LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating the murders of 39-year-old Jason M. Bakken and 43-year-old Leanda R. Pound, of Mound Valley, Kansas, since they were discovered deceased in October of 2022.

Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information to investigators that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murders.

Bakken and Pound were found by a friend on Oct. 3, 2022, shot and killed in their home at 693 16000 Rd., in Mound Valley. Investigators believe the murders may have occurred up to a month prior to their discovery.

Anyone with information about these crimes, no matter how small the detail might seem, is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716326924424.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating the murders of 39-year-old Jason M. Bakken and 43-year-old Leanda R. Pound, of Mound Valley, Kansas, since they were discovered deceased in October of 2022.Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information to investigators that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murders.Bakken and Pound were found by a friend on Oct. 3, 2022, shot and killed in their home at 693 16000 Rd., in Mound Valley. Investigators believe the murders may have occurred up to a month prior to their discovery.Anyone with information about these crimes, no matter how small the detail might seem, is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565.

KBI: Reward offered in unsolved murder of Kansas couple

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An investigation has been opened into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-dead-drowning-friends-f2963e83691d2bd2a8626d85a69c73cb">death of Matthew Perry</a>&nbsp;and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.

Los Angeles Police Capt. Scot Williams said in an email Tuesday that the police department was working with the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old star had so much ketamine in his system when he died in October. The investigation was first reported by TMZ.

Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-cause-054e67f7495845804f801c57a1ae2522">His autopsy, released in December, found</a>&nbsp;that the amount of ketamine in Perry’s blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. The drug is sometimes used to treat depression.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in “the heated end of his pool,” but that it was a secondary factor in his death, deemed an accident.

According to Perry's autopsy, people close to the actor told investigators that he was undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketamine-pain-drugs-psychedelic-fda-2c67eeac1932962a7b0affc07d24c09a">ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment</a>&nbsp;used to treat depression and anxiety. But the medical examiner said that his last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn't explain the levels of ketamine in Perry’s blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours.

Perry was among the biggest television stars of his generation when he played Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">NBC’s mega-hit sitcom “Friends.”</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698541233773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — An investigation has been opened into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-dead-drowning-friends-f2963e83691d2bd2a8626d85a69c73cb">death of Matthew Perry</a>&nbsp;and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.Los Angeles Police Capt. Scot Williams said in an email Tuesday that the police department was working with the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old star had so much ketamine in his system when he died in October. The investigation was first reported by TMZ.Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-cause-054e67f7495845804f801c57a1ae2522">His autopsy, released in December, found</a>&nbsp;that the amount of ketamine in Perry’s blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. The drug is sometimes used to treat depression.The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in “the heated end of his pool,” but that it was a secondary factor in his death, deemed an accident.According to Perry's autopsy, people close to the actor told investigators that he was undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketamine-pain-drugs-psychedelic-fda-2c67eeac1932962a7b0affc07d24c09a">ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment</a>&nbsp;used to treat depression and anxiety. But the medical examiner said that his last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn't explain the levels of ketamine in Perry’s blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours.Perry was among the biggest television stars of his generation when he played Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">NBC’s mega-hit sitcom “Friends.”</a>

Matthew Perry's death under investigation over ketamine found in actor's blood

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Kansas abortion providers have challenged an abortion survey law less than a month after lawmakers overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said the law is meant to shame abortion seekers in a Monday announcement of the challenge.&nbsp;

“Kansans want their medical decisions to be their own, and we will not shame or stigmatize patients to satisfy the cruel whims of anti-abortion politicians,” Wales said. “This bill was never intended to improve the health of Kansans; it was meant to shame reproductive care and force patients to answer deeply personal questions that accomplish nothing beyond trauma and judgment.”&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2749/">House Bill 2749</a>&nbsp;requires medical care facilities and providers to report women’s reasons for their abortions. Kelly vetoed the bill, but the House overrode her 84-41 and the Senate completed the veto override with a 27-10 vote.

Under HB 2749, abortion seekers will have to answer a series of questions before undergoing the procedure, including questions asking them if they have been raped, if they have an abusive partner, and if the pregnancy is the result of incest.

The law also requires a report that includes the patients’ age, marital status, home state, race, education level, whether the patient received financial or social services from a nonprofit geared toward helping pregnant women, whether they experienced domestic violence the previous year, whether they live in a stable and affordable home, whether the patient was ever a reported victim of abuse and the abortion method.

The Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood are asking the court to add this challenge to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC9-2BzNnBILVxvTYCpgBjoWrAHCS4qk0GV9ci9sQ0nHftNROMIOvRg1SRzRhRJAL2ECftVZ-2BVBrbvyKkA8yV6diMs2IX0vhzvNYDDAGe3znBeNytBm_ZBHyPWJbdMARO2kB5qns-2BD4xJCKGpFySUKHsRCI-2BfZrhOpwoa8T0GjAmCKUHOrSALH7-2BAftqgWlN6ZTGe-2BinD1D9MOFWrN2VK1OPlMZuxC15KUvaqSiXYLnwYGs0doUR4NhTHsX7dXChqM3l-2FUgR69qOvncZ8FyXwexcWt4jBtiqgPndz0hC5Lfo5wWwcdRz30wok7S2sBoEFXPwG0TdYN4Dx9huqNNYSP7cFKBcuiBmXsk3n-2B3cE2dK6ETX0LOhs-2BCR9WFggHtepX4VyyOBJlxjWEFgE6mYMDGVcEe2ABl1rda-2FO1klvwloNCoJIEUaTHElltCkI116N53VYfzTKg-2Bpi8IqNhmlZq4YduvADcY-3D">ongoing case</a>. The groups, along with other reproductive rights groups, first filed a lawsuit in June with the Center for Reproductive Rights to ask for an injunction on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://reproductiverights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/KS-Hodes-Nauser-v.-Kobach_PI.pdf">several abortion requirements</a>&nbsp;set out in the “Women’s Right to Know Act,” a patchwork of legislation enacted over the past two decades that uses medically inaccurate information to dictate abortion restrictions.

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Kansas has become one of the few states left in the region that protects reproductive rights. As more travelers have come into the state seeking abortions, Republican lawmakers have attempted to chip away at these protections or add red tape.&nbsp;

Lawmakers supporting the “abortion reasons” bill said this information was necessary to gain a sense of the abortion landscape in the state, although the state already releases a comprehensive annual abortion report.&nbsp;The bill was first introduced by Rep. Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville, on behalf of the anti-abortion group Kansans for Life.

During Senate debate about the law, lawmakers shared their feelings on abortion. Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican, said abortion would lead to a life of “regret and emptiness”&nbsp;

“Every abortion kills an innocent child,” Steffen said. “That’s a fact. Every abortion kills an innocent child.”

KFL celebrated the veto override of the law, along with several other pieces of abortion legislation, in an April 29 news release.

“Each of these proposals will help address a truth that the vast majority of Kansans believe: that too many women feel abortion is their only choice,” said Jeanne Gawdun, KFL director of government relations.&nbsp;

Following the abortion providers’ lawsuit filing in June, a Johnson County district judge in October blocked a law requiring abortion providers to tell patients it might be possible to reverse a medication abortion. This supposed “abortion reversal” is based on junk science and has been known to cause hemorrhaging.&nbsp;

He also blocked a mandate that anti-abortion information be given to patients in printed form, in specific typeface, font size and color, at least 24 hours in advance of an abortion, along with a section that required providers post inaccurate information on their websites and in clinics that abortions could increase risk of breast cancer and premature birth in the future — a claim not supported by scientific research.&nbsp;The state has appealed over the decision.

“The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal—no one should be forced to tell the government why they are making that decision,” said&nbsp;Alice Wang, staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights.&nbsp;“It’s frankly frightening that the state of Kansas is attempting to collect this type of private information, and unclear how it will be used.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665657486023.png" alt="&nbsp;Planned Parenthood Great Plains on Monday announced a lawsuit over an "abortion reasons" law, calling it medically unnecessary and stigmatizing. Google image" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Planned Parenthood Great Plains on Monday announced a lawsuit over an "abortion reasons" law, calling it medically unnecessary and stigmatizing. Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— Kansas abortion providers have challenged an abortion survey law less than a month after lawmakers overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said the law is meant to shame abortion seekers in a Monday announcement of the challenge.&nbsp;“Kansans want their medical decisions to be their own, and we will not shame or stigmatize patients to satisfy the cruel whims of anti-abortion politicians,” Wales said. “This bill was never intended to improve the health of Kansans; it was meant to shame reproductive care and force patients to answer deeply personal questions that accomplish nothing beyond trauma and judgment.”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2749/">House Bill 2749</a>&nbsp;requires medical care facilities and providers to report women’s reasons for their abortions. Kelly vetoed the bill, but the House overrode her 84-41 and the Senate completed the veto override with a 27-10 vote.Under HB 2749, abortion seekers will have to answer a series of questions before undergoing the procedure, including questions asking them if they have been raped, if they have an abusive partner, and if the pregnancy is the result of incest.The law also requires a report that includes the patients’ age, marital status, home state, race, education level, whether the patient received financial or social services from a nonprofit geared toward helping pregnant women, whether they experienced domestic violence the previous year, whether they live in a stable and affordable home, whether the patient was ever a reported victim of abuse and the abortion method.The Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood are asking the court to add this challenge to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC9-2BzNnBILVxvTYCpgBjoWrAHCS4qk0GV9ci9sQ0nHftNROMIOvRg1SRzRhRJAL2ECftVZ-2BVBrbvyKkA8yV6diMs2IX0vhzvNYDDAGe3znBeNytBm_ZBHyPWJbdMARO2kB5qns-2BD4xJCKGpFySUKHsRCI-2BfZrhOpwoa8T0GjAmCKUHOrSALH7-2BAftqgWlN6ZTGe-2BinD1D9MOFWrN2VK1OPlMZuxC15KUvaqSiXYLnwYGs0doUR4NhTHsX7dXChqM3l-2FUgR69qOvncZ8FyXwexcWt4jBtiqgPndz0hC5Lfo5wWwcdRz30wok7S2sBoEFXPwG0TdYN4Dx9huqNNYSP7cFKBcuiBmXsk3n-2B3cE2dK6ETX0LOhs-2BCR9WFggHtepX4VyyOBJlxjWEFgE6mYMDGVcEe2ABl1rda-2FO1klvwloNCoJIEUaTHElltCkI116N53VYfzTKg-2Bpi8IqNhmlZq4YduvADcY-3D">ongoing case</a>. The groups, along with other reproductive rights groups, first filed a lawsuit in June with the Center for Reproductive Rights to ask for an injunction on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://reproductiverights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/KS-Hodes-Nauser-v.-Kobach_PI.pdf">several abortion requirements</a>&nbsp;set out in the “Women’s Right to Know Act,” a patchwork of legislation enacted over the past two decades that uses medically inaccurate information to dictate abortion restrictions.Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Kansas has become one of the few states left in the region that protects reproductive rights. As more travelers have come into the state seeking abortions, Republican lawmakers have attempted to chip away at these protections or add red tape.&nbsp;Lawmakers supporting the “abortion reasons” bill said this information was necessary to gain a sense of the abortion landscape in the state, although the state already releases a comprehensive annual abortion report.&nbsp;The bill was first introduced by Rep. Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville, on behalf of the anti-abortion group Kansans for Life.During Senate debate about the law, lawmakers shared their feelings on abortion. Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican, said abortion would lead to a life of “regret and emptiness”&nbsp;“Every abortion kills an innocent child,” Steffen said. “That’s a fact. Every abortion kills an innocent child.”KFL celebrated the veto override of the law, along with several other pieces of abortion legislation, in an April 29 news release.“Each of these proposals will help address a truth that the vast majority of Kansans believe: that too many women feel abortion is their only choice,” said Jeanne Gawdun, KFL director of government relations.&nbsp;Following the abortion providers’ lawsuit filing in June, a Johnson County district judge in October blocked a law requiring abortion providers to tell patients it might be possible to reverse a medication abortion. This supposed “abortion reversal” is based on junk science and has been known to cause hemorrhaging.&nbsp;He also blocked a mandate that anti-abortion information be given to patients in printed form, in specific typeface, font size and color, at least 24 hours in advance of an abortion, along with a section that required providers post inaccurate information on their websites and in clinics that abortions could increase risk of breast cancer and premature birth in the future — a claim not supported by scientific research.&nbsp;The state has appealed over the decision.“The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal—no one should be forced to tell the government why they are making that decision,” said&nbsp;Alice Wang, staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights.&nbsp;“It’s frankly frightening that the state of Kansas is attempting to collect this type of private information, and unclear how it will be used.”

