WASHINGTON (AP) — A California man with a history of political violence was sentenced on Friday to 20 years in prison for repeatedly attacking police with flagpoles and other makeshift weapons during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

David Nicholas Dempsey’s sentence is among the longest among hundreds of Capitol riot prosecutions. Prosecutors described him as one of the most violent members of the mob of Donald Trump supporters that attacked the Capitol as lawmakers met to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.

Dempsey, who is from Van Nuys, stomped on police officers’ heads. He swung poles at officers defending a tunnel, struck an officer in the head with a metal crutch and attacked police with pepper spray and broken pieces of furniture, prosecutors said.

He climbed atop other rioters, using them like “human scaffolding” to reach officers guarding a tunnel entrance. He injured at least two police officers, prosecutors said.

“Your conduct on January 6th was exceptionally egregious,” U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth told Dempsey. “You did not get carried away in the moment.”

Dempsey pleaded guilty in January to two counts of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon.

Only former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has received a longer sentence in the Jan. 6 attack. Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years for orchestrating a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 presidential election.

Dempsey called his conduct “reprehensible” and apologized to the police officers whom he assaulted,

“You were performing your duties, and I responded with hostility and violence,” he said before learning his sentence.

Justice Department prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of 21 years and 10 months for Dempsey, a former construction worker and fast-food restaurant employee. Dempsey’s violence was so extreme that he attacked a fellow rioter who was trying to disarm him,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.235380/gov.uscourts.dcd.235380.69.0.pdf" target="_blank">prosecutors wrote</a>.

“David Dempsey is political violence personified,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher told the judge.

Defense attorney Amy Collins, who sought a sentence of 6 years and six months, described the government’s sentencing recommendation as “ridiculous.”

“It makes him a statistic,” she said. “It doesn’t consider the person he is, how much he has grown.”

Dempsey was wearing a tactical vest, a helmet and an American flag gaiter covering his face when he attacked police at a tunnel leading to the Lower West Terrace doors. He shot pepper spray at Metropolitan Police Department Detective Phuson Nguyen just as another rioter yanked at the officer’s gas mask, prosecutors wrote.

“The searing spray burned Detective Nguyen’s lungs, throat, eyes, and face and left him gasping for breath, fearing he might lose consciousness and be overwhelmed by the mob,” they wrote.

Dempsey then struck MPD Sgt. Jason Mastony in the head with a metal crutch, cracking the shield on his gas mask and cutting his head.

“I collapsed and caught myself against the wall as my ears rang. I was able to stand again and hold the line for a few more minutes until another assault by rioters pushed the police line back away from the threshold of the tunnel,” Mastony said in a statement submitted to the court.

Dempsey has been jailed since his arrest in August 2021.

His criminal record in California includes convictions for burglary, theft and assault. The assault conviction stemmed from an October 2019, gathering near the Santa Monica Pier, where Dempsey attacked people peacefully demonstrating against then-President Trump, prosecutors said.

“The peaceful protest turned violent as Dempsey took a canister of bear spray from his pants and dispersed it at close range against several protesters,” they wrote, noting that Dempsey was sentenced to 200 days of jail time.

Dempsey engaged in at least three other acts of “vicious political violence” that didn’t lead to criminal charges “for various reasons,” according to prosecutors. They said Dempsey struck a counter-protester over the head with a skateboard at a June 2019 rally in Los Angeles, used the same skateboard to assault someone at an August 2020 protest in Tujunga, California, and attacked a protester with pepper spray and a metal bat during a August 2020 protest in Beverly Hills, California.

More than 1,400 people have been charged with Jan. 6-related federal crimes. Over 900 of them have been convicted and sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving terms of imprisonment ranging from a few days to the 22 years that Tarrio received.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723237501529.png" alt="David Dempsey photo United States District Court" />
 <figcaption>David Dempsey photo United States District Court</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A California man with a history of political violence was sentenced on Friday to 20 years in prison for repeatedly attacking police with flagpoles and other makeshift weapons during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.David Nicholas Dempsey’s sentence is among the longest among hundreds of Capitol riot prosecutions. Prosecutors described him as one of the most violent members of the mob of Donald Trump supporters that attacked the Capitol as lawmakers met to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.Dempsey, who is from Van Nuys, stomped on police officers’ heads. He swung poles at officers defending a tunnel, struck an officer in the head with a metal crutch and attacked police with pepper spray and broken pieces of furniture, prosecutors said.He climbed atop other rioters, using them like “human scaffolding” to reach officers guarding a tunnel entrance. He injured at least two police officers, prosecutors said.“Your conduct on January 6th was exceptionally egregious,” U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth told Dempsey. “You did not get carried away in the moment.”Dempsey pleaded guilty in January to two counts of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon.Only former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has received a longer sentence in the Jan. 6 attack. Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years for orchestrating a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 presidential election.Dempsey called his conduct “reprehensible” and apologized to the police officers whom he assaulted,“You were performing your duties, and I responded with hostility and violence,” he said before learning his sentence.Justice Department prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of 21 years and 10 months for Dempsey, a former construction worker and fast-food restaurant employee. Dempsey’s violence was so extreme that he attacked a fellow rioter who was trying to disarm him,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.235380/gov.uscourts.dcd.235380.69.0.pdf" target="_blank">prosecutors wrote</a>.“David Dempsey is political violence personified,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher told the judge.Defense attorney Amy Collins, who sought a sentence of 6 years and six months, described the government’s sentencing recommendation as “ridiculous.”“It makes him a statistic,” she said. “It doesn’t consider the person he is, how much he has grown.”Dempsey was wearing a tactical vest, a helmet and an American flag gaiter covering his face when he attacked police at a tunnel leading to the Lower West Terrace doors. He shot pepper spray at Metropolitan Police Department Detective Phuson Nguyen just as another rioter yanked at the officer’s gas mask, prosecutors wrote.“The searing spray burned Detective Nguyen’s lungs, throat, eyes, and face and left him gasping for breath, fearing he might lose consciousness and be overwhelmed by the mob,” they wrote.Dempsey then struck MPD Sgt. Jason Mastony in the head with a metal crutch, cracking the shield on his gas mask and cutting his head.“I collapsed and caught myself against the wall as my ears rang. I was able to stand again and hold the line for a few more minutes until another assault by rioters pushed the police line back away from the threshold of the tunnel,” Mastony said in a statement submitted to the court.Dempsey has been jailed since his arrest in August 2021.His criminal record in California includes convictions for burglary, theft and assault. The assault conviction stemmed from an October 2019, gathering near the Santa Monica Pier, where Dempsey attacked people peacefully demonstrating against then-President Trump, prosecutors said.“The peaceful protest turned violent as Dempsey took a canister of bear spray from his pants and dispersed it at close range against several protesters,” they wrote, noting that Dempsey was sentenced to 200 days of jail time.Dempsey engaged in at least three other acts of “vicious political violence” that didn’t lead to criminal charges “for various reasons,” according to prosecutors. They said Dempsey struck a counter-protester over the head with a skateboard at a June 2019 rally in Los Angeles, used the same skateboard to assault someone at an August 2020 protest in Tujunga, California, and attacked a protester with pepper spray and a metal bat during a August 2020 protest in Beverly Hills, California.More than 1,400 people have been charged with Jan. 6-related federal crimes. Over 900 of them have been convicted and sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving terms of imprisonment ranging from a few days to the 22 years that Tarrio received.

Man who attacked police gets one of longest Jan. 6 sentences

Robert W. Moore , son of John W. and Martha F. (Cox) Moore, was &nbsp;born October 14, 1931 in Colony, KS, and passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, at the age of 92.

He grew up in Colony, graduating from Colony High School, and then attended Kansas University in Lawrence. &nbsp;In 1953 he went into the Army and served in Korea. &nbsp;He was honorably &nbsp;discharged in 1955. &nbsp;Upon his return he was united in marriage to Glenna L. Pursley on January 26, 1958 in Independence, KS. &nbsp;The couple moved Manhattan, where Robert completed his bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Kansas State University. &nbsp;The couple then moved to Arkansas.

In August 1972 the couple moved to Phillipsburg where he worked for Tamko until his retirement in 1996. &nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Glenna in 2014; and a son John in 2021

Survivors include his daughter Vivian Meyer and husband Jerry of Phillipsburg; son Carl and wife Mashel of Alma, NE; daughter-in-law Cindy Moore of Bennington, KS; brother Ronald of Warsaw, MO; sister Roberta Corlis of Winterset, IA; 10 Grandchildren; 23 Great Grandchildren; and 1 great great grandson.

&nbsp;A celebration of Robert’s life will be held Monday evening, August 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating, followed by the family receiving friends until 8:00 p.m. &nbsp;for visitation. &nbsp; A graveside service with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will then be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Ozark Colony Cemetery, Colony, KS with Pastor Steve Bubna officiating.

Mr. Moore will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the &nbsp;Phillipsburg Boy Scout Troop 123 or Phillips County Retirement Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723317932882.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert W. Moore , son of John W. and Martha F. (Cox) Moore, was &nbsp;born October 14, 1931 in Colony, KS, and passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, at the age of 92.He grew up in Colony, graduating from Colony High School, and then attended Kansas University in Lawrence. &nbsp;In 1953 he went into the Army and served in Korea. &nbsp;He was honorably &nbsp;discharged in 1955. &nbsp;Upon his return he was united in marriage to Glenna L. Pursley on January 26, 1958 in Independence, KS. &nbsp;The couple moved Manhattan, where Robert completed his bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Kansas State University. &nbsp;The couple then moved to Arkansas.In August 1972 the couple moved to Phillipsburg where he worked for Tamko until his retirement in 1996. &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Glenna in 2014; and a son John in 2021Survivors include his daughter Vivian Meyer and husband Jerry of Phillipsburg; son Carl and wife Mashel of Alma, NE; daughter-in-law Cindy Moore of Bennington, KS; brother Ronald of Warsaw, MO; sister Roberta Corlis of Winterset, IA; 10 Grandchildren; 23 Great Grandchildren; and 1 great great grandson.&nbsp;A celebration of Robert’s life will be held Monday evening, August 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating, followed by the family receiving friends until 8:00 p.m. &nbsp;for visitation. &nbsp; A graveside service with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will then be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Ozark Colony Cemetery, Colony, KS with Pastor Steve Bubna officiating.Mr. Moore will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.Memorial contributions may be made to the &nbsp;Phillipsburg Boy Scout Troop 123 or Phillips County Retirement Center.

