WASHINGTON (AP) — Buoyed by massive fundraising success, Democratic Senate candidates are mounting a push in Republican states that few would have thought possible just a few months ago, placing continued GOP control of the chamber at risk.

In South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s challenger, Democrat Jaime Harrison, shattered fundraising records when he announced on Sunday a $57 million haul for the quarter that ended in September. MJ Hegar in Texas reported raising over $13 million during the same period for her race against Republican Sen. John Cornyn. In deep-red Kentucky, Amy McGrath has posted strong fundraising numbers against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In Mississippi, Mike Espy reported raising $4 million in his rematch against Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

The windfall speaks to the energy coursing through a restive Democratic base that hopes not only to oust President Donald Trump, but also to flip control of the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority. That will be key for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to enact his agenda, if he wins.

But the flood of money flowing to high-profile Senate candidates is so large, it’s not at all clear the recipients will have time to spend it. That may inadvertently short low-profile states and candidates who may not engender the same fervor from party activists and could use an infusion of resources. And since much of it is coming from donors outside their states, it’s an imperfect measure of the candidates’ chances — especially in red states.

“For Jaime Harrison and Amy McGrath, money can buy you a lot of TV advertising,” said Josh Holmes, a Republican strategist and McConnell adviser. “But they are never going to have enough money to buy another 2 million liberal voters in South Carolina and Kentucky.”

The cautionary tale for these candidates is Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who in 2018 raised a record-breaking $80 million for his losing Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, who was widely reviled by liberal activists and donors. O’Rourke was criticized for being too stingy with his cash, only reluctantly aiding other Democrats, though he eventually donated large amounts to the Texas Democratic Party.

That’s a position Harrison could soon find himself in. Public polling shows he’s locked in a tight race against Graham, a staunch defender of Trump’s who is leading Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett this week. Barrett is the conservative appellate court judge Trump picked to replace liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In the days after Ginsburg’s death last month, over $100 million flooded in through ActBlue, Democrats’ fundraising platform, with Harrison garnering a large chunk.

Harrison’s campaign manager, Zack Carroll, said the plan is to use “every dollar donated” for ads, digital organizing and communication.

But with TV largely saturated, there are limited avenues for him to productively spend such a massive sum of money with just three weeks left before the election.

“I don’t think Jaime Harrison can spend $57 million in the next couple weeks. But that’s not his fault,” said Jefrey Pollock, a Democratic pollster who is working on eight Senate races. Pollock said much of the money will go to advertising, get out the vote and other expenses, but “at some point they’ll start sending that money to other places or spending down ballot.”

The same could apply for McGrath, who is fighting an uphill battle against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky. She has yet to release her most recent fundraising figures, which must be made public by Thursday, but has pulled in $47 million this cycle as of July 1.

Democrats dismiss such concerns and say there’s no such thing as too much money. Plus, they argue, the wild success some have enjoyed has warped perceptions about what is needed.

“All of these challengers are doing well, and it’s hard to find a spot where Democrats are struggling at this point,” said Stewart Boss, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The money to Democrats has heightened a sense of dread among Republicans. They’ve watched as developments this year — including a global pandemic, a faltering economy and the president’s diagnosis of COVID-19 — have expanded the map of competitive races.

Money has washed up in predictable races where Democrats are mostly outspending Republicans, including Iowa, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona.

In Montana, the estimated $131 million that will be spent on advertising in the Senate race between Republican Sen. Steve Daines and outgoing Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock translates to about $122 for every state resident.

But money is also trickling down to once unthinkable states, including Kansas, Alaska and Mississippi, forcing Republican outside groups to spend money playing defense, according to data from the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG.

Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to McConnell, is projected to spend about $14 million in Kansas to boost Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who is being outspent nearly 4-to-1 by Republican-turned-Democrat Barbara Bollier. In Alaska, the group has gone up with $1 million in advertising boosting first-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who was being outspent by his independent challenger Al Gross.

In Texas, though, Hegar is slated to be outspent by Cornyn, barring another infusion of advertising dollars.

“Everything is really close. And that’s not great news for Republicans,” said Holmes, the McConnell adviser. “There’s just an awful lot of combinations the Democrats could have to take the majority.”

For Democrats, the torrent of resources is allowing them to get creative.

Harrison is not only inundating the TV with advertising, but in conjunction with the state party, he’s also run digital ads calling a third-party candidate on the ballot “too conservative” for South Carolina, even though Constitution Party candidate Bill Bledsoe has endorsed Graham and is no longer campaigning. The ploy is aimed at depriving Graham of some votes from conservatives.

In Maine, where vulnerable Republican moderate Sen. Susan Collins is being challenged by Democrat Sara Gideon, the state Democratic Party has paid for “Trump Collins 2020” yard signs in their push to link Collins to the president. The race has similarly shattered state spending records, with an influx of cash from both sides that’s expected to reach at least $106 million.

Then there’s McGrath. Flush with cash, her campaign has paid for slickly produced “Swamp Turtle” cartoon ads that portray McConnell as a denizen of the entrenched Washington interests that Trump ran against in 2016.

“Amy McGrath is just lighting money on fire,” Matt Jones, a Kentucky radio host who briefly considered jumping in the race as a Democrat, tweeted in response.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602457226378.png" alt="Senate candidate Dr. Barbara Bollier during a campaign stop October 7-photo courtesy Bollier for Kansas.&nbsp; Her campaign reported Monday they have raised nearly $13.5 million in past three months" />
 <figcaption>Senate candidate Dr. Barbara Bollier during a campaign stop October 7-photo courtesy Bollier for Kansas.&nbsp; Her campaign reported Monday they have raised nearly $13.5 million in past three months</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Buoyed by massive fundraising success, Democratic Senate candidates are mounting a push in Republican states that few would have thought possible just a few months ago, placing continued GOP control of the chamber at risk.In South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s challenger, Democrat Jaime Harrison, shattered fundraising records when he announced on Sunday a $57 million haul for the quarter that ended in September. MJ Hegar in Texas reported raising over $13 million during the same period for her race against Republican Sen. John Cornyn. In deep-red Kentucky, Amy McGrath has posted strong fundraising numbers against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In Mississippi, Mike Espy reported raising $4 million in his rematch against Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.The windfall speaks to the energy coursing through a restive Democratic base that hopes not only to oust President Donald Trump, but also to flip control of the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority. That will be key for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to enact his agenda, if he wins.But the flood of money flowing to high-profile Senate candidates is so large, it’s not at all clear the recipients will have time to spend it. That may inadvertently short low-profile states and candidates who may not engender the same fervor from party activists and could use an infusion of resources. And since much of it is coming from donors outside their states, it’s an imperfect measure of the candidates’ chances — especially in red states.“For Jaime Harrison and Amy McGrath, money can buy you a lot of TV advertising,” said Josh Holmes, a Republican strategist and McConnell adviser. “But they are never going to have enough money to buy another 2 million liberal voters in South Carolina and Kentucky.”The cautionary tale for these candidates is Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who in 2018 raised a record-breaking $80 million for his losing Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, who was widely reviled by liberal activists and donors. O’Rourke was criticized for being too stingy with his cash, only reluctantly aiding other Democrats, though he eventually donated large amounts to the Texas Democratic Party.That’s a position Harrison could soon find himself in. Public polling shows he’s locked in a tight race against Graham, a staunch defender of Trump’s who is leading Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett this week. Barrett is the conservative appellate court judge Trump picked to replace liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.In the days after Ginsburg’s death last month, over $100 million flooded in through ActBlue, Democrats’ fundraising platform, with Harrison garnering a large chunk.Harrison’s campaign manager, Zack Carroll, said the plan is to use “every dollar donated” for ads, digital organizing and communication.But with TV largely saturated, there are limited avenues for him to productively spend such a massive sum of money with just three weeks left before the election.“I don’t think Jaime Harrison can spend $57 million in the next couple weeks. But that’s not his fault,” said Jefrey Pollock, a Democratic pollster who is working on eight Senate races. Pollock said much of the money will go to advertising, get out the vote and other expenses, but “at some point they’ll start sending that money to other places or spending down ballot.”The same could apply for McGrath, who is fighting an uphill battle against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky. She has yet to release her most recent fundraising figures, which must be made public by Thursday, but has pulled in $47 million this cycle as of July 1.Democrats dismiss such concerns and say there’s no such thing as too much money. Plus, they argue, the wild success some have enjoyed has warped perceptions about what is needed.“All of these challengers are doing well, and it’s hard to find a spot where Democrats are struggling at this point,” said Stewart Boss, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.The money to Democrats has heightened a sense of dread among Republicans. They’ve watched as developments this year — including a global pandemic, a faltering economy and the president’s diagnosis of COVID-19 — have expanded the map of competitive races.Money has washed up in predictable races where Democrats are mostly outspending Republicans, including Iowa, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona.In Montana, the estimated $131 million that will be spent on advertising in the Senate race between Republican Sen. Steve Daines and outgoing Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock translates to about $122 for every state resident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601910652054.png" alt="Rep. Roger Marshall and Barbara Bollier during a virtual candidate debate in September." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Roger Marshall and Barbara Bollier during a virtual candidate debate in September.</figcaption>
 </figure>But money is also trickling down to once unthinkable states, including Kansas, Alaska and Mississippi, forcing Republican outside groups to spend money playing defense, according to data from the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG.Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to McConnell, is projected to spend about $14 million in Kansas to boost Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who is being outspent nearly 4-to-1 by Republican-turned-Democrat Barbara Bollier. In Alaska, the group has gone up with $1 million in advertising boosting first-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who was being outspent by his independent challenger Al Gross.In Texas, though, Hegar is slated to be outspent by Cornyn, barring another infusion of advertising dollars.“Everything is really close. And that’s not great news for Republicans,” said Holmes, the McConnell adviser. “There’s just an awful lot of combinations the Democrats could have to take the majority.”For Democrats, the torrent of resources is allowing them to get creative.Harrison is not only inundating the TV with advertising, but in conjunction with the state party, he’s also run digital ads calling a third-party candidate on the ballot “too conservative” for South Carolina, even though Constitution Party candidate Bill Bledsoe has endorsed Graham and is no longer campaigning. The ploy is aimed at depriving Graham of some votes from conservatives.In Maine, where vulnerable Republican moderate Sen. Susan Collins is being challenged by Democrat Sara Gideon, the state Democratic Party has paid for “Trump Collins 2020” yard signs in their push to link Collins to the president. The race has similarly shattered state spending records, with an influx of cash from both sides that’s expected to reach at least $106 million.Then there’s McGrath. Flush with cash, her campaign has paid for slickly produced “Swamp Turtle” cartoon ads that portray McConnell as a denizen of the entrenched Washington interests that Trump ran against in 2016.“Amy McGrath is just lighting money on fire,” Matt Jones, a Kentucky radio host who briefly considered jumping in the race as a Democrat, tweeted in response.___

