TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The latest on U.S.-Iran tensions after the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's top general (all times local):

One analyst says Iran's missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq was “the smallest attack that Iran could carry out while at the same time being able to say they got revenge."

Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor with the Royal Danish Defense College, added Wednesday that Iran has "done all that is possible to avoid American casualties. If what we hear is correct, they have warned the Americans in advance."

He told Denmark’s TV2 channel the Iranians are doing all they can to avoid an American military response as harsh as President Donald Trump has promised.

"I would be deeply surprised if the Americans choose to respond militarily again,” he said.

Italy has condemned Iran's missile strikes against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and repeated its call for de-escalation of tensions.

Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Irbil, that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group.

There has been no report from any member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces.

After a U.S. drone strike killed Iran's top general last week, Italian news reports said Italy had transferred some troops from a Baghdad base to a more secure location.

Italy's Foreign Ministry again urged European allies to work for dialogue, according to a statement.

The Iraqi prime ministry says Iran notified Iraq shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun, and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the U.S. military is present.

Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s office said in a statement Wednesday that Iraq was simultaneously informed by the Americans that military bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attack.

The office says it has received no reports of casualties on the Iraqi side and has not been officially notified of any losses among the U.S.-led coalition.

“Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory,” the statement said.

It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a “devastating all-out war."

Poland's Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The evacuation was at Britain's request because Poland's diplomatic mission is located in the British Embassy.

According to Poland's Foreign Ministry only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work.

Poland is one of several European countries that has said their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.

Chinese media reports say state oil company China National Petroleum Corporation has evacuated about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oil field in Iraq as a result of the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

No details were given, and company spokespeople could not immediately be reached for comment.

The news followed the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. The attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top commander last week near the Baghdad airport.

The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a security warning to American government personnel to avoid “non-essential” movements following the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in neighboring Iraq housing U.S. troops.

In a tweet Wednesday, the embassy says that “out of an abundance of caution” American children should also be kept home from school. The embassy in Amman remains open.

Anti-government protesters in Iraq have set fires and closed streets near Baghdad’s Tahrir Square during a demonstration against the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.

The Iranian attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed top Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week near the Baghdad airport.

About 100 protesters took part in Wednesday morning’s demonstration near Tahrir, the epicenter of Iraq’s protest movement. The protesters carrying Iraqi flags shouted “Iran out, out!” before they were dispersed by security forces.

The protesters who rose up against their country’s ruling elite in October, accusing them of corruption, have also been revolting against neighboring Iran’s military and political involvement.

Finland's defense forces say they received advance warning of the Iranian missile strike against bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops.

The defense forces gave no details Wednesday, Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported.

They added that Finnish troops at the base in Irbil that was targeted were were protected in a bomb shelter and were not hurt. Irbil is the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian missile strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action.

The Ministry of Defense said Wednesday there were no British casualties in the attack launched in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top Revolutionary Guard commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad last week.

U.S. officials have said there are no immediate reports of U.S. casualties.

"We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation,'' Raab said. “A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (the Islamic State group) and other terrorist groups.” Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists.

Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the defense committee during the previous Parliament, told the BBC it would be "extremely welcome" if Iran's action marked the end of tensions and both sides could “get back to talking."

China’s foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the Middle East and says it hopes matters can swiftly “cool off.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved, including at the United Nations and through China's embassy in Baghdad.

He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces but did not address it directly.

Geng also accused the U.S. of abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions.

Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.

Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government "rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms."

She told German public broadcaster ARD that "it's now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation.'

None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured.

It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq were not harmed, including France, Poland, Denmark and Finland.

At least one missile from the Iranian strike against U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday landed in a field near Bardarash, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Irbil, the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region.

An Iraqi Kurdish channel, Rudaw TV, showed video of police inspecting the impact site and removing shrapnel.

No casualties were reported but residents said the earth shook upon impact, and one man was seen cleaning up slight damage to his house on a nearby street.

The Kurdish region hosts American military forces at its main airport just outside Irbil.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation says "we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night" with a missile strike “but military action is not enough.”

He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad.

Khamenei added that the “corrupt presence of the U.S. in the region should come to an end," saying it has caused war, division, and destruction.

Iran's supreme leader also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a "great, brave warrior" and “dear friend to us.” Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani's death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad.

A Russian lawmaker warns that a conflict between the U.S. and Iran might lead to a nuclear war.

The comments by Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russia’s upper house of parliament, on Wednesday followed an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing Iran's top military commander in Baghdad.

“Reciprocal strikes by the U.S. and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region,” Dzhabarov said. “If Washington sees that it can’t achieve its goals, there’s a danger of a nuclear war.”

The Russian lawmaker said the U.N. Security Council should get involved to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

Iraq's military says it had no troop casualties in the Iranian strike, and President Donald Trump tweeted that“All is well!” as casualty and damage assessments are ongoing.

The Iraqi military says there are no casualties among its troops as a result of an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.

The military said in a statement carried by the state news agency Wednesday that the attack lasted half an hour, starting at 1:45 a.m. local time.

The statement said 22 missiles were fired. Seventeen missiles hit al-Asad air base, including two that did not explode in the Hitan area west of the town of Hit. Five other missiles hit the northern region of Irbil.

The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates says he sees no immediate shortages in oil supplies, but that OPEC will be called in if there is an issue.

“The situation is not currently a war situation,” Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday. “We are all hoping for deescalation. I think wisdom will prevail despite the tension.”

He spoke after an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing an Iranian general in Baghdad.

He said even in past times of war, the flow of oil has been maintained.

“So let’s not exaggerate what’s happening. There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil yet,” Al-Mazrouei said, referring to the narrow waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran through which 20% of the world’s oil passes through.

He spoke reporters in Abu Dhabi at the Gulf Intelligence’s UAE Energy Forum.

Brent crude oil has jumped to around $70 a barrel amid heightened concerns over tensions between Iran and the United States.

Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.

The strike came in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general.

Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his “government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region."

He added: “Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations."

He said Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his country's troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe after Iran's firing of missiles at two military bases there.

Around 300 Australian defense personnel are stationed in Iraq.

Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia.

Sepaking to reporters Wednesday, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: “The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat."