Robert W. Moore

Valerius “Val” J. Rohleder age 94, of Abilene, Kansas passed away on Thursday, August 8th, 2024.&nbsp; Val was born to Nick and Minnie (Dreiling) Rohleder on December 19, 1929, in Emmeram, Kansas.&nbsp; Val married Tina (Geist) on October 15, 1956, in Hays, Kansas.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays in 1948. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.&nbsp; In 1978, Val and Tina moved to Abilene KS where they opened their business Pioneer Farm and Ranch Supply.&nbsp; Val coached baseball and taught religion classes for his church, but his greatest passion was running his farm store. Val worked in his store for more than 40 years before retiring at age 90.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Abilene, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus 3rd&nbsp;Degree and the Bishop Cunningham Assembly 4th&nbsp;Degree Knights of Columbus both of Hays, KS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Val is survived by his wife, Tina, of the home; his three children, Nick Rohleder and wife, Teree, Salina, KS; Jody Jenkins and husband, Dr. Jim, Junction City, KS; Amy Dautel and husband, Mark, McPherson, KS; his six grandchildren, Samantha; Kristan; Hunter; Hannah; Jordan and Dustin; his ten great grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Yvonne Rohleder-Braun, Hays, KS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Minnie Rohleder; his sisters, Petronella “Pete” Graf; Theresa Von Lintel; Rita Wolf; Josita “Jo” Pfannenstiel; Mary “Janie” Polifka; and his brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Rohleder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A visitation will be at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene, on Monday, August 12th from 5:30-7:30 P.M. with a Rosary at 5:30 P.M.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with a vigil service and a Knights of Columbus and Hays Daughters of Isabella rosary at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, and from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, at the Church.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The 4th&nbsp;Degree Knights of &nbsp;Columbus will stand Honor Guard from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, at the mortuary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas with celebrant, Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap.&nbsp; A burial will be at Saint Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.

&nbsp;A luncheon will follow at the Victoria V.F.W. Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The family suggest memorials made payable to: St. Andrew’s Catholic Church for Masses; &nbsp;St. Andrew’s School; or Hospice of Dickinson County in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas &nbsp;67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723218053025.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Valerius “Val” J. Rohleder age 94, of Abilene, Kansas passed away on Thursday, August 8th, 2024.&nbsp; Val was born to Nick and Minnie (Dreiling) Rohleder on December 19, 1929, in Emmeram, Kansas.&nbsp; Val married Tina (Geist) on October 15, 1956, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays in 1948. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.&nbsp; In 1978, Val and Tina moved to Abilene KS where they opened their business Pioneer Farm and Ranch Supply.&nbsp; Val coached baseball and taught religion classes for his church, but his greatest passion was running his farm store. Val worked in his store for more than 40 years before retiring at age 90.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Abilene, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus 3rd&nbsp;Degree and the Bishop Cunningham Assembly 4th&nbsp;Degree Knights of Columbus both of Hays, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Val is survived by his wife, Tina, of the home; his three children, Nick Rohleder and wife, Teree, Salina, KS; Jody Jenkins and husband, Dr. Jim, Junction City, KS; Amy Dautel and husband, Mark, McPherson, KS; his six grandchildren, Samantha; Kristan; Hunter; Hannah; Jordan and Dustin; his ten great grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Yvonne Rohleder-Braun, Hays, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Minnie Rohleder; his sisters, Petronella “Pete” Graf; Theresa Von Lintel; Rita Wolf; Josita “Jo” Pfannenstiel; Mary “Janie” Polifka; and his brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Rohleder.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A visitation will be at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene, on Monday, August 12th from 5:30-7:30 P.M. with a Rosary at 5:30 P.M.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with a vigil service and a Knights of Columbus and Hays Daughters of Isabella rosary at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, and from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, at the Church.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The 4th&nbsp;Degree Knights of &nbsp;Columbus will stand Honor Guard from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, at the mortuary.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas with celebrant, Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap.&nbsp; A burial will be at Saint Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp;A luncheon will follow at the Victoria V.F.W. Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The family suggest memorials made payable to: St. Andrew’s Catholic Church for Masses; &nbsp;St. Andrew’s School; or Hospice of Dickinson County in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas &nbsp;67601.

Valerius “Val” J. Rohleder

Donald P. “Don” Renchko, age 67 years of Great Bend, Kansas passed away at his home in Great Bend on August 6, 2024.&nbsp; Don was born on October 23, 1956 at Los Angeles, California to Steven and Dorothy (Marvel) Renchko.&nbsp; He was a caregiver for his mother in her later years, and after moving to Great Bend in October of 2017 he worked nights at Walmart in Great Bend unloading freight and stocking shelves.&nbsp; Don loved to make bricks from scratch for landscaping, and enjoyed walking and bike riding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Survivors include two sisters:&nbsp; Stephanie (&amp; Patrick) McCormick of Florida and Susanne K. Welcher of Great Bend; several nieces, nephews and cousins.&nbsp; Don was preceded in death by his parents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cremation has been chosen and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced.&nbsp; The family has requested that Memorial Contributions in Don’s memory be made in care of the family for later designation. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php">http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php</a>.

Donald P. “Don” Renchko, age 67 years of Great Bend, Kansas passed away at his home in Great Bend on August 6, 2024.&nbsp; Don was born on October 23, 1956 at Los Angeles, California to Steven and Dorothy (Marvel) Renchko.&nbsp; He was a caregiver for his mother in her later years, and after moving to Great Bend in October of 2017 he worked nights at Walmart in Great Bend unloading freight and stocking shelves.&nbsp; Don loved to make bricks from scratch for landscaping, and enjoyed walking and bike riding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Survivors include two sisters:&nbsp; Stephanie (&amp; Patrick) McCormick of Florida and Susanne K. Welcher of Great Bend; several nieces, nephews and cousins.&nbsp; Don was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cremation has been chosen and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced.&nbsp; The family has requested that Memorial Contributions in Don’s memory be made in care of the family for later designation. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php">http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php</a>.

Donald 'Don' Renchko, age 67

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State is receiving votes in the 2024 United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll, released on August 6. The Tigers appeared in the receiving votes section of the poll three times last year and last ranked among the Top 25 during October of the 2022 season.

Fort Hays State has eight returners on this year's squad, but four of those returners earned all-conference honors in 2023. Three of the four all-conference selections were all-region honorees. The Tigers will see an influx of 28 newcomers this year as head coach Alex Nichols&nbsp;enters his first year guiding the program.

Fellow GAC/MIAA conference member Southern Nazarene starts the year inside the Top 25 at No. 23. FHSU will also face a pair of preseason ranked teams in non-conference play, which includes No. 8 Midwestern State and No. 12 Maryville.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches Men's Soccer Preseason Top 25. Rank - School - Prev W-L-T 1 - Franklin Pierce - 1 - 21-0-2 2 - Colorado State University-Pueblo - 2 - 18-5-3 3 - Florida Tech - 3 - 13-3-5 4 - Lewis - 4 - 13-4-6 5 - California State University-Los Angeles - 5 - 18-1-3 6 - Limestone - 6 - 14-3-2 7 - Gannon - 7 - 18-2-2 8 - Midwestern State - 8 - 20-1-1 9 - University of Charleston - 9 - 19-2-0 10 - Cal Poly Pomona - 10 - 14-2-5 11 - Barry - 11 - 13-4-1 12 - Maryville&nbsp; - 12 - 12-4-6 13 - West Florida - 13 - 12-1-6 14 - Post 14 - 13-2-6 15 - Indianapolis - 15 - 12-2-7 16 - Clayton State - 16 - 15-3-3 17 - Illinois-Springfield - 17 - 13-1-7 18 - California State-Chico - 18 - 11-2-7 19 - Lynn - 19 - 10-3-6 20 - Wingate - 20 - 12-5-2 21 - Fort Lewis College - 21 - 12-5-4 22 - Tiffin - 22 - 14-3-3 23 - Southern Nazarene - 23 - 14-5-2 24 - McKendree - 24 - 12-2-7 25 - Millersville 25 - 14-3-3&nbsp;

