Sunday, October 15th, 1944-Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

<a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/karol--swart/5460673/index.php#details">Service details can be found by clicking here.</a>

<h2>Karol Ann Swart (Kruse)</h2>Sunday, October 15th, 1944-Tuesday, July 16th, 2024<a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/karol--swart/5460673/index.php#details">Service details can be found by clicking here.</a>

Karol Ann Swart (Kruse)

Carolyn Sue Hunt, 79, passed away July 15, 2024 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.

She was born February 16, 1945 in Larned, the daughter of Raymond and Margaret Wagaman Swartz.

A longtime area resident Carolyn was a daycare provider and later a mental health aide at Larned State Hospital. She was a member of First Christian Church and a volunteer at Pawnee County Humane Society, Larned Greenhouse, Christian Women Thrift Store, Larned State Hospital Greenhouse, and took pets to visit the nursing home. She was a longtime super fan of the KU Jayhawks and liked gardening, flowers, and animals. Carolyn loved spending time with her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was known for always remembering birthdays with a card. She could often be found walking her dog at the pond or on her porch with friends. She was truly a devoted and loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend.

On October 20, 1963 she married Dennis James Hunt at Macksville; he preceded her in death on January 10, 1992.

Survivors include: two sons, Michael Hunt, Garfield, Mark Hunt, Larned; daughter, Jamie (Mike) Mehl, Olathe; two brothers, Bob Swartz, Dodge City, Ron (Sarah) Swartz, Philippines; two grandchildren, Christopher (Allie) Mehl, Roeland Park, Garrett Mehl, Olathe; her dog, Precious, her cat, Princess, and her great grand dogs, Caboose and Ladle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Dennis R. (Denny) Hunt; three brothers, J.R. Swartz, Dick Swartz, Billy Swartz; two sisters, Virginia Shearrer and Betty Hood.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at First Christian Church, Larned, with Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 5-8 p.m. Following the service, inurnment will be in Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721240296962.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carolyn Sue Hunt, 79, passed away July 15, 2024 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.She was born February 16, 1945 in Larned, the daughter of Raymond and Margaret Wagaman Swartz.A longtime area resident Carolyn was a daycare provider and later a mental health aide at Larned State Hospital. She was a member of First Christian Church and a volunteer at Pawnee County Humane Society, Larned Greenhouse, Christian Women Thrift Store, Larned State Hospital Greenhouse, and took pets to visit the nursing home. She was a longtime super fan of the KU Jayhawks and liked gardening, flowers, and animals. Carolyn loved spending time with her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was known for always remembering birthdays with a card. She could often be found walking her dog at the pond or on her porch with friends. She was truly a devoted and loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend.On October 20, 1963 she married Dennis James Hunt at Macksville; he preceded her in death on January 10, 1992.Survivors include: two sons, Michael Hunt, Garfield, Mark Hunt, Larned; daughter, Jamie (Mike) Mehl, Olathe; two brothers, Bob Swartz, Dodge City, Ron (Sarah) Swartz, Philippines; two grandchildren, Christopher (Allie) Mehl, Roeland Park, Garrett Mehl, Olathe; her dog, Precious, her cat, Princess, and her great grand dogs, Caboose and Ladle.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Dennis R. (Denny) Hunt; three brothers, J.R. Swartz, Dick Swartz, Billy Swartz; two sisters, Virginia Shearrer and Betty Hood.Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at First Christian Church, Larned, with Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 5-8 p.m. Following the service, inurnment will be in Larned Cemetery.Memorials may be given to Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Carolyn Sue Hunt

Edythe Breeding, age 100, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Homestead Assisted Living of Hays.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Edythe was born December 13, 1923, in Hugoton, Kansas to Roscoe E. and Ethel V. (Light) Floyd.&nbsp; She was the second born of twins.&nbsp; Her twin brother, Ernest Wayne and&nbsp; Edythe were welcomed home by 3 sisters and 9 brothers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Edythe grew up in Rolla and was a graduate of Rolla High School.&nbsp; While growing up, she worked at the Rolla drug store and then at the Rolla post office.&nbsp; After graduation, Edythe and two of her girlfriends traveled by train to Long Beach, California where they worked for the war effort in an airplane factory for a couple of years.&nbsp; They were “Rosie the Riveters”.&nbsp; Edythe’s boyfriend Ralph Edward Breeding served as a Navy Hell fighter pilot and a flight instructor.&nbsp; In 1944, Ralph and Edythe were married in Liberal, Kansas on October 31, while Ralph was on leave. When World War II was over, Edythe and Ralph returned to Morton County, Kansas to farm.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ralph passed away in 1975. Edythe moved to Garden City in 1985 and married Harlow Brown on June 17, 1987. Edythe and Harlow moved to Sun City West, Arizona a few years later.&nbsp; Edythe was an avid golfer and played at least three times per week at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West.&nbsp; She also loved to travel going on 7 cruises.&nbsp; In 2019, Edythe moved to Hays, Kansas to be near her daughter Susan.&nbsp; She lived at Garden Terrace independent living until she moved to Homestead Assisted Living in June 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Edythe is survived by her daughter, Susan Rymph and husband, Bill, Ellis, KS; grandchildren, Kimberly Simmons; Kristina Cagle; Ryan Woods; Troy Rymph and wife, Savannah; Brett Shaffer and wife, Stephanie; 4 great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Ethel Floyd; her first husband, Ralph Edward Breeding; her second husband, Harlow Brown; her children, Ernie; Wayne; and Jana; her siblings, Marie; Maymie; Merle; Clarence; Clifford; Opal; Claude; Carter; Arthur; Roy; Raymond; Ralph, and her twin, Ernest Wayne.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 22, 2024, at&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Reverend Christine Wagner officiating.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. Monday, until service time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A graveside service and inurnment will be held later at the Rolla Cemetery, Rolla, Kansas.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The family suggests memorials to the Rolla Cemetery in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720283297813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edythe Breeding, age 100, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Homestead Assisted Living of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Edythe was born December 13, 1923, in Hugoton, Kansas to Roscoe E. and Ethel V. (Light) Floyd.&nbsp; She was the second born of twins.&nbsp; Her twin brother, Ernest Wayne and&nbsp; Edythe were welcomed home by 3 sisters and 9 brothers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Edythe grew up in Rolla and was a graduate of Rolla High School.&nbsp; While growing up, she worked at the Rolla drug store and then at the Rolla post office.&nbsp; After graduation, Edythe and two of her girlfriends traveled by train to Long Beach, California where they worked for the war effort in an airplane factory for a couple of years.&nbsp; They were “Rosie the Riveters”.&nbsp; Edythe’s boyfriend Ralph Edward Breeding served as a Navy Hell fighter pilot and a flight instructor.&nbsp; In 1944, Ralph and Edythe were married in Liberal, Kansas on October 31, while Ralph was on leave. When World War II was over, Edythe and Ralph returned to Morton County, Kansas to farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ralph passed away in 1975. Edythe moved to Garden City in 1985 and married Harlow Brown on June 17, 1987. Edythe and Harlow moved to Sun City West, Arizona a few years later.&nbsp; Edythe was an avid golfer and played at least three times per week at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West.&nbsp; She also loved to travel going on 7 cruises.&nbsp; In 2019, Edythe moved to Hays, Kansas to be near her daughter Susan.&nbsp; She lived at Garden Terrace independent living until she moved to Homestead Assisted Living in June 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Edythe is survived by her daughter, Susan Rymph and husband, Bill, Ellis, KS; grandchildren, Kimberly Simmons; Kristina Cagle; Ryan Woods; Troy Rymph and wife, Savannah; Brett Shaffer and wife, Stephanie; 4 great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Ethel Floyd; her first husband, Ralph Edward Breeding; her second husband, Harlow Brown; her children, Ernie; Wayne; and Jana; her siblings, Marie; Maymie; Merle; Clarence; Clifford; Opal; Claude; Carter; Arthur; Roy; Raymond; Ralph, and her twin, Ernest Wayne.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 22, 2024, at&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Reverend Christine Wagner officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. Monday, until service time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A graveside service and inurnment will be held later at the Rolla Cemetery, Rolla, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The family suggests memorials to the Rolla Cemetery in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Edythe Irene Breeding

Edoline Jane Greene age 89 of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the home of her daughter on Monday, June 10, 2024.&nbsp; She was born October 12, 1934, to Edward and Madoline Martin.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Edoline was best known for her devotion to family and having a witty personality.&nbsp; She always knew her friends by “whoever laughs at my jokes”. Though her personality was laughable and fun, she was a very deep, spiritual woman. &nbsp;Her love for the Word crossed over in her love for the French language, always reciting the Bible in French.

In addition, Edoline (Eddie) had a great love for ALL music, poetry and writing songs, Camelback Mountain, swimming and “the beach!”

