ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/boeing-co">Boeing</a>&nbsp;announced plans to acquire key supplier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-negotiations-outsourcing-75471aeaecf3144842ecdcbe2ed6f76f">Spirit AeroSystems</a>&nbsp;for $4.7 billion, a move that it says will improve plane quality and safety amid increasing scrutiny by Congress, airlines and the Department of Justice.

On his social media account Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran wrote that Boeing must earn the trust and respect of Wichita employees and the community.

Boeing previously owned Spirit, and the purchase would reverse a longtime Boeing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That approach has been criticized as problems at Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-supplier-slow-production-737-max-2525b4c5a27a7332b80b3016645918db">disrupted production</a>&nbsp;and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners, including 737s and 787s.

“We believe this deal is in the best interest of the flying public, our airline customers, the employees of Spirit and Boeing, our shareholders and the country more broadly,” Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement late Sunday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">Concerns about safety</a>&nbsp;came to a head after the Jan. 5 blowout of a panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 at 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) over Oregon. The Federal Aviation Administration soon after announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">increased oversight</a>&nbsp;of Boeing and Spirit, which supplied the fuselage for the plane.

No one was seriously injured in the Alaska Airlines door incident, which terrified passengers, but Boeing is under pressure from the U.S. Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-criminal-charges-plea-deal-861175435e04039112fde0ac6bdbf75a">to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;to criminal fraud in connection with two deadly plane crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners more than five years ago.

Boeing has until the end of the week to accept or reject the offer, which includes the giant aerospace company agreeing to an independent monitor who would oversee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-calhoun-safety-senate-investigations-de6a273e5ad69764f4e666cc4afda2c1">its compliance</a>&nbsp;with anti-fraud laws, according to several people who heard federal prosecutors detail a proposed offer Sunday.

The Justice Department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-violated-settlement-max-crashes-25cde72e154f60adae54177ce35c9176">May court filing</a>&nbsp;that Boeing violated terms of a 2021 settlement allowing the company to avoid prosecution for actions leading up to the crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plane-crashes-737-max-justice-department-da2977c487811e873be2d118b3c5e529">which killed 346 people</a>.

Those crashes were blamed on a faulty sensor in a flight-control system and the investigation is separate from the probe of the more recent Alaska Airlines blowout, which involved Spirit.

Boeing spun off Spirit, which is based in Wichita, Kansas, and not related to Spirit Airlines, in 2005. In recent years, quality problems have mounted, including fuselage panels that didn’t fit together precisely enough and holes that were improperly drilled.

Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-aerosystems-announces-leadership-transition-301944352.html">removed its CEO</a>&nbsp;in October and replaced him with Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing executive who served as acting defense secretary in the Trump administration.

Things seemed to be going more smoothly until the Alaska Airlines incident. Investigators said a panel used in place of an extra emergency door had been removed at a Boeing factory to let Spirit workers fix damaged rivets, and bolts that help hold the panel in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-emergency-landing-report-alaska-airlines-8543c90b68b4d932a700cf57ff8f1b8e">were missing</a>&nbsp;after the repair job. It is not clear who removed the bolts and failed to put them back.

Spirit said in May that it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-737-layoffs-c8da0ea0a2f4694cc9f22d7d63595ba7">laying off about 450</a>&nbsp;workers at its Wichita plant because of a production slowdown since the January incident. Its total workforce was just over 13,000 people.

“Bringing Spirit and Boeing together will enable greater integration of both companies’ manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including safety and quality systems,” Shanahan said.

The acquisition's equity value of $4.7 billion is $37.25 per share, while the total value of the deal is around $8.3 billion, which includes Spirit’s last reported net debt, the aerospace company said.

Boeing common stock will be exchanged for Spirit shares according to a variable formula that depends on a weighted average of the share price over a 15-trading-day period ending on the second day before the deal closes, Boeing said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687445400176.png" alt="Spirit Aerosystems" />
 <figcaption>Spirit Aerosystems</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/boeing-co">Boeing</a>&nbsp;announced plans to acquire key supplier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-negotiations-outsourcing-75471aeaecf3144842ecdcbe2ed6f76f">Spirit AeroSystems</a>&nbsp;for $4.7 billion, a move that it says will improve plane quality and safety amid increasing scrutiny by Congress, airlines and the Department of Justice.On his social media account Kansas Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran wrote that Boeing must earn the trust and respect of Wichita employees and the community.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My full statement on Boeing’s agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems: <a href="https://t.co/VP30DmZrHM">pic.twitter.com/VP30DmZrHM</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1807574995561755056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Boeing previously owned Spirit, and the purchase would reverse a longtime Boeing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That approach has been criticized as problems at Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-supplier-slow-production-737-max-2525b4c5a27a7332b80b3016645918db">disrupted production</a>&nbsp;and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners, including 737s and 787s.“We believe this deal is in the best interest of the flying public, our airline customers, the employees of Spirit and Boeing, our shareholders and the country more broadly,” Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement late Sunday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">Concerns about safety</a>&nbsp;came to a head after the Jan. 5 blowout of a panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 at 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) over Oregon. The Federal Aviation Administration soon after announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">increased oversight</a>&nbsp;of Boeing and Spirit, which supplied the fuselage for the plane.No one was seriously injured in the Alaska Airlines door incident, which terrified passengers, but Boeing is under pressure from the U.S. Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-criminal-charges-plea-deal-861175435e04039112fde0ac6bdbf75a">to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;to criminal fraud in connection with two deadly plane crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners more than five years ago.Boeing has until the end of the week to accept or reject the offer, which includes the giant aerospace company agreeing to an independent monitor who would oversee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-calhoun-safety-senate-investigations-de6a273e5ad69764f4e666cc4afda2c1">its compliance</a>&nbsp;with anti-fraud laws, according to several people who heard federal prosecutors detail a proposed offer Sunday.The Justice Department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-violated-settlement-max-crashes-25cde72e154f60adae54177ce35c9176">May court filing</a>&nbsp;that Boeing violated terms of a 2021 settlement allowing the company to avoid prosecution for actions leading up to the crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plane-crashes-737-max-justice-department-da2977c487811e873be2d118b3c5e529">which killed 346 people</a>.Those crashes were blamed on a faulty sensor in a flight-control system and the investigation is separate from the probe of the more recent Alaska Airlines blowout, which involved Spirit.Boeing spun off Spirit, which is based in Wichita, Kansas, and not related to Spirit Airlines, in 2005. In recent years, quality problems have mounted, including fuselage panels that didn’t fit together precisely enough and holes that were improperly drilled.Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-aerosystems-announces-leadership-transition-301944352.html">removed its CEO</a>&nbsp;in October and replaced him with Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing executive who served as acting defense secretary in the Trump administration.Things seemed to be going more smoothly until the Alaska Airlines incident. Investigators said a panel used in place of an extra emergency door had been removed at a Boeing factory to let Spirit workers fix damaged rivets, and bolts that help hold the panel in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-emergency-landing-report-alaska-airlines-8543c90b68b4d932a700cf57ff8f1b8e">were missing</a>&nbsp;after the repair job. It is not clear who removed the bolts and failed to put them back.Spirit said in May that it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-737-layoffs-c8da0ea0a2f4694cc9f22d7d63595ba7">laying off about 450</a>&nbsp;workers at its Wichita plant because of a production slowdown since the January incident. Its total workforce was just over 13,000 people.“Bringing Spirit and Boeing together will enable greater integration of both companies’ manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including safety and quality systems,” Shanahan said.The acquisition's equity value of $4.7 billion is $37.25 per share, while the total value of the deal is around $8.3 billion, which includes Spirit’s last reported net debt, the aerospace company said.Boeing common stock will be exchanged for Spirit shares according to a variable formula that depends on a weighted average of the share price over a 15-trading-day period ending on the second day before the deal closes, Boeing said.

Moran: Boeing must now earn the trust of workers in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. – Former Fort Hays State standout women's basketball player and head coach Annette Wiles will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 13 in Topeka. Wiles is one of 12 individuals being inducted in the Class of 2024. She is already a member of the FHSU Tiger Sports Hall of Fame and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

Wiles was a two-time NAIA All-America selection and the NAIA National Tournament MVP her senior year when she helped lead Fort Hays State to the 1991 NAIA Women's Basketball national title. Wiles is also the all-time leading scorer in Fort Hays State program history with 2,407 points and a scoring average of 20.4 points per game. She is the only player in the program's history to score 2,000 points in a career and only player with a career scoring average better than 16 points per game. Wiles still owns FHSU career records for the following categories – field goals made (993), field goals attempted (1,700), and field goal percentage (.584). She also owns the single-season records for points (880, 1990-91), scoring average (24.4 ppg), field goals made (358), field goals attempted (582), and rebounds (364).

