pointing due North. 
Survivors include his wife-Rhonda, children-Lacie, Owen, and Chad, 
mother-Glenda and Harold Flax of Dodge City, KS, his parents-in-law-Gene
 (Hoot) and Christine Hollrah of Enid, OK, brother-Adam and Jessica Flax
 of Topeka, KS, sister-in-law-Donna and Mike Hutchison of Cibolo, TX, 
and brother-in-law-Patrick and Kristy Hollrah of Edmund, OK. He is also
 survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
Jeff was preceded in death by his father-Chester Fox, 
grandparents-Kenneth and Anna Mae (Meem) Watt, Paul Junior and Bernice 
Shrum, and Albert and Frances Flax, and a niece-Kylie Marie Hollrah.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. Jeffrie Fox

Patricia A. Brown, 83, Hays, died Friday, November 6, 2020 at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

She was born February 14, 1937 in 
Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Howard and Dorothy (Lee) Sprague.&nbsp; 
She graduated from high school in Manahawkin, New Jersey.&nbsp; In 1954 she 
was united in marriage to Paul A. Brown in Barnegat, New Jersey.&nbsp; He 
preceded her in death on October 2, 2008.&nbsp; Patricia was kindhearted, 
putting other people’s needs before her own, and she loved spending time
 with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include a son: Shane Brown of
 Marysville, a daughter: Patti Brown of Hays, eight grandchildren: 
Jackalyn Brown and Cheyenne Brown, both of Hays, Caleb Snow of Norton, 
Joseph Brown and Heather Brown, both of Marysville, Kimberly Cazella of 
Manhattan, Paul Brown of Wichita, and Rebekah Schukman of Springfield, 
MO, and eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her husband Paul, a son: Howard Brown, a daughter: Kathryn 
Brown, four brothers: Bill, Dave, Butch, and Hank Sprague, and a sister:
 Marion Franzius.

Inurnment will take place at a later 
date.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the family, payable to Patti Brown.&nbsp; 
Condolences and memories of Patricia may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605016975327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia A. Brown, 83, Hays, died Friday, November 6, 2020 at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.She was born February 14, 1937 in 
Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Howard and Dorothy (Lee) Sprague.&nbsp; 
She graduated from high school in Manahawkin, New Jersey.&nbsp; In 1954 she 
was united in marriage to Paul A. Brown in Barnegat, New Jersey.&nbsp; He 
preceded her in death on October 2, 2008.&nbsp; Patricia was kindhearted, 
putting other people’s needs before her own, and she loved spending time
 with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.Survivors include a son: Shane Brown of
 Marysville, a daughter: Patti Brown of Hays, eight grandchildren: 
Jackalyn Brown and Cheyenne Brown, both of Hays, Caleb Snow of Norton, 
Joseph Brown and Heather Brown, both of Marysville, Kimberly Cazella of 
Manhattan, Paul Brown of Wichita, and Rebekah Schukman of Springfield, 
MO, and eight great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her husband Paul, a son: Howard Brown, a daughter: Kathryn 
Brown, four brothers: Bill, Dave, Butch, and Hank Sprague, and a sister:
 Marion Franzius.Inurnment will take place at a later 
date.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the family, payable to Patti Brown.&nbsp; 
Condolences and memories of Patricia may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com

