By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The team at the University of Kansas Health Center gave tips on Wednesday about how parents and teachers can deal with anxiety about school starting in the fall.

Guests were Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson and&nbsp;Psychologist Greg Nawalanic.

"We know that students who are not in school certainly suffer, but we can't open and not have safety. Our foremost concern is as it relates to students, families and staff," Watson said.&nbsp;

Nawalanic said he wishes he had some magic trick to alleviate anxiety about returning to school, but he doesn't.

Parents' attitudes toward their children returning to school may differ based on their experiences. A set of parents who has a healthy child who has never been seriously ill is going to feel differently, than parents who had to see a child in a hospital bed for a respiratory illness,&nbsp;Nawalanic said.

"I think one of the biggest things we need to be doing right now is be understanding of the different perspectives," he said. "I think people see the validity in the desire to get back to school because we don't want to end up falling behind by a year or two years."

&nbsp;Nawalanic has children at home. His wife has been working from home and home-schooled the children during the shutdown. It was difficult for both her and the kids, he said.

He suggests trying to be understanding, getting as much information as you can and trusting the system.

He urged parents to start doing practice mask runs during which kids wear masks while doing something they enjoy at home.&nbsp;

The health system shared the video below of a child encouraging other children to wear masks.

"We want to prepare our kids to best be able to cope and deal with this as possible,"&nbsp; Nawalanic said. "That starts now rather than Day One of school when you shove this foreign thing on their face and say, 'Go for it!' "

A news conference&nbsp;audience member  asked Watson about what will trigger the different phases of learning in each county.

Watson said that will be determined by the COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates, and conversations with local health officials.

"If that is low risk, you can be more on-site," Watson said. "When that starts to be a fairly high number, the recommendation is to be more of a hybrid model and then when it is brick red, then you are going to move to a more remote model."

Brick red is referring to counties or states with the highest number of cases.

Watson noted some counties in Kansas have no reported cases and others have cases going up dramatically.&nbsp;

One teacher online asked if the state is going to provide personal protective equipment for teachers.&nbsp;

Money from the federal government went to the state, which was distributed to counties in the form of SPARK funds. A committee in Ellis County that included school officials recently met to discuss how those funds would be distributed, but no decisions on fund allocation have been made.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, also wears protective eyewear when he is visiting with patients, and he recommended those to teachers. He said the eye protection can be purchased at hardware stores or an online retailer.&nbsp;

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System, said cloth masks or surgical masks are fine. You don't have to have an N-95 mask. The exception would be school nurses, who probably need an N-95 mask.

Another audience member, a school nurse, asked what can be done to support teacher mental health.

Nawalanic said,"These teachers have such an emotional investment in their students. They didn't get to close right with their last cohort of students. That is something they are carrying forward into this year ..."

"Summer was supposed to be reprieve — 'Let's regroup and reset and everything will be better,' we all thought back then. Now we see that it's another story."

He encourages teachers to do deep-breathing exercises, exercise, get away from the noise, and know there is only so much you can do.&nbsp;

"Teachers are caught in that frying pan of indecision,"&nbsp;Nawalanic said. "Like Dr. Watson said they are being tasked with coming up with three different plans for what might be for when school starts."

He said the best message he can give is to not obsess, although he acknowledged that is hard. Make sure you are carving out time away from the media and not thinking about school at all.

"Do things in your bubble that refill your pitcher of wellness," he said.&nbsp;

He encouraged parents and community members to have kind words for their educators.

"Kudos. Keep up the good fight, teachers. We really appreciate everything you do and thanks," he said.

Watson said teachers are the true heroes and he included counselors and school nurses, principals and support staff into that group.

Watson's own daughter is an art teacher and is pregnant with Watson's first grandchild.

"She is torn between two things," Watson said. "She misses her kids greatly. She knows that they need her and connect with her. What drove her to be a teacher was that connection. She also coaches and she misses that connection. And also she's fearful.&nbsp;

"She is fearful for her daughter and the pregnancy."

Watson encouraged community members to avoid social media and to become involved in their school districts and help craft a plan that will result in safe schools for children and their communities.

Stites tried to assure teachers that medical staff working on the floors with COVID-19 patients who wear goggles and surgical masks have not gotten sick.&nbsp;

Stites and Hawkinson shared the video below from a local freezer Friday to show how masks cut down on the particles transferred from one person to another when we talk or breathe.

"It's a big statement, but it is also meant to offer you some security," he said. "As we who have been on the front lines and you as educators go to be on the front lines, we have tested this and it works."

Hawkinson's advice for teachers — If you can reduce that time that you are with a student (less than 10 minutes) and both you and the student are wearing masks, you can reduce your risk of getting the disease.&nbsp;

Stities said a vaccine could be available as soon as October or November, but there is no guarantee that will happen. He said it is good to hope, but we can't center policies around something that may not happen in that time frame.

Nawalanic said parents need to think of this as a chain being only as strong as its weakest link.

"If we can't get adults to wear their masks right, or at all, it's difficult to expect that to trickle down to our kids to do it right," he said. "Teachers, I have the utmost faith in you to be creative."

&nbsp;Nawalanic suggested games to promote mask wearing — maybe who can keep their mask on longest or who has the coolest mask or encourage children to decorate a mask at home.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595619107187.jpeg" alt="From left: Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System,&nbsp;Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, and&nbsp;Psychologist Greg Nawalanic, talk about how parents and teachers can deal with anxieties about children going back to school." />
 <figcaption>From left: Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System,&nbsp;Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, and&nbsp;Psychologist Greg Nawalanic, talk about how parents and teachers can deal with anxieties about children going back to school.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe team at the University of Kansas Health Center gave tips on Wednesday about how parents and teachers can deal with anxiety about school starting in the fall.Guests were Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson and&nbsp;Psychologist Greg Nawalanic."We know that students who are not in school certainly suffer, but we can't open and not have safety. Our foremost concern is as it relates to students, families and staff," Watson said.&nbsp;Nawalanic said he wishes he had some magic trick to alleviate anxiety about returning to school, but he doesn't.Parents' attitudes toward their children returning to school may differ based on their experiences. A set of parents who has a healthy child who has never been seriously ill is going to feel differently, than parents who had to see a child in a hospital bed for a respiratory illness,&nbsp;Nawalanic said."I think one of the biggest things we need to be doing right now is be understanding of the different perspectives," he said. "I think people see the validity in the desire to get back to school because we don't want to end up falling behind by a year or two years."&nbsp;Nawalanic has children at home. His wife has been working from home and home-schooled the children during the shutdown. It was difficult for both her and the kids, he said.He suggests trying to be understanding, getting as much information as you can and trusting the system.He urged parents to start doing practice mask runs during which kids wear masks while doing something they enjoy at home.&nbsp;The health system shared the video below of a child encouraging other children to wear masks.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkuhospital%2Fvideos%2F2378490412455079%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>"We want to prepare our kids to best be able to cope and deal with this as possible,"&nbsp; Nawalanic said. "That starts now rather than Day One of school when you shove this foreign thing on their face and say, 'Go for it!' "A news conference&nbsp;audience member asked Watson about what will trigger the different phases of learning in each county.Watson said that will be determined by the COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates, and conversations with local health officials."If that is low risk, you can be more on-site," Watson said. "When that starts to be a fairly high number, the recommendation is to be more of a hybrid model and then when it is brick red, then you are going to move to a more remote model."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595619674648.png" alt="Randy Watson, Kansas Education Commissioner" />
 <figcaption>Randy Watson, Kansas Education Commissioner</figcaption>
 </figure>Brick red is referring to counties or states with the highest number of cases.Watson noted some counties in Kansas have no reported cases and others have cases going up dramatically.&nbsp;One teacher online asked if the state is going to provide personal protective equipment for teachers.&nbsp;Money from the federal government went to the state, which was distributed to counties in the form of SPARK funds. A committee in Ellis County that included school officials recently met to discuss how those funds would be distributed, but no decisions on fund allocation have been made.Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, also wears protective eyewear when he is visiting with patients, and he recommended those to teachers. He said the eye protection can be purchased at hardware stores or an online retailer.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595619493677.png" alt="Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, wears protective eye wear when he is seeing COVID-19 patients. He suggested teachers also wear eye protection at school." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, wears protective eye wear when he is seeing COVID-19 patients. He suggested teachers also wear eye protection at school.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System, said cloth masks or surgical masks are fine. You don't have to have an N-95 mask. The exception would be school nurses, who probably need an N-95 mask.Another audience member, a school nurse, asked what can be done to support teacher mental health.Nawalanic said,"These teachers have such an emotional investment in their students. They didn't get to close right with their last cohort of students. That is something they are carrying forward into this year ...""Summer was supposed to be reprieve — 'Let's regroup and reset and everything will be better,' we all thought back then. Now we see that it's another story."He encourages teachers to do deep-breathing exercises, exercise, get away from the noise, and know there is only so much you can do.&nbsp;"Teachers are caught in that frying pan of indecision,"&nbsp;Nawalanic said. "Like Dr. Watson said they are being tasked with coming up with three different plans for what might be for when school starts."He said the best message he can give is to not obsess, although he acknowledged that is hard. Make sure you are carving out time away from the media and not thinking about school at all."Do things in your bubble that refill your pitcher of wellness," he said.&nbsp;He encouraged parents and community members to have kind words for their educators."Kudos. Keep up the good fight, teachers. We really appreciate everything you do and thanks," he said.Watson said teachers are the true heroes and he included counselors and school nurses, principals and support staff into that group.Watson's own daughter is an art teacher and is pregnant with Watson's first grandchild."She is torn between two things," Watson said. "She misses her kids greatly. She knows that they need her and connect with her. What drove her to be a teacher was that connection. She also coaches and she misses that connection. And also she's fearful.&nbsp;"She is fearful for her daughter and the pregnancy."Watson encouraged community members to avoid social media and to become involved in their school districts and help craft a plan that will result in safe schools for children and their communities.Stites tried to assure teachers that medical staff working on the floors with COVID-19 patients who wear goggles and surgical masks have not gotten sick.&nbsp;Stites and Hawkinson shared the video below from a local freezer Friday to show how masks cut down on the particles transferred from one person to another when we talk or breathe.<div>
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</div>"It's a big statement, but it is also meant to offer you some security," he said. "As we who have been on the front lines and you as educators go to be on the front lines, we have tested this and it works."Hawkinson's advice for teachers — If you can reduce that time that you are with a student (less than 10 minutes) and both you and the student are wearing masks, you can reduce your risk of getting the disease.&nbsp;Stities said a vaccine could be available as soon as October or November, but there is no guarantee that will happen. He said it is good to hope, but we can't center policies around something that may not happen in that time frame.Nawalanic said parents need to think of this as a chain being only as strong as its weakest link."If we can't get adults to wear their masks right, or at all, it's difficult to expect that to trickle down to our kids to do it right," he said. "Teachers, I have the utmost faith in you to be creative."&nbsp;Nawalanic suggested games to promote mask wearing — maybe who can keep their mask on longest or who has the coolest mask or encourage children to decorate a mask at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 KU doctors try to ease teacher, parent anxieties about school

