SEDGWICK COUNTY — A couple whose child died in October of 2023 have made an appearance in court.

On Monday, the boy's mother 36-year-old&nbsp; Wilma Presley of Wichita was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The boy's father Brijin McCullough, 31, Wichita, was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and three counts of aggravated endangering a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 5, police<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=743708"> booked McCullough</a> into the Sedgwick County jail on gun and weapons requested charges.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=41309">Police booked Presley </a>into jail March 5, on drug allegations and for the death of one-year-old <a href="https://www.centralavenuefuneralservices.com/obituary/Kaiden-McCullough">Kaiden McCullough. </a>

In October, first responders were called to&nbsp; Walmart, 501 East Pawnee in Wichita, after a report that a child was unresponsive. EMS took the child to a Wichita hospital where he was pronounced dead.

McCullough and Presley are each being held on a bond of one-million dollars, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710080509979.png" alt="Presley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Presley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A couple whose child died in October of 2023 have made an appearance in court.On Monday, the boy's mother 36-year-old&nbsp; Wilma Presley of Wichita was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710080851907.png" alt="McCullough-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McCullough-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The boy's father Brijin McCullough, 31, Wichita, was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and three counts of aggravated endangering a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 5, police<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=743708"> booked McCullough</a> into the Sedgwick County jail on gun and weapons requested charges.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=41309">Police booked Presley </a>into jail March 5, on drug allegations and for the death of one-year-old <a href="https://www.centralavenuefuneralservices.com/obituary/Kaiden-McCullough">Kaiden McCullough. </a>In October, first responders were called to&nbsp; Walmart, 501 East Pawnee in Wichita, after a report that a child was unresponsive. EMS took the child to a Wichita hospital where he was pronounced dead.McCullough and Presley are each being held on a bond of one-million dollars, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas couple charged in the death of 1-year-old son

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Monday released a budget proposal aimed at getting voters' attention: It would offer tax breaks for families, lower health care costs, smaller deficits and higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/11/fact-sheet-the-presidents-budget-for-fiscal-year-2025/">Click here to read </a>details from the White House on the budget

Unlikely to pass the House and the Senate to become law, the proposal for fiscal 2025 is an election year blueprint about what the future could hold if Biden and enough of his fellow Democrats win in November. The president and his aides previewed parts of his budget going into last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-transcript-biden-2024-e84f5134e5201987eb441629aef5240c">State of the Union address</a>, and they provided the fine print on Monday.

If the Biden budget became law, deficits could be pruned $3 trillion over a decade. It would raise tax revenues by a total of $4.9 trillion over that period and use roughly $1.9 trillion to fund various programs, with the rest going to deficit reduction.

Biden aides said their budget was realistic and detailed while rival measures from Republicans were not financially viable.

“Congressional Republicans don’t tell you what they cut, who they harm," White House budget director Shalanda Young said. “The president is transparent, details every way he shows he values the America people.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, issued a joint statement with other GOP leaders calling the Biden proposal a “glaring reminder of this Administration’s insatiable appetite for reckless spending.”

“Biden’s budget doesn’t just miss the mark — it is a roadmap to accelerate America’s decline,” the House Republican leaders said.

Under the proposal, the government would spend $7.3 trillion next fiscal year and borrow $1.8 trillion to cover the shortfall from tax receipts. Biden's 188-page plan covers a decade's worth of spending, taxes and debt.

Parents could get an increased child tax credit in 2025, as payments would return briefly to the 2021 level funded by Biden's coronavirus pandemic relief package. Homebuyers could get a tax credit worth up to $10,000 and $10 billion in down payment aid for first-generation buyers. Corporate taxes would jump upward, while billionaires would be charged a minimum tax of 25%.

Biden said in his State of the Union that Medicare should have the ability to negotiate prices on 500 prescription drugs, which could save $200 billion over 10 years. Aides said his budget does not specify how many drug prices would be subject to negotiations.

The president is traveling Monday to Manchester, New Hampshire, where he’ll call on Congress to apply his $2,000 cap on drug costs and $35 insulin to everyone, not just people who have Medicare. He’ll also seek to make permanent some protections in the Affordable Care Act that are set to expire next year.

Biden's plan would permanently keep Medicare solvent, according to aides, but as noted by Maya MacGuineas, president of the fiscal group Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, it does not appear to fix Social Security, which projections say will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-cost-of-living-adjustment-cola-ef9255c0da3c3d2391dadac4515db2e7">unable to pay full benefits starting in 2033</a>.

The proposal would provide about $900 billion for defense in fiscal 2025, about $16 billion more than the baseline.

The Biden administration is still seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">money to help Ukraine</a>&nbsp;defend itself against Russia and aid for Israel. His budget plan reiterates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">the supplemental funding request</a>&nbsp;made last October for Ukraine, Israel and humanitarian relief for Palestinians

It's also requesting funding to expand personnel and resources at the U.S. southern border. Still, military spending over 10 years would decline $146 billion to $9.57 trillion.

One key theme in the budget plan is an effort to help families afford their basic needs, as the impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">inflation hitting a four-decade high</a>&nbsp;in 2022 continues to leave many voters feeling as though they're worse off under Biden.

The budget proposal includes $258 billion to help build or preserve 2 million homes, helping to address a national shortage that has kept housing prices high. Parents making under $200,000 annually would have access to child care, with most eligible families paying no more than $10 a day.

It would eliminate origination fees on government student loans, possibly saving borrowers $1,000 over the life of the debt. It also includes $12 billion to help universities develop strategies for reducing their costs.

All of this is a chance for Biden to try to define the race on his preferred terms, just as the all-but-certain Republican nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, wants to rally voters around his agenda.

“A fair tax code is how we invest in things that make this country great: health care, education, defense and so much more,” Biden said at Thursday’s State of the Union address, adding that his predecessor enacted a $2 trillion tax cut in 2017 that disproportionately benefited the top 1% of earners.

Trump, for his part, would like to increase tariffs and pump out gushers of oil. He called for a “second phase” of tax cuts as parts of his 2017 overhaul of the income tax code would expire after 2025. The Republican has also said he would slash government regulations. He has also pledged to pay down the national debt, though it's unclear how without him detailing severe spending cuts.

In a Monday interview with CNBC, Trump indicated that he would be willing to reduce spending for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, though he did not offer a full policy.

"There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting,” Trump said.

House Republicans on Thursday voted their own&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.house.gov/imo/media/doc/executive_summary1.pdf">budget resolution</a>&nbsp;for the next fiscal year out of committee, saying it would trim deficits by $14 trillion over 10 years. But their measure would depend on rosy economic forecasts and sharp spending cuts, reducing $8.7 trillion in Medicare and Medicaid expenditures. Biden has pledged to stop any cuts to Medicare.

Meanwhile, Congress is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-shutdown-congress-budget-spending-853b90ae025108be4ee98b939facd913">still working on a budget for the current fiscal year</a>. On Saturday, Biden signed into law a $460 billion package to avoid a shutdown of several federal agencies, but lawmakers are only about halfway through addressing spending for this fiscal year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709686176810.png" alt="President Biden file photo White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden file photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Monday released a budget proposal aimed at getting voters' attention: It would offer tax breaks for families, lower health care costs, smaller deficits and higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/11/fact-sheet-the-presidents-budget-for-fiscal-year-2025/">Click here to read </a>details from the White House on the budgetUnlikely to pass the House and the Senate to become law, the proposal for fiscal 2025 is an election year blueprint about what the future could hold if Biden and enough of his fellow Democrats win in November. The president and his aides previewed parts of his budget going into last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-transcript-biden-2024-e84f5134e5201987eb441629aef5240c">State of the Union address</a>, and they provided the fine print on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My joint statement with <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveScalise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteveScalise</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPMajorityWhip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPMajorityWhip</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/RepStefanik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepStefanik</a> on Biden’s budget proposal: <a href="https://t.co/6StD9YAzMe">pic.twitter.com/6StD9YAzMe</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1767224516114051240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>If the Biden budget became law, deficits could be pruned $3 trillion over a decade. It would raise tax revenues by a total of $4.9 trillion over that period and use roughly $1.9 trillion to fund various programs, with the rest going to deficit reduction.Biden aides said their budget was realistic and detailed while rival measures from Republicans were not financially viable.“Congressional Republicans don’t tell you what they cut, who they harm," White House budget director Shalanda Young said. “The president is transparent, details every way he shows he values the America people.”House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, issued a joint statement with other GOP leaders calling the Biden proposal a “glaring reminder of this Administration’s insatiable appetite for reckless spending.”“Biden’s budget doesn’t just miss the mark — it is a roadmap to accelerate America’s decline,” the House Republican leaders said.Under the proposal, the government would spend $7.3 trillion next fiscal year and borrow $1.8 trillion to cover the shortfall from tax receipts. Biden's 188-page plan covers a decade's worth of spending, taxes and debt.Parents could get an increased child tax credit in 2025, as payments would return briefly to the 2021 level funded by Biden's coronavirus pandemic relief package. Homebuyers could get a tax credit worth up to $10,000 and $10 billion in down payment aid for first-generation buyers. Corporate taxes would jump upward, while billionaires would be charged a minimum tax of 25%.Biden said in his State of the Union that Medicare should have the ability to negotiate prices on 500 prescription drugs, which could save $200 billion over 10 years. Aides said his budget does not specify how many drug prices would be subject to negotiations.The president is traveling Monday to Manchester, New Hampshire, where he’ll call on Congress to apply his $2,000 cap on drug costs and $35 insulin to everyone, not just people who have Medicare. He’ll also seek to make permanent some protections in the Affordable Care Act that are set to expire next year.Biden's plan would permanently keep Medicare solvent, according to aides, but as noted by Maya MacGuineas, president of the fiscal group Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, it does not appear to fix Social Security, which projections say will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-cost-of-living-adjustment-cola-ef9255c0da3c3d2391dadac4515db2e7">unable to pay full benefits starting in 2033</a>.The proposal would provide about $900 billion for defense in fiscal 2025, about $16 billion more than the baseline.The Biden administration is still seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">money to help Ukraine</a>&nbsp;defend itself against Russia and aid for Israel. His budget plan reiterates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">the supplemental funding request</a>&nbsp;made last October for Ukraine, Israel and humanitarian relief for PalestiniansIt's also requesting funding to expand personnel and resources at the U.S. southern border. Still, military spending over 10 years would decline $146 billion to $9.57 trillion.One key theme in the budget plan is an effort to help families afford their basic needs, as the impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">inflation hitting a four-decade high</a>&nbsp;in 2022 continues to leave many voters feeling as though they're worse off under Biden.The budget proposal includes $258 billion to help build or preserve 2 million homes, helping to address a national shortage that has kept housing prices high. Parents making under $200,000 annually would have access to child care, with most eligible families paying no more than $10 a day.It would eliminate origination fees on government student loans, possibly saving borrowers $1,000 over the life of the debt. It also includes $12 billion to help universities develop strategies for reducing their costs.All of this is a chance for Biden to try to define the race on his preferred terms, just as the all-but-certain Republican nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, wants to rally voters around his agenda.“A fair tax code is how we invest in things that make this country great: health care, education, defense and so much more,” Biden said at Thursday’s State of the Union address, adding that his predecessor enacted a $2 trillion tax cut in 2017 that disproportionately benefited the top 1% of earners.Trump, for his part, would like to increase tariffs and pump out gushers of oil. He called for a “second phase” of tax cuts as parts of his 2017 overhaul of the income tax code would expire after 2025. The Republican has also said he would slash government regulations. He has also pledged to pay down the national debt, though it's unclear how without him detailing severe spending cuts.In a Monday interview with CNBC, Trump indicated that he would be willing to reduce spending for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, though he did not offer a full policy."There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting,” Trump said.House Republicans on Thursday voted their own&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.house.gov/imo/media/doc/executive_summary1.pdf">budget resolution</a>&nbsp;for the next fiscal year out of committee, saying it would trim deficits by $14 trillion over 10 years. But their measure would depend on rosy economic forecasts and sharp spending cuts, reducing $8.7 trillion in Medicare and Medicaid expenditures. Biden has pledged to stop any cuts to Medicare.Meanwhile, Congress is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-shutdown-congress-budget-spending-853b90ae025108be4ee98b939facd913">still working on a budget for the current fiscal year</a>. On Saturday, Biden signed into law a $460 billion package to avoid a shutdown of several federal agencies, but lawmakers are only about halfway through addressing spending for this fiscal year.