Also receiving votes: Point Loma Nazarene, California State Monterey Bay, Lincoln Memorial, West Chester, Mississippi College, Lake Erie College,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Rogers State, Colorado Mesa&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723043096558.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State is receiving votes in the 2024 United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll, released on August 6. The Tigers appeared in the receiving votes section of the poll three times last year and last ranked among the Top 25 during October of the 2022 season.Fort Hays State has eight returners on this year's squad, but four of those returners earned all-conference honors in 2023. Three of the four all-conference selections were all-region honorees. The Tigers will see an influx of 28 newcomers this year as head coach Alex Nichols&nbsp;enters his first year guiding the program.Fellow GAC/MIAA conference member Southern Nazarene starts the year inside the Top 25 at No. 23. FHSU will also face a pair of preseason ranked teams in non-conference play, which includes No. 8 Midwestern State and No. 12 Maryville.Below is the United Soccer Coaches Men's Soccer Preseason Top 25. Rank - School - Prev W-L-T 1 - Franklin Pierce - 1 - 21-0-2 2 - Colorado State University-Pueblo - 2 - 18-5-3 3 - Florida Tech - 3 - 13-3-5 4 - Lewis - 4 - 13-4-6 5 - California State University-Los Angeles - 5 - 18-1-3 6 - Limestone - 6 - 14-3-2 7 - Gannon - 7 - 18-2-2 8 - Midwestern State - 8 - 20-1-1 9 - University of Charleston - 9 - 19-2-0 10 - Cal Poly Pomona - 10 - 14-2-5 11 - Barry - 11 - 13-4-1 12 - Maryville&nbsp; - 12 - 12-4-6 13 - West Florida - 13 - 12-1-6 14 - Post 14 - 13-2-6 15 - Indianapolis - 15 - 12-2-7 16 - Clayton State - 16 - 15-3-3 17 - Illinois-Springfield - 17 - 13-1-7 18 - California State-Chico - 18 - 11-2-7 19 - Lynn - 19 - 10-3-6 20 - Wingate - 20 - 12-5-2 21 - Fort Lewis College - 21 - 12-5-4 22 - Tiffin - 22 - 14-3-3 23 - Southern Nazarene - 23 - 14-5-2 24 - McKendree - 24 - 12-2-7 25 - Millersville 25 - 14-3-3&nbsp;Also receiving votes: Point Loma Nazarene, California State Monterey Bay, Lincoln Memorial, West Chester, Mississippi College, Lake Erie College,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Rogers State, Colorado Mesa&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men receives votes in United Soccer Coaches preseason poll

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two special prosecutors said Monday that they plan to file a criminal obstruction of justice charge against a former central Kansas police chief over his conduct following a raid last year on his town's newspaper.

In an lengthy report summarizing the findings of their investigation, the special prosecutors, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson, note that the staff of the newspaper that was raided, the Marion County Record, committed no crimes.

It wasn't clear whether they planned to charge former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody with a felony or a misdemeanor, and either is possible. The prosecutors also hadn't filed their criminal case as of Monday. It could be days before they file it because they were working with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which stepped in at the request of its Kansas counterpart.

There was no immediate response to a voicemail left at a possible cellphone number for Cody, and it wasn't clear who might be representing him in the potential criminal case. Attorneys defending Cody in federal lawsuits that were filed over the raid did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment.

The prosecutors detailed events before, during and after the Aug. 11, 2023, raid on the Record and the home of its publisher, Eric Meyer. The report suggested that Marion police, who were led at the time by Cody, conducted a poor investigation that led them to “reach erroneous conclusions” that Meyer and reporter Phyllis Zorn had committed identity theft or other computer crimes.

But the prosecutors concluded that they have probable cause to believe that Cody obstructed an official judicial process. They said two pages of a written statement made by a business owner following the raid were not submitted to investigators with the rest of the statement in September 2023, about six weeks after the raid. Cody had accused Meyer and Zorn of identity theft and other computer crimes related to the business owner's driving record to get warrants for the raid.

The report also makes a passing reference to text messages between Cody and the business owner after the raid. The business owner has said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-police-chief-resigns-e4ddf5a06defbb702bc23650827e53fd">Cody asked her to delete text messages</a>&nbsp;between them, fearing people could get wrong ideas about their relationship, which she said was professional and platonic.

“The findings will be incorporated into charges which will be sought in Marion County District Court,” the special prosecutors wrote in their report.

Bennett and Wilkerson concluded that neither Meyer nor Zorn committed any crimes in verifying information in the business owner’s driving record through a database available online from the state. Their report suggested Marion police conducted a poor investigation to “reach erroneous conclusions.”

The raid sparked a national debate about press freedoms focused on Marion, a town of about of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Cody resigned as chief in early October, weeks after officers were forced to return materials seized in the raid.

Meyer's 98-year-old mother Joan Meyer, who co-owned the paper and lived with him, died the day after the raid from a heart attack. Meyer attributed her death to the stress of the raid.

A felony obstruction charge could be punished by up to nine months in prison for a first-time offender, though the typical sentence would be 18 months or less on probation. A misdemeanor charge could result in up to a year in jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692219843330.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two special prosecutors said Monday that they plan to file a criminal obstruction of justice charge against a former central Kansas police chief over his conduct following a raid last year on his town's newspaper.In an lengthy report summarizing the findings of their investigation, the special prosecutors, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson, note that the staff of the newspaper that was raided, the Marion County Record, committed no crimes.It wasn't clear whether they planned to charge former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody with a felony or a misdemeanor, and either is possible. The prosecutors also hadn't filed their criminal case as of Monday. It could be days before they file it because they were working with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which stepped in at the request of its Kansas counterpart.There was no immediate response to a voicemail left at a possible cellphone number for Cody, and it wasn't clear who might be representing him in the potential criminal case. Attorneys defending Cody in federal lawsuits that were filed over the raid did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment.The prosecutors detailed events before, during and after the Aug. 11, 2023, raid on the Record and the home of its publisher, Eric Meyer. The report suggested that Marion police, who were led at the time by Cody, conducted a poor investigation that led them to “reach erroneous conclusions” that Meyer and reporter Phyllis Zorn had committed identity theft or other computer crimes.But the prosecutors concluded that they have probable cause to believe that Cody obstructed an official judicial process. They said two pages of a written statement made by a business owner following the raid were not submitted to investigators with the rest of the statement in September 2023, about six weeks after the raid. Cody had accused Meyer and Zorn of identity theft and other computer crimes related to the business owner's driving record to get warrants for the raid.The report also makes a passing reference to text messages between Cody and the business owner after the raid. The business owner has said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-police-chief-resigns-e4ddf5a06defbb702bc23650827e53fd">Cody asked her to delete text messages</a>&nbsp;between them, fearing people could get wrong ideas about their relationship, which she said was professional and platonic.“The findings will be incorporated into charges which will be sought in Marion County District Court,” the special prosecutors wrote in their report.Bennett and Wilkerson concluded that neither Meyer nor Zorn committed any crimes in verifying information in the business owner’s driving record through a database available online from the state. Their report suggested Marion police conducted a poor investigation to “reach erroneous conclusions.”The raid sparked a national debate about press freedoms focused on Marion, a town of about of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Cody resigned as chief in early October, weeks after officers were forced to return materials seized in the raid.Meyer's 98-year-old mother Joan Meyer, who co-owned the paper and lived with him, died the day after the raid from a heart attack. Meyer attributed her death to the stress of the raid.A felony obstruction charge could be punished by up to nine months in prison for a first-time offender, though the typical sentence would be 18 months or less on probation. A misdemeanor charge could result in up to a year in jail.

Prosecutors to charge former Kan. police chief over his conduct following newspaper raid

Lindalou Fossett, 83, of Atwood, died Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born October 26, 1940, in San Diego, CA, to James and Nell (Flack) Guindon. The family moved around to 12 different states when Lindalou was a child.

On a train in Nebraska, Lindalou met the love of her life, Bernard “Bud” Fossett. They were married on January 2, 1961.

Lindalou was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 50 years, was a member of the Odd Fellows and served on the Senior Center Board. She loved to crochet, craft, scrapbook and play bingo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nell Guindon; sister Jan Guindon and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her husband Bud; sisters, Michelle (Lee) Cody, of Branson, MO and Jameenell Guindon, St. Paul, MN; brother James “Jammie” (Laurel) Guindon, of Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Kay Brown, of Atwood and Carol (Jim) Williams, of Bird City, KS and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, with inurnment in Beulah Cemetery, Colby at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Wesleyan Church of Bird City and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.

Lindalou Fossett, 83, of Atwood, died Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born October 26, 1940, in San Diego, CA, to James and Nell (Flack) Guindon. The family moved around to 12 different states when Lindalou was a child.On a train in Nebraska, Lindalou met the love of her life, Bernard “Bud” Fossett. They were married on January 2, 1961.Lindalou was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 50 years, was a member of the Odd Fellows and served on the Senior Center Board. She loved to crochet, craft, scrapbook and play bingo.She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nell Guindon; sister Jan Guindon and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.She is survived by her husband Bud; sisters, Michelle (Lee) Cody, of Branson, MO and Jameenell Guindon, St. Paul, MN; brother James “Jammie” (Laurel) Guindon, of Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Kay Brown, of Atwood and Carol (Jim) Williams, of Bird City, KS and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, with inurnment in Beulah Cemetery, Colby at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Wesleyan Church of Bird City and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.

Lindalou Fossett

Joan Marie VanDegrift, 89, passed away on August 2, 2024, at her home in Ness City, Kansas. &nbsp;She was born on May 20, 1935, in Ransom, Kansas, the daughter of John and Anna Mary (Haas) Wasinger.

Joan was a secretary for the ASC office in Ness City for many years. &nbsp;She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and Altar Society in Ness City. &nbsp;Joan was active in many bowling leagues through the years. &nbsp;After retirement she enjoyed working in her yard, completing puzzles, playing cards and dice and watching the Royals on TV and listening to polka music. &nbsp;Joan was a loving a caring person and she loved having her family around her in her home. &nbsp;Joan married William Harry VanDegrift on Tuesday, October 28th, 1958, in Ness City. He preceded her in death on February 16, 2003.

