Lorena I. Pate was born October 14, 1923 in a farmhouse in Jewell County, Kansas to Sarah (Gilbert) and George Walker. She departed this life on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the SunPorch of Smith Center in Smith Center, Kansas at the age of 96 years, 3 months and 7 days.

Lorena received her formal education and graduated from the Mankato High School in 1941. She was united in marriage with Neil Pate on April 1, 1950. They made their home on the farm south of Esbon. This union was blessed with five children, Eldon, Terry, Michael, Greg and Nancy. Lorena lost Neil in 1962, due to an accident on the farm. She continued to live on the farm another five years and then moved into Esbon. She worked several years at the café, she was a cook at the school in Esbon and purchased the café and operated it for several years. Lorena sold the café in 1998, and in 1999, moved to Hays where she worked for First Call for Help and the Sternberg Museum.

As her health began to fail, she moved to SunPorch in Smith Center in 2018.

Lorena was a hard worker and a great cook. She had many roadblocks in her life but her family was the highlight of her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents; four brothers; her husband, Neil, and a grandson, Neil Russell Pate.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Eldon (Delilah); Terry (Joan); Michael of Esbon, Kansas; Greg (Michaela, Lucas; Nancy (friend Curt) of Hays, Kansas. Her grandchildren, Jennifer (Kyle) Clark, Ryan Pate (Kendra, Kristi (Bryce) Haverkamp, Elisha (Jim) Bolte, Ericia (Emerson) Prothro, Kasha (Josh) Alcorn, Justin Pate, Nicole Brown, Stehanie Pate, Sarah (Ryan) Brown, Patrick (Ashley) Bergman, Rachel (Albert) Kraus, along with 23 great grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, 2:00 pm, February 24, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon, Kansas with Fr. David Michael officiating. Interment was at the Esbon Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582813569318.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lorena I. Pate was born October 14, 1923 in a farmhouse in Jewell County, Kansas to Sarah (Gilbert) and George Walker. She departed this life on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the SunPorch of Smith Center in Smith Center, Kansas at the age of 96 years, 3 months and 7 days.Lorena received her formal education and graduated from the Mankato High School in 1941. She was united in marriage with Neil Pate on April 1, 1950. They made their home on the farm south of Esbon. This union was blessed with five children, Eldon, Terry, Michael, Greg and Nancy. Lorena lost Neil in 1962, due to an accident on the farm. She continued to live on the farm another five years and then moved into Esbon. She worked several years at the café, she was a cook at the school in Esbon and purchased the café and operated it for several years. Lorena sold the café in 1998, and in 1999, moved to Hays where she worked for First Call for Help and the Sternberg Museum.As her health began to fail, she moved to SunPorch in Smith Center in 2018.Lorena was a hard worker and a great cook. She had many roadblocks in her life but her family was the highlight of her life.Preceding her in death were her parents; four brothers; her husband, Neil, and a grandson, Neil Russell Pate.She will be greatly missed by her children, Eldon (Delilah); Terry (Joan); Michael of Esbon, Kansas; Greg (Michaela, Lucas; Nancy (friend Curt) of Hays, Kansas. Her grandchildren, Jennifer (Kyle) Clark, Ryan Pate (Kendra, Kristi (Bryce) Haverkamp, Elisha (Jim) Bolte, Ericia (Emerson) Prothro, Kasha (Josh) Alcorn, Justin Pate, Nicole Brown, Stehanie Pate, Sarah (Ryan) Brown, Patrick (Ashley) Bergman, Rachel (Albert) Kraus, along with 23 great grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends.The Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, 2:00 pm, February 24, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon, Kansas with Fr. David Michael officiating. Interment was at the Esbon Cemetery.

Lorena I. Pate

By LYNN HORSLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/what-1918-flu-pandemic-taught-kansas-city-about-dealing-outbreaks-coronavirus#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

As the widening coronavirus outbreak stokes fears of a worldwide 
pandemic, it’s worth remembering that the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic may 
have started in Kansas. And it hit Kansas City particularly hard.

Lessons from that time still resonate today.

“It’s
 always a good idea to remember your history so you don’t repeat those 
mistakes,” says Susan Sykes-Berry, a retired nurse and librarian with 
the UMKC Health Sciences Library who wrote a graduate thesis about the 
1918 pandemic flu in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Some researchers say the 1918 flu outbreak, the deadliest pandemic in history, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article194909839.html">may have started in Kansas</a>.
 A Haskell County doctor is believed to have first documented the deadly
 flu strain and it was believed that soldiers from Haskell County 
transported the disease to Fort Riley. Camp Funston at Fort Riley was 
particularly hard hit. And then U.S. troops sent from Fort Riley to 
fight in World War I in Europe may have carried the virus with them and 
it spread from there.

Eventually, the 1918 pandemic is said to 
have claimed between 50 million and 100 million lives (and possibly 
millions more lives worldwide, with as much as one-third of the world’s
 population infected.

In Kansas City, the disease infected more 
than 11,000 people and killed more than 2,300, or nearly 10 percent of 
the population. <a href="https://www.influenzaarchive.org/cities/city-kansascity.html#">Kansas City experienced one of the worst outbreaks of any city in the U.S.</a>, according to a report by the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine.

Of
 course, advances in medical science, vaccines, antibiotics and other 
treatments have vastly improved in the last 100 years. But many public 
health experts say the world is still insufficiently equipped to 
effectively battle another pandemic outbreak, and more public health 
resources and global cooperation are needed.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">In a 2018 interview with KCUR’s Central Standard</a>, Sykes-Berry said Kansas City was hit very hard by the 1918 flu “because of politics.”

The beginning of the outbreak was reported by The Kansas City Star in September 1918.&nbsp; It raged until&nbsp; spring 1919.

Sykes-Berry
 said the city was divided in its response between public health 
advocates and followers of Tom Pendergast.&nbsp; The Board of Health ordered 
schools, theaters and churches closed. But business owners resisted.

“Tom
 Pendergast controlled saloons,” she said. “When they did finally get 
around to putting in a quarantine, saloons were exempt. They just let 
them stay open because nobody wanted to challenge Tom Pendergast.”

In addition, she said, other business owners and managers of the streetcars didn’t want streetcar ridership limited.

“It was a business decision,” she said.

While
 schools closed in Kansas City, Kansas, the order to close schools in 
Kansas City, Missouri, was lifted in October 1918. And the epidemic 
spread more rapidly in Kansas City, Missouri.

There was no vaccine and no good treatment. But Sykes-Berry notes some approaches worked and are still relevant today.

“The
 best treatment you could get was good nursing care,” she noted. “And 
the Visiting Nurses Association, they have records that show that they 
treated 2,300 some people and they only had 35 deaths in that number.”

“St. Louis
 had a very strict quarantine and St. Louis had about half the death 
rate that we did,” she told KCUR. “Kansas City, Kansas, and the whole 
Kansas side, they had a better response because they weren’t politically
 divided.”

While 1918 still resonates, the good news is that 
Kansas City and the world have seen tremendous advancements in medical 
approaches since then.

Researchers are already working on a 
coronavirus vaccine, and clinical trials should start soon, although it 
may not be widely available for many months.

In the 2018 
interview with KCUR’s Central Standard, Dana Hawkinson, an infectious 
disease specialist with the University of Kansas Health System, said flu
 vaccines work. Good hand washing and hygiene are also preventive 
measures.

“Promote good health practices,” he said. “That means 
promoting good vaccine rates, promoting hand hygiene, all those things 
help reduce influenza infection but also the severity from influenza.”

Susan
 Sykes-Berry, retired nurse and librarian with the UMKC Health Sciences 
Library and Dana Hawkinson with the University of Kansas Health System 
spoke with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">KCUR’s Central Standard in November 2018</a>.