Dr. Willis "Bill" Lloyd Funk, 91, of Oakley, KS, died Friday, July 24, 
2020, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby. 

He was born on October 2, 1928,
 in Abilene, KS, to Adolf and Olga (Weinbrenner) Funk. Bill spent his 
youth working in his father’s creamery, graduated from Hope High School,
 and served in the United States Army from 1946-1948. He graduated from 
Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS in 1952 and from the School of 
Dentistry of the University of Kansas City in 1956. 

Bill married 
Shirley Davis on June 20,1954, on a Sunday hot enough to melt the 
candles! Bill and Shirley moved to Oakley in 1956, where he practiced 
dentistry for 33 years until retiring in 1989. Dr. Funk served on the 
Logan County Hospital Board and the Oakley School Board; he was a member
 of the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association. 
He was one of the first Hunter’s Safety instructors in Kansas, a Cub 
Scout Den Master, and a participant in the inaugural annual Annie Oakley
 golf tournament and in 40 of the next 43 tournaments. He was diagnosed 
with insulin dependent diabetes at age 35 and was a role model for his 
physicians due to his diligent disease management, which prevented many 
common diabetic complications. Bill was an active outdoorsman who 
enjoyed hunting pheasant, fishing, and gardening for many years. After 
he retired from an esteemed dental career, his life was filled with 
attending grandchildren’s activities, taking cruises with his wife, 
square and swing dancing, and baking countless batches of cookies. 
He was preceded in death by his parents. 
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Oakley; children, Doug (Kathy) 
Funk, Lawrence; Terri (Chris) Albers, Oakley; Susan (David) Molstad, 
Ellis; and Kathleen (Blake) Arnberger, Colby; brother Don, Evergreen, 
CO; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Baalmann Mortuary, 
Oakley. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at the 
Oakley United Christian Church. Burial will take place in the Oakley 
City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Oakley United Christian Church
 or Logan County Hospital and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, 
PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences, visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com

Dr. Willis "Bill" Lloyd Funk, 91, of Oakley, KS, died Friday, July 24, 
2020, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby. He was born on October 2, 1928,
 in Abilene, KS, to Adolf and Olga (Weinbrenner) Funk. Bill spent his 
youth working in his father’s creamery, graduated from Hope High School,
 and served in the United States Army from 1946-1948. He graduated from 
Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS in 1952 and from the School of 
Dentistry of the University of Kansas City in 1956. Bill married 
Shirley Davis on June 20,1954, on a Sunday hot enough to melt the 
candles! Bill and Shirley moved to Oakley in 1956, where he practiced 
dentistry for 33 years until retiring in 1989. Dr. Funk served on the 
Logan County Hospital Board and the Oakley School Board; he was a member
 of the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association. 
He was one of the first Hunter’s Safety instructors in Kansas, a Cub 
Scout Den Master, and a participant in the inaugural annual Annie Oakley
 golf tournament and in 40 of the next 43 tournaments. He was diagnosed 
with insulin dependent diabetes at age 35 and was a role model for his 
physicians due to his diligent disease management, which prevented many 
common diabetic complications. Bill was an active outdoorsman who 
enjoyed hunting pheasant, fishing, and gardening for many years. After 
he retired from an esteemed dental career, his life was filled with 
attending grandchildren’s activities, taking cruises with his wife, 
square and swing dancing, and baking countless batches of cookies. 
He was preceded in death by his parents. 
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Oakley; children, Doug (Kathy) 
Funk, Lawrence; Terri (Chris) Albers, Oakley; Susan (David) Molstad, 
Ellis; and Kathleen (Blake) Arnberger, Colby; brother Don, Evergreen, 
CO; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Baalmann Mortuary, 
Oakley. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at the 
Oakley United Christian Church. Burial will take place in the Oakley 
City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Oakley United Christian Church
 or Logan County Hospital and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, 
PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences, visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com

Dr. Willis 'Bill' Lloyd Funk

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“Never underestimate the power of youth.” That is the phrase used by an extension agent whose 4-H youth helped conduct an innovative livestock show entirely using technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lacey Noterman is a livestock and youth extension agent for the K-State Research and Extension Wild West District, serving Haskell, Seward and Stevens counties in southwest Kansas. A native of Dighton, she was on the livestock judging team at Fort Hays State before joining the extension service in Haskell County.&nbsp;

In 2016, Lacey helped launch a 4-H livestock ambassador program in Haskell County. This was intended to give youth a bigger voice in livestock-related 4-H activities and help prepare them as advocates for animal agriculture. Ambassadors are selected annually by the livestock show and sale committee. “(To avoid favoritism,) I remove the names from the applications and then the committee makes the selection,” Lacey said.&nbsp;

Each year the ambassadors conduct a community service project, communicate with other members and families, and help with county fair and related projects. In October 2019, a new class was selected consisting of Ashley Kennedy, Sean Wagner, Dalton Winfrey, Kara Kunselman, and Bailey Briggs. They represented communities in the area such as Sublette, Satanta, Copeland and Moscow, a rural community of 310 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

This group was preparing for Haskell County’s 2020 spring livestock show when the pandemic forced its cancellation – a major disappointment.&nbsp;

“The kids came to me in March and suggested that we should have a virtual spring livestock show,” Lacey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I told them, ‘Go for it.’”&nbsp;

What in the world is a virtual livestock show? It consists of video entries depicting a 4-H or FFA youth displaying their animal, which is evaluated by a judge just like in a regular show. The judges evaluate the livestock, decide on placings in each class, and then give oral reasons for their placings. In this case, the evaluation is done based on videos submitted by the youth and posted on Facebook, and the reasons are recorded in an audio file to be played during the virtual show.&nbsp;

This required lots of technology. “They had to teach Lacey all of this,” Lacey said with a smile. They used a program called Animoto for video editing, Google Classroom for registrations, Paypal to handle fees, and Facebook to view the show.&nbsp;

“The kids were amazing,” Lacey said. “They created the registration form in less than an hour, did a lot of the work, and were constantly promoting it on social media,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The show was open to 4-H and FFA members across Kansas. Entries were due by May 25. Ultimately, 221 head of livestock were entered. The results were posted on June 9.&nbsp;

“The judges were so great to work with,” Lacey said. They recorded their reasons so that every exhibitor got feedback about his or her animal. “That’s the purpose of a spring show, to help our kids learn and get better,” Lacey said.&nbsp;

The project was definitely time-intensive. “It was much more time-consuming than hosting a live show,” Lacey said. Since there were five judges and five ambassadors, she assigned each ambassador to work with a particular judge. “They learned a ton of life skills,” Lacey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was awesome to work with this group of kids,” she said. “They still had their online classes to finish too,” she pointed out. “Not only did they excel on the technology side, they excelled and exceeded my expectations in working with the community,” she said.&nbsp;

Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, Lacey was not available to meet with the youth in person.&nbsp;