Joan is survived by her three sons, Tom VanDegrift and his wife, Denise, of Luray, Todd VanDegrift and his wife, Stephanie, of Dodge City, and Troy VanDegrift, and his wife, Emy, of Ness City; son in law Donny Woods of Dodge City; 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry; daughter, Tammy Woods; three brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, August 8, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City followed by burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. &nbsp;Parish Vigil will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home beginning with a rosary at 6:30. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart School.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722880122902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joan Marie VanDegrift, 89, passed away on August 2, 2024, at her home in Ness City, Kansas. &nbsp;She was born on May 20, 1935, in Ransom, Kansas, the daughter of John and Anna Mary (Haas) Wasinger.Joan was a secretary for the ASC office in Ness City for many years. &nbsp;She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and Altar Society in Ness City. &nbsp;Joan was active in many bowling leagues through the years. &nbsp;After retirement she enjoyed working in her yard, completing puzzles, playing cards and dice and watching the Royals on TV and listening to polka music. &nbsp;Joan was a loving a caring person and she loved having her family around her in her home. &nbsp;Joan married William Harry VanDegrift on Tuesday, October 28th, 1958, in Ness City. He preceded her in death on February 16, 2003.Joan is survived by her three sons, Tom VanDegrift and his wife, Denise, of Luray, Todd VanDegrift and his wife, Stephanie, of Dodge City, and Troy VanDegrift, and his wife, Emy, of Ness City; son in law Donny Woods of Dodge City; 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry; daughter, Tammy Woods; three brothers; and three sisters.Funeral service will be on Thursday, August 8, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City followed by burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. &nbsp;Parish Vigil will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home beginning with a rosary at 6:30. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart School.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

Joan Marie VanDegrift

TOPEKA — The 2024 Kansas Association of Broadcasters Station Excellence Award winners were announced Monday.

There were 903 entries this year judged by Mississippi broadcasters.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sports Play-by-Play — 1st Place Gerard Wellbrock,&nbsp;FHSU basketball, KJLS-FM

Public Affairs Program — 2nd&nbsp; Place Cristina Janney, Options, KAYS-AM/FM Excellence In Multimedia/Digital Storytelling&nbsp; — Honorable Mention Cristina Janney, Becky Kiser,&nbsp;Hospice Care in NW Kansas, KAYS-AM/FM

Excellence In Multimedia/Digital Promotional or Commercial Announcements — 2nd Place Theresa Trapp, Cash Grab, KHAZ-FM

Morning Show - 2nd Place Jeff Leiker, The Morning Blend, KAYS AM/FM

<a href="https://mcusercontent.com/db6822f2e70d85f1e6583e62f/files/153d8c1a-b1cb-5712-b061-aa6ce744233f/2024_Station_Awards_Winners.pdf?mc_cid=80ad493739&amp;mc_eid=1848d3c4e0">View Complete List of Winners Here</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://kab.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=db6822f2e70d85f1e6583e62f&amp;id=610d25d5ea&amp;e=1848d3c4e0"></a>KAB will recognize this year's winners with a Celestial Celebration at our Station Awards Dinner during the KAB Annual Convention in Wichita, October 21.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583945824619.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KABTOPEKA — The 2024 Kansas Association of Broadcasters Station Excellence Award winners were announced Monday.There were 903 entries this year judged by Mississippi broadcasters.&nbsp;Hays Eagle Media winners are:MEDIUM MARKET RADIO&nbsp;Sports Play-by-Play — 1st Place Gerard Wellbrock,&nbsp;FHSU basketball, KJLS-FMPublic Affairs Program — 2nd&nbsp; Place Cristina Janney, Options, KAYS-AM/FM Excellence In Multimedia/Digital Storytelling&nbsp; — Honorable Mention Cristina Janney, Becky Kiser,&nbsp;Hospice Care in NW Kansas, KAYS-AM/FMExcellence In Multimedia/Digital Promotional or Commercial Announcements — 2nd Place Theresa Trapp, Cash Grab, KHAZ-FMMorning Show - 2nd Place Jeff Leiker, The Morning Blend, KAYS AM/FM <a href="https://mcusercontent.com/db6822f2e70d85f1e6583e62f/files/153d8c1a-b1cb-5712-b061-aa6ce744233f/2024_Station_Awards_Winners.pdf?mc_cid=80ad493739&amp;mc_eid=1848d3c4e0">View Complete List of Winners Here</a><a target="_blank" href="https://kab.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=db6822f2e70d85f1e6583e62f&amp;id=610d25d5ea&amp;e=1848d3c4e0"></a>KAB will recognize this year's winners with a Celestial Celebration at our Station Awards Dinner during the KAB Annual Convention in Wichita, October 21.&nbsp;

Hays Eagle Media wins Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards for 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri woman will spend the rest of her life in prison after admitting in court that she kidnapped and killed a pregnant Arkansas woman in what prosecutors say was an attempt to claim her baby.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-kidnapping-missouri-springfield-dc7c8e944f6d8ef9260a44c6ab38713c">Amber Waterman</a>, 44, of Pineville, Missouri, pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Springfield to one count each of kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero. U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said Waterman's mandatory sentence will be life in prison without parole. Formal sentencing is Oct. 15.

In her plea, Waterman admitted that she used a false name to contact Ashley Bush of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, on Facebook. Bush, 33, was about 31 weeks pregnant at the time.

Federal prosecutors said Waterman and Bush agreed to meet at an Arkansas convenience store on Oct. 31, 2022, under the guise of Waterman helping Bush get a job. Instead, Waterman drove Bush to Waterman's home in Pineville.

Hours later, first responders were called to the home on a report that a baby was not breathing. The baby was pronounced dead. Waterman at first claimed she had given birth. In her plea, she admitted the baby was Bush's. Bush was also the mother of three other children.

Bush's body was found in a separate location. Arkansas authorities said she died from a gunshot wound, but police and prosecutors declined to provide more information on how the baby died.

Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, was charged with being an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping dispose of Bush’s body. His trial is scheduled for October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722439469260.png" alt="Waterman photo Benton Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Waterman photo Benton Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri woman will spend the rest of her life in prison after admitting in court that she kidnapped and killed a pregnant Arkansas woman in what prosecutors say was an attempt to claim her baby.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-kidnapping-missouri-springfield-dc7c8e944f6d8ef9260a44c6ab38713c">Amber Waterman</a>, 44, of Pineville, Missouri, pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Springfield to one count each of kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero. U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said Waterman's mandatory sentence will be life in prison without parole. Formal sentencing is Oct. 15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722439716070.png" alt="Jamie Waterman is being held in Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Jamie Waterman is being held in Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In her plea, Waterman admitted that she used a false name to contact Ashley Bush of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, on Facebook. Bush, 33, was about 31 weeks pregnant at the time.Federal prosecutors said Waterman and Bush agreed to meet at an Arkansas convenience store on Oct. 31, 2022, under the guise of Waterman helping Bush get a job. Instead, Waterman drove Bush to Waterman's home in Pineville.Hours later, first responders were called to the home on a report that a baby was not breathing. The baby was pronounced dead. Waterman at first claimed she had given birth. In her plea, she admitted the baby was Bush's. Bush was also the mother of three other children.Bush's body was found in a separate location. Arkansas authorities said she died from a gunshot wound, but police and prosecutors declined to provide more information on how the baby died.Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, was charged with being an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping dispose of Bush’s body. His trial is scheduled for October.

Woman admits kidnapping, killing a pregnant Arkansas woman

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas man on trial for child sex crimes is going to prison.

On Monday, a jury found 36-year-old Timothy Ryan Hugo guilty of two counts of aggravated indecent liberty, two counts of rape of a child under 14 and aggravated sodomy, according to the Johnson County District attorney's office.

Hugo is scheduled for sentencing October 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722275116463.png" alt="Hugo photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hugo photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas man on trial for child sex crimes is going to prison.On Monday, a jury found 36-year-old Timothy Ryan Hugo guilty of two counts of aggravated indecent liberty, two counts of rape of a child under 14 and aggravated sodomy, according to the Johnson County District attorney's office.Hugo is scheduled for sentencing October 21.

Jury: Kansas man guilty of violent child sex crimes

Linda Sue Stevenson, 80, passed away peacefully July 28, 2024, at Ness County Long Term Care in Ness City, Kansas. She was born October 26, 1943, to Leland and Elma (Mai) Steinert.&nbsp;

Linda graduated high school and obtained her Certified Nurses Aide certificate. She made a lifetime career working for Central Kansas Medical Center as a CNA and Activities Director until her retirement in the early 90s. Linda was of the Lutheran faith. She was a homemaker. She loved to create beauty with cross stitching and knitting. Family could find her watching her favorite, old westerns. She was an avid Elvis Presley fan. Linda was proud of her vast array of music collections from swing bands to classic country artists on vinyl, 8-track, and cassettes that she enjoyed listening to. Linda spent her days in long term care enjoying playing pitch and bingo with her friends. The highlight of her day was the grandkids came out to visit her.&nbsp;

Survivors include Daughter; Kathleen Stevenson (husband, Billy Davis) of Kansas City. Grandchildren; Michael Ellis (wife Jenna) of Wilson Kan., Levi Ellis (wife, Amanda) of Holyrood Kan., Julie Ellis (fiancé Nicke Mettner) of Salina, Kan., Cody Davis of Kansas City, Hunter Davis of Kansas City, Son; John Stevenson (wife, Tammy) of Great Bend, Grand Children; Tasha Stevenson of Ness City Kan., Codie Stevenson of Great Bend Kan., Kayci Stevenson (Fiancé Austin Blea) Of Great Bend, Kayelan Wheeler (Curtis Rosas) of Great Bend, Kan., and Justen Pedigo (Taja) Of Great Bend, Kan.; 17 great grandchildren and many others who Linda adopted as grandchildren over the years. Grandma Linda’s house always had all the yummy goodies.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Steinert.