Following her four-year playing career at Fort Hays State, Wiles went on to have a successful career as a women's collegiate basketball coach. She put together a career record 409-227 (.643). Her first head coaching position was at Bethany (Kan.) College (164-52 record) for seven years from 1994-2000 before leading her alma mater Fort Hays State (136-89 record) for eight years from 2000-2008. She moved on to become head coach for seven years at Minnesota Duluth (109-86 record) from 2008-2015. She was twice named Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year and twice named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. She led three teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, which included Fort Hays State in 2005 and Minnesota Duluth in 2010 and 2012. She led Bethany College to four NAIA national tournament appearances. Following her time at Minnesota Duluth, Wiles returned to Kansas as athletic director at Topeka High School and then became the director of Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.

The 2024 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame class includes seven individuals who have ties to Olympic competition, including a gold medalist, paralympic medalist and the only American to be named a head track and field starter for two Olympic Games. The group also includes national champion coaches, collegiate champions and All-Americans, and American-record holders.

This year's class will bring the total number of inductees to 340, with the first class in 1961. Created by the Kansas State legislature in 1961, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame has operated for 63 years and is located at the Wichita Boathouse.

The reception (5 p.m.), featuring appetizers and refreshments, and induction ceremony (6 p.m.) will be conducted in the Sunflower Ballroom of the Hotel Topeka City Center. The venue is located at 1717 Southwest Topeka Blvd., in Topeka.

"Topeka as the location for the induction makes sense for several reasons, but the fact that all of our inductees are either from, live or competed collegiately in the Manhattan-Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City corridor creates an opportunity for more of their family and friends to attend," Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning said. "This event is about the honorees, and we want to do as much as we can to make it special for them."

Dunning said the Hall would be making an effort to invite past Olympians with Kansas ties and those past KSHOF inductees. He noted that the annual induction ceremony is not only a celebration for the incoming class, but also for past inductees. Tickets for the reception and induction ceremony are $100 and go on sale Monday, July 15 at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshof.org/">www.kshof.org</a>. For ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities, contact Dunning at 316-641-0162.

Dave Bingham&nbsp;- NAIA national champion baseball coach at Emporia State and head coach for College World Series qualifier Kansas

Erik Kynard&nbsp;– Olympic Gold Medalist High Jumper at Kansas State

Melvin Lister&nbsp;- National champion in the Long Jump at Leavenworth H.S., Butler County CC, and Arkansas

Mark Mangino&nbsp;- National Assistant Football Coach-of-the-Year at Oklahoma; and Head Coach for Orange Bowl Champion at Kansas

Ron Neugent&nbsp;- Swimming Gold Medalist in World University Games; and American Record-Holder at Kansas

Kelly Rankin&nbsp;- He's the only American to be the head starter for two Olympic Games

Scott Russell&nbsp;- NCAA champ and Olympic qualifier for Canada in the Javelin at Kansas

Kevin Saunders&nbsp;- Bronze Medalist and Record-Holder for U.S. in Paralympic Games

Will Shields&nbsp;- Native Kansan, 14-year NFL veteran with Kansas City Chiefs and member of College and NFL halls of fame

Sean Snyder&nbsp;- Consensus All-American punter and national special teams coach of the year at Kansas State

Mark Turgeon&nbsp;- All-State basketball player at Topeka Hayden H.S., four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier at Kansas, Missouri Valley (Wichita State) and Big Ten Champion (Maryland) Head Coach and conference Coach-of-the-Year.

Annette Wiles&nbsp;- Two-time NAIA Basketball All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP at Fort Hays State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719849185091.png" alt="2024-07-01.png" />
 <figcaption>2024-07-01.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. – Former Fort Hays State standout women's basketball player and head coach Annette Wiles will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 13 in Topeka. Wiles is one of 12 individuals being inducted in the Class of 2024. She is already a member of the FHSU Tiger Sports Hall of Fame and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.Wiles was a two-time NAIA All-America selection and the NAIA National Tournament MVP her senior year when she helped lead Fort Hays State to the 1991 NAIA Women's Basketball national title. Wiles is also the all-time leading scorer in Fort Hays State program history with 2,407 points and a scoring average of 20.4 points per game. She is the only player in the program's history to score 2,000 points in a career and only player with a career scoring average better than 16 points per game. Wiles still owns FHSU career records for the following categories – field goals made (993), field goals attempted (1,700), and field goal percentage (.584). She also owns the single-season records for points (880, 1990-91), scoring average (24.4 ppg), field goals made (358), field goals attempted (582), and rebounds (364).Following her four-year playing career at Fort Hays State, Wiles went on to have a successful career as a women's collegiate basketball coach. She put together a career record 409-227 (.643). Her first head coaching position was at Bethany (Kan.) College (164-52 record) for seven years from 1994-2000 before leading her alma mater Fort Hays State (136-89 record) for eight years from 2000-2008. She moved on to become head coach for seven years at Minnesota Duluth (109-86 record) from 2008-2015. She was twice named Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year and twice named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. She led three teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, which included Fort Hays State in 2005 and Minnesota Duluth in 2010 and 2012. She led Bethany College to four NAIA national tournament appearances. Following her time at Minnesota Duluth, Wiles returned to Kansas as athletic director at Topeka High School and then became the director of Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.The 2024 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame class includes seven individuals who have ties to Olympic competition, including a gold medalist, paralympic medalist and the only American to be named a head track and field starter for two Olympic Games. The group also includes national champion coaches, collegiate champions and All-Americans, and American-record holders.This year's class will bring the total number of inductees to 340, with the first class in 1961. Created by the Kansas State legislature in 1961, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame has operated for 63 years and is located at the Wichita Boathouse.The reception (5 p.m.), featuring appetizers and refreshments, and induction ceremony (6 p.m.) will be conducted in the Sunflower Ballroom of the Hotel Topeka City Center. The venue is located at 1717 Southwest Topeka Blvd., in Topeka."Topeka as the location for the induction makes sense for several reasons, but the fact that all of our inductees are either from, live or competed collegiately in the Manhattan-Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City corridor creates an opportunity for more of their family and friends to attend," Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning said. "This event is about the honorees, and we want to do as much as we can to make it special for them."Dunning said the Hall would be making an effort to invite past Olympians with Kansas ties and those past KSHOF inductees. He noted that the annual induction ceremony is not only a celebration for the incoming class, but also for past inductees. Tickets for the reception and induction ceremony are $100 and go on sale Monday, July 15 at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshof.org/">www.kshof.org</a>. For ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities, contact Dunning at 316-641-0162.Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024Dave Bingham&nbsp;- NAIA national champion baseball coach at Emporia State and head coach for College World Series qualifier KansasErik Kynard&nbsp;– Olympic Gold Medalist High Jumper at Kansas StateMelvin Lister&nbsp;- National champion in the Long Jump at Leavenworth H.S., Butler County CC, and ArkansasMark Mangino&nbsp;- National Assistant Football Coach-of-the-Year at Oklahoma; and Head Coach for Orange Bowl Champion at KansasRon Neugent&nbsp;- Swimming Gold Medalist in World University Games; and American Record-Holder at KansasKelly Rankin&nbsp;- He's the only American to be the head starter for two Olympic GamesScott Russell&nbsp;- NCAA champ and Olympic qualifier for Canada in the Javelin at KansasKevin Saunders&nbsp;- Bronze Medalist and Record-Holder for U.S. in Paralympic GamesWill Shields&nbsp;- Native Kansan, 14-year NFL veteran with Kansas City Chiefs and member of College and NFL halls of fameSean Snyder&nbsp;- Consensus All-American punter and national special teams coach of the year at Kansas StateMark Turgeon&nbsp;- All-State basketball player at Topeka Hayden H.S., four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier at Kansas, Missouri Valley (Wichita State) and Big Ten Champion (Maryland) Head Coach and conference Coach-of-the-Year.Annette Wiles&nbsp;- Two-time NAIA Basketball All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP at Fort Hays State

Former FHSU player/coach Wiles to be inducted into Kansas Sports HOF

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Boeing announced plans to acquire key supplier Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion, a move that it says will improve plane quality and safety amid increasing scrutiny by Congress, airlines and the Department of Justice.

Boeing previously owned Spirit, and the purchase would reverse a longtime Boeing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That approach has been criticized as problems at Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-supplier-slow-production-737-max-2525b4c5a27a7332b80b3016645918db">disrupted production</a>&nbsp;and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners including 737s and 787s.