“This was their baby,” Lacey said. “It forced me to step back, and I got to see what these kids could do,” she said. “It was the best learning experience of my career as a county agent,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Never underestimate the power of youth,” Lacey said in describing the county 4-H livestock ambassadors who carried out this idea. We salute Lacey Noterman, Ashley Kennedy, Sean Wagner, Dalton Winfrey, Kara Kunselman, and Bailey Briggs for making a difference with their innovative project. Their results are powerful.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595422934273.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Never underestimate the power of youth.” That is the phrase used by an extension agent whose 4-H youth helped conduct an innovative livestock show entirely using technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lacey Noterman is a livestock and youth extension agent for the K-State Research and Extension Wild West District, serving Haskell, Seward and Stevens counties in southwest Kansas. A native of Dighton, she was on the livestock judging team at Fort Hays State before joining the extension service in Haskell County.&nbsp;In 2016, Lacey helped launch a 4-H livestock ambassador program in Haskell County. This was intended to give youth a bigger voice in livestock-related 4-H activities and help prepare them as advocates for animal agriculture. Ambassadors are selected annually by the livestock show and sale committee. “(To avoid favoritism,) I remove the names from the applications and then the committee makes the selection,” Lacey said.&nbsp;Each year the ambassadors conduct a community service project, communicate with other members and families, and help with county fair and related projects. In October 2019, a new class was selected consisting of Ashley Kennedy, Sean Wagner, Dalton Winfrey, Kara Kunselman, and Bailey Briggs. They represented communities in the area such as Sublette, Satanta, Copeland and Moscow, a rural community of 310 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;This group was preparing for Haskell County’s 2020 spring livestock show when the pandemic forced its cancellation – a major disappointment.&nbsp;“The kids came to me in March and suggested that we should have a virtual spring livestock show,” Lacey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I told them, ‘Go for it.’”&nbsp;What in the world is a virtual livestock show? It consists of video entries depicting a 4-H or FFA youth displaying their animal, which is evaluated by a judge just like in a regular show. The judges evaluate the livestock, decide on placings in each class, and then give oral reasons for their placings. In this case, the evaluation is done based on videos submitted by the youth and posted on Facebook, and the reasons are recorded in an audio file to be played during the virtual show.&nbsp;This required lots of technology. “They had to teach Lacey all of this,” Lacey said with a smile. They used a program called Animoto for video editing, Google Classroom for registrations, Paypal to handle fees, and Facebook to view the show.&nbsp;“The kids were amazing,” Lacey said. “They created the registration form in less than an hour, did a lot of the work, and were constantly promoting it on social media,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The show was open to 4-H and FFA members across Kansas. Entries were due by May 25. Ultimately, 221 head of livestock were entered. The results were posted on June 9.&nbsp;“The judges were so great to work with,” Lacey said. They recorded their reasons so that every exhibitor got feedback about his or her animal. “That’s the purpose of a spring show, to help our kids learn and get better,” Lacey said.&nbsp;The project was definitely time-intensive. “It was much more time-consuming than hosting a live show,” Lacey said. Since there were five judges and five ambassadors, she assigned each ambassador to work with a particular judge. “They learned a ton of life skills,” Lacey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It was awesome to work with this group of kids,” she said. “They still had their online classes to finish too,” she pointed out. “Not only did they excel on the technology side, they excelled and exceeded my expectations in working with the community,” she said.&nbsp;Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, Lacey was not available to meet with the youth in person.&nbsp;“This was their baby,” Lacey said. “It forced me to step back, and I got to see what these kids could do,” she said. “It was the best learning experience of my career as a county agent,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Never underestimate the power of youth,” Lacey said in describing the county 4-H livestock ambassadors who carried out this idea. We salute Lacey Noterman, Ashley Kennedy, Sean Wagner, Dalton Winfrey, Kara Kunselman, and Bailey Briggs for making a difference with their innovative project. Their results are powerful.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Lacey Noterman, virtual livestock show 

Oid Lee Wineland, 99, of Alton, KS passed away on Wednesday, July 22,
 2020, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne, KS. &nbsp;He was 
born to Clyde C. &amp; Hazel (Tucker) Wineland on October 28, 1920 
in&nbsp;Kill Creek Township of Osborne Co.,&nbsp;Kansas.

He graduated from Alton High School and furthered his education at Kansas State University with&nbsp;a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Oid served in the U. S. Army during WWII&nbsp;and later in the Reserves.&nbsp; 
During his time in the service, he was honored with a Bronze Star,&nbsp;3 
Purple Hearts and a Presidential Unit Citation. &nbsp;After his time in the 
Army, he served many years helping&nbsp;with the&nbsp;Military Honor Guard at 
Alton for numerous parades and burials.

He married Letha Thayer and to this union, 2 sons were born. &nbsp;He 
worked as a rural mail carrier for many years in the Alton area.

Oid was preceded in death by his parents &amp; his wife, Letha in 2001.

He is survived by his sons: Jim (Kimberly) Wineland of Bucyrus, KS; 
Ron (Judy) Wineland of Hutchinson, KS; 4 grandchildren &amp; 3 
great-grandchildren.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595698751450.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Oid Lee Wineland, 99, of Alton, KS passed away on Wednesday, July 22,
 2020, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne, KS. &nbsp;He was 
born to Clyde C. &amp; Hazel (Tucker) Wineland on October 28, 1920 
in&nbsp;Kill Creek Township of Osborne Co.,&nbsp;Kansas.He graduated from Alton High School and furthered his education at Kansas State University with&nbsp;a Bachelor of Science Degree.Oid served in the U. S. Army during WWII&nbsp;and later in the Reserves.&nbsp; 
During his time in the service, he was honored with a Bronze Star,&nbsp;3 
Purple Hearts and a Presidential Unit Citation. &nbsp;After his time in the 
Army, he served many years helping&nbsp;with the&nbsp;Military Honor Guard at 
Alton for numerous parades and burials.He married Letha Thayer and to this union, 2 sons were born. &nbsp;He 
worked as a rural mail carrier for many years in the Alton area.Oid was preceded in death by his parents &amp; his wife, Letha in 2001.He is survived by his sons: Jim (Kimberly) Wineland of Bucyrus, KS; 
Ron (Judy) Wineland of Hutchinson, KS; 4 grandchildren &amp; 3 
great-grandchildren.Click <a href="https://www.clarkgashawfh.com/obituary/Oid-Wineland">HERE</a> for service details.

Oid Lee Wineland

Russell resident Dennis L. Riggs passed away Wednesday, July 
22, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS at the age of 70.

Dennis was born October 22, 1949, in Wichita the son of Lawrence and Helen (Osgood) Riggs.&nbsp;

He was united in marriage to Susan M. Scheopner on July 2, 1983, in Colby, KS.&nbsp; She preceded him in death on November 29, 1999.

Survivors include his two sons, Tim and wife Monica of Wichita and 
Alex and wife Erin of Russell; two brothers, Charles “Bo” of Hartford, 
CT and Doug of Bushton, KS; and 5 grandchildren, Tenley, Brecken and 
Blaise Riggs, Tobey Brockmann and Logan Riggs.

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July
 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg, with Father George Chalbhagam officiating.&nbsp; The funeral 
services will be streamed live on Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook 
page.

Friends may sign the guestbook on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the
 Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.&nbsp; Online condolences may be 
left at <a href="http://www.olliffboeve.com">www.olliffboeve.com</a>.

Memorial contributions may be made to His Grandchildren’s Education Fund.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661, is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595698651867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell resident Dennis L. Riggs passed away Wednesday, July 
22, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS at the age of 70.Dennis was born October 22, 1949, in Wichita the son of Lawrence and Helen (Osgood) Riggs.&nbsp;He was united in marriage to Susan M. Scheopner on July 2, 1983, in Colby, KS.&nbsp; She preceded him in death on November 29, 1999.Survivors include his two sons, Tim and wife Monica of Wichita and 
Alex and wife Erin of Russell; two brothers, Charles “Bo” of Hartford, 
CT and Doug of Bushton, KS; and 5 grandchildren, Tenley, Brecken and 
Blaise Riggs, Tobey Brockmann and Logan Riggs.Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July
 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg, with Father George Chalbhagam officiating.&nbsp; The funeral 
services will be streamed live on Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook 
page.Friends may sign the guestbook on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the
 Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.&nbsp; Online condolences may be 
left at <a href="http://www.olliffboeve.com">www.olliffboeve.com</a>.Memorial contributions may be made to His Grandchildren’s Education Fund.Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661, is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis L. Riggs

John Roberts, 90, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Kansas Soldiers Home, Halsey Hall in Fort Dodge, Kansas.&nbsp;

John was born on October 26, 1929, in Stockton, Kansas, to Millie and
 Leon Roberts. He attended school in Naponee, Nebraska, and later 
obtained his GED. John proudly served in the United States Air Force 
during the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of 
his life, Anneleise, and they were married. To this union six children 
were born. While his children grew, John enjoyed their involvement with 
horses where he dedicated his time as a 4-H horse project leader. For 
many years, John owned his own plumbing and heating/AC business where he
 served his home town, Orleans, Nebraska, and the surrounding area. For 
the past 25 years, John resided at Fort Dodge where he eagerly 
volunteered in many capacities at the fort and enjoyed his time playing 
cards with other residents. As a veteran, John also managed&nbsp;the 
VFW&nbsp;Buddy Poppy&nbsp;Program. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1520 
in Dodge City. John was also an active member of St. Andrews Catholic 
Church in Wright, Kansas.&nbsp;