Kansas providers challenge new ‘abortion survey’ law in court

The Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau is kicking off the 41st-annual National Travel and Tourism Week May 19-25 with the release of its 2023 Destination Summary report. The report gives an in-depth look at tourism’s impact on the community by leveraging data compiled from analytics and ad-tech platform provider&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datafyhq.com/">Datafy</a>&nbsp;to track the key performance indicators with the greatest impact on the destination’s economy, community, and growth.

Key statistics from the 2023 Destination Summary report<a href="https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AQMkAGFlNzI4ZWFkLTg5NzYtNDhmNS1iNTg2LTg2MGYxNzFlMGU1OABGAAADTC9sJqt2Oky8cu3nmDqntQcAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAAAgEMAAAAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAEA2sttQAAAA%3D%3D?nativeVersion=1.2024.508.600#x__ftn1">[1]</a>&nbsp;include:

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays welcomed&nbsp;1,310,552 trips, an 8.8% increase from 2022. The average length of visitor stay was 1.8 days.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays hosted&nbsp;a diverse group of visitors<a href="https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AQMkAGFlNzI4ZWFkLTg5NzYtNDhmNS1iNTg2LTg2MGYxNzFlMGU1OABGAAADTC9sJqt2Oky8cu3nmDqntQcAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAAAgEMAAAAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAEA2sttQAAAA%3D%3D?nativeVersion=1.2024.508.600#x__ftn2">[2]</a>&nbsp;from all over the country in 2023; 52.5% of visitors were from in-state, while 47.5% came from out-of-state.&nbsp;The top three visitation markets were: Wichita, Kansas City, and Denver, Co.&nbsp;

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Markets with the highest visitor spend were Wichita, Denver, and Lincoln &amp; Hastings, Ne. This visitor-generated spending supports critical city services throughout our city and lowers the average tax burden on local households, in addition to supporting thousands of local jobs in hospitality-related industries.&nbsp;

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The three most popular months for visitation were July, June, and December.

●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors spent time in our hotels, attractions, shops and businesses, as well as food and beverage outlets. Some of the&nbsp;most-visited local points of interest&nbsp;include: Big Creek Crossing Mall, The Golden Q, Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co., Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, and Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill.&nbsp;

Each May, the country celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week to acknowledge the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating job&nbsp;opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.&nbsp;According to U.S. Travel Association, travel is a $2.6 trillion industry that is essential to America’s success, supporting nearly 15 million American jobs while fueling important industries, uniting people, benefiting society, and contributing to the United States’ global competitiveness<a href="https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AQMkAGFlNzI4ZWFkLTg5NzYtNDhmNS1iNTg2LTg2MGYxNzFlMGU1OABGAAADTC9sJqt2Oky8cu3nmDqntQcAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAAAgEMAAAAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAEA2sttQAAAA%3D%3D?nativeVersion=1.2024.508.600#x__ftn3">[3]</a>.

“National Travel and Tourism Week is a great reminder that tourism is a crucial economic driver for our community,” said Melissa Dixon, Executive Director of the Hays CVB. “Visitors spend their dollars with our local businesses, helping to fund quality of life improvements for our citizens. As we gear up for our busy season, we’re grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge the impact that tourism has in our community.”

To celebrate NTTW, visitors and locals are invited to enter a special Hays giveaway promotion online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/NTTW24HaysGiveaway">https://bit.ly/NTTW24HaysGiveaway</a>&nbsp;which will be promoted throughout the week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/">Hays CVB Facebook</a>&nbsp;page. One out-of-town entry will receive a Hays vacation package which includes one-night stay at the Avid hotel, passes to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Precision Valley Golf &amp; Bike Center, Chamber Cheques to be used a variety of restaurants and businesses in Hays, and a gas card to assist with travel expenses. One local resident will receive a basket of Hays themed items.

The Hays CVB is housed in the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine Street, which also operates as a Travel Information Center, providing travel literature for the entire state of Kansas. In the first few months of 2024, the CVB staff has assisted visitors from Massachusetts, Georgia, Louisiana, California, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Canada, and cities throughout Kansas.

Summer is peak travel season, and visitor traffic will increase as summer travel gets underway and Hays prepares for these upcoming festivities:&nbsp;

For more information about the Hays CVB or community events, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/">VisitHays.com</a>, call 785-628-8202, or follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayscvb/">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HaysCVB">Twitter</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716072470203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau is kicking off the 41st-annual National Travel and Tourism Week May 19-25 with the release of its 2023 Destination Summary report. The report gives an in-depth look at tourism’s impact on the community by leveraging data compiled from analytics and ad-tech platform provider&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datafyhq.com/">Datafy</a>&nbsp;to track the key performance indicators with the greatest impact on the destination’s economy, community, and growth.Key statistics from the 2023 Destination Summary report<a href="https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AQMkAGFlNzI4ZWFkLTg5NzYtNDhmNS1iNTg2LTg2MGYxNzFlMGU1OABGAAADTC9sJqt2Oky8cu3nmDqntQcAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAAAgEMAAAAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAEA2sttQAAAA%3D%3D?nativeVersion=1.2024.508.600#x__ftn1">[1]</a>&nbsp;include:●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays welcomed&nbsp;1,310,552 trips, an 8.8% increase from 2022. The average length of visitor stay was 1.8 days.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays hosted&nbsp;a diverse group of visitors<a href="https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AQMkAGFlNzI4ZWFkLTg5NzYtNDhmNS1iNTg2LTg2MGYxNzFlMGU1OABGAAADTC9sJqt2Oky8cu3nmDqntQcAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAAAgEMAAAAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAEA2sttQAAAA%3D%3D?nativeVersion=1.2024.508.600#x__ftn2">[2]</a>&nbsp;from all over the country in 2023; 52.5% of visitors were from in-state, while 47.5% came from out-of-state.&nbsp;The top three visitation markets were: Wichita, Kansas City, and Denver, Co.&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Markets with the highest visitor spend were Wichita, Denver, and Lincoln &amp; Hastings, Ne. This visitor-generated spending supports critical city services throughout our city and lowers the average tax burden on local households, in addition to supporting thousands of local jobs in hospitality-related industries.&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The three most popular months for visitation were July, June, and December.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors spent time in our hotels, attractions, shops and businesses, as well as food and beverage outlets. Some of the&nbsp;most-visited local points of interest&nbsp;include: Big Creek Crossing Mall, The Golden Q, Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co., Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, and Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill.&nbsp;Each May, the country celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week to acknowledge the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating job&nbsp;opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.&nbsp;According to U.S. Travel Association, travel is a $2.6 trillion industry that is essential to America’s success, supporting nearly 15 million American jobs while fueling important industries, uniting people, benefiting society, and contributing to the United States’ global competitiveness<a href="https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AQMkAGFlNzI4ZWFkLTg5NzYtNDhmNS1iNTg2LTg2MGYxNzFlMGU1OABGAAADTC9sJqt2Oky8cu3nmDqntQcAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAAAgEMAAAAFuq%2BYBcYckuEjWyiuW%2BGBQAEA2sttQAAAA%3D%3D?nativeVersion=1.2024.508.600#x__ftn3">[3]</a>.“National Travel and Tourism Week is a great reminder that tourism is a crucial economic driver for our community,” said Melissa Dixon, Executive Director of the Hays CVB. “Visitors spend their dollars with our local businesses, helping to fund quality of life improvements for our citizens. As we gear up for our busy season, we’re grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge the impact that tourism has in our community.”To celebrate NTTW, visitors and locals are invited to enter a special Hays giveaway promotion online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/NTTW24HaysGiveaway">https://bit.ly/NTTW24HaysGiveaway</a>&nbsp;which will be promoted throughout the week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/">Hays CVB Facebook</a>&nbsp;page. One out-of-town entry will receive a Hays vacation package which includes one-night stay at the Avid hotel, passes to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Precision Valley Golf &amp; Bike Center, Chamber Cheques to be used a variety of restaurants and businesses in Hays, and a gas card to assist with travel expenses. One local resident will receive a basket of Hays themed items.The Hays CVB is housed in the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine Street, which also operates as a Travel Information Center, providing travel literature for the entire state of Kansas. In the first few months of 2024, the CVB staff has assisted visitors from Massachusetts, Georgia, Louisiana, California, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Canada, and cities throughout Kansas.Summer is peak travel season, and visitor traffic will increase as summer travel gets underway and Hays prepares for these upcoming festivities:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Thunder on the Plains Car Show – June 8</li><li>Brews on the Bricks Craft Beer Festival – June 15</li><li>Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk – June 21</li><li>The Wild West Festival – July 3-6</li><li>Ellis County Fair – July 12-20</li><li>Tour die Kapellen – July 13</li><li>Herzogfest in Victoria – August 9-10</li><li>Hays Larks Baseball through June and July</li><li>Rolling Plains Motor Speedway races through October</li>
 </ul>For more information about the Hays CVB or community events, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/">VisitHays.com</a>, call 785-628-8202, or follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayscvb/">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HaysCVB">Twitter</a>.