The companies also announced an agreement with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/airbus-se">Airbus</a>&nbsp;to negotiate the purchase of Spirit assets involved with programs operated by the European aerospace firm. The Airbus agreement is set to commence when Boeing's acquisition of Spirit is completed, the two U.S. companies said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580497975886.jpeg" alt="Photo by Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Boeing announced plans to acquire key supplier Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion, a move that it says will improve plane quality and safety amid increasing scrutiny by Congress, airlines and the Department of Justice.Boeing previously owned Spirit, and the purchase would reverse a longtime Boeing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That approach has been criticized as problems at Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-supplier-slow-production-737-max-2525b4c5a27a7332b80b3016645918db">disrupted production</a>&nbsp;and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners including 737s and 787s.“We believe this deal is in the best interest of the flying public, our airline customers, the employees of Spirit and Boeing, our shareholders and the country more broadly,” Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement late Sunday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-max-emergency-landing-alaska-airlines-79bc1ea98ee7fbc6edf46aff9319775b">Concerns about safety</a>&nbsp;came to a head after the Jan. 5 blowout of a panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 at 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) over Oregon. The Federal Aviation Administration soon after announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-faa-panel-blowout-monitoring-06b098e57a8c65bdb0ba377f99290d32">increased oversight</a>&nbsp;of Boeing and Spirit, which supplied the fuselage for the plane.No one was seriously injured in the Alaska Airlines door incident, which terrified passengers, but Boeing is under pressure from the U.S. Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-criminal-charges-plea-deal-861175435e04039112fde0ac6bdbf75a">to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;to criminal fraud in connection with two deadly plane crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners more than five years ago.Boeing has until the end of the week to accept or reject the offer, which includes the giant aerospace company agreeing to an independent monitor who would oversee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-calhoun-safety-senate-investigations-de6a273e5ad69764f4e666cc4afda2c1">its compliance</a>&nbsp;with anti-fraud laws, according to several people who heard federal prosecutors detail a proposed offer Sunday.The Justice Department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-violated-settlement-max-crashes-25cde72e154f60adae54177ce35c9176">May court filing</a>&nbsp;that Boeing violated terms of a 2021 settlement allowing the company to avoid prosecution for actions leading up to the crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plane-crashes-737-max-justice-department-da2977c487811e873be2d118b3c5e529">which killed 346 people</a>.Those crashes were blamed on a faulty sensor in a flight-control system and the investigation is separate from the probe of the more recent Alaska Airlines blowout, which involved Spirit.Boeing spun off Spirit, which is based in Wichita, Kansas, and not related to Spirit Airlines, in 2005. In recent years, quality problems have mounted, including fuselage panels that didn’t fit together precisely enough and holes that were improperly drilled.Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-aerosystems-announces-leadership-transition-301944352.html">removed its CEO</a>&nbsp;in October and replaced him with Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing executive who served as acting defense secretary in the Trump administration.Things seemed to be going more smoothly until the Alaska Airlines incident. Investigators said a panel used in place of an extra emergency door had been removed at a Boeing factory to let Spirit workers fix damaged rivets, and bolts that help hold the panel in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-emergency-landing-report-alaska-airlines-8543c90b68b4d932a700cf57ff8f1b8e">were missing</a>&nbsp;after the repair job. It is not clear who removed the bolts and failed to put them back.Spirit said in May that it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-737-layoffs-c8da0ea0a2f4694cc9f22d7d63595ba7">laying off about 450</a>&nbsp;workers at its Wichita plant because of a production slowdown since the January incident. Its total workforce was just over 13,000 people.“Bringing Spirit and Boeing together will enable greater integration of both companies’ manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including safety and quality systems,” Shanahan said.The acquisition's equity value of $4.7 billion is $37.25 per share, while the total value of the deal is around $8.3 billion, which includes Spirit’s last reported net debt, the aerospace company said.Boeing common stock will be exchanged for Spirit shares according to a variable formula that depends on a weighted average of the share price over a 15-trading-day period ending on the second day before the deal closes, Boeing said.The companies also announced an agreement with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/airbus-se">Airbus</a>&nbsp;to negotiate the purchase of Spirit assets involved with programs operated by the European aerospace firm. The Airbus agreement is set to commence when Boeing's acquisition of Spirit is completed, the two U.S. companies said.

Boeing agrees to buy Kan. aircraft parts maker for $4.7 billion

Law enforcement officials are seeking information which will lead to the identification of an unknown individual known as John Doe 48. It is believed that this individual may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in a sexual exploitation investigation, according to a statement from the agency.

The video depicting John Doe, 48 is believed to have been produced in October of 2023.

John Doe, 48 is described as a White male between the ages of 45 and 65-years-old.&nbsp; He has dark hair, a gray beard, and has a tattoo on each of his forearms.&nbsp; He is seen in the back of a 2018-2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van wearing a blue t-shirt and a dark-colored hat.&nbsp; He is heard speaking English in the video.&nbsp;

If you have any information concerning this case, please call the FBI's toll-free tip-line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), contact a Crimes Against Children Investigator at your<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field/" target="_blank">local FBI office</a>, or the nearest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/legat/" target="_blank">American Embassy or Consulate</a>.

<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/?fugitive_name=UNKNOWN+INDIVIDUAL+-+JOHN+DOE+48&amp;fugitive_type=ecap" target="_blank">Click here to submit an anonymous tip online</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719430482057.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Law enforcement officials are seeking information which will lead to the identification of an unknown individual known as John Doe 48. It is believed that this individual may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in a sexual exploitation investigation, according to a statement from the agency.The video depicting John Doe, 48 is believed to have been produced in October of 2023.John Doe, 48 is described as a White male between the ages of 45 and 65-years-old.&nbsp; He has dark hair, a gray beard, and has a tattoo on each of his forearms.&nbsp; He is seen in the back of a 2018-2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van wearing a blue t-shirt and a dark-colored hat.&nbsp; He is heard speaking English in the video.&nbsp;<h2>Submit a Tip:</h2>If you have any information concerning this case, please call the FBI's toll-free tip-line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), contact a Crimes Against Children Investigator at your<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field/" target="_blank">local FBI office</a>, or the nearest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/legat/" target="_blank">American Embassy or Consulate</a>.<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/?fugitive_name=UNKNOWN+INDIVIDUAL+-+JOHN+DOE+48&amp;fugitive_type=ecap" target="_blank">Click here to submit an anonymous tip online</a>

FBI working to ID suspect in child sex crime investigation

Neal Raymond Schmidtberger, 70, of Hutchinson, died June 28, 2024, at his home, with his family by his side. He was born May 30, 1954, in Hays, to Alvin R. and Martina R. (Dreher) Schmidtberger of Victoria.

Neal graduated from Victoria High School in 1972. He worked for more than 40 years as a grocery manager, starting with Safeway and then for Dillons, working in all 5 Hutchinson stores. Neal was an all-around handyman who loved doing for others. He loved playing the guitar and singing at various functions and even wrote some songs. Neal was also known for his whistling everywhere he went. He was a member of Eastwood Church of Christ, Lions Club of Russell, and volunteered on the Food Bank of Reno County board for 20 years.

On October 7, 1977, Neal married Patricia Ann Childs, in Hutchinson. She survives.

