HUTCHINSON — Twenty-seven new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)&nbsp;on Feb. 26 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Deputy Luke Davis of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Nelson Mosley of the Rose Hill Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 274th Basic Training Class.

Officer Samantha Snell of the Galena Police Department was recognized by KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck and awarded a KLETC Certificate of Commendation for her actions in the performance of her duties. Snell, along with Officer Logan Grant of the Galena Police Department, risked their lives on Jan. 18 in an attempt to save victims of a fiery two-vehicle head-on crash. Grant will be recognized when he graduates March 19.

Jonathon Dunfee of the Kansas City Public Schools Police Department was also recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.”

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of&nbsp;University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in October 2020, represented 23 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. 

Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Brown • Brock Becker, Horton Police Department • Chance Johansen, Hiawatha Police Department

Butler •&nbsp;Peyton
Heidebrecht, Rose Hill Police Department

Cherokee •&nbsp;Samantha
Snell, Galena Police Department

Douglas • Andrew Miller, KU Public Safety • Austin Kost, Eudora Police Department

Ellis •&nbsp;Lindsey
Clayton, Hays Police Department

Franklin •&nbsp;Andrew
Dougan, Ottawa Police Department

Grant •&nbsp;Neal
Baker, Ulysses Police Department

Gray •&nbsp;Luke
Davis, Gray County Sheriff’s Office

Johnson • Darien Willis, Kansas City Public Schools Police Department •&nbsp;Jonathon
Dunfee, Kansas City Public Schools Police Department

Kiowa •&nbsp;Sean
Kost, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office

Leavenworth •&nbsp;Derrick
Weller, Lansing Police Department

Lyon •&nbsp;Benjamin
Folks, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Pottawatomie •&nbsp;Luis
Vargas Baez, St. George Police Department

Rawlins • Michael Runkle, Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office

Reno •&nbsp;Michael
Mendez, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Adam
Scalisi, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Camron
Hurley, Hutchinson Police Department

Saline •&nbsp;Trenton
Shaft, Saline County Sheriff’s Office

Seward • Malerie Denson, Liberal Police Department

Sherman •&nbsp;Tanner Feasel, Goodland Police Department •&nbsp;Chalee
Luther, Goodland Police Department

Thomas •&nbsp;Justin Barber, Colby
Police Department

Washington •&nbsp;Kolt
Cooper, Washington County Sheriff’s Office • Joshua Kramer, Washington County Sheriff’s Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614785483482.jpeg" alt="Officer Lindsey Clayton&nbsp; graduated Feb. 26 from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with the 274th class. Officer Clayton joined her shift Tuesday night at the Hays Police Department. Pictured are Corporal Scott Heimann, Officer Lindsey Clayton, Sergeant Phillip Gage, and Officer Alex Broadway. (Photo courtesy HPD)" />
 <figcaption>Officer Lindsey Clayton&nbsp; graduated Feb. 26 from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with the 274th class. Officer Clayton joined her shift Tuesday night at the Hays Police Department. Pictured are Corporal Scott Heimann, Officer Lindsey Clayton, Sergeant Phillip Gage, and Officer Alex Broadway. (Photo courtesy HPD)</figcaption>
 </figure>KLETC HUTCHINSON — Twenty-seven new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)&nbsp;on Feb. 26 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Deputy Luke Davis of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Nelson Mosley of the Rose Hill Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 274th Basic Training Class.Officer Samantha Snell of the Galena Police Department was recognized by KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck and awarded a KLETC Certificate of Commendation for her actions in the performance of her duties. Snell, along with Officer Logan Grant of the Galena Police Department, risked their lives on Jan. 18 in an attempt to save victims of a fiery two-vehicle head-on crash. Grant will be recognized when he graduates March 19.Jonathon Dunfee of the Kansas City Public Schools Police Department was also recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.”Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of&nbsp;University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in October 2020, represented 23 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Brown • Brock Becker, Horton Police Department • Chance Johansen, Hiawatha Police DepartmentButler •&nbsp;Peyton
Heidebrecht, Rose Hill Police DepartmentCherokee •&nbsp;Samantha
Snell, Galena Police Department Douglas • Andrew Miller, KU Public Safety • Austin Kost, Eudora Police Department Ellis •&nbsp;Lindsey
Clayton, Hays Police DepartmentFranklin •&nbsp;Andrew
Dougan, Ottawa Police DepartmentGrant •&nbsp;Neal
Baker, Ulysses Police DepartmentGray •&nbsp;Luke
Davis, Gray County Sheriff’s OfficeJohnson • Darien Willis, Kansas City Public Schools Police Department •&nbsp;Jonathon
Dunfee, Kansas City Public Schools Police DepartmentKiowa •&nbsp;Sean
Kost, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office Leavenworth •&nbsp;Derrick
Weller, Lansing Police DepartmentLyon •&nbsp;Benjamin
Folks, Lyon County Sheriff’s OfficePottawatomie •&nbsp;Luis
Vargas Baez, St. George Police Department Rawlins • Michael Runkle, Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office Reno •&nbsp;Michael
Mendez, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Adam
Scalisi, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Camron
Hurley, Hutchinson Police DepartmentSaline •&nbsp;Trenton
Shaft, Saline County Sheriff’s OfficeSeward • Malerie Denson, Liberal Police DepartmentSherman •&nbsp;Tanner Feasel, Goodland Police Department •&nbsp;Chalee
Luther, Goodland Police Department Thomas •&nbsp;Justin Barber, Colby
Police DepartmentWashington •&nbsp;Kolt
Cooper, Washington County Sheriff’s Office • Joshua Kramer, Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Hays, NW Kan. officers graduate from police academy

Violet "Vi" L. Smith, 96, died on Monday, March 1, 2021, at St Catherine 
Hospital in Garden City. She was born on October 13, 1924, on the family
 farm in Ness County, Kansas, the daughter of George Custer &amp; Rosa 
E. (Beye) Holmes. She married George Edward Smith, the love of her 
life, on August 7, 1943, at Garden City. He died on January 23, 2005. 
Violet graduated from Bazine High School, played the snare drum for the 
High School Band and she never missed a beat! She then moved to Garden 
City. She worked at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She and 
her husband were longtime owners and operators of Smith Sand Company in 
Garden City. She was a member of the Community Congregational Church 
for 50+ years and hosted the church bible study group for many years. 
She made their home a second home to many of their children’s friends, 
and people staying in town with family in the hospital. She was a 
caregiver, their home was always open to family and friends with food, 
conversation and support. She loved her family and singing and 
supporting her children’s music endeavors. She sang with the Sweet 
Adeline’s. Vi’s favorite saying was “I’ll see you in my dreams!” 
She is survived by her 3 Sons- Ronald (Pat) Smith and Dennis (Janet) 
Smith both of Garden City and Steve (Sandy) Smith of Overland Park, 
Kansas, Daughter- Cindy Smith (Tom) Dial of Garden City, Sister- Georgia 
McDonald of Sarasota, Florida, 7 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren 
and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter- Loretta 
Smith, and 5 Brothers- Melvin Holmes, Perry Holmes, Johnny Holmes, 
Lloyd Holmes and Carl Holmes, 4 Sisters- Opal Cannon, Mary Richardson, 
Irene Cunningham and Edna Talbott and 2 Grandchildren- Andrea Smith and 
Cameron Smith. 
There will be no services held at this time. A Celebration of Life will 
be held at a later date. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in 
Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Violet Smith Memorial Fund in 
care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614866207191.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Violet "Vi" L. Smith, 96, died on Monday, March 1, 2021, at St Catherine 
Hospital in Garden City. She was born on October 13, 1924, on the family
 farm in Ness County, Kansas, the daughter of George Custer &amp; Rosa 
E. (Beye) Holmes. She married George Edward Smith, the love of her 
life, on August 7, 1943, at Garden City. He died on January 23, 2005. 
Violet graduated from Bazine High School, played the snare drum for the 
High School Band and she never missed a beat! She then moved to Garden 
City. She worked at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She and 
her husband were longtime owners and operators of Smith Sand Company in 
Garden City. She was a member of the Community Congregational Church 
for 50+ years and hosted the church bible study group for many years. 
She made their home a second home to many of their children’s friends, 
and people staying in town with family in the hospital. She was a 
caregiver, their home was always open to family and friends with food, 
conversation and support. She loved her family and singing and 
supporting her children’s music endeavors. She sang with the Sweet 
Adeline’s. Vi’s favorite saying was “I’ll see you in my dreams!” 
She is survived by her 3 Sons- Ronald (Pat) Smith and Dennis (Janet) 
Smith both of Garden City and Steve (Sandy) Smith of Overland Park, 
Kansas, Daughter- Cindy Smith (Tom) Dial of Garden City, Sister- Georgia 
McDonald of Sarasota, Florida, 7 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren 
and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter- Loretta 
Smith, and 5 Brothers- Melvin Holmes, Perry Holmes, Johnny Holmes, 
Lloyd Holmes and Carl Holmes, 4 Sisters- Opal Cannon, Mary Richardson, 
Irene Cunningham and Edna Talbott and 2 Grandchildren- Andrea Smith and 
Cameron Smith. 
There will be no services held at this time. A Celebration of Life will 
be held at a later date. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in 
Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Violet Smith Memorial Fund in 
care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;

Violet 'Vi' L. Smith

TOPEKA — The Kansas Chamber this week announced its 2021 Leadership Kansas class, including two members from northwest Kansas.

Leadership Kansas, or LK, is a nationally recognized program focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb said the Kansas Chamber is excited to welcome the newest Leadership Kansas class — one of the most diverse classes in the program's 42-year history.

Class members include Joseph Leroux, Victoria, operations manager of Hess Services Inc., in Hays, and Tamara&nbsp;Clymer, Brewster, president/CEO of Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

"As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas has a long history of fostering greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues. The program helps develop our state leaders to make Kansas a stronger and more vibrant business engine," said Cobb.

Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the 2021 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 42 individuals for the 2021 class.&nbsp;The committee and the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors make every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;

The program begins in April with an orientation session in Lawrence and ends with graduation in October after the completion of seven sessions. 

The other cities the 2021 class will visit for this year's program include Garden City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Kansas City, KS, Leavenworth, Hays, Pittsburg, Hutchinson, Wichita, El Dorado, Manhattan, and Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout the six-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.&nbsp;

"Participants in the Leadership Kansas program contribute their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the LK program. They receive once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the business and government leaders of Kansas, who help them become better leaders in their businesses and communities," said Stan Rasmussen,&nbsp;LK Board of Advisors Chairman (Class of 2007)&nbsp;&nbsp;Leadership Kansas has more than 1,400 alumni.

