WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;repeatedly deflected questions as she sought during a combative congressional hearing on Tuesday to defend herself against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-justice-department-trump-bondi-bove-adams-a003af9d9aebe89cd289361a65c9401b">growing criticism</a>&nbsp;that she's turning the law enforcement agency into a weapon to seek vengeance against President Donald Trump’s political opponents.

Democrats sought to use the hearing, coming on the heels of the indictment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>, to warn of what they view as the politicization of a department that has long prided itself on remaining independent from the White House.

Bondi brushed aside with seeming disdain questions about her tumultuous tenure, flatly refusing to answer time and again as Democrats pressed her on politically charged investigations, the firings of career prosecutors and other matters. Her refusal to engage on the questions meant little if any fresh insight was offered about her actions and decisions, with Bondi instead opting to respond to Democrats' attacks by echoing conservative claims that President Joe Biden's Justice Department — which brought two criminal cases against Trump — was the one that had been weaponized.

“They were playing politics with law enforcement powers and will go down as a historic betrayal of public trust,” Bondi said of the Biden Justice Department. “This is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people’s faith in our law enforcement system. We will work to earn that back every single day.”

The hearing split early along deeply partisan lines, with Republicans repeatedly leaping to her defense to highlight the criminal cases against the president that they say show the institution she inherited was deeply politicized. They pointed to revelations from a day earlier that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">the FBI had analyzed phone records</a>&nbsp;of several Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, a Democrat.

“This is an outrage, an unconstitutional breach and ought to be immediately addressed by you and Director Patel,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the committee, told Bondi, referring to FBI Director Kash Patel.

Democrats, meanwhile, accused Bondi of destroying the department's credibility and eroding its longstanding independence from the White House as the Republican president publicly calls for the prosecution of his political foes.

“What has taken place since January 20th, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil,” Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, said of the president who resigned to avoid being impeached in connection with the Watergate scandal. “This is your legacy, Attorney General Bondi. In eight short months, you fundamentally transformed the Justice Department and left an enormous stain in American history. It will take decades to recover.”

Democrats press Bondi on her pledge not to play politics

The hearing marked Bondi's first before the panel since her confirmation hearing last January, when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-bondi-garland-01edf039f8102271943da4fb85d56fa7">pledged to not play politics</a>&nbsp;with the Justice Department — a promise Democrats pounced on as they pressed the attorney general on whether she can withstand political pressure from the White House.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, reminded Bondi of that commitment and asked her if she thought she had upheld it. Bondi replied that she believed she absolutely had.

“I pledged that I would end the weaponization also of the Justice Department and that America would once again have a one tier system of justice for all,” Bondi said. “And that is what we are doing.”

Bondi set the tone for the hearing at the outset, repeatedly snapping with a raised voice at Durbin and deflecting questions from him by pointing to the murder rate in Chicago and asserting that lawmakers from his party were responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">shutting the government down</a>.

“You’re sitting here grilling me, and they’re on their way to Chicago to keep your state safe,” Bondi said, referring to Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“Madam Attorney General,” Durbin replied, “it’s my job to grill you.”

Bondi refuses to answer questions about Comey and other matters

She refused repeatedly to discuss matters, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-homan-bribery-investigation-justice-department-461cc66955e2ba25445a9bf931250580">a bribery investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump border czar Tom Homan that was shuttered under the Trump administration. That drew the ire of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, who accused Bondi of responding with “far-right internet talking points.”

She also declined to say whether she talked to the president about the case against Comey, who was charged last month with lying to the Senate Judiciary Committee when he said he had not authorized anyone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports about a particular investigation. His indictment came just days after Trump appeared to publicly implore her on social media to take that action against him and other perceived political enemies.

“This is supposed to be an oversight hearing in which members of Congress can get serious answer to serious questions about the coverup of corruption, about the prosecution of the president’s enemies," Sen. Adam Schiff of California, a Democrat from California, said as Bondi repeatedly interrupted him. "And when will be that the members of this committee on a bipartisan basis demand answers to those questions and refuse to accept personal slander as an answer to those questions?”

Comey is set to make his first court appearance on Wednesday in the case, which was brought despite career prosecutors' reservations about the strength of evidence, after the Trump administration raced install a new prosecutor to secure the charges following the resignation under pressure of the experienced leader of that office.

The Justice Department under Bondi has opened criminal investigations into other vocal critics of the president, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-james-attorney-general-justice-department-subpoena-9dec45248df0e06b1d99ff9944e6d327">Schiff</a>&nbsp;on accusations of mortgage fraud, New York Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">Letitia James</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuomo-mamdani-jewish-nyc-mayor-a046d4a050dac37d61014062f60a5f31">Andrew Cuomo</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-justice-department-coronavirus-pam-bondi-40dcf2947f457c5b3d7be8fedab2a592">former New York governor and current mayoral candidate</a>. They have all denied wrongdoing, as has Comey, and have slammed the investigations as politically motivated.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;repeatedly deflected questions as she sought during a combative congressional hearing on Tuesday to defend herself against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-justice-department-trump-bondi-bove-adams-a003af9d9aebe89cd289361a65c9401b">growing criticism</a>&nbsp;that she's turning the law enforcement agency into a weapon to seek vengeance against President Donald Trump’s political opponents.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>&#39;s opening remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee: &quot;We learned the former FBI secretly investigated you and your colleagues... this is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people&#39;s faith in our law enforcement system. We will work to earn that back… <a href="https://t.co/Y5ZiXCTCPD">pic.twitter.com/Y5ZiXCTCPD</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1975563351452246212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Pam Bondi just DEMOLISHED Senator Blumenthal after he ACCUSED her of impropriety: &quot;I CANNOT BELIEVE that you would ACCUSE ME of impropriety when YOU LIED about your MILITARY SERVICE.&quot; &quot;You LIED to be elected a US Senator.&quot; &quot;Don&#39;t YOU EVER challenge MY integrity. I… <a href="https://t.co/Fx0reJH5J7">pic.twitter.com/Fx0reJH5J7</a>&mdash; Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) <a href="https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1975587653442502949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pam Bondi is incapable of answering simple questions. <a href="https://t.co/VtD3KIYxx9">pic.twitter.com/VtD3KIYxx9</a>&mdash; Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWhitehouse/status/1975617275567759701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Your city has a murder rate five times higher than New. York&#39;s — 571 homicides last year,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> to the insufferable <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a> on the National Guard in Chicago. &quot;We&#39;re there to help make America safe and Illinois safe — whether or not you want to.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qgbZIryITP">pic.twitter.com/qgbZIryITP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1975568173291515944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. SCHIFF: You’ve refused to answer questions about ethics, the Qatari plane, the Epstein files, Tom Homan’s alleged bribery, political prosecutions, military authorization… Bondi: *tries interrupting* Schiff: Excuse me. This is an oversight hearing. We demand answers. <a href="https://t.co/GSeAoMtcf4">pic.twitter.com/GSeAoMtcf4</a>&mdash; Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1975669931955134611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> cooks <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a>: &quot;I wish you loved Chicago as much as you hate President Trump — and currently, the National Guard are on the way to Chicago. If you&#39;re not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will.&quot; 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/4CoNdH5w4p">pic.twitter.com/4CoNdH5w4p</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1975561272919015731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. DURBIN: Why was the FBI directed to flag Donald Trump’s name in the Epstein files? Bondi: I&#39;m not going to discuss anything related to these files. Durbin: Eventually, you&#39;re going to have to answer. <a href="https://t.co/OEUJEaReeM">pic.twitter.com/OEUJEaReeM</a>&mdash; Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1975621594841305544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. KLOBUCHAR: Do you support raising the age to 21 to purchase assault weapons? Bondi: I won’t discuss pending litigation. Sen. KLOBUCHAR: Your views are not pending litigation. <a href="https://t.co/RpCItcSjf5">pic.twitter.com/RpCItcSjf5</a>&mdash; Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1975625224537378969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democrats sought to use the hearing, coming on the heels of the indictment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>, to warn of what they view as the politicization of a department that has long prided itself on remaining independent from the White House.Bondi brushed aside with seeming disdain questions about her tumultuous tenure, flatly refusing to answer time and again as Democrats pressed her on politically charged investigations, the firings of career prosecutors and other matters. Her refusal to engage on the questions meant little if any fresh insight was offered about her actions and decisions, with Bondi instead opting to respond to Democrats' attacks by echoing conservative claims that President Joe Biden's Justice Department — which brought two criminal cases against Trump — was the one that had been weaponized.“They were playing politics with law enforcement powers and will go down as a historic betrayal of public trust,” Bondi said of the Biden Justice Department. “This is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people’s faith in our law enforcement system. We will work to earn that back every single day.”The hearing split early along deeply partisan lines, with Republicans repeatedly leaping to her defense to highlight the criminal cases against the president that they say show the institution she inherited was deeply politicized. They pointed to revelations from a day earlier that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">the FBI had analyzed phone records</a>&nbsp;of several Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, a Democrat.“This is an outrage, an unconstitutional breach and ought to be immediately addressed by you and Director Patel,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the committee, told Bondi, referring to FBI Director Kash Patel.Democrats, meanwhile, accused Bondi of destroying the department's credibility and eroding its longstanding independence from the White House as the Republican president publicly calls for the prosecution of his political foes.“What has taken place since January 20th, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil,” Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, said of the president who resigned to avoid being impeached in connection with the Watergate scandal. “This is your legacy, Attorney General Bondi. In eight short months, you fundamentally transformed the Justice Department and left an enormous stain in American history. It will take decades to recover.”<h2>Democrats press Bondi on her pledge not to play politics</h2>The hearing marked Bondi's first before the panel since her confirmation hearing last January, when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-bondi-garland-01edf039f8102271943da4fb85d56fa7">pledged to not play politics</a>&nbsp;with the Justice Department — a promise Democrats pounced on as they pressed the attorney general on whether she can withstand political pressure from the White House.Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, reminded Bondi of that commitment and asked her if she thought she had upheld it. Bondi replied that she believed she absolutely had.“I pledged that I would end the weaponization also of the Justice Department and that America would once again have a one tier system of justice for all,” Bondi said. “And that is what we are doing.”Bondi set the tone for the hearing at the outset, repeatedly snapping with a raised voice at Durbin and deflecting questions from him by pointing to the murder rate in Chicago and asserting that lawmakers from his party were responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">shutting the government down</a>.“You’re sitting here grilling me, and they’re on their way to Chicago to keep your state safe,” Bondi said, referring to Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.“Madam Attorney General,” Durbin replied, “it’s my job to grill you.”<h2>Bondi refuses to answer questions about Comey and other matters</h2>She refused repeatedly to discuss matters, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-homan-bribery-investigation-justice-department-461cc66955e2ba25445a9bf931250580">a bribery investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump border czar Tom Homan that was shuttered under the Trump administration. That drew the ire of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, who accused Bondi of responding with “far-right internet talking points.”She also declined to say whether she talked to the president about the case against Comey, who was charged last month with lying to the Senate Judiciary Committee when he said he had not authorized anyone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports about a particular investigation. His indictment came just days after Trump appeared to publicly implore her on social media to take that action against him and other perceived political enemies.“This is supposed to be an oversight hearing in which members of Congress can get serious answer to serious questions about the coverup of corruption, about the prosecution of the president’s enemies," Sen. Adam Schiff of California, a Democrat from California, said as Bondi repeatedly interrupted him. "And when will be that the members of this committee on a bipartisan basis demand answers to those questions and refuse to accept personal slander as an answer to those questions?”Comey is set to make his first court appearance on Wednesday in the case, which was brought despite career prosecutors' reservations about the strength of evidence, after the Trump administration raced install a new prosecutor to secure the charges following the resignation under pressure of the experienced leader of that office.The Justice Department under Bondi has opened criminal investigations into other vocal critics of the president, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-james-attorney-general-justice-department-subpoena-9dec45248df0e06b1d99ff9944e6d327">Schiff</a>&nbsp;on accusations of mortgage fraud, New York Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">Letitia James</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuomo-mamdani-jewish-nyc-mayor-a046d4a050dac37d61014062f60a5f31">Andrew Cuomo</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-justice-department-coronavirus-pam-bondi-40dcf2947f457c5b3d7be8fedab2a592">former New York governor and current mayoral candidate</a>. They have all denied wrongdoing, as has Comey, and have slammed the investigations as politically motivated.___

