Genevieve “Jenny” Marie Reif, 99, of Hoisington, Kansas, passed away 
on March 18, 2021, at Lamar Court Assisted Living in Overland Park, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She will be forever remembered as a loving Mother, Grandmother,
 Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend to everyone she met.

Genevieve was born on October 27, 1921, in Schoenchen, Kansas, to 
Ferdinand and Anna Elizabeth (Werth)Tauscher. She was the youngest of 
nine children. On December 30, 1941, she married Joseph Francis Reif. 
They lived on a farm northeast of Hoisington where they were blessed 
with two children; Susan Richardson of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Alan Reif
 of Olathe, Kansas. Genevieve lived with Alan for 12 years in Olathe and
 then at Lamar Court from September 2019 to the present.

Genevieve was a homemaker who loved to cook. She was a longtime 
member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Altar Society.
 She also was Supervisor and Head Cook for the lunch program at St. John
 the Evangelist Catholic School in Hoisington during the 1960’s and 
early 1970’s. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American 
Legion Auxiliary, in Hoisington.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years; Joseph F.
 Reif; her parents; brothers, George, John, Robert and Aloysius 
Tauscher; and sisters, Bernadine Gross, Regina Josephine Ernst, Lidwina 
Werth, and a baby sister Cecilia Tauscher. Genevieve was also preceded 
in death by; daughter-in-law, Aimee Reif; son-in-law, Mark Richardson; 
and great grandson, Alex Dexter.

Survivors include; children, Susan Richardson of Hutchinson, Kansas, 
and Alan Reif of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Elizabeth LaVier and 
husband Adam of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Michael Richardson and wife 
Kimberly of Dana Point, California, Brian Reif and friend Kara Smith of 
Lenexa, Kansas, and Dr. Erin Dexter and husband Chris of Augusta, 
Georgia; great grandchildren, Portia LaVier, Leonardo LaVier, Daphne 
LaVier, Celeste LaVier, Liam Dexter, Charlette Dexter, Ethan Dexter, 
Matthew Dexter, Luke Dexter, and Hunter Reif.

Genevieve enjoyed spending time with her family which was sadly 
interrupted by the Covid Pandemic for the last year. She was an avid 
bingo and slot machine player.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 25th, with Rosary beginning at 7 p.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, March
 26, 2021, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Chuch in Hoisington, 
Kansas, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP and Father Pascal Klein. 
Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John 
the Evangelist Catholic Church or to the Alexstrong Foundation at 
www.alexstrongfoundation.com or in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home,
 PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616259293868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Genevieve “Jenny” Marie Reif, 99, of Hoisington, Kansas, passed away 
on March 18, 2021, at Lamar Court Assisted Living in Overland Park, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She will be forever remembered as a loving Mother, Grandmother,
 Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend to everyone she met.Genevieve was born on October 27, 1921, in Schoenchen, Kansas, to 
Ferdinand and Anna Elizabeth (Werth)Tauscher. She was the youngest of 
nine children. On December 30, 1941, she married Joseph Francis Reif. 
They lived on a farm northeast of Hoisington where they were blessed 
with two children; Susan Richardson of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Alan Reif
 of Olathe, Kansas. Genevieve lived with Alan for 12 years in Olathe and
 then at Lamar Court from September 2019 to the present.Genevieve was a homemaker who loved to cook. She was a longtime 
member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Altar Society.
 She also was Supervisor and Head Cook for the lunch program at St. John
 the Evangelist Catholic School in Hoisington during the 1960’s and 
early 1970’s. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American 
Legion Auxiliary, in Hoisington.Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years; Joseph F.
 Reif; her parents; brothers, George, John, Robert and Aloysius 
Tauscher; and sisters, Bernadine Gross, Regina Josephine Ernst, Lidwina 
Werth, and a baby sister Cecilia Tauscher. Genevieve was also preceded 
in death by; daughter-in-law, Aimee Reif; son-in-law, Mark Richardson; 
and great grandson, Alex Dexter.Survivors include; children, Susan Richardson of Hutchinson, Kansas, 
and Alan Reif of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Elizabeth LaVier and 
husband Adam of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Michael Richardson and wife 
Kimberly of Dana Point, California, Brian Reif and friend Kara Smith of 
Lenexa, Kansas, and Dr. Erin Dexter and husband Chris of Augusta, 
Georgia; great grandchildren, Portia LaVier, Leonardo LaVier, Daphne 
LaVier, Celeste LaVier, Liam Dexter, Charlette Dexter, Ethan Dexter, 
Matthew Dexter, Luke Dexter, and Hunter Reif.Genevieve enjoyed spending time with her family which was sadly 
interrupted by the Covid Pandemic for the last year. She was an avid 
bingo and slot machine player.Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 25th, with Rosary beginning at 7 p.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, March
 26, 2021, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Chuch in Hoisington, 
Kansas, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP and Father Pascal Klein. 
Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John 
the Evangelist Catholic Church or to the Alexstrong Foundation at 
www.alexstrongfoundation.com or in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home,
 PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Genevieve 'Jenny' Marie Reif

Emery LaVerne Hart, 77, of Grinnell, died Friday, March 19, 2021, at 
Hays Medical Center. He was born October 21, 1943, in Solomon, KS, to 
Solomon and Minnie (Seward) Hart. Emery graduated from Hoxie High School
 in 1962 and attended Fort Hays State University, where he lettered in 
football and wrestling, graduating in 1967. On August 8, 1965, Emery 
married Judy Blank and to this union 2 sons were born. 
Emery spent his life as an educator and coach. He taught first, at 
Webster School, then at Stockton Grade School for 5 years. There he 
coached junior high football and wrestling and was the Stockton High 
School wrestling coach. The family then moved to Grinnell, where he 
worked at the Angelus Grade School for a year. He transitioned in to 
Grinnell High School, where he served 2 years as principal and he 
completed his Master's Degree in School Administration from Fort Hays 
State in 1974. The next move was to Ellis, KS, where he was the grade 
school and middle school principal and also worked on completing his 
degree to become a superintendent. Once he received his degree, they 
moved back to Grinnell, where he was the superintendent and principal 
until 1990. Emery was principal at Oakley High School for 3 years and 
then spent the remainder of his career as principal and Superintendent 
of Schools of Natoma, Morland, Utica, and Jennings. He came out of 
retirement to serve as interim administrator at Brewster for one 
semester. 
Emery was a member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church and the Cow 
Paddy Golf Course. He served on the Gove County Hospital Board, the 
Grinnell School Board, and Grinnell Township Board. In his spare time, 
he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and mowing. He was a avid supporter
 of any sport his children and grandchildren participated in, always the
 old coach. He was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and 
Nebraska Husker Football teams. 
Emery was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan (J. Harold) 
Sonntag and infant Elsie Mae Hart, and in-laws, Gail and Jeanne Blank. 
He’s survived by his wife Judy, of Grinnell; children, Ted (Amanda) 
Hart, of Grinnell and Doyle Hart of Lawrence; grandchildren, Austin 
Hart, of Grinnell, Zach Hart, of Victoria, Kylah Smith, of Grinnell and 
Devynn (Jessica) Hageman, of Broomfield, CO; great granddaughter, Iva 
Hageman; sister Flossie (Ed) Herman, of Russell; sisters-in-law, Monna 
Blank, of Austin, TX and Eva Cecil, of New Cumberland, WV; nieces and 
nephews, Cindy (Kenney) Ramsey, Hoisington, KS, Doug (Marval) Blank, 
Valley Center, KS, Aaron (Janelle) Blank, Austin, TX, Caleb (Lisa) 
Blank, Mansfield, TX., Russell Blank of Kentucky, and Robert Blank of 
North Carolina. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 
2021, at the Grinnell Middle School Gym, with inurnment in the Grinnell 
Township Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Grinnell Angelus Area 
Heritage Center and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 
204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Emery LaVerne Hart, 77, of Grinnell, died Friday, March 19, 2021, at 
Hays Medical Center. He was born October 21, 1943, in Solomon, KS, to 
Solomon and Minnie (Seward) Hart. Emery graduated from Hoxie High School
 in 1962 and attended Fort Hays State University, where he lettered in 
football and wrestling, graduating in 1967. On August 8, 1965, Emery 
married Judy Blank and to this union 2 sons were born. 
Emery spent his life as an educator and coach. He taught first, at 
Webster School, then at Stockton Grade School for 5 years. There he 
coached junior high football and wrestling and was the Stockton High 
School wrestling coach. The family then moved to Grinnell, where he 
worked at the Angelus Grade School for a year. He transitioned in to 
Grinnell High School, where he served 2 years as principal and he 
completed his Master's Degree in School Administration from Fort Hays 
State in 1974. The next move was to Ellis, KS, where he was the grade 
school and middle school principal and also worked on completing his 
degree to become a superintendent. Once he received his degree, they 
moved back to Grinnell, where he was the superintendent and principal 
until 1990. Emery was principal at Oakley High School for 3 years and 
then spent the remainder of his career as principal and Superintendent 
of Schools of Natoma, Morland, Utica, and Jennings. He came out of 
retirement to serve as interim administrator at Brewster for one 
semester. 
Emery was a member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church and the Cow 
Paddy Golf Course. He served on the Gove County Hospital Board, the 
Grinnell School Board, and Grinnell Township Board. In his spare time, 
he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and mowing. He was a avid supporter
 of any sport his children and grandchildren participated in, always the
 old coach. He was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and 
Nebraska Husker Football teams. 
Emery was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan (J. Harold) 
Sonntag and infant Elsie Mae Hart, and in-laws, Gail and Jeanne Blank. 
He’s survived by his wife Judy, of Grinnell; children, Ted (Amanda) 
Hart, of Grinnell and Doyle Hart of Lawrence; grandchildren, Austin 
Hart, of Grinnell, Zach Hart, of Victoria, Kylah Smith, of Grinnell and 
Devynn (Jessica) Hageman, of Broomfield, CO; great granddaughter, Iva 
Hageman; sister Flossie (Ed) Herman, of Russell; sisters-in-law, Monna 
Blank, of Austin, TX and Eva Cecil, of New Cumberland, WV; nieces and 
nephews, Cindy (Kenney) Ramsey, Hoisington, KS, Doug (Marval) Blank, 
Valley Center, KS, Aaron (Janelle) Blank, Austin, TX, Caleb (Lisa) 
Blank, Mansfield, TX., Russell Blank of Kentucky, and Robert Blank of 
North Carolina. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 
2021, at the Grinnell Middle School Gym, with inurnment in the Grinnell 
Township Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Grinnell Angelus Area 
Heritage Center and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 
204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Emery LaVerne Hart

Michael “Mike” Francis Murphy, 91, passed away March 17, 2021,&nbsp; on St. Patrick’s Day.&nbsp; The world, along with the Murphy family, lost a 
charming old devil with an ornery angel on each shoulder.&nbsp; A lifelong 
resident of the Great Bend area, he was one of the most magnificent and 
endangered species known to the modern world, a Central Kansas farmer&nbsp;– 
Renaissance man in overalls, poet farmer in cowboy boots, part-time 
auctioneer, full-time weatherman, benevolent landlord and handyman, 
world class polka dancer, and extemporaneous country and western 
singer.&nbsp;

Michael Francis Murphy arrived, kicking and dancing into the 
world, on October 7, 1929.&nbsp; Born just two weeks before the Great 
Depression, he was the second of eight children born to J.W. &amp; Alma 
(Riney) Murphy.&nbsp; After graduating from Great Bend High School in 1947, 
he attended Kansas State University and remained a proud Wildcat until 
his final breath.&nbsp; In his final year of college, he was a member of the 
university’s 1950 Livestock Judging team, which was the first to win a 
National Championship at K-State.&nbsp; Even at age ninety, he had no problem
 identifying a horse’s ass and offering an expert assessment on the 
subject.&nbsp; He graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education in the 
Spring of 1951. &nbsp;

The morning of his college graduation, on the front steps of 
St. Rose of Lima church in Great Bend, he met a girl named Rose 
Koester.&nbsp; Two years later, in a white sport coat with a carnation on the
 lapel, he married that same girl at that same church.&nbsp; The date was 
July 27, 1953.&nbsp; About nine months later, the first (and by far the 
chubbiest) of their five children arrived. About fifteen years later, 
the last (and most unexpected) of their five children arrived. &nbsp;

There was a magic to his personality.&nbsp; The kind that could 
make the words “you big dummy” feel like the ultimate term of 
endearment.&nbsp; The kind that could convince an entire generation of 
grandchildren (and half a generation of great-grandchildren) to sit 
through old reruns of the Lawrence Welk show — and enjoy it.&nbsp; He had 
iron in his handshake and splinters in his fingers.&nbsp; He kept candy in 
one pocket and a pouch of chewing tobacco in the other. There was a 
twinkle in his eye reserved for ornery children, old dogs, and stories 
that made his wife blush.&nbsp; He never met a park bench or a stranger he 
didn’t like.&nbsp; If you gave him a few minutes and a couple answers, he 
would pinpoint someone from Great Bend that you both knew – unless his 
wife Rose beat him to it.&nbsp; When he slapped his knee after a joke – his 
or yours – you knew it was funny. &nbsp;

He could fix anything, other than a remote control 
manufactured after 1985.&nbsp; He knew that every tool works better if you 
occasionally curse at it.&nbsp; He was country when country wasn’t cool, 
Irish Catholic when it wasn’t yet welcome, and always damned proud of 
both.&nbsp; He got his hands dirty when someone needed his help and cleaned 
up nice when someone told him to wear a tuxedo.&nbsp; He made his share of 
mistakes.&nbsp; He avoided more than his share of excuses.&nbsp; He was an example
 of perseverance and redemption for anyone willing to pay attention.&nbsp; 
And he was both a joy and a blessing to all those who truly knew him. &nbsp;

Among other accomplishments, Mike was a longtime member of 
Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, a 3rd Degree 
Knight of Columbus, a 4-H leader for nearly three decades, a former 
member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic School Board, a Director of the 
Golden Belt Community Concert Association, and a longtime employee of 
the Barton County Appraiser’s Office. &nbsp;

He is survived by his wife, Rose Murphy of Great Bend (KS); 
daughter Sherrie Gross of Topeka (KS) and her three children Geoff Gross
 (Vanessa), Garrett Gross, and Becca Leal (Christian); son James Murphy 
(Loretta) of Great Bend (KS) and their two children Madison Murphy and 
Dalton Murphy; son Marty Murphy (Kathy) of Denver (CO) and their two 
children Paige Pakkebier and Caden Murphy; son Kevin Murphy of Great 
Bend (KS) and his three children Anna Harris (Dane), Andrew Murphy 
(Brooke), and Adam Murphy; daughter Laura Van Etten (John) of Denver 
(CO) and son Davis Van Etten; brother Joe Murphy (Roma Lee) of Great 
Bend (KS); sister Janice Sis (Ray) of Bryan (TX); sister Joyce Tooley 
(George) of Wamego (KS); and sister Rita Buchanon (Joe) of Council Grove
 (KS).&nbsp; He is also survived by ten great grandchildren (and counting), 
as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a lifetime of 
friends. &nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents, James William and 
Alma; brother Richard (“Dick”) Murphy; sister, Barbara Bernard; niece 
and goddaughter Katherine (Buchanan) Gant.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 4:00pm, Monday, March
 22, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will receive visitors from
 5:00pm-7:00pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church for vigil service with 
Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7:00pm.&nbsp; Funeral Mass will be 
held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic 
Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in Great 
Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any 
donations be made to Holy Family Endowment or the Golden Belt Community 
Concert Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616259357184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael “Mike” Francis Murphy, 91, passed away March 17, 2021,&nbsp; on St. Patrick’s Day.&nbsp; The world, along with the Murphy family, lost a 
charming old devil with an ornery angel on each shoulder.&nbsp; A lifelong 
resident of the Great Bend area, he was one of the most magnificent and 
endangered species known to the modern world, a Central Kansas farmer&nbsp;– 
Renaissance man in overalls, poet farmer in cowboy boots, part-time 
auctioneer, full-time weatherman, benevolent landlord and handyman, 
world class polka dancer, and extemporaneous country and western 
singer.&nbsp;Michael Francis Murphy arrived, kicking and dancing into the 
world, on October 7, 1929.&nbsp; Born just two weeks before the Great 
Depression, he was the second of eight children born to J.W. &amp; Alma 
(Riney) Murphy.&nbsp; After graduating from Great Bend High School in 1947, 
he attended Kansas State University and remained a proud Wildcat until 
his final breath.&nbsp; In his final year of college, he was a member of the 
university’s 1950 Livestock Judging team, which was the first to win a 
National Championship at K-State.&nbsp; Even at age ninety, he had no problem
 identifying a horse’s ass and offering an expert assessment on the 
subject.&nbsp; He graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education in the 
Spring of 1951. &nbsp;The morning of his college graduation, on the front steps of 
St. Rose of Lima church in Great Bend, he met a girl named Rose 
Koester.&nbsp; Two years later, in a white sport coat with a carnation on the
 lapel, he married that same girl at that same church.&nbsp; The date was 
July 27, 1953.&nbsp; About nine months later, the first (and by far the 
chubbiest) of their five children arrived. About fifteen years later, 
the last (and most unexpected) of their five children arrived. &nbsp;There was a magic to his personality.&nbsp; The kind that could 
make the words “you big dummy” feel like the ultimate term of 
endearment.&nbsp; The kind that could convince an entire generation of 
grandchildren (and half a generation of great-grandchildren) to sit 
through old reruns of the Lawrence Welk show — and enjoy it.&nbsp; He had 
iron in his handshake and splinters in his fingers.&nbsp; He kept candy in 
one pocket and a pouch of chewing tobacco in the other. There was a 
twinkle in his eye reserved for ornery children, old dogs, and stories 
that made his wife blush.&nbsp; He never met a park bench or a stranger he 
didn’t like.&nbsp; If you gave him a few minutes and a couple answers, he 
would pinpoint someone from Great Bend that you both knew – unless his 
wife Rose beat him to it.&nbsp; When he slapped his knee after a joke – his 
or yours – you knew it was funny. &nbsp;He could fix anything, other than a remote control 
manufactured after 1985.&nbsp; He knew that every tool works better if you 
occasionally curse at it.&nbsp; He was country when country wasn’t cool, 
Irish Catholic when it wasn’t yet welcome, and always damned proud of 
both.&nbsp; He got his hands dirty when someone needed his help and cleaned 
up nice when someone told him to wear a tuxedo.&nbsp; He made his share of 
mistakes.&nbsp; He avoided more than his share of excuses.&nbsp; He was an example
 of perseverance and redemption for anyone willing to pay attention.&nbsp; 
And he was both a joy and a blessing to all those who truly knew him. &nbsp;Among other accomplishments, Mike was a longtime member of 
Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, a 3rd Degree 
Knight of Columbus, a 4-H leader for nearly three decades, a former 
member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic School Board, a Director of the 
Golden Belt Community Concert Association, and a longtime employee of 
the Barton County Appraiser’s Office. &nbsp;He is survived by his wife, Rose Murphy of Great Bend (KS); 
daughter Sherrie Gross of Topeka (KS) and her three children Geoff Gross
 (Vanessa), Garrett Gross, and Becca Leal (Christian); son James Murphy 
(Loretta) of Great Bend (KS) and their two children Madison Murphy and 
Dalton Murphy; son Marty Murphy (Kathy) of Denver (CO) and their two 
children Paige Pakkebier and Caden Murphy; son Kevin Murphy of Great 
Bend (KS) and his three children Anna Harris (Dane), Andrew Murphy 
(Brooke), and Adam Murphy; daughter Laura Van Etten (John) of Denver 
(CO) and son Davis Van Etten; brother Joe Murphy (Roma Lee) of Great 
Bend (KS); sister Janice Sis (Ray) of Bryan (TX); sister Joyce Tooley 
(George) of Wamego (KS); and sister Rita Buchanon (Joe) of Council Grove
 (KS).&nbsp; He is also survived by ten great grandchildren (and counting), 
as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a lifetime of 
friends. &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents, James William and 
Alma; brother Richard (“Dick”) Murphy; sister, Barbara Bernard; niece 
and goddaughter Katherine (Buchanan) Gant.&nbsp;Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 4:00pm, Monday, March
 22, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will receive visitors from
 5:00pm-7:00pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church for vigil service with 
Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7:00pm.&nbsp; Funeral Mass will be 
held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic 
Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in Great 
Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any 
donations be made to Holy Family Endowment or the Golden Belt Community 
Concert Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Michael 'Mike' Francis Murphy

Darline Brown, age 92, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the Norton County Hospital in Norton.

She was born October 4, 1928, in Phillips County, KS the daughter of William and Bernice (Mutum) Leydig.

Darline was united in marriage to Walter R. Brown on September 18, 1947, in Glade, KS.&nbsp; He preceded her in death in 2006.

Survivors include her sons Bill Brown and wife Nancy of Manhattan, KS and Larry Brown and wife Verda of Prairie View, KS; daughters Marilyn Brooks of Hays, KS and Rhonda Jacques of Wamego, KS; a brother Burdette “Sam” Leydig and wife Belva of Prairie View, KS; sister Verlee Roark of Cassville, MO; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, KS with Pastor Lew Van Der Wege officiating.&nbsp; The services will be streamed on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery, Prairie View, KS.

Mrs. Brown will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sunshine City Library or Logan Manor Nursing Home.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences:&nbsp; www.olliffboeve.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616159543136.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Darline Brown, age 92, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the Norton County Hospital in Norton.She was born October 4, 1928, in Phillips County, KS the daughter of William and Bernice (Mutum) Leydig.Darline was united in marriage to Walter R. Brown on September 18, 1947, in Glade, KS.&nbsp; He preceded her in death in 2006.Survivors include her sons Bill Brown and wife Nancy of Manhattan, KS and Larry Brown and wife Verda of Prairie View, KS; daughters Marilyn Brooks of Hays, KS and Rhonda Jacques of Wamego, KS; a brother Burdette “Sam” Leydig and wife Belva of Prairie View, KS; sister Verlee Roark of Cassville, MO; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, KS with Pastor Lew Van Der Wege officiating.&nbsp; The services will be streamed on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery, Prairie View, KS.Mrs. Brown will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, KS.Memorial contributions may be made to the Sunshine City Library or Logan Manor Nursing Home.Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661, is in charge of arrangements.Online condolences:&nbsp; www.olliffboeve.com

Darline Brown

Darline Brown, age 92, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Norton County Hospital in Norton.

She was born October 4, 1928 in Phillips County, KS the daughter of William and Bernice (Mutum) Leydig.

Darline was united in marriage to Walter R. Brown on September 18, 1947 in Glade, KS.&nbsp; He preceded her in death in 2006.

Survivors include her sons Bill Brown and wife Nancy of Manhattan, KS
 and Larry Brown and wife Verda of Prairie View, KS; daughters Marilyn 
Brooks of Hays, KS and Rhonda Jacques of Wamego, KS; a brother Burdette 
“Sam” Leydig and wife Belva of Prairie View, KS; sister Verlee Roark of 
Cassville, MO; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in 
the Prairie View Reformed Church , Prairie View, KS with Pastor Lew Van 
Der Wege officiating.&nbsp; The services will be streamed on the Olliff-Boeve
 Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Prairie View 
Cemetery, Prairie View, KS.

Mrs. Brown will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m.
 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, 
KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616159543136.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Darline Brown, age 92, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Norton County Hospital in Norton.She was born October 4, 1928 in Phillips County, KS the daughter of William and Bernice (Mutum) Leydig.Darline was united in marriage to Walter R. Brown on September 18, 1947 in Glade, KS.&nbsp; He preceded her in death in 2006.Survivors include her sons Bill Brown and wife Nancy of Manhattan, KS
 and Larry Brown and wife Verda of Prairie View, KS; daughters Marilyn 
Brooks of Hays, KS and Rhonda Jacques of Wamego, KS; a brother Burdette 
“Sam” Leydig and wife Belva of Prairie View, KS; sister Verlee Roark of 
Cassville, MO; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in 
the Prairie View Reformed Church , Prairie View, KS with Pastor Lew Van 
Der Wege officiating.&nbsp; The services will be streamed on the Olliff-Boeve
 Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Prairie View 
Cemetery, Prairie View, KS.Mrs. Brown will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m.
 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, 
KS.Memorial contributions may be made to the Sunshine City Library or Logan Manor Nursing Home.Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661, is in charge of arrangements.

RENO COUNTY — A hearing is set for Friday afternoon for a Kansas man who wants to withdraw his plea to four counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Patrick White, 21, Hutchinson, entered pleas to the four counts as part of a plea agreement. A fifth count was dismissed. Now White wants to withdraw that plea citing that he was not advised that his conviction meant a lifetime registration as an offender during plea negotiations.

White was arrested after deputies with the Reno County Sheriff's Department issued a search warrant on his home and cell phone.&nbsp;

The warrant stemmed from the allegations from a separate Law Enforcement agency that was made aware of White’s ongoing suspicious activity including allegedly recording The crimes are said to have occurred between October of 2018 and February of 2020.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616098486580.png" alt="White photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>White photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A hearing is set for Friday afternoon for a Kansas man who wants to withdraw his plea to four counts of sexual exploitation of a child.Patrick White, 21, Hutchinson, entered pleas to the four counts as part of a plea agreement. A fifth count was dismissed. Now White wants to withdraw that plea citing that he was not advised that his conviction meant a lifetime registration as an offender during plea negotiations.White was arrested after deputies with the Reno County Sheriff's Department issued a search warrant on his home and cell phone.&nbsp;The warrant stemmed from the allegations from a separate Law Enforcement agency that was made aware of White’s ongoing suspicious activity including allegedly recording The crimes are said to have occurred between October of 2018 and February of 2020.&nbsp;

Kan. man to change plea in sexual exploitation case

Lorene Faye Schartz, 89, passed away March 17, 2021 at her home, near Rozel.

She was born October 6, 1931 in Sterling, the daughter of Lynn E. and
 Blanche Rose Rose.&nbsp; A Rozel area resident since 1949, she was a farm 
wife and a homemaker, loved quilting, gardening, and crafting.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Altar Society, 
and Garden Club, all of Larned; Burdett Senior Center, FCE and the 
Golden Rule Quilting Club, both of Rozel. She was a 4-H leader and 
enjoyed going to her children and grandchildren’s events.

On December 18, 1949 she married Arden Edward Schartz in Ellinwood; he preceded her in death on May 29, 2000.

Survivors include: four sons, David Schartz, Rozel, Stephen (Kay) 
Schartz, Larned, Joseph (Julie) Schartz, Larned, Jerome Schartz, 
Surgoinsville, TN; four daughters, Barbara Straub, Larned, Teresa (Bob) 
Spears, Knoxville, IL, Juanita (Phil) Smith, Wichita, Christine (Lowell)
 Brenner, Coats; two brothers Dale (Judy) Rose, Sterling, Wayne Rose, 
Kansas City, MO; twenty-six grandchildren; twenty-seven great 
grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arden Schartz; a 
son, Michael Schartz; two brothers, Lynn E. Rose Jr and Edgar Rose; and a
 sister, Veva Shirk.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, with Father Bernard Felix presiding.&nbsp; Service 
will be viewable via Facebook live at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary">www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary</a>.
 Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m. at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, Larned. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, 
Larned.

Memorials may be given to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616079401341.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lorene Faye Schartz, 89, passed away March 17, 2021 at her home, near Rozel.She was born October 6, 1931 in Sterling, the daughter of Lynn E. and
 Blanche Rose Rose.&nbsp; A Rozel area resident since 1949, she was a farm 
wife and a homemaker, loved quilting, gardening, and crafting.She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Altar Society, 
and Garden Club, all of Larned; Burdett Senior Center, FCE and the 
Golden Rule Quilting Club, both of Rozel. She was a 4-H leader and 
enjoyed going to her children and grandchildren’s events.On December 18, 1949 she married Arden Edward Schartz in Ellinwood; he preceded her in death on May 29, 2000.Survivors include: four sons, David Schartz, Rozel, Stephen (Kay) 
Schartz, Larned, Joseph (Julie) Schartz, Larned, Jerome Schartz, 
Surgoinsville, TN; four daughters, Barbara Straub, Larned, Teresa (Bob) 
Spears, Knoxville, IL, Juanita (Phil) Smith, Wichita, Christine (Lowell)
 Brenner, Coats; two brothers Dale (Judy) Rose, Sterling, Wayne Rose, 
Kansas City, MO; twenty-six grandchildren; twenty-seven great 
grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arden Schartz; a 
son, Michael Schartz; two brothers, Lynn E. Rose Jr and Edgar Rose; and a
 sister, Veva Shirk.Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, with Father Bernard Felix presiding.&nbsp; Service 
will be viewable via Facebook live at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary">www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary</a>.
 Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m. at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, Larned. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, 
Larned.Memorials may be given to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Lorene Faye Schartz

Lois L. Noffsinger, 88, of Osborne, KS, died on Monday, March 15, 
2021, at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS. &nbsp;She&nbsp;was born in Osborne 
County, KS on October 4, 1932, to the late Ena&nbsp;(Eller) and Charles R. 
Dimond.

Lois attended school&nbsp;through 12th grade. &nbsp;She married Wayne R. Noffsinger and to this union, 5 children were born.

Lois was a bookkeeper at the First State Bank &amp; Trust in Osborne,
 KS and Secretary/Treasurer for 27 years at the USD 392 Osborne School 
District.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, in 2018 and one daughter Ann, in 1982.

Lois is survived by&nbsp;3 daughters:&nbsp;Carol (Eugene) Torkelson, of Beloit,
 KS; Karen Noffsinger of Manhattan, KS; Mary (Brad) Pywell of Lindsborg,
 KS; son: Robert Noffsinger of Osborne, KS; 5 grandchildren and 4 
great-grandchildren.

Click <a href="https://www.clarkgashawfh.com/obituary/Lois-Noffsinger">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616004918700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lois L. Noffsinger, 88, of Osborne, KS, died on Monday, March 15, 
2021, at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS. &nbsp;She&nbsp;was born in Osborne 
County, KS on October 4, 1932, to the late Ena&nbsp;(Eller) and Charles R. 
Dimond.Lois attended school&nbsp;through 12th grade. &nbsp;She married Wayne R. Noffsinger and to this union, 5 children were born.Lois was a bookkeeper at the First State Bank &amp; Trust in Osborne,
 KS and Secretary/Treasurer for 27 years at the USD 392 Osborne School 
District.Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, in 2018 and one daughter Ann, in 1982.Lois is survived by&nbsp;3 daughters:&nbsp;Carol (Eugene) Torkelson, of Beloit,
 KS; Karen Noffsinger of Manhattan, KS; Mary (Brad) Pywell of Lindsborg,
 KS; son: Robert Noffsinger of Osborne, KS; 5 grandchildren and 4 
great-grandchildren.Click <a href="https://www.clarkgashawfh.com/obituary/Lois-Noffsinger">HERE</a> for service details.

Lois L. Noffsinger

Arvetta Marie Karst, 97, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021, in 
Lyons, KS. She was born October 31, 1923, the oldest of four children, 
to Oscar and Marie Ninemire in Zurich, KS. She grew up in Plainville, KS
 and graduated from Plainville High School.

Arvetta started her working career at the city office in Plainville
 then went to work for the Plainville State Bank until she moved to 
Ellsworth, KS. She married Herman “Sam” Karst in 1944 and had two 
children, Susan and Sam. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in
 Ellsworth.

Arvetta is survived by her son, Sam (Darla) of Bennington, KS; 
son-in-law, Jon (Susan) Mehler of Topeka, KS; four grandchildren, Lance 
(Nancy) Karst of Ellsworth, Craig (Emily) Mehler of Salina, KS, Craig 
Karst of Ellsworth, and Christi (Tim) Boyden of Topeka; sister, Doris 
Comer of Sapulpa, OK; and eight great grandchildren, Alexis, Sam, Luke, 
Joshua, Zachery, Kierra, Gabe, and Harmony. She was preceded in death by
 her parents; sister, Olive Nash; brother, Orion Ninemire; daughter, 
Susan Mehler; husband, Herman “Sam”; and granddaughter, Jennifer Karst.

Graveside funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Plainville Cemetery, Plainville, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions can be made to Kindred 
Hospice or the Good Samaritan Society, Lyons, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home,
 PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615923609170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Arvetta Marie Karst, 97, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021, in 
Lyons, KS. She was born October 31, 1923, the oldest of four children, 
to Oscar and Marie Ninemire in Zurich, KS. She grew up in Plainville, KS
 and graduated from Plainville High School.Arvetta started her working career at the city office in Plainville
 then went to work for the Plainville State Bank until she moved to 
Ellsworth, KS. She married Herman “Sam” Karst in 1944 and had two 
children, Susan and Sam. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in
 Ellsworth.Arvetta is survived by her son, Sam (Darla) of Bennington, KS; 
son-in-law, Jon (Susan) Mehler of Topeka, KS; four grandchildren, Lance 
(Nancy) Karst of Ellsworth, Craig (Emily) Mehler of Salina, KS, Craig 
Karst of Ellsworth, and Christi (Tim) Boyden of Topeka; sister, Doris 
Comer of Sapulpa, OK; and eight great grandchildren, Alexis, Sam, Luke, 
Joshua, Zachery, Kierra, Gabe, and Harmony. She was preceded in death by
 her parents; sister, Olive Nash; brother, Orion Ninemire; daughter, 
Susan Mehler; husband, Herman “Sam”; and granddaughter, Jennifer Karst.Graveside funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Plainville Cemetery, Plainville, KS.In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions can be made to Kindred 
Hospice or the Good Samaritan Society, Lyons, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home,
 PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;

Arvetta Marie Karst

Francis Allan Moore, 91, of Oberlin, KS passed away March 10, 2021 in 
North Platte, NE. Francis was born in rural Cedar Bluffs, KS on October 
5, 1929, to Dem and Norma Moore.
 Francis grew up in Cedar Bluffs, KS. He married Joan Robinson on 
December 25, 1950. Francis served in the US Army during the Korean 
conflict, 1951-1953. He took his young family to southern California for
 a 30-year career with Deluxe check printers. Retirement brought Francis
 and Joan back to Oberlin. In 1980, he started a second career as a 
farmer. He spent the next 40 years pursuing that passion.
 Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Dem and Norma; wife, 
Joan Moore, and daughter, Marsha Eubank. He is survived by companion, 
Ilene O’Leary; daughters, Rita and Kelly Krier of Oberlin, KS and Patty 
and Mike Savage of Loganville, GA; four grandchildren, Nick Eubank, 
Megan Ayers, Cody Savage and Clayton Eubank, and four great 
grandchildren.

Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Francis-Allan-Moore?obId=20275772#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615923025003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Francis Allan Moore, 91, of Oberlin, KS passed away March 10, 2021 in 
North Platte, NE. Francis was born in rural Cedar Bluffs, KS on October 
5, 1929, to Dem and Norma Moore.
 Francis grew up in Cedar Bluffs, KS. He married Joan Robinson on 
December 25, 1950. Francis served in the US Army during the Korean 
conflict, 1951-1953. He took his young family to southern California for
 a 30-year career with Deluxe check printers. Retirement brought Francis
 and Joan back to Oberlin. In 1980, he started a second career as a 
farmer. He spent the next 40 years pursuing that passion.
 Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Dem and Norma; wife, 
Joan Moore, and daughter, Marsha Eubank. He is survived by companion, 
Ilene O’Leary; daughters, Rita and Kelly Krier of Oberlin, KS and Patty 
and Mike Savage of Loganville, GA; four grandchildren, Nick Eubank, 
Megan Ayers, Cody Savage and Clayton Eubank, and four great 
grandchildren.Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Francis-Allan-Moore?obId=20275772#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Francis Allan Moore

Florence L. Daubert, born on October 16, 1926, to Johan and Teresa 
Eder of Wichita County, died at Park Lane nursing home on March 11, 
2021. Like all of her generation who had long lives, she lived through 
all of the dramatic changes that the world went through - from wall 
phones and shared party lines and needing an operator to make a call to 
cellphones, from large console radios for news and entertainment to 
flat-screen televisions and the internet, from World War II and other 
armed conflicts affecting America to the current pandemic.

She had many personal tragedies during her life. Finding her dead 
father when she was still in high school to losing her husband at the 
age of 40 to losing two of her children were just some of her trials and
 tribulations. She relied on her faith and inner strength. A lifetime 
Catholic, she used her core values to pull her through those times. She 
managed to put all of her children through college so they could have 
better lives even though she had to make many financial and personal 
sacrifices along the way. She managed to accumulate many friends through
 the garden club, her church, sewing groups, and other activities. She 
loved Scott City and SCHS even though she was raised in Wichita County. 
She was her class’s valedictorian and always looked forward to class 
reunions.

On September 3, 1946, she married Edward Loyd Daubert in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on February 8, 1967, in Scott City, Kansas.

She is survived by her children, Darrell of Pembroke Pines, Florida, 
Dan (Elaine) of Jupiter, Florida, Kenton of Greeley, Colorado, and Lisa 
Vrbin (Dan) of Love’s Park, Illinois. She is survived by six 
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and 
nephews - most notably Jeff Eder and Sharon Friedman. She was preceded 
by her parents, husband (Edward) and children Duane and Ellen Knuth, and
 all of her siblings.

Special thanks need to be made to the “church ladies,” garden club 
members, her sewing friends, the staff at Park Lane Nursing Home, Dr. 
Elizabeth Hineman, the special people who lived with her and still 
reside in the Park Lane apartments, and their caregivers, Phyllis Ruiz, 
and Connie Wright. Also, thanks to Bertha Armendariz for her help in the
 last few months of her life.

Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2021, 
at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas with Fr. 
Augustine Owusu presiding.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on Facebook 
at Price and Sons Funeral Home page (www.facebook.com/priceandsons) 
starting at 10:25 a.m.

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

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Scott County 
Historical Society, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in care of Price and 
Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615854530459.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Florence L. Daubert, born on October 16, 1926, to Johan and Teresa 
Eder of Wichita County, died at Park Lane nursing home on March 11, 
2021. Like all of her generation who had long lives, she lived through 
all of the dramatic changes that the world went through - from wall 
phones and shared party lines and needing an operator to make a call to 
cellphones, from large console radios for news and entertainment to 
flat-screen televisions and the internet, from World War II and other 
armed conflicts affecting America to the current pandemic.She had many personal tragedies during her life. Finding her dead 
father when she was still in high school to losing her husband at the 
age of 40 to losing two of her children were just some of her trials and
 tribulations. She relied on her faith and inner strength. A lifetime 
Catholic, she used her core values to pull her through those times. She 
managed to put all of her children through college so they could have 
better lives even though she had to make many financial and personal 
sacrifices along the way. She managed to accumulate many friends through
 the garden club, her church, sewing groups, and other activities. She 
loved Scott City and SCHS even though she was raised in Wichita County. 
She was her class’s valedictorian and always looked forward to class 
reunions.On September 3, 1946, she married Edward Loyd Daubert in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on February 8, 1967, in Scott City, Kansas.She is survived by her children, Darrell of Pembroke Pines, Florida, 
Dan (Elaine) of Jupiter, Florida, Kenton of Greeley, Colorado, and Lisa 
Vrbin (Dan) of Love’s Park, Illinois. She is survived by six 
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and 
nephews - most notably Jeff Eder and Sharon Friedman. She was preceded 
by her parents, husband (Edward) and children Duane and Ellen Knuth, and
 all of her siblings.Special thanks need to be made to the “church ladies,” garden club 
members, her sewing friends, the staff at Park Lane Nursing Home, Dr. 
Elizabeth Hineman, the special people who lived with her and still 
reside in the Park Lane apartments, and their caregivers, Phyllis Ruiz, 
and Connie Wright. Also, thanks to Bertha Armendariz for her help in the
 last few months of her life.Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2021, 
at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas with Fr. 
Augustine Owusu presiding.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on Facebook 
at Price and Sons Funeral Home page (www.facebook.com/priceandsons) 
starting at 10:25 a.m.There will be no visitation times.Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Scott County 
Historical Society, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in care of Price and 
Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Florence L. Daubert

Kenneth P. “Ken” Leiker, 75, Hays, died Monday, March 15, 2021, at HaysMed.

He was born October 20, 1945, in Hays, 
the son of Leo A. and Angela (Klaus) Leiker.&nbsp; On May 8, 1965, he was 
united in marriage to Darlene Agnes Lang in Victoria, and they 
celebrated 55 years of marriage.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic
 Church and the St. Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council 
#4166.&nbsp; Ken was an oilfield technician and for 36 years worked for 
Knighton Oil Company and then worked for Hertel Contract Pumping.&nbsp; He 
was a weather spotter, enjoyed farming and raising cattle, had a gentle 
nature with all God’s creation, and was a patient man.&nbsp; He was an 
excellent chef and liked German food and baking pies.&nbsp; Ken was a 
talented woodworker and craftsman, enjoyed working with leather, and 
would say he was a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.&nbsp; His family was 
special to him, and he loved the fun times he had with his grandchildren
 and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Darlene of 
Hays, a son: Troy Leiker of House Springs, MO, a daughter: Connie Werth 
and husband Vincent Werth, Jr. of Hays, three brothers: LaVern Leiker of
 Great Bent, Reinhold “Ronnie” Leiker and wife Diana of Hays, and Art 
Leiker and wife Marilyn of Hays, two sisters: Erma Dinges and husband 
Jim and Norine Leiker, all of Hays, three grandchildren: RaeLynn Werth, 
Cheyenna Leiker, and Chance Leiker, two great grandchildren: Emma Rose 
and Aliza Jane Leiker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Herbert and Erwin “Erv” Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 
Hays, with Fr. Brian Lager officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. 
Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 
on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays 
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service will be at 6:00 pm 
followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Wednesday at the 
funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested and payable to:&nbsp; Hospice of 
HaysMed, the Cancer Council of Ellis County, or for masses.&nbsp; Condolences
 and memories of Ken may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615854412118.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth P. “Ken” Leiker, 75, Hays, died Monday, March 15, 2021, at HaysMed.He was born October 20, 1945, in Hays, 
the son of Leo A. and Angela (Klaus) Leiker.&nbsp; On May 8, 1965, he was 
united in marriage to Darlene Agnes Lang in Victoria, and they 
celebrated 55 years of marriage.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic
 Church and the St. Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council 
#4166.&nbsp; Ken was an oilfield technician and for 36 years worked for 
Knighton Oil Company and then worked for Hertel Contract Pumping.&nbsp; He 
was a weather spotter, enjoyed farming and raising cattle, had a gentle 
nature with all God’s creation, and was a patient man.&nbsp; He was an 
excellent chef and liked German food and baking pies.&nbsp; Ken was a 
talented woodworker and craftsman, enjoyed working with leather, and 
would say he was a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.&nbsp; His family was 
special to him, and he loved the fun times he had with his grandchildren
 and great grandchildren.Survivors include his wife Darlene of 
Hays, a son: Troy Leiker of House Springs, MO, a daughter: Connie Werth 
and husband Vincent Werth, Jr. of Hays, three brothers: LaVern Leiker of
 Great Bent, Reinhold “Ronnie” Leiker and wife Diana of Hays, and Art 
Leiker and wife Marilyn of Hays, two sisters: Erma Dinges and husband 
Jim and Norine Leiker, all of Hays, three grandchildren: RaeLynn Werth, 
Cheyenna Leiker, and Chance Leiker, two great grandchildren: Emma Rose 
and Aliza Jane Leiker, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Herbert and Erwin “Erv” Leiker.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 
Hays, with Fr. Brian Lager officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. 
Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 
on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays 
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service will be at 6:00 pm 
followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Wednesday at the 
funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested and payable to:&nbsp; Hospice of 
HaysMed, the Cancer Council of Ellis County, or for masses.&nbsp; Condolences
 and memories of Ken may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;

Kenneth P. 'Ken' Leiker

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Another property held by Chuck Comeau's Liberty Group is coming up for sheriff sale.

The property at 223 W. Mill in Plainville is part of a foreclosure through the Bank of Hays. The property will be sold at 10 a.m. March 25 at the Ellis County Courthouse.

This sale is a series of properties after the bankruptcy of Comeau's business holdings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/10/18/downtown-hays-business-owners-buy-comeau-properties/">Thirteen downtown Hays properties also owned by Comeau and his Liberty Group were sold at sheriff's sale in October 2019.&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96bfd36b-baf4-4b51-8c07-9414030d858d">Another series of Hays downtown buildings were sold in September 2020.</a>

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/04/17/dessin-fournir-subsidiaries-file-for-bankruptcy-comeau-properties-foreclosed/">Comeau’s furniture manufacturing company in Plainville, Dessin Fournir, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2019.</a>

RELATED STORY:&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/07/12/comeau-discusses-fall-of-dessin-fournir/">Comeau discusses fall of Dessin Fournir</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAnother property held by Chuck Comeau's Liberty Group is coming up for sheriff sale.The property at 223 W. Mill in Plainville is part of a foreclosure through the Bank of Hays. The property will be sold at 10 a.m. March 25 at the Ellis County Courthouse.This sale is a series of properties after the bankruptcy of Comeau's business holdings.&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/10/18/downtown-hays-business-owners-buy-comeau-properties/">Thirteen downtown Hays properties also owned by Comeau and his Liberty Group were sold at sheriff's sale in October 2019.&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96bfd36b-baf4-4b51-8c07-9414030d858d">Another series of Hays downtown buildings were sold in September 2020.</a><a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/04/17/dessin-fournir-subsidiaries-file-for-bankruptcy-comeau-properties-foreclosed/">Comeau’s furniture manufacturing company in Plainville, Dessin Fournir, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2019.</a>RELATED STORY:&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/07/12/comeau-discusses-fall-of-dessin-fournir/">Comeau discusses fall of Dessin Fournir</a>

Former Comeau Plainville property goes up for sheriff sale

CLEVELAND (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lacked the authority to issue a nationwide moratorium on rental evictions, the second such ruling issued by a federal judge in two weeks.

U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese, sitting in Cleveland, ruled this week that the CDC went beyond what the federal Public Health Service Act allows it to do in ordering a halt to evictions. However, he did not grant an injunction that would have stopped the agency from enforcing the moratorium.

The ruling comes two weeks after U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker in the Eastern District of Texas determined that the moratorium was unconstitutional. The Justice Department is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-pandemic-5c1dec620b158295dca66f51a73b4d04">appealing</a>&nbsp;that order.

The National Association of Homebuilders and a group of property owners from across northern Ohio had filed a federal lawsuit last October, claiming the CDC’s order was overreaching and arbitrary.

The chair of the NAHB said the group was pleased with the judge’s ruling.

“Saddling landlords with the responsibility to provide free rent during this pandemic ignores their financial obligations and ability to provide safe, decent and affordable housing,” Chuck Fowke said in a statement. “Even during emergencies, federal agencies must abide by the law.”

The suit was one of several filed in federal courts across the country by property owners who have struggled financially because of the coronavirus. Other courts around the country have upheld the eviction ban, said Diane Yentel, president of the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. She added that challenges to the moratorium made little sense when tens of billions of dollars in federal rental assistance are coming in the recently passed coronavirus relief bill.

“These attempts to overturn the moratorium are frivolous,” Yentel said. “These landlords that are bringing these suits and working so hard to overturn the eviction moratorium will be made whole by the unprecedented amount of resources that Congress has made available. But it is going to take time to get the money into their hands.”

The CDC eviction moratorium was signed in September by President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden through March 31.

CLEVELAND (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lacked the authority to issue a nationwide moratorium on rental evictions, the second such ruling issued by a federal judge in two weeks.U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese, sitting in Cleveland, ruled this week that the CDC went beyond what the federal Public Health Service Act allows it to do in ordering a halt to evictions. However, he did not grant an injunction that would have stopped the agency from enforcing the moratorium.The ruling comes two weeks after U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker in the Eastern District of Texas determined that the moratorium was unconstitutional. The Justice Department is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-pandemic-5c1dec620b158295dca66f51a73b4d04">appealing</a>&nbsp;that order.The National Association of Homebuilders and a group of property owners from across northern Ohio had filed a federal lawsuit last October, claiming the CDC’s order was overreaching and arbitrary.The chair of the NAHB said the group was pleased with the judge’s ruling.“Saddling landlords with the responsibility to provide free rent during this pandemic ignores their financial obligations and ability to provide safe, decent and affordable housing,” Chuck Fowke said in a statement. “Even during emergencies, federal agencies must abide by the law.”The suit was one of several filed in federal courts across the country by property owners who have struggled financially because of the coronavirus. Other courts around the country have upheld the eviction ban, said Diane Yentel, president of the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. She added that challenges to the moratorium made little sense when tens of billions of dollars in federal rental assistance are coming in the recently passed coronavirus relief bill.“These attempts to overturn the moratorium are frivolous,” Yentel said. “These landlords that are bringing these suits and working so hard to overturn the eviction moratorium will be made whole by the unprecedented amount of resources that Congress has made available. But it is going to take time to get the money into their hands.”The CDC eviction moratorium was signed in September by President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden through March 31.

Judge: CDC exceeded authority on eviction moratorium

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of migrant children and families seeking to cross the U.S. southwest border has surged to levels not seen since before the pandemic, a challenge for President Joe Biden as he works to undo the restrictive immigration policies of his predecessor.

Statistics released Wednesday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed the number of children and families increased by more than 100% between January and February. Kids crossing by themselves rose 60% to more than 9,400, forcing the government to look for new places to hold them temporarily.

The surge has been seized on by Republicans and former President Donald Trump as a line of attack on Biden, though his administration is turning back nearly all single adults, who make up the majority of border-crossers, under a public health order imposed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Biden administration is temporarily holding children and families, mostly from Central America, for several days. They are generally then allowed to enter the U.S. while authorities evaluate their claims to asylum or see if they have any other legal right to stay in the country.

It is a challenge for an administration that has been working to restore an asylum system largely dismantled under Trump and likely to face increasing pressure.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-guatemala-central-america-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-a37241f7310940c98dbdd986efec3532">Factors driving the increase include&nbsp;</a>widespread hunger in Central America due to recent hurricanes, the economic upheaval of the pandemic and more fundamental social problems dating back years.

“If you put all those issues together you are going to see folks that are looking for a better way of life,” acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said as he presented the latest figures.

Republicans have argued that migrants are drawn by incentives such as the immigration bill backed by Biden and many Democrats that would offer a path to citizenship for millions of people illegally in the country. “We’re seeing a surge of unaccompanied children coming across the border. Why? Joe Biden promised amnesty,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said in a tweet.

Overall encounters have been increasing steadily since April 2020, soon after Mexico and the U.S. agreed to close the official border crossings to all but essential traffic because of the pandemic.

There were nearly 29,000 families or unaccompanied minors combined in February. The last time it was higher was in October 2019. The total number of people encountered by CBP was just up 28% from January, but many of them are migrants who were recently turned back and are trying again.

Biden officials have faced mounting questions about the temporary detention of migrant families, an issue that the two previous presidents had to deal with because of the instability in the region. The new administration is seeking to craft a softer approach.

Roberta Jacobson, Biden’s senior official for southwest border affairs and a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, said the administration is asking Congress for $4 billion for targeted aid to nonprofit and community organizations in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala to try to ease some of the conditions that cause people to flee their homelands.

“Only by addressing those root causes can we break the cycle of desperation and provide hope for families who clearly would prefer to stay in their countries and provide a better future for their children,” she told reporters at the White House.

Jacobson said the U.S. is also restoring a program, ended under Trump, that reunited children in the three Central American countries with parents who are legal residents in the United States.

There are about 3,100 children whose cases were pending when the program was halted under Trump and “thousands more who are in thousands more who are in need of international humanitarian protection from violence and persecution,” said Jennifer Sime, a senior vice president for the International Rescue Committee.

The Department of Homeland Security has also begun processing the asylum claims of thousands of people who were forced by the Trump administration to stay in Mexico, often in dangerous conditions, for a decision on their case.

U.S. officials say that early Biden administration moves on immigration have likely been portrayed by smugglers to migrants that they will be able to cross the southwest border more easily than under Trump. Most people are still turned back.

Nearly three-quarters of the more than 100,000 total people encountered at the southwest border in February were single adults, records show, and the vast majority were quickly sent back across the border to Mexico under the public health order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615476676228.png" alt="National Security Council Coordinator for U.S. Southern Border Roberta Jacobson -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>National Security Council Coordinator for U.S. Southern Border Roberta Jacobson -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of migrant children and families seeking to cross the U.S. southwest border has surged to levels not seen since before the pandemic, a challenge for President Joe Biden as he works to undo the restrictive immigration policies of his predecessor.Statistics released Wednesday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed the number of children and families increased by more than 100% between January and February. Kids crossing by themselves rose 60% to more than 9,400, forcing the government to look for new places to hold them temporarily.The surge has been seized on by Republicans and former President Donald Trump as a line of attack on Biden, though his administration is turning back nearly all single adults, who make up the majority of border-crossers, under a public health order imposed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.The Biden administration is temporarily holding children and families, mostly from Central America, for several days. They are generally then allowed to enter the U.S. while authorities evaluate their claims to asylum or see if they have any other legal right to stay in the country.It is a challenge for an administration that has been working to restore an asylum system largely dismantled under Trump and likely to face increasing pressure.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-guatemala-central-america-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-a37241f7310940c98dbdd986efec3532">Factors driving the increase include&nbsp;</a>widespread hunger in Central America due to recent hurricanes, the economic upheaval of the pandemic and more fundamental social problems dating back years.“If you put all those issues together you are going to see folks that are looking for a better way of life,” acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said as he presented the latest figures.Republicans have argued that migrants are drawn by incentives such as the immigration bill backed by Biden and many Democrats that would offer a path to citizenship for millions of people illegally in the country. “We’re seeing a surge of unaccompanied children coming across the border. Why? Joe Biden promised amnesty,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said in a tweet.Overall encounters have been increasing steadily since April 2020, soon after Mexico and the U.S. agreed to close the official border crossings to all but essential traffic because of the pandemic.There were nearly 29,000 families or unaccompanied minors combined in February. The last time it was higher was in October 2019. The total number of people encountered by CBP was just up 28% from January, but many of them are migrants who were recently turned back and are trying again.Biden officials have faced mounting questions about the temporary detention of migrant families, an issue that the two previous presidents had to deal with because of the instability in the region. The new administration is seeking to craft a softer approach.Roberta Jacobson, Biden’s senior official for southwest border affairs and a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, said the administration is asking Congress for $4 billion for targeted aid to nonprofit and community organizations in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala to try to ease some of the conditions that cause people to flee their homelands.“Only by addressing those root causes can we break the cycle of desperation and provide hope for families who clearly would prefer to stay in their countries and provide a better future for their children,” she told reporters at the White House.Jacobson said the U.S. is also restoring a program, ended under Trump, that reunited children in the three Central American countries with parents who are legal residents in the United States.There are about 3,100 children whose cases were pending when the program was halted under Trump and “thousands more who are in thousands more who are in need of international humanitarian protection from violence and persecution,” said Jennifer Sime, a senior vice president for the International Rescue Committee.The Department of Homeland Security has also begun processing the asylum claims of thousands of people who were forced by the Trump administration to stay in Mexico, often in dangerous conditions, for a decision on their case.U.S. officials say that early Biden administration moves on immigration have likely been portrayed by smugglers to migrants that they will be able to cross the southwest border more easily than under Trump. Most people are still turned back.Nearly three-quarters of the more than 100,000 total people encountered at the southwest border in February were single adults, records show, and the vast majority were quickly sent back across the border to Mexico under the public health order.___

Surge of kids at U.S border not seen since before pandemic

Fern Maria Dolezal, 87, passed away March 8, 2021, in Great Bend.&nbsp; 
She was born May 16, 1933, in rural Walker, to Herman Morris and Bessie 
Maria (Barrett) Klotz.&nbsp; Fern married Donald Dean Dolezal October 28, 
1951, in La Crosse.&nbsp;

Growing up in rural Walker and attending school in Gorham, Fern moved
 to Great Bend in 1952.&nbsp; She was a bookkeeper and office manager for 
Feist’s Soft Water, retiring in 2005, previously working for Evansco, 
Hansen Jewelers, Great Bend Tribune, Fuller Brush and Bayless Dry 
Cleaners. &nbsp;She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, CKMC Auxiliary, 
V.F.W. Post 3111 Auxiliary, Lake Barton Golf Club and Women’s 
International Bowling Congress.&nbsp; Fern enjoyed gardening, bowling, 
golfing, and crocheting. Fern especially enjoyed watching her 
grandchildren's activities and spending time with her family.

Survivors include, her husband, Donald Dolezal, Sr. of the home; two 
sons, Donald Dolezal, Jr. of Great Bend and Ray Dolezal of Hoisington; 
three daughters, Ida Woydziak and husband David of Hoisington, Donna 
Manwarren and husband Tom of Greenwood, Mo., and Jean Jones and husband 
Michael of Hoisington; three brothers, Marvin Klotz and Morris Klotz of 
Nevada, Mo., and Albert Klotz of Bella Vista, Ark.; three sisters, 
Shirley Vincent, Anna Lee Bloesser and Marjorie Johnson, all of Nevada, 
Mo.; twelve grandchildren, Aaron Dolezal, Brian Dolezal and wife Andrea,
 Michelle Jenkins and husband Chad, Matthew Dolezal, Nathan Woydziak and
 wife Melissa, Shawn Woydziak and wife Brittany, Crystal Schroeder and 
husband Brian, Cortney Boor and husband Glenn, Tyler Manwarren and wife 
Chelsea, Derek Ludwig, Ethan Ludwig, and Sienna Ludwig; and twenty-three
 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a 
brother, Herman Klotz, Jr.; and a sister, Joyce Gundy.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at 
Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Barbara Jones presiding.&nbsp; Interment
 will be 2:00 p.m. in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Gorham.&nbsp; Visitation will be
 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 11, with family receiving 
friends 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. all at Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; 

Memorials may be 
given to American Cancer Society or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615384505889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fern Maria Dolezal, 87, passed away March 8, 2021, in Great Bend.&nbsp; 
She was born May 16, 1933, in rural Walker, to Herman Morris and Bessie 
Maria (Barrett) Klotz.&nbsp; Fern married Donald Dean Dolezal October 28, 
1951, in La Crosse.&nbsp;Growing up in rural Walker and attending school in Gorham, Fern moved
 to Great Bend in 1952.&nbsp; She was a bookkeeper and office manager for 
Feist’s Soft Water, retiring in 2005, previously working for Evansco, 
Hansen Jewelers, Great Bend Tribune, Fuller Brush and Bayless Dry 
Cleaners. &nbsp;She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, CKMC Auxiliary, 
V.F.W. Post 3111 Auxiliary, Lake Barton Golf Club and Women’s 
International Bowling Congress.&nbsp; Fern enjoyed gardening, bowling, 
golfing, and crocheting. Fern especially enjoyed watching her 
grandchildren's activities and spending time with her family.Survivors include, her husband, Donald Dolezal, Sr. of the home; two 
sons, Donald Dolezal, Jr. of Great Bend and Ray Dolezal of Hoisington; 
three daughters, Ida Woydziak and husband David of Hoisington, Donna 
Manwarren and husband Tom of Greenwood, Mo., and Jean Jones and husband 
Michael of Hoisington; three brothers, Marvin Klotz and Morris Klotz of 
Nevada, Mo., and Albert Klotz of Bella Vista, Ark.; three sisters, 
Shirley Vincent, Anna Lee Bloesser and Marjorie Johnson, all of Nevada, 
Mo.; twelve grandchildren, Aaron Dolezal, Brian Dolezal and wife Andrea,
 Michelle Jenkins and husband Chad, Matthew Dolezal, Nathan Woydziak and
 wife Melissa, Shawn Woydziak and wife Brittany, Crystal Schroeder and 
husband Brian, Cortney Boor and husband Glenn, Tyler Manwarren and wife 
Chelsea, Derek Ludwig, Ethan Ludwig, and Sienna Ludwig; and twenty-three
 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a 
brother, Herman Klotz, Jr.; and a sister, Joyce Gundy.Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at 
Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Barbara Jones presiding.&nbsp; Interment
 will be 2:00 p.m. in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Gorham.&nbsp; Visitation will be
 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 11, with family receiving 
friends 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. all at Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp; Memorials may be 
given to American Cancer Society or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Fern Maria Dolezal

KANSAS CITY - The FBI Kansas City Division along with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is seeking information to identify the unknown individual(s) responsible for the 1998 murder of Rhonda Tribue, according to a media release from the agency.

 Rhonda Tribue may also have been known by her maiden name Rhonda Easley.

Rhonda, 34-years-old and a mother of six children, living in Kansas City, Kansas, was found dead from apparent blunt force trauma at approximately 4:40 a.m. on October 8, 1998. Her body was discovered in the roadway at the 500 block of S. 94th Street near Edwardsville, Kansas.

In the early morning hours of that same day, Rhonda had been seen at the Firelight lounge. She was known to frequent the lounge and the area of 7th Street and Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas.

At the time of her death, she was wearing a High-Sierra brand, dark-purple corduroy jacket over a gold lace top, pumpkin colored jeans, and brown sandals. Rhonda was described as follow 5-foot-5 inches tall, 145 pounds, medium build, light-skinned black female with brown eyes and&nbsp;dark brown hair with deep orange and yellow highlights

This cold case investigation was initiated again in 2020. Based upon new information developed during this investigation, law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding this homicide should call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615225616112.png" alt="Rhonda Tribue-Easley photo taken Sept. 1998&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rhonda Tribue-Easley photo taken Sept. 1998&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY - The FBI Kansas City Division along with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is seeking information to identify the unknown individual(s) responsible for the 1998 murder of Rhonda Tribue, according to a media release from the agency. Rhonda Tribue may also have been known by her maiden name Rhonda Easley.Rhonda, 34-years-old and a mother of six children, living in Kansas City, Kansas, was found dead from apparent blunt force trauma at approximately 4:40 a.m. on October 8, 1998. Her body was discovered in the roadway at the 500 block of S. 94th Street near Edwardsville, Kansas.In the early morning hours of that same day, Rhonda had been seen at the Firelight lounge. She was known to frequent the lounge and the area of 7th Street and Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615225573969.png" alt="Rhonda Tribue-Easley" />
 <figcaption>Rhonda Tribue-Easley</figcaption>
 </figure>At the time of her death, she was wearing a High-Sierra brand, dark-purple corduroy jacket over a gold lace top, pumpkin colored jeans, and brown sandals. Rhonda was described as follow 5-foot-5 inches tall, 145 pounds, medium build, light-skinned black female with brown eyes and&nbsp;dark brown hair with deep orange and yellow highlightsThis cold case investigation was initiated again in 2020. Based upon new information developed during this investigation, law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding this homicide should call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Cold case murder of Kan. mother of 6 gets new attention from FBI

Bonita M. (Linenberger) Schulte, age 77, of Salina, Kansas, died Monday, March 8, 2021, at her home.

She was born October 7, 1943, in Hays, Kansas to Bonavent and Gertrude (Beck)-Brungardt Linenberger.&nbsp; She married Gary M. Schulte on September 5, 1966, at Victoria, Kansas.

She operated a beauty shop in Victoria from 1962 till 1966 and moved to Hays in&nbsp; 1967.&nbsp; She was a 1961 graduate of&nbsp; Victoria High School, a homemaker, a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp; She and Gary moved to Salina in&nbsp; 2004, and was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Salina.&nbsp; She helped start the TMP Booster Club, enjoyed playing card games, spending time with family, and being there for her grandchildren’s sporting activities.

Survivors include her husband, Gary M. Schulte, of the home; two sons, Travis Schulte and wife, Brandi, Lenexa, KS; Troy Schulte and wife, Sharon, Hays, KS; one daughter, Toni Juenemann and husband, Wayne, Salina, KS; one brother, John Linenberger and wife, Marlene, Manhattan, KS; two sisters-in-law, Carol Linenberger and Norma Linenberger, both of Salina; eight grandchildren, Taylor Schulte; Austin Schulte; Jordan Hixon and husband, Nick; Jackson Schulte; Jaden Schulte; Drake Juenemann; Ashley Juenemann; Joshua Juenemann.

She was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, Edwin, Gilbert, Dennis, Verlin, Thomas, Leo, and Patrick Linenberger; three sisters, Henrietta Giebler, Doris Younger-Pfeifer, Virginita Linenberger; and one infant brother, Clarence Linenberger.

Services are 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 11, 2021, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Thursday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; The family suggests memorials to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Hospice of Salina, or Masses.&nbsp;

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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/2021/3/1615307980056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bonita M. (Linenberger) Schulte, age 77, of Salina, Kansas, died Monday, March 8, 2021, at her home.She was born October 7, 1943, in Hays, Kansas to Bonavent and Gertrude (Beck)-Brungardt Linenberger.&nbsp; She married Gary M. Schulte on September 5, 1966, at Victoria, Kansas.She operated a beauty shop in Victoria from 1962 till 1966 and moved to Hays in&nbsp; 1967.&nbsp; She was a 1961 graduate of&nbsp; Victoria High School, a homemaker, a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp; She and Gary moved to Salina in&nbsp; 2004, and was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Salina.&nbsp; She helped start the TMP Booster Club, enjoyed playing card games, spending time with family, and being there for her grandchildren’s sporting activities.Survivors include her husband, Gary M. Schulte, of the home; two sons, Travis Schulte and wife, Brandi, Lenexa, KS; Troy Schulte and wife, Sharon, Hays, KS; one daughter, Toni Juenemann and husband, Wayne, Salina, KS; one brother, John Linenberger and wife, Marlene, Manhattan, KS; two sisters-in-law, Carol Linenberger and Norma Linenberger, both of Salina; eight grandchildren, Taylor Schulte; Austin Schulte; Jordan Hixon and husband, Nick; Jackson Schulte; Jaden Schulte; Drake Juenemann; Ashley Juenemann; Joshua Juenemann.She was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, Edwin, Gilbert, Dennis, Verlin, Thomas, Leo, and Patrick Linenberger; three sisters, Henrietta Giebler, Doris Younger-Pfeifer, Virginita Linenberger; and one infant brother, Clarence Linenberger.Services are 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 11, 2021, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Thursday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; The family suggests memorials to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Hospice of Salina, or Masses.&nbsp;Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.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;

Bonita M. (Linenberger) Schulte

<a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/clifford-campbell">Obituary | Clifford V. Campbell of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a>

Clifford V. Campbell, age 99, of Beloit, Kansas, died Monday March 8, 2021 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit.&nbsp; Cliff was born on the family farm southwest of Beloit, to T.A. (Pete) and Eliza (Studer) Campbell, on August 20, 1921. He is a Beloit High School graduate.&nbsp; Cliff served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he served as a radar and radio instructor, stationed at Boca Raton, Florida. Cliff received a medal as an expert marksman while there.

Cliff and Irma Faye Huffman were married October 8, 1943, in Beloit.&nbsp; After World War II, they moved to the family farm southwest of Beloit, where they lived for nearly 70 years. Cliff loved farming, and still helped with wheat harvest when he was 93 years old. Cliff and Faye celebrated 72 years of marriage October 8, 2015. Cliff and Faye enjoyed traveling, including taking the family to the World’s Fair in New York in 1964.

Cliff was a member of Pleasant View Methodist Church, the Masons for 50 years, and a member of the American Legion. Cliff was very interested in politics and served as a Kansas State Representative in Topeka, for 14 years. He and Faye enjoyed many functions and made many friends during his term in Topeka. He also served on the boards of many organizations in the community, including Salt Creek Watershed Board for 50 years. Cliff loved history, was quite the story teller, and enjoyed being involved with Mitchell County Historical Society. Cliff enjoyed hunting with family and friends, hosting large groups for pheasant hunting, especially.

&nbsp;Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Faye, and his parents.

Cliff is survived by children Jim (Elaine) Campbell, Jeannine (Ed) Mondero, and Terry (Charlotte) Campbell, Beloit, grandchildren Maria (Robin) Goter, Frederick, CO, Chris (Cierra) Mondero, Ashley Campbell, Christy (Josh) Miller, all of Beloit, Nick (Katrina) Mondero, Hays, KS, Kendra (Jim) Zimmer, Wichita, Trever (Jessica) Heidrick, Beloit, 14 great grandchildren, and his sister Geneva Pearson, Beloit.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM Thursday, March 11 at the Beloit First United Methodist Church and will be live-streamed through the Church's Facebook page. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM Wednesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Service. Memorials may be given to the Mitchell County Historical Society or Solomon Valley Hospice.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Clifford V. Campbell, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/clifford-campbell/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Clifford V. Campbell, Beloit</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615301725514.jpeg" alt="Clifford V. Campbell" />
 <figcaption>Clifford V. Campbell</figcaption>
 </figure>August 20, 1921 - March 8, 2021<a href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/clifford-campbell">Obituary | Clifford V. Campbell of Beloit, Kansas | Roberts Family Funeral Service (mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com)</a>Clifford V. Campbell, age 99, of Beloit, Kansas, died Monday March 8, 2021 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit.&nbsp; Cliff was born on the family farm southwest of Beloit, to T.A. (Pete) and Eliza (Studer) Campbell, on August 20, 1921. He is a Beloit High School graduate.&nbsp; Cliff served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he served as a radar and radio instructor, stationed at Boca Raton, Florida. Cliff received a medal as an expert marksman while there.Cliff and Irma Faye Huffman were married October 8, 1943, in Beloit.&nbsp; After World War II, they moved to the family farm southwest of Beloit, where they lived for nearly 70 years. Cliff loved farming, and still helped with wheat harvest when he was 93 years old. Cliff and Faye celebrated 72 years of marriage October 8, 2015. Cliff and Faye enjoyed traveling, including taking the family to the World’s Fair in New York in 1964.Cliff was a member of Pleasant View Methodist Church, the Masons for 50 years, and a member of the American Legion. Cliff was very interested in politics and served as a Kansas State Representative in Topeka, for 14 years. He and Faye enjoyed many functions and made many friends during his term in Topeka. He also served on the boards of many organizations in the community, including Salt Creek Watershed Board for 50 years. Cliff loved history, was quite the story teller, and enjoyed being involved with Mitchell County Historical Society. Cliff enjoyed hunting with family and friends, hosting large groups for pheasant hunting, especially.&nbsp;Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Faye, and his parents.Cliff is survived by children Jim (Elaine) Campbell, Jeannine (Ed) Mondero, and Terry (Charlotte) Campbell, Beloit, grandchildren Maria (Robin) Goter, Frederick, CO, Chris (Cierra) Mondero, Ashley Campbell, Christy (Josh) Miller, all of Beloit, Nick (Katrina) Mondero, Hays, KS, Kendra (Jim) Zimmer, Wichita, Trever (Jessica) Heidrick, Beloit, 14 great grandchildren, and his sister Geneva Pearson, Beloit.Funeral services will be at 2 PM Thursday, March 11 at the Beloit First United Methodist Church and will be live-streamed through the Church's Facebook page. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM Wednesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Service. Memorials may be given to the Mitchell County Historical Society or Solomon Valley Hospice.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Clifford V. Campbell, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcdonaldrobertsfuneralservice.com/obituary/clifford-campbell/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Clifford V. Campbell

Lifetime Sherman County, Kansas, resident Ellen Eileen (Hurd) Townsend, 94, died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Topside Manor in Goodland.

She was born October 19, 1926, in Goodland, the eldest daughter of 
Glen F. and Ada Eileen (Mulkey) Hurd.&nbsp; She attended school in Goodland 
and graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1944. She went on to 
attend business school in Denver, Colorado.

Eileen returned to Goodland and married Ray Townsend on May 17, 1946,&nbsp; in Garden City, Kansas. In 1949, the couple constructed a home southwest 
of Goodland that remains as the farm headquarters today. Ray and Eileen 
farmed, ranched, and built and operated a 50 head dairy for many years. 
&nbsp;Ray preceded her in death in 2004.

Eileen worked at Goodland State Bank before she married Ray. Years 
later she went to work for the Great Western Sugar Company as an 
assistant chemist then took the position of Office Manager and 
accountant for J&amp;J Feeders (John Cogswell and Joe Gutsch). Eileen 
remained as the feedlot transitioned over the years to Fairleigh Feeders
 and eventually Century Feeders. After retiring, Eileen maintained an 
office in Goodland and provided accounting and bookkeeping services for 
the Cogswell family until the ranch was sold and the estate was settled.

Through the years, Eileen’s math, business, and accounting skills 
combined with Ray’s crop and livestock abilities made for a successful 
team!

While raising her family, Eileen was active in the Methodist Church, 
served as a 4-H leader, helped organize a garden club, and served as a 
president of the parent teacher organization at the elementary school. 
She was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing flowers, especially roses, 
and vegetables which she loved to share.

After retirement, Eileen served as a board member of the Goodland 
Arts Council and the Sherman County Historical Society, and was also 
active in the Sherman County Alumni Association.

Surviving family includes a son, Alan Townsend and wife, Lynda of 
Goodland, a daughter Amy and husband, Craig Good of Olsburg, Kansas. 
Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Christa (Townsend) and husband, Doug
 Smith of Severn, Maryland, Andra (Townsend) and husband, Michael 
Nielsen of Wichita, Ross Townsend and wife, Ashley of Goodland, Laura 
Good and husband, Isidro Linan Jimenez, Ames, Iowa, and Grant Good, 
Moundridge, Kansas. There are 5 surviving great-granddaughters. Eileen 
is also survived by 3 sisters, Wanda Fitterer, Donna Dee Thompson, and 
Betty Hurd all of Oregon.

&nbsp;In addition to her husband, preceding her in death were her parents and 2 brothers, Don and Darrell Hurd.

Eileen experienced many things in her 94 years and loved her family and her community!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615220959310.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lifetime Sherman County, Kansas, resident Ellen Eileen (Hurd) Townsend, 94, died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Topside Manor in Goodland.She was born October 19, 1926, in Goodland, the eldest daughter of 
Glen F. and Ada Eileen (Mulkey) Hurd.&nbsp; She attended school in Goodland 
and graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1944. She went on to 
attend business school in Denver, Colorado.Eileen returned to Goodland and married Ray Townsend on May 17, 1946,&nbsp; in Garden City, Kansas. In 1949, the couple constructed a home southwest 
of Goodland that remains as the farm headquarters today. Ray and Eileen 
farmed, ranched, and built and operated a 50 head dairy for many years. 
&nbsp;Ray preceded her in death in 2004.Eileen worked at Goodland State Bank before she married Ray. Years 
later she went to work for the Great Western Sugar Company as an 
assistant chemist then took the position of Office Manager and 
accountant for J&amp;J Feeders (John Cogswell and Joe Gutsch). Eileen 
remained as the feedlot transitioned over the years to Fairleigh Feeders
 and eventually Century Feeders. After retiring, Eileen maintained an 
office in Goodland and provided accounting and bookkeeping services for 
the Cogswell family until the ranch was sold and the estate was settled.Through the years, Eileen’s math, business, and accounting skills 
combined with Ray’s crop and livestock abilities made for a successful 
team!While raising her family, Eileen was active in the Methodist Church, 
served as a 4-H leader, helped organize a garden club, and served as a 
president of the parent teacher organization at the elementary school. 
She was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing flowers, especially roses, 
and vegetables which she loved to share.After retirement, Eileen served as a board member of the Goodland 
Arts Council and the Sherman County Historical Society, and was also 
active in the Sherman County Alumni Association.Surviving family includes a son, Alan Townsend and wife, Lynda of 
Goodland, a daughter Amy and husband, Craig Good of Olsburg, Kansas. 
Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Christa (Townsend) and husband, Doug
 Smith of Severn, Maryland, Andra (Townsend) and husband, Michael 
Nielsen of Wichita, Ross Townsend and wife, Ashley of Goodland, Laura 
Good and husband, Isidro Linan Jimenez, Ames, Iowa, and Grant Good, 
Moundridge, Kansas. There are 5 surviving great-granddaughters. Eileen 
is also survived by 3 sisters, Wanda Fitterer, Donna Dee Thompson, and 
Betty Hurd all of Oregon.&nbsp;In addition to her husband, preceding her in death were her parents and 2 brothers, Don and Darrell Hurd.Eileen experienced many things in her 94 years and loved her family and her community!

Ellen Eileen (Hurd) Townsend

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — More than a year after two U.S. Department of Agriculture research agencies were moved from the nation’s capital to Kansas City forcing a mass exodus of employees who couldn’t or didn’t want to move halfway across the country, they remain critically understaffed and some farmers are less confident in the work they produce.

The decision to move the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in September 2019 was pitched as putting them closer to farmers in the nation’s breadbasket, though much of their work involves advising members of Congress back in Washington. After the relocation was announced, President Donald Trump’s chief of staff at the time, Mick Mulvaney, joked that moving the jobs to Kansas City was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9f3b4c70d47e4bdf92816c5f170b29f6">“a wonderful way to streamline government.”</a>

Tom Vilsack inherited a demoralized workforce at the two agencies when he took over as secretary of agriculture under President Joe Biden. With 235 vacancies between them, the agencies continued to hire during the pandemic and administration change, but they are putting out work that is smaller in scope and less frequent, causing some farmers to look elsewhere for data they rely on to run their operations.

Among them is Vance Ehmke, who said that since the USDA relocations occurred, he has been paying a lot more attention to private market analysis and what private grain companies are doing. The information feeds his decisions on everything from whether to buy more land or a new tractor to whether to build more grain bins.

“Here, when we need really good, hard information, you are really starting to question groups like USDA, which before that had a sterling reputation,” Ehmke said recently. “But out in the country, people are worried about how good the information is now because those groups are operating at half capacity.”

The relocation hollowed out years of specialized experience and delayed or scuttled some of the agencies’ research and other work. Hiring at the Kansas City site remains well below the roughly 550&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4f29da28ecd746169ded179859c02eca">high-paying jobs</a>&nbsp;local leaders had anticipated.

Farmers rely on the research to make decisions on a wide range of topics, from rural community planning to farming with climate change and volatile weather conditions, said Aaron Lehman, a farmer who is president of the Iowa Farmers Union.

The ERS examines issues including the rural economy, international trade, food safety and programs that provide food assistance to poor Americans. NIFA, meanwhile, provides grants for agricultural research and other farm services.

“It has gone in the wrong direction in general in terms of accuracy now,” said Adrian Polansky, a farmer and former executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency office in Kansas during the Obama administration. “Whether that was for sure based on that transition or whether it was the leadership in the department in terms of what the political goals may have been, I am not exactly sure. But it seems like there was less reliability.”

Polansky said he looks to commercial sources of agricultural information to corroborate USDA data more often now than he did in the past. He said that even after the agencies fill their openings, it will take time to “become fully impactful” because research is a long-term endeavor.

“When you lose significant staff and significant institutional knowledge, there is just not a way that can’t impact the product and information from USDA,” he said.

Dan O’Brien, a grain market specialist at Kansas State University Research and Extension, acknowledged that farmers have increasingly been questioning the reliability of the government’s agricultural data over the past few years. However, he said those frustrations have dealt more with reports published by other USDA agencies, and that some farmers may be confusing them.

Laura Dodson, the union representative for ERS employees, said the relocation will affect the agency for another five years. It hasn’t affected the accuracy of its reports, but it has reduced their scope and frequency.

Dozens of ERS reports have either come out late or not at all, including reports on the organic food sector, antibiotic use in animal production, and hired farm workers and labor markets, among others, Dodson said. For example, a two-year research project on pollinators such as honeybees was shelved because the entire team working on it left the agency rather than move to Kansas City.

ERS published 37 reports in 2018, compared to 11 last year, Dodson said. Those figures don’t include its monthly crop price and analysis reports, which have remained fairly steady despite the relocation and the pandemic. Agency employees also published 100 articles in academic journals related to their fields of study in 2018, but just 64 in 2020.

“We help make sure that food is produced safely, timely and responds to changes in the marketplace and changes to environmental sector,” she said. “And so if those become less effective because they are not being informed by good data and research, that will translate directly to how Americans receive their food.”

Matt Herrick, a USDA spokesman, said in an email that he couldn’t speak to the volume and variety of ERS reports and research under the Trump administration. “However, when you lose more than half of your expert workforce, there is bound to be a noticeable effect,” he added, noting that the USDA is focused on restoring employee confidence and morale.

By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — More than a year after two U.S. Department of Agriculture research agencies were moved from the nation’s capital to Kansas City forcing a mass exodus of employees who couldn’t or didn’t want to move halfway across the country, they remain critically understaffed and some farmers are less confident in the work they produce.The decision to move the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in September 2019 was pitched as putting them closer to farmers in the nation’s breadbasket, though much of their work involves advising members of Congress back in Washington. After the relocation was announced, President Donald Trump’s chief of staff at the time, Mick Mulvaney, joked that moving the jobs to Kansas City was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9f3b4c70d47e4bdf92816c5f170b29f6">“a wonderful way to streamline government.”</a>Tom Vilsack inherited a demoralized workforce at the two agencies when he took over as secretary of agriculture under President Joe Biden. With 235 vacancies between them, the agencies continued to hire during the pandemic and administration change, but they are putting out work that is smaller in scope and less frequent, causing some farmers to look elsewhere for data they rely on to run their operations.Among them is Vance Ehmke, who said that since the USDA relocations occurred, he has been paying a lot more attention to private market analysis and what private grain companies are doing. The information feeds his decisions on everything from whether to buy more land or a new tractor to whether to build more grain bins.“Here, when we need really good, hard information, you are really starting to question groups like USDA, which before that had a sterling reputation,” Ehmke said recently. “But out in the country, people are worried about how good the information is now because those groups are operating at half capacity.”The relocation hollowed out years of specialized experience and delayed or scuttled some of the agencies’ research and other work. Hiring at the Kansas City site remains well below the roughly 550&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4f29da28ecd746169ded179859c02eca">high-paying jobs</a>&nbsp;local leaders had anticipated.Farmers rely on the research to make decisions on a wide range of topics, from rural community planning to farming with climate change and volatile weather conditions, said Aaron Lehman, a farmer who is president of the Iowa Farmers Union.ADVERTISEMENTThe ERS examines issues including the rural economy, international trade, food safety and programs that provide food assistance to poor Americans. NIFA, meanwhile, provides grants for agricultural research and other farm services.“It has gone in the wrong direction in general in terms of accuracy now,” said Adrian Polansky, a farmer and former executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency office in Kansas during the Obama administration. “Whether that was for sure based on that transition or whether it was the leadership in the department in terms of what the political goals may have been, I am not exactly sure. But it seems like there was less reliability.”Polansky said he looks to commercial sources of agricultural information to corroborate USDA data more often now than he did in the past. He said that even after the agencies fill their openings, it will take time to “become fully impactful” because research is a long-term endeavor.“When you lose significant staff and significant institutional knowledge, there is just not a way that can’t impact the product and information from USDA,” he said.Dan O’Brien, a grain market specialist at Kansas State University Research and Extension, acknowledged that farmers have increasingly been questioning the reliability of the government’s agricultural data over the past few years. However, he said those frustrations have dealt more with reports published by other USDA agencies, and that some farmers may be confusing them.Laura Dodson, the union representative for ERS employees, said the relocation will affect the agency for another five years. It hasn’t affected the accuracy of its reports, but it has reduced their scope and frequency.Dozens of ERS reports have either come out late or not at all, including reports on the organic food sector, antibiotic use in animal production, and hired farm workers and labor markets, among others, Dodson said. For example, a two-year research project on pollinators such as honeybees was shelved because the entire team working on it left the agency rather than move to Kansas City.ERS published 37 reports in 2018, compared to 11 last year, Dodson said. Those figures don’t include its monthly crop price and analysis reports, which have remained fairly steady despite the relocation and the pandemic. Agency employees also published 100 articles in academic journals related to their fields of study in 2018, but just 64 in 2020.“We help make sure that food is produced safely, timely and responds to changes in the marketplace and changes to environmental sector,” she said. “And so if those become less effective because they are not being informed by good data and research, that will translate directly to how Americans receive their food.”Matt Herrick, a USDA spokesman, said in an email that he couldn’t speak to the volume and variety of ERS reports and research under the Trump administration. “However, when you lose more than half of your expert workforce, there is bound to be a noticeable effect,” he added, noting that the USDA is focused on restoring employee confidence and morale.When former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5d5c86204a4d4d6c84431488b19c5fea">Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue</a>&nbsp;toured the new Kansas City headquarters in November 2019, he predicted the agencies would be fully staffed by the first quarter of 2020. That didn’t happen.In October 2016 — before Trump’s first year in office — ERS had 318 permanent employees, according to USDA data. By October 2019 — just a month after the move — its workforce had shrunk to 164. As of late January 2021, it had 219 employees, including 67 still based in Washington.The same trend played out at NIFA, which had 320 employees in October 2016. In October 2019, it was down to 112 workers, though it rebounded somewhat to 218 by late January, including 16 based in Washington.“Best I can tell, they were putting out information that Trump really did not like hearing, like global climate change and things like that,” Ehmke said. “And here in the United States, what we do with groups like that — we can’t send them to Siberia, so we send them to Kansas City.”