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/.

Kansas bowhunter takes world-class whitetail

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 (Grady) 
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, JoAnn and 
Dave.&nbsp; They made their home in Beverly.&nbsp; Bill preceded her in death in 
2006.

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, playing cards and tending her garden.&nbsp; 

Eldora’s surviving 
family include her five sons, Jim Cole (Paula) of Appleton, Wisconsin, 
Ken Cole (Jaynell) of Russell, Kansas, Don Cole (Jan) of Willmar, 
Minnesota, Bob Cole (Kim) of Andale, Kansas, and Dave Cole (Sharon) of 
Norwich, 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 
arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578168006051.png" 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 (Grady) 
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, JoAnn and 
Dave.&nbsp; They made their home in Beverly.&nbsp; Bill preceded her in death in 
2006.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, playing cards and tending her garden.&nbsp; Eldora’s surviving 
family include her five sons, Jim Cole (Paula) of Appleton, Wisconsin, 
Ken Cole (Jaynell) of Russell, Kansas, Don Cole (Jan) of Willmar, 
Minnesota, Bob Cole (Kim) of Andale, Kansas, and Dave Cole (Sharon) of 
Norwich, 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 
arrangements.

Eldora M. Cole

Winters had two drug convictions in Kansas, according to the Department of Corrections

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man whose conviction was overturned after he served more than two years in prison is suing the federal public defender's office for malpractice.

Aaron Winters, 30, said his public defender urged him to take a guilty plea even though he was innocent.

Winters was arrested in Kansas City in October 2012 and was charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Williams was convicted in an earlier case for possessing marijuana without a tax stamp in Kansas and was sentenced to less than a year in prison. Under federal law, that conviction did not disqualify him from owning a firearm.

He served 28 months of his 30 month sentence before federal prosecutors recommended that he be released and his conviction overturned.

In his lawsuit against the Office of the Public Defender, Western District of Missouri, Winters alleges the public defender failed to perform basic legal research and improperly advised him to enter a guilty plea.

The Office of the Public Defender and its attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578155472633.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winters had two drug convictions in Kansas, according to the Department of CorrectionsKANSAS CITY (AP) — A man whose conviction was overturned after he served more than two years in prison is suing the federal public defender's office for malpractice.Aaron Winters, 30, said his public defender urged him to take a guilty plea even though he was innocent.Winters was arrested in Kansas City in October 2012 and was charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm.Williams was convicted in an earlier case for possessing marijuana without a tax stamp in Kansas and was sentenced to less than a year in prison. Under federal law, that conviction did not disqualify him from owning a firearm.He served 28 months of his 30 month sentence before federal prosecutors recommended that he be released and his conviction overturned.In his lawsuit against the Office of the Public Defender, Western District of Missouri, Winters alleges the public defender failed to perform basic legal research and improperly advised him to enter a guilty plea.The Office of the Public Defender and its attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

Kan. felon sues federal public defenders office after conviction overturned

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — United Methodist Church leaders from around the world and across ideological divides unveiled a plan Friday for a new conservative denomination that would split from the church in an attempt to resolve a decades-long dispute over gay marriage and gay clergy.

The proposal, called “A Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation,” envisions an amicable separation in which conservative churches forming a new denomination would retain their assets. The new denomination also would receive $25 million.

The proposal was signed in December by a 16-member panel, who worked with a mediator and began meeting in October. The panel was formed after it became clear the impasse over LGBTQ issues was irreconcilable. The next step could come at the church's General Conference in May.

Methodist Bishop Karen Oliveto, the denomination’s first openly gay bishop, said the United Methodist Church leadership “was clearly at a point in which we couldn’t agree to disagree” over same-sex relationships. “I’m actually really sad that we couldn’t build a bridge that could have provided a witness to the world of what unity amid diversity and disagreement could look like.” Oliveto was challenged by the denomination’s highest court, the Judicial Council, in 2016 when it declared that the bishop’s consecration “was incompatible with church law.”

However, Oliveto was allowed to remain as the resident bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference, which includes United Methodist churches in Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and a section of Idaho. Asked what a post-separation world looks like for the church to move forward, Oliveto said, “We are no longer using LGBTQ people as scapegoats.”

Members of the 13-million-person denomination have been at odds for years over the issue, with members in the United States leading the call for full inclusion for LGBTQ people.

The rift widened last year when delegates meeting in St. Louis voted 438-384 for a proposal called the Traditional Plan, which affirmed bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. A majority of U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan but were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.

Methodists in favor of allowing gay clergy and gay marriage vowed to continue fighting. Meanwhile the Wesleyan Covenant Association, representing traditional Methodist practice, had already been preparing for a possible separation.

Concern over the future of the church pushed members, led by Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone, to convene a group to share ideas across the theological spectrum.

New York Bishop Thomas Bickerton said that turned into the final panel, made up of moderates, progressives and traditionalists from Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the United States.

Bickerton, who heads 438 Methodist churches in New York, said while he thinks it is an amicable solution, “there is a degree of heartbreak within me because I never thought we would reach this point. However, we are at this point. The differences are irreconcilable. This is inevitable.”

The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and one of 16 people on the mediation team that developed and signed the separation proposal, said he is “very hopeful” the plan will be approved.

This is the first time that “respected leaders of groups from every constituency" have come together to form a plan, he said. “And this is the first time that bishops of the church have signed on to an agreement like this.”

While other mainline Protestant denominations have embraced gay-friendly practices, the United Methodist Church has not, though acts of defiance by pro-LGBTQ clergy have multiplied. Many have performed same-sex weddings; others have come out as gay or lesbian from the pulpit.

Texas Bishop Scott J. Jones praised the panel for its contribution to the ongoing discussions about human sexuality but “it should be emphasized that a statement by 16 leaders does not necessarily mean that its provisions will be adopted.”

“The Protocol itself says it was developed in service to the General Conference delegates who will decide on its adoption or amendment. Other plans may well be considered as alternatives,” he said in a statement. “Significant questions remain to be answered about the Protocol’s implementation. The Judicial Council will need to rule on its constitutionality. The feasibility of its financial provisions must also be evaluated.”

