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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas among states investigating Juul's marketing of vaping products

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

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

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

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

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

Dan Ochs Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rev. William 'Bill' Harden Sr.

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

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

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

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

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

Jerry P. Wendel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joyce Elaine (Schoen) Preston

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


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

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

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

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

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

Ruth Leona Howard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cancer-linked chemical found inside Kansas aircraft hanger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas legislators contemplate raw milk ban, warning labels

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

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

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

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

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

Jackie LeRoy Miller Jr.

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


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

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

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

W.G. 'Bill' Hawes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Democrat Laura Kelly was elected governor in 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas Senate leader wanted ambassadorship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is no direct tax burden to any county.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Billinger's bill would require KDADS to provide the beds without additional funding. However, he said if that proved to be a stumbling block for the legislation, he would seek additional funding for the project.

Billinger's bill has been referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, but has not been scheduled for a hearing as turn around looms at the statehouse. This is the deadline for all bills to be moved to the opposite house of the Legislature for hearings.

KVC is moving forward with turning the space it was using for acute care beds into residential treatment psychiatric beds. This type of treatment generally lasts 30 to 90 days and is for youth who have been stabilized.

Kansas has about 200 children on a waiting list for residential treatment with a wait time of about five months.

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

Bill would require juvenile acute psychiatric beds in western Kansas

LAWRENCE — Twenty-one new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center</a>&nbsp;on Feb 14. Jennifer Richner of the Edwardsville Police Department was the graduating class president, and Sheriff Andrew Dedeke from Leavenworth County was the speaker for the ceremony in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

The new officers were members of the 262nd basic training class. The graduates, who began their training in October 2019, represented 14 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Under a new class format that launched in fall 2019, basic training classes start more frequently and feature smaller group sizes, with a new class starting every three weeks.&nbsp;

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Professional &amp; Continuing Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579117666958.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE — Twenty-one new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center</a>&nbsp;on Feb 14. Jennifer Richner of the Edwardsville Police Department was the graduating class president, and Sheriff Andrew Dedeke from Leavenworth County was the speaker for the ceremony in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.The new officers were members of the 262nd basic training class. The graduates, who began their training in October 2019, represented 14 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Under a new class format that launched in fall 2019, basic training classes start more frequently and feature smaller group sizes, with a new class starting every three weeks.&nbsp;Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Professional &amp; Continuing Education.Northwest Kansas graduates included:Ellis County<ol>
 <li>Andrew Sheely, Fort Hays State University Police Department</li>
 </ol>Osborne County<ol>
 <li>Matthew Pasilas, Osborne Police Department</li>
 </ol>

NW Kansas officers among newest police academy grads

Kenneth “Whitey' Joseph Struckhoff, 81, of Grinnell, died Tuesday, 
February 18, 2020 at Salina Regional Health Center. 

He was born October 
8, 1938, in Grinnell, KS, to Aloys and Regina (Ballmann) Struckhoff. 
Whitey was a 1956 graduate of Grinnell High School. Following high 
school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army 
stationed in Germany from 1958-1960.  Upon returning home, Whitey worked
 for Struckhoff &amp; Sons well drilling business. He later was 
self-employed and was a rancher and farmer until he retired. On July 16,
 1963, he married Janet Kruse in Angelus, KS. From this union, came six 
children and fifteen grandchildren who he loved and adored. “Papa” loved
 to tease and had a special nickname for each of his grandchildren. When
 he wasn’t tinkering in the garage inventing something new, he took 
great joy in spending time with his kids and grandkids doing what he 
loved most-- golfing, fishing, hunting, camping and boating, cheering on
 the Chiefs, and sitting on the patio grilling a good steak. Whitey also
 had a great love for his church and community. He was a member of the 
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grinnell and a third degree 
member of the Knights of Columbus.  Whitey was committed to promoting 
the spirit of community.  He was a founder of the annual Grinnell After 
Harvest Festival and the Cow Paddy Golf Course. He loved to be involved 
and had a special way of inspiring others to do the same.  


Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Katherine 
Lang, and siblings: Raymond Struckhoff, Fred Struckhoff, Charles 
Struckhoff, Sr. Kenneth Struckhoff, Bernice Hansen and Fritz Ostmeyer. 


