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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas GOP leader pushing Medicaid plan not running again

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melinda Lang

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

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

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

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

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

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

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

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

Betty Jean Hickel

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMS Principal Tom Albers credits staff for Principal of Year honor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Della Dean Post

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;One of college football’s oldest rivalries will be renewed as Kansas and Missouri have agreed to a four-game series beginning in 2025. The Border Showdown rivalry is currently the fourth-longest in the FBS, dating back to 1891.

“This agreement renews one of college football’s most historic rivalries and we believe Jayhawk fans will enjoy the competition,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “This will be a great experience for our students,&nbsp;student-athletes and fans to have the Border Showdown games on campus, and look forward to seeing that excitement at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.”

The Jayhawks and Tigers will renew their rivalry on September 6, 2025 in Columbia, Missouri in the team’s first meeting since 2011.

Future Series Dates and Location: Sept 6, 2025 at Missouri – Columbia Sept 12, 2026 vs. Missouri – Lawrence Sept 6, 2031 at Missouri – Columbia Sept 11, 2032 vs. Missouri – Lawrence

“This is a tremendous opportunity to reignite one of college football’s oldest rivalries,” said Head Coach Les Miles. “Anytime you bring two football teams on the field with that history, I think it will excite our student-athletes and fans, and will certainly be a great battle on the field.”

In the last meeting between the two teams in 2011, the series was the second-most played rivalry in Division I history, with 120 games being played over the span of 122 years. Missouri holds a slight series advantage at 56-55-9.

The teams first met on October 31, 1891, with Kansas claiming a 22-10 victory. Kansas and Missouri met on the field 93 years in a row, from 1919 to 2011.

In the last meeting of the Border Showdown on November 26, 2011, Missouri defeated Kansas, 24-10, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. In their time playing in Kansas City, the Jayhawks hold the series advantage, 13-10-3, while the Tigers hold the advantage in Columbia, 30-15-3, and Kansas with the series edge in Lawrence, 26-16-3.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;One of college football’s oldest rivalries will be renewed as Kansas and Missouri have agreed to a four-game series beginning in 2025. The Border Showdown rivalry is currently the fourth-longest in the FBS, dating back to 1891.“This agreement renews one of college football’s most historic rivalries and we believe Jayhawk fans will enjoy the competition,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “This will be a great experience for our students,&nbsp;student-athletes and fans to have the Border Showdown games on campus, and look forward to seeing that excitement at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.”The Jayhawks and Tigers will renew their rivalry on September 6, 2025 in Columbia, Missouri in the team’s first meeting since 2011.Future Series Dates and Location: Sept 6, 2025 at Missouri – Columbia Sept 12, 2026 vs. Missouri – Lawrence Sept 6, 2031 at Missouri – Columbia Sept 11, 2032 vs. Missouri – Lawrence “This is a tremendous opportunity to reignite one of college football’s oldest rivalries,” said Head Coach Les Miles. “Anytime you bring two football teams on the field with that history, I think it will excite our student-athletes and fans, and will certainly be a great battle on the field.”In the last meeting between the two teams in 2011, the series was the second-most played rivalry in Division I history, with 120 games being played over the span of 122 years. Missouri holds a slight series advantage at 56-55-9.The teams first met on October 31, 1891, with Kansas claiming a 22-10 victory. Kansas and Missouri met on the field 93 years in a row, from 1919 to 2011.In the last meeting of the Border Showdown on November 26, 2011, Missouri defeated Kansas, 24-10, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. In their time playing in Kansas City, the Jayhawks hold the series advantage, 13-10-3, while the Tigers hold the advantage in Columbia, 30-15-3, and Kansas with the series edge in Lawrence, 26-16-3.Kansas Athletics

Kansas football announces renewed series with Missouri

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588471718959.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Della Dean Post, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, May 01, 2020, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas.Della was born on October 02, 1925, in Dorrance, Kansas, the daughter
 of Frank E., Sr. and Rachel Pearl (Warehime) Sanders.&nbsp; She grew up in 
Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1944.&nbsp; She met, fell
 in love and was united in marriage to Dale R. Post on May 26, 1945, in 
Russell, Kansas, and they were married for 66 years.&nbsp; From this union 
Della and Dale were blessed with 3 children Kenneth, Glenda and Gerald.&nbsp;
 Dale preceded her in death on August 04, 2011.&nbsp; She worked for 16 years
 in the dietary and cleaning department at the Russell Regional Hospital
 in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of the Assembly of God 
Church in Russell and was also a former member of the V.F.W. Post #6240 
Ladies Auxiliary.&nbsp; She enjoyed quilting and taking care of her flower 
garden at home.&nbsp; Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, 
especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great 
grandchildren.Surviving family include her sons Kenneth Post and wife Ruth of Enid,
 Oklahoma and Gerald Post of Hutchinson, Kansas; &nbsp;three grandchildren, 4
 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandsons.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, parents, daughter 
Glenda Hammerschmidt, brothers William, Frank, Jr. and John Sanders; 
sisters Lora Lamoree, Dora Bushell, Irene Bushell Steinle, Cora Manlove 
and Evelyn Malson.A graveside service to celebrate Della’s life will be held at 1:30 
P.M. on Tuesday, May 05, 2020 at the Wilson City Cemetery in Wilson, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Viewing will be from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 05, 
2020, at the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, 
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Kathryn “Kay” (Gross) VonLintel, age 76, of Victoria, Kansas died Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at her home.&nbsp; She was born September 9, 1943, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph and Rose (Pfannenstiel) Gross.&nbsp; She married Allen “Dennis” VonLintel on October 20, 1962, at Munjor, Kansas.&nbsp;