Visitation will take place 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home with Troy Miller presiding. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Memorials have been designated to Alzheimer’s Association in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722623229470.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Sue Stevenson, 80, passed away peacefully July 28, 2024, at Ness County Long Term Care in Ness City, Kansas. She was born October 26, 1943, to Leland and Elma (Mai) Steinert.&nbsp;Linda graduated high school and obtained her Certified Nurses Aide certificate. She made a lifetime career working for Central Kansas Medical Center as a CNA and Activities Director until her retirement in the early 90s. Linda was of the Lutheran faith. She was a homemaker. She loved to create beauty with cross stitching and knitting. Family could find her watching her favorite, old westerns. She was an avid Elvis Presley fan. Linda was proud of her vast array of music collections from swing bands to classic country artists on vinyl, 8-track, and cassettes that she enjoyed listening to. Linda spent her days in long term care enjoying playing pitch and bingo with her friends. The highlight of her day was the grandkids came out to visit her.&nbsp;Survivors include Daughter; Kathleen Stevenson (husband, Billy Davis) of Kansas City. Grandchildren; Michael Ellis (wife Jenna) of Wilson Kan., Levi Ellis (wife, Amanda) of Holyrood Kan., Julie Ellis (fiancé Nicke Mettner) of Salina, Kan., Cody Davis of Kansas City, Hunter Davis of Kansas City, Son; John Stevenson (wife, Tammy) of Great Bend, Grand Children; Tasha Stevenson of Ness City Kan., Codie Stevenson of Great Bend Kan., Kayci Stevenson (Fiancé Austin Blea) Of Great Bend, Kayelan Wheeler (Curtis Rosas) of Great Bend, Kan., and Justen Pedigo (Taja) Of Great Bend, Kan.; 17 great grandchildren and many others who Linda adopted as grandchildren over the years. Grandma Linda’s house always had all the yummy goodies.She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Steinert.Visitation will take place 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home with Troy Miller presiding. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Memorials have been designated to Alzheimer’s Association in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS

Linda Sue Stevenson

Francis J. “Frank” Degenhardt, 87, Retired Landscape Manager, died Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Mass at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson, MO.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Alice Degenhardt; sisters, Rosie, Ellie, and Bernita; brother, Romauld.

Survived by his daughter, Karen (Bill) Smith of Wichita, KS; sons, Kalon (Geri) Degenhardt of Ridgedale, MO, Korey Degenhardt of Blue Eye, MO; grandchildren, Connor (Katie) Smith, Ian (Morgan) Smith, both of Rose Hill, KS, Ross (Amanda) Degenhardt of Covington, LA, Ana (Andrew) Clement of Mandeville, LA; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Vera) Degenhardt of Kirksville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Christian Action Ministries, 2400 State Hwy. 165, Branson, MO 65626.

Our dad was born and raised around Loretta, Kansas. Loretta consisted of a catholic church, baseball diamond, and a small grocery store. The community consisted of small family farms, and everyone worked together in times of need. Youngest of six siblings, dad was born July 31, 1936. His family was not wealthy, but dad always reminded us he never went hungry and was very thankful. As a boy growing up, dad loved baseball, horseshoes, and later enjoyed dancing and bowling. He attended church often and was typically the only server for the priests who said mass at the Loretta Catholic Church. He served mass for Father Emil Kapaun on many occasions who is currently being considered for Sainthood by the Catholic Church. Dad attended high school at St. Joseph's College &amp; Military Academy, Hays, Kansas and graduated May 1955. He then enlisted in the US Army and served three years from October 1956 to October 1959 including 2 years in Germany. One month later was married to Mary Ellen and three kids later, Kalon 1960, Karen 1962, &amp; Korey 1968; kept dad and mom very busy!!

Dad spent his early married years living in Wichita, Kansas working in the floor covering business. First as a salesman and later transitioned to self-employment under the business name 'Frank's Carpet Service. After many successful years in the floor covering business, the decision was made in 1992 to move to the Branson, Missouri area where he became the landscape manager for Big Cedar Lodge. A position which he truly enjoyed and held for 15 years. Dad never met a stranger and loved to visit with the guests about where they were from and usually ending with compliments on the beautiful grounds. He also received numerous employee awards for excellence in service.

During his retirement years, dad looked forward to serving his home parish 'Our Lady of the Lake' however he could. He ushered at mass, was a member of the prayer chain group, and volunteered at many parish functions. He was famous for his dancing skills at the annual spaghetti dinner, never sitting down once the music started. He also volunteered at Christian Action Ministries (CAM) once a week helping to sort and distribute food to those of need in the community.

After a lot of coaxing, dad traveled to Indonesia and Kuwait to visit Kalon and his family. There were many great times during his visits. While in Indonesia, dad hung out with all the spouses', playing cards and golf. He loved it. While in Kuwait, dad always liked to walk the beach to collect shells until security forces arrested him because they thought he was an intruder!

Korey always maintained a close relationship with dad, especially during those holidays when dad was alone. Korey would cook holiday meals and watch sports with dad.

Summertime was always special for him because his grandkids would visit and eventually great grandkids to enjoy some lake time. The family has been loving the Table Rock Lake area for four generations now. Frank was also well known in his neighborhood (Clearwater Acres), and truly loved living in the community. He always had an American Flag displayed and his yard was well-manicured. He was very proud to call the Ozarks his HOME.

It became apparent in his later years that dad was suffering from dementia. He managed to live on his own until the last couple of years. Dad was moved to Wichita for memory care which enabled Karen and dad extra time to enjoy one another's company. His nephew Paul also visited him on a regular basis, which the family will be forever grateful. Thankfully, dad recognized all his family until God called him home. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his prayer &amp; faith in God, kindness, generosity, love of music and dancing up a storm whether he had a partner or not.

Rest in peace dad. We will always love you!

Services in care of Downing &amp; Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722618851096.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Francis J. “Frank” Degenhardt, 87, Retired Landscape Manager, died Thursday, July 4, 2024.Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Mass at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson, MO.Preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Alice Degenhardt; sisters, Rosie, Ellie, and Bernita; brother, Romauld.Survived by his daughter, Karen (Bill) Smith of Wichita, KS; sons, Kalon (Geri) Degenhardt of Ridgedale, MO, Korey Degenhardt of Blue Eye, MO; grandchildren, Connor (Katie) Smith, Ian (Morgan) Smith, both of Rose Hill, KS, Ross (Amanda) Degenhardt of Covington, LA, Ana (Andrew) Clement of Mandeville, LA; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Vera) Degenhardt of Kirksville, MO.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Christian Action Ministries, 2400 State Hwy. 165, Branson, MO 65626.From his family:Our dad was born and raised around Loretta, Kansas. Loretta consisted of a catholic church, baseball diamond, and a small grocery store. The community consisted of small family farms, and everyone worked together in times of need. Youngest of six siblings, dad was born July 31, 1936. His family was not wealthy, but dad always reminded us he never went hungry and was very thankful. As a boy growing up, dad loved baseball, horseshoes, and later enjoyed dancing and bowling. He attended church often and was typically the only server for the priests who said mass at the Loretta Catholic Church. He served mass for Father Emil Kapaun on many occasions who is currently being considered for Sainthood by the Catholic Church. Dad attended high school at St. Joseph's College &amp; Military Academy, Hays, Kansas and graduated May 1955. He then enlisted in the US Army and served three years from October 1956 to October 1959 including 2 years in Germany. One month later was married to Mary Ellen and three kids later, Kalon 1960, Karen 1962, &amp; Korey 1968; kept dad and mom very busy!!Dad spent his early married years living in Wichita, Kansas working in the floor covering business. First as a salesman and later transitioned to self-employment under the business name 'Frank's Carpet Service. After many successful years in the floor covering business, the decision was made in 1992 to move to the Branson, Missouri area where he became the landscape manager for Big Cedar Lodge. A position which he truly enjoyed and held for 15 years. Dad never met a stranger and loved to visit with the guests about where they were from and usually ending with compliments on the beautiful grounds. He also received numerous employee awards for excellence in service.During his retirement years, dad looked forward to serving his home parish 'Our Lady of the Lake' however he could. He ushered at mass, was a member of the prayer chain group, and volunteered at many parish functions. He was famous for his dancing skills at the annual spaghetti dinner, never sitting down once the music started. He also volunteered at Christian Action Ministries (CAM) once a week helping to sort and distribute food to those of need in the community.After a lot of coaxing, dad traveled to Indonesia and Kuwait to visit Kalon and his family. There were many great times during his visits. While in Indonesia, dad hung out with all the spouses', playing cards and golf. He loved it. While in Kuwait, dad always liked to walk the beach to collect shells until security forces arrested him because they thought he was an intruder!Korey always maintained a close relationship with dad, especially during those holidays when dad was alone. Korey would cook holiday meals and watch sports with dad.Summertime was always special for him because his grandkids would visit and eventually great grandkids to enjoy some lake time. The family has been loving the Table Rock Lake area for four generations now. Frank was also well known in his neighborhood (Clearwater Acres), and truly loved living in the community. He always had an American Flag displayed and his yard was well-manicured. He was very proud to call the Ozarks his HOME.It became apparent in his later years that dad was suffering from dementia. He managed to live on his own until the last couple of years. Dad was moved to Wichita for memory care which enabled Karen and dad extra time to enjoy one another's company. His nephew Paul also visited him on a regular basis, which the family will be forever grateful. Thankfully, dad recognized all his family until God called him home. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his prayer &amp; faith in God, kindness, generosity, love of music and dancing up a storm whether he had a partner or not.Rest in peace dad. We will always love you!~ Kalon, Karen, &amp; KoreyServices in care of Downing &amp; Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.

