Roberta Josephine 'Tinker' Jacobs, 89, of
Aurora, Colo., passed away on March 28, 2024. She was born July 23, 1934 to
Simon and Ida Jacobs, in Hays, one of six children.

A 1952 graduate
from Hays High School, Tinker helped blaze a trail for women while becoming a
renowned biochemist after earning a B.A. degree at the Fort Hays Kansas State
College (now FHSU) in 1956 with a major in biology and minor in zoology.

She spent her career researching immunology possibilities with a focus on finding ways to
improve treatments for arthritis and lupus, among other health issues. While
working at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in the 1980s, at least
three of her research papers were published in the Journal of Immunological
Methods. She retired from her career as a research scientist from the&nbsp;University
of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver.

Throughout
her career, she continued to teach and learn while earning multiple post-graduate degrees. Beginning at the University
of Buffalo with an M. Med in medicine (1962), continuing at the University of
Kansas with an M. Arts in biology (1966), and concluding at the State
University of New York-Buffalo with a Ph.D. in biochemistry (1980), Tinker was
focused on helping others.

When
not studying or working, Tinker spent time hiking and cycling, honing her
photography skills, and caring for a collection of pets, including her beloved
‘Little Guy’ after retiring in the Denver area. While living in Oklahoma City,
Okla., she became a handywoman as she worked through the process of fixing
problems and making improvements as a homeowner.

She
is survived by her sister, Stephanie Schumacher (Leon) of Hays, four nephews,
seven nieces, and 12 great-nephews and great-nieces. She was preceded in death
by her parents, Simon and Ida (Linenberger) Jacobs, brothers David Jacobs,
Leroy Jacobs and Norman Jacobs, sister Verna Lou (Jacobs) LaBan, and two nieces,
Robin LaBan White and Stacey Schumacher Badger.

A
memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on October 26, 2024 in the St.
Joseph Cemetery in Hays, Kansas. &nbsp;Please
contact Stephanie Schumacher or Scott Schumacher for more information.

In lieu of
flowers or other gifts, please consider making a donation to the Aurora (Colorado)
Animal Shelter. &nbsp;Donations can be sent by
mail or made online. To donate by check payable to the Aurora Animal Shelter,
mail it to: 15750 E. 32nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011. To donate online, go to: <a href="https://licensepet.com/wl3/don/aurowd/457">https://licensepet.com/wl3/don/aurowd/457</a>.&nbsp;
Condolences and memories of Tinker may be shared with her family at <a href="www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729699624358.jpeg" alt="Roberta Josephine 'Tinker'Jacobs" />
 <figcaption>Roberta Josephine 'Tinker'Jacobs</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberta Josephine 'Tinker' Jacobs, 89, of
Aurora, Colo., passed away on March 28, 2024. She was born July 23, 1934 to
Simon and Ida Jacobs, in Hays, one of six children.A 1952 graduate
from Hays High School, Tinker helped blaze a trail for women while becoming a
renowned biochemist after earning a B.A. degree at the Fort Hays Kansas State
College (now FHSU) in 1956 with a major in biology and minor in zoology.She spent her career researching immunology possibilities with a focus on finding ways to
improve treatments for arthritis and lupus, among other health issues. While
working at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in the 1980s, at least
three of her research papers were published in the Journal of Immunological
Methods. She retired from her career as a research scientist from the&nbsp;University
of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver.Throughout
her career, she continued to teach and learn while earning multiple post-graduate degrees. Beginning at the University
of Buffalo with an M. Med in medicine (1962), continuing at the University of
Kansas with an M. Arts in biology (1966), and concluding at the State
University of New York-Buffalo with a Ph.D. in biochemistry (1980), Tinker was
focused on helping others.When
not studying or working, Tinker spent time hiking and cycling, honing her
photography skills, and caring for a collection of pets, including her beloved
‘Little Guy’ after retiring in the Denver area. While living in Oklahoma City,
Okla., she became a handywoman as she worked through the process of fixing
problems and making improvements as a homeowner.She
is survived by her sister, Stephanie Schumacher (Leon) of Hays, four nephews,
seven nieces, and 12 great-nephews and great-nieces. She was preceded in death
by her parents, Simon and Ida (Linenberger) Jacobs, brothers David Jacobs,
Leroy Jacobs and Norman Jacobs, sister Verna Lou (Jacobs) LaBan, and two nieces,
Robin LaBan White and Stacey Schumacher Badger.A
memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on October 26, 2024 in the St.
Joseph Cemetery in Hays, Kansas. &nbsp;Please
contact Stephanie Schumacher or Scott Schumacher for more information.In lieu of
flowers or other gifts, please consider making a donation to the Aurora (Colorado)
Animal Shelter. &nbsp;Donations can be sent by
mail or made online. To donate by check payable to the Aurora Animal Shelter,
mail it to: 15750 E. 32nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011. To donate online, go to: <a href="https://licensepet.com/wl3/don/aurowd/457">https://licensepet.com/wl3/don/aurowd/457</a>.&nbsp;
Condolences and memories of Tinker may be shared with her family at <a href="www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

Roberta Josephine 'Tinker'Jacobs

Wednesday, October 23
 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Friday, October 25
 KKQY: Victoria FB at Hodgeman County, 6:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Liberal, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Plainville, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Arkansas (exhibition), 7:30pm

Saturday, October 26
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Missouri Southern State,
12:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB at Kansas State, TBD

Sunday, October 27
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Vegas Raiders,
2:00pm

Wednesday, October 23
 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 26 noneFriday, October 25
 KKQY: Victoria FB at Hodgeman County, 6:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Liberal, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Plainville, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Arkansas (exhibition), 7:30pmSaturday, October 26
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Missouri Southern State,
12:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB at Kansas State, TBDSunday, October 27
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Vegas Raiders,
2:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a home burglary and made an arrest.

Just after 8p.m. October 19, sheriff’s deputies responded to a residential alarm in the 30500 block of South Stubbs Road, near Quenemo, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Deputies discovered that the residence had been burglarized. Information was gathered from a neighbor, the homeowner, and surveillance cameras that revealed suspect and vehicle descriptions.

On October 20, a deputy patrolling Quenemo located a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle used in the burglary. Deputies contacted 44-year-old Travis King at a residence in the 100 block of South 8th Street in Quenemo. A search warrant for King’s residence was executed, revealing items taken from the burglary on Stubbs Road. All items were recovered.

&nbsp;King was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Burglary and Criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729539942799.png" alt="King-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>King-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a home burglary and made an arrest.Just after 8p.m. October 19, sheriff’s deputies responded to a residential alarm in the 30500 block of South Stubbs Road, near Quenemo, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.Deputies discovered that the residence had been burglarized. Information was gathered from a neighbor, the homeowner, and surveillance cameras that revealed suspect and vehicle descriptions.On October 20, a deputy patrolling Quenemo located a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle used in the burglary. Deputies contacted 44-year-old Travis King at a residence in the 100 block of South 8th Street in Quenemo. A search warrant for King’s residence was executed, revealing items taken from the burglary on Stubbs Road. All items were recovered.&nbsp;King was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Burglary and Criminal damage to property.

Deputies recover items taken in Kansas home burglary

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.

“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.

“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”

Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.

“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.

He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.

Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.

“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.

Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.

Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.

Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.

The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.

Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.

He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.

In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.

In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.

He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.

During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.

In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.

“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”

He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. <a href="https://t.co/MXeBlDzDWJ">pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848930562515615870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. <a href="https://t.co/zXhOF8cRCP">pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848942975432462707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.He became a U.S. citizen in 2015.Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

With less than two weeks before the 2024 presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;are hitting the campaign trail in strategic battleground states.

Obama says America doesn't need ‘older, loonier’ version of Trump in office

Obama took the stage in Detroit alongside rapper Eminem, joking that he doesn’t often get nervous but that he “noticed my palms are sweaty,” in a reference to Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself.”

Obama focused the opening of his remarks on Donald Trump, saying that the country doesn’t need to see an “older, loonier,” version of Trump “with no guardrails.”

Trump concludes North Carolina rally with familiar refrains

Trump has concluded a dark political rally in Greensboro where he bemoaned the state of North Carolina’s economy, warned about the prospects of war if his opponent is elected and hurled personal insults at Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump wrapped up the packed event by asserting that world events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the Hamas raid of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, would never have happened if he were in office.

“All these things never would have never happened,” Trump claimed.

“I will end the war in Ukraine very quickly, I will stop the chaos in the Middle East and I will prevent World War III from happening. We’re so close,” Trump said.

Tulsi Gabbard says she's now a Republican

Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says she is officially joining the Republican Party.

Gabbard ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, but broke from the party and has endorsed Trump.

She says during an appearance at his rally in North Carolina that Trump is “our best and only hope in this election.”

Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly says the former president fits the ‘general definition of fascist'

Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly says the former president — his former boss — “certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure.” Speaking to the New York Times, Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, told the paper that Trump “certainly prefers the dictator approach to government.”

They marked the former top aides’ most extended public comments about the former Republican president and the party’s 2024 nominee for the White House. Kelly declined to endorse any candidate for the White House, but told the paper, “it’s a very dangerous thing to have the wrong person elected to high office.”

Trump is lashing out at former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who has been campaigning with Kamala Harris in a bid to appeal to Republican voters who are uneasy about Trump.

Trump says of Cheney that “her father brought years of war and death to the Middle East.” He was referring to former Vice President Dick Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush.

He asserted that Harris would do poorly in Michigan for aligning with Cheney.

“Why would a Muslim or why would an Arab want to vote for someone that has Liz Cheney as her hero,” Trump said.

Trump has a long history of Islamophobic rhetoric, including, at one point, calling for a ban on Muslims entering the country during his 2016 campaign.

Eniminem joins Harris rally in native Michigan

Eminem welcomes former President Barack Obama to the stage in Detroit as the Detroit rapper’s “Lose Yourself” plays.

Trump campaign focuses on immigration and border security in campaign's final stretch

Trump in a campaign rally is focusing heavily on border security and claiming that illegal immigrants are taking jobs from African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

Economic data shows Black and Hispanic unemployment at the lower end of recent decades. In September, the unemployment rate stood at 5.7% for Blacks and 5.1% for Hispanics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unemployment rates for both populations have plummeted since the pandemic.

Just before the pandemic, the unemployment rate for African Americans was 5.6% in December 2019 and 4.2% for Hispanics that same month.

Trump says campaign may do more big city rallies before Election Day

Trump says that Madison Square Garden isn’t the only big city mega rally he’s hoping to hold as he closes out his third campaign for the White House.

He says his staff are looking at booking big arenas in Atlanta as well as Philadelphia, after his event in liberal Manhattan this coming Sunday.

Trump is also waxing nostalgic that his campaigning days are coming to a close.

“It’s sad because we’re sort of wrapping it up,” he says. “We’re wrapping up something that has been incredible.”

He adds: “It’s been great to be with you and now we want to close it out with a beautiful bang.”

Trump has said that, regardless of what happens, he does not plan to run again - though he has been known to change his mind.

Trump campaign sizes on Biden's ‘lock him up' remark

Trump’s campaign is seizing on President Joe Biden saying “lock him up” in reference to Trump during an appearance in New Hampshire.

“Joe Biden just admitted the truth: he and Kamala’s plan all along has been to politically persecute their opponent President Trump because they can’t beat him fair and square,” said Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, calling on Harris to “condemn Joe Biden’s disgraceful remark.”

Biden, during his appearance, had been casting Trump as a threat to Democracy when he made the remark.

“Politically lock him up,” Biden continued. “Lock him out, that’s what we have to do.”

Trump has routinely blamed Biden for the indictments against him, though there is no evidence the president had anything to do with them.

Trump says North Carolina will be ‘wasteland’ under Harris but data says otherwise

Trump is portraying the nation’s economy as in shambles during a campaign stop in Greensboro, N.C. He claims that “with four more years of Kamala Harris, North Carolina will be an economic wasteland.”

But that’s in contrast to a CNBC study earlier this year that named North Carolina as the second best state to do business, and it’s been in the top three of CNBC’s survey for five years in a row.

The state’s Department of Commerce says that since 2017, North Carolina has announced more than 115,300 jobs and promised capital investments of $53.45 billion. Major projects have been announced by companies including Apple, Toyota and Wolfspeed.

Trump urges rallygoers to vote and — again — floats election conspiracies

Trump is kicking off his rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, by asking his audience if they’re better off now than they were four years ago. And he’s going after Harris, calling her the country’s worst-ever vice president and “a radical left lunatic.”

He’s calling the country “a failing nation” and saying this election “is a choice between whether we will have four more years of incompetent failure and disaster, or whether we’ll begin the four greatest years in the history of our country.”

“We’re going to take care of you. We’re going to work together”

Trump is urging those who were displaced by Hurricane Helene to visit his campaign’s website to see how they can vote.

Trump’s team and Republicans have backed a series of modifications to make it easier for those in the state to vote, despite having railed against changes so that people could more safely vote during the pandemic.

He says his supporters need to make the election “too big too rig.”

Trump tells North Carolina that he will fix the state post-Helene if elected

Trump is speaking to supporters at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, saying he’s seen a lot of the state lately and has followed the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

Trump began his rally complaining that the state’s residents “haven’t had much help from our government in Washington. I can tell you that.”

He says that following Jan. 20th, “you’re going to be seeing a lot of me. We’re going to fix it up and make it better than ever.”

Harris says she will build an economy that 'supports the working class'

In an interview with Telemundo, Harris said she will help construct an economy that “supports the working class.”

The Spanish-language news channel spoke to Harris in English, but her interview was dubbed into Spanish for listeners. In response to claims by Donald Trump that she’s a socialist, she said she was a “capitalist. A pragmatic capitalist.”

And she said she would focus on bringing capital to community banks to help Latino men get small business loans

Harris says Biden is ‘capable in every way’ to be president

Harris says she still believes Joe Biden is “capable in every way” of being president, after his disastrous debate against Trump forced him to abandon his reelection campaign, clearing the way for her to become the Democratic nominee for president.

Speaking to NBC News, Harris says “you’d have to ask him if that’s the only reason why” he dropped out of the race, but that she has “no reluctance” in saying he’s up for the job.

Harris says she won't entertain hypotheticals about a Trump pardon

Harris says she’s not going to “get into those hypotheticals” about potentially pardoning Trump if she wins the White House. Trump has been convicted in a New York hush money trial and faces federal charges over his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Asked if she thought pardoning Trump would help the country move on, she says, “Let me tell you what’s going to help us move on. I get elected President of the United States.”

Harris says she doesn’t want religious exceptions in restoring abortion access

Harris tells NBC News she doesn’t believe that religious exceptions should be granted as Democrats look to restore a national right to abortion. Harris says she’s not “going to engage in hypotheticals” about negotiations with Congress, but appears to reject having a carve-out for providers with a religious objection to providing abortions. “I don’t think we should be making concessions when we’re talking about a fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body,” she says.

Harris says she’s not focused on highlighting historic candidacy

Harris says she’s not focused on pointing out the historic nature of her candidacy. She tells NBC News: “I’m clearly a woman, I don’t need to point that out to anyone.”

Harris would be the first woman elected to the White House if she wins. She says she’s not worried about sexism harming her candidacy, saying she’s focused on speaking to all voters.

“I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race, instead that that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges and to inspire people,” she said.

Harris says lowering costs will be feature of her administration

Vice President Kamala Harris says that if elected she will be more focused on lowering costs for American families than President Joe Biden.

Speaking to NBC News, Harris says: “Mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration. I bring my own experiences, my own ideas to it, and it has informed a number of my areas of focus.” She added that those focus areas are on “lowering costs.”

Biden says Trump is a ‘genuine threat to democracy’

President Joe Biden has laid into his predecessor, Donald Trump, declaring during a visit to New Hampshire that the former president is a “genuine threat to democracy.”

Biden gave a speech focused on prescription drug prices but used the end to suggest that world leaders are terrified of a second Trump term. He said they often pull him aside at summits and quietly wonder what a Trump return to the White House will do to democratic rule around the world.

Biden got so wrapped up in his criticism that he declared at one point of Trump, “lock him up,” echoing similar calls that some supporters make at the rallies of Vice

“Politically lock him up,” Biden continued over applause from attendees. “Lock him out, that’s what we have to do.”

More than 19 million people have already cast ballots in the presidential election

Record numbers of people are voting early, driven partly by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/early-vote-records-trump-harris-1c219d0d27d56996388f2e2be5a58fac">a surge of Republicans</a>&nbsp;convinced to do so by Donald Trump. Trump previously turned his party off voting early with his election lies, but he’s changed direction this year and now encourages it.

The early vote doesn’t tell you who’s going to win an election. You just know who’s casting a ballot, not who they’re voting for. Wait until Election night to find that out.

▶ Meanwhile, you can see who’s voting in your state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/2024-early-voting-tracker/">here</a>.

Biden urges people to vote, saying ‘so much at stake’

Biden veered into talking about the election as he closed his prescription speech in New Hampshire.

“Folks, there’s so much at stake so please call your neighbors, get your friends, get your relatives,” the president said, urging people to vote in the presidential election.

Biden made veiled references to Trump when he said that every world leader he meets pulls him aside to tell him they don’t want Trump to win.

“If America walks away, who leads the world? Who?” Biden asked his audience.

Biden goes after Trump on health care policies

Biden is criticizing Trump on the issue of health care, specifically the former president’s attempts to unravel the Affordable Care Act.

The president is in Concord, New Hampshire, to talk about prescription drug savings under the Inflation Reduction Act he signed into law.

Biden noted that Trump recently said he has “concepts of a plan” when he was asked about his plans for health care in the United States.

Said Biden of Trump, “He has no concept of anything. No plan.”

h voter safety initiative ahead of Election Day

Trump hosts Latino supporters, holds rally; Harris tapes TV interviews

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year pink ribbons intertwine throughout the media. These small symbols represent the big issue of breast cancer and those affected by the disease. And there’s good reason to raise awareness as breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S. In fact, one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point. In Kansas, it’s the top diagnosed invasive cancer.

The statistics are high. What would you do if you knew your chances of developing breast cancer were increased?

Your lifestyle can play a large role in overall health, and specifically, there are ways to take action to reduce your risk of breast cancer:

· Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight in the upper body is shown to increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

· Breastfeed. It’s not always possible for moms to breastfeed, but for those who can, it can offer some protection against cancer.

· Minimize post-menopausal hormone treatment. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider, but understand the risks of hormone replacement therapy.

· Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Good nutrition protects against cancer at the cellular level. Look for antioxidant-rich foods like berries, spinach, walnuts, and green tea.

· Get enough physical activity. Studies show that women who exercise four or more hours per week have a lower risk of breast cancer than less active women.

Like all diseases, some risk factors, such as genetic makeup and family history, are uncontrollable. In this case, embracing a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk is especially important. Along with this, regular breast exams can be lifesaving. In fact, women aged 45-54 should get a mammogram every year.

Unfortunately, breast cancer is common, and you likely know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease. But with advances in research and early detection, there are more survivors of breast cancer every year.

So, continue to spread awareness and proudly wear pink. Support those who battle breast cancer, and encourage healthy behaviors to reduce your risk. With conscious efforts, together we can help to make breast cancer less common in years to come.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictOctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year pink ribbons intertwine throughout the media. These small symbols represent the big issue of breast cancer and those affected by the disease. And there’s good reason to raise awareness as breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S. In fact, one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point. In Kansas, it’s the top diagnosed invasive cancer.The statistics are high. What would you do if you knew your chances of developing breast cancer were increased?Your lifestyle can play a large role in overall health, and specifically, there are ways to take action to reduce your risk of breast cancer:· Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight in the upper body is shown to increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.· Breastfeed. It’s not always possible for moms to breastfeed, but for those who can, it can offer some protection against cancer.· Minimize post-menopausal hormone treatment. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider, but understand the risks of hormone replacement therapy.· Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Good nutrition protects against cancer at the cellular level. Look for antioxidant-rich foods like berries, spinach, walnuts, and green tea.· Get enough physical activity. Studies show that women who exercise four or more hours per week have a lower risk of breast cancer than less active women.Like all diseases, some risk factors, such as genetic makeup and family history, are uncontrollable. In this case, embracing a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk is especially important. Along with this, regular breast exams can be lifesaving. In fact, women aged 45-54 should get a mammogram every year.Unfortunately, breast cancer is common, and you likely know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease. But with advances in research and early detection, there are more survivors of breast cancer every year.So, continue to spread awareness and proudly wear pink. Support those who battle breast cancer, and encourage healthy behaviors to reduce your risk. With conscious efforts, together we can help to make breast cancer less common in years to come.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Reduce your risk of breast cancer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man wanted on a warrant is now also facing drug charges.

Just after 9:30a.m. October 20, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;observed a traffic violation by the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe near NW 35th Street and NWRochester Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the passenger had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and illegal narcotics were located.

Matthew S. Field, 55, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested&nbsp;charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Operating a vehicle without registration, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insurance

Field also had a warrant for his arrest out of the City of Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729597706277.png" alt="Fields photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Fields photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man wanted on a warrant is now also facing drug charges.Just after 9:30a.m. October 20, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;observed a traffic violation by the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe near NW 35th Street and NWRochester Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, it was discovered that the passenger had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and illegal narcotics were located.Matthew S. Field, 55, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested&nbsp;charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Operating a vehicle without registration, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insuranceField also had a warrant for his arrest out of the City of Topeka.

Wanted Kansas suspect caught transporting illegal drugs

Lillian Pfeifer, beloved mother, aunt, and friend, passed away
peacefully at her home on October 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones and
caregivers. Born on March 26, 1931, in Hays, Kansas, Lillian was a shining
light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Throughout life, Lillian exemplified what it meant to have a
giving heart. As a dedicated NICU nurse, she devoted herself to caring for
newborns, always bringing a sense of comfort to anxious parents with her
unwavering compassion and gentle spirit. Her nurturing nature extended beyond
her profession; whether tending to the needs of her family or finding ways to
support her community, she was known as someone who put others before herself.

A proud graduate of Hays High School, Lillian pursued her calling
in nursing by receiving her nursing certificate, and after a lifelong career
retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno, Nevada. Her commitment to her
patients and profession was matched only by her love for her family. Lillian
radiated warmth and joy; her pleasant demeanor and ever-present smile brought
peace to those around her, creating an inclusive atmosphere filled with love.

Lillian's passion for life was manifested in countless ways. A
lover of animals and an enthusiastic snack enthusiast, she often indulged in
cookies at any given opportunity. Her zest for life was particularly evident
through her deep love for her family. She cherished precious moments spent with
her son, Larry (Brenda Werth) Pfeifer, and delighted in the company of numerous
nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Each interaction was a testament
to the bonds she cultivated, marked by laughter and shared memories.

Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred
Lawrence Pfeifer, whose memory she carried in her heart, together with her
sons: Gerald (Larry’s twin brother) and Thomas. She also leaves behind the
cherished memories of her brothers and spouses, Ralph (Delores) Hoffman and
James (Vera) Hoffman. Their spirits will forever remain intertwined with hers,
a beautiful reminder of the joy they shared during their time together.

The community is invited to celebrate Lillian's remarkable life
during a Mass held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas, on October
28, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Inurnment will follow the services in the parish
cemetery.

In a world often in need of kindness and compassion, Lillian
Pfeifer stood out as a beacon of hope, guiding those around her with love and
selflessness. Her legacy will continue to touch lives, shining brightly in the
hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: The Humane Society
of the High Plains and/or Hospice at HaysMed in care of the Funeral Home.

The Pfeifer family would like to extend a special thank you to
Sherry Feltis and Rosie Werth for the loving care and comfort they provided,
together with her Senior Companion, Mickie.

Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory -
Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Lillian's tribute
page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729627419301.jpeg" alt="Lillian Pfeifer" />
 <figcaption>Lillian Pfeifer</figcaption>
 </figure>Lillian Pfeifer, beloved mother, aunt, and friend, passed away
peacefully at her home on October 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones and
caregivers. Born on March 26, 1931, in Hays, Kansas, Lillian was a shining
light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.Throughout life, Lillian exemplified what it meant to have a
giving heart. As a dedicated NICU nurse, she devoted herself to caring for
newborns, always bringing a sense of comfort to anxious parents with her
unwavering compassion and gentle spirit. Her nurturing nature extended beyond
her profession; whether tending to the needs of her family or finding ways to
support her community, she was known as someone who put others before herself.A proud graduate of Hays High School, Lillian pursued her calling
in nursing by receiving her nursing certificate, and after a lifelong career
retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno, Nevada. Her commitment to her
patients and profession was matched only by her love for her family. Lillian
radiated warmth and joy; her pleasant demeanor and ever-present smile brought
peace to those around her, creating an inclusive atmosphere filled with love.Lillian's passion for life was manifested in countless ways. A
lover of animals and an enthusiastic snack enthusiast, she often indulged in
cookies at any given opportunity. Her zest for life was particularly evident
through her deep love for her family. She cherished precious moments spent with
her son, Larry (Brenda Werth) Pfeifer, and delighted in the company of numerous
nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Each interaction was a testament
to the bonds she cultivated, marked by laughter and shared memories.Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred
Lawrence Pfeifer, whose memory she carried in her heart, together with her
sons: Gerald (Larry’s twin brother) and Thomas. She also leaves behind the
cherished memories of her brothers and spouses, Ralph (Delores) Hoffman and
James (Vera) Hoffman. Their spirits will forever remain intertwined with hers,
a beautiful reminder of the joy they shared during their time together.The community is invited to celebrate Lillian's remarkable life
during a Mass held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas, on October
28, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Inurnment will follow the services in the parish
cemetery.In a world often in need of kindness and compassion, Lillian
Pfeifer stood out as a beacon of hope, guiding those around her with love and
selflessness. Her legacy will continue to touch lives, shining brightly in the
hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: The Humane Society
of the High Plains and/or Hospice at HaysMed in care of the Funeral Home.The Pfeifer family would like to extend a special thank you to
Sherry Feltis and Rosie Werth for the loving care and comfort they provided,
together with her Senior Companion, Mickie.Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory -
Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Lillian's tribute
page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Lillian Pfeifer

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

The largest electric utility in Kansas and western Missouri will add two natural gas plants by the end of 2030, the company announced Monday.

Evergy, which serves 1.6 million customers in the two states, plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-announces-two-new-705-mw-high-efficiency-natural-gas" target="_blank">build combined-cycle natural gas plants</a>&nbsp;— each with a 705-megawatt capacity — in two Kansas counties in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

David Campbell, Evergy’s CEO and chairman, said at a news conference in Hutchinson, Kansas, that the plants would “help maintain a diverse energy mix for our state,” ensuring “reliable, affordable, sustainable energy.”

“They’re flexible resources that can ramp production up and ramp production down based on the needs of the grid,” Campbell said, “so they pair very well with Kansas’ abundant renewable generation resources.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, lauded the announcement at the Hutchinson news conference, saying the construction of the plants would create 500 construction jobs and 165 permanent jobs. She said the plants would ensure reliable energy, including in emergencies or periods of high demand, like hot summer days.

“As Kansas continues to transition to more sustainable energy, we’re doing it responsibly,” Kelly said. “These plants are much cleaner than traditional coal plants.”

<a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/natural-gas-and-the-environment.php" target="_blank">According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration</a>, burning natural gas to create electricity produces less carbon dioxide than coal. But natural gas leaks release its primary component, methane, into the atmosphere, accounting for more than one-third of U.S. methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The announcement marks an increasing reliance on natural gas generation by Evergy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729533611500.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel speaks to the crowd assembled at the Evergy announcement on Monday at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on October 21, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel speaks to the crowd assembled at the Evergy announcement on Monday at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on October 21, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>The largest electric utility in Kansas and western Missouri will add two natural gas plants by the end of 2030, the company announced Monday.Evergy, which serves 1.6 million customers in the two states, plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-announces-two-new-705-mw-high-efficiency-natural-gas" target="_blank">build combined-cycle natural gas plants</a>&nbsp;— each with a 705-megawatt capacity — in two Kansas counties in 2029 and 2030, respectively.David Campbell, Evergy’s CEO and chairman, said at a news conference in Hutchinson, Kansas, that the plants would “help maintain a diverse energy mix for our state,” ensuring “reliable, affordable, sustainable energy.”“They’re flexible resources that can ramp production up and ramp production down based on the needs of the grid,” Campbell said, “so they pair very well with Kansas’ abundant renewable generation resources.”Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, lauded the announcement at the Hutchinson news conference, saying the construction of the plants would create 500 construction jobs and 165 permanent jobs. She said the plants would ensure reliable energy, including in emergencies or periods of high demand, like hot summer days.“As Kansas continues to transition to more sustainable energy, we’re doing it responsibly,” Kelly said. “These plants are much cleaner than traditional coal plants.”<a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/natural-gas-and-the-environment.php" target="_blank">According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration</a>, burning natural gas to create electricity produces less carbon dioxide than coal. But natural gas leaks release its primary component, methane, into the atmosphere, accounting for more than one-third of U.S. methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The announcement marks an increasing reliance on natural gas generation by Evergy.In its long-range plan filed with regulators in 2022, Evergy planned to exclusively add wind and solar facilities over the coming decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/16/evergy-slashes-planned-renewable-energy-additions-proposes-more-natural-gas/" target="_blank">A year later, it scaled back</a>&nbsp;those planned renewable energy facilities, forecasted plans to add natural gas plants and delayed the retirement of the Lawrence coal plant.<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/2024IRPUpdate" target="_blank">Evergy’s latest update</a>, filed earlier this year, almost doubles the amount of natural gas generation the utility will add between now and the early 2030s. At the same time, it increased planned wind and solar additions compared to last year’s plan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729533986696.png" alt="The plant site for the new Evergy plant is near South Hutchinson in Reno County. Graphic courtesy Evergy." />
 <figcaption>The plant site for the new Evergy plant is near South Hutchinson in Reno County. Graphic courtesy Evergy.</figcaption>
 </figure>Zack Pistora, a lobbyist for the environmental nonprofit Sierra Club, questioned whether Evergy would be able to achieve its goals to reduce emissions given its planned investments in natural gas generation.“I don’t know how a utility can claim that it’s affordable, reliable or sustainable,” he said, noting that gas prices can be volatile and natural gas outages contributed to rolling blackouts the Midwest experienced in 2021.Beyond that, he said, burning gas is harmful to the environment.Video of the press event is below.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y_sGnE26DzQ?si=_qHVqdwMkTDq5EQE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>