KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The MIAA has announced its championship dates and sites for the 2021-22 academic year. &nbsp;The association will crown nine women’s MIAA champions and seven men’s MIAA champions. “For several years, MIAA campuses have featured some of the nicest facilities and playing surfaces in NCAA Division II," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "This year’s selection of venues for MIAA championship events in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma will once again provide our MIAA student-athletes with a unmatched championship experience.” The championship schedule officially kicks off on Saturday, October 23rd as Nebraska Kearney hosts the 2021 MIAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships at the Kearney Country Club in Kearney, Neb. The association will crown a women’s soccer and volleyball champion in the month of November. The MIAA Women’s Soccer Championships will begin with four quarterfinal matches on Sunday, Nov. 9th at campus sites. Semifinal matches will take place on Friday, Nov. 12th on the campus of the highest remaining seed. The championship game will take place Sunday, Nov. 14th at the same location. The 2021 MIAA Volleyball Championships begin with four quarterfinal matches on Tuesday, Nov. 16th with the higher seeds hosting. The semifinal and championship matches will take place November 19-20 on the home court of the highest remaining seed. The MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships will open the 2022 championship schedule. The three-day event will be held February 25-27 in Northwest Missouri’s Hughes Fieldhouse in Maryville, Mo. Twenty MIAA basketball teams will travel to Kansas City the first week of March for the 2022 MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships presented by Citizens Bank &amp; Trust. After a one-year hiatus, the championship tournament returns to the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The first tip-off will occur on Wednesday, March 2nd with the championship games set for Sunday, March 6th. MIAA men’s and women’s golf will begin the MIAA spring championship season. The men’s golf championship will be played at WinterStone Golf Course in Independence, Mo. on April 18-20. The women’s championship will be held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kan. on April 21-23. The MIAA/GAC Men’s Tennis Championship begins on Wednesday, April 27th and concludes on Thursday, April 28th. The MIAA Women’s Tennis Championship will then be held Friday, April 29th and through Sunday, May 1st. Both men’s and women’s championships will be hosted at Edmond Center Court in Edmond, Okla. Three MIAA championship tournaments begin in the first week of May. The double-elimination MIAA Softball Championship will begin on Wednesday, May 4th with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, May 7th.&nbsp;The location of the 2022 MIAA Softball Championship is yet to be determined. The MIAA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships start on Friday, May 6th. Emporia State will host at the Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. on May 6-8. The MIAA Baseball Championship, presented by Mammoth Sports Construction, will begin with a best-of-three series at campus sites of the four highest seeds from May 6-8. Beginning Thursday, May 12th, the remaining games will all be played at Central Oklahoma’s Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond, Okla., with the championship game set for Sunday, May 15th. A majority of the MIAA Championships will be streamed live on the MIAA Network. For a complete list of the 2021-22 MIAA Championship schedule, dates and locations, click&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/92d42eb6-2c10-4d0c-bd8f-7dd7eb4cfc51?elinkdata=249885" target="_blank">here</a>.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The MIAA has announced its championship dates and sites for the 2021-22 academic year. &nbsp;The association will crown nine women’s MIAA champions and seven men’s MIAA champions. “For several years, MIAA campuses have featured some of the nicest facilities and playing surfaces in NCAA Division II," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "This year’s selection of venues for MIAA championship events in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma will once again provide our MIAA student-athletes with a unmatched championship experience.” The championship schedule officially kicks off on Saturday, October 23rd as Nebraska Kearney hosts the 2021 MIAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships at the Kearney Country Club in Kearney, Neb. The association will crown a women’s soccer and volleyball champion in the month of November. The MIAA Women’s Soccer Championships will begin with four quarterfinal matches on Sunday, Nov. 9th at campus sites. Semifinal matches will take place on Friday, Nov. 12th on the campus of the highest remaining seed. The championship game will take place Sunday, Nov. 14th at the same location. The 2021 MIAA Volleyball Championships begin with four quarterfinal matches on Tuesday, Nov. 16th with the higher seeds hosting. The semifinal and championship matches will take place November 19-20 on the home court of the highest remaining seed. The MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships will open the 2022 championship schedule. The three-day event will be held February 25-27 in Northwest Missouri’s Hughes Fieldhouse in Maryville, Mo. Twenty MIAA basketball teams will travel to Kansas City the first week of March for the 2022 MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships presented by Citizens Bank &amp; Trust. After a one-year hiatus, the championship tournament returns to the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The first tip-off will occur on Wednesday, March 2nd with the championship games set for Sunday, March 6th. MIAA men’s and women’s golf will begin the MIAA spring championship season. The men’s golf championship will be played at WinterStone Golf Course in Independence, Mo. on April 18-20. The women’s championship will be held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kan. on April 21-23. The MIAA/GAC Men’s Tennis Championship begins on Wednesday, April 27th and concludes on Thursday, April 28th. The MIAA Women’s Tennis Championship will then be held Friday, April 29th and through Sunday, May 1st. Both men’s and women’s championships will be hosted at Edmond Center Court in Edmond, Okla. Three MIAA championship tournaments begin in the first week of May. The double-elimination MIAA Softball Championship will begin on Wednesday, May 4th with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, May 7th.&nbsp;The location of the 2022 MIAA Softball Championship is yet to be determined. The MIAA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships start on Friday, May 6th. Emporia State will host at the Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. on May 6-8. The MIAA Baseball Championship, presented by Mammoth Sports Construction, will begin with a best-of-three series at campus sites of the four highest seeds from May 6-8. Beginning Thursday, May 12th, the remaining games will all be played at Central Oklahoma’s Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond, Okla., with the championship game set for Sunday, May 15th. A majority of the MIAA Championships will be streamed live on the MIAA Network. For a complete list of the 2021-22 MIAA Championship schedule, dates and locations, click&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/92d42eb6-2c10-4d0c-bd8f-7dd7eb4cfc51?elinkdata=249885" target="_blank">here</a>.MIAA Release

MIAA announces 2021-22 championship dates and sites

By MARK ROUNDTREE and JENNIFER STULTZ <a href="https://www.butlercountytimesgazette.com/story/news/2021/09/23/new-owner-promises-local-newspapers-infusion-energy-and-resources/5835643001/">USA Today Network</a>

CherryRoad Media has announced the acquisition of 
several newspapers in Kansas, including the Butler County Times-Gazette,
 all owned by Gannett.

In addition to the Pratt
 Tribune, the company has purchased&nbsp;the Hays Daily News, the Garden City
 Telegram, the Leavenworth Times, the St. John News, the Kiowa County 
Signal, the Dodge City Daily Globe, the McPherson Sentinel, the Butler 
County Times-Gazette, the Wellington Daily News, the Ottawa Times, the 
Newton Kansan and the Hiawatha World.

CherryRoad
 Media also has purchased several newspapers in Nebraska, Missouri and 
Iowa.&nbsp;The purchase of these newspapers, all part of the USA Today 
Network, will be effective Oct. 1.

"We're 
really excited to be working with the high quality of staff already in 
place in these communities," said Jeremy Gulban,&nbsp;CEO of CherryRoad 
Media. "We want to bring together our tech skills and tools and put 
together a great online news source and print newspapers for 
subscribers."

Gulban said a special agreement was in place with 
Gannett ownership to allow for a relatively seamless transition to new 
ownership for the newspapers in question. He said CherryRoad Media was 
willing to invest in local community newspapers because there was room 
for both print and digital resources in news coverage, especially areas 
that focused on local news.

"I don't think a 
newspaper is a newspaper unless we print a newspaper," Gulban said. 
"There are some who want a printed paper to hold in their hands, there 
are others who get their news online. We want to cut through the clutter
 and serve all with a better product."

Prior to the October 1, 2021 acquisition, 
CherryRoad Media owned seven newspapers in Minnesota, Arkansas and 
Alabama. CherryRoad Media is a division of CherryRoad Technologies, 
which originated in 1983. The company is based in Parsippany, New 
Jersey.

Gulban said his intent was to continue 
the legacy of the paper long into the future, fighting against economic 
forces with an infusion of creativity, energy, and resources to support 
local newspapers.