KCUR contributor Lynn Horsley was a long-time reporter for The Kansas City Star. Follow her on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/LynnHorsley">@LynnHorsley</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582757243794.png" alt=" Streetcars in Kansas City, Missouri, never closed in 1918 during the flu pandemic. Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri" />
 <figcaption> Streetcars in Kansas City, Missouri, never closed in 1918 during the flu pandemic. Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>By LYNN HORSLEY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/what-1918-flu-pandemic-taught-kansas-city-about-dealing-outbreaks-coronavirus#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>As the widening coronavirus outbreak stokes fears of a worldwide 
pandemic, it’s worth remembering that the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic may 
have started in Kansas. And it hit Kansas City particularly hard.Lessons from that time still resonate today.“It’s
 always a good idea to remember your history so you don’t repeat those 
mistakes,” says Susan Sykes-Berry, a retired nurse and librarian with 
the UMKC Health Sciences Library who wrote a graduate thesis about the 
1918 pandemic flu in Kansas City.&nbsp;Some researchers say the 1918 flu outbreak, the deadliest pandemic in history, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article194909839.html">may have started in Kansas</a>.
 A Haskell County doctor is believed to have first documented the deadly
 flu strain and it was believed that soldiers from Haskell County 
transported the disease to Fort Riley. Camp Funston at Fort Riley was 
particularly hard hit. And then U.S. troops sent from Fort Riley to 
fight in World War I in Europe may have carried the virus with them and 
it spread from there.Eventually, the 1918 pandemic is said to 
have claimed between 50 million and 100 million lives (and possibly 
millions more lives worldwide, with as much as one-third of the world’s
 population infected.In Kansas City, the disease infected more 
than 11,000 people and killed more than 2,300, or nearly 10 percent of 
the population. <a href="https://www.influenzaarchive.org/cities/city-kansascity.html#">Kansas City experienced one of the worst outbreaks of any city in the U.S.</a>, according to a report by the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine.Of
 course, advances in medical science, vaccines, antibiotics and other 
treatments have vastly improved in the last 100 years. But many public 
health experts say the world is still insufficiently equipped to 
effectively battle another pandemic outbreak, and more public health 
resources and global cooperation are needed.Lesson One: Politics matter.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">In a 2018 interview with KCUR’s Central Standard</a>, Sykes-Berry said Kansas City was hit very hard by the 1918 flu “because of politics.”The beginning of the outbreak was reported by The Kansas City Star in September 1918.&nbsp; It raged until&nbsp; spring 1919.Sykes-Berry
 said the city was divided in its response between public health 
advocates and followers of Tom Pendergast.&nbsp; The Board of Health ordered 
schools, theaters and churches closed. But business owners resisted.“Tom
 Pendergast controlled saloons,” she said. “When they did finally get 
around to putting in a quarantine, saloons were exempt. They just let 
them stay open because nobody wanted to challenge Tom Pendergast.”In addition, she said, other business owners and managers of the streetcars didn’t want streetcar ridership limited.“It was a business decision,” she said.While
 schools closed in Kansas City, Kansas, the order to close schools in 
Kansas City, Missouri, was lifted in October 1918. And the epidemic 
spread more rapidly in Kansas City, Missouri.There was no vaccine and no good treatment. But Sykes-Berry notes some approaches worked and are still relevant today.“The
 best treatment you could get was good nursing care,” she noted. “And 
the Visiting Nurses Association, they have records that show that they 
treated 2,300 some people and they only had 35 deaths in that number.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582757305466.png" alt=" St. Joseph Hospital on Linwood and Prospect saw many flu patients during the pandemic. Some of it nurses and doctors reportedly died of the disease. Credit Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri" />
 <figcaption> St. Joseph Hospital on Linwood and Prospect saw many flu patients during the pandemic. Some of it nurses and doctors reportedly died of the disease. Credit Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Room / Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>Lesson Two: The quarantine worked.“St. Louis
 had a very strict quarantine and St. Louis had about half the death 
rate that we did,” she told KCUR. “Kansas City, Kansas, and the whole 
Kansas side, they had a better response because they weren’t politically
 divided.”While 1918 still resonates, the good news is that 
Kansas City and the world have seen tremendous advancements in medical 
approaches since then.Researchers are already working on a 
coronavirus vaccine, and clinical trials should start soon, although it 
may not be widely available for many months.In the 2018 
interview with KCUR’s Central Standard, Dana Hawkinson, an infectious 
disease specialist with the University of Kansas Health System, said flu
 vaccines work. Good hand washing and hygiene are also preventive 
measures.“Promote good health practices,” he said. “That means 
promoting good vaccine rates, promoting hand hygiene, all those things 
help reduce influenza infection but also the severity from influenza.”Susan
 Sykes-Berry, retired nurse and librarian with the UMKC Health Sciences 
Library and Dana Hawkinson with the University of Kansas Health System 
spoke with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/seg-1-flu-season-1918-and-today-seg-2-tvs-tomorrow#stream/0">KCUR’s Central Standard in November 2018</a>.KCUR contributor Lynn Horsley was a long-time reporter for The Kansas City Star. Follow her on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/LynnHorsley">@LynnHorsley</a>.

What 1918 flu outbreak taught K.C. about dealing with epidemics

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A coalition of 39 states will look into the marketing and sales of vaping products by Juul Labs, including whether the company targeted youths and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices, officials announced Tuesday.

Attorneys general from Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas said they will lead the multi-state investigation into San Francisco-based Juul, which also is facing lawsuits by teenagers and others who say they became addicted to the company's vaping products.

The state officials said they also will investigate the company's claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices.

“I will not prejudge where this investigation will lead," Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement, “but we will follow every fact and are prepared to take strong action in conjunction with states across the nation to protect public health.”

Juul released a statement saying it has halted television, print and digital advertising and eliminated most flavors in response to concerns by government officials and others.

“We will continue to reset the vapor category in the U.S. and seek to earn the trust of society by working cooperatively with attorneys general, regulators, public health officials, and other stakeholders to combat underage use and transition adult smokers from combustible cigarettes," the statement said.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said underage vaping has become an epidemic across the country.

“I cannot sit on the sidelines while this public health epidemic grows, and our next generation becomes addicted to nicotine,” Moody said.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford added, "Preying on children and those looking for help to quit smoking is the one of the most despicable examples of risking people's lives for corporate profit."

The brainchild of two Stanford University design students, Juul launched in 2015 and quickly rocketed to the top of the multibillion-dollar vaping market.

The company initially sold its high-nicotine pods in fruit and dessert flavors, including mango, mint and creme. The products have become a scourge in U.S. high schools, with one in four teenagers reportedly vaping in the past month, according to the latest federal figures. Juul is the most popular brand, preferred by 60% of high schoolers.

Juul’s meteoric rise has been followed by a hasty retreat in recent months amid a nationwide political backlash over vaping.

Although Juul remains the dominant player in the U.S. vaping market, the company has made several concessions, including halting its advertising and pulling all its flavors except menthol and tobacco from the market. The Food and Drug Administration recently put in place flavor restrictions designed to curb use of small, pod-based e-cigarettes like Juul.

The FDA and a congressional panel are investigating whether the company’s early marketing efforts — which included online influencers and product giveaways — deliberately targeted minors.

Nine attorneys general previously announced lawsuits against the company, most alleging that the company adopted the playbook of Big Tobacco by luring teens with youth-oriented marketing while failing to stop underage sales.

Massachusetts’ Maura Healey sued the company this month, citing company records to allege that Juul bought advertisements on websites designed for teens and children, including Seventeen.com, Nickjr.com and Cartoonnetwork.com.

California sued Juul Labs in November, alleging the company deliberately marketed and sold its flavored nicotine products to teenagers by, among other things, using bright colors and youthful models to attract underage users and failing to adequately verify customers’ ages and identities on its website.

President Donald Trump late last year signed a law raising the minimum age to purchase all tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 nationwide. Juul supported the measure, citing the need to curb underage vaping.

A spokeswoman for Tong said officials could not provide a complete list of the 39 states, saying some states are barred from disclosing investigations.

Other states investigating include Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to official announcements.