She was a homemaker, farmer’s wife, worked at A Bride’s World and Werth Plumbing both in Hays, Kansas. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers both of Vincent, Kansas.&nbsp; She attended the Munjor Grade School&nbsp; and was a 1961 graduate of Hays High School.&nbsp; She enjoyed fishing, polka dancing, crocheting, cooking, football, KU basketball, her family and grandkids.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis VonLintel, of the home; three sons, Chris VonLintel and wife, Phyllis, Victoria, KS; Darin VonLintel and wife, Jennifer, Victoria, KS; Loren VonLintel and wife, Trisha, Victoria, KS; one daughter, Sue Hobbs, and husband, Terry, Victoria, KS; two brothers, Vernon Gross and wife, Jeannie, Hays, KS; Jerry Gross and wife, Sylvia, Munjor, KS; three sisters, JoAnn Dreiling and husband, Norman; Geraldine Kindel, and husband, Don, Victoria, KS; Mary Anderson and husband, Troy, Victoria, KS; one sister-in-law, Linda Gross, Munjor. KS; nine grandchildren, Curtis VonLintel (Brandi); Cody VonLintel and fiancé, (Chelsea Day); Zach VonLintel and fiancé, (Sarah Kuhn); Hanna VonLintel and fiancé, (Lucas Taylor); Amanda Ingham (Jacob); Kelsey Rollmann (Cody); Tanner Hobbs; Bailey Hobbs; Autumn VonLintel; ten great grandchildren, Kylie VonLintel; Kameron and Kolton Emerson; and one on the way (Wyatt); Bennett VonLintel; Ainslee, Maxx, and Ridge Ingham; Breckyn Prosser; Braedyn and Braxtyn Rollmann.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Harold Gross and wife, Viola; Kenny Gross and wife, Shirley; Leon Gross and wife, Joyce; Les Gross; one sister, Patty Dreiling and husband, Vernie;&nbsp;

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the St. Boniface Parish, Vincent, Kansas from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. &nbsp; A private family graveside service will be at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to St. Boniface Catholic Church or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.&nbsp;

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a> &nbsp; Due to the coronavirus if you have a cough, fever or not feeling well, please use our e-mail or on line guestbook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588357983886.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kathryn “Kay” (Gross) VonLintel, age 76, of Victoria, Kansas died Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at her home.&nbsp; She was born September 9, 1943, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph and Rose (Pfannenstiel) Gross.&nbsp; She married Allen “Dennis” VonLintel on October 20, 1962, at Munjor, Kansas.&nbsp;She was a homemaker, farmer’s wife, worked at A Bride’s World and Werth Plumbing both in Hays, Kansas. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers both of Vincent, Kansas.&nbsp; She attended the Munjor Grade School&nbsp; and was a 1961 graduate of Hays High School.&nbsp; She enjoyed fishing, polka dancing, crocheting, cooking, football, KU basketball, her family and grandkids.Survivors include her husband, Dennis VonLintel, of the home; three sons, Chris VonLintel and wife, Phyllis, Victoria, KS; Darin VonLintel and wife, Jennifer, Victoria, KS; Loren VonLintel and wife, Trisha, Victoria, KS; one daughter, Sue Hobbs, and husband, Terry, Victoria, KS; two brothers, Vernon Gross and wife, Jeannie, Hays, KS; Jerry Gross and wife, Sylvia, Munjor, KS; three sisters, JoAnn Dreiling and husband, Norman; Geraldine Kindel, and husband, Don, Victoria, KS; Mary Anderson and husband, Troy, Victoria, KS; one sister-in-law, Linda Gross, Munjor. KS; nine grandchildren, Curtis VonLintel (Brandi); Cody VonLintel and fiancé, (Chelsea Day); Zach VonLintel and fiancé, (Sarah Kuhn); Hanna VonLintel and fiancé, (Lucas Taylor); Amanda Ingham (Jacob); Kelsey Rollmann (Cody); Tanner Hobbs; Bailey Hobbs; Autumn VonLintel; ten great grandchildren, Kylie VonLintel; Kameron and Kolton Emerson; and one on the way (Wyatt); Bennett VonLintel; Ainslee, Maxx, and Ridge Ingham; Breckyn Prosser; Braedyn and Braxtyn Rollmann.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Harold Gross and wife, Viola; Kenny Gross and wife, Shirley; Leon Gross and wife, Joyce; Les Gross; one sister, Patty Dreiling and husband, Vernie;&nbsp;The family will receive friends on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the St. Boniface Parish, Vincent, Kansas from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. &nbsp; A private family graveside service will be at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.The family suggests memorials to St. Boniface Catholic Church or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.&nbsp;Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a> &nbsp; Due to the coronavirus if you have a cough, fever or not feeling well, please use our e-mail or on line guestbook.

Kathryn 'Kay' (Gross) VonLintel

Helen Joan (JoAn) Hatfield, 81, of Natoma, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April 29, 2020 in Plainville, KS.