"As we get to know who all does what we will look into adding additional staff and facing the challenge of bringing in the right talent," Gulban said. "We look forward to supporting the communities our papers serve in every way we can. There are many exciting initiatives on the horizon with this new endeavor, with much more to look forward to in the months ahead. Please continue to support your local newspapers. They serve to remind of us of where we have been, as well as where we are headed."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632520869748.png" alt="Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CHerryRoad Media / Courtesy Butler County Times-Gazette" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CHerryRoad Media / Courtesy Butler County Times-Gazette</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK ROUNDTREE and JENNIFER STULTZ <a href="https://www.butlercountytimesgazette.com/story/news/2021/09/23/new-owner-promises-local-newspapers-infusion-energy-and-resources/5835643001/">USA Today Network</a>CherryRoad Media has announced the acquisition of 
several newspapers in Kansas, including the Butler County Times-Gazette,
 all owned by Gannett.In addition to the Pratt
 Tribune, the company has purchased&nbsp;the Hays Daily News, the Garden City
 Telegram, the Leavenworth Times, the St. John News, the Kiowa County 
Signal, the Dodge City Daily Globe, the McPherson Sentinel, the Butler 
County Times-Gazette, the Wellington Daily News, the Ottawa Times, the 
Newton Kansan and the Hiawatha World.CherryRoad
 Media also has purchased several newspapers in Nebraska, Missouri and 
Iowa.&nbsp;The purchase of these newspapers, all part of the USA Today 
Network, will be effective Oct. 1."We're 
really excited to be working with the high quality of staff already in 
place in these communities," said Jeremy Gulban,&nbsp;CEO of CherryRoad 
Media. "We want to bring together our tech skills and tools and put 
together a great online news source and print newspapers for 
subscribers."Gulban said a special agreement was in place with 
Gannett ownership to allow for a relatively seamless transition to new 
ownership for the newspapers in question. He said CherryRoad Media was 
willing to invest in local community newspapers because there was room 
for both print and digital resources in news coverage, especially areas 
that focused on local news."I don't think a 
newspaper is a newspaper unless we print a newspaper," Gulban said. 
"There are some who want a printed paper to hold in their hands, there 
are others who get their news online. We want to cut through the clutter
 and serve all with a better product."Prior to the October 1, 2021 acquisition, 
CherryRoad Media owned seven newspapers in Minnesota, Arkansas and 
Alabama. CherryRoad Media is a division of CherryRoad Technologies, 
which originated in 1983. The company is based in Parsippany, New 
Jersey.Gulban said his intent was to continue 
the legacy of the paper long into the future, fighting against economic 
forces with an infusion of creativity, energy, and resources to support 
local newspapers."As we get to know who all does what we will look into adding additional staff and facing the challenge of bringing in the right talent," Gulban said. "We look forward to supporting the communities our papers serve in every way we can. There are many exciting initiatives on the horizon with this new endeavor, with much more to look forward to in the months ahead. Please continue to support your local newspapers. They serve to remind of us of where we have been, as well as where we are headed."Republished with permission

Hays newspaper among 13 in Kansas bought by N.J. company

Late September through October is an excellent time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils. These plants need to develop roots in the fall and must meet a chilling requirement over the winter to bloom in the spring. Choose a planting site that has full sun to partial shade. The ideal soil would be a sandy loam, but even poor soils can be used if organic material such as peat moss, compost, or aged bark is mixed in. For example, heavy clay can be amended by mixing in one-third to one-half organic material. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Bulbs need good aeration as well as good drainage for proper development. It is best if the bulbs are given 12 inches of prepared soil. If one-third of organic material were added, this would require mixing 4 inches of organic material with 8 inches of soil. Incorporate about 3 pounds of a complete fertilizer such as a 5-10-5 per 100 square feet during preparation or fertilize according to soil test. Planting depths vary depending on the size of the bulbs. For example, tulips and hyacinths are set about 6 inches deep, and daffodils are put 6 to 8 inches deep. Smaller bulbs are planted shallower. As a rule of thumb, bulbs are planted two to three times as deep as their width. Planting depth is the distance from the bottom of the bulb to the top of the soil. Large bulbs are normally spaced 4 to 6 inches apart, and small bulbs are about 1 to 2 inches. Planting in clumps or irregular masses produces a better display than planting singly. After placing the bulbs at the proper depth, replace half the soil and add water. This will settle the soil around the bulbs and provide good bulb/soil contact. Add the remaining soil and water again. Although there will be no top growth in the fall, the roots are developing, so the soil needs to be kept moist but not soggy. Mulch can be added after the soil has frozen to prevent small bulbs from being heaved out of the soil by alternate freezing and thawing. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Late September through October is an excellent time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils. These plants need to develop roots in the fall and must meet a chilling requirement over the winter to bloom in the spring. Choose a planting site that has full sun to partial shade. The ideal soil would be a sandy loam, but even poor soils can be used if organic material such as peat moss, compost, or aged bark is mixed in. For example, heavy clay can be amended by mixing in one-third to one-half organic material. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Bulbs need good aeration as well as good drainage for proper development. It is best if the bulbs are given 12 inches of prepared soil. If one-third of organic material were added, this would require mixing 4 inches of organic material with 8 inches of soil. Incorporate about 3 pounds of a complete fertilizer such as a 5-10-5 per 100 square feet during preparation or fertilize according to soil test. Planting depths vary depending on the size of the bulbs. For example, tulips and hyacinths are set about 6 inches deep, and daffodils are put 6 to 8 inches deep. Smaller bulbs are planted shallower. As a rule of thumb, bulbs are planted two to three times as deep as their width. Planting depth is the distance from the bottom of the bulb to the top of the soil. Large bulbs are normally spaced 4 to 6 inches apart, and small bulbs are about 1 to 2 inches. Planting in clumps or irregular masses produces a better display than planting singly. After placing the bulbs at the proper depth, replace half the soil and add water. This will settle the soil around the bulbs and provide good bulb/soil contact. Add the remaining soil and water again. Although there will be no top growth in the fall, the roots are developing, so the soil needs to be kept moist but not soggy. Mulch can be added after the soil has frozen to prevent small bulbs from being heaved out of the soil by alternate freezing and thawing. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FICK: Time to plant spring-flowering bulbs approaching

Temporary increase during pandemic to end Sept. 30

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today announced that Kansas residents who receive food assistance will benefit from a permanent increase in the maximum benefit amount beginning Oct. 1.

“Access to healthy food is a key component of a family’s well-being” Howard said. “This permanent increase helps us address food insecurity, especially among children, which has a positive impact on the overall health of our community”

The change is taking place due to the 2018 Farm Bill that directed USDA to re-evaluate the Thrifty Food Plan which is used to calculate benefits for food assistance. Through this year’s adjustment, the maximum allowable allotment increased to $250 for a household of one. The maximum allotment amounts for households the size of two or more also have increased.

Other annual adjustments also have been made:

Most households will see changes in their benefits for the month of October to reflect the annual adjustments.

Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) temporarily increased food assistance benefits by 15% from March 2021 through September 2021 due to the national public health emergency.

The temporary 15 percent increase ends Sept. 30 and will be replaced with the new amounts. Taken together, food assistance recipients will see a 10 percent increase from pre-March 2021 benefit levels.

The chart shows the Oct. 1 maximum benefits as well as gross income and net income limits for food assistance:

The minimum allotment is $20. All food assistance benefits are based on household size, household income and allowable deductions.

USDA provides shopping strategies and meal planning advice to help families serve more nutritious meals affordably through the following:

For more information on the food assistance program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjMuNDYzNjQ5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRjZi5rcy5nb3YvUGFnZXMvZGVmYXVsdC5hc3B4In0.EgAhz8itgBI5_Zta088ErAEPy6-bVz4ebzmpdi_VK44/s/1303183450/br/112817868520-l">http://www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/default.aspx</a>.

<h2>Temporary increase during pandemic to end Sept. 30</h2>Kansas DCFTOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today announced that Kansas residents who receive food assistance will benefit from a permanent increase in the maximum benefit amount beginning Oct. 1.“Access to healthy food is a key component of a family’s well-being” Howard said. “This permanent increase helps us address food insecurity, especially among children, which has a positive impact on the overall health of our community”The change is taking place due to the 2018 Farm Bill that directed USDA to re-evaluate the Thrifty Food Plan which is used to calculate benefits for food assistance. Through this year’s adjustment, the maximum allowable allotment increased to $250 for a household of one. The maximum allotment amounts for households the size of two or more also have increased.Other annual adjustments also have been made:<ul>
 <li>The gross and net income limits have increased this year</li><li>The maximum excess shelter deduction is increasing from $569 to $597</li><li>The standard utility allowance is increasing from $364 to $392</li><li>The limited utility allowance is increasing from $247 to $286</li><li>The telephone standard is increasing from $35 to $37</li><li>The Standard Medical Deduction remains the same $175</li>
 </ul>Most households will see changes in their benefits for the month of October to reflect the annual adjustments.Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) temporarily increased food assistance benefits by 15% from March 2021 through September 2021 due to the national public health emergency.The temporary 15 percent increase ends Sept. 30 and will be replaced with the new amounts. Taken together, food assistance recipients will see a 10 percent increase from pre-March 2021 benefit levels.The chart shows the Oct. 1 maximum benefits as well as gross income and net income limits for food assistance:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632416921737.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The minimum allotment is $20. All food assistance benefits are based on household size, household income and allowable deductions.USDA provides shopping strategies and meal planning advice to help families serve more nutritious meals affordably through the following:<ul>
 <li>gov (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjMuNDYzNjQ5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNob29zZW15cGxhdGUuZ292LyJ9.sxOx9InXndR2qJ0Z0YUkB1FHkb9UA67SDtuTNMdTE08/s/1303183450/br/112817868520-l">http://www.choosemyplate.gov/</a>)</li><li>Plan, compare and prepare (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjMuNDYzNjQ5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vYmxvZ3MudXNkYS5nb3YvMjAxMy8wMy8yOC9oZWFsdGh5LWVhdGluZy1vbi1hLWJ1ZGdldC8ifQ.MBHzCyJ3t8Rl7l8lPKyswhLKJ8xU-sWaoClRY0jFtEM/s/1303183450/br/112817868520-l">http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/03/28/healthy-eating-on-a-budget/</a>)</li><li>Team Nutrition Recipes (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjMuNDYzNjQ5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mbnMudXNkYS5nb3YvdG4vdGVhbS1udXRyaXRpb24tcmVjaXBlcyJ9.BBFIg0vvg4E6GMiXBcd3eC3hlcN4gXOIbR5H3dkQGIE/s/1303183450/br/112817868520-l">https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/team-nutrition-recipes</a>), which helps find healthy low-cost recipes and create cookbooks and shopping lists.</li>
 </ul>For more information on the food assistance program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjMuNDYzNjQ5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRjZi5rcy5nb3YvUGFnZXMvZGVmYXVsdC5hc3B4In0.EgAhz8itgBI5_Zta088ErAEPy6-bVz4ebzmpdi_VK44/s/1303183450/br/112817868520-l">http://www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/default.aspx</a>.