John was blessed with a wealth of family. He is survived by his wife 
of 68 years, Anneleise of Fort Dodge; sons, Johnnie Roberts and wife, 
Vicki of Paradise, Kansas; Donald Roberts and wife, Shelia of 
Phillipsburg, Kansas; daughters Anna Ledbetter and husband, Rick of 
Walland, Tennessee; Helen Rains and husband, Cecil of Amarillo, Texas; 
Sue England and husband, Scott of Ogallala, Nebraska; Pamela Goracke and
 husband, Jim of Bucklin, Kansas; 18 grandchildren and 34 great 
grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Neil Roberts of 
Orleans, Nebraska; and a sister, Anita Van Allen of Mobile, Alabama. He 
was preceded in death by parents Leon and Millie Roberts; and 2 brothers
 and 4 sisters.&nbsp;

John was a devoted husband, father, and veteran, but most importantly served the lord through all these capacities.&nbsp;

Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm Thursday, July 30, 2020 at St. 
Andrew Catholic Church, Wright.&nbsp; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Friday
 at the church with Fr. Ted Stoecklein presiding.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow
 at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Dodge with full military rites 
by the United States Air Force and American Legion District 8.&nbsp; There 
will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Friends may sign 
the register from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday at Ziegler Funeral 
Chapel, Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to the Kansas Soldiers Home or Hospice 
of the Prairie both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas, 67801.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595611148341.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Roberts, 90, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Kansas Soldiers Home, Halsey Hall in Fort Dodge, Kansas.&nbsp;John was born on October 26, 1929, in Stockton, Kansas, to Millie and
 Leon Roberts. He attended school in Naponee, Nebraska, and later 
obtained his GED. John proudly served in the United States Air Force 
during the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of 
his life, Anneleise, and they were married. To this union six children 
were born. While his children grew, John enjoyed their involvement with 
horses where he dedicated his time as a 4-H horse project leader. For 
many years, John owned his own plumbing and heating/AC business where he
 served his home town, Orleans, Nebraska, and the surrounding area. For 
the past 25 years, John resided at Fort Dodge where he eagerly 
volunteered in many capacities at the fort and enjoyed his time playing 
cards with other residents. As a veteran, John also managed&nbsp;the 
VFW&nbsp;Buddy Poppy&nbsp;Program. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1520 
in Dodge City. John was also an active member of St. Andrews Catholic 
Church in Wright, Kansas.&nbsp;John was blessed with a wealth of family. He is survived by his wife 
of 68 years, Anneleise of Fort Dodge; sons, Johnnie Roberts and wife, 
Vicki of Paradise, Kansas; Donald Roberts and wife, Shelia of 
Phillipsburg, Kansas; daughters Anna Ledbetter and husband, Rick of 
Walland, Tennessee; Helen Rains and husband, Cecil of Amarillo, Texas; 
Sue England and husband, Scott of Ogallala, Nebraska; Pamela Goracke and
 husband, Jim of Bucklin, Kansas; 18 grandchildren and 34 great 
grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Neil Roberts of 
Orleans, Nebraska; and a sister, Anita Van Allen of Mobile, Alabama. He 
was preceded in death by parents Leon and Millie Roberts; and 2 brothers
 and 4 sisters.&nbsp;John was a devoted husband, father, and veteran, but most importantly served the lord through all these capacities.&nbsp;Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm Thursday, July 30, 2020 at St. 
Andrew Catholic Church, Wright.&nbsp; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Friday
 at the church with Fr. Ted Stoecklein presiding.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow
 at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Dodge with full military rites 
by the United States Air Force and American Legion District 8.&nbsp; There 
will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Friends may sign 
the register from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday at Ziegler Funeral 
Chapel, Dodge City.The family suggests memorials to the Kansas Soldiers Home or Hospice 
of the Prairie both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas, 67801.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com

John Roberts

Ronnie Lester Musil, age 59, of Goodland, died of liver cancer Friday, May 22, 2020, at his son’s home in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp;

He was born October 26, 1960 to Ronnie D. and Carol Kay (Dizmang) Musil in Burlington, Colorado.&nbsp;

Ronnie grew up mostly in Edson and attended school at Edson, Brewster
 and Harrison Flats.&nbsp; He worked as a farmer and enjoyed fishing, 
gardening, hunting, taxidermy, and sports.&nbsp; He was a member of a bowling
 league at the Goodland Bowladium, and also played baseball.&nbsp; His first 
wife was Starla Amack and second was Donna Buethe.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Musil.&nbsp;

Survivors include his parents; sister, Julie (James) McCauley of 
Goodland; children, Zackary (Denise) Musil of Garden City, KS; Daniel 
Musil of Garden City, KS; Jami Musil of Hays, KS; Dustin (Sandy) Musil 
of Lawrence, KS; Amanda (Tyler Marcotte) Musil of Hays, KS; 11 
grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and 
in-laws.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Ronnie-Musil">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591043991223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronnie Lester Musil, age 59, of Goodland, died of liver cancer Friday, May 22, 2020, at his son’s home in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp;He was born October 26, 1960 to Ronnie D. and Carol Kay (Dizmang) Musil in Burlington, Colorado.&nbsp;Ronnie grew up mostly in Edson and attended school at Edson, Brewster
 and Harrison Flats.&nbsp; He worked as a farmer and enjoyed fishing, 
gardening, hunting, taxidermy, and sports.&nbsp; He was a member of a bowling
 league at the Goodland Bowladium, and also played baseball.&nbsp; His first 
wife was Starla Amack and second was Donna Buethe.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his brother, John Musil.&nbsp;Survivors include his parents; sister, Julie (James) McCauley of 
Goodland; children, Zackary (Denise) Musil of Garden City, KS; Daniel 
Musil of Garden City, KS; Jami Musil of Hays, KS; Dustin (Sandy) Musil 
of Lawrence, KS; Amanda (Tyler Marcotte) Musil of Hays, KS; 11 
grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and 
in-laws.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Ronnie-Musil">HERE</a> for service details.

Ronnie Lester Musil

Jesse Joe Espinosa, 70, passed away July 22, 2020, at Hays Medical 
Center, Hays. He was born on June 2, 1950, at Great Bend, to Jose &amp; 
Natalia (Ramirez) Espinosa. He married Barbara Clements on October 2, 
1982, at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Jess was a construction worker. He 
was a member of the Eagles, Bikers of Central Kansas, and Big Bend Lake.
 He liked fishing and watching westerns but especially enjoyed being 
with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife Barbara Espinosa of the home; two sons, 
James Pattinson and girlfriend Denise, and Joseph Pattinson and 
girlfriend Jennifer, all of Hutch; two daughters, Anita Stringos and 
husband George of Arlington, and Kathy Pattinson of Wichita; six 
brothers, Lawrence Espinosa, Joe Espinosa, Bobby Espinosa, Oscar 
Espinosa, and Butch Espinosa, all of Great Bend, and Gilbert Espinosa of
 Springfield, Mo; two sisters, Lali Simõn of Manhattan, and Jane 
Stejskal of Texas; 17 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many 
nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 
and two sons, Jerrod Espinosa and Joe Chay Espinosa.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 
27, 2020 at Bryant Funeral Home. Inurnment graveside service will be 
held at 2:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested 
to the Jesse Espinosa Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595596363290.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse Joe Espinosa, 70, passed away July 22, 2020, at Hays Medical 
Center, Hays. He was born on June 2, 1950, at Great Bend, to Jose &amp; 
Natalia (Ramirez) Espinosa. He married Barbara Clements on October 2, 
1982, at Great Bend. She survives.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Jess was a construction worker. He 
was a member of the Eagles, Bikers of Central Kansas, and Big Bend Lake.
 He liked fishing and watching westerns but especially enjoyed being 
with his family and grandchildren.Survivors include, his wife Barbara Espinosa of the home; two sons, 
James Pattinson and girlfriend Denise, and Joseph Pattinson and 
girlfriend Jennifer, all of Hutch; two daughters, Anita Stringos and 
husband George of Arlington, and Kathy Pattinson of Wichita; six 
brothers, Lawrence Espinosa, Joe Espinosa, Bobby Espinosa, Oscar 
Espinosa, and Butch Espinosa, all of Great Bend, and Gilbert Espinosa of
 Springfield, Mo; two sisters, Lali Simõn of Manhattan, and Jane 
Stejskal of Texas; 17 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many 
nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 
and two sons, Jerrod Espinosa and Joe Chay Espinosa.The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 
27, 2020 at Bryant Funeral Home. Inurnment graveside service will be 
held at 2:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested 
to the Jesse Espinosa Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

Jesse Joe Espinosa

Donald “Stu” Stuczynski, 62, of Herndon, KS, was born October 20, 1957, 
on his mother’s birthday, in Omaha, NE. He passed away at home, 
peacefully, and surrounded by loved ones, on July 21, 2020. 
Stu graduated from Omaha South High School in 1976. He was a career auto
 mechanic and enjoyed working the last few years at SureFire Ag. 
He was preceded in death by his father Edward; mother Irene and nephew Brian. 
He is survived by his wife Pam; stepson Brandon (Anastasia); 
granddaughter Brooke; brother Jim (Carolyn); sisters, Charlene (Jim) 
Bolte and Linda (Tony) Mayer; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. 
Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at a later 
date. Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood is handling the arrangements. For 
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595511650454.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald “Stu” Stuczynski, 62, of Herndon, KS, was born October 20, 1957, 
on his mother’s birthday, in Omaha, NE. He passed away at home, 
peacefully, and surrounded by loved ones, on July 21, 2020. 
Stu graduated from Omaha South High School in 1976. He was a career auto
 mechanic and enjoyed working the last few years at SureFire Ag. 
He was preceded in death by his father Edward; mother Irene and nephew Brian. 
He is survived by his wife Pam; stepson Brandon (Anastasia); 
granddaughter Brooke; brother Jim (Carolyn); sisters, Charlene (Jim) 
Bolte and Linda (Tony) Mayer; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. 
Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at a later 
date. Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood is handling the arrangements. For 
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Donald 'Stu' Stuczynski

Norton resident Wenda Underwood, beloved daughter of Kenneth and Katherine S. (Murphy) Taylor was born December 2, 1940, in Norton, KS and went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, at the age of 79.

