WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new feature allowing any 
family receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments to quickly and easily
 update their mailing address using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>,
 found exclusively on IRS.gov. This feature will help any family that 
chooses to receive their payment by paper check avoid mailing delays or 
even having a check returned as undeliverable.

Any family can easily have their September check and all future 
checks sent to their new address by using the portal to make an address 
change request. To have the change take effect in September, people need
 to complete the request before midnight Eastern Time on Monday, August 
30. Families can still make changes after that date, but their request 
will not be effective until the next scheduled monthly payment.

If you change your mailing address using the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal, the IRS will use this updated address for all future IRS 
correspondence so the address change feature can also be helpful to 
taxpayers that are receiving payments by direct deposit. For example, 
the IRS will mail a year-end summary statement (Letter 6419) to all 
taxpayers who have received advance Child Tax Credit payments during 
2021 and having a current address on file with the IRS will ensure 
prompt delivery of this statement.

Families will need Letter 6419 to quickly and accurately fill out 
their 2021 federal income tax return next year. This is important 
because, for most families, the advance payments they are receiving 
during 2021 cover only half of the total credit. They will claim the 
remaining portion on their 2021 tax return.

The address change feature joins a growing set of services available 
through the Child Tax Credit Update Portal. Available only on IRS.gov, 
the portal already allows families to verify their eligibility for the 
payments and then, if they choose to:

Any of these changes made before midnight ET on August 30, will 
apply to the September 15 payment and all subsequent monthly payments, 
scheduled for October 15, November 15, and December 15.

Future enhancements are planned for the Child Tax Credit Portal

Later this year, families will also be able to use the Update Portal tool to:

Latest information for the Child Tax Credit payments on IRS.gov

The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page 
designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and
 the advance payments. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

The web page now features an updated set of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> and the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5549.pdf">Publication 5549, IRS User Guide: Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>.
 It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other 
online tools — the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant — and other useful resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new feature allowing any 
family receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments to quickly and easily
 update their mailing address using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>,
 found exclusively on IRS.gov. This feature will help any family that 
chooses to receive their payment by paper check avoid mailing delays or 
even having a check returned as undeliverable.Any family can easily have their September check and all future 
checks sent to their new address by using the portal to make an address 
change request. To have the change take effect in September, people need
 to complete the request before midnight Eastern Time on Monday, August 
30. Families can still make changes after that date, but their request 
will not be effective until the next scheduled monthly payment.If you change your mailing address using the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal, the IRS will use this updated address for all future IRS 
correspondence so the address change feature can also be helpful to 
taxpayers that are receiving payments by direct deposit. For example, 
the IRS will mail a year-end summary statement (Letter 6419) to all 
taxpayers who have received advance Child Tax Credit payments during 
2021 and having a current address on file with the IRS will ensure 
prompt delivery of this statement.Families will need Letter 6419 to quickly and accurately fill out 
their 2021 federal income tax return next year. This is important 
because, for most families, the advance payments they are receiving 
during 2021 cover only half of the total credit. They will claim the 
remaining portion on their 2021 tax return.The address change feature joins a growing set of services available 
through the Child Tax Credit Update Portal. Available only on IRS.gov, 
the portal already allows families to verify their eligibility for the 
payments and then, if they choose to:<ul>
 <li>Switch from receiving a paper check to direct deposit;</li><li>Change the account where their payment is direct deposited; or</li><li>Stop monthly payments for the rest of 2021.</li>
 </ul>Any of these changes made before midnight ET on August 30, will 
apply to the September 15 payment and all subsequent monthly payments, 
scheduled for October 15, November 15, and December 15.<h2>Future enhancements are planned for the Child Tax Credit Portal</h2>Later this year, families will also be able to use the Update Portal tool to:<ul>
 <li>Add or remove children in most situations;</li><li>Report a change in marital status; or</li><li>Report a significant change in income.</li>
 </ul><h2>Latest information for the Child Tax Credit payments on IRS.gov</h2>The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page 
designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and
 the advance payments. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.The web page now features an updated set of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> and the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5549.pdf">Publication 5549, IRS User Guide: Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>.
 It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other 
online tools — the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant — and other useful resources.

Updates for Child Tax Credit payment must be completed by Aug. 30

Elizabeth L. “Betty” (Weigel) Denning, age 73, former Victoria, Kansas, resident died Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Diversicare of Council Grove, Kansas.

She was born November 11, 1947, in Hays, Kansas to Alfred G. and Mary Anna (Hammerschmidt) Weigel.&nbsp; She married Dennis L. Denning on October 15, 1977 at Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on August 9, 2014.

Betty was a bookkeeper for over 40 years.&nbsp; She worked at Home Lumber Company, Kansas Producers Gas Company, and Wasinger Brothers Plumbing-Heating &amp; Air all of Hays.&nbsp; She grew up in Victoria, and was a 1965 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; She was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis and&nbsp; Christian Mothers both of Victoria.&nbsp; She volunteered a lot in the church, the community, Girl Scouts and served on the Ellis County Council Cancer.

Survivors include her daughter, Alicia Kelley and husband, Michael, Council Grove; three grandchildren, Ava, Owen and Everly Kelley; four sisters, Theresa Klaus and Agnes Weigel, both of Hays, KS; Twila Weigel, Victoria, KS; Stella Weigel, Salina, KS; one brother-in-law, Morris Denning and wife, Janet, Hays, KS; one sister-in-law, Dianne Ream, Hays, KS;&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; her son, Justin Denning; one brother, Thomas Weigel; two sisters, Kathleen Weigel and Norma Weigel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at The&nbsp; Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp;

A vigil service will be at 6:15 P.M. Monday, followed by a St. Fidelis Christian Mothers rosary at 6:30 P.M. Monday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials payable to: The Justin Denning FCCLA Memorial Scholarship in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at the guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629487125447.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elizabeth L. “Betty” (Weigel) Denning, age 73, former Victoria, Kansas, resident died Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Diversicare of Council Grove, Kansas.She was born November 11, 1947, in Hays, Kansas to Alfred G. and Mary Anna (Hammerschmidt) Weigel.&nbsp; She married Dennis L. Denning on October 15, 1977 at Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on August 9, 2014.Betty was a bookkeeper for over 40 years.&nbsp; She worked at Home Lumber Company, Kansas Producers Gas Company, and Wasinger Brothers Plumbing-Heating &amp; Air all of Hays.&nbsp; She grew up in Victoria, and was a 1965 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; She was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis and&nbsp; Christian Mothers both of Victoria.&nbsp; She volunteered a lot in the church, the community, Girl Scouts and served on the Ellis County Council Cancer.Survivors include her daughter, Alicia Kelley and husband, Michael, Council Grove; three grandchildren, Ava, Owen and Everly Kelley; four sisters, Theresa Klaus and Agnes Weigel, both of Hays, KS; Twila Weigel, Victoria, KS; Stella Weigel, Salina, KS; one brother-in-law, Morris Denning and wife, Janet, Hays, KS; one sister-in-law, Dianne Ream, Hays, KS;&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; her son, Justin Denning; one brother, Thomas Weigel; two sisters, Kathleen Weigel and Norma Weigel.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at The&nbsp; Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp;A vigil service will be at 6:15 P.M. Monday, followed by a St. Fidelis Christian Mothers rosary at 6:30 P.M. Monday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.The family suggests memorials payable to: The Justin Denning FCCLA Memorial Scholarship in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at the guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Elizabeth L. 'Betty' (Weigel) Denning

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration announced Thursday it will automatically erase student loan debt for more than 300,000 Americans with severe disabilities that leave them unable to earn significant incomes.

The move will wipe out more than $5.8 billion in debt, according to the Education Department, and it marks the start of a broader overhaul of a program that has been criticized for having overly burdensome rules.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from borrowers with disabilities and advocates about the need for this change and we are excited to follow through on it,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

The federal government offers student debt relief for people who are “totally and permanently disabled” and have limited incomes. But the current rules require them to submit documentation of their disability and undergo a three-year monitoring period to prove they’re earning little pay.

Tens of thousands of people have been dropped from the program and had their loans reinstated simply because they failed to submit proof of their earnings, however, and critics say the complex rules deter some from applying.

Advocates have pressed the Education Department to eliminate the monitoring period entirely and to provide automatic debt relief to people who the Social Security Administration already identifies as permanently disabled.

Under the new action, both demands will be met. Starting in September, the Education Department will start erasing student debt for 323,000 Americans identified in Social Security records as being permanently disabled.

Borrowers will be notified once they have been approved for relief. All of the loans are expected to be discharged by the end of the year.

The department also plans to eliminate the program’s three-year monitoring period, which was previously suspended during the pandemic. That change is expected to be cemented during a federal rulemaking process set to start in October, the agency said.

“This is going to be a smooth process for our borrowers,” Cardona said in a call with reporters. “They’re not going to have to be applying for it or getting bogged down by paperwork.”

Advocates celebrated the change as a victory. Aaron Ament, president of the National Student Legal Defense Network, called it a “life-changing” step.

“This is a huge moment for hundreds of thousands of borrowers with disabilities who can now move on with their lives and won’t be trapped in a cycle of debt,” he said.

Democrats in Congress said it was the right move. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, said borrowers shouldn’t face paperwork and other administrative hurdles if the federal government already knows they’re eligible for loan forgiveness.

“With this simple and sensible change, more than 320,000 borrowers and their families are being freed from the burden of student loans that they should not have to repay,” Scott said in a statement.

The program has faced scrutiny since 2016, when a federal watchdog agency found that the income reporting process posed an obstacle for borrowers. In 98% of cases in which loans were restored, it was because borrowers did not submit paperwork, not because their earnings were too high, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported.

The Trump administration started granting automatic loan cancellations to eligible military veterans in 2019, but the move did not apply to hundreds of thousands of other Americans with disabilities.

In March, the Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-f78bae481c408b19c96a7ab1a3e426da">canceled debt</a>&nbsp;for more than 40,000 borrowers whose debt had been restored because of paperwork issues, but it indicated further changes would need to come through a federal rulemaking process.

Cardona announced the change as the White House faces mounting pressure to pursue wider debt forgiveness.

Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-education-0c2776d99aadef0ca3931eb6098c853b">have called on Biden to erase $50,000&nbsp;</a>in student debt for all borrowers as a way to jumpstart the economy.

Biden has asked the Education and Justice departments to assess the legality of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-985cd1e840698acd547d5032764a5c68">mass debt cancellation</a>. Cardona said Thursday that those conversations are “still underway.” Meanwhile, he said, his agency is working to improve other debt forgiveness programs that target specific groups of borrowers.