Jeff "Chappie" Chapman (Class of 2012) serves as the Executive Director of the Leadership Kansas program.

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeAbzbh3cMmRPGaZBVJ0hpsGU7OjMJ_fskpf_zxv1S98NJS38zKi3yshyo3AtDj5RHW6mfZpMgnJiDd0ZWemA7gT9LMkwnR57GjjL-Q_6m8L86VMiPfRRETja4La0PEExGt0iiCipe2Y9511wN6K9wALa06EOskegIqrbB1efzaQax6cpt0JNa8U=&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to see a complete list of the 2021 Leadership Kansas class.

About the Kansas Chamber The Kansas Chamber, with headquarters in Topeka, is the leading statewide pro-business advocacy group moving Kansas towards becoming the best state in America to live and work. The Chamber represents small, medium and large employers all across Kansas.&nbsp;The mission of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce is to continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise.&nbsp;For more information on the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeD-fxI9wUK1zYoiS5Psj2AnMKjNcUSSv5dzECLST_Xct4dR1-6Kw89ofyhJbHFHU7uA7k6a8zdp87Kc9hovYrupqZu1qchcJKw==&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">www.KansasChamber.org</a>.

About Leadership Kansas Established by the Kansas Chamber Education Foundation at the encouragement of&nbsp;former Governor of Kansas Robert Bennett, Leadership Kansas is supported and administered by the Kansas Chamber. The program is entering its fifth decade of educating and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state. It has more than 1,400 alumni. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeGprma7yBhnbgEAT9lKjIfdsYalwxxSVibqji6kKU8mNrc--rIQ6E87nFvEfzIntnU3-pfSXmhcAScMnGV8QsOWA1SlPMxFScw==&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">www.LeadershipKansas.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583264003733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA — The Kansas Chamber this week announced its 2021 Leadership Kansas class, including two members from northwest Kansas.Leadership Kansas, or LK, is a nationally recognized program focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb said the Kansas Chamber is excited to welcome the newest Leadership Kansas class — one of the most diverse classes in the program's 42-year history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614705023559.jpeg" alt="Joe Leroux" />
 <figcaption>Joe Leroux</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614699054622.jpeg" alt="Tamara Clymer" />
 <figcaption>Tamara Clymer</figcaption>
 </figure>Class members include Joseph Leroux, Victoria, operations manager of Hess Services Inc., in Hays, and Tamara&nbsp;Clymer, Brewster, president/CEO of Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;"As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas has a long history of fostering greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues. The program helps develop our state leaders to make Kansas a stronger and more vibrant business engine," said Cobb.Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the 2021 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 42 individuals for the 2021 class.&nbsp;The committee and the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors make every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;The program begins in April with an orientation session in Lawrence and ends with graduation in October after the completion of seven sessions. The other cities the 2021 class will visit for this year's program include Garden City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Kansas City, KS, Leavenworth, Hays, Pittsburg, Hutchinson, Wichita, El Dorado, Manhattan, and Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the six-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.&nbsp;"Participants in the Leadership Kansas program contribute their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the LK program. They receive once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the business and government leaders of Kansas, who help them become better leaders in their businesses and communities," said Stan Rasmussen,&nbsp;LK Board of Advisors Chairman (Class of 2007)&nbsp;&nbsp;Leadership Kansas has more than 1,400 alumni.Jeff "Chappie" Chapman (Class of 2012) serves as the Executive Director of the Leadership Kansas program.<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeAbzbh3cMmRPGaZBVJ0hpsGU7OjMJ_fskpf_zxv1S98NJS38zKi3yshyo3AtDj5RHW6mfZpMgnJiDd0ZWemA7gT9LMkwnR57GjjL-Q_6m8L86VMiPfRRETja4La0PEExGt0iiCipe2Y9511wN6K9wALa06EOskegIqrbB1efzaQax6cpt0JNa8U=&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to see a complete list of the 2021 Leadership Kansas class.About the Kansas Chamber The Kansas Chamber, with headquarters in Topeka, is the leading statewide pro-business advocacy group moving Kansas towards becoming the best state in America to live and work. The Chamber represents small, medium and large employers all across Kansas.&nbsp;The mission of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce is to continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise.&nbsp;For more information on the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeD-fxI9wUK1zYoiS5Psj2AnMKjNcUSSv5dzECLST_Xct4dR1-6Kw89ofyhJbHFHU7uA7k6a8zdp87Kc9hovYrupqZu1qchcJKw==&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">www.KansasChamber.org</a>.About Leadership Kansas Established by the Kansas Chamber Education Foundation at the encouragement of&nbsp;former Governor of Kansas Robert Bennett, Leadership Kansas is supported and administered by the Kansas Chamber. The program is entering its fifth decade of educating and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state. It has more than 1,400 alumni. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeGprma7yBhnbgEAT9lKjIfdsYalwxxSVibqji6kKU8mNrc--rIQ6E87nFvEfzIntnU3-pfSXmhcAScMnGV8QsOWA1SlPMxFScw==&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">www.LeadershipKansas.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Victoria, Brewster residents named to Leadership Kansas 2021 class

Unlike hunting seasons, fishing never really ends here in Kansas. Yes, different times of the year bring with them differing success rates for different species, but there is good fishing to be had year around here in the sunflower state if you know where to go. The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism puts together and maintains fishing reports and fishing forecasts to help you with that.&nbsp; I spoke with the KDWPT Fisheries Biologist in my area, Bryan Sowards and got a crash course in reading and interpreting their fishing reports and forecasts and learned more about how they put them together.

Kansas fishing reports and forecasts are found on the website, <a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com">www.ksoutdoors.com</a> Fishing reports are simply information gathered by biologists from fisherman, marinas etc. at each lake and reservoir about how best to catch each species of fish in that impoundment. FISHING REPORTS are updated weekly from March through October as information is received. Fish sampling occurs on all Federal Reservoirs and State Lakes, and on some community owned lakes and ponds, and annual FISHING FORECASTS are generated from that data. &nbsp;

There are three ways fish in lakes and reservoirs are sampled to obtain information for annual fishing forecasts. In late October large hoop nets are set along shorelines to sample populations of crappies and bluegills. The nets are left for one night and the number of fish trapped are counted and measured for the forecast report. To sample walleye, saugeye, wipers, stripers, white bass and catfish populations, gill nets are placed along shorelines for one night also in late October, and captured fish are counted and measured for the report. To sample largemouth bass, small mouth bass and spotted bass, a method known as electrofishing is used in the spring. Done from a boat, this technique electrifies water around the boat, temporarily stunning fish and allowing biologists to capture, weigh and measure them for the forecast report.&nbsp;

To access fishing REPORTS, go to the website, click on fishing, then on reports. From the list of regions, choose the region that contains the lake or reservoir you want to check, then click on the appropriate lake. To view fishing FORECASTS, click on forecasts, then from the list of fish species shown, click on the species you want to know about, then you will be given a choice of all lakes, ponds and reservoirs sampled for that species.&nbsp;

Down the left side of the forecast report is displayed a list of all lakes or reservoirs sampled for the species you chose. The first category will be “Density Rating” and is the number or fish over 8 inches found in each net or trap. The next two categories are “Preferred Rating “ and “Lunker Rating,” and display the number of fish&nbsp; over 10 inches and over 12 inches respectively found in each trap or net. The next category called “Biggest Fish” is simply the weight of the largest fish caught in the sample. The next category called “Biologists Rating” rates the impoundment as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor according to information available to the biologist, and it may not reflect all the other categories if information is known about the fish populations there that weren’t necessarily reflected in the samples captured. The last category is “3 Year Average,” and is the average number of fish over 8 inches captured over the last 3 years of sampling. The lakes are listed by the density rating; the more fish over 8 inches captured in sampling, the higher that lake is ranked.&nbsp;

Fishing reports and forecasts are obviously not infallible, but are both good tools to help fishermen decide where and how they might want to spend their time and efforts. Devout Kansas fishermen are already gearing up to catch hungry catfish when the ice thaws, and the opportunities will only grow from there, so grab a kid, a spouse or a friend and take someone fishing this year as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Unlike hunting seasons, fishing never really ends here in Kansas. Yes, different times of the year bring with them differing success rates for different species, but there is good fishing to be had year around here in the sunflower state if you know where to go. The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism puts together and maintains fishing reports and fishing forecasts to help you with that.&nbsp; I spoke with the KDWPT Fisheries Biologist in my area, Bryan Sowards and got a crash course in reading and interpreting their fishing reports and forecasts and learned more about how they put them together.Kansas fishing reports and forecasts are found on the website, <a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com">www.ksoutdoors.com</a> Fishing reports are simply information gathered by biologists from fisherman, marinas etc. at each lake and reservoir about how best to catch each species of fish in that impoundment. FISHING REPORTS are updated weekly from March through October as information is received. Fish sampling occurs on all Federal Reservoirs and State Lakes, and on some community owned lakes and ponds, and annual FISHING FORECASTS are generated from that data. &nbsp;There are three ways fish in lakes and reservoirs are sampled to obtain information for annual fishing forecasts. In late October large hoop nets are set along shorelines to sample populations of crappies and bluegills. The nets are left for one night and the number of fish trapped are counted and measured for the forecast report. To sample walleye, saugeye, wipers, stripers, white bass and catfish populations, gill nets are placed along shorelines for one night also in late October, and captured fish are counted and measured for the report. To sample largemouth bass, small mouth bass and spotted bass, a method known as electrofishing is used in the spring. Done from a boat, this technique electrifies water around the boat, temporarily stunning fish and allowing biologists to capture, weigh and measure them for the forecast report.&nbsp;To access fishing REPORTS, go to the website, click on fishing, then on reports. From the list of regions, choose the region that contains the lake or reservoir you want to check, then click on the appropriate lake. To view fishing FORECASTS, click on forecasts, then from the list of fish species shown, click on the species you want to know about, then you will be given a choice of all lakes, ponds and reservoirs sampled for that species.&nbsp;Down the left side of the forecast report is displayed a list of all lakes or reservoirs sampled for the species you chose. The first category will be “Density Rating” and is the number or fish over 8 inches found in each net or trap. The next two categories are “Preferred Rating “ and “Lunker Rating,” and display the number of fish&nbsp; over 10 inches and over 12 inches respectively found in each trap or net. The next category called “Biggest Fish” is simply the weight of the largest fish caught in the sample. The next category called “Biologists Rating” rates the impoundment as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor according to information available to the biologist, and it may not reflect all the other categories if information is known about the fish populations there that weren’t necessarily reflected in the samples captured. The last category is “3 Year Average,” and is the average number of fish over 8 inches captured over the last 3 years of sampling. The lakes are listed by the density rating; the more fish over 8 inches captured in sampling, the higher that lake is ranked.&nbsp;Fishing reports and forecasts are obviously not infallible, but are both good tools to help fishermen decide where and how they might want to spend their time and efforts. Devout Kansas fishermen are already gearing up to catch hungry catfish when the ice thaws, and the opportunities will only grow from there, so grab a kid, a spouse or a friend and take someone fishing this year as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Interpreting Kan. fishing reports, forecasts