Wenda grew up on the family dairy farm just east of Norton and attended Norton community schools.

On October 11, 1958, Jim Underwood and Wenda E. Taylor were united in marriage in Norton.&nbsp; They made their home there and raised 3 daughters, Patty, Theresa and Connie.&nbsp; She was a devoted wife to Jim for 61 years.

Wenda was for the most part a homemaker, but did keep busy, working at the Norton High School and Lucky Strike Grill.&nbsp; She enjoyed spending time at Jim’s Conoco Station where she could visit with the customers and helping Jim tend to their large garden.&nbsp; Wenda enjoyed spending time with her friends while doing each other’s hair, loving on her many cats that they had over the years and collecting spoons she would find on their trips.&nbsp; She was a member of the Norton Squarenders Square Dance Club and the First United Methodist Church in Norton.&nbsp;

Survivors include her husband, Jim of Norton; her three daughters, Patty Fitzmaurice and husband David of Belgrade, MO, Theresa D. Underwood of Paola, KS and Connie Lynn Ellis and husband Glen of Ashland, Illinois; sister, Carol Whitney and husband Robert of Olathe, KS; brother Patrick and wife Mary Ann of Norton; 4 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Katherine Taylor; sister Barbara Hollingshead and infant sister Roberta Ann Taylor.

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A private family graveside will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25th in the Norton Cemetery, Norton, KS.&nbsp; The services will be streamed live on Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook page.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Andbe Home c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

Norton resident Wenda Underwood, beloved daughter of Kenneth and Katherine S. (Murphy) Taylor was born December 2, 1940, in Norton, KS and went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, at the age of 79.Wenda grew up on the family dairy farm just east of Norton and attended Norton community schools.On October 11, 1958, Jim Underwood and Wenda E. Taylor were united in marriage in Norton.&nbsp; They made their home there and raised 3 daughters, Patty, Theresa and Connie.&nbsp; She was a devoted wife to Jim for 61 years.Wenda was for the most part a homemaker, but did keep busy, working at the Norton High School and Lucky Strike Grill.&nbsp; She enjoyed spending time at Jim’s Conoco Station where she could visit with the customers and helping Jim tend to their large garden.&nbsp; Wenda enjoyed spending time with her friends while doing each other’s hair, loving on her many cats that they had over the years and collecting spoons she would find on their trips.&nbsp; She was a member of the Norton Squarenders Square Dance Club and the First United Methodist Church in Norton.&nbsp;Survivors include her husband, Jim of Norton; her three daughters, Patty Fitzmaurice and husband David of Belgrade, MO, Theresa D. Underwood of Paola, KS and Connie Lynn Ellis and husband Glen of Ashland, Illinois; sister, Carol Whitney and husband Robert of Olathe, KS; brother Patrick and wife Mary Ann of Norton; 4 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Katherine Taylor; sister Barbara Hollingshead and infant sister Roberta Ann Taylor.Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A private family graveside will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25th in the Norton Cemetery, Norton, KS.&nbsp; The services will be streamed live on Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook page.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Andbe Home c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

Wenda Underwood

By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/census-workers-hit-the-streets-in-kansas-and-missouri-to-combat-lackluster-response-rates">Kansas News Service</a>

The impact of the 2020 Census is hard to overstate. According to <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/Counting%20for%20Dollars%202020%20Brief%207A%20-%20Comprehensive%20Accounting.pdf" target="_blank">a study by George Washington University</a>,
 federal spending programs recently used 2010 Census data to distribute 
more than $1.5 trillion to state and local governments, nonprofits, 
businesses, and households nationwide.

But in much of Kansas and Missouri, the response so far has been underwhelming.

In Kansas City, Missouri, where <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">the response rate</a>
 is just 56%, census workers started going door-to-door July 16, looking
 to get a jump on a national operation beginning in August to follow-up 
on non-responses.

Kansas City councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw organized a press conference last week to push for a complete count. 

“The 2020 Census will dictate the next decade of our lives in real and compelling ways,” she said.

For
 example, the government didn’t directly give Kansas City coronavirus 
relief funding, in part, because that money was distributed based on 
2010 Census data, and Kansas City fell short of the population 
requirement.

In much of Kansas, the response isn't much better. Census enumerators will be deployed throughout most of the state this week.

Local
 groups, like the Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Public Schools
 and the Mid America Regional Council started preparing for the 2020 
Census years ago, only to be thwarted by the global coronavirus 
pandemic.

Outreach efforts decimated by the coronavirus

Jenny Garmon is with the Kansas City Public Library, which has been preparing for this year’s census for at least three years.

“I
 was really excited. We were going to have Representative (Emanuel) 
Cleaver II at the central library to do a public forum discussion about 
it and all of that just had to be shelved because it wasn't safe any 
longer with COVID-19,” Garmon said.

When Kansas City shut down due
 to the virus, the library and other regional partners tried to get the 
word out about the census through billboards, signage on buses and 
mailers.

In Wichita, census officials say they had car parades every Saturday to encourage people to fill out the form online.

With cities re-opening businesses, advocates are holding in-person events outdoors.

But contacting hard-to-reach communities continues to be an uphill battle.

At
 an event at Seven Oaks Park in Kansas City last week, Garmon only 
talked to one person about filling out the census. The park, located at 
37th Street and Kensington, is in a census tract with the 
lowest response rates, and a third of homes there aren't connected to 
the internet.

Garmon said the low-turnout was disappointing, 
particularly because it’s exactly the kind of neighborhood that could 
benefit most from an accurate count.

“I'd love to talk with more 
people about the census and why it's important, then how easy it is to 
respond to it. I would love that,” Garmon said.

“So it's hard not to have that interaction, but it's also just a learning experience for me too, about being patient.”

Communities are still suffering from COVID-19

Many
 of the areas in Kansas and Missouri where responses have been the 
lowest are the same neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus.

In southwest Kansas, areas with high Latino populations have seen low participation. COVID-19 outbreaks <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-04/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-to-each-other" target="_blank">at meatpacking plants have taken a toll</a> in that region.

Plus,
 a proposed question about citizenship status that was ultimately 
removed from the 2020 Census stoked fears in the diverse community about
 how personal information might be used.

Emily Kelley, the U.S. 
Census Bureau partnership coordinator for Kansas, says they’re trying to
 assure people that census data is secure.

“We have partners 
working diligently in those areas to engage people…so there's an 
understanding of why we do the census — that it's easy, safe, and 
important,” Kelley said.

Kelley says college towns like Manhattan,
 Kansas, have also seen lower response rates because many students 
returned home during the pandemic. That could result in an low count for
 those areas.

In Kansas City, Missouri, low-income areas, 
immigrant communities and predominantly Black communities in the third, 
fourth and fifth city council districts are showing lower rates than the
 rest of the city.

Those are also the same areas with<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-totals" target="_blank"> the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases</a>.

Using the census to fight for racial equity

Rick
 Usher, who’s leading census efforts for Kansas City, Missouri, says 
people in many neighborhoods are struggling to make ends meet. He says 
areas with low response rates also correlate with neighborhoods internet
 access is limited.

“The pandemic has brought greater awareness to these disparities that have existed in the community for decades,” Usher said.

Kansas
 City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said that’s exactly why it’s so 
important for the most distressed parts of the city to make sure they’re
 counted.

As Black Lives Matter demonstrations ripple across the 
country, Robinson says filling out the census is a crucial part of the 
fight for racial justice.

“Because oftentimes in the community as 
elected leaders, we hear the tale of two cities — they have, we don't 
have,” Robinson said.

She said being able to prove that inequity 
with statistics and data allows government officials to identify 
disparities and work to close the gaps.

“But foundational in that is to say, ‘I'm here, I'm present,’” Robinson said.

Robinson also said it’s an important way to make sure black and brown voices are represented in public office.

“And
 so if you want people that represent your neighborhood to be able to 
speak to your needs, then you need to respond to the census,” Robinson 
said.