He is survived by his wife Janet and children: Monique O’Grady, Melissa 
(John) Kuhlman, Kim (David) Lampe, Karla (Roger) Bixenman, Stacey (John)
 Lang, and Tony (Nicole) Struckhoff; sister Rita Hitt; grandchildren: 
Shawn O’Grady, Jenna O’Grady, Ryan O’Grady, Gabrielle (Kinsly) Kroetsch,
 Eli Kuhlman, Rachael (Hunter) Hewitt, Joseph Lampe, Ben Lampe, Nicholas
 (Whitney) Lampe, Shane Bixenman, Derek Bixenman, Eleanor Lang, Lucas 
Lang, Aleah Struckhoff, and numerous nieces and nephews. 


Visitation will be on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the Immaculate 
Conception Parish Center, Grinnell from 5:00-7:00 pm.  A vigil will 
follow at 7:00 pm. The funeral Mass is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February
 24, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell. Final
 resting place will be in the Immaculate Conception Church cemetery. 
Memorials are suggested to the Cow Paddy Golf Course or the Grinnell/ 
Angelus Area Heritage Center and can be sent in care of Baalmann 
Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582216024132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth “Whitey' Joseph Struckhoff, 81, of Grinnell, died Tuesday, 
February 18, 2020 at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born October 
8, 1938, in Grinnell, KS, to Aloys and Regina (Ballmann) Struckhoff. 
Whitey was a 1956 graduate of Grinnell High School. Following high 
school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army 
stationed in Germany from 1958-1960. Upon returning home, Whitey worked
 for Struckhoff &amp; Sons well drilling business. He later was 
self-employed and was a rancher and farmer until he retired. On July 16,
 1963, he married Janet Kruse in Angelus, KS. From this union, came six 
children and fifteen grandchildren who he loved and adored. “Papa” loved
 to tease and had a special nickname for each of his grandchildren. When
 he wasn’t tinkering in the garage inventing something new, he took 
great joy in spending time with his kids and grandkids doing what he 
loved most-- golfing, fishing, hunting, camping and boating, cheering on
 the Chiefs, and sitting on the patio grilling a good steak. Whitey also
 had a great love for his church and community. He was a member of the 
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grinnell and a third degree 
member of the Knights of Columbus. Whitey was committed to promoting 
the spirit of community. He was a founder of the annual Grinnell After 
Harvest Festival and the Cow Paddy Golf Course. He loved to be involved 
and had a special way of inspiring others to do the same. 
Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Katherine 
Lang, and siblings: Raymond Struckhoff, Fred Struckhoff, Charles 
Struckhoff, Sr. Kenneth Struckhoff, Bernice Hansen and Fritz Ostmeyer. 
He is survived by his wife Janet and children: Monique O’Grady, Melissa 
(John) Kuhlman, Kim (David) Lampe, Karla (Roger) Bixenman, Stacey (John)
 Lang, and Tony (Nicole) Struckhoff; sister Rita Hitt; grandchildren: 
Shawn O’Grady, Jenna O’Grady, Ryan O’Grady, Gabrielle (Kinsly) Kroetsch,
 Eli Kuhlman, Rachael (Hunter) Hewitt, Joseph Lampe, Ben Lampe, Nicholas
 (Whitney) Lampe, Shane Bixenman, Derek Bixenman, Eleanor Lang, Lucas 
Lang, Aleah Struckhoff, and numerous nieces and nephews. 
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the Immaculate 
Conception Parish Center, Grinnell from 5:00-7:00 pm. A vigil will 
follow at 7:00 pm. The funeral Mass is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February
 24, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell. Final
 resting place will be in the Immaculate Conception Church cemetery. 
Memorials are suggested to the Cow Paddy Golf Course or the Grinnell/ 
Angelus Area Heritage Center and can be sent in care of Baalmann 
Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Kenneth 'Whitey' Joseph Struckhoff

With less than 1,200 people, the small western Kansas town of
Hoxie may be as far from urban as a person could get.

But after living in Seattle, a young entrepreneur decided to
return to her hometown and ultimately open a bistro that would stand out even in the
largest of cities. In doing so, she is drawing people to Hoxie from the area and showcasing
the spirit required to stem the tide of the continuing economic decline of
small-town Kansas.

Serving eclectic cuisine she describes as modern French Americana and surrounded
by history Emily Campbell, owner and executive chef of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar wanted to bring something different to her hometown when she opened the restaurant
after moving back to Hoxie with her husband and leaving behind a burgeoning career
as a chef on the west coast.

In moving back she noticed the dining experiences she was a part of in Seattle lacking in the area, so after doing catering work, she acquiesced when her friends pushed her into opening a full-fledged
restaurant.