Bickerton said it is unclear how many members will be lost if the proposal moves forward. “I am sure we will lose a certain percentage. We anticipate that,” he said. But all the members of the church need the opportunity to move on. “It’s time for us to get back to the ministry and mission of the church.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — United Methodist Church leaders from around the world and across ideological divides unveiled a plan Friday for a new conservative denomination that would split from the church in an attempt to resolve a decades-long dispute over gay marriage and gay clergy.The proposal, called “A Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation,” envisions an amicable separation in which conservative churches forming a new denomination would retain their assets. The new denomination also would receive $25 million.The proposal was signed in December by a 16-member panel, who worked with a mediator and began meeting in October. The panel was formed after it became clear the impasse over LGBTQ issues was irreconcilable. The next step could come at the church's General Conference in May.Methodist Bishop Karen Oliveto, the denomination’s first openly gay bishop, said the United Methodist Church leadership “was clearly at a point in which we couldn’t agree to disagree” over same-sex relationships. “I’m actually really sad that we couldn’t build a bridge that could have provided a witness to the world of what unity amid diversity and disagreement could look like.” Oliveto was challenged by the denomination’s highest court, the Judicial Council, in 2016 when it declared that the bishop’s consecration “was incompatible with church law.”However, Oliveto was allowed to remain as the resident bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference, which includes United Methodist churches in Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and a section of Idaho. Asked what a post-separation world looks like for the church to move forward, Oliveto said, “We are no longer using LGBTQ people as scapegoats.”Members of the 13-million-person denomination have been at odds for years over the issue, with members in the United States leading the call for full inclusion for LGBTQ people.The rift widened last year when delegates meeting in St. Louis voted 438-384 for a proposal called the Traditional Plan, which affirmed bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. A majority of U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan but were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.Methodists in favor of allowing gay clergy and gay marriage vowed to continue fighting. Meanwhile the Wesleyan Covenant Association, representing traditional Methodist practice, had already been preparing for a possible separation.Concern over the future of the church pushed members, led by Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone, to convene a group to share ideas across the theological spectrum.New York Bishop Thomas Bickerton said that turned into the final panel, made up of moderates, progressives and traditionalists from Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the United States.Bickerton, who heads 438 Methodist churches in New York, said while he thinks it is an amicable solution, “there is a degree of heartbreak within me because I never thought we would reach this point. However, we are at this point. The differences are irreconcilable. This is inevitable.”The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and one of 16 people on the mediation team that developed and signed the separation proposal, said he is “very hopeful” the plan will be approved.This is the first time that “respected leaders of groups from every constituency" have come together to form a plan, he said. “And this is the first time that bishops of the church have signed on to an agreement like this.”While other mainline Protestant denominations have embraced gay-friendly practices, the United Methodist Church has not, though acts of defiance by pro-LGBTQ clergy have multiplied. Many have performed same-sex weddings; others have come out as gay or lesbian from the pulpit.Texas Bishop Scott J. Jones praised the panel for its contribution to the ongoing discussions about human sexuality but “it should be emphasized that a statement by 16 leaders does not necessarily mean that its provisions will be adopted.”“The Protocol itself says it was developed in service to the General Conference delegates who will decide on its adoption or amendment. Other plans may well be considered as alternatives,” he said in a statement. “Significant questions remain to be answered about the Protocol’s implementation. The Judicial Council will need to rule on its constitutionality. The feasibility of its financial provisions must also be evaluated.”Bickerton said it is unclear how many members will be lost if the proposal moves forward. “I am sure we will lose a certain percentage. We anticipate that,” he said. But all the members of the church need the opportunity to move on. “It’s time for us to get back to the ministry and mission of the church.”

Methodist church proposes split over gay marriage, gay clergy 

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

Almost 15 years ago, I gave what would be one of the most important speeches of my career at the National FFA Convention. I agonized over creating the right message in hopes of making a lasting impact.

Years later, I watched another FFA member give the exact same speech. It had different stories, but the main points and overall message were the same. I was shocked because there was no way that this FFA member heard my speech. Their own life experiences must have led them to the same thoughts I had more than a decade prior.

Maybe it is a function of human nature or the product of a constant struggle to achieve the things we yearn for like success, love or the American Dream; ideas and lessons are rarely completely original or unique. Humans throughout history seem to live the same stories and plots repeatedly.

A few weeks ago, in my preoccupation with the too-short span between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I received invitations to multiple Roaring Twenties themed New Year’s Eve parties. What an original idea (at least to me, to celebrate a time that history books hailed as a time of whimsy, spectacle and entertainment.

Since then, this idea that history repeats itself and has been on my mind. What will the 2020s have in common with the 1920s, and, more importantly, what can be learned from a decade that earned the moniker “roaring”?

This curiosity led me to a brief internet refresher because the attributes filling my mind were all the “Great Gatsby.” My search revealed interesting facts and similarities to modern life in this gap between World War I and the Great Depression.

Like today, there was a presidential election. Warren Harding’s successful campaign used the slogan “Return to Normalcy,” painting a nostalgic picture of life before WW I, which ended a year earlier. Harding called for politics that were, “not the dramatic, but the dispassionate” and for people to remember that “human ills are not curable by legislation … excess of government offer(s) no substitute for quality of citizenship.” President Harding was popular until scandals came to light after his death in 1923.

The title roaring came from all of the excitement of the time. The economy was growing. New products like automobiles, moving pictures and radio brought “modernity” to the masses. Social change was prevalent with women winning the right to vote in many states and national debates taking place about prohibition, immigration, political corruption and industrialization. It was the age of Gatsby with jazz, art deco, flappers and speakeasys. The decade has a larger than life zeitgeist.

The Roaring Twenties had a definitive and halting end. All that prosperity and liveliness faded with the crash of the stock marketing in October of 1929 and a new era of hardship and scarcity in the Great Depression.

