TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official warned Friday that the state is “losing the battle” against the coronavirus as it reported another record increase in new cases.

The state Department of Health and Environment said Kansas reported 1,855 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Wednesday, an increase of 2.9%, to bring the total for the pandemic to 65,807. The state also reported another 40 COVID-19-related deaths, increasing the pandemic total to 763.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/HD/document/media%20releases/10082020_Updates_to_COVID_Deaths_on_SCHD_Dashboard.pdf" target="_blank">Twenty-six of those</a>&nbsp;were reported Thursday in Shawnee County, where the local health department reviewed previous death certificates from the Topeka area.

“Other states are doing bad, and we’re doing worst than most,” Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department, said during an interview. “We’re losing the battle right now.”

The state saw an average of 671 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday, breaking the state’s previous record of 667 for the seven days ending Sept. 28. The state has seen that seven-day average hit or exceed 600 cases per day for five of the six reports it has issued in the past two weeks.

Norman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-hutchinson-prisons-kansas-wichita-6fde15e9983c7e7382be97b6f6a65aed">predicted last week&nbsp;</a>that the state’s reporting of new cases could increase to as many as 900 a day on average in the coming months. COVID-19-related deaths have for about a month hovered around 1.1% of reported cases, but with Friday’s report, the figure was 1.16%, the highest in almost two months.

The actual number of cases is thought to be much higher because people can be infected without feeling ill or they may have only minor symptoms, and because of a lack of testing, particularly early in the pandemic. Norman said earlier this week that between 4% and 4.5% of the state’s population probably has been infected since the pandemic reached Kansas in early March — between 116,000 and 131,000 cases.

Norman blamed the increases on residents’ refusal to consistently follow public health guidelines for mask-wearing, social distancing and avoiding large public gatherings. He said people need to do all of them in tandem to check the virus’ spread.

“One of the things that we just have to collectively as a state start working together with is what are the social and psychological underpinnings for the reasons why for we’re going the direction we’re going,” Norman said. “Our curve is going absolutely the wrong direction.”

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official warned Friday that the state is “losing the battle” against the coronavirus as it reported another record increase in new cases.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F346905849722977%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The state Department of Health and Environment said Kansas reported 1,855 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Wednesday, an increase of 2.9%, to bring the total for the pandemic to 65,807. The state also reported another 40 COVID-19-related deaths, increasing the pandemic total to 763.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/HD/document/media%20releases/10082020_Updates_to_COVID_Deaths_on_SCHD_Dashboard.pdf" target="_blank">Twenty-six of those</a>&nbsp;were reported Thursday in Shawnee County, where the local health department reviewed previous death certificates from the Topeka area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602263997717.png" alt="October 9, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>October 9, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>“Other states are doing bad, and we’re doing worst than most,” Dr. Lee Norman, the head of the state health department, said during an interview. “We’re losing the battle right now.”The state saw an average of 671 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday, breaking the state’s previous record of 667 for the seven days ending Sept. 28. The state has seen that seven-day average hit or exceed 600 cases per day for five of the six reports it has issued in the past two weeks.Norman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-hutchinson-prisons-kansas-wichita-6fde15e9983c7e7382be97b6f6a65aed">predicted last week&nbsp;</a>that the state’s reporting of new cases could increase to as many as 900 a day on average in the coming months. COVID-19-related deaths have for about a month hovered around 1.1% of reported cases, but with Friday’s report, the figure was 1.16%, the highest in almost two months.The actual number of cases is thought to be much higher because people can be infected without feeling ill or they may have only minor symptoms, and because of a lack of testing, particularly early in the pandemic. Norman said earlier this week that between 4% and 4.5% of the state’s population probably has been infected since the pandemic reached Kansas in early March — between 116,000 and 131,000 cases.Norman blamed the increases on residents’ refusal to consistently follow public health guidelines for mask-wearing, social distancing and avoiding large public gatherings. He said people need to do all of them in tandem to check the virus’ spread.“One of the things that we just have to collectively as a state start working together with is what are the social and psychological underpinnings for the reasons why for we’re going the direction we’re going,” Norman said. “Our curve is going absolutely the wrong direction.”

 🎥 Top health official: Kansas 'losing the battle' on COVID-19

Following a successful tenure of more than two decades, Francine Hestermann plans to retire in October 2021 from her position as Chief Financial Officer for the Fort Hays State University Foundation. She joined the FHSU Foundation as CFO in 1997 and says the thought of retiring is bittersweet.

“I’m looking forward to retirement, but I’m going to be leaving an incredible job that has brought me joy over the last 23 years,” Hestermann said. “I’ve met so many wonderful people through my career and have been humbled by the generosity of our Fort Hays State alumni and donors.”

Thanks to donor support from 1997 to today, Hestermann and the FHSU Foundation have created more than 700 new funds in support of Fort Hays State University. In addition, they have more than doubled the number of endowed funds, which are those over $10,000 that are invested and live on in perpetuity.

She has seen a great amount of growth and change through her years serving as Chief Financial Officer. Net assets for the FHSU Foundation have grown from $21 million to more than $116 million to date, and its staff has grown from seven employees to 21.&nbsp;

The FHSU Foundation is currently in the capstone year of its Journey Campaign with a goal of raising $100 million by Homecoming 2021. Hestermann has served in her role through three prior capital campaigns for Fort Hays State: the Centennial Campaign, the Cornerstone Campaign, and the Power of One Scholarship Campaign.

Hestermann is proud to have built an organized and stable accounting team – one that has received an unqualified audit opinion, with no adjusting entries proposed, for all of her 23 years as CFO.&nbsp;

“Our Foundation staff has been amazing, but I’ve also enjoyed working with our Board of Trustees, professors, staff and students,” she said. “I could not find a better place to work.”&nbsp;

With Hestermann retiring, the FHSU Foundation team is hiring for the position of Chief Financial Officer. The candidate will work, learn, and train alongside Hestermann for a number of months to build upon her expertise and longevity before her official retirement. For anyone interested in applying for this position, a full job description is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/about/careers">https://foundation.fhsu.edu/about/careers</a>.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in a single pdf file to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>. The priority deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2020.

To learn more about the FHSU Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contact its offices at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602255356956.jpeg" alt="Foundation CFO Hestermann Image.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Foundation CFO Hestermann Image.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFollowing a successful tenure of more than two decades, Francine Hestermann plans to retire in October 2021 from her position as Chief Financial Officer for the Fort Hays State University Foundation. She joined the FHSU Foundation as CFO in 1997 and says the thought of retiring is bittersweet.“I’m looking forward to retirement, but I’m going to be leaving an incredible job that has brought me joy over the last 23 years,” Hestermann said. “I’ve met so many wonderful people through my career and have been humbled by the generosity of our Fort Hays State alumni and donors.”Thanks to donor support from 1997 to today, Hestermann and the FHSU Foundation have created more than 700 new funds in support of Fort Hays State University. In addition, they have more than doubled the number of endowed funds, which are those over $10,000 that are invested and live on in perpetuity.She has seen a great amount of growth and change through her years serving as Chief Financial Officer. Net assets for the FHSU Foundation have grown from $21 million to more than $116 million to date, and its staff has grown from seven employees to 21.&nbsp;The FHSU Foundation is currently in the capstone year of its Journey Campaign with a goal of raising $100 million by Homecoming 2021. Hestermann has served in her role through three prior capital campaigns for Fort Hays State: the Centennial Campaign, the Cornerstone Campaign, and the Power of One Scholarship Campaign.Hestermann is proud to have built an organized and stable accounting team – one that has received an unqualified audit opinion, with no adjusting entries proposed, for all of her 23 years as CFO.&nbsp;“Our Foundation staff has been amazing, but I’ve also enjoyed working with our Board of Trustees, professors, staff and students,” she said. “I could not find a better place to work.”&nbsp;With Hestermann retiring, the FHSU Foundation team is hiring for the position of Chief Financial Officer. The candidate will work, learn, and train alongside Hestermann for a number of months to build upon her expertise and longevity before her official retirement. For anyone interested in applying for this position, a full job description is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/about/careers">https://foundation.fhsu.edu/about/careers</a>.To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in a single pdf file to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>. The priority deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2020.To learn more about the FHSU Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contact its offices at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

Longtime CFO at Fort Hays State Foundation plans to retire next year

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a field survey along U.S. 281 in Russell County starting Oct. 12.

Crews will be surveying approximately 11 miles of U.S. 281 starting at Land Road and ending at the west K-18 junction to gather information for the detailed design of a proposed pavement and shoulder widening project.

Activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor. Work is expected to be completed by the end of October, weather permitting.

Crews will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property, if access is needed. Michael Selley, field survey project manager, will oversee the survey for KDOT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597694281633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a field survey along U.S. 281 in Russell County starting Oct. 12.Crews will be surveying approximately 11 miles of U.S. 281 starting at Land Road and ending at the west K-18 junction to gather information for the detailed design of a proposed pavement and shoulder widening project.Activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor. Work is expected to be completed by the end of October, weather permitting.Crews will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property, if access is needed. Michael Selley, field survey project manager, will oversee the survey for KDOT.

Survey work planned on U.S. 281 in Russell County

WASHINGTON (AP) — The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is officially off.

The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Friday that the Oct. 15 faceoff would be scrapped. The decision was made a day after the commission announced the debate would take place “virtually” because Trump had contracted the coronavirus.

Trump balked at holding the debate in that format, and Biden scheduled a town hall with ABC News for that night once Trump said he would not participate.