Details on Biden's proposed $7.3 Trillion budget for 2025

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A list of winners at the<a href="https://apnews.com/live/2024-Oscars-updates-winners">&nbsp;Academy Awards on Sunda</a>y:

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oppenheimer-oppenheimer-movie-review-christopher-nolan-c708d52c230a0574712ebe1298af070d" target="_blank">“Oppenheimer”</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emma-stone" target="_blank">Emma Stone, “Poor Things”</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-downey-jr-oppenheimer-interview-b6d9c38b3735906940d86a6e8aa8bc27" target="_blank">Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”</a>

Da’Vine Joy Randolph,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/holdovers-alexander-payne-e45036178a7ce23c0bd045ccc1dd4ae1" target="_blank">“The Holdovers”</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christopher-nolan-oppenheimer-oscars-academy-awards-595ceb713efb026e2bcf3814b0cfa48a" target="_blank">Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”</a>

“The Zone of Interest,” Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soundtracks-2024-oscars-academy-awards-barbie-8d7f562b3c642362dfd90b8db3154458" target="_blank">“What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/godzilla-minus-one-2d1c07f947a298c9c972b5f026344b71" target="_blank">“Godzilla Minus One”</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/20-days-mariupol-oscar-nominations-documentary-d1256ee3cd3bf1a69787108513a7a761" target="_blank">“20 Days in Mariupol”</a>

“WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John &amp; Yoko”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boy-heron-miyazaki-movie-review-a38c35485066682e2c5026c69fef82be" target="_blank">“The Boy and the Heron”</a>

“Anatomy of a Fall,” Justine Triet and Arthur Harari

“Poor Things,” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston

“Poor Things,” James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek

“The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Oppenheimer,” a solemn three-hour biopic that became an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/2024-oscars-updates-winners#0000018e-2b4d-d7d8-a7ee-bfdfe5f30000">crowned best picture at a 96th Academy Awards</a>&nbsp;that doubled as a coronation for Christopher Nolan.

After passing over arguably Hollywood’s foremost big-screen auteur for years, the Oscars made up for lost time by heaping seven awards on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oppenheimer-christopher-nolan-469cc81e0989f414a20db5508c7630a0">Nolan’s blockbuster biopic</a>, including best actor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-actor-2024-oscars-e43fa9f19d0ebe413014e22a8bcbfe34">Cillian Murphy</a>, best supporting actor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supporting-actor-2024-oscars-5320c80b0206acddf8cc0698ad70a4b7">Robert Downey Jr.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-director-2024-oscars-7dbd4334dfbdef442d7e1a358520ec52">best director for Nolan</a>.

In anointing “Oppenheimer,” the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences did something it hasn’t done for more than a decade:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-academy-awards-oppenheimer-barbie-blockbusters-5dd72660915a7aad6fe8e358172dad69">hand its top prize to a widely seen, big-budget studio film</a>. In a film industry where a cape, dinosaur or Tom Cruise has often been a requirement for such box office, “Oppenheimer” brought droves of moviegoers to theaters with a complex, fission-filled drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.

“For better or worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world," said Murphy in his acceptance speech. "I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers.”

As a film heavy with unease for human capacity for mass destruction, “Oppenheimer” also emerged — even over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barbenheimer-barbie-oppenheimer-double-feature-3f2cebb6720fb79b8584976f9e97eca0">partner in cultural phenomenon, “Barbie”</a>&nbsp;– as a fittingly foreboding film for times rife with cataclysm, man-made or not.

Sunday’s Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles unfolded against the backdrop of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">wars in Gaza</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, and with a potentially momentous U.S. election on the horizon. Awards for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-documentary-2024-oscars-61eadff6af5bb91d53737776c1a60ff8">documentary winner, “20 Days in Mariupol,”</a>&nbsp;and best&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-international-film-2024-oscars-winner-3bfe76af4d45930520d6ec143c2b33bc">international film, “The Zone of Interest,”</a>&nbsp;brought geopolitics into the Oscar spotlight.

The most closely watched contest went to Emma Stone, who won best actress for her performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.” In what was seen as the night’s most nail-biting category, Stone won over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lily-gladstone-ap-breakthrough-entertainer-2023-905692b843b38751ad4e57705949e3ab">Lily Gladstone</a>&nbsp;of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Gladstone would have become the first Native American to win an Academy Award.

Instead, Oscar voters couldn’t resist the full-bodied extremes of Stone’s “Poor Things” performance. The win for Stone, her second best actress Oscar following her 2017 win for “La La Land,” confirmed the 35-year-old as arguably the preeminent big-screen actress of her generation. The list of women to win best actress two or more times is illustrious, including Katharine Hepburn, Frances McDormand, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis.

“Oh, boy, this is really overwhelming,” said Stone, who fought back tears and a broken dress during her speech.

Sunday’s broadcast had razzle dazzle, including a sprawling song-and-dance rendition of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barbie-soundtrack-mark-ronson-f7b8ef9faf406a30576392197e72d237">“Barbie” hit “I’m Just Ken”</a>&nbsp;by Ryan Gosling, with an assist on guitar by Slash and a sea of Kens who swarmed the stage.

But protest and politics intruded on an election-year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/2024-oscars-updates-winners">Academy Awards</a>. Late during the show, host Jimmy Kimmel read a critical social media post from former president Donald Trump.

“Thank you for watching,” said Kimmel. “Isn’t it past your jail time?”

Nolan has had many movies in the Oscar mix before, including “Inception,” “Dunkirk” and “The Dark Knight.” But his win Sunday for direction is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-director-2024-oscars-7dbd4334dfbdef442d7e1a358520ec52">first Academy Award for the 53-year-old filmmaker</a>. Addressing the crowd, Nolan noted cinema is just over a hundred years old.

“Imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater,” said Nolan, who shared the best-picture award with Emma Thomas, his wife and producer. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”

Downey, nominated twice before (for “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder”), also notched his first Oscar, crowning the illustrious second act of his up-and-down career.

“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the academy, in that order,” said Downey,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-movies-robert-downey-jr-c28d5b1dc4bc197cc0beea2803f0955e">the son of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr.</a>

“Barbie,” last year’s biggest box-office hit with more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales, ultimately won just one award: best song (sorry, Ken) for Billie Eilish and Finneas’ “What Was I Made For?” It’s their second Oscar, two years after winning for their James Bond theme, “No Time to Die.”

Protests over Israel’s war in Gaza snarled traffic around the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, slowing stars’ arrival on the red carpet and turning the Oscar’ attention toward the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ongoing conflict</a>. Some protesters shouted “Shame!” at those trying to reach the awards.

Jonathan Glazer, the British filmmaker whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zone-of-interest-cannes-jonathan-glazer-auschwitz-0e5665079c18a37762cc4de19ddba4a1">chilling Auschwitz drama “The Zone of Interest”</a>&nbsp;won best international film, drew connections between the dehumanization depicted in his film and today.

“Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people, whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel, or the the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims, this dehumanization, how do we resist?”

A year after “Navalny” won the same award, Mstyslav Chernov’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-documentary-20-days-mariupol-82fadffb60f225d753203df3e16db56b">“20 Days in Mariupol,”</a>&nbsp;a harrowing chronicle of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, won best documentary. The win, a first for The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline,” came as the war in Ukraine passed the two-year mark with no signs of abating.

Chernov, the Ukrainian filmmaker and AP journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/movies-documentaries-academy-awards-public-broadcasting-service-bobi-wine-01e000a048404c09a04710735b9ceaa8">whose hometown was bombed the day he learned of his Oscar nomination</a>, spoke forcefully about Russia’s invasion.

“This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I'm honored,” said Chernov. “Probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I’d never made this film. I wish to be able to exchange this (for) Russia never attacking Ukraine.”