Francis J. “Frank” Degenhardt

Larry Wayne Horton, 72, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. Larry was born July 26, 1954 to Loren and Delpha (Fitzerald) Horton.

Larry grew up on the family farm in rural Sheridan County and graduated from Hoxie High School with the Class of 1969. After high school, Larry attended Colby Community College for one year and then enlisted in the United States Army.

On October 9, 1976, he married Dalene Luft, and they had one daughter, Ashley. Throughout his life he enjoyed farming, raising pigs, driving trucks, and construction work.

Larry is survived by his daughter: Ashley (Garrett) Wagner of McCook, NE and grandchildren: Harrison, Madden, Owen, and Magnolia. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Delpha, and half-brother Raymond Hoffman.

Graveside Services will be held on August 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Lucerne Cemetery in rural Sheridan County. Condolence can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Larry Wayne Horton, 72, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. Larry was born July 26, 1954 to Loren and Delpha (Fitzerald) Horton.Larry grew up on the family farm in rural Sheridan County and graduated from Hoxie High School with the Class of 1969. After high school, Larry attended Colby Community College for one year and then enlisted in the United States Army.On October 9, 1976, he married Dalene Luft, and they had one daughter, Ashley. Throughout his life he enjoyed farming, raising pigs, driving trucks, and construction work.Larry is survived by his daughter: Ashley (Garrett) Wagner of McCook, NE and grandchildren: Harrison, Madden, Owen, and Magnolia. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Delpha, and half-brother Raymond Hoffman.Graveside Services will be held on August 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Lucerne Cemetery in rural Sheridan County. Condolence can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Larry Wayne Horton

***Please note the change in Celebration of Life Gathering location.

Charles L. Hein also known as “Country Chuck”, of Stockton, KS, passed away on June 18, 2024, at the University of Colorado Health Center in Aurora, CO, at the age of 84. He was born on June 8, 1940, to Lawrence and Florence (Mitsch) Hein in Gary, Indiana. He married Judith Ann E. Hrdlicka on October 7, 1961, in Hebron, Indiana.

Charles grew up in Merrillville, Indiana on a dairy farm. He graduated from Merrillville High School in 1957 where he was also named FFA Star Farmer. Later he graduated from Purdue University Agriculture Short Course. Charles worked as a farmer at Happy Note Farm and owned Happy Note Tack Shoppe and Arena in Crown Point, Indiana. He was also a bus driver for Crown Point Community Schools for 30 years.

Charles was a 4-H leader in Indiana for 60 years and served the Indiana Soil and Water

Conservation and Indiana Holstein Association. He loved to do karaoke to old country music and play the drums with his wife on the piano.

Charles is survived by his children, Victoria (Richard) Gianni of Stockton, Cynthia Granger of Crown Point, Indiana, and Kenneth Hein of Wheatfield, Indiana; brother, Thomas (Dee) Hein of Merrillville, IN; brother-in-law, Vernon Schreiber of Merrillville, IN; eight grandchildren, Kyle (Christine) Gianni of Morgantown, WV, Charles (Amber) Granger of Lake Village, IN, Courtney (Steve) McKinney of Lowell, IN, David (Casey) of St. John, IN, Daniel Granger of Crown Point, IN, Anna Marie (Eric) Biggs of Stockton, KS, Josephine Gianni of Scott City, KS, and Tyler (Savannah) Hein of Wheatfield, IN; ten great-grandchildren, Emmaline Dunlop, Susan Boles, Lucy Granger, Ellinore Granger, Waylynn Biggs, Weston Biggs, Wyatt Biggs, Jackson McKinney, Eden McKinney and Piper McKinney; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Hein; mother, Florence (Mitsch) Hein; brothers, Paul and Michael Hein; sister, Shirley Westcott; sisters-in-law, Nancy Hein and Mary Jane Schreiber; and son-in-law, Robyn Granger. His wife, Judith Hein recently passed away on July 24, 2024.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 3-7PM at Stockton City Hall in Stockton, KS. Please come and go as you wish. A meal will be available throughout the gathering.

Memorials are suggested to Vicky Gianni to be designated at a later date and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722374480067.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>***Please note the change in Celebration of Life Gathering location.Charles L. Hein also known as “Country Chuck”, of Stockton, KS, passed away on June 18, 2024, at the University of Colorado Health Center in Aurora, CO, at the age of 84. He was born on June 8, 1940, to Lawrence and Florence (Mitsch) Hein in Gary, Indiana. He married Judith Ann E. Hrdlicka on October 7, 1961, in Hebron, Indiana.Charles grew up in Merrillville, Indiana on a dairy farm. He graduated from Merrillville High School in 1957 where he was also named FFA Star Farmer. Later he graduated from Purdue University Agriculture Short Course. Charles worked as a farmer at Happy Note Farm and owned Happy Note Tack Shoppe and Arena in Crown Point, Indiana. He was also a bus driver for Crown Point Community Schools for 30 years.Charles was a 4-H leader in Indiana for 60 years and served the Indiana Soil and WaterConservation and Indiana Holstein Association. He loved to do karaoke to old country music and play the drums with his wife on the piano.Charles is survived by his children, Victoria (Richard) Gianni of Stockton, Cynthia Granger of Crown Point, Indiana, and Kenneth Hein of Wheatfield, Indiana; brother, Thomas (Dee) Hein of Merrillville, IN; brother-in-law, Vernon Schreiber of Merrillville, IN; eight grandchildren, Kyle (Christine) Gianni of Morgantown, WV, Charles (Amber) Granger of Lake Village, IN, Courtney (Steve) McKinney of Lowell, IN, David (Casey) of St. John, IN, Daniel Granger of Crown Point, IN, Anna Marie (Eric) Biggs of Stockton, KS, Josephine Gianni of Scott City, KS, and Tyler (Savannah) Hein of Wheatfield, IN; ten great-grandchildren, Emmaline Dunlop, Susan Boles, Lucy Granger, Ellinore Granger, Waylynn Biggs, Weston Biggs, Wyatt Biggs, Jackson McKinney, Eden McKinney and Piper McKinney; and many loving nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Hein; mother, Florence (Mitsch) Hein; brothers, Paul and Michael Hein; sister, Shirley Westcott; sisters-in-law, Nancy Hein and Mary Jane Schreiber; and son-in-law, Robyn Granger. His wife, Judith Hein recently passed away on July 24, 2024.A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 3-7PM at Stockton City Hall in Stockton, KS. Please come and go as you wish. A meal will be available throughout the gathering.Memorials are suggested to Vicky Gianni to be designated at a later date and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Charles L. Hein

Valerie Stewart, age 82, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at her home in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on November 12, 1941, in Yardell, Arkansas, the daughter of Doy &amp; Nellie Ruth Dolsby Harp. Valerie was a lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, and was a retired school bus driver for USD 466 for 46 years.&nbsp;

She was a member of the Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water, Kansas, and the Quilt Guild of Scott City, Kansas.

On October 26, 1958, she married Guy E. Stewart in Friend, Kansas. He passed away on April 18, 2018, in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp;

Survivors include her One Son - Edward &amp; Darci Stewart of Shallow Water, Kansas, Two Daughters - Carolyn &amp; Sheri Henry of Scott City, Kansas, Melissa &amp; Norman Tedford of Garden City, Kansas, Seven Grandchildren - Levi Heinrich of Lakin, Kansas, Tia Heinrich of Scott City, Kansas, Kayla Stewart of Shallow Water, Kansas, Kelly LaMaster of Scott City, Kansas, Courtney Gravitt of Mexico, Missouri, Evin Magaña of Great Bend, Kansas, Josh Tedford of Wichita, Kansas, and Eleven Great Grandchildren.

Valerie was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, one great-grandson - Sibastian, Two Brothers, and Two Sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Don Williams presiding.

In Lieu Of Flowers, memorials can be written to Pence Community Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.&nbsp;

The inurnment will be at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at a later date.

To order<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/57f35597-5133-46ea-b80f-d40fe11231b4" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Valerie L. Stewart, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/57f35597-5133-46ea-b80f-d40fe11231b4" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722281972209.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Valerie Stewart, age 82, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at her home in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on November 12, 1941, in Yardell, Arkansas, the daughter of Doy &amp; Nellie Ruth Dolsby Harp. Valerie was a lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, and was a retired school bus driver for USD 466 for 46 years.&nbsp;She was a member of the Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water, Kansas, and the Quilt Guild of Scott City, Kansas.On October 26, 1958, she married Guy E. Stewart in Friend, Kansas. He passed away on April 18, 2018, in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp;Survivors include her One Son - Edward &amp; Darci Stewart of Shallow Water, Kansas, Two Daughters - Carolyn &amp; Sheri Henry of Scott City, Kansas, Melissa &amp; Norman Tedford of Garden City, Kansas, Seven Grandchildren - Levi Heinrich of Lakin, Kansas, Tia Heinrich of Scott City, Kansas, Kayla Stewart of Shallow Water, Kansas, Kelly LaMaster of Scott City, Kansas, Courtney Gravitt of Mexico, Missouri, Evin Magaña of Great Bend, Kansas, Josh Tedford of Wichita, Kansas, and Eleven Great Grandchildren.Valerie was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, one great-grandson - Sibastian, Two Brothers, and Two Sisters.Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Don Williams presiding.In Lieu Of Flowers, memorials can be written to Pence Community Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.&nbsp;There will be no calling times.The inurnment will be at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at a later date.To order<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/57f35597-5133-46ea-b80f-d40fe11231b4" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Valerie L. Stewart, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/57f35597-5133-46ea-b80f-d40fe11231b4" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Valerie Stewart

Janetta Kinderknecht Heroneme, 65, Ellis, Kansas, died Saturday, July 27, 2024.

