By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

It might have been surprising if Kahne Johnson had not chosen sprint car racing as his career path.

Kahne, a 2024 graduate of Quinter Junior-Senior High, is on track to make his dreams come true.

From a racing family devoted to dirt tracks on warm summer evenings, Kahne moved to Missouri this past Thursday. He began his full-time job as crew chief for Ayrton Gennetten Racing, which runs a sprint car in the World of Outlaws circuit.

“My dream always was to get a sprint car, but I fell in love with working on them,” Kahne said.

Kahne, 18, is part of a third generation of racing. He raced go-karts, as did his older brother, 20-year-old Kyler, who graduated to driving sprint cars on weekends.

His younger sister, Kendyl, 15, also used to race go-karts. His father, CJ Johnson, retired in 2015 after a long career racing sprint cars. His paternal grandfather, Jon Johnson, raced sprint cars, as did Dennis Park, stepfather of Kahne’s mom, Kayla.

The family loved the track so much that a little thing like the birth of a child wouldn’t wave the red flag. All three Johnson siblings were born in the middle of the week, and days after their birth, they were at the track that weekend. CJ won a race the weekend after each child’s birth, and after Kyler was born, CJ won 11 straight races. Other drivers jokingly pleaded with CJ that he not have any more kids.

“We’ve never been the kind of family that stays home or goes to the lake on weekends,” Johnson said. “All we’ve ever known was racing.”

Kahne moves from one family to another. Ayrton Gennetten said the racing community is close-knit.

“Racing is basically a second family to anyone involved in the sport,” Gennetten said. “You grow fond of the people you’re around.”

From the it’s-a-small-world department, Gennetten’s grandfather raced against Kahne’s grandfather, and their dads also raced against each other a few times. Gennetten also has raced against Kahne’s older brother a few times. Now, Kahne is Gennetten's crew chief.

“It’s kind of cool we get to work together,” Gennetten said.

Kahne’s grandfather raced against his mom’s stepfather, and both dads raced each other. And, Kahne’s mom met his dad at the track. Years later, decades later, they’re still at the track.

“She kind of knew what she was getting into,” Kahne said.

Kahne had no idea what was going to happen after a chance meeting with Gennetten at a race weekend a couple of years ago. They were parked together and started talking racing. Talking turned into texts, but a summer job did not work out.

However, another racer, Brian Brown, offered a summer job a year later, and Kahne worked with him last season. Kahne credited his crew chief, Chad Morgan, for showing him the ropes in the pit.

“He explained things really well,” Kahne said. “He’s definitely a mentor because he knew what he was doing.”

Over the winter, Gennetten offered Kahne a full-time position as crew chief with his racing team. So Kahne packed up and moved to Warrensburg, Mo., with the shop in nearby Knob Noster. He was helping get the car ready to race this weekend and from now until November, with race weekends scheduled in nine states.

“I’m probably one of the younger (crew chiefs) who gets this much say, what we’re doing on the car,” Kahne said. “Eighteen is kind of pretty early. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity.”

Gennetten, 24, said while it was rare to have a crew chief that young, he was confident Kahne could do the job.

“I think we will make a good combination,” Gennetten said. “I trust that he will do it right because he wants to have a career in this. Hopefully, we can build a good program and grow together.”

Typically, the season goes from March to the end of October, but graduation delayed Kahne’s involvement this year. Gennetten races on two different circuits.

“He’s not really committed to one or the other,” Kahne said. “He picks and chooses which one he wants to go to on that particular weekend.”

Kahne once wanted to be a sprint car driver like his brother, but working on cars was a better fit than driving them—literally. At 6 feet 3 inches, Johnson found the sprint car cockpit too confining.

“It’s not a real comfortable car if you’re tall,” Kahne said.

Johnson feels comfortable tinkering with cars, getting them to perform their best every weekend.

“The main goal is to work full-time World of Outlaws,” Kahne said. “That is the best of the best, coast-to-coast. Just be successful, win a bunch of races as a crew chief.”

The roar of the track, with cars racing for the checkered flag, is part of the allure.

“It’s exciting for me to just hear the sprint cars go on the track. They’re plenty loud,” Kahne said.

Now, at a young age, Kahne is making noise as a crew chief for a racing team. He remembers his reaction when he received the job offer.