Also surviving are: his daughters, Audra Gray and husband Randall of Hutchinson, Jennifer Stringfellow and husband Russ of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jordan and Yelmy Gray, Emily Winkler, Britney Winkler, Sophia Gray, all of Hutchinson, Ellissa and Dylan Becker of Kansas City, Trevor Stringfellow of Hutchinson; siblings, Galen Schmidtberger of Russell, Wayne and Patty Schmidtberger of California, Jim Schmidtberger of Russell, Joe and Debbie Schmidtberger of Lawrence, Brenda Yoder of Russell, Pam and Bill Gasper of Hays, Myra and Tom Meder of Pfeifer, Glenn and Elsa Schmidtberger of California; mother-in-law, Alice Childs of Hutchinson; brothers-in-law, David Childs of California, Galen and Cindy Childs of Abbyville, Craig and Carla Childs of Abbyville; and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; father-in-law, Robert D. Childs; and brothers-in-law, Rocky Yoder and Mark Childs.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2024 at Eastwood Church of Christ, 2500 N. Plum St., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present to receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Cancer Council of Reno County, Eastwood Church of Christ, or All Stars of Hutchinson – Special Olympics, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719709152928.jpeg" alt="\" />
 <figcaption>\</figcaption>
 </figure>Neal Raymond Schmidtberger, 70, of Hutchinson, died June 28, 2024, at his home, with his family by his side. He was born May 30, 1954, in Hays, to Alvin R. and Martina R. (Dreher) Schmidtberger of Victoria.Neal graduated from Victoria High School in 1972. He worked for more than 40 years as a grocery manager, starting with Safeway and then for Dillons, working in all 5 Hutchinson stores. Neal was an all-around handyman who loved doing for others. He loved playing the guitar and singing at various functions and even wrote some songs. Neal was also known for his whistling everywhere he went. He was a member of Eastwood Church of Christ, Lions Club of Russell, and volunteered on the Food Bank of Reno County board for 20 years.On October 7, 1977, Neal married Patricia Ann Childs, in Hutchinson. She survives.Also surviving are: his daughters, Audra Gray and husband Randall of Hutchinson, Jennifer Stringfellow and husband Russ of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jordan and Yelmy Gray, Emily Winkler, Britney Winkler, Sophia Gray, all of Hutchinson, Ellissa and Dylan Becker of Kansas City, Trevor Stringfellow of Hutchinson; siblings, Galen Schmidtberger of Russell, Wayne and Patty Schmidtberger of California, Jim Schmidtberger of Russell, Joe and Debbie Schmidtberger of Lawrence, Brenda Yoder of Russell, Pam and Bill Gasper of Hays, Myra and Tom Meder of Pfeifer, Glenn and Elsa Schmidtberger of California; mother-in-law, Alice Childs of Hutchinson; brothers-in-law, David Childs of California, Galen and Cindy Childs of Abbyville, Craig and Carla Childs of Abbyville; and many extended family members.He was preceded in death by: his parents; father-in-law, Robert D. Childs; and brothers-in-law, Rocky Yoder and Mark Childs.Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2024 at Eastwood Church of Christ, 2500 N. Plum St., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present to receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials may be made to Cancer Council of Reno County, Eastwood Church of Christ, or All Stars of Hutchinson – Special Olympics, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Neal Raymond Schmidtberger

&nbsp; Danny Lee George, 71, of Oakley, KS, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by many loving family members, at Gove County Medical Center, in Quinter, KS. His friends and family found him to be an exceptional, humble, and hardworking man that will be deeply missed.Danny was born in Quinter, KS, on March 20, 1953, to Frank Alva and Verna (Schroeder) George. He attended Grinnell Grade School through the fourth grade. In 1964, the family moved to the farm north of Oakley and Danny attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the eighth grade before transferring to Oakley High School, where he graduated with the class of 1971.

While in high school, Danny was on the wrestling and cross-country teams, lettering in both sports all three years. He was proud to be part of the state championship cross-country team of 1970-71, which was a first for Oakley High School. The same year, his wrestling team won second place in the state wrestling championship.

Danny loved the comradery of working cattle alongside his dad and brothers in his younger days. He purchased the farm from his parents in 2003 and continued the dairy his father had started. At times he milked over a hundred cows twice a day. After 38 years of operation, Danny closed the dairy and ventured into cattle. He proudly developed a great Red Angus herd. The past nine years, Danny courageously battled cancer, but was still able to play an active role on his farm, overseeing the birth of many calves. He used his years of experience to provide guidance and support to his nephews that worked with him in the cattle business.

Danny married the love of his life, Karla Zimmerman, on October 11, 1975. They enjoyed multiple vacations with family members, the most memorable being a trip to Las Vegas. He was devoted to his wife, but also cherished the time spent with his family and friends. Danny was an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, watching games whenever possible. He could be heard complaining of bad calls when things didn’t go the Chiefs way. Danny had a special passion for Western television shows and movies. You would be hard pressed to find a Western he didn’t love.Danny was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob; sister Louetta Albers; brother-in-law LeRoy Albers and father-in-law David Zimmerman.

Survivors include his wife, Karla; sisters, Janice (Wilbur) Racette and Lois (Gil) Sigg; brother Bill (Brenda) George; mother-in-law Ilene Zimmerman; sisters-in-law, Gerrie George, Karen (Barney) Dickman, Karma (Michael) Sees and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Norman Yardley Cancer Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church or for masses and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Danny Lee George, 71, of Oakley, KS, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by many loving family members, at Gove County Medical Center, in Quinter, KS. His friends and family found him to be an exceptional, humble, and hardworking man that will be deeply missed.Danny was born in Quinter, KS, on March 20, 1953, to Frank Alva and Verna (Schroeder) George. He attended Grinnell Grade School through the fourth grade. In 1964, the family moved to the farm north of Oakley and Danny attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the eighth grade before transferring to Oakley High School, where he graduated with the class of 1971.While in high school, Danny was on the wrestling and cross-country teams, lettering in both sports all three years. He was proud to be part of the state championship cross-country team of 1970-71, which was a first for Oakley High School. The same year, his wrestling team won second place in the state wrestling championship.Danny loved the comradery of working cattle alongside his dad and brothers in his younger days. He purchased the farm from his parents in 2003 and continued the dairy his father had started. At times he milked over a hundred cows twice a day. After 38 years of operation, Danny closed the dairy and ventured into cattle. He proudly developed a great Red Angus herd. The past nine years, Danny courageously battled cancer, but was still able to play an active role on his farm, overseeing the birth of many calves. He used his years of experience to provide guidance and support to his nephews that worked with him in the cattle business.Danny married the love of his life, Karla Zimmerman, on October 11, 1975. They enjoyed multiple vacations with family members, the most memorable being a trip to Las Vegas. He was devoted to his wife, but also cherished the time spent with his family and friends. Danny was an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, watching games whenever possible. He could be heard complaining of bad calls when things didn’t go the Chiefs way. Danny had a special passion for Western television shows and movies. You would be hard pressed to find a Western he didn’t love.Danny was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob; sister Louetta Albers; brother-in-law LeRoy Albers and father-in-law David Zimmerman.Survivors include his wife, Karla; sisters, Janice (Wilbur) Racette and Lois (Gil) Sigg; brother Bill (Brenda) George; mother-in-law Ilene Zimmerman; sisters-in-law, Gerrie George, Karen (Barney) Dickman, Karma (Michael) Sees and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Norman Yardley Cancer Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church or for masses and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

Danny L George

Erma Unruh, age 96, formerly of Sharon Springs passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Prairie Senior Living in Colby. She was born December 28, 1927 to Issac and Lydia (Heppner) Wedell in Winton, California. She grew up and went to school in Winton. On October 28, 1947 Erma married Clifford Unruh in Merced County California. They moved to Sharon Springs where Erma was a homemaker. She enjoyed helping on the farm, cooking and tending to her roses.

Preceding Erma in death are her parents, husband, sisters Viola Jantz, Jane Wedell and Mildred Dysart, brothers Leroy, Robert and Irwin. Erma is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;

Graveside service will be Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. MT at the Sharon Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be designated to Prairie Senior Living sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. Information and condolences may be found at&nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719620589797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Erma Unruh, age 96, formerly of Sharon Springs passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Prairie Senior Living in Colby. She was born December 28, 1927 to Issac and Lydia (Heppner) Wedell in Winton, California. She grew up and went to school in Winton. On October 28, 1947 Erma married Clifford Unruh in Merced County California. They moved to Sharon Springs where Erma was a homemaker. She enjoyed helping on the farm, cooking and tending to her roses.Preceding Erma in death are her parents, husband, sisters Viola Jantz, Jane Wedell and Mildred Dysart, brothers Leroy, Robert and Irwin. Erma is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;Graveside service will be Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. MT at the Sharon Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be designated to Prairie Senior Living sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. Information and condolences may be found at&nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com&nbsp;

Erma Unruh

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

There may be dangerous lead water pipes in the city of Hays.&nbsp;A contractor has been hired to determine how many and where they are.

In late November, the Environmental Protection Agency announced utilities or cities would have to pull and replace lead pipes within 10 years as part of a&nbsp;national initiative spearheaded by the Biden administration.&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.

In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/04/11/known-to-be-toxic-for-a-century-lead-still-poisons-thousands-of-midwestern-kids/">Kansas, the EPA estimates</a>&nbsp;54,107 lead pipes remain, while the&nbsp;Natural Resources Defense Council believes there are more than 160,000, the third-highest number per capita among all the states.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays is working with Burns &amp; McDonnell Engineers and <a href="https://blueconduit.com/">BlueConduit</a>, which does predictive modeling to identify areas where the city might need to investigate for lead pipe.

BlueConduit is a national company that has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to locate pipes in communities across the state. 

The deadline to identify the pipes is October, said Jeff Crispin, director of water resources for Hays. The city has more than 8,000 service lines.

"What we're working on now is data,"&nbsp;Crispin said, "including partial data in our GIS system of&nbsp;dates when homes were built in which parts of town.&nbsp;

"Then they'll recommend sites where we'll go out and do some inspection."&nbsp;

Crispin expects about 150 sites will be inspected initially.