Kansas announces permanent increase to food assistance benefits

Donna Blatcher, 71, Salina, KS passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, as a result of multiple health issues.

Donna was born on Oct. 11, 1949, in Stockton, KS to the late Lester 
and Vera Rudman. She graduated from Palco High School in 1967.

She was married to the love of her life the late Grady Blatcher on 
Sept. 7, 1976, in Windsor, CO where they lived until moving to Salina in 
1994.

She loved being a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, 
Sister and Aunt. She loved her family more than life. She was also an 
avid board member and coach for the SCARC "Blue Thunder"&nbsp; Special 
Olympics team for several years and cherished every moment.

Donna is survived by her two daughters, Amanda Blatcher (Aaron), and 
Kristen Blatcher of Salina, two grandchildren, Shauna Blatcher (Matt) 
and Dustyn McKee (MyKyla), six great-grandchildren, Cayden English, 
Brycen English, Aleeya English, Alayna English, Ezra Brown and Brayden 
McKee, also brothers, Bob (Linda) Rudman, Kent (Barb) Rudman, Mike 
(Patty) Rudman, Rod (Jane) Rudman, Ronnie (Pam) Rudman and sister, Cathy
 (Mort) Sherfick and also several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Blatcher, parents, 
Lester and Vera Rudman, brother, Dan Rudman and sister, Patty Williams.

Donna will forever be missed but always in our hearts.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 2, at Ryan Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amanda Blatcher to help with final expenses, care of Ryan Mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632414538594.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Blatcher, 71, Salina, KS passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, as a result of multiple health issues.Donna was born on Oct. 11, 1949, in Stockton, KS to the late Lester 
and Vera Rudman. She graduated from Palco High School in 1967.She was married to the love of her life the late Grady Blatcher on 
Sept. 7, 1976, in Windsor, CO where they lived until moving to Salina in 
1994.She loved being a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, 
Sister and Aunt. She loved her family more than life. She was also an 
avid board member and coach for the SCARC "Blue Thunder"&nbsp; Special 
Olympics team for several years and cherished every moment.Donna is survived by her two daughters, Amanda Blatcher (Aaron), and 
Kristen Blatcher of Salina, two grandchildren, Shauna Blatcher (Matt) 
and Dustyn McKee (MyKyla), six great-grandchildren, Cayden English, 
Brycen English, Aleeya English, Alayna English, Ezra Brown and Brayden 
McKee, also brothers, Bob (Linda) Rudman, Kent (Barb) Rudman, Mike 
(Patty) Rudman, Rod (Jane) Rudman, Ronnie (Pam) Rudman and sister, Cathy
 (Mort) Sherfick and also several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Blatcher, parents, 
Lester and Vera Rudman, brother, Dan Rudman and sister, Patty Williams.Donna will forever be missed but always in our hearts.Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 2, at Ryan Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amanda Blatcher to help with final expenses, care of Ryan Mortuary.

Donna Blatcher

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a personal push, President Joe Biden pressed fellow Democrats to hasten work on his big “build back better” agenda, telling them to come up with a final framework and their best topline budget figure as the party labors to bridge its divisions in Congress ahead of crucial voting deadlines.

Biden and Democratic House and Senate lawmakers met for hours of back-to-back-to-back private White House sessions stretching into Wednesday evening, convened at a pivotal juncture for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-5ff8a8f7403e1e8cc27f192d87894d9e">Biden’s $3.5 trillion package</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers struggle to draft details of the ambitious effort. With Republicans solidly opposed, Democratic leaders are counting on the president to galvanize consensus between progressives and centrists in their party.

Biden first conferred with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, then held separate sessions with moderate and progressive senators and representatives. The president listened intently, lawmakers said, but also indicated strongly he wanted progress soon, by next week.

“We’re in good shape,” Pelosi told reporters after returning to the Capitol.

The White House called the meetings “productive and candid” and said follow-up work would be immediately underway. Earlier in the day, press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House realized that with time growing short “there needs to be deeper engagement by the president.”

The intense focus on Biden’s big-money domestic proposal showcases how much is at stake politically for the president and his party in Congress. The administration has suffered setbacks elsewhere, notably with the Afghanistan withdrawal and prolonged COVID-19 crisis, and Democrats are running short of time, anxious to make good on campaign promises.

Congress is racing toward Monday’s deadline for a House vote on the first part of Biden’s plan — a $1 trillion public works measure — which now also serves as a deadline for producing a compromise framework for the broader package.

At one point, Biden told the lawmakers there were plenty of conference rooms at the White House they could use to hunker down this weekend as some suggested they roll up their sleeves and stay to get final details done.

Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a key centrist who has balked at the $3.5 trillion price tag, said the president told him to come up with a number he could live with.

“He just basically said, ‘Find it,’” Manchin said. ”‘Just work on it, give me a number.’”

“The president is really fired up,” said Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, after the evening’s final session.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate remained at a standstill over a separate package to keep the government funded past the Sept. 30 fiscal yearend and to suspend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">federal debt limit</a>&nbsp;to avert a shutdown and a devastating U.S. default on payments. Senate Republicans are refusing the House-passed bill.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said at a news conference Tuesday that failing to extend the debt limit was “just not something we can contemplate or we should contemplate.”

As for Biden’s big plans, the president and the Democratic lawmakers appeared to have not fully resolved their differences ahead of Monday’s test vote on the smaller public works bill for roads, broadband and public water projects.

Centrist Democrats want swift passage of the slimmer public works bill and have raised concerns about the price tag of Biden’s broader vision, but progressive Democrats are withholding their votes for the $1 trillion measure they view as inadequate unless it’s linked to the bigger package.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, a leader of the centrist coalition who attended one of the White House meetings, said all agreed on doing both — passing the bill Monday and working on the bigger package.

But Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued a statement after another meeting with Biden reiterating that some 50 members plan to vote against the bipartisan measure unless it’s linked to the broader bill. She has said the two bills must move “in tandem” to win the progressive votes.

Beyond the public works measure, Biden’s “build back” agenda is a sweeping overhaul of federal taxes and spending to make what the president views as overdue investments in health care, family services and efforts to fight climate change.

The $3.5 trillion package would impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans</a>&nbsp;earning beyond $400,000 a year and plow that money back into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">federal programs for young and old,</a>&nbsp;along with investments to tackle climate change.

Tensions are high as the Biden agenda is a key campaign promise not only from the president but most of the the Democratic lawmakers, including those in the House who face re-election next year.

“It wasn’t a matter of when we get it done, it was how we get it done,” said Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada, who was with the moderate group meeting with Biden.

All told, more than 20 lawmakers were invited to confer with Biden, moderates and progressives in separate meetings stretching into the evening, making their best pitches, Manchin and another key centrist Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, among them.

Despite disputes, many Democrats say they expect the final product to align with Biden’s broader vision and eventually have robust party support, even if that version is adjusted or scaled back.

But Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., a leader of the centrist Blue Dog caucus, said the big bill will take more time. “I’m not sure that we’re at a place of closing out just yet,” she said.

While all this is going on, the government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, at some point in October the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.

Rushing to prevent that dire outcome, the Democratic-led House passed the funding-and-debt measure Tuesday night, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-mitch-mcconnell-janet-yellen-eb14f403fb747f6ec0e05ad4f382bc91">Republicans are refusing to give their support</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said since Democrats control the White House and Congress, it’s their problem to find the votes — though he had relied on bipartisan cooperation to approve debt limit measures when Republicans were in charge.