In the early going, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Frankenstein-riff “Poor Things” ran away with three prizes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poor-things-costumes-sets-yorgos-lanthimos-7b226f3941bf08c23a2bf2da1c7f3c1f">its sumptuous craft,</a>&nbsp;including awards for production design, makeup and hairstyling and costume design. “Poor Things” fared second best to “Oppenheimer,” with a total of four awards.

Kimmel, hosting the ABC telecast for the fourth time, opened the awards with an monologue that emphasized Hollywood as “a union town” following 2023's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">actor and writer strikes</a>, drew a standing ovation for bringing out teamsters and behind-the-scenes workers — who are now entering their own labor negotiations.

The night's first award was one of its most predictable:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-2024-supporting-actress-104c12c3cd5483e7baa685e6ac78f16b">Da'Vine Joy Randolph for best supporting actress</a>, for her performance in Alexander Payne's “The Holdovers.” An emotional Randolph was accompanied to the stage by her “Holdovers” co-star Paul Giamatti.

“For so long I've always wanted to be different,” said Randolph. "And now I realize I just need to be myself."

Though Randolph’s win was widely expected, an upset quickly followed. Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-animated-film-2024-oscars-346ebe9c9392126031969ff51044a4a2">won for best animated feature</a>, a surprise over the slightly favored “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Miyazaki, the 83-year-old Japanese anime master who came out of retirement to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boy-heron-miyazaki-movie-review-a38c35485066682e2c5026c69fef82be">“The Boy and the Heron,”</a>&nbsp;didn’t attend the ceremony. He also didn’t attend the 2003 Oscars when his “Spirited Away” won the same award.

Best original screenplay went to “Anatomy of a Fall,” which, like “Barbie," was penned by a couple: director Justine Triet and Arthur Harari. “This will help me through my midlife crisis, I think," said Triet.

In adapted screenplay, where “Barbie” was nominated — and where some suspected Greta Gerwig would win after being overlooked for director — the Oscar went to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cord-jefferson-american-fiction-tiff-toronto-film-festival-f16d5df808a6d7117c07442b9ad7ce02">Cord Jefferson</a>, who wrote and directed his feature film debut “American Fiction.” He pleaded for executives to take risks on young filmmakers like himself.

“Instead of making a $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies,” said Jefferson, previously an award-winning TV writer.

The Oscars belonged largely to theatrical-first films. Though it came into the awards with 19 nominations, Netflix was a bit player. Its lone win came for live action short: Wes Anderson's “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” based on the story by Roald Dahl.

The win for “Oppenheimer” offered Hollywood a chance to celebrate despite swirling storm clouds in the film industry. Nolan’s film debuted last year just as actors joined screenwriters in a prolonged strike over streaming economics and artificial intelligence. The actors’ strike ended in November, but little of Hollywood’s unease subsided. Streaming has proved less lucrative for most studios not named Netflix.

But “Barbenheimer” was the kind of unplanned phenomenon Hollywood needs more of. The two films could also give a lift to the Oscar telecast, which has historically benefitted from having big movies in contention. The Academy Awards’ largest audience ever came when James Cameron’s “Titanic” swept the 1998 Oscars.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A list of winners at the<a href="https://apnews.com/live/2024-Oscars-updates-winners">&nbsp;Academy Awards on Sunda</a>y:<h2>BEST PICTURE</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/oppenheimer-oppenheimer-movie-review-christopher-nolan-c708d52c230a0574712ebe1298af070d" target="_blank">“Oppenheimer”</a><h2>BEST ACTRESS</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emma-stone" target="_blank">Emma Stone, “Poor Things”</a><h2>BEST ACTOR</h2>Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”<h2>SUPPORTING ACTOR</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-downey-jr-oppenheimer-interview-b6d9c38b3735906940d86a6e8aa8bc27" target="_blank">Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”</a><h2>SUPPORTING ACTRESS</h2>Da’Vine Joy Randolph,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/holdovers-alexander-payne-e45036178a7ce23c0bd045ccc1dd4ae1" target="_blank">“The Holdovers”</a><h2>DIRECTOR</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/christopher-nolan-oppenheimer-oscars-academy-awards-595ceb713efb026e2bcf3814b0cfa48a" target="_blank">Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”</a><h2>LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM</h2>“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”<h2>SOUND</h2>“The Zone of Interest,” Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn<h2>ORIGINAL SCORE</h2>“Oppenheimer,” Ludwig Göransson<h2>ORIGINAL SONG</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/soundtracks-2024-oscars-academy-awards-barbie-8d7f562b3c642362dfd90b8db3154458" target="_blank">“What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”</a><h2>VISUAL EFFECTS</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/godzilla-minus-one-2d1c07f947a298c9c972b5f026344b71" target="_blank">“Godzilla Minus One”</a><h2>FILM EDITING</h2>“Oppenheimer,” Jennifer Lame<h2>DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM</h2>“The Last Repair Shop”<h2>DOCUMENTARY FEATURE</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/20-days-mariupol-oscar-nominations-documentary-d1256ee3cd3bf1a69787108513a7a761" target="_blank">“20 Days in Mariupol”</a><h2>CINEMATOGRAPHY</h2>“Oppenheimer,” Hoyte Van Hoytema<h2>ANIMATED SHORT FILM</h2>“WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John &amp; Yoko”<h2>ANIMATED FILM</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/boy-heron-miyazaki-movie-review-a38c35485066682e2c5026c69fef82be" target="_blank">“The Boy and the Heron”</a><h2>ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</h2>“Anatomy of a Fall,” Justine Triet and Arthur Harari<h2>ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</h2>“American Fiction,” Cord Jefferson<h2>MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING</h2>“Poor Things,” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston<h2>PRODUCTION DESIGN</h2>“Poor Things,” James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek<h2>COSTUME DESIGN</h2>“Poor Things,” Holly Waddington<h2>INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM</h2>“The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)-----------LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Oppenheimer,” a solemn three-hour biopic that became an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/2024-oscars-updates-winners#0000018e-2b4d-d7d8-a7ee-bfdfe5f30000">crowned best picture at a 96th Academy Awards</a>&nbsp;that doubled as a coronation for Christopher Nolan.After passing over arguably Hollywood’s foremost big-screen auteur for years, the Oscars made up for lost time by heaping seven awards on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oppenheimer-christopher-nolan-469cc81e0989f414a20db5508c7630a0">Nolan’s blockbuster biopic</a>, including best actor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-actor-2024-oscars-e43fa9f19d0ebe413014e22a8bcbfe34">Cillian Murphy</a>, best supporting actor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supporting-actor-2024-oscars-5320c80b0206acddf8cc0698ad70a4b7">Robert Downey Jr.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-director-2024-oscars-7dbd4334dfbdef442d7e1a358520ec52">best director for Nolan</a>.In anointing “Oppenheimer,” the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences did something it hasn’t done for more than a decade:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-academy-awards-oppenheimer-barbie-blockbusters-5dd72660915a7aad6fe8e358172dad69">hand its top prize to a widely seen, big-budget studio film</a>. In a film industry where a cape, dinosaur or Tom Cruise has often been a requirement for such box office, “Oppenheimer” brought droves of moviegoers to theaters with a complex, fission-filled drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.“For better or worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world," said Murphy in his acceptance speech. "I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers.”As a film heavy with unease for human capacity for mass destruction, “Oppenheimer” also emerged — even over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barbenheimer-barbie-oppenheimer-double-feature-3f2cebb6720fb79b8584976f9e97eca0">partner in cultural phenomenon, “Barbie”</a>&nbsp;– as a fittingly foreboding film for times rife with cataclysm, man-made or not.Sunday’s Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles unfolded against the backdrop of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">wars in Gaza</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, and with a potentially momentous U.S. election on the horizon. Awards for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-documentary-2024-oscars-61eadff6af5bb91d53737776c1a60ff8">documentary winner, “20 Days in Mariupol,”</a>&nbsp;and best&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-international-film-2024-oscars-winner-3bfe76af4d45930520d6ec143c2b33bc">international film, “The Zone of Interest,”</a>&nbsp;brought geopolitics into the Oscar spotlight.The most closely watched contest went to Emma Stone, who won best actress for her performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.” In what was seen as the night’s most nail-biting category, Stone won over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lily-gladstone-ap-breakthrough-entertainer-2023-905692b843b38751ad4e57705949e3ab">Lily Gladstone</a>&nbsp;of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Gladstone would have become the first Native American to win an Academy Award.Instead, Oscar voters couldn’t resist the full-bodied extremes of Stone’s “Poor Things” performance. The win for Stone, her second best actress Oscar following her 2017 win for “La La Land,” confirmed the 35-year-old as arguably the preeminent big-screen actress of her generation. The list of women to win best actress two or more times is illustrious, including Katharine Hepburn, Frances McDormand, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis.“Oh, boy, this is really overwhelming,” said Stone, who fought back tears and a broken dress during her speech.Sunday’s broadcast had razzle dazzle, including a sprawling song-and-dance rendition of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barbie-soundtrack-mark-ronson-f7b8ef9faf406a30576392197e72d237">“Barbie” hit “I’m Just Ken”</a>&nbsp;by Ryan Gosling, with an assist on guitar by Slash and a sea of Kens who swarmed the stage.But protest and politics intruded on an election-year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/2024-oscars-updates-winners">Academy Awards</a>. Late during the show, host Jimmy Kimmel read a critical social media post from former president Donald Trump.“Thank you for watching,” said Kimmel. “Isn’t it past your jail time?”Nolan has had many movies in the Oscar mix before, including “Inception,” “Dunkirk” and “The Dark Knight.” But his win Sunday for direction is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-director-2024-oscars-7dbd4334dfbdef442d7e1a358520ec52">first Academy Award for the 53-year-old filmmaker</a>. Addressing the crowd, Nolan noted cinema is just over a hundred years old.“Imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater,” said Nolan, who shared the best-picture award with Emma Thomas, his wife and producer. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”Downey, nominated twice before (for “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder”), also notched his first Oscar, crowning the illustrious second act of his up-and-down career.“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the academy, in that order,” said Downey,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-movies-robert-downey-jr-c28d5b1dc4bc197cc0beea2803f0955e">the son of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr.</a>“Barbie,” last year’s biggest box-office hit with more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales, ultimately won just one award: best song (sorry, Ken) for Billie Eilish and Finneas’ “What Was I Made For?” It’s their second Oscar, two years after winning for their James Bond theme, “No Time to Die.”Protests over Israel’s war in Gaza snarled traffic around the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, slowing stars’ arrival on the red carpet and turning the Oscar’ attention toward the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">ongoing conflict</a>. Some protesters shouted “Shame!” at those trying to reach the awards.Jonathan Glazer, the British filmmaker whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zone-of-interest-cannes-jonathan-glazer-auschwitz-0e5665079c18a37762cc4de19ddba4a1">chilling Auschwitz drama “The Zone of Interest”</a>&nbsp;won best international film, drew connections between the dehumanization depicted in his film and today.“Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people, whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel, or the the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims, this dehumanization, how do we resist?”A year after “Navalny” won the same award, Mstyslav Chernov’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-documentary-20-days-mariupol-82fadffb60f225d753203df3e16db56b">“20 Days in Mariupol,”</a>&nbsp;a harrowing chronicle of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, won best documentary. The win, a first for The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline,” came as the war in Ukraine passed the two-year mark with no signs of abating.Chernov, the Ukrainian filmmaker and AP journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/movies-documentaries-academy-awards-public-broadcasting-service-bobi-wine-01e000a048404c09a04710735b9ceaa8">whose hometown was bombed the day he learned of his Oscar nomination</a>, spoke forcefully about Russia’s invasion.“This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I'm honored,” said Chernov. “Probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I’d never made this film. I wish to be able to exchange this (for) Russia never attacking Ukraine.”In the early going, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Frankenstein-riff “Poor Things” ran away with three prizes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poor-things-costumes-sets-yorgos-lanthimos-7b226f3941bf08c23a2bf2da1c7f3c1f">its sumptuous craft,</a>&nbsp;including awards for production design, makeup and hairstyling and costume design. “Poor Things” fared second best to “Oppenheimer,” with a total of four awards.Kimmel, hosting the ABC telecast for the fourth time, opened the awards with an monologue that emphasized Hollywood as “a union town” following 2023's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">actor and writer strikes</a>, drew a standing ovation for bringing out teamsters and behind-the-scenes workers — who are now entering their own labor negotiations.The night's first award was one of its most predictable:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oscars-2024-supporting-actress-104c12c3cd5483e7baa685e6ac78f16b">Da'Vine Joy Randolph for best supporting actress</a>, for her performance in Alexander Payne's “The Holdovers.” An emotional Randolph was accompanied to the stage by her “Holdovers” co-star Paul Giamatti.“For so long I've always wanted to be different,” said Randolph. "And now I realize I just need to be myself."Though Randolph’s win was widely expected, an upset quickly followed. Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-animated-film-2024-oscars-346ebe9c9392126031969ff51044a4a2">won for best animated feature</a>, a surprise over the slightly favored “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Miyazaki, the 83-year-old Japanese anime master who came out of retirement to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boy-heron-miyazaki-movie-review-a38c35485066682e2c5026c69fef82be">“The Boy and the Heron,”</a>&nbsp;didn’t attend the ceremony. He also didn’t attend the 2003 Oscars when his “Spirited Away” won the same award.Best original screenplay went to “Anatomy of a Fall,” which, like “Barbie," was penned by a couple: director Justine Triet and Arthur Harari. “This will help me through my midlife crisis, I think," said Triet.In adapted screenplay, where “Barbie” was nominated — and where some suspected Greta Gerwig would win after being overlooked for director — the Oscar went to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cord-jefferson-american-fiction-tiff-toronto-film-festival-f16d5df808a6d7117c07442b9ad7ce02">Cord Jefferson</a>, who wrote and directed his feature film debut “American Fiction.” He pleaded for executives to take risks on young filmmakers like himself.“Instead of making a $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies,” said Jefferson, previously an award-winning TV writer.The Oscars belonged largely to theatrical-first films. Though it came into the awards with 19 nominations, Netflix was a bit player. Its lone win came for live action short: Wes Anderson's “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” based on the story by Roald Dahl.The win for “Oppenheimer” offered Hollywood a chance to celebrate despite swirling storm clouds in the film industry. Nolan’s film debuted last year just as actors joined screenwriters in a prolonged strike over streaming economics and artificial intelligence. The actors’ strike ended in November, but little of Hollywood’s unease subsided. Streaming has proved less lucrative for most studios not named Netflix.But “Barbenheimer” was the kind of unplanned phenomenon Hollywood needs more of. The two films could also give a lift to the Oscar telecast, which has historically benefitted from having big movies in contention. The Academy Awards’ largest audience ever came when James Cameron’s “Titanic” swept the 1998 Oscars.