JoAn was born in Wilson, Wyoming to Ray Matson Shinkle and Mable 
Woodward Shinkle on October 3, 1938. She married Marshall Oscar Hatfield
 on June 30, 1956 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.&nbsp; Marshall and JoAn lived 
most of their lives together in Jackson Hole.&nbsp; Though JoAn didn’t finish
 high school as a traditional student, she would go on to acquire her 
GED at the same time that her daughter, Pam, graduated from high school 
in 1977.&nbsp; JoAn filled many roles when it came to work.&nbsp; She worked in 
retail, at a bakery, as a dietary aide at the Good Samaritan Center, as a
 waitress, and held many other roles.&nbsp; JoAn was a dedicated follower of 
Jesus.&nbsp; She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in the 1970’s.&nbsp; In 1992,
 Marshall and JoAn moved from Jackson to Goodland, Kansas to be closer 
to grandkids.&nbsp; Her favorite activity was hugging babies.&nbsp; At family 
reunions, the children could count on JoAn to have a bag of candy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JoAn is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Mable; her fifteen 
siblings, Willard, Hazel, Ruth, John, Glenn, Keith, Mae, Laura, Ted, 
Robert, Walter, Leslie (Les, Dolly, Vern, and Fred, her husband, 
Marshall Hatfield and her daughter, &nbsp;Pam Hatfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JoAn is survived by her children, Alan Hatfield of Natoma, KS, Kelly 
(Steve) McIlroy of Tacoma, WA, Zane Hatfield of Natoma, KS, and Mike 
Hatfield of Natoma, KS; her grandchildren, Chancy Guthrie, Chris 
(Heather) Hatfield, Josh (Chelsea) Hatfield, Matson Hatfield, Savannah 
(Stephen) Griego, Sierra (Corey) Estep, Steven (Nikki) McIlroy, Schuyler
 (Kara) McIlroy, Brett Hatfield, Debbie (Mason - engaged) Hatfield; her 
great- grandchildren, Teryn, Tyson, Hunter, JJ, Izaiah, Gabe, Bailey, 
Brogan, Aislinn, Emma, Todd, Troy, Theodore, and Evelyn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Due to current events associated with the Covid-19 virus, there will 
be a private graveside service only. Memorials may be made to the Helen 
JoAn Hatfield Memorial in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, 
Goodland, Kansas 67735.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588471982124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Helen Joan (JoAn) Hatfield, 81, of Natoma, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April 29, 2020 in Plainville, KS.JoAn was born in Wilson, Wyoming to Ray Matson Shinkle and Mable 
Woodward Shinkle on October 3, 1938. She married Marshall Oscar Hatfield
 on June 30, 1956 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.&nbsp; Marshall and JoAn lived 
most of their lives together in Jackson Hole.&nbsp; Though JoAn didn’t finish
 high school as a traditional student, she would go on to acquire her 
GED at the same time that her daughter, Pam, graduated from high school 
in 1977.&nbsp; JoAn filled many roles when it came to work.&nbsp; She worked in 
retail, at a bakery, as a dietary aide at the Good Samaritan Center, as a
 waitress, and held many other roles.&nbsp; JoAn was a dedicated follower of 
Jesus.&nbsp; She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in the 1970’s.&nbsp; In 1992,
 Marshall and JoAn moved from Jackson to Goodland, Kansas to be closer 
to grandkids.&nbsp; Her favorite activity was hugging babies.&nbsp; At family 
reunions, the children could count on JoAn to have a bag of candy.&nbsp;&nbsp;JoAn is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Mable; her fifteen 
siblings, Willard, Hazel, Ruth, John, Glenn, Keith, Mae, Laura, Ted, 
Robert, Walter, Leslie (Les, Dolly, Vern, and Fred, her husband, 
Marshall Hatfield and her daughter, &nbsp;Pam Hatfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;JoAn is survived by her children, Alan Hatfield of Natoma, KS, Kelly 
(Steve) McIlroy of Tacoma, WA, Zane Hatfield of Natoma, KS, and Mike 
Hatfield of Natoma, KS; her grandchildren, Chancy Guthrie, Chris 
(Heather) Hatfield, Josh (Chelsea) Hatfield, Matson Hatfield, Savannah 
(Stephen) Griego, Sierra (Corey) Estep, Steven (Nikki) McIlroy, Schuyler
 (Kara) McIlroy, Brett Hatfield, Debbie (Mason - engaged) Hatfield; her 
great- grandchildren, Teryn, Tyson, Hunter, JJ, Izaiah, Gabe, Bailey, 
Brogan, Aislinn, Emma, Todd, Troy, Theodore, and Evelyn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to current events associated with the Covid-19 virus, there will 
be a private graveside service only. Memorials may be made to the Helen 
JoAn Hatfield Memorial in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, 
Goodland, Kansas 67735.

Helen JoAn Hatfield


				Peter Caines, 84, of Colby, died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his 
home. He was born March 20, 1936 in North Tidworth, England to Reginald 
and Florence (Partridge) Caines. Peter served in the Royal Army during 
the Korean War. On October 10, 1964, he married Phyllis Smart. They move
 from England, settling in Colby, KS on July 17, 1979. Peter worked for 
Elmer Schielke, Western Sprinklers, Sahara Sand Blasting, Orschlen’s, 
and most recently, Walmart. He was loved by many and known for his hard 
work and big hugs. Peter enjoyed gardening and was a professional 
tinkerer.


He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; two sisters and four brothers.


He is survived by his children, Deborah(Steve) Schneider, Hazel (Irwin) 
Westheimer and Jeniffer (Gary) Wolters; brother Robert Caines; eight 
grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.


A private graveside service will take place at Beulah Cemetery on 
Thursday, April 30, 2020. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart 
Association or the American Diabetes Association and can be sent in care
 of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588181133098.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
				Peter Caines, 84, of Colby, died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his 
home. He was born March 20, 1936 in North Tidworth, England to Reginald 
and Florence (Partridge) Caines. Peter served in the Royal Army during 
the Korean War. On October 10, 1964, he married Phyllis Smart. They move
 from England, settling in Colby, KS on July 17, 1979. Peter worked for 
Elmer Schielke, Western Sprinklers, Sahara Sand Blasting, Orschlen’s, 
and most recently, Walmart. He was loved by many and known for his hard 
work and big hugs. Peter enjoyed gardening and was a professional 
tinkerer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; two sisters and four brothers.
He is survived by his children, Deborah(Steve) Schneider, Hazel (Irwin) 
Westheimer and Jeniffer (Gary) Wolters; brother Robert Caines; eight 
grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
A private graveside service will take place at Beulah Cemetery on 
Thursday, April 30, 2020. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart 
Association or the American Diabetes Association and can be sent in care
 of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Peter Caines

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that insurance companies can collect $12 billion from the federal government to cover their losses in the early years of the health care law championed by President Barack Obama.

Insurers are entitled to the money under a provision of the “Obamacare” health law that promised the companies a financial cushion for losses they might incur by selling coverage to people in the marketplaces created by the health care law, the justices said by an 8-1 vote.

The program only lasted three years, but Congress inserted a provision in the Health and Human Services Department’s spending bills from 2015 to 2017 to limit payments under the “risk corridors” program. Both the Obama and Trump administrations had argued that the provision means the government has no obligation to pay.

But Justice Sonia Sotomayor said in her opinion for the court that the congressional action was not sufficient to repeal the government’s commitment to pay. “These holdings reflect a principle as old as the Nation itself: The Government should honor its obligations,” Sotomayor wrote.

In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the court’s decision “has the effect of providing a massive bailout for insurance companies that took a calculated risk and lost. These companies chose to participate in an Affordable Care Act program that they thought would be profitable.”