"We'll soon go out and visually identify meter locations for any lead or copper service lines," he said. "We'll go back and look at previous installations, what year something was installed.

"After 1986, lead was removed basically ... You cannot install anything lead. That's a pretty good indicator anything built after 1986 — a newer part of town — would not have any possibility of lead in the system."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eb8542e2-3db5-43d1-91a6-5ca28c1671fe">For much of the 20th century, utilities were permitted to install lead service lines, the pipes that carry water from water mains under the street into homes. The EPA banned them in 1986, but utilities have never been required to remove existing pipes, according to a story published&nbsp; on the Hays Post from the Kansas Reflector.</a>

Based on work done in other municipalities, Crispin has been told that about 400-450 sites will need to be examined in Hays.&nbsp;

He said there are not many records of contractors running into lead lines when installing water infrastructure, "so that's good."

In February, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5c7beb87-0fe6-4b1b-95aa-88e0a904cf2b">Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach led a coalition of state attorneys general in opposition to the </a>EPA's requirement that&nbsp;more than 9 million lead pipes across the country be replaced.

A joint news release contends the rule "is unworkable, underfunded, and unnecessary and should be withdrawn."

In May, the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/06/federal-law-delivers-28-6-million-to-kansas-for-replacing-lead-pipes-for-drinking-water/">EPA allocated $26.8 million to Kansas to replace lead water pipes</a> through a program funded by the federal infrastructure law.

The funds will be made available to municipalities for line replacements as needed for the next 10 years.&nbsp;

"There's still a lot of uncertainty out there about what may or may not happen," Crispin said.

"Every indication I'm getting is that the due date of October this year is still going to hold true. I understand there's a lot of states out there fighting the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/Final_DWINSA%20Public%20Factsheet%204.4.23.pdf">EPA</a> on this, but I don't see it going away."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719504666434.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThere may be dangerous lead water pipes in the city of Hays.&nbsp;A contractor has been hired to determine how many and where they are.In late November, the Environmental Protection Agency announced utilities or cities would have to pull and replace lead pipes within 10 years as part of a&nbsp;national initiative spearheaded by the Biden administration.&nbsp;The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/04/11/known-to-be-toxic-for-a-century-lead-still-poisons-thousands-of-midwestern-kids/">Kansas, the EPA estimates</a>&nbsp;54,107 lead pipes remain, while the&nbsp;Natural Resources Defense Council believes there are more than 160,000, the third-highest number per capita among all the states.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays is working with Burns &amp; McDonnell Engineers and <a href="https://blueconduit.com/">BlueConduit</a>, which does predictive modeling to identify areas where the city might need to investigate for lead pipe. BlueConduit is a national company that has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to locate pipes in communities across the state. KDHE is paying for the Hays project.The deadline to identify the pipes is October, said Jeff Crispin, director of water resources for Hays. The city has more than 8,000 service lines."What we're working on now is data,"&nbsp;Crispin said, "including partial data in our GIS system of&nbsp;dates when homes were built in which parts of town.&nbsp;"Then they'll recommend sites where we'll go out and do some inspection."&nbsp;Crispin expects about 150 sites will be inspected initially."We'll soon go out and visually identify meter locations for any lead or copper service lines," he said. "We'll go back and look at previous installations, what year something was installed."After 1986, lead was removed basically ... You cannot install anything lead. That's a pretty good indicator anything built after 1986 — a newer part of town — would not have any possibility of lead in the system."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eb8542e2-3db5-43d1-91a6-5ca28c1671fe">For much of the 20th century, utilities were permitted to install lead service lines, the pipes that carry water from water mains under the street into homes. The EPA banned them in 1986, but utilities have never been required to remove existing pipes, according to a story published&nbsp; on the Hays Post from the Kansas Reflector.</a>Based on work done in other municipalities, Crispin has been told that about 400-450 sites will need to be examined in Hays.&nbsp;He said there are not many records of contractors running into lead lines when installing water infrastructure, "so that's good."In February, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5c7beb87-0fe6-4b1b-95aa-88e0a904cf2b">Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach led a coalition of state attorneys general in opposition to the </a>EPA's requirement that&nbsp;more than 9 million lead pipes across the country be replaced.A joint news release contends the rule "is unworkable, underfunded, and unnecessary and should be withdrawn."In May, the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/06/federal-law-delivers-28-6-million-to-kansas-for-replacing-lead-pipes-for-drinking-water/">EPA allocated $26.8 million to Kansas to replace lead water pipes</a> through a program funded by the federal infrastructure law.The funds will be made available to municipalities for line replacements as needed for the next 10 years.&nbsp;"There's still a lot of uncertainty out there about what may or may not happen," Crispin said."Every indication I'm getting is that the due date of October this year is still going to hold true. I understand there's a lot of states out there fighting the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/Final_DWINSA%20Public%20Factsheet%204.4.23.pdf">EPA</a> on this, but I don't see it going away."&nbsp;

Hays' search for lead water pipes continues despite Kansas Attorney General opposition

Marshall R. Rouse, 65 passed away June 26, 2024 at Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita.

He was born October 25, 1958 in Vinita, Oklahoma; the son of Walter Benjamin and Wilma Roof Rouse. &nbsp;A longtime area resident, he was a concrete and construction worker.

He was of the Christian Faith and a member of Faith Community Church in Great Bend. &nbsp;He was a Pastor and Evangelist, was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, volunteered and preached at Soup Kitchens, ministered to the homeless, and enjoyed doing mission work. &nbsp;He loved fishing, camping, working on cars, tinkering with things, enjoying time with his dog, Leah, who was his best friend and spending time with his grandchildren.

He married Kay Simms Drews, they later divorced but have remained close friends.

Survivors include his son, Brandon (Hypatia) Rouse, Larned; four brothers, Michael (Karen) Rouse, Miami, OK, Brad (Kristi) Rouse, Heizer, Brent (Amy) Rouse, Harrison, AR, Bo (Tisha) Rouse, Larned; seven sisters, Tammy (Tony) Woods, Lesia (Duane) Dipman, Kalamazoo, MI, Shane Wysong, Larned, Shantel (David) Barrett, Larned, Kisty (Brandon) Shultz, Hays, Tassy Rouse, Hays, Megan (Mark) Nelson, Great Bend; two grandchildren, Hylee Danger Rouse and Wylden Adventure Rouse; two bonus grandchildren, Aylin Schulz and Deo Schulz, his close friends, Kay Drews, Larned and Cody Helms, Great Bend and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Ethel Rouse, and a brother, Bret Rouse.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 1st, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with Pastor Sandy Kennedy presiding. &nbsp;Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary. &nbsp;Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Central Kansas Dream Center (going towards the Soup Kitchen) or Christian Motorcycle Association, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Marshall R. Rouse, 65 passed away June 26, 2024 at Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita.He was born October 25, 1958 in Vinita, Oklahoma; the son of Walter Benjamin and Wilma Roof Rouse. &nbsp;A longtime area resident, he was a concrete and construction worker.He was of the Christian Faith and a member of Faith Community Church in Great Bend. &nbsp;He was a Pastor and Evangelist, was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, volunteered and preached at Soup Kitchens, ministered to the homeless, and enjoyed doing mission work. &nbsp;He loved fishing, camping, working on cars, tinkering with things, enjoying time with his dog, Leah, who was his best friend and spending time with his grandchildren.He married Kay Simms Drews, they later divorced but have remained close friends.Survivors include his son, Brandon (Hypatia) Rouse, Larned; four brothers, Michael (Karen) Rouse, Miami, OK, Brad (Kristi) Rouse, Heizer, Brent (Amy) Rouse, Harrison, AR, Bo (Tisha) Rouse, Larned; seven sisters, Tammy (Tony) Woods, Lesia (Duane) Dipman, Kalamazoo, MI, Shane Wysong, Larned, Shantel (David) Barrett, Larned, Kisty (Brandon) Shultz, Hays, Tassy Rouse, Hays, Megan (Mark) Nelson, Great Bend; two grandchildren, Hylee Danger Rouse and Wylden Adventure Rouse; two bonus grandchildren, Aylin Schulz and Deo Schulz, his close friends, Kay Drews, Larned and Cody Helms, Great Bend and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Ethel Rouse, and a brother, Bret Rouse.Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 1st, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with Pastor Sandy Kennedy presiding. &nbsp;Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary. &nbsp;Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.Memorials may be given to the Central Kansas Dream Center (going towards the Soup Kitchen) or Christian Motorcycle Association, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Marshall R. Rouse

David N Giebler, a resident of Hiawatha, Iowa, formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away at home on June 21, 2024. He was born on August 12, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, to Celestine “Celly” and Mary (Kroner) Giebler.

