On June 4th, the Senate wrapped up the end of Special Session (which followed the Veto Session in May) and ended the 2020 Legislative Session.

 It was a shortened session due to Covid-19 which stalled the regular session on March 23rd.&nbsp; We returned May 21st&nbsp;for Sine Die and Veto Session.&nbsp; 

Seventeen bills were sent to the Governor – 6 Senate bills and 11 House bills.&nbsp; A total of 261 Senate bills were introduced in 2020, with an additional 208 Senate bills carried over from the 2019 Session.&nbsp; The Governor signed one additional bill for Special Session which was HB2016.&nbsp; The 2021 Legislative Session will convene January 11, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.

The 2020 Special Session is the 24th special session in Kansas history. The first was called in 1874 and the most recent were: 2005 (School finance), 2013 (“Hard 50” law), and 2016 (School finance).

The regular and veto Session ended May 21st&nbsp;with no opportunity for a Veto override attempt due to a previous Resolution passed by both Chambers when we adjourned in March.&nbsp; 

The Governor vetoed HB2054, which was the Emergency Disaster bill, on May 26th&nbsp;which had passed both the Senate and House and called us back to a Special Session on June 3rd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 HB2016 is very similar to the vetoed bill with a few changes which came about by both Chambers and the Governor’s office working together on a compromise.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Below are a few highlights of the bill – more details can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;under the 2020 Special Session red lettering on the home page and typing HB2016 in the search box- the SN column (Supplemental Note) will be the easy to read version with expiration dates and each section listed.&nbsp;

The bill includes $1.25B in Coronavirus federal funding (Coronavirus Relief Fund – CRF) to be spent with the approval of a majority of the State Finance Council (SFC) and the Governor.&nbsp; This Council includes eight legislators – the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority and Minority leader, the Chairperson of Senate Ways and Means, the House Majority leader and Minority leader, the Chairperson of the House Appropriation committee and Governor Kelly.&nbsp; This process has been used for federal disaster funds in the past.&nbsp;

The Governor’s emergency declaration is extended through September 15th&nbsp;but is then prohibited from further declarations through the end of 2020 unless approved by the SFC.&nbsp; Before September 15th&nbsp;the Governor cannot close any business, restrict gatherings or travel and after September 15th&nbsp;these declarations must be approved by the SFC.&nbsp; The Governor must consult with SFC 24 hours before closing any business and can only close businesses for 15 days unless 6 SFC members approve.&nbsp;

The bill allows County Commissions to issue orders less restrictive than the state if they included findings from a local health officer that the full statewide provisions are not necessary to protect county residents.&nbsp; This is the local control piece which was in much of the discussion from the beginning of the virus infection in March.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Governor will need to receive approval from the Kansas Board of Education to close schools.

The Governor will not be able to change the timing of elections or how elections are conducted.

The Secretary of Health or a county health officer can conduct contact tracing to protect public health.&nbsp; The information can only be used for public health purposes and data will remain confidential and be destroyed when tracing ends.&nbsp; The language of this session was requested and written by the Kansas Attorney General as Kansas has no laws on the books to address contact tracing.&nbsp;

First responders will be alerted to the presence of a COVID case in order to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.&nbsp;

Telemedicine will allow doctors to prescribe medication without an in-person visit.&nbsp; Doctors licensed in other states are allowed to use telemedicine as well for Kansas patients.&nbsp; Physicians will be allowed to practice at a medical facility without becoming a member of its staff.&nbsp; Hospitals will be allowed to admit more patients than they are currently licensed to and modify rooms in case of a surge of the virus within reasonable safety requirements.&nbsp;

The bill will provide immunity for healthcare services and workers due to COVID-19 (except for negligence and recklessness) and will also include this protection for manufactures and distributors for COVID-19 products (such as masks and sanitizers).&nbsp; Adult care facilities while not strictly immune would have to prove that harm was caused even though they followed the rules and were compliant with the law.&nbsp; The bill also creates infection control inspection for every facility with 90 days (the original HB2054 had a 30-day inspection timeline).

The Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court may authorize the use of two-way video conferencing to ensure the health and safety of all involved during ANY statewide declared disaster emergency.

Alcoholic liquor may be sold for consumption off-premises as long as it is legal for both the seller and consumer to be selling or consuming the alcoholic liquor, respectively and the consumer receives the beverage with a dated receipt and in a tamper-evident container. This provision will expire upon the expiration of the federal disaster emergency related to COVID-19.

A notary public may notarize a document without an in-person appearance as long as the notary public abides by executive order or other relevant state law.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARDS – DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE SUPPLEMENT (CDBG-CV) – SENATE DISTRICT #36

On June 2nd, the Department of Commerce announced&nbsp;awards of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.&nbsp; Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act.

CDBG-CV awards in Senate District:&nbsp; the city of Beloit; counties Cloud, Jewell, Marshall, Mitchell, Osborne, Phillips, Smith all receiving $132,000.00 and Russell County awarded $178,000.00.

The State of Kansas saw total tax collections for May Fiscal Year 2020 at $448.7 million; 6.6% or $27.8 million above the estimate. That is down 20.3% or $114.4 million compared to the same month last fiscal year.&nbsp; 

Total tax collection growth over April Consensus Revenue Estimates were attributed to online sales and withholding taxes.&nbsp; Individual income tax collections were up $5.9 million or 2.8% compared to the estimate with $215.9 million collected. That is 22.3% or $62.0 million less than last May. 

The increase from the estimate can be attributed to reduced bond payments from withholding and an extra payroll period for the semi-monthly withholding tax filings. 

Corporate income tax collection receipts were down 167.9% or $8.4 million from the estimate at negative $3.4 million. This is due to the state processing more refunds than it received in corporate income tax collections. 

When compared to the same month last fiscal year, those collections are down $14.4 million. Compared to May of last fiscal year, collections are down $27.3 million or 13.6%. Compensating use tax collections are 25.5% or $7.7 million more than expected at $37.7 million. When looking at last year’s numbers, these collections are $1.2 million or 3.2% more than May of last fiscal year. 

This can be attributed to the increased registration of online retailers to collect and remit Kansas taxes. On average, the state is seeing 300 new registrations per month.

Every ten years, the Kansas Legislature looks at the US Census numbers and assigns committees to review and redraw the legislative boundaries for the state-both state offices and federal offices.&nbsp; 

According to the state constitution, redistricting is to be completed in the second year after the federal census.&nbsp; The United States Constitution and federal statutes require a federal census to be conducted every ten years and also require that Congressional districts reapportioned based on this census data.&nbsp; 

The Kansas constitution and state law also requires the reapportionment of the state senate districts, the state house of representative districts, and the school board districts in the state based on the census information.&nbsp; 

Expect rural districts in both the Senate and the House to grow in geographical size and urban districts to shrink due to population decline and shift.&nbsp;

The State of Kansas has over $350 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from July 1, 2018 to June 14, 2020 include 2,253,917 searches, $47,060,956.26 returned with the average claim paid at $221.90.&nbsp; These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.&nbsp; 

To search for your name, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasastatetreasurer.com/" target="_blank">www.kansasastatetreasurer.com</a>&nbsp;and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list.&nbsp;

Senate District #36 has over 4000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers.&nbsp; If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.