Hays CVB celebrates National Tourism Week: What to do in Hays this summer

Heather Dawn Schultze, age 46, passed away Thursday May 16, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. She was born the daughter of Sheila Brummer on October 11, 1977, in Beloit, KS.

She graduated from Great Bend High School in 1994. After leaving Great Bend Pawnee Rock she moved to Summerfield, FL for 6 years before returning to her roots in Kansas settling in Coldwater in 2006. Her first-born child Dalton Lee Bailey was born in 2007.

In April of 2014 she met the man that she would marry and spend the rest of her short life with. She married Brent Schultze on October 10, 2015. They welcomed Peytyn on January 12, 2015. She was a CNA at OCMH for the last 9 years. She enjoyed Photography and it was her real passion.

She was the most honest and wholehearted person you could know, we will miss her laugh, her smile, her witty sense of humor, her NO BS attitude, Firey personality and her spirit every minute of every day.

She was preceded in death by her mother Sheila and her grandma Bev.

She is survived by her husband Brent, her daughter Peytyn, son Dalton, Stepson Kaiden, Stepdaughter Kinsley all of Osborne; her sister Amanda and her family; her brother AJ of Colorado; her Grandpa Wayne of Great Bend; many aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a gathering on Thursday May 23, 2024, at the Sims Event Center in Osborne from 10:00AM until 2:00PM.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Heather Schultze memorial fund and can be sent in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family Mortuary of Osborne, KS.

Heather Dawn Schultze, age 46, passed away Thursday May 16, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. She was born the daughter of Sheila Brummer on October 11, 1977, in Beloit, KS.She graduated from Great Bend High School in 1994. After leaving Great Bend Pawnee Rock she moved to Summerfield, FL for 6 years before returning to her roots in Kansas settling in Coldwater in 2006. Her first-born child Dalton Lee Bailey was born in 2007.In April of 2014 she met the man that she would marry and spend the rest of her short life with. She married Brent Schultze on October 10, 2015. They welcomed Peytyn on January 12, 2015. She was a CNA at OCMH for the last 9 years. She enjoyed Photography and it was her real passion.She was the most honest and wholehearted person you could know, we will miss her laugh, her smile, her witty sense of humor, her NO BS attitude, Firey personality and her spirit every minute of every day.She was preceded in death by her mother Sheila and her grandma Bev.She is survived by her husband Brent, her daughter Peytyn, son Dalton, Stepson Kaiden, Stepdaughter Kinsley all of Osborne; her sister Amanda and her family; her brother AJ of Colorado; her Grandpa Wayne of Great Bend; many aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews.The family will hold a gathering on Thursday May 23, 2024, at the Sims Event Center in Osborne from 10:00AM until 2:00PM.The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Heather Schultze memorial fund and can be sent in care of the mortuary.Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family Mortuary of Osborne, KS.

Heather Dawn Schultze

Dennis Ray Hansen was born in Smith Center, Kansas on December 1, 1946, to Maurice and Betty (Hughes) Hansen. He passed from this earth on May 11th, 2024, at the age of 77. Dennis had been diagnosed with ALS in October of 2023 and had struggles with this but kept on doing most of the things he enjoyed.

He attended Smith Center grade school and high school graduating in 1964 with cherished memories of his classmates and school days.

He married Kathy (Ayres) Hansen, a Smith Center native on August 12th, 1972, at the Congregational Church. The day of the wedding was so hot the candle melted over. They have lived their entire married life in Smith Center and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022. Their son Seth Nichols was born on June 21st, 1976, and was Dennis’s pride and joy.

Dennis had different jobs during his youth and after. He worked for Harry Lattin at the Home Oil Company on Main Street. He worked for the State of KS Highway Department a couple years prior to joining the Army in 1965 and was posted in the Dominican Republic and West Point in New York state before being discharged in 1967. He drove a truck for Mini Max Provisions. He went to work for Maynard Frank at the John Deere dealership as a mechanic and when Maynard sold, Dennis worked for Milton Ouderkirk at the new dealership (Smith County Implement) as a parts man and sales representative. When Milton passed, Dennis bought Milton’s half of the dealership and later purchased the other half. He was the owner of Phillips County Implement later until he sold both dealerships in 2000. He stayed busy with various part time jobs including driving for Peterson Industries, delivering for the local drug stores, and driving the bus for City Transportation.

He was a lifetime member of the Kingsbury-Chase VFW #1141, Smith Center, where he has been commander for several years, American Legion Post #220, Smith Center, Rotary before it disbanded, Center Township Clerk and enjoyed being a part of Fairview Cemetery work through the board. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Old Settler’s Day Committee, and Center Cruzers. He became a member of the Employer’s in Support of the National Guard team (ESGR) for 35 years and helped active Guard members get back their jobs, if necessary, when they returned from duty. He was a member of Kansas STARBASE Program from 2004 through 2010 and was Vice-President for four years. Helping any way he could the Military and Veteran’s was extremely important to him. It gave him immense pride to be a part of the VFW Color Guard for Veteran’s services and to lead parades or wherever a Color Guard was needed.

In 2023, Dennis and Kathy were honored to be selected as King and Queen for Old Settler’s Day.

Dennis was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his brother Rodney and loved the trip and the time they had together.

Dennis loved sports and his love for the Redmen increased two-fold when Seth became a part of the Junior High and Senior High Redmen teams. He helped with Redcaps and very seldom missed a football game, wrestling or track meet. He attended anything Seth was involved with and helped with Post Prom. He tracked Coconino High School in Arizona where nephew Yancy Ayres was an active athlete.

Dennis’s 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite was the car he had enjoyed the most as when he purchased it, he said, Plymouth’s were what his dad drove most. Spending time at weekend car shows and in July the Salina Lead Sled was a yearly event with Seth, classmates and friends.

He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and had worked on many church programs and events.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Hansen and Maurice Hansen, his in-laws that he loved like parents, Burl and Margaret Ayres, six siblings, Don, Cathy Howton, Jerry Hughes, Mary Marye, David and Karl, brother-in-law, Tom Ayres and other sister and brothers-in-law.

Dennis is survived by wife, Kathy, son Seth, brothers, Wayne (Jane), Rodney (Mary); sisters-in-law, Karen (Ayres) Keatley, Joann Hansen Storer and brother-in-law, Bruce Marye.

Dennis was willing to help in any situation and had many dear and special friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Dennis Ray Hansen was born in Smith Center, Kansas on December 1, 1946, to Maurice and Betty (Hughes) Hansen. He passed from this earth on May 11th, 2024, at the age of 77. Dennis had been diagnosed with ALS in October of 2023 and had struggles with this but kept on doing most of the things he enjoyed.He attended Smith Center grade school and high school graduating in 1964 with cherished memories of his classmates and school days.He married Kathy (Ayres) Hansen, a Smith Center native on August 12th, 1972, at the Congregational Church. The day of the wedding was so hot the candle melted over. They have lived their entire married life in Smith Center and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022. Their son Seth Nichols was born on June 21st, 1976, and was Dennis’s pride and joy.Dennis had different jobs during his youth and after. He worked for Harry Lattin at the Home Oil Company on Main Street. He worked for the State of KS Highway Department a couple years prior to joining the Army in 1965 and was posted in the Dominican Republic and West Point in New York state before being discharged in 1967. He drove a truck for Mini Max Provisions. He went to work for Maynard Frank at the John Deere dealership as a mechanic and when Maynard sold, Dennis worked for Milton Ouderkirk at the new dealership (Smith County Implement) as a parts man and sales representative. When Milton passed, Dennis bought Milton’s half of the dealership and later purchased the other half. He was the owner of Phillips County Implement later until he sold both dealerships in 2000. He stayed busy with various part time jobs including driving for Peterson Industries, delivering for the local drug stores, and driving the bus for City Transportation.He was a lifetime member of the Kingsbury-Chase VFW #1141, Smith Center, where he has been commander for several years, American Legion Post #220, Smith Center, Rotary before it disbanded, Center Township Clerk and enjoyed being a part of Fairview Cemetery work through the board. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Old Settler’s Day Committee, and Center Cruzers. He became a member of the Employer’s in Support of the National Guard team (ESGR) for 35 years and helped active Guard members get back their jobs, if necessary, when they returned from duty. He was a member of Kansas STARBASE Program from 2004 through 2010 and was Vice-President for four years. Helping any way he could the Military and Veteran’s was extremely important to him. It gave him immense pride to be a part of the VFW Color Guard for Veteran’s services and to lead parades or wherever a Color Guard was needed.In 2023, Dennis and Kathy were honored to be selected as King and Queen for Old Settler’s Day.Dennis was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his brother Rodney and loved the trip and the time they had together.Dennis loved sports and his love for the Redmen increased two-fold when Seth became a part of the Junior High and Senior High Redmen teams. He helped with Redcaps and very seldom missed a football game, wrestling or track meet. He attended anything Seth was involved with and helped with Post Prom. He tracked Coconino High School in Arizona where nephew Yancy Ayres was an active athlete.Dennis’s 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite was the car he had enjoyed the most as when he purchased it, he said, Plymouth’s were what his dad drove most. Spending time at weekend car shows and in July the Salina Lead Sled was a yearly event with Seth, classmates and friends.He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and had worked on many church programs and events.Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Hansen and Maurice Hansen, his in-laws that he loved like parents, Burl and Margaret Ayres, six siblings, Don, Cathy Howton, Jerry Hughes, Mary Marye, David and Karl, brother-in-law, Tom Ayres and other sister and brothers-in-law.Dennis is survived by wife, Kathy, son Seth, brothers, Wayne (Jane), Rodney (Mary); sisters-in-law, Karen (Ayres) Keatley, Joann Hansen Storer and brother-in-law, Bruce Marye.Dennis was willing to help in any situation and had many dear and special friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Dennis Ray Hansen

Chip Miller passed away on September 6, 2023 in McAlester, Oklahoma at the age of 76.