Donald Lee Smith "Smitty," 90, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Sunday, 
February 28, 2021, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community. Donald was born July
 8, 1930, in Hays, Kansas to the late Cecil and Luella (Hancock) Smith.
 Donald married the love of his life, Jeane Laizure on October 31, 
1948. &nbsp;He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1984 after 32 
years. &nbsp;Don and Jeane made their home primarily in Hays and Norton, 
until moving to Manhattan in 1968. &nbsp;Don was active in the Norton County 
Jaycees and was also a one-time president of the organization. &nbsp;He loved
 to golf and was a long-time member of the Stagg Hill Golf Club. &nbsp;Don 
and Jeane were "avid RVers" and were members of the Man-Kan Campers 
Club. &nbsp;He was always proud of their latest RV, and enjoyed the hunt for 
the next one. &nbsp;Don and Jeane were snowbirds enjoying winters in Mission,
 Texas with their friends. &nbsp;The children often received phone calls from
 Padre Island, intentionally made when Kansas snow was deep.
 Don is survived by the love of his life of 72 years, Jeane; Son; 
Richard "Dick" (Kimberly) Smith of Manhattan; daughters, Linda (Timothy)
 Duncan of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Janet Smith (Tad Wicker) of 
Norton; nine grandchildren; Charisse Wilson (Larry Powell), Laura 
Duncan, Mandy Welch, Bethany Wicker, Matt (Crissy) Duncan, Elizabeth 
(Scott) Hammack, Karen Duncan (Dennis Bigelow), Christina (Brian) 
Geiger, and William Smith (Kelly Skretta); 15 great-grandchildren; Sam, 
Miles, Jack, Henry, Adam, Lizzie, Charlie,&nbsp; Leylen, Toren, Timothy, 
Trent, Grace, Jacob, Jenna, and Ethan;&nbsp; Sister; Peggy Klaus and 
brothers; Bud Smith and Les Smith.
 Don's deep love and loyalty to his entire family will be 
remembered&nbsp;as his best trait. Memories of times spent with him will be 
treasured for generations to come.
 Don is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and one brother.
 Visitation will be held on March 12, 2021, between the hours of 1:00 and 2:30 pm. A Private graveside service will follow.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.
 Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614796051170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald Lee Smith "Smitty," 90, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Sunday, 
February 28, 2021, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community. Donald was born July
 8, 1930, in Hays, Kansas to the late Cecil and Luella (Hancock) Smith.
 Donald married the love of his life, Jeane Laizure on October 31, 
1948. &nbsp;He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1984 after 32 
years. &nbsp;Don and Jeane made their home primarily in Hays and Norton, 
until moving to Manhattan in 1968. &nbsp;Don was active in the Norton County 
Jaycees and was also a one-time president of the organization. &nbsp;He loved
 to golf and was a long-time member of the Stagg Hill Golf Club. &nbsp;Don 
and Jeane were "avid RVers" and were members of the Man-Kan Campers 
Club. &nbsp;He was always proud of their latest RV, and enjoyed the hunt for 
the next one. &nbsp;Don and Jeane were snowbirds enjoying winters in Mission,
 Texas with their friends. &nbsp;The children often received phone calls from
 Padre Island, intentionally made when Kansas snow was deep.
 Don is survived by the love of his life of 72 years, Jeane; Son; 
Richard "Dick" (Kimberly) Smith of Manhattan; daughters, Linda (Timothy)
 Duncan of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Janet Smith (Tad Wicker) of 
Norton; nine grandchildren; Charisse Wilson (Larry Powell), Laura 
Duncan, Mandy Welch, Bethany Wicker, Matt (Crissy) Duncan, Elizabeth 
(Scott) Hammack, Karen Duncan (Dennis Bigelow), Christina (Brian) 
Geiger, and William Smith (Kelly Skretta); 15 great-grandchildren; Sam, 
Miles, Jack, Henry, Adam, Lizzie, Charlie,&nbsp; Leylen, Toren, Timothy, 
Trent, Grace, Jacob, Jenna, and Ethan;&nbsp; Sister; Peggy Klaus and 
brothers; Bud Smith and Les Smith.
 Don's deep love and loyalty to his entire family will be 
remembered&nbsp;as his best trait. Memories of times spent with him will be 
treasured for generations to come.
 Don is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and one brother.
 Visitation will be held on March 12, 2021, between the hours of 1:00 and 2:30 pm. A Private graveside service will follow.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.
 Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation.

Donald Lee Smith

William August&nbsp; “Bill” Summers, 70, passed away February 27, 2021. 
Bill was born October 18, 1950 in Quinter, KS to Oliver and Ecil 
Summers. He was the youngest of five children, and he often told stories
 of their adventures growing up. He attended Grainfield Grade School and
 Grainfield High School before going to Job Corps in Nebraska to learn 
how to be a mechanic. He worked on bridges before enlisting to serve in 
Vietnam as part of the Army’s 101st Airborne. He returned 
home and married Beverly Cox on December 26, 1971. To this union, four 
children were born, Tara, Andy, Lonna, and Treva. The Summers Family 
lived in Peabody, Grainfield, and Quinter. Bill and Bev lived in Quinter
 for 33 years before moving to Topeka, KS to be close to family.

Bill had a strong faith in Christ and enjoyed fishing, hunting, 
building and fixing things, and being outdoors. He took pride in his 
work at Midwest CoOp where he worked for 29 years. He valued the 
friendships he developed with farmers and community members, and he was 
missed by many when he retired.

Bill loved his father and mother-in-law, Francis and Vesta Cox 
dearly, and they loved him. Bill enjoyed painting, driving around in the
 side-by-side, and playing card games with his grandchildren.&nbsp;

Survivors include his wife Bev, four children Tara Bowman of Topeka, 
KS; William “Andy” Summers of Quinter, KS; Lonna Summers Rocha (Justin) 
of Elmont, KS; and Treva Summers of Topeka, KS; Lonnie Summers (Lee) of 
Whitewater, KS; Dixie Taylor (Jack) of Heber Springs, Arkansas; and 
sister-in-law Connie Summers. Grandchildren include Tim, Mariah, and Kei
 Bowman and Annika Rocha. Bill loved his in-laws, cousins, nieces, and 
nephews and many others he considered family. When he invited you into 
his home, you were also invited into his heart and became part of his 
family.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ecil (Finch) 
Summers, brother Bobbie Summers and Jerry Summers, and a son-in-law 
Scott Bowman.

The Summers family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers who have taken care of Bill.

In lieu of memorial contributions, the family asks that you help out 
neighbors or a stranger in need—just as Bill would have done. Cards and 
memories can be sent to Bev Summers, 3515 SW 6th St, Apt 309, Topeka, KS 66606. A memorial service will be held in Quinter at a later date.&nbsp; davidsonfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614792532141.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William August&nbsp; “Bill” Summers, 70, passed away February 27, 2021. 
Bill was born October 18, 1950 in Quinter, KS to Oliver and Ecil 
Summers. He was the youngest of five children, and he often told stories
 of their adventures growing up. He attended Grainfield Grade School and
 Grainfield High School before going to Job Corps in Nebraska to learn 
how to be a mechanic. He worked on bridges before enlisting to serve in 
Vietnam as part of the Army’s 101st Airborne. He returned 
home and married Beverly Cox on December 26, 1971. To this union, four 
children were born, Tara, Andy, Lonna, and Treva. The Summers Family 
lived in Peabody, Grainfield, and Quinter. Bill and Bev lived in Quinter
 for 33 years before moving to Topeka, KS to be close to family.Bill had a strong faith in Christ and enjoyed fishing, hunting, 
building and fixing things, and being outdoors. He took pride in his 
work at Midwest CoOp where he worked for 29 years. He valued the 
friendships he developed with farmers and community members, and he was 
missed by many when he retired.Bill loved his father and mother-in-law, Francis and Vesta Cox 
dearly, and they loved him. Bill enjoyed painting, driving around in the
 side-by-side, and playing card games with his grandchildren.&nbsp;Survivors include his wife Bev, four children Tara Bowman of Topeka, 
KS; William “Andy” Summers of Quinter, KS; Lonna Summers Rocha (Justin) 
of Elmont, KS; and Treva Summers of Topeka, KS; Lonnie Summers (Lee) of 
Whitewater, KS; Dixie Taylor (Jack) of Heber Springs, Arkansas; and 
sister-in-law Connie Summers. Grandchildren include Tim, Mariah, and Kei
 Bowman and Annika Rocha. Bill loved his in-laws, cousins, nieces, and 
nephews and many others he considered family. When he invited you into 
his home, you were also invited into his heart and became part of his 
family.Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ecil (Finch) 
Summers, brother Bobbie Summers and Jerry Summers, and a son-in-law 
Scott Bowman.The Summers family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers who have taken care of Bill.In lieu of memorial contributions, the family asks that you help out 
neighbors or a stranger in need—just as Bill would have done. Cards and 
memories can be sent to Bev Summers, 3515 SW 6th St, Apt 309, Topeka, KS 66606. A memorial service will be held in Quinter at a later date.&nbsp; davidsonfuneral.com