Senate Democrats' fundraising success puts GOP on defensive

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30.75 a barrel, which is $3.50 higher than a week ago, but about $15 less than a year ago at this time. U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest autumn gasoline prices in four years, and analysts say it's going to get cheaper. Some stations in Hays were down to $1.94 or less for a gallon of regular last week. We spotted $1.99 across Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about a dime less than last week, a dime more than last month, and about five dollars less than last year at this time. The AAA auto club says the statewide average in Kansas is $1.95 a gallon. We are one of eleven states below two dollars. Nationwide, the average pump price is just over $2.18 a gallon.&nbsp; That's the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016. The active rig count in Kansas is up slightly. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one, and seven west of Wichita, which is up three for the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County, and they're about to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators reached total depth at new wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties last week and are evaluating the results. Baker Hughes reports 269 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decrease of one natural gas rig. The count in Texas was up three. New Mexico was up one. Canada reports 80 active drilling rigs, up five for the week. Kansas regulators approved another five drilling permits last week, all of them west of Wichita. That's 326 new permits so far this year, compared to more than 800 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells across Kansas for the week, six of them in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 676 wells across the state so far this year, down 37% from the total a year ago at this time. EIA says weekly production increased last week by 215-thousand barrels per day over the week before, but remains more than a million barrels per day behind the average from a year earlier. Production for the week ending October 2 averaged 10.96 million [["ten point nine six million"]] barrels per day. EIA reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by half a million barrels last week, dipping just below 493 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year average.&nbsp; The government reports crude imports increased last week by 600-thousand barrels per day, but the four week average remains 19 percent below the same four-week period last year. The government now predicts a slight increase in crude prices for the fourth quarter of 2020, and says prices could rise another five dollars next year. The Energy Information Administration's Short Term Energy Outlook reports U.S. production has been rising steadily since reaching a two-and-a-half-year low in May. The latest confirmed production totals are from July, when we averaged 11 million barrels per day, up half a million barrels per day from June. The government's latest estimate pegs September production at 11.2 million [["eleven point two million"]] barrels per day. The quarterly energy survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reveals some dire expectations within the oil patch. Over a quarter of the companies surveyed do not expect global oil demand to return to pre-Covid levels until the second quarter of next year. Most don't expect oil demand to fully rebound for up to two years.&nbsp; There is mixed news from the nation's number two oil producer. Chevron's market value surpassed that of Exxon Mobil for the first time last week, as it closed a $4.1 billion all-stock deal for Noble Energy. But the company is now making all of its employees worldwide reapply for their jobs. About 15% of them are expected to get pink slips, including 700 in Houston. The layoffs are set to start October 23rd. A strike that shut down about 8% of Norway’s oil and gas output will end after successful mediation talks. Bloomberg reports the settlement will restore production at six fields already shut down by the dispute and prevent an escalation to another six over the weekend. Those facilities pump about 130,000 barrels of crude oil and 43 million cubic meters of gas a day. It also averts the shutdown next week of Norway’s largest oil field.&nbsp; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration to allow the state, and not tribal nations, to regulate environmental issues on lands that may be inside historical tribal reservation boundaries. Stitt requested the authority in July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains a Muskogee/Creek Indian reservation.&nbsp; The U.S. set all-time records last year in the production, consumption and export of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says dry natural gas production increased by ten percent, consumption was up three percent, and exports were up by nearly 30%. The Association of American Railroads says total freight traffic in September was down one percent from a year ago. Some freight categories saw increases, including grain shipments, which were up nearly 28%. Weekly oil-by-rail totals are down nearly 13% from a year ago. For the week ending October 3, AAR reports a total of 10,428 rail cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products, down more than 400 cars from the last report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30.75 a barrel, which is $3.50 higher than a week ago, but about $15 less than a year ago at this time. U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest autumn gasoline prices in four years, and analysts say it's going to get cheaper. Some stations in Hays were down to $1.94 or less for a gallon of regular last week. We spotted $1.99 across Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about a dime less than last week, a dime more than last month, and about five dollars less than last year at this time. The AAA auto club says the statewide average in Kansas is $1.95 a gallon. We are one of eleven states below two dollars. Nationwide, the average pump price is just over $2.18 a gallon.&nbsp; That's the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016. The active rig count in Kansas is up slightly. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one, and seven west of Wichita, which is up three for the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County, and they're about to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators reached total depth at new wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties last week and are evaluating the results. Baker Hughes reports 269 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decrease of one natural gas rig. The count in Texas was up three. New Mexico was up one. Canada reports 80 active drilling rigs, up five for the week. Kansas regulators approved another five drilling permits last week, all of them west of Wichita. That's 326 new permits so far this year, compared to more than 800 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells across Kansas for the week, six of them in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 676 wells across the state so far this year, down 37% from the total a year ago at this time. EIA says weekly production increased last week by 215-thousand barrels per day over the week before, but remains more than a million barrels per day behind the average from a year earlier. Production for the week ending October 2 averaged 10.96 million [["ten point nine six million"]] barrels per day. EIA reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by half a million barrels last week, dipping just below 493 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year average.&nbsp; The government reports crude imports increased last week by 600-thousand barrels per day, but the four week average remains 19 percent below the same four-week period last year. The government now predicts a slight increase in crude prices for the fourth quarter of 2020, and says prices could rise another five dollars next year. The Energy Information Administration's Short Term Energy Outlook reports U.S. production has been rising steadily since reaching a two-and-a-half-year low in May. The latest confirmed production totals are from July, when we averaged 11 million barrels per day, up half a million barrels per day from June. The government's latest estimate pegs September production at 11.2 million [["eleven point two million"]] barrels per day. The quarterly energy survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reveals some dire expectations within the oil patch. Over a quarter of the companies surveyed do not expect global oil demand to return to pre-Covid levels until the second quarter of next year. Most don't expect oil demand to fully rebound for up to two years.&nbsp; There is mixed news from the nation's number two oil producer. Chevron's market value surpassed that of Exxon Mobil for the first time last week, as it closed a $4.1 billion all-stock deal for Noble Energy. But the company is now making all of its employees worldwide reapply for their jobs. About 15% of them are expected to get pink slips, including 700 in Houston. The layoffs are set to start October 23rd. A strike that shut down about 8% of Norway’s oil and gas output will end after successful mediation talks. Bloomberg reports the settlement will restore production at six fields already shut down by the dispute and prevent an escalation to another six over the weekend. Those facilities pump about 130,000 barrels of crude oil and 43 million cubic meters of gas a day. It also averts the shutdown next week of Norway’s largest oil field.&nbsp; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration to allow the state, and not tribal nations, to regulate environmental issues on lands that may be inside historical tribal reservation boundaries. Stitt requested the authority in July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains a Muskogee/Creek Indian reservation.&nbsp; The U.S. set all-time records last year in the production, consumption and export of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says dry natural gas production increased by ten percent, consumption was up three percent, and exports were up by nearly 30%. The Association of American Railroads says total freight traffic in September was down one percent from a year ago. Some freight categories saw increases, including grain shipments, which were up nearly 28%. Weekly oil-by-rail totals are down nearly 13% from a year ago. For the week ending October 3, AAR reports a total of 10,428 rail cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products, down more than 400 cars from the last report.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude prices still low, but rising

Thank you: 
I want to thank everyone who took the time to research the candidates during the Primary Election and make the choice that best represents what you, the great citizens of Ellis County, wanted. I am so humbled to accept the nomination to represent the Republican Party and as the nominee and hope to earn the support from all citizens for Ellis County Treasurer for the General Election, November 3rd. Being one of the newest faces to the Ellis County Organization since being hired back in 2017, I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy being a servant to the public. I thrive on being able to bring a fresh eye and the perspective of 30+ years of Private Sector knowledge to move Ellis County forward.

About me: 
For those who are new to my information, here is a brief history of who I am and what I am about. I grew up in Hays and have raised my family here. I have a beautiful wife, my high school sweetheart, whom I have been married to for over 31 years, three children and a granddaughter with another granddaughter on the way! I am a graduate of Thomas More Prep and NCK-Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. For a time, I worked as a financial advisor, a job which I enjoyed doing very much. At the time, I had two small children at home, a wife who was working very hard for us as well, and I was traveling a lot. My family is the most important thing in my life, so, I gave up the job as a financial advisor and worked as a salesman for Pepsi for 25 years before taking another job at E.A. Sween Co. as a District Manager over 3 states in the Midwest with over a five million dollar budget and managed several employees. I thoroughly enjoyed and produced great results working for the company. However, as I was traveling all over the country and the company was wanting to expand my territory, an opportunity arose at Ellis County in September of 2017 for which I applied and was hired for. This short time with Ellis County has really opened this lifelong Conservative’s eyes to local politics and the good I could do to help the County that has been my family’s roots for generations. 
I currently work for Ellis County as the Landfill Foreman as a supervisor of a division of Public Works and have been for three years now. In my short time at my current job, my team and I have taken a forward-thinking approach to our Landfill. We’ve implemented measures to make sure the Landfill is fully funded, planned for the future, put money in reserves to cover capital expenses, State Statute closure estimates, and future growth as my division is not covered by taxpayer dollars from the General Fund. The Landfill is fee based as an Enterprise Fund. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment during our yearly inspections have said that, “…this is one of the cleanest and most efficient landfills in the State.” I pride myself on order, planning, and management. We have greatly reduced the need for overtime, purchased land for the next 150 years of expansion, put plans and actions in place to speed up/increase accuracy and put safety measures in place for everyone who uses the Landfill. We have replaced the polycarbonate container that caught fire during the night from spontaneous combustion(which is defined as: the ignition of organic matter without apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.) that burned the small shop south of the office that held the household hazardous waste that citizens bring out daily with a fireproof/explosion proof concrete vault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hdnews.net/news/20191001/landfill-building-total-loss-after-oily-rags-spontaneously-combust">https://www.hdnews.net/…/landfill-building-total-loss-after…</a>. I have presented my budget line for line to the Ellis County Commission every year since I started (2017) just like every department does and will continue to do. If you ever have any questions about these operations on any topic whatsoever, please give me a call or come see me and we can go over anything you want in as much detail, together.

Training: 
I completely agree with what Treasurer Schlegel said back in her Questions and Answers interview with the Hays Daily News back in October of 2016 where “Part of what’s so great about our country is that school teachers, homemakers, anyone with life experience who wants to, can run for office. And the country knows these people need training. They anticipate we’re going to have sheriffs, we’re going to have doctors, we’re going to have homemakers, and we need to be able to educate all of them on how to be a good treasurer. And that statutory continuing education provides that. I think my opponent depends on most people not knowing that and thinking that no one else can do this but me. The fact of the matter is someone else can…&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252F7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984.html&amp;h=AT0Bf0O1AsLj31qpRKinWwICXRsMN4NJgsc31OlmIov3FOxKMRqBffjIUO8slFBGJ0D2nVCiCkoc7oKLX15RZwyoNtSPJYP2x9rb0ernn6rrZ4pWe7L9ltQjJBDTXIBf_YosxpSN-R25lO4nc8in5W0v7J1UExkxSzjcjyDgGz_IGOHbXIhUPNQSOdES1MBJdSLqAwW_j3zyX9HcMezAzUMtcT9wmBsBgsoTCOCnLqD0rzABXRNeFToyOSHsMyQSurWSDFjGT_IV9nqmcWHle1-laz2-PG3bsiyFpPD2KZcyys9opyD10mLjIFAMQs2rWE0qU19UiIZ8IvbJJLWzEer73WcQHRQ9qKz-GVcovQxgudEEG-r5MQ8U3MH7QdhDSeRsQNxHfZ0FAD7e1gox8SIwctGvnnP2W4exj2KGbjziohbhc7JO0ARM6okJUgvu-zjuTvkdvdu2yBt0G1P2oJg0d4nzGsXguomB6mMHj4rMqLXuTg5e7KPjV40xwSEZKuUaWE9dQo8zxymjYMMhpCXzbrnhM-UWCUo7CTlikW6a_x3MzGFVCVh57rqVkvJIVzMrq_-IeZjPrqHzy7AF0TA3RxbHWUeG8T3qxd6evOoEsU8h6tICWQYs_MLgpsFRAWXC4LH9pin1I4w">https://www.hdnews.net/7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984…</a>” She is totally right. The training and continuing education that was able to lift her from no experience to experienced was done with our wonderful educational opportunities granted to her by the State and Federal levels. Local government is a great way for citizens to get in and get to work quick with no experience, but a drive to work hard and work for the citizens. 
Another excellent point that she made back in April of 2017 in one of her letters to the editor titled “Why not go with the people’s choice?” at the Hays Daily News was the transition period before the duly elected Treasurer takes office. “Of the eight treasurers I have spoken to, all of them expressed, in their opinion, the most effective transition would result if I, the treasurer-elect, took office early, a common, statewide practice in situations like this. They all labeled this “a non-partisan issue,” since the election already has occurred.&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252Ff37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422.html&amp;h=AT1_5knEU8nEi9x7jApdyq8ZrG5LIVBLsbaE2sBPJ5QvE0ofBkV7o2MPZpTbHCNqFxMm4R46swr43F4ahH6oZMqlf7oxfNx362G486h5jPPPEX7BfLWkKaR6-ZNk-HlGqrMxm8iaaeYaGglkLAtVvYX11XGjmZvTiDloQIhAi2-GblqeVIEWQbTKBsBU5h-fw8dvUtjMV7G_HQeHhNDd7lt9ZUVB6I4jOCZQoRlyWcEFGLDk2Pqd6OCxB9s-RDCyW1Hh-ChHbFA91lc0WdaqyZKykSGszYxoy6vKCWgLGgYL2Isibe9lRuSWXKQi7IaJOfkmkE1Qnttd6hlskHogilFY9AJ-Amq0c5uhv6VaK3uN77SoZ6cast70ieonX3DZtj5QG3pQaWS7WPRCVph4v3-eWc2T53yZJmRLeV5kJQovpK1wQ1DJF55iys_t4PYPu7XzQxBTtu1QkxNaNWsmaXjwajhP4WMk1KN88lf6g02GITzHMlpsFidqs7qN9eHb_-GiFpiLmXlZ38EXBZB_TenuUL60UlzZ6rOBf_w0cwLo6nM18VDALTO0S2BZy281kHiiXns4tpqRstjVbCFg-xpuVDetmRC4rcZuDeyDfSsHuR853_t0gjDW_YaKcDmkbE_IkqtCsZgFydY">https://www.hdnews.net/f37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422…</a>” I am glad, whomever the people choose in November, that you would be willing to extend the same courtesy you sought coming in.

Why I am Running: 
I am running for office to help ensure the Treasury Department makes sound investments with taxpayer money, help decrease spending, and bring back the trust and professionalism to a public office. I want to increase efficiency within the Treasury department, and I will work full-time ensuring accuracy and ease of transactions without increased cost to the taxpayers. The people want someone who will get the job done, do it right, save them money, and be 100% reliable. I know how the County Government system operates, know the current budgeting situation, and know it is going to take all elected officials and staff working together to keep Ellis County moving forward, both effectively and efficiently. I am also looking to wrangle in some spending that I believe is unnecessary for the taxpayer to cover. For example, the actual total spent in 2019 for the line items in the budget for Rental-Cars, Planes, Bus and Subsistence (Hotels, Food, etc.) was $10,592.00. I believe in trainings and networking with others, but not at a cost that extensive when Ellis County owns a car available to all employees to use for necessary travel and other items that can be toned down quite a bit, it is a bit excessive. Small changes like adjusting that spending and other areas, including working every single day (all day) with staff by their side, going to commission meetings, attending every department head meeting, and looking at ways to enhance the citizens experience in the Treasury. I have looked at adding Kiosks to the lobby to tackle two issues I see as a taxpayer: 1) Time- Our citizens are busy and need a flexible time outside of 8am-4pm during the week to get their tags/taxes done. 2) Workload- The kiosk will not replace any employees and should also help ease some of the long wait times and workload for staff allowing for speed and accuracy. Johnson and Sedgwick counties have had wait times reduced by 30%. This is just an example of one of the ideas I want to explore should I be elected in November. I also want to ensure a sense of job security to the staff. Since 2017, of the 9 positions in the Treasury, 9 people have turned over. Of course, the staff will say they are happy, they are scared to upset the power hungry and lose their job. As a team, we can work together to restore trust, professionalism, civil dialogue, and getting the job done while saving the taxpayers money, their time, and letting them focus on what matters most to them. I do not spend a dime without ensuring it is in the best interest of the people I serve. I am not doing this for the money or for anybody else. I am doing this because I believe that I can represent the citizens of Ellis County honestly, steadfastly, fiscally responsibly, professionally, and humbly to do the job that is required and help save for the future growth of our great County.

