NEW YORK (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;laced into Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and other Democrats on Thursday in a pointed and at times bitter speech as he headlined the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York.

Trump, in remarks that often felt more like a rally performance than a comedy routine, repeatedly criticized Harris over her decision to skip&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-al-smith-dinner-109cbfcdb2693c960483b8d4843cd704">the event</a>&nbsp;in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-joe-biden-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-0d30e62ab81872afeb9176b6e672bae3">break from presidential tradition</a>&nbsp;as she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-wisconsin-negative-political-attacks-fccd9cb11d304c59e6c8119d7e1e9b54">campaigned in Wisconsin</a>.

She recorded a video that was played onscreen, but Trump called the decision "deeply disrespectful."

““If you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, I guess you should have told her the funds were going to bail out the looters and rioters in Minneapolis and she would have been here, guaranteed,” said Trump, urging Catholics to vote for him in response.

“You better remember that I’m here and she’s not," he said.

The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves, and show that they can get along — or at least pretend to — for one night in the election's final stretch.

It's often the last time the two nominees share a stage before Election Day.

Trump delivered a number of one-liners that drew laughs. But he also questioned the mental fitness of Harris and President Joe Biden, commented on second gentleman Doug Emhoff's extramarital affair during his previous marriage, and made a joke about transgender women that echoed his frequent mocking of trans athletes on the campaign trail.

He said at one point that he would offer a couple of self-deprecating jokes before abandoning the effort. “Nope. I’ve got nothing,” he said to laughs.

“I just don’t see the point of taking shots at myself when other people have been shooting at me," he said, referencing his survival of two assassination attempts this year.

Of Biden, he said, “If the Democrats really wanted to have someone not be with us this evening, they would have sent Joe Biden."

Later, he said the current occupant of the White House “can barely talk, barely put together two coherent sentences, who seems to have the mental faculties of a child. This is a person that has nothing going, no intelligence whatsoever. But enough about Kamala Harris.”

In the video she recorded for the occasion, Harris appeared alongside comedian and actress Molly Shannon, who reprised her long-running “Saturday Night Live” character Mary Katherine Gallagher, an awkward Catholic schoolgirl. She also poked fun at Trump for comments he made in Michigan, saying that mocking Catholics in the video would be “like criticizing Detroit in Detroit.”

Harris’ campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-al-smith-dinner-109cbfcdb2693c960483b8d4843cd704">had previously said</a>&nbsp;that, with less than three weeks before Election Day, they wanted her to spend as much time as possible campaigning in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-north-carolina-arizona-election-34bca16175c387a076131ad69bc18d47">battleground states</a>&nbsp;that will decide the election, rather than detouring to heavily Democratic New York. Her team has told organizers that she would be willing to attend the dinner as president if she wins.

Melania Trump attended in a rare appearance

Trump was joined at the dinner by his wife, Melania, who has been an infrequent presence on the campaign trail.

The dais included a mix of Trump allies and foes, with various entanglements. They included New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought a successful&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-letitia-james-new-york-engoron-38bc3a7f2ccb22555c026e9bf70fd5bb">civil fraud case against Trump and his business</a>. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who endorsed Trump after dropping his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, attended with his wife, Cheryl Hines.

Also in attendance were New York’s embattled Mayor Eric Adams and other top city officials, as well as business leaders and sports and media personalities. Adams was charged last month with accepting illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips from Turkish officials and businesspeople — a case that was mentioned repeatedly, including by Trump.

Trump has claimed, without evidence, that Adams was targeted by authorities because he criticized Biden’s migrant policies.

“Mayor Adams: Good luck with everything,” Trump said, adding that what Adams faces is “peanuts” compared to his own legal woes and predicting that he will win reelection nonetheless.

He also went after former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was repeatedly booed by the crowd.

“To be honest, he was a terrible mayor," Trump said before offering a profanity at a religion-themed event. "I don’t give a s—- if this is comedy or not.”

Jim Gaffigan, who plays Tim Walz on ‘SNL,’ emceed

The dinner was emceed by comedian Jim Gaffigan, who plays Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz on “Saturday Night Live.”

Gaffigan has a history of criticizing Trump. In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JimGaffigan/status/1299204126383968257">he wrote on X</a>, then named Twitter, that, “We need to wake up. We need to call trump the con man and thief that he is.”

Gaffigan largely kept his focus on others Thursday, but offered several pointed quips, including when he referenced allegations that the Trump Organization in the 1970s discriminated against Black renters.

“If Vice President Harris wins this election, not only would she be the first female president, a Black woman would occupy the White House, a former Trump residence,” Gaffigan said. “Obviously you wouldn't be renting to her. I mean, that would never happen anyway. Maybe if Doug did the signing.”

Gaffigan also mocked Harris for not coming to the dinner and joked about the Democrats replacing Biden with the vice president.

“The media has begun discussing the phenomena of secret Trump voters. I don’t know if you’ve heard about this — people who publicly say they would never vote for Trump, but then when they go in the voting booth, they do. It’s a small group. They’re called the Biden family,” he told the crowd.

Trump's tone echoed his appearance in 2016, when he was joined by his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and delivered a particularly nasty speech in which he called her “corrupt."

“Hillary believes that it’s vital to deceive the people by having one public policy and a totally different policy in private,” he said to jeers. “For example, here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics.”

Mary Callahan Erdoes, vice chair of the foundation, alluded to that when she introduced Trump, suggesting she hoped for something less caustic.

“You never disappoint. Your wit is absolutely fabulous. And all of us together are going to hope for the best,” she said to laughs.

Trump, too, referenced the performance Thursday, saying that, in 2016, he "went overboard. That was like terrible. And I knew I was in trouble midway through."

That didn't stop him, however, from similar attacks, and repeatedly straying off-script.

The Harris campaign responded to Trump's speech with a statement saying it would remind “Americans how unstable he’s become.”

“He may refuse to release his medical records, but every day he makes it clear to the American people that he is not up to the job,” said spokesperson Ammar Moussa.