Trump’s team later countered with a call to hold the debates as scheduled once the president’s doctor said he would be cleared to hold public events beginning on Saturday.

But the commission said it would not reverse its decision not to have the candidates on stage together, citing an abundance of caution with health concerns — particularly for the town-hall-style debate that was set to feature questions from average voters.

The third debate, scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee, is still on.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is officially off.The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Friday that the Oct. 15 faceoff would be scrapped. The decision was made a day after the commission announced the debate would take place “virtually” because Trump had contracted the coronavirus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Commission on Presidential Debates is supposedly bipartisan w/ an equal number of Rs and Ds. I know all of the Republicans and most are friends of mine. I am concerned that none of them support <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. A biased Debate Commission is unfair.&mdash; Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDole/status/1314657560994045952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump balked at holding the debate in that format, and Biden scheduled a town hall with ABC News for that night once Trump said he would not participate.Trump’s team later countered with a call to hold the debates as scheduled once the president’s doctor said he would be cleared to hold public events beginning on Saturday.But the commission said it would not reverse its decision not to have the candidates on stage together, citing an abundance of caution with health concerns — particularly for the town-hall-style debate that was set to feature questions from average voters.The third debate, scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee, is still on.

2nd Trump, Biden debate is officially canceled

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State University is conducting an internal investigation into allegations that men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall mistreated players, the school and Marshall have confirmed.

<a href="https://watchstadium.com/sources-wichita-states-gregg-marshall-punched-player-choked-assistant-10-08-2020/">Stadium</a>, a multiplatform sports network, said the inquiry began after the university learned it was conducting an investigation in which it interviewed 36 players and former coaches.

Former Wichita State forward Shaq Morris told Stadium he was punched twice by Marshall, the school’s all-time winningest coach, during an October 2015 practice, and former guard Ty Taylor said he saw it happen.

They were the only players who agreed to be identified; the others said they feared retribution and community backlash because Marshall’s winning record has made him popular, Stadium reported.

“I love my teammates, the city and Wichita State,” said Morris, who played at Wichita State from 2014-18. “But if I could go back to that day when he punched me, I would have left.”

Taylor transferred to the University of North Carolina Wilmington after the 2015-16 season.

Last spring, six scholarship Shockers players plus a walk-on also transferred. In addition, 2020 commit Ja’Dun Michael asked out of his letter of intent.

Wichita State said in a statement Friday that it “acknowledges the allegations within its Men’s Basketball program brought forth by media” and that the investigation was being handled in an “expeditious and deliberate manner.”

“We have received full cooperation from university staff, coaches, and current student-athletes, and Coach Gregg Marshall and support any individual who chooses to participate in order to conduct a fair, impartial and thorough investigation,” the statement said, adding that team activities will continue as scheduled while the probe is underway.

Marshall on Thursday wrote in a text message to&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/2123302/2020/10/08/gregg-marshall-under-investigation-by-wichita-state-for-allegations-of-misconduct/">The Athletic</a>, a subscription-based sports website, that he was fully participating in the process.

“I look forward to having it wrapped up as I continue to focus my energy on our team,” said Marshall, the school’s all-time winningest coach. He did not immediately respond to an email from the AP to his assistant or a phone message seeking comment.

Michelle Basi, an attorney at Tueth Keeney, the St. Louis-based law firm handling the inquiry, didn’t immediately return a phone message from the AP.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State men's basketball coach Gregg Marshall has confirmed that the school is conducting an internal investigation amid allegations he mistreated players.

“I’m aware the university conducted interviews and I fully participated in the process. I look forward to having it wrapped up as I continue to focus my energy on our team," Marshall, the school's all-time winningest coach, wrote in a text message to&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/2123302/2020/10/08/gregg-marshall-under-investigation-by-wichita-state-for-allegations-of-misconduct/">The Athletic,&nbsp;</a>a subscription-based sports website.

Former Wichita State forward Shaq Morris told Stadium he was punched twice by Marshall during an October 2015 practice, and former guard Ty Taylor said he saw it happen.

They were the only players who agreed to be identified; the others said they feared retribution and community backlash because Marshall's winning record has made him popular, Stadium reported.

Last spring, six scholarship Shockers players plus a walk-on also transferred. In addition, 2020 commit Ja’Dun Michael asked out of his letter of intent, according to The Athletic.

Team spokesman Bryan Holmgren didn’t immediately return a phone message or email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Marshall also didn’t immediately respond to an email from the AP to his assistant or a phone message seeking comment.

Stadium reported that the St. Louis law firm Tueth Keeney was hired to handle the inquiry. Michelle Basi, an attorney at the firm, didn't immediately return a phone message from the AP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261953575.png" alt="Coach Gregg Marshall -photo courtesy Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Coach Gregg Marshall -photo courtesy Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State University is conducting an internal investigation into allegations that men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall mistreated players, the school and Marshall have confirmed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wichita State University acknowledges the allegations within its Men’s Basketball program brought forth by media. The university is in the process of an independent investigation conducted by Tueth Keeney, a St. Louis-based law firm. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/rj5wEkELoN">https://t.co/rj5wEkELoN</a>&mdash; Wichita State (@WichitaState) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaState/status/1314617374969077766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://watchstadium.com/sources-wichita-states-gregg-marshall-punched-player-choked-assistant-10-08-2020/">Stadium</a>, a multiplatform sports network, said the inquiry began after the university learned it was conducting an investigation in which it interviewed 36 players and former coaches.Former Wichita State forward Shaq Morris told Stadium he was punched twice by Marshall, the school’s all-time winningest coach, during an October 2015 practice, and former guard Ty Taylor said he saw it happen.They were the only players who agreed to be identified; the others said they feared retribution and community backlash because Marshall’s winning record has made him popular, Stadium reported.“I love my teammates, the city and Wichita State,” said Morris, who played at Wichita State from 2014-18. “But if I could go back to that day when he punched me, I would have left.”Taylor transferred to the University of North Carolina Wilmington after the 2015-16 season.Last spring, six scholarship Shockers players plus a walk-on also transferred. In addition, 2020 commit Ja’Dun Michael asked out of his letter of intent.Wichita State said in a statement Friday that it “acknowledges the allegations within its Men’s Basketball program brought forth by media” and that the investigation was being handled in an “expeditious and deliberate manner.”“We have received full cooperation from university staff, coaches, and current student-athletes, and Coach Gregg Marshall and support any individual who chooses to participate in order to conduct a fair, impartial and thorough investigation,” the statement said, adding that team activities will continue as scheduled while the probe is underway.Marshall on Thursday wrote in a text message to&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/2123302/2020/10/08/gregg-marshall-under-investigation-by-wichita-state-for-allegations-of-misconduct/">The Athletic</a>, a subscription-based sports website, that he was fully participating in the process.“I look forward to having it wrapped up as I continue to focus my energy on our team,” said Marshall, the school’s all-time winningest coach. He did not immediately respond to an email from the AP to his assistant or a phone message seeking comment.Michelle Basi, an attorney at Tueth Keeney, the St. Louis-based law firm handling the inquiry, didn’t immediately return a phone message from the AP.--------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State men's basketball coach Gregg Marshall has confirmed that the school is conducting an internal investigation amid allegations he mistreated players.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wichita State University acknowledges the allegations within its Men’s Basketball program brought forth by media. The university is in the process of an independent investigation conducted by Tueth Keeney, a St. Louis-based law firm. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/rj5wEkELoN">https://t.co/rj5wEkELoN</a>&mdash; Wichita State (@WichitaState) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaState/status/1314617374969077766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I’m aware the university conducted interviews and I fully participated in the process. I look forward to having it wrapped up as I continue to focus my energy on our team," Marshall, the school's all-time winningest coach, wrote in a text message to&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/2123302/2020/10/08/gregg-marshall-under-investigation-by-wichita-state-for-allegations-of-misconduct/">The Athletic,&nbsp;</a>a subscription-based sports website.<a href="https://watchstadium.com/sources-wichita-states-gregg-marshall-punched-player-choked-assistant-10-08-2020/">Stadium</a>, a multiplatform sports network, said the inquiry began after the university learned it was conducting an investigation in which it interviewed 36 players and former coaches.Former Wichita State forward Shaq Morris told Stadium he was punched twice by Marshall during an October 2015 practice, and former guard Ty Taylor said he saw it happen.They were the only players who agreed to be identified; the others said they feared retribution and community backlash because Marshall's winning record has made him popular, Stadium reported.“I love my teammates, the city and Wichita State,” said Morris, who played at Wichita State from 2014-18. “But if I could go back to that day when he punched me, I would have left.”Taylor transferred to the University of North Carolina Wilmington after the 2015-16 season.Last spring, six scholarship Shockers players plus a walk-on also transferred. In addition, 2020 commit Ja’Dun Michael asked out of his letter of intent, according to The Athletic.Team spokesman Bryan Holmgren didn’t immediately return a phone message or email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Marshall also didn’t immediately respond to an email from the AP to his assistant or a phone message seeking comment.Stadium reported that the St. Louis law firm Tueth Keeney was hired to handle the inquiry. Michelle Basi, an attorney at the firm, didn't immediately return a phone message from the AP.

Update: Wichita State investigating conduct of coach Marshall

Russell Livestock, LLC, will host the 13th annual&nbsp; Kansas Auctioneer’s Association Livestock Market Auctioneers Competition on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Auction time is 11 a.m. with competition starting at 1 p.m.&nbsp; 

The KAA and Russell Livestock, LLC, are looking forward to a great competition with entries from across Kansas.

Contestants must be sponsored by a Kansas livestock market. 