But in the 50-50 Senate, Democrats will be hard-pressed to find 10 Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster. Other options to try to pass the debt ceiling package could be procedurally difficult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632405115581.png" alt="The intense focus on Biden’s big-money domestic proposal showcases how much is at stake politically for the president and his party in Congress.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>The intense focus on Biden’s big-money domestic proposal showcases how much is at stake politically for the president and his party in Congress.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — With a personal push, President Joe Biden pressed fellow Democrats to hasten work on his big “build back better” agenda, telling them to come up with a final framework and their best topline budget figure as the party labors to bridge its divisions in Congress ahead of crucial voting deadlines.Biden and Democratic House and Senate lawmakers met for hours of back-to-back-to-back private White House sessions stretching into Wednesday evening, convened at a pivotal juncture for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-5ff8a8f7403e1e8cc27f192d87894d9e">Biden’s $3.5 trillion package</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers struggle to draft details of the ambitious effort. With Republicans solidly opposed, Democratic leaders are counting on the president to galvanize consensus between progressives and centrists in their party.Biden first conferred with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, then held separate sessions with moderate and progressive senators and representatives. The president listened intently, lawmakers said, but also indicated strongly he wanted progress soon, by next week.“We’re in good shape,” Pelosi told reporters after returning to the Capitol.The White House called the meetings “productive and candid” and said follow-up work would be immediately underway. Earlier in the day, press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House realized that with time growing short “there needs to be deeper engagement by the president.”The intense focus on Biden’s big-money domestic proposal showcases how much is at stake politically for the president and his party in Congress. The administration has suffered setbacks elsewhere, notably with the Afghanistan withdrawal and prolonged COVID-19 crisis, and Democrats are running short of time, anxious to make good on campaign promises.Congress is racing toward Monday’s deadline for a House vote on the first part of Biden’s plan — a $1 trillion public works measure — which now also serves as a deadline for producing a compromise framework for the broader package.At one point, Biden told the lawmakers there were plenty of conference rooms at the White House they could use to hunker down this weekend as some suggested they roll up their sleeves and stay to get final details done.Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a key centrist who has balked at the $3.5 trillion price tag, said the president told him to come up with a number he could live with.“He just basically said, ‘Find it,’” Manchin said. ”‘Just work on it, give me a number.’”“The president is really fired up,” said Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, after the evening’s final session.Meanwhile, the House and Senate remained at a standstill over a separate package to keep the government funded past the Sept. 30 fiscal yearend and to suspend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">federal debt limit</a>&nbsp;to avert a shutdown and a devastating U.S. default on payments. Senate Republicans are refusing the House-passed bill.Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said at a news conference Tuesday that failing to extend the debt limit was “just not something we can contemplate or we should contemplate.”As for Biden’s big plans, the president and the Democratic lawmakers appeared to have not fully resolved their differences ahead of Monday’s test vote on the smaller public works bill for roads, broadband and public water projects.Centrist Democrats want swift passage of the slimmer public works bill and have raised concerns about the price tag of Biden’s broader vision, but progressive Democrats are withholding their votes for the $1 trillion measure they view as inadequate unless it’s linked to the bigger package.Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, a leader of the centrist coalition who attended one of the White House meetings, said all agreed on doing both — passing the bill Monday and working on the bigger package.But Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued a statement after another meeting with Biden reiterating that some 50 members plan to vote against the bipartisan measure unless it’s linked to the broader bill. She has said the two bills must move “in tandem” to win the progressive votes.Beyond the public works measure, Biden’s “build back” agenda is a sweeping overhaul of federal taxes and spending to make what the president views as overdue investments in health care, family services and efforts to fight climate change.The $3.5 trillion package would impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans</a>&nbsp;earning beyond $400,000 a year and plow that money back into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">federal programs for young and old,</a>&nbsp;along with investments to tackle climate change.Tensions are high as the Biden agenda is a key campaign promise not only from the president but most of the the Democratic lawmakers, including those in the House who face re-election next year.“It wasn’t a matter of when we get it done, it was how we get it done,” said Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada, who was with the moderate group meeting with Biden.All told, more than 20 lawmakers were invited to confer with Biden, moderates and progressives in separate meetings stretching into the evening, making their best pitches, Manchin and another key centrist Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, among them.Despite disputes, many Democrats say they expect the final product to align with Biden’s broader vision and eventually have robust party support, even if that version is adjusted or scaled back.But Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., a leader of the centrist Blue Dog caucus, said the big bill will take more time. “I’m not sure that we’re at a place of closing out just yet,” she said.While all this is going on, the government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, at some point in October the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.Rushing to prevent that dire outcome, the Democratic-led House passed the funding-and-debt measure Tuesday night, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-mitch-mcconnell-janet-yellen-eb14f403fb747f6ec0e05ad4f382bc91">Republicans are refusing to give their support</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said since Democrats control the White House and Congress, it’s their problem to find the votes — though he had relied on bipartisan cooperation to approve debt limit measures when Republicans were in charge.But in the 50-50 Senate, Democrats will be hard-pressed to find 10 Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster. Other options to try to pass the debt ceiling package could be procedurally difficult.___

Biden presses fellow Dems: Resolve party split on $3.5T plan

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The hours restricting outdoor water in Hays will end September 30.

Since June 1, city ordinance has prohibited outdoor watering between the hours of noon and 7 p.m. The restriction also applies to private water wells.

That's the hottest time of day when evaporation rates are highest, according to Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist.

"However if the weather should turn warm and windy as it often does in October, it's highly encouraged to water landscape plants including turf grass if necessary," Dickman said. "Do this early in the morning or late at night to make most efficient use of the water resource."

As the weather moves into cooler nights and shorter days, Dickman said "the need for supplemental irrigation is greatly reduced, so always be sure to check the soil moisture first before turning on the irrigation system or garden hose."

Other water conservation measures remain in place year round and prohibit the following:

* The washing down of hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, parking lots and driveways, is not allowed. * The known loss of water through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems. * The escape of water from private property onto public property, such as sidewalks or into street guttering from landscape irrigation.

More information about water conservation programs in Hays is available on Water Resources Department <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">web site</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JEtyOhcQlGA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe hours restricting outdoor water in Hays will end September 30.Since June 1, city ordinance has prohibited outdoor watering between the hours of noon and 7 p.m. The restriction also applies to private water wells.That's the hottest time of day when evaporation rates are highest, according to Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist."However if the weather should turn warm and windy as it often does in October, it's highly encouraged to water landscape plants including turf grass if necessary," Dickman said. "Do this early in the morning or late at night to make most efficient use of the water resource."As the weather moves into cooler nights and shorter days, Dickman said "the need for supplemental irrigation is greatly reduced, so always be sure to check the soil moisture first before turning on the irrigation system or garden hose."Other water conservation measures remain in place year round and prohibit the following:* The washing down of hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, parking lots and driveways, is not allowed. * The known loss of water through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems. * The escape of water from private property onto public property, such as sidewalks or into street guttering from landscape irrigation.More information about water conservation programs in Hays is available on Water Resources Department <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">web site</a>.&nbsp;

🎥 Hours of watering restrictions set to end, other rules remain

Cody Crouch, 32, died on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his home in 
Texoma, Texas. He was born on October 20, 1988 at Garden City the son of David Crouch &amp; Lisa Morgan. 
Cody attended Garden City schools. He has lived in Texoma since 2014 and worked construction on buildings and custom furniture. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, and his dog- Bobo, woodworking, cooking, fishing, riding his motorcycle and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. 
He is survived by his Longtime companions- Jerri Green of Texoma, Mother of Daughter - Monica Rubio of Garden City, Daughter- Rachel Rubio of Garden City, Father- David Crouch of Garden City, Mother- Lisa Morgan of Colby, 2 Brothers- Jeffery Crouch of Wisconsin and John Hibler of Garden City, 2 Sisters- Chelsey Crouch of Scott City and Deborah Crouch of Garden City, Grandmother- Donna Morgan of Dighton, and Grandparents of his Daughter- Ernesto &amp; Lorraine Rubio of Garden City. 
He was preceded in death by his Step-Mother- Lisa Crouch and Grandparents- Charles Morgan and Brosey &amp; Alma Crouch. 
Memorial Service will be at 10:00 AM Monday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Nathan Haeck officiating. Memorials are suggested to Rachel Rubio Education Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com 
Garnand Funeral Home 412 North 7th Garden City, Ks 67846 620-276-3219&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632343291015.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cody Crouch, 32, died on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his home in 
Texoma, Texas. He was born on October 20, 1988 at Garden City the son of David Crouch &amp; Lisa Morgan. 
Cody attended Garden City schools. He has lived in Texoma since 2014 and worked construction on buildings and custom furniture. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, and his dog- Bobo, woodworking, cooking, fishing, riding his motorcycle and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. 
He is survived by his Longtime companions- Jerri Green of Texoma, Mother of Daughter - Monica Rubio of Garden City, Daughter- Rachel Rubio of Garden City, Father- David Crouch of Garden City, Mother- Lisa Morgan of Colby, 2 Brothers- Jeffery Crouch of Wisconsin and John Hibler of Garden City, 2 Sisters- Chelsey Crouch of Scott City and Deborah Crouch of Garden City, Grandmother- Donna Morgan of Dighton, and Grandparents of his Daughter- Ernesto &amp; Lorraine Rubio of Garden City. 
He was preceded in death by his Step-Mother- Lisa Crouch and Grandparents- Charles Morgan and Brosey &amp; Alma Crouch. 
Memorial Service will be at 10:00 AM Monday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Nathan Haeck officiating. Memorials are suggested to Rachel Rubio Education Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com 
Garnand Funeral Home 412 North 7th Garden City, Ks 67846 620-276-3219&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cody Crouch

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632323427347.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Victoria Fire Department poker run set for October

Mirna Lizth Barrera Rodriguez, age 40, died on September 19, 2021, at 
Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
October 13, 1980 the daughter of Isidoro Barrera Fuentez and Juana Maria
 Gomez Valencia.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021, 2:00 p.m at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

Memorial Contributions may be given to&nbsp; the Mirna Barrera Funeral Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632316618165.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mirna Lizth Barrera Rodriguez, age 40, died on September 19, 2021, at 
Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
October 13, 1980 the daughter of Isidoro Barrera Fuentez and Juana Maria
 Gomez Valencia.Funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021, 2:00 p.m at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City.Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.Memorial Contributions may be given to&nbsp; the Mirna Barrera Funeral Fund.

Mirna Lizth Barrera Rodriguez

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted to keep the government funded, suspend the federal debt limit and provide disaster and refugee aid, setting up a high-stakes showdown with Republicans who oppose the package despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.

The federal government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year — midnight next Thursday. Additionally, at some point in October the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.

Rushing to prevent that dire outcome, the Democratic-led House passed the measure Tuesday night by a party-line vote of 220-211. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is likely to falter because of overwhelming GOP opposition.

“Our country will suffer greatly if we do not act now to stave off this unnecessary and preventable crisis,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said shortly before the vote.

Backed by the White House, the Democratic leaders pushed the package to approval at a time of great uncertainty in Congress. With lawmakers already chiseling away at the $3.5 trillion price tag of President Joe Biden’s broad “build back better” agenda, immediate attention focused on the upcoming deadlines to avert deeper problems if votes to shore up government funding fail.