But with coronavirus cases on the rise again, more people may be wary of in-person interactions — and the October 31st deadline is nearing. Households can still fill out the form online at <a href="https://my2020census.gov/" target="_blank">my2020census.gov</a>.

In addition to being KCUR's afternoon newscaster, Lisa Rodriguez covers city hall and other news around Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595259374096.png" alt="Jenny Garmon is leading census outreach for the Kansas City Public Library, but the pandemic has made it difficult to reach many communities. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Jenny Garmon is leading census outreach for the Kansas City Public Library, but the pandemic has made it difficult to reach many communities. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-20/census-workers-hit-the-streets-in-kansas-and-missouri-to-combat-lackluster-response-rates">Kansas News Service</a>The impact of the 2020 Census is hard to overstate. According to <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/Counting%20for%20Dollars%202020%20Brief%207A%20-%20Comprehensive%20Accounting.pdf" target="_blank">a study by George Washington University</a>,
 federal spending programs recently used 2010 Census data to distribute 
more than $1.5 trillion to state and local governments, nonprofits, 
businesses, and households nationwide.But in much of Kansas and Missouri, the response so far has been underwhelming.In Kansas City, Missouri, where <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">the response rate</a>
 is just 56%, census workers started going door-to-door July 16, looking
 to get a jump on a national operation beginning in August to follow-up 
on non-responses.Kansas City councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw organized a press conference last week to push for a complete count. “The 2020 Census will dictate the next decade of our lives in real and compelling ways,” she said.For
 example, the government didn’t directly give Kansas City coronavirus 
relief funding, in part, because that money was distributed based on 
2010 Census data, and Kansas City fell short of the population 
requirement.In much of Kansas, the response isn't much better. Census enumerators will be deployed throughout most of the state this week.Local
 groups, like the Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Public Schools
 and the Mid America Regional Council started preparing for the 2020 
Census years ago, only to be thwarted by the global coronavirus 
pandemic.Outreach efforts decimated by the coronavirusJenny Garmon is with the Kansas City Public Library, which has been preparing for this year’s census for at least three years.“I
 was really excited. We were going to have Representative (Emanuel) 
Cleaver II at the central library to do a public forum discussion about 
it and all of that just had to be shelved because it wasn't safe any 
longer with COVID-19,” Garmon said.When Kansas City shut down due
 to the virus, the library and other regional partners tried to get the 
word out about the census through billboards, signage on buses and 
mailers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595259444373.png" alt="A Kansas City resident registers to vote at one of the Kansas City Library's census outreach events at Swope Health Center. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3 " />
 <figcaption>A Kansas City resident registers to vote at one of the Kansas City Library's census outreach events at Swope Health Center. Lisa Rodriguez / KCUR 89.3 </figcaption>
 </figure>In Wichita, census officials say they had car parades every Saturday to encourage people to fill out the form online.With cities re-opening businesses, advocates are holding in-person events outdoors.But contacting hard-to-reach communities continues to be an uphill battle.At
 an event at Seven Oaks Park in Kansas City last week, Garmon only 
talked to one person about filling out the census. The park, located at 
37th Street and Kensington, is in a census tract with the 
lowest response rates, and a third of homes there aren't connected to 
the internet.Garmon said the low-turnout was disappointing, 
particularly because it’s exactly the kind of neighborhood that could 
benefit most from an accurate count.“I'd love to talk with more 
people about the census and why it's important, then how easy it is to 
respond to it. I would love that,” Garmon said.“So it's hard not to have that interaction, but it's also just a learning experience for me too, about being patient.”Communities are still suffering from COVID-19Many
 of the areas in Kansas and Missouri where responses have been the 
lowest are the same neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus.In southwest Kansas, areas with high Latino populations have seen low participation. COVID-19 outbreaks <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-04/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-to-each-other" target="_blank">at meatpacking plants have taken a toll</a> in that region.Plus,
 a proposed question about citizenship status that was ultimately 
removed from the 2020 Census stoked fears in the diverse community about
 how personal information might be used.Emily Kelley, the U.S. 
Census Bureau partnership coordinator for Kansas, says they’re trying to
 assure people that census data is secure.“We have partners 
working diligently in those areas to engage people…so there's an 
understanding of why we do the census — that it's easy, safe, and 
important,” Kelley said.Kelley says college towns like Manhattan,
 Kansas, have also seen lower response rates because many students 
returned home during the pandemic. That could result in an low count for
 those areas.In Kansas City, Missouri, low-income areas, 
immigrant communities and predominantly Black communities in the third, 
fourth and fifth city council districts are showing lower rates than the
 rest of the city.Those are also the same areas with<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-totals" target="_blank"> the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases</a>.Using the census to fight for racial equityRick
 Usher, who’s leading census efforts for Kansas City, Missouri, says 
people in many neighborhoods are struggling to make ends meet. He says 
areas with low response rates also correlate with neighborhoods internet
 access is limited.“The pandemic has brought greater awareness to these disparities that have existed in the community for decades,” Usher said.Kansas
 City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said that’s exactly why it’s so 
important for the most distressed parts of the city to make sure they’re
 counted.As Black Lives Matter demonstrations ripple across the 
country, Robinson says filling out the census is a crucial part of the 
fight for racial justice.“Because oftentimes in the community as 
elected leaders, we hear the tale of two cities — they have, we don't 
have,” Robinson said.She said being able to prove that inequity 
with statistics and data allows government officials to identify 
disparities and work to close the gaps.“But foundational in that is to say, ‘I'm here, I'm present,’” Robinson said.Robinson also said it’s an important way to make sure black and brown voices are represented in public office.“And
 so if you want people that represent your neighborhood to be able to 
speak to your needs, then you need to respond to the census,” Robinson 
said.But with coronavirus cases on the rise again, more people may be wary of in-person interactions — and the October 31st deadline is nearing. Households can still fill out the form online at <a href="https://my2020census.gov/" target="_blank">my2020census.gov</a>.In addition to being KCUR's afternoon newscaster, Lisa Rodriguez covers city hall and other news around Kansas City. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.&nbsp;

Kan., Mo. Census workers hit the streets to combat lackluster response rates

Stella Adella Augustine, age 92, of 
Ellis, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Hays Medical 
Center. She was born July 21, 1927 in Ellis County, Kansas to Ignatz and
 Rosa (Weber) Lang Jr. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1945. On 
February 6, 1946 she married Paul Peter Augustine at St. Mary's Catholic
 Church in Ellis. He preceded her in death on October 12, 1999.

Stella was a homemaker. She was a 
member of St. Mary's Church and the Ellis Daughters of Isabella. She 
taught first communion classes for several years and she enjoyed 
gardening and bowling.

She is survived by two sons, Melvin 
Augustine and wife Gini of Ellis and Dean Augustine of Ransom, Kansas; 
three daughters, Jean Brungardt and husband Mel of Wichita, Kansas, 
Connie Jones and husband Terry of Woodward, Oklahoma and Janice Horne 
and husband Richard of Buckeye, Arizona; 14 grandchildren and 24 great 
grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents; a daughter, Mary Augustine; four brothers, Joe, Johnny, Godfrey
 and Lawrence Lang as well as three sisters, Catherine Wolf, Bertha Lang
 and Rose Marie Augustine.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM 
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at St. Mary's catholic Church in Ellis. Burial 
will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday 6 PM - 8 PM 
with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7 PM. Wednesday visitation 
will be 9 AM until service time all at St. Mary's Church.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Contributions are suggested to St. Mary's School or St. Mary's Church.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595251028679.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stella Adella Augustine, age 92, of 
Ellis, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Hays Medical 
Center. She was born July 21, 1927 in Ellis County, Kansas to Ignatz and
 Rosa (Weber) Lang Jr. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1945. On 
February 6, 1946 she married Paul Peter Augustine at St. Mary's Catholic
 Church in Ellis. He preceded her in death on October 12, 1999.Stella was a homemaker. She was a 
member of St. Mary's Church and the Ellis Daughters of Isabella. She 
taught first communion classes for several years and she enjoyed 
gardening and bowling.She is survived by two sons, Melvin 
Augustine and wife Gini of Ellis and Dean Augustine of Ransom, Kansas; 
three daughters, Jean Brungardt and husband Mel of Wichita, Kansas, 
Connie Jones and husband Terry of Woodward, Oklahoma and Janice Horne 
and husband Richard of Buckeye, Arizona; 14 grandchildren and 24 great 
grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her 
parents; a daughter, Mary Augustine; four brothers, Joe, Johnny, Godfrey
 and Lawrence Lang as well as three sisters, Catherine Wolf, Bertha Lang
 and Rose Marie Augustine.Funeral services will be 10:00 AM 
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at St. Mary's catholic Church in Ellis. Burial 
will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.Visitation will be Tuesday 6 PM - 8 PM 
with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7 PM. Wednesday visitation 
will be 9 AM until service time all at St. Mary's Church.Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.Contributions are suggested to St. Mary's School or St. Mary's Church.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Stella Adella Augustine