Trump's sense of humor is often cited by his supporters as key to his appeal. While he infamously glowered through former President Barack Obama’s jokes at his expense during the 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner, he also sometimes pokes fun at himself.

At several rallies this year, he has remarked on his hair after catching a glimpse of himself onscreen.

“What the hell can you do? There’s nothing I can do about it. We’re stuck with it," he joked at a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, last month.

Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>, who is Catholic, spoke at a virtual version of the fundraiser in 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-joe-biden-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-0d30e62ab81872afeb9176b6e672bae3">which was moved online due to concerns over large gatherings at the height of the pandemic</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alsmithfoundation.org/dinner/">Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner</a>&nbsp;is named for the former New York governor, a Democrat who was the first Catholic to receive a major-party nomination for president when he unsuccessfully ran for the White House in 1928.

The event has become a tradition for presidential candidates since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared together in 1960. In 1996, the Archdiocese of New York decided not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger, Bob Dole, reportedly because Clinton vetoed a late-term abortion ban.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;laced into Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and other Democrats on Thursday in a pointed and at times bitter speech as he headlined the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fmr Pres Trump on VP Harris not attending Al Smith Dinner: &quot;The two candidates for president are supposed to exchange good-natured barbs...I didn&#39;t like Biden very much and now I like him quite a bit...When we hopefully win...I&#39;ll like her a lot, but right now I can&#39;t stand her.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2NGXaaSKQx">pic.twitter.com/2NGXaaSKQx</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1847109154210468104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump, in remarks that often felt more like a rally performance than a comedy routine, repeatedly criticized Harris over her decision to skip&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-al-smith-dinner-109cbfcdb2693c960483b8d4843cd704">the event</a>&nbsp;in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-joe-biden-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-0d30e62ab81872afeb9176b6e672bae3">break from presidential tradition</a>&nbsp;as she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-wisconsin-negative-political-attacks-fccd9cb11d304c59e6c8119d7e1e9b54">campaigned in Wisconsin</a>.She recorded a video that was played onscreen, but Trump called the decision "deeply disrespectful."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> video with Molly Shannon&#39;s Saturday Night Live character Mary Katherine Gallagher at the Al Smith Dinner. Dinner MC <a href="https://twitter.com/JimGaffigan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JimGaffigan</a>: &quot;As I watch that I couldn&#39;t help but think of, now I know how my kids felt when I FaceTime into a piano recital they were at.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ibigiim32G">pic.twitter.com/ibigiim32G</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1847095293726097880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>““If you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, I guess you should have told her the funds were going to bail out the looters and rioters in Minneapolis and she would have been here, guaranteed,” said Trump, urging Catholics to vote for him in response.“You better remember that I’m here and she’s not," he said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump on New York City Mayor Adams: &quot;Good luck with everything!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UAzPFtWJRd">pic.twitter.com/UAzPFtWJRd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1847096902426235250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves, and show that they can get along — or at least pretend to — for one night in the election's final stretch.It's often the last time the two nominees share a stage before Election Day.Trump delivered a number of one-liners that drew laughs. But he also questioned the mental fitness of Harris and President Joe Biden, commented on second gentleman Doug Emhoff's extramarital affair during his previous marriage, and made a joke about transgender women that echoed his frequent mocking of trans athletes on the campaign trail.He said at one point that he would offer a couple of self-deprecating jokes before abandoning the effort. “Nope. I’ve got nothing,” he said to laughs.“I just don’t see the point of taking shots at myself when other people have been shooting at me," he said, referencing his survival of two assassination attempts this year.Of Biden, he said, “If the Democrats really wanted to have someone not be with us this evening, they would have sent Joe Biden."Later, he said the current occupant of the White House “can barely talk, barely put together two coherent sentences, who seems to have the mental faculties of a child. This is a person that has nothing going, no intelligence whatsoever. But enough about Kamala Harris.”In the video she recorded for the occasion, Harris appeared alongside comedian and actress Molly Shannon, who reprised her long-running “Saturday Night Live” character Mary Katherine Gallagher, an awkward Catholic schoolgirl. She also poked fun at Trump for comments he made in Michigan, saying that mocking Catholics in the video would be “like criticizing Detroit in Detroit.”Harris’ campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-al-smith-dinner-109cbfcdb2693c960483b8d4843cd704">had previously said</a>&nbsp;that, with less than three weeks before Election Day, they wanted her to spend as much time as possible campaigning in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-north-carolina-arizona-election-34bca16175c387a076131ad69bc18d47">battleground states</a>&nbsp;that will decide the election, rather than detouring to heavily Democratic New York. Her team has told organizers that she would be willing to attend the dinner as president if she wins.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump on Sen. Chuck Schumer: &quot;I supported him...I gave him his first check...I was very proud of it. I don&#39;t know about lately.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/pOK9pivhQ7">pic.twitter.com/pOK9pivhQ7</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1847096679457026286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Melania Trump attended in a rare appearance</h2>Trump was joined at the dinner by his wife, Melania, who has been an infrequent presence on the campaign trail.The dais included a mix of Trump allies and foes, with various entanglements. They included New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought a successful&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-letitia-james-new-york-engoron-38bc3a7f2ccb22555c026e9bf70fd5bb">civil fraud case against Trump and his business</a>. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who endorsed Trump after dropping his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, attended with his wife, Cheryl Hines.Also in attendance were New York’s embattled Mayor Eric Adams and other top city officials, as well as business leaders and sports and media personalities. Adams was charged last month with accepting illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips from Turkish officials and businesspeople — a case that was mentioned repeatedly, including by Trump.Trump has claimed, without evidence, that Adams was targeted by authorities because he criticized Biden’s migrant policies.“Mayor Adams: Good luck with everything,” Trump said, adding that what Adams faces is “peanuts” compared to his own legal woes and predicting that he will win reelection nonetheless.He also went after former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was repeatedly booed by the crowd.“To be honest, he was a terrible mayor," Trump said before offering a profanity at a religion-themed event. "I don’t give a s—- if this is comedy or not.”<h2>Jim Gaffigan, who plays Tim Walz on ‘SNL,’ emceed</h2>The dinner was emceed by comedian Jim Gaffigan, who plays Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz on “Saturday Night Live.”Gaffigan has a history of criticizing Trump. In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JimGaffigan/status/1299204126383968257">he wrote on X</a>, then named Twitter, that, “We need to wake up. We need to call trump the con man and thief that he is.”Gaffigan largely kept his focus on others Thursday, but offered several pointed quips, including when he referenced allegations that the Trump Organization in the 1970s discriminated against Black renters.“If Vice President Harris wins this election, not only would she be the first female president, a Black woman would occupy the White House, a former Trump residence,” Gaffigan said. “Obviously you wouldn't be renting to her. I mean, that would never happen anyway. Maybe if Doug did the signing.”Gaffigan also mocked Harris for not coming to the dinner and joked about the Democrats replacing Biden with the vice president.“The media has begun discussing the phenomena of secret Trump voters. I don’t know if you’ve heard about this — people who publicly say they would never vote for Trump, but then when they go in the voting booth, they do. It’s a small group. They’re called the Biden family,” he told the crowd.<h2>Reprising his role</h2>Trump's tone echoed his appearance in 2016, when he was joined by his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and delivered a particularly nasty speech in which he called her “corrupt."“Hillary believes that it’s vital to deceive the people by having one public policy and a totally different policy in private,” he said to jeers. “For example, here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics.”Mary Callahan Erdoes, vice chair of the foundation, alluded to that when she introduced Trump, suggesting she hoped for something less caustic.“You never disappoint. Your wit is absolutely fabulous. And all of us together are going to hope for the best,” she said to laughs.Trump, too, referenced the performance Thursday, saying that, in 2016, he "went overboard. That was like terrible. And I knew I was in trouble midway through."That didn't stop him, however, from similar attacks, and repeatedly straying off-script.The Harris campaign responded to Trump's speech with a statement saying it would remind “Americans how unstable he’s become.”“He may refuse to release his medical records, but every day he makes it clear to the American people that he is not up to the job,” said spokesperson Ammar Moussa.Trump's sense of humor is often cited by his supporters as key to his appeal. While he infamously glowered through former President Barack Obama’s jokes at his expense during the 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner, he also sometimes pokes fun at himself.At several rallies this year, he has remarked on his hair after catching a glimpse of himself onscreen.“What the hell can you do? There’s nothing I can do about it. We’re stuck with it," he joked at a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, last month.Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>, who is Catholic, spoke at a virtual version of the fundraiser in 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-joe-biden-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-0d30e62ab81872afeb9176b6e672bae3">which was moved online due to concerns over large gatherings at the height of the pandemic</a>.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alsmithfoundation.org/dinner/">Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner</a>&nbsp;is named for the former New York governor, a Democrat who was the first Catholic to receive a major-party nomination for president when he unsuccessfully ran for the White House in 1928.The event has become a tradition for presidential candidates since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared together in 1960. In 1996, the Archdiocese of New York decided not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger, Bob Dole, reportedly because Clinton vetoed a late-term abortion ban.