🎥Some highlights of AG Pam Bondi's fiery Senate hearing

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public on regional transportation priorities at Local Consult meetings across the state in October.

“Local Consult meetings are a great opportunity for those who use our highways to give feedback on the projects and improvements that are most important to them,” said District Three Engineer Jeff Stewart. “That feedback is important to help KDOT prioritize and identify projects that will best serve our communities.”

People in northwest Kansas (District 3) are invited to participate:

COLBY - 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave.

Attendees will also hear about transportation investments being made in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28:&nbsp;Please register in advance – visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Flocal-consult-2025%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199b9b4cec1-ff7a1d38-9138-4660-892b-63a458da4a6a-000000/VkUsBu5dZMEJq9oy5o7thBvm6cxFG-rjCzjWj8hCUgY=425">https://www.ksdot.gov/local-consult-2025</a>&nbsp;to attend the virtual meeting.

Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.

For more meeting or project information, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov">KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759853699306.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public on regional transportation priorities at Local Consult meetings across the state in October.“Local Consult meetings are a great opportunity for those who use our highways to give feedback on the projects and improvements that are most important to them,” said District Three Engineer Jeff Stewart. “That feedback is important to help KDOT prioritize and identify projects that will best serve our communities.”People in northwest Kansas (District 3) are invited to participate:COLBY - 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave.Attendees will also hear about transportation investments being made in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28:&nbsp;Please register in advance – visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Flocal-consult-2025%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199b9b4cec1-ff7a1d38-9138-4660-892b-63a458da4a6a-000000/VkUsBu5dZMEJq9oy5o7thBvm6cxFG-rjCzjWj8hCUgY=425">https://www.ksdot.gov/local-consult-2025</a>&nbsp;to attend the virtual meeting.Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.For more meeting or project information, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov">KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov</a>.

Local Consult meeting in Colby on Oct. 15 to focus on regional transportation priorities

Fort Hays State University Alumni Office

Community members, alumni, and Tiger fans traveled far and wide for Homecoming at Fort Hays State University September 25 - 27.&nbsp;Whether to catch up with classmates and friends or take part in time-honored traditions, the turnout was outstanding.

Homecoming festivities teed off Thursday morning with 36 teams participating in the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. While rain earlier in the week canceled the beloved bonfire that night, Tiger spirit ignited the evening pep rally.

The FHSU community gathered on campus Friday morning to celebrate a transformative seven-figure gift and the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a nearly $28 million comprehensive renovation, the library will now be known as the Tebo Library in recognition of alum Stephen Tebo’s generosity, alongside his wife Tatiana and the Tebo family. 

Read more about the library’s renaming here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRAmqWsXudrdOTwQYq1O75GnAv067-2BZKviK1FL1K07AZjHYGKgtGDedXMkN6eMkMr0GArSuiE-2BLhN1mUrKCxzxm7z3QYklNsQRZwwrK7Hf7S7Q-3D-3DWj2x_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsNqWNXWClpv6L3f3gbBPyBP-2FELKHssyDL3FHTSv4W4wDSD5SfnTPJUL9KUnQHxPw7NTrN80yFhldCE28wYIOFkkg90-2Bb0kw3Tfr3NTG-2FsZS6I47hZoijnt3WWREez29VMC1gzCtWqWp6zC7RaeLIsxICJjIBnnvqvW7LpUdX3Gfa">foundation.fhsu.edu/fort-hays-state-university-announces-seven-figure-gift-to-campus-library</a>

Also honored throughout the weekend were six Fort Hays State University Alumni Award recipients. This year’s awardees included two Alumni Achievement Award recipients, Michelle (George) Dillard&nbsp;’11&nbsp;and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso&nbsp;’14, ’17,&nbsp;a Distinguished Service recipient, Dr. Jeff Curtis&nbsp;’77, a Nita Landrum Award recipient, Dr. Mike Slattery&nbsp;’73, ’77, ’89, and two Young Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Sara Brungardt&nbsp;’08, ’11,&nbsp;and Jacie Hoyt&nbsp;’11. 