Past winners include Charly Cummings (2011 World Champion), Lynn Langvardt, 3-Time World Qualifier, Brian Little (2-time World Reserve), Blaine Lotz (2014 World Champion), Mike Bailey (3-time World Qualifier), Justin Banzhaf, Neil Bouray Qualifier, Russell Sleep, World Runner-up and 2019 World Champion, Ethan Schuette (2018 KAA Champion), and Kyle Layman, Rookie of Year in World Contest 2016.

Contestants are judged with the same criteria used in hiring an auctioneer including: voice quality, chant, clarity, bid catching ability and execution of the auction and buyer/seller relations. A qualified three judge panel will be utilized to determine placings during an actual, live cattle auction. 

Kansas is rich in quality livestock auctioneers as attested by former champions with two world champions and numerous world top qualifiers.

Brandon Hamel, 12th Kansas Competition Winner, will serve as emcee. 

The Kansas Auctioneers Association and Russell Livestock, LLC, would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend on Thursday, October 22, 2020, to hear and see some of the best auctioneers Kansas has to offer.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact; Jason Schneider at 785-650-2433, Wayne Wischropp at 785-828-4212, Don Hamit at 785-425-8123 or Cindi Siggs, Executive Director, KAA at 316-208-6151.

Ellis County Farm Bureau is helping to sponsor the contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602275364810.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell Livestock, LLC, will host the 13th annual&nbsp; Kansas Auctioneer’s Association Livestock Market Auctioneers Competition on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Auction time is 11 a.m. with competition starting at 1 p.m.&nbsp; The KAA and Russell Livestock, LLC, are looking forward to a great competition with entries from across Kansas.Contestants must be sponsored by a Kansas livestock market. Past winners include Charly Cummings (2011 World Champion), Lynn Langvardt, 3-Time World Qualifier, Brian Little (2-time World Reserve), Blaine Lotz (2014 World Champion), Mike Bailey (3-time World Qualifier), Justin Banzhaf, Neil Bouray Qualifier, Russell Sleep, World Runner-up and 2019 World Champion, Ethan Schuette (2018 KAA Champion), and Kyle Layman, Rookie of Year in World Contest 2016.Contestants are judged with the same criteria used in hiring an auctioneer including: voice quality, chant, clarity, bid catching ability and execution of the auction and buyer/seller relations. A qualified three judge panel will be utilized to determine placings during an actual, live cattle auction. Kansas is rich in quality livestock auctioneers as attested by former champions with two world champions and numerous world top qualifiers.Brandon Hamel, 12th Kansas Competition Winner, will serve as emcee. The Kansas Auctioneers Association and Russell Livestock, LLC, would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend on Thursday, October 22, 2020, to hear and see some of the best auctioneers Kansas has to offer.If you have questions or need more information, please contact; Jason Schneider at 785-650-2433, Wayne Wischropp at 785-828-4212, Don Hamit at 785-425-8123 or Cindi Siggs, Executive Director, KAA at 316-208-6151.Ellis County Farm Bureau is helping to sponsor the contest.

Russell Livestock to host Kansas Auctioneers Competition Oct. 22

Midwest Energy is seeking applicants for the position of Engineering Assistant, in Hays, Kan.&nbsp; The primary responsibilities of this position include reviewing, organizing, and developing reports of electric system outage statistics, as well as other information to be used internally by Midwest Energy, senior staff and the Board of Directors. &nbsp;

Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent.&nbsp; Two years of post-secondary education in business, math or statistics and communications is preferred.&nbsp; Individual should have three or more years of experience with emphasis in data management, record-keeping, and administrative support.&nbsp; Experience with Microsoft Word is required and expert level of knowledge in Microsoft Excel is preferred. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy offers a comprehensive benefit package.&nbsp; Candidates should submit an application and resume with cover letter summarizing relevant experience and training, by October 19, 2020 to: recruitment@mwenergy.com.&nbsp; Applications and additional details may be found at <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy is seeking applicants for the position of Engineering Assistant, in Hays, Kan.&nbsp; The primary responsibilities of this position include reviewing, organizing, and developing reports of electric system outage statistics, as well as other information to be used internally by Midwest Energy, senior staff and the Board of Directors. &nbsp;Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent.&nbsp; Two years of post-secondary education in business, math or statistics and communications is preferred.&nbsp; Individual should have three or more years of experience with emphasis in data management, record-keeping, and administrative support.&nbsp; Experience with Microsoft Word is required and expert level of knowledge in Microsoft Excel is preferred. &nbsp;Midwest Energy offers a comprehensive benefit package.&nbsp; Candidates should submit an application and resume with cover letter summarizing relevant experience and training, by October 19, 2020 to: recruitment@mwenergy.com.&nbsp; Applications and additional details may be found at <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>. &nbsp;Midwest Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. &nbsp;

Edward 'Eddie, Ed' A. Loflin

Betty Jo Pennington, her friends called her “BJ”, age 71 of WaKeeney KS and Farmington, NM, passed away on October 5, 2020. Betty was born on her family's farm in Collyer KS October 4th 1949. Betty grew up in the area of WaKeeney KS and moved to Farmington NM in 1974 where she would consider Farmington her home for the next 37 yrs. In 2011 she returned to WaKeeney due to her health and to be closer to her children and other family members.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Betty Jo enjoyed playing bingo, going to and entering in car shows with her late husband Don, going to the races and just loving spending time with her friends and family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Betty Jo is survived by her son Bill (Joker) Gaschler of Collyer KS and grandson Lance&nbsp; Gaschler of Augusta KS; daughter Rene Covey and husband Justin and daughter Courtney of Yellville&nbsp; AR; granddaughter Grace' Glatz of Oklahoma City, OK; and many nieces and nephews who she was very close with and loved dearly.&nbsp;

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her husband Don Pennington; her daughter LyNette&nbsp; Proctor; her parents Art and Lois Cochran; brothers Leon Cochran, Howard Cochran, Ronnie Cochran,&nbsp; and Jerrold Cochran; her sisters Verna Lee Loomis and Royalyn Erickson; and nephews Steve Cochran and&nbsp; Howard (Howie) Cochran.

Betty Jo had chosen to be cremated and family will be doing a graveside service at WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney, KS at a later date.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602264390275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Jo Pennington, her friends called her “BJ”, age 71 of WaKeeney KS and Farmington, NM, passed away on October 5, 2020. Betty was born on her family's farm in Collyer KS October 4th 1949. Betty grew up in the area of WaKeeney KS and moved to Farmington NM in 1974 where she would consider Farmington her home for the next 37 yrs. In 2011 she returned to WaKeeney due to her health and to be closer to her children and other family members.&nbsp;&nbsp;Betty Jo enjoyed playing bingo, going to and entering in car shows with her late husband Don, going to the races and just loving spending time with her friends and family.&nbsp;&nbsp;Betty Jo is survived by her son Bill (Joker) Gaschler of Collyer KS and grandson Lance&nbsp; Gaschler of Augusta KS; daughter Rene Covey and husband Justin and daughter Courtney of Yellville&nbsp; AR; granddaughter Grace' Glatz of Oklahoma City, OK; and many nieces and nephews who she was very close with and loved dearly.&nbsp;Betty Jo was preceded in death by her husband Don Pennington; her daughter LyNette&nbsp; Proctor; her parents Art and Lois Cochran; brothers Leon Cochran, Howard Cochran, Ronnie Cochran,&nbsp; and Jerrold Cochran; her sisters Verna Lee Loomis and Royalyn Erickson; and nephews Steve Cochran and&nbsp; Howard (Howie) Cochran.Betty Jo had chosen to be cremated and family will be doing a graveside service at WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney, KS at a later date.&nbsp;

Betty Joe Pennington

Irene Bernice Huelsmann, 92, of Oakley, died Wednesday, October 7, 2020,
 at Prairie Senior Living Complex, in Colby. She was born April 25, 
1928, to John and Catherine Boor. Irene graduated from Leoville High 
School in 1945. She met Edwin Huelsmann at a dance and on May 3, 1949, 
they were married at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Angelus. Irene enjoyed 
sewing, quilting, gardening, playing cards and dancing. She had a love 
for pug dogs and raised them for over 20 years. Irene was a member of 
St. Paul’s Church and St. Paul’s Altar Society. 
Irene was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Lucille Minard; 
brothers, Clarence, Arnold and Dennis and sisters, Mary Weber, Rosie 
Barber, Ethel Teach and Leona Weir. 
She is survived by her husband, Ed; children Ken (Karen) Huelsman, 
Lakewood, CO, Tom (Shirleen) Huelsman, Denver, CO, and Hank Huelsman, 
Denver, CO; brother, Ralph (Mary) Boor, Salina, KS; sister Dolores 
Davis, of Georgia and seven grandchildren. 
Visitation is 6-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2020, at St. Paul’s 
Catholic Church, Angelus; with Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 
a.m. Saturday October 12, 2020, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, with 
burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church and
 can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748.
 For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmourtuary.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602249620976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Irene Bernice Huelsmann, 92, of Oakley, died Wednesday, October 7, 2020,
 at Prairie Senior Living Complex, in Colby. She was born April 25, 
1928, to John and Catherine Boor. Irene graduated from Leoville High 
School in 1945. She met Edwin Huelsmann at a dance and on May 3, 1949, 
they were married at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Angelus. Irene enjoyed 
sewing, quilting, gardening, playing cards and dancing. She had a love 
for pug dogs and raised them for over 20 years. Irene was a member of 
St. Paul’s Church and St. Paul’s Altar Society. 
Irene was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Lucille Minard; 
brothers, Clarence, Arnold and Dennis and sisters, Mary Weber, Rosie 
Barber, Ethel Teach and Leona Weir. 
She is survived by her husband, Ed; children Ken (Karen) Huelsman, 
Lakewood, CO, Tom (Shirleen) Huelsman, Denver, CO, and Hank Huelsman, 
Denver, CO; brother, Ralph (Mary) Boor, Salina, KS; sister Dolores 
Davis, of Georgia and seven grandchildren. 
Visitation is 6-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2020, at St. Paul’s 
Catholic Church, Angelus; with Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 
a.m. Saturday October 12, 2020, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, with 
burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church and
 can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748.
 For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmourtuary.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Irene Bernice Huelsmann

Roger Carl Kruger, 58, passed away October 5, 2020, at St. Luke’s 
Hospital South, Overland Park. He was born on March 21, 1962, at Salida,
 Colo., to Roger Fredrick &amp; Ida Louise (Ward) Kruger.