Parallels exist between the two times. Politicians are human, and humans are fallible. Some people still yearn for normalcy, while others desire social and political change. Technology and the economy have points of great growth, but that will not last forever.

My takeaway is simple. Spirit not circumstance can define people. Times will be both better and worse in my future. Be thankful for your current blessings and live life gregariously and fully at all times.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherAlmost 15 years ago, I gave what would be one of the most important speeches of my career at the National FFA Convention. I agonized over creating the right message in hopes of making a lasting impact.Years later, I watched another FFA member give the exact same speech. It had different stories, but the main points and overall message were the same. I was shocked because there was no way that this FFA member heard my speech. Their own life experiences must have led them to the same thoughts I had more than a decade prior.Maybe it is a function of human nature or the product of a constant struggle to achieve the things we yearn for like success, love or the American Dream; ideas and lessons are rarely completely original or unique. Humans throughout history seem to live the same stories and plots repeatedly.A few weeks ago, in my preoccupation with the too-short span between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I received invitations to multiple Roaring Twenties themed New Year’s Eve parties. What an original idea (at least to me, to celebrate a time that history books hailed as a time of whimsy, spectacle and entertainment.Since then, this idea that history repeats itself and has been on my mind. What will the 2020s have in common with the 1920s, and, more importantly, what can be learned from a decade that earned the moniker “roaring”?This curiosity led me to a brief internet refresher because the attributes filling my mind were all the “Great Gatsby.” My search revealed interesting facts and similarities to modern life in this gap between World War I and the Great Depression.Like today, there was a presidential election. Warren Harding’s successful campaign used the slogan “Return to Normalcy,” painting a nostalgic picture of life before WW I, which ended a year earlier. Harding called for politics that were, “not the dramatic, but the dispassionate” and for people to remember that “human ills are not curable by legislation … excess of government offer(s) no substitute for quality of citizenship.” President Harding was popular until scandals came to light after his death in 1923.The title roaring came from all of the excitement of the time. The economy was growing. New products like automobiles, moving pictures and radio brought “modernity” to the masses. Social change was prevalent with women winning the right to vote in many states and national debates taking place about prohibition, immigration, political corruption and industrialization. It was the age of Gatsby with jazz, art deco, flappers and speakeasys. The decade has a larger than life zeitgeist.The Roaring Twenties had a definitive and halting end. All that prosperity and liveliness faded with the crash of the stock marketing in October of 1929 and a new era of hardship and scarcity in the Great Depression.Parallels exist between the two times. Politicians are human, and humans are fallible. Some people still yearn for normalcy, while others desire social and political change. Technology and the economy have points of great growth, but that will not last forever.My takeaway is simple. Spirit not circumstance can define people. Times will be both better and worse in my future. Be thankful for your current blessings and live life gregariously and fully at all times."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Roaring into the '20s

RUSSELL — The 501(c)3 nonprofit Blue Hills Heritage Foundation of Lucas, Kansas has announced its second
class of inductees to the Russell County Kansas Hall of Fame. Together the five individuals, one
business, and one event that make up the Class of 2019 represent the county’s history from its formative
years to the present day. They were selected from a list of 35 nominees by a committee of Russell
County citizens. To read the full stories of each inductee be sure in the coming days to visit the
Foundation’s website at: www.bhhf2018.wixsite.com/bhhf and click on the MORE button.


Eric Joseph Abraham (1936-2013) was an accomplished artist with a national reputation. He was born
in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, where his parents illustrated children’s books for the
public schools. Eric served in the intelligence division of the U.S. Air Force prior to earning his Master
of Fine Arts degree in ceramics. In the 1970s, he taught ceramics at several colleges and universities. He
created two large fire breathing dragons which were featured presented on the “Today” morning news
show and was a featured artisan on the Lynette Jennings Design Show on the Discovery Channel.

Eric moved his studio and home to Wabaunsee, Kansas in 1999 and then in March 2004 to Lucas, where he opened the Flying Pig Studio and Gallery. From Lucas Eric attended art shows and
exhibitions across the United States, winning numerous awards for his artwork, and served on the board
of directors of the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas and the Lester Raymer Red Barn Studio in Lindsborg.


Folk artist and teacher Florence Edith Deeble (1900-1999) was born in Russell. Shortly
afterwards her family moved to Lucas. Florence started teaching in 1918 in rural schools in
Lincoln and Russell counties. From 1920 to 1925 she taught at Natoma, Kansas, and from 1925 to 1950
she taught in the Osborne school system. She returned to Lucas in 1950 and completed her 42-
year teaching career there before retirement in 1960.
concrete
and rock creations included stone-inlaid bridges, columns and towers, altars, cactus plants, and even a
Lucas Mount Rushmore.

In 1935, Florence began working on her lifelong hobby – a rock garden that encompassed the entire backyard of the Deeble family home in Lucas. Florence began over the next 60 years creating miniature scenes of places that she had visited or read about using postcards and drawings as models. Her

In 2002, Florence’s Lucas home was opened for tours as part of the Grassroots Art Center. In 2018 the Deeble rock garden was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

John Rex Duwe (1918-1990) was an influential community leader and banker. Born in Natoma,
Kansas, his family moved to Lucas in 1923. Rex graduated from Lucas High School and
Washburn University. He served in World War II as a radio instructor in the Army Air Corps.

Rex was associated with the Farmers State Bank, Lucas, for more than 50 years. He was chairman of
the board of the Farmers State Bank of Lucas and the Traders State Bank in Glen Elder and a
member of the board of directors of the Commerce National Bank in Kansas City, Kan. He was
president of the Glen Elder Insurance Agency and the owner of Duwe Insurance Agency in Lucas. He
served on the Lucas City Council and as mayor of Lucas. Rex was appointed Kansas State Highway
Commissioner in 1962 and served for six years. He was selected 1964 Man of the Year by the Russell
Daily News and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1968 and 1972. Rex was
elected president of the American Bankers Association in 1975, an event which garnered numerous
stories in the New York Times and other national publications. In 1977 Rex was named Kansan of the
Year by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.