Learn more about each recipient here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aYR9Z8tDg7NaDuaaD04HBOwrASeRkFfF9qUs-2Bz2YCAlbmbJRCDVQSQwjO2fP4B0UjwsNSkZgkz4UUJSd4ekSWatFp4jkYXFbuUXiNKWgvZtR53R_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsDwwuXeBWWWYHcUWMAeXLd9vulD76evdrvlmvQfD-2B2zhvjPhX8m54V3K-2BZ54IQOUTjwE8NgAzowF1CaPx6thqnzE1c-2ByZWpiKKzaZwyqvOxjBEPPR-2BfS65udvmMAtuXOXiuTzCow4JuHr0yiNj2ddQHvHSa7aG8Wj5-2FRKKoLfmWZ">FHSUalumni.com/fhsu-reveals-2025-slate-of-alumni-award-recipients</a>

The classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50- and 60-year milestones since their graduation from Fort Hays State on Friday at the annual Half Century Club luncheon. During the event, the Class of 1975 was officially inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, a standout athlete who played both baseball and basketball during his time on campus.

“The friendships and camaraderie I built through playing two different sports over four years created bonds I still cherish today,” Harper said. “I married the love of my life during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, lived in Wooster Place, and was honored as the 1975 Busch-Gross Award recipient – all while receiving a tremendous education at Fort Hays State. I’m not sure where the past 50 years have gone, but they flew by, and I’m looking forward to many more Homecoming celebrations to come. Go Tigers!”

Saturday morning kicked off with class reunion breakfasts and a lively Homecoming parade in downtown Hays. Tiger fans reunited for tailgating festivities before cheering Fort Hays State to a 31 to 23 victory over Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium. With more than 8,200 fans in attendance, the game drew one of the largest crowds in university history.

Mark your calendars for October 1&nbsp;-&nbsp;3, 2026, and make plans to attend FHSU Homecoming again next year! 

Members of the Class of 1976 will celebrate their 50-year reunion and will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. All FHSU graduates from 1976 and prior are encouraged to attend the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759852020483.jpeg" alt="Keith Harper, FHSU Class of 1975, Hays, celebrates his induction into the university's Half Century Club. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Keith Harper, FHSU Class of 1975, Hays, celebrates his induction into the university's Half Century Club. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University Alumni OfficeCommunity members, alumni, and Tiger fans traveled far and wide for Homecoming at Fort Hays State University September 25 - 27.&nbsp;Whether to catch up with classmates and friends or take part in time-honored traditions, the turnout was outstanding.Homecoming festivities teed off Thursday morning with 36 teams participating in the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. While rain earlier in the week canceled the beloved bonfire that night, Tiger spirit ignited the evening pep rally.The FHSU community gathered on campus Friday morning to celebrate a transformative seven-figure gift and the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a nearly $28 million comprehensive renovation, the library will now be known as the Tebo Library in recognition of alum Stephen Tebo’s generosity, alongside his wife Tatiana and the Tebo family. Read more about the library’s renaming here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRAmqWsXudrdOTwQYq1O75GnAv067-2BZKviK1FL1K07AZjHYGKgtGDedXMkN6eMkMr0GArSuiE-2BLhN1mUrKCxzxm7z3QYklNsQRZwwrK7Hf7S7Q-3D-3DWj2x_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsNqWNXWClpv6L3f3gbBPyBP-2FELKHssyDL3FHTSv4W4wDSD5SfnTPJUL9KUnQHxPw7NTrN80yFhldCE28wYIOFkkg90-2Bb0kw3Tfr3NTG-2FsZS6I47hZoijnt3WWREez29VMC1gzCtWqWp6zC7RaeLIsxICJjIBnnvqvW7LpUdX3Gfa">foundation.fhsu.edu/fort-hays-state-university-announces-seven-figure-gift-to-campus-library</a>Also honored throughout the weekend were six Fort Hays State University Alumni Award recipients. This year’s awardees included two Alumni Achievement Award recipients, Michelle (George) Dillard&nbsp;’11&nbsp;and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso&nbsp;’14, ’17,&nbsp;a Distinguished Service recipient, Dr. Jeff Curtis&nbsp;’77, a Nita Landrum Award recipient, Dr. Mike Slattery&nbsp;’73, ’77, ’89, and two Young Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Sara Brungardt&nbsp;’08, ’11,&nbsp;and Jacie Hoyt&nbsp;’11. Learn more about each recipient here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aYR9Z8tDg7NaDuaaD04HBOwrASeRkFfF9qUs-2Bz2YCAlbmbJRCDVQSQwjO2fP4B0UjwsNSkZgkz4UUJSd4ekSWatFp4jkYXFbuUXiNKWgvZtR53R_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsDwwuXeBWWWYHcUWMAeXLd9vulD76evdrvlmvQfD-2B2zhvjPhX8m54V3K-2BZ54IQOUTjwE8NgAzowF1CaPx6thqnzE1c-2ByZWpiKKzaZwyqvOxjBEPPR-2BfS65udvmMAtuXOXiuTzCow4JuHr0yiNj2ddQHvHSa7aG8Wj5-2FRKKoLfmWZ">FHSUalumni.com/fhsu-reveals-2025-slate-of-alumni-award-recipients</a>The classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50- and 60-year milestones since their graduation from Fort Hays State on Friday at the annual Half Century Club luncheon. During the event, the Class of 1975 was officially inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, a standout athlete who played both baseball and basketball during his time on campus.“The friendships and camaraderie I built through playing two different sports over four years created bonds I still cherish today,” Harper said. “I married the love of my life during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, lived in Wooster Place, and was honored as the 1975 Busch-Gross Award recipient – all while receiving a tremendous education at Fort Hays State. I’m not sure where the past 50 years have gone, but they flew by, and I’m looking forward to many more Homecoming celebrations to come. Go Tigers!”Saturday morning kicked off with class reunion breakfasts and a lively Homecoming parade in downtown Hays. Tiger fans reunited for tailgating festivities before cheering Fort Hays State to a 31 to 23 victory over Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium. With more than 8,200 fans in attendance, the game drew one of the largest crowds in university history.Mark your calendars for October 1&nbsp;-&nbsp;3, 2026, and make plans to attend FHSU Homecoming again next year! Members of the Class of 1976 will celebrate their 50-year reunion and will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. All FHSU graduates from 1976 and prior are encouraged to attend the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.

FHSU Homecoming a weekend to remember for alumni

By KENDRA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension District

Medicare can be challenging to navigate. 

If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. 

The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.

The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in Hays or Ellis with a certified counselor.

When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. 

To schedule your appointment in Hays or Ellis, please call 785-628-9430.

Or if you are in surrounding areas such as Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, or Claflin, please call 620-793-1910 to schedule an appointment with Michelle Beran.

Karissa Frasier, M.S., is a Certified Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District in Hays. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or by email at&nbsp;krfrasier@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Frasier,&nbsp;Certified Community Health Worker, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Frasier,&nbsp;Certified Community Health Worker, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KENDRA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension DistrictMedicare can be challenging to navigate. If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in Hays or Ellis with a certified counselor.When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. To schedule your appointment in Hays or Ellis, please call 785-628-9430.Or if you are in surrounding areas such as Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, or Claflin, please call 620-793-1910 to schedule an appointment with Michelle Beran.Karissa Frasier, M.S., is a Certified Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District in Hays. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or by email at&nbsp;krfrasier@ksu.edu.

FRASIER: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team sent their seniors out on a winning note. The Indians picked up a pair of sweeps in their final regular season matches at their new gym Tuesday with wins over&nbsp;Garden City and Phillipsburg.

HHS def. Garden City 29-27, 25-23 HHS def. Phillipsburg 25-21, 25-22

Hays improved to 20-9 overall. They travel to Junction City for a triangular on Thursday, October 16 then will be in Great Bend for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, October 18.

Hays Post SportsHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team sent their seniors out on a winning note. The Indians picked up a pair of sweeps in their final regular season matches at their new gym Tuesday with wins over&nbsp;Garden City and Phillipsburg.HHS def. Garden City 29-27, 25-23 HHS def. Phillipsburg 25-21, 25-22Hays improved to 20-9 overall. They travel to Junction City for a triangular on Thursday, October 16 then will be in Great Bend for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, October 18.