“I was pretty happy for it all to come together,” Johnson said. “I’d much rather do this than&nbsp;anything else, for sure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676381401.jpeg" alt="Quinter 18-year-old Kahne Johnson, who has just graduated from high school, will be the full-time crew chief for sprint car racer Ayrton Gennetten. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Quinter 18-year-old Kahne Johnson, who has just graduated from high school, will be the full-time crew chief for sprint car racer Ayrton Gennetten. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715890703398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostIt might have been surprising if Kahne Johnson had not chosen sprint car racing as his career path.Kahne, a 2024 graduate of Quinter Junior-Senior High, is on track to make his dreams come true.From a racing family devoted to dirt tracks on warm summer evenings, Kahne moved to Missouri this past Thursday. He began his full-time job as crew chief for Ayrton Gennetten Racing, which runs a sprint car in the World of Outlaws circuit.“My dream always was to get a sprint car, but I fell in love with working on them,” Kahne said.Kahne, 18, is part of a third generation of racing. He raced go-karts, as did his older brother, 20-year-old Kyler, who graduated to driving sprint cars on weekends.His younger sister, Kendyl, 15, also used to race go-karts. His father, CJ Johnson, retired in 2015 after a long career racing sprint cars. His paternal grandfather, Jon Johnson, raced sprint cars, as did Dennis Park, stepfather of Kahne’s mom, Kayla.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676438301.jpeg" alt="Part of Johnson’s duties as a crew chief is to watch the car go around the track. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Part of Johnson’s duties as a crew chief is to watch the car go around the track. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The family loved the track so much that a little thing like the birth of a child wouldn’t wave the red flag. All three Johnson siblings were born in the middle of the week, and days after their birth, they were at the track that weekend. CJ won a race the weekend after each child’s birth, and after Kyler was born, CJ won 11 straight races. Other drivers jokingly pleaded with CJ that he not have any more kids.“We’ve never been the kind of family that stays home or goes to the lake on weekends,” Johnson said. “All we’ve ever known was racing.”Kahne moves from one family to another. Ayrton Gennetten said the racing community is close-knit.“Racing is basically a second family to anyone involved in the sport,” Gennetten said. “You grow fond of the people you’re around.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676611933.jpeg" alt="Kyler Johnson, Kahne’s older brother, turns a corner in a sprint car race. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kyler Johnson, Kahne’s older brother, turns a corner in a sprint car race. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>From the it’s-a-small-world department, Gennetten’s grandfather raced against Kahne’s grandfather, and their dads also raced against each other a few times. Gennetten also has raced against Kahne’s older brother a few times. Now, Kahne is Gennetten's crew chief.“It’s kind of cool we get to work together,” Gennetten said.Kahne’s grandfather raced against his mom’s stepfather, and both dads raced each other. And, Kahne’s mom met his dad at the track. Years later, decades later, they’re still at the track.“She kind of knew what she was getting into,” Kahne said.Kahne had no idea what was going to happen after a chance meeting with Gennetten at a race weekend a couple of years ago. They were parked together and started talking racing. Talking turned into texts, but a summer job did not work out.However, another racer, Brian Brown, offered a summer job a year later, and Kahne worked with him last season. Kahne credited his crew chief, Chad Morgan, for showing him the ropes in the pit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676677350.jpeg" alt="Kahne, age 5, “works” on his dad’s sprint car while older brother Kyler, age 7, looks on. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kahne, age 5, “works” on his dad’s sprint car while older brother Kyler, age 7, looks on. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“He explained things really well,” Kahne said. “He’s definitely a mentor because he knew what he was doing.”Over the winter, Gennetten offered Kahne a full-time position as crew chief with his racing team. So Kahne packed up and moved to Warrensburg, Mo., with the shop in nearby Knob Noster. He was helping get the car ready to race this weekend and from now until November, with race weekends scheduled in nine states.“I’m probably one of the younger (crew chiefs) who gets this much say, what we’re doing on the car,” Kahne said. “Eighteen is kind of pretty early. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity.”Gennetten, 24, said while it was rare to have a crew chief that young, he was confident Kahne could do the job.“I think we will make a good combination,” Gennetten said. “I trust that he will do it right because he wants to have a career in this. Hopefully, we can build a good program and grow together.”Typically, the season goes from March to the end of October, but graduation delayed Kahne’s involvement this year. Gennetten races on two different circuits.“He’s not really committed to one or the other,” Kahne said. “He picks and chooses which one he wants to go to on that particular weekend.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676737614.jpeg" alt="Kahne works on a tire on his brother Kyler’s mud-covered sprint car. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kahne works on a tire on his brother Kyler’s mud-covered sprint car. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Kahne once wanted to be a sprint car driver like his brother, but working on cars was a better fit than driving them—literally. At 6 feet 3 inches, Johnson found the sprint car cockpit too confining.“It’s not a real comfortable car if you’re tall,” Kahne said.Johnson feels comfortable tinkering with cars, getting them to perform their best every weekend.“The main goal is to work full-time World of Outlaws,” Kahne said. “That is the best of the best, coast-to-coast. Just be successful, win a bunch of races as a crew chief.”The roar of the track, with cars racing for the checkered flag, is part of the allure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676789352.jpeg" alt="Kahne Johnson says he feels “blessed” to be a crew chief for a racing team at such a young age. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kahne Johnson says he feels “blessed” to be a crew chief for a racing team at such a young age. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s exciting for me to just hear the sprint cars go on the track. They’re plenty loud,” Kahne said.Now, at a young age, Kahne is making noise as a crew chief for a racing team. He remembers his reaction when he received the job offer.“I was pretty happy for it all to come together,” Johnson said. “I’d much rather do this than&nbsp;anything else, for sure.”