Chip was born in Goodland, KS on October 1, 1946 to Alexander and Della Mae (Gotchall) Miller. &nbsp; He graduated from Goodland High School in 1964. &nbsp;He attended Vo-Tech and studied auto mechanics. &nbsp;Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. &nbsp; He was very proud of his corps and his country. &nbsp;During his enlistment, he fought in the Vietnam War and received many honors, but it was the Purple Heart that he treasured the most.

After returning home to Goodland, he married Kathryn Ruth Jones. &nbsp;To this union, two children were born, James (Jimmy) and Jodi. &nbsp;Chip enjoyed fishing and hunting, watching Jimmy at wrestling tournaments, and cheering for his favorite football team, The Kansas City Chiefs!

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Kathy, his son Jimmy, his brothers Richard and Ronnie, sister Lavonna (Shorty), and granddaughter ShiAnne.

He is survived by his sister Darlene (Joe) Bauman of Goodland, KS, daughter Jodi (Kevin) Browne of McAlester, OK, granddaughters Keeley, Nikki, Chloe and Piper, grandsons Mario, AJ, Cole and Gage, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM MT at the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, KS. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716073543687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chip Miller passed away on September 6, 2023 in McAlester, Oklahoma at the age of 76.Chip was born in Goodland, KS on October 1, 1946 to Alexander and Della Mae (Gotchall) Miller. &nbsp; He graduated from Goodland High School in 1964. &nbsp;He attended Vo-Tech and studied auto mechanics. &nbsp;Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. &nbsp; He was very proud of his corps and his country. &nbsp;During his enlistment, he fought in the Vietnam War and received many honors, but it was the Purple Heart that he treasured the most.After returning home to Goodland, he married Kathryn Ruth Jones. &nbsp;To this union, two children were born, James (Jimmy) and Jodi. &nbsp;Chip enjoyed fishing and hunting, watching Jimmy at wrestling tournaments, and cheering for his favorite football team, The Kansas City Chiefs!Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Kathy, his son Jimmy, his brothers Richard and Ronnie, sister Lavonna (Shorty), and granddaughter ShiAnne.He is survived by his sister Darlene (Joe) Bauman of Goodland, KS, daughter Jodi (Kevin) Browne of McAlester, OK, granddaughters Keeley, Nikki, Chloe and Piper, grandsons Mario, AJ, Cole and Gage, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM MT at the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, KS. &nbsp;Semper Fi!

Alex "Chip" Miller

Dennis had different jobs during his youth and after. He worked for Harry Lattin at the Home Oil Company on Main Street. He worked for the State of KS Highway Department a couple years prior to joining the Army in 1965 and was posted in the Dominican Republic and West Point in New York state before being discharged in 1967. He drove a truck for Mini Max Provisions. He went to work for Maynard Frank at the John Deere dealership as a mechanic and when Maynard sold, Dennis worked for Milton Outerkirk at the new dealership (Smith County Implement) as a parts man and sales representative. When Milton passed, Dennis bought Milton’s half of the dealership and later purchased the other half. He was the owner of Phillips County Implement later until he sold both dealerships in 2000. He stayed busy with various part time jobs including driving for Peterson Industries, delivering for the local drug stores, and driving the bus for City Transportation.

He was a lifetime member of the Kingsbury-Chase VFW #1141, Smith Center, where he has been commander for several years, American Legion Post #220, Smith Center, Rotary before it disbanded, Center Township Clerk and enjoyed being a part of Fairview Cemetery work through the board. He served on the City Council Board, Old Settler’s Day Committee, and Center Cruzers. He became a member of the Employer’s in Support of the National Guard team (ESGR) and helped active Guard members get back their jobs, if necessary, when they returned from duty. He was a member of Kansas STARBASE Program from 2004 through 2010 and was Vice-President for four years. Helping any way he could the Military and Veteran’s was extremely important to him. It gave him immense pride to be a part of the VFW Color Guard for Veteran’s services and to lead parades or wherever a Color Guard was needed.

He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and had work on many church programs and events.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Hansen and Maurice Hansen, his in-laws that he loved like parents, Burl and Margaret Ayres, sis siblings, Don, Cathy Howton, Jerry Hughes, Mary Maryce, David and Karl, brother-in-law, Tom Ayres and other sister and brothers-in-law.

Dennis Ray Hansen was born in Smith Center, Kansas on December 1, 1946, to Maurice and Betty (Hughes) Hansen. He passed from this earth on May 11th, 2024, at the age of 77. Dennis had been diagnosed with ALS in October of 2023 and had struggles with this but kept on doing most of the things he enjoyed.He attended Smith Center grade school and high school graduating in 1964 with cherished memories of his classmates and school days.He married Kathy (Ayres) Hansen, a Smith Center native on August 12th, 1972, at the Congregational Church. The day of the wedding was so hot the candle melted over. They have lived their entire married life in Smith Center and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022. Their son Seth Nichols was born on June 21st, 1976, and was Dennis’s pride and joy.Dennis had different jobs during his youth and after. He worked for Harry Lattin at the Home Oil Company on Main Street. He worked for the State of KS Highway Department a couple years prior to joining the Army in 1965 and was posted in the Dominican Republic and West Point in New York state before being discharged in 1967. He drove a truck for Mini Max Provisions. He went to work for Maynard Frank at the John Deere dealership as a mechanic and when Maynard sold, Dennis worked for Milton Outerkirk at the new dealership (Smith County Implement) as a parts man and sales representative. When Milton passed, Dennis bought Milton’s half of the dealership and later purchased the other half. He was the owner of Phillips County Implement later until he sold both dealerships in 2000. He stayed busy with various part time jobs including driving for Peterson Industries, delivering for the local drug stores, and driving the bus for City Transportation.He was a lifetime member of the Kingsbury-Chase VFW #1141, Smith Center, where he has been commander for several years, American Legion Post #220, Smith Center, Rotary before it disbanded, Center Township Clerk and enjoyed being a part of Fairview Cemetery work through the board. He served on the City Council Board, Old Settler’s Day Committee, and Center Cruzers. He became a member of the Employer’s in Support of the National Guard team (ESGR) and helped active Guard members get back their jobs, if necessary, when they returned from duty. He was a member of Kansas STARBASE Program from 2004 through 2010 and was Vice-President for four years. Helping any way he could the Military and Veteran’s was extremely important to him. It gave him immense pride to be a part of the VFW Color Guard for Veteran’s services and to lead parades or wherever a Color Guard was needed.In 2023, Dennis and Kathy were honored to be selected as King and Queen for Old Settler’s Day.Dennis was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his brother Rodney and loved the trip and the time they had together.Dennis loved sports and his love for the Redmen increased two-fold when Seth became a part of the Junior High and Senior High Redmen teams. He helped with Redcaps and very seldom missed a football game, wrestling or track meet. He attended anything Seth was involved with and helped with Post Prom. He tracked Coconino High School in Arizona where nephew Yancy Ayres was an active athlete.Dennis’s 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite was the car he had enjoyed the most as when he purchased it, he said, Plymouth’s were what his dad drove most. Spending time at weekend car shows and in July the Salina Lead Sled was a yearly event with Seth, classmates and friends.He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and had work on many church programs and events.Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Hansen and Maurice Hansen, his in-laws that he loved like parents, Burl and Margaret Ayres, sis siblings, Don, Cathy Howton, Jerry Hughes, Mary Maryce, David and Karl, brother-in-law, Tom Ayres and other sister and brothers-in-law.Dennis is survived by wife, Kathy, son Seth, brothers, Wayne (Jane), Rodney (Mary); sisters-in-law, Karen (Ayres) Keatley, Joann Hansen Storer and brother-in-law, Bruce Marye.Dennis was willing to help in any situation and had many dear and special friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Duane Francis Klaus, age 87 of Hays, Kansas a man whose life was dedicated to hard work, and family passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at HaysMed. He was born on October 3, 1936, in Ellis County, Kansas to Andrew and Celestina (Kreutzer) Klaus. On April 21, 1956, he married Norma Jean Werth at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, Kansas.&nbsp;

Throughout his career, Duane wore many hats, each representing a new challenge and opportunity. He began his journey at Schwaller Lumber in Hays and later ventured into entrepreneurship as the Co-Owner of Hays City Lumber and went on to establish Klaus Dirt Construction, further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Even after retiring from his business ventures, he continued to contribute his expertise by working for M&amp;D Excavating. Duane was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3rd degree St &nbsp;Joseph’s council Knights of Columbus and a Bishop Cunningham 4th degree Knights of Columbus member.&nbsp;

Duane's legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements, and he took immense pride in being a loving husband of 68 years to Norma Jean Klaus. He is survived by his children Daniel (Rosie) Klaus of Wichita, Kansas, Richard (Dana) Klaus of Roeland, Kansas, Todd (Trisha) Klaus of Castle Rock, Colorado, Darla (Chad) Wilson of Hutchinson, Kansas; his brother Cletus (Mildred) Klaus of Hays; sister Rosalie Patterson of Hays; along with 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, son Curtis Klaus, and sister Velma Gabel.

Visitation will take place on Friday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the Bishop Cunningham 4th degree honor guard standing guard from 5:30-6:30. Saturday visitation is 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 PM on Friday followed by a combined St. Joseph’s 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and Bishop Cunningham 4th degree rosary service all at Brock’s Chapel.