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is survived by her three children, Andrew Greene; David Greene; and Teresa Pavelonis and husband, Joel; her grandchildren, Marci; Hunter; Madeline; &nbsp;Anna (Tanner); Audrey (Austin); Elle (Brendan); her great grandchildren, Anessa; Oliver; and Rhodes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Madoline Martin; her sister, Madoline Stack; and daughter-in-law, Maxine Greene.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1912 East 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Graveside service will immediately follow at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. Officiating.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate">https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate</a>&nbsp;or in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Condolences can be left by guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschaples@gmail.com">clineschaples@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720472824906.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edoline Jane Greene age 89 of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the home of her daughter on Monday, June 10, 2024.&nbsp; She was born October 12, 1934, to Edward and Madoline Martin.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Edoline was best known for her devotion to family and having a witty personality.&nbsp; She always knew her friends by “whoever laughs at my jokes”. Though her personality was laughable and fun, she was a very deep, spiritual woman. &nbsp;Her love for the Word crossed over in her love for the French language, always reciting the Bible in French.In addition, Edoline (Eddie) had a great love for ALL music, poetry and writing songs, Camelback Mountain, swimming and “the beach!”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is survived by her three children, Andrew Greene; David Greene; and Teresa Pavelonis and husband, Joel; her grandchildren, Marci; Hunter; Madeline; &nbsp;Anna (Tanner); Audrey (Austin); Elle (Brendan); her great grandchildren, Anessa; Oliver; and Rhodes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Madoline Martin; her sister, Madoline Stack; and daughter-in-law, Maxine Greene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1912 East 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Graveside service will immediately follow at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. Officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate">https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate</a>&nbsp;or in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Condolences can be left by guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschaples@gmail.com">clineschaples@gmail.com</a>

Edoline Jane Greene

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Cottonwood Extension District brought the diabetes education program Dining with Diabetes to Ellis County for the first time in June. Monique Koerner and Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agents were trained in 2023 and introduced the program to Hays last month.

Dining with Diabetes is a national extension program provided to Kansans by K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and community health partners. The program is a series of four, 2-hour classes that are held once a week. Classes consist of a presentation on diabetes self-care or healthful food choices; presentations on tasty, healthy familiar foods, sampling foods, and demonstrations of cooking techniques using artificial sweeteners, reduced-fat foods, herbs, and spices.

The class in Hays had 8 attendees which was a really nice size for our first group of participants. Some of the participants knew each other and others met for the first time. However, they all had something in common. They were dealing with diabetes management for themselves or with a loved one.

In addition to the education aspect of the program, the group cooked together which really helped them get to know each other. Hopefully by actually cooking meals that are designed specifically for diabetics they got the hands-on practice that gave them the confidence to try more healthy meals at home. Participants received a book of recipes that have been created for diabetics. One participant noted how much better she felt after eating the healthy recipes. Another participant was surprised to find out she could still eat foods she thought were taboo or felt she had to eliminate from her diet.

Another aspect of diabetes that isn’t often discussed are the feelings around being diagnosed and managing diabetes. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. However, one of the participants felt that being able to share feelings with other diabetics was helpful. She felt supported which in turn helped her to make changes in her nutritional life and motivated to start taking better care of herself.

Extension also partners with local agencies such as health departments, hospitals, and dieticians to answer questions that may require a health care provider knowledge. In June, we had Kalee Lundmark, Registered Dietician, serve as our expert guest speaker. Kalee provided more specific information around nutrition, resources, and medications.

Part of the Dining with Diabetes program includes a 3 month follow up class for participants to share about their progress and challenges since taking the class. That class is planned for the first part of October.

Cottonwood Extension District will be offering Dining with Diabetes later this year in Barton County. Watch for details this fall.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictCottonwood Extension District brought the diabetes education program Dining with Diabetes to Ellis County for the first time in June. Monique Koerner and Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agents were trained in 2023 and introduced the program to Hays last month.Dining with Diabetes is a national extension program provided to Kansans by K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and community health partners. The program is a series of four, 2-hour classes that are held once a week. Classes consist of a presentation on diabetes self-care or healthful food choices; presentations on tasty, healthy familiar foods, sampling foods, and demonstrations of cooking techniques using artificial sweeteners, reduced-fat foods, herbs, and spices.The class in Hays had 8 attendees which was a really nice size for our first group of participants. Some of the participants knew each other and others met for the first time. However, they all had something in common. They were dealing with diabetes management for themselves or with a loved one.In addition to the education aspect of the program, the group cooked together which really helped them get to know each other. Hopefully by actually cooking meals that are designed specifically for diabetics they got the hands-on practice that gave them the confidence to try more healthy meals at home. Participants received a book of recipes that have been created for diabetics. One participant noted how much better she felt after eating the healthy recipes. Another participant was surprised to find out she could still eat foods she thought were taboo or felt she had to eliminate from her diet.Another aspect of diabetes that isn’t often discussed are the feelings around being diagnosed and managing diabetes. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. However, one of the participants felt that being able to share feelings with other diabetics was helpful. She felt supported which in turn helped her to make changes in her nutritional life and motivated to start taking better care of herself.Extension also partners with local agencies such as health departments, hospitals, and dieticians to answer questions that may require a health care provider knowledge. In June, we had Kalee Lundmark, Registered Dietician, serve as our expert guest speaker. Kalee provided more specific information around nutrition, resources, and medications.Part of the Dining with Diabetes program includes a 3 month follow up class for participants to share about their progress and challenges since taking the class. That class is planned for the first part of October.Cottonwood Extension District will be offering Dining with Diabetes later this year in Barton County. Watch for details this fall.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

KOERNER: Dining with Diabetes wrap up

BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas man man is going to prison for a road-rage beating death of of a man in 2023.&nbsp;

On July 10, Ashton McCoy, 24, was sentenced to 21-years in prison, according to&nbsp;Butler County Attorney's office. In May McCoy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated assault.&nbsp;

Just after 1 p.m. October 8, police responded to a reported battery at the Jump Start convenience store in the 1600 block of West Central in El Dorado, according to a media release. First responders found 74-year-old&nbsp; Alton Algrim of Leon, Kansas, with injuries in connection with a road rage incident. EMS transported the victim to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;

Following an investigation, officers arrested McCoy initially on a requested charge of aggravated battery. The charge against McCoy were amended to first-degree murder following Algrim's death.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720798380228.png" alt="McCoy photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>McCoy photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas man man is going to prison for a road-rage beating death of of a man in 2023.&nbsp;On July 10, Ashton McCoy, 24, was sentenced to 21-years in prison, according to&nbsp;Butler County Attorney's office. In May McCoy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated assault.&nbsp;Just after 1 p.m. October 8, police responded to a reported battery at the Jump Start convenience store in the 1600 block of West Central in El Dorado, according to a media release. First responders found 74-year-old&nbsp; Alton Algrim of Leon, Kansas, with injuries in connection with a road rage incident. EMS transported the victim to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;Following an investigation, officers arrested McCoy initially on a requested charge of aggravated battery. The charge against McCoy were amended to first-degree murder following Algrim's death.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prison for road-rage beating death of 74-year-old Kansas man

Sharon Kay Bowers, 83, passed away
July 15, 2024, at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson, Kansas. She was
born on October 23, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Abilene,
Kansas, by Paul LeRoy and Mae Mary (Morgan) Fisher. On April 26, 1959, she
married James Shelley Bowers in Abilene, Kansas. He passed on January 22, 2017.

A Great Bend resident from 1962 coming
from Oberlin, Sharon worked as a RN, sharing her gift with patients at Central
Kansas Medical Center, Cherry Village, and Larned State Hospital prior to her
retirement. She was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, serving as
president of the St. Mark WELCA, along with other roles. Sharon was a Camp Fire
Leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, and the president of the Resident Council at
River Bend Assisted Living. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting – especially baby
blankets, and jigsaw puzzles.

Survivors include three sons, Barry
Bowers and wife Monica of Great Bend, Robert Bowers and wife Jane of Ottawa,
and Mark Bowers and wife Shirley of Great Bend; one daughter, Shelley Chrivia
and husband Joe of Lupton, Michigan; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her
husband, James; her parents; and brother, Karl Fisher.

There will be no visitation as
cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday,
July 19, 2024, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend with Reverend Adam
Wutka presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North, Great
Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to St. Mark Lutheran
Church or River Bend Assisted Living, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425
Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721149453863.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Kay Bowers, 83, passed away
July 15, 2024, at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson, Kansas. She was
born on October 23, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Abilene,
Kansas, by Paul LeRoy and Mae Mary (Morgan) Fisher. On April 26, 1959, she
married James Shelley Bowers in Abilene, Kansas. He passed on January 22, 2017.A Great Bend resident from 1962 coming
from Oberlin, Sharon worked as a RN, sharing her gift with patients at Central
Kansas Medical Center, Cherry Village, and Larned State Hospital prior to her
retirement. She was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, serving as
president of the St. Mark WELCA, along with other roles. Sharon was a Camp Fire
Leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, and the president of the Resident Council at
River Bend Assisted Living. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting – especially baby
blankets, and jigsaw puzzles.Survivors include three sons, Barry
Bowers and wife Monica of Great Bend, Robert Bowers and wife Jane of Ottawa,
and Mark Bowers and wife Shirley of Great Bend; one daughter, Shelley Chrivia
and husband Joe of Lupton, Michigan; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her
husband, James; her parents; and brother, Karl Fisher.There will be no visitation as
cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday,
July 19, 2024, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend with Reverend Adam
Wutka presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North, Great
Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to St. Mark Lutheran
Church or River Bend Assisted Living, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425
Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Sharon Bowers, age 83

By SUMMER BALLENTINE and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man facing trial on kidnapping and sexual assault charges after a woman said she escaped weeks in his captivity was arraigned Friday on a new charge of murder. Authorities say they linked him to the remains of a woman found in a barrel by the Missouri River.