🎥 Awkward moments for Harris, Trump during Al Smith Dinner

KANSAS CITY —A slowly-developing La Nina is favored to influence conditions for the upcoming winter across most of the country, according to NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook released today by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/">Climate Prediction Center</a>&nbsp;— a division of NOAA’s National Weather Service. This outlook is for December 2024 through February 2025 and contains information on likely conditions throughout the country for temperature, precipitation and drought.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This winter, NOAA predicts wetter-than-average conditions for the entire northern tier of the continental U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region, along with northern and western Alaska. Meanwhile, drier-than-average conditions are expected from the Four Corners region of the Southwest to the Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic states.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“In September, we announced a $100 million investment into NOAA’s high-performance computer system to advance research on weather, climate and ocean predictions because understanding our climate system is essential for making longer-term predictions like the Winter Seasonal Outlook, which provides vital information for many of our partners and the public,” said Michael Morgan, Ph.D., NOAA’s assistant secretary of commerce for observation and prediction. “We continue to innovate in this space, developing new ways to share winter forecast information with the public.”

“This winter, an emerging La Nina is anticipated to influence the upcoming winter patterns, especially our precipitation predictions,” said Jon Gottschalck, chief of the Operational Prediction Branch of the Climate Prediction Center.&nbsp;

La Nina conditions are expected to develop later this fall and typically lead to a more northerly storm track during the winter months, leaving the southern tier of the country warmer and drier. As a result, NOAA forecasters, in collaboration with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.drought.gov/about">National Integrated Drought Information System</a>&nbsp;(NIDIS), expect drought conditions to persist and worsen across the central and southern Plains of the U.S.

“Unfortunately, after a brief period in the spring of 2024 with minimal drought conditions across the country, more than a quarter of the land mass in the continental U.S. is currently in at least a moderate drought,” said Brad Pugh, operational drought lead with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “And the winter precipitation outlook does not bode well for widespread relief.”

Winter forecasting tools: Here’s what’s new at NOAA&nbsp;

NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that temperatures and total precipitation amounts will be above-, near- or below-average, and how drought conditions are anticipated to change in the months ahead. The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations as snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance.&nbsp;

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center updates the three-month outlook monthly. The next update will be available November 21.&nbsp;

Seasonal outlooks help communities prepare for what is likely to come in the months ahead and minimize weather's impacts on lives and livelihoods. Resources such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.drought.gov/">drought.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.climate.gov/">climate.gov</a>&nbsp;provide comprehensive tools to better understand and plan for climate-driven hazards. Empowering people with actionable forecasts, seasonal predictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter">winter weather safety tips</a>&nbsp;is key to NOAA’s effort to build a more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/wrn/">Weather</a>- and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/story-map-building-climate-ready-nation">Climate</a>-Ready Nation.