The companies, which sold insurance in Alaska, Illinois, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington, cite HHS statistics to claim they are owed $12 billion.

The case is separate from a challenge to the health care law that the court has agreed to hear in its term that begins in October.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that insurance companies can collect $12 billion from the federal government to cover their losses in the early years of the health care law championed by President Barack Obama.Insurers are entitled to the money under a provision of the “Obamacare” health law that promised the companies a financial cushion for losses they might incur by selling coverage to people in the marketplaces created by the health care law, the justices said by an 8-1 vote.The program only lasted three years, but Congress inserted a provision in the Health and Human Services Department’s spending bills from 2015 to 2017 to limit payments under the “risk corridors” program. Both the Obama and Trump administrations had argued that the provision means the government has no obligation to pay.But Justice Sonia Sotomayor said in her opinion for the court that the congressional action was not sufficient to repeal the government’s commitment to pay. “These holdings reflect a principle as old as the Nation itself: The Government should honor its obligations,” Sotomayor wrote.In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the court’s decision “has the effect of providing a massive bailout for insurance companies that took a calculated risk and lost. These companies chose to participate in an Affordable Care Act program that they thought would be profitable.”The companies, which sold insurance in Alaska, Illinois, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington, cite HHS statistics to claim they are owed $12 billion.The case is separate from a challenge to the health care law that the court has agreed to hear in its term that begins in October.

Supreme Court: Insurers can collect $12B from Obamacare losses

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing quarterback Kyle Shurmur according to a report by ESPN's Dan Graziano on Monday.

The 23-year old Shurmur joined the Chiefs in April of 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt. He's the son of current Broncos offensive coordinator and former Giants head coach Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur played the most snaps of any of the Kansas City quarterbacks during the preseason last year and finished 33-of-56 for 316 yards, two touchdowns and one interceptions. He was on the Chiefs practice squad for most of 2019 except when he was added to the roster in late October to back up Matt Moore when Patrick Mahomes was injured.

With Shurmur's release that still leaves the Chiefs with three quarterbacks on the roster as Mahomes is joined by Chad Henne and recently signed XFL QB Jordan Ta'Amu.

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing quarterback Kyle Shurmur according to a report by ESPN's Dan Graziano on Monday.The 23-year old Shurmur joined the Chiefs in April of 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt. He's the son of current Broncos offensive coordinator and former Giants head coach Pat Shurmur.Shurmur played the most snaps of any of the Kansas City quarterbacks during the preseason last year and finished 33-of-56 for 316 yards, two touchdowns and one interceptions. He was on the Chiefs practice squad for most of 2019 except when he was added to the roster in late October to back up Matt Moore when Patrick Mahomes was injured.With Shurmur's release that still leaves the Chiefs with three quarterbacks on the roster as Mahomes is joined by Chad Henne and recently signed XFL QB Jordan Ta'Amu.

Chiefs releasing QB Kyle Shurmur according to ESPN report

Sister Corona Bayer, 91, died April 27, 2020, in the Dominican 
Sisters’ convent infirmary, Great Bend. She was born October 7, 1928, in
 Willowdale, KS, the daughter of William and Margaret (Gehlen) Bayer.

She entered the Dominican Sisters Community in 1946 and pronounced 
vows in 1949. Sister Corona ministered as a homemaker from 1952 - 1970. 
She then ministered in nursing care until 1990. At that time she 
returned to the motherhouse in Great Bend where she worked for the 
Association for the Blind as well as contributed greatly to the Sisters’
 annual bazaar.

Sister Corona was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, and
 one sister. She is survived by two brothers, Leonard Bayer of Kingman, 
and Herman Bayer of Mountain Grove, MO; three sisters, Ginny Klein of 
Charleston, AR, Martina Young of Wichita, and Joan Payne of Kingman; as 
well as the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, 
April 29, 2020. A Vigil Service will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at
 7:00 p.m. Both will take place at the Sisters’ Convent. A recording of 
the service will be available online Wednesday afternoon under Sister 
Corona’s obituary at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net/">www.bryantfh.net</a>.
 Burial will be in the Sisters’ Resurrection Cemetery, Great Bend.

Memorials in honor of Sister Corona may be sent to Dominican Sisters of 
Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219-2098. Condolences may be 
sent and notice viewed at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net/">www.bryantfh.net</a>. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend 67530.

Sister Corona Bayer, 91, died April 27, 2020, in the Dominican 
Sisters’ convent infirmary, Great Bend. She was born October 7, 1928, in
 Willowdale, KS, the daughter of William and Margaret (Gehlen) Bayer.She entered the Dominican Sisters Community in 1946 and pronounced 
vows in 1949. Sister Corona ministered as a homemaker from 1952 - 1970. 
She then ministered in nursing care until 1990. At that time she 
returned to the motherhouse in Great Bend where she worked for the 
Association for the Blind as well as contributed greatly to the Sisters’
 annual bazaar.Sister Corona was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, and
 one sister. She is survived by two brothers, Leonard Bayer of Kingman, 
and Herman Bayer of Mountain Grove, MO; three sisters, Ginny Klein of 
Charleston, AR, Martina Young of Wichita, and Joan Payne of Kingman; as 
well as the Dominican Sisters of Peace.A private Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, 
April 29, 2020. A Vigil Service will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at
 7:00 p.m. Both will take place at the Sisters’ Convent. A recording of 
the service will be available online Wednesday afternoon under Sister 
Corona’s obituary at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net/">www.bryantfh.net</a>.
 Burial will be in the Sisters’ Resurrection Cemetery, Great Bend. 
Memorials in honor of Sister Corona may be sent to Dominican Sisters of 
Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219-2098. Condolences may be 
sent and notice viewed at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net/">www.bryantfh.net</a>. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend 67530.

Sister Corona Bayer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (AP) — Last autumn, when schools were in session, sports stadiums full and no one had even heard of the COVID-19 disease, the Missouri health department made an eerily foreshadowing request.

It asked the state for $300,000 to buy supplies and services in case of a large-scale disease outbreak. The goal was to fill a gap between local and federal sources.