🏐 HHS picks up a pair of wins on Senior Night

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faces felony charges for the stabbing and attempted robbery of a man hired to clean a city-owned park.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2740/Lewis-Austin-Complaint-Packet_Redacted">Austin R. Lewis</a>, 30, is charged with 1st Degree Attempted Robbery, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On October 5, Kansas City police were dispatched to an area near the National WWI Museum and Memorial regarding a reported cutting, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2739/Austin-Lewis-Statement-of-Probable-Cause_Redacted">ccording to court records</a>. Based on witness reports, detectives determined that Lewis approached the victim, a worker cleaning the sidewalks, and asked for a dollar. When the victim, who did not speak English, did not respond, Lewis stabbed him with a knife in full view of witnesses before fleeing the scene.&nbsp;

The victim is alive and in stable condition.&nbsp;

Officers located Lewis a few minutes after responding to the scene and took him into custody. He declined to speak with detectives.&nbsp;

Lewis is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759845288270.png" alt="Lewis photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faces felony charges for the stabbing and attempted robbery of a man hired to clean a city-owned park.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2740/Lewis-Austin-Complaint-Packet_Redacted">Austin R. Lewis</a>, 30, is charged with 1st Degree Attempted Robbery, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.On October 5, Kansas City police were dispatched to an area near the National WWI Museum and Memorial regarding a reported cutting, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2739/Austin-Lewis-Statement-of-Probable-Cause_Redacted">ccording to court records</a>. Based on witness reports, detectives determined that Lewis approached the victim, a worker cleaning the sidewalks, and asked for a dollar. When the victim, who did not speak English, did not respond, Lewis stabbed him with a knife in full view of witnesses before fleeing the scene.&nbsp;The victim is alive and in stable condition.&nbsp;Officers located Lewis a few minutes after responding to the scene and took him into custody. He declined to speak with detectives.&nbsp;Lewis is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Police: Man attacked worker hired to clean KC owned park

EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 12th at the Skip Wagnon Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma October 6-7. Cooper Scheck led the Tigers tying for 11th place individually at 3-under par overall.

Three Tigers produced under par rounds during the tournament. Scheck's 4-under par 66 in the opening round was the best for the tournament by a Tiger, while Chutithep Rungpajchim and Jordan McCaslin each had 1-under par rounds of 69 as their best rounds.

Scheck posted rounds of 66, 71, and 70 to finish at 3-under overall. He had 10 birdies throughout the tournament, including five in the first round. Rungpajchim shot 69 to open the tournament and then back-to-back rounds of 74. He posted eight birdies throughout the tournament and finished at 7-over par overall and a tie for 50th individually.

Jordan McCaslin tied for 64th individually after rounds of 72, 69, and 78, carding seven birdies throughout the tournament. He had five during his 1-under par second round and finished at 9-over par for the tournament. Colby Hays tied for 79th with rounds of 74, 71, and 77. He had five birdies and an eagle on a par four, shooting 12-over par overall. Grant McAtee shot rounds of 76, 73, and 75 and had four birdies in the tournament, finishing at 14-over par and a tie for 87th.

The Tigers shot 21-over par as a team overall. The Tigers opened with a 1-over par 281, followed by 284 and then 296.

St. Mary's (Texas) and Central Oklahoma ran away from the field. The Rattlers finished at 34-under par as a team to win the tournament, shooting -11, -16, and -7, while UCO finished at 30-under par with rounds of -10, -12, and -8. St. Mary's had the top two finishers, both in double digits under par. Kongpop Kaikaew won the tournament at 13-under par overall, while Guillaume Paquette shot 11-under par. Both shot 7-under par in the second round.

Fort Hays State heads to the MSSU Invitational at Shangri-La Golf Club and Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. for its next tournament, October 20-21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759918918553.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 12th at the Skip Wagnon Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma October 6-7. Cooper Scheck led the Tigers tying for 11th place individually at 3-under par overall.Three Tigers produced under par rounds during the tournament. Scheck's 4-under par 66 in the opening round was the best for the tournament by a Tiger, while Chutithep Rungpajchim and Jordan McCaslin each had 1-under par rounds of 69 as their best rounds.Scheck posted rounds of 66, 71, and 70 to finish at 3-under overall. He had 10 birdies throughout the tournament, including five in the first round. Rungpajchim shot 69 to open the tournament and then back-to-back rounds of 74. He posted eight birdies throughout the tournament and finished at 7-over par overall and a tie for 50th individually.Jordan McCaslin tied for 64th individually after rounds of 72, 69, and 78, carding seven birdies throughout the tournament. He had five during his 1-under par second round and finished at 9-over par for the tournament. Colby Hays tied for 79th with rounds of 74, 71, and 77. He had five birdies and an eagle on a par four, shooting 12-over par overall. Grant McAtee shot rounds of 76, 73, and 75 and had four birdies in the tournament, finishing at 14-over par and a tie for 87th.The Tigers shot 21-over par as a team overall. The Tigers opened with a 1-over par 281, followed by 284 and then 296.St. Mary's (Texas) and Central Oklahoma ran away from the field. The Rattlers finished at 34-under par as a team to win the tournament, shooting -11, -16, and -7, while UCO finished at 30-under par with rounds of -10, -12, and -8. St. Mary's had the top two finishers, both in double digits under par. Kongpop Kaikaew won the tournament at 13-under par overall, while Guillaume Paquette shot 11-under par. Both shot 7-under par in the second round.Fort Hays State heads to the MSSU Invitational at Shangri-La Golf Club and Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. for its next tournament, October 20-21.

⛳ Tiger men finish 12th at Skip Wagnon Invitational

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 12:30p.m.&nbsp;October 5, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Durango with a stolen license plate in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics and multiple stolen items were located.

Deputies arrested 47-year-old Tashara D. Yeargin-Charles of Topeka and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; identity theft, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, Possession of stolen property, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Vehicle liability insurance and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759850096982.png" alt="Yeargin-Charles photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Yeargin-Charles photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;Just after 12:30p.m.&nbsp;October 5, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Durango with a stolen license plate in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics and multiple stolen items were located.Deputies arrested 47-year-old Tashara D. Yeargin-Charles of Topeka and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; identity theft, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, Possession of stolen property, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Vehicle liability insurance and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Sheriff: Kansas woman jailed for alleged ID theft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up six spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 7 in the nation, their highest ranking in the national poll since 2022 when they held the same ranking in the preseason poll. It is the sixth season in the program's highly successful 15-year history the Tigers have been in the top 10 of the national poll. The Tigers are 7-0-2 overall for the season and 3-0 in GAC play so far.

The top eight teams in the latest national poll are still unbeaten for the season. In fact, 14 of the teams listed in the top 25 have yet to take a loss this season.

Fort Hays State is now the highest ranked team from the Great American Conference after wins over Rogers State and Southern Nazarene last week. Rogers State (7-1-2) held the No. 8 ranking last week, but slipped to No. 15 after FHSU handed the Hillcats their first loss of the season last week. Newman and Southern Nazarene continue to receive votes in the poll.

Fort Hays State plays host to Harding and Ouachita Baptist this week in Hays on Thursday and Saturday (Oct. 9 &amp; 11).

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (October 7, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	7-0-1 2	Southern New Hampshire University	3	7-0-2 3	California State University Stanislaus	2	7-0-1 4	University of Charleston	5	7-0-3 5	Young Harris College	9	8-0-1 6	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	5-0-3 7	Fort Hays State University	13	7-0-2 8	Palm Beach Atlantic University	19	7-0-1 9	Fort Lewis College	15	4-1-3 10	Cedarville University	10	6-0-3 11	Colorado State University-Pueblo	7	4-0-6 12	Seattle Pacific University	17	6-1-2 13	Post University	14	4-0-4 14	Florida Tech	22	4-0-4 15	Rogers State University	8	7-1-2 16	Cal Poly Pomona	11	5-1-3 17	Saginaw Valley State University	20	5-0-3 18	University of Tampa	6	5-1-3 19	Bloomsburg University	RV	4-0-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	12	6-0-2 21	University of West Florida	NR	6-1-2 22	Midwestern State University	18	5-2-3 22	University of North Georgia	RV	4-3-4 23	Wilmington University	NR	5-1-3 24	California State University-San Bernardino	NR	5-1-3 25	Nova Southeastern University	16	4-1-1