NWester: Quinter teenager races to top as crew chief

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct 7. were recovered overnight from Gaza, Israel's army said Friday, as the top United Nations court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">prepares to rule</a>&nbsp;on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from the enclave.

The bodies of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-israel-unaccounted-people-095f64d06108416ff9c58ea7550b9a74">Hanan Yablonka</a>, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux were found and their families have been notified. The army said they were killed on the day of the attack at the Mefalsim intersection and their bodies were taken to Gaza.

The announcement comes less than a week after the army said it found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-shani-louk-a37e4fd656b46be36c4c659a9c2aac7d">the bodies of three other Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;killed on Oct. 7.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted around 250 others in the Oct. 7 attack. Around half of those hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-25-2023-7d83895eb736c09fab3eada4c31524b0">have since been freed</a>, most in swaps for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire in November.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he’s made little progress. He faces pressure to resign, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-weapons-shipment-us-eed365ebef0477ba74bf9848cacae4f4">U.S. has threatened to scale back</a>&nbsp;its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

On Friday Netanyahu said the country had a duty to do everything to return those abducted, both those killed and those who are alive.

Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 39 more, while 17 bodies of hostages have been recovered.

In a post on X Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron gave condolences to the family of Hernández-Radoux, a French-Mexican citizen, saying France remains committed to releasing the hostages.

The country is also expecting a ruling Friday afternoon by the International Court of Justice to decide on an urgent plea by South Africa to order Israel to cease operations. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order. Even so, a cease-fire order by judges of the International Court of Justice would heap more pressure on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-palestinian-state-ddfd774a23d39f77f5977b9c89c43dbc">increasingly isolated Israel</a>.

On the hostages, Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas. On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little.

Anger is growing at home at the government’s handling of the hostage crisis.

Earlier this week a group representing the families of hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-dcb39658d1afcd00341d2c1cd54c38b0">released new video footage</a>&nbsp;showing Hamas’ capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.

The video shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded. In one scene, a militant tells one of the terrified women she is beautiful.

The video sparked more protests across the country calling for the hostages’ release.

The army said on Friday the hostages were found during an operation in Jabaliya. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a news conference that the army was able to retrieve the bodies based on “critical intelligence” uncovered last week by Israeli forces operating in Gaza.

The group representing the families of the hostages said the bodies had been returned to their families for burial.

Nisenbaum, 59, was a Brazilian-Israeli from the southern city of Sderot. He was taken hostage when he went to rescue his 4-year-old granddaughter.

Oryon Hernandez Radoux, 30, was taken from the Nova music festival, which he attended with his partner Shani Louk. Louk's body was one of those found by the army nearly a week ago.

Yablonka, 42, a father of two, was also taken from the music festival. His family in December told the AP that he loved music. Yablonka’s family had no news of him for nearly two months after he’d been taken, not knowing if he was alive or dead.