William August 'Bill' Summers

Oil traders and producers alike will be watching this week as producers from the "OPEC Plus" alliance meet to decide whether to relax the group's production cuts. Prices have rallied to pre-pandemic levels, but supplies are dwindling at their steepest rate in 20 years. Bloomberg reports the crude glut that piled up during the pandemic is vanishing fast, and the "OPEC Plus" group could decide to increase output.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices dropped $2 Friday, but will still post February gains of $8 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week and the month of March at $51.75 per barrel. Intent-to-drill notices for the month of February were down by more than half from totals for the month before and a year earlier. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 31 intents filed statewide last month. That's 110 intents statewide so far this year. Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties each reported on new intent-to-drill notice last month. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in the rig count in Western Kansas this week with 12, and increase of two rigs. East of Wichita, the count was three active rigs, down three from the week before. Operators reached total depth at one lease in Ellis County and one lease in Stafford County. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows an increase of four oil rigs to the active count of 402.&nbsp; Texas was up three while the count in New Mexico was up one. Kansas regulators okayed six new drilling permits last week, all of them in the western half of the state. That brings the running total this year to 100 permits for drilling at new locations in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says Kansas operators completed eleven wells last week, six of them east of Wichita, and five in Western Kansas. Those include a service well in Russell County and an oil well in Stafford County. After a magnitude 4.2 earthquake rumbled under the town of Manchester in northern Oklahoma on Friday (Feb. 19), regulators there locked down some oilfield activity over the following weekend. Three disposal wells within three miles of the epicenter were shut down under the directive, and another 13 wells were ordered to cut back disposal volumes by half. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission staff says that amounts to about 7,000 barrels of wastewater per day. Data supplied by the OCC shows 61 earthquakes of magnitude two or greater in January, the highest monthly total since May of last year. In part, officials credit these commission directives limiting wastewater disposal with the sharp decrease in the seismicity rate in the Sooner State. Oklahoma reached a monthly peak of nearly 948 earthquakes in March 2015. Local officials did not receive any reports of damage or injury from the Manchester quake. U.S. crude inventories jumped 1.3 million barrels last week. Stockpiles are marginally below the five-year average for this time of year. Crude production dropped by more than a million barrels per day last week. The Energy Information Administration says current output is just shy of 9.7 Million barrels per day. Compare that to a year ago, when output was a few barrels short of 13 million per day. EIA says weekly imports dropped by 1.3 million barrels per day. The four-week average for imports is down more than 13% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments plummeted during the recent cold snap. The Association of American Railroads reports just 8.148 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week ending February 20. That's down nearly 2,000 cars from the week before, and a nearly 40% drop from a year earlier. With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to winter weather, gasoline stockpiles have tightened and gas prices have skyrocketed. Triple-A reported the most expensive national average since October of 2019. Two-thirds of statewide averages were up by double-digits last week, with spikes of anywhere from ten to 22 cents a gallon. The average across Kansas on Thursday was over two forty-seven a gallon, an increase of 12 cents over last week. Pump prices are up to $2.55 a gallon across Hays and $2.57 in Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up is up more than two dollars from a week ago, up four dollars from last month, and nearly five dollars higher than last year at this time. Africa's biggest crude producer is playing hardball with one of the world's largest oil companies. A court in Nigeria has now frozen access to the bank accounts of Royal Dutch Shell. The action comes amid a legal dispute with a local producer over a pipeline deal six years ago. The dispute is just one among a growing list of legal entanglements related to Shell’s business in Nigeria. A buyer is demanding billions in damages, claiming Shell misrepresented the condition of the pipeline and under-counted crude volumes. Shell calls the lawsuit baseless and is working to overturn the court order. The government of Canada formalized some new winter safety rules for rail transport of dangerous goods including petroleum products. The new regulations include some common-sense items like risk assessments, stronger track inspection and maintenance programs, and new technology requirements. One will have an immediate impact on the bottom line of some operators. Trains hauling large quantities of crude oil or liquid petroleum gases will now face a speed limit across Canada. These trains can travel up to 35 mph in metro areas and 40 mph at all other places.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAROil traders and producers alike will be watching this week as producers from the "OPEC Plus" alliance meet to decide whether to relax the group's production cuts. Prices have rallied to pre-pandemic levels, but supplies are dwindling at their steepest rate in 20 years. Bloomberg reports the crude glut that piled up during the pandemic is vanishing fast, and the "OPEC Plus" group could decide to increase output.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices dropped $2 Friday, but will still post February gains of $8 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week and the month of March at $51.75 per barrel. Intent-to-drill notices for the month of February were down by more than half from totals for the month before and a year earlier. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 31 intents filed statewide last month. That's 110 intents statewide so far this year. Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties each reported on new intent-to-drill notice last month. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in the rig count in Western Kansas this week with 12, and increase of two rigs. East of Wichita, the count was three active rigs, down three from the week before. Operators reached total depth at one lease in Ellis County and one lease in Stafford County. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows an increase of four oil rigs to the active count of 402.&nbsp; Texas was up three while the count in New Mexico was up one. Kansas regulators okayed six new drilling permits last week, all of them in the western half of the state. That brings the running total this year to 100 permits for drilling at new locations in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says Kansas operators completed eleven wells last week, six of them east of Wichita, and five in Western Kansas. Those include a service well in Russell County and an oil well in Stafford County. After a magnitude 4.2 earthquake rumbled under the town of Manchester in northern Oklahoma on Friday (Feb. 19), regulators there locked down some oilfield activity over the following weekend. Three disposal wells within three miles of the epicenter were shut down under the directive, and another 13 wells were ordered to cut back disposal volumes by half. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission staff says that amounts to about 7,000 barrels of wastewater per day. Data supplied by the OCC shows 61 earthquakes of magnitude two or greater in January, the highest monthly total since May of last year. In part, officials credit these commission directives limiting wastewater disposal with the sharp decrease in the seismicity rate in the Sooner State. Oklahoma reached a monthly peak of nearly 948 earthquakes in March 2015. Local officials did not receive any reports of damage or injury from the Manchester quake. U.S. crude inventories jumped 1.3 million barrels last week. Stockpiles are marginally below the five-year average for this time of year. Crude production dropped by more than a million barrels per day last week. The Energy Information Administration says current output is just shy of 9.7 Million barrels per day. Compare that to a year ago, when output was a few barrels short of 13 million per day. EIA says weekly imports dropped by 1.3 million barrels per day. The four-week average for imports is down more than 13% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments plummeted during the recent cold snap. The Association of American Railroads reports just 8.148 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week ending February 20. That's down nearly 2,000 cars from the week before, and a nearly 40% drop from a year earlier. With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to winter weather, gasoline stockpiles have tightened and gas prices have skyrocketed. Triple-A reported the most expensive national average since October of 2019. Two-thirds of statewide averages were up by double-digits last week, with spikes of anywhere from ten to 22 cents a gallon. The average across Kansas on Thursday was over two forty-seven a gallon, an increase of 12 cents over last week. Pump prices are up to $2.55 a gallon across Hays and $2.57 in Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up is up more than two dollars from a week ago, up four dollars from last month, and nearly five dollars higher than last year at this time. Africa's biggest crude producer is playing hardball with one of the world's largest oil companies. A court in Nigeria has now frozen access to the bank accounts of Royal Dutch Shell. The action comes amid a legal dispute with a local producer over a pipeline deal six years ago. The dispute is just one among a growing list of legal entanglements related to Shell’s business in Nigeria. A buyer is demanding billions in damages, claiming Shell misrepresented the condition of the pipeline and under-counted crude volumes. Shell calls the lawsuit baseless and is working to overturn the court order. The government of Canada formalized some new winter safety rules for rail transport of dangerous goods including petroleum products. The new regulations include some common-sense items like risk assessments, stronger track inspection and maintenance programs, and new technology requirements. One will have an immediate impact on the bottom line of some operators. Trains hauling large quantities of crude oil or liquid petroleum gases will now face a speed limit across Canada. These trains can travel up to 35 mph in metro areas and 40 mph at all other places.

News From the Oil Patch: OPEC+ decision could slow price rally

Lifelong Goodland, KS resident, Ronald Andrew Van Vleet, 83, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, at his home in Goodland.&nbsp;

Ronald was born on April 18, 1937, in Goodland to George A. and Margaret E. (Scarrow) Van Vleet.&nbsp; He was one of six children.&nbsp; He attended school in Goodland through the 9th grade. &nbsp;

On October 1, 1955, he married Patsy Eloise McClung at the First Christian Church in Goodland.&nbsp; To this union, five children were born: Rodney, Dean, Gail, Daniel and Lora.

Ronald worked for many years at the Grain Elevator in Goodland.&nbsp; He was a member of the First Christian Church, and the Elks Club in Goodland.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

Proceeding him in death were his parents, his wife Patsy, 3 brothers; Charles (Malcolm), Richard and Harold; 2 sisters-in-law Marjorie Van Vleet and Julia Van Vleet; and 2 brothers-in-law Merlyn Blue and Kenneth Smith.

He is survived by his children; Rodney (Marilyn) Van Vleet of Kearney, NE, Dean (Karen) Van Vleet of Larned, KS, Gail Keen (Rod Lindsten) of Goodland, KS, Daniel (Diana) Van Vleet of Springfield, MO, and Lora (Micheal) Lake of Goodland, KS; 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.&nbsp; He is also survived by 2 sisters; Esther Smith of Carthage, MS and Wilma Blue of West Valley, UT, and one sister-in-law Emma Van Vleet of Goodland, KS.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 10:30 AM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland with Pastor Doug Amend officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at the Funeral Home.

Masks will be required at all services for Ronald.

Memorial contributions may be designated to NWKS Hospice Services and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at <a href="http://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com">www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com</a>.

Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614615438583.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lifelong Goodland, KS resident, Ronald Andrew Van Vleet, 83, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, at his home in Goodland.&nbsp;Ronald was born on April 18, 1937, in Goodland to George A. and Margaret E. (Scarrow) Van Vleet.&nbsp; He was one of six children.&nbsp; He attended school in Goodland through the 9th grade. &nbsp;On October 1, 1955, he married Patsy Eloise McClung at the First Christian Church in Goodland.&nbsp; To this union, five children were born: Rodney, Dean, Gail, Daniel and Lora.Ronald worked for many years at the Grain Elevator in Goodland.&nbsp; He was a member of the First Christian Church, and the Elks Club in Goodland.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.Proceeding him in death were his parents, his wife Patsy, 3 brothers; Charles (Malcolm), Richard and Harold; 2 sisters-in-law Marjorie Van Vleet and Julia Van Vleet; and 2 brothers-in-law Merlyn Blue and Kenneth Smith.He is survived by his children; Rodney (Marilyn) Van Vleet of Kearney, NE, Dean (Karen) Van Vleet of Larned, KS, Gail Keen (Rod Lindsten) of Goodland, KS, Daniel (Diana) Van Vleet of Springfield, MO, and Lora (Micheal) Lake of Goodland, KS; 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.&nbsp; He is also survived by 2 sisters; Esther Smith of Carthage, MS and Wilma Blue of West Valley, UT, and one sister-in-law Emma Van Vleet of Goodland, KS.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 10:30 AM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland with Pastor Doug Amend officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at the Funeral Home.Masks will be required at all services for Ronald.Memorial contributions may be designated to NWKS Hospice Services and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.Online condolences for the family may be left at <a href="http://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com">www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com</a>.Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Ronald Andrew Van Vleet

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — When COVID-19 patients inundated St. Louis hospitals, respiratory therapists arriving for yet another grueling shift with a dwindling supply of ventilators would often glance at their assignments and cry, heading into the locker room to collect themselves.