Today, as states are spending billions of dollars buying supplies in the fight against the coronavirus, that October funding request appears woefully insufficient. Yet it highlights a stark fact: States were not stocked for a pandemic and have been scrambling to catch up.

An Associated Press review of more than 20 states found that before the coronavirus outbreak many had at least a modest supply of N95 masks, gowns, gloves and other medical equipment. But those were often well past their expiration dates — left over from the H1N1 influenza outbreak a decade ago.

The shortage of supplies stemmed from a variety of factors — a decline in public health funding, a cost-saving dependence on having inventory on hand only for immediate use and a belief that the federal government could come to the rescue with its Strategic National Stockpile.

In hindsight, the federal stockpile proved insufficient for a nationwide viral outbreak, and a worldwide competition for scarce supplies revealed the folly of counting on rapid deliveries.

“You could see it in almost every state, in every locality, and the federal government level: depleting the resources, depleting the inventory, and hoping when you need them they will be available,” said Gerard Anderson, a health policy professor at Johns Hopkins University, which has tracked coronarivus cases and deaths across the world.

The coronavirus crisis spawned a political blame game over the shortage of protective gear for medical workers and the hunt for ventilators. Some governors harangued the federal government for leaving them in the lurch. President Donald Trump faulted states, tweeting earlier this month: “The complainers should have been stocked up and ready long before this crisis hit.”

Before the World Health Organization issued a Jan. 9 advisory about the coronavirus emerging in China, Missouri had a supply of 663,920 N95 respirator masks, 253,800 surgical masks, 154,000 gloves, 17,424 face shields and 14,048 gowns. All were leftovers provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control after the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009-2010, and well beyond their shelf life.

Other states also were relying on old supplies. Officials in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia all told the AP that their stashes included at least some leftovers from the H1N1 flu.

Some old N95 masks no longer sealed properly on people’s faces or had elastic bands that disintegrated. But a CDC study found that many expired masks still could work, and states distributed them to hospitals and medical clinics.

Missouri, like some other states, had spent nothing to replenish the expired equipment. And even when asking for $300,000 last October, the state Department of Health and Senior Services stressed that it wasn’t trying to build a big reserve.

“Since outbreaks and the resources needed are not predictable, purchasing a large stock of supplies that could expire or become obsolete is not a responsible use of state funds,” the health agency said in a budget document submitted to Gov. Mike Parson and state lawmakers.

That funding request for the fiscal year that starts in July still was pending in the state House when Missouri’s first coronavirus case was confirmed last month. Since then, Missouri has ordered about $40 million of protective medical supplies for health care workers and emergency responders.

Missouri Health Director Randall Williams told the AP that it didn’t make sense to load up on supplies ahead of time without knowing what was needed. For example, he said, bug spray would have been more useful than face masks during the 2015-2016 epidemic of the Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.

“If you spend money on prevention and whatever comes your way isn’t that, then you have less money for response” when an emergency occurs, Williams said.

Federal public health funding for states has been on a downward slide since new programs were launched after the 2001 terrorist attacks and anthrax scare. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness program provided $675 million last year — down 28% since 2003, according to the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health. The Hospital Preparedness Program provided $265 million last year — down by almost half during that same period.

Colorado used to have two medical stockpiles. But the state received minimal federal funding for storing supplies left over from the H1N1 pandemic and none to buy new supplies. The stockpile in Denver was dissolved last fall and its remnants transferred to one in Grand Junction. Those supplies had all been distributed by the beginning of March, as the coranavirus was spreading.

Ohio, like many states, began storing some supplies after the 2001 terrorist attacks. But its financial commitment has waned after each crisis was averted, said Deborah Arms, president of the Ohio Nurses Association, who led the state health department’s prevention division from the late 1990s to 2008.

“It’s always difficult for public health in these kinds of disasters to be able to advocate for continual funding ... for something that might take 10 years to see a result,” she said.

Michigan, which has the third-highest coronavirus death toll among U.S. states, had 53,500 gloves left over from past epidemics, 5,120 N95 masks, 5,000 surgical masks and just 500 face shields among its pre-coronavirus supplies.

The state could not afford the cost of replacing expired items nor the warehouse fees for storing more, said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the state had counted on the federal government to be prepared for a pandemic.

“No one could have said that they would come in and build a state stockpile. That’s never been the role and the assumption,” she told the AP. “Yet if I could turn back the clock, that’s precisely what we would have started doing.”

Contrary to Trump’s assertion that states bore the primary responsibility for stockpiling medical supplies, many states had depended on the federal government to store provisions in case of emergencies.

New Hampshire’s emergency operations plans call for maintaining a small reserve of supplies, but then “very much relying on the national stockpile for anything more than, say a week,” said state Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette.

Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne said he had viewed stockpiling supplies as a federal responsibility.

“Are we probably going to start stockpiling stuff now?” Layne asked. “The answer is yes.”

Even before the latest crisis, some experts had urged stocking up on supplies as a way to lessen the disruption to supply chains and avoid having to compete with other governments as a crisis is unfolding. A&nbsp;<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/6/08-1196_article" target="_blank">June 2009 report</a>&nbsp;published in the CDC’s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended a “stratified purchase plan” — buying essential items periodically as money became available.

“Supplies need to be ordered far in advance of a pandemic to avoid major problems with back orders and supply shortfalls,” the report concluded.

Instead, public health offices, hospitals and medical clinics have largely been ordering supplies as they are needed. But just-in-time buying doesn’t work when supply chains collapse and every state and country competes in world markets for scarce equipment during a pandemic.

“We’ve short-shrifted our public health structure, because we don’t need it until it happens. But then it’s too late to build it when there’s a pandemic,” said California state Sen. Richard Pan, a pediatrician.

Sean Dunn, an Ohio lobbyist who has represented hospitals, product distributors and a health care services company, said government and health officials need to rethink their approach.