Juul’s biggest investor is the tobacco giant Altria, maker of Marlboro cigarettes, which owns a one-third stake in the company. Since October, Altria has slashed the value of its Juul investment by more than $8.5 billion, citing the company’s mounting legal challenges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561744117367.png" alt="A Juul electronic cigarette / Wikipedia Commons" />
 <figcaption>A Juul electronic cigarette / Wikipedia Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A coalition of 39 states will look into the marketing and sales of vaping products by Juul Labs, including whether the company targeted youths and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices, officials announced Tuesday.Attorneys general from Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas said they will lead the multi-state investigation into San Francisco-based Juul, which also is facing lawsuits by teenagers and others who say they became addicted to the company's vaping products.The state officials said they also will investigate the company's claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices.“I will not prejudge where this investigation will lead," Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement, “but we will follow every fact and are prepared to take strong action in conjunction with states across the nation to protect public health.”Juul released a statement saying it has halted television, print and digital advertising and eliminated most flavors in response to concerns by government officials and others.“We will continue to reset the vapor category in the U.S. and seek to earn the trust of society by working cooperatively with attorneys general, regulators, public health officials, and other stakeholders to combat underage use and transition adult smokers from combustible cigarettes," the statement said.Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said underage vaping has become an epidemic across the country.“I cannot sit on the sidelines while this public health epidemic grows, and our next generation becomes addicted to nicotine,” Moody said.Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford added, "Preying on children and those looking for help to quit smoking is the one of the most despicable examples of risking people's lives for corporate profit."The brainchild of two Stanford University design students, Juul launched in 2015 and quickly rocketed to the top of the multibillion-dollar vaping market.The company initially sold its high-nicotine pods in fruit and dessert flavors, including mango, mint and creme. The products have become a scourge in U.S. high schools, with one in four teenagers reportedly vaping in the past month, according to the latest federal figures. Juul is the most popular brand, preferred by 60% of high schoolers.Juul’s meteoric rise has been followed by a hasty retreat in recent months amid a nationwide political backlash over vaping.Although Juul remains the dominant player in the U.S. vaping market, the company has made several concessions, including halting its advertising and pulling all its flavors except menthol and tobacco from the market. The Food and Drug Administration recently put in place flavor restrictions designed to curb use of small, pod-based e-cigarettes like Juul.The FDA and a congressional panel are investigating whether the company’s early marketing efforts — which included online influencers and product giveaways — deliberately targeted minors.Nine attorneys general previously announced lawsuits against the company, most alleging that the company adopted the playbook of Big Tobacco by luring teens with youth-oriented marketing while failing to stop underage sales.Massachusetts’ Maura Healey sued the company this month, citing company records to allege that Juul bought advertisements on websites designed for teens and children, including Seventeen.com, Nickjr.com and Cartoonnetwork.com.California sued Juul Labs in November, alleging the company deliberately marketed and sold its flavored nicotine products to teenagers by, among other things, using bright colors and youthful models to attract underage users and failing to adequately verify customers’ ages and identities on its website.President Donald Trump late last year signed a law raising the minimum age to purchase all tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 nationwide. Juul supported the measure, citing the need to curb underage vaping.A spokeswoman for Tong said officials could not provide a complete list of the 39 states, saying some states are barred from disclosing investigations.Other states investigating include Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to official announcements.Juul’s biggest investor is the tobacco giant Altria, maker of Marlboro cigarettes, which owns a one-third stake in the company. Since October, Altria has slashed the value of its Juul investment by more than $8.5 billion, citing the company’s mounting legal challenges.

Kansas among states investigating Juul's marketing of vaping products

Dan Ochs Jr., 94, passed away February 24, 2020, at Clara Barton 
Hospital, Hoisington. He was born on October 31, 1925, at Otis, to Dan 
Ochs, Sr. &amp; Violet (Schutler) Ochs. He married Catherine Martin on 
September 31, 1945, at Hays. She died November 21, 2009.

A lifetime Barton and Rush County resident, Dan currently resided in 
Great Bend. Dan was a farmer and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah
 Witness'. He served in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed farming 
and chasing the grandkids.

He is survived by two sons, Michael Ochs and wife Stella of Great 
Bend, and Roy Ochs and wife Julie of Omaha, Neb.; two sisters, Norma 
Jean Ochs of Holdrege, Neb., and Donna Smolick and husband Richard of 
Timken; eight grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and one great 
great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, 
Wanda Jacobs, and Leona Reinhart; and one grandson, Aaron Ochs.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and a 
Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 
the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness’ in Great Bend, with Lewis Smith 
presiding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582653082590.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dan Ochs Jr., 94, passed away February 24, 2020, at Clara Barton 
Hospital, Hoisington. He was born on October 31, 1925, at Otis, to Dan 
Ochs, Sr. &amp; Violet (Schutler) Ochs. He married Catherine Martin on 
September 31, 1945, at Hays. She died November 21, 2009.A lifetime Barton and Rush County resident, Dan currently resided in 
Great Bend. Dan was a farmer and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah
 Witness'. He served in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed farming 
and chasing the grandkids.He is survived by two sons, Michael Ochs and wife Stella of Great 
Bend, and Roy Ochs and wife Julie of Omaha, Neb.; two sisters, Norma 
Jean Ochs of Holdrege, Neb., and Donna Smolick and husband Richard of 
Timken; eight grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and one great 
great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, 
Wanda Jacobs, and Leona Reinhart; and one grandson, Aaron Ochs.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and a 
Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 
the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness’ in Great Bend, with Lewis Smith 
presiding.

Dan Ochs Jr.

The Rev. William "Bill" Harden Sr., 71, passed away February 23, 2020 at Sandpiper Health and Rehabilitation Center, Wichita, KS.

He was born October 23, 1948 in Winnfield, LA, the son of Nathan and 
Cora Lee Austin Harden.&nbsp; Originally living in Louisiana, he moved to 
McPherson, Kansas and then to Larned, Kansas in 1992.&nbsp; He was a devoted 
minister, spending every Sunday at Church and was also a bus driver for 
USD 495, Larned.

He was a member of the Escue Chapel, CME Church, Larned and Second 
Baptist Church, Great Bend.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing and going to church.

On July 16, 1975, he married Katherine “Kat” Guye in Winnfield, LA. 
She died August 27, 2010.&nbsp; On May 26, 2012 he married Shirley Williams 
in Wichita.&nbsp; She survives.

Other survivors include: three sons, William “Junior” (Lindy) Harden,
 Lawrence, KS, Shawn (Katelyn Shnuerlee) Harden, Hays, KS, Rodney 
Harden, Louisiana; two daughters, Renia Harden, Houston, TX, Lekisha 
Magee, Louisiana; brother, Roy Harden, McPherson, KS; and eight 
grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by; two sisters, Corene Foster and Erlene Magee.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Pastor Clifford Parker presiding. 
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Beckwith Mortuary, 
Larned.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be sent to Donor’s Choice in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582639723774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Rev. William "Bill" Harden Sr., 71, passed away February 23, 2020 at Sandpiper Health and Rehabilitation Center, Wichita, KS.He was born October 23, 1948 in Winnfield, LA, the son of Nathan and 
Cora Lee Austin Harden.&nbsp; Originally living in Louisiana, he moved to 
McPherson, Kansas and then to Larned, Kansas in 1992.&nbsp; He was a devoted 
minister, spending every Sunday at Church and was also a bus driver for 
USD 495, Larned.He was a member of the Escue Chapel, CME Church, Larned and Second 
Baptist Church, Great Bend.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing and going to church.On July 16, 1975, he married Katherine “Kat” Guye in Winnfield, LA. 
She died August 27, 2010.&nbsp; On May 26, 2012 he married Shirley Williams 
in Wichita.&nbsp; She survives.Other survivors include: three sons, William “Junior” (Lindy) Harden,
 Lawrence, KS, Shawn (Katelyn Shnuerlee) Harden, Hays, KS, Rodney 
Harden, Louisiana; two daughters, Renia Harden, Houston, TX, Lekisha 
Magee, Louisiana; brother, Roy Harden, McPherson, KS; and eight 
grandchildren.He was preceded in death by; two sisters, Corene Foster and Erlene Magee.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Pastor Clifford Parker presiding. 
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Beckwith Mortuary, 
Larned.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned.Memorials may be sent to Donor’s Choice in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

The Rev. William 'Bill' Harden Sr.