Receiving Votes: University of North Georgia, Concord University, University of Indianapolis, Lander University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Newman University, California State University-Los Angeles, Metropolitan State University of Denver, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Southern Nazarene University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759918527256.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up six spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 7 in the nation, their highest ranking in the national poll since 2022 when they held the same ranking in the preseason poll. It is the sixth season in the program's highly successful 15-year history the Tigers have been in the top 10 of the national poll. The Tigers are 7-0-2 overall for the season and 3-0 in GAC play so far.The top eight teams in the latest national poll are still unbeaten for the season. In fact, 14 of the teams listed in the top 25 have yet to take a loss this season.Fort Hays State is now the highest ranked team from the Great American Conference after wins over Rogers State and Southern Nazarene last week. Rogers State (7-1-2) held the No. 8 ranking last week, but slipped to No. 15 after FHSU handed the Hillcats their first loss of the season last week. Newman and Southern Nazarene continue to receive votes in the poll.Fort Hays State plays host to Harding and Ouachita Baptist this week in Hays on Thursday and Saturday (Oct. 9 &amp; 11).United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (October 7, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	7-0-1 2	Southern New Hampshire University	3	7-0-2 3	California State University Stanislaus	2	7-0-1 4	University of Charleston	5	7-0-3 5	Young Harris College	9	8-0-1 6	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	5-0-3 7	Fort Hays State University	13	7-0-2 8	Palm Beach Atlantic University	19	7-0-1 9	Fort Lewis College	15	4-1-3 10	Cedarville University	10	6-0-3 11	Colorado State University-Pueblo	7	4-0-6 12	Seattle Pacific University	17	6-1-2 13	Post University	14	4-0-4 14	Florida Tech	22	4-0-4 15	Rogers State University	8	7-1-2 16	Cal Poly Pomona	11	5-1-3 17	Saginaw Valley State University	20	5-0-3 18	University of Tampa	6	5-1-3 19	Bloomsburg University	RV	4-0-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	12	6-0-2 21	University of West Florida	NR	6-1-2 22	Midwestern State University	18	5-2-3 22	University of North Georgia	RV	4-3-4 23	Wilmington University	NR	5-1-3 24	California State University-San Bernardino	NR	5-1-3 25	Nova Southeastern University	16	4-1-1Receiving Votes: University of North Georgia, Concord University, University of Indianapolis, Lander University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Newman University, California State University-Los Angeles, Metropolitan State University of Denver, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Southern Nazarene University.

⚽ FHSU men jumps to No. 7 in United Soccer Coaches top 25 poll

Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel departed this world
peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Rhode Island Suites surrounded by family
after a short battle with cancer.

Susan was born June 21, 1946, to Ronald A &amp; Thais N
(Ramsey) Stull in Ransom Kansas.&nbsp; She had
one older brother, Ronald N Stull. She spent much of her life in Ransom
attending school there. She married August R Zordel on May 26, 1964. To this
union four children were born.

She spent 14 years living on a ranch south of Quinter,
Kansas before moving back to Ransom in August of 1979. 

She spent some time cooking at the cafe in Ransom, then
as the head of housekeeping at Grissel Memorial Hospital. Most of her life she spent as a homemaker &amp; mother.

She leaves to mourn her four children: Elaine (Kenny)
Flax of Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel of La Crosse, KS, Anita Jo (Kevin
Schaffer) Shepard of Bison, KS, and David (Albert Manrique) Zordel of Independence,
MO. Ten grandchildren: Nicole (Michael) Petersen of Kensington, KS, Holly
(Matthew) Marcotte of Copperas Cove, TX, Chenoa Zordel of Scott City, KS,
Carmen (Steven) Banks of Mankato, KS, Dalton Janousek of Dodge City, KS, Thomas
(August) Shepard of Scranton, KS, Addie Shepard of Ellis, KS, Josie Shepard of
Hays, KS, and Quinton Shepard of Manhattan, KS, as well as twelve great
grandchildren and two great-great grandsons. She is also survived by her
brother in-law Albert (Louise) Zordel of Ransom, KS, sister in-law Dollie Jean
Shoupe of Missoula, MT, cousin Gayle Garrelts of Hays, KS and a host of family
&amp; friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband August,
her parents, her brother and two great grandsons.

Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Monday,
November 10, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery, Ransom, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Ransom Go Getters senior center
or Northwest Kansas Talking Books.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759765078086.jpeg" alt="Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel" />
 <figcaption>Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel</figcaption>
 </figure>Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel departed this world
peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Rhode Island Suites surrounded by family
after a short battle with cancer.Susan was born June 21, 1946, to Ronald A &amp; Thais N
(Ramsey) Stull in Ransom Kansas.&nbsp; She had
one older brother, Ronald N Stull. She spent much of her life in Ransom
attending school there. She married August R Zordel on May 26, 1964. To this
union four children were born.She spent 14 years living on a ranch south of Quinter,
Kansas before moving back to Ransom in August of 1979. She spent some time cooking at the cafe in Ransom, then
as the head of housekeeping at Grissel Memorial Hospital. Most of her life she spent as a homemaker &amp; mother.She leaves to mourn her four children: Elaine (Kenny)
Flax of Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel of La Crosse, KS, Anita Jo (Kevin
Schaffer) Shepard of Bison, KS, and David (Albert Manrique) Zordel of Independence,
MO. Ten grandchildren: Nicole (Michael) Petersen of Kensington, KS, Holly
(Matthew) Marcotte of Copperas Cove, TX, Chenoa Zordel of Scott City, KS,
Carmen (Steven) Banks of Mankato, KS, Dalton Janousek of Dodge City, KS, Thomas
(August) Shepard of Scranton, KS, Addie Shepard of Ellis, KS, Josie Shepard of
Hays, KS, and Quinton Shepard of Manhattan, KS, as well as twelve great
grandchildren and two great-great grandsons. She is also survived by her
brother in-law Albert (Louise) Zordel of Ransom, KS, sister in-law Dollie Jean
Shoupe of Missoula, MT, cousin Gayle Garrelts of Hays, KS and a host of family
&amp; friends.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband August,
her parents, her brother and two great grandsons.Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Monday,
November 10, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery, Ransom, Kansas.Memorials may be given to Ransom Go Getters senior center
or Northwest Kansas Talking Books.

Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration warned on Tuesday of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">a government shutdown</a>, reversing what has been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees, according to a memo being circulated by the White House.

Trump signed into law after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">the longest government shutdown in 2019</a>&nbsp;legislation to ensure federal workers receive back pay during any federal funding lapse. But in the new memo, his Office of Management and Budget says back pay must be provided by Congress, if it chooses to do so, as part of any bill to fund the government.

The move by the Republican administration was widely seen as a strong-arm tactic — a way to pressure lawmakers to reopen the government, now in the seventh day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a shutdown</a>.

“There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way,” Trump said during an event at the White House.

He said back pay “depends on who we’re talking about.” Asked a second time about backpay for furloughed federal workers given that the requirement is spelled out in law, Trump said: “I follow the law, and what the law says is correct.”

Refusing retroactive pay to the workers, some of whom must remain on the job as essential employees, would be a stark departure from norms and practices and almost certainly would be met with legal action.

While federal workers — as well as service members of the military — have often missed paychecks during past shutdowns, they are almost always reimbursed once the government reopens.

“That should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said at a press conference at the Capitol.

Johnson, a lawyer, said he hadn’t fully read the memo but “there are some legal analysts who are saying” that it may not be necessary or appropriate to repay the federal workers.

But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington blasted the Trump administration as defying the law.

“Another baseless attempt to try and scare &amp; intimidate workers by an administration run by crooks and cowards,” said Murray, who is the ranking lawmaker on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The letter of the law is as plain as can be — federal workers, including furloughed workers, are entitled to their backpay following a shutdown.”

And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, said, “My assumption is that the furloughed workers will get paid.”

In the memo draft prepared for Trump’s Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought, first reported by Axios, the office’s general counsel Mark R. Paoletta lays out a legal rationale for no back pay for federal workers.

The memo explains that while the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 says workers shall be paid after federal funding is restored, it argues the action is not self-executing. Instead, the memo says, repaying the federal workers would have to be part of subsequent legislation, presumably in the bill to reopen the government.

The OMB analysis draws on language familiar to budget experts by suggesting that the 2019 bill created an authorization to pay the federal workers but not the actual appropriation.

Congress, it says, is able to decide whether it wants to pay the workers or not.

For now, Congress remains at a standstill, with neither side — nor the White House — appearing willing to budge. Democrats are fighting for health care funds to prevent a lapse in federal subsidies that threaten to send insurance rates skyrocketing. Republicans say the issue can be dealt with later.