Israel’s offensive since the war began has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused a humanitarian crisis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">near-famine.</a>

While it has weakened Hamas' capabilities, after nearly eight months of war, militants are regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities. Israel says its troops are operating in Rafah in the south, in central Gaza and in Jabaliya in the north.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701204582165.png" alt="File photo -Israeli soldiers look at photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event, as Israeli DJs spun music, to commemorate the October 7, massacre, near Kibbutz Re'im, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Israeli soldiers look at photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event, as Israeli DJs spun music, to commemorate the October 7, massacre, near Kibbutz Re'im, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)</figcaption>
 </figure>TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct 7. were recovered overnight from Gaza, Israel's army said Friday, as the top United Nations court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">prepares to rule</a>&nbsp;on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from the enclave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716546463209.png" alt="L-R: Hostages Michel Nisenbaum, Orion Hernandez, Hanan Yablonka. Their bodies were recovered from northern Gaza's Jabaliya in an operation announced May 24, 2024. (Courtesy)" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Hostages Michel Nisenbaum, Orion Hernandez, Hanan Yablonka. Their bodies were recovered from northern Gaza's Jabaliya in an operation announced May 24, 2024. (Courtesy)</figcaption>
 </figure>The bodies of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-israel-unaccounted-people-095f64d06108416ff9c58ea7550b9a74">Hanan Yablonka</a>, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux were found and their families have been notified. The army said they were killed on the day of the attack at the Mefalsim intersection and their bodies were taken to Gaza.The announcement comes less than a week after the army said it found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-shani-louk-a37e4fd656b46be36c4c659a9c2aac7d">the bodies of three other Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;killed on Oct. 7.Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted around 250 others in the Oct. 7 attack. Around half of those hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-25-2023-7d83895eb736c09fab3eada4c31524b0">have since been freed</a>, most in swaps for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire in November.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he’s made little progress. He faces pressure to resign, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-weapons-shipment-us-eed365ebef0477ba74bf9848cacae4f4">U.S. has threatened to scale back</a>&nbsp;its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.On Friday Netanyahu said the country had a duty to do everything to return those abducted, both those killed and those who are alive.Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 39 more, while 17 bodies of hostages have been recovered.In a post on X Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron gave condolences to the family of Hernández-Radoux, a French-Mexican citizen, saying France remains committed to releasing the hostages.The country is also expecting a ruling Friday afternoon by the International Court of Justice to decide on an urgent plea by South Africa to order Israel to cease operations. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order. Even so, a cease-fire order by judges of the International Court of Justice would heap more pressure on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-palestinian-state-ddfd774a23d39f77f5977b9c89c43dbc">increasingly isolated Israel</a>.On the hostages, Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas. On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little.Anger is growing at home at the government’s handling of the hostage crisis.Earlier this week a group representing the families of hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-dcb39658d1afcd00341d2c1cd54c38b0">released new video footage</a>&nbsp;showing Hamas’ capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.The video shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded. In one scene, a militant tells one of the terrified women she is beautiful.The video sparked more protests across the country calling for the hostages’ release.The army said on Friday the hostages were found during an operation in Jabaliya. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a news conference that the army was able to retrieve the bodies based on “critical intelligence” uncovered last week by Israeli forces operating in Gaza.The group representing the families of the hostages said the bodies had been returned to their families for burial.Nisenbaum, 59, was a Brazilian-Israeli from the southern city of Sderot. He was taken hostage when he went to rescue his 4-year-old granddaughter.Oryon Hernandez Radoux, 30, was taken from the Nova music festival, which he attended with his partner Shani Louk. Louk's body was one of those found by the army nearly a week ago.Yablonka, 42, a father of two, was also taken from the music festival. His family in December told the AP that he loved music. Yablonka’s family had no news of him for nearly two months after he’d been taken, not knowing if he was alive or dead.Israel’s offensive since the war began has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused a humanitarian crisis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">near-famine.</a>While it has weakened Hamas' capabilities, after nearly eight months of war, militants are regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities. Israel says its troops are operating in Rafah in the south, in central Gaza and in Jabaliya in the north.

Israel: At least 100 hostages still being held in Gaza

North Central Kansas Technical College

North Central Kansas Technical College is excited announce that Wyatt Varner will represent both NCK Technical College and the state of Kansas as a national competitor at the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition! Wyatt is a student in the Welding program on the Beloit, KS campus.

The Project MFG 2023-2024 season was loaded with competitors from across the country, all battling to make it to the national competition. The season started in October 2023 and ran through May 2024, during which time 92 schools, totaling 262 students participated in the competition.

To qualify for the national competition, the students had to compete in 3 rounds. Each round presented unique challenges that required both skill and extreme attention to detail. In the first round Wyatt welded a Corsair Fighter plane using the drawings and instructions provided by Project MFG. After successfully completing the first round, the next two rounds were exponentially more difficult. In the second round he welded an SR-71 Blackbird using aluminum, and in the final round a B-2 Stealth Bomber. He completed all of the required welds with masterful precision and earned an invitation to the 2024 Project MFG National Welding Championship.