Funeral mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.&nbsp;

Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian, St. Joseph’s Church or HaysMed Hospice.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715866981536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Duane Francis Klaus, age 87 of Hays, Kansas a man whose life was dedicated to hard work, and family passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at HaysMed. He was born on October 3, 1936, in Ellis County, Kansas to Andrew and Celestina (Kreutzer) Klaus. On April 21, 1956, he married Norma Jean Werth at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, Kansas.&nbsp;Throughout his career, Duane wore many hats, each representing a new challenge and opportunity. He began his journey at Schwaller Lumber in Hays and later ventured into entrepreneurship as the Co-Owner of Hays City Lumber and went on to establish Klaus Dirt Construction, further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Even after retiring from his business ventures, he continued to contribute his expertise by working for M&amp;D Excavating. Duane was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3rd degree St &nbsp;Joseph’s council Knights of Columbus and a Bishop Cunningham 4th degree Knights of Columbus member.&nbsp;Duane's legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements, and he took immense pride in being a loving husband of 68 years to Norma Jean Klaus. He is survived by his children Daniel (Rosie) Klaus of Wichita, Kansas, Richard (Dana) Klaus of Roeland, Kansas, Todd (Trisha) Klaus of Castle Rock, Colorado, Darla (Chad) Wilson of Hutchinson, Kansas; his brother Cletus (Mildred) Klaus of Hays; sister Rosalie Patterson of Hays; along with 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.Duane was preceded in death by his parents, son Curtis Klaus, and sister Velma Gabel.Visitation will take place on Friday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the Bishop Cunningham 4th degree honor guard standing guard from 5:30-6:30. Saturday visitation is 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 PM on Friday followed by a combined St. Joseph’s 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and Bishop Cunningham 4th degree rosary service all at Brock’s Chapel.Funeral mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.&nbsp;Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian, St. Joseph’s Church or HaysMed Hospice.Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Duane’s tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Duane Francis Klaus

Phillipsburg resident, Dennis L. Allen passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Kansas Soldier’s Home in Fort Dodge, KS at the age of 79.

He was born May 4, 1945 in Phillips County, KS the son of Howard F. and Marjorie J. (Stevens) Allen. &nbsp;He served in the United States Navy for 20 years.

He was united in marriage on September 4, 1964 to Mary Ann Jackson. &nbsp;To this union three children were born: &nbsp;Monica, Jeff, and Mark. &nbsp;The couple later divorced. &nbsp;Later he married Laura Ann Belgrade on January 22, 1993 in Phillipsburg. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on October 24, 2013.

Survivors include his daughter Monica Schwerman; son Mark Allen; a sister Susan Parker, all of Phillipsburg; five grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 in the Community Church of God in Phillipsburg, with Pastor Scott Eller officiating. &nbsp;The services will be streamed on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. &nbsp;Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Military Honors conducted by the United States Navy.

Mr. Allen will lie in state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, where the family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Phillipsburg resident, Dennis L. Allen passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Kansas Soldier’s Home in Fort Dodge, KS at the age of 79.He was born May 4, 1945 in Phillips County, KS the son of Howard F. and Marjorie J. (Stevens) Allen. &nbsp;He served in the United States Navy for 20 years.He was united in marriage on September 4, 1964 to Mary Ann Jackson. &nbsp;To this union three children were born: &nbsp;Monica, Jeff, and Mark. &nbsp;The couple later divorced. &nbsp;Later he married Laura Ann Belgrade on January 22, 1993 in Phillipsburg. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on October 24, 2013.Survivors include his daughter Monica Schwerman; son Mark Allen; a sister Susan Parker, all of Phillipsburg; five grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 in the Community Church of God in Phillipsburg, with Pastor Scott Eller officiating. &nbsp;The services will be streamed on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. &nbsp;Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Military Honors conducted by the United States Navy.Mr. Allen will lie in state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, where the family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for visitation.Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Dennis L. Allen

Lowell Earl Burk, age 91, was born on April 19, 1933 to Herman and Margaret Burk in Goodland, Kansas. He was taken to heaven on May 11, 2024 at 11:55 p.m. Lowell graduated from Goodland High School in 1951. He went to St. Paul Bible College from 1952 to 1953. After helping his father on the farm for a year he met Rosalie Rae House at Bible School and they were married on October 18, 1957, during this time he joined the United States Army and was a truck mechanic for 2 years in Colorado Springs, then spent the next 8 years in the National Guard and became sergeant with honorable discharge. Lowel and Rosalie spent the next 50 years farming in the Sharon Springs and Oakley area. Together Lowell and Rosalie adopted two sons Jonathan Earl in 1970 and James Christian in 1973. Lowell and Rosalie moved to Hays in 2005, he was member of the Celebration Community Church and New Life Center Hays and enjoyed traveling, fixing things in his shop and spending time with his family and friends.

Lowell is survived by his wife Rosalie, his sister Virginia Duell, his brother Whit Cameron of Wallace, Kansas, his son Jonathan Burk and wife Susan Burk of Ocala FL, stepsons Cleavon Crawford of Ocala and Cedric Crawford of New York. His son James and wife Lisa Burk and their children, Clay, Micah and Avrianna Burk of Hays, Kansas; and many more family and friends.

Funeral service will be Friday, May 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street, Goodland. Interment following the service at the Goodland Cemetery, North Main. Visitation will be prior to the service at Bateman Funeral Home from 12 to 1 p.m. MT. Information and condolences www.batemanfuneral.com.

Lowell Earl Burk, age 91, was born on April 19, 1933 to Herman and Margaret Burk in Goodland, Kansas. He was taken to heaven on May 11, 2024 at 11:55 p.m. Lowell graduated from Goodland High School in 1951. He went to St. Paul Bible College from 1952 to 1953. After helping his father on the farm for a year he met Rosalie Rae House at Bible School and they were married on October 18, 1957, during this time he joined the United States Army and was a truck mechanic for 2 years in Colorado Springs, then spent the next 8 years in the National Guard and became sergeant with honorable discharge. Lowel and Rosalie spent the next 50 years farming in the Sharon Springs and Oakley area. Together Lowell and Rosalie adopted two sons Jonathan Earl in 1970 and James Christian in 1973. Lowell and Rosalie moved to Hays in 2005, he was member of the Celebration Community Church and New Life Center Hays and enjoyed traveling, fixing things in his shop and spending time with his family and friends.Lowell is survived by his wife Rosalie, his sister Virginia Duell, his brother Whit Cameron of Wallace, Kansas, his son Jonathan Burk and wife Susan Burk of Ocala FL, stepsons Cleavon Crawford of Ocala and Cedric Crawford of New York. His son James and wife Lisa Burk and their children, Clay, Micah and Avrianna Burk of Hays, Kansas; and many more family and friends.Funeral service will be Friday, May 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street, Goodland. Interment following the service at the Goodland Cemetery, North Main. Visitation will be prior to the service at Bateman Funeral Home from 12 to 1 p.m. MT. Information and condolences www.batemanfuneral.com.

Lowell Earl Burk

Norman J. (Monk) Youngers of Kingman, Kansas died May 14, 2024 at Kingman Healthcare Center at the age of 86.

He was born in Willowdale, Kansas on September 12, 1937 to Otto and Georgian Screen Youngers.&nbsp;&nbsp;He attended schools in Willowdale and Zenda, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;After graduation Norman served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957.&nbsp;&nbsp;He began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and retired in 1999 after forty-one years.&nbsp;

He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both of Kingman.

On October 1, 1960, he married Mary J. Linnebur in Colwich, Kansas; she passed away May 25, 2023.

Norman is survived by his six children, Kevin (Dawna) Youngers, Tina (Scott) Ludwig, Sheila Hooker, Lesa (Rob) Roser, Gary (Gina) Youngers and Mona (Shane) Dreiling; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister Rita Wasinger; and sister-in-law Joyce Youngers.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Otto and Norbert; and an infant sister Mary Jane.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in the St. Patrick School vestibule with the Parish rosary at 7:30 p.m., in the St. Patrick Catholic Church.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024 also at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Memorials made to St. Patrick School or The W Place Full Care and Retirement Facility,&nbsp;&nbsp;both in care of Livingston Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715865978075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman J. (Monk) Youngers of Kingman, Kansas died May 14, 2024 at Kingman Healthcare Center at the age of 86.He was born in Willowdale, Kansas on September 12, 1937 to Otto and Georgian Screen Youngers.&nbsp;&nbsp;He attended schools in Willowdale and Zenda, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;After graduation Norman served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957.&nbsp;&nbsp;He began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and retired in 1999 after forty-one years.&nbsp;He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both of Kingman.On October 1, 1960, he married Mary J. Linnebur in Colwich, Kansas; she passed away May 25, 2023.Norman is survived by his six children, Kevin (Dawna) Youngers, Tina (Scott) Ludwig, Sheila Hooker, Lesa (Rob) Roser, Gary (Gina) Youngers and Mona (Shane) Dreiling; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister Rita Wasinger; and sister-in-law Joyce Youngers.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Otto and Norbert; and an infant sister Mary Jane.The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in the St. Patrick School vestibule with the Parish rosary at 7:30 p.m., in the St. Patrick Catholic Church.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024 also at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.Memorials made to St. Patrick School or The W Place Full Care and Retirement Facility,&nbsp;&nbsp;both in care of Livingston Funeral Home.

Norman J. (Monk) Youngers

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump's attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-cohen-hush-money-stormy-daniels-735aadfd1ce015e05ba955c203a96f1b">started grilling prosecutors' star witness</a>&nbsp;in his hush money trial Tuesday, portraying former attorney Michael Cohen as a media-obsessed liar who's determined to see the former president behind bars.

<a href="https://pdfs.nycourts.gov/PeopleVs.DTrump-71543/transcripts/5-13-2024/00045.html">Click here to read Day 1 </a>transcript of Michael Cohen's testimony

Cohen endured intense questioning by defense attorney Todd Blanche after providing pivotal testimony tying the presumptive Republican presidential nominee directly to the hush money scheme at the heart of the case.

Trump's former fixer will return to the witness stand Thursday for more cross-examination before prosecutors rest their case alleging a scheme to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-opening-stormy-daniels-6beee9b99114898ee0dd60185d43bac5">illegally influence the 2016 election</a>&nbsp;by silencing women who alleged sexual encounters with him. Trump denies that he had sex with the women and denies wrongdoing in the case.

Here are some key takeaways from Tuesday's proceedings:

Prosecutors confronted Cohen's history of falsehoods head-on in an attempt to get ahead of an issue Trump lawyers are seizing on to attack the now-disbarred lawyer's credibility. Prosecutors also sought to paint Cohen as a devoted Trump loyalist, whose crimes were committed on the former president’s behalf.

Under questioning from prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, Cohen admitted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d08fc20ad50f432886351beaff7bfc7e">he lied to Congress</a>&nbsp;during an investigation into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-north-america-28301de8eaa94cc796c5279fc28c1fdb">Cohen pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, admitting that he lied, among other things, about the number of times he spoke with Trump about a real estate project in Moscow.