KANSAS CITY —A slowly-developing La Nina is favored to influence conditions for the upcoming winter across most of the country, according to NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook released today by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/">Climate Prediction Center</a>&nbsp;— a division of NOAA’s National Weather Service. This outlook is for December 2024 through February 2025 and contains information on likely conditions throughout the country for temperature, precipitation and drought.&nbsp;&nbsp;This winter, NOAA predicts wetter-than-average conditions for the entire northern tier of the continental U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region, along with northern and western Alaska. Meanwhile, drier-than-average conditions are expected from the Four Corners region of the Southwest to the Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic states.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In September, we announced a $100 million investment into NOAA’s high-performance computer system to advance research on weather, climate and ocean predictions because understanding our climate system is essential for making longer-term predictions like the Winter Seasonal Outlook, which provides vital information for many of our partners and the public,” said Michael Morgan, Ph.D., NOAA’s assistant secretary of commerce for observation and prediction. “We continue to innovate in this space, developing new ways to share winter forecast information with the public.”“This winter, an emerging La Nina is anticipated to influence the upcoming winter patterns, especially our precipitation predictions,” said Jon Gottschalck, chief of the Operational Prediction Branch of the Climate Prediction Center.&nbsp;La Nina conditions are expected to develop later this fall and typically lead to a more northerly storm track during the winter months, leaving the southern tier of the country warmer and drier. As a result, NOAA forecasters, in collaboration with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.drought.gov/about">National Integrated Drought Information System</a>&nbsp;(NIDIS), expect drought conditions to persist and worsen across the central and southern Plains of the U.S.“Unfortunately, after a brief period in the spring of 2024 with minimal drought conditions across the country, more than a quarter of the land mass in the continental U.S. is currently in at least a moderate drought,” said Brad Pugh, operational drought lead with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “And the winter precipitation outlook does not bode well for widespread relief.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729207977321.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Temperature</h2><ul>
 <li>Warmer-than-average temperatures are favored from the southern tier of the U.S. to the eastern Great Lakes, eastern seaboard, New England and northern Alaska. These probabilities are strongest along the Gulf Coast and for most of Texas.</li><li>Below-average temperatures are most likely in southern Alaska, with below-average temperatures slightly favored from the Pacific Northwest to the northern High Plains.</li><li>The remaining areas have equal chances of below-, near-, or above-average seasonal mean temperatures.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729208031294.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Precipitation</h2><ul>
 <li>Wetter-than-average conditions are most likely in the Great Lakes states, and above-average precipitation is also favored in northern and western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and across the northern tier of the U.S. These probabilities&nbsp; are strongest in portions of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.</li><li>The greatest likelihood for drier-than-average conditions are in states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, as well as in Texas and southern New Mexico.</li><li>Much of California, the central Plains states and the I-95 corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C., have equal chances of below-average, near-average or above-average seasonal total precipitation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729208085467.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Drought</h2><ul>
 <li>Widespread moderate to extreme drought continues across much of the Great Plains and in portions of the Rocky Mountains, especially farther south.</li><li>Drought conditions are expected to improve or end in the Ohio River Valley, the Great Lakes region and portions of the northwestern U.S., including eastern Washington and Oregon and northern and central Idaho.</li><li>Drought conditions are expected to persist across the Great Plains.</li><li>Drought is likely to develop or worsen across portions of the Southwest and Gulf Coast.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>Winter forecasting tools: Here’s what’s new at NOAA&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>Over the past year, NOAA implemented several upgrades and improvements to its forecasting tools. In late 2023, the experimental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/wssi/prob_wssi.php">Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index</a>&nbsp;(WSSI-P) became operational. The product enhances communication with external partners, media and the public by visually representing the likelihood of potential societal impacts due to expected winter hazards over a 7-day period. This is complemented by an existing operational version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/wssi/wssi.php">Winter Storm Severity Index</a>&nbsp;(WSSI), which is based on the official National Weather Service forecast of the most likely conditions over the next three days.</li><li>NOAA is simplifying its suite of cold weather products to improve messaging of these hazards and provide better decision support services. As of October 2024, the Wind Chill Watch, Warning, and Advisory products were consolidated into the Extreme Cold Watch and Warning and Cold Weather Advisory products, respectively. The Hard Freeze Watch and Warning products were consolidated into the existing Freeze Watch and Warning products, respectively. More information can be found within this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/news/243009-cold-hazard-simplification">hazard simplication project webstory</a>.</li><li>NOAA will make the Experimental Probabilistic Precipitation Portal publicly available beginning in early November. This webpage will enable users to view the Low-End, Expected and High-End amounts of snow and rain, as well as probabilities of exceeding threshold amounts of precipitation. Data will be available through an interactive map, tables and graphics to assist local partners, including emergency management, with decision support.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>About NOAA's seasonal outlooks</h2>NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that temperatures and total precipitation amounts will be above-, near- or below-average, and how drought conditions are anticipated to change in the months ahead. The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations as snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance.&nbsp;NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center updates the three-month outlook monthly. The next update will be available November 21.&nbsp;Seasonal outlooks help communities prepare for what is likely to come in the months ahead and minimize weather's impacts on lives and livelihoods. Resources such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.drought.gov/">drought.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.climate.gov/">climate.gov</a>&nbsp;provide comprehensive tools to better understand and plan for climate-driven hazards. Empowering people with actionable forecasts, seasonal predictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter">winter weather safety tips</a>&nbsp;is key to NOAA’s effort to build a more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/wrn/">Weather</a>- and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/story-map-building-climate-ready-nation">Climate</a>-Ready Nation.

NOAA  winter weather outlook doesn't say much about Kansas

Southern Lyon County USD 252 only district to be recognized in eight areas&nbsp;for four consecutive years

TOPEKA —&nbsp;<a>The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) recognized 243 public school districts and eight private systems through the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program that has been in place since the 2019-20 school year.</a>

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson announced the recipients of this year’s awards during the Kansas State Board of Education’s October meeting. The recipients will also be announced and celebrated at KSDE’s annual conference, Great Ideas in Education: Lighting the Path Forward, Oct. 23-25, in Wichita.