“It’s an effort to show that we are working to improve targeted loan relief and help our borrowers,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616100370459.png" alt="“We’ve heard loud and clear from borrowers with disabilities and advocates about the need for this change and we are excited to follow through on it,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement." />
 <figcaption>“We’ve heard loud and clear from borrowers with disabilities and advocates about the need for this change and we are excited to follow through on it,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration announced Thursday it will automatically erase student loan debt for more than 300,000 Americans with severe disabilities that leave them unable to earn significant incomes.The move will wipe out more than $5.8 billion in debt, according to the Education Department, and it marks the start of a broader overhaul of a program that has been criticized for having overly burdensome rules.“We’ve heard loud and clear from borrowers with disabilities and advocates about the need for this change and we are excited to follow through on it,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.The federal government offers student debt relief for people who are “totally and permanently disabled” and have limited incomes. But the current rules require them to submit documentation of their disability and undergo a three-year monitoring period to prove they’re earning little pay.Tens of thousands of people have been dropped from the program and had their loans reinstated simply because they failed to submit proof of their earnings, however, and critics say the complex rules deter some from applying.Advocates have pressed the Education Department to eliminate the monitoring period entirely and to provide automatic debt relief to people who the Social Security Administration already identifies as permanently disabled.Under the new action, both demands will be met. Starting in September, the Education Department will start erasing student debt for 323,000 Americans identified in Social Security records as being permanently disabled.Borrowers will be notified once they have been approved for relief. All of the loans are expected to be discharged by the end of the year.The department also plans to eliminate the program’s three-year monitoring period, which was previously suspended during the pandemic. That change is expected to be cemented during a federal rulemaking process set to start in October, the agency said.“This is going to be a smooth process for our borrowers,” Cardona said in a call with reporters. “They’re not going to have to be applying for it or getting bogged down by paperwork.”Advocates celebrated the change as a victory. Aaron Ament, president of the National Student Legal Defense Network, called it a “life-changing” step.“This is a huge moment for hundreds of thousands of borrowers with disabilities who can now move on with their lives and won’t be trapped in a cycle of debt,” he said.Democrats in Congress said it was the right move. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, said borrowers shouldn’t face paperwork and other administrative hurdles if the federal government already knows they’re eligible for loan forgiveness.“With this simple and sensible change, more than 320,000 borrowers and their families are being freed from the burden of student loans that they should not have to repay,” Scott said in a statement.The program has faced scrutiny since 2016, when a federal watchdog agency found that the income reporting process posed an obstacle for borrowers. In 98% of cases in which loans were restored, it was because borrowers did not submit paperwork, not because their earnings were too high, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported.The Trump administration started granting automatic loan cancellations to eligible military veterans in 2019, but the move did not apply to hundreds of thousands of other Americans with disabilities.In March, the Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-f78bae481c408b19c96a7ab1a3e426da">canceled debt</a>&nbsp;for more than 40,000 borrowers whose debt had been restored because of paperwork issues, but it indicated further changes would need to come through a federal rulemaking process.Cardona announced the change as the White House faces mounting pressure to pursue wider debt forgiveness.Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-education-0c2776d99aadef0ca3931eb6098c853b">have called on Biden to erase $50,000&nbsp;</a>in student debt for all borrowers as a way to jumpstart the economy.Biden has asked the Education and Justice departments to assess the legality of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-985cd1e840698acd547d5032764a5c68">mass debt cancellation</a>. Cardona said Thursday that those conversations are “still underway.” Meanwhile, he said, his agency is working to improve other debt forgiveness programs that target specific groups of borrowers.“It’s an effort to show that we are working to improve targeted loan relief and help our borrowers,” he said.

US to erase student debt for those with severe disabilities

October 17, 1955
 -
 August 4, 2021

Carol Marie Engleman, 65, of Otis, Kansas, passed away August 4, 2021, in
 Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born October 17, 1955, in Hill City, Kansas 
to Francis Marion and Reva Mildred (Teter) Moore. 
 She married Ron Engleman February 3, 1988, in Morland. He preceded 
her in death December 21, 2015. Carol was also preceded in death by her 
parents; her brother Tommy, and her son, Christopher. Survivors left to 
cherish her memory include her daughter Merri Taylor and husband Jeremy 
of Otis and her grandson Myles Binger. Carol loved her family more than 
anything else and was very close to her grandson, Myles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629318793679.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>October 17, 1955
 -
 August 4, 2021Carol Marie Engleman, 65, of Otis, Kansas, passed away August 4, 2021, in
 Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born October 17, 1955, in Hill City, Kansas 
to Francis Marion and Reva Mildred (Teter) Moore. 
 She married Ron Engleman February 3, 1988, in Morland. He preceded 
her in death December 21, 2015. Carol was also preceded in death by her 
parents; her brother Tommy, and her son, Christopher. Survivors left to 
cherish her memory include her daughter Merri Taylor and husband Jeremy 
of Otis and her grandson Myles Binger. Carol loved her family more than 
anything else and was very close to her grandson, Myles.Click HERE for service details.

Carol Marie Engleman

Joyce Maureen Sarmento, of Orland, Calif., passed away Monday, August 16, 
2021.&nbsp; Born December 4, 1933, in Weed, Calif., Joyce graduated from Yreka High
 School and attended Heald’s Business College in Sacramento.&nbsp; There she 
met her husband, Manuel, and they married on October 18, 1953.&nbsp;

Together, Manuel and Joyce were married 40 years, raised three 
children, Kathleen (Sarmento) Paslay, Mark Sarmento and Terry Sarmento. 
They owned Sarmento Jewelers, a fixture in downtown Orland, for 32 
years. She was an active member of the St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and
 volunteered as a bookkeeper for the parish. Joyce was a member of the 
Altar Society, enjoyed bowling and gardening and volunteered her time at
 the Orland Food Pantry.

Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. 
She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Sarmento Jr and her son 
Terry Anthony Sarmento. She is survived by her children Kathleen Paslay,
 husband Greg and Mark Sarmento, wife Paula, all of Orland.&nbsp; Joyce also 
leaves behind her grandchildren Elizabeth (Paslay) Jaeger, husband John;
 Eric Paslay, wife Tamara; Latasha (Sarmento) Marston, husband Donovan; 
Scott Sarmento, wife Rachel; Rick Lower, wife Tammy; Chris Sarmento, 
wife Cassie; Emmy Sarmento and fifteen great grandchildren.

Services are to be handled by Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary in Orland. A
 graveside service will be held at the Orland Catholic Cemetery on 
Thursday, August 26th at 10 AM. Joyce will be laid to rest 
next to her husband and son. A Rosary and mass in her memory will be 
held at a later date at St. Dominic's Church in Orland.

The family would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers 
during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be 
made in Joyce’s name to the <a href="about:blank">St. Dominic’s Altar Society</a>, <a href="about:blank">Enloe Hospice</a> or the <a href="about:blank">American Cancer Society</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629340874681.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joyce Maureen Sarmento, of Orland, Calif., passed away Monday, August 16, 
2021.&nbsp; Born December 4, 1933, in Weed, Calif., Joyce graduated from Yreka High
 School and attended Heald’s Business College in Sacramento.&nbsp; There she 
met her husband, Manuel, and they married on October 18, 1953.&nbsp;Together, Manuel and Joyce were married 40 years, raised three 
children, Kathleen (Sarmento) Paslay, Mark Sarmento and Terry Sarmento. 
They owned Sarmento Jewelers, a fixture in downtown Orland, for 32 
years. She was an active member of the St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and
 volunteered as a bookkeeper for the parish. Joyce was a member of the 
Altar Society, enjoyed bowling and gardening and volunteered her time at
 the Orland Food Pantry.Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. 
She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Sarmento Jr and her son 
Terry Anthony Sarmento. She is survived by her children Kathleen Paslay,
 husband Greg and Mark Sarmento, wife Paula, all of Orland.&nbsp; Joyce also 
leaves behind her grandchildren Elizabeth (Paslay) Jaeger, husband John;
 Eric Paslay, wife Tamara; Latasha (Sarmento) Marston, husband Donovan; 
Scott Sarmento, wife Rachel; Rick Lower, wife Tammy; Chris Sarmento, 
wife Cassie; Emmy Sarmento and fifteen great grandchildren.Services are to be handled by Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary in Orland. A
 graveside service will be held at the Orland Catholic Cemetery on 
Thursday, August 26th at 10 AM. Joyce will be laid to rest 
next to her husband and son. A Rosary and mass in her memory will be 
held at a later date at St. Dominic's Church in Orland.The family would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers 
during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be 
made in Joyce’s name to the <a href="about:blank">St. Dominic’s Altar Society</a>, <a href="about:blank">Enloe Hospice</a> or the <a href="about:blank">American Cancer Society</a>.