The package approved Tuesday would provide stopgap money to keep the government funded to Dec. 3 and extend borrowing authority through the end of 2022. It includes $28.6 billion in disaster relief for the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and other extreme weather events, and $6.3 billion to support Afghanistan evacuees in the fallout from the end of the 20-year war.

While suspending the debt ceiling allows the government to meet financial obligations already incurred, Republicans argued it would also facilitate a spending binge in the months ahead.

“I will not support signing a blank check as this majority is advancing the most reckless expansion of government in generations,” said Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., during the debate.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said since Democrats control the White House and Congress, it’s their problem to find the votes — even though he had relied on bipartisan cooperation to approve the debt limits when Republicans were in charge.

“The debt ceiling will be raised as it always should be, but it will be raised by the Democrats,” McConnell said.

In the 50-50 Senate, Democrats will be hard-pressed to find 10 Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.

“This is playing with fire,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The Treasury Department has been using “extraordinary measures” to fund the government since the last debt limit suspension expired July 31, and projects that at some point next month will run out cash reserves. Then, it will have to rely on incoming receipts to pay its obligations, now at $28.4 trillion. That could force the Treasury to delay or miss payments, a devastating situation.

Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, warned if lawmakers allow a federal debt default “this economic scenario is cataclysmic.”

In a report being circulated by Democrats, Zandi warned that a potential downturn from government funding cutbacks would cost 6 million jobs and stock market losses would wipe out $15 trillion of household wealth.

Once a routine matter, raising the debt ceiling has become a political weapon of choice for Republicans in Washington ever since the 2011 arrival of tea party lawmakers who refused to allow the increase. At the time, they argued against more spending and the standoff triggered a fiscal crisis.

Echoing that strategy, McConnell is setting the tone for his party, but some GOP senators might have a tough time voting no.

Republican John Kennedy of Louisiana, whose state was battered by the hurricane and who is up for election next year, said he will likely vote for the increase. “My people desperately need the help,” he said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that “in our view, this should not be a controversial vote.” Psaki said Congress has raised the debt ceiling numerous times on a bipartisan basis, including three times under President Donald Trump.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, was forced to introduce another version of the bill Tuesday after some within the Democratic caucus objected to the inclusion of $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which uses missiles to intercept short-range rockets fired into the country.

The Israel defense issue splits Democrats, but DeLauro assured colleagues that money for the weapons system would be included in the annual defense spending bill. Hoyer went a step further and said he would bring a bill to the floor this week to replenish the Iron Dome system.

Republicans were highly critical of the change and vowed to stand as allies with Israel.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Democrats were negotiating over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-5ff8a8f7403e1e8cc27f192d87894d9e">Biden’s big “build back better” package</a>&nbsp;as the price tag likely slips to win over skeptical centrist lawmakers who view it as too much.

Publicly, the White House has remained confident the legislation will pass soon, despite sharp differences among progressives and moderates in the party over the eventual size of the package and a companion $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.

There has been a flurry of outreach from the White House to Democrats on Capitol Hill, and Biden himself was given a call sheet of lawmakers to cajole. The president has been talking to a wide number of lawmakers beyond his recent meetings with key centrist Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., according to a White House official familiar with the calls and granted anonymity to discuss them.

Biden’s big initiative touches almost all aspects of Americans’ lives. It would impose tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans earning beyond $400,000 a year and plow that money back into federal programs for young and old, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">government health, education and family support&nbsp;</a>and environmental efforts to fight climate change.

With Republicans opposed to Biden’s vision, Democrats have no votes to spare in the Senate, and just a few votes’ margin in the House.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised a Sept. 27 vote on the companion $1 trillion bill of public works projects that has already passed the Senate.

Even though that bipartisan bill should be an easy legislative lift, it too faces a political obstacle course. Dozens of lawmakers in the Congressional Progressive Caucus are expected to vote against it if it comes ahead of the broader Biden package. And centrists won’t vote for the broader package unless they are assured the bipartisan bill will also be included.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632274549553.png" alt="House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. fields questions about the politics of the federal debt, at the Capitol Tuesday-photo courtesy House Appropriations Committee" />
 <figcaption>House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. fields questions about the politics of the federal debt, at the Capitol Tuesday-photo courtesy House Appropriations Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted to keep the government funded, suspend the federal debt limit and provide disaster and refugee aid, setting up a high-stakes showdown with Republicans who oppose the package despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act provides vital services that working families need. Watch Chair <a href="https://twitter.com/rosadelauro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rosadelauro</a> discuss this crucial legislation with <a href="https://twitter.com/RulesDemocrats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RulesDemocrats</a>: <a href="https://t.co/UOQEdIrNDd">pic.twitter.com/UOQEdIrNDd</a>&mdash; House Appropriations (@AppropsDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/AppropsDems/status/1440386314914828298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The federal government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year — midnight next Thursday. Additionally, at some point in October the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.Rushing to prevent that dire outcome, the Democratic-led House passed the measure Tuesday night by a party-line vote of 220-211. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is likely to falter because of overwhelming GOP opposition.“Our country will suffer greatly if we do not act now to stave off this unnecessary and preventable crisis,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said shortly before the vote.Backed by the White House, the Democratic leaders pushed the package to approval at a time of great uncertainty in Congress. With lawmakers already chiseling away at the $3.5 trillion price tag of President Joe Biden’s broad “build back better” agenda, immediate attention focused on the upcoming deadlines to avert deeper problems if votes to shore up government funding fail.The package approved Tuesday would provide stopgap money to keep the government funded to Dec. 3 and extend borrowing authority through the end of 2022. It includes $28.6 billion in disaster relief for the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and other extreme weather events, and $6.3 billion to support Afghanistan evacuees in the fallout from the end of the 20-year war.While suspending the debt ceiling allows the government to meet financial obligations already incurred, Republicans argued it would also facilitate a spending binge in the months ahead.“I will not support signing a blank check as this majority is advancing the most reckless expansion of government in generations,” said Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., during the debate.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said since Democrats control the White House and Congress, it’s their problem to find the votes — even though he had relied on bipartisan cooperation to approve the debt limits when Republicans were in charge.“The debt ceiling will be raised as it always should be, but it will be raised by the Democrats,” McConnell said.In the 50-50 Senate, Democrats will be hard-pressed to find 10 Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.“This is playing with fire,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The Treasury Department has been using “extraordinary measures” to fund the government since the last debt limit suspension expired July 31, and projects that at some point next month will run out cash reserves. Then, it will have to rely on incoming receipts to pay its obligations, now at $28.4 trillion. That could force the Treasury to delay or miss payments, a devastating situation.Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, warned if lawmakers allow a federal debt default “this economic scenario is cataclysmic.”In a report being circulated by Democrats, Zandi warned that a potential downturn from government funding cutbacks would cost 6 million jobs and stock market losses would wipe out $15 trillion of household wealth.Once a routine matter, raising the debt ceiling has become a political weapon of choice for Republicans in Washington ever since the 2011 arrival of tea party lawmakers who refused to allow the increase. At the time, they argued against more spending and the standoff triggered a fiscal crisis.Echoing that strategy, McConnell is setting the tone for his party, but some GOP senators might have a tough time voting no.Republican John Kennedy of Louisiana, whose state was battered by the hurricane and who is up for election next year, said he will likely vote for the increase. “My people desperately need the help,” he said.White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that “in our view, this should not be a controversial vote.” Psaki said Congress has raised the debt ceiling numerous times on a bipartisan basis, including three times under President Donald Trump.Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, was forced to introduce another version of the bill Tuesday after some within the Democratic caucus objected to the inclusion of $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which uses missiles to intercept short-range rockets fired into the country.The Israel defense issue splits Democrats, but DeLauro assured colleagues that money for the weapons system would be included in the annual defense spending bill. Hoyer went a step further and said he would bring a bill to the floor this week to replenish the Iron Dome system.Republicans were highly critical of the change and vowed to stand as allies with Israel.Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Democrats were negotiating over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-5ff8a8f7403e1e8cc27f192d87894d9e">Biden’s big “build back better” package</a>&nbsp;as the price tag likely slips to win over skeptical centrist lawmakers who view it as too much.Publicly, the White House has remained confident the legislation will pass soon, despite sharp differences among progressives and moderates in the party over the eventual size of the package and a companion $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.There has been a flurry of outreach from the White House to Democrats on Capitol Hill, and Biden himself was given a call sheet of lawmakers to cajole. The president has been talking to a wide number of lawmakers beyond his recent meetings with key centrist Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., according to a White House official familiar with the calls and granted anonymity to discuss them.Biden’s big initiative touches almost all aspects of Americans’ lives. It would impose tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans earning beyond $400,000 a year and plow that money back into federal programs for young and old, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">government health, education and family support&nbsp;</a>and environmental efforts to fight climate change.With Republicans opposed to Biden’s vision, Democrats have no votes to spare in the Senate, and just a few votes’ margin in the House.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised a Sept. 27 vote on the companion $1 trillion bill of public works projects that has already passed the Senate.Even though that bipartisan bill should be an easy legislative lift, it too faces a political obstacle course. Dozens of lawmakers in the Congressional Progressive Caucus are expected to vote against it if it comes ahead of the broader Biden package. And centrists won’t vote for the broader package unless they are assured the bipartisan bill will also be included.

House votes to suspend federal debt limit inviting clash with GOP

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was convicted of several felonies after the woman he shot in the head testified against him.

The Jackson County Prosecutors Office said Saturday that Louis Watts was found guilty Friday of first-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree burglary, stealing and two counts of armed criminal action

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers found the woman bleeding from her face after they responded to a shooting in October 2019. The woman had been shot twice in the head and had a bullet lodged behind an eye.