Who won? See the full list of Academy Award winners for 2024

More than 50 years ago, artists Robbie (Hoff) Lamoreux, Randy Schlitter, and Margie (Denning) Hammerschmidt studied art together in classes at Hays High School under the instructions of Mr. Crawford Russell and Mr. Robert Channel. After graduating in 1972, Robbie, Randy, and Margie went their various ways and pursued different paths, but creating visual art remained important to each of them. At their recent 50-year Class Reunion in October 2022, the three classmates reconnected and began to explore the possibility of continuing their art journeys together.

In a current exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, entitled “Three Point Perspective” they have brought together a sampling of their artwork, representing their unique perspectives, tied together with their shared beginnings. The exhibit will be on display until the last week of April.

Their painting styles, techniques, and mediums are diverse and are influenced by their own experiences and growth as individual artists.

Robbie lives with her husband Gary outside Baldwin City, KS where they raised their two children and owned and operated Arrowhead Hardware in Baldwin for over 30 years. Robbie now works part-time at an antique store in the nearby town of Ottawa. She is widely recognized for her watercolors that reflect fresh and clear colors of local subject matter including sunflowers.

Randy lives with his wife Michele “Shelly” in Hays. He owns and operates RANS Aircraft. His drawing and design talents have been instrumental in his success as an aircraft designer. His art style spans the range of realistic pencil drawings, abstract and fantasy acrylics, and organic and geometric paintings.

Margie lives in Hays with her husband Elden where they raised their two children. Margie retired after a 40-year career in healthcare, after which her interest in horticulture led her to study and become a Master Gardener. Examining botany drawings reignited her interest in art and she has since created a wide portfolio of watercolor paintings of the natural environment and personal connections as well as commissioned work.

In addition to combing their work into the current art exhibition at the library, these three artists have recently spent time together creating art. Perhaps more importantly, they are committed to continue to inspire and encourage each other in their art progression, just as they did back in the Hays High School Art Room Annex in the 1970’s. If you stop by the Hays Public

Library to view their art, feel free to jot a note in the Guest Book to let them know you were there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709755203132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMore than 50 years ago, artists Robbie (Hoff) Lamoreux, Randy Schlitter, and Margie (Denning) Hammerschmidt studied art together in classes at Hays High School under the instructions of Mr. Crawford Russell and Mr. Robert Channel. After graduating in 1972, Robbie, Randy, and Margie went their various ways and pursued different paths, but creating visual art remained important to each of them. At their recent 50-year Class Reunion in October 2022, the three classmates reconnected and began to explore the possibility of continuing their art journeys together.In a current exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, entitled “Three Point Perspective” they have brought together a sampling of their artwork, representing their unique perspectives, tied together with their shared beginnings. The exhibit will be on display until the last week of April.Their painting styles, techniques, and mediums are diverse and are influenced by their own experiences and growth as individual artists.Robbie lives with her husband Gary outside Baldwin City, KS where they raised their two children and owned and operated Arrowhead Hardware in Baldwin for over 30 years. Robbie now works part-time at an antique store in the nearby town of Ottawa. She is widely recognized for her watercolors that reflect fresh and clear colors of local subject matter including sunflowers.Randy lives with his wife Michele “Shelly” in Hays. He owns and operates RANS Aircraft. His drawing and design talents have been instrumental in his success as an aircraft designer. His art style spans the range of realistic pencil drawings, abstract and fantasy acrylics, and organic and geometric paintings.Margie lives in Hays with her husband Elden where they raised their two children. Margie retired after a 40-year career in healthcare, after which her interest in horticulture led her to study and become a Master Gardener. Examining botany drawings reignited her interest in art and she has since created a wide portfolio of watercolor paintings of the natural environment and personal connections as well as commissioned work.In addition to combing their work into the current art exhibition at the library, these three artists have recently spent time together creating art. Perhaps more importantly, they are committed to continue to inspire and encourage each other in their art progression, just as they did back in the Hays High School Art Room Annex in the 1970’s. If you stop by the Hays PublicLibrary to view their art, feel free to jot a note in the Guest Book to let them know you were there.

Three-Point Perspective, Collection of artwork by 3 artists at Hays Public Library

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

One October a few years ago, I watched a large number of hawks following combines through a soybean field, snatching up rodents kicked out of hiding by the machines as they lumbered through the fields. The dictionary defines symbiotic (symbiosis) as “The living together of two kinds of organisms to their mutual advantage.” Maybe “symbiotic” is not quite the right word to describe the above scenario, but you have to admit there are times where animals and birds use human activities to their advantage.

For example, years ago I had some peacocks. Any of you who presently own or have ever owned peacocks will agree with me that they can be a real pain in the butt, but while I had those pesky fowl, I had gardens that were absolutely insect-free. They would follow me when I mowed the lawn, back a few feet and on the side of the mower where the grass was discharged, and would turn themselves inside out to be the first to snatch a bug shot out from the mower, especially those big green hoppers I called “katydids.” Symbiotic or not, they knew that when the lawn mower was pushed across the yard, snacks would come their way.

Awhile back, we stopped to see a friend at a business on a side street smack in the middle of downtown Hutchinson. As we pulled into the parking lot, the large dumpster for the business sat straight ahead of us inside a four-sided enclosure, and perched on the back corner of the enclosure was what appeared to be a hawk decoy, put there to ward off pigeons I presumed. As I stared at the decoy, it swiveled its head around and stared back at me; it was a mature red tailed hawk with a squirrel held firmly in its talons. I was slightly surprised to see a red-tailed hawk in downtown Hutchinson, and since there were no houses or trees for several blocks around, I was really puzzled as to where the hawk had managed to snag the squirrel.