An early burial in the city cemetery at Bunker Hill, Kansas was Spotted Horse (unknown-1874).
Spotted Horse, chief of the Skidi Band of the Pawnee Tribe, was born in what is now the state of
Nebraska near the Loup River. He maintained that he was the direct descendant of a lineage of over 200
years of Skidi tribal leaders. In late November 1874 Spotted Horse was leading a band of Pawnee leaving
their ancestral home in Nebraska for a reservation in Oklahoma. He fell ill while encamped along Spring
Creek some 3 miles northeast of Bunker Hill and, in just a few days, he died of “lung fever,”
or pneumonia.

With his last breath Spotted Horse requested that he be buried in the white man’s burying ground, for he
had been a friend of the white man his entire life. The government agent accompanying the band, John
Williamson, approached the people of Bunker Hill with the request. They agreed that he could be buried
in the local cemetery. A minister conducted the funeral service as Spotted Horse was buried with his
clothes, blankets and other supplies. His grave was then marked with a small native stone. Later a
modern granite marker replaced the small stone. Bunker Hill residents have decorated Spotted Horse’s
grave each Memorial Day since 1874.


Cleo Eldon “Don” Wilcox (1905-2000) was born in Lucas, Kansas. He attended the Lucas schools
and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in sociology. Don taught in Kansas high
schools and then at both Northwestern University and the University of Kansas. By the late 1930s Don
believed he might make a living from writing and moved his family to Chicago in 1938. There he
signed with Ziff-Davis Publications. Having never written anything remotely like science fiction, Don
concocted a short story he named “The Pit of Death”. It was bought for $90 and appeared in the July
1939 edition of Amazing Stories.

Over a 53-year period (1939 through 1992) Don published over 100 science fiction/fantasy stories
and novels. During the 1940s and early 1950s Don was one of the most popular authors of the genre in
the world. He also wrote stories for other magazines such as Mammoth Western and Mammoth Detective.
The sociological study “The Voyage That Lasted 600 Years” (Amazing Stories, October 1940) was the
first story ever written that explored in detail the idea of a starship in which generations of the passengers
and crew would live and die while journeying to a distant world. It permanently established Don’s name
in the history of science fiction.


In 1952, Don wrote 20 scripts for the TV show Captain Video and went back to teaching and at
Northwestern University. He then worked as a magazine editor and publisher in Guatemala, Oregon, and
New York City. Don retired in 1975 and settled in Sarasota, Florida. It was there that British
bibliographer and editor Mike Ashley contacted Don and encouraged him to write his last two published
stories, “Visit the Yo-Yo Falls” (1989) and “Blueflow” (1992, written when he was 87 years old.


In the late 1990s, Don and his wife moved back to Lucas. He died at Lucas and lies buried in
the Lucas Cemetery. In 2018, new compilations of his science fiction/fantasy stories were published by
Wildside Press.


The legendary Gilt Edge Ranch is the 2019 inductee for business. In 1877, Albert Gallatin Talbot
(A.G.T.) Cooper arrived in Russell County, Kansas. His parents soon followed, and in the early spring of
1878 the family settled in the Saline River Valley in northern Plymouth Township. Coal was discovered
on the ranch early in 1880 and mined extensively over the next ten years. The Coopers renamed their
land the Gilt Edge Ranch after the coal mine which helped boost its prosperity so rapidly. It also allowed
the building of a huge sprawling two-story, 14-room Post Rock Limestone ranch house that was a
showplace in its day. At its height the ranch encompassed over 12,000 acres and enjoyed a reputation far
and wide across western Kansas as one of the best operations of its kind in the state. In 1963 most of the
legendary ranch ceased to exist when it was taken over by the federal government so they could build
Wilson Dam and Reservoir.