“That was one of the reasons we started this,” Campbell
said. “Otherwise you don’t get a lot of options when you go out and eat.”

While many may have opened into an existing location, Campbell and her husband decided to create a new restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in Hoxie.

“Everything in here has a history to it,” Campbell said.

Construction began in October 2016 on the building that housed a jewelry store for over 50 years.

&nbsp;“We literally took it
down to the dirt,” Campbell said.

The plaster covering the walls was chipped off to expose
brick, a balcony level was added in the rear, an old apartment in the front was
removed and an outdoor patio was added all in the span of 18 months. The
doors opened in July 2018. 

The final project creates a warm environment that would draw attention even in Seattle or Denver, but with touches of local history sprinkled
throughout the building.

The restaurant’s wood tables are made from the old floor of
the apartment, and the bar was made from the lanes of an old Hoxie bowling alley.

There is a story behind everything, she said, a part of the
vision she had for preserving what makes her hometown special.

“Why let your main street die and build off-site when you
can preserve a little bit of the history that’s here,” Campbell said. “This is
what you see, and this is what people are attracted too.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050410333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWith less than 1,200 people, the small western Kansas town of
Hoxie may be as far from urban as a person could get.But after living in Seattle, a young entrepreneur decided to
return to her hometown and ultimately open a bistro that would stand out even in the
largest of cities. In doing so, she is drawing people to Hoxie from the area and showcasing
the spirit required to stem the tide of the continuing economic decline of
small-town Kansas.Serving eclectic cuisine she describes as modern French Americana and surrounded
by history Emily Campbell, owner and executive chef of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar wanted to bring something different to her hometown when she opened the restaurant
after moving back to Hoxie with her husband and leaving behind a burgeoning career
as a chef on the west coast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050449876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In moving back she noticed the dining experiences she was a part of in Seattle lacking in the area, so after doing catering work, she acquiesced when her friends pushed her into opening a full-fledged
restaurant.“That was one of the reasons we started this,” Campbell
said. “Otherwise you don’t get a lot of options when you go out and eat.”While many may have opened into an existing location, Campbell and her husband decided to create a new restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in Hoxie.“Everything in here has a history to it,” Campbell said.Construction began in October 2016 on the building that housed a jewelry store for over 50 years.&nbsp;“We literally took it
down to the dirt,” Campbell said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050481179.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The plaster covering the walls was chipped off to expose
brick, a balcony level was added in the rear, an old apartment in the front was
removed and an outdoor patio was added all in the span of 18 months. The
doors opened in July 2018. The final project creates a warm environment that would draw attention even in Seattle or Denver, but with touches of local history sprinkled
throughout the building.The restaurant’s wood tables are made from the old floor of
the apartment, and the bar was made from the lanes of an old Hoxie bowling alley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050603227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There is a story behind everything, she said, a part of the
vision she had for preserving what makes her hometown special.“Why let your main street die and build off-site when you
can preserve a little bit of the history that’s here,” Campbell said. “This is
what you see, and this is what people are attracted too.”And the outdoor seating adds a unique touch.“It’s a fun atmosphere on the patio,” Campbell said, noting outdoor
dining experiences are rare in the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050575979.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The complete experience results in patrons getting everything
that you don’t see in this region, she said.“That’s also what we are here to provide—the experience, not
just food and cocktails, a place you can come out, sit down, have fun with
friends, have a date night, whatever the case may be,” Campbell said.<h2>“We want to be that
place for everybody.”</h2>Even as unique as The Elephant is, Campbell said she strives
to be open to anyone that makes the trip.“You can walk in here in your muddy cowboy boots and get a
burger, or you can come in here in your black tie and get a dry-aged steak,”
Campbell said. “We want to appeal to all different customers.” &nbsp;So far the blend of inclusiveness and unique dining has
served the restaurant well, as their notoriety continues to grow.“We probably couldn’t survive if it wasn’t for our regional following,”
Campbell said, noting people from a 90-mile radius often frequent the establishment.<h2>Local, Local, Local</h2>A large part of the success of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar is the community that has stepped up to support her efforts, including a
staff made up of many part-time workers.“If it wasn’t for community support, it wouldn’t happen,” she said.People willing to help out staffing a day or two a week –