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump says “All is well!” after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump tweets that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but adds, “So far, so good!” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578444897251.png" alt="Since arriving in Baghdad on Dec. 31, Marines have bolstered security to keep American citizens safe. They maintain a ready posture to respond.&nbsp; photo courtesy&nbsp; Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force" />
 <figcaption>Since arriving in Baghdad on Dec. 31, Marines have bolstered security to keep American citizens safe. They maintain a ready posture to respond.&nbsp; photo courtesy&nbsp; Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force</figcaption>
 </figure>TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The latest on U.S.-Iran tensions after the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's top general (all times local):3:10 p.m.One analyst says Iran's missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq was “the smallest attack that Iran could carry out while at the same time being able to say they got revenge."Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor with the Royal Danish Defense College, added Wednesday that Iran has "done all that is possible to avoid American casualties. If what we hear is correct, they have warned the Americans in advance."He told Denmark’s TV2 channel the Iranians are doing all they can to avoid an American military response as harsh as President Donald Trump has promised."I would be deeply surprised if the Americans choose to respond militarily again,” he said.2:30 p.m.Italy has condemned Iran's missile strikes against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and repeated its call for de-escalation of tensions.Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Irbil, that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group.There has been no report from any member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces.After a U.S. drone strike killed Iran's top general last week, Italian news reports said Italy had transferred some troops from a Baghdad base to a more secure location.Italy's Foreign Ministry again urged European allies to work for dialogue, according to a statement.2:15 p.m.The Iraqi prime ministry says Iran notified Iraq shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun, and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the U.S. military is present.Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s office said in a statement Wednesday that Iraq was simultaneously informed by the Americans that military bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attack.The office says it has received no reports of casualties on the Iraqi side and has not been officially notified of any losses among the U.S.-led coalition.“Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory,” the statement said.It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a “devastating all-out war."2:05 p.m.Poland's Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.The evacuation was at Britain's request because Poland's diplomatic mission is located in the British Embassy.According to Poland's Foreign Ministry only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work.Poland is one of several European countries that has said their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.1:55 p.m.Chinese media reports say state oil company China National Petroleum Corporation has evacuated about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oil field in Iraq as a result of the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.No details were given, and company spokespeople could not immediately be reached for comment.The news followed the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. The attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top commander last week near the Baghdad airport.1:45 p.m.The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a security warning to American government personnel to avoid “non-essential” movements following the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in neighboring Iraq housing U.S. troops.In a tweet Wednesday, the embassy says that “out of an abundance of caution” American children should also be kept home from school. The embassy in Amman remains open.1:30 p.m.Anti-government protesters in Iraq have set fires and closed streets near Baghdad’s Tahrir Square during a demonstration against the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.The Iranian attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed top Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week near the Baghdad airport.About 100 protesters took part in Wednesday morning’s demonstration near Tahrir, the epicenter of Iraq’s protest movement. The protesters carrying Iraqi flags shouted “Iran out, out!” before they were dispersed by security forces.The protesters who rose up against their country’s ruling elite in October, accusing them of corruption, have also been revolting against neighboring Iran’s military and political involvement.1:20 p.m.Finland's defense forces say they received advance warning of the Iranian missile strike against bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops.The defense forces gave no details Wednesday, Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported.They added that Finnish troops at the base in Irbil that was targeted were were protected in a bomb shelter and were not hurt. Irbil is the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region.12:55 p.m.British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian missile strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action.The Ministry of Defense said Wednesday there were no British casualties in the attack launched in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top Revolutionary Guard commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad last week.U.S. officials have said there are no immediate reports of U.S. casualties."We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation,'' Raab said. “A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (the Islamic State group) and other terrorist groups.” Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists.Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the defense committee during the previous Parliament, told the BBC it would be "extremely welcome" if Iran's action marked the end of tensions and both sides could “get back to talking."12:05 p.m.China’s foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the Middle East and says it hopes matters can swiftly “cool off.”Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved, including at the United Nations and through China's embassy in Baghdad.He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces but did not address it directly.Geng also accused the U.S. of abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions.11:50 a.m.Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government "rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms."She told German public broadcaster ARD that "it's now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation.'None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured.It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq were not harmed, including France, Poland, Denmark and Finland.11:35 a.m.At least one missile from the Iranian strike against U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday landed in a field near Bardarash, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Irbil, the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region.An Iraqi Kurdish channel, Rudaw TV, showed video of police inspecting the impact site and removing shrapnel.No casualties were reported but residents said the earth shook upon impact, and one man was seen cleaning up slight damage to his house on a nearby street.The Kurdish region hosts American military forces at its main airport just outside Irbil.11:15 a.m.Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation says "we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night" with a missile strike “but military action is not enough.”He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad.Khamenei added that the “corrupt presence of the U.S. in the region should come to an end," saying it has caused war, division, and destruction.Iran's supreme leader also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a "great, brave warrior" and “dear friend to us.” Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani's death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad.10:45 a.m.A Russian lawmaker warns that a conflict between the U.S. and Iran might lead to a nuclear war.The comments by Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russia’s upper house of parliament, on Wednesday followed an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing Iran's top military commander in Baghdad.“Reciprocal strikes by the U.S. and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region,” Dzhabarov said. “If Washington sees that it can’t achieve its goals, there’s a danger of a nuclear war.”The Russian lawmaker said the U.N. Security Council should get involved to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.Iraq's military says it had no troop casualties in the Iranian strike, and President Donald Trump tweeted that“All is well!” as casualty and damage assessments are ongoing.10:30 a.m.The Iraqi military says there are no casualties among its troops as a result of an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.The military said in a statement carried by the state news agency Wednesday that the attack lasted half an hour, starting at 1:45 a.m. local time.The statement said 22 missiles were fired. Seventeen missiles hit al-Asad air base, including two that did not explode in the Hitan area west of the town of Hit. Five other missiles hit the northern region of Irbil.9 a.m.The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates says he sees no immediate shortages in oil supplies, but that OPEC will be called in if there is an issue.“The situation is not currently a war situation,” Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday. “We are all hoping for deescalation. I think wisdom will prevail despite the tension.”He spoke after an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing an Iranian general in Baghdad.He said even in past times of war, the flow of oil has been maintained.“So let’s not exaggerate what’s happening. There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil yet,” Al-Mazrouei said, referring to the narrow waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran through which 20% of the world’s oil passes through.He spoke reporters in Abu Dhabi at the Gulf Intelligence’s UAE Energy Forum.Brent crude oil has jumped to around $70 a barrel amid heightened concerns over tensions between Iran and the United States.___7:40 a.m.Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.The strike came in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general.Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his “government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region."He added: “Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations."He said Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area.___7:15 a.m.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his country's troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe after Iran's firing of missiles at two military bases there.Around 300 Australian defense personnel are stationed in Iraq.Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia.Sepaking to reporters Wednesday, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: “The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat."___WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump says “All is well!” after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump tweets that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but adds, “So far, so good!” He says he will be making a statement on the strikes Wednesday morning. Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying.------------TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The Pentagon is confirming that Iran has launched "more than a dozen ballistic missiles" at two targets hosting against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq.Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman says "It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran." He says the attacks "targeted at least two Iraqi military bases" at Ain Assad and Irbil. Hoffman says the U.S. is "working on initial battle damage assessments."There was no immediate word on injuries. The U.S. also acknowledged another missile attack on a base in Irbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region.State TV described it early Wednesday as Tehran's revenge operation over the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Stephanie Grisham said the White House is aware of the reports.State TV said the operation's name was "Marytr Soleimani." It said the Guard's aerospace division, which controls Iran's missile program, launched the attack.Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns US, regional allies against retaliating over missile attack in Iraq.

The Latest: Iran missiles targeted U.S. bases in Iraq 

MANHATTAN —&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Agriculture announces that Chief Engineer David Barfield will be retiring from his position at the Division of Water Resources effective March 6.

 Barfield has been with KDA-DWR for 35 years, and has served as chief engineer since June 2007 where he has led KDA-DWR in its efforts to serve water users in the state within the framework of Kansas law including administration of more than 30,000 active water rights, four interstate water compacts, and the state’s program regulating dams and other water structures.

On March 27, 2019, the chief engineer contingently <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer">approved the change applications</a> submitted by the cities of Hays and Russell to convert the irrigation rights of the R9 Ranch in Edwards County to municipal use for the cities.&nbsp;

Barfield led Kansas through decades of effort on interstate issues, including two U.S. Supreme Court litigations and years of negotiations, to reach agreements with Nebraska and Colorado to ensure Kansas received its share of waters of the Republican River. Similarly, he has led negotiations of numerous implementation agreements related to Kansas’ compact with Colorado on the Arkansas River and in reaching a water right settlement agreement with the Kickapoo Tribe to help the tribe develop a secure water supply for its needs.

With regard to the ongoing declines in the Ogallala Aquifer, Barfield was involved in the development and implementation of several legislative initiatives to provide new tools to facilitate water conservation including Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs) and Water Conservation Areas (WCAs). Two LEMAs have been approved in Kansas, and 27 approved WCA plans covering over 86,000 acres focus on several problem areas.