Jerry P. Wendel, 89, passed away Feburary 24, 2020, at River Bend 
Assisted Living, Great Bend. He was born on October 15, 1930, at 
Ellinwood, the son of Peter L. &amp; Bertha A. (Steimel) Wendel. He 
married Theda Jo Whelan on November 30, 1957 at Great Bend. She 
survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Jerry was the division manager for 
Centel/Western Plains Energy for 19 years. After working for 40 years 
there, he retired on February 1, 1993. He was a member of Prince of 
Peace Parish at St. Rose and Knights of Columbus. He had been active in 
many areas within the community, such as a director for CKMC, Kansas 
Association of Commerce and Industry, an inside chairman for the 3I 
Exhibition and Central Kansas Development, as well as, the Great Bend 
Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Vintage Wheel Antique Auto 
Club, MACK Flying Club, Kansas Calvary and the Great Bend County Club.

Survivors include, his wife, Theda Jo Wendel of the home; a brother, 
Thomas Wendel of Hutchinson; and many nieces and nephews, and great 
nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two 
sisters, Catherine Birzer and Audrey Puckett.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and the register book will be available to sign, Wednesday, February 26th to Friday, February 28th,
 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., 
Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial 
will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2020, at St. Rose of Lima 
Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Inurnment will be in 
the Great Bend Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to 
Prince of Peace Parish Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582639626638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jerry P. Wendel, 89, passed away Feburary 24, 2020, at River Bend 
Assisted Living, Great Bend. He was born on October 15, 1930, at 
Ellinwood, the son of Peter L. &amp; Bertha A. (Steimel) Wendel. He 
married Theda Jo Whelan on November 30, 1957 at Great Bend. She 
survives.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Jerry was the division manager for 
Centel/Western Plains Energy for 19 years. After working for 40 years 
there, he retired on February 1, 1993. He was a member of Prince of 
Peace Parish at St. Rose and Knights of Columbus. He had been active in 
many areas within the community, such as a director for CKMC, Kansas 
Association of Commerce and Industry, an inside chairman for the 3I 
Exhibition and Central Kansas Development, as well as, the Great Bend 
Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Vintage Wheel Antique Auto 
Club, MACK Flying Club, Kansas Calvary and the Great Bend County Club.Survivors include, his wife, Theda Jo Wendel of the home; a brother, 
Thomas Wendel of Hutchinson; and many nieces and nephews, and great 
nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two 
sisters, Catherine Birzer and Audrey Puckett.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and the register book will be available to sign, Wednesday, February 26th to Friday, February 28th,
 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., 
Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial 
will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2020, at St. Rose of Lima 
Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Inurnment will be in 
the Great Bend Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to 
Prince of Peace Parish Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Jerry P. Wendel

Joyce Elaine (Schoen) Preston, beloved daughter of Alvin and Effie (Kirk) Schoen, was born in Leota Township located in Norton County, Kansas, on October 29, 1931, and peacefully passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton, on February 21, 2020, at the age of 88.

Joyce grew up in Norton County where she attended school at the Valley View District #40,  and attended the Norton Jr High and High and graduated from Norton Community High School in 1949.

On, August 18, 1957, Joyce was united in marriage in Norton, Kansas, to the love of her life, Lee Preston, and they were married for over 62 years.  Joyce started her working career in Norton, working for Andy Larson for USD 211. 

They lived in Anderson, Indiana from 1957-58, Las Animas, Colorado, 1958-65, Denver, Colorado, 1965-75, Monta Vista, Colorado, from 1975-78, Grand Junction, Colorado, 1978-2007. 

While in Colorado, Joyce was sought by the U.S. Department of Energy to help develop annual budgets.  She held the position of Executive Secretary for heads of companies contracting with the Department of Energy for Uranium remediation on the Colorado Western Slopes. 

Joyce was the founding president of the Las Animas Jayce Janes.

They returned back to home in Norton in 2007, where Joyce was an active member of the churches where her husband would Pastor.  During her life, Joyce enjoyed being her Pastor's "special assistant" with four different congregations.   Joyce loved to teach Sunday School and enjoyed being a vocalist, singing as a soloist in trios and quartets, as well as being a pianist.  

Her greatest love was her family, especially her husband Lee.

Survivors include:  Her loving husband, Lee; niece, Bev Miller; Grand Nieces and Nephews and many other friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ila Marie Ritter, and step mother Mary Schoen.

VISITATION – Wednesday, February 26, 23020 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm 

PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main - Norton

FUNERAL SERVICE - Thursday, February 27, 2020—10:30 am

Joyce Elaine (Schoen) Preston, beloved daughter of Alvin and Effie (Kirk) Schoen, was born in Leota Township located in Norton County, Kansas, on October 29, 1931, and peacefully passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton, on February 21, 2020, at the age of 88.Joyce grew up in Norton County where she attended school at the Valley View District #40, and attended the Norton Jr High and High and graduated from Norton Community High School in 1949.On, August 18, 1957, Joyce was united in marriage in Norton, Kansas, to the love of her life, Lee Preston, and they were married for over 62 years. Joyce started her working career in Norton, working for Andy Larson for USD 211. They lived in Anderson, Indiana from 1957-58, Las Animas, Colorado, 1958-65, Denver, Colorado, 1965-75, Monta Vista, Colorado, from 1975-78, Grand Junction, Colorado, 1978-2007. While in Colorado, Joyce was sought by the U.S. Department of Energy to help develop annual budgets. She held the position of Executive Secretary for heads of companies contracting with the Department of Energy for Uranium remediation on the Colorado Western Slopes. Joyce was the founding president of the Las Animas Jayce Janes.They returned back to home in Norton in 2007, where Joyce was an active member of the churches where her husband would Pastor. During her life, Joyce enjoyed being her Pastor's "special assistant" with four different congregations. Joyce loved to teach Sunday School and enjoyed being a vocalist, singing as a soloist in trios and quartets, as well as being a pianist. Her greatest love was her family, especially her husband Lee.Survivors include: Her loving husband, Lee; niece, Bev Miller; Grand Nieces and Nephews and many other friends.Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ila Marie Ritter, and step mother Mary Schoen.VISITATION – Wednesday, February 26, 23020 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main - NortonFUNERAL SERVICE - Thursday, February 27, 2020—10:30 amPLACE – First Church of God - NortonINTERMENT – Norton Cemetery - NortonMEMORIAL – Joyce Preston Memorial Fund

Joyce Elaine (Schoen) Preston

Ruth L. Bitter Ochs Howard, age 92, died February 21, 2020 at Rhode 
Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas where she had been residing since 2012. 


She was born March 27, 1927 in Barton County, Kansas the daughter of 
Julius Bitter and Emilie Schmidt Bitter. Ruth completed 8th 
grade in Barton County at a one-room schoolhouse. She attended Salt Lake
 City Business College at age 16 in Hutchinson, Kansas. On May 5, 1946 
she married Leonard Ochs in Barton County. Leonard died on May 26, 1964.
 She went back to high school in 1966 and graduated Salutatorian from 
Utica High School in 1968. She married Donald “D.D.” Howard on October 
25, 1968 in Jennings, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 7, 
2019. Also preceding her in death were her two brothers Harry and Eugene
 Bitter.