You have all shown me such kindness and guidance during my first ever run for public office. It just goes to show that the 120 signs (had to buy 20 more thanks to the wind!) and talking and listening to the people is all it took to make a difference.

Thank you all and God Bless you. 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message on my Facebook page or email voteruderfortreasurer@gmail.com. Remember to Vote Nov. 3rd!

Vern Ruder 
Republican Candidate for Ellis County Treasurer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589824071248.png" alt="Ruder" />
 <figcaption>Ruder</figcaption>
 </figure>By VERN RUDERThank you: 
I want to thank everyone who took the time to research the candidates during the Primary Election and make the choice that best represents what you, the great citizens of Ellis County, wanted. I am so humbled to accept the nomination to represent the Republican Party and as the nominee and hope to earn the support from all citizens for Ellis County Treasurer for the General Election, November 3rd. Being one of the newest faces to the Ellis County Organization since being hired back in 2017, I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy being a servant to the public. I thrive on being able to bring a fresh eye and the perspective of 30+ years of Private Sector knowledge to move Ellis County forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About me: 
For those who are new to my information, here is a brief history of who I am and what I am about. I grew up in Hays and have raised my family here. I have a beautiful wife, my high school sweetheart, whom I have been married to for over 31 years, three children and a granddaughter with another granddaughter on the way! I am a graduate of Thomas More Prep and NCK-Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. For a time, I worked as a financial advisor, a job which I enjoyed doing very much. At the time, I had two small children at home, a wife who was working very hard for us as well, and I was traveling a lot. My family is the most important thing in my life, so, I gave up the job as a financial advisor and worked as a salesman for Pepsi for 25 years before taking another job at E.A. Sween Co. as a District Manager over 3 states in the Midwest with over a five million dollar budget and managed several employees. I thoroughly enjoyed and produced great results working for the company. However, as I was traveling all over the country and the company was wanting to expand my territory, an opportunity arose at Ellis County in September of 2017 for which I applied and was hired for. This short time with Ellis County has really opened this lifelong Conservative’s eyes to local politics and the good I could do to help the County that has been my family’s roots for generations. 
I currently work for Ellis County as the Landfill Foreman as a supervisor of a division of Public Works and have been for three years now. In my short time at my current job, my team and I have taken a forward-thinking approach to our Landfill. We’ve implemented measures to make sure the Landfill is fully funded, planned for the future, put money in reserves to cover capital expenses, State Statute closure estimates, and future growth as my division is not covered by taxpayer dollars from the General Fund. The Landfill is fee based as an Enterprise Fund. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment during our yearly inspections have said that, “…this is one of the cleanest and most efficient landfills in the State.” I pride myself on order, planning, and management. We have greatly reduced the need for overtime, purchased land for the next 150 years of expansion, put plans and actions in place to speed up/increase accuracy and put safety measures in place for everyone who uses the Landfill. We have replaced the polycarbonate container that caught fire during the night from spontaneous combustion(which is defined as: the ignition of organic matter without apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.) that burned the small shop south of the office that held the household hazardous waste that citizens bring out daily with a fireproof/explosion proof concrete vault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hdnews.net/news/20191001/landfill-building-total-loss-after-oily-rags-spontaneously-combust">https://www.hdnews.net/…/landfill-building-total-loss-after…</a>. I have presented my budget line for line to the Ellis County Commission every year since I started (2017) just like every department does and will continue to do. If you ever have any questions about these operations on any topic whatsoever, please give me a call or come see me and we can go over anything you want in as much detail, together.Training: 
I completely agree with what Treasurer Schlegel said back in her Questions and Answers interview with the Hays Daily News back in October of 2016 where “Part of what’s so great about our country is that school teachers, homemakers, anyone with life experience who wants to, can run for office. And the country knows these people need training. They anticipate we’re going to have sheriffs, we’re going to have doctors, we’re going to have homemakers, and we need to be able to educate all of them on how to be a good treasurer. And that statutory continuing education provides that. I think my opponent depends on most people not knowing that and thinking that no one else can do this but me. The fact of the matter is someone else can…&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252F7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984.html&amp;h=AT0Bf0O1AsLj31qpRKinWwICXRsMN4NJgsc31OlmIov3FOxKMRqBffjIUO8slFBGJ0D2nVCiCkoc7oKLX15RZwyoNtSPJYP2x9rb0ernn6rrZ4pWe7L9ltQjJBDTXIBf_YosxpSN-R25lO4nc8in5W0v7J1UExkxSzjcjyDgGz_IGOHbXIhUPNQSOdES1MBJdSLqAwW_j3zyX9HcMezAzUMtcT9wmBsBgsoTCOCnLqD0rzABXRNeFToyOSHsMyQSurWSDFjGT_IV9nqmcWHle1-laz2-PG3bsiyFpPD2KZcyys9opyD10mLjIFAMQs2rWE0qU19UiIZ8IvbJJLWzEer73WcQHRQ9qKz-GVcovQxgudEEG-r5MQ8U3MH7QdhDSeRsQNxHfZ0FAD7e1gox8SIwctGvnnP2W4exj2KGbjziohbhc7JO0ARM6okJUgvu-zjuTvkdvdu2yBt0G1P2oJg0d4nzGsXguomB6mMHj4rMqLXuTg5e7KPjV40xwSEZKuUaWE9dQo8zxymjYMMhpCXzbrnhM-UWCUo7CTlikW6a_x3MzGFVCVh57rqVkvJIVzMrq_-IeZjPrqHzy7AF0TA3RxbHWUeG8T3qxd6evOoEsU8h6tICWQYs_MLgpsFRAWXC4LH9pin1I4w">https://www.hdnews.net/7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984…</a>” She is totally right. The training and continuing education that was able to lift her from no experience to experienced was done with our wonderful educational opportunities granted to her by the State and Federal levels. Local government is a great way for citizens to get in and get to work quick with no experience, but a drive to work hard and work for the citizens. 
Another excellent point that she made back in April of 2017 in one of her letters to the editor titled “Why not go with the people’s choice?” at the Hays Daily News was the transition period before the duly elected Treasurer takes office. “Of the eight treasurers I have spoken to, all of them expressed, in their opinion, the most effective transition would result if I, the treasurer-elect, took office early, a common, statewide practice in situations like this. They all labeled this “a non-partisan issue,” since the election already has occurred.&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252Ff37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422.html&amp;h=AT1_5knEU8nEi9x7jApdyq8ZrG5LIVBLsbaE2sBPJ5QvE0ofBkV7o2MPZpTbHCNqFxMm4R46swr43F4ahH6oZMqlf7oxfNx362G486h5jPPPEX7BfLWkKaR6-ZNk-HlGqrMxm8iaaeYaGglkLAtVvYX11XGjmZvTiDloQIhAi2-GblqeVIEWQbTKBsBU5h-fw8dvUtjMV7G_HQeHhNDd7lt9ZUVB6I4jOCZQoRlyWcEFGLDk2Pqd6OCxB9s-RDCyW1Hh-ChHbFA91lc0WdaqyZKykSGszYxoy6vKCWgLGgYL2Isibe9lRuSWXKQi7IaJOfkmkE1Qnttd6hlskHogilFY9AJ-Amq0c5uhv6VaK3uN77SoZ6cast70ieonX3DZtj5QG3pQaWS7WPRCVph4v3-eWc2T53yZJmRLeV5kJQovpK1wQ1DJF55iys_t4PYPu7XzQxBTtu1QkxNaNWsmaXjwajhP4WMk1KN88lf6g02GITzHMlpsFidqs7qN9eHb_-GiFpiLmXlZ38EXBZB_TenuUL60UlzZ6rOBf_w0cwLo6nM18VDALTO0S2BZy281kHiiXns4tpqRstjVbCFg-xpuVDetmRC4rcZuDeyDfSsHuR853_t0gjDW_YaKcDmkbE_IkqtCsZgFydY">https://www.hdnews.net/f37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422…</a>” I am glad, whomever the people choose in November, that you would be willing to extend the same courtesy you sought coming in.Why I am Running: 
I am running for office to help ensure the Treasury Department makes sound investments with taxpayer money, help decrease spending, and bring back the trust and professionalism to a public office. I want to increase efficiency within the Treasury department, and I will work full-time ensuring accuracy and ease of transactions without increased cost to the taxpayers. The people want someone who will get the job done, do it right, save them money, and be 100% reliable. I know how the County Government system operates, know the current budgeting situation, and know it is going to take all elected officials and staff working together to keep Ellis County moving forward, both effectively and efficiently. I am also looking to wrangle in some spending that I believe is unnecessary for the taxpayer to cover. For example, the actual total spent in 2019 for the line items in the budget for Rental-Cars, Planes, Bus and Subsistence (Hotels, Food, etc.) was $10,592.00. I believe in trainings and networking with others, but not at a cost that extensive when Ellis County owns a car available to all employees to use for necessary travel and other items that can be toned down quite a bit, it is a bit excessive. Small changes like adjusting that spending and other areas, including working every single day (all day) with staff by their side, going to commission meetings, attending every department head meeting, and looking at ways to enhance the citizens experience in the Treasury. I have looked at adding Kiosks to the lobby to tackle two issues I see as a taxpayer: 1) Time- Our citizens are busy and need a flexible time outside of 8am-4pm during the week to get their tags/taxes done. 2) Workload- The kiosk will not replace any employees and should also help ease some of the long wait times and workload for staff allowing for speed and accuracy. Johnson and Sedgwick counties have had wait times reduced by 30%. This is just an example of one of the ideas I want to explore should I be elected in November. I also want to ensure a sense of job security to the staff. Since 2017, of the 9 positions in the Treasury, 9 people have turned over. Of course, the staff will say they are happy, they are scared to upset the power hungry and lose their job. As a team, we can work together to restore trust, professionalism, civil dialogue, and getting the job done while saving the taxpayers money, their time, and letting them focus on what matters most to them. I do not spend a dime without ensuring it is in the best interest of the people I serve. I am not doing this for the money or for anybody else. I am doing this because I believe that I can represent the citizens of Ellis County honestly, steadfastly, fiscally responsibly, professionally, and humbly to do the job that is required and help save for the future growth of our great County.You have all shown me such kindness and guidance during my first ever run for public office. It just goes to show that the 120 signs (had to buy 20 more thanks to the wind!) and talking and listening to the people is all it took to make a difference.Thank you all and God Bless you. 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message on my Facebook page or email voteruderfortreasurer@gmail.com. Remember to Vote Nov. 3rd!Vern Ruder 
Republican Candidate for Ellis County Treasurer

LETTER: Ruder discusses run for treasurer's office

Ethel Mabel Ziegler,&nbsp;86, of&nbsp;Hays, Kansas, passed away on&nbsp;October 7, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; Ethel was born in&nbsp;Angelus, KS on&nbsp;December 24,1933, to Everet and Louise (Schwarz) Schroeder.&nbsp;She was a graduate of&nbsp;Grinnell High School.

Ethel&nbsp;was united in marriage to&nbsp;Leo Ziegler in Angelus, KS,&nbsp;on&nbsp;August 10, 1954; they were married for 48 years until his death in 2002.&nbsp; She was a lifelong farmer and devout Catholic residing at the family farm near Collyer, KS.&nbsp; She was an accomplished seamstress during her life, sewing and knitting clothing for her fellow residents at Ascension Living till the very end.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was an avid sports fan, enjoyed card games, golf, puzzles and working the family farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was also actively involved in&nbsp;volunteer work.

Ethel&nbsp;is survived by her sons Allen Ziegler and wife Lesly of Littleton, CO, Kevin Ziegler and wife Jennifer of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Dustin Benisch of Lee Summit, MO, Courtney Benisch of Chicago, IL, Katie Kellett of Corpus Christi, TX, Paige Michalik of Colorado Springs.&nbsp; Eric Ziegler of Colorado Springs, CO, Jacob and Genessa Ziegler of Littleton, CO; brothers Ray and Don Schroeder of Angelus, KS; and sister Carol Maurath of Reno, NV.

Ethel was preceded in death by&nbsp;both parents, her husband Leo, daughter Sandra, brothers James and Kenney Schroeder and sisters Doris and Betty.

Funeral service will be held at&nbsp;10:30 am, Saturday, October 17, 2020, at&nbsp;St. Michael Catholic Church, Collyer, KS.&nbsp;Fr. Charles Steier will be officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Rosary to begin at 9:45 am prior to the funeral mass at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers (if desired), memorial contributions are suggested to&nbsp;St. Michael Catholic Church of Collyer, KS.&nbsp; Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS&nbsp; 67672.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602547340138.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ethel Mabel Ziegler,&nbsp;86, of&nbsp;Hays, Kansas, passed away on&nbsp;October 7, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; Ethel was born in&nbsp;Angelus, KS on&nbsp;December 24,1933, to Everet and Louise (Schwarz) Schroeder.&nbsp;She was a graduate of&nbsp;Grinnell High School.Ethel&nbsp;was united in marriage to&nbsp;Leo Ziegler in Angelus, KS,&nbsp;on&nbsp;August 10, 1954; they were married for 48 years until his death in 2002.&nbsp; She was a lifelong farmer and devout Catholic residing at the family farm near Collyer, KS.&nbsp; She was an accomplished seamstress during her life, sewing and knitting clothing for her fellow residents at Ascension Living till the very end.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was an avid sports fan, enjoyed card games, golf, puzzles and working the family farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was also actively involved in&nbsp;volunteer work.Ethel&nbsp;is survived by her sons Allen Ziegler and wife Lesly of Littleton, CO, Kevin Ziegler and wife Jennifer of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Dustin Benisch of Lee Summit, MO, Courtney Benisch of Chicago, IL, Katie Kellett of Corpus Christi, TX, Paige Michalik of Colorado Springs.&nbsp; Eric Ziegler of Colorado Springs, CO, Jacob and Genessa Ziegler of Littleton, CO; brothers Ray and Don Schroeder of Angelus, KS; and sister Carol Maurath of Reno, NV.Ethel was preceded in death by&nbsp;both parents, her husband Leo, daughter Sandra, brothers James and Kenney Schroeder and sisters Doris and Betty.Funeral service will be held at&nbsp;10:30 am, Saturday, October 17, 2020, at&nbsp;St. Michael Catholic Church, Collyer, KS.&nbsp;Fr. Charles Steier will be officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the church cemetery.Rosary to begin at 9:45 am prior to the funeral mass at 10:30 am.In lieu of flowers (if desired), memorial contributions are suggested to&nbsp;St. Michael Catholic Church of Collyer, KS.&nbsp; Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS&nbsp; 67672.&nbsp;

Ethel Mabel Ziegler

Longtime Goodland, KS resident, Mary Lou Peter Tracy, 83, passed away on October 9, 2020, at the Topside Manor in Goodland.