SECRETARY OF STATE – CARES FUNDS AND 2020 VOTING

Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced on May 7th&nbsp;the distribution of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to Kansas counties for the 2020 elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp; 

In March, the United States Congress passed the CARES Act which included $400 million in Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding to states. The funding must be used in 2020 to prepare for, prevent and respond to the coronavirus pandemic for the 2020 Federal election cycle. 

Kansas received approximately $4.6 million in HAVA funding, $2.6 million of which will be used to reimburse counties with COVID-19 related expenditures.&nbsp; 

Personal protection equipment, plexiglass shields and disposable stylus pens will be at polling places for those voting in person.&nbsp;

Since 1996, Kansas has allowed all voters to request an advance mail ballot without needing an excuse.&nbsp; 

Voters with permanent illness or disability may apply for a ballot to be permanently mailed to them prior to every election.&nbsp; Registered voters may request an advance mail ballot by contacting their local election office or online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/AV1.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms//elections/AV1.pdf</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the first time, voters can confirm online whether their advance mail ballot applications have been received at:&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/AbsenteeBallotSearch.do" target="_blank">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/AbsenteeBallotSearch.do.</a>&nbsp;

Any registered voter can vote by mail or in-person prior to Election Day. 

Advance ballots are mailed to voters starting 20 days before the election and must be post-marked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after the election. Voters can also hand-deliver their advance ballot to the county election office or any polling location within their county by the close of polls on Election Day. 

Kansas voters may also vote in person at the county election office starting the Tuesday before Election Day, or up to 20 days before the election, depending on the county.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

If you have questions about the upcoming elections, call toll-free to the Secretary of State’s office at 1-800-262-VOTE (8683).

Important dates for 2020 elections:

July 14: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline to register to vote

July 15: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Advance voting by mail and in-person may begin

July 28: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline for voters to apply for advance mail ballots for the primary election

August 4: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Primary Election (<a href="http://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_002_0003.html" target="_blank">K.S.A. 25-203</a>)

August 7: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline for receipt of advance mail ballots postmarked on/before primary election day

October 14: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Advance voting by mail and in-person may begin

October 27: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline for voters to apply for advance mail ballots for the general election

November 6:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline for receipt of advance mail ballots postmarked on/before general election day

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – IKE AND T-WORKS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In March 2020, the Kansas Legislature approved and Governor Kelly signed into law the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), a 10-year transportation program that preserves the existing system and provides flexibility to address current and future opportunities and challenges. 

IKE is a rolling program, which means major highway modernization and expansion projects will be selected every two years rather than once a decade as previous programs did. This ensures the State can address the most pressing needs and adjust to fluctuating revenues. 

There is an emphasis on right-sized, practical improvements such as utilizing passing lanes rather than 4-lane expressways where applicable.&nbsp; 

New partnership programs (Cost Share, Local Bridge) between the State and local governments to address more needs are an important new part of the program. 

IKE also includes investments in broadband and new technologies.&nbsp; 

The program will continue multimodal transportation with public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian programs.&nbsp; 

According to KDOT, 18 T-WORKS projects remain and are in the works to be finished.&nbsp; 

Senate District #36 covers three of the six districts in Kansas.&nbsp; More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/" target="_blank">www.ksdot.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Annual Law Enforcement Memorial service was held at the Statehouse on May 2nd&nbsp;&amp; 3rd&nbsp;at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial located on the northeastern corner of the state capitol grounds.

 The memorial honors law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to the people of the state - 271 law enforcement officers are engraved on the tablets.&nbsp; 

An expansion project with a new outer ring was recently constructed which circles the original monument dedicated in 1987.&nbsp; 

It is constructed of the same granite used in the 2004 reconstruction with the outer ring providing space for 384 plates.&nbsp; Granite sentinels stand at each entry with bollards emitting a blue light which reminds visitors of the service Kansas law enforcement officers provide and in memory of those who have lost their life in the line of duty.&nbsp;

FROM THE STATE LIBRARY – SUMMER READING

Traditionally, summer reading programs in libraries were designed to keep children reading during the summer. 

This year’s theme,&nbsp;Imagine Your Story, invites readers to explore the world of stories: fairy tales, scary tales, adventures and mysteries. Increasingly, readers of all ages are included in library programs that encourage a love of reading.

Younger readers can find always available eBooks through the State Library at&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/storytime" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/storytime</a>. Teens and adults can check out downloadable audio and eBooks by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/digitalbooks" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/digitalbooks</a>.&nbsp;Kansans with a visual or physical impairment that makes holding a book difficult can join in summer reading programs too&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/1356/Summer-Reading" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/1356/Summer-Reading</a>.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF APPOINTMENTS

The Office of Appointments assists the Governor with the appointment of over 1,000 individuals to serve on Kansas’ boards and commissions. 

All qualified and service-minded Kansans are encouraged to participate in our state's government by offering to serve on a board or commission or by recommending qualified candidates.&nbsp; 

Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.ks.gov/serving-kansans/office-of-appointments" target="_blank">https://governor.ks.gov/serving-kansans/office-of-appointments</a>.&nbsp; If you are interested in the opportunity to serve or would like to nominate someone, please call the office at 785 368-7097 or apply online.&nbsp;

The 2021 Kansas Legislative Session will begin January 11, 2021, when we will be back in our offices at the Capital in Topeka.&nbsp; 

Over the summer and fall, I can be reached at my legislative email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or my work email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine@concordiaautomart.com" target="_blank">elaine@concordiaautomart.com</a>.&nbsp; My work address in Concordia is 212 E. 6th&nbsp;St., Concordia, KS&nbsp; 66901 and if you are in Concordia, drop by.&nbsp;&nbsp; My daytime work number is 785 243-3325 x2 or email me questions, concerns or ideas for legislative bills for the next session.&nbsp;

It is an honor to serve you in the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District and please feel free to contact me anytime.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> <a href="mailto:elaine@concordiaautomart.com" target="_blank">elaine@concordiaautomart.com 785 243-3325x 2 or 785 296-7389 www.kslegislature.org</a>