A Great Bend resident for 25 years, Roger was an auto mechanic. He 
enjoyed fixing things and fishing. He especially loved to spend time 
with his family.

Survivors include, his son, Roger Scott Dzuck of Fountin, Colo.; his 
father, Roger Kruger of Wells, Nev.; his mother, Ida Kruger of Hays; a 
brother, Fredrick William Kruger of Hays; two sisters, Linda Louise 
Kruger and wife Terri Speckhardt of Wichita, and Elizabeth Kruger-Sehl 
of Russell; two nieces, Rayn Sehl and Rachael McCaslin; and four 
nephews, Cain Sehl, Strom Sehl, Brayden Kruger and Conner Kruger.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial 
services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 
Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Mike Joiner presiding. Those in 
attendance are asked to wear masks and social distance. Inurnment will 
take place at a later date in Colorado. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602249522288.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Roger Carl Kruger, 58, passed away October 5, 2020, at St. Luke’s 
Hospital South, Overland Park. He was born on March 21, 1962, at Salida,
 Colo., to Roger Fredrick &amp; Ida Louise (Ward) Kruger.A Great Bend resident for 25 years, Roger was an auto mechanic. He 
enjoyed fixing things and fishing. He especially loved to spend time 
with his family.Survivors include, his son, Roger Scott Dzuck of Fountin, Colo.; his 
father, Roger Kruger of Wells, Nev.; his mother, Ida Kruger of Hays; a 
brother, Fredrick William Kruger of Hays; two sisters, Linda Louise 
Kruger and wife Terri Speckhardt of Wichita, and Elizabeth Kruger-Sehl 
of Russell; two nieces, Rayn Sehl and Rachael McCaslin; and four 
nephews, Cain Sehl, Strom Sehl, Brayden Kruger and Conner Kruger.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial 
services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 
Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Mike Joiner presiding. Those in 
attendance are asked to wear masks and social distance. Inurnment will 
take place at a later date in Colorado.

Roger Carl Kruger

Rollin L. Lohmeyer, 88, Hays, died Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at HaysMed.

He was born June 23, 1932 in Clatonia, 
Nebraska, the son of Clarence and Emma Louise (Koch) Lohmeyer.&nbsp; He was a
 graduate of Beatrice High School in the class of 1951.&nbsp; In 1952 he was 
drafted into the United States Army and served for 13 months in the 
Korean War.&nbsp; On November 24, 1957 he was united in marriage to JoNel 
Diggs in Beatrice, Nebraska, and they celebrated nearly 58 years of 
marriage before she preceded him in death on November 4, 2015.&nbsp; Rollin 
worked as a shoe salesman his entire career, starting as a salesman and 
working his way up to manager at Gallenkamp Shoe Store at The Mall in 
Hays from 1972 until the store closed in 1986.&nbsp; He then worked in the 
shoe department at JC Penney until his retirement in 1997.&nbsp; Rollin was a
 member of Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp; He enjoyed tinkering with his 
antique cars and Cushman Motor Scooters and loved spending time with his
 family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include three daughters: Sue 
Morelock of Manhattan, Sara Brandt and husband Larry of Dumas, TX, and 
Amy Gasper and husband Troy of Victoria, a sister-in-law: Ida Lohmeyer 
of Beatrice, NE, seven grandchildren: Megan Pfannenstiel and husband 
Tyler of Hays, Madalyn Morelock of Manhattan, Grace Ellis and husband 
Brandon of Dallas, TX, Hilary Brandt of Dumas, TX, Sam Brandt and wife 
Felisha of Dumas, TX, Dalton Gasper and wife Laramie of Victoria, and 
Dylan Gasper of Hays, and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoNel, his parents, an infant daughter: Ruth Lee Lohmeyer, and a brother: DeWane Lohmeyer.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on
 Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays, with 
Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating.&nbsp; Military honors by the Hays VFW Post 
#9076 Honor Guard will follow.&nbsp; Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in 
DeWitt, Nebraska.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday 
at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until 10:00 on 
Tuesday at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran 
Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Rollin may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602249397185.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rollin L. Lohmeyer, 88, Hays, died Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at HaysMed.He was born June 23, 1932 in Clatonia, 
Nebraska, the son of Clarence and Emma Louise (Koch) Lohmeyer.&nbsp; He was a
 graduate of Beatrice High School in the class of 1951.&nbsp; In 1952 he was 
drafted into the United States Army and served for 13 months in the 
Korean War.&nbsp; On November 24, 1957 he was united in marriage to JoNel 
Diggs in Beatrice, Nebraska, and they celebrated nearly 58 years of 
marriage before she preceded him in death on November 4, 2015.&nbsp; Rollin 
worked as a shoe salesman his entire career, starting as a salesman and 
working his way up to manager at Gallenkamp Shoe Store at The Mall in 
Hays from 1972 until the store closed in 1986.&nbsp; He then worked in the 
shoe department at JC Penney until his retirement in 1997.&nbsp; Rollin was a
 member of Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp; He enjoyed tinkering with his 
antique cars and Cushman Motor Scooters and loved spending time with his
 family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.Survivors include three daughters: Sue 
Morelock of Manhattan, Sara Brandt and husband Larry of Dumas, TX, and 
Amy Gasper and husband Troy of Victoria, a sister-in-law: Ida Lohmeyer 
of Beatrice, NE, seven grandchildren: Megan Pfannenstiel and husband 
Tyler of Hays, Madalyn Morelock of Manhattan, Grace Ellis and husband 
Brandon of Dallas, TX, Hilary Brandt of Dumas, TX, Sam Brandt and wife 
Felisha of Dumas, TX, Dalton Gasper and wife Laramie of Victoria, and 
Dylan Gasper of Hays, and eight great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, JoNel, his parents, an infant daughter: Ruth Lee Lohmeyer, and a brother: DeWane Lohmeyer.Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on
 Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays, with 
Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating.&nbsp; Military honors by the Hays VFW Post 
#9076 Honor Guard will follow.&nbsp; Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in 
DeWitt, Nebraska.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday 
at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until 10:00 on 
Tuesday at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran 
Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Rollin may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

Rollin L. Lohmeyer

Lorene (Hunt) Keeten, daughter of John and Ethel (Smith) Hunt, was 
born August 8, 1924 in Pascola, Missouri, and passed away at Kearney 
Regional Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska on October 6, 2020, at the age of
 96.

She attended school in Missouri, before coming to Phillipsburg and graduating with the class of ’47.

Lorene was married to Carl Doan in Missouri.&nbsp; To this union, two 
children were born: Donnie and Doris.&nbsp; He preceded her in death.

On August 11, 1950, Lorene was married to Max Keeten in Phillipsburg, Kansas.&nbsp; They celebrated their 50th anniversary in August of 2000.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on July 25, 2001.

She was a punchboard operator for Southwestern Bell for several years
 until they moved the office to Hays.&nbsp; She also worked at Phillips 
County Hospital in Long Term Care for 22 years, retiring in 1995.

Lorene was a member of the Glade United Methodist Church.&nbsp; She loved 
to work in her “big” garden and would share her produce with everyone.&nbsp; 
She also enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, and quilting.&nbsp; She made many 
beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren.

Her favorite times were spent gathered with family for a big meal.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, two 
sisters, Ethelene Greer and Dorothy Pearson, and daughter-in-law Nancy 
Doan.

Survivors include a son, Donnie Doan of Beloit, Kansas and a daughter
 Doris Hofaker (Richard) of Logan, Kansas;&nbsp; six grandchildren, Donald 
Doan (Shelly) of Wausau, Wisconsin, Debra Seaman (KC) of Homer, Alaska, 
Diane Lindsey (Ed) of Batavia, Ohio, Jay Hofaker (Paula) of Logan, 
Kansas, Jeff Hofaker (Stacey) of Sutton, Nebraska, Jerrod Hofaker (Jess)
 of Logan, Kansas; fourteen great grandchildren, April Doan, Felicia 
Doan, Michael Doan, Richard Doan, Christopher Long, Angie Mather, Brian 
Mather, Dillon Lindsey, Danielle Lindsey, Kayla Hofaker, Faith Hofaker, 
Destiny Hofaker, Tristan Hofaker, Daelynn Hofaker,; five great-great 
grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and their families, and a host of
 friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2020 in 
the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Ted 
Stapleton officiating.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Olliff-Boeve-Memorial-Chapel-158648587502325/">Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook Page</a>.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS.