“You don’t get that in a big city,” she said.“That’s what I appreciate about this place."&nbsp;Staffing is
notoriously difficult in the restaurant industry, so Campbell said she strives
to ensure her help feels appreciated.“My No. 1 goal is to have a happy staff, I want people
to come work here,” she said. “We have such a great team atmosphere.”In a regular week, she said she has at least 20 employees
clocking in, sometimes up to 30, including her full-time kitchen staff that she has
developed in order to spend less time in the kitchen herself.As time has gone on she has passed on much of her formal training to the staff,
some of which have been with her since the restaurant opened. “To bring that out here takes a little bit of time for
people to understand the way to do things, but I have an amazing kitchen staff
that wants to learn and wants to produce high-quality food. That’s what we
are about – from scratch and we source locally. They’ve
really learned a lot,” Campbell said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050840051.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As much as possible the restaurant supports the area economy by sourcing products from as close as they can.Their beef is raised right outside of Hoxie, as
is the bison at the<a href="https://m.facebook.com/hiddencreekranch1/community/?ref=page_internal&amp;mt_nav=0"> Hidden Creek Ranch just 30 miles west of town.</a><a href="https://americasbeststeaks.com/">Dry-aged steak comes from America’s Best Steaks outside of
Bouge.</a><a href="https://www.4b-farms.com/">And they source lettuce and herbs from 4B farms just 40 miles
south.</a>“I’m always looking for local,” Campbell said.They have used produce from a community garden as well.&nbsp;“So the community is
definitely supporting this place too, which is awesome,” Campbell said.The menu features everything from flatbread pizzas, to
tacos, mac and cheese, Wagyu sliders, dry-aged steaks and seafood.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050549732.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We really pride ourselves on quality seafood,” Campbell
said. “I’m picky when it comes to my seafood.” She is a fan of Sockeye salmon
from the Alaskan-Seattle region and uses it regularly.They also have vegan and gluten-free menu options, another item
rare for the area, that has proven to be a draw.Beverages are also diverse and are not the usual fare that
would be found in the area.“We offer such a variety of cocktails and liquors, craft
beers and wines,” Campbell said. “We wanted to bring different craft names out
here that people aren’t used to seeing.”<h2>New life in an old town</h2>When Emily Campbell returned to Hoxie before opening The
Elephant Bistro and Bar she wondered, “Is this the same town I grew up in?”
noting businesses were closing and people were leaving.Along with the help
of many from a younger generation taking a stand to keep the town economically viable
and a comfortable place to live, she hopes people outside the area see through entrepreneurship and hard work, small-town Kansas can retain and
recapture what many see as a losing proposition.“Luckily Hoxie is getting built back up,” Campbell said,
with places like her restaurant.“Rural Kansas, rural
America is dying and if it's not for entrepreneurs and people that want to see
it live and produce things that people need out here, it will die,” she said.Another young Hoxie native, Karl Pratt, who returned to
Hoxie last year and works as the board liaison for the Sheridan County
Community Foundation sees Campbell’s work as a good start and is hopeful that
others like her will follow suit.“The Elephant has been amazing, it has brought so many
people into town and continues to bring them into town coming from further and
further distances,” he said.“I definitely believe that spirit is there,” Pratt said. “You
can come home and create a living for yourself.”Even as retail continues to change and large chain
operations and online shopping becoming a preferred way to procure necessities,
he said there is always going to be a need for some local services and businesses. That is where entrepreneurs can step up.“If you love your hometown, what better place to come back
and do it in,” Pratt said. “Good places to eat and entertainment, you have to
have those aspects in your life,”Through entrepreneurship, small towns like Hoxie can thrive and the purveyors can develop as well.“It’s neat how it changes you and how you grow,” Pratt said.
“You become a scrappy person and do what needs to be done.”When walking through the small town, it’s clear many have
taken up that ideal.“It’s a hopping place,” Pratt said. &nbsp;“The people want to live here and they want to
improve the quality of life.”But reenergizing a community takes more than just one or a
few people, Pratt said, it is truly a community effort. He said he hopes more people
will realize small-town life can be as rich and rewarding as one in a big
city.“It definitely takes a village to make it happen, but it has
happened and continues to happen,” he said. “We’ve got everything you need,
everything in a big town scaled to us, and that’s because of the people living
here.”“I was so proud moving home,” Pratt said.As for The Elephant, even if it takes a while to get there,
Campbell said it is worth the trip.“Come experience something out of the ordinary,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050202411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Elephant Bistro and Bar is located at 732 Main St. in
Hoxie and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 11
a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more about the restaurant visit <a href="https://theelephantbistrobar.com/">their
webpage</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theelephantbistrobar/">facebook page.</a>