The Project MFG National Welding Championship is held during the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition held June 11-14th at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Top-performing participants for the year will have the opportunity to compete head-to-head at the Project MFG National Welding Championship, where they will compete for the national title and a grand prize of $10,000 in cash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716228225460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Central Kansas Technical CollegeNorth Central Kansas Technical College is excited announce that Wyatt Varner will represent both NCK Technical College and the state of Kansas as a national competitor at the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition! Wyatt is a student in the Welding program on the Beloit, KS campus.The Project MFG 2023-2024 season was loaded with competitors from across the country, all battling to make it to the national competition. The season started in October 2023 and ran through May 2024, during which time 92 schools, totaling 262 students participated in the competition.To qualify for the national competition, the students had to compete in 3 rounds. Each round presented unique challenges that required both skill and extreme attention to detail. In the first round Wyatt welded a Corsair Fighter plane using the drawings and instructions provided by Project MFG. After successfully completing the first round, the next two rounds were exponentially more difficult. In the second round he welded an SR-71 Blackbird using aluminum, and in the final round a B-2 Stealth Bomber. He completed all of the required welds with masterful precision and earned an invitation to the 2024 Project MFG National Welding Championship.The Project MFG National Welding Championship is held during the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition held June 11-14th at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Top-performing participants for the year will have the opportunity to compete head-to-head at the Project MFG National Welding Championship, where they will compete for the national title and a grand prize of $10,000 in cash.

NCK Tech student to represent Kansas during national competiton

Keren Elizabeth (Lowman) Duran, age 83, of Overland Park, KS, died Monday, May 6, 2024, in Overland Park surrounded by her family. She was born October 6, 1940, in Lebo, KS, the daughter of Clyde "Deacon" and Bertha Nadine (Combes) Lowman.

Keren attended elementary and high school in Lebo, KS. She continued her education at the Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia. She was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Keren married Robert "Bob" Duran on May 20, 1962, in Lebo, KS. She taught high school English in Dodge City, KS, until 1970 when the family moved to Tipton, MO. In 1972, the family moved to Johnson to begin farming with Bob's father. After her children were all in school, she returned to the classroom, teaching middle school English and Literature in Johnson for 25 years. Bob and Keren lived in Johnson for 48 years until they moved to a retirement community in Lawrence, KS in 2020. After Bob passed in 2021, Keren moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to her two sons. Keren was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Johnson, the Altar Society, and the MNO club. She played the organ for church, and she enjoyed reading, quilting, playing cards, spending time at the lake, and taking long trips in the RV.

Keren is survived by her sons, Bob Duran and partner John Humbert of Roeland Park, KS, and Phil Duran and wife Krista of Leawood, KS; daughter, Keri Veach and husband Shae of Hays, KS; sister, Jeanie Facklam and husband Bert of Tescott, KS; brother-in-law, Richard Duran and wife Linda of Horseshoe Bay, TX; sisters-in-law, Anita Antony of Golden, CO, and Rosemary Wilkerson and husband Charlie of Johnson, KS; 11 grandchildren, Kayla Duran Latham, Brock Duran, Jared Duran, Devon Duran, Dani Duran, Dawson Duran, Dina Duran, Kelli Veach, Jodi Veach, Tucker Veach, and Mindi Veach; and ten nieces and nephews.

Keren is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and brother-in-law, Ron Antony.

Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10:00 AM both at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, KS, with Reverend Matthew Qumi officiating. The Mass may also be viewed live on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Inurnment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Keren Elizabeth (Lowman) Duran, age 83, of Overland Park, KS, died Monday, May 6, 2024, in Overland Park surrounded by her family. She was born October 6, 1940, in Lebo, KS, the daughter of Clyde "Deacon" and Bertha Nadine (Combes) Lowman.Keren attended elementary and high school in Lebo, KS. She continued her education at the Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia. She was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Keren married Robert "Bob" Duran on May 20, 1962, in Lebo, KS. She taught high school English in Dodge City, KS, until 1970 when the family moved to Tipton, MO. In 1972, the family moved to Johnson to begin farming with Bob's father. After her children were all in school, she returned to the classroom, teaching middle school English and Literature in Johnson for 25 years. Bob and Keren lived in Johnson for 48 years until they moved to a retirement community in Lawrence, KS in 2020. After Bob passed in 2021, Keren moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to her two sons. Keren was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Johnson, the Altar Society, and the MNO club. She played the organ for church, and she enjoyed reading, quilting, playing cards, spending time at the lake, and taking long trips in the RV.Keren is survived by her sons, Bob Duran and partner John Humbert of Roeland Park, KS, and Phil Duran and wife Krista of Leawood, KS; daughter, Keri Veach and husband Shae of Hays, KS; sister, Jeanie Facklam and husband Bert of Tescott, KS; brother-in-law, Richard Duran and wife Linda of Horseshoe Bay, TX; sisters-in-law, Anita Antony of Golden, CO, and Rosemary Wilkerson and husband Charlie of Johnson, KS; 11 grandchildren, Kayla Duran Latham, Brock Duran, Jared Duran, Devon Duran, Dani Duran, Dawson Duran, Dina Duran, Kelli Veach, Jodi Veach, Tucker Veach, and Mindi Veach; and ten nieces and nephews.Keren is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and brother-in-law, Ron Antony.Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10:00 AM both at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, KS, with Reverend Matthew Qumi officiating. The Mass may also be viewed live on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Inurnment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Keren Elizabeth (Lowman) Duran

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A U.S. missionary couple was shot and killed by criminal gang members in Haiti’s capital after they were abducted while leaving a youth group activity held at a local church, according to a police official and a religious group.

A third person also was killed during the attack Thursday evening in the community of Lizon in northern Port-au-Prince, Lionel Lazarre, head of a Haitian police union, told The Associated Press on Friday.

The slayings occurred as the capital crumbles under the relentless assault of violent gangs that control 80% of Port-au-Prince while authorities await the arrival of a police force from Kenya as part of a U.N.-backed deployment aimed at quelling gang violence in the troubled Caribbean country.

Two of the victims were a young married couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, according to a Facebook posting from Natalie Lloyd’s father, Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker. The name of the third person killed wasn’t immediately available.

“My heart is broken in a thousand pieces,” Baker wrote on Facebook on Thursday. “I’ve never felt this kind of pain. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together.”

The couple worked for Missions in Haiti Inc. The Claremore, Oklahoma, organization was founded by David and Alicia Lloyd, Davy Lloyd’s parents. Natalie Lloyd’s Facebook page said the couple married on June 18, 2022, and she began working with the missionary organization in August 2022. She frequently posted photos of Haitian children on her page.

The mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It runs a school in Lizon for more than 240 students that it opened in September 2008, according to its website.

A Facebook posting on the Missions for Haiti page late Thursday stated that Davy and Natalie, along with children, were leaving a church when “they were ambushed by a gang of 3 trucks full of guys.”

The posting said Davy Lloyd was taken to a house, where he was tied up and beaten. The post later said that Davy, Natalie and a third person, listed only as Jude, were at the house when shooting broke out. It said that gang members “shot all the windows out of the house and continue to shoot. Their lives are in danger."

Three hours later, another posting from Missions in Haiti read: “Around midnight: Davy and Natalie and Jude were shot and killed by the gang about 9 o’clock this evening. We all are devastated.”

It wasn’t immediately clear which gang or gangs were responsible for the fatal shootings.

However, a gang leader called Chyen Mechan, which means “mean dog” in Haitian Creole, controls the area where the shooting occurred. His real name is Claudy Célestin, and he is a dismissed civil servant from Haiti’s Ministry of the Interior.

The leader of another gang known as General Jeff also controls territory near the neighborhood where the couple was killed. Both gangs are part of a coalition known as Viv Ansanm, which means “Live Together.”

The coalition is responsible for launching large-scale attacks on key government infrastructure starting Feb. 29. Gunmen have attacked police stations, opened fire on the main international airport that remained closed for nearly three months before opening earlier this week and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Gangs also are blamed for killing or injuring more than 2,500 people across Haiti from January to March, a 50% increase compared with the same period last year, according to the United Nations.

Kidnappings also are rampant, with targets including U.S. missionaries.

In October 2021, gang members kidnapped 17 missionaries, the majority U.S. citizens. Many in the group, which included five children, were held captive for more than two months before escaping.

Then in July 2023, gangs kidnapped a U.S. nurse and her daughter from the campus of a Christian-run school near Port-au-Prince. They were released nearly two weeks later.

The U.S. Department of State has long had a “do not travel” advisory for Haiti and urges any U.S. citizens in the country to depart as soon as possible.