“They were like, ‘Man, another 12 hours of this slog of these on-the-verge-of-death patients who could go at any moment.’ And just knowing that they had to take care of them with that kind of stress in the back of their head,’” recalled Joe Kowalczyk, a respiratory therapist who sometimes works in a supervisory role.

Now the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.S. has dropped by 80,000 in six weeks, and 17% of the nation’s adult population has gotten at least one dose of a vaccine, providing some relief to front-line workers like Kowalczyk. On his most recent shift at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, there were only about 20 coronavirus patients, down from as many as 100 at the peak of the winter surge.

“It is so weird to look back on it,” he said. “Everyone was hitting their wit’s end definitely toward the end just because we had been doing it for so long at the end of year.”

The U.S. has seen a dramatic turnaround since December and January, when hospitals were teeming with patients after holiday gatherings and pandemic fatigue caused a surge in cases and deaths. Health officials acknowledge the improvement but point out that hospitalizations are still at about the same level as earlier peaks in April and July and right before the crisis worsened in November. Deaths are still persistently high, though much lower than the peak in early January, when they sometimes exceeded 4,000 per day.

Hospitalizations in Missouri were hovering around 3,000 a day during a stretch from late November into January but have since fallen about 60%. As of Monday, 1,202 people were hospitalized, according to state data.

In Wisconsin, hospitalizations dropped dramatically over the last three and a half months, from a high of 2,277 patients on Nov. 17 to 355 on Wednesday, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. And the patients who are hospitalized are not as sick. The number of patients in intensive care has dropped 81% since Nov. 16.

State health officials on Feb. 15 removed all staff from a field hospital set up in October at the state fairgrounds in suburban Milwaukee. They have stopped short of dismantling the facility out of concern that the state could experience a surge in cases sparked by variants of the virus that causes COVID-19.

“It’s a balancing act. You don’t want to close it too soon until you really believe we’re on the other side of this pandemic, yet we don’t want to tie up (the fairgrounds) too long if we’re truly not going to need the facility,” state Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said.

Behind the overall positive trends in hospitalizations are worrisome hints that the worst may not be over, said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle.

“In the past week, we’re seeing the slowdown of the decline,” Mokdad said. In many states, hospitalizations are leveling off or actually rising.

The biggest driver in the overall decline in U.S. hospitalizations is people’s behavior in December and January, Mokdad said. For the first time in the U.S., the shape of the wave is symmetrical, with the decline as steep as the rise.

“This didn’t happen before in the previous two waves,” Mokdad said. “For us, in the business, it’s like ‘Wow we are doing something really good right now.’”

In Minnesota, non-intensive care hospitalizations dropped from around 1,400 in late November to just 233 as of Tuesday. The number of intensive care patients has dropped about 85% since early December to just 59 patients on Tuesday, according to state data.

Hospitalizations in Illinois hovered around 6,000 patients for several days in late November but fell to 1,488 by Monday, a decrease of about 75%. The number of patients in intensive care has dropped as well, from 1,224 on Nov. 25 to just 361 on Monday, according to the state health department.

In hard-hit California, hospitalizations have dropped a stunning 70% since January, from 22,821 patients on Jan. 5 to 6,764 on Tuesday. The number of patients in intensive care has fallen from a high of 4,971 on Jan. 10 to 1,842 as of Tuesday, according to state data.

In Kansas, where many rural hospitals lack ventilators, the situation was so dire at one point that patients were being flown hundreds of miles for treatment.

But the number of hospitalizations in the state has dropped nearly 84%, from 1,282 on Dec. 2 to 208 on Sunday, according to the state health department. More than 300 people were in intensive care in December; that’s down to just 50 now, state data shows.

“It has just kind of been quiet out here with COVID,” said physician assistant Ben Kimball, who works primarily at Graham County Hospital in Hill City, a town of about 1,500 in rural northwest Kansas.

At the peak of the surge, he once resorted to flying a patient to a hospital in Denver, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) away. All the closer hospitals capable of providing more advanced care were full and turning away patients.

“We are pretty fortunate, I think,” he said. “I can definitely feel that things are getting better. We aren’t constantly struggling for bed space. We have had a few overnight observation COVID patients, but we haven’t sent anyone out in a while.”

Kris Mathews, the administrator of Decatur Health, a small hospital in rural northwest Kansas, also spent hours on the phone arranging transfers for patients at the peak of the surge. His staff fell ill themselves, and those who were well worked overtime caring for coronavirus patients.

“I could feel the staff’s weariness and fatigue,” he wrote. “Nobody complained to me about it, but I could see and feel them burning out.”

Now it’s been weeks since the hospital cared for a coronavirus inpatient. Thinking back, he said, “I couldn’t be more damn proud.”

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — When COVID-19 patients inundated St. Louis hospitals, respiratory therapists arriving for yet another grueling shift with a dwindling supply of ventilators would often glance at their assignments and cry, heading into the locker room to collect themselves.“They were like, ‘Man, another 12 hours of this slog of these on-the-verge-of-death patients who could go at any moment.’ And just knowing that they had to take care of them with that kind of stress in the back of their head,’” recalled Joe Kowalczyk, a respiratory therapist who sometimes works in a supervisory role.Now the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.S. has dropped by 80,000 in six weeks, and 17% of the nation’s adult population has gotten at least one dose of a vaccine, providing some relief to front-line workers like Kowalczyk. On his most recent shift at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, there were only about 20 coronavirus patients, down from as many as 100 at the peak of the winter surge.“It is so weird to look back on it,” he said. “Everyone was hitting their wit’s end definitely toward the end just because we had been doing it for so long at the end of year.”The U.S. has seen a dramatic turnaround since December and January, when hospitals were teeming with patients after holiday gatherings and pandemic fatigue caused a surge in cases and deaths. Health officials acknowledge the improvement but point out that hospitalizations are still at about the same level as earlier peaks in April and July and right before the crisis worsened in November. Deaths are still persistently high, though much lower than the peak in early January, when they sometimes exceeded 4,000 per day.Hospitalizations in Missouri were hovering around 3,000 a day during a stretch from late November into January but have since fallen about 60%. As of Monday, 1,202 people were hospitalized, according to state data.In Wisconsin, hospitalizations dropped dramatically over the last three and a half months, from a high of 2,277 patients on Nov. 17 to 355 on Wednesday, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. And the patients who are hospitalized are not as sick. The number of patients in intensive care has dropped 81% since Nov. 16.State health officials on Feb. 15 removed all staff from a field hospital set up in October at the state fairgrounds in suburban Milwaukee. They have stopped short of dismantling the facility out of concern that the state could experience a surge in cases sparked by variants of the virus that causes COVID-19.“It’s a balancing act. You don’t want to close it too soon until you really believe we’re on the other side of this pandemic, yet we don’t want to tie up (the fairgrounds) too long if we’re truly not going to need the facility,” state Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said.Behind the overall positive trends in hospitalizations are worrisome hints that the worst may not be over, said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle.“In the past week, we’re seeing the slowdown of the decline,” Mokdad said. In many states, hospitalizations are leveling off or actually rising.The biggest driver in the overall decline in U.S. hospitalizations is people’s behavior in December and January, Mokdad said. For the first time in the U.S., the shape of the wave is symmetrical, with the decline as steep as the rise.“This didn’t happen before in the previous two waves,” Mokdad said. “For us, in the business, it’s like ‘Wow we are doing something really good right now.’”In Minnesota, non-intensive care hospitalizations dropped from around 1,400 in late November to just 233 as of Tuesday. The number of intensive care patients has dropped about 85% since early December to just 59 patients on Tuesday, according to state data.Hospitalizations in Illinois hovered around 6,000 patients for several days in late November but fell to 1,488 by Monday, a decrease of about 75%. The number of patients in intensive care has dropped as well, from 1,224 on Nov. 25 to just 361 on Monday, according to the state health department.In hard-hit California, hospitalizations have dropped a stunning 70% since January, from 22,821 patients on Jan. 5 to 6,764 on Tuesday. The number of patients in intensive care has fallen from a high of 4,971 on Jan. 10 to 1,842 as of Tuesday, according to state data.In Kansas, where many rural hospitals lack ventilators, the situation was so dire at one point that patients were being flown hundreds of miles for treatment.But the number of hospitalizations in the state has dropped nearly 84%, from 1,282 on Dec. 2 to 208 on Sunday, according to the state health department. More than 300 people were in intensive care in December; that’s down to just 50 now, state data shows.“It has just kind of been quiet out here with COVID,” said physician assistant Ben Kimball, who works primarily at Graham County Hospital in Hill City, a town of about 1,500 in rural northwest Kansas.At the peak of the surge, he once resorted to flying a patient to a hospital in Denver, about 250 miles (402 kilometers) away. All the closer hospitals capable of providing more advanced care were full and turning away patients.“We are pretty fortunate, I think,” he said. “I can definitely feel that things are getting better. We aren’t constantly struggling for bed space. We have had a few overnight observation COVID patients, but we haven’t sent anyone out in a while.”Kris Mathews, the administrator of Decatur Health, a small hospital in rural northwest Kansas, also spent hours on the phone arranging transfers for patients at the peak of the surge. His staff fell ill themselves, and those who were well worked overtime caring for coronavirus patients.“I could feel the staff’s weariness and fatigue,” he wrote. “Nobody complained to me about it, but I could see and feel them burning out.”Now it’s been weeks since the hospital cared for a coronavirus inpatient. Thinking back, he said, “I couldn’t be more damn proud.”___

As hospital numbers fall, fatigued staff get relief at last

Margaret Lorene (McCormick) Williams Gargan, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021, at her home in Hays, Kansas.