Prairiesta is the 2019 inductee for event or organization. Prairiesta is a celebration of the history,
heritage and culture of Russell. It has been held every ten years since the first event was held in
Russell in 1941. The June 2021 edition will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the county’s founding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577909931459.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedRUSSELL — The 501(c)3 nonprofit Blue Hills Heritage Foundation of Lucas, Kansas has announced its second
class of inductees to the Russell County Kansas Hall of Fame. Together the five individuals, one
business, and one event that make up the Class of 2019 represent the county’s history from its formative
years to the present day. They were selected from a list of 35 nominees by a committee of Russell
County citizens. To read the full stories of each inductee be sure in the coming days to visit the
Foundation’s website at: www.bhhf2018.wixsite.com/bhhf and click on the MORE button.
Eric Joseph Abraham (1936-2013) was an accomplished artist with a national reputation. He was born
in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, where his parents illustrated children’s books for the
public schools. Eric served in the intelligence division of the U.S. Air Force prior to earning his Master
of Fine Arts degree in ceramics. In the 1970s, he taught ceramics at several colleges and universities. He
created two large fire breathing dragons which were featured presented on the “Today” morning news
show and was a featured artisan on the Lynette Jennings Design Show on the Discovery Channel.
Eric moved his studio and home to Wabaunsee, Kansas in 1999 and then in March 2004 to Lucas, where he opened the Flying Pig Studio and Gallery. From Lucas Eric attended art shows and
exhibitions across the United States, winning numerous awards for his artwork, and served on the board
of directors of the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas and the Lester Raymer Red Barn Studio in Lindsborg.
Folk artist and teacher Florence Edith Deeble (1900-1999) was born in Russell. Shortly
afterwards her family moved to Lucas. Florence started teaching in 1918 in rural schools in
Lincoln and Russell counties. From 1920 to 1925 she taught at Natoma, Kansas, and from 1925 to 1950
she taught in the Osborne school system. She returned to Lucas in 1950 and completed her 42-
year teaching career there before retirement in 1960.
concrete
and rock creations included stone-inlaid bridges, columns and towers, altars, cactus plants, and even a
Lucas Mount Rushmore.In 1935, Florence began working on her lifelong hobby – a rock garden that encompassed the entire backyard of the Deeble family home in Lucas. Florence began over the next 60 years creating miniature scenes of places that she had visited or read about using postcards and drawings as models. HerIn 2002, Florence’s Lucas home was opened for tours as part of the Grassroots Art Center. In 2018 the Deeble rock garden was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.John Rex Duwe (1918-1990) was an influential community leader and banker. Born in Natoma,
Kansas, his family moved to Lucas in 1923. Rex graduated from Lucas High School and
Washburn University. He served in World War II as a radio instructor in the Army Air Corps.
Rex was associated with the Farmers State Bank, Lucas, for more than 50 years. He was chairman of
the board of the Farmers State Bank of Lucas and the Traders State Bank in Glen Elder and a
member of the board of directors of the Commerce National Bank in Kansas City, Kan. He was
president of the Glen Elder Insurance Agency and the owner of Duwe Insurance Agency in Lucas. He
served on the Lucas City Council and as mayor of Lucas. Rex was appointed Kansas State Highway
Commissioner in 1962 and served for six years. He was selected 1964 Man of the Year by the Russell
Daily News and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1968 and 1972. Rex was
elected president of the American Bankers Association in 1975, an event which garnered numerous
stories in the New York Times and other national publications. In 1977 Rex was named Kansan of the
Year by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
An early burial in the city cemetery at Bunker Hill, Kansas was Spotted Horse (unknown-1874).
Spotted Horse, chief of the Skidi Band of the Pawnee Tribe, was born in what is now the state of
Nebraska near the Loup River. He maintained that he was the direct descendant of a lineage of over 200
years of Skidi tribal leaders. In late November 1874 Spotted Horse was leading a band of Pawnee leaving
their ancestral home in Nebraska for a reservation in Oklahoma. He fell ill while encamped along Spring
Creek some 3 miles northeast of Bunker Hill and, in just a few days, he died of “lung fever,”
or pneumonia.
With his last breath Spotted Horse requested that he be buried in the white man’s burying ground, for he
had been a friend of the white man his entire life. The government agent accompanying the band, John
Williamson, approached the people of Bunker Hill with the request. They agreed that he could be buried
in the local cemetery. A minister conducted the funeral service as Spotted Horse was buried with his
clothes, blankets and other supplies. His grave was then marked with a small native stone. Later a
modern granite marker replaced the small stone. Bunker Hill residents have decorated Spotted Horse’s
grave each Memorial Day since 1874.
Cleo Eldon “Don” Wilcox (1905-2000) was born in Lucas, Kansas. He attended the Lucas schools
and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in sociology. Don taught in Kansas high
schools and then at both Northwestern University and the University of Kansas. By the late 1930s Don
believed he might make a living from writing and moved his family to Chicago in 1938. There he
signed with Ziff-Davis Publications. Having never written anything remotely like science fiction, Don
concocted a short story he named “The Pit of Death”. It was bought for $90 and appeared in the July
1939 edition of Amazing Stories.
Over a 53-year period (1939 through 1992) Don published over 100 science fiction/fantasy stories
and novels. During the 1940s and early 1950s Don was one of the most popular authors of the genre in
the world. He also wrote stories for other magazines such as Mammoth Western and Mammoth Detective.
The sociological study “The Voyage That Lasted 600 Years” (Amazing Stories, October 1940) was the
first story ever written that explored in detail the idea of a starship in which generations of the passengers
and crew would live and die while journeying to a distant world. It permanently established Don’s name
in the history of science fiction.
In 1952, Don wrote 20 scripts for the TV show Captain Video and went back to teaching and at
Northwestern University. He then worked as a magazine editor and publisher in Guatemala, Oregon, and
New York City. Don retired in 1975 and settled in Sarasota, Florida. It was there that British
bibliographer and editor Mike Ashley contacted Don and encouraged him to write his last two published
stories, “Visit the Yo-Yo Falls” (1989) and “Blueflow” (1992, written when he was 87 years old.
In the late 1990s, Don and his wife moved back to Lucas. He died at Lucas and lies buried in
the Lucas Cemetery. In 2018, new compilations of his science fiction/fantasy stories were published by
Wildside Press.
The legendary Gilt Edge Ranch is the 2019 inductee for business. In 1877, Albert Gallatin Talbot
(A.G.T.) Cooper arrived in Russell County, Kansas. His parents soon followed, and in the early spring of
1878 the family settled in the Saline River Valley in northern Plymouth Township. Coal was discovered
on the ranch early in 1880 and mined extensively over the next ten years. The Coopers renamed their
land the Gilt Edge Ranch after the coal mine which helped boost its prosperity so rapidly. It also allowed
the building of a huge sprawling two-story, 14-room Post Rock Limestone ranch house that was a
showplace in its day. At its height the ranch encompassed over 12,000 acres and enjoyed a reputation far
and wide across western Kansas as one of the best operations of its kind in the state. In 1963 most of the
legendary ranch ceased to exist when it was taken over by the federal government so they could build
Wilson Dam and Reservoir.
Prairiesta is the 2019 inductee for event or organization. Prairiesta is a celebration of the history,
heritage and culture of Russell. It has been held every ten years since the first event was held in
Russell in 1941. The June 2021 edition will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the county’s founding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577909974510.jpeg" alt="Eric Abraham" />
 <figcaption>Eric Abraham</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577910011535.jpeg" alt="Deeble Florence" />
 <figcaption>Deeble Florence</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577910036176.jpeg" alt="John Rex&nbsp;Duwe" />
 <figcaption>John Rex&nbsp;Duwe</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577910070822.jpeg" alt="Cooper Ranch House" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Ranch House</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577910095304.jpeg" alt="Don&nbsp;Wilcox" />
 <figcaption>Don&nbsp;Wilcox</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577910117200.jpeg" alt="Spotted Horse 1952 tombstone Bunker Hill Cemetery" />
 <figcaption>Spotted Horse 1952 tombstone Bunker Hill Cemetery</figcaption>
 </figure>