“I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the state of Kansas as chief engineer for the last 12 years, and I’m proud of the work we have done during that time,” said Barfield. “In addition to progress in interstate matters and the Ogallala, we have seen progress in developing technical methods to evaluate new applications and water right changes, and to monitor water use. I’m also pleased with the continued commitment to customer service and expanded public information.”

“I’m thankful for David Barfield’s exemplary service to Kansans,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “He’s fulfilled this important role with dedication, integrity and transparency while always being open to input from stakeholders. He leaves the Division of Water Resources with a firm foundation for the future of Kansas water.

By state law, the chief engineer is employed under the classified service of the Kansas civil service act and selected and hired by the Secretary of Agriculture. Beam noted the search process for the next chief engineer will begin immediately.

To learn more about the work done by the chief engineer and KDA–DWR, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FDWR&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C920e3ce1c7594d348b2308d77d973084%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637115961142665631&amp;sdata=imQtPAW3cGxkIIPchqs0nCVF%2BkmlN4SmsDRMmYTYzg0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/DWR</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6640.

David Barfield graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 1978. Following graduation, he worked for three years in consulting in Minnesota and three years in a developing nation of southern Africa as a water resources engineer. In 1984, he returned to Kansas and joined the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources. Barfield earned a Master of Science in water resources engineering in 1991, also from the University of Kansas.

At the Division of Water Resources, from 1984 to 1987, Barfield performed special studies to guide water management decisions; from 1987 to 1992, served as head of the Dam Safety Unit; and from 1992 to 2007 led technical efforts related to Kansas’ interstate water issues, primarily working on disputes regarding the Republican River, the Arkansas River with Colorado, and the Missouri River.

Barfield has served as chief engineer since June 2007 (only the fifth chief engineer in the Division’s 85-year history).&nbsp;

Barfield lives outside Lawrence with his wife of 40 years, Cathy. They have three grown, married daughters and five grandsons. Following his retirement, he plans to work part-time in water resources consulting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578326059429.jpeg" alt="Chief Engineer David Barfield presents information about Kansas water rights at a public meeting in St. John in October." />
 <figcaption>Chief Engineer David Barfield presents information about Kansas water rights at a public meeting in St. John in October.</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN —&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Agriculture announces that Chief Engineer David Barfield will be retiring from his position at the Division of Water Resources effective March 6. Barfield has been with KDA-DWR for 35 years, and has served as chief engineer since June 2007 where he has led KDA-DWR in its efforts to serve water users in the state within the framework of Kansas law including administration of more than 30,000 active water rights, four interstate water compacts, and the state’s program regulating dams and other water structures.On March 27, 2019, the chief engineer contingently <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer">approved the change applications</a> submitted by the cities of Hays and Russell to convert the irrigation rights of the R9 Ranch in Edwards County to municipal use for the cities.&nbsp;Barfield led Kansas through decades of effort on interstate issues, including two U.S. Supreme Court litigations and years of negotiations, to reach agreements with Nebraska and Colorado to ensure Kansas received its share of waters of the Republican River. Similarly, he has led negotiations of numerous implementation agreements related to Kansas’ compact with Colorado on the Arkansas River and in reaching a water right settlement agreement with the Kickapoo Tribe to help the tribe develop a secure water supply for its needs.With regard to the ongoing declines in the Ogallala Aquifer, Barfield was involved in the development and implementation of several legislative initiatives to provide new tools to facilitate water conservation including Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs) and Water Conservation Areas (WCAs). Two LEMAs have been approved in Kansas, and 27 approved WCA plans covering over 86,000 acres focus on several problem areas.“I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the state of Kansas as chief engineer for the last 12 years, and I’m proud of the work we have done during that time,” said Barfield. “In addition to progress in interstate matters and the Ogallala, we have seen progress in developing technical methods to evaluate new applications and water right changes, and to monitor water use. I’m also pleased with the continued commitment to customer service and expanded public information.”“I’m thankful for David Barfield’s exemplary service to Kansans,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “He’s fulfilled this important role with dedication, integrity and transparency while always being open to input from stakeholders. He leaves the Division of Water Resources with a firm foundation for the future of Kansas water.By state law, the chief engineer is employed under the classified service of the Kansas civil service act and selected and hired by the Secretary of Agriculture. Beam noted the search process for the next chief engineer will begin immediately.To learn more about the work done by the chief engineer and KDA–DWR, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FDWR&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C920e3ce1c7594d348b2308d77d973084%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637115961142665631&amp;sdata=imQtPAW3cGxkIIPchqs0nCVF%2BkmlN4SmsDRMmYTYzg0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/DWR</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6640.Biographical DetailsDavid Barfield graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 1978. Following graduation, he worked for three years in consulting in Minnesota and three years in a developing nation of southern Africa as a water resources engineer. In 1984, he returned to Kansas and joined the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources. Barfield earned a Master of Science in water resources engineering in 1991, also from the University of Kansas.At the Division of Water Resources, from 1984 to 1987, Barfield performed special studies to guide water management decisions; from 1987 to 1992, served as head of the Dam Safety Unit; and from 1992 to 2007 led technical efforts related to Kansas’ interstate water issues, primarily working on disputes regarding the Republican River, the Arkansas River with Colorado, and the Missouri River.Barfield has served as chief engineer since June 2007 (only the fifth chief engineer in the Division’s 85-year history).&nbsp;Barfield lives outside Lawrence with his wife of 40 years, Cathy. They have three grown, married daughters and five grandsons. Following his retirement, he plans to work part-time in water resources consulting.

KDA chief engineer with ties to Hays water project to retire

Leila Marie (Barger) Harders, 88, was called to her eternal rest on 
January 6, 2020. She was born on July 22, 1931, at Great Bend, the 
daughter of Cecil and Mary (Mull) Barger. She married Delmer James 
Harders on October 2, 1949, in Great Bend. He died on March 15, 2001.

A resident of Benton for the last 19 years, Leila was a previous 
Great Bend resident for 33 years, coming from South Dakota. She was a 
homemaker and church organist most of her life. She was a member of Holy
 Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita. She enjoyed playing the piano and 
cooking. Leila especially loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include, two sons, Dale Harders of Ipava, IL and Scott 
Harders and wife Sandy of Moundridge; two daughters, Michele Parker of 
Benton and Lisa Harders of Towanda; two sisters, Alene Clarke of Great 
Bend and Shirley Likes of Mechanicsburg, PA; 12 grandchildren; and 6 
great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer 
Harders; one daughter, Sheila Sue Harders; one sister, Iona Ramsey; and 
one brother, Wayne Barger.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2020 at
 Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. 
Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2020, at 
Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Scott Goltl 
presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice or Wisconsin Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578435161852.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leila Marie (Barger) Harders, 88, was called to her eternal rest on 
January 6, 2020. She was born on July 22, 1931, at Great Bend, the 
daughter of Cecil and Mary (Mull) Barger. She married Delmer James 
Harders on October 2, 1949, in Great Bend. He died on March 15, 2001.A resident of Benton for the last 19 years, Leila was a previous 
Great Bend resident for 33 years, coming from South Dakota. She was a 
homemaker and church organist most of her life. She was a member of Holy
 Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita. She enjoyed playing the piano and 
cooking. Leila especially loved spending time with her family.Survivors include, two sons, Dale Harders of Ipava, IL and Scott 
Harders and wife Sandy of Moundridge; two daughters, Michele Parker of 
Benton and Lisa Harders of Towanda; two sisters, Alene Clarke of Great 
Bend and Shirley Likes of Mechanicsburg, PA; 12 grandchildren; and 6 
great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer 
Harders; one daughter, Sheila Sue Harders; one sister, Iona Ramsey; and 
one brother, Wayne Barger.Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2020 at
 Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. 
Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2020, at 
Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Scott Goltl 
presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice or Wisconsin Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Leila Marie (Barger) Harders

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman alleges in a lawsuit that she was fired from a Kansas City recycling company after a breakup with the owner whom she also accused of circulating sexual images of her without her permission.