Hoffinger also asked Cohen about concerns that he may have lied on the witness stand at the former president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-civil-fraud-trial-feb0593a5bbd3837edc0db195554eda1">civil fraud trial last year</a>. In that trial, Cohen insisted he didn't commit tax evasion, and said he had lied to the judge who accepted his guilty plea on the charge in 2018.

Cohen told Hoffinger he did not dispute the facts of his guilty plea, but that he didn’t think he should’ve been charged with a crime “as a first-time offender who always paid his taxes on the due date.”

Cohen also told jurors he lied repeatedly for Trump, including after Cohen paid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-gag-order-d853768fff5fafbdee55623579889140">porn actor Stormy Daniels</a>&nbsp;$130,000 to keep her from going public right before the 2016 election with her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump.

Asked by Hoffinger why he would do so, Cohen said: “Out of loyalty and in order to protect him.”

Cohen described to jurors how his life and relationship with Trump were upended after the FBI raided his office, apartment and hotel room in 2018. That would lead to Cohen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-general-news-ed1aead5539b4fc6b7e42cdd6cb8fd3d">pleading guilty to federal charges</a>&nbsp;and implicating Trump in the hush money scheme. Trump was never charged with any crime related to that federal investigation.

Asked by the prosecutor how he felt at the time, Cohen said: “How to describe your life being turned upside-down? Concerned. Despondent. Angry."

Initially, Cohen said he felt comforted because Trump, who was in the White House at the time, assured him not to worry. Trump’s lawyers were also continuing to pay his legal fees and he remained part of a joint-defense agreement with Trump and his lawyers, he testified.

But his family eventually convinced him to turn on Trump, Cohen said.

“My family, my wife, my daughter, my son, all said to me: ‘Why are you holding onto this loyalty? What are you doing? We’re supposed to be your first loyalty,’” Cohen told jurors.

After Cohen’s guilty plea, Trump bashed him on Twitter, writing: “If anyone is looking for a good lawyer I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!”

Trump's team opened their cross-examination by pressing Cohen about critical comments and vulgar social media posts he's made about the former president since the trial began. The defense's questions Tuesday didn't address the facts at the heart of the case but were designed to portray Cohen as a Trump-fixated loyalist who, spurned by his ex-boss, is now on a mission to get fame and revenge.

“Is it fair to say you’re motivated by fame?” Blanche, Trump's lawyer, asked Cohen.

“No sir, I don’t think that’s fair to say,” Cohen replied. Later he added — in response to a question about whether he was motivated by publicity — that he is "motivated by many things.”

Blanche asked Cohen to listen through headphones to an October 2020 podcast episode in which the former lawyer said Trump needs to wear handcuffs and that “people will not be satisfied until this man is sitting inside a cell.”

Cohen told Blanche he didn’t recall saying that, but added: "I wouldn’t put it past me.”

Blanche also pressed Cohen on whether he wants to see Trump convicted in the case. Cohen initially hedged, saying: “I would like to see accountability. It’s not for me. It’s for the jury and this court.”

But asked again, Cohen responded: “Sure.”

While jurors were hearing testimony from Cohen, Trump suffered another legal blow when an appeals court upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-trial-gag-order-fae616037d3606cc60abbffb0e91f7ee">a gag order</a>&nbsp;that limits what he can say about the case.

Trump had challenged the gag order, which bars the former president from commenting publicly about jurors, witnesses and others connected to the case, including the judge’s family and prosecutors other than District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The appeals court ruled that Judge Juan M. Merchan “properly determined” that Trump’s public statements “posed a significant threat to the integrity of the testimony of witnesses and potential witnesses.”

Trump challenged restrictions on his ability to comment about Matthew Colangelo, a former Justice Department official who is a part of the prosecution team, and Merchan’s daughter, the head of a political consulting firm that has worked for Trump’s rival Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates.

Trump’s lawyers argued the gag order is an unconstitutional curb on the presumptive Republican nominee’s free speech rights while he’s campaigning for president and fighting criminal charges. The judge has fined Trump for repeatedly violating the gag order and&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/$1,000%20on%20Monday%20and,%20in%20his%20sternest%20warning%20yet,%20told%20the%20former%20president%20that%20future%20gag%20order%20violations%20could%20send%20him%20to%20jail.">has warned the former president</a>&nbsp;that future violations could send him to jail.

Limited by what he can say publicly about the case, Trump has been joined at the courthouse by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-daniels-trial-rick-scott-3ae0d6eddb94d2ca1155b0266dc9d35c">a growing entourage</a>&nbsp;of Republican supporters who echo his complaints about the prosecution. U.S. House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;was the latest to do so Tuesday, attacking the legal system as “corrupt” and the case against Trump a “sham.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-speaker-mike-johnson-court-09aef3de395fa77843f2600f40da6ac3">It was a striking moment</a>, underscoring Trump's political power even as he stands trial on criminal charges.

In remarks to reporters outside the courthouse, Johnson slammed Cohen as a man who has “trouble with the truth” and is “clearly on a mission for personal revenge.” Painting Trump as the victim of a politically motivated legal system, Johnson said the case is “not about justice."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715808528947.png" alt="An item of evidence for the defense and released from the New York Court" />
 <figcaption>An item of evidence for the defense and released from the New York Court</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump's attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-cohen-hush-money-stormy-daniels-735aadfd1ce015e05ba955c203a96f1b">started grilling prosecutors' star witness</a>&nbsp;in his hush money trial Tuesday, portraying former attorney Michael Cohen as a media-obsessed liar who's determined to see the former president behind bars.<a href="https://pdfs.nycourts.gov/PeopleVs.DTrump-71543/transcripts/5-13-2024/00045.html">Click here to read Day 1 </a>transcript of Michael Cohen's testimonyCohen endured intense questioning by defense attorney Todd Blanche after providing pivotal testimony tying the presumptive Republican presidential nominee directly to the hush money scheme at the heart of the case.Trump's former fixer will return to the witness stand Thursday for more cross-examination before prosecutors rest their case alleging a scheme to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-opening-stormy-daniels-6beee9b99114898ee0dd60185d43bac5">illegally influence the 2016 election</a>&nbsp;by silencing women who alleged sexual encounters with him. Trump denies that he had sex with the women and denies wrongdoing in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715809011875.png" alt="An item of evidence for the defense and released from the New York Court" />
 <figcaption>An item of evidence for the defense and released from the New York Court</figcaption>
 </figure>Here are some key takeaways from Tuesday's proceedings:ALL OF COHEN'S LIESProsecutors confronted Cohen's history of falsehoods head-on in an attempt to get ahead of an issue Trump lawyers are seizing on to attack the now-disbarred lawyer's credibility. Prosecutors also sought to paint Cohen as a devoted Trump loyalist, whose crimes were committed on the former president’s behalf.Under questioning from prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, Cohen admitted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d08fc20ad50f432886351beaff7bfc7e">he lied to Congress</a>&nbsp;during an investigation into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-north-america-28301de8eaa94cc796c5279fc28c1fdb">Cohen pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, admitting that he lied, among other things, about the number of times he spoke with Trump about a real estate project in Moscow.Hoffinger also asked Cohen about concerns that he may have lied on the witness stand at the former president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-civil-fraud-trial-feb0593a5bbd3837edc0db195554eda1">civil fraud trial last year</a>. In that trial, Cohen insisted he didn't commit tax evasion, and said he had lied to the judge who accepted his guilty plea on the charge in 2018.Cohen told Hoffinger he did not dispute the facts of his guilty plea, but that he didn’t think he should’ve been charged with a crime “as a first-time offender who always paid his taxes on the due date.”Cohen also told jurors he lied repeatedly for Trump, including after Cohen paid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-gag-order-d853768fff5fafbdee55623579889140">porn actor Stormy Daniels</a>&nbsp;$130,000 to keep her from going public right before the 2016 election with her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump.Asked by Hoffinger why he would do so, Cohen said: “Out of loyalty and in order to protect him.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715808638156.png" alt="An item of evidence for the defense and released from the New York Court" />
 <figcaption>An item of evidence for the defense and released from the New York Court</figcaption>
 </figure>NO LONGER LOYALCohen described to jurors how his life and relationship with Trump were upended after the FBI raided his office, apartment and hotel room in 2018. That would lead to Cohen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-general-news-ed1aead5539b4fc6b7e42cdd6cb8fd3d">pleading guilty to federal charges</a>&nbsp;and implicating Trump in the hush money scheme. Trump was never charged with any crime related to that federal investigation.Asked by the prosecutor how he felt at the time, Cohen said: “How to describe your life being turned upside-down? Concerned. Despondent. Angry."Initially, Cohen said he felt comforted because Trump, who was in the White House at the time, assured him not to worry. Trump’s lawyers were also continuing to pay his legal fees and he remained part of a joint-defense agreement with Trump and his lawyers, he testified.But his family eventually convinced him to turn on Trump, Cohen said.“My family, my wife, my daughter, my son, all said to me: ‘Why are you holding onto this loyalty? What are you doing? We’re supposed to be your first loyalty,’” Cohen told jurors.After Cohen’s guilty plea, Trump bashed him on Twitter, writing: “If anyone is looking for a good lawyer I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!”DEFENSE'S TURN TO GRILLTrump's team opened their cross-examination by pressing Cohen about critical comments and vulgar social media posts he's made about the former president since the trial began. The defense's questions Tuesday didn't address the facts at the heart of the case but were designed to portray Cohen as a Trump-fixated loyalist who, spurned by his ex-boss, is now on a mission to get fame and revenge.“Is it fair to say you’re motivated by fame?” Blanche, Trump's lawyer, asked Cohen.“No sir, I don’t think that’s fair to say,” Cohen replied. Later he added — in response to a question about whether he was motivated by publicity — that he is "motivated by many things.”Blanche asked Cohen to listen through headphones to an October 2020 podcast episode in which the former lawyer said Trump needs to wear handcuffs and that “people will not be satisfied until this man is sitting inside a cell.”Cohen told Blanche he didn’t recall saying that, but added: "I wouldn’t put it past me.”Blanche also pressed Cohen on whether he wants to see Trump convicted in the case. Cohen initially hedged, saying: “I would like to see accountability. It’s not for me. It’s for the jury and this court.”But asked again, Cohen responded: “Sure.”GAG ORDER UPHELDWhile jurors were hearing testimony from Cohen, Trump suffered another legal blow when an appeals court upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-trial-gag-order-fae616037d3606cc60abbffb0e91f7ee">a gag order</a>&nbsp;that limits what he can say about the case.Trump had challenged the gag order, which bars the former president from commenting publicly about jurors, witnesses and others connected to the case, including the judge’s family and prosecutors other than District Attorney Alvin Bragg.The appeals court ruled that Judge Juan M. Merchan “properly determined” that Trump’s public statements “posed a significant threat to the integrity of the testimony of witnesses and potential witnesses.”Trump challenged restrictions on his ability to comment about Matthew Colangelo, a former Justice Department official who is a part of the prosecution team, and Merchan’s daughter, the head of a political consulting firm that has worked for Trump’s rival Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates.Trump’s lawyers argued the gag order is an unconstitutional curb on the presumptive Republican nominee’s free speech rights while he’s campaigning for president and fighting criminal charges. The judge has fined Trump for repeatedly violating the gag order and&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/$1,000%20on%20Monday%20and,%20in%20his%20sternest%20warning%20yet,%20told%20the%20former%20president%20that%20future%20gag%20order%20violations%20could%20send%20him%20to%20jail.">has warned the former president</a>&nbsp;that future violations could send him to jail.TRUMP'S SUPPORTERSLimited by what he can say publicly about the case, Trump has been joined at the courthouse by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-daniels-trial-rick-scott-3ae0d6eddb94d2ca1155b0266dc9d35c">a growing entourage</a>&nbsp;of Republican supporters who echo his complaints about the prosecution. U.S. House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;was the latest to do so Tuesday, attacking the legal system as “corrupt” and the case against Trump a “sham.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-speaker-mike-johnson-court-09aef3de395fa77843f2600f40da6ac3">It was a striking moment</a>, underscoring Trump's political power even as he stands trial on criminal charges.In remarks to reporters outside the courthouse, Johnson slammed Cohen as a man who has “trouble with the truth” and is “clearly on a mission for personal revenge.” Painting Trump as the victim of a politically motivated legal system, Johnson said the case is “not about justice."___