Joyce Maureen Sarmento

Ruby Bell Palmer Seaman Bedore was born June 10, 1925, on a farm near 
Woodston, Kansas and departed this life August 16, 2021. She was the 
second daughter and one of five children of George A. and Mabel M. 
Walker Palmer.
 Ruby Bell grew up on the family farm, attended the Chalk Mound 
School and graduated from Woodston Rural High School in 1943. She 
attended a summer teachers’ training program at Fort Hays State College 
then taught for four years in rural Rooks County at Hrabe School, Chalk 
Mound and Survey schools.
 Ruby Bell married Victor E. Seaman September 5, 1948, beginning 
their lives together on a farm near Alton, KS until 1953 when they moved
 to Stockton. Her son, Dwight Seaman, joined the family in October 1958,
 and remains Ruby’s only child even as she treated nieces and nephews as
 her own. Victor Seaman preceded her in death in March 1977. She later
 married Joseph “Bill” Bedore in November 1977. Bill Bedore died in 
June 1996.
 With service to her family and the community in mind, Ruby worked a 
variety of jobs while living in Stockton, Kansas. Her jobs and 
responsibilities included work as a café cook and waitress, employee in 
cream stations, a clerk and bookkeeper for Phelps Drug Store, a clerk in
 the Register of Deeds office, and bus driver for U.S.D. 271 for 12 
years. She was a Senior Companion from 1996 to 2013. Her work as a 
Senior Companion touched many families and was a fulfilling role for 
Ruby Bell. She was a member of and regular volunteer for the Lion’s 
Club and actively attended church throughout her life.
 Quilting remained a passion for Ruby Bell, providing her with a 
creative outlet and hobby that drew in friends who also loved quilting. 
Relatives and friends who received her quilts will be kept warm from her
 efforts for years to come. 
 She leaves to mourn a son, Dwight L. Seaman and his wife Betty of 
Madison, Mississippi, grandson Travis Seaman and his wife Mallory of 
Akron, Ohio, and granddaughter Jessica Beer and her husband Alexander of
 Denver, Colorado. Great-grandchildren include Travis Seaman’s 
children, Saffron, Benjamin and Robert. 
 Family members partaking in mourning Ruby’s passing include niece 
Debra Schellinger of Stockton, KS, nephew Ron Eggers and his wife Dana 
and their children of Parsons, KS, nephew Bob Eggers of Gilbert AZ, 
niece Linda Eggers of Plainville, KS, nephew Richard Eggers of Parsons, 
KS, nephew Gail Palmer and his wife Linda of Gilbert, AZ, niece Beverly 
Medley of Hays, KS, niece Bonnie Wilson of Fairfax, VA, niece Judy 
Blackwell and her husband George and their two sons of Fairfax, VA, 
niece Janet Keller and her daughter and son in law of W. Melbourne, FL, 
nephew “Mack” Palmer and family of Stockton, KS, nephew Ray Palmer and 
family of Hays, KS, several other Palmer family nieces and far-flung 
relatives along with many great-nieces and great-nephews including Linda
 and Jim Reed and Sheri and Trinedy Henry. Family members gained from 
her marriage to Bill Bedore include step-son Larry Bedore and his wife 
Susan of Phillipsburg, KS, step-grandson Patrick Bedore and his family 
of Stockton, KS, step-granddaughter Becky Bedore and her family of 
Parker, CO, step-grandson Chris Hrabe and his family of Smith Center, 
KS, step-granddaughter Joann Hrabe of Belleville, KS, and 
step-granddaughter Shannon Schmidt and her family of Smith County, KS. 
 Those preceding her in death besides her husbands and her parents, 
are two sisters, Florence Walker and her husband Floyd, and Betty Eggers
 and her husband Edmond, two brothers, Junior Palmer and his wife Rita, 
and Roy Lee Palmer and his wife Rosalee, two nephews, Dale Palmer and 
Terry Eggers, four nieces, Shirley Desaire, Candra Shinn, Juanita Wallis
 and Joyce Groft, and step-daughter Linda Hrabe and her husband Leonard.
 Along with her many relatives, Ruby’s passing will be observed by a 
host of lifelong friends and neighbors. Her family thanks the caring 
staff at Solomon Valley Manor for years of care and attention.
 A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the
 Stockton City Cemetery at 3 PM. Visitation will be on Friday from 2PM 
until 8PM at the funeral home in Stockton.
 Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent in 
care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, Stockton, KS 
67669.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629295423011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ruby Bell Palmer Seaman Bedore was born June 10, 1925, on a farm near 
Woodston, Kansas and departed this life August 16, 2021. She was the 
second daughter and one of five children of George A. and Mabel M. 
Walker Palmer.
 Ruby Bell grew up on the family farm, attended the Chalk Mound 
School and graduated from Woodston Rural High School in 1943. She 
attended a summer teachers’ training program at Fort Hays State College 
then taught for four years in rural Rooks County at Hrabe School, Chalk 
Mound and Survey schools.
 Ruby Bell married Victor E. Seaman September 5, 1948, beginning 
their lives together on a farm near Alton, KS until 1953 when they moved
 to Stockton. Her son, Dwight Seaman, joined the family in October 1958,
 and remains Ruby’s only child even as she treated nieces and nephews as
 her own. Victor Seaman preceded her in death in March 1977. She later
 married Joseph “Bill” Bedore in November 1977. Bill Bedore died in 
June 1996.
 With service to her family and the community in mind, Ruby worked a 
variety of jobs while living in Stockton, Kansas. Her jobs and 
responsibilities included work as a café cook and waitress, employee in 
cream stations, a clerk and bookkeeper for Phelps Drug Store, a clerk in
 the Register of Deeds office, and bus driver for U.S.D. 271 for 12 
years. She was a Senior Companion from 1996 to 2013. Her work as a 
Senior Companion touched many families and was a fulfilling role for 
Ruby Bell. She was a member of and regular volunteer for the Lion’s 
Club and actively attended church throughout her life.
 Quilting remained a passion for Ruby Bell, providing her with a 
creative outlet and hobby that drew in friends who also loved quilting. 
Relatives and friends who received her quilts will be kept warm from her
 efforts for years to come. 
 She leaves to mourn a son, Dwight L. Seaman and his wife Betty of 
Madison, Mississippi, grandson Travis Seaman and his wife Mallory of 
Akron, Ohio, and granddaughter Jessica Beer and her husband Alexander of
 Denver, Colorado. Great-grandchildren include Travis Seaman’s 
children, Saffron, Benjamin and Robert. 
 Family members partaking in mourning Ruby’s passing include niece 
Debra Schellinger of Stockton, KS, nephew Ron Eggers and his wife Dana 
and their children of Parsons, KS, nephew Bob Eggers of Gilbert AZ, 
niece Linda Eggers of Plainville, KS, nephew Richard Eggers of Parsons, 
KS, nephew Gail Palmer and his wife Linda of Gilbert, AZ, niece Beverly 
Medley of Hays, KS, niece Bonnie Wilson of Fairfax, VA, niece Judy 
Blackwell and her husband George and their two sons of Fairfax, VA, 
niece Janet Keller and her daughter and son in law of W. Melbourne, FL, 
nephew “Mack” Palmer and family of Stockton, KS, nephew Ray Palmer and 
family of Hays, KS, several other Palmer family nieces and far-flung 
relatives along with many great-nieces and great-nephews including Linda
 and Jim Reed and Sheri and Trinedy Henry. Family members gained from 
her marriage to Bill Bedore include step-son Larry Bedore and his wife 
Susan of Phillipsburg, KS, step-grandson Patrick Bedore and his family 
of Stockton, KS, step-granddaughter Becky Bedore and her family of 
Parker, CO, step-grandson Chris Hrabe and his family of Smith Center, 
KS, step-granddaughter Joann Hrabe of Belleville, KS, and 
step-granddaughter Shannon Schmidt and her family of Smith County, KS. 
 Those preceding her in death besides her husbands and her parents, 
are two sisters, Florence Walker and her husband Floyd, and Betty Eggers
 and her husband Edmond, two brothers, Junior Palmer and his wife Rita, 
and Roy Lee Palmer and his wife Rosalee, two nephews, Dale Palmer and 
Terry Eggers, four nieces, Shirley Desaire, Candra Shinn, Juanita Wallis
 and Joyce Groft, and step-daughter Linda Hrabe and her husband Leonard.
 Along with her many relatives, Ruby’s passing will be observed by a 
host of lifelong friends and neighbors. Her family thanks the caring 
staff at Solomon Valley Manor for years of care and attention.
 A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the
 Stockton City Cemetery at 3 PM. Visitation will be on Friday from 2PM 
until 8PM at the funeral home in Stockton.
 Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent in 
care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, Stockton, KS 
67669.

Ruby Bell Bedore

Douglas A. Beck, 61, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Doug was born October 20, 1959, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of four 
children born to Wesley Eugene and Katherine N. (Dinkel) Beck.&nbsp; He grew 
up in Russell and was a Class of 77 graduate of Russell High School.

Doug has done a variety of things throughout his life.&nbsp; He worked in 
the oilfields as a roustabout.&nbsp; He was a designer for King Of The Road.&nbsp;
 He worked on pipelines and his latest employment was with USD 407 as a 
Custodian and in the maintenance department.&nbsp; He had an artistic side to
 him that enjoyed drawing race cars.&nbsp; He was a racing enthusiast that 
enjoyed attending races in Topeka.&nbsp; Him and his big sister always had a 
great time gambling.&nbsp; He was well known for his grilling and smoking 
abilities.&nbsp; He loved spending time with his family and friends, 
especially his nieces, nephews and great niece.

Doug’s surviving family include his brother, Gerry Beck (Melanie) of 
Olathe, Kansas; sisters, Paula Shoemaker (Calvin) and Dianne Crawford of
 Victoria, Kansas; nieces, Madison Beck of Lawrence, Kansas, Julie Dawn 
of Seattle, Washington and McKayla Parton of Victoria, Kansas; nephew, 
Noah Beck of Olathe, Kansas; and great niece, Emma Parton of Victoria, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A memorial service to 
celebrate Doug’s life will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has been 
selected by the family.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, 
Kansas, is in charge of the memorial arrangements.

Douglas A. Beck, 61, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Russell Regional Hospital.Doug was born October 20, 1959, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He was one of four 
children born to Wesley Eugene and Katherine N. (Dinkel) Beck.&nbsp; He grew 
up in Russell and was a Class of 77 graduate of Russell High School.Doug has done a variety of things throughout his life.&nbsp; He worked in 
the oilfields as a roustabout.&nbsp; He was a designer for King Of The Road.&nbsp;
 He worked on pipelines and his latest employment was with USD 407 as a 
Custodian and in the maintenance department.&nbsp; He had an artistic side to
 him that enjoyed drawing race cars.&nbsp; He was a racing enthusiast that 
enjoyed attending races in Topeka.&nbsp; Him and his big sister always had a 
great time gambling.&nbsp; He was well known for his grilling and smoking 
abilities.&nbsp; He loved spending time with his family and friends, 
especially his nieces, nephews and great niece.Doug’s surviving family include his brother, Gerry Beck (Melanie) of 
Olathe, Kansas; sisters, Paula Shoemaker (Calvin) and Dianne Crawford of
 Victoria, Kansas; nieces, Madison Beck of Lawrence, Kansas, Julie Dawn 
of Seattle, Washington and McKayla Parton of Victoria, Kansas; nephew, 
Noah Beck of Olathe, Kansas; and great niece, Emma Parton of Victoria, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service to 
celebrate Doug’s life will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has been 
selected by the family.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, 
Kansas, is in charge of the memorial arrangements.

Douglas A. Beck

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families—the largest single increase in the program’s history.

Starting in October, average benefits for food stamps (officially known as the SNAP program) will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. The increased assistance will be available indefinitely to all 42 million SNAP beneficiaries.

The aid boost was first reported by The New York Times and the details were confirmed by a spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture. They will be formally announced Monday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The aid boost is being packaged as a major revision of the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. In concrete terms, the average monthly per-person benefits will rise from $121 to $157.

The increase is part of a multi-pronged Biden administration effort to strengthen the country’s social safety net. Poverty and food security activists maintain that longstanding inadequacies in that safety net were laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting an opportunity to make generational improvements that reach beyond the current public health crisis.

Activists say the previous levels of pre-pandemic SNAP assistance simply weren’t enough, forcing many households to choose cheaper, less nutritious options or simply go hungry as the funds ran low toward the end of the month.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families—the largest single increase in the program’s history.Starting in October, average benefits for food stamps (officially known as the SNAP program) will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. The increased assistance will be available indefinitely to all 42 million SNAP beneficiaries.The aid boost was first reported by The New York Times and the details were confirmed by a spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture. They will be formally announced Monday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.The aid boost is being packaged as a major revision of the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. In concrete terms, the average monthly per-person benefits will rise from $121 to $157.The increase is part of a multi-pronged Biden administration effort to strengthen the country’s social safety net. Poverty and food security activists maintain that longstanding inadequacies in that safety net were laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting an opportunity to make generational improvements that reach beyond the current public health crisis.Activists say the previous levels of pre-pandemic SNAP assistance simply weren’t enough, forcing many households to choose cheaper, less nutritious options or simply go hungry as the funds ran low toward the end of the month.

Biden boosts food stamp benefits; largest increase in history

Reeta Marie Avery, 80, passed away August 11, 2021 at her residence in Larned, KS.

She was born June 6, 1941 in Lenora, OK the daughter of Marvin and 
Pearl Hart Blaine. She was a 1959 graduate of Taloga High school, 
Taloga, OK. An area resident since October of 2019 moving from Enid, OK 
where she was a secretary and worked at a Beauty College.

She was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed sewing, quilting, 
crocheting and cooking. She also enjoyed listening to Mel Tillis and 
Elvis, who was said to have asked her to be his seamstress. Dogs held a 
special place in her heart.

On April 1, 1990 she married Albert Avery in Medford, OK. He passed away May 20, 2011.

Survivors include: one daughter, Annette (Robin) Hill, Larned, KS.; 
one Brother, Cecil Blaine, Pasadena, TX. and many nieces and nephews 
along with a good friend David Kloss, Larned, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Rickey W.
 Hill; two sisters, Arlis (Russ) Smith and Arlene (Victor) Terbush; one 
sister-in-law, Peggy Blaine.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629121488241.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reeta Marie Avery, 80, passed away August 11, 2021 at her residence in Larned, KS.She was born June 6, 1941 in Lenora, OK the daughter of Marvin and 
Pearl Hart Blaine. She was a 1959 graduate of Taloga High school, 
Taloga, OK. An area resident since October of 2019 moving from Enid, OK 
where she was a secretary and worked at a Beauty College.She was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed sewing, quilting, 
crocheting and cooking. She also enjoyed listening to Mel Tillis and 
Elvis, who was said to have asked her to be his seamstress. Dogs held a 
special place in her heart.On April 1, 1990 she married Albert Avery in Medford, OK. He passed away May 20, 2011.Survivors include: one daughter, Annette (Robin) Hill, Larned, KS.; 
one Brother, Cecil Blaine, Pasadena, TX. and many nieces and nephews 
along with a good friend David Kloss, Larned, KS.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Rickey W.
 Hill; two sisters, Arlis (Russ) Smith and Arlene (Victor) Terbush; one 
sister-in-law, Peggy Blaine.Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.Memorials may be given to Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box, 477, Larned, KS. 67550

Reeta Marie Avery

Still time for low-income families to sign up

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced Friday that millions of American families are now receiving 
their advance Child Tax Credit payment for the month of August as 
direct deposits begin posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in 
mailboxes.

This second batch of advance monthly payments, worth about $15 
billion, are reaching about 36 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;The majority will be issued by direct deposit.

Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families received the 
first payment on July 15, and payments will continue each month for the 
rest of 2021. For these families, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17.

Besides the July 15 and Aug. 13 payments, payment dates are September&nbsp;15, October&nbsp;15, November&nbsp;15 and December&nbsp;15.

Here are further details on these payments:

It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC 
payments. The IRS urged anyone who normally isn't required to file a tax
 return to explore the tools available on IRS.gov. These tools can help 
determine eligibility for the advance CTC or help people file a 
simplified tax return to sign up for these payments as well as Economic 
Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.

The IRS continues to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax 
Credit. The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">online tools and toolkits</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
sign up to receive the advance Child Tax Credits as well as Economic 
Impact Payments. People can check their eligibility for the advance 
payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.

Families can stop payments anytime, even after payments begin. They 
do that by using the unenroll feature in the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal. Eligible families who make this choice will still receive the 
rest of their Child Tax Credit as a lump sum when they file their 2021 
federal income tax return next year. To stop all payments starting in 
September and the rest of 2021, they must unenroll by 11:59 p.m. ET on 
August&nbsp;30, 2021.

For married couples, each spouse must unenroll separately. If they 
each choose to unenroll, they will receive no monthly payments. If only 
one spouse unenrolls, they will still receive monthly payments, but they
 will be half the normal amount.

The unenroll feature can also be helpful to any family that no longer
 qualifies for the CTC or believes they will not qualify when they file 
their 2021 return. This could happen if, for example, someone else, such
 as an ex-spouse or another family member, qualifies to claim their 
child or children as dependents in 2021.

Links to these tools, a step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer 
Sign-up Tool, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful 
resources are available on the tax agency's special advance CTC 2021 
page. It's at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Still time for low-income families to sign up</h2>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced Friday that millions of American families are now receiving 
their advance Child Tax Credit payment for the month of August as 
direct deposits begin posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in 
mailboxes.This second batch of advance monthly payments, worth about $15 
billion, are reaching about 36 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;The majority will be issued by direct deposit.Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families received the 
first payment on July 15, and payments will continue each month for the 
rest of 2021. For these families, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17.Besides the July 15 and Aug. 13 payments, payment dates are September&nbsp;15, October&nbsp;15, November&nbsp;15 and December&nbsp;15.Here are further details on these payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting today, August&nbsp;13. Like the first payments, the vast majority of
 families will receive these payments by direct deposit.</li><li>The IRS wants to alert some recipients who received direct deposits
 in July that they will receive the August payments by mail. Due to an 
issue expected to be resolved by the September payments, a percentage of
 these recipients – less than 15% – who received payments by direct 
deposit in July will be mailed paper checks for the August payment. For 
those affected, no additional action is needed for the September payment
 to be issued by direct deposit. Families can visit the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a> to see if they're receiving a direct deposit or paper check this month.</li><li>For those receiving their payments by paper check, be sure to allow
 extra time for delivery by mail through the end of August. Those 
wishing to receive future payments by direct deposit can make this 
change using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>,&nbsp;available only on IRS.gov. To access the portal or to get a new step-by-step guide for using it, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>. A change made by 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 will apply starting with the September payment.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 income 
tax return. Returns processed by August&nbsp;2 are reflected in these 
payments. This includes people who don't typically file a return but 
during 2020 successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using 
the IRS Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov or in 2021 successfully used the 
Non-filer Sign-up Tool for advance CTC, also available only on IRS.gov.</li><li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, including a
 simplified return from the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, families don't have 
to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly payments. The 
Non-Filer Sign-Up tool is available until October 15, 2021.&nbsp;</li><li>Families who did not get a July payment and are getting their first
 monthly payment in August will still receive their total advance 
payment for the year. This means that the total payment will be spread 
over five months, rather than six, making each monthly payment larger. 
For these families, each&nbsp;payment is up to $360 per month for each child 
under age 6 and up to $300 per month for each child ages 6 through 17</li><li>Additionally, the IRS is correcting an issue regarding the advance 
CTC payments for families where the parent(s) have an Individual 
Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and the qualifying children have a
 Social Security number. Such families who did not receive a July 
payment are receiving a monthly payment in August, which also includes a
 portion of the July payment. They will receive the remainder of the 
July payment in late August.</li>
 </ul><h2>Low-income families can still sign up</h2>It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC 
payments. The IRS urged anyone who normally isn't required to file a tax
 return to explore the tools available on IRS.gov. These tools can help 
determine eligibility for the advance CTC or help people file a 
simplified tax return to sign up for these payments as well as Economic 
Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.The IRS continues to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax 
Credit. The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-resources-and-guidance">online tools and toolkits</a>
 to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups 
sign up to receive the advance Child Tax Credits as well as Economic 
Impact Payments. People can check their eligibility for the advance 
payments by using the new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant">advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant</a>.<h2>Families can stop payments anytime</h2>Families can stop payments anytime, even after payments begin. They 
do that by using the unenroll feature in the Child Tax Credit Update 
Portal. Eligible families who make this choice will still receive the 
rest of their Child Tax Credit as a lump sum when they file their 2021 
federal income tax return next year. To stop all payments starting in 
September and the rest of 2021, they must unenroll by 11:59 p.m. ET on 
August&nbsp;30, 2021.For married couples, each spouse must unenroll separately. If they 
each choose to unenroll, they will receive no monthly payments. If only 
one spouse unenrolls, they will still receive monthly payments, but they
 will be half the normal amount.The unenroll feature can also be helpful to any family that no longer
 qualifies for the CTC or believes they will not qualify when they file 
their 2021 return. This could happen if, for example, someone else, such
 as an ex-spouse or another family member, qualifies to claim their 
child or children as dependents in 2021.Links to these tools, a step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer 
Sign-up Tool, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful 
resources are available on the tax agency's special advance CTC 2021 
page. It's at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

IRS: August Child Tax Credit payments hitting bank accounts

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A forensic audit of Salina Fire Department leave time has found that some "Chiefs of Staff" (CoSs) took time off without applying it to vacation.

The audit report is scheduled to be presented to the Salina City Commission at Monday's meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building. As of now, the audit report is scheduled near the end of the meeting.

City officials were made aware of the potential leave time fraud in October 2019, when former Salina firefighter Tim LePage brought it to their attention, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2021/08/05/ff12-investigation-accusations-time-card-fraud-within-salina-fire-department/">Factfinder 12 report</a>&nbsp;by Alex Flippin that aired on KWCH last week. LePage made Flippin aware of his concerns and provided documentation that appeared to back up those concerns.

LePage retired from the Salina Fire Department in July after 22 years of service. He was placed on leave until his retirement because of his reporting to city officials about the alleged time fraud, he said in the KWCH report.

According to the forensics audit report conducted on behalf of the city by Kansas City, Mo., firm BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors, city management "performed a limited initial investigation and based on that investigation, the City and counsel were concerned that deliberate inaccuracies relating to the reporting of payroll may have affected compensation in various specific payroll cycles, and potentially caused overtime and inflated vacation available to be bought back, resulting in misuse of City and taxpayer money to the benefit of the individual employees."

BKD was hired to conduct a forensics accounting audit of fire department leave time from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2020. According to BKD, the "scope of positions analyzed began with the entire Fire Department and was narrowed as the analysis progressed."

"An initial kickoff call was held on Oct. 27, 2020 where City Management walked through the data and how to utilize and interpret the data. Management also identified individuals of focus and discrepancies to be aware of," BKD noted.

BKD reported finding a pattern of some "Chiefs of Staff" (CoSs) collecting time worked beyond the normal work day or shift and taking the time off later. According to the report, this is "what is commonly referred to as 'compensation time.' Generally, this time is referred to in the Fire Department's historic data as 'admin time' or 'admin days,' and more recently referred to as 'executive leave.'"

According to the report, city policies and procedures do not permit compensation time, such as admin time or admin days.

The audit noted that "Chiefs of Staff" includes the fire chief, interim fire chief, battalion chiefs, fire marshal, EMS chief, and training chiefs. It is important to note, however that, per the audit, only some of this group took admin time/executive leave.

While use of admin days ranged from one to 13 per person per year, one CoS had 20 such days in 2019, the audit noted.

"A total of 265 shifts were identified during our scope period as time off not applied to vacation, which is valued at over $198,000. In addition, we identified 24 shifts where it appears to be additional personal time or sick time not reported, valued at over $18,000," the audit report noted.

According to the report, the use of admin time did not impact the amount of vacation time the CoSs accrued.

"Therefore, the CoSs had their full allowable vacation time and/or were able to sell up to 50% of unused vacation in addition to the admin days," the audit report stated.

The report continued, "Our analysis calculated that the impermissible use of admin time facilitated over $75,000 of vacation buybacks during our scope period that would not have been possible had vacation days been used to provide the admin time off."

Additionally, the report noted the "cascading effect" the use of admin time by CoSs had on lower-ranking member of the Salina Fire Department. For instance, if a CoS took admin time, a lower-ranking member of the department had to take on the CoS's duties. Other employees would then have to assume the duties of the person filling in for the CoS.

The BKD report specifically mentioned a "Use of Executive Leave" memo from May 1, 2007, that "appeared to authorize the use of executive leave by the CoS under the Executive Staff Manual section on 'Exempt Employees.'"

Following are observations made by BKD in the report.

●The fire department did not seek permission or receive authorization from the city for authorizing executive leave for the CoSs, nor was there an attempt to confirm authorization later with the city.

●The Executive Leave Memo did not comply with the Executive Staff Manual's section for exempt employees on key points, namely the requirement for city manager approval for consecutive executive leave beyond one day.

●Leave was not being used by CoSs as authorized by the Executive Leave Memo.

●While the Executive Leave Memo allegedly solidified the practice of executive leave, admin time had been taken by CoSs prior to the 2007 Executive Leave Memo.

●The Executive Leave Memo was not well circulated among CoSs until knowledge of the city's investigation into admin time came to light.