She was born October 16, 1915, in 
Chapman, Kansas to William and Nellie B. (Miller) McCormick.&nbsp; She grew 
up at the farm south of Chapman and along with her siblings, she 
attended schools all 12 years in Chapman.&nbsp; She graduated from Dickinson 
Community High School in 1933.&nbsp; After graduation, Margaret began her 
career with Southwestern Bell Telephone in Abilene and was transferred 
to the Hays office in 1936.&nbsp; She married Eugene L. Williams on June 6, 
1939 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Chapman.&nbsp; Gene and Margaret 
lived in Hays until 1946 when they moved to Evergreen, Colorado and 
raised their daughter, Barbara.&nbsp; Margaret transferred to the Mountain 
Bell Telephone office from which she retired in 1976.&nbsp; Gene preceded her
 in death in 1961.&nbsp; On January 6, 1968, Margaret married Justin Gargan 
at Christ the King Church in Evergreen, Colorado.&nbsp; Justin preceded her 
in death in 1979.

Margaret was active in community 
service as a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Telephone Pioneers, Chapman 
Area Preservation Society, and volunteered with the Red Cross, St. 
Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado and Hays Medical Center in Hays, 
Kansas.

Family has always been important to 
Margaret.&nbsp; She would fly out to the Northwest to visit her daughter 
Barb, son-in-law Mike, and grandchildren. She enjoyed phone calls from 
her grandchildren and pictures of her great-grandchildren.&nbsp; Being the 
oldest, Margaret became the matriarch of the family after her mother 
passed away.&nbsp; Her sister Bernardine lived with Margaret and Gene during 
her high school years.&nbsp; Margaret was the contact for her brothers during
 WW11.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, 
Barbara (Mike) Mahoney, Moscow, ID; step-daughters Kathleen Gargan and 
Ceil (Gargan) Martinez, and step-son William Gargan; grandchildren Kelly
 Isakson, Moscow ID; Mickey (Mary) Mahoney, Duffy (Leah) Mahoney, 
Sandpoint, ID; and Molly Mahoney, Boise, ID; seven great-grandchildren, 
Cody, Connor and Kendall Jo Isakson, Bailey, Piper, and Millie Mahoney, 
and Indiana Mahoney, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, Will and Nell McCormick, siblings and spouses, Bernardine 
(Leonard) Dinges, Thomas (Frieda), Ernest (Betty), William, Harold 
(Rita), Bernard, and Raymond (Laura) and a grandson-in-law, Pete 
Isakson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays,
 with Fr. Brian Lager officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be at 2:00 pm in St. 
Patrick's Cemetery, Chapman, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; 
Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday at Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am.&nbsp; The family 
requests that all in attendance wear masks.&nbsp; 

In lieu of flowers, 
memorials may be made payable to: St. Patrick's Cemetery or St. Joseph 
Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Margaret may be shared 
with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614526305098.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret Lorene (McCormick) Williams Gargan, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021, at her home in Hays, Kansas.She was born October 16, 1915, in 
Chapman, Kansas to William and Nellie B. (Miller) McCormick.&nbsp; She grew 
up at the farm south of Chapman and along with her siblings, she 
attended schools all 12 years in Chapman.&nbsp; She graduated from Dickinson 
Community High School in 1933.&nbsp; After graduation, Margaret began her 
career with Southwestern Bell Telephone in Abilene and was transferred 
to the Hays office in 1936.&nbsp; She married Eugene L. Williams on June 6, 
1939 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Chapman.&nbsp; Gene and Margaret 
lived in Hays until 1946 when they moved to Evergreen, Colorado and 
raised their daughter, Barbara.&nbsp; Margaret transferred to the Mountain 
Bell Telephone office from which she retired in 1976.&nbsp; Gene preceded her
 in death in 1961.&nbsp; On January 6, 1968, Margaret married Justin Gargan 
at Christ the King Church in Evergreen, Colorado.&nbsp; Justin preceded her 
in death in 1979.Margaret was active in community 
service as a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Telephone Pioneers, Chapman 
Area Preservation Society, and volunteered with the Red Cross, St. 
Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado and Hays Medical Center in Hays, 
Kansas.Family has always been important to 
Margaret.&nbsp; She would fly out to the Northwest to visit her daughter 
Barb, son-in-law Mike, and grandchildren. She enjoyed phone calls from 
her grandchildren and pictures of her great-grandchildren.&nbsp; Being the 
oldest, Margaret became the matriarch of the family after her mother 
passed away.&nbsp; Her sister Bernardine lived with Margaret and Gene during 
her high school years.&nbsp; Margaret was the contact for her brothers during
 WW11.Margaret is survived by her daughter, 
Barbara (Mike) Mahoney, Moscow, ID; step-daughters Kathleen Gargan and 
Ceil (Gargan) Martinez, and step-son William Gargan; grandchildren Kelly
 Isakson, Moscow ID; Mickey (Mary) Mahoney, Duffy (Leah) Mahoney, 
Sandpoint, ID; and Molly Mahoney, Boise, ID; seven great-grandchildren, 
Cody, Connor and Kendall Jo Isakson, Bailey, Piper, and Millie Mahoney, 
and Indiana Mahoney, as well as many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, Will and Nell McCormick, siblings and spouses, Bernardine 
(Leonard) Dinges, Thomas (Frieda), Ernest (Betty), William, Harold 
(Rita), Bernard, and Raymond (Laura) and a grandson-in-law, Pete 
Isakson.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays,
 with Fr. Brian Lager officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be at 2:00 pm in St. 
Patrick's Cemetery, Chapman, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; 
Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday at Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am.&nbsp; The family 
requests that all in attendance wear masks.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, 
memorials may be made payable to: St. Patrick's Cemetery or St. Joseph 
Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Margaret may be shared 
with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Margaret Lorene (McCormick) Williams Gargan

Urla J. Hopkins, age 88, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, at
 the Ranch House Assisted Living in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born 
on May 6, 1932, in Ransom, Kansas, the daughter of Fred W. and Blanche 
Horchem Rufenacht.

In August of 1932, she moved with&nbsp;the family to Scott County and 
attended school in Ness County, then attended Mount Hope School in Scott
 County and graduated from Scott Community High School in 1950.&nbsp; She was
 a telephone operator for 14 years and an employee of USD 466 for 4 
years.

She was a member of Immanuel Southern Baptist Church, Busy Bee 4-H 
Club, Wilby Workers EHU, Prairie Kitchen, Christian Motorcycle 
Association, Scott County Senior Center, Helping Hands Ministry all of 
Scott City, Kansas.

On September 22, 1951, she married John R. Hopkins in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 19, 1998, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Sons - Dan Hopkins of Jetmore, Kansas, 
Dewane Hopkins of Larned, Kansas, One Daughter - Denece Dowden of Mount 
Pleasant, South Carolina, One Brother - George &amp; Val Rufenacht of 
Scott City, Kansas, Two Sisters - Ila Thearl of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
Freda Stafford of Perryton, Texas, Seven Grandchildren and Nine Great 
Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, One Brother - Vernon Rufenacht, and One Grandson.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Robert 
Nuckolls presiding.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on Facebook at Price
 and Sons Funeral Home page (www.facebook.com/priceandsons) starting at 
1:55 p.m.

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

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Immanuel Southern 
Baptist Church in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott
 City, Kansas, 67871.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00&nbsp; p.m. Sunday and 10:00 
a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott 
City, Kansas.

Urla J. Hopkins, age 88, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, at
 the Ranch House Assisted Living in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born 
on May 6, 1932, in Ransom, Kansas, the daughter of Fred W. and Blanche 
Horchem Rufenacht.In August of 1932, she moved with&nbsp;the family to Scott County and 
attended school in Ness County, then attended Mount Hope School in Scott
 County and graduated from Scott Community High School in 1950.&nbsp; She was
 a telephone operator for 14 years and an employee of USD 466 for 4 
years.She was a member of Immanuel Southern Baptist Church, Busy Bee 4-H 
Club, Wilby Workers EHU, Prairie Kitchen, Christian Motorcycle 
Association, Scott County Senior Center, Helping Hands Ministry all of 
Scott City, Kansas.On September 22, 1951, she married John R. Hopkins in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 19, 1998, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Two Sons - Dan Hopkins of Jetmore, Kansas, 
Dewane Hopkins of Larned, Kansas, One Daughter - Denece Dowden of Mount 
Pleasant, South Carolina, One Brother - George &amp; Val Rufenacht of 
Scott City, Kansas, Two Sisters - Ila Thearl of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
Freda Stafford of Perryton, Texas, Seven Grandchildren and Nine Great 
Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, One Brother - Vernon Rufenacht, and One Grandson.Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Robert 
Nuckolls presiding.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on Facebook at Price
 and Sons Funeral Home page (www.facebook.com/priceandsons) starting at 
1:55 p.m.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Immanuel Southern 
Baptist Church in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott
 City, Kansas, 67871.Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00&nbsp; p.m. Sunday and 10:00 
a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott 
City, Kansas.

Urla J. Hopkins

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Special Olympics Kansas announced Feb. 19 it will be canceling its summer games due to the pandemic, leaving many local athletes disappointed for a second summer.

The games were set for June&nbsp;4 to 6.&nbsp;The Summer Games, the organization’s largest annual statewide competition, typically brings more than 1,500 athletes, 300 coaches, and 1,400 volunteers from across the state to Maize South High School in Wichita for three days of competition in four sports. 

“Naturally, we’re disappointed that the lingering coronavirus outbreak has altered plans for the 2021 Summer Games,” John Lair, Special Olympics Kansas president/CEO, said in a news release. “The decision was made to ensure the safety and health of all attendees. Our athletes, volunteers and sponsors look forward to this annual event, and it was an incredibly tough decision.”&nbsp;

Brent Kaiser, director of activities for the Arc of the Central Plains, said he and the athletes in the local program were also disappointed to hear the news of the cancelation.

The summer 2020 Kansas Special Olympics was also canceled, as a result of the pandemic. For more than a year, most of the Special Olympics events have been canceled, Kaiser said.

"I think at the beginning, it was something that was really heartbreaking for them," Kaiser said. "It's still really heartbreaking for them.&nbsp;

"We are at the point now we are expecting the cancelation, but expecting the games to happen. I think our athletes have grown in understanding and understand the situation and why Special Olympics Kansas is canceling these events right now."