The woman told police that the 52-year-old Watts had shot her. Watts' sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632145215963.png" alt="Watts-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Watts-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was convicted of several felonies after the woman he shot in the head testified against him.The Jackson County Prosecutors Office said Saturday that Louis Watts was found guilty Friday of first-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree burglary, stealing and two counts of armed criminal actionAccording to court documents, Kansas City police officers found the woman bleeding from her face after they responded to a shooting in October 2019. The woman had been shot twice in the head and had a bullet lodged behind an eye.The woman told police that the 52-year-old Watts had shot her. Watts' sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

Kansas City man found guilty of burglary,  shooting woman

Wayne Rogers Blount, 89, passed away September 14, 2021, at Parker, Colorado.

He was born February 28, 1932, in Larned; the son of Causby and 
Mildred Saunders Blount. A longtime area resident; he grew up in Larned 
and graduated from Larned High School and the University of Kansas.

He was a member of the Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL and the 
1950 Larned State Basketball team; was an avid Jayhawk fan, and loved 
spending time with his great grandkids.

On January 30, 1955, he married Jean Kemp in Winfield, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.

Other survivors include; a daughter, Lisa (Scott) Spjuth, Parker, 
Colorado; a sister, Jeannine (Mike) Girton, Great Bend; two 
grandchildren, Justin (Stephanie) Blount, Littleton, Colorado and Shelby
 (Jared) Esquivel, Peyton, Colorado; and three great grandchildren; 
Lincoln Spjuth, JJ Meenach, and AubreyKate Meenach.

He was preceded in death by; his son, Bruce Blount and a sister Barbara Jones.

Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 11th, at the Larned Cemetery with Robert Sallee presiding.&nbsp;

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

Wayne Rogers Blount, 89, passed away September 14, 2021, at Parker, Colorado.He was born February 28, 1932, in Larned; the son of Causby and 
Mildred Saunders Blount. A longtime area resident; he grew up in Larned 
and graduated from Larned High School and the University of Kansas.He was a member of the Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL and the 
1950 Larned State Basketball team; was an avid Jayhawk fan, and loved 
spending time with his great grandkids.On January 30, 1955, he married Jean Kemp in Winfield, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.Other survivors include; a daughter, Lisa (Scott) Spjuth, Parker, 
Colorado; a sister, Jeannine (Mike) Girton, Great Bend; two 
grandchildren, Justin (Stephanie) Blount, Littleton, Colorado and Shelby
 (Jared) Esquivel, Peyton, Colorado; and three great grandchildren; 
Lincoln Spjuth, JJ Meenach, and AubreyKate Meenach.He was preceded in death by; his son, Bruce Blount and a sister Barbara Jones.Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 11th, at the Larned Cemetery with Robert Sallee presiding.&nbsp;Memorials may be given too the Larned High School Mens Basketball, in
 care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Wayne Rogers Blount

Bruce Alan Blount, 65, passed away November 27, 2019, in Elk Grove, Illinois.

He was born March 19, 1956, in Laughlin, Texas; the son of Wayne 
Rogers and Jean Kemp Blount.&nbsp; He served in the United States Navy for 
over 20 years, retiring in 2004.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles and taught motorcycle safety courses in
 Maryland; was an avid bass guitar player and was a big Jayhawk fan.

Survivors include; his mother, Jean Blount, Parker, Colorado; a 
daughter, Anastasia (Jett) Meenach, Hampstead, North Carolina; a sister,
 Lisa (Scott) Spjuth, Parker, Colorado and two grandchildren, JJ Meenach
 and AubreyKate Meenach.

Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. October 11, at Larned Cemetery with Robert Sallee presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Larned High School Mens Basketball; in 
care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left for family at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Bruce Alan Blount, 65, passed away November 27, 2019, in Elk Grove, Illinois.He was born March 19, 1956, in Laughlin, Texas; the son of Wayne 
Rogers and Jean Kemp Blount.&nbsp; He served in the United States Navy for 
over 20 years, retiring in 2004.He enjoyed riding motorcycles and taught motorcycle safety courses in
 Maryland; was an avid bass guitar player and was a big Jayhawk fan.Survivors include; his mother, Jean Blount, Parker, Colorado; a 
daughter, Anastasia (Jett) Meenach, Hampstead, North Carolina; a sister,
 Lisa (Scott) Spjuth, Parker, Colorado and two grandchildren, JJ Meenach
 and AubreyKate Meenach.Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. October 11, at Larned Cemetery with Robert Sallee presiding.Memorials may be given to the Larned High School Mens Basketball; in 
care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left for family at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Bruce Alan Blount

Margaret
 Ann (May) Ketterer was born December 24, 1932 on the family farm in 
Jewell County, Kansas; the daughter of Floyd May and Mary Sweet May. She
 died at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas on September 19, 2021 at the 
age of 88 years.&nbsp;

Margaret
 grew up on the farm, attended rural schools, and graduated from 
Montrose High School in 1950. She married Alfred Shaffer on October 15, 
1954; he died in February, 1988; to this union one daughter was born, 
Alfreda Marie.&nbsp;

She
 married Daniel “Pat” Ketterer on February 9, 1990; he survives of the 
home. Margaret’s life revolved around family and trucking. She was a 
short-order cook at Chris’ Truck Stop; owned Shaffer Trucking with 
Alfred; and went over-the-road trucking with Daniel until she was forced
 to retire due to health issues.&nbsp;

Margaret
 is also survived by her daughter, Alfreda (Burl) Maley; grandchildren 
Matt (Anita) Collins; Jesica Collins; and Jenifer Doyle; Sisters Alice 
Rice, and Mary Sue (Paul Dean) Elsey; stepchildren, Marietta Fiarkoski, 
Jerry (Judy) Shaffer; Patty (Bill) Bristol; Brian (Katie) Ketterer; and 
Kathy (Joey) Prochniewski; and a host of extended family and friends.&nbsp;

Margaret
 was preceded in death by her parents; husband Alfred; and brothers Tom 
May, John May, and Harold May.&nbsp; She chose cremation and per her request 
there will be no services.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632247222197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret
 Ann (May) Ketterer was born December 24, 1932 on the family farm in 
Jewell County, Kansas; the daughter of Floyd May and Mary Sweet May. She
 died at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas on September 19, 2021 at the 
age of 88 years.&nbsp;Margaret
 grew up on the farm, attended rural schools, and graduated from 
Montrose High School in 1950. She married Alfred Shaffer on October 15, 
1954; he died in February, 1988; to this union one daughter was born, 
Alfreda Marie.&nbsp;She
 married Daniel “Pat” Ketterer on February 9, 1990; he survives of the 
home. Margaret’s life revolved around family and trucking. She was a 
short-order cook at Chris’ Truck Stop; owned Shaffer Trucking with 
Alfred; and went over-the-road trucking with Daniel until she was forced
 to retire due to health issues.&nbsp;Margaret
 is also survived by her daughter, Alfreda (Burl) Maley; grandchildren 
Matt (Anita) Collins; Jesica Collins; and Jenifer Doyle; Sisters Alice 
Rice, and Mary Sue (Paul Dean) Elsey; stepchildren, Marietta Fiarkoski, 
Jerry (Judy) Shaffer; Patty (Bill) Bristol; Brian (Katie) Ketterer; and 
Kathy (Joey) Prochniewski; and a host of extended family and friends.&nbsp;Margaret
 was preceded in death by her parents; husband Alfred; and brothers Tom 
May, John May, and Harold May.&nbsp; She chose cremation and per her request 
there will be no services.&nbsp;

Margaret A. Ketterer

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY <a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>

Coming
 off a busy summer concert schedule, the local band was named 
Entertainer of the Year (Group) in the Southern Rock/Country Rock 
category of the Josie Music Awards. The awards were presented during a 
two-day event Friday and Saturday in the Country Tonite Theatre in 
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

"This is totally cool and a great honor," said
 Sunset Sinners' drummer Blake Blackim. "Anytime you can be recognized, 
its a big deal. Is this the CMAs? No. But it is just right under the 
CMAs. This recognition shows that we're on the right track."

According to the organization's <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>,
 "the Josie Music Awards was created solely to celebrate those in the 
independent music industry that work so hard every day and deserve to 
have a night of their own."

During an interview in May when the 
award show nominations were revealed, Blackim told Salina Post that the 
nomination came about after he was interviewed a few weeks prior on The 
Josie Show by Josie Passantino, who also is the namesake of the awards 
show. The internet radio show can be heard on Thursday nights.

Blackim said Passantino encouraged the Sunset Sinners to submit its Always Time for One More Beer
 for award consideration. As it turned out, the song led to the Sunset 
Sinners being nominated for Group of the Year in the Southern 
Rock/Country Rock category.

Because of the rigid review process 
for the Josie Music Awards, just being nominated for an award is an 
honor. According to the Josie Music Awards <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>,
 "Nominee suggestions go through a lengthy review process by a team of 
industry leaders and the official nomination list is created from their 
final decisions. Winners are also selected by this industry leader team 
(this review team has no connection to independent artists)."

Recognition
 for the Sunset Sinners doesn't stop with the Josie Music Awards. A few 
of weeks ago, the band's debut album, a compilation of their singles, 
was released, and it is already garnering attention. Fireworks, a music 
magazine in the United Kingdom, has scheduled a glowing review of the 
Sunset Sinners' album in its October issue. Additionally, another U.K. 
music magazine, Powerplay, has scheduled a feature about the Sunset 
Sinners for its November issue.

Blackim said the album is available on all the major music streaming services.