To read the report of the forensics audit of Salina Fire Department leave time plus accompanying documents, including a timeline (37 pages),&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=475631&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA forensic audit of Salina Fire Department leave time has found that some "Chiefs of Staff" (CoSs) took time off without applying it to vacation.The audit report is scheduled to be presented to the Salina City Commission at Monday's meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building. As of now, the audit report is scheduled near the end of the meeting.City officials were made aware of the potential leave time fraud in October 2019, when former Salina firefighter Tim LePage brought it to their attention, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2021/08/05/ff12-investigation-accusations-time-card-fraud-within-salina-fire-department/">Factfinder 12 report</a>&nbsp;by Alex Flippin that aired on KWCH last week. LePage made Flippin aware of his concerns and provided documentation that appeared to back up those concerns.LePage retired from the Salina Fire Department in July after 22 years of service. He was placed on leave until his retirement because of his reporting to city officials about the alleged time fraud, he said in the KWCH report.According to the forensics audit report conducted on behalf of the city by Kansas City, Mo., firm BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors, city management "performed a limited initial investigation and based on that investigation, the City and counsel were concerned that deliberate inaccuracies relating to the reporting of payroll may have affected compensation in various specific payroll cycles, and potentially caused overtime and inflated vacation available to be bought back, resulting in misuse of City and taxpayer money to the benefit of the individual employees."BKD was hired to conduct a forensics accounting audit of fire department leave time from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2020. According to BKD, the "scope of positions analyzed began with the entire Fire Department and was narrowed as the analysis progressed.""An initial kickoff call was held on Oct. 27, 2020 where City Management walked through the data and how to utilize and interpret the data. Management also identified individuals of focus and discrepancies to be aware of," BKD noted.BKD reported finding a pattern of some "Chiefs of Staff" (CoSs) collecting time worked beyond the normal work day or shift and taking the time off later. According to the report, this is "what is commonly referred to as 'compensation time.' Generally, this time is referred to in the Fire Department's historic data as 'admin time' or 'admin days,' and more recently referred to as 'executive leave.'"According to the report, city policies and procedures do not permit compensation time, such as admin time or admin days.The audit noted that "Chiefs of Staff" includes the fire chief, interim fire chief, battalion chiefs, fire marshal, EMS chief, and training chiefs. It is important to note, however that, per the audit, only some of this group took admin time/executive leave.While use of admin days ranged from one to 13 per person per year, one CoS had 20 such days in 2019, the audit noted."A total of 265 shifts were identified during our scope period as time off not applied to vacation, which is valued at over $198,000. In addition, we identified 24 shifts where it appears to be additional personal time or sick time not reported, valued at over $18,000," the audit report noted.According to the report, the use of admin time did not impact the amount of vacation time the CoSs accrued."Therefore, the CoSs had their full allowable vacation time and/or were able to sell up to 50% of unused vacation in addition to the admin days," the audit report stated.The report continued, "Our analysis calculated that the impermissible use of admin time facilitated over $75,000 of vacation buybacks during our scope period that would not have been possible had vacation days been used to provide the admin time off."Additionally, the report noted the "cascading effect" the use of admin time by CoSs had on lower-ranking member of the Salina Fire Department. For instance, if a CoS took admin time, a lower-ranking member of the department had to take on the CoS's duties. Other employees would then have to assume the duties of the person filling in for the CoS.The BKD report specifically mentioned a "Use of Executive Leave" memo from May 1, 2007, that "appeared to authorize the use of executive leave by the CoS under the Executive Staff Manual section on 'Exempt Employees.'"Following are observations made by BKD in the report.●The fire department did not seek permission or receive authorization from the city for authorizing executive leave for the CoSs, nor was there an attempt to confirm authorization later with the city.●The Executive Leave Memo did not comply with the Executive Staff Manual's section for exempt employees on key points, namely the requirement for city manager approval for consecutive executive leave beyond one day.●Leave was not being used by CoSs as authorized by the Executive Leave Memo.●While the Executive Leave Memo allegedly solidified the practice of executive leave, admin time had been taken by CoSs prior to the 2007 Executive Leave Memo.●The Executive Leave Memo was not well circulated among CoSs until knowledge of the city's investigation into admin time came to light.To read the report of the forensics audit of Salina Fire Department leave time plus accompanying documents, including a timeline (37 pages),&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=475631&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Audit of Salina Fire department leave time shows misuse

Donald Lee Penka, 85, died Aug. 10, 2021, at Medicalodges of Great Bend.&nbsp; He was born October 11, 1935, in Larned, to John and Mary Hazel (Simmons) Penka. Don married Lilly Dreiling Nov. 25, 1963, in Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Don, a resident of Great Bend since 1963 coming from Garden City, was employed as a clerk supervisor for Dillons and later worked for Werth’s Plumbing and as a custodian for USD 428, retiring in 1998. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council #862, and a current member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he faithfully served as a homebound Eucharistic Minister.&nbsp; In his younger years, Don served the youth of the community as a bowling coach, and in his retirement he enjoyed woodworking and enthusiastically followed his grandchildren’s activities. Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.

Survivors include his wife Lilly Penka, of the home; one son, Matt Penka and his wife Christi of Great Bend; two daughters, Michele Smith and husband Delbert of Topeka, and Melissa Sides of Hutchinson; and seven grandchildren, Lauren Penka, Blake Penka, Dru Penka, Sarah Smith, Samantha Smith, Ashley Sides and Braden Sides.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marcene Penka; two brothers, Norman Penka and Elvin Penka; three sisters, Valetta Stroble, Cleta Jackson and Ellen Jo Penka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Prakash Kola presiding.&nbsp; Interment will be in Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Bryant Funeral Home, with a Vigil at 7:30 p.m. 

Memorials may be given to Sully’s Foundation for Epilepsy Research and Education (SFERE) or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628803931307.jpeg" alt="Donald Penka" />
 <figcaption>Donald Penka</figcaption>
 </figure>Donald Lee Penka, 85, died Aug. 10, 2021, at Medicalodges of Great Bend.&nbsp; He was born October 11, 1935, in Larned, to John and Mary Hazel (Simmons) Penka. Don married Lilly Dreiling Nov. 25, 1963, in Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp;Don, a resident of Great Bend since 1963 coming from Garden City, was employed as a clerk supervisor for Dillons and later worked for Werth’s Plumbing and as a custodian for USD 428, retiring in 1998. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council #862, and a current member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he faithfully served as a homebound Eucharistic Minister.&nbsp; In his younger years, Don served the youth of the community as a bowling coach, and in his retirement he enjoyed woodworking and enthusiastically followed his grandchildren’s activities. Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.Survivors include his wife Lilly Penka, of the home; one son, Matt Penka and his wife Christi of Great Bend; two daughters, Michele Smith and husband Delbert of Topeka, and Melissa Sides of Hutchinson; and seven grandchildren, Lauren Penka, Blake Penka, Dru Penka, Sarah Smith, Samantha Smith, Ashley Sides and Braden Sides.He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marcene Penka; two brothers, Norman Penka and Elvin Penka; three sisters, Valetta Stroble, Cleta Jackson and Ellen Jo Penka.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Prakash Kola presiding.&nbsp; Interment will be in Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Bryant Funeral Home, with a Vigil at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to Sully’s Foundation for Epilepsy Research and Education (SFERE) or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Donald Lee Penka

Larry Dechant, 71, died Monday, August 9, 2021, at his home in Garden 
City, Kansas. He was born November 9, 1949, in Garden City, Kansas the 
son of Manuel &amp; Elizabeth “Betty” (Pfeiffer) Dechant. 
 Larry has been a lifetime resident of Garden City. He attended 
Garden City schools and graduated form Garden City High School. He 
served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from March of 
1970 to October of 1971. Larry was the owner and operator of Dechant 
Retail Liquor in Garden City for 14 years. He then worked for many 
years as a groundskeeper for USD #457 until his retirement. 
 Survivors include four sisters Betty Heath of Leoti, Kansas, 
Rosemary Wasinger of Scott City, Kansas, Joyce York of Ft. Worth, Texas,
 &amp; Debra Robinson of Holcomb, Kansas; two brothers Ronald Dechant of
 Garden City, Kansas and James “Jake” Dechant of Garden City, Kansas; 
and many nieces and nephews. 
 Larry is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Alex 
Dechant and Ken Dechant; and two sisters Linda Sinclair and Evelyn 
Berning. 
 A private family interment will take place at a later date at 
Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military graveside rites 
conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. There will be 
no calling hours.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Larry Dechant, 71, died Monday, August 9, 2021, at his home in Garden 
City, Kansas. He was born November 9, 1949, in Garden City, Kansas the 
son of Manuel &amp; Elizabeth “Betty” (Pfeiffer) Dechant. 
 Larry has been a lifetime resident of Garden City. He attended 
Garden City schools and graduated form Garden City High School. He 
served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from March of 
1970 to October of 1971. Larry was the owner and operator of Dechant 
Retail Liquor in Garden City for 14 years. He then worked for many 
years as a groundskeeper for USD #457 until his retirement. 
 Survivors include four sisters Betty Heath of Leoti, Kansas, 
Rosemary Wasinger of Scott City, Kansas, Joyce York of Ft. Worth, Texas,
 &amp; Debra Robinson of Holcomb, Kansas; two brothers Ronald Dechant of
 Garden City, Kansas and James “Jake” Dechant of Garden City, Kansas; 
and many nieces and nephews. 
 Larry is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Alex 
Dechant and Ken Dechant; and two sisters Linda Sinclair and Evelyn 
Berning. 
 A private family interment will take place at a later date at 
Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military graveside rites 
conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. There will be 
no calling hours.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Larry Dechant

TOPEKA - The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC), an affiliate of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eYsysZDXiWHTE9nnbAmWFNjm1g9FcdJl_ukwMnF5-L8iAURLa6v_R_vRfZNEE8PrRnKOC868ufqngm-iKk1kQP58wiK_igFSqQ==&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>.

Presented by BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors, this competition is a great way to learn about the many products made in Kansas. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for Kansas manufacturers to show their best stuff and prove they have what it takes to be the&nbsp;Coolest Thing Made in Kansas.

“The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future. ”said Mark Chalfant, KMC’s board of advisors chairman and president and CEO of Fuller Industries, Great Bend.

Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition.

The top 32 nominated products will set the tournament-style bracket. They will compete in weekly head-to-head match-ups. The products that receive the highest votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eXILSxrLU2Y_BZvQFrFmw4LqNLeUAs_vP96K8D5CgGAk4Qg5ArDiwLkjgDXJ2lRUT94y24WQvEyb3Irzo07mEdA=&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Coolest Thing Made in Kansas</a>.

The winner will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70ee7o1wr9RRn9wvH4jaTXBE1BtIq7YxHmkHM77S9pOyKrUw_uVccdZRCH-ehvutmzG9lzOmCloCqcSFZbxxJombBMgNReP43J2KFCTf4XQlX9&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Kansas Star Casino. All 32 nominees will be invited to display their products at the summit.

"BKD is fortunate to have the opportunity to work and engage with manufacturers across Kansas and is able to see first-hand the research, development and ultimate success of innovative products.&nbsp;We are excited to sponsor this competition and provide manufacturers a platform to showcase their products and promote the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas manufacturers and the solutions they are bringing to the market," said Jennifer Wold, BKD Commercial Services partner.

The reigning Coolest Thing Made in Kansas is the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eawKluIcin5R1in3h_P6Zdj-Jg-rwzB7QV1RmK0dZsMBQFT4Ts6yeXe65bBQ9f6EjIIwQ9Zkzph0cBukruXw71gs1nPsdUZk5w==&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">EMP Shield</a>&nbsp;made in Burlington. EMP Shield is the world’s first electromagnetic pulse (EMP) surge protection technology for an entire home and vehicle tested to military and UL 1449 standards from ETL. How cool is that? <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70ee7o1wr9RRn9akslXn6Ti4QlaLbti0nyFw_6hukI1aEp8kARM3z7KeUMjy7PO_2ZOVAfDXJkJf8c2gnL5VPEAdg8SOe4y7ofl9M2D8zxLRg56jzKB4FTiM1jJ7gSW6hX3e24BamgCm0x&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank"></a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70ee7o1wr9RRn9akslXn6Ti4QlaLbti0nyFw_6hukI1aEp8kARM3z7KeUMjy7PO_2ZOVAfDXJkJf8c2gnL5VPEAdg8SOe4y7ofl9M2D8zxLRg56jzKB4FTiM1jJ7gSW6hX3e24BamgCm0x&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2021 contest close on August 27 at 5:00 p.m. CT.