Mrs. Keeten will lie in state from Noon until 9 P.M. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillipsburg United Methodist Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602249332429.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lorene (Hunt) Keeten, daughter of John and Ethel (Smith) Hunt, was 
born August 8, 1924 in Pascola, Missouri, and passed away at Kearney 
Regional Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska on October 6, 2020, at the age of
 96.She attended school in Missouri, before coming to Phillipsburg and graduating with the class of ’47.Lorene was married to Carl Doan in Missouri.&nbsp; To this union, two 
children were born: Donnie and Doris.&nbsp; He preceded her in death.On August 11, 1950, Lorene was married to Max Keeten in Phillipsburg, Kansas.&nbsp; They celebrated their 50th anniversary in August of 2000.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on July 25, 2001.She was a punchboard operator for Southwestern Bell for several years
 until they moved the office to Hays.&nbsp; She also worked at Phillips 
County Hospital in Long Term Care for 22 years, retiring in 1995.Lorene was a member of the Glade United Methodist Church.&nbsp; She loved 
to work in her “big” garden and would share her produce with everyone.&nbsp; 
She also enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, and quilting.&nbsp; She made many 
beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren.Her favorite times were spent gathered with family for a big meal.Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, two 
sisters, Ethelene Greer and Dorothy Pearson, and daughter-in-law Nancy 
Doan.Survivors include a son, Donnie Doan of Beloit, Kansas and a daughter
 Doris Hofaker (Richard) of Logan, Kansas;&nbsp; six grandchildren, Donald 
Doan (Shelly) of Wausau, Wisconsin, Debra Seaman (KC) of Homer, Alaska, 
Diane Lindsey (Ed) of Batavia, Ohio, Jay Hofaker (Paula) of Logan, 
Kansas, Jeff Hofaker (Stacey) of Sutton, Nebraska, Jerrod Hofaker (Jess)
 of Logan, Kansas; fourteen great grandchildren, April Doan, Felicia 
Doan, Michael Doan, Richard Doan, Christopher Long, Angie Mather, Brian 
Mather, Dillon Lindsey, Danielle Lindsey, Kayla Hofaker, Faith Hofaker, 
Destiny Hofaker, Tristan Hofaker, Daelynn Hofaker,; five great-great 
grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and their families, and a host of
 friends.Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2020 in 
the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Ted 
Stapleton officiating.&nbsp; Services will be streamed live on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Olliff-Boeve-Memorial-Chapel-158648587502325/">Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook Page</a>.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS.Mrs. Keeten will lie in state from Noon until 9 P.M. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillipsburg United Methodist Church.

Lorene (Hunt) Keeten

Raymond George Stearns Jr., age 67, passed away at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born on October 26, 1952, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Raymond G. and Mary Catherine Cranfield Stearns. Raymond had been a resident of the area since 1995. Raymond was a laborer in various agricultural settings and a member of the Gospel Fellowship Church of Shallow Water, Kansas.

Survivors include his friend, Brian King of Healy, Kansas, two daughters – Cindy Sudberg of Las Vegas, Nevada and Shannon Pipitone of Fort Edward, New York, two step-sons – Adam Lumpkins of Wichita, Kansas and Daniel Lumpkins of Newton, Kansas, one step-daughter, Amanda Keith of Chickasaw, Oklahoma, and sixteen Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant child, and one adult child. 

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 17th, at 10:00 A.M. at the Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Raymond Sterns Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home.

Raymond George Stearns Jr., age 67, passed away at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born on October 26, 1952, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Raymond G. and Mary Catherine Cranfield Stearns. Raymond had been a resident of the area since 1995. Raymond was a laborer in various agricultural settings and a member of the Gospel Fellowship Church of Shallow Water, Kansas.Survivors include his friend, Brian King of Healy, Kansas, two daughters – Cindy Sudberg of Las Vegas, Nevada and Shannon Pipitone of Fort Edward, New York, two step-sons – Adam Lumpkins of Wichita, Kansas and Daniel Lumpkins of Newton, Kansas, one step-daughter, Amanda Keith of Chickasaw, Oklahoma, and sixteen Grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant child, and one adult child. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 17th, at 10:00 A.M. at the Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water, Kansas.Memorials may be given to the Raymond Sterns Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home.There will be no calling times.

Raymond George Stearns Jr.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Students are urging Washburn University officials to reconsider their decision to cancel spring break in an effort to minimize COVID-19 transmission.

The Washburn Student Government Association passed a resolution Wednesday calling on the administration to consider an alternative that would add three “mental health days” to the spring calendar.

The student leaders said they were blindsided by last week's announcement that students would go through 15 uninterrupted weeks of classes, with finals week one week earlier between May 1 and 7.

“We understand the need for safety, but we can’t sacrifice safety for mental health,” said student body president Victoria Smith.

JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president for academic affairs, said in an email late last week that spring break was being eliminated to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff and students.

“As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow both nationally and in our state, it is incumbent upon the university to design an academic schedule that minimizes opportunity for contraction and transmission of this virus,” Mazachek wrote.

The state Department of Health and Environment reported another 1,244 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases from Monday to Wednesday to bring the pandemic total to 63,952.

Meanwhile, the health department in Shawnee County, which includes Topeka, announced Thursday that it was adding 26 coronavirus-related deaths to its count as the result of a review of records. That brings the total number of deaths in the county since the pandemic began to 60. Statewide, there had been 723 deaths as of Wednesday.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Students are urging Washburn University officials to reconsider their decision to cancel spring break in an effort to minimize COVID-19 transmission.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here is the resolution that WSGA read and passed at last night’s meeting following the Public Forum concerning the elimination of all breaks during the 2021 Spring semester. <a href="https://t.co/EapBaM1TtV">pic.twitter.com/EapBaM1TtV</a>&mdash; Washburn Student Gov (@yourWSGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/yourWSGA/status/1314327086845362176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Washburn Student Government Association passed a resolution Wednesday calling on the administration to consider an alternative that would add three “mental health days” to the spring calendar.The student leaders said they were blindsided by last week's announcement that students would go through 15 uninterrupted weeks of classes, with finals week one week earlier between May 1 and 7.“We understand the need for safety, but we can’t sacrifice safety for mental health,” said student body president Victoria Smith.JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president for academic affairs, said in an email late last week that spring break was being eliminated to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff and students.“As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow both nationally and in our state, it is incumbent upon the university to design an academic schedule that minimizes opportunity for contraction and transmission of this virus,” Mazachek wrote.The state Department of Health and Environment reported another 1,244 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases from Monday to Wednesday to bring the pandemic total to 63,952.Meanwhile, the health department in Shawnee County, which includes Topeka, announced Thursday that it was adding 26 coronavirus-related deaths to its count as the result of a review of records. That brings the total number of deaths in the county since the pandemic began to 60. Statewide, there had been 723 deaths as of Wednesday.

Students push back after school cancels spring break

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc59b1ce93e24d1bd9fb08d86bd1d5fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637377896258907505&amp;sdata=miK9PN90%2B1YFTFuVHa5FN3bvMtbusg48n895Tr0X%2BJQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;(upgraded from warning 10/8)

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc59b1ce93e24d1bd9fb08d86bd1d5fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637377896258917460&amp;sdata=ZN86w9I3wMtM0HYdsw2xzGfJdlb%2BnCfDaoA2Y39soBY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone A</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties (new 10/8)

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc59b1ce93e24d1bd9fb08d86bd1d5fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637377896258917460&amp;sdata=ZN86w9I3wMtM0HYdsw2xzGfJdlb%2BnCfDaoA2Y39soBY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599858932822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.Warning<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc59b1ce93e24d1bd9fb08d86bd1d5fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637377896258907505&amp;sdata=miK9PN90%2B1YFTFuVHa5FN3bvMtbusg48n895Tr0X%2BJQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;(upgraded from warning 10/8)WatchBrown State Fishing Lake, Brown County<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc59b1ce93e24d1bd9fb08d86bd1d5fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637377896258917460&amp;sdata=ZN86w9I3wMtM0HYdsw2xzGfJdlb%2BnCfDaoA2Y39soBY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone A</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties (new 10/8)<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfc59b1ce93e24d1bd9fb08d86bd1d5fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637377896258917460&amp;sdata=ZN86w9I3wMtM0HYdsw2xzGfJdlb%2BnCfDaoA2Y39soBY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary CountiesCamp Hawk Lake, Harvey CountyHorsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman CountyPrairie Center Park Pond, Johnson CountyRose’s Pond, Johnson CountyAdvisories Lifted October 8, 2020Agra Lake, Phillips County

Algae warning lifted for Phillips County lake

Nelson Loyd Hager, 47, passed away suddenly on May 1, 2020, in Omaha,
 Nebraska. He was born on July 11, 1972, to Norman and Phyllis Hager, in
 O’Keene, Oklahoma, but spent much of his life in Kansas, graduating 
from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Science.

Nelson’s passion in life were his wife and son, and secondly, the 
livestock business. He grew up showing sheep, cattle and hogs in the 
FFA, 4-H, and the Kansas Junior Angus Association, where he served as 
Junior Director two times. He won many awards, and after his show career
 ended he continued to be active in the KJAA by mentoring many kids with
 his drive and passion. In 2020, he was awarded National Advisor of the 
year, at the National Junior Angus show in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He worked diligently to provide self-confidence, self-worth, and 
perseverance to many junior boys and girls. To those that he mentored, 
he was more than a teacher, he was a friend, and a second dad. He will 
be dearly missed by all.