Patricia A. Brown

Crude prices rebounded from last week's huge selloff, in what appears to be a reaction to news about a possible COVID vaccine. After posting ten dollar per barrel losses last week, midday prices Monday were up nearly nine percent. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude was up $3.29 to $40.43 per barrel. London Brent jumped $3.13 to $42.58 per barrel. Prices at CHS in McPherson on Monday reflected the selloff last week with Kansas Common crude fetching $27.50 per barrel. Analysts expect that to increase alongside the national and international benchmarks. The government released its formal monthly tally of crude oil production through August, noting a slight increase in Kansas production, the third monthly increase in a row. Kansas output reached 2.32 million barrels in August, or nearly 75,000 barrels per day. Total U.S. production was down about 12 million barrels from July to just over 10.5 million barrels per day. That's down nearly 4 percent. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a pair of operators are about to spud new wells in Barton and Stafford counties. There are seven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, unchanged from last week, and eleven west of Wichita, up two. Baker Hughes reported a net increase of five active oil drilling rigs last week. Many states saw declines but the count in Texas was up six and New Mexico was up three. Regulators approved six new drilling permits across Kansas last week, including four in Barton County. There are five new permits in Western Kansas and one east of Wichita, for a year-to-date total of 392. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 15 new well completions for the week, ten of them east of Wichita and five in Western Kansas, including a pair of dry holes in Barton and Ellis counties and a producing development well in Russell County. Operators statewide have completed 719 wells so far this year. U.S. crude-oil inventories last week dropped eight million barrels from a week earlier. The Energy Information Administration reports total U.S. stockpiles dropped to just over 484 million barrels for the week ending October 30. EIA said Inventories currently stand about seven percent above the five-year seasonal average. The government reported a slight decrease in U.S. crude production last week. The Energy Information Administration reports average output of nearly 10.5 million barrels per day. That's down more than 600,000 barrels per day from the week before, and is down more than two million barrels per day from a year ago. Crude storage usage is at its highest level since spring. The EIA on Wednesday reported net stockpiles reached 76% of the storage capacity at Cushing, Oklahoma. That's the highest percentage since May 8. EIA reports U.S. crude imports were down 600,000 barrels to five million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, average imports were down more than 15% from the same period a year ago. Weekly oil-by-rail numbers increased slightly last week, but continue to lag well behind last year at this time. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,202 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products for the week ending October 31. That's up 35 rail cars from the week before, but is nearly 20% behind the same weekly total last year. Total freight-train usage was up last month, posting a two percent increase over October of last year. The State of New Mexico is considering some tough new emissions rules for the oil-patch. Regulators will hold a public meeting with about a week's worth of testimony beginning January 4. The new regulations would require the capture of 98-percent of natural gas emissions by the year 2026. Shell announced last week that it is closing one of its refineries in Louisiana, after failed attempts to sell the facility. The refinery between Baton Rouge and New Orleans can process 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It employs nearly 700 employees and 400 contract workers, with layoffs starting later this month. President Donald Trump surprised many last week with the removal of the chairman of the agency that regulates oil and gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Chatterjee's term was set to expire next June. Axios reported his departure might have been hastened by a policy statement involving climate change issued in October. The world's largest oil exporter is cutting prices. Saudi Arabia reduced most of its oil pricing amid a cloudy energy demand outlook. State-run Saudi Aramco cut prices for all U.S. grades by 20 cents per barrel, and cut Asian pricing by ten cents. Aramco raised prices by up to a dollar a barrel for customers in the northwest Europe and Mediterranean regions. Libya's National Oil Corp, NOC, has now ended restrictions on the last crude-oil production facilities closed by an eight-month blockade. The country's output has skyrocketed since the settlement in its civil war. Reuters reported total production reached 800,000 barrels per day last week, up from just 100,000 barrels per day as recently as September. In a sign of the times, oil major BP is in talks to sell its London headquarters. The Wall Street Journal reports the company needs cash to help cover debts. Cascading oil prices may be about to get some relief from China. Bloomberg reports the world's biggest oil buyer has raised by 20% its quota for use of crude from overseas. That signals increased imports of about 823,000 barrels per day. Net profit at the world's largest crude exporter fell more than 44% in the third quarter compared to a year earlier. Saudi Aramco saw quarterly earnings drop from over $21 billion to $11.8 billion dollars, due to the continued collapse of demand and prices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices rebounded from last week's huge selloff, in what appears to be a reaction to news about a possible COVID vaccine. After posting ten dollar per barrel losses last week, midday prices Monday were up nearly nine percent. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude was up $3.29 to $40.43 per barrel. London Brent jumped $3.13 to $42.58 per barrel. Prices at CHS in McPherson on Monday reflected the selloff last week with Kansas Common crude fetching $27.50 per barrel. Analysts expect that to increase alongside the national and international benchmarks. The government released its formal monthly tally of crude oil production through August, noting a slight increase in Kansas production, the third monthly increase in a row. Kansas output reached 2.32 million barrels in August, or nearly 75,000 barrels per day. Total U.S. production was down about 12 million barrels from July to just over 10.5 million barrels per day. That's down nearly 4 percent. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a pair of operators are about to spud new wells in Barton and Stafford counties. There are seven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, unchanged from last week, and eleven west of Wichita, up two. Baker Hughes reported a net increase of five active oil drilling rigs last week. Many states saw declines but the count in Texas was up six and New Mexico was up three. Regulators approved six new drilling permits across Kansas last week, including four in Barton County. There are five new permits in Western Kansas and one east of Wichita, for a year-to-date total of 392. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 15 new well completions for the week, ten of them east of Wichita and five in Western Kansas, including a pair of dry holes in Barton and Ellis counties and a producing development well in Russell County. Operators statewide have completed 719 wells so far this year. U.S. crude-oil inventories last week dropped eight million barrels from a week earlier. The Energy Information Administration reports total U.S. stockpiles dropped to just over 484 million barrels for the week ending October 30. EIA said Inventories currently stand about seven percent above the five-year seasonal average. The government reported a slight decrease in U.S. crude production last week. The Energy Information Administration reports average output of nearly 10.5 million barrels per day. That's down more than 600,000 barrels per day from the week before, and is down more than two million barrels per day from a year ago. Crude storage usage is at its highest level since spring. The EIA on Wednesday reported net stockpiles reached 76% of the storage capacity at Cushing, Oklahoma. That's the highest percentage since May 8. EIA reports U.S. crude imports were down 600,000 barrels to five million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, average imports were down more than 15% from the same period a year ago. Weekly oil-by-rail numbers increased slightly last week, but continue to lag well behind last year at this time. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,202 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products for the week ending October 31. That's up 35 rail cars from the week before, but is nearly 20% behind the same weekly total last year. Total freight-train usage was up last month, posting a two percent increase over October of last year. The State of New Mexico is considering some tough new emissions rules for the oil-patch. Regulators will hold a public meeting with about a week's worth of testimony beginning January 4. The new regulations would require the capture of 98-percent of natural gas emissions by the year 2026. Shell announced last week that it is closing one of its refineries in Louisiana, after failed attempts to sell the facility. The refinery between Baton Rouge and New Orleans can process 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It employs nearly 700 employees and 400 contract workers, with layoffs starting later this month. President Donald Trump surprised many last week with the removal of the chairman of the agency that regulates oil and gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Chatterjee's term was set to expire next June. Axios reported his departure might have been hastened by a policy statement involving climate change issued in October. The world's largest oil exporter is cutting prices. Saudi Arabia reduced most of its oil pricing amid a cloudy energy demand outlook. State-run Saudi Aramco cut prices for all U.S. grades by 20 cents per barrel, and cut Asian pricing by ten cents. Aramco raised prices by up to a dollar a barrel for customers in the northwest Europe and Mediterranean regions. Libya's National Oil Corp, NOC, has now ended restrictions on the last crude-oil production facilities closed by an eight-month blockade. The country's output has skyrocketed since the settlement in its civil war. Reuters reported total production reached 800,000 barrels per day last week, up from just 100,000 barrels per day as recently as September. In a sign of the times, oil major BP is in talks to sell its London headquarters. The Wall Street Journal reports the company needs cash to help cover debts. Cascading oil prices may be about to get some relief from China. Bloomberg reports the world's biggest oil buyer has raised by 20% its quota for use of crude from overseas. That signals increased imports of about 823,000 barrels per day. Net profit at the world's largest crude exporter fell more than 44% in the third quarter compared to a year earlier. Saudi Aramco saw quarterly earnings drop from over $21 billion to $11.8 billion dollars, due to the continued collapse of demand and prices.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices skyrocket on vaccine news