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eT0YDRAdj0_6DuzFuSLiIXpjKjLK6zLbiKydHY8PLQJ5HoaBmrxUpcCi7M941CbkKGe2Dsc9lQM2CrYuB6WobhEDkHb92n2gKSTR6hJeZEpMG5LdjZt8vvA_MqI538VMyPfseVpyV54d&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank"></a>Nomination Rules

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628696610927.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KMCTOPEKA - The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC), an affiliate of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eYsysZDXiWHTE9nnbAmWFNjm1g9FcdJl_ukwMnF5-L8iAURLa6v_R_vRfZNEE8PrRnKOC868ufqngm-iKk1kQP58wiK_igFSqQ==&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>.Presented by BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors, this competition is a great way to learn about the many products made in Kansas. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for Kansas manufacturers to show their best stuff and prove they have what it takes to be the&nbsp;Coolest Thing Made in Kansas. “The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future. ”said Mark Chalfant, KMC’s board of advisors chairman and president and CEO of Fuller Industries, Great Bend.Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition.The top 32 nominated products will set the tournament-style bracket. They will compete in weekly head-to-head match-ups. The products that receive the highest votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eXILSxrLU2Y_BZvQFrFmw4LqNLeUAs_vP96K8D5CgGAk4Qg5ArDiwLkjgDXJ2lRUT94y24WQvEyb3Irzo07mEdA=&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Coolest Thing Made in Kansas</a>.The winner will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70ee7o1wr9RRn9wvH4jaTXBE1BtIq7YxHmkHM77S9pOyKrUw_uVccdZRCH-ehvutmzG9lzOmCloCqcSFZbxxJombBMgNReP43J2KFCTf4XQlX9&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Kansas Star Casino. All 32 nominees will be invited to display their products at the summit. "BKD is fortunate to have the opportunity to work and engage with manufacturers across Kansas and is able to see first-hand the research, development and ultimate success of innovative products.&nbsp;We are excited to sponsor this competition and provide manufacturers a platform to showcase their products and promote the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas manufacturers and the solutions they are bringing to the market," said Jennifer Wold, BKD Commercial Services partner.The reigning Coolest Thing Made in Kansas is the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eawKluIcin5R1in3h_P6Zdj-Jg-rwzB7QV1RmK0dZsMBQFT4Ts6yeXe65bBQ9f6EjIIwQ9Zkzph0cBukruXw71gs1nPsdUZk5w==&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">EMP Shield</a>&nbsp;made in Burlington. EMP Shield is the world’s first electromagnetic pulse (EMP) surge protection technology for an entire home and vehicle tested to military and UL 1449 standards from ETL. How cool is that? <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70ee7o1wr9RRn9akslXn6Ti4QlaLbti0nyFw_6hukI1aEp8kARM3z7KeUMjy7PO_2ZOVAfDXJkJf8c2gnL5VPEAdg8SOe4y7ofl9M2D8zxLRg56jzKB4FTiM1jJ7gSW6hX3e24BamgCm0x&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70ee7o1wr9RRn9akslXn6Ti4QlaLbti0nyFw_6hukI1aEp8kARM3z7KeUMjy7PO_2ZOVAfDXJkJf8c2gnL5VPEAdg8SOe4y7ofl9M2D8zxLRg56jzKB4FTiM1jJ7gSW6hX3e24BamgCm0x&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2021 contest close on August 27 at 5:00 p.m. CT. <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010OTzp5LfGcKZo_dGM1hGDBmj0zoaYIEUfNHb2tSAm42oEernlr70eT0YDRAdj0_6DuzFuSLiIXpjKjLK6zLbiKydHY8PLQJ5HoaBmrxUpcCi7M941CbkKGe2Dsc9lQM2CrYuB6WobhEDkHb92n2gKSTR6hJeZEpMG5LdjZt8vvA_MqI538VMyPfseVpyV54d&amp;c=T-lWz1ZElUOlj-l0FJAycjQB2hZfanSAMw8PMs7dLC5la45zVpB3qQ==&amp;ch=YD3ZOqfRYjA_nWYhrCMLIKmoOcFg96lKH8Ia5Jo8W2tp7JT395ee8w==" target="_blank"></a>Nomination Rules <ul>
 <li>Everyone is encouraged to nominate their favorite products. There is no limit to the number of product nominations per person.</li><li>Products nominated can be from any sector of the state’s manufacturing industry.</li><li>The company does not have to be headquartered in Kansas but the product must be manufactured in a Kansas-based facility.</li><li>The product must be made using a manufacturing process.</li><li>The Kansas Manufacturing Council will review each nomination to ensure these requirements are met. If for any reason, the nomination does not meet these requirements, the nominator will be notified.</li><li>Companies may only have one product featured in the top eight, so only one product nomination per company is encouraged.</li><li>Winning companies are prohibited from participating in the contest for one year, while each winning product is indefinitely prohibited from being nominated again.</li><li>Companies with products nominated will be notified by the Kansas Manufacturing Council.</li>
 </ul>Voting Rules <ul>
 <li>Voting during the tournament is open to the public. A voter may vote once per day.</li><li>Nominated products will advance through a series of voting rounds.</li><li>The products receiving the highest number of votes in their head-to-head match-ups during each voting period will advance rounds to top 16, eight, final four, and finally the winner.</li><li>The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round.</li><li>&nbsp;New this year, the final round of final four (4) will be decided by popular vote.</li>
 </ul>2021 Contest Calendar <ul>
 <li>Aug. 10th - 27th: Submit Nominations</li><li>Aug. 30th - Sept 10th: Announce Bracket of 32, open voting</li><li>Sept. 13th - 24th: Announce Bracket of 16, open voting</li><li>Sept. 27th - Oct. 1st: Announce Bracket of Top 8, open voting</li><li>Oct. 4th - Oct 11th: Announce Final Round, open voting</li><li>Oct 11th: Coolest Celebration Reception</li><li>Oct 12th: 2021 CTMK Winner Announced</li>
 </ul>

Submit your nomination for the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas

Rita Janet Romine, 83, died August 9, 2021, at Morton County Nursing 
Home, Elkhart.&nbsp; She was born September 15, 1937, in Great Bend, to 
Herman and Lillie Josephine (Mull) Strobel.&nbsp; Rita married James Keith 
Romine October 15, 1955, in Great Bend.&nbsp; James died June30,2020.

Rita, a lifetime resident of Great Bend, was a member of Prince of 
Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and 
the Altar Society.&nbsp; She was an active farm wife, and in her younger 
years, was employed by a Colonel as a secretary at Salina Air Force 
Base.&nbsp; Rita enjoyed reading, gardening, square dancing and playing 
pitch.

Survivors include two sons, Kent Romine and wife Valerie of Great 
Bend, and Kevin Romine and wife Tammy of Great Bend; one daughter, 
Marita Walls and husband Dan of Elkhart; son-in-law Paul Schneweis of 
Great Bend; and eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, Melissa
 Tudor (Damian) and son Trace, Ashley Romine-Guerra (Izzy Guerra) and 
children Teegan, Raquel and Owen, Jessica Ferguson (Dustin) and children
 Grace and Hayden, Kirk Walls, Dr. James Walls (Lindsay), Lindsey White 
(Kendrick), Chad Romine (Taylor), and Ryan Romine.

Rita was preceded in passing by her husband James; one daughter, 
Renee Schneweis; and two brothers, Joseph Strobel and Richard Strobel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 
2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Aneesh 
Parappanattu and Father Terrance Klein presiding.&nbsp; Interment will follow
 at Great Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm, 
Friday, August 13, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with an Altar Society 
Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Vigil with Rosary at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp; Memorials may 
be given to Morton County EMS, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628688489661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rita Janet Romine, 83, died August 9, 2021, at Morton County Nursing 
Home, Elkhart.&nbsp; She was born September 15, 1937, in Great Bend, to 
Herman and Lillie Josephine (Mull) Strobel.&nbsp; Rita married James Keith 
Romine October 15, 1955, in Great Bend.&nbsp; James died June30,2020.Rita, a lifetime resident of Great Bend, was a member of Prince of 
Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and 
the Altar Society.&nbsp; She was an active farm wife, and in her younger 
years, was employed by a Colonel as a secretary at Salina Air Force 
Base.&nbsp; Rita enjoyed reading, gardening, square dancing and playing 
pitch.Survivors include two sons, Kent Romine and wife Valerie of Great 
Bend, and Kevin Romine and wife Tammy of Great Bend; one daughter, 
Marita Walls and husband Dan of Elkhart; son-in-law Paul Schneweis of 
Great Bend; and eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, Melissa
 Tudor (Damian) and son Trace, Ashley Romine-Guerra (Izzy Guerra) and 
children Teegan, Raquel and Owen, Jessica Ferguson (Dustin) and children
 Grace and Hayden, Kirk Walls, Dr. James Walls (Lindsay), Lindsey White 
(Kendrick), Chad Romine (Taylor), and Ryan Romine.Rita was preceded in passing by her husband James; one daughter, 
Renee Schneweis; and two brothers, Joseph Strobel and Richard Strobel.Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 
2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Aneesh 
Parappanattu and Father Terrance Klein presiding.&nbsp; Interment will follow
 at Great Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm, 
Friday, August 13, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with an Altar Society 
Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Vigil with Rosary at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp; Memorials may 
be given to Morton County EMS, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Rita Janet Romine