2019 Russell County Hall of Fame inductees announced

Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas suggest ways to prepare for the changes Kansas travelers will face next year.TOPEKA, Kan. – Jan. 3, 2020 – REAL ID has arrived in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas advise that travelers consider their options now ahead of this year’s nationwide enforcement of the federal program.&nbsp;

Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access a Federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant.&nbsp;The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.“The requirement for REAL ID to fly will be here before we know it,” says Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas.&nbsp;“To avoid being caught off-guard, now is the time for Kansans to decide whether they’ll upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or whether they’ll use a passport instead.”&nbsp;Since 2007, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has been preparing for implementation of Real ID. In 2017, the Division began issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with the Real ID symbol at the top of license or identification cards.If you provided the needed documentation since 2007, you may already be ready for Real ID. To see if you are already in the system, simply go to&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281631&amp;Action=Follow+Link">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx</a>&nbsp;to get a driver’s license status check.&nbsp;

If you don’t have the Real ID logo on your credential but it has a “yes” next to Real ID on the status check website, you are compliant and ready to&nbsp;obtain your new indicator. Take your unexpired license or identification card, two proofs of address, and if you have it your renewal card to a driver’s license office to get the Real ID.If it has a “no” next to Real ID, present the documents listed below to receive Real ID.Kansans have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card.&nbsp;For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, outside of their renewal period, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $8. &nbsp;Kansans have the ability to renew a license or identification card a year in advance of its expiration date.To obtain a REAL ID:

Federal regulations require that the Division of Vehicles must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:

While AAA Kansas retail branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA Travel Agents are on hand to discuss any questions that AAA members or the general public may have about the program.&nbsp;AAA Kansas retail travel offices have REAL ID information cards available for travelers. Additionally, travelers can consult&nbsp;the Kansas Department of Revenue’s&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281630&amp;Action=Follow+Link">REAL ID web page</a>for additional information.AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 349,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281629&amp;Action=Follow+Link">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281628&amp;Action=Follow+Link">www.AAA.com</a>.

AAAKansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas suggest ways to prepare for the changes Kansas travelers will face next year.TOPEKA, Kan. – Jan. 3, 2020 – REAL ID has arrived in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas advise that travelers consider their options now ahead of this year’s nationwide enforcement of the federal program.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/523962/vcsPRAsset_523962_98601_8f5b7816-29ea-4808-9ef7-8e0363a1fe2c_0.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access a Federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant.&nbsp;The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.“The requirement for REAL ID to fly will be here before we know it,” says Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas.&nbsp;“To avoid being caught off-guard, now is the time for Kansans to decide whether they’ll upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or whether they’ll use a passport instead.”&nbsp;Since 2007, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has been preparing for implementation of Real ID. In 2017, the Division began issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with the Real ID symbol at the top of license or identification cards.If you provided the needed documentation since 2007, you may already be ready for Real ID. To see if you are already in the system, simply go to&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281631&amp;Action=Follow+Link">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx</a>&nbsp;to get a driver’s license status check.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/523962/vcsPRAsset_523962_98602_1489417b-5f36-43b6-8330-3fc937b56552_0.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you don’t have the Real ID logo on your credential but it has a “yes” next to Real ID on the status check website, you are compliant and ready to&nbsp;obtain your new indicator. Take your unexpired license or identification card, two proofs of address, and if you have it your renewal card to a driver’s license office to get the Real ID.If it has a “no” next to Real ID, present the documents listed below to receive Real ID.Kansans have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card.&nbsp;For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, outside of their renewal period, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $8. &nbsp;Kansans have the ability to renew a license or identification card a year in advance of its expiration date.To obtain a REAL ID:<ol>
 <li>Visit any Kansas Driver’s License Office to have documents verified and imaged.&nbsp;Then, the REAL ID will be received in the mail within 45 business days.</li>
 </ol>Federal regulations require that the Division of Vehicles must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:<ol>
 <li>Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).</li><li>Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).</li><li>Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificate or court order issued by your county’s family court).</li><li>Two proofs of current, physical Kansas address (examples include a current, unexpired Kansas driver’s license or ID and a no more than 90-day-old bank statement or utility bill).</li>
 </ol>While AAA Kansas retail branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA Travel Agents are on hand to discuss any questions that AAA members or the general public may have about the program.&nbsp;AAA Kansas retail travel offices have REAL ID information cards available for travelers. Additionally, travelers can consult&nbsp;the Kansas Department of Revenue’s&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281630&amp;Action=Follow+Link">REAL ID web page</a>for additional information.AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 349,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281629&amp;Action=Follow+Link">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281628&amp;Action=Follow+Link">www.AAA.com</a>.

REAL ID: Time for air travelers to get real

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a report of forgery, identity theft, and attempted theft in the 100 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan, according to Riley County Police.

Just after 6:30p.m. October 10, a suspect identified as Maggie Ann Lyon, 25, Englewood, Colorado, attempted to open a business account with AT&amp;T to obtain electronics.&nbsp; In addition to AT&amp;T, Metro Denver Sprinkler LLC is also listed as a victim in the alleged crime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Thursday, police in Manhattan arrested Lyon on requested charges of "Forgery; Possess with intent to distribute written instrument; 1st conviction, Attempted theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Pocket-Picking  and Making false information Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &gt; $100,000."&nbsp; &nbsp;She is being held on a$25,000 Bond, according to the Riley County Police Department Report.

Lyon was on parole after three convictions on similar charges at cell phone stores in Mesa and El Paso County Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578102590018.png" alt="Lyon photo Colorado Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Lyon photo Colorado Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a report of forgery, identity theft, and attempted theft in the 100 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan, according to Riley County Police.Just after 6:30p.m. October 10, a suspect identified as Maggie Ann Lyon, 25, Englewood, Colorado, attempted to open a business account with AT&amp;T to obtain electronics.&nbsp; In addition to AT&amp;T, Metro Denver Sprinkler LLC is also listed as a victim in the alleged crime.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, police in Manhattan arrested Lyon on requested charges of "Forgery; Possess with intent to distribute written instrument; 1st conviction, Attempted theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Pocket-Picking and Making false information Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &gt; $100,000."&nbsp; &nbsp;She is being held on a$25,000 Bond, according to the Riley County Police Department Report.Lyon was on parole after three convictions on similar charges at cell phone stores in Mesa and El Paso County Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Colorado felon jailed for alleged forgery at Kan. cell phone store

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iran has vowed “harsh retaliation” for a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad’s airport that killed Tehran’s top general and the architect of its interventions across the Middle East, as tensions soared in the wake of the targeted killing.

The killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, marks a major escalation in the standoff between Washington and Iran, which has careened from one crisis to another since President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed crippling sanctions.

The United States urged its U.S. citizens to leave Iraq “immediately.” The State Department said the embassy in Baghdad, which was attacked by Iran-backed militiamen and other protesters earlier this week, is closed and all consular services have been suspended.

Around 5,200 American troops are based in Iraq, where they mainly train Iraqi forces and help to combat Islamic State militants.

Iran also summoned the Swiss charges d’affaires, who represents U.S. interests in Tehran, to protest the killing. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called the strike “an act of state terrorism and violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.”

The killing, and any forceful retaliation by Iran, could ignite a conflict that engulfs the whole region, endangering U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and beyond. Over the last two decades, Soleimani had assembled a network of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e15c6b470ff3baeaa99a4dfc77ca3ef2">heavily armed allies&nbsp;</a>stretching all the way to southern Lebanon, on Israel’s doorstep.

However, the brazen killing may itself act as a deterrent, with fears of an all-out war leading Iran and its allies to delay or restrain any potential response.

Oil prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddf7133df1045cf20c08a2f537d16db5">surged</a>&nbsp;on news of the killing and markets were mixed.

The Defense Department said it killed Soleimani because he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.” It also accused Soleimani of approving the orchestrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5c01f233f4a80281e8b65259352a878c">violent protests</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad earlier this week.

The airport strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c75c5067d0acb8857e52d98e17dbe97">also killed</a>&nbsp;Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. A PMF official said the strike killed a total of eight people, including Soleimani’s son-in-law, whom he did not identify.

Trump was vacationing on his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, but sent out a tweet of an American flag.

The dramatic attack comes at the start of a year in which Trump faces both a Senate trial following his impeachment by the Congress and a re-election campaign. It marks a potential turning point in the Middle East and represents a drastic change for American policy toward Iran after months of tensions.

Tehran shot down a U.S. military surveillance drone and seized oil tankers last year. The U.S. also blames Iran for a series of other attacks targeting tankers, as well as a September assault on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry that temporarily halved its production.

The tensions are rooted in in Trump’s decision in May 2018 to withdraw the U.S. from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, struck under his predecessor, Barack Obama.

The 62-year-old Soleimani was the target of Friday’s attack on an access road near the airport, which was conducted by an armed American drone, according to a U.S. official.

A senior Iraqi security official said the airstrike took place near the cargo area after Soleimani had disembarked from a plane arriving from either Syria or Lebanon. PMF officials said the bodies of Suleimani and al-Muhandis were torn to pieces. A senior politician said Soleimani’s body was identified by the ring he wore.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

It’s unclear what legal authority the U.S. relied on to carry out the attack. American presidents claim broad authority to act without the approval of the Congress when U.S. personnel or interests are facing an imminent threat. The Pentagon did not provide evidence to back up its assertion that Soleimani was planning new attacks against Americans.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the “highest priority” was to protect American lives and interests, but that “we cannot put the lives of American service members, diplomats and others further at risk by engaging in provocative and disproportionate actions.” She said Congress was not consulted on the strike and demanded it be “immediately” briefed on the next steps.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Trump had “tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox,” saying it could leave the U.S. “on the brink of a major conflict across the Middle East.” Other Democratic White House hopefuls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5e5fd58224c5553b3fc3930c0e3fdec3">also criticized</a>&nbsp;Trump’s order.

But Trump allies were quick to praise the action. “To the Iranian government: if you want more, you will get more,” tweeted South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The killing promised to strain relations with Iraq’s government, which is closely allied with both Washington and Tehran. Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi condemned the strike as an “aggression against Iraq” and a “blatant attack on the nation’s dignity.”

He also called for an emergency session of parliament to take “necessary and appropriate measures to protect Iraq’s dignity, security and sovereignty” on Saturday, when funerals will be held in Baghdad for al-Muhandis, the militia commander, and the other slain Iraqis.

Russia condemned the killing, and fellow Security Council member China said it was “highly concerned.” Britain’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab acknowledged the “aggressive threat” posed by the Quds force but urged restraint, saying “further conflict is in none of our interests.”

Iraq has been gripped by massive anti-government protests since October, partly against Iran’s influence over the country. But at least one protester, who asked not to be named for security concerns, said they “do not celebrate” the killing of Soleimani.

“America and Iran should solve their problems outside Iraq,” he said. “We do not want them to solve it inside Iraq, because this will not serve our cause.”

The Syrian government, which has received key support from Iran throughout the civil war, also condemned the strike, saying it could lead to a “dangerous escalation” in the region.

Hassan Nasrallah, head of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, called on “the resistance the world over” to avenge Soleimani’s killing.

In the Gaza Strip, the ruling Hamas militant group offered its “sincerest condolences” to Iran, saying Soleimani had “played a major and critical role in supporting Palestinian resistance at all levels.”

There was no immediate reaction from Israel, which views Iran as its greatest threat. Authorities closed the Mount Hermon ski resort near the borders with Lebanon and Syria as a precaution but didn’t announce any other security measures. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he was cutting short a trip to Greece to return home and follow “ongoing developments.”

Yoel Guzansky, an expert on Iran at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, a prestigious Tel Aviv think tank, said the killing restored America’s deterrence powers in the Middle East.

“I think the Iranians are shocked now, the Russians, the Chinese, no one would believe Trump would do that,” he said, adding that Iran, in the short run, was likely to retaliate against the U.S. or its allies, and possibly against Israel. But he said in the long run, the loss of Soleimani — who had also been on Israel’s radar for some time — would weaken Iran’s capabilities across the region.