Associated Press writers Will Weissert, Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration warned on Tuesday of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">a government shutdown</a>, reversing what has been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees, according to a memo being circulated by the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Is it the White House&#39;s position that furloughed workers should be paid for their back-pay?&quot; President Trump: &quot;I would say it depends on who we&#39;re talking about. I can tell you this, the Democrats have put a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy, but it really depends on… <a href="https://t.co/dbftoc2vC2">pic.twitter.com/dbftoc2vC2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1975596357172802032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump signed into law after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">the longest government shutdown in 2019</a>&nbsp;legislation to ensure federal workers receive back pay during any federal funding lapse. But in the new memo, his Office of Management and Budget says back pay must be provided by Congress, if it chooses to do so, as part of any bill to fund the government.The move by the Republican administration was widely seen as a strong-arm tactic — a way to pressure lawmakers to reopen the government, now in the seventh day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a shutdown</a>.“There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way,” Trump said during an event at the White House.He said back pay “depends on who we’re talking about.” Asked a second time about backpay for furloughed federal workers given that the requirement is spelled out in law, Trump said: “I follow the law, and what the law says is correct.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759875311575.png" alt="Image from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s website on Oct. 7, 2025, stating, “Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.”&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s website on Oct. 7, 2025, stating, “Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.”&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Refusing retroactive pay to the workers, some of whom must remain on the job as essential employees, would be a stark departure from norms and practices and almost certainly would be met with legal action.While federal workers — as well as service members of the military — have often missed paychecks during past shutdowns, they are almost always reimbursed once the government reopens.“That should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said at a press conference at the Capitol.Johnson, a lawyer, said he hadn’t fully read the memo but “there are some legal analysts who are saying” that it may not be necessary or appropriate to repay the federal workers.But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington blasted the Trump administration as defying the law.“Another baseless attempt to try and scare &amp; intimidate workers by an administration run by crooks and cowards,” said Murray, who is the ranking lawmaker on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The letter of the law is as plain as can be — federal workers, including furloughed workers, are entitled to their backpay following a shutdown.”And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, said, “My assumption is that the furloughed workers will get paid.”In the memo draft prepared for Trump’s Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought, first reported by Axios, the office’s general counsel Mark R. Paoletta lays out a legal rationale for no back pay for federal workers.The memo explains that while the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 says workers shall be paid after federal funding is restored, it argues the action is not self-executing. Instead, the memo says, repaying the federal workers would have to be part of subsequent legislation, presumably in the bill to reopen the government.The OMB analysis draws on language familiar to budget experts by suggesting that the 2019 bill created an authorization to pay the federal workers but not the actual appropriation.Congress, it says, is able to decide whether it wants to pay the workers or not.For now, Congress remains at a standstill, with neither side — nor the White House — appearing willing to budge. Democrats are fighting for health care funds to prevent a lapse in federal subsidies that threaten to send insurance rates skyrocketing. Republicans say the issue can be dealt with later.___Associated Press writers Will Weissert, Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

🎥Trump admin. threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 23-year-old man identified as Knowledge McPherson of Wichita has died from injuries sustained in the shooting on Oct. 1 during a fight in a convenience store parking lot in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

A 16-year-old juvenile suspect of Wichita remains in custody.

Just before 3a.m. on Sept. 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the QuikTrip parking lot at Pawnee and Meridian in Wichita. Investigators determined several people were involved in an argument that turned physical. During the altercation, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and shot McPherson.

A passerby attempted life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported McPherson to a local hospital. He underwent surgery and was listed in extremely critical condition before succumbing to his injuries&nbsp;

The 16-year-old suspect was initially booked into juvenile detention on requested charges of Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, Juvenile in possession of a firearm and Aggravated battery

Charges will be amended after consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the ongoing violence involving juveniles and firearms.

“This has got to stop. It is unacceptable for juveniles to have access to guns,” Sullivan said. “Picking up a firearm to solve a temporary problem is not the answer. Too many lives are being destroyed by these reckless choices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759266282958.png" alt="Police on the scene early October 1, photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene early October 1, photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 23-year-old man identified as Knowledge McPherson of Wichita has died from injuries sustained in the shooting on Oct. 1 during a fight in a convenience store parking lot in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.A 16-year-old juvenile suspect of Wichita remains in custody.Just before 3a.m. on Sept. 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the QuikTrip parking lot at Pawnee and Meridian in Wichita. Investigators determined several people were involved in an argument that turned physical. During the altercation, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and shot McPherson.A passerby attempted life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported McPherson to a local hospital. He underwent surgery and was listed in extremely critical condition before succumbing to his injuries&nbsp;The 16-year-old suspect was initially booked into juvenile detention on requested charges of Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, Juvenile in possession of a firearm and Aggravated batteryCharges will be amended after consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the ongoing violence involving juveniles and firearms.“This has got to stop. It is unacceptable for juveniles to have access to guns,” Sullivan said. “Picking up a firearm to solve a temporary problem is not the answer. Too many lives are being destroyed by these reckless choices.”

Police:  Kan. man shot by boy in parking lot fight has died

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– An explosive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-toll-analysis-of-us-senators">FBI document</a>&nbsp;obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reveals the FBI targeted eight Republican senators’ personal cell phones for “tolling data” as part of its Arctic Frost investigation, according to a statement from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

One Republican member of the House of Representatives was also impacted. The Arctic Frost investigation formed the basis of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Donald Trump.

The FBI in 2023 sought and obtained data about the senators’ phone use from&nbsp;January 4 through January 7, 2021. That data shows when and to whom a call is made, as well as the duration and general location data of the call. The data does not include the content of the call.

This document was found in a Prohibited Access file in response to Grassley’s oversight requests. Grassley’s oversight&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-investigates-prohibited-access-files-at-fbi-demands-accountability-for-document-destruction-and-obstruction-in-mueller-investigation" target="_blank">exposed the existence</a>&nbsp;of Prohibited Access files, a file system the FBI uses to limit access to certain documents by making some files inaccessible to most FBI agents.

Read the FBI document&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-toll-analysis-of-us-senators">HERE</a>.

The FBI targeted the following Members of Congress:Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.)Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)

Grassley issued the following statement regarding today’s disclosure:

“Based on the evidence to-date, Arctic Frost and related weaponization by federal law enforcement under Biden was arguably worse than Watergate.

“What I’ve uncovered today is disturbing and outrageous political conduct by the Biden FBI. The FBI’s actions were an unconstitutional breach, and Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel need to hold accountable those involved in this serious wrongdoing.

“I started the Arctic Frost investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/grassley-to-justice-dept-fbi_-political-bias" target="_blank">in July 2022</a>&nbsp;after hearing from whistleblowers. It’s taken years to get records and advance my investigation, but what the public is seeing now demonstrates the importance of congressional oversight and whistleblowers. My whistleblowers deserve great thanks for what they’ve helped expose. None of this would have been known without them.”

Background:The FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/exhibit-8-arctic-frost" target="_blank">opened in April 2022</a>&nbsp;by former anti-Trump agent Timothy Thibault. In November 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-bank-record-subpoenas" target="_blank">it was assigned</a>&nbsp;to Special Counsel Jack Smith.&nbsp;

Whistleblower disclosures to Grassley earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-johnson-release-records-showing-fbi-obtained-trump-pence-cell-phones-conducted-sweeping-interviews-to-advance-anti-trump-arctic-frost-investigation" target="_blank">revealed</a>&nbsp;the FBI acquired the government cell phones of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence during its Arctic Frost investigation. Officials in the Biden White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-johnson-release-additional-arctic-frost-records-detailing-sweeping-anti-trump-investigation" target="_blank">personally assisted</a>&nbsp;the FBI in securing Trump and Pence’s government phones. FBI agents used taxpayer dollars to travel the country and conduct dozens of interviews in support of the political probe.

Records Grassley made public last month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-bank-record-subpoenas" target="_blank">showed</a>&nbsp;the FBI also placed 92 Republican-linked individuals and Republican groups – such as Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA – under Arctic Frost’s investigative scope.