Ruth was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church and 
the United Methodist Women of Utica and WaKeeney. She was also a member 
of the Starlight Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by a daughter, Marlene Hord and her husband, Karl, of
 Nixa, Missouri; four sons, John Ochs and his wife, Julie, of Seminole, 
Alabama; Tom Ochs and his wife, Kris, of Utica; Leonard D. Ochs and his 
wife, Cynthia, of Utica; and Hardy Howard and his wife, Dawn, of 
WaKeeney; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 7 step-great 
grandchildren and 1 step-great great grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Utica
 on Friday, February 28, 2020, 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn 
presiding. Inurnment in the Utica cemetery following the service. 
Friends may sign the memorial book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City
 on Thursday, February 27 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family
 present from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the United
 Methodist Church of Utica or WaKeeney. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582553034598.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ruth L. Bitter Ochs Howard, age 92, died February 21, 2020 at Rhode 
Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas where she had been residing since 2012. 
She was born March 27, 1927 in Barton County, Kansas the daughter of 
Julius Bitter and Emilie Schmidt Bitter. Ruth completed 8th 
grade in Barton County at a one-room schoolhouse. She attended Salt Lake
 City Business College at age 16 in Hutchinson, Kansas. On May 5, 1946 
she married Leonard Ochs in Barton County. Leonard died on May 26, 1964.
 She went back to high school in 1966 and graduated Salutatorian from 
Utica High School in 1968. She married Donald “D.D.” Howard on October 
25, 1968 in Jennings, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 7, 
2019. Also preceding her in death were her two brothers Harry and Eugene
 Bitter.Ruth was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church and 
the United Methodist Women of Utica and WaKeeney. She was also a member 
of the Starlight Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.She is survived by a daughter, Marlene Hord and her husband, Karl, of
 Nixa, Missouri; four sons, John Ochs and his wife, Julie, of Seminole, 
Alabama; Tom Ochs and his wife, Kris, of Utica; Leonard D. Ochs and his 
wife, Cynthia, of Utica; and Hardy Howard and his wife, Dawn, of 
WaKeeney; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 7 step-great 
grandchildren and 1 step-great great grandchild.A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Utica
 on Friday, February 28, 2020, 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn 
presiding. Inurnment in the Utica cemetery following the service. 
Friends may sign the memorial book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City
 on Thursday, February 27 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family
 present from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the United
 Methodist Church of Utica or WaKeeney.

Ruth Leona Howard

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 50 personnel at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas may have been exposed to dangerous levels of a compound linked to cancer that was found inside an aircraft hangar last year, according to internal memos.

<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article240484866.html" target="_blank">Contamination&nbsp;</a>by hexavalent chrominium, the subject of the case featured in the movie “Eric Brockovich”, was documented in multiple base memos from October 2019 to January 2020, McClatchy reported. The chemical can be used as an anti-corrosion agent and “is found in paints and primers used on the KC-135 and to a lesser extent the KC-46.”

A November test found that an airman had been exposed to levels almost six times higher than the permissible exposure limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It warns that exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause respiratory diseases, kidney, liver or abdominal damage and various cancers, the Wichita Eagle reported.

One memo noted exhaust filers and protective gear should have limited contamination and the risk of exposure to the area used for painting. It determined that dust contamination is present on most surfaces in hanger 1124 North and presents a contact hazard to unprotected workers. It also noted detection of the chemical in the break room and on the floor near the supervisor’s desk, according to an October memo.

A notice was issued in October to personnel warning of the hangar contamination and underlined “NO FOOD OR DRINK are authorized in the North Bay of Hangar 1124.”

The base encouraged any personnel who believe they were exposed to the chemical to report it.

McConnell said in a statement that it is aware of the exposure hazard and has taken steps to protect personnel. It said only mission essential personnel trained to work with hexavalent chromium have access to the hangar.

“The hangar also is limited to a single entry control point with specified decontamination zones and rigorous cleaning procedure, and exposure-level testing is conducted regularly,” according to the base statement.

But McClatchy reported that a January email from a base bioenvironmental engineer to a chief medical officer indicates contamination may have spread and could impact operations.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 50 personnel at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas may have been exposed to dangerous levels of a compound linked to cancer that was found inside an aircraft hangar last year, according to internal memos.<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article240484866.html" target="_blank">Contamination&nbsp;</a>by hexavalent chrominium, the subject of the case featured in the movie “Eric Brockovich”, was documented in multiple base memos from October 2019 to January 2020, McClatchy reported. The chemical can be used as an anti-corrosion agent and “is found in paints and primers used on the KC-135 and to a lesser extent the KC-46.”A November test found that an airman had been exposed to levels almost six times higher than the permissible exposure limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It warns that exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause respiratory diseases, kidney, liver or abdominal damage and various cancers, the Wichita Eagle reported.One memo noted exhaust filers and protective gear should have limited contamination and the risk of exposure to the area used for painting. It determined that dust contamination is present on most surfaces in hanger 1124 North and presents a contact hazard to unprotected workers. It also noted detection of the chemical in the break room and on the floor near the supervisor’s desk, according to an October memo.A notice was issued in October to personnel warning of the hangar contamination and underlined “NO FOOD OR DRINK are authorized in the North Bay of Hangar 1124.”The base encouraged any personnel who believe they were exposed to the chemical to report it.McConnell said in a statement that it is aware of the exposure hazard and has taken steps to protect personnel. It said only mission essential personnel trained to work with hexavalent chromium have access to the hangar.“The hangar also is limited to a single entry control point with specified decontamination zones and rigorous cleaning procedure, and exposure-level testing is conducted regularly,” according to the base statement.But McClatchy reported that a January email from a base bioenvironmental engineer to a chief medical officer indicates contamination may have spread and could impact operations.

Cancer-linked chemical found inside Kansas aircraft hanger

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are considering blocking the sale of raw milk or requiring farmers to include warning labels on packaging after the state abandoned a law prohibiting farmers from advertising raw milk outside their farm.

The state stopped enforcing the ban after Shepherd’s Gate Dairy operators Mark and Coraleen Bunner filed a lawsuit against the state in October.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the state Department of Agriculture settled the lawsuit in November resulting in the end of the ban. Schmidt admitted the law was “plainly unconstitutional.”

Pasteurized milk undergoes a heating process to kill pathogens. Raw milk that comes straight from a cow or goat is much more likely to carry salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

But those who drink and sell raw milk think of it as an all-natural product that brings people closer to the source of their food.

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee endorsed a bill Thursday that would allow the on-farm sale of raw, unpasteurized milk, so long as each container sold labels it as such. It goes next to the Senate for debate, possibly next week.

It remains unclear how the Legislature as a whole would vote. A bill to ban the sale of raw milk have also been proposed.

“I think that people should have the choice to eat what they want,” said Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco. “We have a lot of other substances we know are not good for people and we allow those.”

While state legislators decide on an approach, consumers and farmers in consumers are weighing in on both sides of the issue.

“Our consumers of raw milk educate themselves. They’re not stupid people,” said Mary Powell, a Longton resident with more than 30 years of livestock experience.

Aaron Pauly, who milks 160 cows on his farm in Sedgwick County, said the bill would stop unregulated sales to uninformed members of the public.

“There’s a certain nostalgia associated with the way our grandparents or even our great-grandparents operated the farms and the food they ate,” Pauly said. But society has progressed “to a higher standard of living.”

Tucker Stewart, a Kansas Livestock Association lobbyist, said labeling is important because the state banned the advertising law. Raw milk can now be advertised to more people, he added.

“You might not be targeting those consumers who really understand the dangers of raw milk,” Stewart said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582479084207.png" alt="Sen. Marci Francisco courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Marci Francisco courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are considering blocking the sale of raw milk or requiring farmers to include warning labels on packaging after the state abandoned a law prohibiting farmers from advertising raw milk outside their farm.The state stopped enforcing the ban after Shepherd’s Gate Dairy operators Mark and Coraleen Bunner filed a lawsuit against the state in October.Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the state Department of Agriculture settled the lawsuit in November resulting in the end of the ban. Schmidt admitted the law was “plainly unconstitutional.”Pasteurized milk undergoes a heating process to kill pathogens. Raw milk that comes straight from a cow or goat is much more likely to carry salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.But those who drink and sell raw milk think of it as an all-natural product that brings people closer to the source of their food.The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee endorsed a bill Thursday that would allow the on-farm sale of raw, unpasteurized milk, so long as each container sold labels it as such. It goes next to the Senate for debate, possibly next week.It remains unclear how the Legislature as a whole would vote. A bill to ban the sale of raw milk have also been proposed.“I think that people should have the choice to eat what they want,” said Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco. “We have a lot of other substances we know are not good for people and we allow those.”While state legislators decide on an approach, consumers and farmers in consumers are weighing in on both sides of the issue.“Our consumers of raw milk educate themselves. They’re not stupid people,” said Mary Powell, a Longton resident with more than 30 years of livestock experience.Aaron Pauly, who milks 160 cows on his farm in Sedgwick County, said the bill would stop unregulated sales to uninformed members of the public.“There’s a certain nostalgia associated with the way our grandparents or even our great-grandparents operated the farms and the food they ate,” Pauly said. But society has progressed “to a higher standard of living.”Tucker Stewart, a Kansas Livestock Association lobbyist, said labeling is important because the state banned the advertising law. Raw milk can now be advertised to more people, he added.“You might not be targeting those consumers who really understand the dangers of raw milk,” Stewart said.

Kansas legislators contemplate raw milk ban, warning labels

Jackie LeRoy Miller Jr., 52, passed away February 19, 2020, at 
Salina Regional Health Center, Salina. He was born on October 16, 1967, 
to Jackie LeRoy &amp; Peggy Lee (Harrell) Miller, at Great Bend. He 
married Carmen G. McGee on October 17, 1998, at Halstead. She survives.

Jackie was a current Great Bend resident. He was a welder for 
Mountain West Oilfield Service in Vernal, Utah and most recently a 
shipping and receiving clerk at Tortilla King in Moundridge, until his 
retirement in 2014. He was a member of the Wichita Darting Association. 
He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping, shooting and anything 
outdoors. He was a hobby tattoo artist, liked eagles, and was an x box 
World of Tanks enthusiast.

Survivors include, his wife, Carmen Miller of the home; three sons, 
John Alvie Miller and wife Annie, and Brian James Miller, all of Vernal,
 Utah, and Kenton Grauerholz and wife Brittany of Great Bend; a 
daughter, Natasha Taylor and husband Chris of Vernal, Utah; mother in 
law, May McGee of Newton; two sisters, Tammy Krammer, and Nicola Hatch 
and husband Jayson, all of Burrton; 18 grandchildren; and 16 nieces and 
nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 
2020, at Halstead Baptist Church in Halstead with Pastor Edward 
Blanchette, Jr. Memorials may be given to the Halstead Baptist Church, 
525 Harvey St., Halstead, KS, 67056.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582403178500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie LeRoy Miller Jr., 52, passed away February 19, 2020, at 
Salina Regional Health Center, Salina. He was born on October 16, 1967, 
to Jackie LeRoy &amp; Peggy Lee (Harrell) Miller, at Great Bend. He 
married Carmen G. McGee on October 17, 1998, at Halstead. She survives.Jackie was a current Great Bend resident. He was a welder for 
Mountain West Oilfield Service in Vernal, Utah and most recently a 
shipping and receiving clerk at Tortilla King in Moundridge, until his 
retirement in 2014. He was a member of the Wichita Darting Association. 
He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping, shooting and anything 
outdoors. He was a hobby tattoo artist, liked eagles, and was an x box 
World of Tanks enthusiast.Survivors include, his wife, Carmen Miller of the home; three sons, 
John Alvie Miller and wife Annie, and Brian James Miller, all of Vernal,
 Utah, and Kenton Grauerholz and wife Brittany of Great Bend; a 
daughter, Natasha Taylor and husband Chris of Vernal, Utah; mother in 
law, May McGee of Newton; two sisters, Tammy Krammer, and Nicola Hatch 
and husband Jayson, all of Burrton; 18 grandchildren; and 16 nieces and 
nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 
2020, at Halstead Baptist Church in Halstead with Pastor Edward 
Blanchette, Jr. Memorials may be given to the Halstead Baptist Church, 
525 Harvey St., Halstead, KS, 67056.

Jackie LeRoy Miller Jr.

SMITH CENTER-   W.G. “Bill” Hawes, The Great White Hunter, age 88, 
passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the SunPorch of Smith 
Center, KS.  He was born October 9, 1931 in Wakefield, KS to Elmer and 
Evelyn (Gaston) Hawes.  He was a pharmacist.


Bill is survived by his wife Carolyn of Smith Center;   sons, Drew 
(Emily) of Kansas City and Kirk (Mary) of Atlanta, GA; sister Dea Adent;
 step-son Kelly Smith of Kensington, KS;   step daughter Crystal Roberts
 of Ashland, KS; sisters in law Connie Kelley and Linda Carnes   and 1 
granddaughter Dylan Solida.

Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/William-Bill--G--Hawes?obId=11419104#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582403099157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SMITH CENTER- W.G. “Bill” Hawes, The Great White Hunter, age 88, 
passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the SunPorch of Smith 
Center, KS. He was born October 9, 1931 in Wakefield, KS to Elmer and 
Evelyn (Gaston) Hawes. He was a pharmacist.
Bill is survived by his wife Carolyn of Smith Center; sons, Drew 
(Emily) of Kansas City and Kirk (Mary) of Atlanta, GA; sister Dea Adent;
 step-son Kelly Smith of Kensington, KS; step daughter Crystal Roberts
 of Ashland, KS; sisters in law Connie Kelley and Linda Carnes and 1 
granddaughter Dylan Solida.Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/William-Bill--G--Hawes?obId=11419104#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

W.G. 'Bill' Hawes

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in Kansas now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e03e4a920840426a848de304aa0d62c4">running for the U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;sought an ambassadorship in 2018, calling it “an excellent time” to leave state politics and enlisting help from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/333b0663596ade73cc14b0025b8ff632">a billionaire casino mogul&nbsp;</a>who is a close friend of President Donald Trump.

&nbsp;Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, of Wichita, listed businessman Phil Ruffin as a reference on a resume for the White House only 10 days after&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/vote_view/je_20180427183014_246387/" target="_blank">voting for</a>&nbsp;a bill that would have benefitted Ruffin’s business interests in Kansas. She expressed her interest in serving in a diplomatic post, potentially as an ambassador to Ireland, in a May 2018 email to a political operative asking that a cover letter and resume be forwarded to the White House.

Wagle campaign spokesman Matt Beynon said that like many Republicans, Wagle “was excited about the opportunity to serve in President Trump’s administration.”

“And while this opportunity never materialized, it was a good example of when one door closes another door opens to serve — now running for the United States Senate,” Beynon said in an email.

Ruffin owns long-closed dog and horse tracks in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/documents/supp_note_sb427_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the 2018 legislation</a>&nbsp;would have eased the way for racetrack casinos in Kansas. In voting for the bill, Wagle went against years of opposition to expanding legalized gambling in Kansas.

Wagle’s cover letter said she was “inspired by the work the president has done” as a reason for asking to be considered for an ambassadorship.

“I am willing to discuss any opening, but I am particularly interested in Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Ambassador to Belize, Ireland, Belgium or any United Nations Ambassador post,” she wrote.

In her email to the political operative, she wrote, “Even though I have two and a half years left in my Senate Presidency, I’m thinking(it’s)an excellent time to transition out of Kansas politics as we elect a new Governor.”

Democrat Laura Kelly was elected governor in 2018.

Wagle was never nominated for Trump administration position, and it’s unclear whether the White House seriously considered her.

“I think she wanted to be an ambassador, but I never took any action,” Ruffin said.

Ruffin grew up in Wichita, has long-standing ties to Trump, who was best man at Ruffin’s 2008 wedding. They co-own Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where the president stayed this week when he visited Nevada for a campaign rally. Ruffin was also an early mega-donor to Make American Great Again PAC, which formed in 2015 to support Trump.

He has pushing Kansas&nbsp; lawmakers to allow new forms of gambling at racetracks for years and in 2014, Wagle criticized his efforts. But Beynon said in an email that Wagle’s vote in favor of the 2018 gambling bill came after she met with Ruffin and other Wichita business leaders and learned of “uneven tax treatment” for racetracks.

Ruffin gave $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign in October 2017, about six months before she cast her pro-gambling vote. Since that vote, he has donated an additional $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign and contributed $5,600, the maximum donation under federal law, to Wagle’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Ruffin dismissed the idea that Wagle’s change in position on expanded gaming led to his support, saying “we lost anyway” and that “her vote didn’t matter one way or the other.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582315141957.png" alt="Photo courtesy Susan Wagle campaign" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Susan Wagle campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker in Kansas now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e03e4a920840426a848de304aa0d62c4">running for the U.S. Senate</a>&nbsp;sought an ambassadorship in 2018, calling it “an excellent time” to leave state politics and enlisting help from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/333b0663596ade73cc14b0025b8ff632">a billionaire casino mogul&nbsp;</a>who is a close friend of President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, of Wichita, listed businessman Phil Ruffin as a reference on a resume for the White House only 10 days after&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/vote_view/je_20180427183014_246387/" target="_blank">voting for</a>&nbsp;a bill that would have benefitted Ruffin’s business interests in Kansas. She expressed her interest in serving in a diplomatic post, potentially as an ambassador to Ireland, in a May 2018 email to a political operative asking that a cover letter and resume be forwarded to the White House.Wagle campaign spokesman Matt Beynon said that like many Republicans, Wagle “was excited about the opportunity to serve in President Trump’s administration.”“And while this opportunity never materialized, it was a good example of when one door closes another door opens to serve — now running for the United States Senate,” Beynon said in an email.Ruffin owns long-closed dog and horse tracks in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/documents/supp_note_sb427_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the 2018 legislation</a>&nbsp;would have eased the way for racetrack casinos in Kansas. In voting for the bill, Wagle went against years of opposition to expanding legalized gambling in Kansas.Wagle’s cover letter said she was “inspired by the work the president has done” as a reason for asking to be considered for an ambassadorship.“I am willing to discuss any opening, but I am particularly interested in Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Ambassador to Belize, Ireland, Belgium or any United Nations Ambassador post,” she wrote.In her email to the political operative, she wrote, “Even though I have two and a half years left in my Senate Presidency, I’m thinking(it’s)an excellent time to transition out of Kansas politics as we elect a new Governor.”Democrat Laura Kelly was elected governor in 2018.Wagle was never nominated for Trump administration position, and it’s unclear whether the White House seriously considered her.“I think she wanted to be an ambassador, but I never took any action,” Ruffin said.Ruffin grew up in Wichita, has long-standing ties to Trump, who was best man at Ruffin’s 2008 wedding. They co-own Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where the president stayed this week when he visited Nevada for a campaign rally. Ruffin was also an early mega-donor to Make American Great Again PAC, which formed in 2015 to support Trump.He has pushing Kansas&nbsp; lawmakers to allow new forms of gambling at racetracks for years and in 2014, Wagle criticized his efforts. But Beynon said in an email that Wagle’s vote in favor of the 2018 gambling bill came after she met with Ruffin and other Wichita business leaders and learned of “uneven tax treatment” for racetracks.Ruffin gave $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign in October 2017, about six months before she cast her pro-gambling vote. Since that vote, he has donated an additional $1,000 to Wagle’s state Senate campaign and contributed $5,600, the maximum donation under federal law, to Wagle’s U.S. Senate campaign.Ruffin dismissed the idea that Wagle’s change in position on expanded gaming led to his support, saying “we lost anyway” and that “her vote didn’t matter one way or the other.”

Kansas Senate leader wanted ambassadorship

It's been 10 years since the city of Hays began leasing the former Army Reserve building, 101 Main Street, at a minimal cost to NCK Technical College.

The vocational school uses the building as its south Hays campus - called Big Creek Technical Training Center - for student programs in carpentry, electrical technology, and plumbing, heating and air conditioning (PHAC). In exchange, NCK Tech maintains the building and completes applicable&nbsp; projects for the city as requested.

With more than 17 programs of study, NCK Tech graduates about 300 students each year from the satellite Hays campuses and its main campus in Beloit, according to Eric Burks, NCK Tech president. He delivered his annual report to Hays city commissioners Thursday night accompanied by several lead instructors in the audience.

More than 93% of NCK Tech grads are hired almost immediately, sometimes even before they graduate.

"Some of our students couldn't attend their own graduations because they couldn't get off work," Burks noted.

"We've actually had the #1 placement in the nation for two years, in 2017 and 2018," he told the commission.

 "And more than 90% of our graduates stay in Kansas - many of them returning to their home towns - which is something people definitely like to hear as we invest local dollars."

The earned degrees and certifications are also readily portable to any other state or bigger city, Burks was quick to add.&nbsp;

The carpentry program has grown large enough it has been relocated to the main Hays campus at 2205 Wheatland Ave.

Those students, with the help of electricity and PHAC students,&nbsp; are finishing up their annual major project - building a house. The 1,920 sq. ft. single family home will be sold at auction Thu., May 14, and then moved off campus by the new homeowners.

This will be the eighth house built by the NCK Tech students.

Last year's home sold for $160,000. More than $123,548 of the building materials were purchased from Hays area businesses.

The next home built by the students may be done "on location" and nearby.

NCK Tech is in discussions with Doug Williams and Grow Hays about building affordable housing on site in the Tallgrass Addition adjacent to the school at 22nd and Wheatland.&nbsp;

"We're looking to be involved as one of the contractors," Burks said. "Our board of trustees hasn't committed to it yet but we definitely have an interest in finding if that makes sense. I think we can find a way in which everybody wins."

The school is already committed to installing the wiring and plumbing for the new Hays Fire Department Regional Fire Training Facility which is being designed and built by Fort Hays State University construction students south of Old Highway 40.

Projects done for the city in 2019 included replacing electrical switches in the restrooms of Hays parks, troubleshooting a malfunction in the Larks Park scoreboard, and fixing a mini-split air conditioner in a water well house.

Students and their instructors, who are licensed under Hays city codes, also remodeled classrooms in their building, ran a gas line inside the shop for PHAC practice on heating systems, and reconfigured and overhauled the inside and back shops.

Employees of several area trades businesses serve on the NCK Tech advisory committees, ensuring the training meets the regions's needs.

A study conducted in October 2019 by EMSI, a labor market analytics firm focused on the student-to-employment journey, showed NCK Tech has an annual economic impact of $30.7 million in its 18-county service area.

There is no direct tax burden to any county.

"We don't have a local mill levy. We're completely supported through student tuition and state reimbursement for the credit hours we generate," Burks explained.&nbsp;

Mayor Shaun Musil said he appreciates what NCK Tech is doing in helping keep kids in Kansas.

"We just had a meeting with Fort Hays State saying how important it is for kids to go back to their communities after their schooling," Musil said.

"And that's important for Hays, too. What you're doing is exactly what we need."

Ron Mellick also served on the city commission in 2009.&nbsp; "We made the right decision back then in turning that campus over to you guys," he told Burks.

"We had no idea you'd take it and run with it like you did," Mellick said. "This is fantastic."