The case against Timothy M. Haslett gained renewed attention this week when the murder charge was filed. Prosecutors say Haslett killed 36-year-old Jaynie Crosdale. At the same time, police accounts have laid out the extent of the brutality the surviving woman described.

Haslett, 41, appeared in court Friday and entered a plea of not guilty.

The case against Haslett emerged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kidnapping-missouri-fb3dd5739aaa2a2d037f858163adb322">October 2022</a>&nbsp;after a woman told law enforcement she escaped from weeks of torture in his locked basement, according to a probable cause statement. Police said she bore marks on her back from whippings.

The survivor said she met Haslett while walking in a Kansas City area known for prostitution. She said Haslett offered her money, and she agreed to go with him to his home. Once she was in his pickup truck, the woman told law enforcement that he held a gun to her, raped her and forced her to take narcotics.

He then took her to his basement, which police described as a “dungeon” filled with torture devices, cameras and restraints. She said he raped and tortured her every day, and would cut off her breathing.

She escaped while she believed he was taking his child to school.

Police said they found photos of Haslett and two different women taken inside the dungeon room below his single-story home in Excelsior Springs, about 40 minutes northeast of Kansas City. A search of his phone uncovered more than 100,000 photos and videos, mainly screenshots from porn sites, of women being choked, masked and restrained.

A public defender for Haslett had not responded by Friday evening to multiple emails seeking comment.

The woman who survived said Haslett described killing two other women he previously kidnapped: one by suffocating her, and another who died after violent sexual torture.

He told her “if she did not listen to him, he would suffocate her and put her in a barrel like the rest of ‘them,’” according to the probable cause statement.

Haslett's phone also had saved maps of the Missouri River, where Crosdale’s body was found.

Authorities said they had been looking for Crosdale as a potential witness in the case after identifying her in photos found at Haslett's home.

Kayakers in June 2023 found a blue 30-gallon barrel with her remains inside while camping off the river in Saline County, according to police.

Haslett was indicted for first-degree murder in Crosdale's death this week.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indictments-child-endangerment-missouri-crime-kidnapping-e666d09d04a08170ca843eb6863a080e">previously indicted</a>&nbsp;on one count of rape, four counts of sodomy, two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. Haslett is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on $5 million bond.

It's not clear if there is a third victim. The charges filed this week are based on the evidence authorities currently have, and Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said the investigation is ongoing. He urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Today’s indictment represents the next step in our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families and our community,” Thompson said Tuesday.

In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savoryandsonsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jaynie-Crosdale/#!/Obituary">obituary</a>, her family said Crosdale competed in track and field in grade school and “was known for her superior speed in sprints.”

“Her family never stopped looking for her; and although the outcome wasn’t what we prayed for, we found peace in finally being able to properly put her to rest last year,” the family said in a statement. “We find more peace in knowing that we are one step closer to getting her the justice she deserves.”

Family wrote in her obituary that she “accepted Christ at an early age.”

But life was hard for her. She lived on the streets, and struggled with mental illness and drug addiction, said Kris Wade, executive director of The Justice Project KC, who met her through outreach efforts.

She said when she heard Crosdale was missing, she instantly knew she was dead.

“I am really thankful that there will be justice for her and her family,” she said. “That’s the main thing I’m thankful for right now. She was really intelligent, really bright person. She had a lot of issues.”

Thompson says the evidence shows Crosdale was previously arrested for sex work, which was how she and Haslett met.

“In Clay County, regardless of who you are, how much money you have, what the color of your skin is, everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law,” Thompson said Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665352038142.png" alt="Haslett -photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Haslett -photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUMMER BALLENTINE and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man facing trial on kidnapping and sexual assault charges after a woman said she escaped weeks in his captivity was arraigned Friday on a new charge of murder. Authorities say they linked him to the remains of a woman found in a barrel by the Missouri River.The case against Timothy M. Haslett gained renewed attention this week when the murder charge was filed. Prosecutors say Haslett killed 36-year-old Jaynie Crosdale. At the same time, police accounts have laid out the extent of the brutality the surviving woman described.Haslett, 41, appeared in court Friday and entered a plea of not guilty.Here are some details about the case:<h2>What happened?</h2>The case against Haslett emerged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kidnapping-missouri-fb3dd5739aaa2a2d037f858163adb322">October 2022</a>&nbsp;after a woman told law enforcement she escaped from weeks of torture in his locked basement, according to a probable cause statement. Police said she bore marks on her back from whippings.The survivor said she met Haslett while walking in a Kansas City area known for prostitution. She said Haslett offered her money, and she agreed to go with him to his home. Once she was in his pickup truck, the woman told law enforcement that he held a gun to her, raped her and forced her to take narcotics.He then took her to his basement, which police described as a “dungeon” filled with torture devices, cameras and restraints. She said he raped and tortured her every day, and would cut off her breathing.She escaped while she believed he was taking his child to school.Police said they found photos of Haslett and two different women taken inside the dungeon room below his single-story home in Excelsior Springs, about 40 minutes northeast of Kansas City. A search of his phone uncovered more than 100,000 photos and videos, mainly screenshots from porn sites, of women being choked, masked and restrained.A public defender for Haslett had not responded by Friday evening to multiple emails seeking comment.<h2>What about the murder charge?</h2>The woman who survived said Haslett described killing two other women he previously kidnapped: one by suffocating her, and another who died after violent sexual torture.He told her “if she did not listen to him, he would suffocate her and put her in a barrel like the rest of ‘them,’” according to the probable cause statement.Haslett's phone also had saved maps of the Missouri River, where Crosdale’s body was found.Authorities said they had been looking for Crosdale as a potential witness in the case after identifying her in photos found at Haslett's home.Kayakers in June 2023 found a blue 30-gallon barrel with her remains inside while camping off the river in Saline County, according to police.Haslett was indicted for first-degree murder in Crosdale's death this week.He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indictments-child-endangerment-missouri-crime-kidnapping-e666d09d04a08170ca843eb6863a080e">previously indicted</a>&nbsp;on one count of rape, four counts of sodomy, two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. Haslett is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on $5 million bond.<h2>Here's what we still don't know</h2>It's not clear if there is a third victim. The charges filed this week are based on the evidence authorities currently have, and Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said the investigation is ongoing. He urged anyone with information to come forward.“Today’s indictment represents the next step in our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families and our community,” Thompson said Tuesday.<h2>Who was Crosdale?</h2>In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savoryandsonsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jaynie-Crosdale/#!/Obituary">obituary</a>, her family said Crosdale competed in track and field in grade school and “was known for her superior speed in sprints.”“Her family never stopped looking for her; and although the outcome wasn’t what we prayed for, we found peace in finally being able to properly put her to rest last year,” the family said in a statement. “We find more peace in knowing that we are one step closer to getting her the justice she deserves.”Family wrote in her obituary that she “accepted Christ at an early age.”But life was hard for her. She lived on the streets, and struggled with mental illness and drug addiction, said Kris Wade, executive director of The Justice Project KC, who met her through outreach efforts.She said when she heard Crosdale was missing, she instantly knew she was dead.“I am really thankful that there will be justice for her and her family,” she said. “That’s the main thing I’m thankful for right now. She was really intelligent, really bright person. She had a lot of issues.”Thompson says the evidence shows Crosdale was previously arrested for sex work, which was how she and Haslett met.“In Clay County, regardless of who you are, how much money you have, what the color of your skin is, everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law,” Thompson said Tuesday.

Woman escaped a 'dungeon’ beneath a KC area home, another was killed

Larry G. Snodgrass, age 86, died on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Rhode Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas. He was born on October 17, 1937, in Ransom, Kansas, the son of Earl and Ruby (Charles) Snodgrass. He was raised in Ransom and graduated from Ransom High School in 1955.

On August 4, 1956, he married Melba Sekavec. This marriage ended in 1959. Larry served in the United States Army, in South Korea, from December 1956 to December 1958. He later married Carol Younger in September 1961. She preceded him in death. In December 1992, he re-married Melba. She survives.

Larry is survived by his sons, Steven and Larry Alan; daughters, Sharon and Lynne, his brother, Kay; and stepdaughter, Shannon.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no services at this time.

Memorial contributions may be given to the North Ness County EMS or Ransom VFW Post 7972.

Larry G. Snodgrass, age 86, died on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Rhode Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas. He was born on October 17, 1937, in Ransom, Kansas, the son of Earl and Ruby (Charles) Snodgrass. He was raised in Ransom and graduated from Ransom High School in 1955.On August 4, 1956, he married Melba Sekavec. This marriage ended in 1959. Larry served in the United States Army, in South Korea, from December 1956 to December 1958. He later married Carol Younger in September 1961. She preceded him in death. In December 1992, he re-married Melba. She survives.Larry is survived by his sons, Steven and Larry Alan; daughters, Sharon and Lynne, his brother, Kay; and stepdaughter, Shannon.Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no services at this time.Memorial contributions may be given to the North Ness County EMS or Ransom VFW Post 7972.