Our friend there was not surprised to hear about the hawk and added some details that explained where the hawk had likely found the squirrel. The business is very near the railroad, and that time of the year, he said there always seemed to be dabs of grain strewn along the tracks, evidently from rail cars moving wheat, soybeans, corn and milo. Pigeons, squirrels and birds came from all over that part

of town to feast on the grain, making for a virtual smorgasbord for stealthy predators like the hawk. He told us he once observed a hawk catch a pigeon nearby as it snacked on the grain. Again, maybe this is not really a true symbiotic relationship, but the squirrels and pigeons knew the grain would be there, and the predators knew the pigeons and squirrels will be there too, all thanks to man.

Just like domestic livestock quickly becoming familiar when chores are done each day and they are fed, the above scenarios can also be repeated over and over again in the wild. Wildlife not only relies on nature for survival, it also learns when help is available, inadvertently or not, from man too.

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsOne October a few years ago, I watched a large number of hawks following combines through a soybean field, snatching up rodents kicked out of hiding by the machines as they lumbered through the fields. The dictionary defines symbiotic (symbiosis) as “The living together of two kinds of organisms to their mutual advantage.” Maybe “symbiotic” is not quite the right word to describe the above scenario, but you have to admit there are times where animals and birds use human activities to their advantage.For example, years ago I had some peacocks. Any of you who presently own or have ever owned peacocks will agree with me that they can be a real pain in the butt, but while I had those pesky fowl, I had gardens that were absolutely insect-free. They would follow me when I mowed the lawn, back a few feet and on the side of the mower where the grass was discharged, and would turn themselves inside out to be the first to snatch a bug shot out from the mower, especially those big green hoppers I called “katydids.” Symbiotic or not, they knew that when the lawn mower was pushed across the yard, snacks would come their way.Awhile back, we stopped to see a friend at a business on a side street smack in the middle of downtown Hutchinson. As we pulled into the parking lot, the large dumpster for the business sat straight ahead of us inside a four-sided enclosure, and perched on the back corner of the enclosure was what appeared to be a hawk decoy, put there to ward off pigeons I presumed. As I stared at the decoy, it swiveled its head around and stared back at me; it was a mature red tailed hawk with a squirrel held firmly in its talons. I was slightly surprised to see a red-tailed hawk in downtown Hutchinson, and since there were no houses or trees for several blocks around, I was really puzzled as to where the hawk had managed to snag the squirrel.Our friend there was not surprised to hear about the hawk and added some details that explained where the hawk had likely found the squirrel. The business is very near the railroad, and that time of the year, he said there always seemed to be dabs of grain strewn along the tracks, evidently from rail cars moving wheat, soybeans, corn and milo. Pigeons, squirrels and birds came from all over that partof town to feast on the grain, making for a virtual smorgasbord for stealthy predators like the hawk. He told us he once observed a hawk catch a pigeon nearby as it snacked on the grain. Again, maybe this is not really a true symbiotic relationship, but the squirrels and pigeons knew the grain would be there, and the predators knew the pigeons and squirrels will be there too, all thanks to man.Just like domestic livestock quickly becoming familiar when chores are done each day and they are fed, the above scenarios can also be repeated over and over again in the wild. Wildlife not only relies on nature for survival, it also learns when help is available, inadvertently or not, from man too.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: Survival of the Fastest

Consternation about possible ban on feeding deer on private land triggers backlash

By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The administrative rebellion waged in the Capitol against the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission is being led by men and women with expertise in firearms, arrows, hooks and other tools of hunting, fishing and trapping.

But implements on this conflict are paper and ink used to advance House and Senate legislation to dissolve the current commission appointed unilaterally by the governor and to create a new seven-person commission selected by the Republican Senate president, House speaker and attorney general and by the Democratic governor.

Gov. Laura Kelly would get four selections and the three other politicians would make one each. Democratic Party leaders in the Legislature would have no appointment authority in terms of the new commission.

In addition, legislation endorsed by the Senate and a House committee would mandate all commission appointees be subjected for the first time to the Senate confirmation process. That would include background investigations, fingerprinting, submission of tax information, filing of statements of substantial interest and appearances before a legislative committee before a vote of the Senate. The commissioners would remain unpaid volunteers.

For good measure, legislators frustrated by the commission have sought to strip the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks secretary of eminent domain power to create public parks or expand access to these recreational magnets.

El Dorado Rep. Will Carpenter, a Republican, said the current commission wasn’t sufficiently invested in hunting or fishing for consumptive purposes.

“I know from past experience, lots of times it’s a political appointment,” Carpenter said. “You get a lot of ‘parks’ people on there … who are not consumptive fishermen or hunters. They’re making policy decisions, quite frankly, that they don’t even know about because they don’t hunt or fish.”

Rep. Pam Curtis, D-Kansas City, said the existing appointment system worked well and the proposed overhaul of the commission would intensify the politics of wildlife and parks administration.

“I don’t think we want to make this a political body,” Curtis said. “That would push us much more into the political realm versus science and experts in managing our wildlife and parks. Do we want to pass something we think will have some muster? Or, do we want to pass something we know is going to be DOA?”

Hunting and fishing enthusiasts have let it be known they were irritated the commission and department entertained the idea of prohibiting bait feeding of deer on private property. The practice, banned on public land in Kansas, enticed deer to take advantage of a regular food source on property accessible to landowners who hunted or to individuals from other communities or states who paid for the opportunity to hunt a trophy. Skeptics of baiting believe it granted hunters an unethical advantage. In Nebraska, for example, it was illegal to hunt any big game animals or turkeys within 200 yards of a baited area.

“I see a huge problem with fair chase in Kansas,” said Troy Sporer, a current wildlife and parks commissioner from Oakley. “It’s not real hunting anymore. Let’s just go bait ’em up, figure out what time they’re there and lets go shoot ’em.”

The commission’s interest in the ethics of baiting deer and creating for wildlife a fair-chase environment was interpreted as a financial threat to the hunting industry in Kansas and inspired lobbying at the Capitol to tilt commission appointments toward people vested in maintaining a business-like approach. Commission critics also raised issues about timing of hunting seasons or availability of hunting licenses.

“I believe the current department leadership and the current commission has lost their way over the past three years,” said Don Budd, a former wildlife and parks commissioner appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

Jeff Cooper, an attorney and representative of Hunter Nation headquartered in Mission, said lack of practical knowledge among commissioners allowed for reckless debates about the possibility of a bait ban. That could be avoided in the future with passage of a law diversifying the commission, he said.

Cooper recommended a nine-member commission that would leave the governor with three appointments and guarantee two each for the House speaker, Senate president and attorney general. The idea of giving GOP politicians the opportunity to shape a majority on the commission was included in a House bill sponsored by Rep. Ken Corbet, a Topeka Republican who operates a hunting lodge.

“The current commission has recently demonstrated an inability to bring any meaningful experience to the table as well as think critically about information,” Cooper said. “No issue better demonstrates this failure of decision making than the commission’s recent crusade to end deer feeding.”

Brad Loveless, the state Department of Wildlife and Parks secretary, has faced a wave of questions at the Statehouse about the commission’s regulatory deliberations.

In multiple legislative committee hearings, Loveless said the seven current members were quality appointees who would sail through confirmation if subjected to that process. He said Senate confirmation would slow the filling of vacancies on the commission. He also said it would place commission nominees under a level of scrutiny unequal to people serving on other commissions without budget or personnel duties.

Loveless said the wildlife and parks commission’s main purpose was to solicit public input during development of regulations. He said administrative functions of the KDWP weren’t within the commission’s purview. Nor did the department’s secretary, as a Cabinet-level appointee, report to the commission.

“The commission is therefore different than other boards or commissions that currently require Kansas Senate confirmation,” Loveless said. “These Senate-confirmed boards oversee agency budgets or personnel. Whereas KDWP is overseen by a secretary, which is already confirmed by the Senate and answers to the governor.”

Deer hunting disputes represented different perspectives on how best to prevent the state’s trophy deer resource from being wiped out by overhunting, Loveless said.

Loveless, who announced plans last October to retire in 2024, said the mission of the commission and department was to sustain high-quality wildlife populations and to welcome people who want to be outdoors in the state’s park system. He said some people want to open the gate to as many hunters and fishermen as would come to Kansas, but that would be unsustainable. The state turned away about 10,000 nonresident applicants for deer licenses, Loveless said.

“We’re victims of our own success because we have this trophy deer population. It’s worth a lot of money, millions of dollars every year. Of course, when there’s money involved, then people develop their own agendas. They say we’re just throwing money away. But we’re trying to help people understand that unless we manage the population it will crash,” Loveless said.

Republican Sen. Virgil Peck of Havana and other legislators have asserted there was cause to believe the commission might not be willing to protect the constitutional right of Kansans to hunt, fish and trap. Senate confirmation of nominees to the commission was essential, Peck said.

“This will allow elected representatives of the people — the Kansas Senate — to ask the commission questions about their beliefs,” Peck said. “We don’t want a commission that’s going to diminish those rights.”

Jackie Augustine, a representative of the Audubon Society, said the state wildlife and parks commission included people who were good listeners and represented the people of Kansas well. She said amendment of the appointment process — stripping governors of authority to appoint the seven members — could have unintended consequences.

“This process&nbsp;will encourage political ideology to become more important than protecting the natural resources of Kansas,” she said.

She said it would be a logistical challenge for four elected officials to share the task of appointing seven people to the commission. The current version of the bill specified a commissioner be appointed to represent each of seven wildlife administration regions, that a cap be placed on partisan representation and that preference be given to licensed hunters, fishermen, fur harvesters, park users and those who don’t consume wildlife.

“How can different appointing authorities ensure that all of these factors are considered when nominating a commissioner?” Augustine said. “It seems like it will develop into a situation where one appointing authority will always have to appoint someone that meets a limited set of criteria, like a Republican non-consumptive user from southeastern Kansas.”