The 59-year-old woman claims gender discrimination and retaliation in the suit, which was moved to federal court last month.

The suit says the woman had been working as an assistant to Langley Recycling owner John Langley about a month in 2013 when the two began a relationship. It says the woman then grew concerned about the safety of her job after Langley told her that he had engaged in relationships with at least two of his former assistant before ending those relationships and firing them.

Her attorneys say he threatened to fire her after arguments and then terminated her employment once their relationship was “broken.”

Her attorneys also allege that he sent private sexual images of the woman to another man without her consent in October 2018 and also posted at least one sexual image of her on the internet.

Langley’s attorneys didn't return a phone call from The Star or emails from The Associated Press seeking comment.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman alleges in a lawsuit that she was fired from a Kansas City recycling company after a breakup with the owner whom she also accused of circulating sexual images of her without her permission.The 59-year-old woman claims gender discrimination and retaliation in the suit, which was moved to federal court last month.The suit says the woman had been working as an assistant to Langley Recycling owner John Langley about a month in 2013 when the two began a relationship. It says the woman then grew concerned about the safety of her job after Langley told her that he had engaged in relationships with at least two of his former assistant before ending those relationships and firing them.Her attorneys say he threatened to fire her after arguments and then terminated her employment once their relationship was “broken.”Her attorneys also allege that he sent private sexual images of the woman to another man without her consent in October 2018 and also posted at least one sexual image of her on the internet.Langley’s attorneys didn't return a phone call from The Star or emails from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Kansas City woman sues ex-boss over firing, sharing sexual images

Lisa Ann Jamison, 53, died Saturday, January 4, 2020 at her home near Hays.

She was born January 27, 1966 at Quinter, the daughter of Larry and 
Annette (Ziegler) Jamison.&nbsp; She was a graduate of Trego Community High 
School and served in the United States Army during Desert Storm.&nbsp; She 
received he Masters from Ashford University and was the Office Manager 
for Quail Run Gun Club in Kiowa, Colorado until moving to Hays in 
October of 2019.&nbsp; She was also an Avon rep for many years and enjoyed 
canning.

Survivors include: her 3 daughters, Megan Janousek and husband Tee 
Jay, Hays, Molly Westfall and Colt Richardson, Elbert, Colorado and 
Marissa Westfall, Kiowa, Colorado; her mother and father, Annette and 
Jerry William, Hays; 3 brothers, Mike Jamison and wife Lynda, Great 
Bend, Ross Jamison and Noel Sheldon, Palm Springs, California and Grady 
William and wife Tavia, Hays; a sister, Robin Banks and husband Scott, 
Plano, Texas; 3 grandsons, Theodore Janousek, Samuel Janousek and 
Dimitri Richardson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Ziegler and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Jamison.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.&nbsp; There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.

The family suggests memorials to Cancer Center of Kansas in care of 
Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578407225950.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lisa Ann Jamison, 53, died Saturday, January 4, 2020 at her home near Hays.She was born January 27, 1966 at Quinter, the daughter of Larry and 
Annette (Ziegler) Jamison.&nbsp; She was a graduate of Trego Community High 
School and served in the United States Army during Desert Storm.&nbsp; She 
received he Masters from Ashford University and was the Office Manager 
for Quail Run Gun Club in Kiowa, Colorado until moving to Hays in 
October of 2019.&nbsp; She was also an Avon rep for many years and enjoyed 
canning.Survivors include: her 3 daughters, Megan Janousek and husband Tee 
Jay, Hays, Molly Westfall and Colt Richardson, Elbert, Colorado and 
Marissa Westfall, Kiowa, Colorado; her mother and father, Annette and 
Jerry William, Hays; 3 brothers, Mike Jamison and wife Lynda, Great 
Bend, Ross Jamison and Noel Sheldon, Palm Springs, California and Grady 
William and wife Tavia, Hays; a sister, Robin Banks and husband Scott, 
Plano, Texas; 3 grandsons, Theodore Janousek, Samuel Janousek and 
Dimitri Richardson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Ziegler and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Jamison.Memorial services will be announced at a later date.&nbsp; There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.The family suggests memorials to Cancer Center of Kansas in care of 
Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.&nbsp;

Lisa Ann Jamison

Eldora M. (Deneke) Cole, 87, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of Beverly, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Eldora was born 
December 18, 1932 in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of Will and Justina 
(Gradig) Deneke.&nbsp; She grew up on the family farm near Beloit, Kansas and
 graduated from St. John Catholic School.&nbsp; She then obtained a Nursing 
Degree from Marymount College in Salina.

Eldora was united 
in marriage to Bill G. Cole on October 8, 1955 in Beloit.&nbsp; This union 
was blessed with seven children; Jim, Ken, Don, Bob, Maxine,

Eldora was a 
Registered Nurse at the Lincoln Hospital for over 20 years.&nbsp; She was a 
devoted wife and homemaker for her children when they were growing up 
and then returned to Nursing.&nbsp; Earlier in life, she worked at the 
Missile Base near Shady Bend, Kansas as a nurse.&nbsp; She was an active 
member in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, St. Mary’s Catholic 
Church in Russell, and St. Patrick’s Alter Society.&nbsp; In her spare time 
she enjoyed reading,

Eldora’s surviving
 family include her five sons, Jim Cole (Paula) of Greenville, 
Wisconsin, Ken Cole (Jaynell) of Russell, Kansas, Don Cole (Jan) of 
Willmar, Minnesota, Bob Cole (Kim) of Andale, Kansas, and Dave Cole 
(Sharon) of Fersfield, England; two daughters, Maxine Greene (Andy) of 
Hays, Kansas and JoAnn Mote (Tracy) of Weskan, Kansas; brother, Bernard 
Deneke (Pat) of Highland

 Ranch, Colorado; sister Tillie St. Germaine of Peabody, Massachusetts; fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Eldora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; sister, Rosella; and brothers, Sylvester, Ed and Norbert.

Celebration of the
 Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at
 the Beverly City Cemetery in Beverly, Kansas.&nbsp; The family will be 
present to greet friends from 9:30 AM, to Service time, Wednesday at the
 Church.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with the St. Patrick’s Alter 
Society.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these&nbsp;arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="http://www.pvpmortuary.com/images/Cole,eldoracoverpicoval.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eldora M. (Deneke) Cole, 87, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of Beverly, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.Eldora was born 
December 18, 1932 in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of Will and Justina 
(Gradig) Deneke.&nbsp; She grew up on the family farm near Beloit, Kansas and
 graduated from St. John Catholic School.&nbsp; She then obtained a Nursing 
Degree from Marymount College in Salina.Eldora was united 
in marriage to Bill G. Cole on October 8, 1955 in Beloit.&nbsp; This union 
was blessed with seven children; Jim, Ken, Don, Bob, Maxine,<figure>
 <img src="http://www.pvpmortuary.com/images/cole,Eldorayoungladyoval.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eldora was a 
Registered Nurse at the Lincoln Hospital for over 20 years.&nbsp; She was a 
devoted wife and homemaker for her children when they were growing up 
and then returned to Nursing.&nbsp; Earlier in life, she worked at the 
Missile Base near Shady Bend, Kansas as a nurse.&nbsp; She was an active 
member in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, St. Mary’s Catholic 
Church in Russell, and St. Patrick’s Alter Society.&nbsp; In her spare time 
she enjoyed reading,<figure>
 <img src="http://www.pvpmortuary.com/images/Cole,Eldoraweddingcake2.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eldora’s surviving
 family include her five sons, Jim Cole (Paula) of Greenville, 
Wisconsin, Ken Cole (Jaynell) of Russell, Kansas, Don Cole (Jan) of 
Willmar, Minnesota, Bob Cole (Kim) of Andale, Kansas, and Dave Cole 
(Sharon) of Fersfield, England; two daughters, Maxine Greene (Andy) of 
Hays, Kansas and JoAnn Mote (Tracy) of Weskan, Kansas; brother, Bernard 
Deneke (Pat) of Highland<figure>
 <img src="http://www.pvpmortuary.com/images/cole,Eldoraoldercouple2.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Ranch, Colorado; sister Tillie St. Germaine of Peabody, Massachusetts; fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.Eldora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; sister, Rosella; and brothers, Sylvester, Ed and Norbert.Celebration of the
 Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at
 the Beverly City Cemetery in Beverly, Kansas.&nbsp; The family will be 
present to greet friends from 9:30 AM, to Service time, Wednesday at the
 Church.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with the St. Patrick’s Alter 
Society.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these&nbsp;arrangements.