Larry G. Snodgrass

Cloy Wallace Logan, age 87 passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on October 4, 1936, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Clyde &amp; Adlee Wallace Logan. A resident of the Pence Community in Scott County, Kansas for over sixty years, he was a lifelong farmer and cattleman in Scott and Wichita Counties and a seed salesman for over thirty years for Pioneer Seed Company.

&nbsp;Cloy attended the Pence Community Church in Pence, Kansas, Anthem Masonic Lodge #284, and Shriners both of Scott City, Kansas, and served on the Scott County ASCS committee board and USD 466 School Board.

&nbsp;On October 14, 1961, he married Leona Marie Hanzlick in Scott City, Kansas. She survives.

&nbsp;Survivors include his Wife - Leona M. Logan of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sons - Calvin &amp; Leyla of Broomfield, Colorado, Kyle &amp; Hilary of Hays, Kansas, and Kurt of Scott City, Kansas, One Sister - Judy Rokowski of Wilmington, Delaware, One Brother - Leon &amp; Joyce Logan of Lenexa, Kansas, Five grandchildren - Blake &amp; Megan Logan of Westminster, Colorado, Chloe Logan of Hays, Kansas, Thomas &amp; Diana Logan of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, Karlee &amp; Daniel Hair of Brownell, and Kylee of Scott City. He has three great-grandchildren.&nbsp;

&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Adlee; one brother, Duane; and one daughter-in-law, Ashlee.

&nbsp;Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Don Williams presiding.

In Lieu Of Flowers, memorials can be written to Scott County EMS or Friends of Lake Scott State Park in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.&nbsp;

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, and 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.&nbsp;

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720914882014.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cloy Wallace Logan, age 87 passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on October 4, 1936, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Clyde &amp; Adlee Wallace Logan. A resident of the Pence Community in Scott County, Kansas for over sixty years, he was a lifelong farmer and cattleman in Scott and Wichita Counties and a seed salesman for over thirty years for Pioneer Seed Company.&nbsp;Cloy attended the Pence Community Church in Pence, Kansas, Anthem Masonic Lodge #284, and Shriners both of Scott City, Kansas, and served on the Scott County ASCS committee board and USD 466 School Board.&nbsp;On October 14, 1961, he married Leona Marie Hanzlick in Scott City, Kansas. She survives.&nbsp;Survivors include his Wife - Leona M. Logan of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sons - Calvin &amp; Leyla of Broomfield, Colorado, Kyle &amp; Hilary of Hays, Kansas, and Kurt of Scott City, Kansas, One Sister - Judy Rokowski of Wilmington, Delaware, One Brother - Leon &amp; Joyce Logan of Lenexa, Kansas, Five grandchildren - Blake &amp; Megan Logan of Westminster, Colorado, Chloe Logan of Hays, Kansas, Thomas &amp; Diana Logan of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, Karlee &amp; Daniel Hair of Brownell, and Kylee of Scott City. He has three great-grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Adlee; one brother, Duane; and one daughter-in-law, Ashlee.&nbsp;Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Don Williams presiding.In Lieu Of Flowers, memorials can be written to Scott County EMS or Friends of Lake Scott State Park in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.&nbsp;Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, and 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.&nbsp;Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Cloy Wallace Logan

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge on Friday brought a sudden and stunning end to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prop-gun-shooting-entertainment-shootings-movies-santa-fe-4a8e63727b0824d7a402f731b6ec54ea">involuntary manslaughter case</a>&nbsp;against Alec Baldwin, dismissing it in the middle of the actor's trial and saying it cannot be filed again.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case based on the misconduct of police and prosecutors over the withholding of evidence from the defense in the 2021 shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-trial-rust-movie-shooting-2867079fbe45d9edb73f6c58d5b313e7">cinematographer Halyna Hutchins</a>&nbsp;on the set of the film “Rust.”

Baldwin cried, hugged his two attorneys, gestured to the front of the court, then turned to hug his crying wife Hilaria, the mother of seven of his eight children, holding the embrace for 12 seconds. He climbed into an SUV outside the Santa Fe courthouse without speaking to media.

“The late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings,” Marlowe Sommer said. “If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith it certainly comes so near to bad faith to show signs of scorching.”

The decision ends the criminal culpability of the 66-year-old Baldwin after a nearly three-year saga that began when a revolver he was pointing at Hutchins during a rehearsal went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

The career of the “Hunt for Red October” and “30 Rock” star and frequent “Saturday Night Live” host — who has been a household name for more than three decades — had been put into doubt, and he could have gotten 18 months in prison if convicted.

He and other producers still face civil lawsuits from Hutchins' parents and sister.

Sommer put a pause on the trial earlier Friday while she considered the defense motion to dismiss the case over ammunition evidence they say prosecutors hid from them that may have been related to the shooting on the set of the Western “Rust” in 2021. The defense said they should have had the ability to determine its importance.

The prosecution said that the ammunition was not connected to the case and was not hidden.

The issue emerged Thursday on the second day of the actor’s trial during defense questioning of sheriff’s crime scene technician Marissa Poppell. Baldwin lawyer Alex Spiro asked whether a “good Samaritan” had come into the sheriff’s office with the ammunition earlier this year at the end of the trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-trial-rust-movie-shooting-2867079fbe45d9edb73f6c58d5b313e7">Hannah Gutierrez-Reed</a>, the film’s armorer, for her role in Hutchins’ death. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison on an involuntary manslaughter conviction, which she is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/armorer-appeals-conviction-alec-baldwin-shooting-8de3805214440508dbc2d325f0b559c4">appealing</a>.

The evidence was not put into the same file as the rest of the “Rust” case, and was not presented to Baldwin's defense team when they examined the ballistics evidence in April.

The man who supplied ammunition was a close friend of Gutierrez-Reed's father, movie armorer Thell Reed. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey argued that the move from the men was part of an attempt by Reed to shift blame away from his daughter.

“This is a wild goose chase that has no evidentiary value whatsoever,” Morrissey told the judge Friday. “This is just a man trying to protect his daughter.”

The case's other special prosecutor, Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, resigned from the case earlier Friday. Spiro asked whether she had resigned based on the evidence issues being discussed. Morrissey said she believed it was over the holding of the public hearing itself.

Speaking outside the courthouse doors, Morrissey said she respects the judge’s decision but that there was no reason to believe the undisclosed evidence in question was related to the set of “Rust.”

“The importance of the evidence was misconstrued by the defense attorneys,” she said. “We did everything humanly possible to bring justice to Halyna and to her family and we’re proud of the work we did."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720822837599.jpeg" alt="Hilaria Baldwin speaks to her husband, actor Alec Baldwin, during his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust," Friday, July 12, 2024, at Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. (Ramsay de Give/Pool Photo via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Hilaria Baldwin speaks to her husband, actor Alec Baldwin, during his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust," Friday, July 12, 2024, at Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. (Ramsay de Give/Pool Photo via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge on Friday brought a sudden and stunning end to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prop-gun-shooting-entertainment-shootings-movies-santa-fe-4a8e63727b0824d7a402f731b6ec54ea">involuntary manslaughter case</a>&nbsp;against Alec Baldwin, dismissing it in the middle of the actor's trial and saying it cannot be filed again.Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case based on the misconduct of police and prosecutors over the withholding of evidence from the defense in the 2021 shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-trial-rust-movie-shooting-2867079fbe45d9edb73f6c58d5b313e7">cinematographer Halyna Hutchins</a>&nbsp;on the set of the film “Rust.”Baldwin cried, hugged his two attorneys, gestured to the front of the court, then turned to hug his crying wife Hilaria, the mother of seven of his eight children, holding the embrace for 12 seconds. He climbed into an SUV outside the Santa Fe courthouse without speaking to media.“The late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings,” Marlowe Sommer said. “If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith it certainly comes so near to bad faith to show signs of scorching.”The decision ends the criminal culpability of the 66-year-old Baldwin after a nearly three-year saga that began when a revolver he was pointing at Hutchins during a rehearsal went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.The career of the “Hunt for Red October” and “30 Rock” star and frequent “Saturday Night Live” host — who has been a household name for more than three decades — had been put into doubt, and he could have gotten 18 months in prison if convicted.He and other producers still face civil lawsuits from Hutchins' parents and sister.Sommer put a pause on the trial earlier Friday while she considered the defense motion to dismiss the case over ammunition evidence they say prosecutors hid from them that may have been related to the shooting on the set of the Western “Rust” in 2021. The defense said they should have had the ability to determine its importance.The prosecution said that the ammunition was not connected to the case and was not hidden.The issue emerged Thursday on the second day of the actor’s trial during defense questioning of sheriff’s crime scene technician Marissa Poppell. Baldwin lawyer Alex Spiro asked whether a “good Samaritan” had come into the sheriff’s office with the ammunition earlier this year at the end of the trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alec-baldwin-trial-rust-movie-shooting-2867079fbe45d9edb73f6c58d5b313e7">Hannah Gutierrez-Reed</a>, the film’s armorer, for her role in Hutchins’ death. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison on an involuntary manslaughter conviction, which she is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/armorer-appeals-conviction-alec-baldwin-shooting-8de3805214440508dbc2d325f0b559c4">appealing</a>.The evidence was not put into the same file as the rest of the “Rust” case, and was not presented to Baldwin's defense team when they examined the ballistics evidence in April.The man who supplied ammunition was a close friend of Gutierrez-Reed's father, movie armorer Thell Reed. Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey argued that the move from the men was part of an attempt by Reed to shift blame away from his daughter.“This is a wild goose chase that has no evidentiary value whatsoever,” Morrissey told the judge Friday. “This is just a man trying to protect his daughter.”The case's other special prosecutor, Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, resigned from the case earlier Friday. Spiro asked whether she had resigned based on the evidence issues being discussed. Morrissey said she believed it was over the holding of the public hearing itself.Speaking outside the courthouse doors, Morrissey said she respects the judge’s decision but that there was no reason to believe the undisclosed evidence in question was related to the set of “Rust.”“The importance of the evidence was misconstrued by the defense attorneys,” she said. “We did everything humanly possible to bring justice to Halyna and to her family and we’re proud of the work we did."___

Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter case dismissed; cannot be filed again

Warren Ervin McConnell, 89, Salina, passed away on July 8, 2024, at Salina Regional Health Center with his family by his side. &nbsp;He was born on November 9, 1934, in Haileyville, Oklahoma to William Warren McConnell and Zelma (Allen) McConnell. His stepmother was Neva (Walford) McConnell.

&nbsp;He married Patricia Ann Bahr on October 6, 1959.He served in the U.S. Marine Corp and was honorably discharged with the rank of “Sergeant”. He was a police officer for the City of Hoisington for 13 years as a Captain. &nbsp; He was a postal worker for 38 years. &nbsp;He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was Grand Knight &amp; District Deputy. &nbsp;He was a volunteer for the Hoisington Fire Department for over 25 years. &nbsp;He was a Hunter Safety Instructor for 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; wife, Patricia McConnell; half-brothers; Warren Lee, Samuel, Kenneth McConnell, and Harley English and brother-in-law; Tom Call.

Survivors include children, Edwinda (Wayne) Day, Weldon (Karla) McConnell, Jan (Jody) Pfannenstiel, and Renee (Scott) Suppes; seven grandchildren, Miranda Flores, Kristen Flores and Erica (Robert) Harford, Dr. Sarah (Nate) Thomas, Nathan McConnell, Lauren Suppes and MaKayla Suppes; sisters-in-law, Luella Call, Rita Bahr, Jenelda Moore, and Frances Dietz; great-grandchildren, Dakotah and Colton Harlin, John, Matthew, Kallie, Lucas and Brook Harford; half-brothers and half- sisters, Paula Shelly, Frances, Forest and Kathy English and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hoisington, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. &nbsp;Knights of Columbus rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. &nbsp; Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery following the ceremony. &nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation or St. John’s Catholic Church in care of Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544.

Warren Ervin McConnell, 89, Salina, passed away on July 8, 2024, at Salina Regional Health Center with his family by his side. &nbsp;He was born on November 9, 1934, in Haileyville, Oklahoma to William Warren McConnell and Zelma (Allen) McConnell. His stepmother was Neva (Walford) McConnell.&nbsp;He married Patricia Ann Bahr on October 6, 1959.He served in the U.S. Marine Corp and was honorably discharged with the rank of “Sergeant”. He was a police officer for the City of Hoisington for 13 years as a Captain. &nbsp; He was a postal worker for 38 years. &nbsp;He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was Grand Knight &amp; District Deputy. &nbsp;He was a volunteer for the Hoisington Fire Department for over 25 years. &nbsp;He was a Hunter Safety Instructor for 20 years.He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; wife, Patricia McConnell; half-brothers; Warren Lee, Samuel, Kenneth McConnell, and Harley English and brother-in-law; Tom Call.Survivors include children, Edwinda (Wayne) Day, Weldon (Karla) McConnell, Jan (Jody) Pfannenstiel, and Renee (Scott) Suppes; seven grandchildren, Miranda Flores, Kristen Flores and Erica (Robert) Harford, Dr. Sarah (Nate) Thomas, Nathan McConnell, Lauren Suppes and MaKayla Suppes; sisters-in-law, Luella Call, Rita Bahr, Jenelda Moore, and Frances Dietz; great-grandchildren, Dakotah and Colton Harlin, John, Matthew, Kallie, Lucas and Brook Harford; half-brothers and half- sisters, Paula Shelly, Frances, Forest and Kathy English and many nieces and nephews.Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hoisington, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. &nbsp;Knights of Columbus rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. &nbsp; Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery following the ceremony. &nbsp;Memorials are suggested to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation or St. John’s Catholic Church in care of Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544.

Warren Ervin McConnell

KANSAS CITY (AP)—A Missouri man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kidnapping-missouri-fb3dd5739aaa2a2d037f858163adb322">keeping a woman hidden in his basement</a>&nbsp;while repeatedly sexually assaulting her was indicted Tuesday for allegedly murdering another woman.

Clay County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said Timothy M. Haslett was charged with murder in connection with 36-year-old Jaynie Crosdale’s death, adding that she was killed “by an act of homicidal violence.” He said her remains showed impact wounds consistent with a gunshot.

Haslett, of Excelsior Springs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indictments-child-endangerment-missouri-crime-kidnapping-e666d09d04a08170ca843eb6863a080e">previously was indicted</a>&nbsp;on one count of rape, four counts of sodomy, two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.

He is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on $5 million bond.

Haslett’s public defender, Tiffany Leuty, did not immediately return an Associated Press call and email seeking comment Tuesday.

Police arrested Haslett in October 2022 after a woman told law enforcement that she had escaped from weeks of torture in his locked basement, according to a probable cause statement. She fled to a neighbor's house wearing a trash bag, a padlocked collar around her neck, and duct tape.

The survivor said Haslett had offered her money, and she agreed to go with him to his home. Once she was in his pickup truck, the woman told law enforcement that he held a gun to her, raped her and forced her to take narcotics.

He then took her to his basement, restrained her arms and legs, and raped, whipped, tortured and choked her every day for weeks, according to the probable cause statement. She escaped after slipping out of the chains while she believed he was taking his child to school.

The woman who survived also told authorities that Haslett had described killing two other women he previously kidnapped: one by suffocating her with a gas mask, and another who died after violent sexual torture.

He told her “if she did not listen to him, he would suffocate her and put her in a barrel like the rest of 'them,” according to the probable cause statement.

Thompson had said law enforcement officers followed more than 100 leads and spent more than 1,200 hours on the case, including searching for Crosdale and posting a missing person billboard with her photo in Kansas City.

Police made progress after kayakers in June 2023 found a blue, 30-gallon barrel with a skeleton inside while camping off the Missouri River in Saline County, according to police.

The remains were identified as Crosdale in July 2023, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article277830363.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

The charges filed Tuesday are based on the evidence authorities currently have, Thompson said. He said the investigation is ongoing, and he urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Today’s indictment represents the next step in our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families and our community,” he said. “The physical, psychological and sexual torture described by the defendant’s surviving victim is brutal and barbaric.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665352038142.png" alt="Haslett-photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Haslett-photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUMMER BALLENTINE&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP)—A Missouri man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kidnapping-missouri-fb3dd5739aaa2a2d037f858163adb322">keeping a woman hidden in his basement</a>&nbsp;while repeatedly sexually assaulting her was indicted Tuesday for allegedly murdering another woman.Clay County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said Timothy M. Haslett was charged with murder in connection with 36-year-old Jaynie Crosdale’s death, adding that she was killed “by an act of homicidal violence.” He said her remains showed impact wounds consistent with a gunshot.Haslett, of Excelsior Springs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indictments-child-endangerment-missouri-crime-kidnapping-e666d09d04a08170ca843eb6863a080e">previously was indicted</a>&nbsp;on one count of rape, four counts of sodomy, two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.He is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on $5 million bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720608172237.png" alt="Charges listed against Haslett as listed by the Clay County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Charges listed against Haslett as listed by the Clay County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Haslett’s public defender, Tiffany Leuty, did not immediately return an Associated Press call and email seeking comment Tuesday.Police arrested Haslett in October 2022 after a woman told law enforcement that she had escaped from weeks of torture in his locked basement, according to a probable cause statement. She fled to a neighbor's house wearing a trash bag, a padlocked collar around her neck, and duct tape.The survivor said Haslett had offered her money, and she agreed to go with him to his home. Once she was in his pickup truck, the woman told law enforcement that he held a gun to her, raped her and forced her to take narcotics.He then took her to his basement, restrained her arms and legs, and raped, whipped, tortured and choked her every day for weeks, according to the probable cause statement. She escaped after slipping out of the chains while she believed he was taking his child to school.The woman who survived also told authorities that Haslett had described killing two other women he previously kidnapped: one by suffocating her with a gas mask, and another who died after violent sexual torture.He told her “if she did not listen to him, he would suffocate her and put her in a barrel like the rest of 'them,” according to the probable cause statement.Thompson had said law enforcement officers followed more than 100 leads and spent more than 1,200 hours on the case, including searching for Crosdale and posting a missing person billboard with her photo in Kansas City.Police made progress after kayakers in June 2023 found a blue, 30-gallon barrel with a skeleton inside while camping off the Missouri River in Saline County, according to police.The remains were identified as Crosdale in July 2023, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article277830363.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.The charges filed Tuesday are based on the evidence authorities currently have, Thompson said. He said the investigation is ongoing, and he urged anyone with information to come forward.“Today’s indictment represents the next step in our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families and our community,” he said. “The physical, psychological and sexual torture described by the defendant’s surviving victim is brutal and barbaric.”