Athletes who have developmental or intellectual disabilities often have other underlying health concerns, which make them more vulnerable to complications if they would contract COVID-19, Kaiser said.

Even to gather 30 to 50 athletes together to travel to events on a bus has become impractical during the pandemic, he said.

The local Arc chapter is continuing to have gym nights and events as organizers think it is safe to do so. The local basketball team has not been able to travel and compete with other teams, but the local athletes will compete in an upcoming basketball skills night.

The local Arc is committed to having a local track and field event some time this year if Special Olympics Kansas does not host regional events, Kaiser said.

"Is it ideal? No. But we are going to continue to push for our local athletes to be able to participate," he said.

Kaiser said the gym times are important for socialization for athletes, and being able to socialize with their friends is why most of the athletes participate in Special Olympics.

In addition to Summer Games being canceled, the following sports announcements have been made for competitions through the end of the summer.&nbsp;

The Special Olympics Kansas Return to Play committee that was formed in the fall will be tasked with deciding on the exact precautions that will be in place for team training and each sport.

Special Olympics Kansas will continue to fundraise and plan for future events.

The Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run has big plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

"What began as a spark of hope in Wichita has become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics worldwide," said Chief Richard LaMunyon, founder of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The latest news on this celebratory year will be up to date on the <a href="https://ksso.org/">Special Olympics Kansas website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas">social media</a> accounts and newsletters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614267729100.jpeg" alt="Special Olympics athletes with the Arc of the Central Plains play softball in October in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Special Olympics athletes with the Arc of the Central Plains play softball in October in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Special Olympics Kansas announced Feb. 19 it will be canceling its summer games due to the pandemic, leaving many local athletes disappointed for a second summer.The games were set for June&nbsp;4 to 6.&nbsp;The Summer Games, the organization’s largest annual statewide competition, typically brings more than 1,500 athletes, 300 coaches, and 1,400 volunteers from across the state to Maize South High School in Wichita for three days of competition in four sports. “Naturally, we’re disappointed that the lingering coronavirus outbreak has altered plans for the 2021 Summer Games,” John Lair, Special Olympics Kansas president/CEO, said in a news release. “The decision was made to ensure the safety and health of all attendees. Our athletes, volunteers and sponsors look forward to this annual event, and it was an incredibly tough decision.”&nbsp;Brent Kaiser, director of activities for the Arc of the Central Plains, said he and the athletes in the local program were also disappointed to hear the news of the cancelation.The summer 2020 Kansas Special Olympics was also canceled, as a result of the pandemic. For more than a year, most of the Special Olympics events have been canceled, Kaiser said."I think at the beginning, it was something that was really heartbreaking for them," Kaiser said. "It's still really heartbreaking for them.&nbsp;"We are at the point now we are expecting the cancelation, but expecting the games to happen. I think our athletes have grown in understanding and understand the situation and why Special Olympics Kansas is canceling these events right now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614267928301.jpeg" alt="Arc of the Central Plains athletes play kickball during a gym night this winter in the Hays High School gym. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Arc of the Central Plains athletes play kickball during a gym night this winter in the Hays High School gym. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Athletes who have developmental or intellectual disabilities often have other underlying health concerns, which make them more vulnerable to complications if they would contract COVID-19, Kaiser said.Even to gather 30 to 50 athletes together to travel to events on a bus has become impractical during the pandemic, he said.The local Arc chapter is continuing to have gym nights and events as organizers think it is safe to do so. The local basketball team has not been able to travel and compete with other teams, but the local athletes will compete in an upcoming basketball skills night.The local Arc is committed to having a local track and field event some time this year if Special Olympics Kansas does not host regional events, Kaiser said."Is it ideal? No. But we are going to continue to push for our local athletes to be able to participate," he said.Kaiser said the gym times are important for socialization for athletes, and being able to socialize with their friends is why most of the athletes participate in Special Olympics.In addition to Summer Games being canceled, the following sports announcements have been made for competitions through the end of the summer.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The powerlifting and soccer seasons are canceled.</li><li>Bocce and corn hole will be offered regionally in April/May.</li><li>Cycling and tennis will be offered regionally in May.</li><li>Smaller, modified track and field competitions will be offered at the regional level in late May or early June</li><li>Bowling will be offered regionally only in late July or early August.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614268058520.jpeg" alt="Although local Special Olympics athletes will not be able to compete on the state level this year, the Arc of the Central Plains will still be offering a training season and will have a local track and field event if a regional event can't be held." />
 <figcaption>Although local Special Olympics athletes will not be able to compete on the state level this year, the Arc of the Central Plains will still be offering a training season and will have a local track and field event if a regional event can't be held.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Special Olympics Kansas Return to Play committee that was formed in the fall will be tasked with deciding on the exact precautions that will be in place for team training and each sport. Special Olympics Kansas will continue to fundraise and plan for future events.The Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run has big plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary."What began as a spark of hope in Wichita has become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics worldwide," said Chief Richard LaMunyon, founder of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.The latest news on this celebratory year will be up to date on the <a href="https://ksso.org/">Special Olympics Kansas website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas">social media</a> accounts and newsletters.

Kansas Summer Special Olympics for 2021 canceled

Gertrude V. Brown, age 101, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 
2021, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born
 on August 20, 1919, in Albert, Kansas, the daughter of Lee Elmer and 
Margaret Teten Cauthon.&nbsp; Gertrude was a resident of Scott City, Kansas 
since 1932, moving from Albert, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a homemaker.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.

On July 31, 1937, she married Lee L. Brown in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 4, 2002, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son - Larry L. &amp; Susan Brown of Scott 
City, Kansas, One Daughter - Delores J. Hughes of Excelsior Springs, 
Missouri, One Sister - Bonnie Dice of Napa, Idaho, Two Granddaughters - 
Cherie &amp; Tony Kardelis of Lakewood, Colorado, Kori &amp; Sage Davis 
of Scott City, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her Parent, Husband, Three Brothers - 
Elmer Cauthon, Galen Cauthon, Homer Cauthon, and One Sister - Patsy 
Whitson.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021,
 at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Rodney 
Hopper presiding.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on Facebook at Price 
and Sons Funeral Home page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/priceandsons">www.facebook.com/priceandsons</a>) starting at 10:25 a.m.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 
2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the First Christian 
Church or the St. Catherine Hospice in care of Price and Sons Funeral 
Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614304116936.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gertrude V. Brown, age 101, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 
2021, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born
 on August 20, 1919, in Albert, Kansas, the daughter of Lee Elmer and 
Margaret Teten Cauthon.&nbsp; Gertrude was a resident of Scott City, Kansas 
since 1932, moving from Albert, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a homemaker.She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.On July 31, 1937, she married Lee L. Brown in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 4, 2002, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her One Son - Larry L. &amp; Susan Brown of Scott 
City, Kansas, One Daughter - Delores J. Hughes of Excelsior Springs, 
Missouri, One Sister - Bonnie Dice of Napa, Idaho, Two Granddaughters - 
Cherie &amp; Tony Kardelis of Lakewood, Colorado, Kori &amp; Sage Davis 
of Scott City, Kansas.She was preceded in death by her Parent, Husband, Three Brothers - 
Elmer Cauthon, Galen Cauthon, Homer Cauthon, and One Sister - Patsy 
Whitson.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021,
 at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Rodney 
Hopper presiding.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on Facebook at Price 
and Sons Funeral Home page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/priceandsons">www.facebook.com/priceandsons</a>) starting at 10:25 a.m.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 
2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the First Christian 
Church or the St. Catherine Hospice in care of Price and Sons Funeral 
Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Gertrude V. Brown

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Class action lawsuits were filed in Nevada against 10 major auto insurance companies on Tuesday, contending that the companies charged excessive insurance premiums during the pandemic by failing to account for a drop in driving and crashes.

The lawsuits acknowledge that some insurers provided discounts over the emptier roads and drop in accidents and claims, but the discounts did not offer “any meaningful relief that actually reflects the reduction in cars on the road and reduced driving during the pandemic,” according to the court filings. The rates that were charged violate state law against excessive premiums, the lawsuits contend.T

The lawsuits were filed on behalf of Nevada insurance customers against State Farm, USAA, Geico, Acuity, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Progressive, Travelers, Nationwide and Allstate.

“The filing of a lawsuit does not substantiate the allegations within the complaint,” State Farm, the country’s largest auto insurer, said in a statement. “We’ve recently learned about the filing, and it is premature to comment at this time.”

Phone and email messages seeking comment from the other insurers were not immediately returned Tuesday.

States across the country began reporting a decline in traffic and crashes when COVID-19-related closures and stay-at-home orders were imposed starting last spring. Companies that sell the majority of the policies across the U.S. announced refunds or credits to drivers.

The discounts provided by insurers to reflect pandemic driving conditions varied, from $50 to $100 one-time refund from Acuity, a 25% reduction in bills from March 20 to May 31 from State Farm, to a 15% credit from Geico only when renewing a policy between April 8 and October 7, according to the lawsuits.

“I believe that the rates should have been cut something in the order of 50-60%,” said Robert Eglet, lead counsel for the law firm Eglet Adams, which filed the lawsuits. “These discounts that were given, were just totally woefully inadequate.”

His comments are similar to those made by the Consumer Federation of America in September, which said that the relief provided by insurers was not enough and said state insurance commissioners who regulate the industry had failed “to prevent windfall auto insurer profits as auto claims dropped when driving and auto crashes declined.”

In Nevada, after the governor ordered the closure of nonessential businesses, the Nevada-California border, which sees traffic backups when tourists pour into Las Vegas for weekend trips and other getaways, had 66% less traffic in April 2020 than in the same month in 2019, according to the lawsuits, along with a 60% drop in automobile accidents in southern Nevada in March 2020 when compared to the previous year.

Eglet, whose firm represented several thousand victims of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting in a lawsuit against MGM Resorts and the state of Nevada and a wide-ranging lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and sellers, said it was premature to estimate the total dollar amount of the claims across the lawsuit but said it was “well into the millions.”