The program honors districts and systems for excelling in outcomes established around the vision for education in the state – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

The vision was announced in 2015 by the Kansas State Board of Education and KSDE. A new accreditation model, Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA), was announced shortly after. KESA accredits at the system level to create systemic change among school buildings in a district. The second iteration of the accreditation system, KESA 2.0, is in full implementation as of the start of the 2024-25 school year.

The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program is designed to support the KESA process by providing a level of recognition that helps districts identify where they want to focus their improvement efforts.

The program recognizes district achievement in eight areas, which are broken into quantitative and qualitative measures. Districts must apply for recognition in the qualitative measures area.

District recognition in the quantitative measures area is automatically calculated by KSDE based on collected district data. No application is necessary.

Districts can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the quantitative measure areas of:

Districts can apply to receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the qualitative measures of:

The Commissioner’s Award recognizes districts that outperform their predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate above a .40 standard deviation.

A district’s predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate factors in the degree to which identified risk factors known to depress effectiveness rates, such as poverty, chronic absenteeism and student mobility, are present in a district’s student population.

Districts that outperform their predictive rate by .4-.99 standard deviation receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award. There were 44 districts/systems that achieved this award for 2024.

Districts that outperform their predictive rate by 1-1.99 standard deviations receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award with Honors. There were 32 districts that achieved this award for 2024.

Districts that outperform their predictive rate by 2 or more standard deviations receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award with Highest Distinction. There were seven districts that achieved this award:

For more information about the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Kansans-Can-Star-Recognition">https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Kansans-Can-Star-Recognition</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729093110743.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<h2>Southern Lyon County USD 252 only district to be recognized in eight areas&nbsp;for four consecutive years</h2>TOPEKA —&nbsp;<a>The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) recognized 243 public school districts and eight private systems through the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program that has been in place since the 2019-20 school year.</a>Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson announced the recipients of this year’s awards during the Kansas State Board of Education’s October meeting. The recipients will also be announced and celebrated at KSDE’s annual conference, Great Ideas in Education: Lighting the Path Forward, Oct. 23-25, in Wichita.The program honors districts and systems for excelling in outcomes established around the vision for education in the state – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.The vision was announced in 2015 by the Kansas State Board of Education and KSDE. A new accreditation model, Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA), was announced shortly after. KESA accredits at the system level to create systemic change among school buildings in a district. The second iteration of the accreditation system, KESA 2.0, is in full implementation as of the start of the 2024-25 school year.The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program is designed to support the KESA process by providing a level of recognition that helps districts identify where they want to focus their improvement efforts.The program recognizes district achievement in eight areas, which are broken into quantitative and qualitative measures. Districts must apply for recognition in the qualitative measures area.District recognition in the quantitative measures area is automatically calculated by KSDE based on collected district data. No application is necessary.Districts can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the quantitative measure areas of:<ul>
 <li>Academically prepared for postsecondary.</li><li>High school graduation.</li><li>Postsecondary success.</li><li>Commissioner’s Award</li>
 </ul>Districts can apply to receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the qualitative measures of:<ul>
 <li>Social-emotional growth</li><li>Kindergarten readiness</li><li>Individual plans of study (IPS)</li><li>Civic engagement</li>
 </ul>The Commissioner’s Award recognizes districts that outperform their predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate above a .40 standard deviation.A district’s predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate factors in the degree to which identified risk factors known to depress effectiveness rates, such as poverty, chronic absenteeism and student mobility, are present in a district’s student population.Districts that outperform their predictive rate by .4-.99 standard deviation receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award. There were 44 districts/systems that achieved this award for 2024.Districts that outperform their predictive rate by 1-1.99 standard deviations receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award with Honors. There were 32 districts that achieved this award for 2024.Districts that outperform their predictive rate by 2 or more standard deviations receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award with Highest Distinction. There were seven districts that achieved this award:<ul>
 <li>Cheney USD 268</li><li>Erie-Galesburg USD 101</li><li>Fairfield USD 310</li><li>Frontenac USD 249</li><li>Pike Valley USD 426</li><li>Plainville USD 270</li><li>St. John–Hudson USD 350</li>
 </ul>Other awards included:<ul>
 <li>There were 72 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;social-emotional growth&nbsp;outcomes area: 19 coppers, 27 bronzes and 25 silvers and one gold for 2024.</li><li>There were 52 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;kindergarten readiness&nbsp;outcome area: 21 coppers and 31 bronzes for 2024.</li><li>There were 24 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;civic&nbsp;engagement outcome&nbsp;area: eight coppers, 13 bronzes, one silver and two golds for 2024.</li><li>There were 58 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;individual plan of study (IPS)&nbsp;outcome area: 23 coppers, 20 bronzes, four silvers and one gold for 2024.</li><li>There were 142 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;high school graduation&nbsp;outcome area: 10 coppers, 38 bronzes, 25 silvers and 69 golds for 2024.</li><li>There were 114 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;academically prepared for postsecondary&nbsp;outcome area: 106 coppers, 13 bronzes and one silver. There were two gold recipients for 2024.</li><li>There were 122 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;postsecondary success&nbsp; outcome area: 43 coppers, 43 bronzes, 33 silvers and 16 golds.</li><li>For the fourth consecutive year, Southern Lyon County USD 252 was the only district to be recognized in all eight program areas.&nbsp;A list of districts being recognized, along with what they are being recognized for, is attached.</li>
 </ul>For more information about the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Kansans-Can-Star-Recognition">https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Kansans-Can-Star-Recognition</a>

Area school district recognized through Kansans Can Star Recognition Program

JUNCTION CITY - The Hays High volleyball&nbsp; team extended their winning-streak to 12 matches Thursday with a pair of wins over Junction City and Topeka High.

Hays def. Junction City 25-15, 25-13 Hays def. Topeka 25-23, 25-9

In the match, senior Annie Humphrey collected her 1,000th career dig.