Man accused of imprisoning, torturing a woman indicted for murder

Randy Lee Brutsche, age 52, passed away October 18, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida.&nbsp; Randy was born July 15, 1971 to Jay and Nancy (Kibel) Brutsche in Grand Junction, Colorado. He grew up and went to school in Goodland.

Randy enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting with his dad, auto mechanics, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his father Jay. Randy is survived by his mother Nancy of Goodland, Kansas; sons Zachary Packer, Thomas and Ian Brutsche; sister Gloria (Clint) Brady; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private memorial service will be held by the family. Memorials may be sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. Information and condolences&nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Randy-Brutsche/sympathy-landing">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Randy-Brutsche/1069737/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Randy Lee Brutsche, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Randy-Brutsche/sympathy-landing">visit our floral store.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720560877482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Randy Lee Brutsche, age 52, passed away October 18, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida.&nbsp; Randy was born July 15, 1971 to Jay and Nancy (Kibel) Brutsche in Grand Junction, Colorado. He grew up and went to school in Goodland.Randy enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting with his dad, auto mechanics, and spending time with his family and friends.He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his father Jay. Randy is survived by his mother Nancy of Goodland, Kansas; sons Zachary Packer, Thomas and Ian Brutsche; sister Gloria (Clint) Brady; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.A private memorial service will be held by the family. Memorials may be sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. Information and condolences&nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Randy-Brutsche/sympathy-landing">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Randy-Brutsche/1069737/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Randy Lee Brutsche, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Randy-Brutsche/sympathy-landing">visit our floral store.</a>

Randy Lee Brutsche

Sharon Kay Wilson 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 6, 2024. She was born on October 27, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sharon loved shopping and antiquing. She was a great homemaker and loved decorating her house, but also loved working for the highway patrol and the Department of Agriculture. She also loved spending time with her friends and family and making them smile. She had a strong faith and love for the Lord and always prayed for others. Sharon was married to Clifford Wilson for 30 years. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Harriett Pearl Biby, and her Father, Rex Biby. She is survived by her husband, Clifford Wilson; son, Derek Fuller, two granddaughters, Ashleigh Hargis and husband Geoff Hargis, and Chelon Clem, and two great-granddaughters, Ryleigh and Reagan; One sister, Dixie Thederan and husband, Carl Thederan; Two nieces, Danna Tanner and husband, Tim Tanner and Shelly Grigsby, and husband, Mike Grisby; Along with several other relatives and family.

A public graveside service will be held at Gove Cemetery on July 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720476175255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Kay Wilson 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 6, 2024. She was born on October 27, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sharon loved shopping and antiquing. She was a great homemaker and loved decorating her house, but also loved working for the highway patrol and the Department of Agriculture. She also loved spending time with her friends and family and making them smile. She had a strong faith and love for the Lord and always prayed for others. Sharon was married to Clifford Wilson for 30 years. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Harriett Pearl Biby, and her Father, Rex Biby. She is survived by her husband, Clifford Wilson; son, Derek Fuller, two granddaughters, Ashleigh Hargis and husband Geoff Hargis, and Chelon Clem, and two great-granddaughters, Ryleigh and Reagan; One sister, Dixie Thederan and husband, Carl Thederan; Two nieces, Danna Tanner and husband, Tim Tanner and Shelly Grigsby, and husband, Mike Grisby; Along with several other relatives and family.A public graveside service will be held at Gove Cemetery on July 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

Sharon Kay Wilson

WASHINGTON (AP) —Boeing will plead guilty to a criminal fraud charge stemming from two crashes of 737 Max jetliners that killed 346 people after the government determined the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-justice-department-737-max-82145b25ed988cd8cae0bce3de79ce9d">violated an agreement</a>&nbsp;that had protected it from prosecution for more than three years, the Justice Department said Sunday night.

Federal prosecutors gave Boeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-criminal-charges-plea-deal-861175435e04039112fde0ac6bdbf75a">the choice</a>&nbsp;last week of entering a guilty plea and paying a fine as part of its sentence or facing a trial on the felony criminal charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Prosecutors accused the American aerospace giant of deceiving regulators who approved the airplane and pilot-training requirements for it.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-crash-plea-deal-fraud-d0531d9e9858689bf0d572584dc36b83">plea deal</a>, which still must receive the approval of a federal judge to take effect, calls for Boeing to pay an additional $243.6 million fine. That was the same amount it paid under the 2021 settlement that the Justice Department said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-justice-department-737-max-82145b25ed988cd8cae0bce3de79ce9d">the company breached</a>. An independent monitor would be named to oversee Boeing's safety and quality procedures for three years. The deal also requires Boeing to invest at least $455 million in its compliance and safety programs.

The plea deal covers only wrongdoing by Boeing before the crashes, which killed all 346 passengers and crew members aboard two new Max jets. It does not give Boeing immunity for other incidents, including a panel that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">blew off</a>&nbsp;a Max jetliner during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, a Justice Department official said.

The deal also does not cover any current or former Boeing officials, only the corporation. In a statement, Boeing confirmed it had reached the deal with the Justice Department but had no further comment.

In a court filing Sunday night, the Justice Department said it expected to file the written plea agreement with the court by July 19. Lawyers for some of the relatives of those who died in the two crashes have said they will ask the judge to reject the agreement.

“This sweetheart deal fails to recognize that because of Boeing’s conspiracy, 346 people died. Through crafty lawyering between Boeing and DOJ, the deadly consequences of Boeing’s crime are being hidden,” said Paul Cassell, a lawyer for some of the families.

Federal prosecutors alleged Boeing committed conspiracy to defraud the government by misleading regulators about a flight-control system that was implicated in the crashes, which took place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7c145dc3564045cea21cd387afebe5be">in Indonesia</a>&nbsp;in October 2018 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1108708781ba46808a16843bda8cc079">in Ethiopia</a>&nbsp;less five months later.

As part of the January 2021 settlement, the Justice Department said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-us-department-of-justice-texas-business-fraud-57db69f33fda9f62785e1fe5d3b2f538">would not prosecute</a>&nbsp;Boeing on the charge if the company complied with certain conditions for three years. Prosecutors last month alleged Boeing had breached the terms of that agreement.

The company’s guilty plea will be entered in U.S. District Court in Texas. The judge overseeing the case, who has criticized what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/accidents-fort-worth-business-fraud-6c6e5e7de01c9b0b6f74db8057431627">“Boeing’s egregious criminal conduct,”</a>&nbsp;could accept the plea and the sentence that prosecutors offered with it or he could reject the agreement, likely leading to new negotiations between the Justice Department and Boeing.

The case goes back to the crashes in Indonesia and in Ethiopia. The Lion Air pilots in the first crash did not know about flight-control software that could push the nose of the plane down without their input. The pilots for Ethiopian Airlines knew about it but were unable to control the plane when the software activated based on information from a faulty sensor.

The Justice Department charged Boeing in 2021 with deceiving FAA regulators about the software, which did not exist in older 737s, and about how much training pilots would need to fly the plane safely. The department agreed not to prosecute Boeing at the time, however, if the company paid a $2.5 billion settlement, including the $243.6 million fine, and took steps to comply with anti-fraud laws for three years.

Boeing, which blamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-texas-fort-worth-federal-aviation-administration-boeing-co-db0e14a239e43406d34d7dde99022089">two low-level employees</a>&nbsp;for misleading the regulators, tried to put the crashes behind it. After grounding Max jets for 20 months, regulators let them fly again after the Boeing reduced the power of the flight software. Max jets logged thousands of safe flights and orders from airlines picked up, increasing to about 750 in 2021, about 700 more in 2022 and nearly 1,000 in 2023.

The company based in Arlington, Virginia, has dozens of airline customers spanning the globe. The best customers for the 737 Max include Southwest, United, American, Alaska, Ryanair and flydubai.

That changed in January, when a panel covering an unused emergency exit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">blew off</a>&nbsp;a Max during the Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon.

Pilots landed the 737 Max safely and no one was seriously injured, but the incident led to closer scrutiny of the company. The Justice Department opened a new investigation, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-fbi-investigation-crime-lawsuit-oregon-a4ffddc43f2000dd9d9466a335df6a93">FBI told passengers</a>&nbsp;on the Alaska plane that they might be victims of a crime and the FAA said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">stepping up oversight</a>&nbsp;of Boeing.