She was born, March 12, 1959 to Charles and Angela Kinderknecht. She married Alan Heroneme October 26, 1977 at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Angie and in-law parents, Albert and Lela Heroneme, a sister, Charlene, a sister-in-law, Joyce, a brother-in-law, Michael, and nephews, Patrick and Daniel.

Survivors include her husband, Alan, a son, Anthony, a daughter, Adrienne, and grandchildren Noah, Norah, and Nevaeh Heroneme, Shiloh, Sophia, and Shaylie Gaschler, brothers, Charles Kinderknecht, Timothy Kinderknecht, and Cornell Kinderknecht, sisters, Cheryl Kinderknecht and Joyce Munsch.

All are invited to celebrate a Mass of Rejoice for Janetta at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Mary’s Church, Ellis. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time and recitation of the rosary will be at 9:30 am, all on Thursday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School in Ellis. Services are entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Janetta may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722279525216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Janetta Kinderknecht Heroneme, 65, Ellis, Kansas, died Saturday, July 27, 2024.She was born, March 12, 1959 to Charles and Angela Kinderknecht. She married Alan Heroneme October 26, 1977 at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Angie and in-law parents, Albert and Lela Heroneme, a sister, Charlene, a sister-in-law, Joyce, a brother-in-law, Michael, and nephews, Patrick and Daniel.Survivors include her husband, Alan, a son, Anthony, a daughter, Adrienne, and grandchildren Noah, Norah, and Nevaeh Heroneme, Shiloh, Sophia, and Shaylie Gaschler, brothers, Charles Kinderknecht, Timothy Kinderknecht, and Cornell Kinderknecht, sisters, Cheryl Kinderknecht and Joyce Munsch.All are invited to celebrate a Mass of Rejoice for Janetta at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Mary’s Church, Ellis. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time and recitation of the rosary will be at 9:30 am, all on Thursday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School in Ellis. Services are entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Janetta may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Janetta Kinderknecht Heroneme

Fort Hays State University will honor six exemplary alumni during Homecoming, which is scheduled for October 3-5.

“This group of individuals demonstrates the versatility of our graduates across all fields and disciplines. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate them and acknowledge their incredible work,” said FHSU President Dr. Tisa Mason.

•&nbsp;Dr. David Bauer ’68, Kearney, Neb. •&nbsp;Dr. Dale Herl ’01, Independence, Mo. •&nbsp;Jennifer (Mardis) Kitson, ’76, ’80, ’92, Hays

•&nbsp;Donald “Don” Reif Jr. ’82, Hoisington

•&nbsp;Ernestor De La Rosa, ’12, Topeka •&nbsp;Tre’ Giles ’15, Portland, Ore.

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqjnQfcs-2FPVg5bO-2FQFSxaOcgtJonvrJP5ookQs1Huh7Ucm4Zu_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOvLEegdmHiOa7xtKKecs42x8Tb6SJY9B4hxTxGbY204Q3EkDp69-2B8IC1vlxqvPu8oQL-2Fwfw2jEhDV0S9Pu-2BE1-2FXG4Dr-2FnQbHPLfowQFGOFQIMDQKmLADWDuWjxwoOgXP1adBLxyU9v0aI936grEN-2Fa2yxbmeYKzpQUD6cZ6Cd4-2Fe6s6ODvioDyUNUJ7yYus-2Bzl3zLZgVMt8uG4Tl0r3bH0yR42f7iKj7dc3AuG5Dgt0szzdh0x4b6b0wEvdCFf0OG">www.FHSUhomecoming.com/awards</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the criteria by which these distinguished individuals were chosen.

Dr. David Bauer ’68, Kearney, Neb.

Though Dr. David Bauer had always loved music, it was on the campus of Fort Hays State University where he began to hone the talents that led to his lifelong success. Thanks to the mentorship from his FHSU music instructors, Dr. Donald Stout, Mr. Lyle Dilley, Dr. Leland Bartholomew, Mr. Norman Jennings, and Mr. Patrick Goeser, Bauer developed the skills needed to kickstart a career in choir direction.

After graduating from FHSU, he earned a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music in Kansas City and a Doctor of Education degree from Arizona State University. Bauer taught secondary choral music across Kansas for eleven years before transitioning to instructing collegiate-level students. He helped students fine-tune their voices at the University of Nebraska-Kearney for 35 years before retiring in 2019.&nbsp;He continues to be the artistic director of the Platte River Singers, a community choir he created in 2013.

Bauer has enjoyed 56 years of marriage to his wife, Ann, who is also an FHSU alum. The couple has five children, sixteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. This year, the couple received the “Friends of Kearney” award from the Kearney, Nebraska, Chamber of Commerce for contributions and leadership within their community.

Dr. Dale Herl&nbsp;<a></a>’01, Independence, Mo.

Dr. Dale Herl's 11-year tenure as the Independence School District (ISD) superintendent has been marked by transformative leadership and an unwavering dedication to student success. He has propelled the district to new heights with a solid foundation that was built during his four years as ISD's Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Finance. Herl oversees 30 schools with more than 15,000 students and is driven to prepare students for college and their future careers. Under Herl’s leadership, a recent initiative has empowered students within the district and led to a surge in academic achievement. When Herl began serving as superintendent, the ISD offered six courses for college credit, which has grown to more than 90 courses, giving students a head start on their futures.

A lifelong learner, Herl earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University, and a doctorate from Wichita State University. Actively engaged in community service, Herl is a Rotary Club and Lions Club of Independence member and previously served on the Centerpoint Hospital Board of Directors and ISD Foundation Board.

With four children who graduated from Independence School District schools, Herl's investment in the district mirrors his professional commitment to shaping every student’s future.

Jennifer (Mardis) Kitson ’76, ’80, ’92, Hays

Jennifer Kitson grew up in Pratt, never dreaming that she would leverage her education from Fort Hays State to lead her to where she is today. She has become a recognized leader in school psychology and an expert in advocacy, school mental health, community collaboration, and sustained system change supporting child well-being outcomes.

Kitson received a bachelor's and master’s in psychology and an education specialist in school psychology degrees at Fort Hays State. She had three professional careers over 45 years, including as a school psychology practitioner and coordinator of a $3 million federal grant in Ellis County, a co-leader for a federally funded national center providing training and assistance to communities in 50 states focused on achieving positive outcomes for children and youth, and as an FHSU Department of Psychology instructor and school psychology program director. Kitson’s state and national leadership were recognized as she received the 1997 KASP School Psychologist of the Year, 1999 NASP School Psychologist of the Year, 2022 KASP Lifetime Achievement Award, and 2024 NASP Legend in School Psychology.

Kitson was pivotal in creating Ellis County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program and coordinating county-wide parenting classes. Her commitment to developing resources like this in communities nationwide further acknowledges the lives she’s touched through her advocacy, passion, and knowledge.

Donald “Don” Reif Jr. ’82, Hoisington

Every day, Don Reif lives and works in service to others thanks to his upbringing and Fort Hays State University education. Reif grew up in Hoisington and graduated with his bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State, double majoring in political science and history. As a student, Reif was involved with FHSU’s Young Democrats and served as a Student Government Association president and senator. These experiences inspired Reif to pursue a Juris Doctor of Law at Washburn University, where he served as a research assistant and intern for the Kansas Legislature.

Reif returned to his hometown of Hoisington after law school and founded an independent firm. Still serving after more than 35 years, Reif provides expertise to clients facing business law, criminal defense, and juvenile law cases. Throughout his career, Reif has facilitated more than 150 adoption cases, finding loving homes for neglected or abused children. He has been known to kindly represent veterans, elderly, and low-income clients pro bono on a case-by-case basis. Outside of his practice, Reif has educated aspiring lawyers as an adjunct instructor at Fort Hays State University for several years.

Sharing his expertise with students isn’t the only support he provides, though. Reif established the Don E. Reif Jr. Political Science Scholarship at Fort Hays State for pre-law political science students. In 2020, he became a Fort Hays State Wooster Society member by including the university in his estate plans. Reif’s passion and love for FHSU are demonstrated through his leadership, generosity, and the legacy he’s leaving in support of future Tigers. &nbsp;

Since graduating from Fort Hays State University, Ernestor De La Rosa has been working behind the scenes to make tangible change in the communities he has called home. As an immigrant, De La Rosa has used his own experience to show the possibilities available to others following in his footsteps. At 12 years old, De La Rosa came to the United States, faced challenges learning a new language, and experienced discrimination. He persevered through many barriers to gain an education.

Due to his status, De La Rosa did not qualify for financial assistance to attend Fort Hays State. He pushed himself to earn a bachelor’s in political science from FHSU while working two jobs. This hardworking spirit carried over to other pursuits, including earning his Master’s in Public Administration from Wichita State University and leading communities in various capacities. In 2014, he became Dodge City’s Assistant to the City Manager and spearheaded several immigration and transportation projects.

In early 2023, he became the City of Topeka’s first-ever Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. De La Rosa transitioned out of the role in 2024, entering the private sector as a regional manager of local government and community affairs with ITC Great Plains Corp., a transmission-only utility company based in Topeka.

His service and mentorship to others, community enrichment efforts, and leadership demonstrate all that is possible for students seeking a degree in political science.

Tre’ Giles ’15, Portland, Ore.