A message seeking comment from the Nevada Division of Insurance was not immediately returned.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Class action lawsuits were filed in Nevada against 10 major auto insurance companies on Tuesday, contending that the companies charged excessive insurance premiums during the pandemic by failing to account for a drop in driving and crashes.The lawsuits acknowledge that some insurers provided discounts over the emptier roads and drop in accidents and claims, but the discounts did not offer “any meaningful relief that actually reflects the reduction in cars on the road and reduced driving during the pandemic,” according to the court filings. The rates that were charged violate state law against excessive premiums, the lawsuits contend.TThe lawsuits were filed on behalf of Nevada insurance customers against State Farm, USAA, Geico, Acuity, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Progressive, Travelers, Nationwide and Allstate.“The filing of a lawsuit does not substantiate the allegations within the complaint,” State Farm, the country’s largest auto insurer, said in a statement. “We’ve recently learned about the filing, and it is premature to comment at this time.”Liberty Mutual declined to comment.Phone and email messages seeking comment from the other insurers were not immediately returned Tuesday.States across the country began reporting a decline in traffic and crashes when COVID-19-related closures and stay-at-home orders were imposed starting last spring. Companies that sell the majority of the policies across the U.S. announced refunds or credits to drivers.The discounts provided by insurers to reflect pandemic driving conditions varied, from $50 to $100 one-time refund from Acuity, a 25% reduction in bills from March 20 to May 31 from State Farm, to a 15% credit from Geico only when renewing a policy between April 8 and October 7, according to the lawsuits.“I believe that the rates should have been cut something in the order of 50-60%,” said Robert Eglet, lead counsel for the law firm Eglet Adams, which filed the lawsuits. “These discounts that were given, were just totally woefully inadequate.”His comments are similar to those made by the Consumer Federation of America in September, which said that the relief provided by insurers was not enough and said state insurance commissioners who regulate the industry had failed “to prevent windfall auto insurer profits as auto claims dropped when driving and auto crashes declined.”In Nevada, after the governor ordered the closure of nonessential businesses, the Nevada-California border, which sees traffic backups when tourists pour into Las Vegas for weekend trips and other getaways, had 66% less traffic in April 2020 than in the same month in 2019, according to the lawsuits, along with a 60% drop in automobile accidents in southern Nevada in March 2020 when compared to the previous year.Eglet, whose firm represented several thousand victims of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting in a lawsuit against MGM Resorts and the state of Nevada and a wide-ranging lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and sellers, said it was premature to estimate the total dollar amount of the claims across the lawsuit but said it was “well into the millions.”A message seeking comment from the Nevada Division of Insurance was not immediately returned.

Lawsuit: 10 auto insurers charged excessive premiums during pandemic

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers hope that a legislative audit to be released later this week will provide an estimate of how much the state has paid out in fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature remained frustrated Monday with the lack of an estimate from the state Department of Labor for the potential cost of bogus unemployment claims. Their focus on potential fraud has intensified in recent weeks, and they’ve expressed concern that employers, who pay taxes to finance benefits, will be stuck with covering the cost of bogus claims until scammers are caught.

Potential fraud is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-22c2a4128196c0e629936ea778ef3563">multiple problems</a>&nbsp;the Department of Labor has faced in administering both regular and extra pandemic unemployment benefits. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and department officials have blamed problems on decades-old computer technology, and she said the department hopes to begin work on upgrades by the end of this year.

The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down its unemployment system</a>&nbsp;from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 so that it could install new security protocols aimed at preventing fraud. It reported last week that it was blocking the equivalent of three fraudulent log-in attempts a second by scammers or internet bots.

Kelly told reporters during a Statehouse news conference that Kansas has blocked 500,000 bogus claims that could have cost the state $22 billion. Her office later clarified that the figures were pandemic totals.

However, Kelly declined to give an estimate for how much the state has paid out in fraudulent claims, even as she dismissed figures from legislators as high as $700 million.

“I’m doing everything in my power to fix things now,” Kelly said. “We cannot lose sight of what happens when we do not maintain and modernize our infrastructure.”

The Legislature’s nonpartisan auditing division plans on Wednesday to release the first of two reports on the problems at the Department of Labor, focusing on the types of fraud it has encountered. The second report is due in June.

“We have not been to get really good estimates from the Department of Labor,” said Republican Rep. Kristey Williams, of Augusta, the chair of the legislative committee that oversees the auditors’ work. “This is going to give us a good baseline to work from.”

Republican legislators have been at odds with Kelly for months over the state’s response to the pandemic since COVID-19 reached Kansas in early March 2020.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-d859fffe8b2a110ac8c1e47dbf873108">Kelly last week attributed</a>&nbsp;GOP lawmakers’ intensifying criticism of the Department of Labor to an effort to “just laying the groundwork” to try to prevent her reelection in 2022.

Unemployment claims spiked last spring after Kelly imposed a statewide stay-at-home order, and then again late in the year when Kansas saw its worst surge in new cases of the pandemic. GOP legislators worry that the state became a target for scammers.

Kelly has repeatedly argued that her Republican predecessors underfunded the Department of Labor and neglected its computers. She has included $37.5 million in her proposed budget for technology upgrades. She also is asking congressional leaders to provide aid to states for such modernizations.

The Legislature’s research staff said in a short memo to lawmakers in January that the state spent about $51 million on upgrading the department’s computers from 2004 until the project was canceled in December 2011 under Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Some Republicans worried at the time that the project was plagued by wasteful spending, and the memo said the project was canceled with “approximately half” of the work completed.

But Kelly, a former legislator, said she remembers, “There was money that hadn’t been spent. They didn’t want to spend it.”

GOP lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-public-health-legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-97e2ebf57a7d3c3b1dd9e448e5c0bb24">also have criticized Kelly</a>&nbsp;over what they see as too slow a distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The state Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that 339,190 Kansas residents have received at least the first of two required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, up 14,555 or 4.5% from Friday. That means 11.6% of the state’s 2.9 million residents have received at least one shot.

The health department also said more than 483,000 vaccine doses have been administered, or 80.4% of the 601,000 the state has received. But University of Kansas Health System officials said in an online briefing Monday that vaccines are not being distributed quickly across the U.S. for people to stop wearing masks, possibly into next year.

Kansas has seen a general decline in the average number of new COVID-19 cases a day in recent weeks. The state averaged 609 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday, its lowest figure since early October 2020, according to state health department data.

The state added 883 new confirmed and probable cases since Friday to its total for the pandemic, bringing it to 291,715, or one case for every 10 residents. The health department also reported 29 additional COVID-19 deaths since Friday, making the pandemic total 4,643, or one for every 628 residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614033242383.png" alt="&nbsp;Acting Kansas Department Labor Secretary Amber Shultz and Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; during a Statehouse news conference Monday" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Acting Kansas Department Labor Secretary Amber Shultz and Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; during a Statehouse news conference Monday</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers hope that a legislative audit to be released later this week will provide an estimate of how much the state has paid out in fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature remained frustrated Monday with the lack of an estimate from the state Department of Labor for the potential cost of bogus unemployment claims. Their focus on potential fraud has intensified in recent weeks, and they’ve expressed concern that employers, who pay taxes to finance benefits, will be stuck with covering the cost of bogus claims until scammers are caught.Potential fraud is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-22c2a4128196c0e629936ea778ef3563">multiple problems</a>&nbsp;the Department of Labor has faced in administering both regular and extra pandemic unemployment benefits. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and department officials have blamed problems on decades-old computer technology, and she said the department hopes to begin work on upgrades by the end of this year.The department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-f79ed0b839ad8501cf50650ca51dcbb1">shut down its unemployment system</a>&nbsp;from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 so that it could install new security protocols aimed at preventing fraud. It reported last week that it was blocking the equivalent of three fraudulent log-in attempts a second by scammers or internet bots.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F752313685405284%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kelly told reporters during a Statehouse news conference that Kansas has blocked 500,000 bogus claims that could have cost the state $22 billion. Her office later clarified that the figures were pandemic totals.However, Kelly declined to give an estimate for how much the state has paid out in fraudulent claims, even as she dismissed figures from legislators as high as $700 million.“I’m doing everything in my power to fix things now,” Kelly said. “We cannot lose sight of what happens when we do not maintain and modernize our infrastructure.”The Legislature’s nonpartisan auditing division plans on Wednesday to release the first of two reports on the problems at the Department of Labor, focusing on the types of fraud it has encountered. The second report is due in June.“We have not been to get really good estimates from the Department of Labor,” said Republican Rep. Kristey Williams, of Augusta, the chair of the legislative committee that oversees the auditors’ work. “This is going to give us a good baseline to work from.”Republican legislators have been at odds with Kelly for months over the state’s response to the pandemic since COVID-19 reached Kansas in early March 2020.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-topeka-d859fffe8b2a110ac8c1e47dbf873108">Kelly last week attributed</a>&nbsp;GOP lawmakers’ intensifying criticism of the Department of Labor to an effort to “just laying the groundwork” to try to prevent her reelection in 2022.Unemployment claims spiked last spring after Kelly imposed a statewide stay-at-home order, and then again late in the year when Kansas saw its worst surge in new cases of the pandemic. GOP legislators worry that the state became a target for scammers.Kelly has repeatedly argued that her Republican predecessors underfunded the Department of Labor and neglected its computers. She has included $37.5 million in her proposed budget for technology upgrades. She also is asking congressional leaders to provide aid to states for such modernizations.The Legislature’s research staff said in a short memo to lawmakers in January that the state spent about $51 million on upgrading the department’s computers from 2004 until the project was canceled in December 2011 under Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Some Republicans worried at the time that the project was plagued by wasteful spending, and the memo said the project was canceled with “approximately half” of the work completed.But Kelly, a former legislator, said she remembers, “There was money that hadn’t been spent. They didn’t want to spend it.”GOP lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-public-health-legislature-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-97e2ebf57a7d3c3b1dd9e448e5c0bb24">also have criticized Kelly</a>&nbsp;over what they see as too slow a distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.The state Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">reported Monday</a>&nbsp;that 339,190 Kansas residents have received at least the first of two required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, up 14,555 or 4.5% from Friday. That means 11.6% of the state’s 2.9 million residents have received at least one shot.The health department also said more than 483,000 vaccine doses have been administered, or 80.4% of the 601,000 the state has received. But University of Kansas Health System officials said in an online briefing Monday that vaccines are not being distributed quickly across the U.S. for people to stop wearing masks, possibly into next year.Kansas has seen a general decline in the average number of new COVID-19 cases a day in recent weeks. The state averaged 609 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday, its lowest figure since early October 2020, according to state health department data.The state added 883 new confirmed and probable cases since Friday to its total for the pandemic, bringing it to 291,715, or one case for every 10 residents. The health department also reported 29 additional COVID-19 deaths since Friday, making the pandemic total 4,643, or one for every 628 residents.___