Eldora M. (Deneke) Cole

Estella (Schippers) Kuhn, age 81, of Victoria, Kansas died Saturday, January 4, 2020, at her home.

She was born June 22, 1938, in Hays, Kansas to John M. and Anna C. (Kippes) Schippers.&nbsp; She married Francis J. “Frank” Kuhn on April 19, 1958, in Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on October 10, 2004.

She was a homemaker, worked at Joe Roth Accounting in Victoria, Travenol Labs in Hays for 20 years, and at the Victoria Clinic until she retired at the age of 75.&nbsp; She was raised on the Schippers home place east of Victoria, attended Victoria Grade School, and was a 1956 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; Estella was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, and a Eucharistic Minister.&nbsp; She was in charge of the Third Ages Ministries and The Funeral Dinner Committee for the parish for 15 years. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Survivors include two sons, Francis ‘Buddy” Kuhn, Wichita, KS; Curtis Kuhn and wife, Rochelle, Victoria, KS; two daughters, Rose Ann Dreiling and husband, Cletus J. and Brenda Dreiling and husband, Frank, both of Victoria, KS; one brother, Paul Schippers, Victoria, KS; three sisters, Sister Mary Ann Schippers C.S.A., Fond du Lac, WI; Lucy Baier and Lillian Leiker, both of Hays, KS;&nbsp; three sisters-in-law, Armella Schippers, Overland Park, KS; Joann Schippers, Springfield, MO; Marietta Schippers-Lies, Wichita, KS; ten grandchildren, Tyler Dreiling and wife, Tricia, Aubrey Jones and husband, John, Chelsey Dreiling, Natasha Hammerschmidt and husband, Cory, Preston Dreiling and wife, Tianna, Tyson Dreiling and wife, Molly, Brooklynn Kuhn, Kaylee Kuhn, Rachel Kuhn, Cale Kuhn; and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; six brothers, Herman, George, John, Lawrence, Arthur and Norman Schippers; and one great grandson, Stephan Dreiling.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will be at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, with the Daughters of Isabella,&nbsp; Christian Mothers, and Class of 1956, joining at the Basilica of St. Fidelis.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis and from 11:00 to 1:45 P.M. Saturday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis.

Services are entrusted to 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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578351865488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Estella (Schippers) Kuhn, age 81, of Victoria, Kansas died Saturday, January 4, 2020, at her home.She was born June 22, 1938, in Hays, Kansas to John M. and Anna C. (Kippes) Schippers.&nbsp; She married Francis J. “Frank” Kuhn on April 19, 1958, in Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on October 10, 2004.She was a homemaker, worked at Joe Roth Accounting in Victoria, Travenol Labs in Hays for 20 years, and at the Victoria Clinic until she retired at the age of 75.&nbsp; She was raised on the Schippers home place east of Victoria, attended Victoria Grade School, and was a 1956 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; Estella was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, and a Eucharistic Minister.&nbsp; She was in charge of the Third Ages Ministries and The Funeral Dinner Committee for the parish for 15 years. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Survivors include two sons, Francis ‘Buddy” Kuhn, Wichita, KS; Curtis Kuhn and wife, Rochelle, Victoria, KS; two daughters, Rose Ann Dreiling and husband, Cletus J. and Brenda Dreiling and husband, Frank, both of Victoria, KS; one brother, Paul Schippers, Victoria, KS; three sisters, Sister Mary Ann Schippers C.S.A., Fond du Lac, WI; Lucy Baier and Lillian Leiker, both of Hays, KS;&nbsp; three sisters-in-law, Armella Schippers, Overland Park, KS; Joann Schippers, Springfield, MO; Marietta Schippers-Lies, Wichita, KS; ten grandchildren, Tyler Dreiling and wife, Tricia, Aubrey Jones and husband, John, Chelsey Dreiling, Natasha Hammerschmidt and husband, Cory, Preston Dreiling and wife, Tianna, Tyson Dreiling and wife, Molly, Brooklynn Kuhn, Kaylee Kuhn, Rachel Kuhn, Cale Kuhn; and 14 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; six brothers, Herman, George, John, Lawrence, Arthur and Norman Schippers; and one great grandson, Stephan Dreiling.&nbsp; &nbsp;Services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will be at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, with the Daughters of Isabella,&nbsp; Christian Mothers, and Class of 1956, joining at the Basilica of St. Fidelis.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis and from 11:00 to 1:45 P.M. Saturday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.The family suggests memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis.Services are entrusted to 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;

Estella (Schippers) Kuhn

I remember back in the 1970s when the Ohio wildlife and parks were talking about transplanting wild turkeys in Ohio. I had 150 acres of farm ground similar to our southcentral Kansas ground, but with more trees, and I can remember how excited I was at the possibility of having wild turkeys on my land; until the wildlife and parks guys told me turkeys would never thrive there, as several miles of uninterrupted forest were needed for them to survive. Then I moved to Kansas and saw just how wrong that was!

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Wild Turkey committee chaired by Small Game Coordinator Kent Fricke wants to address declining turkey populations in the Sunshine State. Fricke says this is a trend seen throughout the Midwest and suggests Kansas take immediate action to address the decline. Fricke explains “Our primary goal is declining nest and brood survival rates, which are influenced by habitat and weather.”&nbsp;

I believe recent drought conditions have affected all wildlife more than we know, and last spring’s horrendous flooding certainly had a major impact on all nesting game birds as well as other young wildlife like whitetail deer. Fricke says estimated 2019 wild turkey production was the lowest on record. Not only were many spring nests probably destroyed in the floods, but dry conditions later reduced green habitat that afforded cover for growing birds, also reducing the number of insects and other food available to them.