North Central Kansas Technical College is accredited by the Kansas Board of Regents and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582265706891.jpeg" alt="Eric Burks, NCK Tech president, presented the college's 2020 report to the city of Hays Thursday." />
 <figcaption>Eric Burks, NCK Tech president, presented the college's 2020 report to the city of Hays Thursday.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By BECKY KISER Hays Post</div>It's been 10 years since the city of Hays began leasing the former Army Reserve building, 101 Main Street, at a minimal cost to NCK Technical College.The vocational school uses the building as its south Hays campus - called Big Creek Technical Training Center - for student programs in carpentry, electrical technology, and plumbing, heating and air conditioning (PHAC). In exchange, NCK Tech maintains the building and completes applicable&nbsp; projects for the city as requested.With more than 17 programs of study, NCK Tech graduates about 300 students each year from the satellite Hays campuses and its main campus in Beloit, according to Eric Burks, NCK Tech president. He delivered his annual report to Hays city commissioners Thursday night accompanied by several lead instructors in the audience.More than 93% of NCK Tech grads are hired almost immediately, sometimes even before they graduate."Some of our students couldn't attend their own graduations because they couldn't get off work," Burks noted."We've actually had the #1 placement in the nation for two years, in 2017 and 2018," he told the commission. "And more than 90% of our graduates stay in Kansas - many of them returning to their home towns - which is something people definitely like to hear as we invest local dollars."The earned degrees and certifications are also readily portable to any other state or bigger city, Burks was quick to add.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nI-PvV4tCBE"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Eric Burks, NCK Tech president</figcaption>
 </figure>The carpentry program has grown large enough it has been relocated to the main Hays campus at 2205 Wheatland Ave.Those students, with the help of electricity and PHAC students,&nbsp; are finishing up their annual major project - building a house. The 1,920 sq. ft. single family home will be sold at auction Thu., May 14, and then moved off campus by the new homeowners.This will be the eighth house built by the NCK Tech students.Last year's home sold for $160,000. More than $123,548 of the building materials were purchased from Hays area businesses.The next home built by the students may be done "on location" and nearby.NCK Tech is in discussions with Doug Williams and Grow Hays about building affordable housing on site in the Tallgrass Addition adjacent to the school at 22nd and Wheatland.&nbsp;"We're looking to be involved as one of the contractors," Burks said. "Our board of trustees hasn't committed to it yet but we definitely have an interest in finding if that makes sense. I think we can find a way in which everybody wins."The school is already committed to installing the wiring and plumbing for the new Hays Fire Department Regional Fire Training Facility which is being designed and built by Fort Hays State University construction students south of Old Highway 40.Projects done for the city in 2019 included replacing electrical switches in the restrooms of Hays parks, troubleshooting a malfunction in the Larks Park scoreboard, and fixing a mini-split air conditioner in a water well house.Students and their instructors, who are licensed under Hays city codes, also remodeled classrooms in their building, ran a gas line inside the shop for PHAC practice on heating systems, and reconfigured and overhauled the inside and back shops.Employees of several area trades businesses serve on the NCK Tech advisory committees, ensuring the training meets the regions's needs.A study conducted in October 2019 by EMSI, a labor market analytics firm focused on the student-to-employment journey, showed NCK Tech has an annual economic impact of $30.7 million in its 18-county service area.There is no direct tax burden to any county."We don't have a local mill levy. We're completely supported through student tuition and state reimbursement for the credit hours we generate," Burks explained.&nbsp;Mayor Shaun Musil said he appreciates what NCK Tech is doing in helping keep kids in Kansas."We just had a meeting with Fort Hays State saying how important it is for kids to go back to their communities after their schooling," Musil said."And that's important for Hays, too. What you're doing is exactly what we need."Ron Mellick also served on the city commission in 2009.&nbsp; "We made the right decision back then in turning that campus over to you guys," he told Burks."We had no idea you'd take it and run with it like you did," Mellick said. "This is fantastic."North Central Kansas Technical College is accredited by the Kansas Board of Regents and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and School.

🎥 Commissioner Mellick on NCK Tech lease: 'We made the right decision'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, has introduced a bill that would require the Kansas Department of Aging Disability Services to provide acute care psychiatric beds for juveniles in western Kansas.

SB-407 would require KDADS to provide 12 acute care psychiatric beds for juveniles in Hays and Garden City or the surrounding communities.

KVC Hospital-Hays closed the only juvenile acute care psychiatric beds in western Kansas in October, citing changes in regulations that would not allow youth in acute care to be housed in the same space as youth in residential care.

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/11/04/closure-of-kvc-beds-leaves-kids-with-psychiatric-needs-hundreds-of-miles-from-treatment/">SEE RELATED STORY: Closure of KVC beds leaves kids with psychiatric needs hundreds of miles from treatment</a>

"Someone shows up in Hays, and they say, 'Sorry, we no longer have the acute care beds here. You have to go to Wichita or Kansas City.' Most of the time Wichita is full," Billinger said. "We have such a shortage of beds right now, opening these 24 up will help, but it is going to be not nearly enough beds to take care of the kids with needs."

Acute care beds are reserved for youth in need of temporary intense treatment and who may be a danger to themselves or others.

"What's happening is when these folks show up in Hays now and they say you have to go on to Kansas City, these parents are saying, 'Sorry, that is not an option,'and they are taking these children home without any treatment.

"My concern is someone hurting themselves or someone else.&nbsp; ... It would be a tragedy. We need to take care of these kids, and we are going to figure out a way to do it."

&nbsp;Walt Hill, director of High Plains Mental Health, confirmed parents and guardians are resorting to traveling to Kansas City, out of state or forgoing in-patient treatment for their children because of the lack of acute care beds.

"There is great need for this, and a great interest in this," he said. "I think it is just a matter of getting it moved on toward the finish line."

KDADS conducted a listening tour in western Kansas during the last several weeks, and Hill said the acute care beds has been a point of concern.

"I think those options were still wide open in those discussions, looking at different communities and different partners and they looked at different potential physical facilities," Hill said. "I am not exactly sure what the next steps are. I think that probably rests with KDADS."

The Hays Post tried to contact KDADS for comment, but a phone call was not returned.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, has introduced a bill that would require the Kansas Department of Aging Disability Services to provide acute care psychiatric beds for juveniles in western Kansas.SB-407 would require KDADS to provide 12 acute care psychiatric beds for juveniles in Hays and Garden City or the surrounding communities.KVC Hospital-Hays closed the only juvenile acute care psychiatric beds in western Kansas in October, citing changes in regulations that would not allow youth in acute care to be housed in the same space as youth in residential care.<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/11/04/closure-of-kvc-beds-leaves-kids-with-psychiatric-needs-hundreds-of-miles-from-treatment/">SEE RELATED STORY: Closure of KVC beds leaves kids with psychiatric needs hundreds of miles from treatment</a>"Someone shows up in Hays, and they say, 'Sorry, we no longer have the acute care beds here. You have to go to Wichita or Kansas City.' Most of the time Wichita is full," Billinger said. "We have such a shortage of beds right now, opening these 24 up will help, but it is going to be not nearly enough beds to take care of the kids with needs."Acute care beds are reserved for youth in need of temporary intense treatment and who may be a danger to themselves or others."What's happening is when these folks show up in Hays now and they say you have to go on to Kansas City, these parents are saying, 'Sorry, that is not an option,'and they are taking these children home without any treatment."My concern is someone hurting themselves or someone else.&nbsp; ... It would be a tragedy. We need to take care of these kids, and we are going to figure out a way to do it."&nbsp;Walt Hill, director of High Plains Mental Health, confirmed parents and guardians are resorting to traveling to Kansas City, out of state or forgoing in-patient treatment for their children because of the lack of acute care beds."There is great need for this, and a great interest in this," he said. "I think it is just a matter of getting it moved on toward the finish line."KDADS conducted a listening tour in western Kansas during the last several weeks, and Hill said the acute care beds has been a point of concern."I think those options were still wide open in those discussions, looking at different communities and different partners and they looked at different potential physical facilities," Hill said. "I am not exactly sure what the next steps are. I think that probably rests with KDADS."The Hays Post tried to contact KDADS for comment, but a phone call was not returned.Billinger's bill would require KDADS to provide the beds without additional funding. However, he said if that proved to be a stumbling block for the legislation, he would seek additional funding for the project.Billinger's bill has been referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, but has not been scheduled for a hearing as turn around looms at the statehouse. This is the deadline for all bills to be moved to the opposite house of the Legislature for hearings.KVC is moving forward with turning the space it was using for acute care beds into residential treatment psychiatric beds. This type of treatment generally lasts 30 to 90 days and is for youth who have been stabilized.Kansas has about 200 children on a waiting list for residential treatment with a wait time of about five months.