BOWERS: Senate Scene Wrap Up

HAYS, Kan. – With the decision of the Division II Presidents Council back on May 20 to reduce the maximum number of regular season women's soccer games from 18 to 14 in 2020, Fort Hays State Women's Soccer will face MIAA opponents exclusively for the upcoming season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/schedule">SEE 2020 SCHEDULE HERE</a> The Tigers will play their usual 11-game conference slate, facing each MIAA team once in conference play. However, the Tigers will start their year with a pair of non-conference matches against MIAA foes Emporia State and Nebraska-Kearney in Hays, which fills in 13 of their 14 total matches allowed. To ease the burden of finding non-conference matches in previous years under the 18-game model, the MIAA made three pods of four teams each. Schools within their four-team pod would each meet once in non-conference play in addition to their one meeting in conference play. Fort Hays State's pod consists of Emporia State, Nebraska-Kearney, and Washburn. This year, however, with the change in maximum number of regular season games allowed, the MIAA took away one of the three non-conference matches within a pod to keep its 8-team format for the conference tournament. To keep an 8-team format for the MIAA Women's Soccer Tournament (Sunday, Nov. 8 through Sunday, Nov. 15), the 14th&nbsp;game of the season for MIAA teams will take place in either the first round (quarterfinals) of the MIAA Tournament, or as a "flex" game for teams finishing 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;in the conference standings. Winners of the first-round conference tournament games will advance on to semifinal matches at the site of the highest seed remaining, while one of the two "flex" game matches created by the MIAA office among the 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;place finishers will take place the same day as the quarterfinal round of the MIAA Tournament. This model, planned for just this season due to the reduction of games, creates a 14-game schedule for all 12 MIAA women's soccer teams. Coaches have the option of setting their two non-conference games to start the season on either Friday or Sunday, as you will note from the new schedule posted online. The match with Emporia State to open the year will be on either September 11 or 13, and the following match with Nebraska-Kearney will be on either September 18 or 20. This is also an option the final week of the season when FHSU travels to Nebraska-Kearney for their designated conference match on either October 30 or November 1. Fort Hays State finished fifth in the MIAA standings last year at 6-3-2, while posting an overall mark of 10-6-2. The Tigers enter their fourth season under the guidance of head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=834">Blake Reynolds</a>, posting at least 10 wins overall in all three of his seasons at the helm. The team will have several new faces this year with a mix of NCAA Division I transfers and true freshmen joining the mix.

HAYS, Kan. – With the decision of the Division II Presidents Council back on May 20 to reduce the maximum number of regular season women's soccer games from 18 to 14 in 2020, Fort Hays State Women's Soccer will face MIAA opponents exclusively for the upcoming season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/schedule">SEE 2020 SCHEDULE HERE</a> The Tigers will play their usual 11-game conference slate, facing each MIAA team once in conference play. However, the Tigers will start their year with a pair of non-conference matches against MIAA foes Emporia State and Nebraska-Kearney in Hays, which fills in 13 of their 14 total matches allowed. To ease the burden of finding non-conference matches in previous years under the 18-game model, the MIAA made three pods of four teams each. Schools within their four-team pod would each meet once in non-conference play in addition to their one meeting in conference play. Fort Hays State's pod consists of Emporia State, Nebraska-Kearney, and Washburn. This year, however, with the change in maximum number of regular season games allowed, the MIAA took away one of the three non-conference matches within a pod to keep its 8-team format for the conference tournament. To keep an 8-team format for the MIAA Women's Soccer Tournament (Sunday, Nov. 8 through Sunday, Nov. 15), the 14th&nbsp;game of the season for MIAA teams will take place in either the first round (quarterfinals) of the MIAA Tournament, or as a "flex" game for teams finishing 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;in the conference standings. Winners of the first-round conference tournament games will advance on to semifinal matches at the site of the highest seed remaining, while one of the two "flex" game matches created by the MIAA office among the 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;place finishers will take place the same day as the quarterfinal round of the MIAA Tournament. This model, planned for just this season due to the reduction of games, creates a 14-game schedule for all 12 MIAA women's soccer teams. Coaches have the option of setting their two non-conference games to start the season on either Friday or Sunday, as you will note from the new schedule posted online. The match with Emporia State to open the year will be on either September 11 or 13, and the following match with Nebraska-Kearney will be on either September 18 or 20. This is also an option the final week of the season when FHSU travels to Nebraska-Kearney for their designated conference match on either October 30 or November 1. Fort Hays State finished fifth in the MIAA standings last year at 6-3-2, while posting an overall mark of 10-6-2. The Tigers enter their fourth season under the guidance of head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=834">Blake Reynolds</a>, posting at least 10 wins overall in all three of his seasons at the helm. The team will have several new faces this year with a mix of NCAA Division I transfers and true freshmen joining the mix.FHSU Athletics

FHSU women’s soccer faces MIAA opponents exclusively in 2020

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Football received its new 10-game 2020 schedule on Tuesday (June 16) from the MIAA. Due to the decision of the Division II Presidents Council back on May 20 to reduce the maximum number of regular season football games to 10 in 2020, each team had just one of its usual 11 conference opponents removed from the schedule with a blind draw by the MIAA.

MIAA games that will not happen in 2020 due to 1-game schedule reduction...

Fort Hays State vs. Missouri Southern Central Missouri vs. Northwest Missouri State Emporia State vs. Nebraska-Kearney Washburn vs. Northeastern State Pittsburg State vs. Central Oklahoma Missouri Western vs. Lincoln The new 2020 slate still has the Tigers opening at home, but with a different opponent. The new season-opening opponent will be Lincoln University on&nbsp;Saturday, September 12. All teams in the MIAA will begin the season on September 12 since the MIAA ruled there will be no Thursday games this season. Following the season opener against Lincoln, the Tigers will travel to the northwest portion of Missouri two weeks in a row for a pair of stiff road tests. They go to Maryville in Week 2 to take on defending MIAA Co-Champion Northwest Missouri State, then St. Joseph in Week 3 to take on Missouri Western, the team the Tigers tied with for third place in the MIAA last year at 8-3. The Tigers will be back at home two weeks in a row on October 3 and 10 when they host Central Missouri and Washburn. Homecoming will remain on Saturday, October 3 when the Tigers host defending MIAA Co-Champion Central Missouri. Following the two-game home stand, the Tigers will alternate road and home games week by week for the rest of the season. The last two home opponents for the Tigers this year will be Northeastern State on October 24 and then Emporia State on November 7. The last two home dates fit in between road trips to Pittsburg State (Oct. 17, Central Oklahoma (Oct. 31, and Nebraska-Kearney (Nov. 14). The Tigers will be looking to get back to the NCAA Playoffs for the third time in four years. FHSU was in the playoffs in 2017 and 2018 after winning a pair of MIAA championships, but came up just shy of the field selected to the Super Regional last year. Home game times are still to be determined. Keep an eye on the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">Football Schedule</a>&nbsp;on fhsuathletics.com as game times become available for both home and away contests.

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Football received its new 10-game 2020 schedule on Tuesday (June 16) from the MIAA. Due to the decision of the Division II Presidents Council back on May 20 to reduce the maximum number of regular season football games to 10 in 2020, each team had just one of its usual 11 conference opponents removed from the schedule with a blind draw by the MIAA. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592335040752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MIAA games that will not happen in 2020 due to 1-game schedule reduction...Fort Hays State vs. Missouri Southern Central Missouri vs. Northwest Missouri State Emporia State vs. Nebraska-Kearney Washburn vs. Northeastern State Pittsburg State vs. Central Oklahoma Missouri Western vs. Lincoln The new 2020 slate still has the Tigers opening at home, but with a different opponent. The new season-opening opponent will be Lincoln University on&nbsp;Saturday, September 12. All teams in the MIAA will begin the season on September 12 since the MIAA ruled there will be no Thursday games this season. Following the season opener against Lincoln, the Tigers will travel to the northwest portion of Missouri two weeks in a row for a pair of stiff road tests. They go to Maryville in Week 2 to take on defending MIAA Co-Champion Northwest Missouri State, then St. Joseph in Week 3 to take on Missouri Western, the team the Tigers tied with for third place in the MIAA last year at 8-3. The Tigers will be back at home two weeks in a row on October 3 and 10 when they host Central Missouri and Washburn. Homecoming will remain on Saturday, October 3 when the Tigers host defending MIAA Co-Champion Central Missouri. Following the two-game home stand, the Tigers will alternate road and home games week by week for the rest of the season. The last two home opponents for the Tigers this year will be Northeastern State on October 24 and then Emporia State on November 7. The last two home dates fit in between road trips to Pittsburg State (Oct. 17, Central Oklahoma (Oct. 31, and Nebraska-Kearney (Nov. 14). The Tigers will be looking to get back to the NCAA Playoffs for the third time in four years. FHSU was in the playoffs in 2017 and 2018 after winning a pair of MIAA championships, but came up just shy of the field selected to the Super Regional last year. Home game times are still to be determined. Keep an eye on the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule">Football Schedule</a>&nbsp;on fhsuathletics.com as game times become available for both home and away contests.FHSU Athletics

New 10-game FHSU football schedule released; open Sept. 12

Elmer Leroy Steinle, 97, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Main Street Manor in Russell.

Elmer was born February 19, 1923 in Russell.&nbsp; He was first of four children born to David Samuel and Amelia Molly (Ehrlich) Steinle.&nbsp; Elmer grew up in Russell and attended Russell High School, but had to quite before graduating, when the family farm was lost during the great depression, and went to work as a cook at the Puritan Café, in Russell, to help the family.&nbsp; Elmer was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, sent to Cook and Baker school at Camp San Luis Obispo, California by the Army.&nbsp; Elmer was promoted to Tec 4th Class and served as company Mess Sergeant in the Asiatic Theater, primarily Burma, April 1944 until December 1945.&nbsp; Elmer was discharged from the Army in January 1946, returning to Russell.

Elmer had married prior to his military service, October 1942 to Dorothy Ruth Bussin of Great Bend, and was blessed with their only son, Roy.&nbsp; They divorced January 1946 and Elmer was joined in marriage with the love of his life, Sophie Mathilda Scheck, of Collyer, April 1946.&nbsp; Elmer and Sophie, with Roy, made their home in Russell.

Elmer worked in his father’s business, Steinle Produce, primarily purchasing cream, eggs, and chickens from the area farmers and in turn selling them various farm supplies such as livestock feeds, seed, bailing wire, salt lick blocks, twine, etc.&nbsp; Shortly after his father retired from the business in the late fifties Elmer also left the Produce business and became a full time Carpenter.&nbsp; He was diversified in that he remodeled homes, built furniture, built homes in Russell, worked construction on a number of larger building projects in Russell, the Russell State Bank one of the local projects.&nbsp; Elmer was also carpenter Forman for the Kansas Refined Helium plant construction in Otis.&nbsp; For many years Elmer served on the Russell-Great township fire department as well as serving as the Dep0artments Fire Chief for a number of years until his retirement from the fire department.&nbsp; Elmer was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, past member of the Russell Elks Lodge, a member of the Russell VFW Post #6240 and a member of the Russell American Legion, William Roe Post 99.&nbsp; A past Commander of Post 99 and held various officer positions at the Post.

Elmer enjoyed playing cards, for many years he dealt Black Jack, and later loved playing Texas Holdem with friends any time he could find a game.&nbsp; He and Sophie took to antique collecting and spent most of their time together traveling, buying and selling antiques, attending and participating in antique shows.&nbsp; For many years antiques were their passion.&nbsp; Elmer also became known in Russell as a Studebaker collector, and at one time had a number of Studebaker cars and trucks, plus spare parts, and restored them to operating condition.&nbsp; In retirement Elmer took up square dancing, joining the “Shooting Stars” club in Hays and continued carpenter work in his shop building children’s furniture, chairs, rockers, tables, and wagons.

Elmer’s surviving family include his son, Roy Steinle (Rosemary) of Russell, Kansas; brother, Gorden Dave Steinle of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.&nbsp; Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sister Fern Harman Deutscher and brother Wilber Dean Steinle.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kanas. Military Rites conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard. No visitation being held.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592327577540.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Elmer Leroy Steinle, 97, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Main Street Manor in Russell.Elmer was born February 19, 1923 in Russell.&nbsp; He was first of four children born to David Samuel and Amelia Molly (Ehrlich) Steinle.&nbsp; Elmer grew up in Russell and attended Russell High School, but had to quite before graduating, when the family farm was lost during the great depression, and went to work as a cook at the Puritan Café, in Russell, to help the family.&nbsp; Elmer was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, sent to Cook and Baker school at Camp San Luis Obispo, California by the Army.&nbsp; Elmer was promoted to Tec 4th Class and served as company Mess Sergeant in the Asiatic Theater, primarily Burma, April 1944 until December 1945.&nbsp; Elmer was discharged from the Army in January 1946, returning to Russell.Elmer had married prior to his military service, October 1942 to Dorothy Ruth Bussin of Great Bend, and was blessed with their only son, Roy.&nbsp; They divorced January 1946 and Elmer was joined in marriage with the love of his life, Sophie Mathilda Scheck, of Collyer, April 1946.&nbsp; Elmer and Sophie, with Roy, made their home in Russell.Elmer worked in his father’s business, Steinle Produce, primarily purchasing cream, eggs, and chickens from the area farmers and in turn selling them various farm supplies such as livestock feeds, seed, bailing wire, salt lick blocks, twine, etc.&nbsp; Shortly after his father retired from the business in the late fifties Elmer also left the Produce business and became a full time Carpenter.&nbsp; He was diversified in that he remodeled homes, built furniture, built homes in Russell, worked construction on a number of larger building projects in Russell, the Russell State Bank one of the local projects.&nbsp; Elmer was also carpenter Forman for the Kansas Refined Helium plant construction in Otis.&nbsp; For many years Elmer served on the Russell-Great township fire department as well as serving as the Dep0artments Fire Chief for a number of years until his retirement from the fire department.&nbsp; Elmer was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, past member of the Russell Elks Lodge, a member of the Russell VFW Post #6240 and a member of the Russell American Legion, William Roe Post 99.&nbsp; A past Commander of Post 99 and held various officer positions at the Post.Elmer enjoyed playing cards, for many years he dealt Black Jack, and later loved playing Texas Holdem with friends any time he could find a game.&nbsp; He and Sophie took to antique collecting and spent most of their time together traveling, buying and selling antiques, attending and participating in antique shows.&nbsp; For many years antiques were their passion.&nbsp; Elmer also became known in Russell as a Studebaker collector, and at one time had a number of Studebaker cars and trucks, plus spare parts, and restored them to operating condition.&nbsp; In retirement Elmer took up square dancing, joining the “Shooting Stars” club in Hays and continued carpenter work in his shop building children’s furniture, chairs, rockers, tables, and wagons.Elmer’s surviving family include his son, Roy Steinle (Rosemary) of Russell, Kansas; brother, Gorden Dave Steinle of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.&nbsp; Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sister Fern Harman Deutscher and brother Wilber Dean Steinle.A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kanas. Military Rites conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard. No visitation being held.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Elmer Leroy Steinle

Celebration of life service will be 2 PM Saturday June 20, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church located north of Ellis.

Hanora Gertrude Homburg, age 87, of 
Ellis, Kansas passed away at her daughter’s home in Ellis on April 16, 
2020. She was born on October 27, 1932 in Ellis, Kansas the daughter of 
Clarence and Gertrude (Lynd) Shubert. Hanora married Arnold Homburg on 
June 19, 1965 in rural Ellis, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on 
November 2, 2002.

Hanora was a farmer and stockwoman. She
 was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Rural Ellis where she taught 
Sunday School and was a dedicated room mother for all three of her 
children.&nbsp; She was a member of the WELCA and HDU. Hanora loved being a 
grandmother and great grandmother.&nbsp; She was a hard worker on the farm 
and had a special photogenic memory and could match baby calves and 
their mommas without ear tags.&nbsp;

She is survived by two sons, Steve 
(Jeri) Homburg, Ellis and Tim (Mary Beth) Homburg, Overland Park; her 
daughter Kathy Desaire Ellis;&nbsp; grandchildren, Danny and Kimberly 
Desaire, Hannah, Emma and Kara Homburg; step grandchildren, Korwin 
(Alicia) Wyatt, Ellis and Kasi(David) Wyatt-Smith, Olathe; great 
grandchildren, Parker and Briella Desaire, Ellis and step great 
grandchildren Aiden and Sera Wyatt, Ellis and Jude, Reese and Leo Smith 
of Olathe.

Hanora was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers; Clarence, Keith, Elvin and John, son-in-law, Bill Desaire.

Memorial contributions are suggested to
 Hospice at HaysMed or to St. John Lutheran, Church, Ellis. 
Contributions made payable to the organization may be mailed to Keithley
 Funeral Chapel PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.

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/2020/6/1592315011478.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Celebration of life service will be 2 PM Saturday June 20, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church located north of Ellis.Hanora Gertrude Homburg, age 87, of 
Ellis, Kansas passed away at her daughter’s home in Ellis on April 16, 
2020. She was born on October 27, 1932 in Ellis, Kansas the daughter of 
Clarence and Gertrude (Lynd) Shubert. Hanora married Arnold Homburg on 
June 19, 1965 in rural Ellis, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on 
November 2, 2002.Hanora was a farmer and stockwoman. She
 was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Rural Ellis where she taught 
Sunday School and was a dedicated room mother for all three of her 
children.&nbsp; She was a member of the WELCA and HDU. Hanora loved being a 
grandmother and great grandmother.&nbsp; She was a hard worker on the farm 
and had a special photogenic memory and could match baby calves and 
their mommas without ear tags.&nbsp;She is survived by two sons, Steve 
(Jeri) Homburg, Ellis and Tim (Mary Beth) Homburg, Overland Park; her 
daughter Kathy Desaire Ellis;&nbsp; grandchildren, Danny and Kimberly 
Desaire, Hannah, Emma and Kara Homburg; step grandchildren, Korwin 
(Alicia) Wyatt, Ellis and Kasi(David) Wyatt-Smith, Olathe; great 
grandchildren, Parker and Briella Desaire, Ellis and step great 
grandchildren Aiden and Sera Wyatt, Ellis and Jude, Reese and Leo Smith 
of Olathe.Hanora was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers; Clarence, Keith, Elvin and John, son-in-law, Bill Desaire.Memorial contributions are suggested to
 Hospice at HaysMed or to St. John Lutheran, Church, Ellis. 
Contributions made payable to the organization may be mailed to Keithley
 Funeral Chapel PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Hanora Gertrude Homburg

Leonard Leroy Ziegler, 85, of Colby, died Friday, June 12, 2020, at 
Citizens Medical Center, Colby. 

He was born April 19, 1935, in Hoxie, 
KS, to Leonard and Theresa (Kruse) Ziegler. Leroy graduated from Oakley 
High School in 1953 and served in the United States Navy from 1957-1959.
 He returned to Oakley and worked for Lee Ohrman at the Filling Station.
 Leroy also did custom cutting and helped construct area grain 
elevators. On May 9, 1959, Leroy married Joan Ambrose, in Farwell, NE. 
Leroy began working for Prairie Printers in Colby. On October 15, 1964, 
Leroy and Joan started Leroy’s Printing, in Colby. Leroy was a member of
 Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, where he enjoyed being a lector 
at Mass. He was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. 
Leroy was very community minded and held numerous leadership positions, 
including: Sacred Heart Parish Council and Home and School Association; 
Colby City Council; Thomas County Historical Society; Chamber of 
Commerce; charter member of the Colby Ambassadors; and Colby Jaycee’s. 
Throughout the years, Leroy received many accolades for his involvement 
in the community. Some of which he was honored to receive were: 
Outstanding Kansas Jaycee of the Year; one of the first to receive the 
Business Person of the Year; Colby Booster Club’s Community Leader; 
Hospice Services Triple S Award, and Orange and Black Classic Founders 
Award. He was asked many times to serve on advisory councils and was 
happy to serve where needed. 
Leroy had a charismatic personality that attracted children. For many 
years, Leroy kept a candy bowl. During the summer months, local kids 
would stop by to and from the pool or park for a piece or two of candy. 
He would never say “No” to any fund-raising cause that involved youth 
activities. 
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Huelsman, and brother Donald Ziegler. 
He is survived by his wife Joan, of Colby; children, Margo (Brady) 
Baker, Weston, MO, Marla (Willard) Crumrine, Brewster, KS, Marc (Casy) 
Ziegler, Bennington, KS, Marsha Ziegler, Wichita, KS and Marlyn (Laurie)
 Ziegler, Lawrence, KS; eight grandchildren and twelve great 
grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Colby, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. 
Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with 
burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church or 
the Thomas County Community Foundation and can be sent in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592252912111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leonard Leroy Ziegler, 85, of Colby, died Friday, June 12, 2020, at 
Citizens Medical Center, Colby. He was born April 19, 1935, in Hoxie, 
KS, to Leonard and Theresa (Kruse) Ziegler. Leroy graduated from Oakley 
High School in 1953 and served in the United States Navy from 1957-1959.
 He returned to Oakley and worked for Lee Ohrman at the Filling Station.
 Leroy also did custom cutting and helped construct area grain 
elevators. On May 9, 1959, Leroy married Joan Ambrose, in Farwell, NE. 
Leroy began working for Prairie Printers in Colby. On October 15, 1964, 
Leroy and Joan started Leroy’s Printing, in Colby. Leroy was a member of
 Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, where he enjoyed being a lector 
at Mass. He was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. 
Leroy was very community minded and held numerous leadership positions, 
including: Sacred Heart Parish Council and Home and School Association; 
Colby City Council; Thomas County Historical Society; Chamber of 
Commerce; charter member of the Colby Ambassadors; and Colby Jaycee’s. 
Throughout the years, Leroy received many accolades for his involvement 
in the community. Some of which he was honored to receive were: 
Outstanding Kansas Jaycee of the Year; one of the first to receive the 
Business Person of the Year; Colby Booster Club’s Community Leader; 
Hospice Services Triple S Award, and Orange and Black Classic Founders 
Award. He was asked many times to serve on advisory councils and was 
happy to serve where needed. 
Leroy had a charismatic personality that attracted children. For many 
years, Leroy kept a candy bowl. During the summer months, local kids 
would stop by to and from the pool or park for a piece or two of candy. 
He would never say “No” to any fund-raising cause that involved youth 
activities. 
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Huelsman, and brother Donald Ziegler. 
He is survived by his wife Joan, of Colby; children, Margo (Brady) 
Baker, Weston, MO, Marla (Willard) Crumrine, Brewster, KS, Marc (Casy) 
Ziegler, Bennington, KS, Marsha Ziegler, Wichita, KS and Marlyn (Laurie)
 Ziegler, Lawrence, KS; eight grandchildren and twelve great 
grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Colby, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. 
Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with 
burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church or 
the Thomas County Community Foundation and can be sent in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Leonard Leroy Ziegler

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.

The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.

"An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court. "Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids."

The decision was a defeat not just for the employers, but also the Trump administration, which argued that the law’s plain wording compelled a ruling for the employers. Gorsuch, a conservative appointee of President Donald Trump, concluded the opposite.

He was joined in the majority by Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s four liberal members. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s other Supreme Court pick, dissented, along with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

"The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous," Alito wrote in the dissent. "Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.‘"

Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent that the court was rewriting the law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, a job that belongs to Congress. Still, Kavanaugh said the decision represents an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans."

The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states don’t protect them from workplace discrimination. An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.

Gerald Bostock, a gay county government worker from Georgia whose lawsuit was one of three the Supreme Court decided Monday, said no should should have to be "fearful of losing their job because of who they are, who they love or how they identify. And the justices have now made sure that we won’t have to worry about that."

John Bursch, who argued the appeal from a Michigan funeral home owner against a fired transgender employee, said, "Americans must be able to rely on what the law says, and it is disappointing that a majority of the justices were unwilling to affirm that commonsense principle. Redefining ‘sex’ to mean ‘gender identity’ will create chaos and enormous unfairness for women and girls in athletics, women’s shelters, and many other contexts."

But Monday’s decision is not likely to be the court’s last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.

Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes’ participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said.

"But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today," he wrote.

The cases were the court’s first on LGBT rights since J ustice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement and replacement by Kavanaugh. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that made same-sex marriage legal throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.

The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration, which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination claims under Title VII.

During the Obama years, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people. The law prohibits discrimination because of sex, but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.

Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden, Obama’s vice-president, praised the decision on Twitter as "another step in our march toward equality for all. The Supreme Court has confirmed the simple but profoundly American idea that every human being should be treated with respect."

In recent years, some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus prohibited by the federal law.

Efforts by Congress to change the law to explicitly bar job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have so far failed.

The Supreme Court cases involved two gay men and a transgender woman who sued for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs.

Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, "decided to become the person that my mind already is." Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law.

Stephens died last month. Donna Stephens, her wife of 20 years, said in a statement that she is "grateful for this victory to honour the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favour of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn’t cover sexual orientation because "legal doctrine evolves." The court held that "sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination."

That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda, who was fired in 2010 from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman’s boyfriend called to complain.

Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014.

In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock’s claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held "discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII."

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects LGBT people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.

“An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e7db3b3479de425e803b2e9d35e4cab5/Gorsuch-sworn-into-Supreme-Court,-restores-conservative-tilt">Justice Neil Gorsuch</a>&nbsp;wrote for the court. “Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids.”

Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas dissented.

“The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous,” Alito wrote in the dissent. “Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.’”

The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b5086b09b9042bf808d82108b7d925c">don’t protect them from workplace discrimination.</a>&nbsp;An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.

“But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today,” he wrote.

The cases were the court’s first on LGBT rights since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43de809e3c144a1f9048055386394263">Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8234f0b8a6194d8b89ff79f9b0c94f35">replacement by Kavanaugh</a>. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">made same-sex marriage legal&nbsp;</a>throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.

Efforts by Congress to change the law have so far failed.

The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favor of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn’t cover sexual orientation because “legal doctrine evolves.” The court held that “sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination.”

That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d9f4f874c1cb41b3981ecd5c6be1d5af">who was fired in 2010</a>&nbsp;from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman’s boyfriend called to complain.

In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Gerald Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock’s claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held “discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII.”

Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, “decided to become the person that my mind already is.” Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588794154314.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No one should be fired because of who they love or how they identify, and today SCOTUS upheld that basic principle in a landmark victory for LGBTQ equality. Our work to ensure every LGBTQ person can live free from discrimination is far from over, but this is an important step. <a href="https://t.co/ZGvc4r5xDd">https://t.co/ZGvc4r5xDd</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1272554529242972162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court. "Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids."The decision was a defeat not just for the employers, but also the Trump administration, which argued that the law’s plain wording compelled a ruling for the employers. Gorsuch, a conservative appointee of President Donald Trump, concluded the opposite.He was joined in the majority by Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s four liberal members. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s other Supreme Court pick, dissented, along with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas."The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous," Alito wrote in the dissent. "Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.‘"Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent that the court was rewriting the law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, a job that belongs to Congress. Still, Kavanaugh said the decision represents an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans."The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states don’t protect them from workplace discrimination. An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.Gerald Bostock, a gay county government worker from Georgia whose lawsuit was one of three the Supreme Court decided Monday, said no should should have to be "fearful of losing their job because of who they are, who they love or how they identify. And the justices have now made sure that we won’t have to worry about that."John Bursch, who argued the appeal from a Michigan funeral home owner against a fired transgender employee, said, "Americans must be able to rely on what the law says, and it is disappointing that a majority of the justices were unwilling to affirm that commonsense principle. Redefining ‘sex’ to mean ‘gender identity’ will create chaos and enormous unfairness for women and girls in athletics, women’s shelters, and many other contexts."But Monday’s decision is not likely to be the court’s last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes’ participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said."But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today," he wrote.The cases were the court’s first on LGBT rights since J ustice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement and replacement by Kavanaugh. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that made same-sex marriage legal throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration, which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination claims under Title VII.During the Obama years, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people. The law prohibits discrimination because of sex, but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden, Obama’s vice-president, praised the decision on Twitter as "another step in our march toward equality for all. The Supreme Court has confirmed the simple but profoundly American idea that every human being should be treated with respect."In recent years, some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus prohibited by the federal law.Efforts by Congress to change the law to explicitly bar job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have so far failed.The Supreme Court cases involved two gay men and a transgender woman who sued for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs.Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, "decided to become the person that my mind already is." Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law.Stephens died last month. Donna Stephens, her wife of 20 years, said in a statement that she is "grateful for this victory to honour the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favour of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn’t cover sexual orientation because "legal doctrine evolves." The court held that "sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination."That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda, who was fired in 2010 from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman’s boyfriend called to complain.Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014.In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock’s claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held "discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII."___WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects LGBT people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.“An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e7db3b3479de425e803b2e9d35e4cab5/Gorsuch-sworn-into-Supreme-Court,-restores-conservative-tilt">Justice Neil Gorsuch</a>&nbsp;wrote for the court. “Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids.”Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas dissented.“The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous,” Alito wrote in the dissent. “Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of ‘sex’ is different from discrimination because of ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity.’”The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b5086b09b9042bf808d82108b7d925c">don’t protect them from workplace discrimination.</a>&nbsp;An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.But Monday’s decision is not likely to be the court’s last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes’ participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said.“But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today,” he wrote.The cases were the court’s first on LGBT rights since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43de809e3c144a1f9048055386394263">Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8234f0b8a6194d8b89ff79f9b0c94f35">replacement by Kavanaugh</a>. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">made same-sex marriage legal&nbsp;</a>throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration, which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination claims under Title VII.During the Obama years, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people. The law prohibits discrimination because of sex, but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.In recent years, some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus prohibited by the federal law.Efforts by Congress to change the law have so far failed.The Supreme Court cases involved two gay men and a transgender woman who sued for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs.The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favor of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn’t cover sexual orientation because “legal doctrine evolves.” The court held that “sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination.”That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d9f4f874c1cb41b3981ecd5c6be1d5af">who was fired in 2010</a>&nbsp;from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman’s boyfriend called to complain.Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014.In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Gerald Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock’s claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held “discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII.”Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, “decided to become the person that my mind already is.” Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law.Stephens died last month.--------

The Latest: Supreme Court: Gay, transgender workers protected by law

Miranda Rose Lara, age 32, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at her home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; 

She was born on October 13, 1987 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Robert Baxter and Pamela Gimler Appel.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, she was a registered nurse at the Wichita County LTC Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. On May 20, 2006 she married John Lara in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He survives. Survivors include her Husband - John Lara of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter - Maci Lara of Scott City, Kansas, Mother - Pamela Appel of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother - Joel &amp; Jessie Appel of Scott City, Kansas, Grandparents - Leon &amp; Hildagard Gimler of Parsons, Kansas and Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Father - Robert Baxter Appel, One Brother - Jacob Appel, Grandparents - Robert &amp; Thelma Appel, One Uncle - Tony Akers, and Two Cousins - Ethan Rodenberg and Darryn Rodenberg. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas with Fr. Warren Stecklein presiding.Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials in Lieu Of Flowers may be given to the Maci Lara Education Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Homes. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592258067866.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Miranda Rose Lara, age 32, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at her home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 13, 1987 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Robert Baxter and Pamela Gimler Appel.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, she was a registered nurse at the Wichita County LTC Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. On May 20, 2006 she married John Lara in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He survives. Survivors include her Husband - John Lara of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter - Maci Lara of Scott City, Kansas, Mother - Pamela Appel of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother - Joel &amp; Jessie Appel of Scott City, Kansas, Grandparents - Leon &amp; Hildagard Gimler of Parsons, Kansas and Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Father - Robert Baxter Appel, One Brother - Jacob Appel, Grandparents - Robert &amp; Thelma Appel, One Uncle - Tony Akers, and Two Cousins - Ethan Rodenberg and Darryn Rodenberg. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas with Fr. Warren Stecklein presiding.Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials in Lieu Of Flowers may be given to the Maci Lara Education Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Homes. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Miranda Rose Lara

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A proposal to allow the first black bear hunt in modern Missouri history is drawing strong interest, particularly from opponents.

The Missouri Department of Conservation asked for public response to a plan for a limited black bear hunt next year as a way to manage a bear population that is growing and expanding its range. The department said between 540 and 840 black bears live in Missouri, mostly south of the Missouri River.

The state Conservation Commission must ultimately approve the proposal.

The comment period, which ended June 5, drew more than 3,300 responses. As of June 2, more than 67% of the respondents opposed the idea,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/fur-flies-over-missouri-proposal-to-allow-hunting-of-black-bears/article_57908419-572d-586a-b279-e8e0d985fac0.html">according&nbsp;</a>to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Some opponents object to hunting generally, while others didn't like some details of the plan, such as imposing a quota or holding the bear hunt during deer hunting season.

More than 1,000 survey respondents supported plans for the bear hunt. And the Conservation Federation of Missouri, a nonprofit organization that represents 100 groups with more than 80,000 affiliated members, favors the hunt.

“We agree that it’s crucial to use science-based methods to manage a self-sustaining population of black bears, focusing on research and monitoring, population management, and habitat management,” said Tyler Schwartze, the group’s executive director.

Only Missouri residents would be allowed to hunt the bears, and hunters would be limited to one bear. Because most bears live south of the Missouri River, conservation officials would create three “Bear Management Zones.”

The hunt would start the third Monday of October 2021, last no longer than 10 days and end if hunters reached their quota before then. Quotas would be established for each zone in the spring before the hunt.

Baiting and use of dogs wouldn’t be allowed, and at least 10% of permits designated for each zone would go to qualified landowners. An application for a permit would cost $10, with those who won licenses from a random drawing paying $25 for the permit.

Laura Conlee, chief furbearer biologist for the Department of Conservation, said hunters would be allowed to kill any bear that is by itself, but not bears in groups — such as a sow with cubs nearby.

Comments opposing the bear hunt came from across Missouri but also from other states and even Germany.

"My heart breaks for these wonderful highly intelligent animals! I kindly ask you to NOT allow such a massacre!” wrote Vera Kebsch-Müller of Germany. “Hunting is barbaric, extremely brutal and perverse and those who are able to do it are no humans in my eyes.”

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A proposal to allow the first black bear hunt in modern Missouri history is drawing strong interest, particularly from opponents.The Missouri Department of Conservation asked for public response to a plan for a limited black bear hunt next year as a way to manage a bear population that is growing and expanding its range. The department said between 540 and 840 black bears live in Missouri, mostly south of the Missouri River.The state Conservation Commission must ultimately approve the proposal.The comment period, which ended June 5, drew more than 3,300 responses. As of June 2, more than 67% of the respondents opposed the idea,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/state-and-regional/fur-flies-over-missouri-proposal-to-allow-hunting-of-black-bears/article_57908419-572d-586a-b279-e8e0d985fac0.html">according&nbsp;</a>to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.Some opponents object to hunting generally, while others didn't like some details of the plan, such as imposing a quota or holding the bear hunt during deer hunting season.More than 1,000 survey respondents supported plans for the bear hunt. And the Conservation Federation of Missouri, a nonprofit organization that represents 100 groups with more than 80,000 affiliated members, favors the hunt.“We agree that it’s crucial to use science-based methods to manage a self-sustaining population of black bears, focusing on research and monitoring, population management, and habitat management,” said Tyler Schwartze, the group’s executive director.Only Missouri residents would be allowed to hunt the bears, and hunters would be limited to one bear. Because most bears live south of the Missouri River, conservation officials would create three “Bear Management Zones.”The hunt would start the third Monday of October 2021, last no longer than 10 days and end if hunters reached their quota before then. Quotas would be established for each zone in the spring before the hunt.Baiting and use of dogs wouldn’t be allowed, and at least 10% of permits designated for each zone would go to qualified landowners. An application for a permit would cost $10, with those who won licenses from a random drawing paying $25 for the permit.Laura Conlee, chief furbearer biologist for the Department of Conservation, said hunters would be allowed to kill any bear that is by itself, but not bears in groups — such as a sow with cubs nearby.Comments opposing the bear hunt came from across Missouri but also from other states and even Germany."My heart breaks for these wonderful highly intelligent animals! I kindly ask you to NOT allow such a massacre!” wrote Vera Kebsch-Müller of Germany. “Hunting is barbaric, extremely brutal and perverse and those who are able to do it are no humans in my eyes.”

Critics slam plan for first black bear hunt in Missouri 

Gilbert Baker left Kansas as soon as
 he could. But, as many around the world celebrate LGBTQ pride month, 
it's worth noting that Kansas also struggled to hold the flag creator 
dear.

By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2020-06-06/rainbow-flags-creator-didnt-celebrate-his-home-state-but-some-kansans-are-keeping-his-memory-alive">Kansas News Service</a>

The iced tea is flowing, and the women of Parsons High School’s class of 1969 are on a roll.

A
 handful of them are circled up at a table in the increasingly crowded 
fellowship hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where yearbooks from 50 
years ago are spread out at the front of the room and laughter from old 
stories grows louder amid the white cinder block walls and 
green-and-yellow linoleum-tiled floor. One of the women at the table has
 purple hair – not the subtle tint of elderly ladies’ salon rinses but 
the declarative violet in vogue among queer kids.

All of these 
women have clear recollections of a classmate who got the hell out of 
Kansas as soon as he could and went on to change the world.

Gilbert
 Baker, born in Chanute, Kansas, on June 2, 1951, designed the rainbow 
flag, now flown all over the world to signify support for LGBTQ equality
 and pride.

“He always was into the arts,” one of Baker’s classmates remembers.

“He was a personality unto himself,” says another.

“He was always at our lunch table. He really did feel comfortable with us, and we felt comfortable with him.”

“He loved to act, and help us do the plays.”

They
 remember a dark-haired boy with thick Buddy Holly glasses. “You know, 
he would be the kind to wear a scarf or shawl, whatever you’d call it.”

“This may not be etiquette, but in ’69, we didn’t know what gay was. 
So Gilbert was just different,” says Debbie Sailsbury Burke. “People 
would make fun of him because he was different, but he set the stage way
 before it was ever a norm.”

One time, he asked Patty Eakins 
Edgington on a date. “I’d evidently broken up with a boyfriend. I don’t 
know what I’d done, I was 16 or 17, who knows. And I don’t know why he 
said – that’s just Gilbert – he said, ‘Let’s go to the drive-in.’ So we 
went to the drive-in movie and it was a quote, date, but I kind of knew 
it wasn’t really a date.”

Everyone agrees: “Just a friend — just a friend.”

“The
 next day,” Edgington continues, “I got yellow roses delivered to my 
house: ‘Thank you for a great time.’ He was just a nice guy.”

In 
the decades since they graduated, people began to realize what Baker had
 done after leaving Kansas. Eventually Facebook came along.

“I 
shot a request to him and he accepted,” Edgington says. “I posted some 
stuff over the years because I fiddled around in art, and he’d comment.”

At some point there was talk of inviting Baker back for one of the reunions, but that brought up other memories.

“At
 our lunch table, the guys, the jocks, would come by with their trays 
and they would slap him in the back of the head,” Burke says. “I mean 
some of them were cruel to him. I always felt sorry for him.”

They
 point across the room to Sandy Salyer, who remembers Baker doing 
cartwheels. Salyer says she read an interview where Baker talked about 
being bullied as a kid.

“When I heard that it broke my heart,” she
 says. “We were just innocent and didn’t understand what a gay person 
was. He was a free spirit, loving life.” A lot of people didn’t know 
where he went after high school, but he seemed destined for greatness.

“I’m
 just so proud of what he did and the movement he was part of,” Sayler 
says. And she begins to tear up. “I’m really sorry people treated him 
that way.”

Kansas
 has a rough time staking much of a claim to Gilbert Baker. By the time 
of his death, at age 65 on March 31, 2017, his personality and his work 
were too big even for San Francisco. He’d made his home in New York 
City.

“The rainbow flag has become a universal symbol for 
inclusion, peace and love,” the New York Times noted in his obituary. 
“It has been waved by gay rights supporters in China fighting for 
equality. It has been hung from apartment balconies as a sign of 
solidarity. After the United States Supreme Court legalized gay marriage
 in 2015, more than 26 million people on Facebook changed their profile 
photos to include the flag.”

In his autobiography “<a href="https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/rainbow-warrior-products-9781641601504.php" target="_blank">Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color</a>,”
 published posthumously in 2019, Baker devotes a grand total of eight 
pages to his Kansas upbringing. He titled that chapter “Dreaming of a 
Life Over the Rainbow.”