Hays improves to 25-6. They play at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Saturday in Garden City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689954940605.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostJUNCTION CITY - The Hays High volleyball&nbsp; team extended their winning-streak to 12 matches Thursday with a pair of wins over Junction City and Topeka High.Hays def. Junction City 25-15, 25-13 Hays def. Topeka 25-23, 25-9In the match, senior Annie Humphrey collected her 1,000th career dig.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to Annie Humphrey for getting 1,000 career digs tonight! <a href="https://t.co/AQSp9lo1L6">pic.twitter.com/AQSp9lo1L6</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics and Activities (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1847056693026316486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hays improves to 25-6. They play at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Saturday in Garden City.

🏐 HHS wins twice in Junction City to extend win streak

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On October 14, sheriff's deputies arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;Jesse Lee Hewes of Independence, Oregon, near Mayetta, Kansas, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies reported they found illegal drugs in Hewes' 2011 Honda Civic. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribute cocaine, distribute hallucinogenic drug, distribute marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with intent manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728997703583.png" alt="Hewes-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hewes-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On October 14, sheriff's deputies arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;Jesse Lee Hewes of Independence, Oregon, near Mayetta, Kansas, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies reported they found illegal drugs in Hewes' 2011 Honda Civic. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribute cocaine, distribute hallucinogenic drug, distribute marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with intent manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Man from Oregon accused of selling cocaine in Kansas

The Hays High Indians and TMP Monarchs both qualified their girls golf programs for their respective state tournaments earlier this week. Both teams won their regional.

The Indians have qualified for the state tournament for a 19th straight year after winning the Hutchinson 5A regional at the Carey Park Golf Course.

The 5A state tournament will be held at the Salina Municipal Golf Course on Monday, October 21st and Tuesday, October 22nd.

Team members and tee times: Lily Butler - 10:00 Ava Erbert - 10:10 Liz Cunningham - 10:20 Kinley Pfannenstiel - 10:30 Liz Dreiling - 10:40 Jaycee Oakley - 10:50

The Monarchs qualified one day later&nbsp;after they claimed the team title at the 3-1A Cheney regional at Cherry Oaks Golf Course.&nbsp;It marks the third time in the last four years the Monarchs have qualified as a team for the state tournament.&nbsp;

The 3-1A state tournament is held in Emporia also on Tuesday, October 22nd.

Team members and tee times: Emma Wasinger - 10:00 Ava Schumacher - 10:10 Jenna Brull - 10:20 Brynn Schoepf - 10:30

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729204012421.jpeg" alt="TMP and Hays High State Teams" />
 <figcaption>TMP and Hays High State Teams</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays High Indians and TMP Monarchs both qualified their girls golf programs for their respective state tournaments earlier this week. Both teams won their regional.The Indians have qualified for the state tournament for a 19th straight year after winning the Hutchinson 5A regional at the Carey Park Golf Course.The 5A state tournament will be held at the Salina Municipal Golf Course on Monday, October 21st and Tuesday, October 22nd.Team members and tee times: Lily Butler - 10:00 Ava Erbert - 10:10 Liz Cunningham - 10:20 Kinley Pfannenstiel - 10:30 Liz Dreiling - 10:40 Jaycee Oakley - 10:50The Monarchs qualified one day later&nbsp;after they claimed the team title at the 3-1A Cheney regional at Cherry Oaks Golf Course.&nbsp;It marks the third time in the last four years the Monarchs have qualified as a team for the state tournament.&nbsp;The 3-1A state tournament is held in Emporia also on Tuesday, October 22nd.Team members and tee times: Emma Wasinger - 10:00 Ava Schumacher - 10:10 Jenna Brull - 10:20 Brynn Schoepf - 10:30

⛳ Hays sending two teams to state golf

Robert 'Bob' Steerman, 68, of Gove, Kansas, passed
away on October 15, 2024, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Born on
February 21, 1956, in Quinter, Kansas, Bob was the son of Russell and Earlene
(Bretton) Steerman.

Bob grew up in Gove, where he attended Gove Grade School and
graduated from Wheatland High School in May 1974. His passion for mechanics led
him to earn an associate degree in diesel mechanics from Goodland Vo-Tech. He
began his career at Shaw Motors, but his dedication to his community soon found
him serving as a road grader operator for the Gove County Road Department, a
role he cherished and held for most of his life. After retiring, he continued
to stay active, working on a ranch alongside his brother David until 2022.
Above all, Bob's heart was filled with love for his children and grandchildren,
who brought him immense joy and pride throughout his life.

Bob is survived by his son Dusty (Brenda) Steerman of Gove,
Kansas; daughter Shelby Getz of Grainfield, Kansas; grandchildren Austin
Hawkins, Layla Steerman, Leeta and Junior Gorczyca, and Layne, Layton, and Sage
Getz; brother David (Diane) Steerman of Wamego, Kansas; and sister Deborah
(Dale) Heideman of Alta Vista, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19,
from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the
Gove Community Building, located at 305 Broad St., Gove, KS 67736. Burial will
take place immediately after the service at Gove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the Robert Steerman Memorial. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at
901 South Main, Quinter, Kansas, 67752.

The family invites all who knew Bob to share their memories
and words of support by signing the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com. He
will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729200053666.jpeg" alt="Robert 'Bob' Steerman" />
 <figcaption>Robert 'Bob' Steerman</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert 'Bob' Steerman, 68, of Gove, Kansas, passed
away on October 15, 2024, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Born on
February 21, 1956, in Quinter, Kansas, Bob was the son of Russell and Earlene
(Bretton) Steerman.Bob grew up in Gove, where he attended Gove Grade School and
graduated from Wheatland High School in May 1974. His passion for mechanics led
him to earn an associate degree in diesel mechanics from Goodland Vo-Tech. He
began his career at Shaw Motors, but his dedication to his community soon found
him serving as a road grader operator for the Gove County Road Department, a
role he cherished and held for most of his life. After retiring, he continued
to stay active, working on a ranch alongside his brother David until 2022.
Above all, Bob's heart was filled with love for his children and grandchildren,
who brought him immense joy and pride throughout his life.Bob is survived by his son Dusty (Brenda) Steerman of Gove,
Kansas; daughter Shelby Getz of Grainfield, Kansas; grandchildren Austin
Hawkins, Layla Steerman, Leeta and Junior Gorczyca, and Layne, Layton, and Sage
Getz; brother David (Diane) Steerman of Wamego, Kansas; and sister Deborah
(Dale) Heideman of Alta Vista, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents.A public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19,
from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the
Gove Community Building, located at 305 Broad St., Gove, KS 67736. Burial will
take place immediately after the service at Gove Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the Robert Steerman Memorial. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at
901 South Main, Quinter, Kansas, 67752.The family invites all who knew Bob to share their memories
and words of support by signing the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com. He
will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Robert 'Bob' Steerman

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mitzi Gaynor, the effervescent dancer and actor who starred as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film of "South Pacific" and appeared in other musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, has died. She was 93.

Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/movies">Hollywood musical,</a>&nbsp;died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, her long-time managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press.

“As we celebrate her legacy, we offer our thanks to her friends and fans and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her long life,” Reyes and Rosamonda said in a joint statement. “Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life.”

Her entertainment career spanned eight decades across film, television and the stage, and appeared in several notable films including “We’re Not Married!” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” but she is best remembered for her turn in “South Pacific.”

The screen version of “South Pacific” received three Academy Award nominations and won for best sound, while Gaynor was a best actress nominee for a Golden Globe.

The role of the love-sick nurse Nellie, created on Broadway by Mary Martin, had been eagerly sought by Hollywood stars. Sinatra helped Gaynor land it.

She was starring with him in “The Joker Is Wild,” when she had a one-day opportunity to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. It was the same day she was scheduled for her biggest scene with Sinatra. When she explained her plight, he told her, “Don’t worry, I’ll change the schedule.”

Hammerstein was impressed with Gaynor, who had already won the approval of director Josh Logan and composer Richard Rodgers. She was cast opposite Rossano Brazzi, about whom she sang “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”

“South Pacific” was not the turning point in her career that Gaynor had hoped it would be, and she shifted her focus from film to television, making early appearances on Donald O’Connor’s variety series “Here Comes Donald,” and on CBS’ “The Jack Benny Hour.” In October of 1959, she was the only women to guest star alongside Sinatra, Crosby, Dean Martin and Jimmy Durante on ABC’s “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” special.

Later in her career, Gaynor reinvented herself as a performing entertainer. Working with her husband and manager Jack Bean, she starred in her own musical revue that was a big draw in theaters throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia.

She became the highest paid female entertainer in Las Vegas and was the first woman to be awarded the Las Vegas governor’s trophy for “Star Entertainer of the Year" in 1970.

When touring with a full orchestra, a corps of dancers and backstage personnel became too unwieldy and expensive, Gaynor slimmed down the production, eventually making it a one-woman show. They continued touring every year until 2002 when Bean’s illness required a hiatus.

“I love touring; I’ve been doing it much of my life,” Gaynor said in a 2003 interview. “We go back to the same places; it’s like visiting friends. After the show, people come backstage to the dressing room, and we renew friendships. We send out almost 3,000 Christmas cards every year.”

Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber (Mitzi is diminutive for Marlene) in Chicago on Sept. 4, 1931, she was a part of a musically inclined family and started singing and dancing at a young age.

In a 2003 AP interview, Gaynor said she has a clear memory of her stage debut. She had been taking ballet and tap lessons and at age 7 she was scheduled for a tap routine at the dance school recital. She had neglected to use the bathroom, and when she faced the audience, a puddle formed on the stage.

“I ran kicking and screaming off the stage,” she recalls. “But I got huge applause. So I dried off and put some lipstick on. After the next girl did a hula with batons and slipped on the wet floor, I went out and said, ‘I’m OK now. Can I do it?’ And I got cheers!”

Gaynor and Bean married in 1954 and in 1960 bought a spacious house in Beverly Hills that became their home until his death in 2006. They rarely appeared at Hollywood events, preferring to entertain a few close friends. The couple had no children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729183398328.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mitzi Gaynor, the effervescent dancer and actor who starred as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film of "South Pacific" and appeared in other musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, has died. She was 93.Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/movies">Hollywood musical,</a>&nbsp;died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, her long-time managers Rene Reyes and Shane Rosamonda confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press.“As we celebrate her legacy, we offer our thanks to her friends and fans and the countless audiences she entertained throughout her long life,” Reyes and Rosamonda said in a joint statement. “Your love, support and appreciation meant so very much to her and was a sustaining gift in her life.”Her entertainment career spanned eight decades across film, television and the stage, and appeared in several notable films including “We’re Not Married!” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” but she is best remembered for her turn in “South Pacific.”The screen version of “South Pacific” received three Academy Award nominations and won for best sound, while Gaynor was a best actress nominee for a Golden Globe.The role of the love-sick nurse Nellie, created on Broadway by Mary Martin, had been eagerly sought by Hollywood stars. Sinatra helped Gaynor land it.She was starring with him in “The Joker Is Wild,” when she had a one-day opportunity to audition for lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. It was the same day she was scheduled for her biggest scene with Sinatra. When she explained her plight, he told her, “Don’t worry, I’ll change the schedule.”Hammerstein was impressed with Gaynor, who had already won the approval of director Josh Logan and composer Richard Rodgers. She was cast opposite Rossano Brazzi, about whom she sang “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”“South Pacific” was not the turning point in her career that Gaynor had hoped it would be, and she shifted her focus from film to television, making early appearances on Donald O’Connor’s variety series “Here Comes Donald,” and on CBS’ “The Jack Benny Hour.” In October of 1959, she was the only women to guest star alongside Sinatra, Crosby, Dean Martin and Jimmy Durante on ABC’s “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show” special.Later in her career, Gaynor reinvented herself as a performing entertainer. Working with her husband and manager Jack Bean, she starred in her own musical revue that was a big draw in theaters throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia.She became the highest paid female entertainer in Las Vegas and was the first woman to be awarded the Las Vegas governor’s trophy for “Star Entertainer of the Year" in 1970.When touring with a full orchestra, a corps of dancers and backstage personnel became too unwieldy and expensive, Gaynor slimmed down the production, eventually making it a one-woman show. They continued touring every year until 2002 when Bean’s illness required a hiatus.“I love touring; I’ve been doing it much of my life,” Gaynor said in a 2003 interview. “We go back to the same places; it’s like visiting friends. After the show, people come backstage to the dressing room, and we renew friendships. We send out almost 3,000 Christmas cards every year.”Born Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber (Mitzi is diminutive for Marlene) in Chicago on Sept. 4, 1931, she was a part of a musically inclined family and started singing and dancing at a young age.In a 2003 AP interview, Gaynor said she has a clear memory of her stage debut. She had been taking ballet and tap lessons and at age 7 she was scheduled for a tap routine at the dance school recital. She had neglected to use the bathroom, and when she faced the audience, a puddle formed on the stage.“I ran kicking and screaming off the stage,” she recalls. “But I got huge applause. So I dried off and put some lipstick on. After the next girl did a hula with batons and slipped on the wet floor, I went out and said, ‘I’m OK now. Can I do it?’ And I got cheers!”Gaynor and Bean married in 1954 and in 1960 bought a spacious house in Beverly Hills that became their home until his death in 2006. They rarely appeared at Hollywood events, preferring to entertain a few close friends. The couple had no children.