A criminal conviction could jeopardize Boeing’s status as a federal contractor, according to some legal experts. The plea announced Sunday does not address that question, leaving it to each government agency whether to bar Boeing.

The Air Force cited “compelling national interest” in letting Boeing continue competing for contracts after the company paid a $615 million fine in 2006 to settle criminal and civil charges, including that it used information stolen from a rival to win a space-launch contract.

The company has 170,000 employees and 37% of its revenue last year came from U.S. government contracts. Most of it was defense work, including military sales that Washington arranged for other countries.

Boeing also makes a capsule for NASA. Two astronauts will remain at the International Space Station longer than expected while Boeing and NASA engineers troubleshoot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-space-station-2fe81a09bcd77563dadae2f86d4275fe">problems with the propulsion system</a>&nbsp;used to maneuver the capsule.

Even some Boeing critics have worried about crippling a key defense contractor.

“We want Boeing to succeed,” Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said during a Senate hearing last month on what he termed the company’s broken safety culture. “Boeing needs to succeed for the sake of the jobs it provides, for the sake of local economies it supports, for the sake of the American traveling public, for the sake of our military.”

Relatives of the Max crash victims have pushed for a criminal trial that might illuminate what people inside Boeing knew about deceiving the FAA. They also want the Justice Department to prosecute top Boeing officials, not just the company.

“Boeing has paid fines many a time, and it doesn’t seem to make any change,” said Ike Riffel of Redding, California,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plane-crashes-737-max-justice-department-da2977c487811e873be2d118b3c5e529">whose sons</a>&nbsp;Melvin and Bennett died in the Ethiopian Airlines crash. “When people start going to prison, that’s when you are going to see a change.”

At a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-calhoun-safety-senate-investigations-de6a273e5ad69764f4e666cc4afda2c1">Senate hearing</a>, Boeing CEO David Calhoun defended the company’s safety record after turning and apologizing to Max crash victims’ relatives seated in the rows behind him “for the grief that we have caused.”

Hours before the hearing, the Senate investigations subcommittee released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024.06.17-PSI-Majority-Staff-Memorandum.pdf">204-page report</a>&nbsp;with new allegations from a whistleblower who said he worried that defective parts could be going into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-jet-incident-crashes-f73fb7b9eaff7f6549c88e958f7b8b38">737s</a>. The whistleblower was the latest in a string of current and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-whistleblower-death-apparent-suicide-south-carolina-f7c8b8a614b069942a5f2e4773b99487">Boeing employees</a>&nbsp;who have raised safety concerns about the company and claimed they faced retaliation as a result.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718741633288.png" alt="During a Senate hearing in June Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologized to families in the audience of Boeing's Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash victims.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>During a Senate hearing in June Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologized to families in the audience of Boeing's Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash victims.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Boeing will plead guilty to a criminal fraud charge stemming from two crashes of 737 Max jetliners that killed 346 people after the government determined the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-justice-department-737-max-82145b25ed988cd8cae0bce3de79ce9d">violated an agreement</a>&nbsp;that had protected it from prosecution for more than three years, the Justice Department said Sunday night.Federal prosecutors gave Boeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-criminal-charges-plea-deal-861175435e04039112fde0ac6bdbf75a">the choice</a>&nbsp;last week of entering a guilty plea and paying a fine as part of its sentence or facing a trial on the felony criminal charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States.Prosecutors accused the American aerospace giant of deceiving regulators who approved the airplane and pilot-training requirements for it.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologizes to families in the audience of Boeing&#39;s Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash victims. <a href="https://t.co/2PJphR051S">pic.twitter.com/2PJphR051S</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1803140939575161269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-crash-plea-deal-fraud-d0531d9e9858689bf0d572584dc36b83">plea deal</a>, which still must receive the approval of a federal judge to take effect, calls for Boeing to pay an additional $243.6 million fine. That was the same amount it paid under the 2021 settlement that the Justice Department said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-justice-department-737-max-82145b25ed988cd8cae0bce3de79ce9d">the company breached</a>. An independent monitor would be named to oversee Boeing's safety and quality procedures for three years. The deal also requires Boeing to invest at least $455 million in its compliance and safety programs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718741575107.png" alt="Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun during testimony before a Senate Committee in June" />
 <figcaption>Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun during testimony before a Senate Committee in June</figcaption>
 </figure>The plea deal covers only wrongdoing by Boeing before the crashes, which killed all 346 passengers and crew members aboard two new Max jets. It does not give Boeing immunity for other incidents, including a panel that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">blew off</a>&nbsp;a Max jetliner during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, a Justice Department official said.The deal also does not cover any current or former Boeing officials, only the corporation. In a statement, Boeing confirmed it had reached the deal with the Justice Department but had no further comment.In a court filing Sunday night, the Justice Department said it expected to file the written plea agreement with the court by July 19. Lawyers for some of the relatives of those who died in the two crashes have said they will ask the judge to reject the agreement.“This sweetheart deal fails to recognize that because of Boeing’s conspiracy, 346 people died. Through crafty lawyering between Boeing and DOJ, the deadly consequences of Boeing’s crime are being hidden,” said Paul Cassell, a lawyer for some of the families.Federal prosecutors alleged Boeing committed conspiracy to defraud the government by misleading regulators about a flight-control system that was implicated in the crashes, which took place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7c145dc3564045cea21cd387afebe5be">in Indonesia</a>&nbsp;in October 2018 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1108708781ba46808a16843bda8cc079">in Ethiopia</a>&nbsp;less five months later.As part of the January 2021 settlement, the Justice Department said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-us-department-of-justice-texas-business-fraud-57db69f33fda9f62785e1fe5d3b2f538">would not prosecute</a>&nbsp;Boeing on the charge if the company complied with certain conditions for three years. Prosecutors last month alleged Boeing had breached the terms of that agreement.The company’s guilty plea will be entered in U.S. District Court in Texas. The judge overseeing the case, who has criticized what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/accidents-fort-worth-business-fraud-6c6e5e7de01c9b0b6f74db8057431627">“Boeing’s egregious criminal conduct,”</a>&nbsp;could accept the plea and the sentence that prosecutors offered with it or he could reject the agreement, likely leading to new negotiations between the Justice Department and Boeing.The case goes back to the crashes in Indonesia and in Ethiopia. The Lion Air pilots in the first crash did not know about flight-control software that could push the nose of the plane down without their input. The pilots for Ethiopian Airlines knew about it but were unable to control the plane when the software activated based on information from a faulty sensor.The Justice Department charged Boeing in 2021 with deceiving FAA regulators about the software, which did not exist in older 737s, and about how much training pilots would need to fly the plane safely. The department agreed not to prosecute Boeing at the time, however, if the company paid a $2.5 billion settlement, including the $243.6 million fine, and took steps to comply with anti-fraud laws for three years.Boeing, which blamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-texas-fort-worth-federal-aviation-administration-boeing-co-db0e14a239e43406d34d7dde99022089">two low-level employees</a>&nbsp;for misleading the regulators, tried to put the crashes behind it. After grounding Max jets for 20 months, regulators let them fly again after the Boeing reduced the power of the flight software. Max jets logged thousands of safe flights and orders from airlines picked up, increasing to about 750 in 2021, about 700 more in 2022 and nearly 1,000 in 2023.The company based in Arlington, Virginia, has dozens of airline customers spanning the globe. The best customers for the 737 Max include Southwest, United, American, Alaska, Ryanair and flydubai.That changed in January, when a panel covering an unused emergency exit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">blew off</a>&nbsp;a Max during the Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon.Pilots landed the 737 Max safely and no one was seriously injured, but the incident led to closer scrutiny of the company. The Justice Department opened a new investigation, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-fbi-investigation-crime-lawsuit-oregon-a4ffddc43f2000dd9d9466a335df6a93">FBI told passengers</a>&nbsp;on the Alaska plane that they might be victims of a crime and the FAA said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">stepping up oversight</a>&nbsp;of Boeing.A criminal conviction could jeopardize Boeing’s status as a federal contractor, according to some legal experts. The plea announced Sunday does not address that question, leaving it to each government agency whether to bar Boeing.The Air Force cited “compelling national interest” in letting Boeing continue competing for contracts after the company paid a $615 million fine in 2006 to settle criminal and civil charges, including that it used information stolen from a rival to win a space-launch contract.The company has 170,000 employees and 37% of its revenue last year came from U.S. government contracts. Most of it was defense work, including military sales that Washington arranged for other countries.Boeing also makes a capsule for NASA. Two astronauts will remain at the International Space Station longer than expected while Boeing and NASA engineers troubleshoot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-space-station-2fe81a09bcd77563dadae2f86d4275fe">problems with the propulsion system</a>&nbsp;used to maneuver the capsule.Even some Boeing critics have worried about crippling a key defense contractor.“We want Boeing to succeed,” Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said during a Senate hearing last month on what he termed the company’s broken safety culture. “Boeing needs to succeed for the sake of the jobs it provides, for the sake of local economies it supports, for the sake of the American traveling public, for the sake of our military.”Relatives of the Max crash victims have pushed for a criminal trial that might illuminate what people inside Boeing knew about deceiving the FAA. They also want the Justice Department to prosecute top Boeing officials, not just the company.“Boeing has paid fines many a time, and it doesn’t seem to make any change,” said Ike Riffel of Redding, California,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plane-crashes-737-max-justice-department-da2977c487811e873be2d118b3c5e529">whose sons</a>&nbsp;Melvin and Bennett died in the Ethiopian Airlines crash. “When people start going to prison, that’s when you are going to see a change.”At a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-calhoun-safety-senate-investigations-de6a273e5ad69764f4e666cc4afda2c1">Senate hearing</a>, Boeing CEO David Calhoun defended the company’s safety record after turning and apologizing to Max crash victims’ relatives seated in the rows behind him “for the grief that we have caused.”Hours before the hearing, the Senate investigations subcommittee released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024.06.17-PSI-Majority-Staff-Memorandum.pdf">204-page report</a>&nbsp;with new allegations from a whistleblower who said he worried that defective parts could be going into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-jet-incident-crashes-f73fb7b9eaff7f6549c88e958f7b8b38">737s</a>. The whistleblower was the latest in a string of current and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-whistleblower-death-apparent-suicide-south-carolina-f7c8b8a614b069942a5f2e4773b99487">Boeing employees</a>&nbsp;who have raised safety concerns about the company and claimed they faced retaliation as a result.___