Additionally, two Sunset Sinners' singles - Old Glory and Friday Night - have been seen on the Nashville Music Row Charts, Blackim said.

What's
 next for the Sunset Sinners? The band's patriotic-themed show, Red, 
White, &amp; Brews is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Stiefel 
Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Kansas City based blues rock powerhouse
 MAHAN, featuring guitarist extraordinaire Howard Mahan, is scheduled to
 open the show, according to information from the Stiefel Theatre.

Tickets
 are $23 for general admission and can be purchased from noon-5 p.m. 
Monday through Friday at the Stiefel Theatre walk-up window box office 
next to the main entrance. Additionally, you can call the Stiefel at 
785-827-1998 to buy direct or buy online at stiefeltheatre.org.

Sunset
 Sinners will bring their Red White &amp; Brews Tour to the Stiefel 
Theatre as the ultimate party concert to honor military, veterans, and 
first responders.

"We're all about honoring active military, 
veterans, and first responders," Blackim told Salina Post when the 
concert was announced. "It's because of them that we're able to go out 
and play and perform! We even wrote a song called Old Glory that's 
recently been on the Nashville radio charts. It's dedicated to everyone 
that had the courage to sign up and serve."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608652164504.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners, from left, Brad Johnson, Tony Bowell, Blake Blackim, and Chris Brungardt of Hays. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners, from left, Brad Johnson, Tony Bowell, Blake Blackim, and Chris Brungardt of Hays. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY <a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>The Sunset Sinners are winners!Coming
 off a busy summer concert schedule, the local band was named 
Entertainer of the Year (Group) in the Southern Rock/Country Rock 
category of the Josie Music Awards. The awards were presented during a 
two-day event Friday and Saturday in the Country Tonite Theatre in 
Pigeon Forge, Tenn."This is totally cool and a great honor," said
 Sunset Sinners' drummer Blake Blackim. "Anytime you can be recognized, 
its a big deal. Is this the CMAs? No. But it is just right under the 
CMAs. This recognition shows that we're on the right track."According to the organization's <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>,
 "the Josie Music Awards was created solely to celebrate those in the 
independent music industry that work so hard every day and deserve to 
have a night of their own."During an interview in May when the 
award show nominations were revealed, Blackim told Salina Post that the 
nomination came about after he was interviewed a few weeks prior on The 
Josie Show by Josie Passantino, who also is the namesake of the awards 
show. The internet radio show can be heard on Thursday nights.Blackim said Passantino encouraged the Sunset Sinners to submit its Always Time for One More Beer
 for award consideration. As it turned out, the song led to the Sunset 
Sinners being nominated for Group of the Year in the Southern 
Rock/Country Rock category.Because of the rigid review process 
for the Josie Music Awards, just being nominated for an award is an 
honor. According to the Josie Music Awards <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>,
 "Nominee suggestions go through a lengthy review process by a team of 
industry leaders and the official nomination list is created from their 
final decisions. Winners are also selected by this industry leader team 
(this review team has no connection to independent artists)."Recognition
 for the Sunset Sinners doesn't stop with the Josie Music Awards. A few 
of weeks ago, the band's debut album, a compilation of their singles, 
was released, and it is already garnering attention. Fireworks, a music 
magazine in the United Kingdom, has scheduled a glowing review of the 
Sunset Sinners' album in its October issue. Additionally, another U.K. 
music magazine, Powerplay, has scheduled a feature about the Sunset 
Sinners for its November issue.Blackim said the album is available on all the major music streaming services.Additionally, two Sunset Sinners' singles - Old Glory and Friday Night - have been seen on the Nashville Music Row Charts, Blackim said.What's
 next for the Sunset Sinners? The band's patriotic-themed show, Red, 
White, &amp; Brews is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Stiefel 
Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Kansas City based blues rock powerhouse
 MAHAN, featuring guitarist extraordinaire Howard Mahan, is scheduled to
 open the show, according to information from the Stiefel Theatre.Tickets
 are $23 for general admission and can be purchased from noon-5 p.m. 
Monday through Friday at the Stiefel Theatre walk-up window box office 
next to the main entrance. Additionally, you can call the Stiefel at 
785-827-1998 to buy direct or buy online at stiefeltheatre.org.Sunset
 Sinners will bring their Red White &amp; Brews Tour to the Stiefel 
Theatre as the ultimate party concert to honor military, veterans, and 
first responders."We're all about honoring active military, 
veterans, and first responders," Blackim told Salina Post when the 
concert was announced. "It's because of them that we're able to go out 
and play and perform! We even wrote a song called Old Glory that's 
recently been on the Nashville radio charts. It's dedicated to everyone 
that had the courage to sign up and serve."

Sunset Sinners receive Entertainer of the Year group award

Harold Louis “Louie” O’Connor, 85, of Coffeyville passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

He was born on October 1, 1935, at Parsons, Kansas, to Thomas Joseph and Elizabeth Ann (Jungles) O’Connor. Louie grew up and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Parsons graduating when he was 15 years old. He then attended Our Lady of the Ozarks Preparatory School graduating when he was 18. Louie attended Parsons Junior College for a year before entering the Chemical Engineering school at Kansas State University.

While attending Parsons Junior College he met the love of his life Peggy Porter. Louie completed his classes at Kansas State and they were married on November 17, 1956. Following their marriage they made their home in Webb City, Missouri while Louie completed a Master’s Degree in Chemistry in 1958. After graduating they moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma where Louie worked at Callery Chemical Company, in 1959 they moved to Coffeyville when he accepted a position as Chemist at Cooperative Refining (later Farmland Industries, now Coffeyville Resource) in 1980 he was transferred to Midland, Texas to study Gas Contract Law. In 1981 the family moved to Littleton, Colorado where Louie was head of Gas Processes for Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. In 1983 they returned to Coffeyville when Louie was named Chief Chemist at Farmland Refinery, in 1990 he became an Environmental Engineer at Farmland until retiring in May 1996.

Louie and Peggy where active with their children at their church and in the communities they lived. Louie coached all of his children’s teams whether it was baseball, football, basketball and any other sport they were involved in. They were also actively involved in cheering their grandchildren at whatever sport they were involved in.

After retiring Louie and Peggy enjoyed traveling to 23 foreign countries and all 50 states, and went on 7 cruises.

Louie was an active member of Holy Name Catholic Church where he was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #991, was Past Grand Knight, served as President of the Parish Council, was a member of the Finance Committee and was a Lector, Usher, and Extraordinary Minister. Louie and Al Liebert worked together and founded the Holy Name Carnival which continues today to benefit Holy Name Catholic School. He also served on the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Board of Directors for 17 years, and was a Hospital Auxiliary member for many years. Louie was a Red Cross Volunteer and a Blood Donor for many years. 

Left to cherish Louie’s memory are his wife, Peggy of the home; his five children, David O’Connor of Houston, Texas, Doug O’Connor and wife, Becky of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Debra Ann Jacobson and husband, Billy of Wilsall, Montana, Deron O’Connor and wife, Sue of Hays, Kansas, and D.J. O’Connor and wife Julie of Plano, Texas; one brother, Thomas O’Connor of Parsons, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and another arriving soon.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth O’Connor and his grandparents.

A Rosary Vigil service will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 22nd at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. Following the Rosary the Family will greet those in attendance and all friends at reception Celebrating Louie’s life at the Holy Name School Gym.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father James Schibi officiating. Private Family inurnment will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas.

Friends may sign the register book on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.

The Family suggests memorials in Louie’s memory to Holy Name Catholic School, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation or Coffeyville Community College Foundation; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632230937807.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harold Louis “Louie” O’Connor, 85, of Coffeyville passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.He was born on October 1, 1935, at Parsons, Kansas, to Thomas Joseph and Elizabeth Ann (Jungles) O’Connor. Louie grew up and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Parsons graduating when he was 15 years old. He then attended Our Lady of the Ozarks Preparatory School graduating when he was 18. Louie attended Parsons Junior College for a year before entering the Chemical Engineering school at Kansas State University.While attending Parsons Junior College he met the love of his life Peggy Porter. Louie completed his classes at Kansas State and they were married on November 17, 1956. Following their marriage they made their home in Webb City, Missouri while Louie completed a Master’s Degree in Chemistry in 1958. After graduating they moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma where Louie worked at Callery Chemical Company, in 1959 they moved to Coffeyville when he accepted a position as Chemist at Cooperative Refining (later Farmland Industries, now Coffeyville Resource) in 1980 he was transferred to Midland, Texas to study Gas Contract Law. In 1981 the family moved to Littleton, Colorado where Louie was head of Gas Processes for Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. In 1983 they returned to Coffeyville when Louie was named Chief Chemist at Farmland Refinery, in 1990 he became an Environmental Engineer at Farmland until retiring in May 1996.Louie and Peggy where active with their children at their church and in the communities they lived. Louie coached all of his children’s teams whether it was baseball, football, basketball and any other sport they were involved in. They were also actively involved in cheering their grandchildren at whatever sport they were involved in.After retiring Louie and Peggy enjoyed traveling to 23 foreign countries and all 50 states, and went on 7 cruises.Louie was an active member of Holy Name Catholic Church where he was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #991, was Past Grand Knight, served as President of the Parish Council, was a member of the Finance Committee and was a Lector, Usher, and Extraordinary Minister. Louie and Al Liebert worked together and founded the Holy Name Carnival which continues today to benefit Holy Name Catholic School. He also served on the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Board of Directors for 17 years, and was a Hospital Auxiliary member for many years. Louie was a Red Cross Volunteer and a Blood Donor for many years. Left to cherish Louie’s memory are his wife, Peggy of the home; his five children, David O’Connor of Houston, Texas, Doug O’Connor and wife, Becky of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Debra Ann Jacobson and husband, Billy of Wilsall, Montana, Deron O’Connor and wife, Sue of Hays, Kansas, and D.J. O’Connor and wife Julie of Plano, Texas; one brother, Thomas O’Connor of Parsons, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and another arriving soon.He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth O’Connor and his grandparents.A Rosary Vigil service will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 22nd at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. Following the Rosary the Family will greet those in attendance and all friends at reception Celebrating Louie’s life at the Holy Name School Gym.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father James Schibi officiating. Private Family inurnment will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas.Friends may sign the register book on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.The Family suggests memorials in Louie’s memory to Holy Name Catholic School, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation or Coffeyville Community College Foundation; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

Harold Louis 'Louie' O’Connor

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Armyworms are so-called because they can march across fields or landscapes in large groups. That seems to be happening this year as there are reports of armyworms feeding on tilled volunteer wheat fields, to the point they have taken out a lot of the volunteer wheat, even turning it white in some fields.