“The notion of having to keep stores of anything, until a couple of weeks ago, was an old-fashioned notion,” Dunn said. “This is going to change our mindset.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587674507600.png" alt="Missouri Governor Mike Parson watches as PPE arrives at a state warehouse on March 26- photo office of Missouri governor" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Governor Mike Parson watches as PPE arrives at a state warehouse on March 26- photo office of Missouri governor</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (AP) — Last autumn, when schools were in session, sports stadiums full and no one had even heard of the COVID-19 disease, the Missouri health department made an eerily foreshadowing request.It asked the state for $300,000 to buy supplies and services in case of a large-scale disease outbreak. The goal was to fill a gap between local and federal sources.Today, as states are spending billions of dollars buying supplies in the fight against the coronavirus, that October funding request appears woefully insufficient. Yet it highlights a stark fact: States were not stocked for a pandemic and have been scrambling to catch up.An Associated Press review of more than 20 states found that before the coronavirus outbreak many had at least a modest supply of N95 masks, gowns, gloves and other medical equipment. But those were often well past their expiration dates — left over from the H1N1 influenza outbreak a decade ago.The shortage of supplies stemmed from a variety of factors — a decline in public health funding, a cost-saving dependence on having inventory on hand only for immediate use and a belief that the federal government could come to the rescue with its Strategic National Stockpile.In hindsight, the federal stockpile proved insufficient for a nationwide viral outbreak, and a worldwide competition for scarce supplies revealed the folly of counting on rapid deliveries.“You could see it in almost every state, in every locality, and the federal government level: depleting the resources, depleting the inventory, and hoping when you need them they will be available,” said Gerard Anderson, a health policy professor at Johns Hopkins University, which has tracked coronarivus cases and deaths across the world.The coronavirus crisis spawned a political blame game over the shortage of protective gear for medical workers and the hunt for ventilators. Some governors harangued the federal government for leaving them in the lurch. President Donald Trump faulted states, tweeting earlier this month: “The complainers should have been stocked up and ready long before this crisis hit.”Before the World Health Organization issued a Jan. 9 advisory about the coronavirus emerging in China, Missouri had a supply of 663,920 N95 respirator masks, 253,800 surgical masks, 154,000 gloves, 17,424 face shields and 14,048 gowns. All were leftovers provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control after the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009-2010, and well beyond their shelf life.Other states also were relying on old supplies. Officials in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia all told the AP that their stashes included at least some leftovers from the H1N1 flu.Some old N95 masks no longer sealed properly on people’s faces or had elastic bands that disintegrated. But a CDC study found that many expired masks still could work, and states distributed them to hospitals and medical clinics.Missouri, like some other states, had spent nothing to replenish the expired equipment. And even when asking for $300,000 last October, the state Department of Health and Senior Services stressed that it wasn’t trying to build a big reserve.“Since outbreaks and the resources needed are not predictable, purchasing a large stock of supplies that could expire or become obsolete is not a responsible use of state funds,” the health agency said in a budget document submitted to Gov. Mike Parson and state lawmakers.That funding request for the fiscal year that starts in July still was pending in the state House when Missouri’s first coronavirus case was confirmed last month. Since then, Missouri has ordered about $40 million of protective medical supplies for health care workers and emergency responders.Missouri Health Director Randall Williams told the AP that it didn’t make sense to load up on supplies ahead of time without knowing what was needed. For example, he said, bug spray would have been more useful than face masks during the 2015-2016 epidemic of the Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.“If you spend money on prevention and whatever comes your way isn’t that, then you have less money for response” when an emergency occurs, Williams said.Federal public health funding for states has been on a downward slide since new programs were launched after the 2001 terrorist attacks and anthrax scare. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness program provided $675 million last year — down 28% since 2003, according to the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health. The Hospital Preparedness Program provided $265 million last year — down by almost half during that same period.Colorado used to have two medical stockpiles. But the state received minimal federal funding for storing supplies left over from the H1N1 pandemic and none to buy new supplies. The stockpile in Denver was dissolved last fall and its remnants transferred to one in Grand Junction. Those supplies had all been distributed by the beginning of March, as the coranavirus was spreading.Ohio, like many states, began storing some supplies after the 2001 terrorist attacks. But its financial commitment has waned after each crisis was averted, said Deborah Arms, president of the Ohio Nurses Association, who led the state health department’s prevention division from the late 1990s to 2008.“It’s always difficult for public health in these kinds of disasters to be able to advocate for continual funding ... for something that might take 10 years to see a result,” she said.Michigan, which has the third-highest coronavirus death toll among U.S. states, had 53,500 gloves left over from past epidemics, 5,120 N95 masks, 5,000 surgical masks and just 500 face shields among its pre-coronavirus supplies.The state could not afford the cost of replacing expired items nor the warehouse fees for storing more, said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin.Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the state had counted on the federal government to be prepared for a pandemic.“No one could have said that they would come in and build a state stockpile. That’s never been the role and the assumption,” she told the AP. “Yet if I could turn back the clock, that’s precisely what we would have started doing.”Contrary to Trump’s assertion that states bore the primary responsibility for stockpiling medical supplies, many states had depended on the federal government to store provisions in case of emergencies.New Hampshire’s emergency operations plans call for maintaining a small reserve of supplies, but then “very much relying on the national stockpile for anything more than, say a week,” said state Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette.Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne said he had viewed stockpiling supplies as a federal responsibility.“Are we probably going to start stockpiling stuff now?” Layne asked. “The answer is yes.”Even before the latest crisis, some experts had urged stocking up on supplies as a way to lessen the disruption to supply chains and avoid having to compete with other governments as a crisis is unfolding. A&nbsp;<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/6/08-1196_article" target="_blank">June 2009 report</a>&nbsp;published in the CDC’s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended a “stratified purchase plan” — buying essential items periodically as money became available.“Supplies need to be ordered far in advance of a pandemic to avoid major problems with back orders and supply shortfalls,” the report concluded.Instead, public health offices, hospitals and medical clinics have largely been ordering supplies as they are needed. But just-in-time buying doesn’t work when supply chains collapse and every state and country competes in world markets for scarce equipment during a pandemic.“We’ve short-shrifted our public health structure, because we don’t need it until it happens. But then it’s too late to build it when there’s a pandemic,” said California state Sen. Richard Pan, a pediatrician.Sean Dunn, an Ohio lobbyist who has represented hospitals, product distributors and a health care services company, said government and health officials need to rethink their approach.“The notion of having to keep stores of anything, until a couple of weeks ago, was an old-fashioned notion,” Dunn said. “This is going to change our mindset.”___

State supply stocks sparse and dated before virus

Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie Dunn

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A deadline is near for those who believe they were victims of a 2016 toxic gas release over the Kansas town of Atchison.