Boeing to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges over Max crashes

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will remove all its forces and equipment from a small base in Niger this weekend and fewer than 500 remaining troops will leave a critical drone base in the West African country in August, ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-niger-military-base-withdrawal-sahel-russia-92af307c383c0d23e89d6e6f93ddd7da">a Sept. 15 deadline</a>&nbsp;set in an agreement with the new ruling junta, the American commander there said Friday.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman said in an interview that a number of small teams of 10-20 U.S. troops, including special operations forces, have moved to other countries in West Africa. But the bulk of the forces will go to Europe, at least initially.

Niger's ouster of American troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/niger-tensions-presidential-guard-96f8f63b838af5467d4c95ba7b998b32">following a coup last year</a>&nbsp;has broad ramifications for the U.S. because it is forcing troops to abandon the critical drone base that was used for counterterrorism missions in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara desert where groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group operate.

Ekman and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-africa-niger-chad-defense-brown-05cb62aff7faa0318f2e39290f708666">U.S. military leaders have said</a>&nbsp;other West African nations want to work with the U.S. and may be open to an expanded American presence. He did not detail the locations, but other U.S. officials have pointed to the Ivory Coast and Ghana as examples.

Ekman, who serves as the director for strategy at U.S. Africa Command, is leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-africa-niger-chad-defense-brown-05cb62aff7faa0318f2e39290f708666">the U.S. military withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from the small base at the airport in Niger's capital of Niamey and from the larger counterterrorism base in the city of Agadez. He said there will be a ceremony Sunday marking the completed pullout from the airport base, then the final 100 troops and the last C-17 transport aircraft will depart.

Under the junta agreement, two-thirds of U.S. troops and equipment must be out of the country by July 26, Ekman said. That deadline, which forced the Pentagon to move quickly, is a key reason why U.S. Africa Command will complete its withdrawal of all 1,000 troops from Niger early.

But it also leaves a counterterrorism gap that U.S. officials are struggling to fill as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-niger-alqaida-islamic-state-26d23d581507515e96ff15bfdc96a60b">security threats from extremist groups in the Sahel grow</a>.

One of those groups, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, known as JNIM, is active in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger and is looking to expand into Benin and Togo. Those expansion locations could be used initially as hubs to rest, recuperate, get financing and gather weapons, according to U.S. officials, but the group also has increased attacks there.

“Niger was immensely helpful for us as a location because it was in the Sahel and it was adjacent to those areas where the threat is most concentrated,” Ekman said. Now, he said, the challenge is battling the insurgency while having to get access from outside Niger, which makes it more difficult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720210727266.png" alt="Maj. Gen. Kenneth P. Ekman speaks in front of a "Welcome to Niamey" sign depicting U.S. military vehicles at Air Base 101 in Niger, May 30, 2024. As the Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs for U.S. Africa Command, Ekman is coordinating the smooth transition of forces and gear out of Niger. This operation reflects the commitment to a safe, orderly, and responsible transition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Dyer)" />
 <figcaption>Maj. Gen. Kenneth P. Ekman speaks in front of a "Welcome to Niamey" sign depicting U.S. military vehicles at Air Base 101 in Niger, May 30, 2024. As the Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs for U.S. Africa Command, Ekman is coordinating the smooth transition of forces and gear out of Niger. This operation reflects the commitment to a safe, orderly, and responsible transition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Dyer)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will remove all its forces and equipment from a small base in Niger this weekend and fewer than 500 remaining troops will leave a critical drone base in the West African country in August, ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-niger-military-base-withdrawal-sahel-russia-92af307c383c0d23e89d6e6f93ddd7da">a Sept. 15 deadline</a>&nbsp;set in an agreement with the new ruling junta, the American commander there said Friday.Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman said in an interview that a number of small teams of 10-20 U.S. troops, including special operations forces, have moved to other countries in West Africa. But the bulk of the forces will go to Europe, at least initially.Niger's ouster of American troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/niger-tensions-presidential-guard-96f8f63b838af5467d4c95ba7b998b32">following a coup last year</a>&nbsp;has broad ramifications for the U.S. because it is forcing troops to abandon the critical drone base that was used for counterterrorism missions in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara desert where groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group operate.Ekman and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-africa-niger-chad-defense-brown-05cb62aff7faa0318f2e39290f708666">U.S. military leaders have said</a>&nbsp;other West African nations want to work with the U.S. and may be open to an expanded American presence. He did not detail the locations, but other U.S. officials have pointed to the Ivory Coast and Ghana as examples.Ekman, who serves as the director for strategy at U.S. Africa Command, is leading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-africa-niger-chad-defense-brown-05cb62aff7faa0318f2e39290f708666">the U.S. military withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from the small base at the airport in Niger's capital of Niamey and from the larger counterterrorism base in the city of Agadez. He said there will be a ceremony Sunday marking the completed pullout from the airport base, then the final 100 troops and the last C-17 transport aircraft will depart.Under the junta agreement, two-thirds of U.S. troops and equipment must be out of the country by July 26, Ekman said. That deadline, which forced the Pentagon to move quickly, is a key reason why U.S. Africa Command will complete its withdrawal of all 1,000 troops from Niger early.But it also leaves a counterterrorism gap that U.S. officials are struggling to fill as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-niger-alqaida-islamic-state-26d23d581507515e96ff15bfdc96a60b">security threats from extremist groups in the Sahel grow</a>.One of those groups, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, known as JNIM, is active in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger and is looking to expand into Benin and Togo. Those expansion locations could be used initially as hubs to rest, recuperate, get financing and gather weapons, according to U.S. officials, but the group also has increased attacks there.“Niger was immensely helpful for us as a location because it was in the Sahel and it was adjacent to those areas where the threat is most concentrated,” Ekman said. Now, he said, the challenge is battling the insurgency while having to get access from outside Niger, which makes it more difficult.He said other coastal West African nations are concerned about the Sahel-based threats and want to talk about how they can partner with American forces. Ekman added that the small teams of U.S. troops moving to other West African nations are not combat forces but advisers, as well as special operations, personnel recovery and intelligence and surveillance forces.Talks with other nations continue, and Ekman said some may be interested but not ready to allow in more U.S. troops. One example, he said, is Togo, which is southwest of Niger on the coast.“In Togo, what I find is a partner that is friendly to the U.S. but that right now is unresolved on the degree they want the presence of any additional U.S. military personnel there,” he said. “My assessment was, ‘Not yet.'”Speaking to reporters from The Associated Press and Reuters from the U.S. embassy in Niamey, Ekman said that while portable buildings and vehicles that are no longer useful will be left behind when U.S. troops leave Niger, a lot of larger equipment will be pulled out. For example, he said 18 4,000-pound (1,800-kilograms) generators worth more than $1 million each will be taken out of Agadez.Unlike the withdrawal from Afghanistan, he said the U.S. is not destroying equipment or facilities as it leaves.“Our goal in the execution is, leave things in as good a state as possible,” he said. “If we went out and left it a wreck or we went out spitefully, or if we destroyed things as we went, we’d be foreclosing options” for future security relations.Niger’s ruling junta ordered U.S. forces out of the country in the wake of last July’s ouster of the country’s democratically elected president by mutinous soldiers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-niger-coup-military-withdrawal-bfa3afe3fdfa034dabe3dce265540411">French forces had also been asked to leave</a>&nbsp;as the junta turned to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0">the Russian mercenary group Wagner</a>&nbsp;for security assistance.Washington officially designated the military takeover as a coup in October, triggering U.S. laws restricting the military support and aid.Ekman said he has been told that there are fewer than 100 Russian troops at the base near in Niamey and that once they are done training Niger troops, they will also leave the country.