For Iran, the killing represents the loss of a cultural icon who represented national pride and resilience while facing U.S. sanctions. While careful to avoid involving himself in politics, Soleimani’s profile rose sharply as the U.S. and Israel blamed him for Iranian proxy attacks abroad.

While Iran’s conventional military has suffered under 40 years of American sanctions, the Guard has built up a ballistic missile program. It also can strike asymmetrically in the region through forces like Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

As the head of the Quds, or Jersualem, Force of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Soleimani led all of its expeditionary forces and frequently shuttled between Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. Quds Force members have deployed into Syria’s long war to support President Bashar Assad, as well as into Iraq in the wake of the 2003 U.S. invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, a longtime foe of Tehran.

Soleimani rose to even greater prominence by advising forces fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and in Syria.

U.S. officials say the Guard under Soleimani taught Iraqi militants how to manufacture and use especially deadly roadside bombs against U.S. troops after the invasion of Iraq. Iran has denied that.

Soleimani’s killing follows the New Year’s Eve protests orchestrated by Iran-backed militias at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which were not related to the anti-government demonstrations.

The two-day embassy attack, which ended Wednesday, prompted Trump to order about 750 U.S. troops deployed to the Middle East. No one was killed or wounded in the protests, which breached the compound but appeared to be mainly a show of force.

The breach at the embassy followed U.S. airstrikes Sunday that killed 25 fighters of Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia operating in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. military said the strikes were in retaliation for last week’s killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that the U.S. blamed on the militia.

U.S. officials have suggested they are prepared to engage in further retaliatory attacks in Iraq.

“The game has changed,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday.

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday that the U.S. military has killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, at the direction of President Donald Trump.

An airstrike killed Soleimani, architect of Iran’s regional security apparatus, at Baghdad’s international airport Friday, Iranian state television and three Iraqi officials said, an attack that’s expected to draw severe Iranian retaliation against Israel and American interests.

The Defense Department said Soleimani “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.” It also accused Soleimani of approving the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad earlier this week.

A statement released late Thursday by the Pentagon said the strike on Soleimani “was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans.”

The strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, Iraqi officials said. The PMF media arm said the two were killed in an American airstrike that targeted their vehicle on the road to the airport.

Citing a Revolutionary Guard statement, Iranian state television said Soleimani was “martyred” in an attack by U.S. helicopters near the airport, without elaborating.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who was vacationing on his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, but sent out a tweet of an American flag.

Their deaths are a potential turning point in the Middle East and if the U.S. carried them out, it represents a drastic change for American policy toward Iran after months of tensions.

Tehran shot down a U.S. military surveillance drone and seized oil tankers. Meanwhile, the U.S. blames Iran for a series of attacks targeting tankers, as well as a September assault on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry that temporarily halved its production.

The tensions take root in Trump’s decision in May 2018 to withdraw the U.S. from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, struck under his predecessor.

A senior Iraqi politician and a high-level security official confirmed to The Associated Press that Soleimani and al-Muhandis were among those killed in the attack shortly after midnight. Two militia leaders loyal to Iran also confirmed the deaths, including an official with the Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which was involved in the New Year’s Eve attack by Iran-backed militias on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said al-Muhandis had arrived to the airport in a convoy along with others to receive Soleimani, whose plane had arrived from either Lebanon or Syria. The airstrike took place near the cargo area after he left the plane to be greeted by al-Muhandis and others.

Two officials from the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces said Suleimani’s body was torn to pieces in the attack while they did not find the body of al-Muhandis. Asenior politician said Soleimani’s body was identified by the ring he wore.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject and because they were not authorized to give official statements.

As the head of the Quds, or Jersualem, Force of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Soleimani led all of its expeditionary forces. Quds Force members have deployed into Syria’s long war to support President Bashar Assad, as well as into Iraq in the wake of the 2003 U.S. invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, a longtime foe of Tehran.

Soleimani rose to prominence by advising forces fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and in Syria on behalf of the embattled Assad.

U.S. officials say the Guard under Soleimani taught Iraqi militants how to manufacture and use especially deadly roadside bombs against U.S. troops after the invasion of Iraq. Iran has denied that. Soleimani himself remains popular among many Iranians, who see him as a selfless hero fighting Iran’s enemies abroad.

Soleimani had been rumored dead several times, including in a 2006 airplane crash that killed other military officials in northwestern Iran and following a 2012 bombing in Damascus that killed top aides of Assad. Rumors circulated in November 2015 that Soleimani was killed or seriously wounded leading forces loyal to Assad as they fought around Syria’s Aleppo.

Earlier Friday, an official with the Popular Mobilization Forces said seven people were killed by a missile fired at Baghdad International Airport, blaming the United States.

The official with the group known as the Popular Mobilization Forces said the dead included its airport protocol officer, identifying him as Mohammed Reda.

A security official confirmed that seven people were killed in the attack on the airport, describing it as an airstrike. Earlier, Iraq’s Security Media Cell, which releases information regarding Iraqi security, said Katyusha rockets landed near the airport’s cargo hall, killing several people and setting two cars on fire.

It was not immediately clear who fired the missile or rockets or who was targeted. There was no immediate comment from the U.S.

The attack came amid tensions with the United States after a New Year’s Eve attack by Iran-backed militias on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The two-day embassy attack which ended Wednesday prompted President Donald Trump to order about 750 U.S. soldiers deployed to the Middle East.

It also prompted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to postpone his trip to Ukraine and four other countries “to continue monitoring the ongoing situation in Iraq and ensure the safety and security of Americans in the Middle East,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday.

The breach at the embassy followed U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25 fighters of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq, the Kataeb Hezbollah. The U.S. military said the strikes were in retaliation for last week’s killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that the U.S. blamed on the militia.

U.S. officials have suggested they were prepared to engage in further retaliatory attacks in Iraq.