Nelson is survived by his wife Rachel Hager, his son, Aiden Hager, 
both of Great Bend, Kansas; his parents, Phyllis Hager of Stafford, 
Kansas; his father, Norman Hager, of Alva, Oklahoma; a brother, Tony 
Hager and wife Susan of Hutchinson, Kansas; a sister, Tammy and Vanessa 
Rios-Hager of Houston, Texas; a nephew, Ethan Hager of Hutchison, 
Kansas; and a niece, Jennifer Rutan and husband Lance, and their son, 
Colt, also of Hutchison, Kansas.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Graveside 
services with inurnment will be held at Golden Belt Memorial Park in 
Great Bend, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020, with Pastor Chris 
Lehew presiding. The family asks those in attendance to wear masks and 
social distance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602249453424.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson Loyd Hager, 47, passed away suddenly on May 1, 2020, in Omaha,
 Nebraska. He was born on July 11, 1972, to Norman and Phyllis Hager, in
 O’Keene, Oklahoma, but spent much of his life in Kansas, graduating 
from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Science.Nelson’s passion in life were his wife and son, and secondly, the 
livestock business. He grew up showing sheep, cattle and hogs in the 
FFA, 4-H, and the Kansas Junior Angus Association, where he served as 
Junior Director two times. He won many awards, and after his show career
 ended he continued to be active in the KJAA by mentoring many kids with
 his drive and passion. In 2020, he was awarded National Advisor of the 
year, at the National Junior Angus show in Tulsa, Oklahoma.He worked diligently to provide self-confidence, self-worth, and 
perseverance to many junior boys and girls. To those that he mentored, 
he was more than a teacher, he was a friend, and a second dad. He will 
be dearly missed by all.Nelson is survived by his wife Rachel Hager, his son, Aiden Hager, 
both of Great Bend, Kansas; his parents, Phyllis Hager of Stafford, 
Kansas; his father, Norman Hager, of Alva, Oklahoma; a brother, Tony 
Hager and wife Susan of Hutchinson, Kansas; a sister, Tammy and Vanessa 
Rios-Hager of Houston, Texas; a nephew, Ethan Hager of Hutchison, 
Kansas; and a niece, Jennifer Rutan and husband Lance, and their son, 
Colt, also of Hutchison, Kansas.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Graveside 
services with inurnment will be held at Golden Belt Memorial Park in 
Great Bend, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020, with Pastor Chris 
Lehew presiding. The family asks those in attendance to wear masks and 
social distance.

Nelson Loyd Hager

GREAT BEND – Barton Community College will help area high school seniors plan for their futures at&nbsp;various “Senior Days”&nbsp;events&nbsp;with&nbsp;attendance&nbsp;capped at 45 students per session. Social distancing guidelines will be&nbsp;strictly&nbsp;followed&nbsp;and masks will be required when social distancing cannot be maintained.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The schedule is as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Oct.&nbsp;20 -&nbsp;Health Science (Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, Sports Management)&nbsp; Oct. 27 - Business (Business/Accounting/Marketing)&nbsp; Nov. 3 – Nursing&nbsp; Nov. 4 - Education (Early Childhood/Elementary/Secondary)&nbsp; Nov. 10 - Agriculture&nbsp;(Agriculture/Agriculture&nbsp;Business/Veterinarian/Welding/Scales)&nbsp; Nov. 17 -&nbsp;Performing&nbsp;Arts (Theatre/Dance/Music)&nbsp; Nov. 18 - Criminal Justice&nbsp;

The format will be condensed and will include an information session, “A Day in the Life of a Barton&nbsp;Student”&nbsp;experience, prize drawings,&nbsp;and optional tours.&nbsp;Lunch is included.&nbsp; &nbsp; All participants will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win two $1,000 scholarships&nbsp;or one of four $500 scholarships.&nbsp; &nbsp; Director of Admissions Tana Cooper encourages all seniors in the area to attend, even if they plan to go straight to a four-year school.&nbsp;

“It is a great idea to at least come and visit and fill out the admissions application&nbsp;and&nbsp;take a look&nbsp;around campus. Things are constantly being updated and evolving out here, and I think some of our local students would be surprised at how much has maybe changed since they were last out here.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Cooper also highlighted that by filling out the&nbsp;admissions&nbsp;application a student also completes the&nbsp;Barton Bound Scholarship application.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This scholarship program allows students from the state of Kansas with&nbsp;GPAs from 2.5-4.0 to get&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;dollars&nbsp;from Barton,” she said. “I think it’s important students realize that awarded scholarship money turns into actual cash in their pockets later in life&nbsp;when they have all kinds of bills to&nbsp;pay and things they want to buy. This is money that can go towards a house down payment, car payment or even a fun vacation later in life instead of student loan payments.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Cooper said there is much to know about Barton’s programs and opportunities.&nbsp;

“Barton offers many of the same classes as four-year schools, but at&nbsp;less than&nbsp;half the cost, and some of Barton’s career and technical programs take only a year to complete and can lead to a rewarding career,” she said. “Some students may already think they are going elsewhere, but it never hurts to come and visit and have a backup plan. It’s a fun and free day.”&nbsp; &nbsp; For more information, contact&nbsp;Cooper at (620) 792-9241&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coopert@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">coopert@bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602083619596.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Senior Days will be held during October and November.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Senior Days will be held during October and November.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND – Barton Community College will help area high school seniors plan for their futures at&nbsp;various “Senior Days”&nbsp;events&nbsp;with&nbsp;attendance&nbsp;capped at 45 students per session. Social distancing guidelines will be&nbsp;strictly&nbsp;followed&nbsp;and masks will be required when social distancing cannot be maintained.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The schedule is as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Oct.&nbsp;20 -&nbsp;Health Science (Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Therapy, Sports Management)&nbsp; Oct. 27 - Business (Business/Accounting/Marketing)&nbsp; Nov. 3 – Nursing&nbsp; Nov. 4 - Education (Early Childhood/Elementary/Secondary)&nbsp; Nov. 10 - Agriculture&nbsp;(Agriculture/Agriculture&nbsp;Business/Veterinarian/Welding/Scales)&nbsp; Nov. 17 -&nbsp;Performing&nbsp;Arts (Theatre/Dance/Music)&nbsp; Nov. 18 - Criminal Justice&nbsp; The format will be condensed and will include an information session, “A Day in the Life of a Barton&nbsp;Student”&nbsp;experience, prize drawings,&nbsp;and optional tours.&nbsp;Lunch is included.&nbsp; &nbsp; All participants will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win two $1,000 scholarships&nbsp;or one of four $500 scholarships.&nbsp; &nbsp; Director of Admissions Tana Cooper encourages all seniors in the area to attend, even if they plan to go straight to a four-year school.&nbsp;“It is a great idea to at least come and visit and fill out the admissions application&nbsp;and&nbsp;take a look&nbsp;around campus. Things are constantly being updated and evolving out here, and I think some of our local students would be surprised at how much has maybe changed since they were last out here.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Cooper also highlighted that by filling out the&nbsp;admissions&nbsp;application a student also completes the&nbsp;Barton Bound Scholarship application.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This scholarship program allows students from the state of Kansas with&nbsp;GPAs from 2.5-4.0 to get&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;dollars&nbsp;from Barton,” she said. “I think it’s important students realize that awarded scholarship money turns into actual cash in their pockets later in life&nbsp;when they have all kinds of bills to&nbsp;pay and things they want to buy. This is money that can go towards a house down payment, car payment or even a fun vacation later in life instead of student loan payments.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Cooper said there is much to know about Barton’s programs and opportunities.&nbsp;“Barton offers many of the same classes as four-year schools, but at&nbsp;less than&nbsp;half the cost, and some of Barton’s career and technical programs take only a year to complete and can lead to a rewarding career,” she said. “Some students may already think they are going elsewhere, but it never hurts to come and visit and have a backup plan. It’s a fun and free day.”&nbsp; &nbsp; For more information, contact&nbsp;Cooper at (620) 792-9241&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coopert@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">coopert@bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Barton brings back limited 'Senior Days' events 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate of final debates between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden was thrown into uncertainty Thursday as the campaigns offered dueling proposals for moving forward with faceoffs that have been upended by the president’s coronavirus infection.

It was unclear when or how the next debates would proceed, or whether voters would even get to see the two men running for the White House on the same stage again before Election Day.

The whipsaw day began with an announcement from the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which said the next debate, a town hall-style affair set for Oct. 15 in Miami, would be held virtually. The commission cited health concerns following Trump’s infection as the reason for the change.

Trump, who is eager to return to the campaign trail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-technology-pandemics-archive-1c1c70af9e41a17c7902ff54de7c79fc">despite uncertainty about his health</a>, said he wouldn’t participate if the debate wasn’t in person. Biden’s campaign then suggested the event be delayed a week until Oct. 22, which is when the third and final debate is already scheduled.

Next, Trump countered again, agreeing to a debate on Oct. 22 — but only if face to face — and asking that a third contest be added on Oct. 29, just before the election. But Biden’s advisors rejected squaring off that late in the campaign.

The debate commission, which has the unenviable task of finding common ground between the competing campaigns, did not weigh in on any of the new proposals. The organization has come under scrutiny already after the first debate between Trump and Biden deteriorated, with the president frequently interrupting his opponent and the moderator unable to take control.

With the debate schedule unclear, Biden moved quickly to make sure he would still appear in front of a television audience next week. Instead of debating Trump on Thursday, he will take part in a town hall sponsored by ABC News.

As he campaigned in Arizona on Thursday, Biden said he would also attend the Oct. 22 debate regardless of Trump’s plans.

“We agreed to three debates back in the summer,” Biden said. “I’m showing up. I’ll be there. And if, in fact, he shows up, fine. If he doesn’t, fine.”