Moriah Day, executive director of the Kansas State Rifle Association, said he had a different take on proposed reform of the commission. He bristled at the notion lawmakers should be cautious about altering the system.

“Our entire form of government is based on the principle that complicating processes can be a good thing when done properly,” Day said. “Efficient tyranny is the enemy of freedom and a well-structured series of checks and balances removes power from any one political figure or office, more effectively protecting our citizens from both blatant consolidation of power and the far more common tendency of human nature to gradually accumulate influence or control.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709988060058.png" alt=" Brad Loveless, secretary of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks, said a bill limiting the governor’s appointments to the Wildlife and Parks Commission and subjecting nominees to Senate confirmation was unnecessary. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Brad Loveless, secretary of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks, said a bill limiting the governor’s appointments to the Wildlife and Parks Commission and subjecting nominees to Senate confirmation was unnecessary. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Consternation about possible ban on feeding deer on private land triggers backlash</h2>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The administrative rebellion waged in the Capitol against the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission is being led by men and women with expertise in firearms, arrows, hooks and other tools of hunting, fishing and trapping.But implements on this conflict are paper and ink used to advance House and Senate legislation to dissolve the current commission appointed unilaterally by the governor and to create a new seven-person commission selected by the Republican Senate president, House speaker and attorney general and by the Democratic governor.Gov. Laura Kelly would get four selections and the three other politicians would make one each. Democratic Party leaders in the Legislature would have no appointment authority in terms of the new commission.In addition, legislation endorsed by the Senate and a House committee would mandate all commission appointees be subjected for the first time to the Senate confirmation process. That would include background investigations, fingerprinting, submission of tax information, filing of statements of substantial interest and appearances before a legislative committee before a vote of the Senate. The commissioners would remain unpaid volunteers.For good measure, legislators frustrated by the commission have sought to strip the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks secretary of eminent domain power to create public parks or expand access to these recreational magnets.El Dorado Rep. Will Carpenter, a Republican, said the current commission wasn’t sufficiently invested in hunting or fishing for consumptive purposes.“I know from past experience, lots of times it’s a political appointment,” Carpenter said. “You get a lot of ‘parks’ people on there … who are not consumptive fishermen or hunters. They’re making policy decisions, quite frankly, that they don’t even know about because they don’t hunt or fish.”Rep. Pam Curtis, D-Kansas City, said the existing appointment system worked well and the proposed overhaul of the commission would intensify the politics of wildlife and parks administration.“I don’t think we want to make this a political body,” Curtis said. “That would push us much more into the political realm versus science and experts in managing our wildlife and parks. Do we want to pass something we think will have some muster? Or, do we want to pass something we know is going to be DOA?”<h2>‘Not real hunting’</h2>Hunting and fishing enthusiasts have let it be known they were irritated the commission and department entertained the idea of prohibiting bait feeding of deer on private property. The practice, banned on public land in Kansas, enticed deer to take advantage of a regular food source on property accessible to landowners who hunted or to individuals from other communities or states who paid for the opportunity to hunt a trophy. Skeptics of baiting believe it granted hunters an unethical advantage. In Nebraska, for example, it was illegal to hunt any big game animals or turkeys within 200 yards of a baited area.“I see a huge problem with fair chase in Kansas,” said Troy Sporer, a current wildlife and parks commissioner from Oakley. “It’s not real hunting anymore. Let’s just go bait ’em up, figure out what time they’re there and lets go shoot ’em.”The commission’s interest in the ethics of baiting deer and creating for wildlife a fair-chase environment was interpreted as a financial threat to the hunting industry in Kansas and inspired lobbying at the Capitol to tilt commission appointments toward people vested in maintaining a business-like approach. Commission critics also raised issues about timing of hunting seasons or availability of hunting licenses.“I believe the current department leadership and the current commission has lost their way over the past three years,” said Don Budd, a former wildlife and parks commissioner appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.Jeff Cooper, an attorney and representative of Hunter Nation headquartered in Mission, said lack of practical knowledge among commissioners allowed for reckless debates about the possibility of a bait ban. That could be avoided in the future with passage of a law diversifying the commission, he said.Cooper recommended a nine-member commission that would leave the governor with three appointments and guarantee two each for the House speaker, Senate president and attorney general. The idea of giving GOP politicians the opportunity to shape a majority on the commission was included in a House bill sponsored by Rep. Ken Corbet, a Topeka Republican who operates a hunting lodge.“The current commission has recently demonstrated an inability to bring any meaningful experience to the table as well as think critically about information,” Cooper said. “No issue better demonstrates this failure of decision making than the commission’s recent crusade to end deer feeding.”<h2>Confirmation unneeded</h2>Brad Loveless, the state Department of Wildlife and Parks secretary, has faced a wave of questions at the Statehouse about the commission’s regulatory deliberations.In multiple legislative committee hearings, Loveless said the seven current members were quality appointees who would sail through confirmation if subjected to that process. He said Senate confirmation would slow the filling of vacancies on the commission. He also said it would place commission nominees under a level of scrutiny unequal to people serving on other commissions without budget or personnel duties.Loveless said the wildlife and parks commission’s main purpose was to solicit public input during development of regulations. He said administrative functions of the KDWP weren’t within the commission’s purview. Nor did the department’s secretary, as a Cabinet-level appointee, report to the commission.“The commission is therefore different than other boards or commissions that currently require Kansas Senate confirmation,” Loveless said. “These Senate-confirmed boards oversee agency budgets or personnel. Whereas KDWP is overseen by a secretary, which is already confirmed by the Senate and answers to the governor.”Deer hunting disputes represented different perspectives on how best to prevent the state’s trophy deer resource from being wiped out by overhunting, Loveless said.Loveless, who announced plans last October to retire in 2024, said the mission of the commission and department was to sustain high-quality wildlife populations and to welcome people who want to be outdoors in the state’s park system. He said some people want to open the gate to as many hunters and fishermen as would come to Kansas, but that would be unsustainable. The state turned away about 10,000 nonresident applicants for deer licenses, Loveless said.“We’re victims of our own success because we have this trophy deer population. It’s worth a lot of money, millions of dollars every year. Of course, when there’s money involved, then people develop their own agendas. They say we’re just throwing money away. But we’re trying to help people understand that unless we manage the population it will crash,” Loveless said.<h2>More politics?</h2>Republican Sen. Virgil Peck of Havana and other legislators have asserted there was cause to believe the commission might not be willing to protect the constitutional right of Kansans to hunt, fish and trap. Senate confirmation of nominees to the commission was essential, Peck said.“This will allow elected representatives of the people — the Kansas Senate — to ask the commission questions about their beliefs,” Peck said. “We don’t want a commission that’s going to diminish those rights.”Jackie Augustine, a representative of the Audubon Society, said the state wildlife and parks commission included people who were good listeners and represented the people of Kansas well. She said amendment of the appointment process — stripping governors of authority to appoint the seven members — could have unintended consequences.“This process&nbsp;will encourage political ideology to become more important than protecting the natural resources of Kansas,” she said.She said it would be a logistical challenge for four elected officials to share the task of appointing seven people to the commission. The current version of the bill specified a commissioner be appointed to represent each of seven wildlife administration regions, that a cap be placed on partisan representation and that preference be given to licensed hunters, fishermen, fur harvesters, park users and those who don’t consume wildlife.“How can different appointing authorities ensure that all of these factors are considered when nominating a commissioner?” Augustine said. “It seems like it will develop into a situation where one appointing authority will always have to appoint someone that meets a limited set of criteria, like a Republican non-consumptive user from southeastern Kansas.”Moriah Day, executive director of the Kansas State Rifle Association, said he had a different take on proposed reform of the commission. He bristled at the notion lawmakers should be cautious about altering the system.“Our entire form of government is based on the principle that complicating processes can be a good thing when done properly,” Day said. “Efficient tyranny is the enemy of freedom and a well-structured series of checks and balances removes power from any one political figure or office, more effectively protecting our citizens from both blatant consolidation of power and the far more common tendency of human nature to gradually accumulate influence or control.”

Kansas lawmakers angle to undercut governor by overhauling state wildlife and parks commission

Sondra Ruth Finley, 63, of Colby, died Friday, March 8, 2024. She was born in St. Francis, KS, on October 4, 1960, to Gary and Ilene (Eggers) O’Leary. Sondra graduated from St. Francis High School in 1978 and later attended Colby Community College to achieve her Degree in Business. She was united in marriage to Michael Finley on December 25, 1977, and to this union, eight children were born. Sondra worked for several businesses around town. Most recently, she worked at Tweed Insurance Agency and was the Technology teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary School for 13 years.

Sondra enjoyed many hobbies, including solving computer problems, sewing, gardening, and cooking, and was a staple at wrestling and swim meets. She loved to sew many things, including Mike’s western shirts, Barbie clothing, and blankets; and shared her joy of sewing with her family. She loved to bake sugar cookies and pies and assemble Christmas cookie platters. In the summer she spent time tending to her flowers and growing tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries in her garden. Sondra loved to swim, and she shared this passion with many kids over her 25 years as the Colby Swim Team coach. But her favorite thing to do was spend time with her kids and grandkids.

Sondra was preceded in death by her father, Gary O’Leary.She is survived by her mother Ilene O’Leary; husband Mike; children, Jennifer Finley (Sean Halladay), Justin (Kayla) Finley, Taylor (Shea) Finley, Emilea (Chris) George, Kyle (Adelaide) Finley, Travis Finley, Kory Finley and Kourtney Finley; grandchildren, Avery and Quinn Halladay; Brielle, Sadie, Katelyn and Abigail Finley; Legend, Noble, Wynter, Reign and Brave Finley; Alirah and Tristan George; Elliana, Philomena, Bosco and Roman Finley.

Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Colby Swim Club, Sacred Heart Church, or Sacred Heart School and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710033982551.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sondra Ruth Finley, 63, of Colby, died Friday, March 8, 2024. She was born in St. Francis, KS, on October 4, 1960, to Gary and Ilene (Eggers) O’Leary. Sondra graduated from St. Francis High School in 1978 and later attended Colby Community College to achieve her Degree in Business. She was united in marriage to Michael Finley on December 25, 1977, and to this union, eight children were born. Sondra worked for several businesses around town. Most recently, she worked at Tweed Insurance Agency and was the Technology teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary School for 13 years.Sondra enjoyed many hobbies, including solving computer problems, sewing, gardening, and cooking, and was a staple at wrestling and swim meets. She loved to sew many things, including Mike’s western shirts, Barbie clothing, and blankets; and shared her joy of sewing with her family. She loved to bake sugar cookies and pies and assemble Christmas cookie platters. In the summer she spent time tending to her flowers and growing tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries in her garden. Sondra loved to swim, and she shared this passion with many kids over her 25 years as the Colby Swim Team coach. But her favorite thing to do was spend time with her kids and grandkids.Sondra was preceded in death by her father, Gary O’Leary.She is survived by her mother Ilene O’Leary; husband Mike; children, Jennifer Finley (Sean Halladay), Justin (Kayla) Finley, Taylor (Shea) Finley, Emilea (Chris) George, Kyle (Adelaide) Finley, Travis Finley, Kory Finley and Kourtney Finley; grandchildren, Avery and Quinn Halladay; Brielle, Sadie, Katelyn and Abigail Finley; Legend, Noble, Wynter, Reign and Brave Finley; Alirah and Tristan George; Elliana, Philomena, Bosco and Roman Finley.Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Colby Swim Club, Sacred Heart Church, or Sacred Heart School and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sondra Ruth Finley

Gladys Woods, 85, passed away in the early morning hours of March 4, 2024, peacefully in her sleep. Gladys Ann Finkbeiner was born December 19th, 1938, in Dodge City Kansas to Arthur and Ellnor Finkbeiner. The Finkbeiner family moved to Wilson Kansas in 1940 and then to Gaylord Kansas, where Gladys attended High School. The Finkbeiner family moved to Rush Center Kansas in 1954, then in 1957 moved to Smith Center Kansas. Gladys married Harry Woods on October 15th,1961 at the American Lutheran Church of Smith Center Kansas. They were blessed with two children, Gary Lee and Curtis James as well as two grandchildren Marcus Tyler and Camryn Marie Gladys.

Anyone whomever met Gladys realized right away how she had the capacity in her heart to love someone so deeply. There were really no strangers to her, and she would welcome these individuals into her life with open arms. She always valued family, relatives, and friends and would pour her heart into her community in any way possible. Gladys was a friendly face who made sure she checked up on her friends and family. From singing “Happy Birthday” over the phone, calling to let them know the scores of the local high school games, and to remind folks of upcoming events, she ensured you were always in the loop.

Gladys was the ultimate day care. She provided this service for multiple generations of families and relatives in the community. She had a way with kids, and she could even get several two- to three-year-olds to all take a nap at the same time. They would even come back when they were older too.

Additionally, she enjoyed singing in the church choir and would always participate in the local North Central Kansas Choir and any other local singing events. She enjoyed playing the piano as well, especially during the holidays and songs from the Church Hymnal.

If you came to visit Gladys, you needed to be ready to play games, she was certainly a “true gamer”. She played anything from dominoes, marbles, card games, even Go Fish and Crazy Eights. She enjoyed playing weekly Bingo and could not wait to yell it out when she got a Bingo. She even enjoyed playing putt-putt golf during visits to see family and was super competitive. Gladys also enjoyed baking. She will be fondly remembered for her “Gladys Cookies” as they came to be known and they were always in demand during the holidays season.

Gladys was quite an adventurer. She and Harry enjoyed bus trips to Branson Missouri and would go whenever they could. Even after Harry passed, she kept that tradition alive. She was undoubtfully proud of her grandkids; she would travel any distance to visit and support them in their activities/ events in High School and College. She was able to visit Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, California and Las Vegas. One of her favorite places to visit in California was Disneyland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Woods, son Curtis Woods, sister Betty Jacobs and brother Allen Finkbeiner. She is survived by her son, Gary Woods and wife Debra Woods of Corona Ca, two Grandkids, Marcus Garrett and wife Melany of Oakley Ca and Camryn Woods of Coron Ca. Sister, Elaine Eller of Lindsborg, Ks and numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law and all their families.

Gladys Woods, 85, passed away in the early morning hours of March 4, 2024, peacefully in her sleep. Gladys Ann Finkbeiner was born December 19th, 1938, in Dodge City Kansas to Arthur and Ellnor Finkbeiner. The Finkbeiner family moved to Wilson Kansas in 1940 and then to Gaylord Kansas, where Gladys attended High School. The Finkbeiner family moved to Rush Center Kansas in 1954, then in 1957 moved to Smith Center Kansas. Gladys married Harry Woods on October 15th,1961 at the American Lutheran Church of Smith Center Kansas. They were blessed with two children, Gary Lee and Curtis James as well as two grandchildren Marcus Tyler and Camryn Marie Gladys.Anyone whomever met Gladys realized right away how she had the capacity in her heart to love someone so deeply. There were really no strangers to her, and she would welcome these individuals into her life with open arms. She always valued family, relatives, and friends and would pour her heart into her community in any way possible. Gladys was a friendly face who made sure she checked up on her friends and family. From singing “Happy Birthday” over the phone, calling to let them know the scores of the local high school games, and to remind folks of upcoming events, she ensured you were always in the loop.Gladys was the ultimate day care. She provided this service for multiple generations of families and relatives in the community. She had a way with kids, and she could even get several two- to three-year-olds to all take a nap at the same time. They would even come back when they were older too.Additionally, she enjoyed singing in the church choir and would always participate in the local North Central Kansas Choir and any other local singing events. She enjoyed playing the piano as well, especially during the holidays and songs from the Church Hymnal.If you came to visit Gladys, you needed to be ready to play games, she was certainly a “true gamer”. She played anything from dominoes, marbles, card games, even Go Fish and Crazy Eights. She enjoyed playing weekly Bingo and could not wait to yell it out when she got a Bingo. She even enjoyed playing putt-putt golf during visits to see family and was super competitive. Gladys also enjoyed baking. She will be fondly remembered for her “Gladys Cookies” as they came to be known and they were always in demand during the holidays season.Gladys was quite an adventurer. She and Harry enjoyed bus trips to Branson Missouri and would go whenever they could. Even after Harry passed, she kept that tradition alive. She was undoubtfully proud of her grandkids; she would travel any distance to visit and support them in their activities/ events in High School and College. She was able to visit Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, California and Las Vegas. One of her favorite places to visit in California was Disneyland.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Woods, son Curtis Woods, sister Betty Jacobs and brother Allen Finkbeiner. She is survived by her son, Gary Woods and wife Debra Woods of Corona Ca, two Grandkids, Marcus Garrett and wife Melany of Oakley Ca and Camryn Woods of Coron Ca. Sister, Elaine Eller of Lindsborg, Ks and numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law and all their families.She will be greatly missed.

Gladys Woods

NEW YORK (AP) —Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers is contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">federal health officials said Wednesday</a>.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">Click here to see</a> all the products included.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said cinnamon sold by stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains lead at levels that could be unsafe for people, particularly children, with prolonged exposure to the spice. The agency urged suppliers to recall the products voluntarily.

Cinnamon products included in the agency's safety alert include the La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores; MK brands sold by SF Supermarket; Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.

“Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” the alert said.

Consumers should not buy the products and should throw away any containers they have at home, the agency said.

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have removed the cinnamon from their store shelves, a company spokesperson said. Customers can return products to nearby stores for a refund.

FDA officials launched what they called a “targeted survey” of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after an October 2023 recall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-apple-cinnamon-lead-poisoning-fruit-pouch-86c32266e010843d0c9ad3340ccae319">lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches</a>&nbsp;that sickened nearly 500 U.S. children.

The ground cinnamon products in Wednesday's notice had lead levels of 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, far lower than the puree pouches, which contained 2,270 parts per million to 5,110 parts per million of lead.

No illnesses or other health effects have been reported in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert, the FDA said.

There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Long-term exposure of lead can cause problems, especially in growing children, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.

The FDA monitors foods for lead levels, but the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead in food products. The agency sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176824/download?attachment">letter</a>&nbsp;to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S. reminding them they're required to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709767199407.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers is contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">federal health officials said Wednesday</a>.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead">Click here to see</a> all the products included.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said cinnamon sold by stores including the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contains lead at levels that could be unsafe for people, particularly children, with prolonged exposure to the spice. The agency urged suppliers to recall the products voluntarily.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709767164551.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Cinnamon products included in the agency's safety alert include the La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores; MK brands sold by SF Supermarket; Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.“Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” the alert said.Consumers should not buy the products and should throw away any containers they have at home, the agency said.Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have removed the cinnamon from their store shelves, a company spokesperson said. Customers can return products to nearby stores for a refund.FDA officials launched what they called a “targeted survey” of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after an October 2023 recall of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-apple-cinnamon-lead-poisoning-fruit-pouch-86c32266e010843d0c9ad3340ccae319">lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches</a>&nbsp;that sickened nearly 500 U.S. children.The ground cinnamon products in Wednesday's notice had lead levels of 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, far lower than the puree pouches, which contained 2,270 parts per million to 5,110 parts per million of lead.No illnesses or other health effects have been reported in connection with the new ground cinnamon alert, the FDA said.There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans. Long-term exposure of lead can cause problems, especially in growing children, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lower IQ.The FDA monitors foods for lead levels, but the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead in food products. The agency sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176824/download?attachment">letter</a>&nbsp;to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S. reminding them they're required to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.

FDA: Ground cinnamon sold at discount stores is tainted with lead

Roger Ward Carlisle, 62, passed away on March 5, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Roger was born on April 27, 1961 in Oberlin, KS to Dale and Lenore (Hochmeiser) Carlisle. Roger was raised in Traer, Kansas and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1979. After high school Roger went to work for KDOT until he retired in 2014. He married Rhonda Jane Fortin on October 25, 1988. They then moved to Cedar Bluffs where they raised their three sons: Jesse, James, and John.

Roger loved music, enjoyed playing his guitar and enjoyed reading. He was very active in the church community by leading Bible study, teaching Sunday school and was a board member and deacon. His love for Jesus was very evident in his daily life. Not only did he love his friends and family, but he would go out of his way to help others.