On the Missions for Haiti website, the founders wrote that the organization was founded in 2000. It said it aimed to help with “the country's biggest need — its children.”

"Although the entire nation is steeped in poverty, the children suffer the worst. Thousands are malnourished, uneducated, and headed for hopeless lives apart from Christ,” the website said.

A May 2023 newsletter posted on the mission website said Natalie “has been helping with the kids at the House of Compassion and assisting in our ACE school. Davy has been working on a lot of badly needed projects around our compound,” including building a laundry room and repairing bathrooms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716572749882.png" alt="Photo courtesy Missions in Haiti, Inc" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Missions in Haiti, Inc</figcaption>
 </figure>PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A U.S. missionary couple was shot and killed by criminal gang members in Haiti’s capital after they were abducted while leaving a youth group activity held at a local church, according to a police official and a religious group.A third person also was killed during the attack Thursday evening in the community of Lizon in northern Port-au-Prince, Lionel Lazarre, head of a Haitian police union, told The Associated Press on Friday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fben.r.baker%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0uSePSFF7xqugpeMptsqveTj3W48WADSz3wnvQy6ZgjLEMteBu2rNGoXCPdRaLXJel&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="686" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The slayings occurred as the capital crumbles under the relentless assault of violent gangs that control 80% of Port-au-Prince while authorities await the arrival of a police force from Kenya as part of a U.N.-backed deployment aimed at quelling gang violence in the troubled Caribbean country.Two of the victims were a young married couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, according to a Facebook posting from Natalie Lloyd’s father, Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker. The name of the third person killed wasn’t immediately available.“My heart is broken in a thousand pieces,” Baker wrote on Facebook on Thursday. “I’ve never felt this kind of pain. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together.”The couple worked for Missions in Haiti Inc. The Claremore, Oklahoma, organization was founded by David and Alicia Lloyd, Davy Lloyd’s parents. Natalie Lloyd’s Facebook page said the couple married on June 18, 2022, and she began working with the missionary organization in August 2022. She frequently posted photos of Haitian children on her page.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid035raQK1fkFfUKKDQVtfjNVFAULhzubYC4MBPCzke5APm7o3jSNSAnuiNVTGbpJdYFl%26id%3D100064274396167&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="170" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It runs a school in Lizon for more than 240 students that it opened in September 2008, according to its website.A Facebook posting on the Missions for Haiti page late Thursday stated that Davy and Natalie, along with children, were leaving a church when “they were ambushed by a gang of 3 trucks full of guys.”The posting said Davy Lloyd was taken to a house, where he was tied up and beaten. The post later said that Davy, Natalie and a third person, listed only as Jude, were at the house when shooting broke out. It said that gang members “shot all the windows out of the house and continue to shoot. Their lives are in danger."Three hours later, another posting from Missions in Haiti read: “Around midnight: Davy and Natalie and Jude were shot and killed by the gang about 9 o’clock this evening. We all are devastated.”It wasn’t immediately clear which gang or gangs were responsible for the fatal shootings.However, a gang leader called Chyen Mechan, which means “mean dog” in Haitian Creole, controls the area where the shooting occurred. His real name is Claudy Célestin, and he is a dismissed civil servant from Haiti’s Ministry of the Interior.The leader of another gang known as General Jeff also controls territory near the neighborhood where the couple was killed. Both gangs are part of a coalition known as Viv Ansanm, which means “Live Together.”The coalition is responsible for launching large-scale attacks on key government infrastructure starting Feb. 29. Gunmen have attacked police stations, opened fire on the main international airport that remained closed for nearly three months before opening earlier this week and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.Gangs also are blamed for killing or injuring more than 2,500 people across Haiti from January to March, a 50% increase compared with the same period last year, according to the United Nations.Kidnappings also are rampant, with targets including U.S. missionaries.In October 2021, gang members kidnapped 17 missionaries, the majority U.S. citizens. Many in the group, which included five children, were held captive for more than two months before escaping.Then in July 2023, gangs kidnapped a U.S. nurse and her daughter from the campus of a Christian-run school near Port-au-Prince. They were released nearly two weeks later.The U.S. Department of State has long had a “do not travel” advisory for Haiti and urges any U.S. citizens in the country to depart as soon as possible.On the Missions for Haiti website, the founders wrote that the organization was founded in 2000. It said it aimed to help with “the country's biggest need — its children.”"Although the entire nation is steeped in poverty, the children suffer the worst. Thousands are malnourished, uneducated, and headed for hopeless lives apart from Christ,” the website said.A May 2023 newsletter posted on the mission website said Natalie “has been helping with the kids at the House of Compassion and assisting in our ACE school. Davy has been working on a lot of badly needed projects around our compound,” including building a laundry room and repairing bathrooms.___

Gunmen in Haiti abduct and kill American missionary couple

Sondra Jo Murphy, beloved wife, mother, and dedicated social worker, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024, at the age of 85. Her life was filled with the unconditional love she gave and received from her family, friends, and cherished canine companions.