Federal prosecutor are urging victims to submit written victim statements by Friday.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., is May 27. Both companies pleaded guilty to violating the federal law and each agreed to pay a $1 million fine.

In October 2016, two chemicals were mistakenly mixed to form a cloud of chlorine gas over Atchison.

“We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time,” McAllister said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580513648407.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie DunnTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A deadline is near for those who believe they were victims of a 2016 toxic gas release over the Kansas town of Atchison.Federal prosecutor are urging victims to submit written victim statements by Friday.U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., is May 27. Both companies pleaded guilty to violating the federal law and each agreed to pay a $1 million fine.In October 2016, two chemicals were mistakenly mixed to form a cloud of chlorine gas over Atchison.“We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time,” McAllister said.

Deadline nears for toxic cloud victims in Kansas town

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

 Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday to accept the low bid for construction of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.

The bid from Smoky Hill Construction, Salina, was $3.5 million over estimates by the city's project engineer, WSP of Lenexa, and by the Kansas Department of Transportation. KDOT will oversee the project.

Voting in the negative were the two newest city commissioners, Michael Berges and Mason Ruder.

Ruder was also the sole voter against accepting the $1.2 million single construction engineering bid for the project from&nbsp; Kirkham Michael, Ellsworth, which passed 4-1.&nbsp;Kirkham Michael will be working under an existing contract they have with KDOT for&nbsp;on-call inspection services.,

The city does not specifically know why the two construction bids it received for the work are nearly 30 percent higher than anticipated. 

The low bid by Smoky Hill Construction, which has completed four other major projects for the city in the past 14 years, and has built traffic roundabouts in other Kansas communities, was $11,915,287. The other bid, from KOSS Construction, Topeka, was even higher. KOSS has also built roundabouts elsewhere.

The engineer's estimate was $8,463,336 and KDOT’s estimate was lower at $8,152,118. 

John Braun, city project manager, told the commission last week he "mainly attributed it to the current economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

"The city is able to cover the higher than estimated cost of construction," Braun said.

Berges, a financial analyst, asked several questions of City Manager Toby Dougherty and Finance Director Kim Rupp. As he said last week, Berges remains opposed to the project. "I just couldn't reconcile voting for the approval with the (bids) coming in that far off."

Hays was awarded a $6.05 million federal BUILD grant in December 2018. Dougherty reminded the commission it is 2018-allocated monies from the Federal Highway Administration, saying "if we don't take it, somebody else will."

The construction bid, combined with $1.2 million for construction engineering by Kirkham Michael of Ellsworth, brings the project cost total to $13.1 million.&nbsp;

Subtracting the $6 million federal grant leaves the city’s share at $7,110,430. It will be paid from the Capital Projects Fund by a 2% increase in the city's Transient Guest Tax (TGT) that was implemented in 2018. The TGT is now 7%.

Berges was also concerned about the reliability of the TGT. "How do we fund that (possible) gap?" he asked Dougherty.

"I think you'd have to have a lot of hotels shut down," Dougherty responded.

"The current scenario doesn't include the two new hotels that are under construction (Hilton Garden Inn and AVID, both north of Interstate 70). They're going to be a draw and the development at (I-70 Exit 157) that is going to include hotels.&nbsp;

"You'd have to see either of those hotels not come online and/or a wholesale reduction in the other hotels. That's why we feel fairly confident in making a recommendation like that."

Dougherty added that Rupp has been "fairly conservative with his estimates on that."

Dougherty also noted the city has very little general obligation bond debt.

As Berges did last week, Ruder this week supported the idea of "pushing it down the line and getting some concrete numbers where we're going to be after the summer. See how businesses bounce back. See what other funds are available .... In the fall it would give us some more time to find out why there was such a drastic difference."&nbsp;

Acknowledging the city was disappointed when the bids came in higher than expected, Commissioner Ron Mellick said "I have to live with today" and the city should get construction started now. 

"If we wait another six months, what will the bids do then?" he wondered. "Higher, lower, none at all?&nbsp; I don't know.

"I do know with what the bids are today, we can afford to do it today."&nbsp;

Mellick also talked about how complex the job is as another possible reason for the high bids.

"I don't believe engineers have a full grasp of how difficult it is. People who actually do this work have a better understanding of what the labor is and what it's going to cost to do it."&nbsp;

Shaun Musil, mayor, said the large project drew the most contacts and emails from residents he's had in a long time. He also feels the cost estimates "are just flat wrong."

"There's been so many studies. ... I think this is best for the community. It'll be many years before we see it. It is (temporarily) going to hurt businesses," Musil noted.

" ... With the policies the city has in place -&nbsp; even after this pandemic - two or three years down the road, we're (still) going to be in good shape."

Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs expressed her continued support for the project, saying "I'm not closed-minded about it and have done my due diligence in speaking with developers, contractors and bankers."

Both Ruder and Berges at the end of the meeting expressed their respect for the other commissioners' decisions.

"I know we've all done extensive research and talked with many, many contractors, citizens, businesses," Ruder said. "I believe we're all up here doing what we believe is best for the city of Hays."