That brings up the question from farmers: Is this something I should be worried about, and possibly spray an insecticide for? The short answer is no.&nbsp;

I visited with J.P. Michaud, entomologist at the Ag Research Center in Hays. Most fall armyworms should be nearing the end of their last generation this year, meaning once they reach maturity, they will pupate and then emerge as a moth. Then, due to shorter day length (winter coming), they will pack-up and head south for the winter.&nbsp;

However, this could take a few more weeks, possibly more. Primarily, this is due to the sporadic hatching of the last generation of armyworms. The first generation is pretty synchronized, but after that, the following generations develop asynchronously, meaning some larvae are still small while others have finished feeding.&nbsp;

Insecticide seed treatments do not work well against armyworms and other lepidopteran larvae.

The bottom line is early-planted wheat is at the greatest risk. Early-planted fields should be 
inspected frequently during the first few weeks following emergence. Unless you are planting early for some grazing, it is preferable in our area to plant towards the end of September and into early October. Historically, yield does not decline unless planting occurs after the second week of October.

Early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, including an increased chance of insect- or mite-transmitted viral diseases, or decreased emergence due to high temperatures. Ideally, growers should consider planting within the optimum window, but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers might also consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.&nbsp;

Young fall armyworms are ½ to 3/4 inch long, and are 1 ½ inches long at maturity. Body color may vary from green to almost black, but light stripes will be visible along the length of the body. Look for a whitish inverted "Y" on the face. It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks to develop from egg to pupa. The adult is a moth.

Another question that may arise is, do I still need to spray or till under the volunteer wheat that had heavy armyworm feeding? I would err on the side of caution and still do so, as I doubt that every single volunteer wheat plant is completely dead. Also, please keep in mind that all volunteer wheat should be killed within a mile of any new planting, ideally two weeks beforehand.&nbsp;

If you have any questions give us a call or email--Stacy Campbell 785-628-9430, <a href="mailto:scampbel@ksu.edu">scampbel@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; J.P. Michaud 785-625-3425, <a href="mailto:jpmi@ksu.edu">jpmi@ksu.edu</a> &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631724155056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictArmyworms are so-called because they can march across fields or landscapes in large groups. That seems to be happening this year as there are reports of armyworms feeding on tilled volunteer wheat fields, to the point they have taken out a lot of the volunteer wheat, even turning it white in some fields.That brings up the question from farmers: Is this something I should be worried about, and possibly spray an insecticide for? The short answer is no.&nbsp;I visited with J.P. Michaud, entomologist at the Ag Research Center in Hays. Most fall armyworms should be nearing the end of their last generation this year, meaning once they reach maturity, they will pupate and then emerge as a moth. Then, due to shorter day length (winter coming), they will pack-up and head south for the winter.&nbsp;However, this could take a few more weeks, possibly more. Primarily, this is due to the sporadic hatching of the last generation of armyworms. The first generation is pretty synchronized, but after that, the following generations develop asynchronously, meaning some larvae are still small while others have finished feeding.&nbsp;Insecticide seed treatments do not work well against armyworms and other lepidopteran larvae.The bottom line is early-planted wheat is at the greatest risk. Early-planted fields should be 
inspected frequently during the first few weeks following emergence. Unless you are planting early for some grazing, it is preferable in our area to plant towards the end of September and into early October. Historically, yield does not decline unless planting occurs after the second week of October.Early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, including an increased chance of insect- or mite-transmitted viral diseases, or decreased emergence due to high temperatures. Ideally, growers should consider planting within the optimum window, but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers might also consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.&nbsp;Young fall armyworms are ½ to 3/4 inch long, and are 1 ½ inches long at maturity. Body color may vary from green to almost black, but light stripes will be visible along the length of the body. Look for a whitish inverted "Y" on the face. It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks to develop from egg to pupa. The adult is a moth.Another question that may arise is, do I still need to spray or till under the volunteer wheat that had heavy armyworm feeding? I would err on the side of caution and still do so, as I doubt that every single volunteer wheat plant is completely dead. Also, please keep in mind that all volunteer wheat should be killed within a mile of any new planting, ideally two weeks beforehand.&nbsp;If you have any questions give us a call or email--Stacy Campbell 785-628-9430, <a href="mailto:scampbel@ksu.edu">scampbel@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; J.P. Michaud 785-625-3425, <a href="mailto:jpmi@ksu.edu">jpmi@ksu.edu</a> &nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Fall armyworms are abundant in farmer’s fields 

John Roland Bergren, was born October 13, 1926, at Severy, in 
Greenwood County, Kansas. The second son of Muriel Dorothy Johnson and 
Reuben Emmanuel Bergren, he has been called “Jack” all his life.&nbsp; The 
name on his birth certificate was Roland John Bergren and Jack had it 
legally changed to John Roland Bergren after he was an adult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632173571526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Roland Bergren, was born October 13, 1926, at Severy, in 
Greenwood County, Kansas. The second son of Muriel Dorothy Johnson and 
Reuben Emmanuel Bergren, he has been called “Jack” all his life.&nbsp; The 
name on his birth certificate was Roland John Bergren and Jack had it 
legally changed to John Roland Bergren after he was an adult.The family lived in a number of different communities during his 
childhood, moving to Kiowa the summer of 1939.&nbsp; The move to Kiowa was 
made in a truck, with mother and father riding&nbsp; in front and Jack and 
his brothers LaVern and Dwight riding on top of the truck with the 
family’s personal effects.&nbsp; When they came to a hill west of Anthony and
 looked westward, Muriel exclaimed “my goodness this must be the end of 
the world.” The hot August sun was shining and there were mirages and 
waves of heat rising from the road.Starting high school in Kiowa was a new experience for Jack and his 
brothers, as previous towns where they had lived, were much smaller and 
Kiowa seemed like a big city.&nbsp; Jack was and still is a very reserved and
 shy person and making friends was a little hard.&nbsp; Sports was the love 
of his life and he went out for all sports, getting acquainted that way.A very enterprising young man, he mowed yards with a push mower (not 
gas powered) for 25 cents a lawn. Saving his hard earned money, he was 
able to pay for his schooling.&nbsp; He also worked for a local grocery store
 candeling eggs and popped corn for the local theater.&nbsp; He also worked 
at various farms helping with plowing etc.He graduated from Kiowa High school in May of 1944.&nbsp; Soon after 
graduating he went to work for the local ice company.&nbsp; He spent 2 years 
at El Dorado working for an oil refinery, but was bumped from that job 
when the war ended and veterans were given back their former jobs.At an early age Jack was baptized in the Methodist faith.&nbsp; After his 
marriage to Eva Lavern Robison on March 23, 1951, he was baptized in the
 First Christian Church at Kiowa. That marriage ended in divorce in 
1975.On May 23, 1981, he was united in marriage to Wilma Darlene Huffman 
Ricke, at the Baptist parsonage in Hoisington, Kansas.&nbsp; After a 
honeymoon in the Black Hills of South Dakota, they were at home at 211 E
 7th, Hoisington.On March 5, 1948, he began working for the Western Power and 
Telephone as a service technician until his retirement in 1987 from 
Contel, who had purchased the telephone division.&nbsp; His expertise in 
telephone repair and installation has enabled his to continue that line 
of work, establishing his own company as Bergren Telephone Company. His 
son Kerry assisted.Always active in sports he was a member of the Kiowa Jewelers 
basketball team, playing forward.&nbsp; He was also a member of the Kiowa 
Baseball town team, playing short stop for many years.&nbsp; As a young man 
right after graduation he was “tapped” to try out for the St. Louis 
Cardinals farm team, but turned the offer down, saying he just didn’t 
want to leave home.He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Darlene Bergren of the home; 
three children, Joni Lynette Sterling and husband Steve of Alva, 
Oklahoma, Lori Annette Campbell and husband Kevin of Arkansas City, and 
Kerry John Bergren of Wichita; four stepdaughters, Crista McMillin, 
Teresa Scott and husband Bruce, Kathy Lynch, and Terri Davis and husband
 Brian; three granddaughters, Darbi Lynn Hinde, Kianne Lee Campbell, and
 Kacee Annette Campbell; one grandson, Brandt Steven Sterling; and two 
great grandchildren, Sawyer Sterling Hinde and Lincoln Calvin Hinde; and
 16 step grandchildren.Visitation will be Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 
family to receive friends from 6 - 8p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Hoisington 
Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation in care
 of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.