In October 1977, he married Colleen Rae Ferguson in Hiawatha, Iowa.

David graduated from Hays High School in 1970 and from the Central Institute of Technology in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1972 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. David retired from Rockwell Collins after 33 years as an electrical technician.

David enjoyed his cats and was an active volunteer of the Iowa Humane Alliance. He enjoyed tinkering with his hot rod cars and even raced them in his younger years.

David is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Colleen in 2010.

David is survived by his stepdaughter Anne Andrews (Bill Fleisher) of Alexandria, Virginia, and stepson Scott (Joy) Andrews of Huxley, Iowa; six grandchildren; sister Shirley (Earl) Brungardt of Hays, Kansas, brother Larry Giebler of Victoria, Kansas, brother Rick (Marilyn) Giebler of Hays, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

David’s wish was to have a burial in Kansas.

Private gravesite services will be held at a later date.

David N Giebler, a resident of Hiawatha, Iowa, formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away at home on June 21, 2024. He was born on August 12, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, to Celestine “Celly” and Mary (Kroner) Giebler.In October 1977, he married Colleen Rae Ferguson in Hiawatha, Iowa.David graduated from Hays High School in 1970 and from the Central Institute of Technology in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1972 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. David retired from Rockwell Collins after 33 years as an electrical technician.David enjoyed his cats and was an active volunteer of the Iowa Humane Alliance. He enjoyed tinkering with his hot rod cars and even raced them in his younger years.David is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Colleen in 2010.David is survived by his stepdaughter Anne Andrews (Bill Fleisher) of Alexandria, Virginia, and stepson Scott (Joy) Andrews of Huxley, Iowa; six grandchildren; sister Shirley (Earl) Brungardt of Hays, Kansas, brother Larry Giebler of Victoria, Kansas, brother Rick (Marilyn) Giebler of Hays, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.David’s wish was to have a burial in Kansas.Private gravesite services will be held at a later date.

David N Giebler

Garden City- Dolline “Dolly” Skilling, 82, died on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at her home in Wichita. She was born on June 23, 1941 at Garden City the daughter of Leroy George &amp; Mabel Dolline (Taylor) Myers. She married John Orville Shriver in Lamar, Colorado. She later married Charles Clark Skilling on October 10, 1987 at Garden City. He died on January 6, 2021.

Dolly attended school in Brandon, Oregon and worked in a nursing home kitchen in Brandon. She later moved to Las Animas, Colorado. She moved back to Garden City and had worked at Wendy’s and Alco. She enjoyed collecting angels and chickens and working puzzles.

She is survived by her 4 children- Alvira Loya of San Bernadino, California, Leora &amp; Lee Havens of Penrose, Colorado, Orville &amp; Mary Shriver of Wichita and Alida Potter of Nebraska along with Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 1 Son- Eddie Shriver, 2 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Granddaughter.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Nathan Haeck officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at Garnand Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Dollie Skilling Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Garden City- Dolline “Dolly” Skilling, 82, died on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at her home in Wichita. She was born on June 23, 1941 at Garden City the daughter of Leroy George &amp; Mabel Dolline (Taylor) Myers. She married John Orville Shriver in Lamar, Colorado. She later married Charles Clark Skilling on October 10, 1987 at Garden City. He died on January 6, 2021.Dolly attended school in Brandon, Oregon and worked in a nursing home kitchen in Brandon. She later moved to Las Animas, Colorado. She moved back to Garden City and had worked at Wendy’s and Alco. She enjoyed collecting angels and chickens and working puzzles.She is survived by her 4 children- Alvira Loya of San Bernadino, California, Leora &amp; Lee Havens of Penrose, Colorado, Orville &amp; Mary Shriver of Wichita and Alida Potter of Nebraska along with Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 1 Son- Eddie Shriver, 2 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Granddaughter.Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Nathan Haeck officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at Garnand Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Dollie Skilling Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Dolline “Dolly” Skilling

Rose Egger, a beloved member of the Ellis and Hays communities, passed away on June 24, 2024, at HaysMed in Hays. She was born on August 21, 1941, in Ellis, Kansas, to Alois and Evelyn, (Schmeidler) Rupp, where she grew up and cultivated lifelong connections and friendships.

Rose married James O’Rourke on October 17, 1959. They had two sons, Kevin and Sean.&nbsp; After James’s passing, she later met and married Douglas Egger on November 29, 1997. Her blended family was a source of happines for her as it allowed her to embrace the roles of grandmother and great-grandmother. She derived joy from supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities.

She had an infectious laugh and found joy in celebrating birthdays with her chocolate sheet cakes, her time at home with family, and her weekly trips to the beauty shop.

Rose had a passion for gardening and flowers and appreciation for the outdoors and was blessed with the best neighbors.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands: James O'Rourke and Douglas Egger, siblings: Helen Richardson, Alois Rupp, Norman Rupp, Anton Rupp, John J. Rupp, and sons: Sean and Kevin.

She is survived by stepdaughters; Renee Rupp (Dave) of Hays, Kansas, Raimy Hester (Keith) of Hutchinson, Kansas; brothers Clarence Rupp of Ellis, Kansas, James Rupp (Henrietta) of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the services in the church cemetery.&nbsp;Memorial visitation will be Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM with a combined rosary and parish vigil service at 7 PM at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School in Ellis, and the ARC of Central Plains. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice.

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

Services are in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, KS 67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719345984269.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rose Egger, a beloved member of the Ellis and Hays communities, passed away on June 24, 2024, at HaysMed in Hays. She was born on August 21, 1941, in Ellis, Kansas, to Alois and Evelyn, (Schmeidler) Rupp, where she grew up and cultivated lifelong connections and friendships.Rose married James O’Rourke on October 17, 1959. They had two sons, Kevin and Sean.&nbsp; After James’s passing, she later met and married Douglas Egger on November 29, 1997. Her blended family was a source of happines for her as it allowed her to embrace the roles of grandmother and great-grandmother. She derived joy from supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities.She had an infectious laugh and found joy in celebrating birthdays with her chocolate sheet cakes, her time at home with family, and her weekly trips to the beauty shop.Rose had a passion for gardening and flowers and appreciation for the outdoors and was blessed with the best neighbors.Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands: James O'Rourke and Douglas Egger, siblings: Helen Richardson, Alois Rupp, Norman Rupp, Anton Rupp, John J. Rupp, and sons: Sean and Kevin.She is survived by stepdaughters; Renee Rupp (Dave) of Hays, Kansas, Raimy Hester (Keith) of Hutchinson, Kansas; brothers Clarence Rupp of Ellis, Kansas, James Rupp (Henrietta) of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the services in the church cemetery.&nbsp;Memorial visitation will be Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM with a combined rosary and parish vigil service at 7 PM at the church.Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School in Ellis, and the ARC of Central Plains. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice.Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Rose's tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.&nbsp;Services are in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, KS 67637.

Rose Egger

Luella ‘Elaine’ McCaslin, age 94, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Greeley County long-term care facility in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp;

Elaine was born on October 12, 1929, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph Hayes and Luella Elsie Petersilie McDonald. She was the oldest of 4 sisters

She grew up in Ness County, KS moving to Tribune, KS during her high school years.&nbsp;

During her lifetime she lived throughout Kansas and in Colorado Springs, CO. Returning to Tribune, KS in 2019.

On June 15th, 1949, Elaine married Truman L. McCaslin in Tribune, Kansas. Enjoying a long partnership of almost 58 years. Truman passed away in 2007. She will be laid to rest next to him in the Greeley Co Cemetery.&nbsp;

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, and extended family.

Son Eugene and his wife Trudy Boyd of Roseville, CA.&nbsp;

Daughter Trudy and her husband Rodney Timm of Morrisville, NC

Son Theron McCaslin of Saint Francis, KS&nbsp;

Grandson Joe Timm and his daughter Andi,&nbsp;

Granddaughter Donella and her husband Matthew Winkler their children Scarlett and Killian,&nbsp;

Granddaughter Desirae McCaslin and her daughter Emma.&nbsp;

Along with granddaughters Mandy Rupert, Emily Stormoen, Julie Barrios, Wendy Davis, and grandson Dustin Boyd.

Sisters Theoma Ingram of Tribune, Kansas, and Judy Thompson of Wichita, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Theryl McCaslin, and sister Nadine Cheney.