Born on October 16, 1939, in Beloit, KS to Joseph and Gladys (Slater) Cunningham. Sondra was the eldest of two children. From a young age, she exhibited a profound sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those around her. This calling led her to pursue a degree in social work at Fort Hays State University, where she excelled academically and found her true vocation.

Sondra married the love of her life, Earl Keith Murphy. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter. Their marriage was a partnership built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and deep affection. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Michael and Melissa, who were the pride and joy of Sondra's life. She instilled in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and the importance of service to others.

Sondra's professional career as a social worker was marked by her tireless efforts to advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized. She worked for various non-profit organizations in Washington state. And was known for always going above and beyond to ensure that those in need received the support and resources they deserved. Her colleagues admired her dedication, integrity, and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Outside of her professional life, Sondra had a deep love of dogs and a passion for reading. Her home was always filled with the joyful barks and wagging tails of her furry companions. Over the years, she rescued and cared for numerous dogs, providing them with a loving home and a second chance at life; a testament to her boundless capacity for love and care.

Sondra’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and a life well-lived. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Stephen Cunningham, husband Earl “Keith” Murphy and daughter Melissa Murphy. She leaves behind her beloved son Michael (Karyn) Murphy of Osborne, KS; grandchildren, Lindsey Murphy of Kansas City, KS, Allie (Trevor) Hickman of Lenexa, KS; and step-grandchildren Hailey (Lamar) Mutchler Fayetteville, NC and Heath (Jocelyn) Arnold of Salina, KS; and several great-grandchildren who will forever cherish memories of their grandmother's warmth, wisdom, and generosity.

Sondra has requested that no funeral service be held. The family respects her wishes and asks that you honor her memory in your own special way. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sondra Jo Murphy, beloved wife, mother, and dedicated social worker, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024, at the age of 85. Her life was filled with the unconditional love she gave and received from her family, friends, and cherished canine companions.Born on October 16, 1939, in Beloit, KS to Joseph and Gladys (Slater) Cunningham. Sondra was the eldest of two children. From a young age, she exhibited a profound sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those around her. This calling led her to pursue a degree in social work at Fort Hays State University, where she excelled academically and found her true vocation.Sondra married the love of her life, Earl Keith Murphy. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter. Their marriage was a partnership built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and deep affection. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Michael and Melissa, who were the pride and joy of Sondra's life. She instilled in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and the importance of service to others.Sondra's professional career as a social worker was marked by her tireless efforts to advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized. She worked for various non-profit organizations in Washington state. And was known for always going above and beyond to ensure that those in need received the support and resources they deserved. Her colleagues admired her dedication, integrity, and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.Outside of her professional life, Sondra had a deep love of dogs and a passion for reading. Her home was always filled with the joyful barks and wagging tails of her furry companions. Over the years, she rescued and cared for numerous dogs, providing them with a loving home and a second chance at life; a testament to her boundless capacity for love and care.Sondra’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and a life well-lived. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Stephen Cunningham, husband Earl “Keith” Murphy and daughter Melissa Murphy. She leaves behind her beloved son Michael (Karyn) Murphy of Osborne, KS; grandchildren, Lindsey Murphy of Kansas City, KS, Allie (Trevor) Hickman of Lenexa, KS; and step-grandchildren Hailey (Lamar) Mutchler Fayetteville, NC and Heath (Jocelyn) Arnold of Salina, KS; and several great-grandchildren who will forever cherish memories of their grandmother's warmth, wisdom, and generosity.Sondra has requested that no funeral service be held. The family respects her wishes and asks that you honor her memory in your own special way. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sondra Jo Murphy

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

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

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

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

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

KBI: Reward offered in unsolved murder of Kansas couple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas providers challenge new ‘abortion survey’ law in court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heather Dawn Schultze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dennis Ray Hansen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex "Chip" Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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