Read the transcript: Michael Cohen's testimony in Trump trial

Joyce Amanda Yount Wolking was born October 1, 1934 in a house right outside Scott City. She was the fifth child of seven born to Roy and Minnie Yount. In 1952, Joyce had twins Rodney LaMon and Ronda Leann. She attended cosmetology school in Dodge City and worked at her Mother’s shop, Princess Beauty Shop. She then attended Emporia University and received her teaching degree. The highest paying jobs for teachers at that time were in Las Vegas, NV and Fairbanks, AK. Joyce and the kids packed up for Las Vegas. Rodney and Ronda spent their “formative“ years there, while Joyce taught school. She taught there appropriately 17 years. Eventually, they all made it back to Garden City where Joyce taught 1st grade in Deerfield and Second grade at Alta Brown.

Joyce’s family was everything to her. She was their number one fan, and kept track of every one through Facebook. She was usually the first person to comment on a post. Visits to her home always involved ice cream or cinnamon rolls. Another activity Joyce enjoyed was competing against her sister, Arlene, in Jeopardy. She stayed current on current events and would give anyone a run for the money in a debate.

Joyce is survived by her son Rodney and his wife Robin of Holcomb. Her son in law Ron Conway of Holcomb. Seven grandchildren Adam/Amber Wolking, John/Brandy Conway, Alex/Emily Wolking, Jeff/Rachelle Conway, Ashlea/Jason Cogan, Megan/Brandon Bailes, Melissa Conway, and sixteen great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Ronda Conway, her parents, Roy and Minnie Yount, and siblings: Lorena Smith, Roy Ann Green, Don Yount, John (Dubber) Yount, Sarah Nichols.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Bible Christian Church in Garden City with Rev. Ron Niday officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to Russell Child Development Center in care Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N 7th Street, Garden City KS. Condolences may be given at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Joyce Amanda Yount Wolking was born October 1, 1934 in a house right outside Scott City. She was the fifth child of seven born to Roy and Minnie Yount. In 1952, Joyce had twins Rodney LaMon and Ronda Leann. She attended cosmetology school in Dodge City and worked at her Mother’s shop, Princess Beauty Shop. She then attended Emporia University and received her teaching degree. The highest paying jobs for teachers at that time were in Las Vegas, NV and Fairbanks, AK. Joyce and the kids packed up for Las Vegas. Rodney and Ronda spent their “formative“ years there, while Joyce taught school. She taught there appropriately 17 years. Eventually, they all made it back to Garden City where Joyce taught 1st grade in Deerfield and Second grade at Alta Brown.Joyce’s family was everything to her. She was their number one fan, and kept track of every one through Facebook. She was usually the first person to comment on a post. Visits to her home always involved ice cream or cinnamon rolls. Another activity Joyce enjoyed was competing against her sister, Arlene, in Jeopardy. She stayed current on current events and would give anyone a run for the money in a debate.Joyce is survived by her son Rodney and his wife Robin of Holcomb. Her son in law Ron Conway of Holcomb. Seven grandchildren Adam/Amber Wolking, John/Brandy Conway, Alex/Emily Wolking, Jeff/Rachelle Conway, Ashlea/Jason Cogan, Megan/Brandon Bailes, Melissa Conway, and sixteen great grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her daughter Ronda Conway, her parents, Roy and Minnie Yount, and siblings: Lorena Smith, Roy Ann Green, Don Yount, John (Dubber) Yount, Sarah Nichols.Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Bible Christian Church in Garden City with Rev. Ron Niday officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to Russell Child Development Center in care Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N 7th Street, Garden City KS. Condolences may be given at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Joyce Amanda Yount Wolking

Other bills signed by governor include tougher penalties for fentanyl crimes and consolidation of IT services

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a drug overdose prevention measure that will no longer criminalize Kansans who seek help for themselves or others during overdoses.

The bill is part of a slew of legislation Kelly signed into law last week.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb419/">Senate Bill 419</a>, known as a “good Samaritan” law, provides immunity from prosecution for drug possession or use for those who call for help from law enforcement or emergency medical services when someone requires life-saving intervention.

“It’s critical that all Kansans are empowered to seek or deliver medical assistance during an emergency,” Kelly said. “This bill is a lifeline for families and Kansans who are battling substance use disorders. It will save lives and provide the opportunity for recovery.”

Before the change, Kansas was one of the two states left in the country where people who needed help during drug overdoses could be arrested. Wyoming is now the only state without some form of a good Samaritan opioid overdose law.

Lawmakers passed the measure 114-0 in the House and 36-0 in the Senate, citing the move as a way to fight fentanyl overdoses in the state. The measure follows last year’s legalization of fentanyl test strips as a tool to fight fentanyl overdoses.

“This bill comes on the heels of the decriminalization of fentanyl testing strips — and combined these two policies work to protect vulnerable Kansans by keeping them alive long enough to get the help they need to healthily recover,” said Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson. “This bill represents the sort of compassion and acceptance I’ve always known lives in the hearts of so many Kansans.”

While the extent of fentanyl use in the state is unknown, reports show rising numbers for synthetic opioids, a category that illicit fentanyl falls under. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31759/2022-Annual-Summary-Full-Report-PDF">Kansas Office of Vital Statistics reported</a>&nbsp;a rise in opioid-related deaths from 255 in 2020 to 428 in 2021 and 497 in 2022.&nbsp;

“By extending immunity from prosecution to those seeking or providing aid related to controlled substances, we recognize the inherent value and dignity in every life, even amidst drug-related challenges,” said Rep. Nick Hoheisel, R-Wichita. “Whether it’s teenagers experimenting with pills or older individuals battling addiction, each life is a precious gift deserving preservation.”

Kelly signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb414/">Senate Bill 414</a>, approved 114-0 in the House and 26-0 in the Senate, which increases criminal penalties for distribution of fentanyl-related substances.

It also adds fentanyl to the list of drugs included under the crime of child endangerment. Allowing a child to be in an environment where the person knows or suspects fentanyl is present would come with a heightened charge.

The law contains other changes to criminal policy, such as removing the element of concealment and secrecy from the crime of breach of privacy, and amending the Kansas code of procedure for municipal courts’ practices on fingerprinting for municipal convictions.

Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb291/">Senate Bill 291</a>, a law that will consolidate state IT services and modernize cybersecurity infrastructures. The measure passed 113-1 in the House and 27-9 in the Senate.&nbsp;Among other changes, state government branches would have to implement new cybersecurity standards. The change comes after an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">October cyberattack</a>&nbsp;that took the judicial system offline for weeks and potentially compromised the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-court-investigation-confirms-cyberattack-compromised-personal-data-of-150k-people/">personal data of 150,000 Kansans</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664309962436.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Other bills signed by governor include tougher penalties for fentanyl crimes and consolidation of IT services</h2>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a drug overdose prevention measure that will no longer criminalize Kansans who seek help for themselves or others during overdoses.The bill is part of a slew of legislation Kelly signed into law last week.<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb419/">Senate Bill 419</a>, known as a “good Samaritan” law, provides immunity from prosecution for drug possession or use for those who call for help from law enforcement or emergency medical services when someone requires life-saving intervention.“It’s critical that all Kansans are empowered to seek or deliver medical assistance during an emergency,” Kelly said. “This bill is a lifeline for families and Kansans who are battling substance use disorders. It will save lives and provide the opportunity for recovery.”<h2>State’s fentanyl battle</h2>Before the change, Kansas was one of the two states left in the country where people who needed help during drug overdoses could be arrested. Wyoming is now the only state without some form of a good Samaritan opioid overdose law.Lawmakers passed the measure 114-0 in the House and 36-0 in the Senate, citing the move as a way to fight fentanyl overdoses in the state. The measure follows last year’s legalization of fentanyl test strips as a tool to fight fentanyl overdoses.“This bill comes on the heels of the decriminalization of fentanyl testing strips — and combined these two policies work to protect vulnerable Kansans by keeping them alive long enough to get the help they need to healthily recover,” said Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson. “This bill represents the sort of compassion and acceptance I’ve always known lives in the hearts of so many Kansans.”While the extent of fentanyl use in the state is unknown, reports show rising numbers for synthetic opioids, a category that illicit fentanyl falls under. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31759/2022-Annual-Summary-Full-Report-PDF">Kansas Office of Vital Statistics reported</a>&nbsp;a rise in opioid-related deaths from 255 in 2020 to 428 in 2021 and 497 in 2022.&nbsp;“By extending immunity from prosecution to those seeking or providing aid related to controlled substances, we recognize the inherent value and dignity in every life, even amidst drug-related challenges,” said Rep. Nick Hoheisel, R-Wichita. “Whether it’s teenagers experimenting with pills or older individuals battling addiction, each life is a precious gift deserving preservation.”<h2>Other new laws&nbsp;</h2>Kelly signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb414/">Senate Bill 414</a>, approved 114-0 in the House and 26-0 in the Senate, which increases criminal penalties for distribution of fentanyl-related substances.It also adds fentanyl to the list of drugs included under the crime of child endangerment. Allowing a child to be in an environment where the person knows or suspects fentanyl is present would come with a heightened charge.The law contains other changes to criminal policy, such as removing the element of concealment and secrecy from the crime of breach of privacy, and amending the Kansas code of procedure for municipal courts’ practices on fingerprinting for municipal convictions.Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb291/">Senate Bill 291</a>, a law that will consolidate state IT services and modernize cybersecurity infrastructures. The measure passed 113-1 in the House and 27-9 in the Senate.&nbsp;Among other changes, state government branches would have to implement new cybersecurity standards. The change comes after an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">October cyberattack</a>&nbsp;that took the judicial system offline for weeks and potentially compromised the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-court-investigation-confirms-cyberattack-compromised-personal-data-of-150k-people/">personal data of 150,000 Kansans</a>.