During her life she had fulfilling careers as a Walmart Associate for over 20 years, School bus driver, wife, mother, and so much more to the people who knew and loved her. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the United Methodist Church and scout leader.&nbsp;

Public visitation will be on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10:00 am-11:00 am, at the Price and Sons Funeral Home, 322 2nd St. Tribune, Kansas.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:30 (Mountain Time) at the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas with Felisa &amp; Logan Smith presiding.&nbsp;

Memorials may be given to the “Luella McCaslin Memorial" for a no-kill cat sanctuary (To be determined)” in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719345059805.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Luella ‘Elaine’ McCaslin, age 94, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Greeley County long-term care facility in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp;Elaine was born on October 12, 1929, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph Hayes and Luella Elsie Petersilie McDonald. She was the oldest of 4 sistersShe grew up in Ness County, KS moving to Tribune, KS during her high school years.&nbsp;During her lifetime she lived throughout Kansas and in Colorado Springs, CO. Returning to Tribune, KS in 2019.On June 15th, 1949, Elaine married Truman L. McCaslin in Tribune, Kansas. Enjoying a long partnership of almost 58 years. Truman passed away in 2007. She will be laid to rest next to him in the Greeley Co Cemetery.&nbsp;She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, and extended family.Son Eugene and his wife Trudy Boyd of Roseville, CA.&nbsp;Daughter Trudy and her husband Rodney Timm of Morrisville, NCSon Theron McCaslin of Saint Francis, KS&nbsp;Son Trenton McCaslin of Akron, ColoradoGrandchildren/great-grandkids-&nbsp;Grandson Joe Timm and his daughter Andi,&nbsp;Granddaughter Donella and her husband Matthew Winkler their children Scarlett and Killian,&nbsp;Granddaughter Desirae McCaslin and her daughter Emma.&nbsp;Along with granddaughters Mandy Rupert, Emily Stormoen, Julie Barrios, Wendy Davis, and grandson Dustin Boyd.Sisters Theoma Ingram of Tribune, Kansas, and Judy Thompson of Wichita, Kansas.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Theryl McCaslin, and sister Nadine Cheney.During her life she had fulfilling careers as a Walmart Associate for over 20 years, School bus driver, wife, mother, and so much more to the people who knew and loved her. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the United Methodist Church and scout leader.&nbsp;Public visitation will be on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10:00 am-11:00 am, at the Price and Sons Funeral Home, 322 2nd St. Tribune, Kansas.A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:30 (Mountain Time) at the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas with Felisa &amp; Logan Smith presiding.&nbsp;Memorials may be given to the “Luella McCaslin Memorial" for a no-kill cat sanctuary (To be determined)” in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861.&nbsp;

Luella ‘Elaine’ McCaslin

Bart E. Hunt, age 58, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on October 19, 1965, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Bertys Eugene and Pearl Jeanette Sadler Hunt. &nbsp;A lifetime resident of Wichita County, Kansas, he was a farmer and rancher in both Wichita County and Scott County, Kansas.

Bart graduated from Wichita County High School in 1984, attended Colby Community College, and Graduated from Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;He loved his horses, cattle, and many pets. &nbsp;In his early days, Bart was involved in 4-H and later served as 4-H leader, and was involved in wrestling in Jr. High and High School. &nbsp;He later started coaching Kids Wrestling and became a certified referee.

He was a people person and was the best storyteller and never forgot an adventure by all who knew and loved him. &nbsp;He also loved music and dancing.

Survivors include his One Sister - Marsha &amp; Randy Heronemus of Leoti, Kansas, Two Brothers - Brett Hunt of Leoti, Kansas, Bill &amp; Gail Hunt of Marienthal, Kansas, Two Step Sons - Josh &amp; Bill John, One Grandson - Cade John, Four Nieces &amp; Nephews - Scott Heronemus, Michelle Shiffelbein, Rachelle Bennett, Bailey Hunt, and 8 Great Nieces and Nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Lydia Church in Wichita County, Kansas with Pastor Don Williams presiding.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be written to Lydia Church or St. Judes Children Hospital in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, Kansas 67861.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719344976041.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bart E. Hunt, age 58, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on October 19, 1965, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Bertys Eugene and Pearl Jeanette Sadler Hunt. &nbsp;A lifetime resident of Wichita County, Kansas, he was a farmer and rancher in both Wichita County and Scott County, Kansas.Bart graduated from Wichita County High School in 1984, attended Colby Community College, and Graduated from Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;He loved his horses, cattle, and many pets. &nbsp;In his early days, Bart was involved in 4-H and later served as 4-H leader, and was involved in wrestling in Jr. High and High School. &nbsp;He later started coaching Kids Wrestling and became a certified referee.He was a people person and was the best storyteller and never forgot an adventure by all who knew and loved him. &nbsp;He also loved music and dancing.Survivors include his One Sister - Marsha &amp; Randy Heronemus of Leoti, Kansas, Two Brothers - Brett Hunt of Leoti, Kansas, Bill &amp; Gail Hunt of Marienthal, Kansas, Two Step Sons - Josh &amp; Bill John, One Grandson - Cade John, Four Nieces &amp; Nephews - Scott Heronemus, Michelle Shiffelbein, Rachelle Bennett, Bailey Hunt, and 8 Great Nieces and Nephews.He is preceded in death by his Parents.Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Lydia Church in Wichita County, Kansas with Pastor Don Williams presiding.Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be written to Lydia Church or St. Judes Children Hospital in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, Kansas 67861.There will be no calling times.

Bart E. Hunt

Kenneth J. Pfannenstiel, age 84, of Munjor, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Via Christi Village in Hays. Kenneth was born on October 19, 1939, in Munjor to Ted J. and Pauline (Wittman) Pfannenstiel.

He graduated from Hays High School in 1957 and married Ann Kohl in 1965 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas. Kenneth dedicated 35 years to his work with Orkin Exterminating. In 1973, he carried forth the Pfannenstiel legacy of farming with his family, which continued through his retirement.&nbsp;

Kenneth had a deep love for German polka music and played the tenor saxophone in his father's dance band, The Jolly Mixers for more than 30 years. He also served in the Kansas National Guard for many years and worked full time for them for four years.&nbsp;

Kenneth is survived by his wife of near 60 years, Ann; his son, Brian Pfannenstiel of Munjor; his daughter, Lisa Pfannenstiel-Garrison, and her husband Jim of Auburn, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Luke Garrison of Overland Park, Kansas; Blake Garrison of Austin, Texas, Kenna Spencer and her husband Blake, and their son Beau of Hays; Brianna Pfannenstiel-Foiles and Tyler Foiles and their daughter McKinnley of Aurora, Colorado; two brothers, Gordon Pfannenstiel, and his wife Lynn of Russell, Kansas; and Tom Pfannenstiel of Kansas City, Missouri; and a sister, Annette Pfannenstiel-Brhel of South Plymouth, New York.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Pauline, and his brother, Mel Pfannenstiel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Munjor. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.&nbsp;

Memorial visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until the service time, with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis Church. Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Kenneth's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719340298830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth J. Pfannenstiel, age 84, of Munjor, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Via Christi Village in Hays. Kenneth was born on October 19, 1939, in Munjor to Ted J. and Pauline (Wittman) Pfannenstiel.He graduated from Hays High School in 1957 and married Ann Kohl in 1965 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas. Kenneth dedicated 35 years to his work with Orkin Exterminating. In 1973, he carried forth the Pfannenstiel legacy of farming with his family, which continued through his retirement.&nbsp;Kenneth had a deep love for German polka music and played the tenor saxophone in his father's dance band, The Jolly Mixers for more than 30 years. He also served in the Kansas National Guard for many years and worked full time for them for four years.&nbsp;Kenneth is survived by his wife of near 60 years, Ann; his son, Brian Pfannenstiel of Munjor; his daughter, Lisa Pfannenstiel-Garrison, and her husband Jim of Auburn, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Luke Garrison of Overland Park, Kansas; Blake Garrison of Austin, Texas, Kenna Spencer and her husband Blake, and their son Beau of Hays; Brianna Pfannenstiel-Foiles and Tyler Foiles and their daughter McKinnley of Aurora, Colorado; two brothers, Gordon Pfannenstiel, and his wife Lynn of Russell, Kansas; and Tom Pfannenstiel of Kansas City, Missouri; and a sister, Annette Pfannenstiel-Brhel of South Plymouth, New York.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Pauline, and his brother, Mel Pfannenstiel.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Munjor. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.&nbsp;Memorial visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until the service time, with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 10:00 AM.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis Church. Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Kenneth's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.&nbsp;Services are in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Kenneth J. Pfannenstiel

NICODEMUS — Mark your calendars and register for the first annual Nicodemus Township History Bike Tour on October 12, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Nicodemus is a National Historic Site within the National Park Service and is the oldest remaining all-black town west of the Mississippi established at the end of Reconstruction.&nbsp; 

This uniquely history-focused bike tour is one of a kind in the state and has two gravel routes that can be taken:&nbsp; a short (21 miles) or long (33 miles) option traversing through the beautiful rolling hills and prairie of the Nicodemus Township and Solomon Valley.