Roger is survived by his wife, Jane Carlisle of Cedar Bluffs, KS; sons: Jesse (Joy) of Goodland, KS, James (Jessica) of Pratt, KS, and John (Shawnda) of McCook, NE; sisters: Donna (Tim) Urban of Lenexa, KS, Cheryl (Randy) Thull of Victoria, KS; In-laws: John (Jane) Fortin of Overton, NE, Judy (Don) Macha of Planview, TX, Jack (Donna) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Jerry Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Joe (Jan) Fortin of St. Francis, KS, Jill (Terry) McCorkle of McCook, NE, Jay (Shelli) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Jamie (Lisa) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Joyce (Dave) Juenemann of Selden, KS, Jeff Fortin of Cedar Bluffs, KS, and Jason (Gwen) Fortin of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren: Callie, Jon, Auna, Cameron, Gunner, Alyvia, Aubree, and Oliver; great grandchild: Tajo. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law: Jolene Fortin; nephew: Michael McLain; great nephews: Jayden McLain and Brogan McCorkle; great niece: Alys Wangari.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, Oberlin at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be Monday, March 11, 2024, from 1:00-7:00 PM at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home Oberlin, KS, with family receiving guests from 5:00-7:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Bluffs Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made out to Roger Carlisle Memorial Fund or Helping Hands. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Roger Ward Carlisle, 62, passed away on March 5, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Roger was born on April 27, 1961 in Oberlin, KS to Dale and Lenore (Hochmeiser) Carlisle. Roger was raised in Traer, Kansas and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1979. After high school Roger went to work for KDOT until he retired in 2014. He married Rhonda Jane Fortin on October 25, 1988. They then moved to Cedar Bluffs where they raised their three sons: Jesse, James, and John.Roger loved music, enjoyed playing his guitar and enjoyed reading. He was very active in the church community by leading Bible study, teaching Sunday school and was a board member and deacon. His love for Jesus was very evident in his daily life. Not only did he love his friends and family, but he would go out of his way to help others.Roger is survived by his wife, Jane Carlisle of Cedar Bluffs, KS; sons: Jesse (Joy) of Goodland, KS, James (Jessica) of Pratt, KS, and John (Shawnda) of McCook, NE; sisters: Donna (Tim) Urban of Lenexa, KS, Cheryl (Randy) Thull of Victoria, KS; In-laws: John (Jane) Fortin of Overton, NE, Judy (Don) Macha of Planview, TX, Jack (Donna) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Jerry Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Joe (Jan) Fortin of St. Francis, KS, Jill (Terry) McCorkle of McCook, NE, Jay (Shelli) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Jamie (Lisa) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Joyce (Dave) Juenemann of Selden, KS, Jeff Fortin of Cedar Bluffs, KS, and Jason (Gwen) Fortin of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren: Callie, Jon, Auna, Cameron, Gunner, Alyvia, Aubree, and Oliver; great grandchild: Tajo. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law: Jolene Fortin; nephew: Michael McLain; great nephews: Jayden McLain and Brogan McCorkle; great niece: Alys Wangari.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, Oberlin at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be Monday, March 11, 2024, from 1:00-7:00 PM at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home Oberlin, KS, with family receiving guests from 5:00-7:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Bluffs Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made out to Roger Carlisle Memorial Fund or Helping Hands. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Roger Ward Carlisle

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Recent record-setting high temperatures in Hays have many people thinking of spring, including participants in the Downtown Hays Market, who are looking forward to the popular program's annual opening.

"Vendor registration officially opened March 1," said Julie Ryder, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, "and we've been getting a lot of calls about how that registration process works."

The market opens Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25, and will run weekly through October 19, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

The market debuted in 2013 and is now in its 11th year. Last year, it was voted the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c9dcf8aa-4a97-4821-b756-50bcf96635cc">Best Market in Kansas</a> in the&nbsp;15th-annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, sponsored by&nbsp;American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition.&nbsp;

"We're really blessed to have Ben Dome back for a third season as the market manager," she said. Dome is a local student whose position is made possible through the regional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nex-generation.org/">NexGeneration Internship program</a>.

To participate in the 2024 market, potential vendors must read and sign the registration form. The four-page packet includes the market rules vendors must follow, details about what they'll be selling at the market, a copy of their Kansas sales tax registration certificate and their contact information.

"Some of our vendors drive from as far away as 80 miles to Hays," Ryder said, "arriving here just before daybreak."

Last year, the market had 63 vendors, selling everything from produce and locally raised meats to garden flowers and baked goods, plus lots of homemade crafts and gift items.

A $50 registration fee allows participation in all 22 weeks of the market. There is also an optional $50 reservation fee for the same spot&nbsp;each week in the downtown pavilion, 10th and Main, or adjacent parking areas.

"Many of our long-time vendors choose this option because it helps their customers know where to find them each week," Ryder said. "It has also created wonderful comradery among the vendors as they've gotten to know their neighbors."

The market is set up to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)&nbsp;payments.&nbsp;

Customers may use their EBT cards to purchase tokens to use at vendors' booths to purchase eligible foods, including fresh produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods and dairy items.

Also available is another state assistance program, Double Up Food Bucks, allowing customers to match their SNAP purchases of up to $25. Tokens are then used to buy more fruits, vegetables and seed packets.&nbsp;

"Vendors who sell eligible food products can sign up with us to accept these forms of payment. When they accept those tokens as payment, they turn them back into us monthly, and we use a reporting process to the state for their reimbursement," she said.

More information about the market and the registration process is available online at downtownhays.com, or you can call Ryder at 785-621-4171.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737363266.png" alt="the 2024 Downtown Hays Market will be open Saturday mornings 7:30-11:30 May 25 through October 19. Vendor registration is open now. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>the 2024 Downtown Hays Market will be open Saturday mornings 7:30-11:30 May 25 through October 19. Vendor registration is open now. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostRecent record-setting high temperatures in Hays have many people thinking of spring, including participants in the Downtown Hays Market, who are looking forward to the popular program's annual opening."Vendor registration officially opened March 1," said Julie Ryder, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, "and we've been getting a lot of calls about how that registration process works." The market opens Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25, and will run weekly through October 19, 7:30-11:30 a.m.<div><iframe title="Vendor registration now open for Downtown Hays Market; opens May 25" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=z9a6p-15a1faf-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The market debuted in 2013 and is now in its 11th year. Last year, it was voted the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c9dcf8aa-4a97-4821-b756-50bcf96635cc">Best Market in Kansas</a> in the&nbsp;15th-annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, sponsored by&nbsp;American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition.&nbsp;"We're really blessed to have Ben Dome back for a third season as the market manager," she said. Dome is a local student whose position is made possible through the regional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nex-generation.org/">NexGeneration Internship program</a>.To participate in the 2024 market, potential vendors must read and sign the registration form. The four-page packet includes the market rules vendors must follow, details about what they'll be selling at the market, a copy of their Kansas sales tax registration certificate and their contact information."Some of our vendors drive from as far away as 80 miles to Hays," Ryder said, "arriving here just before daybreak."Last year, the market had 63 vendors, selling everything from produce and locally raised meats to garden flowers and baked goods, plus lots of homemade crafts and gift items.A $50 registration fee allows participation in all 22 weeks of the market. There is also an optional $50 reservation fee for the same spot&nbsp;each week in the downtown pavilion, 10th and Main, or adjacent parking areas."Many of our long-time vendors choose this option because it helps their customers know where to find them each week," Ryder said. "It has also created wonderful comradery among the vendors as they've gotten to know their neighbors."The market is set up to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)&nbsp;payments.&nbsp;Customers may use their EBT cards to purchase tokens to use at vendors' booths to purchase eligible foods, including fresh produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods and dairy items.Also available is another state assistance program, Double Up Food Bucks, allowing customers to match their SNAP purchases of up to $25. Tokens are then used to buy more fruits, vegetables and seed packets.&nbsp;"Vendors who sell eligible food products can sign up with us to accept these forms of payment. When they accept those tokens as payment, they turn them back into us monthly, and we use a reporting process to the state for their reimbursement," she said.More information about the market and the registration process is available online at downtownhays.com, or you can call Ryder at 785-621-4171.

🎙Vendor registration now open for Downtown Hays Market; opens May 25

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigators have positively identified the remains of a man found in Kansas as&nbsp;Randy Bruce Clayton, born October 12, 1953,&nbsp;according to Lyon County Detective Sergeant Travis Mishle.

On April 29th, 2017, Lyon County Deputies were sent to the 2000 Block of Road 145 on the west side of Neosho Rapids for a report of a skull that had been found along the banks of the Neosho River.

Detectives responded to the scene as well and took over the investigation.

In August 2017, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Over the years, Detectives diligently worked to identify the Neosho Rapids John Doe. In 2018, the case was submitted to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for DNA analysis. However, the identity of the man remained unknown.

In 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help to identify the man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram scientists who successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified male. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709737359420.png" alt="Randy Clayton-photo courtesy Othram" />
 <figcaption>Randy Clayton-photo courtesy Othram</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigators have positively identified the remains of a man found in Kansas as&nbsp;Randy Bruce Clayton, born October 12, 1953,&nbsp;according to Lyon County Detective Sergeant Travis Mishle.On April 29th, 2017, Lyon County Deputies were sent to the 2000 Block of Road 145 on the west side of Neosho Rapids for a report of a skull that had been found along the banks of the Neosho River.Detectives responded to the scene as well and took over the investigation.In August 2017, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Over the years, Detectives diligently worked to identify the Neosho Rapids John Doe. In 2018, the case was submitted to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for DNA analysis. However, the identity of the man remained unknown.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709757393009.png" alt="Photo courtesy Othram" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Othram</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help to identify the man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram scientists who successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified male. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.Using the new information, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and made contact with a potential relative of the unidentified man. Follow-up DNA testing with family members confirmed the identity of the man as Randy Bruce Clayton.The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office thanked Othram/ DNASolves.com, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, NamUs, and the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their assistance in identifying Mr. Clayton.The investigation into Clayton's death continues.