Wendell L. Felsburg age 78, was born on October 2, 1941, to Walter and 
Norma (Franklin) Felsburg of Gaylord, KS. He grew up the oldest of four 
children on the family farm just south of town. He passed away on July 
18, 2020 at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS.
 At the age of 18, he joined the US Navy where he served four years, 
during peace time, as a Radioman on an aircraft carrier. He returned 
home and started driving a milk truck around his hometown area. He then 
worked for Conrad Irrigation for several years followed by CE Johnson 
Trucking owned by Thomas Johnson, both of Gaylord, KS. 
 He began driving commercially for Curtis Trucking out of Denver, CO,
 where he earned his first 1 Million Miles in truck driving from NY to 
LA. After that he drove for Ligon Trucking out of Paducah, KY. He drove 
for Graves Truck Line’s Jayhawk Division for over 10 years. He also 
drove for Bruenger Trucking out of Wichita, KS for many years. Then in 
1996, he moved from commercial to private trucking and hauled grain for 
local farmers and corn seed for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. out 
of Doniphan, Nebraska.
 Late in his career, he and his brother, David, paved the way in 
revolutionizing how Pioneer unloaded their corn seed from the trailers 
by bringing Wilkens Walking Floor Trailers to corn harvest in 1997. By 
doing this, they were able to haul twice as many loads as the other 
drivers with normal trailers. Within 2 years, Pioneer made it a 
requirement for all drivers that hauled for them to have the walking 
floor trailers during corn harvest due to Wendell and David’s foresight.
 This was a highlight of his 50+ years as a semi-truck driver, retiring 
in 2019 with over 3 Million miles to his credit.
 He and his wife of 53 years, Ann Jean (Runnion) of Norton, KS, were 
married on February 13, 1967. They raised three daughters in the town of
 Gaylord, KS. They also helped to raise a granddaughter and a grandson 
that they grew to consider as their own children. He enjoyed watching 
stockcar racing, time with family, and hitting golf balls with friends 
at the driving range. He also served for many years on the Gaylord City 
Counsel. 
 He is survived by his wife, Ann Felsburg of Gaylord; his sister 
Martha (Bill) Watkins of Cummings, GA; his brother Keith (Esmerelda) 
Felsburg of Lake Elsinore, CA; daughters, NormaJean Felsburg of Norton, 
KS; Loretta (Danny) Standley of Wichita, KS; and Wendy (Shawn) Luman of 
Hutchinson, KS; his grandchildren, SkyeAnne (Tyson) Kline, William 
(Jessica) Felsburg, Cassandra Standley, Jared Standley, Jonah Standley, 
Micah Standley, Nathaniel Standley, and Ryan Luman; and four 
great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 
 Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, and his youngest brother, David Felsburg.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595189064349.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wendell L. Felsburg age 78, was born on October 2, 1941, to Walter and 
Norma (Franklin) Felsburg of Gaylord, KS. He grew up the oldest of four 
children on the family farm just south of town. He passed away on July 
18, 2020 at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS.
 At the age of 18, he joined the US Navy where he served four years, 
during peace time, as a Radioman on an aircraft carrier. He returned 
home and started driving a milk truck around his hometown area. He then 
worked for Conrad Irrigation for several years followed by CE Johnson 
Trucking owned by Thomas Johnson, both of Gaylord, KS. 
 He began driving commercially for Curtis Trucking out of Denver, CO,
 where he earned his first 1 Million Miles in truck driving from NY to 
LA. After that he drove for Ligon Trucking out of Paducah, KY. He drove 
for Graves Truck Line’s Jayhawk Division for over 10 years. He also 
drove for Bruenger Trucking out of Wichita, KS for many years. Then in 
1996, he moved from commercial to private trucking and hauled grain for 
local farmers and corn seed for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. out 
of Doniphan, Nebraska.
 Late in his career, he and his brother, David, paved the way in 
revolutionizing how Pioneer unloaded their corn seed from the trailers 
by bringing Wilkens Walking Floor Trailers to corn harvest in 1997. By 
doing this, they were able to haul twice as many loads as the other 
drivers with normal trailers. Within 2 years, Pioneer made it a 
requirement for all drivers that hauled for them to have the walking 
floor trailers during corn harvest due to Wendell and David’s foresight.
 This was a highlight of his 50+ years as a semi-truck driver, retiring 
in 2019 with over 3 Million miles to his credit.
 He and his wife of 53 years, Ann Jean (Runnion) of Norton, KS, were 
married on February 13, 1967. They raised three daughters in the town of
 Gaylord, KS. They also helped to raise a granddaughter and a grandson 
that they grew to consider as their own children. He enjoyed watching 
stockcar racing, time with family, and hitting golf balls with friends 
at the driving range. He also served for many years on the Gaylord City 
Counsel. 
 He is survived by his wife, Ann Felsburg of Gaylord; his sister 
Martha (Bill) Watkins of Cummings, GA; his brother Keith (Esmerelda) 
Felsburg of Lake Elsinore, CA; daughters, NormaJean Felsburg of Norton, 
KS; Loretta (Danny) Standley of Wichita, KS; and Wendy (Shawn) Luman of 
Hutchinson, KS; his grandchildren, SkyeAnne (Tyson) Kline, William 
(Jessica) Felsburg, Cassandra Standley, Jared Standley, Jonah Standley, 
Micah Standley, Nathaniel Standley, and Ryan Luman; and four 
great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 
 Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, and his youngest brother, David Felsburg.

Wendell L. Felsburg

TOPEKA — Sixteen schools are joining the Kansans Can School Redesign Project as the Apollo II cohort, the fifth phase of the project.

Lincoln Elementary School in Hays is to be one of the schools in this phase of the school redesign project.

Hays USD 489 Superintendent said the 2020-21 school year will be used for planning changes that will be most beneficial to serving students.

"I think this is going to be great thing for Lincoln Elementary," Wilson said. "It will allow us permission to look at how we do things. We will be able to work with a lot of experts to do what is best for our kids."

The names of the schools and districts were announced during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting Tuesday. The announcement brings the total number of schools taking part in the Kansans Can School Redesign Project to 182 and the number of districts participating to 73.

In order to be considered for the project, districts must be able and willing to completely redesign one elementary and/or one secondary school around the vision, outcomes and the definition of a successful high school graduate.

Each district also must be willing to launch a new school redesign in the 2021-2022 school year and be willing to serve as a demonstration school/district for others in Kansas to study, learn and visit.

Seven of the 10 districts that are taking part in the latest phase, Apollo II, are new to the redesign project. Three of the school districts – Emporia Unified School District 253, Hutchinson USD 308 and Winfield USD 465 - already have other schools participating in earlier phases and are now adding new schools.

The other schools, along with their districts, taking part in Apollo II are:

The Kansans Can School Redesign Project was announced in 2017 in support of Kansas’ vision for education – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student. The first seven school districts to take part in the first phase, Mercury 7, were announced in August 2017. The other cohorts include Gemini I, Gemini II and Apollo.

For more information about the Kansans Can Redesign Project, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ksde.org%2fAgency%2fFiscal-and-Administrative-Services%2fCommunications-and-Recognition-Programs%2fVision-Kansans-Can%2fSchool-Redesign&amp;c=E,1,W-dvy4pz1DnKJ_QUanridxBfz9AibxDoa3ynDyHe4uVA0aJaW6JaFcUS9bZozKlNLlupLmfblWK9Xj3w6i0LxcHpkh2M_JseVHFPU5rAsRXJnx6etECyzcC7YXzarA,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign</a>.

The State Board of Education in October 2015 announced a new vision for education in Kansas: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student. To help measure the success of the new vision, the board established five outcomes — social-emotional growth; kindergarten readiness; Individual Plan of Study (IPS); high school graduation rates; and postsecondary completion/attendance.

The board also defined a successful high school graduate as someone who has the academic preparation, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills and civic engagement to be successful in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification or in the workforce, without the need for remediation.