She was born on August 20, 1937, to Edwin M. Peter and Jean (Hamlin) 
Peter in Goodland, KS.&nbsp; She graduated from Goodland High School in 1955 
and moved to a trade school in Minneapolis, Minnesota to pursue a career
 as a lab and radiology technician.

She was first married in February of 1957.&nbsp; To this marriage, there 
were two children born; Terry Lee and Stacey.&nbsp; They all lived in 
Wellington, KS where she worked in her lab and radiology technician 
profession for many years.

In July of 1973, Mary Lou was remarried to Bobby Tracy for 26 years.&nbsp;
 After living in southeastern Kansas, they moved back to her hometown of
 Goodland, KS to be near her daughter Terry and family, and closer to 
her son Stacey and his family who live in Colorado.&nbsp; In April of 1999, 
her husband Bobby lost his life to lung cancer.

Mary Lou was involved in the Moose Lodge for many years.&nbsp; She enjoyed
 playing 4 point pitch, and was on a dart team.&nbsp; Many friends young and 
old remember her from this.&nbsp; She also enjoyed as she called it, Country 
and Western music, along with the oldies from the 50’s music.&nbsp; She 
especially liked to dance to the slow Country Western music.&nbsp; She was 
also very active as a great grandmother, and even helped with daycare of
 the 2 oldest.

In 2010, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and put up a good fight 
to the end.&nbsp; Ultimately, Covid-19 took her to be with her family and 
friends in Heaven.

Preceding her in death were her parents Edwin and Jean Peter, her 
husband Bobby Tracy, a sister Judy Peter Berringer and a brother-in-law 
William Berringer.

She is survived by her children; daughter Terry Lee Twombly (William)
 of Goodland, KS and son Stacey Harding of Highlands Ranch, CO.&nbsp; Five 
grandchildren, Michelle Wear, Sabrina Thompson (Aaron) of Goodland, KS, 
Ashley, Megan and Grant Harding, all of Denver, CO; seven great 
grandchildren, Aaron Twombly, Alyssa Wear, Ashton Erhart and Olivia 
Erhart, all of Goodland, KS, Kaitlin Thompson of Hays, KS, Kameron 
Snyder of Twin Falls, ID and Danielle Snyder of San Diego, CA, as well 
as numerous nieces and nephews.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Mary-Tracy">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602447025973.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Longtime Goodland, KS resident, Mary Lou Peter Tracy, 83, passed away on October 9, 2020, at the Topside Manor in Goodland.She was born on August 20, 1937, to Edwin M. Peter and Jean (Hamlin) 
Peter in Goodland, KS.&nbsp; She graduated from Goodland High School in 1955 
and moved to a trade school in Minneapolis, Minnesota to pursue a career
 as a lab and radiology technician.She was first married in February of 1957.&nbsp; To this marriage, there 
were two children born; Terry Lee and Stacey.&nbsp; They all lived in 
Wellington, KS where she worked in her lab and radiology technician 
profession for many years.In July of 1973, Mary Lou was remarried to Bobby Tracy for 26 years.&nbsp;
 After living in southeastern Kansas, they moved back to her hometown of
 Goodland, KS to be near her daughter Terry and family, and closer to 
her son Stacey and his family who live in Colorado.&nbsp; In April of 1999, 
her husband Bobby lost his life to lung cancer.Mary Lou was involved in the Moose Lodge for many years.&nbsp; She enjoyed
 playing 4 point pitch, and was on a dart team.&nbsp; Many friends young and 
old remember her from this.&nbsp; She also enjoyed as she called it, Country 
and Western music, along with the oldies from the 50’s music.&nbsp; She 
especially liked to dance to the slow Country Western music.&nbsp; She was 
also very active as a great grandmother, and even helped with daycare of
 the 2 oldest.In 2010, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and put up a good fight 
to the end.&nbsp; Ultimately, Covid-19 took her to be with her family and 
friends in Heaven.Preceding her in death were her parents Edwin and Jean Peter, her 
husband Bobby Tracy, a sister Judy Peter Berringer and a brother-in-law 
William Berringer.She is survived by her children; daughter Terry Lee Twombly (William)
 of Goodland, KS and son Stacey Harding of Highlands Ranch, CO.&nbsp; Five 
grandchildren, Michelle Wear, Sabrina Thompson (Aaron) of Goodland, KS, 
Ashley, Megan and Grant Harding, all of Denver, CO; seven great 
grandchildren, Aaron Twombly, Alyssa Wear, Ashton Erhart and Olivia 
Erhart, all of Goodland, KS, Kaitlin Thompson of Hays, KS, Kameron 
Snyder of Twin Falls, ID and Danielle Snyder of San Diego, CA, as well 
as numerous nieces and nephews.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Mary-Tracy">HERE</a> for service details.

Mary Lou (Peter) Tracy

Betty Charlene Hestermann passed away at the Good Samaritan Society, 
Atwood, Kansas on October 11, 2020 at the age of 91. Betty was born 
August 31, 1929, to Henry and Sophie (Holthus) Wicke, on a farm north of
 Ludell, Kansas. She was baptized on September 15, 1929 and confirmed on
 April 18, 1943, at Trinity Lutheran Church. After graduating from 
Atwood High School, Betty began her banking career, which spanned almost
 40 years. She worked in the bank at Ludell for three years before 
moving to Denver and working in a bank there for four years. After 
moving back to Ludell in 1954 she worked at Farmers State Bank until she
 retired in 1988. 
On November 12, 1955, she married the love of her life, Loris “Bud” 
Hestermann, at Trinity Lutheran Church. They would have celebrated their
 65Th wedding anniversary in November. 
Four sons were born to their union, Thomas, Richard, John and James. 
Betty was an active member of Trinity, Immanuel and Redeemer Lutheran 
churches in Ludell and Atwood. She enjoyed singing and participated in 
the choir for over 60 years. Betty also cherished family and friends. 
She participated in a Tuesday night bowling league in Atwood for many 
years. Betty played women’s fast pitch softball in Ludell and liked to 
recount her memories catching for the team. 
Preceding her in death were her parents; son John (1996); infant brother
 Victor; brothers, Clarence, Floyd, Edwin, and John and sisters Lelia 
Focke and Henrietta “Toots” Frick. 
She is survived by her husband Bud, Atwood, KS; sons, Thomas and wife 
Francine, of Hays KS, Richard, of Valley Center, KS and James and wife 
Roxane, of Valley Center, KS; daughter-in-law Deb Hestermann, Topeka, 
Kansas; grandchildren, Jeremy Coulter, Hays, KS, Joshua Coulter(Rose), 
Cypress, TX, Metka Kolm (Allen), Norfolk NE, Kasandra Hoover(Cody), 
Burlington, CO, Tysa Ostrander (Kelby), Henderson, NE, Zane Hestermann, 
Hays, KS, Jayme Hestermann (Alisha), Bakersfield, CA and Zachary 
Hestermann (Nichole), Maize, KS, and greatgrandchildren, Sophia 
Mickelson-Coulter, Riley and Tobias Coulter, Kyler and Mariah Kolm, Evan
 and Grace Hoover, Kaleb and Damon Ostrander, Hayden and Jax Hestermann 
and Avery and Ryder Hestermann. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 16, 
2020, at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Atwood. The service will 
be live streamed on the church’s Facebook page. Interment will take 
place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Lutheran
 Hour Ministries or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and can be sent in care 
of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602538492319.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Charlene Hestermann passed away at the Good Samaritan Society, 
Atwood, Kansas on October 11, 2020 at the age of 91. Betty was born 
August 31, 1929, to Henry and Sophie (Holthus) Wicke, on a farm north of
 Ludell, Kansas. She was baptized on September 15, 1929 and confirmed on
 April 18, 1943, at Trinity Lutheran Church. After graduating from 
Atwood High School, Betty began her banking career, which spanned almost
 40 years. She worked in the bank at Ludell for three years before 
moving to Denver and working in a bank there for four years. After 
moving back to Ludell in 1954 she worked at Farmers State Bank until she
 retired in 1988. 
On November 12, 1955, she married the love of her life, Loris “Bud” 
Hestermann, at Trinity Lutheran Church. They would have celebrated their
 65Th wedding anniversary in November. 
Four sons were born to their union, Thomas, Richard, John and James. 
Betty was an active member of Trinity, Immanuel and Redeemer Lutheran 
churches in Ludell and Atwood. She enjoyed singing and participated in 
the choir for over 60 years. Betty also cherished family and friends. 
She participated in a Tuesday night bowling league in Atwood for many 
years. Betty played women’s fast pitch softball in Ludell and liked to 
recount her memories catching for the team. 
Preceding her in death were her parents; son John (1996); infant brother
 Victor; brothers, Clarence, Floyd, Edwin, and John and sisters Lelia 
Focke and Henrietta “Toots” Frick. 
She is survived by her husband Bud, Atwood, KS; sons, Thomas and wife 
Francine, of Hays KS, Richard, of Valley Center, KS and James and wife 
Roxane, of Valley Center, KS; daughter-in-law Deb Hestermann, Topeka, 
Kansas; grandchildren, Jeremy Coulter, Hays, KS, Joshua Coulter(Rose), 
Cypress, TX, Metka Kolm (Allen), Norfolk NE, Kasandra Hoover(Cody), 
Burlington, CO, Tysa Ostrander (Kelby), Henderson, NE, Zane Hestermann, 
Hays, KS, Jayme Hestermann (Alisha), Bakersfield, CA and Zachary 
Hestermann (Nichole), Maize, KS, and greatgrandchildren, Sophia 
Mickelson-Coulter, Riley and Tobias Coulter, Kyler and Mariah Kolm, Evan
 and Grace Hoover, Kaleb and Damon Ostrander, Hayden and Jax Hestermann 
and Avery and Ryder Hestermann. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 16, 
2020, at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Atwood. The service will 
be live streamed on the church’s Facebook page. Interment will take 
place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Lutheran
 Hour Ministries or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and can be sent in care 
of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Betty Charlene Hestermann

Floyd Thomas McKie Jr., 81, passed away on October 9, 2020, at the Norton County Hospital in Norton, Kansas. 

Floyd was born on January 19, 1939, to Floyd McKie, Sr. and Beula Mae (Shinn) McKie at their family farmhouse outside Edmond, Kansas. Floyd graduated from Edmond High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Broomfield, on February 15, 1958, at the Edmond Christian Church.  They moved to Norton where Floyd worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation for 43 years.  He worked on the Road Crew, Bridge Crew, and retired in 2000, as the KDOT District Superintendent.

Over the years Floyd enjoyed playing pool, snooker, golf and cards with family and friends. He also enjoyed travel, taking his family boating, camping, snow &amp; water skiing, and attending his kids' sporting events, including helping coach both of his sons' little league baseball teams. Woodworking was one of Floyd's hobbies. He would tinker in his garage making special creations such as quilt racks, shelves, and even a baby cradle that has been used by his grandkids and great grandkids! Floyd was a member of Norton First Christian Church and also an active member of the Fraternal order of Eagles Aerie #3288. He served as the Treasurer as well as helping organize and work Sunday night Bingo for many years. 

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Maxine Nelson, Ila Jean Schooler, and Thelma Armstrong. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; their children, Sheree Milnes, Randall McKie (Lisa,) Jeffrey McKie (Nanet,) Angela Bott (Joe;) six grandchildren, Adam McKie (Nicole,) Tanner Bott (Molly,) Austin McKie, Morgan Witte (Michael,) Hailee McKie and James McKie; four great-grandchildren, Owen Witte, Eden Witte, Noah McKie, and Olivia Witte, one sister, Nelda Laskey (Chuck) and many nieces and nephews. Floyd was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle whose fun-loving spirit will live on in each of us!

FUNERAL SERVICE – Thursday, October 15, 2020 – 1:30 p.m.

PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main – Norton, KS

INTERMENT – Edmond Cemetery – Edmond, KS

VISITATION – Wednesday, October 4, 2020 – 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602538425223.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Floyd Thomas McKie Jr., 81, passed away on October 9, 2020, at the Norton County Hospital in Norton, Kansas. Floyd was born on January 19, 1939, to Floyd McKie, Sr. and Beula Mae (Shinn) McKie at their family farmhouse outside Edmond, Kansas. Floyd graduated from Edmond High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Broomfield, on February 15, 1958, at the Edmond Christian Church. They moved to Norton where Floyd worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation for 43 years. He worked on the Road Crew, Bridge Crew, and retired in 2000, as the KDOT District Superintendent.Over the years Floyd enjoyed playing pool, snooker, golf and cards with family and friends. He also enjoyed travel, taking his family boating, camping, snow &amp; water skiing, and attending his kids' sporting events, including helping coach both of his sons' little league baseball teams. Woodworking was one of Floyd's hobbies. He would tinker in his garage making special creations such as quilt racks, shelves, and even a baby cradle that has been used by his grandkids and great grandkids! Floyd was a member of Norton First Christian Church and also an active member of the Fraternal order of Eagles Aerie #3288. He served as the Treasurer as well as helping organize and work Sunday night Bingo for many years. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Maxine Nelson, Ila Jean Schooler, and Thelma Armstrong. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; their children, Sheree Milnes, Randall McKie (Lisa,) Jeffrey McKie (Nanet,) Angela Bott (Joe;) six grandchildren, Adam McKie (Nicole,) Tanner Bott (Molly,) Austin McKie, Morgan Witte (Michael,) Hailee McKie and James McKie; four great-grandchildren, Owen Witte, Eden Witte, Noah McKie, and Olivia Witte, one sister, Nelda Laskey (Chuck) and many nieces and nephews. Floyd was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle whose fun-loving spirit will live on in each of us!FUNERAL SERVICE – Thursday, October 15, 2020 – 1:30 p.m.PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main – Norton, KSINTERMENT – Edmond Cemetery – Edmond, KSVISITATION – Wednesday, October 4, 2020 – 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home in NortonMEMORIAL – Floyd McKie Memorial Fund

Floyd Thomas McKie Jr.

Donald Hess Damon, 81, passed away October 10, 2020, at Wesley 
Medical Center. He was born on September 16, 1939, at Great Bend to 
Ansel &amp; Margaret (Hess) Damon. He married Kathleen Bittner on March 
7, 1963, at Denver, Colo. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Donald was a truck driver for 
Orschlen's for 26 years. He was a member of the First Congregational 
Church in Great Bend. He enjoyed classic cars, racing and sports. He 
especially loved to spend time with his family.

Survivors include, his wife, Kathleen Damon of the home; a daughter, 
Karen Loder and husband Bret of Otis; a brother, Kenneth Damon and wife 
Trudy of Great Bend; a sister in law, Kathleen Bittner of Hays; one 
grandson, Brenden Damon and wife Mallory; two great grandchildren, 
Brantley Damon and Myah Damon; and several nieces and nephews. He was 
preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 
14, 2020 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., 
Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home with Rick Unruh 
presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 


Memorials have been suggested to Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602538363121.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald Hess Damon, 81, passed away October 10, 2020, at Wesley 
Medical Center. He was born on September 16, 1939, at Great Bend to 
Ansel &amp; Margaret (Hess) Damon. He married Kathleen Bittner on March 
7, 1963, at Denver, Colo. She survives.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Donald was a truck driver for 
Orschlen's for 26 years. He was a member of the First Congregational 
Church in Great Bend. He enjoyed classic cars, racing and sports. He 
especially loved to spend time with his family.Survivors include, his wife, Kathleen Damon of the home; a daughter, 
Karen Loder and husband Bret of Otis; a brother, Kenneth Damon and wife 
Trudy of Great Bend; a sister in law, Kathleen Bittner of Hays; one 
grandson, Brenden Damon and wife Mallory; two great grandchildren, 
Brantley Damon and Myah Damon; and several nieces and nephews. He was 
preceded in death by his parents.Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 
14, 2020 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., 
Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home with Rick Unruh 
presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials have been suggested to Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Donald Hess Damon

LeRoy E. Dringmann, 90, passed away October 10, 2020, at Chisholm 
Place Assisted Living, Wichita.&nbsp; He was born October 16, 1929, in 
Sutherland, Neb., to Fred and Marie (Frohlich) Dringmann.&nbsp; LeRoy married
 Jean Truex Aug. 6, 1950, in Great Bend.&nbsp; She survives.

LeRoy, a Great Bend resident since 1935 moving from Sutherland, Neb.,
 was an electrical contractor owning and operating Amerine Electric.&nbsp; He
 was a member of First Presbyterian Church, IES (Illuminating 
Engineering Society), honorary life member of KCCI (Kansas Chamber of 
Commerce and Industry), NECA (National Electrical Contractors 
Association), and was influential with the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum.&nbsp; 
Civically, LeRoy was also known for his holiday spirit, volunteering 
many hours decorating Great Bend with Christmas lights. He was the 
second person to receive Great Bend Chamber Citizen of the year award.

Survivors include wife, Jean of the home; two daughters Judi Sharp 
and husband Jim of Derby and Janet Siebert and husband Alan of 
Parkerfield; 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.&nbsp; LeRoy was 
preceded in passing by one daughter, Jane Koelsch; and by two sisters, 
Velma Jean Clark and Ruth Basgall.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2020, at First 
Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Kathleen Luke.&nbsp; Interment 
will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; The family requests those in 
attendance to wear masks and social distance. Limited seating will be 
available. A recording of the service will be available under LeRoy’s 
obituary at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net">www.bryantfh.net</a>. 
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 15, at
 Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 
p.m.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church or City of 
Great Bend Trail of Lights or Barton County Fair Association, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602540905844.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LeRoy E. Dringmann, 90, passed away October 10, 2020, at Chisholm 
Place Assisted Living, Wichita.&nbsp; He was born October 16, 1929, in 
Sutherland, Neb., to Fred and Marie (Frohlich) Dringmann.&nbsp; LeRoy married
 Jean Truex Aug. 6, 1950, in Great Bend.&nbsp; She survives.LeRoy, a Great Bend resident since 1935 moving from Sutherland, Neb.,
 was an electrical contractor owning and operating Amerine Electric.&nbsp; He
 was a member of First Presbyterian Church, IES (Illuminating 
Engineering Society), honorary life member of KCCI (Kansas Chamber of 
Commerce and Industry), NECA (National Electrical Contractors 
Association), and was influential with the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum.&nbsp; 
Civically, LeRoy was also known for his holiday spirit, volunteering 
many hours decorating Great Bend with Christmas lights. He was the 
second person to receive Great Bend Chamber Citizen of the year award.Survivors include wife, Jean of the home; two daughters Judi Sharp 
and husband Jim of Derby and Janet Siebert and husband Alan of 
Parkerfield; 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.&nbsp; LeRoy was 
preceded in passing by one daughter, Jane Koelsch; and by two sisters, 
Velma Jean Clark and Ruth Basgall.Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2020, at First 
Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Kathleen Luke.&nbsp; Interment 
will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.&nbsp; The family requests those in 
attendance to wear masks and social distance. Limited seating will be 
available. A recording of the service will be available under LeRoy’s 
obituary at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net">www.bryantfh.net</a>. 
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 15, at
 Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 
p.m.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church or City of 
Great Bend Trail of Lights or Barton County Fair Association, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

LeRoy E. Dringmann

The Fort Hays State University American Democracy Project (ADP) provides numerous civic and political engagement activities that challenge and encourage students, faculty, staff, and community members to find their place and make a difference. 

FHSU ADP values the importance of presenting unbiased information to students, faculty, staff, and community members. With election security being a national topic of concern, the FHSU ADP has created an informational event to discuss the topic.

Dr. Michael Smith, online professor for the Political Science Department at Fort Hays State University and Erika Martin, assistant professor of Biological Sciences at Emporia State University will be discussing the topic of election security.

The event will take place on October 13 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. CDT. 

It will be an online zoom event. The link to register for the event is here: <a href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrc-ygqzsvGNL6w0rFmQLkxt7VJZuzUyef">https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrc-ygqzsvGNL6w0rFmQLkxt7VJZuzUyef </a>

Questions should be directed to Brad DeMers (adp@fhsu.edu).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602535081528.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Fort Hays State University American Democracy Project (ADP) provides numerous civic and political engagement activities that challenge and encourage students, faculty, staff, and community members to find their place and make a difference. FHSU ADP values the importance of presenting unbiased information to students, faculty, staff, and community members. With election security being a national topic of concern, the FHSU ADP has created an informational event to discuss the topic.Dr. Michael Smith, online professor for the Political Science Department at Fort Hays State University and Erika Martin, assistant professor of Biological Sciences at Emporia State University will be discussing the topic of election security.The event will take place on October 13 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. CDT. It will be an online zoom event. The link to register for the event is here: <a href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrc-ygqzsvGNL6w0rFmQLkxt7VJZuzUyef">https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrc-ygqzsvGNL6w0rFmQLkxt7VJZuzUyef </a>Questions should be directed to Brad DeMers (adp@fhsu.edu).

FHSU ADP to host presentation on election security

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>


HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;A political scientist with Emporia State University still 
believes there is a value in a Presidential debate, even as the Oct. 
15 debate has gone by the boards and we're down to just one more 
scheduled before the November election.

"There's no evidence that 
these debates influence the outcome of elections," said Michael Smith. 
"There's nothing. Even really memorable ones like Kennedy-Nixon in 1960.
 We just don't have the evidence that it swayed the election."

There is a question if civility can come back if the two candidates meet again.

"You
 know, a lot of people reported watching the first debate with their 
kids and the kids were horrified," Smith said. "The parents really 
struggled. How do I explain this to my kids? It would be neat for the 
next generations and for civic culture if we could role model a civil 
debate. It won't affect the outcome of our election, but it would be 
good for our civic culture."

The final debate is still on for now on October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;A political scientist with Emporia State University still 
believes there is a value in a Presidential debate, even as the Oct. 
15 debate has gone by the boards and we're down to just one more 
scheduled before the November election."There's no evidence that 
these debates influence the outcome of elections," said Michael Smith. 
"There's nothing. Even really memorable ones like Kennedy-Nixon in 1960.
 We just don't have the evidence that it swayed the election."There is a question if civility can come back if the two candidates meet again."You
 know, a lot of people reported watching the first debate with their 
kids and the kids were horrified," Smith said. "The parents really 
struggled. How do I explain this to my kids? It would be neat for the 
next generations and for civic culture if we could role model a civil 
debate. It won't affect the outcome of our election, but it would be 
good for our civic culture."The final debate is still on for now on October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.

SMITH: Another debate won't sway election, but would be nice

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State senior defensive back AJ Parker and true freshman quarterback Will Howard were honored following the Wildcats' 21-14 win at TCU as they have been named the Big 12 Defensive Player and NEwcomer of the Week, respectively, the conference office announced Monday.

K-State now has six Big 12 weekly honors this season as&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;(offensive),&nbsp;Jahron McPherson&nbsp;(defensive) and&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;(newcomer) picked up accolades after the Oklahoma game, while Vaughn was also the newcomer of the week following the Texas Tech contest. K-State is the first program since 2016 to have three-straight Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors.

Parker, a native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, carded five tackles and had a 37-yard interception return touchdown in the third quarter, which proved to be the difference in the game. Parker’s pick six was the first of his career and the first by a Wildcat since Duke Shelley returned an interception 25 yards for a score at Texas Tech in 2017. Parker now has six career interceptions, which is tied for 14th&nbsp;nationally among active players.

Howard became the first true freshman quarterback in school history to win his first-career road start. He set up K-State’s first scoring drive with an 80-yard run, which was the seventh-longest run in school history and second among quarterbacks. He also powered into the end zone in the second quarter on a 4-yard run. A product of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard finished the game throwing for 117 yards on 8-of-19 passing, while he finished with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Ranked 22nd&nbsp;this week in both the Associated Press Top 25 and Amway Coaches’ polls, Kansas State&nbsp;is off this week prior to hosting the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on October 24. Kickoff for the game against the Jayhawks is slated for 11 a.m. and will be shown on FS1.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State senior defensive back AJ Parker and true freshman quarterback Will Howard were honored following the Wildcats' 21-14 win at TCU as they have been named the Big 12 Defensive Player and NEwcomer of the Week, respectively, the conference office announced Monday.K-State now has six Big 12 weekly honors this season as&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;(offensive),&nbsp;Jahron McPherson&nbsp;(defensive) and&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;(newcomer) picked up accolades after the Oklahoma game, while Vaughn was also the newcomer of the week following the Texas Tech contest. K-State is the first program since 2016 to have three-straight Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors.Parker, a native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, carded five tackles and had a 37-yard interception return touchdown in the third quarter, which proved to be the difference in the game. Parker’s pick six was the first of his career and the first by a Wildcat since Duke Shelley returned an interception 25 yards for a score at Texas Tech in 2017. Parker now has six career interceptions, which is tied for 14th&nbsp;nationally among active players.Howard became the first true freshman quarterback in school history to win his first-career road start. He set up K-State’s first scoring drive with an 80-yard run, which was the seventh-longest run in school history and second among quarterbacks. He also powered into the end zone in the second quarter on a 4-yard run. A product of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard finished the game throwing for 117 yards on 8-of-19 passing, while he finished with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown.Ranked 22nd&nbsp;this week in both the Associated Press Top 25 and Amway Coaches’ polls, Kansas State&nbsp;is off this week prior to hosting the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on October 24. Kickoff for the game against the Jayhawks is slated for 11 a.m. and will be shown on FS1.– k-statesports.com –

🏈 Wildcats nab pair of Big 12 weekly honors

Leta (Maxine) Yeager, 90, passed away October 11, 2020 at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born April 5, 1930 in Great Bend, KS, the daughter of Albert 
B. and Leta Ross Clawson.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, she was a 
homemaker, loved going metal detecting with her kids and she devoted her
 whole life to her family, husband, children, grandchildren and loved 
them all very much.

She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, enjoyed crocheting, working 
with flowers in her yard, feeding all animals, including the squirrels 
and birds, reading, walking her dog in the park and was always up for a 
trip.

On October 12, 1948, she married Lyndon “Shorty” Yeager in Larned, KS. He died March 26, 2003.

Survivors include: Daughter, Linda (Larry) Cavanaugh, Machesney Park,
 IL; three sons, Stanley (Vicki) Yeager, Columbia, SC, Denys (Julie) 
Yeager, Gates, TN, Galyn (Stacy) Yeager, Winfield, KS; nine 
grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Joe, Ben, 
A.B. Jr., Earl, Virgil and Edward Clawson and two sisters, Marion (Ruth)
 Dick and Caroline Fairchild.