For Trump, who is recovering from COVID-19 at the White House after spending three days in the hospital, the health-induced changes are an unwelcome disruption to his effort to shift focus away from a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans this year.

In an interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo shortly after the commission’s announcement, Trump insisted he was in “great shape” and called the idea of a virtual debate a “joke.”

“I’m not going to do a virtual debate,” he declared.

The president’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, said Trump would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-technology-pandemics-archive-1c1c70af9e41a17c7902ff54de7c79fc">stage a rally</a>&nbsp;rather than debate next Thursday, though it’s not yet clear if he will be well enough to do that.

With less than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">four weeks until Election Day</a>&nbsp;and with millions of voters casting early ballots, pressure is building on Trump to turn around a campaign that is trailing Biden nationally and in most battlegrounds, where the margin is narrower. A debate before an audience of tens of millions of television viewers could provide that reset.

But another debate could also expose Trump to political risks. GOP strategists say the party’s support began eroding after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-health-aeab14ec95426d4161f1cff966a26a1f">his seething performance against Biden last week when he didn’t clearly denounce a white supremacist group</a>.

Trump’s apparent unwillingness to change his style to win back voters he needs — particularly women — was on display again Thursday during his Fox Business interview when he referred to Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a “monster.”

Campaigning with Harris in Arizona, Biden called Trump’s characterization of the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket “despicable” and added that it was “so beneath the office of the presidency.”

This would not be the first time Trump has skipped a debate. During the 2016 Republican primary, he boycotted the last debate before Iowa’s first-in-the nation’s caucuses, holding a fundraiser for veterans instead — a move he later speculated may have contributed to his loss in the state.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-joe-biden-donald-trump-health-7c04d4ec06666f3d5c725d09054c1940">Trump fell ill with the virus</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 1, just 48 hours after sharing a stage with Biden in person during the first presidential debate in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart, Trump’s infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail. His campaign announced Thursday that Biden had undergone his fifth such test and was found to be negative.

Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, but his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-amy-coney-barrett-hope-hicks-archive-1d48efc6d80a91430d060106749aca07">doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status.</a>&nbsp;According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he won't participate in next week’s debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden if it's virtual. Debate organizers announced Thursday that the debate would be virtual because of Trump's diagnosis of COVID-19. 

The Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement a week before Trump and Biden were scheduled to face off in Miami. It said the candidates will “participate from separate remote locations,” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami. But Trump told Fox News that he's “not going to do a virtual debate.” He was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will take place virtually amid the fallout from the president's diagnosis of COVID-19.

The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates debates made the announcement Thursday morning, a week before the two were scheduled to face off in Miami, “in order to protect the health and safety of all involved with the second presidential debate."

Shortly after the announcement, President Trump said "I'm not going to do a virtual debate' with Biden.

According to the Commission, the candidates will “participate from separate remote locations,” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami, the commission said.

Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and but in a Tuesday tweet said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami, “It will be great!” he tweeted.

Biden, for his part, said he and Trump “shouldn’t have a debate” as long as the president remains COVID positive.

Biden told reporters in Pennsylvania that he was “looking forward to being able to debate him” but said “we’re going to have to follow very strict guidelines.”

Trump fell ill with the virus last Thursday, just 48 hours after debating Biden in person for the first time in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart during the debate, Trump's infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail.

Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday but his doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602157911509.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate of final debates between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden was thrown into uncertainty Thursday as the campaigns offered dueling proposals for moving forward with faceoffs that have been upended by the president’s coronavirus infection.It was unclear when or how the next debates would proceed, or whether voters would even get to see the two men running for the White House on the same stage again before Election Day.The whipsaw day began with an announcement from the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which said the next debate, a town hall-style affair set for Oct. 15 in Miami, would be held virtually. The commission cited health concerns following Trump’s infection as the reason for the change.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Thursday evening update from President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s physician: <a href="https://t.co/vVxCYq9jwr">pic.twitter.com/vVxCYq9jwr</a>&mdash; Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1314340347334537217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump, who is eager to return to the campaign trail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-technology-pandemics-archive-1c1c70af9e41a17c7902ff54de7c79fc">despite uncertainty about his health</a>, said he wouldn’t participate if the debate wasn’t in person. Biden’s campaign then suggested the event be delayed a week until Oct. 22, which is when the third and final debate is already scheduled.Next, Trump countered again, agreeing to a debate on Oct. 22 — but only if face to face — and asking that a third contest be added on Oct. 29, just before the election. But Biden’s advisors rejected squaring off that late in the campaign.The debate commission, which has the unenviable task of finding common ground between the competing campaigns, did not weigh in on any of the new proposals. The organization has come under scrutiny already after the first debate between Trump and Biden deteriorated, with the president frequently interrupting his opponent and the moderator unable to take control.With the debate schedule unclear, Biden moved quickly to make sure he would still appear in front of a television audience next week. Instead of debating Trump on Thursday, he will take part in a town hall sponsored by ABC News.As he campaigned in Arizona on Thursday, Biden said he would also attend the Oct. 22 debate regardless of Trump’s plans.“We agreed to three debates back in the summer,” Biden said. “I’m showing up. I’ll be there. And if, in fact, he shows up, fine. If he doesn’t, fine.”For Trump, who is recovering from COVID-19 at the White House after spending three days in the hospital, the health-induced changes are an unwelcome disruption to his effort to shift focus away from a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans this year.In an interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo shortly after the commission’s announcement, Trump insisted he was in “great shape” and called the idea of a virtual debate a “joke.”“I’m not going to do a virtual debate,” he declared.The president’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, said Trump would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-technology-pandemics-archive-1c1c70af9e41a17c7902ff54de7c79fc">stage a rally</a>&nbsp;rather than debate next Thursday, though it’s not yet clear if he will be well enough to do that.With less than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">four weeks until Election Day</a>&nbsp;and with millions of voters casting early ballots, pressure is building on Trump to turn around a campaign that is trailing Biden nationally and in most battlegrounds, where the margin is narrower. A debate before an audience of tens of millions of television viewers could provide that reset.But another debate could also expose Trump to political risks. GOP strategists say the party’s support began eroding after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-health-aeab14ec95426d4161f1cff966a26a1f">his seething performance against Biden last week when he didn’t clearly denounce a white supremacist group</a>.Trump’s apparent unwillingness to change his style to win back voters he needs — particularly women — was on display again Thursday during his Fox Business interview when he referred to Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a “monster.”Campaigning with Harris in Arizona, Biden called Trump’s characterization of the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket “despicable” and added that it was “so beneath the office of the presidency.”This would not be the first time Trump has skipped a debate. During the 2016 Republican primary, he boycotted the last debate before Iowa’s first-in-the nation’s caucuses, holding a fundraiser for veterans instead — a move he later speculated may have contributed to his loss in the state.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-joe-biden-donald-trump-health-7c04d4ec06666f3d5c725d09054c1940">Trump fell ill with the virus</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 1, just 48 hours after sharing a stage with Biden in person during the first presidential debate in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart, Trump’s infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail. His campaign announced Thursday that Biden had undergone his fifth such test and was found to be negative.Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, but his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-amy-coney-barrett-hope-hicks-archive-1d48efc6d80a91430d060106749aca07">doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status.</a>&nbsp;According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.___WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he won't participate in next week’s debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden if it's virtual. Debate organizers announced Thursday that the debate would be virtual because of Trump's diagnosis of COVID-19. The Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement a week before Trump and Biden were scheduled to face off in Miami. It said the candidates will “participate from separate remote locations,” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami. But Trump told Fox News that he's “not going to do a virtual debate.” He was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami.----------WASHINGTON (AP) — The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will take place virtually amid the fallout from the president's diagnosis of COVID-19.The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates debates made the announcement Thursday morning, a week before the two were scheduled to face off in Miami, “in order to protect the health and safety of all involved with the second presidential debate."Shortly after the announcement, President Trump said "I'm not going to do a virtual debate' with Biden.According to the Commission, the candidates will “participate from separate remote locations,” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami, the commission said.Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and but in a Tuesday tweet said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami, “It will be great!” he tweeted.Biden, for his part, said he and Trump “shouldn’t have a debate” as long as the president remains COVID positive.Biden told reporters in Pennsylvania that he was “looking forward to being able to debate him” but said “we’re going to have to follow very strict guidelines.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601490394424.png" alt="President Trump during the Sept. 29 debate in Cleveland-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during the Sept. 29 debate in Cleveland-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump fell ill with the virus last Thursday, just 48 hours after debating Biden in person for the first time in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart during the debate, Trump's infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail.Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday but his doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.