TOPEKA — Sixteen schools are joining the Kansans Can School Redesign Project as the Apollo II cohort, the fifth phase of the project.Lincoln Elementary School in Hays is to be one of the schools in this phase of the school redesign project.Hays USD 489 Superintendent said the 2020-21 school year will be used for planning changes that will be most beneficial to serving students."I think this is going to be great thing for Lincoln Elementary," Wilson said. "It will allow us permission to look at how we do things. We will be able to work with a lot of experts to do what is best for our kids."The names of the schools and districts were announced during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting Tuesday. The announcement brings the total number of schools taking part in the Kansans Can School Redesign Project to 182 and the number of districts participating to 73.In order to be considered for the project, districts must be able and willing to completely redesign one elementary and/or one secondary school around the vision, outcomes and the definition of a successful high school graduate.Each district also must be willing to launch a new school redesign in the 2021-2022 school year and be willing to serve as a demonstration school/district for others in Kansas to study, learn and visit.Seven of the 10 districts that are taking part in the latest phase, Apollo II, are new to the redesign project. Three of the school districts – Emporia Unified School District 253, Hutchinson USD 308 and Winfield USD 465 - already have other schools participating in earlier phases and are now adding new schools.The other schools, along with their districts, taking part in Apollo II are:<ul>
 <li>Emporia Middle School, Emporia USD 253.</li><li>Village Elementary School, Emporia USD 253.</li><li>Walnut Elementary School, Emporia USD 253.</li><li>Central Heights High School, Wamego Unified School District 288.</li><li>Lincoln Elementary School, Hutchinson USD 308.</li><li>Wamego High School, Wamego USD 320.</li><li><a>Lincoln Elementary School, Clay County USD 379.</a></li><li>Marshall Elementary School, Eureka USD 389.</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley Elementary School, Marais des Cygnes USD 456.</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley Middle School, Marais des Cygnes USD 456.</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley High School, Marais des Cygnes USD 456.</li><li>Winfield High School, Winfield USD 465.</li><li>Flint Hills Primary School, Flint Hills USD 492 </li><li>Flint Hills Intermediate School, Flint Hills USD 492.</li><li>Flint Hills Middle and High School, Flint Hills USD 492. </li>
 </ul>The Kansans Can School Redesign Project was announced in 2017 in support of Kansas’ vision for education – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student. The first seven school districts to take part in the first phase, Mercury 7, were announced in August 2017. The other cohorts include Gemini I, Gemini II and Apollo.For more information about the Kansans Can Redesign Project, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ksde.org%2fAgency%2fFiscal-and-Administrative-Services%2fCommunications-and-Recognition-Programs%2fVision-Kansans-Can%2fSchool-Redesign&amp;c=E,1,W-dvy4pz1DnKJ_QUanridxBfz9AibxDoa3ynDyHe4uVA0aJaW6JaFcUS9bZozKlNLlupLmfblWK9Xj3w6i0LxcHpkh2M_JseVHFPU5rAsRXJnx6etECyzcC7YXzarA,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign</a>.Background:The State Board of Education in October 2015 announced a new vision for education in Kansas: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student. To help measure the success of the new vision, the board established five outcomes — social-emotional growth; kindergarten readiness; Individual Plan of Study (IPS); high school graduation rates; and postsecondary completion/attendance.The board also defined a successful high school graduate as someone who has the academic preparation, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills and civic engagement to be successful in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification or in the workforce, without the need for remediation.

KSDE announces Lincoln to join Apollo II school redesign project

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four U.S. lawmakers are calling on Attorney General William Barr to block the early release of a former Missouri pharmacist who pleaded guilty in a scheme to dilute tens of thousands of prescriptions for seriously ill patients to boost profits.

U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, along with U.S. Reps Emanuel Cleaver and Sam Graves, said in a letter Thursday that they “strongly disagree" with freeing Robert Courtney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e61b99f70c4610abe3d8f589f9a457cf">seven years</a>&nbsp;early because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Courtney’s crimes are heinous," they wrote. “He acted without consideration for the theft of his victims’ health and quality of life, and his actions can be described as no less than purposefully evil."

Courtney, a 67-year-old former pharmacist in Kansas City whose own health is now failing, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in December 2002 and projected to be released in May 2027.

The Bureau of Prisons said it doesn’t discuss release plans for specific inmates. But Michael Ketchmark, an attorney whose office was involved in more than 275 wrongful death lawsuits against Courtney, told The Kansas City Star that he was informed that Courtney could be released as early as this week to a halfway house and then to home confinement.

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-13/kansas-city-pharmacist-who-diluted-cancer-meds-is-getting-out-of-prison-early">Kansas News Service</a>

Robert Courtney, the Kansas City pharmacist whose drug dilution 
scheme drew national headlines 19 years ago, is being released from 
prison seven years early.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four U.S. lawmakers are calling on Attorney General William Barr to block the early release of a former Missouri pharmacist who pleaded guilty in a scheme to dilute tens of thousands of prescriptions for seriously ill patients to boost profits.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Department of Justice informed me this morning that they will NOT release Courtney from imprisonment. That’s the right call. COVID-19 should not be an opportunity at jailbreak for violent offenders <a href="https://t.co/MPu9REMeZ6">https://t.co/MPu9REMeZ6</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1283818923725594625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, along with U.S. Reps Emanuel Cleaver and Sam Graves, said in a letter Thursday that they “strongly disagree" with freeing Robert Courtney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e61b99f70c4610abe3d8f589f9a457cf">seven years</a>&nbsp;early because of the coronavirus pandemic.“Courtney’s crimes are heinous," they wrote. “He acted without consideration for the theft of his victims’ health and quality of life, and his actions can be described as no less than purposefully evil."Courtney, a 67-year-old former pharmacist in Kansas City whose own health is now failing, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in December 2002 and projected to be released in May 2027.The Bureau of Prisons said it doesn’t discuss release plans for specific inmates. But Michael Ketchmark, an attorney whose office was involved in more than 275 wrongful death lawsuits against Courtney, told The Kansas City Star that he was informed that Courtney could be released as early as this week to a halfway house and then to home confinement.----------------By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-13/kansas-city-pharmacist-who-diluted-cancer-meds-is-getting-out-of-prison-early">Kansas News Service</a>Robert Courtney, the Kansas City pharmacist whose drug dilution 
scheme drew national headlines 19 years ago, is being released from 
prison seven years early.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594735016860.png" alt="Robert Courtney's pharmacy was located on the ground floor of Research Medical Center on East Meyer Boulevard. Dan Margolies / KCUR " />
 <figcaption>Robert Courtney's pharmacy was located on the ground floor of Research Medical Center on East Meyer Boulevard. Dan Margolies / KCUR </figcaption>
 </figure>In a letter last week, the U.S. Justice 
Department informed some of Courtney’s victims and members of their 
families that Courtney will be moved to a halfway house this week and 
then to home confinement in Trimble, Missouri.The letter said 
that Courtney, 67, had been found eligible for home confinement due to 
the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorney General William Barr instructed the 
Federal Bureau of Prisons to release inmates who are “at a minimal risk 
of recidivating.”Courtney, whose pharmacy was located in Research
 Hospital in Kansas City, was sentenced in 2002 after pleading guilty to
 diluting medications for cancer patients and other seriously ill people
 and pocketing the resulting profits. He had been serving a 30-year 
prison sentence in the Federal Correctional Institution in Englewood, 
Colorado, a low-security prison for male inmates. He was due to be 
released in 2027.People who learned of his imminent release said they were appalled.Kelly
 Ann Allen, whose grandmother was treated with cancer drugs mixed by 
Courtney and died in 2000, said she had people whose parents were 
victims of Courtney’s scheme reach out to her this week.“I lost 
my grandma when I was a teenager and that, of course, was difficult,” 
Allen said. “It’s hard to go from thinking an illness took your family 
member to thinking that greed and murder took your family member.”Michael
 Ketchmark, a Leawood, Kansas, attorney who helped negotiate legal 
settlements on behalf of Courtney’s victims, said he couldn’t imagine 
the pain they were feeling.“My heart goes out to all of Robert 
Courtney’s victims, the thousands of lives that he impacted. The pain 
that they must be feeling on hearing this is unimaginable.”Gene 
Porter, a now-retired assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted Courtney, 
said he disagreed with the decision to release him from prison. "I
 can no longer speak on behalf of the WDMO USAO [U.S. Attorney's Office 
for the Western District of Missouri] and can only speak as a private 
citizen," Porter said in an email. "In that capacity I can say this was 
an unfortunate and misguided decision. Robert Courtney should not have 
been released early and should have served the full 30 year sentence 
justly imposed by the district court."FBI and Food and Drug 
Administration agents began an investigation in the summer of 2001 after
 Kansas City oncologist Verda Hunter notified them that a salesman from 
drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. had told her Courtney was dispensing far 
more of the cancer medication Gemzar than he was purchasing.Agents
 set up a sting operation to buy drugs from Courtney, who mixed cancer 
drugs for Hunter, and discovered that the drugs were far less potent 
than Hunter had ordered. One sample contained less than 1 percent of the
 prescribed amount.Authorities said the scheme lasted for a 
decade and affected as many as 4,200 patients and 98,000 prescriptions 
for cancer medications and a variety of other drugs.Hundred of 
his victims and their families sued Courtney and the makers of two of 
the cancer drugs Courtney diluted, claiming the companies knew or should
 have known of Courtney’s scheme through their detailed sales records.The
 drug companies, Eli Lilly and Co. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 
eventually entered into a confidential settlement with the plaintiffs, 
later revealed to total about $71 million. The company that insured 
Courtney and his two pharmacies agreed to pay an additional $35 million.The
 settlements came after a Jackson County jury in October 2002 ordered 
Courtney to pay Georgia Hayes, an ovarian cancer patient, $225 million 
in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages. The judge 
later reduced the amounts to $30.1 million and $300 million, 
respectively.The Hayes case was the only one to go to trial. The 
judgment was largely symbolic because Courtney had already agreed to 
forfeit his assets to the government. But the bellwether case was a 
major factor in persuading the drug company defendants to settle.In
 handing down a maximum 30-year sentence in December 2002, U.S. District
 Judge Ortrie Smith told Courtney: “Your crimes are a shock to the 
conscience of a nation, the conscience of a community and the conscience
 of this court.”In a statement before his sentencing, Courtney 
apologized to his victims and his family: “From this moment, and for a 
long time to come, I will be agonizing over what I have done,” he said. 
“My hope is that ... everyone knows that I apologize. And I'm sorry. For
 the rest of my life, any good that I can do, any kindness that I can 
show, I'll do.”Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;