Cremation has taken place and private family inurnment will be at a later date in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, KS.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Pawnee County 
Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; 
Condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602526686724.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leta (Maxine) Yeager, 90, passed away October 11, 2020 at Diversicare of Larned.She was born April 5, 1930 in Great Bend, KS, the daughter of Albert 
B. and Leta Ross Clawson.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, she was a 
homemaker, loved going metal detecting with her kids and she devoted her
 whole life to her family, husband, children, grandchildren and loved 
them all very much.She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, enjoyed crocheting, working 
with flowers in her yard, feeding all animals, including the squirrels 
and birds, reading, walking her dog in the park and was always up for a 
trip.On October 12, 1948, she married Lyndon “Shorty” Yeager in Larned, KS. He died March 26, 2003.Survivors include: Daughter, Linda (Larry) Cavanaugh, Machesney Park,
 IL; three sons, Stanley (Vicki) Yeager, Columbia, SC, Denys (Julie) 
Yeager, Gates, TN, Galyn (Stacy) Yeager, Winfield, KS; nine 
grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Joe, Ben, 
A.B. Jr., Earl, Virgil and Edward Clawson and two sisters, Marion (Ruth)
 Dick and Caroline Fairchild.Cremation has taken place and private family inurnment will be at a later date in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, KS.In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Pawnee County 
Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; 
Condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Leta (Maxine) Yeager

HARPER COUNTY — A man wanted for murder in Louisiana remains jailed in Kansas following his arrest in rural Barber County.

Douglas Thomas, 41, is a suspect in the October 4, shooting death of 26-year-old Demarcus Lewis whose body was found in a rural area near Mansfield Louisiana, according DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson.&nbsp;

On the evening of October 5, authorities spotted Lewis at a convenience store in Medicine Lodge, according to the Barber County Attorney's office. When law enforcement arrived, Lewis had left in a 2006 Lexus RX 330.

Numerous law enforcement agencies began a search for Lewis and the vehicle. After several hours, authorities found the vehicle in the 100 Block of West Petit in Medicine Lodge.

On Tuesday morning, Harper County deputies saw Thomas walking on highway near Attica, Kansas and took him in custody without incident, according to Harper County Undersheriff Kenny Hodson.

Thomas is being held on requested charges of second-degree murder, according to Richardson.&nbsp; Authorities have not confirmed when he will return to Louisiana to face charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602338015932.png" alt="After an all night manhunt, Louisiana murder suspect Douglas Thomas was arrested&nbsp; in Kansas. -photo Harper Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>After an all night manhunt, Louisiana murder suspect Douglas Thomas was arrested&nbsp; in Kansas. -photo Harper Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>HARPER COUNTY — A man wanted for murder in Louisiana remains jailed in Kansas following his arrest in rural Barber County.Douglas Thomas, 41, is a suspect in the October 4, shooting death of 26-year-old Demarcus Lewis whose body was found in a rural area near Mansfield Louisiana, according DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson.&nbsp;On the evening of October 5, authorities spotted Lewis at a convenience store in Medicine Lodge, according to the Barber County Attorney's office. When law enforcement arrived, Lewis had left in a 2006 Lexus RX 330.Numerous law enforcement agencies began a search for Lewis and the vehicle. After several hours, authorities found the vehicle in the 100 Block of West Petit in Medicine Lodge.On Tuesday morning, Harper County deputies saw Thomas walking on highway near Attica, Kansas and took him in custody without incident, according to Harper County Undersheriff Kenny Hodson.Thomas is being held on requested charges of second-degree murder, according to Richardson.&nbsp; Authorities have not confirmed when he will return to Louisiana to face charges.

Louisiana murder suspect remains in Kan. jail after manhunt

John David Fixsen was born January 20, 1958, to Merle and Louise (Tagtmeyer) Fixsen of Goodland, Kansas. He left this world on October 8, 2020, at home, with his wife Wanda by his side, after a 10-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.

Growing up John was a smart kid who prided himself on getting good grades but always found ways to be ornery in the process. From getting a whole extra hour of sleep his entire senior year by sneaking into band because he knew his teacher took roll as students LEFT class to writing all of his notes backwards. John also had a love for animals starting at a young age, especially dogs, he was partial to beagles and basset hounds. The love of camping and fishing was instilled in young John as well since his parents spent their summer vacations taking him camping and fishing in many lovely places in the U.S. He was introduced to bowling at an early age by his mother, who also enjoyed the sport. He did some bouts in vocational schools at Garden City JUCO and Goodland NW Kansas Vo-Tech before working at his cousin’s shop, Fixsen TV and Appliance repair shop, also in Goodland.&nbsp;

John had perfected the art of sarcasm, almost to a fault. When he first met his wife, Wanda, he convinced her he had a condition called “striped-belly disease”, (which was later determined to be a striped tank top under the sweater he was wearing). He may have gotten that first date out of pity, but he must have done something right. These jokes and pranks continued all throughout their marriage of 41 years, much to the expense of Wanda’s nerves, but they were always able to laugh at his jokes together, which lead to his coined self-description of being 16 going on 60. John and Wanda were wed on December 2, 1978 and made their first home in Goodland, Kansas. In 1982, when Wanda was pregnant with their first child, the couple moved back to Wanda’s hometown of Sharon Springs to take over her parent’s farm.&nbsp;

John spent his adult life being a husband and father, while running the farm and ranch. He never knew the definition of sitting still, if he got a break from farming you could find him doing odd jobs like helping Floyd’s Refrigeration &amp; A/C install and/or fix furnaces and air conditioning units, or processing grain samples or beans as a Kansas Feed and Grain Inspector. For entertainment, John loved bowling and getting away to do some fly fishing in the mountains of Colorado.&nbsp;As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, John opened his own Gun and Ammunition shop, Rose Creek Arms in 2013.

John was also an avid reader, had a wonderful singing voice and even had some artistic talents (his children can attest that his Mickey Mouse pancakes tasted better than any other pancakes in the world).&nbsp;

John joins his parents, Merle and Louise, in the glorious afterlife. His memory will be carried forth by his dearest loved ones, including his wife of 41 years, Wanda Fixsen, their three daughters, Sarah Fixsen-Ziegler (Kem Matthews), Lindsay Hartman (Jarrod Hartman) and Ellen Fixsen, six grandchildren, Marissa, Ethan and Sophie Ziegler and Nicholas, Oliver and Bristol Hartman and his sister Delores (Alvin) Depe along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.&nbsp;

John didn’t know a stranger, he was funny, smart and could talk to anyone about anything. We know he touched so many individual’s lives and he will be missed so deeply by more people than anyone could ever count. His family is grateful for all of the love and support during his diagnosis and battle with cancer, especially from the community they have called home, Sharon Springs, Kansas. We have appreciated the strength and grace others have lent to us when our own has faltered. In memory of John we hope you all crack open and enjoy a nice frosty Shiner Bock or other (adult) beverage of your choice.

Memorial services for John will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs with Pastor Phil Know, SAM officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602351471961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John David Fixsen was born January 20, 1958, to Merle and Louise (Tagtmeyer) Fixsen of Goodland, Kansas. He left this world on October 8, 2020, at home, with his wife Wanda by his side, after a 10-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.Growing up John was a smart kid who prided himself on getting good grades but always found ways to be ornery in the process. From getting a whole extra hour of sleep his entire senior year by sneaking into band because he knew his teacher took roll as students LEFT class to writing all of his notes backwards. John also had a love for animals starting at a young age, especially dogs, he was partial to beagles and basset hounds. The love of camping and fishing was instilled in young John as well since his parents spent their summer vacations taking him camping and fishing in many lovely places in the U.S. He was introduced to bowling at an early age by his mother, who also enjoyed the sport. He did some bouts in vocational schools at Garden City JUCO and Goodland NW Kansas Vo-Tech before working at his cousin’s shop, Fixsen TV and Appliance repair shop, also in Goodland.&nbsp;John had perfected the art of sarcasm, almost to a fault. When he first met his wife, Wanda, he convinced her he had a condition called “striped-belly disease”, (which was later determined to be a striped tank top under the sweater he was wearing). He may have gotten that first date out of pity, but he must have done something right. These jokes and pranks continued all throughout their marriage of 41 years, much to the expense of Wanda’s nerves, but they were always able to laugh at his jokes together, which lead to his coined self-description of being 16 going on 60. John and Wanda were wed on December 2, 1978 and made their first home in Goodland, Kansas. In 1982, when Wanda was pregnant with their first child, the couple moved back to Wanda’s hometown of Sharon Springs to take over her parent’s farm.&nbsp;John spent his adult life being a husband and father, while running the farm and ranch. He never knew the definition of sitting still, if he got a break from farming you could find him doing odd jobs like helping Floyd’s Refrigeration &amp; A/C install and/or fix furnaces and air conditioning units, or processing grain samples or beans as a Kansas Feed and Grain Inspector. For entertainment, John loved bowling and getting away to do some fly fishing in the mountains of Colorado.&nbsp;As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, John opened his own Gun and Ammunition shop, Rose Creek Arms in 2013.John was also an avid reader, had a wonderful singing voice and even had some artistic talents (his children can attest that his Mickey Mouse pancakes tasted better than any other pancakes in the world).&nbsp;John joins his parents, Merle and Louise, in the glorious afterlife. His memory will be carried forth by his dearest loved ones, including his wife of 41 years, Wanda Fixsen, their three daughters, Sarah Fixsen-Ziegler (Kem Matthews), Lindsay Hartman (Jarrod Hartman) and Ellen Fixsen, six grandchildren, Marissa, Ethan and Sophie Ziegler and Nicholas, Oliver and Bristol Hartman and his sister Delores (Alvin) Depe along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.&nbsp;John didn’t know a stranger, he was funny, smart and could talk to anyone about anything. We know he touched so many individual’s lives and he will be missed so deeply by more people than anyone could ever count. His family is grateful for all of the love and support during his diagnosis and battle with cancer, especially from the community they have called home, Sharon Springs, Kansas. We have appreciated the strength and grace others have lent to us when our own has faltered. In memory of John we hope you all crack open and enjoy a nice frosty Shiner Bock or other (adult) beverage of your choice.Memorial services for John will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs with Pastor Phil Know, SAM officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be designated to the Strand Theatre and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.Online condolences for the family may be left at <a href="http://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com">www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com</a>.Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.

John David Fixsen


Terry was born March 15, 1945, in Great Bend, KS. He was the son of 
Elbert Paul and June Nadine (Clark) Minson. Terry graduated from 
Hoisington High School in 1963. He joined the United States Navy and 
served his country from 1963-1969 — fighting for our country in Vietnam.

From Terry’s first marriage were born two sons, Terry Minson II and 
Douglas Minson. While in Kinsley, he married Marilyn (Regnier) Welsch 
June 5, 1975. Marilyn brought three boys to this union — Troy Welsch, 
Mark Welsch and Brian Welsch.

Terry had careers at Wilbert Vault Co, the Dyne-Quik Restaurant, 
insurance sales, and eventually began a career in the U.S. Postal 
System. Working between the towns of Dodge City, Hutchison, Kinsley, and
 Cimarron, he eventually held Postmaster at Larned and Great Bend, 
retiring in 2005. At that time, Terry and Marilyn moved to Table Rock 
Lake in Kimberling City, MO, meeting new lifelong friends and making 
many great memories, including lots of family visiting often.

Terry’s health became a priority and that led them back to Kansas in 
2013, moving to Galva. Terry was adamant that all of his kids work hard 
and often — which led to him buying the Kinsley Ice Company, a radiator 
shop, and the kids mowing many yards. Terry was a member of many clubs 
and organizations including the Kinsley Fire Dept, the VFW, Knights of 
Columbus and was also a past Mayor of Kinsley.&nbsp;

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Paulette Minson 
and Janelle Lefler, brothers Kent, Jim, Paul, and Craig, and a 
stepson Brian Welsch.&nbsp;

Survivors include wife Marilyn of Galva KS, Troy (Amy) Welsch of 
Larned, Mark Welsch of Trousdale, Terry Minson (Tracy) of Galva, and 
Doug Minson of WaKeeney. Surviving siblings include sisters Andrea 
(Duane) Sitton of Independence, KS and Rhonda (Bob) Shockey of Tulsa, 
OK. Brothers--Randy of Dartmouth, MA, Clark of Westport, MA, and Aaron 
(Liz) of Debary, FL. He is also survived by special brothers-in-law 
Kenneth Regnier of Offerle KS, Bud Lefler of Morrilton, AR, and sister- 
in-law Jane Minson of N. Kingstown, RI. Terry is survived by 10 
grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud 
of and always had words of wisdom for.