The tour highlights 14 history signs depicting school, cemetery sites, homesteads, emancipation celebration and baseball sites and the transportation history in the area.&nbsp; The long tour takes you through the neighboring historic French Canadian town of Damar where you can stop and visit the beautiful St Joseph's Catholic Church before proceeding back to Nicodemus to enjoy a meal, live music and the new film documenting this historical town, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus.”&nbsp; 

The ride will commence at 9 a.m. and all riders will begin in Nicodemus.&nbsp; 

Cost of early registration (by September 27) is $60.00 and includes a T-shirt, meal, up to four SAG (support and gear, food) stops, music and a viewing in the Township Hall of the the documentary illustrating the first settlers arriving in Nicodemus.&nbsp; Early registration ensures a T-shirt.&nbsp; 

Bikers can register after September 27 but cost will increase to $70.00.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about the ride and our history check us out and follow us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057791824190">Nicodemus Historical Society’s Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; Interested riders should register via the Nicodemus Historical Society’s website at <a href="https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org/">nicodemushistoricalsociety.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718900739589.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedNICODEMUS — Mark your calendars and register for the first annual Nicodemus Township History Bike Tour on October 12, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp; Nicodemus is a National Historic Site within the National Park Service and is the oldest remaining all-black town west of the Mississippi established at the end of Reconstruction.&nbsp; This uniquely history-focused bike tour is one of a kind in the state and has two gravel routes that can be taken:&nbsp; a short (21 miles) or long (33 miles) option traversing through the beautiful rolling hills and prairie of the Nicodemus Township and Solomon Valley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718900644089.png" alt="Angela Bates at sign number one located at the roadside park in Historic Nicodemus. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Angela Bates at sign number one located at the roadside park in Historic Nicodemus. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The tour highlights 14 history signs depicting school, cemetery sites, homesteads, emancipation celebration and baseball sites and the transportation history in the area.&nbsp; The long tour takes you through the neighboring historic French Canadian town of Damar where you can stop and visit the beautiful St Joseph's Catholic Church before proceeding back to Nicodemus to enjoy a meal, live music and the new film documenting this historical town, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus.”&nbsp; The ride will commence at 9 a.m. and all riders will begin in Nicodemus.&nbsp; Cost of early registration (by September 27) is $60.00 and includes a T-shirt, meal, up to four SAG (support and gear, food) stops, music and a viewing in the Township Hall of the the documentary illustrating the first settlers arriving in Nicodemus.&nbsp; Early registration ensures a T-shirt.&nbsp; Bikers can register after September 27 but cost will increase to $70.00.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718901003728.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>To learn more about the ride and our history check us out and follow us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057791824190">Nicodemus Historical Society’s Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; Interested riders should register via the Nicodemus Historical Society’s website at <a href="https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org/">nicodemushistoricalsociety.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Inaugural Nicodemus Township History Bike Tour planned

When the Hays Lions Club was first organized on October 10, 1924, the members were primarily Fort Hays State University professors, and local doctors and attorneys, all male.

Today, 100 years later, the members include women, people from all walks of life and of varying ages.

The service group celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday evening with a dinner featuring a guest speaker who is one of the club's more prominent members and a former Hays resident, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kansas.&nbsp;

Moran served as president of the Hays Lions Club in 1990-91 and is still a member after 41 years. He is occasionally able to attend the meetings Tuesday at noon.

"I sorely miss my days as part of this club. I miss my days as part of this community," Moran said. "It's had a huge impact on my life.

"And while it's nice to know people across Kansas, you all have something special. You all have something special going on when you know what's going on in the community. You're engaged in what's going on in the community, and you make a difference."

Other special guests included state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick, Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges and his family, and District Judge Tom Drees and his wife Patricia.

Members from several other Kansas Lions organization were also on hand to observe the Hays club's milestone.

Attendees also included representatives from several Ellis County non-profit organizations which have received grants from the Hays Lions Club.

The club's three main fundraising projects are the annual pancake feed, an Oktoberfest booth featuring German bierocks and a golf tournament, said Jim Huenergarde, club president.

One of the club's most well-known projects is free eyesight screenings for children and adults.&nbsp;

"Lions Club work for the blind and visually impaired began in 1925 when Helen Keller addressed the international Lions convention. We've taken that up ever since then," Huenergarde said. He is a board member of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation.

"We do a lot of it here in town. We do vision screenings at daycare centers. We help the schools. It's been very productive and helpful, especially getting the young children screened."&nbsp;

Scattered throughout the area where the dinner was catered in the NCK Technical College administration building were memorabilia of the 100 years of history of the Hays Lions, including the original framed International Association of Lions Clubs charter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719171701277.jpeg" alt="Memorabilia from the 100 years of the Hays Lions Club were displayed at the service group's centennial anniversary dinner Saturday at NCK Technical College. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Memorabilia from the 100 years of the Hays Lions Club were displayed at the service group's centennial anniversary dinner Saturday at NCK Technical College. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWhen the Hays Lions Club was first organized on October 10, 1924, the members were primarily Fort Hays State University professors, and local doctors and attorneys, all male.Today, 100 years later, the members include women, people from all walks of life and of varying ages.The service group celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday evening with a dinner featuring a guest speaker who is one of the club's more prominent members and a former Hays resident, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kansas.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LovJHb6OUrs" title="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran at Hays Lions Club 100th anniversary 062224" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Moran served as president of the Hays Lions Club in 1990-91 and is still a member after 41 years. He is occasionally able to attend the meetings Tuesday at noon."I sorely miss my days as part of this club. I miss my days as part of this community," Moran said. "It's had a huge impact on my life."And while it's nice to know people across Kansas, you all have something special. You all have something special going on when you know what's going on in the community. You're engaged in what's going on in the community, and you make a difference."Other special guests included state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick, Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges and his family, and District Judge Tom Drees and his wife Patricia.Members from several other Kansas Lions organization were also on hand to observe the Hays club's milestone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719182830773.png" alt="Non-profit organizations supported by the Hays Lions Club. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Non-profit organizations supported by the Hays Lions Club. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Attendees also included representatives from several Ellis County non-profit organizations which have received grants from the Hays Lions Club.The club's three main fundraising projects are the annual pancake feed, an Oktoberfest booth featuring German bierocks and a golf tournament, said Jim Huenergarde, club president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719180876942.jpeg" alt="Jim Huenergarde, current Hays Lions Club president, also served as president in 2023-24 and 2016-17. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Huenergarde, current Hays Lions Club president, also served as president in 2023-24 and 2016-17. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the club's most well-known projects is free eyesight screenings for children and adults.&nbsp;"Lions Club work for the blind and visually impaired began in 1925 when Helen Keller addressed the international Lions convention. We've taken that up ever since then," Huenergarde said. He is a board member of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation."We do a lot of it here in town. We do vision screenings at daycare centers. We help the schools. It's been very productive and helpful, especially getting the young children screened."&nbsp;Scattered throughout the area where the dinner was catered in the NCK Technical College administration building were memorabilia of the 100 years of history of the Hays Lions, including the original framed International Association of Lions Clubs charter.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719182029743.jpeg" alt="The original framed charter for the Hays Lions Club from December 1924. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The original framed charter for the Hays Lions Club from December 1924. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719183290670.jpeg" alt="Hays Lions Club member Diana Baumann presented U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, with an distinguished achievement certificate signed by the Lions Club International president. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Lions Club member Diana Baumann presented U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, with an distinguished achievement certificate signed by the Lions Club International president. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719171707149.jpeg" alt="Warren Hall, 103, is the oldest member of the Hays Lions Club. He visits with fellow Hays Lion, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, during the club's 100th anniversary celebration on June 22 in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Warren Hall, 103, is the oldest member of the Hays Lions Club. He visits with fellow Hays Lion, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, during the club's 100th anniversary celebration on June 22 in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>While Moran received a new Lions Club pin and an distinguished achievement recognition from the Lions Club International president, he, in turn, signed and presented service recognition certificates for three long-time Hays members, including 31 years for Warren Hall, who is 103 years old, 49 years for Roger Pruitt, and 56 years for Les Herrman.Pruitt and Herrman both previously served as president of the Hays Lions Club."This is an organization that has a huge impact on people. ... I just encourage all of you to continue to care for other people and make a difference in this community and the lives of&nbsp; people you know and people you never met until you get a chance to help them," Moran said.The club also announced Moran and his wife Robba had donated $1,000 to the club for local grant funding.There are currently 50 members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub">Hays Lions Club</a>. They are soliciting new members. Anyone who is interested should call Huenergarde at 785-639-3430.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719182148709.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
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