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– An explosive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-toll-analysis-of-us-senators">FBI document</a>&nbsp;obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reveals the FBI targeted eight Republican senators’ personal cell phones for “tolling data” as part of its Arctic Frost investigation, according to a statement from the Senate Judiciary Committee.One Republican member of the House of Representatives was also impacted. The Arctic Frost investigation formed the basis of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This document shows the Biden FBI spied on 8 of my Republican Senate colleagues during its Arctic Frost investigation into &quot;election conspiracy&quot; Arctic Frost later became Jack Smith&#39;s elector case against Trump BIDEN FBI WEAPONIZATION = WORSE THAN WATERGATE <a href="https://t.co/V2JyiVlX48">pic.twitter.com/V2JyiVlX48</a>&mdash; Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChuckGrassley/status/1975297712712262100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;We learned that former FBI secretly investigated you and your colleagues. Why? They wanted to take President Trump off the playing field...This is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people&#39;s faith in our law enforcement system.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/FRr65KtHsH">pic.twitter.com/FRr65KtHsH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1975590921082114532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HawleyMO</a>: &quot;Who ordered the tapping of the phones of United States Senators?<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;I cannot discuss the details of that right now for very good reason...We will be looking at all aspects of this and I have talked to Director Patel at length about this.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8OEwJ24gsr">pic.twitter.com/8OEwJ24gsr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1975610383051206995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The FBI in 2023 sought and obtained data about the senators’ phone use from&nbsp;January 4 through January 7, 2021. That data shows when and to whom a call is made, as well as the duration and general location data of the call. The data does not include the content of the call.This document was found in a Prohibited Access file in response to Grassley’s oversight requests. Grassley’s oversight&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-investigates-prohibited-access-files-at-fbi-demands-accountability-for-document-destruction-and-obstruction-in-mueller-investigation" target="_blank">exposed the existence</a>&nbsp;of Prohibited Access files, a file system the FBI uses to limit access to certain documents by making some files inaccessible to most FBI agents.Read the FBI document&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-toll-analysis-of-us-senators">HERE</a>.The FBI targeted the following Members of Congress:Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.)Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)Grassley issued the following statement regarding today’s disclosure:“Based on the evidence to-date, Arctic Frost and related weaponization by federal law enforcement under Biden was arguably worse than Watergate.“What I’ve uncovered today is disturbing and outrageous political conduct by the Biden FBI. The FBI’s actions were an unconstitutional breach, and Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel need to hold accountable those involved in this serious wrongdoing.“I started the Arctic Frost investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/grassley-to-justice-dept-fbi_-political-bias" target="_blank">in July 2022</a>&nbsp;after hearing from whistleblowers. It’s taken years to get records and advance my investigation, but what the public is seeing now demonstrates the importance of congressional oversight and whistleblowers. My whistleblowers deserve great thanks for what they’ve helped expose. None of this would have been known without them.”Background:The FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/exhibit-8-arctic-frost" target="_blank">opened in April 2022</a>&nbsp;by former anti-Trump agent Timothy Thibault. In November 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-bank-record-subpoenas" target="_blank">it was assigned</a>&nbsp;to Special Counsel Jack Smith.&nbsp;Whistleblower disclosures to Grassley earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-johnson-release-records-showing-fbi-obtained-trump-pence-cell-phones-conducted-sweeping-interviews-to-advance-anti-trump-arctic-frost-investigation" target="_blank">revealed</a>&nbsp;the FBI acquired the government cell phones of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence during its Arctic Frost investigation. Officials in the Biden White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-johnson-release-additional-arctic-frost-records-detailing-sweeping-anti-trump-investigation" target="_blank">personally assisted</a>&nbsp;the FBI in securing Trump and Pence’s government phones. FBI agents used taxpayer dollars to travel the country and conduct dozens of interviews in support of the political probe.Records Grassley made public last month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-bank-record-subpoenas" target="_blank">showed</a>&nbsp;the FBI also placed 92 Republican-linked individuals and Republican groups – such as Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA – under Arctic Frost’s investigative scope.

Read the report: Biden's FBI spied on Republican U.S. Senators 

DOWNS — Join us this Saturday night as the Kansas Storytelling Festival hosts a Tall Tales contest in Downs, the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas.”

 The fun-filled evening begins at 7:00 p.m. on October 11, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 1019 Blunt St., Downs. Everyone is welcome to attend this free storytelling event and hear some outrageous and semi-true whoppers. The audience helps select the winner by voting for their favorite story.

If you’ve ever thought about telling a Tall Tale in public, there’s still time to enter. 

This tall tales contest is open for anyone interested in being one of the four finalists who will perform at the 2026 Kansas Storytelling Festival, April 24-25, 2026 in Downs. This is the third&nbsp;and final qualifying contest this year. 

The first qualifier was held in Tonganoxie, KS where Larry Brown, Columbia, MO, became the first finalist. Matthew Kitchen, Derby, won the second qualifying contest in Wichita. The last two finalists will be selected on Saturday.

A tall tale is a unique form of American story telling in which the narrator usually has a part in the story.

 Telling a tall tale uses exaggerated detail describing things larger than they really are. A tall tale is a story based on a fact, or facts, and filled with unbelievable elements told as if they were true and factual. A tall tale has just enough truth to make a good story and to incite the imagination. 

Professional storytellers can not compete. Information and rules for the Tall Competition are posted at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">kansasstorytellingfestival.com</a>&nbsp;

The Kansas Storytelling Festival began in 1994 in Downs. Next spring will be its 32nd&nbsp;year of celebrating storytelling. Several years later, a Tall Tales contest began and continues at the festival on Friday evening with four finalists trying to win the travelling trophy – a shovel. The highlight of the festival’s Friday night performance is the Tall Tales Contest.

For more information or to register for this event, please contact Jeri at 785-454-1177 or go to the Kansas Storytelling Festival website&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/</a>&nbsp;or the Kansas Storytelling FaceBook page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival</a>.

 Stories must be between 5 and 7 minutes long. Family-friendly stories only.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743606770706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDOWNS — Join us this Saturday night as the Kansas Storytelling Festival hosts a Tall Tales contest in Downs, the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas.” The fun-filled evening begins at 7:00 p.m. on October 11, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 1019 Blunt St., Downs. Everyone is welcome to attend this free storytelling event and hear some outrageous and semi-true whoppers. The audience helps select the winner by voting for their favorite story.If you’ve ever thought about telling a Tall Tale in public, there’s still time to enter. This tall tales contest is open for anyone interested in being one of the four finalists who will perform at the 2026 Kansas Storytelling Festival, April 24-25, 2026 in Downs. This is the third&nbsp;and final qualifying contest this year. The first qualifier was held in Tonganoxie, KS where Larry Brown, Columbia, MO, became the first finalist. Matthew Kitchen, Derby, won the second qualifying contest in Wichita. The last two finalists will be selected on Saturday.A tall tale is a unique form of American story telling in which the narrator usually has a part in the story. Telling a tall tale uses exaggerated detail describing things larger than they really are. A tall tale is a story based on a fact, or facts, and filled with unbelievable elements told as if they were true and factual. A tall tale has just enough truth to make a good story and to incite the imagination. Professional storytellers can not compete. Information and rules for the Tall Competition are posted at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">kansasstorytellingfestival.com</a>&nbsp;The Kansas Storytelling Festival began in 1994 in Downs. Next spring will be its 32nd&nbsp;year of celebrating storytelling. Several years later, a Tall Tales contest began and continues at the festival on Friday evening with four finalists trying to win the travelling trophy – a shovel. The highlight of the festival’s Friday night performance is the Tall Tales Contest.For more information or to register for this event, please contact Jeri at 785-454-1177 or go to the Kansas Storytelling Festival website&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/</a>&nbsp;or the Kansas Storytelling FaceBook page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival</a>. Stories must be between 5 and 7 minutes long. Family-friendly stories only.

Tall Tale Stories contest Saturday night in Downs

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-lee">MATTHEW LEE</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States under the Biden and Trump administrations has provided at least $21.7 billion in military assistance to Israel since the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Gaza war</a>&nbsp;two years ago, according to a new academic study published Tuesday, the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-hamas-war-explainer-d5c5057d2fe9e2e255215850b454f601">provoked the conflict</a>.

Another study, also published by the Costs of War project at Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs, says the U.S. has spent roughly $10 billion more on security aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-strikes-nuclear-trump-hegseth-caine-78499bef6b34ebb970b5c9d074021044">operations in the broader Middle East</a>&nbsp;in the past two years.

While the reports rely on open source material for most of their findings, they offer some of the most comprehensive accountings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-arms-sales-israel-trump-bb8b4e67fd77c723ed45308054eefefe">U.S. military aid to close ally Israel</a>&nbsp;and estimated costs of direct&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">American military involvement</a>&nbsp;in the Middle East.

The State Department had no immediate comment about the amount of military aid provided to Israel since October 2023. The White House referred questions to the Pentagon, which oversees only a portion of the assistance.

The reports, which draw on publicly available notifications to Congress, were released as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-hamas-war-explainer-d5c5057d2fe9e2e255215850b454f601">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;presses for an end to the war in Gaza. Israeli and Hamas officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-10-06-2025-3c3e1d13e86fabeaaff7930a18c6590a">launched indirect talks in Egypt</a>&nbsp;this week after Hamas accepted some elements of the U.S. plan that Israel also said it supported.