Viewing and visitation at McKillip Funeral Home 
in Kinsley from 5-7pm Tuesday October 13th and Rosary at 7pm. Memorial 
Service will be held at McKillips on Wedneday October 14th at 10am, with
 interment at WaKeeney Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney, KS. at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Edwards County 
Golf Course in Kinsley where many family memories were created and 
shared, and also to the Bethany Village in Lindsborg, where Terry 
received great care in the last months of his life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602513974725.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Terrance "Terry" L. Minson Sr. March 15, 1945 - October 9, 2020
Terry was born March 15, 1945, in Great Bend, KS. He was the son of 
Elbert Paul and June Nadine (Clark) Minson. Terry graduated from 
Hoisington High School in 1963. He joined the United States Navy and 
served his country from 1963-1969 — fighting for our country in Vietnam.From Terry’s first marriage were born two sons, Terry Minson II and 
Douglas Minson. While in Kinsley, he married Marilyn (Regnier) Welsch 
June 5, 1975. Marilyn brought three boys to this union — Troy Welsch, 
Mark Welsch and Brian Welsch.Terry had careers at Wilbert Vault Co, the Dyne-Quik Restaurant, 
insurance sales, and eventually began a career in the U.S. Postal 
System. Working between the towns of Dodge City, Hutchison, Kinsley, and
 Cimarron, he eventually held Postmaster at Larned and Great Bend, 
retiring in 2005. At that time, Terry and Marilyn moved to Table Rock 
Lake in Kimberling City, MO, meeting new lifelong friends and making 
many great memories, including lots of family visiting often.Terry’s health became a priority and that led them back to Kansas in 
2013, moving to Galva. Terry was adamant that all of his kids work hard 
and often — which led to him buying the Kinsley Ice Company, a radiator 
shop, and the kids mowing many yards. Terry was a member of many clubs 
and organizations including the Kinsley Fire Dept, the VFW, Knights of 
Columbus and was also a past Mayor of Kinsley.&nbsp;Terry was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Paulette Minson 
and Janelle Lefler, brothers Kent, Jim, Paul, and Craig, and a 
stepson Brian Welsch.&nbsp;Survivors include wife Marilyn of Galva KS, Troy (Amy) Welsch of 
Larned, Mark Welsch of Trousdale, Terry Minson (Tracy) of Galva, and 
Doug Minson of WaKeeney. Surviving siblings include sisters Andrea 
(Duane) Sitton of Independence, KS and Rhonda (Bob) Shockey of Tulsa, 
OK. Brothers--Randy of Dartmouth, MA, Clark of Westport, MA, and Aaron 
(Liz) of Debary, FL. He is also survived by special brothers-in-law 
Kenneth Regnier of Offerle KS, Bud Lefler of Morrilton, AR, and sister- 
in-law Jane Minson of N. Kingstown, RI. Terry is survived by 10 
grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud 
of and always had words of wisdom for.Viewing and visitation at McKillip Funeral Home 
in Kinsley from 5-7pm Tuesday October 13th and Rosary at 7pm. Memorial 
Service will be held at McKillips on Wedneday October 14th at 10am, with
 interment at WaKeeney Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney, KS. at 3pm.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Edwards County 
Golf Course in Kinsley where many family memories were created and 
shared, and also to the Bethany Village in Lindsborg, where Terry 
received great care in the last months of his life.

Terrance ‘Terry’ L. Minson Sr.

Eli John Leo Boucher, 99, Olathe, passed away peacefully Thursday, 
October 8, 2020, at Silvercrest Independent Living Community, Lenexa, KS. He was born May 16, 1921, to Edward and Blanche Boucher, in Zurich, Kansas, the 8th child born into a family of 9 children. 
 Eli grew up on the family farm during the 1920’s and 1930’s. He 
shared many memories of family life and the hardships of farming, 
especially during the ‘dust bowl” years. He graduated from Palco
 High School, Palco, KS in 1939. In the fall he moved to Hays, KS to 
attend Fort Hays State University. He graduated from FHSU in 1943 with 
BA degree in Math and Physics. During his college years he met a
 beautiful young nurse named Irene Imelda Linenberger from La Crosse, KS.
 They married November 25, 1942 in St. Michael Catholic Church in 
La Crosse. Wherever they lived over the years, they were active members 
of the Catholic parish in that city. They remained devoted to each other
 until Irene’s passing in 2006. Eli was called to active duty 
during WWII in January 1944. He served in the Army Air Corp until the 
end of the war in 1945. He then began a career in education as a 
classroom teacher in Lincoln, KS. He received a MA in Education 
Administration from the University of Kansas in the spring of 1950. His 
first administrative position was as high school principal in 
Minneapolis, KS. Later he became the Superintendent of Schools in 
Glasco, KS, and finally the district superintendent for USD 395 in 
La Crosse, KS and USD 401 for Chase-Raymond, KS. For many years after 
retiring from education, Eli was the coordinator of the Western KS Tax 
Volunteers. After retiring from his community tax service duties and 
Irene’s retirement from nursing, They moved to Olathe, KS in 2004 to be 
near family. Survivors include three sons, Greg and wife Linda, 
Bogart, GA; Brian and wife Margaret, Alma, KS; and Dana and wife 
Jeanette, Fairway, KS; two daughters Cheryl Wunder and husband Rich, 
Olathe, KS, and Michele Heidrick and husband Max, Beloit, KS; 11&nbsp; grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded 
in death by his wife Irene, parents, Edward and Blanch, brothers Adlore,
 Paul, Hector, and Edmond, and sisters Jeanette, Theresa, Alma, and 
Mary. A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:00PM Monday. October 
12th at Penwell-Gabel Olathe Chapel, where the Prayers of the Rosary 
will be offered at 6:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
1:00PM Tuesday, October 13th at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Olathe, KS. 
Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. Memorials
 may be given to Fort Hays State University, The Sisters of St. 
Joseph,1300 Washington St, Concordia, KS 66901, or the American Stroke 
Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202 
http://www.americanstroke.org&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602599804387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eli John Leo Boucher, 99, Olathe, passed away peacefully Thursday, 
October 8, 2020, at Silvercrest Independent Living Community, Lenexa, KS. He was born May 16, 1921, to Edward and Blanche Boucher, in Zurich, Kansas, the 8th child born into a family of 9 children. 
 Eli grew up on the family farm during the 1920’s and 1930’s. He 
shared many memories of family life and the hardships of farming, 
especially during the ‘dust bowl” years. He graduated from Palco
 High School, Palco, KS in 1939. In the fall he moved to Hays, KS to 
attend Fort Hays State University. He graduated from FHSU in 1943 with 
BA degree in Math and Physics. During his college years he met a
 beautiful young nurse named Irene Imelda Linenberger from La Crosse, KS.
 They married November 25, 1942 in St. Michael Catholic Church in 
La Crosse. Wherever they lived over the years, they were active members 
of the Catholic parish in that city. They remained devoted to each other
 until Irene’s passing in 2006. Eli was called to active duty 
during WWII in January 1944. He served in the Army Air Corp until the 
end of the war in 1945. He then began a career in education as a 
classroom teacher in Lincoln, KS. He received a MA in Education 
Administration from the University of Kansas in the spring of 1950. His 
first administrative position was as high school principal in 
Minneapolis, KS. Later he became the Superintendent of Schools in 
Glasco, KS, and finally the district superintendent for USD 395 in 
La Crosse, KS and USD 401 for Chase-Raymond, KS. For many years after 
retiring from education, Eli was the coordinator of the Western KS Tax 
Volunteers. After retiring from his community tax service duties and 
Irene’s retirement from nursing, They moved to Olathe, KS in 2004 to be 
near family. Survivors include three sons, Greg and wife Linda, 
Bogart, GA; Brian and wife Margaret, Alma, KS; and Dana and wife 
Jeanette, Fairway, KS; two daughters Cheryl Wunder and husband Rich, 
Olathe, KS, and Michele Heidrick and husband Max, Beloit, KS; 11&nbsp; grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded 
in death by his wife Irene, parents, Edward and Blanch, brothers Adlore,
 Paul, Hector, and Edmond, and sisters Jeanette, Theresa, Alma, and 
Mary. A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:00PM Monday. October 
12th at Penwell-Gabel Olathe Chapel, where the Prayers of the Rosary 
will be offered at 6:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
1:00PM Tuesday, October 13th at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Olathe, KS. 
Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. Memorials
 may be given to Fort Hays State University, The Sisters of St. 
Joseph,1300 Washington St, Concordia, KS 66901, or the American Stroke 
Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202 
http://www.americanstroke.org&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eli John Leo Boucher

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Sunday circulated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">a video </a>of the Democrats’ candidate for an open U.S. Senate seat in Kansas praising strict Australian gun laws that she said “took them all away” to undercut her campaign as a political moderate in what’s been an unexpectedly tough red-state race for the GOP.

Democrat Barbara Bollier’s spokeswoman accused Republican Roger Marshall’s campaign of being “duplicitous” in highlighting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">the video from an </a>Oct. 3 “lawn chair chat” at a Kansas City-area park. Bollier’s campaign released longer audio from the same event that included moments in which Bollier said she supports the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protecting gun rights and recalled hunting with her father.

The race appears to be close between Marshall, a two-term congressman for western and central Kansas, and Bollier, a Kansas City-area state senator who was a lifelong moderate Republican before switching parties late in 2018. As the GOP fights to keep its 53-47 majority in the Senate, Marshall and his supporters have attacked Bollier on issues that favor Republicans in much of the state, including gun rights.

Both a 2 1/2-minute video clip provided to The Associated Press by the Marshall campaign and longer audio from Bollier’s show that she noted that an adult daughter lives in Australia and praised&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/law/help/firearms-control/australia.php" target="_blank">a law</a>&nbsp;there that in the 1990s forced owners of 700,000 guns to sell them to the government as “this amazing thing.”

“They have no guns. They don’t allow them. They just took them all away,” Bollier told her audience. “And you know what? It’s pretty darn safe.”

Bollier also noted that Australia imposes licensing and training requirements for gun owners. Kansas law allows adults to carry weapons openly, and it allows them to carry concealed firearms without a permit — a policy Bollier opposed as a legislator when it was enacted in 2015.

“Who thinks you can just go out and have a gun? Seriously,” Bollier said. “You can’t drive a car without training. You can’t basically do anything without some kind of training. This is a lethal weapon.”

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">As the video clip </a>began circulating,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BarbaraBollier/status/1315364810775764993" target="_blank">Bollier tweeted</a>&nbsp;Sunday afternoon: “I do not support gun confiscation. I never have. I never will.”

Republicans have not lost a Senate race in Kansas since 1932, but Bollier has flooded the airwaves with ads that have included testimonials from former GOP state lawmakers.

The race had seen a Kansas record of $32 million in advertising as of last week, with Marshall and his allies being outspent, according to the media advertising firm Advertising Analytics.

Bollier’s campaign had spent more than $9 million, with outside groups paying for about $8 million more. Nearly 90% of the roughly $14.5 million in ads for Marshall were covered by outside groups, with the Marshall campaign spending about $1.5 million, according to Advertising Analytics.

Bollier’s remarks on guns first were reported Sunday by&nbsp;<a href="https://freebeacon.com/2020-election/kansas-dem-backs-gun-confiscation/" target="_blank">The Washington Free Beacon</a>&nbsp;conservative site. Marshall’s campaign manager, Eric Pahls, texted a 36-second excerpt to The Associated Press. He later provided a link to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I" target="_blank">longer video clip</a>&nbsp;with Bollier’s full answer to a question from a woman who said she recently bought a handgun and was “completely disturbed” by how easy it was for her one to buy one and carry it concealed.

“This may sound good to Bollier’s donors in San Francisco, but to Kansans, this is disqualifying,” Pahls said in a later text. “Even among Democrats, forced gun confiscation is an alarming concept.”

Bollier spokeswoman Alexandra De Luca provided nearly eight minutes of audio from the event, which included comments from the Democratic candidate a few minutes before the question that led Bollier to praise Australian gun laws. Bollier said she still has one of her father’s shotguns but called gun violence a public health crisis.

“Roger Marshall and his allies in Washington want to take Barbara’s comments completely out of context for their political benefit,” De Luca said in a statement. “She knows we can protect the rights of gun owners and keep our communities safe.”

But Pahls suggested that Bollier’s comments in support of the Second Amendment represent “carefully scripted talking points” and that with off-script answers to questions, “she exposes herself for the radical leftist that she is.”

“Her true colors started shining through,” he said.

Pahls also suggested Bollier’s staff ended the event shortly afterward because “she got off her rehearsed talking points.”

De Luca called it “an outright lie,” then provided 32 minutes of audio from the event. It showed that she began wrapping up about a minute later — after answering a final question and saying she supports background checks for gun purchases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602463794015.png" alt="U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">lawn chair chat video </a>courtesy Marshall for Senate" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">lawn chair chat video </a>courtesy Marshall for Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>By John HannaTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans on Sunday circulated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">a video </a>of the Democrats’ candidate for an open U.S. Senate seat in Kansas praising strict Australian gun laws that she said “took them all away” to undercut her campaign as a political moderate in what’s been an unexpectedly tough red-state race for the GOP.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">One of my favorite memories growing up was hunting with my dad — he left me his shotgun when he died. I support the 2nd Amendment and commonsense reforms we can agree all to, like expanded background checks. I do not support gun confiscation. I never have. I never will. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSSen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSSen</a>&mdash; Dr. Barbara Bollier (@BarbaraBollier) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbaraBollier/status/1315364810775764993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democrat Barbara Bollier’s spokeswoman accused Republican Roger Marshall’s campaign of being “duplicitous” in highlighting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">the video from an </a>Oct. 3 “lawn chair chat” at a Kansas City-area park. Bollier’s campaign released longer audio from the same event that included moments in which Bollier said she supports the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protecting gun rights and recalled hunting with her father.The race appears to be close between Marshall, a two-term congressman for western and central Kansas, and Bollier, a Kansas City-area state senator who was a lifelong moderate Republican before switching parties late in 2018. As the GOP fights to keep its 53-47 majority in the Senate, Marshall and his supporters have attacked Bollier on issues that favor Republicans in much of the state, including gun rights.Both a 2 1/2-minute video clip provided to The Associated Press by the Marshall campaign and longer audio from Bollier’s show that she noted that an adult daughter lives in Australia and praised&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/law/help/firearms-control/australia.php" target="_blank">a law</a>&nbsp;there that in the 1990s forced owners of 700,000 guns to sell them to the government as “this amazing thing.”“They have no guns. They don’t allow them. They just took them all away,” Bollier told her audience. “And you know what? It’s pretty darn safe.”Bollier also noted that Australia imposes licensing and training requirements for gun owners. Kansas law allows adults to carry weapons openly, and it allows them to carry concealed firearms without a permit — a policy Bollier opposed as a legislator when it was enacted in 2015.“Who thinks you can just go out and have a gun? Seriously,” Bollier said. “You can’t drive a car without training. You can’t basically do anything without some kind of training. This is a lethal weapon.”<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I&amp;feature=youtu.be">As the video clip </a>began circulating,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BarbaraBollier/status/1315364810775764993" target="_blank">Bollier tweeted</a>&nbsp;Sunday afternoon: “I do not support gun confiscation. I never have. I never will.”Republicans have not lost a Senate race in Kansas since 1932, but Bollier has flooded the airwaves with ads that have included testimonials from former GOP state lawmakers.The race had seen a Kansas record of $32 million in advertising as of last week, with Marshall and his allies being outspent, according to the media advertising firm Advertising Analytics.Bollier’s campaign had spent more than $9 million, with outside groups paying for about $8 million more. Nearly 90% of the roughly $14.5 million in ads for Marshall were covered by outside groups, with the Marshall campaign spending about $1.5 million, according to Advertising Analytics.Bollier’s remarks on guns first were reported Sunday by&nbsp;<a href="https://freebeacon.com/2020-election/kansas-dem-backs-gun-confiscation/" target="_blank">The Washington Free Beacon</a>&nbsp;conservative site. Marshall’s campaign manager, Eric Pahls, texted a 36-second excerpt to The Associated Press. He later provided a link to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHt4Wf4B-I" target="_blank">longer video clip</a>&nbsp;with Bollier’s full answer to a question from a woman who said she recently bought a handgun and was “completely disturbed” by how easy it was for her one to buy one and carry it concealed.“This may sound good to Bollier’s donors in San Francisco, but to Kansans, this is disqualifying,” Pahls said in a later text. “Even among Democrats, forced gun confiscation is an alarming concept.”Bollier spokeswoman Alexandra De Luca provided nearly eight minutes of audio from the event, which included comments from the Democratic candidate a few minutes before the question that led Bollier to praise Australian gun laws. Bollier said she still has one of her father’s shotguns but called gun violence a public health crisis.“Roger Marshall and his allies in Washington want to take Barbara’s comments completely out of context for their political benefit,” De Luca said in a statement. “She knows we can protect the rights of gun owners and keep our communities safe.”But Pahls suggested that Bollier’s comments in support of the Second Amendment represent “carefully scripted talking points” and that with off-script answers to questions, “she exposes herself for the radical leftist that she is.”“Her true colors started shining through,” he said.Pahls also suggested Bollier’s staff ended the event shortly afterward because “she got off her rehearsed talking points.”De Luca called it “an outright lie,” then provided 32 minutes of audio from the event. It showed that she began wrapping up about a minute later — after answering a final question and saying she supports background checks for gun purchases.___

Democrat's praise of strict gun law roils Kansas Senate race

Anna Lee (Thill) Habiger, 97, passed away peacefully October 10, 
2020, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born at Dubuque on 
October 20, 1922, to Frank and Mary (Weber) Thill. Both her parents died
 before she was seven years old, and she was raised by her uncle and 
aunt, Nick J. and Mary Weber. She married Jerome Habiger of Bushton on 
March 30, 1948, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. 
Jerome passed away in 2004.

Anna Lee was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Bushton, the Holy
 Name Altar Society, and the former Mutual Improvement Club of Bushton. 
She loved praying the Rosary, feeding the orioles, going fishing, 
traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family, relatives and
 friends.

Suvivors include daughters, Diane Ingels of Topeka, Jane Habiger of 
Bushton and Mary Beth (Lee) Bonnewell of Andover; sons Norman (Myra) 
Habiger and Wayne (Karen) Habiger all of Bushton; grandchildren Joshua 
Ingels, Atchison, Lora (Ethan) Kloster, Manhattan, Ryan (Lindsey) 
Habiger, Bushton, Sarah (Tim) Garth, Claflin, Tyler (Dani) Habiger, 
Lebanon, OH, Kristen (John) Montgomery, McPherson, Will (Lakyn) Habiger,
 Wamego, Mickaela (Anthony) Holmes, Pratt, and Jayme Bonnewell, Andover;
 great grandchildren Paisley and Jagger Kloster, Manhattan, Colton, 
Corbin and Ryleigh Habiger, Bushton, Luke and Landon Garth, Claflin, 
Avery Christians and Mason, Lukas and Cooper Habiger, Lebanon, OH, Mark 
and Kora Montgomery, McPherson and Hayden Habiger, Wamego. She was 
preceded in death by her husband, parents, aunt and uncle, brothers 
Frank, Nick, Paul and Leonard Thill and foster brother Nick Weber; 
sisters Mary Ann Brungardt, Frances, Catherine and Elenora Thill and 
foster sisters Frances Bieberle, Mary Schartz and Matilda Schartz.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday October 15, 2020,
 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rosary will be 7:00 
p.m. Thursday October 15, 2020, at Holy Name Catholic Church, rural 
Bushton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday October 16, 
2020, at Holy Name Catholic Church with Fr. Rick Kotrba presiding. 
Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery

Memorials are suggested to Holy Name Cemetery Fund or Bushton 
Community Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS 67544&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602507498330.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anna Lee (Thill) Habiger, 97, passed away peacefully October 10, 
2020, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born at Dubuque on 
October 20, 1922, to Frank and Mary (Weber) Thill. Both her parents died
 before she was seven years old, and she was raised by her uncle and 
aunt, Nick J. and Mary Weber. She married Jerome Habiger of Bushton on 
March 30, 1948, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. 
Jerome passed away in 2004.Anna Lee was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Bushton, the Holy
 Name Altar Society, and the former Mutual Improvement Club of Bushton. 
She loved praying the Rosary, feeding the orioles, going fishing, 
traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family, relatives and
 friends.Suvivors include daughters, Diane Ingels of Topeka, Jane Habiger of 
Bushton and Mary Beth (Lee) Bonnewell of Andover; sons Norman (Myra) 
Habiger and Wayne (Karen) Habiger all of Bushton; grandchildren Joshua 
Ingels, Atchison, Lora (Ethan) Kloster, Manhattan, Ryan (Lindsey) 
Habiger, Bushton, Sarah (Tim) Garth, Claflin, Tyler (Dani) Habiger, 
Lebanon, OH, Kristen (John) Montgomery, McPherson, Will (Lakyn) Habiger,
 Wamego, Mickaela (Anthony) Holmes, Pratt, and Jayme Bonnewell, Andover;
 great grandchildren Paisley and Jagger Kloster, Manhattan, Colton, 
Corbin and Ryleigh Habiger, Bushton, Luke and Landon Garth, Claflin, 
Avery Christians and Mason, Lukas and Cooper Habiger, Lebanon, OH, Mark 
and Kora Montgomery, McPherson and Hayden Habiger, Wamego. She was 
preceded in death by her husband, parents, aunt and uncle, brothers 
Frank, Nick, Paul and Leonard Thill and foster brother Nick Weber; 
sisters Mary Ann Brungardt, Frances, Catherine and Elenora Thill and 
foster sisters Frances Bieberle, Mary Schartz and Matilda Schartz.Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday October 15, 2020,
 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rosary will be 7:00 
p.m. Thursday October 15, 2020, at Holy Name Catholic Church, rural 
Bushton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday October 16, 
2020, at Holy Name Catholic Church with Fr. Rick Kotrba presiding. 
Burial will follow at Holy Name CemeteryMemorials are suggested to Holy Name Cemetery Fund or Bushton 
Community Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS 67544&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anna Lee (Thill) Habiger

Helen E. Klein, 84, passed away October 10, 2020, at her home in 
Great Bend.&nbsp; She was born August 25, 1936, in Hoisington, to Joseph and 
Mary (Demel) Courange.&nbsp; Helen married Larry Eugene Klein Aug. 17, 1953, 
in Russell.&nbsp; He died Aug. 10, 2001.

Helen, a life time resident of Barton County, was a homemaker and enjoyed playing BINGO.

Survivors include three sons, Curtis Klein and wife Betty of 
Canadian, Texas, Mike Klein and wife Terri of Great Bend and Robert 
Klein of Great Bend; two daughters, Karen Barrow and husband Ron of 
Great Bend and Tammy Cushenbery and husband Daryl of Fort Worth, Texas; 
one brother, Jim Courange of Great Bend; three sisters, Joann Torrez of 
Hoisington, Theresa Hall of Great Bend and Norma Seyfert of Hoisington; 
19 grandchildren and many great and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Larry Klein and Todd Klein; 
six brothers, Gene Courange, Clarence Courange, Irvin Courange, Victor 
Courange, Joe Courange and Paul Courange; and five sisters, Marge 
Courange, Maryanne Ash, Victoria Hubbard, Irene Green and Virginia 
Munoz.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Rev. Dick Ogle.&nbsp; Interment will 
follow at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, with the family receiving 
friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.&nbsp; 
Memorials may be given to Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke 
Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602507540268.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Helen E. Klein, 84, passed away October 10, 2020, at her home in 
Great Bend.&nbsp; She was born August 25, 1936, in Hoisington, to Joseph and 
Mary (Demel) Courange.&nbsp; Helen married Larry Eugene Klein Aug. 17, 1953, 
in Russell.&nbsp; He died Aug. 10, 2001.Helen, a life time resident of Barton County, was a homemaker and enjoyed playing BINGO.Survivors include three sons, Curtis Klein and wife Betty of 
Canadian, Texas, Mike Klein and wife Terri of Great Bend and Robert 
Klein of Great Bend; two daughters, Karen Barrow and husband Ron of 
Great Bend and Tammy Cushenbery and husband Daryl of Fort Worth, Texas; 
one brother, Jim Courange of Great Bend; three sisters, Joann Torrez of 
Hoisington, Theresa Hall of Great Bend and Norma Seyfert of Hoisington; 
19 grandchildren and many great and great great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by two sons, Larry Klein and Todd Klein; 
six brothers, Gene Courange, Clarence Courange, Irvin Courange, Victor 
Courange, Joe Courange and Paul Courange; and five sisters, Marge 
Courange, Maryanne Ash, Victoria Hubbard, Irene Green and Virginia 
Munoz.Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Rev. Dick Ogle.&nbsp; Interment will 
follow at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, with the family receiving 
friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.&nbsp; 
Memorials may be given to Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke 
Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

Helen E. Klein

The importance of being actively involved in politics is something faculty and staff at Fort Hays State University continually stress to students.

Once again this year, multiple entities at FHSU and in the city of Hays are teaming up to provide live debate coverage of the 111th District in the Kansas House of Representatives. The race features incumbent Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays.

The debate will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 and will be broadcast live on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/">FHSU Student Government Association’s Facebook page</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/">https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/</a>.

“Every single host involved in ensuring these debates happen care greatly about civic engagement, and voters should take this opportunity to become informed about candidates and issues that will better our community,” said Crystal Rojas, legislative affairs director of the FHSU Student Government Association.&nbsp;

The event is being made possible by the collaboration of the FHSU Student Government Association, the American Democracy Project, the Department of Political Science, Tiger Media Network, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and the Docking Institute of Public Affairs.

“The 2020 November election will have a significant impact on the businesses and residents of Ellis County,” said Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Hays Chamber. “Chamber advocacy for member investors is critical, especially this year and moving forward due to all the legislation that impacts local businesses. We encourage all registered voters and the public to watch the election forums this October. Exercise due diligence, research candidates and be sure to vote on Nov. 3.”

Candidates will answer questions from the moderators during the debate, and viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions in the live event with the comment section.&nbsp;

Questions for the candidates can also be submitted prior to the event by emailing them to fhsutmn@gmail.com.

Due to the need for social distancing requirements, no audience will be allowed in person at the debate.

Wasinger and Phelps squared off in the 111th District two years ago, with Wasinger knocking off Phelps by a slim margin.

To help the community become educated on this year’s general election, as well as candidates, a Forsyth Library employee has developed an online election guide.

Kelly Hovinga, instruction and research librarian, has developed the site at <a href="https://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/2020election">https://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/2020election</a>. The site has information on statewide, local and national elections. It also includes information on polling places and tips for spotting fake news during the election cycle.

Tiger Media NetworkThe importance of being actively involved in politics is something faculty and staff at Fort Hays State University continually stress to students.Once again this year, multiple entities at FHSU and in the city of Hays are teaming up to provide live debate coverage of the 111th District in the Kansas House of Representatives. The race features incumbent Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays.The debate will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 and will be broadcast live on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/">FHSU Student Government Association’s Facebook page</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/">https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/</a>.“Every single host involved in ensuring these debates happen care greatly about civic engagement, and voters should take this opportunity to become informed about candidates and issues that will better our community,” said Crystal Rojas, legislative affairs director of the FHSU Student Government Association.&nbsp;The event is being made possible by the collaboration of the FHSU Student Government Association, the American Democracy Project, the Department of Political Science, Tiger Media Network, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and the Docking Institute of Public Affairs.“The 2020 November election will have a significant impact on the businesses and residents of Ellis County,” said Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Hays Chamber. “Chamber advocacy for member investors is critical, especially this year and moving forward due to all the legislation that impacts local businesses. We encourage all registered voters and the public to watch the election forums this October. Exercise due diligence, research candidates and be sure to vote on Nov. 3.”Candidates will answer questions from the moderators during the debate, and viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions in the live event with the comment section.&nbsp;Questions for the candidates can also be submitted prior to the event by emailing them to fhsutmn@gmail.com.Due to the need for social distancing requirements, no audience will be allowed in person at the debate.Wasinger and Phelps squared off in the 111th District two years ago, with Wasinger knocking off Phelps by a slim margin.To help the community become educated on this year’s general election, as well as candidates, a Forsyth Library employee has developed an online election guide.Kelly Hovinga, instruction and research librarian, has developed the site at <a href="https://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/2020election">https://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/2020election</a>. The site has information on statewide, local and national elections. It also includes information on polling places and tips for spotting fake news during the election cycle.The site is available to the public.