Tre’ Giles, a Colorado native, brings passion, commitment, and joy to everything he does.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721987411999.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AlumniFort Hays State University will honor six exemplary alumni during Homecoming, which is scheduled for October 3-5.“This group of individuals demonstrates the versatility of our graduates across all fields and disciplines. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate them and acknowledge their incredible work,” said FHSU President Dr. Tisa Mason.Award recipients include:Alumni Achievement Award•&nbsp;Dr. David Bauer ’68, Kearney, Neb. •&nbsp;Dr. Dale Herl ’01, Independence, Mo. •&nbsp;Jennifer (Mardis) Kitson, ’76, ’80, ’92, Hays Distinguished Service Award•&nbsp;Donald “Don” Reif Jr. ’82, HoisingtonYoung Alumni Award•&nbsp;Ernestor De La Rosa, ’12, Topeka •&nbsp;Tre’ Giles ’15, Portland, Ore. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqjnQfcs-2FPVg5bO-2FQFSxaOcgtJonvrJP5ookQs1Huh7Ucm4Zu_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOvLEegdmHiOa7xtKKecs42x8Tb6SJY9B4hxTxGbY204Q3EkDp69-2B8IC1vlxqvPu8oQL-2Fwfw2jEhDV0S9Pu-2BE1-2FXG4Dr-2FnQbHPLfowQFGOFQIMDQKmLADWDuWjxwoOgXP1adBLxyU9v0aI936grEN-2Fa2yxbmeYKzpQUD6cZ6Cd4-2Fe6s6ODvioDyUNUJ7yYus-2Bzl3zLZgVMt8uG4Tl0r3bH0yR42f7iKj7dc3AuG5Dgt0szzdh0x4b6b0wEvdCFf0OG">www.FHSUhomecoming.com/awards</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the criteria by which these distinguished individuals were chosen.Homecoming 2024 Honoree Profiles:<h2>Alumni Achievement Award</h2>Dr. David Bauer ’68, Kearney, Neb.Though Dr. David Bauer had always loved music, it was on the campus of Fort Hays State University where he began to hone the talents that led to his lifelong success. Thanks to the mentorship from his FHSU music instructors, Dr. Donald Stout, Mr. Lyle Dilley, Dr. Leland Bartholomew, Mr. Norman Jennings, and Mr. Patrick Goeser, Bauer developed the skills needed to kickstart a career in choir direction.After graduating from FHSU, he earned a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music in Kansas City and a Doctor of Education degree from Arizona State University. Bauer taught secondary choral music across Kansas for eleven years before transitioning to instructing collegiate-level students. He helped students fine-tune their voices at the University of Nebraska-Kearney for 35 years before retiring in 2019.&nbsp;He continues to be the artistic director of the Platte River Singers, a community choir he created in 2013.Bauer has enjoyed 56 years of marriage to his wife, Ann, who is also an FHSU alum. The couple has five children, sixteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. This year, the couple received the “Friends of Kearney” award from the Kearney, Nebraska, Chamber of Commerce for contributions and leadership within their community.Dr. Dale Herl&nbsp;<a></a>’01, Independence, Mo.Dr. Dale Herl's 11-year tenure as the Independence School District (ISD) superintendent has been marked by transformative leadership and an unwavering dedication to student success. He has propelled the district to new heights with a solid foundation that was built during his four years as ISD's Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Finance. Herl oversees 30 schools with more than 15,000 students and is driven to prepare students for college and their future careers. Under Herl’s leadership, a recent initiative has empowered students within the district and led to a surge in academic achievement. When Herl began serving as superintendent, the ISD offered six courses for college credit, which has grown to more than 90 courses, giving students a head start on their futures.A lifelong learner, Herl earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University, and a doctorate from Wichita State University. Actively engaged in community service, Herl is a Rotary Club and Lions Club of Independence member and previously served on the Centerpoint Hospital Board of Directors and ISD Foundation Board.With four children who graduated from Independence School District schools, Herl's investment in the district mirrors his professional commitment to shaping every student’s future.Jennifer (Mardis) Kitson ’76, ’80, ’92, HaysJennifer Kitson grew up in Pratt, never dreaming that she would leverage her education from Fort Hays State to lead her to where she is today. She has become a recognized leader in school psychology and an expert in advocacy, school mental health, community collaboration, and sustained system change supporting child well-being outcomes.Kitson received a bachelor's and master’s in psychology and an education specialist in school psychology degrees at Fort Hays State. She had three professional careers over 45 years, including as a school psychology practitioner and coordinator of a $3 million federal grant in Ellis County, a co-leader for a federally funded national center providing training and assistance to communities in 50 states focused on achieving positive outcomes for children and youth, and as an FHSU Department of Psychology instructor and school psychology program director. Kitson’s state and national leadership were recognized as she received the 1997 KASP School Psychologist of the Year, 1999 NASP School Psychologist of the Year, 2022 KASP Lifetime Achievement Award, and 2024 NASP Legend in School Psychology.Kitson was pivotal in creating Ellis County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program and coordinating county-wide parenting classes. Her commitment to developing resources like this in communities nationwide further acknowledges the lives she’s touched through her advocacy, passion, and knowledge.<h2>Distinguished Service Award</h2>Donald “Don” Reif Jr. ’82, HoisingtonEvery day, Don Reif lives and works in service to others thanks to his upbringing and Fort Hays State University education. Reif grew up in Hoisington and graduated with his bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State, double majoring in political science and history. As a student, Reif was involved with FHSU’s Young Democrats and served as a Student Government Association president and senator. These experiences inspired Reif to pursue a Juris Doctor of Law at Washburn University, where he served as a research assistant and intern for the Kansas Legislature.Reif returned to his hometown of Hoisington after law school and founded an independent firm. Still serving after more than 35 years, Reif provides expertise to clients facing business law, criminal defense, and juvenile law cases. Throughout his career, Reif has facilitated more than 150 adoption cases, finding loving homes for neglected or abused children. He has been known to kindly represent veterans, elderly, and low-income clients pro bono on a case-by-case basis. Outside of his practice, Reif has educated aspiring lawyers as an adjunct instructor at Fort Hays State University for several years.Sharing his expertise with students isn’t the only support he provides, though. Reif established the Don E. Reif Jr. Political Science Scholarship at Fort Hays State for pre-law political science students. In 2020, he became a Fort Hays State Wooster Society member by including the university in his estate plans. Reif’s passion and love for FHSU are demonstrated through his leadership, generosity, and the legacy he’s leaving in support of future Tigers. &nbsp;<h2>Young Alumni Award</h2>Ernestor De La Rosa ’12, TopekaSince graduating from Fort Hays State University, Ernestor De La Rosa has been working behind the scenes to make tangible change in the communities he has called home. As an immigrant, De La Rosa has used his own experience to show the possibilities available to others following in his footsteps. At 12 years old, De La Rosa came to the United States, faced challenges learning a new language, and experienced discrimination. He persevered through many barriers to gain an education.Due to his status, De La Rosa did not qualify for financial assistance to attend Fort Hays State. He pushed himself to earn a bachelor’s in political science from FHSU while working two jobs. This hardworking spirit carried over to other pursuits, including earning his Master’s in Public Administration from Wichita State University and leading communities in various capacities. In 2014, he became Dodge City’s Assistant to the City Manager and spearheaded several immigration and transportation projects.In early 2023, he became the City of Topeka’s first-ever Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. De La Rosa transitioned out of the role in 2024, entering the private sector as a regional manager of local government and community affairs with ITC Great Plains Corp., a transmission-only utility company based in Topeka.His service and mentorship to others, community enrichment efforts, and leadership demonstrate all that is possible for students seeking a degree in political science.Tre’ Giles ’15, Portland, Ore.Tre’ Giles, a Colorado native, brings passion, commitment, and joy to everything he does.As a first-generation college student, Giles became a voice for others with different ethnic backgrounds. Guided by his faith, his ability to uplift those around him was well-recognized at FHSU, earning him both the Men of Merit and Diversity Ally awards. After graduating, Giles took the leadership skills he learned at FHSU to the Peace Corps.In The Gambia, West Africa, Giles advocated for education and gender equality and created a group to spiritually support fellow volunteers during their service. He was led back to Hays and gravitated naturally to leadership positions at FHSU, Jana’s Campaign, and as a youth director at Celebration Community Church. His latest role as the Pastor of Justice and Mercy at the Bridgetown Church in Portland, Ore., has provided Giles a platform to share his faith in a larger capacity.Giles empowers audiences in prisons, auditoriums, schools, and international venues to impact their communities through leadership and collaboration. When he’s not busy pastoring at Bridgetown, he cherishes family time with his wife, Carma, and their son, Saint.Giles took the opportunities available to him at Fort Hays State University and has since proved that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.Alumni Award Recipients Meet and Greet &nbsp;If you know any of these incredible individuals, join in congratulating them at the Alumni Award Meet and Greet during homecoming on Friday, October 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on campus. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Volumes/Foundation/PUBLIC/Comm%20&amp;%20Marketing/Projects/News/2024/Homecoming/Alumni%20Awards/FHSUhomecoming.com">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>&nbsp;to view a full schedule of homecoming events.Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqjnQfcs-2FPVg5bO-2FQFSxaOcgtJonvrJP5ookQs1Huh7UcD6Kd_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOvLEegdmHiOa7xtKKecs42x8Tb6SJY9B4hxTxGbY204Q3EkDp69-2B8IC1vlxqvPu8oQL-2Fwfw2jEhDV0S9Pu-2BE1-2FTO1jDkn9EW7RNYIQlRi4qcsZKIy-2FyT3yhmtd6gwIgTaYoYXko48gDphj55rdULOyIw-2BvC1EqxTkRKN06u3itx0j32ZnP-2F7mFejmK42VyqNNrHKHVicHX5PLbqZwRgSthONL6u6aaUgpWoRDZ-2FZZEAcf7DO7KfwSGJkIhbfLMirf">www.FHSUhomecoming.com/awards</a>&nbsp;to nominate an FHSU alumni or friend of the university you believe is worthy of recognition or to view past award recipients.For questions, please contact the FHSU Alumni Office at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4430.