The reports, which are sharply critical of Israel, say that without the U.S. assistance, Israel would not have been able to sustain its concerted campaign against Hamas in Gaza. They note that tens of billions of dollars in future funding for Israel is projected under various bilateral agreements.

The main report says the U.S. provided $17.9 billion to Israel in the first year of the war — when Democratic President Joe Biden was in office — and $3.8 billion in the second year. Some of the military assistance has already been delivered while the remainder will be supplied in the coming years, it said.

That report was produced in conjunction with the Washington-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The institute has been accused by some pro-Israel groups of being isolationist and anti-Israel, charges the organization denies.

A second report analyzing U.S. spending on broader Middle East activities, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-us-airstrikes-563f61bbd96e1f2de68373fdf76c8811">strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;and Iranian nuclear facilities, puts those costs at between $9.65 billion and $12 billion since Oct. 7, 2023, including between $2 billion and $2.25 billion for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-fordo-ef530114e5297884b1c3b76a04a3b1de">attacks in Iran</a>&nbsp;and associated costs in June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752000961462.png" alt="FIle President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>FIle President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-lee">MATTHEW LEE</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States under the Biden and Trump administrations has provided at least $21.7 billion in military assistance to Israel since the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Gaza war</a>&nbsp;two years ago, according to a new academic study published Tuesday, the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-hamas-war-explainer-d5c5057d2fe9e2e255215850b454f601">provoked the conflict</a>.Another study, also published by the Costs of War project at Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs, says the U.S. has spent roughly $10 billion more on security aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-strikes-nuclear-trump-hegseth-caine-78499bef6b34ebb970b5c9d074021044">operations in the broader Middle East</a>&nbsp;in the past two years.While the reports rely on open source material for most of their findings, they offer some of the most comprehensive accountings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-arms-sales-israel-trump-bb8b4e67fd77c723ed45308054eefefe">U.S. military aid to close ally Israel</a>&nbsp;and estimated costs of direct&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">American military involvement</a>&nbsp;in the Middle East.The State Department had no immediate comment about the amount of military aid provided to Israel since October 2023. The White House referred questions to the Pentagon, which oversees only a portion of the assistance.The reports, which draw on publicly available notifications to Congress, were released as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-hamas-war-explainer-d5c5057d2fe9e2e255215850b454f601">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;presses for an end to the war in Gaza. Israeli and Hamas officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-10-06-2025-3c3e1d13e86fabeaaff7930a18c6590a">launched indirect talks in Egypt</a>&nbsp;this week after Hamas accepted some elements of the U.S. plan that Israel also said it supported.The reports, which are sharply critical of Israel, say that without the U.S. assistance, Israel would not have been able to sustain its concerted campaign against Hamas in Gaza. They note that tens of billions of dollars in future funding for Israel is projected under various bilateral agreements.The main report says the U.S. provided $17.9 billion to Israel in the first year of the war — when Democratic President Joe Biden was in office — and $3.8 billion in the second year. Some of the military assistance has already been delivered while the remainder will be supplied in the coming years, it said.That report was produced in conjunction with the Washington-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The institute has been accused by some pro-Israel groups of being isolationist and anti-Israel, charges the organization denies.A second report analyzing U.S. spending on broader Middle East activities, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-us-airstrikes-563f61bbd96e1f2de68373fdf76c8811">strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;and Iranian nuclear facilities, puts those costs at between $9.65 billion and $12 billion since Oct. 7, 2023, including between $2 billion and $2.25 billion for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-fordo-ef530114e5297884b1c3b76a04a3b1de">attacks in Iran</a>&nbsp;and associated costs in June.

Report: US has given $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel since war in Gaza began

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Osborne Co RWD 1A public water supply system located in Osborne County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on Tuesday, October 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-697-2970, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199beedf89f-f12fa8b2-672a-4c6e-9712-9c1a5227c916-000000/eqUz2JULezqR03vIbI-j2xy-nRNnrqDabjDvBdOdWBY=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753780591198.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Osborne Co RWD 1A public water supply system located in Osborne County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on Tuesday, October 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-697-2970, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199beedf89f-f12fa8b2-672a-4c6e-9712-9c1a5227c916-000000/eqUz2JULezqR03vIbI-j2xy-nRNnrqDabjDvBdOdWBY=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Osborne Co. Rural Water District 1A by KDHE

Meri Cathlene 'Cathy' McClain, 76,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Wesley Medical
Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Cathy was born on April 19, 1949,
in Borger, Texas, the daughter of Bill and Frankie (Gooch) McClain.&nbsp; She grew up in the Borger and Texas panhandle
area and attended local schools.&nbsp; She
moved to Russell, Kansas in 1978 and was united in marriage to Dwane Leroy
McClain on October 12, 1999, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.&nbsp; From this union they raised 5 children Jesse,
Billy, Gary, David and Mary.&nbsp; For many
years she worked as a bank teller at Sunflower Bank and later she worked for
Sunset Apartments for several years.&nbsp; She
was a longtime member of Otterbein Church and attended the First Congregational
Church both of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She also
was a member of Sam Club RV Association and the Veta Mu Chapter of Veta Sigma
Phi in Russell.&nbsp; She enjoyed
participating in Pioneer Days, yard work, flower planting, RV camping and being
involved in RV camping groups.&nbsp; She was a
very active member in the community and family, and friends will always
remember her bright smile, caring nature and warm heart.

Surviving family include her
brother Lee Gooch (Sonya) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister Amy Heaton (Michael) of
Russell, Kansas; stepsons Gary McClain (Diana) of Overland Park, Kansas and
David McClain (Lorraine) of Abilene, Kansas; 3 grandchildren and 8 great
grandchildren.&nbsp; 

She was preceded in death by her
parents, husband Dwane on July 09, 2015, sons Jesse and Billy Smith,
stepbrother James Gooch and stepsister Patricia Parrett, stepdaughter Mary
McClain

Cremation was selected by the
family. &nbsp;A memorial service to celebrate
Cathy’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the First
Congregational Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;
A graveside service will be at 2 P.M. on Tuesday afternoon at the Grand
Center Cemetery north of Waldo, Kansas.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Monday, October 13, 2025,
with family greeting guests from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening at the
mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary
of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759844572781.jpeg" alt="Cover" />
 <figcaption>Cover</figcaption>
 </figure>Meri Cathlene 'Cathy' McClain, 76,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Wesley Medical
Center in Wichita, Kansas.Cathy was born on April 19, 1949,
in Borger, Texas, the daughter of Bill and Frankie (Gooch) McClain.&nbsp; She grew up in the Borger and Texas panhandle
area and attended local schools.&nbsp; She
moved to Russell, Kansas in 1978 and was united in marriage to Dwane Leroy
McClain on October 12, 1999, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.&nbsp; From this union they raised 5 children Jesse,
Billy, Gary, David and Mary.&nbsp; For many
years she worked as a bank teller at Sunflower Bank and later she worked for
Sunset Apartments for several years.&nbsp; She
was a longtime member of Otterbein Church and attended the First Congregational
Church both of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She also
was a member of Sam Club RV Association and the Veta Mu Chapter of Veta Sigma
Phi in Russell.&nbsp; She enjoyed
participating in Pioneer Days, yard work, flower planting, RV camping and being
involved in RV camping groups.&nbsp; She was a
very active member in the community and family, and friends will always
remember her bright smile, caring nature and warm heart.Surviving family include her
brother Lee Gooch (Sonya) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister Amy Heaton (Michael) of
Russell, Kansas; stepsons Gary McClain (Diana) of Overland Park, Kansas and
David McClain (Lorraine) of Abilene, Kansas; 3 grandchildren and 8 great
grandchildren.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her
parents, husband Dwane on July 09, 2015, sons Jesse and Billy Smith,
stepbrother James Gooch and stepsister Patricia Parrett, stepdaughter Mary
McClainCremation was selected by the
family. &nbsp;A memorial service to celebrate
Cathy’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the First
Congregational Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;
A graveside service will be at 2 P.M. on Tuesday afternoon at the Grand
Center Cemetery north of Waldo, Kansas.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Monday, October 13, 2025,
with family greeting guests from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening at the
mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary
of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Meri Cathlene 'Cathy' McClain

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Tuesday, October 7
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pm

Wednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Thursday, October 9
 none

Friday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pm

Sunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, October 7
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pmWednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 9
 noneFriday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pmSaturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pmSunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm