Amber Knoettgen photo courtesy Cloud County Community College

CONCORDIA -- Interim Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success Pedro Leite released a plan Thursday outlining the college’s plan for the future.

Knoettgen was named interim president last week, following the non-renewal of Dr. Adrian Douglas, who had been Cloud’s president since May 2018.

The framework for “moving forward with excellence” was presented to the College Board of Trustees at a special meeting Wednesday and takes the college into the coming school year.

Rebuilding trust is first on the list, and Knoettgen said she and Leite will continue and expand the work initiated by Douglas, as well as forge open communication with staff and faculty.

“We plan to rebuild trust by having question and answer sessions with the faculty association, faculty and department meetings,” Leite said. “We also plan to implement a monthly campus community meeting to keep those lines of communication open.”

With the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, in October, Leite will continue working with various committees to prepare the college.

The college also faces potential decreases in enrollment and funding due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to boost enrollment, the college has implemented a reduced rate for summer courses, as well as applied for grants to market several academic programs.

Leite is also working with the Geary County campus to move forward with course offerings that will benefit local industry, as well as various partnerships in the area.

&nbsp;The coming fiscal year will see a 10-percent reduction in all department budgets, but at this time, Knoettgen said there are no plans for a reduction in personnel. Departments are also currently working on plans for a Fall 2020 return of students to campus. An Academic Affairs and Student Success team is working on logistics for offering face-to-face courses, classes with lab components, and Zoom conferencing technology courses.

“With the dedication of our entire team, we are sure to accomplish these challenges placed before us,” Knoettgen said. “Now, more than ever, we are placing faith in the great teamwork everyone has been showing these past few months.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589549673453.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Amber Knoettgen photo courtesy Cloud County Community CollegeCONCORDIA -- Interim Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success Pedro Leite released a plan Thursday outlining the college’s plan for the future.Knoettgen was named interim president last week, following the non-renewal of Dr. Adrian Douglas, who had been Cloud’s president since May 2018.The framework for “moving forward with excellence” was presented to the College Board of Trustees at a special meeting Wednesday and takes the college into the coming school year.Rebuilding trust is first on the list, and Knoettgen said she and Leite will continue and expand the work initiated by Douglas, as well as forge open communication with staff and faculty.“We plan to rebuild trust by having question and answer sessions with the faculty association, faculty and department meetings,” Leite said. “We also plan to implement a monthly campus community meeting to keep those lines of communication open.”With the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, in October, Leite will continue working with various committees to prepare the college.The college also faces potential decreases in enrollment and funding due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to boost enrollment, the college has implemented a reduced rate for summer courses, as well as applied for grants to market several academic programs.Leite is also working with the Geary County campus to move forward with course offerings that will benefit local industry, as well as various partnerships in the area.&nbsp;The coming fiscal year will see a 10-percent reduction in all department budgets, but at this time, Knoettgen said there are no plans for a reduction in personnel. Departments are also currently working on plans for a Fall 2020 return of students to campus. An Academic Affairs and Student Success team is working on logistics for offering face-to-face courses, classes with lab components, and Zoom conferencing technology courses.“With the dedication of our entire team, we are sure to accomplish these challenges placed before us,” Knoettgen said. “Now, more than ever, we are placing faith in the great teamwork everyone has been showing these past few months.”

Cloud Co. College president out; school releases plan for future

Rolland D. Fisher, 71, of Aurora, Colorado died on Monday, May 11th, 2020.


Rollie was born on October 2nd, 1948 in Oberlin, Kansas to Gilford and Lois (Nicodemus) Fisher. He graduated from Norton Community High School in Norton, Kansas, and received a degree in Political Science from Fort Hays State University, and a Master’s degree in Marketing from Ball State University.&nbsp;


Rollie had a distinguished career in the advertising, marketing and addiction treatment industries. He owned his own advertising agency, RDF &amp; Associates, in Hays, Kansas for over 10 years. In 1987, Rollie went to work for one of his clients, Valley Hope Association, as Vice President of Marketing and Development. Rollie worked in the addiction treatment industry as a marketing and development expert for over 30 years, working with Valley Hope Association in Norton, CeDAR/University of Colorado Hospital in the Denver area, and as a consultant in the Denver area.&nbsp;&nbsp;


Rollie had a passion for sports, particularly golf. Over the years, he was able to play all over the world, including some of the most well-known courses in Scotland, Iceland &amp; the United States. He was known as the “best putter in the family” and defended that title in yearly golf trips with family and friends. In addition to golf, Rollie was well known as a coach for his daughter’s and son’s teams when they were growing up (and was never afraid to make his voice known if he didn’t like a call). Upon retirement, he and his wife, Michelle, traveled all over the country and world. Rollie enjoyed spending time with his family, all the while collecting “Marbles” along the way. His compassion and generous spirit were evident in all that he did.


Rollie was preceded in death by his father, Gilford, his mother Lois, his sisters, Sally, Sandy, and Myrna, and his first wife, Diann (Heaton).&nbsp;

He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Leiker-Wessling, Aurora. His daughter, Jennifer, husband Sam and Rollie’s grandson Ron, St. Joseph, Missouri. His son Matt, Kansas City, Missouri. His brother, Rod, and wife, Cheryl, Owosso, Oklahoma. His brother, Roger, and wife Teresa, Jamestown, North Dakota and several cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.


A celebration of Rollie’s life will occur at a date and location to be determined later.

Memorials may be sent to the Rollie Fisher Memorial with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, P.O. Box 310, Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589494410040.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rolland D. Fisher, 71, of Aurora, Colorado died on Monday, May 11th, 2020.
Rollie was born on October 2nd, 1948 in Oberlin, Kansas to Gilford and Lois (Nicodemus) Fisher. He graduated from Norton Community High School in Norton, Kansas, and received a degree in Political Science from Fort Hays State University, and a Master’s degree in Marketing from Ball State University.&nbsp;
Rollie had a distinguished career in the advertising, marketing and addiction treatment industries. He owned his own advertising agency, RDF &amp; Associates, in Hays, Kansas for over 10 years. In 1987, Rollie went to work for one of his clients, Valley Hope Association, as Vice President of Marketing and Development. Rollie worked in the addiction treatment industry as a marketing and development expert for over 30 years, working with Valley Hope Association in Norton, CeDAR/University of Colorado Hospital in the Denver area, and as a consultant in the Denver area.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rollie had a passion for sports, particularly golf. Over the years, he was able to play all over the world, including some of the most well-known courses in Scotland, Iceland &amp; the United States. He was known as the “best putter in the family” and defended that title in yearly golf trips with family and friends. In addition to golf, Rollie was well known as a coach for his daughter’s and son’s teams when they were growing up (and was never afraid to make his voice known if he didn’t like a call). Upon retirement, he and his wife, Michelle, traveled all over the country and world. Rollie enjoyed spending time with his family, all the while collecting “Marbles” along the way. His compassion and generous spirit were evident in all that he did.
Rollie was preceded in death by his father, Gilford, his mother Lois, his sisters, Sally, Sandy, and Myrna, and his first wife, Diann (Heaton).&nbsp;He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Leiker-Wessling, Aurora. His daughter, Jennifer, husband Sam and Rollie’s grandson Ron, St. Joseph, Missouri. His son Matt, Kansas City, Missouri. His brother, Rod, and wife, Cheryl, Owosso, Oklahoma. His brother, Roger, and wife Teresa, Jamestown, North Dakota and several cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.
A celebration of Rollie’s life will occur at a date and location to be determined later.Memorials may be sent to the Rollie Fisher Memorial with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, P.O. Box 310, Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601.

Rolland D. Fisher

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball has always produced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation and the 2020-21 slate is no different. The Jayhawks’ 18-game schedule renews an old rival with Missouri, a battle against preseason top-10 foe Creighton, clashes with Pac-12 foe USC and Ivy League power Harvard.

Adding the Big 12 Conference contests, Kansas will potentially face 10 teams, 12 games, currently ranked in the NCAA March Madness Power 36 for 2020-21, with No. 2 Baylor and No. 4 Creighton each ranked ahead of No. 7 Kansas. Kentucky at No. 8, Virginia (10, Texas Tech (17, West Virginia (18, UCLA (19, Texas (22) and Oklahoma (26) are also potential upcoming KU foes ranked in the NCAA March Madness preseason poll. Virginia and UCLA, along with Georgetown, are part of the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Nov. 26-27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Additionally, these figures do not include KU’s Jan. 30 opponent for the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

“Once again we will have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We have a minimum of four games against teams that will be ranked in the preseason top 10 with Kentucky, Creighton and Baylor. And that does not even mention the other teams that will be ranked like USC, Colorado, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Texas and the SEC opponent just to mention a few. I’m already excited for the season and know our fans will be as well.”

Kansas Athletics recently announced that for the 2020-21 season, Allen Fieldhouse will expand from three to eight pricing tiers, including four tiers that are lower than any season ticket price from last season. This new structure will lower the cost of season tickets for almost 45 percent of Allen Fieldhouse season ticket holders from last year.

Additionally, the Dec. 12 Border Showdown vs. Missouri at the Sprint Center is only available by purchasing season tickets through KU. Once KU season ticket sales are completed, all remaining inventory for the Dec. 12 game will be made available to Missouri. If they do not sell that allotment, those limited tickets will be made available to the general public.

To order season tickets, fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which starts at $100 annually. Men’s basketball season tickets are allocated according to Williams Education Fund policies and subject to availability. More information is available through the Williams Education Fund by calling 785.864.3946 or&nbsp;wef@ku.edu&nbsp;.

The season starts off with the two winningest programs in NCAA Division I history with Kansas facing Kentucky in the Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10. KU will then open home play for three games against Southern Utah (Nov. 13, Eastern Illinois (Nov. 16) and Stony Brook (Nov. 20) before heading to the Wooden Legacy Tournament.

Creighton finished No. 7 in the final Associated Press poll in March and will make its first trip to Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 3. KU will then host Omaha Dec. 8 before playing host to Missouri Dec. 12 in the first of six Border Showdown Series matchups. USC will then play at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 19 and KU will close out the pre-holiday slate at former conference foe Colorado on Dec. 22. KU will host Harvard on Dec. 29 before opening Big 12 play Jan. 2.

Kansas is coming off a 28-3 record in 2019-20 where the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title with a conference record 17 wins in going 17-1 and winning its final 16 games of the season. KU ended 2019-20 No. 1 in the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls before the pandemic shortened season.

KU ended No. 2 in the 2019-20 NET rankings. The Jayhawks’ strength of schedule was No. 1. Kansas was the only school with 12 Quadrant 1 wins. KU’s 20 Q1 and Q2 combined wins are also more than any other school.

Over the last 17 seasons, the Big 12 has proven to be one of the toughest league’s in the NCAA, making the Jayhawks’ run of 15 league titles since 2004 even more impressive. Beginning in the 2003-04 season, the Big 12 has ranked as the nation’s No. 1 conference in the RPI/NET rankings six times and in the top-three on 11 occasions. In 2019-20, the conference trended in the same direction as it ended as the second highest-rated league in the NET rankings.

The Big 12 Conference schedule will be released later in the summer. Below is brief series information on the 2020-21 KU nonconference schedule.

Nov. 10 (Tues.) – Kentucky (Champions Classic, United Center, Chicago)

* The two winningest programs in college basketball square off in the Champions Classic. Kentucky at 2,318 wins and Kansas at 2,302 victories are the only two schools to amass 2,300 all-time wins.

* Kentucky is coming off a 25-6 season where it won the SEC by three games going 15-3 in 2019-20.

* Kentucky leads the overall series with Kansas, 22-9, but the Jayhawks have won three of the last four meetings.

* In the Champions Classic, Kentucky holds a 2-1 series advantage. While at Kansas, Jayhawks’ head coach Bill Self is 6-4 against Kentucky.

* Kentucky is coached by former Kansas assistant John Calipari who is 330-77 in 11 seasons at UK and 733-215 in 28 seasons overall.

* Kansas and Southern Utah will be meeting for the first time in men’s basketball.

* Southern Utah went 17-15 last season and finished seventh in the Big Sky Conference with a 9-11 league mark.

* The Thunderbirds are coached by Todd Simon who is 53-78 in four seasons at Southern Utah.

* Eastern Illinois will be the second-straight team Kansas will be facing for the first time in men’s basketball.

* The Panthers finished 17-15 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the 12-team Ohio Valley Conference with a 9-9 league record.

* Eastern Illinois is coached by Jay Spoonhour who is 110-139 in eight seasons at EIU.

* Kansas and Stony Brook will also be meeting for the first time.

* Stony Brook finished second in the American East Conference last season, posting a 20-13 overall and 10-6 league record.

* The Seawolves are coached by Geno Ford who is 20-14 after his first season at Stony Brook. Ford is 185-169 overall with stints at Kent State and Bradley prior to Stony Brook.

Nov. 26-27 – TBD (Wooden Legacy Tournament, Anaheim Arena, Anaheim, Calif. – Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia) Georgetown

* In a series which started in the 1987 NCAA Tournament, Kansas is 3-1 all-time against Georgetown and the Jayhawks have won the last three meetings. The two teams last met in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014, a KU 75-70 road win.

* Last year Georgetown posted a 15-17 record and finished tied for ninth in the Big East with a 5-13 league record.

* The Hoyas are coached by legendary alum Patrick Ewing, who is 49-46 in three seasons at Georgetown.

* UCLA leads the series with Kansas, 10-8, but the Jayhawks have won the last four and five of the last six meetings with the Bruins. The last two battles were in the Maui Invitational, a KU 92-73 win in 2015 and a KU 72-56 victory in 2011.

* Last year, UCLA went 19-12 and finished second in the Pac-12 Conference with a 12-6 league record, one game behind league champion Oregon.

* The Bruins are coached by Mick Cronin, who will be entering his second season at UCLA and is 384-182 overall with stints at Murray State and Cincinnati before taking over UCLA in 2019.

* Kansas is 2-1 all-time against Virginia with all three meetings in 1995 and 1996. UVA won the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Sweet 16, 67-58, on March 24, 1995, in Kansas City, Mo., while KU won 72-66 in the Great Eight on Nov. 29, 1995, in Auburn Hills, Mich., and 80-63, on Nov. 27, 1996, in the title game of the Maui Invitational.

* With the abrupt ending to the 2019-20 season, Virginia will still be defending its 2019 NCAA National Championship next year.

* The Cavaliers went 23-7 in 2019-20 and finished tied for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 15-5, one game behind league champion Florida State.

* UVA is coached by Tony Bennett who is 277-96 in 11 seasons at Virginia and 346-129 overall with three seasons at Washington State before taking over at Virginia in 2009-10.

* Creighton will make its first-ever trip to Allen Fieldhouse as its last visit to Lawrence was in 1950. Kansas leads the series 9-6 but the teams’ previous meeting was in the 1974 NCAA Midwest Regional opening round, at KU 55-54 win in Tulsa. Kansas would later advance the 1974 Final Four in Greensboro, N.C.

* Last season, Creighton finished No. 7 in the Associated Press poll posting a 24-7 overall record. The Blue Jays tied Villanova and Seton Hall for the Big East regular-season title with a 13-5 league record.

* Creighton is coached by Greg McDermott who is 231-116 in 10 seasons at Creighton and is 511-311 overall.

* Kansas won the only series meeting with Omaha, 109-64, on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse.

* Last year the Mavericks finished 16-16 overall and tied for fourth in the Summit League with a 9-7 conference record.

* The Mavericks are coached by Derrin Hansen who is 241-214 in 15 seasons at Omaha.

Dec. 12 (Sat.) – MISSOURI (Border Showdown Series, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.)

* On October 21, 2019, the Border Showdown between Kansas and Missouri was renewed starting with the Dec. 9 contest at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The two teams will meet six times over the next six seasons through 2025-26 with two meetings at Sprint Center (2020, 2025, two in Lawrence (2021, 2023) and two in Columbia (2022, 2024).

* The Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River until 2012 when Missouri departed the Big 12 for the SEC.

* This series dates back to 1907 and Kansas holds a 174-95 advantage. The two teams did meet in and exhibition game at Sprint Center, a KU 93-87 win on Oct. 22, 2017, in a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

* Last year, MU went 15-16 overall and tied for 10th in the SEC with a 7-11 league record.

* The Tigers are coached by Cuonzo Martin who is 50-46 in three seasons at MU and 236-166 overall with stops at Missouri State, Tennessee and California prior to Missouri.

* This series dates back to 1935 with Kansas leading 11-5. The Jayhawks have won the last seven matchups with the Trojans with the last meeting a 63-47 KU win in Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 2011.

* Last season, USC finished 22-9 and tied for third in the Pac-12 Conference at 11-7, two games behind league winner Oregon.

* The Trojans are coached by Andy Enfield who is 132-102 in seven seasons at USC and 173-130 overall, which includes two years at Florida Gulf Coast before taking over at USC in 2013.

* This series between Kansas and Colorado dates back to 1931 and KU leads 124-40 after its 72-58 win on Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. Colorado’s 75-72 win on Dec. 7, 2013, in Boulder, ended a Kansas 19-straight series win streak against CU. Kansas has won 46 of the last 48 meetings with CU dating back to 1991. As conference members - Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12 - Kansas was 116-35 against Colorado, which included 21 meetings in the Big Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament and postseason conference play. As members of the Big 12, Kansas was 31-1 against Colorado – 29-1 in regular-season play and 2-0 in the league tournament.

* Colorado finished 21-11 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the Pac-12 Conference at 10-8.

* The Buffs are coached by former Kansas guard Tad Boyle who is 210-134 in 10 seasons at CU and 266-200 in 14 seasons overall. Boyle coached four seasons at Northern Colorado before taking over at Colorado in 2010-11.

* Kansas won its only meeting with Harvard, 75-69, on Dec. 5, 2015, in Allen Fieldhouse.

* Last season Harvard finished 21-8 and second in the Ivy League at 10-4, one game behind Ivy champ Yale at 11-3.

* The Crimson are coached by Tommy Amaker who is 251-139 in 13 seasons at Harvard and 426-277 overall. Amaker, who has guided the Crimson to seven Ivy League titles in the last 10 seasons, was head coach at Seton Hall from 1997-98 until 2000-01, Michigan from 2001-02 until 2006-07 before taking over at Harvard.

Jan. 30 (Sat.) – at TBD (Big 12/SEC Challenge)

* After its 74-68 win against Tennessee on Jan. 25, 2020, in Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 5-2 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, having split with Florida in 2013-14 and 2014-15, as both teams claimed home victories. KU then swept a home-and-home series with Kentucky, claiming a 90-84 overtime in Allen Fieldhouse in 2016 and a 79-73 win in Lexington, Kentucky in 2017. In 2018, Kansas defeated Texas A&amp;M, 79-68, in Allen Fieldhouse and lost at Kentucky, 71-63, in 2019.

* With the Big East/Big 12 Battle starting up in 2019-20, dating back to 2007, Kansas is 8-4 in conference challenges (1-1 vs. Arizona, 2-0 vs. UCLA, 1-1 vs. Florida, 2-1 vs. Kentucky, 1-0 vs. Tennessee, 1-0 vs. Texas A&amp;M and 0-1 vs. Villanova).

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball has always produced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation and the 2020-21 slate is no different. The Jayhawks’ 18-game schedule renews an old rival with Missouri, a battle against preseason top-10 foe Creighton, clashes with Pac-12 foe USC and Ivy League power Harvard.Adding the Big 12 Conference contests, Kansas will potentially face 10 teams, 12 games, currently ranked in the NCAA March Madness Power 36 for 2020-21, with No. 2 Baylor and No. 4 Creighton each ranked ahead of No. 7 Kansas. Kentucky at No. 8, Virginia (10, Texas Tech (17, West Virginia (18, UCLA (19, Texas (22) and Oklahoma (26) are also potential upcoming KU foes ranked in the NCAA March Madness preseason poll. Virginia and UCLA, along with Georgetown, are part of the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Nov. 26-27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Additionally, these figures do not include KU’s Jan. 30 opponent for the Big 12/SEC Challenge.“Once again we will have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We have a minimum of four games against teams that will be ranked in the preseason top 10 with Kentucky, Creighton and Baylor. And that does not even mention the other teams that will be ranked like USC, Colorado, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Texas and the SEC opponent just to mention a few. I’m already excited for the season and know our fans will be as well.”Kansas Athletics recently announced that for the 2020-21 season, Allen Fieldhouse will expand from three to eight pricing tiers, including four tiers that are lower than any season ticket price from last season. This new structure will lower the cost of season tickets for almost 45 percent of Allen Fieldhouse season ticket holders from last year.Additionally, the Dec. 12 Border Showdown vs. Missouri at the Sprint Center is only available by purchasing season tickets through KU. Once KU season ticket sales are completed, all remaining inventory for the Dec. 12 game will be made available to Missouri. If they do not sell that allotment, those limited tickets will be made available to the general public.To order season tickets, fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which starts at $100 annually. Men’s basketball season tickets are allocated according to Williams Education Fund policies and subject to availability. More information is available through the Williams Education Fund by calling 785.864.3946 or&nbsp;wef@ku.edu&nbsp;.The season starts off with the two winningest programs in NCAA Division I history with Kansas facing Kentucky in the Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10. KU will then open home play for three games against Southern Utah (Nov. 13, Eastern Illinois (Nov. 16) and Stony Brook (Nov. 20) before heading to the Wooden Legacy Tournament.Creighton finished No. 7 in the final Associated Press poll in March and will make its first trip to Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 3. KU will then host Omaha Dec. 8 before playing host to Missouri Dec. 12 in the first of six Border Showdown Series matchups. USC will then play at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 19 and KU will close out the pre-holiday slate at former conference foe Colorado on Dec. 22. KU will host Harvard on Dec. 29 before opening Big 12 play Jan. 2.Kansas is coming off a 28-3 record in 2019-20 where the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title with a conference record 17 wins in going 17-1 and winning its final 16 games of the season. KU ended 2019-20 No. 1 in the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls before the pandemic shortened season.KU ended No. 2 in the 2019-20 NET rankings. The Jayhawks’ strength of schedule was No. 1. Kansas was the only school with 12 Quadrant 1 wins. KU’s 20 Q1 and Q2 combined wins are also more than any other school.Over the last 17 seasons, the Big 12 has proven to be one of the toughest league’s in the NCAA, making the Jayhawks’ run of 15 league titles since 2004 even more impressive. Beginning in the 2003-04 season, the Big 12 has ranked as the nation’s No. 1 conference in the RPI/NET rankings six times and in the top-three on 11 occasions. In 2019-20, the conference trended in the same direction as it ended as the second highest-rated league in the NET rankings.The Big 12 Conference schedule will be released later in the summer. Below is brief series information on the 2020-21 KU nonconference schedule.Nov. 10 (Tues.) – Kentucky (Champions Classic, United Center, Chicago)* The two winningest programs in college basketball square off in the Champions Classic. Kentucky at 2,318 wins and Kansas at 2,302 victories are the only two schools to amass 2,300 all-time wins.* Kentucky is coming off a 25-6 season where it won the SEC by three games going 15-3 in 2019-20.* Kentucky leads the overall series with Kansas, 22-9, but the Jayhawks have won three of the last four meetings.* In the Champions Classic, Kentucky holds a 2-1 series advantage. While at Kansas, Jayhawks’ head coach Bill Self is 6-4 against Kentucky.* Kentucky is coached by former Kansas assistant John Calipari who is 330-77 in 11 seasons at UK and 733-215 in 28 seasons overall.Nov. 13 (Fri.) – SOUTHERN UTAH* Kansas and Southern Utah will be meeting for the first time in men’s basketball.* Southern Utah went 17-15 last season and finished seventh in the Big Sky Conference with a 9-11 league mark.* The Thunderbirds are coached by Todd Simon who is 53-78 in four seasons at Southern Utah.Nov. 16 (Mon.) – EASTERN ILLINOIS* Eastern Illinois will be the second-straight team Kansas will be facing for the first time in men’s basketball.* The Panthers finished 17-15 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the 12-team Ohio Valley Conference with a 9-9 league record.* Eastern Illinois is coached by Jay Spoonhour who is 110-139 in eight seasons at EIU.Nov. 20 (Fri.) – STONY BROOK* Kansas and Stony Brook will also be meeting for the first time.* Stony Brook finished second in the American East Conference last season, posting a 20-13 overall and 10-6 league record.* The Seawolves are coached by Geno Ford who is 20-14 after his first season at Stony Brook. Ford is 185-169 overall with stints at Kent State and Bradley prior to Stony Brook.Nov. 26-27 – TBD (Wooden Legacy Tournament, Anaheim Arena, Anaheim, Calif. – Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia) Georgetown* In a series which started in the 1987 NCAA Tournament, Kansas is 3-1 all-time against Georgetown and the Jayhawks have won the last three meetings. The two teams last met in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014, a KU 75-70 road win.* Last year Georgetown posted a 15-17 record and finished tied for ninth in the Big East with a 5-13 league record.* The Hoyas are coached by legendary alum Patrick Ewing, who is 49-46 in three seasons at Georgetown.UCLA* UCLA leads the series with Kansas, 10-8, but the Jayhawks have won the last four and five of the last six meetings with the Bruins. The last two battles were in the Maui Invitational, a KU 92-73 win in 2015 and a KU 72-56 victory in 2011.* Last year, UCLA went 19-12 and finished second in the Pac-12 Conference with a 12-6 league record, one game behind league champion Oregon.* The Bruins are coached by Mick Cronin, who will be entering his second season at UCLA and is 384-182 overall with stints at Murray State and Cincinnati before taking over UCLA in 2019.Virginia* Kansas is 2-1 all-time against Virginia with all three meetings in 1995 and 1996. UVA won the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Sweet 16, 67-58, on March 24, 1995, in Kansas City, Mo., while KU won 72-66 in the Great Eight on Nov. 29, 1995, in Auburn Hills, Mich., and 80-63, on Nov. 27, 1996, in the title game of the Maui Invitational.* With the abrupt ending to the 2019-20 season, Virginia will still be defending its 2019 NCAA National Championship next year.* The Cavaliers went 23-7 in 2019-20 and finished tied for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 15-5, one game behind league champion Florida State.* UVA is coached by Tony Bennett who is 277-96 in 11 seasons at Virginia and 346-129 overall with three seasons at Washington State before taking over at Virginia in 2009-10.Dec. 3 (Thurs.) – CREIGHTON* Creighton will make its first-ever trip to Allen Fieldhouse as its last visit to Lawrence was in 1950. Kansas leads the series 9-6 but the teams’ previous meeting was in the 1974 NCAA Midwest Regional opening round, at KU 55-54 win in Tulsa. Kansas would later advance the 1974 Final Four in Greensboro, N.C.* Last season, Creighton finished No. 7 in the Associated Press poll posting a 24-7 overall record. The Blue Jays tied Villanova and Seton Hall for the Big East regular-season title with a 13-5 league record.* Creighton is coached by Greg McDermott who is 231-116 in 10 seasons at Creighton and is 511-311 overall.Dec. 8 (Tues.) – OMAHA* Kansas won the only series meeting with Omaha, 109-64, on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse.* Last year the Mavericks finished 16-16 overall and tied for fourth in the Summit League with a 9-7 conference record.* The Mavericks are coached by Derrin Hansen who is 241-214 in 15 seasons at Omaha.Dec. 12 (Sat.) – MISSOURI (Border Showdown Series, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.)* On October 21, 2019, the Border Showdown between Kansas and Missouri was renewed starting with the Dec. 9 contest at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The two teams will meet six times over the next six seasons through 2025-26 with two meetings at Sprint Center (2020, 2025, two in Lawrence (2021, 2023) and two in Columbia (2022, 2024).* The Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River until 2012 when Missouri departed the Big 12 for the SEC.* This series dates back to 1907 and Kansas holds a 174-95 advantage. The two teams did meet in and exhibition game at Sprint Center, a KU 93-87 win on Oct. 22, 2017, in a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.* Last year, MU went 15-16 overall and tied for 10th in the SEC with a 7-11 league record.* The Tigers are coached by Cuonzo Martin who is 50-46 in three seasons at MU and 236-166 overall with stops at Missouri State, Tennessee and California prior to Missouri.Dec. 19 (Sat.) – USC* This series dates back to 1935 with Kansas leading 11-5. The Jayhawks have won the last seven matchups with the Trojans with the last meeting a 63-47 KU win in Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 2011.* Last season, USC finished 22-9 and tied for third in the Pac-12 Conference at 11-7, two games behind league winner Oregon.* The Trojans are coached by Andy Enfield who is 132-102 in seven seasons at USC and 173-130 overall, which includes two years at Florida Gulf Coast before taking over at USC in 2013.Dec. 22 (Tues.) – at Colorado* This series between Kansas and Colorado dates back to 1931 and KU leads 124-40 after its 72-58 win on Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. Colorado’s 75-72 win on Dec. 7, 2013, in Boulder, ended a Kansas 19-straight series win streak against CU. Kansas has won 46 of the last 48 meetings with CU dating back to 1991. As conference members - Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12 - Kansas was 116-35 against Colorado, which included 21 meetings in the Big Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament and postseason conference play. As members of the Big 12, Kansas was 31-1 against Colorado – 29-1 in regular-season play and 2-0 in the league tournament.* Colorado finished 21-11 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the Pac-12 Conference at 10-8.* The Buffs are coached by former Kansas guard Tad Boyle who is 210-134 in 10 seasons at CU and 266-200 in 14 seasons overall. Boyle coached four seasons at Northern Colorado before taking over at Colorado in 2010-11.Dec. 29 (Tues.) – HARVARD* Kansas won its only meeting with Harvard, 75-69, on Dec. 5, 2015, in Allen Fieldhouse.* Last season Harvard finished 21-8 and second in the Ivy League at 10-4, one game behind Ivy champ Yale at 11-3.* The Crimson are coached by Tommy Amaker who is 251-139 in 13 seasons at Harvard and 426-277 overall. Amaker, who has guided the Crimson to seven Ivy League titles in the last 10 seasons, was head coach at Seton Hall from 1997-98 until 2000-01, Michigan from 2001-02 until 2006-07 before taking over at Harvard.Jan. 30 (Sat.) – at TBD (Big 12/SEC Challenge)* After its 74-68 win against Tennessee on Jan. 25, 2020, in Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 5-2 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, having split with Florida in 2013-14 and 2014-15, as both teams claimed home victories. KU then swept a home-and-home series with Kentucky, claiming a 90-84 overtime in Allen Fieldhouse in 2016 and a 79-73 win in Lexington, Kentucky in 2017. In 2018, Kansas defeated Texas A&amp;M, 79-68, in Allen Fieldhouse and lost at Kentucky, 71-63, in 2019.* With the Big East/Big 12 Battle starting up in 2019-20, dating back to 2007, Kansas is 8-4 in conference challenges (1-1 vs. Arizona, 2-0 vs. UCLA, 1-1 vs. Florida, 2-1 vs. Kentucky, 1-0 vs. Tennessee, 1-0 vs. Texas A&amp;M and 0-1 vs. Villanova).Kansas Athletics

KU releases 2020-2021 men's basketball non-conference schedule

John Raymond Burk, 91, of Atwood, KS, left this world on May 12, 2020.  
He was born on June 13, 1928, on the family farm north of McDonald, KS, 
where he lived until his retirement years.  He was the youngest child of
 John Stephen and Helena Anna (Deyle) Burk.  


John and his four siblings attended Lone Tree Grade School, District 68,
 which was two miles from his boyhood home.  He graduated from McDonald 
High School in 1946.  He attended college for one year at Kansas 
Wesleyan, where he enjoyed accounting and singing in the university 
choir.  He then returned to the family farm.  John and his brother, 
Arthur, started farming together in 1949.  


John was married on October 14th, 1952, to Virginia (Virgie) Horinek at 
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, rural Atwood.  To this union, 
six children were born:  Daniel John, Diane Marie, twins John Carl and 
Joan Carol, Betty Ann, and Allan Gerard.  John and Virgie celebrated 67 
years of marriage together.


John was a dedicated farmer and enjoyed seeing progress with livestock 
and farming.  One of John’s biggest passions was water wells and 
pipelines, as he knew how precious water was in his area.  He and Virgie
 installed their first flat-channel terraces in 1970.  They received the
 Soil Conservation Award (1972, the Windbreak Award, the Good Year 
Award (1983) for improvements made to the farm, the Farm Bureau Century 
Farm Award (2014, and the Monsignor John George Weber Century Farm 
Award (2015).  John and Virgie moved to Atwood in 2003.  John still 
enjoyed helping with livestock and farming or wherever he was needed.   


John had a wonderful memory for details of the years gone by.  He could 
easily recall the bushels per acre that each field yielded per year, 
could recollect how much moisture was received on specific dates, and 
easily remembered names and dates from other historical events.  Some of
 his favorite stories to tell included the tornado in 1932 that 
destroyed several buildings on the farm, the droughts of the 1930’s and 
1950’s, the many hailstorms, and three-day blizzards.  


John was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church.  He served two 
terms on the Parish Council and was a lector, a Fourth Degree Knight of 
Columbus, and a member of the Catholic Workman.  He especially enjoyed 
singing in the church choir.  John was a man of faith.  Praying the 
Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy were an important part of his 
day.  He would often say, “I’m preparing for my final exam!”  He helped 
instill his strong Catholic faith into the lives of his children and 
grandchildren.    


John was very involved in his community.  He served 26 years on the 
Kansas Electric Coop Board.  He also served on the McDonald School 
Board, the Mayflower Telephone Board, the Burntwood Township Board, the 
Farm Bureau Policy Committee, and the Rural Fire Department District 3. 
 He was also an ASC Precinct Committeeman.  John was an honest man with a
 lot of integrity.  He had a big, compassionate heart and never 
hesitated to help others in need.   


John was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  His children and 
grandchildren have so many fond memories of him.  He always made them 
feel special by asking, “How’s come you’re so precious?” or “How’s 
peaches?” Favorite treats that they often enjoyed with John include: 
“Grandpa’s Awful waffles,” “Grandpa’s cookies,” fruit “cottontail” and 
sweet corn freshly picked from his farm.  He always had a joke to tell 
his family and friends, and the grandkids loved hearing him whistle like
 a meadowlark.  If they ever got hurt, he would tell them, “It will get 
well before you get married!”  Another piece of advice he would often 
tell them was to, “Be like the cottontail and hunker down until the 
storm blows over, then come up and assess.”  Watching his grandchildren 
make the “Great Lakes” in the garden on the farm was one of his favorite
 past times.    


John was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Helena A. (Deyle)
 Burk; siblings, Irene E. (Burk) and Oscar McKain, Gertrude H. (Burk) 
and Vernor Winslow, Edward Burk at birth; Elmer C. Burk and wife Agnes, 
and Arthur F. Burk.


He is survived by his wife Virgina M. Burk; sons, Daniel J. Burk and 
wife Judi of Denver, Colorado; John C. Burk and wife Melanie of Jerome, 
Idaho; Allan G. Burk and wife Sonja of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughters, 
Diane M. Sis and husband Michael of rural Atwood; Joan C. Cahoj and 
husband William W. of rural Atwood; and Betty A. Taylor and husband 
David of Atlanta, Kansas; 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.


A private family funeral service will be held May 15, at Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church, in Atwood.  Father Joseph Asirvatham will celebrate the
 funeral Mass. Memorials are suggested to the St. John Nepomucene 
Cemetery Fund, the McDonald Rural Fire Department, or the Salina Diocese
 Seminarian Fund in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 
67701.  Online condolences may be sent to:  www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their love to us as we’ve 
mourned the loss of our husband, father, and grandfather. We have been 
touched by the cards, flowers, visits, kind words and prayers. We know 
John is looking down and smiling at all of us. – The John R. Burk 
family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589416483879.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Raymond Burk, 91, of Atwood, KS, left this world on May 12, 2020. 
He was born on June 13, 1928, on the family farm north of McDonald, KS, 
where he lived until his retirement years. He was the youngest child of
 John Stephen and Helena Anna (Deyle) Burk. 
John and his four siblings attended Lone Tree Grade School, District 68,
 which was two miles from his boyhood home. He graduated from McDonald 
High School in 1946. He attended college for one year at Kansas 
Wesleyan, where he enjoyed accounting and singing in the university 
choir. He then returned to the family farm. John and his brother, 
Arthur, started farming together in 1949. 
John was married on October 14th, 1952, to Virginia (Virgie) Horinek at 
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, rural Atwood. To this union, 
six children were born: Daniel John, Diane Marie, twins John Carl and 
Joan Carol, Betty Ann, and Allan Gerard. John and Virgie celebrated 67 
years of marriage together.
John was a dedicated farmer and enjoyed seeing progress with livestock 
and farming. One of John’s biggest passions was water wells and 
pipelines, as he knew how precious water was in his area. He and Virgie
 installed their first flat-channel terraces in 1970. They received the
 Soil Conservation Award (1972, the Windbreak Award, the Good Year 
Award (1983) for improvements made to the farm, the Farm Bureau Century 
Farm Award (2014, and the Monsignor John George Weber Century Farm 
Award (2015). John and Virgie moved to Atwood in 2003. John still 
enjoyed helping with livestock and farming or wherever he was needed. 
John had a wonderful memory for details of the years gone by. He could 
easily recall the bushels per acre that each field yielded per year, 
could recollect how much moisture was received on specific dates, and 
easily remembered names and dates from other historical events. Some of
 his favorite stories to tell included the tornado in 1932 that 
destroyed several buildings on the farm, the droughts of the 1930’s and 
1950’s, the many hailstorms, and three-day blizzards. 
John was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He served two 
terms on the Parish Council and was a lector, a Fourth Degree Knight of 
Columbus, and a member of the Catholic Workman. He especially enjoyed 
singing in the church choir. John was a man of faith. Praying the 
Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy were an important part of his 
day. He would often say, “I’m preparing for my final exam!” He helped 
instill his strong Catholic faith into the lives of his children and 
grandchildren. 
John was very involved in his community. He served 26 years on the 
Kansas Electric Coop Board. He also served on the McDonald School 
Board, the Mayflower Telephone Board, the Burntwood Township Board, the 
Farm Bureau Policy Committee, and the Rural Fire Department District 3. 
 He was also an ASC Precinct Committeeman. John was an honest man with a
 lot of integrity. He had a big, compassionate heart and never 
hesitated to help others in need. 
John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His children and 
grandchildren have so many fond memories of him. He always made them 
feel special by asking, “How’s come you’re so precious?” or “How’s 
peaches?” Favorite treats that they often enjoyed with John include: 
“Grandpa’s Awful waffles,” “Grandpa’s cookies,” fruit “cottontail” and 
sweet corn freshly picked from his farm. He always had a joke to tell 
his family and friends, and the grandkids loved hearing him whistle like
 a meadowlark. If they ever got hurt, he would tell them, “It will get 
well before you get married!” Another piece of advice he would often 
tell them was to, “Be like the cottontail and hunker down until the 
storm blows over, then come up and assess.” Watching his grandchildren 
make the “Great Lakes” in the garden on the farm was one of his favorite
 past times. 
John was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Helena A. (Deyle)
 Burk; siblings, Irene E. (Burk) and Oscar McKain, Gertrude H. (Burk) 
and Vernor Winslow, Edward Burk at birth; Elmer C. Burk and wife Agnes, 
and Arthur F. Burk.
He is survived by his wife Virgina M. Burk; sons, Daniel J. Burk and 
wife Judi of Denver, Colorado; John C. Burk and wife Melanie of Jerome, 
Idaho; Allan G. Burk and wife Sonja of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughters, 
Diane M. Sis and husband Michael of rural Atwood; Joan C. Cahoj and 
husband William W. of rural Atwood; and Betty A. Taylor and husband 
David of Atlanta, Kansas; 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
A private family funeral service will be held May 15, at Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church, in Atwood. Father Joseph Asirvatham will celebrate the
 funeral Mass. Memorials are suggested to the St. John Nepomucene 
Cemetery Fund, the McDonald Rural Fire Department, or the Salina Diocese
 Seminarian Fund in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 
67701. Online condolences may be sent to: www.baalmannmortuary.com.
Card of Thanks
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their love to us as we’ve 
mourned the loss of our husband, father, and grandfather. We have been 
touched by the cards, flowers, visits, kind words and prayers. We know 
John is looking down and smiling at all of us. – The John R. Burk 
family.

John Raymond Burk

Ora M. Keever, 88, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.


  Ora was born December 17, 1931 at grandma Gilbert's farm southwest of 
Lebanon, KS, the son of Alfred and Avis (Gilbert) Keever.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ora attended
 grade school at Pleasant Hill North of Smith Center and Barnes and 
Mount Carmel Schools South of Lebanon.&nbsp; He graduated in 1950 from 
Lebanon High School, Lebanon, KS.&nbsp; Ora enlisted in the United States Air
 Force right out of high school and served 20 years, 8 months and 11 
days retiring on July 31, 1972.&nbsp; A highlight of Ora's military career 
was being a cook for the base general and his guests at the Air Force 
Academy in Colorado Springs.&nbsp; 

  While stationed in Missouri he
 met and married Elizabeth Hopper.&nbsp; Beth and Ora became the parents of 
two sons, Donald Max and Dale Myron.&nbsp; Following his military retirement 
in 1972, they made their home in Topeka, KS.&nbsp; Ora worked in civil 
service at the VA Hospital in Topeka and also in Lincoln, NE.&nbsp; After 
retiring from his civil service position in 1986, they moved to Smith 
Center, KS.&nbsp; Ora became an active member of First Christian Church and 
served as Elder and janitor.&nbsp; He was also in demand to do home repair, 
lawn work or washing windows.&nbsp; Beth passed away in 1986.&nbsp; Several years 
later on a trip to Minnesota, Ora met Kathryn Shirk, they were married 
on October 28, 1993 at Dell Lutheran Church, Frost, MN and lived in 
Smith Center a few years then moving back to Albert Lea, MN.&nbsp; 


  He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Beth, son Dale, 
daughter-in-law Janet, brother Marion Keever, three sisters, Arvilla 
Goebel, &nbsp;Oleta Pixler and Leota Arment.

  Ora is survived by 
his wife Kathryn Keever of Abert Lea, MN, son Donald Keever of&nbsp; Topeka; 
three brothers, Alvin Keever of Atchison, Walt (Vera) Keever of Smith 
Center, &nbsp;Richard (Wanda) Keever of Russell; two sisters, Rosalee 
Gutscher and Iris Rhoades both of Smith Center; three step-children, 
eleven step-grandkids and fourteen step-great grandkids and many nieces 
and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 
11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020 at the Fairview Cemetery, Smith 
Center, KS, with Pastor Randy Hill officiating.&nbsp; Memorials may be given 
to the Ora M. Keever Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths
 Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589894562059.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ora M. Keever, 88, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.
 Ora was born December 17, 1931 at grandma Gilbert's farm southwest of 
Lebanon, KS, the son of Alfred and Avis (Gilbert) Keever.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ora attended
 grade school at Pleasant Hill North of Smith Center and Barnes and 
Mount Carmel Schools South of Lebanon.&nbsp; He graduated in 1950 from 
Lebanon High School, Lebanon, KS.&nbsp; Ora enlisted in the United States Air
 Force right out of high school and served 20 years, 8 months and 11 
days retiring on July 31, 1972.&nbsp; A highlight of Ora's military career 
was being a cook for the base general and his guests at the Air Force 
Academy in Colorado Springs.&nbsp; While stationed in Missouri he
 met and married Elizabeth Hopper.&nbsp; Beth and Ora became the parents of 
two sons, Donald Max and Dale Myron.&nbsp; Following his military retirement 
in 1972, they made their home in Topeka, KS.&nbsp; Ora worked in civil 
service at the VA Hospital in Topeka and also in Lincoln, NE.&nbsp; After 
retiring from his civil service position in 1986, they moved to Smith 
Center, KS.&nbsp; Ora became an active member of First Christian Church and 
served as Elder and janitor.&nbsp; He was also in demand to do home repair, 
lawn work or washing windows.&nbsp; Beth passed away in 1986.&nbsp; Several years 
later on a trip to Minnesota, Ora met Kathryn Shirk, they were married 
on October 28, 1993 at Dell Lutheran Church, Frost, MN and lived in 
Smith Center a few years then moving back to Albert Lea, MN.&nbsp; 
 He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Beth, son Dale, 
daughter-in-law Janet, brother Marion Keever, three sisters, Arvilla 
Goebel, &nbsp;Oleta Pixler and Leota Arment. Ora is survived by 
his wife Kathryn Keever of Abert Lea, MN, son Donald Keever of&nbsp; Topeka; 
three brothers, Alvin Keever of Atchison, Walt (Vera) Keever of Smith 
Center, &nbsp;Richard (Wanda) Keever of Russell; two sisters, Rosalee 
Gutscher and Iris Rhoades both of Smith Center; three step-children, 
eleven step-grandkids and fourteen step-great grandkids and many nieces 
and nephews.Graveside services will be held at 
11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020 at the Fairview Cemetery, Smith 
Center, KS, with Pastor Randy Hill officiating.&nbsp; Memorials may be given 
to the Ora M. Keever Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths
 Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.

Ora Keever

Teresa Marie Jilg, 94, passed away May 12, 2020, at River Bend 
Assisted Living, Great Bend. She was born May 21, 1925 in Olmitz, to 
Adolph and Rosa (Hickey) Bahr. Teresa married Carl A. Jilg August 20, 
1946, in Olmitz. He died October 30, 2016.

A long-time Albert resident, Teresa was a bank teller for Farmers 
Bank &amp; Trust in Albert and Otis State Bank in Otis. After retiring, 
she worked at the Albert Post Office. Teresa was a member of St. Ann 
Catholic Church in Olmitz, Daughters of Isabella and the Altar Society. Survivors
 include, two daughters, Susan Worthen and husband Lane of McKinney, 
Texas, and Eileen Walcher of Great Bend; a brother, Eugene Bahr of 
Olmitz; a sister, Rose Marie Frieb of Olmitz; four grandchildren, Jeff 
Worthen, Michelle Schindler, Bryan Worthen, and Billy Brown, II; 
fourteen great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren. She 
was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Jilg; a son in 
law, Dean Walcher; a brother, Roland Bahr; and a granddaughter, 
Christina Brown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 
2020, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz, with Father Anselm Eke 
presiding. Interment will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery. 
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Bryant 
Funeral Home, with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 
Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A livestream of Friday evening’s Rosary will be 
available at www.bryantfh.net under Teresa’s obituary, and a recording 
of the Mass will be available Saturday afternoon. Memorials may be given
 to St. Ann Catholic Church or Albert Fire Department, in care of Bryant
 Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589378844987.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Teresa Marie Jilg, 94, passed away May 12, 2020, at River Bend 
Assisted Living, Great Bend. She was born May 21, 1925 in Olmitz, to 
Adolph and Rosa (Hickey) Bahr. Teresa married Carl A. Jilg August 20, 
1946, in Olmitz. He died October 30, 2016.A long-time Albert resident, Teresa was a bank teller for Farmers 
Bank &amp; Trust in Albert and Otis State Bank in Otis. After retiring, 
she worked at the Albert Post Office. Teresa was a member of St. Ann 
Catholic Church in Olmitz, Daughters of Isabella and the Altar Society. Survivors
 include, two daughters, Susan Worthen and husband Lane of McKinney, 
Texas, and Eileen Walcher of Great Bend; a brother, Eugene Bahr of 
Olmitz; a sister, Rose Marie Frieb of Olmitz; four grandchildren, Jeff 
Worthen, Michelle Schindler, Bryan Worthen, and Billy Brown, II; 
fourteen great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren. She 
was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Jilg; a son in 
law, Dean Walcher; a brother, Roland Bahr; and a granddaughter, 
Christina Brown.A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 
2020, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz, with Father Anselm Eke 
presiding. Interment will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery. 
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Bryant 
Funeral Home, with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 
Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A livestream of Friday evening’s Rosary will be 
available at www.bryantfh.net under Teresa’s obituary, and a recording 
of the Mass will be available Saturday afternoon. Memorials may be given
 to St. Ann Catholic Church or Albert Fire Department, in care of Bryant
 Funeral Home.

Teresa Marie Jilg

Marilyn Rhea (Somers) Barrett, 90, of Pratt, Kansas, and formerly of Paradise, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Pratt Health &amp; Rehabilitation Center in Pratt.

Marilyn was born August 25, 1929 in Altoona, Kansas.&nbsp; She was one of five children born to Rhea Moore and Thelma Doris (Davis) Somers.&nbsp; She grew up in Altoona, Paradise, Bird City, Kansas, Spring, Kansas and Ensign, Kansas.&nbsp; She attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in Education.

Marilyn was united in marriage to Harry W. Barrett on January 10, 1953 in Clayton, New Mexico.&nbsp; This union was blessed with five children; Terry, Kent, Sandee, Richard and Max.&nbsp; Later in life they divorced.&nbsp; Harry preceded her in death in October, 1994.

Marilyn was a devoted School Teacher.&nbsp; She taught in Copeland, Kansas, Cedar Point, Kansas, Turon, Kansas, Paradise, Kansas from 1967 to 1973, Winona, Kansas from 1974 to 1984, and Natoma, Kansas from 1985 till retirement.&nbsp; She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.&nbsp; After retirement, she was a board member of the Natoma School Board.&nbsp; She also was a member of the Paradise City Council for over 20 years..&nbsp; In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, doing crafts especially ceramics, learning family history, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marilyn’s surviving family include two daughters, Terry Allen (David) of Manhattan, Kansas and Sandee Bates (Douglas) of Sparta, Tennessee; three sons, Kent Barrett (Karen) of Pratt, Kansas, Richard Barrett (Koleen) of Colby, Kansas and Max Barrett of Pratt, Kansas; brother, K. Ronald Somers (Nancy) of Idaho; two sisters, Joyce Anne Barnes of Warrensburg, Missouri and Monice Laray Somers of Russell, Kansas; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Lola Jeanne Heath.

A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas.&nbsp; No Visitation being held.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with the Waldo Senior Center.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589301630159.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn Rhea (Somers) Barrett, 90, of Pratt, Kansas, and formerly of Paradise, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Pratt Health &amp; Rehabilitation Center in Pratt.Marilyn was born August 25, 1929 in Altoona, Kansas.&nbsp; She was one of five children born to Rhea Moore and Thelma Doris (Davis) Somers.&nbsp; She grew up in Altoona, Paradise, Bird City, Kansas, Spring, Kansas and Ensign, Kansas.&nbsp; She attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in Education.Marilyn was united in marriage to Harry W. Barrett on January 10, 1953 in Clayton, New Mexico.&nbsp; This union was blessed with five children; Terry, Kent, Sandee, Richard and Max.&nbsp; Later in life they divorced.&nbsp; Harry preceded her in death in October, 1994.Marilyn was a devoted School Teacher.&nbsp; She taught in Copeland, Kansas, Cedar Point, Kansas, Turon, Kansas, Paradise, Kansas from 1967 to 1973, Winona, Kansas from 1974 to 1984, and Natoma, Kansas from 1985 till retirement.&nbsp; She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.&nbsp; After retirement, she was a board member of the Natoma School Board.&nbsp; She also was a member of the Paradise City Council for over 20 years..&nbsp; In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, doing crafts especially ceramics, learning family history, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.Marilyn’s surviving family include two daughters, Terry Allen (David) of Manhattan, Kansas and Sandee Bates (Douglas) of Sparta, Tennessee; three sons, Kent Barrett (Karen) of Pratt, Kansas, Richard Barrett (Koleen) of Colby, Kansas and Max Barrett of Pratt, Kansas; brother, K. Ronald Somers (Nancy) of Idaho; two sisters, Joyce Anne Barnes of Warrensburg, Missouri and Monice Laray Somers of Russell, Kansas; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Lola Jeanne Heath.A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas.&nbsp; No Visitation being held.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with the Waldo Senior Center.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements..

Marilyn Rhea (Somers) Barrett

Charles William “Bill” Hime, 89, of Oskaloosa, KS, died Wednesday, May 
6, 2020 at F.W. Huston Sr. Living Center in Winchester, KS. “Bill” was 
born October 21, 1930 in Linn County, KS, the son of Olin Don Sr. and 
Myrtle I. Johnson Hime. He was a 1948 graduate of Mound City High School
 and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean war, proudly serving 1951 to 
1953. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator, working through Union Local 
#101 of Operating Engineers in Kansas City, MO. He worked several years 
for List and Clark Construction working on reservoir projects including 
Lake Perry, Clinton Lake, La Cygne Lake and Stockton Lake in Missouri 
before retiring. “Bill” and his wife , “Rita” formerly owned and 
operated the Paradise Donut Shop in Oskaloosa for 10 years. He was a 
member of Oskaloosa United Methodist Church and Oskaloosa Masonic Lodge 
#14. 

He married Loreta Eileen “Rita” Armstrong on November 8, 1953 
at Osawatomie, she preceded him in death on February 26, 2011. He is 
survived by two sons, Gary (Linda Gail) Hime, McPherson, James Hime, 
Paola, one daughter, Kathy (Larry) Wagoner, Hays, three sisters, Katie 
Jones, Osawatomie, Artie Stuteville, Paola, Cora Evans, Paola, three 
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in 
death by an infant son, Bobby Wayne Hime, a daughter-in-law, Elisabeth 
Hime, two brothers, Olin D. Hime, Jr. and Lowell Hime. 

Grave Side 
Services with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be at 11:00 AM, 
Friday, May 15, 2020 at Centerville Cemetery, Centerville, KS, in Linn 
County. Visitation and viewing will be 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 
14, 2020 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Please Note: social 
distancing guidelines will be followed at the Funeral Home and the 
Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be scheduled at a 
later date. Memorials suggested to Oskaloosa Masonic Lodge #14 
Scholarship fund or to American Cancer Society in care of Barnett Family
 Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589295209102.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charles William “Bill” Hime, 89, of Oskaloosa, KS, died Wednesday, May 
6, 2020 at F.W. Huston Sr. Living Center in Winchester, KS. “Bill” was 
born October 21, 1930 in Linn County, KS, the son of Olin Don Sr. and 
Myrtle I. Johnson Hime. He was a 1948 graduate of Mound City High School
 and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean war, proudly serving 1951 to 
1953. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator, working through Union Local 
#101 of Operating Engineers in Kansas City, MO. He worked several years 
for List and Clark Construction working on reservoir projects including 
Lake Perry, Clinton Lake, La Cygne Lake and Stockton Lake in Missouri 
before retiring. “Bill” and his wife , “Rita” formerly owned and 
operated the Paradise Donut Shop in Oskaloosa for 10 years. He was a 
member of Oskaloosa United Methodist Church and Oskaloosa Masonic Lodge 
#14. He married Loreta Eileen “Rita” Armstrong on November 8, 1953 
at Osawatomie, she preceded him in death on February 26, 2011. He is 
survived by two sons, Gary (Linda Gail) Hime, McPherson, James Hime, 
Paola, one daughter, Kathy (Larry) Wagoner, Hays, three sisters, Katie 
Jones, Osawatomie, Artie Stuteville, Paola, Cora Evans, Paola, three 
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in 
death by an infant son, Bobby Wayne Hime, a daughter-in-law, Elisabeth 
Hime, two brothers, Olin D. Hime, Jr. and Lowell Hime. Grave Side 
Services with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be at 11:00 AM, 
Friday, May 15, 2020 at Centerville Cemetery, Centerville, KS, in Linn 
County. Visitation and viewing will be 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 
14, 2020 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Please Note: social 
distancing guidelines will be followed at the Funeral Home and the 
Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be scheduled at a 
later date. Memorials suggested to Oskaloosa Masonic Lodge #14 
Scholarship fund or to American Cancer Society in care of Barnett Family
 Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Charles William 'Bill' Hime

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The family of a Kansas inmate who hanged herself at a rural county jail has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit that alleges incompetence by law enforcement officials, citing video surveillance that showed her repeated suicide attempts.

No one was monitoring the surveillance station, which showed the minute-by-minute efforts by Olivia Rennaker in April 2018 to hang herself in her cell at the Barber County Jail about 25 miles north of the Oklahoma border. It was more than an hour later before her body was finally discovered hanging from the bars.

The lawsuit against the unaccredited jail cites its failure to screen for suicide risk the 29-year-old Medicine Lodge woman after her arrest for unlawful possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. It also alleges officials failed to do adequate periodic cell checks and properly train employees.

The complaint notes that it has long been known that suicide is the leading cause of death in U.S. jails, and that many of those suicides occur due to staff shortages and inadequate training. According to the lawsuit, suicides in local jails are about 3.5 times more frequent than in the general population and 2.5 times more than suicides in state prisons.

The federal civil rights lawsuit was filed in March by Overland Park attorneys Michael Kuckelman and Michael Crabb on behalf of the dead inmate’s former husband, Robert Rennaker, as administrator of her estate. It names as its defendants Barber County Sheriff Lonnie Small and his undersheriff, Virgil Brewer.

The sheriff did not respond to phone and email messages left for him at his office and the civil attorney who represented him in an unrelated wrongful death lawsuit said he no longer represents him. Brewer did not respond to phone and email messages, and his civil attorney in that other lawsuit also did not return phone and email messages.

Brewer went on unpaid leave after he was charged in 2018 with reckless involuntary manslaughter in the October 2017 shooting death of Steven Myers with a homemade beanbag round. Myers, who was unarmed, was killed after deputies responded to a call about a man threatening people with a gun outside a bar in Sun City.

Brewer is free on bond awaiting his criminal trail. A separate wrongful death lawsuit filed against him on behalf of Myer’s widow, also handled by the same Overland Park law firm, was settled in March.

Kuckelman told The Associated Press that he has written to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training requesting that they revoke Brewer’s law enforcement certification. They have refused and are waiting for his criminal trial, he said.

He said he had also written letters to Barber County officials demanding that they fire Brewer before someone else died, and he blamed the incompetence of Brewer and Small for Olivia Rennaker’s death.

“How many more people need to die in Barber County before taxpayers and voters will have had enough? They ignored Olivia Rennaker when she was in distress,” Kuckelman said Friday in a news release announcing his second wrongful death lawsuit against Barber County law enforcement officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589279746547.png" alt="Olivia Rennaker photo courtesy Larrison Mortuary" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Rennaker photo courtesy Larrison Mortuary</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The family of a Kansas inmate who hanged herself at a rural county jail has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit that alleges incompetence by law enforcement officials, citing video surveillance that showed her repeated suicide attempts.No one was monitoring the surveillance station, which showed the minute-by-minute efforts by Olivia Rennaker in April 2018 to hang herself in her cell at the Barber County Jail about 25 miles north of the Oklahoma border. It was more than an hour later before her body was finally discovered hanging from the bars.The lawsuit against the unaccredited jail cites its failure to screen for suicide risk the 29-year-old Medicine Lodge woman after her arrest for unlawful possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. It also alleges officials failed to do adequate periodic cell checks and properly train employees.The complaint notes that it has long been known that suicide is the leading cause of death in U.S. jails, and that many of those suicides occur due to staff shortages and inadequate training. According to the lawsuit, suicides in local jails are about 3.5 times more frequent than in the general population and 2.5 times more than suicides in state prisons.The federal civil rights lawsuit was filed in March by Overland Park attorneys Michael Kuckelman and Michael Crabb on behalf of the dead inmate’s former husband, Robert Rennaker, as administrator of her estate. It names as its defendants Barber County Sheriff Lonnie Small and his undersheriff, Virgil Brewer.The sheriff did not respond to phone and email messages left for him at his office and the civil attorney who represented him in an unrelated wrongful death lawsuit said he no longer represents him. Brewer did not respond to phone and email messages, and his civil attorney in that other lawsuit also did not return phone and email messages.Brewer went on unpaid leave after he was charged in 2018 with reckless involuntary manslaughter in the October 2017 shooting death of Steven Myers with a homemade beanbag round. Myers, who was unarmed, was killed after deputies responded to a call about a man threatening people with a gun outside a bar in Sun City.Brewer is free on bond awaiting his criminal trail. A separate wrongful death lawsuit filed against him on behalf of Myer’s widow, also handled by the same Overland Park law firm, was settled in March.Kuckelman told The Associated Press that he has written to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training requesting that they revoke Brewer’s law enforcement certification. They have refused and are waiting for his criminal trial, he said.He said he had also written letters to Barber County officials demanding that they fire Brewer before someone else died, and he blamed the incompetence of Brewer and Small for Olivia Rennaker’s death.“How many more people need to die in Barber County before taxpayers and voters will have had enough? They ignored Olivia Rennaker when she was in distress,” Kuckelman said Friday in a news release announcing his second wrongful death lawsuit against Barber County law enforcement officials.

Kansas inmate's family sues over failure to prevent her death

The Hays Lions Club announced this week it will donate $1,000 each to the following Ellis County food/paper pantries: Community Assistance Center (Hays, Ellis Food Pantry (Ellis, First Call For Help (Hays, Salvation Army of Ellis County (Hays, and St. Joseph’s Food Pantry (Hays).&nbsp;

“In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Hays Lions Club was looking for a way to help the Ellis County community,” said Sandy Beisner, treasurer. “We felt that the greatest way to assist would be to monetarily help the many organizations in the county that provide food and other essentials to those in need."

Lions Club International was established in 1917 and the simple motto “We Serve” was later adopted in 1954.&nbsp; The Hays Lions Club was chartered on October 24, 1924.&nbsp; The club has 48 members and supports many community organizations and activities.&nbsp; If you are interested in serving your community and would like information on joining the Hays Lions Club, please look them up on Facebook @HaysLionsClub or contact President Dave Herl at 785-259-3139.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588963501823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Lions Club announced this week it will donate $1,000 each to the following Ellis County food/paper pantries: Community Assistance Center (Hays, Ellis Food Pantry (Ellis, First Call For Help (Hays, Salvation Army of Ellis County (Hays, and St. Joseph’s Food Pantry (Hays).&nbsp;“In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Hays Lions Club was looking for a way to help the Ellis County community,” said Sandy Beisner, treasurer. “We felt that the greatest way to assist would be to monetarily help the many organizations in the county that provide food and other essentials to those in need."Lions Club International was established in 1917 and the simple motto “We Serve” was later adopted in 1954.&nbsp; The Hays Lions Club was chartered on October 24, 1924.&nbsp; The club has 48 members and supports many community organizations and activities.&nbsp; If you are interested in serving your community and would like information on joining the Hays Lions Club, please look them up on Facebook @HaysLionsClub or contact President Dave Herl at 785-259-3139.

Hays Lions Club donates $5K to Ellis Co. food pantries

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican legislator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5754325796fa71b55a24b02648406648">who worked with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly</a>&nbsp;on a plan for expanding Medicaid in Kansas announced Friday that he is not seeking re-election.

Kansas Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning said it’s time for him to focus again on his wife and business. The Overland Park Republican is the retired CEO of an eye care and optical surgery company and was expected to have a tough re-election race this year.

“Throughout this journey, I have promoted fiscally responsible policy and remained focused on evaluation all legislation in a practical and pragmatic fashion,” Denning said.

Denning was elected to the House in 2010 and to the Senate in 2012, becoming its No. 2 leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6974366ea0c04c7d9a3e0624b6573fa0">in 2016.</a>&nbsp;The only candidate so far in his Kansas City-area district is Democratic Rep. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park.

He helped block Medicaid expansion in 2019 but outlined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/59fe470d42cb538a734572660a7d84b4" target="_blank">his own plan</a>&nbsp;in October before working with Kelly on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5cf2666dc8dbd4b88e1f313e28a655d">a bipartisan proposal</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5cf2666dc8dbd4b88e1f313e28a655d"></a>hasn’t gotten a vote.

In 2019, Denning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/439928cb258248bb90b22f6abe7ee81e">sued The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;over a freelancer’s column that criticized him for opposing Medicaid expansion, alleging the column defamed him by falsely attributing statements to him. A judge dismissed the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588956743770.png" alt="Senator Denning and Gov. Laura Kelly on the day they announced the Medicaid expansion agreement" />
 <figcaption>Senator Denning and Gov. Laura Kelly on the day they announced the Medicaid expansion agreement</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican legislator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5754325796fa71b55a24b02648406648">who worked with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly</a>&nbsp;on a plan for expanding Medicaid in Kansas announced Friday that he is not seeking re-election.Kansas Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning said it’s time for him to focus again on his wife and business. The Overland Park Republican is the retired CEO of an eye care and optical surgery company and was expected to have a tough re-election race this year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with great thought and reflection that I announce I will not seek another term in the Kansas Legislature. &quot;No legislator will accomplish everything they set out to do, but we do our best to ensure our district is represented and that we serve our people responsibly.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/l30tQdfnnw">pic.twitter.com/l30tQdfnnw</a>&mdash; Jim Denning (@JimDenning4KS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimDenning4KS/status/1258776250748932097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Throughout this journey, I have promoted fiscally responsible policy and remained focused on evaluation all legislation in a practical and pragmatic fashion,” Denning said.Denning was elected to the House in 2010 and to the Senate in 2012, becoming its No. 2 leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6974366ea0c04c7d9a3e0624b6573fa0">in 2016.</a>&nbsp;The only candidate so far in his Kansas City-area district is Democratic Rep. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park.He helped block Medicaid expansion in 2019 but outlined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/59fe470d42cb538a734572660a7d84b4" target="_blank">his own plan</a>&nbsp;in October before working with Kelly on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5cf2666dc8dbd4b88e1f313e28a655d">a bipartisan proposal</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5cf2666dc8dbd4b88e1f313e28a655d"></a>hasn’t gotten a vote.In 2019, Denning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/439928cb258248bb90b22f6abe7ee81e">sued The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;over a freelancer’s column that criticized him for opposing Medicaid expansion, alleging the column defamed him by falsely attributing statements to him. A judge dismissed the case.___

Kansas GOP leader pushing Medicaid plan not running again

The Downtown Hays Market will open Saturday, May 30, but with drive-through service for at least a couple of weeks until social distancing regulations are further eased.

Allie Glidewell, DHDC director of events and operations, said the market plans to offer prepaid preorders that can be collected via drive-through.

DHDC is also considering a system in which customers can have their orders picked same-day on site and then delivered to customers' vehicles.

The exact procedures for the market will be decided after the DHDC meets with vendors in two weeks.

"I think if COVID has taught business people anything, it is you have to adapt," Glidewell said. "I know there are a lot of markets not only in Kansas, but within the country that have had a lot of success with either the drive-through or pre-order option.

"Maybe if it goes really well we have an open market and we keep one of them — the drive-through or the preorder."

The market operates 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays from May through October at the Downtown Pavilion in Hays.

Glidewell said she hopes the market will be able to reopen for normal operations as social distancing requirements are eased. Even when it does open for normal operations, the market plans to take COVID precautions by encouraging social distancing and setting up hand-sanitizing stations.

Vendor applications are being accepted for the market. Vendors need to provide their sales tax number when they apply. <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-markethttps://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market">The application can be found on the DHDC website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588881103313.jpeg" alt="Downtown Hays Market will open for the season Saturday, May 30, with pre-order and drive-through service. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Downtown Hays Market will open for the season Saturday, May 30, with pre-order and drive-through service. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostThe Downtown Hays Market will open Saturday, May 30, but with drive-through service for at least a couple of weeks until social distancing regulations are further eased.Allie Glidewell, DHDC director of events and operations, said the market plans to offer prepaid preorders that can be collected via drive-through.DHDC is also considering a system in which customers can have their orders picked same-day on site and then delivered to customers' vehicles.The exact procedures for the market will be decided after the DHDC meets with vendors in two weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588881298182.jpeg" alt="Downtown Hays Market vendor" />
 <figcaption>Downtown Hays Market vendor</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think if COVID has taught business people anything, it is you have to adapt," Glidewell said. "I know there are a lot of markets not only in Kansas, but within the country that have had a lot of success with either the drive-through or pre-order option."Maybe if it goes really well we have an open market and we keep one of them — the drive-through or the preorder."The market operates 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays from May through October at the Downtown Pavilion in Hays.Glidewell said she hopes the market will be able to reopen for normal operations as social distancing requirements are eased. Even when it does open for normal operations, the market plans to take COVID precautions by encouraging social distancing and setting up hand-sanitizing stations.Vendor applications are being accepted for the market. Vendors need to provide their sales tax number when they apply. <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-markethttps://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market">The application can be found on the DHDC website.</a>

Hays Downtown Market to start with preorder/drive-through service

Melinda Lang, 96, Hays, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020 surrounded by her family at Via Christi Village.

She was born October 5, 1923 on the 
family farm near Ellis, Kansas, one of six children to Nick and Lidwina 
(Kuhn) Geist.&nbsp; On May 20, 1946 she was united in marriage to Clarence 
Lang at St. Fidelis Church in Victoria, and they celebrated nearly 69 
years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 23, 2015.&nbsp; 
She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, Daughters of 
Isabella Circle #254, the St. Nicholas Ladies Guild, and was on the 
Ellis County Election board where she served as Election Chair.&nbsp; She 
helped her husband Clarence with all the farm chores, including milking 
the cows, raising chickens, tending to her beautiful flowers, and 
canning vegetables grown in her garden.&nbsp; Melinda was an excellent 
gardener, seamstress, cook, and baker, and she enjoyed playing pinochle 
and shopping for clothes.&nbsp; She was very devout in her faith, was the one
 her family came to with prayer intentions, and she possessed a kind and
 gentle nature that she shared with everyone she met. &nbsp;She loved her 
family and friends deeply, and so enjoyed caring for and spending time 
with her grandchildren.

Survivors include three sons; Lloyd 
Lang and wife Iris of Victoria, Dennis Lang and wife Vera of Wichita, 
and Terry Lang and wife Ruth of Hays, a daughter Patty Wolf and husband 
Dan of Hays, two sisters; Alice Fisher and husband Cyril of Hays, and 
Albertina Rohleder and husband Val of Abilene, thirteen grandchildren; 
John Lang and wife Stacey, Greg Lang and wife LaNae, Mark Lang and wife 
Amanda, Gwen Hodges and husband Daniel, Kevin Lang and wife Tasha, Jeff 
Lang and wife Rachel, Cliff Lang and wife Cassie, Brandon Lang and wife 
Phuong, Brittany Lang, Brock Lang and wife Megan, Jenna Lang and Matt 
Cunningham, Scott Wolf and Kelly Douglass, and Brad Wolf and wife 
Kristin, and 25 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her husband; Clarence, two infant sons; Donald and Terrence 
Lang, a brother; Alfred Geist, two sisters; Irene Windholz and Alberta 
Pfannenstiel, and two great grandchildren; Bennett Wolf and Katie Lang.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church, with Fr. Jarett Konrade officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. 
Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian High 
School or to the St. Nicholas of Myra Church Building Fund, in care of 
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.&nbsp; Condolences 
and memories of Melinda may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588859588835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Melinda Lang, 96, Hays, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020 surrounded by her family at Via Christi Village.She was born October 5, 1923 on the 
family farm near Ellis, Kansas, one of six children to Nick and Lidwina 
(Kuhn) Geist.&nbsp; On May 20, 1946 she was united in marriage to Clarence 
Lang at St. Fidelis Church in Victoria, and they celebrated nearly 69 
years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 23, 2015.&nbsp; 
She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, Daughters of 
Isabella Circle #254, the St. Nicholas Ladies Guild, and was on the 
Ellis County Election board where she served as Election Chair.&nbsp; She 
helped her husband Clarence with all the farm chores, including milking 
the cows, raising chickens, tending to her beautiful flowers, and 
canning vegetables grown in her garden.&nbsp; Melinda was an excellent 
gardener, seamstress, cook, and baker, and she enjoyed playing pinochle 
and shopping for clothes.&nbsp; She was very devout in her faith, was the one
 her family came to with prayer intentions, and she possessed a kind and
 gentle nature that she shared with everyone she met. &nbsp;She loved her 
family and friends deeply, and so enjoyed caring for and spending time 
with her grandchildren.Survivors include three sons; Lloyd 
Lang and wife Iris of Victoria, Dennis Lang and wife Vera of Wichita, 
and Terry Lang and wife Ruth of Hays, a daughter Patty Wolf and husband 
Dan of Hays, two sisters; Alice Fisher and husband Cyril of Hays, and 
Albertina Rohleder and husband Val of Abilene, thirteen grandchildren; 
John Lang and wife Stacey, Greg Lang and wife LaNae, Mark Lang and wife 
Amanda, Gwen Hodges and husband Daniel, Kevin Lang and wife Tasha, Jeff 
Lang and wife Rachel, Cliff Lang and wife Cassie, Brandon Lang and wife 
Phuong, Brittany Lang, Brock Lang and wife Megan, Jenna Lang and Matt 
Cunningham, Scott Wolf and Kelly Douglass, and Brad Wolf and wife 
Kristin, and 25 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her husband; Clarence, two infant sons; Donald and Terrence 
Lang, a brother; Alfred Geist, two sisters; Irene Windholz and Alberta 
Pfannenstiel, and two great grandchildren; Bennett Wolf and Katie Lang.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church, with Fr. Jarett Konrade officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. 
Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian High 
School or to the St. Nicholas of Myra Church Building Fund, in care of 
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.&nbsp; Condolences 
and memories of Melinda may be shared with the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com

Melinda Lang

Betty Jean Hickel, 90, died May 3, 2020, at HaysMed, Hays, Kansas. 
She was born October 15, 1929, in Heizer, Kansas, the daughter of Harry 
and Beulah (Susank) Lawrence. Betty was a graduate of Hoisington High 
School.

On May 28, 1951, she married Robert E. Hickel. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2011.

Betty was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 
where she had belonged to the church choir and the Altar Society.

She is survived by six sons; Steve Hickel and wife Dorian, Rick 
Hickel and wife Dawnya, Doug Hickel and wife Karen, all of Claflin, 
Curtis Hickel of Great Bend, David Hickel and wife Cheryl, and Kyle 
Hickel, all of Claflin; three daughters, Janell Hubbard and husband Doug
 of Claflin, June Halliwill and husband Jeffrey of Wichita, and Janine 
Dutton and husband Kirby of El Dorado; 24 grandchildren, and 44 great 
grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A Private Family Graveside service will be held at this time at the 
Claflin Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life Mass to be announced at a 
later date.

Memorials may be made to the Claflin Ambulance Fund or the Clara 
Barton Hospital Foundation in care of the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 
PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588687238770.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Jean Hickel, 90, died May 3, 2020, at HaysMed, Hays, Kansas. 
She was born October 15, 1929, in Heizer, Kansas, the daughter of Harry 
and Beulah (Susank) Lawrence. Betty was a graduate of Hoisington High 
School.On May 28, 1951, she married Robert E. Hickel. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2011.Betty was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 
where she had belonged to the church choir and the Altar Society.She is survived by six sons; Steve Hickel and wife Dorian, Rick 
Hickel and wife Dawnya, Doug Hickel and wife Karen, all of Claflin, 
Curtis Hickel of Great Bend, David Hickel and wife Cheryl, and Kyle 
Hickel, all of Claflin; three daughters, Janell Hubbard and husband Doug
 of Claflin, June Halliwill and husband Jeffrey of Wichita, and Janine 
Dutton and husband Kirby of El Dorado; 24 grandchildren, and 44 great 
grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.A Private Family Graveside service will be held at this time at the 
Claflin Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life Mass to be announced at a 
later date.Memorials may be made to the Claflin Ambulance Fund or the Clara 
Barton Hospital Foundation in care of the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 
PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Betty Jean Hickel

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers was notified Monday he will receive the Secondary Principal of the Year of the Award for Kansas Area 5 from the Kansas Association of School Boards.

Albers was quick to draw any attention away from himself and place credit with his staff.

"There are a lot more administrators who are more deserving, but what this does is justify how awesome the HMS staff is," Albers said. "This speaks to the reputation of HMS and the awesome staff that we have here."

Albers said the HMS staff has pride in building relationships with students.

"In middle school, you have to build relationships," he said. "You have to help with the social emotional learning before the other part of learning takes place. I think HMS has really excelled at that.

"Our motto is 'Together we are one.' I believe our staff thinks we are all a big group — our staff, students, parents, community."

Within the last year, the school secured funds to hire a mental health liaison.

Staff also developed a new block scheduling program that will start in the fall. The program cuts down on passing time, and staff believe it will be a more efficient use of resources and class time.

"From our custodians to our lunch staff to our paras to our teachers, all that has to work in unison," Albers said. "I am proud to be part of that whole team concept."

After 16 years as an assistant principal at Hays High School, Albers replaced Craig Pallister as Hays Middle School principal in fall 2018.

Albers, a Fort Hays State University grad, is in his 32nd year as an educator. He spent 13 years in Pratt as a high school math teacher and coach and a year at Pittsburg High School as an assistant principal, before taking the assistant principal job in Hays to be closer to family.

Superintendent Ron Wilson also announced on Monday the district has nominated Aubrey Brooks, special education teacher, and&nbsp;Lisa Renz, HHS English teacher, for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588359092909.jpeg" alt="Tom Albers, Hays Middle School principal, talks to HMS students in October 2018. Albers was recently named Secondary Principal of the Year for Kansas in Area 5. Photo by Cristina Janney" />
 <figcaption>Tom Albers, Hays Middle School principal, talks to HMS students in October 2018. Albers was recently named Secondary Principal of the Year for Kansas in Area 5. Photo by Cristina Janney</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays Middle School Principal Tom Albers was notified Monday he will receive the Secondary Principal of the Year of the Award for Kansas Area 5 from the Kansas Association of School Boards.Albers was quick to draw any attention away from himself and place credit with his staff."There are a lot more administrators who are more deserving, but what this does is justify how awesome the HMS staff is," Albers said. "This speaks to the reputation of HMS and the awesome staff that we have here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588359112015.jpeg" alt="Albers talks to middle school students in October 2018.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney" />
 <figcaption>Albers talks to middle school students in October 2018.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney</figcaption>
 </figure>Albers said the HMS staff has pride in building relationships with students."In middle school, you have to build relationships," he said. "You have to help with the social emotional learning before the other part of learning takes place. I think HMS has really excelled at that."Our motto is 'Together we are one.' I believe our staff thinks we are all a big group — our staff, students, parents, community."Within the last year, the school secured funds to hire a mental health liaison.Staff also developed a new block scheduling program that will start in the fall. The program cuts down on passing time, and staff believe it will be a more efficient use of resources and class time."From our custodians to our lunch staff to our paras to our teachers, all that has to work in unison," Albers said. "I am proud to be part of that whole team concept."After 16 years as an assistant principal at Hays High School, Albers replaced Craig Pallister as Hays Middle School principal in fall 2018.Albers, a Fort Hays State University grad, is in his 32nd year as an educator. He spent 13 years in Pratt as a high school math teacher and coach and a year at Pittsburg High School as an assistant principal, before taking the assistant principal job in Hays to be closer to family.Superintendent Ron Wilson also announced on Monday the district has nominated Aubrey Brooks, special education teacher, and&nbsp;Lisa Renz, HHS English teacher, for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award.

HMS Principal Tom Albers credits staff for Principal of Year honor

Della Dean Post, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, May 01, 2020, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas.

Della was born on October 02, 1925, in Dorrance, Kansas, the daughter of Frank E., Sr. and Rachel Pearl (Warehime) Sanders.&nbsp; She grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1944.&nbsp; She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Dale R. Post on May 26, 1945, in Russell, Kansas, and they were married for 66 years.&nbsp; From this union Della and Dale were blessed with 3 children Kenneth, Glenda and Gerald.&nbsp; Dale preceded her in death on August 04, 2011.&nbsp; She worked for 16 years in the dietary and cleaning department at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of the Assembly of God Church in Russell and was also a former member of the V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary.&nbsp; She enjoyed quilting and taking care of her flower garden at home.&nbsp; Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her sons Kenneth Post and wife Ruth of Enid, Oklahoma and Gerald Post of Hutchinson, Kansas;&nbsp; three grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandsons. &nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, parents, daughter Glenda Hammerschmidt, brothers William, Frank, Jr. and John Sanders; sisters Lora Lamoree, Dora Bushell, Irene Bushell Steinle, Cora Manlove and Evelyn Malson.

A graveside service to celebrate Della's life will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 05, 2020 at the Wilson City Cemetery in Wilson, Kansas.&nbsp; Viewing will be from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 05, 2020, at the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588532302045.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Della Dean Post, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, May 01, 2020, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas.Della was born on October 02, 1925, in Dorrance, Kansas, the daughter of Frank E., Sr. and Rachel Pearl (Warehime) Sanders.&nbsp; She grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1944.&nbsp; She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Dale R. Post on May 26, 1945, in Russell, Kansas, and they were married for 66 years.&nbsp; From this union Della and Dale were blessed with 3 children Kenneth, Glenda and Gerald.&nbsp; Dale preceded her in death on August 04, 2011.&nbsp; She worked for 16 years in the dietary and cleaning department at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of the Assembly of God Church in Russell and was also a former member of the V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary.&nbsp; She enjoyed quilting and taking care of her flower garden at home.&nbsp; Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.Surviving family include her sons Kenneth Post and wife Ruth of Enid, Oklahoma and Gerald Post of Hutchinson, Kansas;&nbsp; three grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandsons. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, parents, daughter Glenda Hammerschmidt, brothers William, Frank, Jr. and John Sanders; sisters Lora Lamoree, Dora Bushell, Irene Bushell Steinle, Cora Manlove and Evelyn Malson.A graveside service to celebrate Della's life will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 05, 2020 at the Wilson City Cemetery in Wilson, Kansas.&nbsp; Viewing will be from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 05, 2020, at the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.