According to the work timeline, construction will begin next month and continue through October 2021.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587093169044.jpeg" alt="The $7.1 million payment from the city of Hays is due to KDOT May 14 for the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project." />
 <figcaption>The $7.1 million payment from the city of Hays is due to KDOT May 14 for the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday to accept the low bid for construction of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.The bid from Smoky Hill Construction, Salina, was $3.5 million over estimates by the city's project engineer, WSP of Lenexa, and by the Kansas Department of Transportation. KDOT will oversee the project.Voting in the negative were the two newest city commissioners, Michael Berges and Mason Ruder.Ruder was also the sole voter against accepting the $1.2 million single construction engineering bid for the project from&nbsp; Kirkham Michael, Ellsworth, which passed 4-1.&nbsp;Kirkham Michael will be working under an existing contract they have with KDOT for&nbsp;on-call inspection services.,The city does not specifically know why the two construction bids it received for the work are nearly 30 percent higher than anticipated. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587692996736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The low bid by Smoky Hill Construction, which has completed four other major projects for the city in the past 14 years, and has built traffic roundabouts in other Kansas communities, was $11,915,287. The other bid, from KOSS Construction, Topeka, was even higher. KOSS has also built roundabouts elsewhere.The engineer's estimate was $8,463,336 and KDOT’s estimate was lower at $8,152,118. John Braun, city project manager, told the commission last week he "mainly attributed it to the current economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.""The city is able to cover the higher than estimated cost of construction," Braun said.Berges, a financial analyst, asked several questions of City Manager Toby Dougherty and Finance Director Kim Rupp. As he said last week, Berges remains opposed to the project. "I just couldn't reconcile voting for the approval with the (bids) coming in that far off."Hays was awarded a $6.05 million federal BUILD grant in December 2018. Dougherty reminded the commission it is 2018-allocated monies from the Federal Highway Administration, saying "if we don't take it, somebody else will."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587694501086.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The construction bid, combined with $1.2 million for construction engineering by Kirkham Michael of Ellsworth, brings the project cost total to $13.1 million.&nbsp;Subtracting the $6 million federal grant leaves the city’s share at $7,110,430. It will be paid from the Capital Projects Fund by a 2% increase in the city's Transient Guest Tax (TGT) that was implemented in 2018. The TGT is now 7%.Berges was also concerned about the reliability of the TGT. "How do we fund that (possible) gap?" he asked Dougherty."I think you'd have to have a lot of hotels shut down," Dougherty responded."The current scenario doesn't include the two new hotels that are under construction (Hilton Garden Inn and AVID, both north of Interstate 70). They're going to be a draw and the development at (I-70 Exit 157) that is going to include hotels.&nbsp;"You'd have to see either of those hotels not come online and/or a wholesale reduction in the other hotels. That's why we feel fairly confident in making a recommendation like that."Dougherty added that Rupp has been "fairly conservative with his estimates on that."Dougherty also noted the city has very little general obligation bond debt.As Berges did last week, Ruder this week supported the idea of "pushing it down the line and getting some concrete numbers where we're going to be after the summer. See how businesses bounce back. See what other funds are available .... In the fall it would give us some more time to find out why there was such a drastic difference."&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJdPhebMy5I"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Acknowledging the city was disappointed when the bids came in higher than expected, Commissioner Ron Mellick said "I have to live with today" and the city should get construction started now. "If we wait another six months, what will the bids do then?" he wondered. "Higher, lower, none at all?&nbsp; I don't know."I do know with what the bids are today, we can afford to do it today."&nbsp;Mellick also talked about how complex the job is as another possible reason for the high bids."I don't believe engineers have a full grasp of how difficult it is. People who actually do this work have a better understanding of what the labor is and what it's going to cost to do it."&nbsp;Shaun Musil, mayor, said the large project drew the most contacts and emails from residents he's had in a long time. He also feels the cost estimates "are just flat wrong.""There's been so many studies. ... I think this is best for the community. It'll be many years before we see it. It is (temporarily) going to hurt businesses," Musil noted." ... With the policies the city has in place -&nbsp; even after this pandemic - two or three years down the road, we're (still) going to be in good shape."Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs expressed her continued support for the project, saying "I'm not closed-minded about it and have done my due diligence in speaking with developers, contractors and bankers."Both Ruder and Berges at the end of the meeting expressed their respect for the other commissioners' decisions."I know we've all done extensive research and talked with many, many contractors, citizens, businesses," Ruder said. "I believe we're all up here doing what we believe is best for the city of Hays."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587093202586.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the work timeline, construction will begin next month and continue through October 2021.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587084308491.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 City proceeds with N. Vine project, despite unexpected high construction bid

Tom Robinson, 80, went to be with Jesus our Lord on Wednesday, April 
22, 2020, at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. He was born
 on August 14, 1939, to parents Ruben Harry &amp; Florence Elizabeth 
(Hayward) Robinson in Great Bend, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587732401656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tom Robinson, 80, went to be with Jesus our Lord on Wednesday, April 
22, 2020, at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. He was born
 on August 14, 1939, to parents Ruben Harry &amp; Florence Elizabeth 
(Hayward) Robinson in Great Bend, KS.He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1957, and then studied at
 Hutchinson Junior College and Phillips University before returning to 
Great Bend. He spent most of his working career in Great Bend as 
Distribution Center Manager for Orscheln Farm &amp; Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He married DeAnna Kay Brack on October 27, 1963, and they had one 
daughter, Jennifer, in August of 1971. He was a former member of the 
First Christian Church in Great Bend, the Vintage Wheels Car Club and an
 active member of the Vintage Motorbike Club. He loved to collect 
classic cars, motorbikes and all things vintage. He especially loved 
spending time with his family and was thrilled to welcome his first and 
only grandchild in 2007. A Great Bend resident for most of his life, 
Tom, with DeAnna, moved to Lee’s Summit, MO, in 1999, and then to Broken
 Arrow, OK, in 2003, both times to be close to Jennifer.Survivors include daughter, Jennifer Henry, and her husband, Joe, of 
Broken Arrow, and their son Jake Henry; his sister-in-law, Dianne Brack,
 of Farmington, NM, and a whole herd of nieces, nephews and cousins. He 
was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, DeAnna Robinson; and 
siblings, Clell Flowers, Richard Flowers and Marion Komarek.Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 
27, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 
11:00 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2020, with Pastor Morita Truman presiding,
 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. A recording will be available 
to view that afternoon at <a href="http://www.bryantfh.net/">www.bryantfh.net</a>
 under Tom’s obituary. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s 
Association in memory of his wife, care of Bryant Funeral Home.