Kelly signs ‘good Samaritan’ law meant to mitigate drug overdose deaths in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;it was effectively a Day 1 priority.

It's well past time, the newly elected House speaker said in October, to establish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-debt-congress-commission-social-security-medicare-28f30761a7338e415b9ac4c92a096460">bipartisan commission</a>&nbsp;to tackle the federal government's growing $34.6 trillion in debt. "The consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-social-security-medicare-acc8aa14cb1958581c52efa9fd6cd05f">echoing warnings</a>&nbsp;from his predecessor and other House Republicans.

More than six months later, the proposal appears all but dead, extinguished by vocal opposition from both the right and the left.

The collapse underscores an unyielding dynamic in Washington, with lawmakers in both parties loath to consider the unpopular tradeoffs that would be necessary to stem the nation's swelling tide of red ink — particularly in an election year. Facing the reality that any fiscal commission would almost certainly suggest that Americans pay more or get less from their government, lawmakers have time and again done what they do so well: punt the problem to the next Congress. And they seem poised to do so again.

Many Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups oppose the commission because they fear it would recommend cuts to Social Security benefits. Some Republicans and right-leaning groups are against it as well, fearing the panel would recommend tax increases. They’ve labeled the commission a “tax trap.”

“I’m disappointed that we haven’t got as much momentum as I thought we would,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The speaker supported it, endorsed it from the outset. But I think there are some outside groups that have weighed in, that have said that this is a backdoor way to raise taxes, and it scared some of my Republican colleagues.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsor of the debt commission bill in the Senate, was even more pessimistic.

“No one seems to care,” Manchin said. “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.”

The debt commission legislation, modeled after previous efforts, would create a 16-member panel to recommend steps that could be taken to balance the federal budget at the earliest reasonable date and improve the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security. The commission would have 16 members — 12 from Congress, evenly divided by party, and four outside experts without voting power. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced the bill in a 22-12 vote.

The fiscal realities that would face any commission are well documented and center to a large extent on Social Security and Medicare, which consume an ever-growing share of the federal budget, and interest payments on the nation's debt.

For Social Security, the reserves for the The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-entitlements-treasury-35a2913a3f21a3b0ff40f2c88cbf9cbc">run out</a>&nbsp;in 2033. At that point, the program will have enough tax revenue coming in to pay about 79% of scheduled benefits. For Medicare, the trust fund covering inpatient hospital stays, hospice care and stays at skilled nursing facilities has sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2036. At that point, 11% spending cuts would be required to match incoming revenue.

The last fiscal commission over a decade ago — chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson — recommended $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the course of a decade through a combination of tax increases and painful spending cuts. But the 11-7 vote in favor of the package was not enough to force Congress to consider it back in 2010.

Supporters of a new debt panel noted that they modeled their bill on something that has succeeded in the past — commissions to consolidate the nation's military bases. The new commission would work under a similar structure with the legislation requiring each chamber to vote on its final proposal expeditiously.

Still, Democratic lawmakers and the White House are skeptical of forming a debt commission. Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers in a recent hearing that the administration was concerned that the one thing on the table for the commission would be Social Security benefit cuts, not asking high-income Americans to pay higher taxes.

“It will be borne on the backs of those who paid into the system and rely on this program to retire in peace,” Young said.

More than 100 Democratic lawmakers also signed onto a letter opposing the commission back in January as powerful groups such as the AFL-CIO and AARP voiced their concerns.

When Republican-aligned groups also came out against the bill, including Americans for Tax Reform and the Club for Growth, prospects for moving ahead dampened considerably. Their opposition weakened GOP leadership’s leverage in attaching the commission to an annual spending bill or other must-pass measure.

“There’s no guarantee about the outcome. I think that’s what scares more people, and this town likes to know what the outcome is,” said the House bill’s author, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said any mechanism that allows for tax increases undermines former President Donald Trump and other Republicans running for office on a platform of cutting taxes. He said the focus must be strictly on spending reductions, and “tax increases are what politicians do instead of making decisions and hard choices.”

“The modern Republican Party is not going to put tax increases on the table as if they were part of the solution to anything,” Norquist said. “Tax increases solve no problem.”

That approach also makes Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wary of a commission.

“We cannot solve our problems by cutting entirely. It’s got to be with some additional revenue. Unless revenues are very much on the table, I’m not for anything. It has to be both,” Doggett said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712802529718.png" alt="File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;it was effectively a Day 1 priority.It's well past time, the newly elected House speaker said in October, to establish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-debt-congress-commission-social-security-medicare-28f30761a7338e415b9ac4c92a096460">bipartisan commission</a>&nbsp;to tackle the federal government's growing $34.6 trillion in debt. "The consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-social-security-medicare-acc8aa14cb1958581c52efa9fd6cd05f">echoing warnings</a>&nbsp;from his predecessor and other House Republicans.More than six months later, the proposal appears all but dead, extinguished by vocal opposition from both the right and the left.The collapse underscores an unyielding dynamic in Washington, with lawmakers in both parties loath to consider the unpopular tradeoffs that would be necessary to stem the nation's swelling tide of red ink — particularly in an election year. Facing the reality that any fiscal commission would almost certainly suggest that Americans pay more or get less from their government, lawmakers have time and again done what they do so well: punt the problem to the next Congress. And they seem poised to do so again.Many Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups oppose the commission because they fear it would recommend cuts to Social Security benefits. Some Republicans and right-leaning groups are against it as well, fearing the panel would recommend tax increases. They’ve labeled the commission a “tax trap.”“I’m disappointed that we haven’t got as much momentum as I thought we would,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The speaker supported it, endorsed it from the outset. But I think there are some outside groups that have weighed in, that have said that this is a backdoor way to raise taxes, and it scared some of my Republican colleagues.”Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsor of the debt commission bill in the Senate, was even more pessimistic.“No one seems to care,” Manchin said. “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.”The debt commission legislation, modeled after previous efforts, would create a 16-member panel to recommend steps that could be taken to balance the federal budget at the earliest reasonable date and improve the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security. The commission would have 16 members — 12 from Congress, evenly divided by party, and four outside experts without voting power. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced the bill in a 22-12 vote.The fiscal realities that would face any commission are well documented and center to a large extent on Social Security and Medicare, which consume an ever-growing share of the federal budget, and interest payments on the nation's debt.For Social Security, the reserves for the The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-entitlements-treasury-35a2913a3f21a3b0ff40f2c88cbf9cbc">run out</a>&nbsp;in 2033. At that point, the program will have enough tax revenue coming in to pay about 79% of scheduled benefits. For Medicare, the trust fund covering inpatient hospital stays, hospice care and stays at skilled nursing facilities has sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2036. At that point, 11% spending cuts would be required to match incoming revenue.The last fiscal commission over a decade ago — chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson — recommended $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the course of a decade through a combination of tax increases and painful spending cuts. But the 11-7 vote in favor of the package was not enough to force Congress to consider it back in 2010.Supporters of a new debt panel noted that they modeled their bill on something that has succeeded in the past — commissions to consolidate the nation's military bases. The new commission would work under a similar structure with the legislation requiring each chamber to vote on its final proposal expeditiously.Still, Democratic lawmakers and the White House are skeptical of forming a debt commission. Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers in a recent hearing that the administration was concerned that the one thing on the table for the commission would be Social Security benefit cuts, not asking high-income Americans to pay higher taxes.“It will be borne on the backs of those who paid into the system and rely on this program to retire in peace,” Young said.More than 100 Democratic lawmakers also signed onto a letter opposing the commission back in January as powerful groups such as the AFL-CIO and AARP voiced their concerns.When Republican-aligned groups also came out against the bill, including Americans for Tax Reform and the Club for Growth, prospects for moving ahead dampened considerably. Their opposition weakened GOP leadership’s leverage in attaching the commission to an annual spending bill or other must-pass measure.“There’s no guarantee about the outcome. I think that’s what scares more people, and this town likes to know what the outcome is,” said the House bill’s author, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said any mechanism that allows for tax increases undermines former President Donald Trump and other Republicans running for office on a platform of cutting taxes. He said the focus must be strictly on spending reductions, and “tax increases are what politicians do instead of making decisions and hard choices.”“The modern Republican Party is not going to put tax increases on the table as if they were part of the solution to anything,” Norquist said. “Tax increases solve no problem.”That approach also makes Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wary of a commission.“We cannot solve our problems by cutting entirely. It’s got to be with some additional revenue. Unless revenues are very much on the table, I’m not for anything. It has to be both,” Doggett said.As bleak as things look for the bill now, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said getting legislation through Congress is often a long game. Getting a House committee to approve the commission was an important step, he said. “We’re as far along as we’ve ever been.”Supporters said they will continue pushing for getting a commission approved by the end of this Congress. Manchin mentioned the possibility of attaching it to legislation in a lame-duck session after the election and before the new Congress is sworn into office.“We’re in that classic position where everybody hates us,” said Peters, one of three Democrats who voted for the bill in committee and is a co-sponsor. “We must be doing the right thing.”