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association holds its 84th annual Convention &amp; Expo beginning this weekend, Aug. 15 to 17, at Wichita's Century II Convention Center. Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation take part in a panel discussion on "The Changing Face of Energy Policy" on Aug 16 from 10-11 am. Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Ron Estes, Rep. Jake LaTurner, and Rep. Tracey Mann will weigh in with KIOGA President Edward Cross moderating. The keynote speaker is former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who addresses the membership luncheon on Monday, Aug. 16, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. You can find more information, including registration and booth information, at KIOGA's website at (<a href="https://kioga.org/">https://kioga.org/</a>).&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $58.50 per barrel, after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are down nearly $6 per barrel from the first of the Month, but are nearly $20 per barrel higher than at the first of the year.&nbsp; Friday's settlement price for Nymex benchmark crude was $68.28 per barrel, down $3 from a week ago. Prices for both WTI and Brent Crude dropped 7 percent last week, marking the worst weekly price-performance since October. In midday trading Monday, the near-month contract for light sweet crude had dropped another $2 to $66.29 per barrel, a three percent dip for the day. The contract traded as low as $65 earlier in the session. Bank of America said COVID uncertainty remains the biggest challenge for the oil markets. Not only are the Saudis raising production, they're raising prices. Bloomberg reports the world's largest crude-oil exporter is raising U.S. September prices by 10 to 20 cents a barrel. Prices in Asia are going up by anywhere from 20 to 60 cents per barrel. Gas prices continue to rise. The auto club AAA says the monthly national average pump price went from $3.00 per gallon in May to $3.15 in July. The average on Monday was $3.19 per gallon, up more than a dollar from a year ago. The average across Kansas $2.92 per gallon, also up more than a dollar from August of 2020.&nbsp; Intent-to-drill filings in the state are approaching pre-pandemic levels. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 90 new intent-to-drill notices filed across the Sunflower State last month, which brings the year-to-date total to 630 new intents. That's just shy of the 641 intents filed by the end of July 2019, and well ahead of the 111 notices filed by this time last year. There were four new intents filed in Barton County last month, one in Ellis County, one in Russell County and six in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in Kansas drilling activity for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas shows nine active rigs east of Wichita, which is unchanged, and 25 in Western Kansas, which is up two rigs. Drilling continued on one lease in Russell County, and operators are about to spud a new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and two in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reported 491 active drilling rigs across the US, an increase of two oil rigs. The count in Wyoming was up three rigs. Texas was down one, while Oklahoma and News Mexico were each up one. Kansas regulators approved 18 new drilling permits for the week, 577 so far this year. There were seven new permits issued in eastern Kansas, and 11 west of Wichita, including one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Operators last week completed two wells in Ellis County and two in Russell County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 34 newly completed wells statewide, for a year-to-date total of 461. U.S. crude inventories increased last week by nearly four million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports domestic stockpiles of just over 439 million barrels, or about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said gasoline inventories were down more than five million barrels, and are now about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude-oil production last week dropped by about 71,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. Domestic output averaged just over 11.17 million barrels per day for the week through July 20th. That's up slightly from the same week a year ago.&nbsp; EIA reported a slight decline in U.S. crude-oil imports last week to 6.4 million barrels per day. Average imports for the last four weeks are nearly 16% higher than the same four weeks a year ago. The Association of American Railroads says total U.S. rail traffic in July was up slightly over a year ago, but the percentage increase was significantly lower than in other recent months. Total rail traffic was up 3.8 percent year-over-year. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. last week was down for the week, but remains more than two percent higher than in the same period last year. AAR reports 10,289 petroleum tankers rolling the rails last week, down 241 tankers from the week before. Canadian oil-by-rail was also down for the week, but was 31% higher than the same week a year ago. One energy consultant says a significant U.S. supply response to soaring prices is practically impossible before the first half of next year without a dramatic increase in drilling rigs. That's because tight oil operators in the major shale basins are running out of wells that are drilled but uncompleted. Rystad Energy's head of shale research says without DUCs, any increases in fracking will now require increases in drilling and thus increases in drilling rigs. In the Permian Basin, only about 1,550 horizontal DUCs remained by the end of June, a 37% decline from a year earlier. The Web site World Oil says the industry could see complete normalization of CUD inventories by this fall. Energy consumption in the United States dropped to a 25-year low last year, driven mainly by the pandemic response. The Energy Information Administration reports average nationwide consumption of 18.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020, the lowest level since 1995. EIA's Monthly Energy Review reports petroleum consumption decreased in every energy-consuming sector. Consumption dropped by a record 15% in the transportation sector.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association holds its 84th annual Convention &amp; Expo beginning this weekend, Aug. 15 to 17, at Wichita's Century II Convention Center. Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation take part in a panel discussion on "The Changing Face of Energy Policy" on Aug 16 from 10-11 am. Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Ron Estes, Rep. Jake LaTurner, and Rep. Tracey Mann will weigh in with KIOGA President Edward Cross moderating. The keynote speaker is former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who addresses the membership luncheon on Monday, Aug. 16, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. You can find more information, including registration and booth information, at KIOGA's website at (<a href="https://kioga.org/">https://kioga.org/</a>).&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $58.50 per barrel, after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are down nearly $6 per barrel from the first of the Month, but are nearly $20 per barrel higher than at the first of the year.&nbsp; Friday's settlement price for Nymex benchmark crude was $68.28 per barrel, down $3 from a week ago. Prices for both WTI and Brent Crude dropped 7 percent last week, marking the worst weekly price-performance since October. In midday trading Monday, the near-month contract for light sweet crude had dropped another $2 to $66.29 per barrel, a three percent dip for the day. The contract traded as low as $65 earlier in the session. Bank of America said COVID uncertainty remains the biggest challenge for the oil markets. Not only are the Saudis raising production, they're raising prices. Bloomberg reports the world's largest crude-oil exporter is raising U.S. September prices by 10 to 20 cents a barrel. Prices in Asia are going up by anywhere from 20 to 60 cents per barrel. Gas prices continue to rise. The auto club AAA says the monthly national average pump price went from $3.00 per gallon in May to $3.15 in July. The average on Monday was $3.19 per gallon, up more than a dollar from a year ago. The average across Kansas $2.92 per gallon, also up more than a dollar from August of 2020.&nbsp; Intent-to-drill filings in the state are approaching pre-pandemic levels. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 90 new intent-to-drill notices filed across the Sunflower State last month, which brings the year-to-date total to 630 new intents. That's just shy of the 641 intents filed by the end of July 2019, and well ahead of the 111 notices filed by this time last year. There were four new intents filed in Barton County last month, one in Ellis County, one in Russell County and six in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in Kansas drilling activity for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas shows nine active rigs east of Wichita, which is unchanged, and 25 in Western Kansas, which is up two rigs. Drilling continued on one lease in Russell County, and operators are about to spud a new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and two in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reported 491 active drilling rigs across the US, an increase of two oil rigs. The count in Wyoming was up three rigs. Texas was down one, while Oklahoma and News Mexico were each up one. Kansas regulators approved 18 new drilling permits for the week, 577 so far this year. There were seven new permits issued in eastern Kansas, and 11 west of Wichita, including one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Operators last week completed two wells in Ellis County and two in Russell County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 34 newly completed wells statewide, for a year-to-date total of 461. U.S. crude inventories increased last week by nearly four million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports domestic stockpiles of just over 439 million barrels, or about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said gasoline inventories were down more than five million barrels, and are now about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude-oil production last week dropped by about 71,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. Domestic output averaged just over 11.17 million barrels per day for the week through July 20th. That's up slightly from the same week a year ago.&nbsp; EIA reported a slight decline in U.S. crude-oil imports last week to 6.4 million barrels per day. Average imports for the last four weeks are nearly 16% higher than the same four weeks a year ago. The Association of American Railroads says total U.S. rail traffic in July was up slightly over a year ago, but the percentage increase was significantly lower than in other recent months. Total rail traffic was up 3.8 percent year-over-year. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. last week was down for the week, but remains more than two percent higher than in the same period last year. AAR reports 10,289 petroleum tankers rolling the rails last week, down 241 tankers from the week before. Canadian oil-by-rail was also down for the week, but was 31% higher than the same week a year ago. One energy consultant says a significant U.S. supply response to soaring prices is practically impossible before the first half of next year without a dramatic increase in drilling rigs. That's because tight oil operators in the major shale basins are running out of wells that are drilled but uncompleted. Rystad Energy's head of shale research says without DUCs, any increases in fracking will now require increases in drilling and thus increases in drilling rigs. In the Permian Basin, only about 1,550 horizontal DUCs remained by the end of June, a 37% decline from a year earlier. The Web site World Oil says the industry could see complete normalization of CUD inventories by this fall. Energy consumption in the United States dropped to a 25-year low last year, driven mainly by the pandemic response. The Energy Information Administration reports average nationwide consumption of 18.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020, the lowest level since 1995. EIA's Monthly Energy Review reports petroleum consumption decreased in every energy-consuming sector. Consumption dropped by a record 15% in the transportation sector.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices tumble

Theresa Marie (Leiker) Haselhorst, age 91, died Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society of Hays Care Center.&nbsp; She was born October 5, 1929, at Victoria, Kansas, to Pius and Anna (Sander) Leiker.&nbsp; She married Merlin F. Haselhorst on November 9, 1949, in Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on September 29, 1998.

She was a bookkeeper at Flowers By Frances, Feme’ Bridal Wear and Jay Stewart Electric, and retired in 1990.&nbsp; She grew up in Victoria and was a graduate of Victoria High School. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and camping at Cedar Buff Lake.&nbsp; She enjoyed bingo, reading, watching the Royals and the Chiefs.

Theresa was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, and a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary all of Hays, and she spend many hours volunteering at the Community Assistance Center in Hays.&nbsp;

Survivors include three sons, Ronald Haselhorst and wife, Jojo, Palatine, IL; Mark Haselhorst and wife, Lucia, Alma, KS; Jon Haselhorst, Austin, TX; three daughters, Karen Shotwell and husband, Michael, Sedgwick, KS; Janet Schmidt and husband, David L., Catharine, KS; Lori Conway and Ron Carmack, Spring Hill, KS; one sister, Aquina Rajewski, Vincent, KS, two brothers-in-law, Daniel Schmidtberger and wife, Donna, Hill City, KS; George Gatschet, Hays, KS; three sisters-in-law, Ann Leiker, Hays, KS; Ada Leiker, Great Bend, KS, Janice Leiker, Ellis, KS; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; five brothers, Gilbert Leiker,&nbsp;Robert Leiker, Elmer Leiker, Neon Leiker, and Laurian Leiker; five sisters, Luella Dreiling, Armella Wasinger-Thompson, Rosaline Wiesner, Mary Ellen Schmidtberger and Ethel Gatschet.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 18th and Vine Street, Hays, Kansas with Father Nick Parker Officiation.&nbsp; Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas

A vigil service / VFW Auxiliary service and Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, Kanas 67601. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at the church.

The family suggest memorials to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or&nbsp; Community Assistance Center of Hays made payable to: the organization in care of the mortuary.&nbsp;

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628519006752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Theresa Marie (Leiker) Haselhorst, age 91, died Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society of Hays Care Center.&nbsp; She was born October 5, 1929, at Victoria, Kansas, to Pius and Anna (Sander) Leiker.&nbsp; She married Merlin F. Haselhorst on November 9, 1949, in Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on September 29, 1998.She was a bookkeeper at Flowers By Frances, Feme’ Bridal Wear and Jay Stewart Electric, and retired in 1990.&nbsp; She grew up in Victoria and was a graduate of Victoria High School. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and camping at Cedar Buff Lake.&nbsp; She enjoyed bingo, reading, watching the Royals and the Chiefs.Theresa was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, and a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary all of Hays, and she spend many hours volunteering at the Community Assistance Center in Hays.&nbsp;Survivors include three sons, Ronald Haselhorst and wife, Jojo, Palatine, IL; Mark Haselhorst and wife, Lucia, Alma, KS; Jon Haselhorst, Austin, TX; three daughters, Karen Shotwell and husband, Michael, Sedgwick, KS; Janet Schmidt and husband, David L., Catharine, KS; Lori Conway and Ron Carmack, Spring Hill, KS; one sister, Aquina Rajewski, Vincent, KS, two brothers-in-law, Daniel Schmidtberger and wife, Donna, Hill City, KS; George Gatschet, Hays, KS; three sisters-in-law, Ann Leiker, Hays, KS; Ada Leiker, Great Bend, KS, Janice Leiker, Ellis, KS; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; five brothers, Gilbert Leiker,&nbsp;Robert Leiker, Elmer Leiker, Neon Leiker, and Laurian Leiker; five sisters, Luella Dreiling, Armella Wasinger-Thompson, Rosaline Wiesner, Mary Ellen Schmidtberger and Ethel Gatschet.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 18th and Vine Street, Hays, Kansas with Father Nick Parker Officiation.&nbsp; Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, KansasA vigil service / VFW Auxiliary service and Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, Kanas 67601. &nbsp; &nbsp;Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at the church.The family suggest memorials to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or&nbsp; Community Assistance Center of Hays made payable to: the organization in care of the mortuary.&nbsp;Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

Theresa Marie (Leiker) Haselhorst

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Prices for medical marijuana have been dropping as more manufacturers, cultivators and dispensaries open.

Residents voted in 2018 to legalize medical cannabis. Since then, the state has licensed 193 dispensaries, 59 cultivators and 86 manufacturers, although not all of them are operating yet.

When the first dispensary in the Kansas City area opened in October, one eighth of an ounce of flower cost $60. Nearly 10 months later, the same product can be gotten for $40. Local dispensaries at first sold only flower. Now, they stock a variety of items, including edibles and cartridges.

“Certainly, we knew when stores opened here at the very beginning the prices were going to be higher, the selection was going to be more limited,” said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association. “But with each coming week, we see those trends reversing.”

More efficient processes, more cultivators and more competition have all contributed to lower prices since the first manufacturer opened in Missouri.

Prices on some products are estimated to be 25% lower than when dispensaries first opened, said Bethanie White, director of marketing for Clovr, the first manufacturer to open in Missouri.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Prices for medical marijuana have been dropping as more manufacturers, cultivators and dispensaries open.Residents voted in 2018 to legalize medical cannabis. Since then, the state has licensed 193 dispensaries, 59 cultivators and 86 manufacturers, although not all of them are operating yet.When the first dispensary in the Kansas City area opened in October, one eighth of an ounce of flower cost $60. Nearly 10 months later, the same product can be gotten for $40. Local dispensaries at first sold only flower. Now, they stock a variety of items, including edibles and cartridges.“Certainly, we knew when stores opened here at the very beginning the prices were going to be higher, the selection was going to be more limited,” said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association. “But with each coming week, we see those trends reversing.”More efficient processes, more cultivators and more competition have all contributed to lower prices since the first manufacturer opened in Missouri.Prices on some products are estimated to be 25% lower than when dispensaries first opened, said Bethanie White, director of marketing for Clovr, the first manufacturer to open in Missouri.

Medical marijuana prices drop as more dispensaries open

Martha Jane Bollinger, age 85, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021,
 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
June 11, 1936, in LaPlata, Missouri, the daughter of Bernard and Blanche
 Willey Campbell.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, she worked
 for Scott County Law Enforcement for 4 years and then retired from KN 
Energy after 18 years of service.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas 
for over 60 years, served as deaconess, ABW Treasurer, Bible Study 
Circle Treasurer, Bible School teacher, Sunday School Teacher, calling 
coordinator for Baptist Senior Fellowship for several years, and was 
also a member of the XiDelta Kappa Sorority division of Alpha Omega 
sorority.

On October 27, 1956, she married Alan Dale Bollinger in Grigston, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 1, 2014, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son - Dan &amp; Joni Bollinger of Dighton, 
Kansas, Two Daughters - Melinda &amp; André Girod of Colorado Springs, 
Colorado, Tami &amp; Coleby Thomas of Hays, Kansas, Four Granddaughters -
 Julie Fields of Fort Drum, New York, Mishelle Williams of Sevierville, 
Tennessee, Cora Thomas of Hays, Kansas, Stella Thomas of Hays, Kansas, 
Three Grandsons - Scott Williams of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tony 
Girod of Germany, Trevor Bollinger of Lawrence, Kansas, Eight Great 
Grandchildren, and One Great Great Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, and Husband.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 13, 
2021, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle 
Evans presiding. Services will be streamed live at 
www.priceandsons.com.&nbsp; Click the live stream tab on the left side of the
 obituary&nbsp;or click on "<a href="https://evt.live/jbollinger">LIVESTREAM</a>"&nbsp;starting at 10:25 a.m.

Memorials may be written to the First Baptist Church or Silent Angels
 in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, 
Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00
 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott
 City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628360828256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Martha Jane Bollinger, age 85, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021,
 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
June 11, 1936, in LaPlata, Missouri, the daughter of Bernard and Blanche
 Willey Campbell.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, she worked
 for Scott County Law Enforcement for 4 years and then retired from KN 
Energy after 18 years of service.She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas 
for over 60 years, served as deaconess, ABW Treasurer, Bible Study 
Circle Treasurer, Bible School teacher, Sunday School Teacher, calling 
coordinator for Baptist Senior Fellowship for several years, and was 
also a member of the XiDelta Kappa Sorority division of Alpha Omega 
sorority.On October 27, 1956, she married Alan Dale Bollinger in Grigston, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 1, 2014, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her One Son - Dan &amp; Joni Bollinger of Dighton, 
Kansas, Two Daughters - Melinda &amp; André Girod of Colorado Springs, 
Colorado, Tami &amp; Coleby Thomas of Hays, Kansas, Four Granddaughters -
 Julie Fields of Fort Drum, New York, Mishelle Williams of Sevierville, 
Tennessee, Cora Thomas of Hays, Kansas, Stella Thomas of Hays, Kansas, 
Three Grandsons - Scott Williams of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tony 
Girod of Germany, Trevor Bollinger of Lawrence, Kansas, Eight Great 
Grandchildren, and One Great Great Grandchild.She was preceded in death by her Parents, and Husband.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 13, 
2021, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle 
Evans presiding. Services will be streamed live at 
www.priceandsons.com.&nbsp; Click the live stream tab on the left side of the
 obituary&nbsp;or click on "<a href="https://evt.live/jbollinger">LIVESTREAM</a>"&nbsp;starting at 10:25 a.m.Memorials may be written to the First Baptist Church or Silent Angels
 in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, 
Kansas, 67871.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00
 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott
 City, Kansas.

Jane Bollinger

Terri Brown, 66, received her angel wings on July 24, 2021, at her 
daughter’s home in Oberlin, Kansas. Terri was born to Melvin and Betty 
(Norton) West on March 9, 1955, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Terri lived 
in the Loveland-Fort Collins area most of her childhood. She was 
surrounded by her dad, mom, and sister Cindi (West) Grafel.
 Her parents divorced and married again bringing new people into 
Terri’s life. Melvin married Nancy Reider and her two children. A 
daughter Debbie (Reider) Gray and a son Mark Reider. Betty married 
Archie Aman and his daughter Lorri (Aman) Grafel.
 Terri married Jack Brown on October 19, 1975, in Loveland, Colorado.
 To this union they had a daughter Jackie Lynn (Brown) Winder. Terri 
moved to California where Jack was stationed in the Marines. They 
returned to Colorado in December 1977. Terri was a stay-at-home mom. She
 did part time jobs here and there. She helped out wherever she could. 
She loved to crochet and color pictures. Her favorite past time was 
collecting figurines. She loved animals, angels, and crystals. 
 Terri had the spirit of adventure, she loved road trips anywhere at 
any time. Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends. 
In 1984, she moved to Kansas to be closer to her sister Cindi and her 
family. She divorced Jack and remained in Kansas to be close to her 
daughter until her passing.
 Terri was preceded in death by her dad and stepmom, Melvin and Nancy
 West, of Loveland, Colorado and mom and stepdad, Betty and Archie Aman,
 of Loveland, Colorado.
 She leaves behind her daughter, Jackie Lynn (Brown) Winder and 
husband James of Oberlin, Kansas; sisters: Cindi (West) Grafel and 
husband Kyle of Herndon, Kansas, Lorri (Aman) Grafel and husband Kent of
 Culbertson, Nebraska, Debbie (Reider) Gray and husband Mike of Montana;
 brother, Mark Reider of Cut Bend, Montana; Granddaughters: Carmen 
(Winder) Ridpath and husband Joseph of Goodland, Kansas, Cheyenne Winder
 of Oberlin, Kansas and a lot of nieces, nephews and great friends.
 She will be missed deeply by all.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628107007618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Terri Brown, 66, received her angel wings on July 24, 2021, at her 
daughter’s home in Oberlin, Kansas. Terri was born to Melvin and Betty 
(Norton) West on March 9, 1955, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Terri lived 
in the Loveland-Fort Collins area most of her childhood. She was 
surrounded by her dad, mom, and sister Cindi (West) Grafel.
 Her parents divorced and married again bringing new people into 
Terri’s life. Melvin married Nancy Reider and her two children. A 
daughter Debbie (Reider) Gray and a son Mark Reider. Betty married 
Archie Aman and his daughter Lorri (Aman) Grafel.
 Terri married Jack Brown on October 19, 1975, in Loveland, Colorado.
 To this union they had a daughter Jackie Lynn (Brown) Winder. Terri 
moved to California where Jack was stationed in the Marines. They 
returned to Colorado in December 1977. Terri was a stay-at-home mom. She
 did part time jobs here and there. She helped out wherever she could. 
She loved to crochet and color pictures. Her favorite past time was 
collecting figurines. She loved animals, angels, and crystals. 
 Terri had the spirit of adventure, she loved road trips anywhere at 
any time. Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends. 
In 1984, she moved to Kansas to be closer to her sister Cindi and her 
family. She divorced Jack and remained in Kansas to be close to her 
daughter until her passing.
 Terri was preceded in death by her dad and stepmom, Melvin and Nancy
 West, of Loveland, Colorado and mom and stepdad, Betty and Archie Aman,
 of Loveland, Colorado.
 She leaves behind her daughter, Jackie Lynn (Brown) Winder and 
husband James of Oberlin, Kansas; sisters: Cindi (West) Grafel and 
husband Kyle of Herndon, Kansas, Lorri (Aman) Grafel and husband Kent of
 Culbertson, Nebraska, Debbie (Reider) Gray and husband Mike of Montana;
 brother, Mark Reider of Cut Bend, Montana; Granddaughters: Carmen 
(Winder) Ridpath and husband Joseph of Goodland, Kansas, Cheyenne Winder
 of Oberlin, Kansas and a lot of nieces, nephews and great friends.
 She will be missed deeply by all.

Terri Lynn Brown

SPRINGDALE, ARK.— Tyson Foods is requiring its team members at U.S. office locations to be fully vaccinated by October 1, 2021. All other team members are required to be fully vaccinated by November 1, 2021, subject to ongoing discussions with locations represented by unions, according to a media release from the company.&nbsp;

Exceptions to the vaccination mandate will involve workers who seek medical or religious accommodation.

"Once fully vaccinated, and verified in the Vaccination Verification Program, employees will receive $200 as thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe, subject to ongoing discussions with our unions," <a href="https://thefeed.blog/2021/08/03/our-next-step-in-the-fight-against-the-pandemic/">according to a memo to team members</a> from President and CEO Donnie King.

This action makes Tyson Foods the largest U.S. food company to require COVID-19 vaccinations for its entire workforce. Almost half of Tyson Foods’ U.S. workforce has been vaccinated and coronavirus infection rates among team members remain low.

“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the single most effective thing we can do to protect our team members, their families and their communities,” said Dr. Claudia Coplein, Chief Medical Officer, Tyson Foods. “With rapidly rising COVID-19 case counts of contagious, dangerous variants leading to increasing rates of severe illness and hospitalization among the U.S. unvaccinated population, this is the right time to take the next step to ensure a fully vaccinated workforce.”

Since February, Tyson Foods has hosted more than 100 vaccination events for team members across the country and more than 56,000 U.S. team members have been vaccinated so far. Additional onsite vaccination events will be scheduled, and the company will continue to collaborate with local health departments and healthcare providers to make the vaccine more accessible. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618924071042.png" alt="Since February, Tyson Foods has hosted more than 100 vaccination events for team members across the country, according to a media release from the company -Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Since February, Tyson Foods has hosted more than 100 vaccination events for team members across the country, according to a media release from the company -Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGDALE, ARK.— Tyson Foods is requiring its team members at U.S. office locations to be fully vaccinated by October 1, 2021. All other team members are required to be fully vaccinated by November 1, 2021, subject to ongoing discussions with locations represented by unions, according to a media release from the company.&nbsp;Exceptions to the vaccination mandate will involve workers who seek medical or religious accommodation."Once fully vaccinated, and verified in the Vaccination Verification Program, employees will receive $200 as thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe, subject to ongoing discussions with our unions," <a href="https://thefeed.blog/2021/08/03/our-next-step-in-the-fight-against-the-pandemic/">according to a memo to team members</a> from President and CEO Donnie King.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593167451853.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>This action makes Tyson Foods the largest U.S. food company to require COVID-19 vaccinations for its entire workforce. Almost half of Tyson Foods’ U.S. workforce has been vaccinated and coronavirus infection rates among team members remain low.“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the single most effective thing we can do to protect our team members, their families and their communities,” said Dr. Claudia Coplein, Chief Medical Officer, Tyson Foods. “With rapidly rising COVID-19 case counts of contagious, dangerous variants leading to increasing rates of severe illness and hospitalization among the U.S. unvaccinated population, this is the right time to take the next step to ensure a fully vaccinated workforce.”Since February, Tyson Foods has hosted more than 100 vaccination events for team members across the country and more than 56,000 U.S. team members have been vaccinated so far. Additional onsite vaccination events will be scheduled, and the company will continue to collaborate with local health departments and healthcare providers to make the vaccine more accessible. &nbsp;In addition to the $200, the company will compensate workers for up to four hours of regular pay if they are vaccinated outside of their normal shift or through an external source. &nbsp;To date, Tyson Foods has spent more than $700 million related to COVID-19, including on efforts to combat its spread, such as buying masks, face shields and temperature scanners, installing protective barriers and providing on-site testing and vaccinations. It also partnered with an independent medical provider to bring medical services on site, hired an additional 200 nurses and its first Chief Medical Officer. In addition, Tyson Foods has invested countless hours educating our team members, in dozens of languages, about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.