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite Trump administration efforts to erect a protective shield around nursing homes, coronavirus cases are surging within facilities in states hard hit by the latest onslaught of COVID-19.

An analysis of federal data from 20 states for The Associated Press finds that new weekly cases among residents rose nearly four-fold from the end of May to late October, from 1,083 to 4,274. Resident deaths more than doubled, from 318 a week to 699, according to the study by University of Chicago health researchers Rebecca Gorges and Tamara Konetzka.

Equally concerning, weekly cases among nursing home staff in surge states more than quadrupled, from 855 the week ending May 31, to 4,050 the week ending Oct. 25. That rings alarms because infected staffers not yet showing symptoms are seen as the most likely way the virus gets into facilities. When those unwitting staffers test positive, they are sidelined from caring for residents, raising pressures on remaining staff.

The administration has allocated $5 billion to nursing homes, shipped nearly 14,000 fast-test machines with a goal of supplying every facility and tried to shore up stocks of protective equipment. But the data call into question the broader White House game plan, one that pushes states to reopen while maintaining that vulnerable people can be cocooned, even if the virus rebounds around them.

“Trying to protect nursing home residents without controlling community spread is a losing battle,” said Konetzka, a nationally recognized expert on long-term care. “Someone has to care for vulnerable nursing home residents, and those caregivers move in and out of the nursing home daily, providing an easy pathway for the virus to enter.”

The nation is setting records for coronavirus cases heading into cold weather season when many experts expect the virus will be harder to contain. The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases stood at nearly 104,000 on Saturday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities account for about 1% of the U.S. population, but represent 40% of COVID-19 deaths, according to the COVID Tracking Project.

In Fort Dodge, a manufacturing and transportation center in north-central Iowa, Julie Thorson said she knew she was in for a bad week when several employees at the Friendship Haven nursing home tested positive last Monday. As president of the senior living community, Thorson contacted the county health department. “They were basically not surprised because they’re seeing it all over the county,” she said.

Residents also started testing positive. The facility had 11 new cases among residents, as of Friday.

“I was thinking all night what’s worse, to have it hit and not know what you are getting into, or to prepare, prepare, and prepare, and then have it hit,” she said.

Responding to the study findings, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a statement saying that “the bottom line is that the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on nursing homes is complex and multifactorial.”

The agency noted different ways the administration has worked to help nursing homes and said its focus now was on ensuring that residents and staff would “immediately” have access to a vaccine once approved. But it also added that facilities “bear the primary responsibility for keeping their residents safe.”

“Many times, the likely causes of nursing home outbreaks are simply nursing homes failing to comply with basic infection control rules,” the statement said.

But Konetzka said her research has shown that nursing home quality has no significant effect on cases and deaths once community spread is factored in. “It’s not like the high-quality facilities have figured out how to do things better,” she said. Other academic experts have reached similar conclusions.