Next Trump-Biden debate now uncertain as rival camps argue

Magdalen “Maggie” Gassmann was born May 29, 1925 in Park, KS to Jakob 
and Rosa (Herrman) Weber. She passed away at the age of 95 on October 6,
 2020 at the Gove County Medical Center LTC. 
 Maggie grew up in Park, KS and attended Park Grade School. 
Magdalen’s growing up years were filled with a lot of hard work that 
included, sewing, cleaning, raising and milking cows, hogs and chickens,
 canning everything possible from the large garden. A strong work ethic
 was nourished that would carry through her entire adult life. She 
married Conrad Gassmann on November 6, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Church 
in Park. They lived on a farm outside of Grinnell, KS until they 
purchased a farm one mile west of Dresden, KS. Their union was Blessed
 with 10 children-Francis, Anthony, George, Paul, Lawrence, Ralph, Mary,
 Ann, Donna, and Theresa. Magdalen was very active in the Immaculate 
Conception parish in Leoville, where she was a CCD teacher, Altar 
Society and Daughters of Isabella. She also enjoyed involvement in the 
Dresden Community Guild and American Legion Auxiliary. Magdalen and 
Conrad operated the farm until Conrad passed away in February 1975. 
Maggie continued the farming operation until 1981 when she purchased her
 parent’s home in Park, KS. She lived in Park and was very active in 
that community as well, serving as the Sacred Heart Church sacristan for
 over 25 years. Even in her “retirement” years, Maggie was very involved
 with the Sacred Heart Prayer Group, CCD teacher, Daughters of Isabella,
 Altar Society and very supportive of Pro-Life. She lived in Park until 
becoming a resident of the Gove County Long Term Care in 2012. 
 Being a devout Catholic, Maggie was a faithful viewer of the Eternal
 Word Television Network (EWTN) and said the rosary daily throughout her
 lifetime. Maggie was always an excellent cook, known for her chicken 
&amp; noodles, blackberry dumplings, carrot cake, cookie sheet cake, and
 popcorn balls.
 Maggie was treasured and loved by many (especially her family) and 
lived a very active and happy life with her family and friends. She was 
known for her beautiful, warm smile and caring and giving heart. 
 Maggie is survived by her children: Francis Gassmann and wife Cindy 
of Garden Plain, KS, Anthony Gassmann and wife Peggy of Dresden, KS, 
George Gassmann and wife Vickie of New Almelo, KS, Lawrence Gassmann of 
Manhattan, KS, Mary Gassmann of Indianapolis, IN, Ann Gassmann of 
Euless, TX, and Theresa Gassmann of Euless, TX; sister, Marie Meier of 
Hoxie, KS and sister-in-law Esther Weber of Salina, KS; 18 
grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; 8 
great-great-grandchildren and 7 step great-great-grandchildren. She was 
preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conrad in 1975; sons, Paul 
and Ralph Gassmann; daughter, Donna Gassmann; siblings: Bartholomew 
(Lydia) Weber, Henry (Mary) Weber, Msgr. John George Weber, Anthony 
(Rosie) Weber, Philomena (George) Christenson, Celestine (Katherine) 
Weber, Hilarius “Larry” (Mary) Weber, Martin (Antonia) Weber, Silvenus 
Weber, Aloysius (Annunciata) Weber, and Odilia (John) Riedel, 
brother-in-law Aloysius Meier. 
 Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 10, 2020
 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Leoville. Burial will follow 
at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm Friday, 
October 9, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, KS. A Rosary will
 be said following the visitation at 7:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may
 be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Church
 for Masses, or EWTN. Condolences may be left online at www.paulsfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602190489012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Magdalen “Maggie” Gassmann was born May 29, 1925 in Park, KS to Jakob 
and Rosa (Herrman) Weber. She passed away at the age of 95 on October 6,
 2020 at the Gove County Medical Center LTC. 
 Maggie grew up in Park, KS and attended Park Grade School. 
Magdalen’s growing up years were filled with a lot of hard work that 
included, sewing, cleaning, raising and milking cows, hogs and chickens,
 canning everything possible from the large garden. A strong work ethic
 was nourished that would carry through her entire adult life. She 
married Conrad Gassmann on November 6, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Church 
in Park. They lived on a farm outside of Grinnell, KS until they 
purchased a farm one mile west of Dresden, KS. Their union was Blessed
 with 10 children-Francis, Anthony, George, Paul, Lawrence, Ralph, Mary,
 Ann, Donna, and Theresa. Magdalen was very active in the Immaculate 
Conception parish in Leoville, where she was a CCD teacher, Altar 
Society and Daughters of Isabella. She also enjoyed involvement in the 
Dresden Community Guild and American Legion Auxiliary. Magdalen and 
Conrad operated the farm until Conrad passed away in February 1975. 
Maggie continued the farming operation until 1981 when she purchased her
 parent’s home in Park, KS. She lived in Park and was very active in 
that community as well, serving as the Sacred Heart Church sacristan for
 over 25 years. Even in her “retirement” years, Maggie was very involved
 with the Sacred Heart Prayer Group, CCD teacher, Daughters of Isabella,
 Altar Society and very supportive of Pro-Life. She lived in Park until 
becoming a resident of the Gove County Long Term Care in 2012. 
 Being a devout Catholic, Maggie was a faithful viewer of the Eternal
 Word Television Network (EWTN) and said the rosary daily throughout her
 lifetime. Maggie was always an excellent cook, known for her chicken 
&amp; noodles, blackberry dumplings, carrot cake, cookie sheet cake, and
 popcorn balls.
 Maggie was treasured and loved by many (especially her family) and 
lived a very active and happy life with her family and friends. She was 
known for her beautiful, warm smile and caring and giving heart. 
 Maggie is survived by her children: Francis Gassmann and wife Cindy 
of Garden Plain, KS, Anthony Gassmann and wife Peggy of Dresden, KS, 
George Gassmann and wife Vickie of New Almelo, KS, Lawrence Gassmann of 
Manhattan, KS, Mary Gassmann of Indianapolis, IN, Ann Gassmann of 
Euless, TX, and Theresa Gassmann of Euless, TX; sister, Marie Meier of 
Hoxie, KS and sister-in-law Esther Weber of Salina, KS; 18 
grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; 8 
great-great-grandchildren and 7 step great-great-grandchildren. She was 
preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conrad in 1975; sons, Paul 
and Ralph Gassmann; daughter, Donna Gassmann; siblings: Bartholomew 
(Lydia) Weber, Henry (Mary) Weber, Msgr. John George Weber, Anthony 
(Rosie) Weber, Philomena (George) Christenson, Celestine (Katherine) 
Weber, Hilarius “Larry” (Mary) Weber, Martin (Antonia) Weber, Silvenus 
Weber, Aloysius (Annunciata) Weber, and Odilia (John) Riedel, 
brother-in-law Aloysius Meier. 
 Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 10, 2020
 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Leoville. Burial will follow 
at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm Friday, 
October 9, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, KS. A Rosary will
 be said following the visitation at 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may
 be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Church
 for Masses, or EWTN. Condolences may be left online at www.paulsfh.com

Magdalen 'Maggie' Susanne Gassmann

Phyllis Nadine Luerman, 81, passed away October 8, 2020, at her home 
in Hoisington.&nbsp; She was born June 30, 1939, in Hoisington, to Jesse and 
Bessie (Smith) Neal.&nbsp; Phyllis married John H. Luerman, Sr. Dec. 29, 
1962, in Hoisington.&nbsp; He survives.

Phyllis, a lifetime Hoisington area resident, was a member of the 
V.F.W. Post 7428 Auxiliary and American Legion Post 286 Auxiliary.&nbsp; She 
was a telephone operator in Hoisington for many years, also holding 
employment at Gibson's, Dairy Queen and Duckwall's.&nbsp; Phyllis was a 
member of the Red Hat Ladies, previously served on the Susank city 
council and enjoyed playing cards.

Survivors include her husband John of the home; three sons, John 
Luerman and wife Amy of rural Susank, Andy Luerman and wife Becky of 
Ashland and Billy Luerman of Susank; six grandchildren, Shyla Goodnight 
(Aaron), Anthony Luerman, Jay Luerman (Joanna), Shelby Luerman, Damon 
Luerman (Brooke) and J.J. Luerman; two great grandchildren, Lane Luerman
 and Tucker Goodnight; one sister, Sallie Hager of Claflin; and two 
brothers Cecil Neal of Oregon, Wis. and Willis Neal of Overland Park.

She was preceded in death by one brother, William Neal; four sisters,
 Glenna Schneider, Twila Miller, Jessie Kasselman and Penny McClung.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2020, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Fisher.&nbsp; Interment will 
follow at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 1:00
 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.&nbsp; 
Memorial may be given to Kindred Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke 
Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602190403796.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phyllis Nadine Luerman, 81, passed away October 8, 2020, at her home 
in Hoisington.&nbsp; She was born June 30, 1939, in Hoisington, to Jesse and 
Bessie (Smith) Neal.&nbsp; Phyllis married John H. Luerman, Sr. Dec. 29, 
1962, in Hoisington.&nbsp; He survives.Phyllis, a lifetime Hoisington area resident, was a member of the 
V.F.W. Post 7428 Auxiliary and American Legion Post 286 Auxiliary.&nbsp; She 
was a telephone operator in Hoisington for many years, also holding 
employment at Gibson's, Dairy Queen and Duckwall's.&nbsp; Phyllis was a 
member of the Red Hat Ladies, previously served on the Susank city 
council and enjoyed playing cards.Survivors include her husband John of the home; three sons, John 
Luerman and wife Amy of rural Susank, Andy Luerman and wife Becky of 
Ashland and Billy Luerman of Susank; six grandchildren, Shyla Goodnight 
(Aaron), Anthony Luerman, Jay Luerman (Joanna), Shelby Luerman, Damon 
Luerman (Brooke) and J.J. Luerman; two great grandchildren, Lane Luerman
 and Tucker Goodnight; one sister, Sallie Hager of Claflin; and two 
brothers Cecil Neal of Oregon, Wis. and Willis Neal of Overland Park.She was preceded in death by one brother, William Neal; four sisters,
 Glenna Schneider, Twila Miller, Jessie Kasselman and Penny McClung.Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2020, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Fisher.&nbsp; Interment will 
follow at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 1:00
 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.&nbsp; 
Memorial may be given to Kindred Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke 
Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.