To address declining turkey populations and to give them a chance to rebound, numerous changes to 2020 spring and fall turkey harvest seasons were recommended, and here are the final changes that were approved:&nbsp;

To some of you readers, especially in city suburbs, who see large groups of turkeys every winter and spring, and who routinely have flower beds and gardens wrecked by marauding turkeys, it may seem foolish to believe turkey numbers are steadily declining. I’ll trust our wildlife and parks people on this one and be thankful they are working to head-off problems that could result in no turkey hunting in Kansas for a while if not addressed now…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I remember back in the 1970s when the Ohio wildlife and parks were talking about transplanting wild turkeys in Ohio. I had 150 acres of farm ground similar to our southcentral Kansas ground, but with more trees, and I can remember how excited I was at the possibility of having wild turkeys on my land; until the wildlife and parks guys told me turkeys would never thrive there, as several miles of uninterrupted forest were needed for them to survive. Then I moved to Kansas and saw just how wrong that was!The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Wild Turkey committee chaired by Small Game Coordinator Kent Fricke wants to address declining turkey populations in the Sunshine State. Fricke says this is a trend seen throughout the Midwest and suggests Kansas take immediate action to address the decline. Fricke explains “Our primary goal is declining nest and brood survival rates, which are influenced by habitat and weather.”&nbsp;I believe recent drought conditions have affected all wildlife more than we know, and last spring’s horrendous flooding certainly had a major impact on all nesting game birds as well as other young wildlife like whitetail deer. Fricke says estimated 2019 wild turkey production was the lowest on record. Not only were many spring nests probably destroyed in the floods, but dry conditions later reduced green habitat that afforded cover for growing birds, also reducing the number of insects and other food available to them.To address declining turkey populations and to give them a chance to rebound, numerous changes to 2020 spring and fall turkey harvest seasons were recommended, and here are the final changes that were approved:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Beginning with the 2020 spring season, bag limits (total harvest allowed) in turkey management units 3, 5 and 6 will be reduced from 2 turkeys to 1 turkey only; bag limits in units 1 and 2 will remain 2 turkeys.</li><li>The fall 2020 season will be reduced in length to 41 days only, October 1 – November 10, about one-third the length of current fall seasons.&nbsp;</li><li>2020 turkey season dates will be as follows;&nbsp;</li><li>spring season for youth and disabled hunters, April 1 -14</li><li>spring archery season, April 6-14</li><li>spring regular firearms season, April 15- May31.</li>
 </ol>To some of you readers, especially in city suburbs, who see large groups of turkeys every winter and spring, and who routinely have flower beds and gardens wrecked by marauding turkeys, it may seem foolish to believe turkey numbers are steadily declining. I’ll trust our wildlife and parks people on this one and be thankful they are working to head-off problems that could result in no turkey hunting in Kansas for a while if not addressed now…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Fighting declining turkey numbers

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita computer programmer was sentenced Monday to three years federal probation and a $2,000 fine for threatening cyberattacks against two web sites that posted criticism of Wichita lawyer Brad Pistotnik, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister

&nbsp;David Dorsett, 37, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of making extortionate threats via the internet. In his plea, Dorsett admitted he contacted Pistotnik in September 2014 offering reputation management services.

Pistotnik met with Dorsett and showed him postings on the internet that Pistotnik wanted removed, including a Kansas Supreme Court disciplinary opinion for Pistotnik and a negative consumer review. Email communications between Dorsett and Pistotnik showed Postnik saying, "Any luck removing that bad website I showed you?" and "tell me how we get rid of it."

Dorsett sent a barrage of emails to two web sites, leagle.com and RipoffReport.com demanding they remove information critical of Pistotnik. The emails read in part, "If you don't remove it we will begin targeting your advertisers and explain that this will stop happening to them once they pull their ads..." Dorsett billed Pistotnik for sending the threats and Pistotnik paid him by check the same day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Co-defendant Pistotnik was sentenced in October 2019 to pay a $375,000 fine and $55,200 in restitution.

McAllister commended the&nbsp;FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578338888860.png" alt="Dorsett photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dorsett photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita computer programmer was sentenced Monday to three years federal probation and a $2,000 fine for threatening cyberattacks against two web sites that posted criticism of Wichita lawyer Brad Pistotnik, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister&nbsp;David Dorsett, 37, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of making extortionate threats via the internet. In his plea, Dorsett admitted he contacted Pistotnik in September 2014 offering reputation management services. Pistotnik met with Dorsett and showed him postings on the internet that Pistotnik wanted removed, including a Kansas Supreme Court disciplinary opinion for Pistotnik and a negative consumer review. Email communications between Dorsett and Pistotnik showed Postnik saying, "Any luck removing that bad website I showed you?" and "tell me how we get rid of it."Dorsett sent a barrage of emails to two web sites, leagle.com and RipoffReport.com demanding they remove information critical of Pistotnik. The emails read in part, "If you don't remove it we will begin targeting your advertisers and explain that this will stop happening to them once they pull their ads..." Dorsett billed Pistotnik for sending the threats and Pistotnik paid him by check the same day.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Co-defendant Pistotnik was sentenced in October 2019 to pay a $375,000 fine and $55,200 in restitution.McAllister commended the&nbsp;FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

Brad Pistotnik's computer programmer sentenced for cyberattack threat

Loren Dwight Hale passed away on January 4, 2020 at the Solomon Valley 
Manor in Stockton, Kansas, at the age of 91. He was born the third child
 to Arthur and Nora (Murphy) Hale on September 27, 1928 at their farm 
home in Logan County, Kansas. In 1939 he moved with his family to his 
grandparent’s farm north of Woodston. Loren attended elementary school 
at Monument, Kansas and Union Four, a country school in Rooks County, 
about a mile from his farm home. He graduated from Woodston High School 
in 1946. He then worked on several ranches in Sheridan County before 
joining the U.S. Geological Survey Team which was stationed in North 
Dakota working on the Mississippi River Project. 


It was in North Dakota where he found the love of his life, Adeline 
Langowski. They were married in Bottineau, ND on October 26, 1949. They 
then returned to Woodston where Loren worked on the Missouri Pacific 
Railroad Section Gang and later managed the John E. Jones Farm. In 1953 
he moved his family to Scott City where he worked for Sunnyslope Horse 
Ranch. While at Sunnyslope, he helped train several champion horses. He 
contracted Encephalitis which put him in the hospital almost four 
months. While recuperating from the illness, the family moved to a farm 
just west of Ash Rock Church, north of Woodston. Loren finished his 
working years for the Stockton City Electrical Plant, moving to the 
north edge of Stockton. Loren and Adeline were married 62 years before 
she passed away in 2012. They were blessed with three children: Dennis 
Dwight, Debra Dea, and Lorna Lynne.


Loren attended the Ash Rock Church and later became a member of the 
Woodston E.U.B. Church. He and Adeline were members of the Bohemian 
Lodge and Solomon Valley Antique Association. He was also a Lions 
International member for several years.


Left to cherish Loren’s memory are his daughters, Debra Colburn of 
Garden City and Lorna Riffel (Jim Rogers) of Stockton; brother, Don 
(Phyllis) Hale of Longmont, CO; five grandchildren, H.J. Colburn of 
LaCrosse, Bethany (Casey) Howard of Garden City, Denison Colburn of 
Garden City, Thomas (April) Yakish of Woodston, and Beau (Terra) Riffel 
of Freemont, NE; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.


Loren is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Nora; wife, 
Adeline; son, Dennis; son-in-law, John Yakish; brother, Williard; 
sister, Naomi Holliman; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Holliman, Henry 
Czapiewski, and Junior Carlson; sisters-in-law, Junia Hale, Julie 
Carlson, and Dolly Czapiewski. 


A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 
10:30am at the funeral home in Stockton. Burial will follow at the Ash 
Rock Cemetery in Woodston. Visitation will be Tuesday 3:00pm until 
8:00pm at the funeral home.


Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor or Woodston UMC and 
may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, 
Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at 
www.plumeroverlease.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578331366716.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Loren Dwight Hale passed away on January 4, 2020 at the Solomon Valley 
Manor in Stockton, Kansas, at the age of 91. He was born the third child
 to Arthur and Nora (Murphy) Hale on September 27, 1928 at their farm 
home in Logan County, Kansas. In 1939 he moved with his family to his 
grandparent’s farm north of Woodston. Loren attended elementary school 
at Monument, Kansas and Union Four, a country school in Rooks County, 
about a mile from his farm home. He graduated from Woodston High School 
in 1946. He then worked on several ranches in Sheridan County before 
joining the U.S. Geological Survey Team which was stationed in North 
Dakota working on the Mississippi River Project. 
It was in North Dakota where he found the love of his life, Adeline 
Langowski. They were married in Bottineau, ND on October 26, 1949. They 
then returned to Woodston where Loren worked on the Missouri Pacific 
Railroad Section Gang and later managed the John E. Jones Farm. In 1953 
he moved his family to Scott City where he worked for Sunnyslope Horse 
Ranch. While at Sunnyslope, he helped train several champion horses. He 
contracted Encephalitis which put him in the hospital almost four 
months. While recuperating from the illness, the family moved to a farm 
just west of Ash Rock Church, north of Woodston. Loren finished his 
working years for the Stockton City Electrical Plant, moving to the 
north edge of Stockton. Loren and Adeline were married 62 years before 
she passed away in 2012. They were blessed with three children: Dennis 
Dwight, Debra Dea, and Lorna Lynne.
Loren attended the Ash Rock Church and later became a member of the 
Woodston E.U.B. Church. He and Adeline were members of the Bohemian 
Lodge and Solomon Valley Antique Association. He was also a Lions 
International member for several years.
Left to cherish Loren’s memory are his daughters, Debra Colburn of 
Garden City and Lorna Riffel (Jim Rogers) of Stockton; brother, Don 
(Phyllis) Hale of Longmont, CO; five grandchildren, H.J. Colburn of 
LaCrosse, Bethany (Casey) Howard of Garden City, Denison Colburn of 
Garden City, Thomas (April) Yakish of Woodston, and Beau (Terra) Riffel 
of Freemont, NE; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Loren is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Nora; wife, 
Adeline; son, Dennis; son-in-law, John Yakish; brother, Williard; 
sister, Naomi Holliman; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Holliman, Henry 
Czapiewski, and Junior Carlson; sisters-in-law, Junia Hale, Julie 
Carlson, and Dolly Czapiewski. 
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 
10:30am at the funeral home in Stockton. Burial will follow at the Ash 
Rock Cemetery in Woodston. Visitation will be Tuesday 3:00pm until 
8:00pm at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor or Woodston UMC and 
may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, 
Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at 
www.plumeroverlease.com

Loren Dwight Hale

TOPEKA, KS (AP) -- The Democratic mayor of Topeka has kicked off a campaign to challenge freshman Republican Rep. Steve Watkins.

Michelle De La Isla told The Topeka Capital-Journal that she would concentrate on access to health care, job creation and infrastructure in advance of her formal announcement Monday that she is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat. The district includes Topeka, Lawrence, Ottawa, Leavenworth and Pittsburg.

De La Isla, 43, became the first Latina to be elected mayor of Topeka in 2017 and joined the Topeka City Council in 2013. She previously was the diversity coordinator for the utility company Evergy, as well as the executive director at Topeka Habitat for Humanity and chief financial officer at House and Credit Counseling in Topeka.

Her announcement came after Democrat Abbie Hodgson, of Lawrence, withdrew from the 2nd District campaign in October.

Watkins was elected in 2018 to the seat by defeating Democratic challenger Paul Davis, a former state legislator from Lawrence, by less than 1 percentage point. Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner is challenging him in the primary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578323207912.png" alt="De La Isla photo courtesy city of Topeka" />
 <figcaption>De La Isla photo courtesy city of Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KS (AP) -- The Democratic mayor of Topeka has kicked off a campaign to challenge freshman Republican Rep. Steve Watkins.Michelle De La Isla told The Topeka Capital-Journal that she would concentrate on access to health care, job creation and infrastructure in advance of her formal announcement Monday that she is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat. The district includes Topeka, Lawrence, Ottawa, Leavenworth and Pittsburg.De La Isla, 43, became the first Latina to be elected mayor of Topeka in 2017 and joined the Topeka City Council in 2013. She previously was the diversity coordinator for the utility company Evergy, as well as the executive director at Topeka Habitat for Humanity and chief financial officer at House and Credit Counseling in Topeka.Her announcement came after Democrat Abbie Hodgson, of Lawrence, withdrew from the 2nd District campaign in October.Watkins was elected in 2018 to the seat by defeating Democratic challenger Paul Davis, a former state legislator from Lawrence, by less than 1 percentage point. Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner is challenging him in the primary.

Democrat announces run for Kansas 2nd District seat

Greg T. Strong, age 57, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas due to complications resulting from a stroke.  He was born on August 28, 1962 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Robert and Donna (Gloege) Strong.  

Greg graduated from Valley Center High School in Valley Center, Kansas and went on to attend Wichita State University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon (Kansas Eta Chapter).  He was a resident of Dighton, Kansas since 1993 moving from Wichita, Kansas.  Greg was Publisher of Feedlot Magazine, which he ran together with his father, and with the support of Annita Lorimor, for over 25 years. 

He was a member of Pheasants Forever, National Ag Media Association, the KLA and NCBA.

On October 13, 2006 he married Andie Trembley at Camp Lakeside in Scott City, Kansas.  She survives.

Survivors include his wife Andie Strong of Scott City, Kansas, Sister - Brenda Strong of Chicago, Illinois, Brother In Law - Brian Jones of Chicago, Illinois, Step-Mother - Virginia Strong of Dighton, Kansas, and three beloved dogs.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date and time this spring in Cuchara, Colorado.

Memorials can be made to the Finney County Humane Society in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Homes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578320201192.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greg T. Strong, age 57, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas due to complications resulting from a stroke. He was born on August 28, 1962 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Robert and Donna (Gloege) Strong. Greg graduated from Valley Center High School in Valley Center, Kansas and went on to attend Wichita State University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon (Kansas Eta Chapter). He was a resident of Dighton, Kansas since 1993 moving from Wichita, Kansas. Greg was Publisher of Feedlot Magazine, which he ran together with his father, and with the support of Annita Lorimor, for over 25 years. He was a member of Pheasants Forever, National Ag Media Association, the KLA and NCBA.On October 13, 2006 he married Andie Trembley at Camp Lakeside in Scott City, Kansas. She survives.Survivors include his wife Andie Strong of Scott City, Kansas, Sister - Brenda Strong of Chicago, Illinois, Brother In Law - Brian Jones of Chicago, Illinois, Step-Mother - Virginia Strong of Dighton, Kansas, and three beloved dogs.He was preceded in death by his Parents.Memorial Services will be held at a later date and time this spring in Cuchara, Colorado.Memorials can be made to the Finney County Humane Society in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Homes.There will be no calling times.

Greg T. Strong

Brian David Heath, 59, died on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Lane County 
Hospital in Dighton.  He was born on October 30, 1960 at Dighton the son
 of C. Francis &amp; Wilma J. (Edsall) Heath.


Brian attended early schooling at a local handicapped teaching school in
 Dighton.  He then attended the Beamgard Learning Center in Atwood until
 he was 21 years old.  He moved to Garden City in 1981 to become part of
 SDSI which later became Mosiac.  He participated in the Mosiac 
employment opportunities by being a bagger at Dillons, on the cleaning 
crew at KDOT and Sunflower Electric, Dish Washer at the Hilton, on a 
yard crew and the belt manufacturing team.  In 2018 he moved back to 
Dighton.  He was a member of St Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton and 
really enjoyed his Salvation Army membership.  He enjoyed motorcycles, 
watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State Universities teams and 
cheering on Hulk Hogan in the WWE.  He was preceded in death by his 
Parents, Sister- Chris Heath, Brother- Joe Heath, Brother-In-Law- Allan 
Smeltzer, Nephew- Kevin James and Great-Nephew- Baylor James.


He is survived by his Brother- Steve &amp; Mary Heath of Dighton and 4 
Sisters- Susan Smeltzer and Betty &amp; Larry Haas both of Augusta and 
Carolyn &amp; Brent Dutoit and Marilyn &amp; Alan James, and 
Sister-In-Law Trudy Heath all of Dighton and many Nieces and Nephews.


Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at St Theresa Catholic Church
 with Rev Warren Stecklein as Celebrant.  Burial will be in Dighton 
Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Lane County Hospital or 
St Theresa Catholic Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.  Friends 
may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Boomhower Funeral Home.  
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578320043745.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brian David Heath, 59, died on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Lane County 
Hospital in Dighton. He was born on October 30, 1960 at Dighton the son
 of C. Francis &amp; Wilma J. (Edsall) Heath.
Brian attended early schooling at a local handicapped teaching school in
 Dighton. He then attended the Beamgard Learning Center in Atwood until
 he was 21 years old. He moved to Garden City in 1981 to become part of
 SDSI which later became Mosiac. He participated in the Mosiac 
employment opportunities by being a bagger at Dillons, on the cleaning 
crew at KDOT and Sunflower Electric, Dish Washer at the Hilton, on a 
yard crew and the belt manufacturing team. In 2018 he moved back to 
Dighton. He was a member of St Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton and 
really enjoyed his Salvation Army membership. He enjoyed motorcycles, 
watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State Universities teams and 
cheering on Hulk Hogan in the WWE. He was preceded in death by his 
Parents, Sister- Chris Heath, Brother- Joe Heath, Brother-In-Law- Allan 
Smeltzer, Nephew- Kevin James and Great-Nephew- Baylor James.
He is survived by his Brother- Steve &amp; Mary Heath of Dighton and 4 
Sisters- Susan Smeltzer and Betty &amp; Larry Haas both of Augusta and 
Carolyn &amp; Brent Dutoit and Marilyn &amp; Alan James, and 
Sister-In-Law Trudy Heath all of Dighton and many Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at St Theresa Catholic Church
 with Rev Warren Stecklein as Celebrant. Burial will be in Dighton 
Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Lane County Hospital or 
St Theresa Catholic Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Friends 
may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Boomhower Funeral Home. 
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Brian David Heath

Kansas Bowhunter Brian Butcher photo KDWP&amp;T

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

WICHITA – Kansas bowhunter, Brian Butcher, 38, harvested a whitetail buck in Chase County last October that he knew was something special. It wasn't until the buck's rack was measured by Boone and Crockett Club certified measurers on Friday, Jan. 3 that Butcher confirmed just how special the deer&nbsp;<a></a>was. Butcher's whitetail earned an unofficial net non-typical score of 321 3/8 inches.

If accepted and verified by the Boone and Crockett Club – an internationally recognized non-profit conservation organization that maintains native North American big game records – the deer Butcher harvested would rank fourth in the world for non-typical whitetail deer. As for the Kansas record books, Butcher's buck will be the largest non-typical whitetail ever taken, surpassing the current state record for a non-typical whitetail harvested with archery equipment by 57 2/8 inches.

"When I first saw it, I thought it had some branches or grass tangled up in its antlers," said Butcher. "But when I looked at him with binoculars, I realized it was all antlers."

Butcher released his arrow when the giant buck was just 25 yards from his treestand and the shot was true. After waiting only 5-10 minutes, Butcher tracked the deer to a spot 50 yards away.

"I had the most opposite feeling of 'ground shrinkage' possible," Butcher said of the big whitetail with 67 scorable points. "I was in complete shock."

After sharing photos of the buck with friend Brian Crowe, the duo got together and attempted to score the deer.

"We added it up five times because it didn't make sense," Butcher laughed. "We had it at 341 inches gross, and 316 inches net."

According to Boone and Crockett guidelines, the rack could not be officially measured until it had dried for at least 60 days. On January 3, Boone and Crockett measurers Marc Murrell, Newton, and Ken Witt, Burleson, Tex., took on what would become a nearly five-hour-long task of scoring the deer. Murrell and Witt came up with a pending net non-typical score of 321 3/8 inches.

The score sheet and entry materials on Butcher's buck have been mailed to the Boone and Crockett Club headquarters for verification and acceptance. Because of its high ranking, the rack will be scored again by a panel of measurers at the Boone and Crockett Club's next awards ceremony in 2022.

If it stands, Butcher's buck will rank fourth in the world of non-typical whitetails. Boone and Crockett's top two non-typical whitetails were found dead in Missouri and Ohio and scored 333 7/8 inches and 328 2/8 inches, respectively.

The largest hunter-harvested non-typical whitetail was taken by bowhunter Luke Brewster in Illinois in 2018 and scored 327 7/8 inches.

The current Kansas state record firearm non-typical whitetail was taken in 1987 by Joseph Waters in Shawnee County and scored 280 4/8 inches. The current Kansas state record archery non-typical whitetail was shot by Dale Larson in 1998 in Pottawatomie County and scored 264 1/8 inches.

For more on Kansas big game records, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/What-to-Hunt.

For more on the Boone and Crockett Club, visit www.boone-crockett.org/.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578444027567.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Bowhunter Brian Butcher photo KDWP&amp;TKansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and TourismWICHITA – Kansas bowhunter, Brian Butcher, 38, harvested a whitetail buck in Chase County last October that he knew was something special. It wasn't until the buck's rack was measured by Boone and Crockett Club certified measurers on Friday, Jan. 3 that Butcher confirmed just how special the deer&nbsp;<a></a>was. Butcher's whitetail earned an unofficial net non-typical score of 321 3/8 inches.If accepted and verified by the Boone and Crockett Club – an internationally recognized non-profit conservation organization that maintains native North American big game records – the deer Butcher harvested would rank fourth in the world for non-typical whitetail deer. As for the Kansas record books, Butcher's buck will be the largest non-typical whitetail ever taken, surpassing the current state record for a non-typical whitetail harvested with archery equipment by 57 2/8 inches."When I first saw it, I thought it had some branches or grass tangled up in its antlers," said Butcher. "But when I looked at him with binoculars, I realized it was all antlers."Butcher released his arrow when the giant buck was just 25 yards from his treestand and the shot was true. After waiting only 5-10 minutes, Butcher tracked the deer to a spot 50 yards away."I had the most opposite feeling of 'ground shrinkage' possible," Butcher said of the big whitetail with 67 scorable points. "I was in complete shock."After sharing photos of the buck with friend Brian Crowe, the duo got together and attempted to score the deer."We added it up five times because it didn't make sense," Butcher laughed. "We had it at 341 inches gross, and 316 inches net."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578444176480.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to Boone and Crockett guidelines, the rack could not be officially measured until it had dried for at least 60 days. On January 3, Boone and Crockett measurers Marc Murrell, Newton, and Ken Witt, Burleson, Tex., took on what would become a nearly five-hour-long task of scoring the deer. Murrell and Witt came up with a pending net non-typical score of 321 3/8 inches.The score sheet and entry materials on Butcher's buck have been mailed to the Boone and Crockett Club headquarters for verification and acceptance. Because of its high ranking, the rack will be scored again by a panel of measurers at the Boone and Crockett Club's next awards ceremony in 2022.If it stands, Butcher's buck will rank fourth in the world of non-typical whitetails. Boone and Crockett's top two non-typical whitetails were found dead in Missouri and Ohio and scored 333 7/8 inches and 328 2/8 inches, respectively.The largest hunter-harvested non-typical whitetail was taken by bowhunter Luke Brewster in Illinois in 2018 and scored 327 7/8 inches.The current Kansas state record firearm non-typical whitetail was taken in 1987 by Joseph Waters in Shawnee County and scored 280 4/8 inches. The current Kansas state record archery non-typical whitetail was shot by Dale Larson in 1998 in Pottawatomie County and scored 264 1/8 inches.For more on Kansas big game records, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/What-to-Hunt.For more on the Boone and Crockett Club, visit www.boone-crockett.org/.