Highly rated by Medicare, St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has had 72 COVID-19 cases among residents and 74 among staff, according to its Facebook page. The first case among residents was Aug. 19, and 15 have died, said the facility’s president, Sondra Norder.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite Trump administration efforts to erect a protective shield around nursing homes, coronavirus cases are surging within facilities in states hard hit by the latest onslaught of COVID-19.An analysis of federal data from 20 states for The Associated Press finds that new weekly cases among residents rose nearly four-fold from the end of May to late October, from 1,083 to 4,274. Resident deaths more than doubled, from 318 a week to 699, according to the study by University of Chicago health researchers Rebecca Gorges and Tamara Konetzka.Equally concerning, weekly cases among nursing home staff in surge states more than quadrupled, from 855 the week ending May 31, to 4,050 the week ending Oct. 25. That rings alarms because infected staffers not yet showing symptoms are seen as the most likely way the virus gets into facilities. When those unwitting staffers test positive, they are sidelined from caring for residents, raising pressures on remaining staff.The administration has allocated $5 billion to nursing homes, shipped nearly 14,000 fast-test machines with a goal of supplying every facility and tried to shore up stocks of protective equipment. But the data call into question the broader White House game plan, one that pushes states to reopen while maintaining that vulnerable people can be cocooned, even if the virus rebounds around them.“Trying to protect nursing home residents without controlling community spread is a losing battle,” said Konetzka, a nationally recognized expert on long-term care. “Someone has to care for vulnerable nursing home residents, and those caregivers move in and out of the nursing home daily, providing an easy pathway for the virus to enter.”The nation is setting records for coronavirus cases heading into cold weather season when many experts expect the virus will be harder to contain. The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases stood at nearly 104,000 on Saturday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities account for about 1% of the U.S. population, but represent 40% of COVID-19 deaths, according to the COVID Tracking Project.In Fort Dodge, a manufacturing and transportation center in north-central Iowa, Julie Thorson said she knew she was in for a bad week when several employees at the Friendship Haven nursing home tested positive last Monday. As president of the senior living community, Thorson contacted the county health department. “They were basically not surprised because they’re seeing it all over the county,” she said.Residents also started testing positive. The facility had 11 new cases among residents, as of Friday.“I was thinking all night what’s worse, to have it hit and not know what you are getting into, or to prepare, prepare, and prepare, and then have it hit,” she said.Responding to the study findings, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a statement saying that “the bottom line is that the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on nursing homes is complex and multifactorial.”The agency noted different ways the administration has worked to help nursing homes and said its focus now was on ensuring that residents and staff would “immediately” have access to a vaccine once approved. But it also added that facilities “bear the primary responsibility for keeping their residents safe.”“Many times, the likely causes of nursing home outbreaks are simply nursing homes failing to comply with basic infection control rules,” the statement said.But Konetzka said her research has shown that nursing home quality has no significant effect on cases and deaths once community spread is factored in. “It’s not like the high-quality facilities have figured out how to do things better,” she said. Other academic experts have reached similar conclusions.Highly rated by Medicare, St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has had 72 COVID-19 cases among residents and 74 among staff, according to its Facebook page. The first case among residents was Aug. 19, and 15 have died, said the facility’s president, Sondra Norder.“The outcomes are really not much different here than they were in New York back earlier in the pandemic,” Norder said. “It’s been called the perfect killing machine of the elderly, especially those who live in congregate settings.” Kaukauna is a small city about 100 miles north of Milwaukee.The study, based on data reported by nursing homes to the government, also raised other concerns:— For the week ending Oct. 25, about 1 in 6 nursing homes in surge states did not report having tested staff the prior week. Government requirements call for staff testing at least weekly in areas where the virus is spreading.— During the same period, nearly 1 in 5 nursing homes reported shortages of basic protective supplies such as masks and gowns.— Nearly 1 in 4 facilities reported a nurse staffing shortage.Most of the states in the study are in the middle and northern tiers of the country.The Commons, a senior living community in Enid, Oklahoma, that includes a nursing home, is in a coronavirus hotspot. The oil and gas hub has a positive rate approaching 18%. A local mask mandate has twice been shot down, said Steven Walkingstick, CEO of The Commons.“From my standpoint, a mandate unfortunately is needed,” said Walkingstick. “I don’t want the government involved, but evidence has shown we are not going to do this voluntarily.”Walkingstick said he believes the U.S. has gotten better at saving the lives of COVID-19 patients, but not at keeping the virus out of nursing homes.Thorson, head of the Fort Dodge facility, said it takes a lot of effort to try to keep the virus out, and it’s demoralizing to see it break through.“Don’t forget about us, because we are still here, doing the best we can in rural areas,” she said.The 20 states analyzed in the study were Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. They were selected because they’re now seeing their highest hospitalization rates for COVID-19.