Mitzi Gaynor, legendary actress and star of 'South Pacific,' dies at 93

Sammie Lee Bricker, 96, of San
Marcos, Texas and former Gorham, Kansas, resident died on Saturday, October 12,
2024, in San Marcos, Texas.&nbsp;

Sammie was born on July 19, 1928,
in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Samuel T. and Lavita (Elliott)
Steward.&nbsp; She grew up in the Gorham and Russell, Kansas, area and
graduated from Gorham High School.&nbsp; She met, fell in love and was united
in marriage to Melvin George Bricker on February 21, 1947, in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker and enjoyed caring
for her family.&nbsp; She also enjoyed listening to music, playing the organ
and scrapbooking.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Surviving family include her son
Craig Bricker and daughter Carol Wisseman both of San Marcos, Texas and 5
grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her
husband Melvin on December 30, 2012, and son Darick Bricker.&nbsp;

Sammie Lee Bricker, 96, of San
Marcos, Texas and former Gorham, Kansas, resident died on Saturday, October 12,
2024, in San Marcos, Texas.&nbsp;Sammie was born on July 19, 1928,
in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Samuel T. and Lavita (Elliott)
Steward.&nbsp; She grew up in the Gorham and Russell, Kansas, area and
graduated from Gorham High School.&nbsp; She met, fell in love and was united
in marriage to Melvin George Bricker on February 21, 1947, in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker and enjoyed caring
for her family.&nbsp; She also enjoyed listening to music, playing the organ
and scrapbooking.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Surviving family include her son
Craig Bricker and daughter Carol Wisseman both of San Marcos, Texas and 5
grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her
husband Melvin on December 30, 2012, and son Darick Bricker.&nbsp;

Sammie Lee Bricker

Lucy Ann Brown, 77, Victoria, formerly of Denver and Sharon
Springs, died Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell
surrounded by her family.

She was born September 25, 1947 in Hays, Kansas to Joe S.
and Pauline (Karlin) Dinkel.&nbsp; She graduated from Victoria High
School.&nbsp; On August 5, 1967 she married Robert Dean Brown and moved to
Denver, Sharon Springs, and later back to Victoria.&nbsp; He preceded her in
death on November 15, 2017.&nbsp; Lucy worked as a county clerk and bank
teller.&nbsp; Her love of caring for others drew her to become a CNA and later
a CMA.&nbsp; Her career lasted for 35 years between St. John’s Nursing Home and
Via Christi Village.&nbsp; She was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis in
Victoria.&nbsp; She cherished time with her family and loved ones, and she
enjoyed baking. &nbsp;Her specialties were bierocks, blackberry kuchen and pies
along with dilly bread.&nbsp; Other things that filled her spare time were
crocheting, rug making, reading, and watching Hallmark movies.

Survivors include a son, Michael Brown (Blythe) of Victoria,
three daughters, La Donna Braun (Frederick) of Bunker Hill, Kimberly Brown and
companion (Kenneth Kuntzsch) of Russell, and Bobbie Phlieger (James) of
Plainville, two brothers, Delmar Dinkel of Hays and Kenny Dinkel (Margie) of
Plainville, two sisters, Dorothy Jacobs and Donna Deckman (Joe), both of Hays,
a sister-in-law, Peggy Dinkel of Hays, 12 grandchildren and ten great
grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert
Dean Brown, three brothers, Melvin, Jim, and Frank Dinkel, infant siblings,
Richard Lee, Joseph Anthony, Thomas Gilbert, and Judith Pauline Dinkel, a
brother-in-law, Clarence “Bud” Jacobs, and a sister-in-law, Clarita (Pelzel)
Dinkel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
October 22, 2024 at the Basilica of St. Fidelis with Fr. James Moster, OFMCap.
officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow in St. Fidelis Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation
will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the Basilica.&nbsp; A vigil
service and rosary will be at 5:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to Wheatland Nursing Center.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Lucy may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com
&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729174257764.jpeg" alt="Lucy Ann Brown" />
 <figcaption>Lucy Ann Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Lucy Ann Brown, 77, Victoria, formerly of Denver and Sharon
Springs, died Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell
surrounded by her family.She was born September 25, 1947 in Hays, Kansas to Joe S.
and Pauline (Karlin) Dinkel.&nbsp; She graduated from Victoria High
School.&nbsp; On August 5, 1967 she married Robert Dean Brown and moved to
Denver, Sharon Springs, and later back to Victoria.&nbsp; He preceded her in
death on November 15, 2017.&nbsp; Lucy worked as a county clerk and bank
teller.&nbsp; Her love of caring for others drew her to become a CNA and later
a CMA.&nbsp; Her career lasted for 35 years between St. John’s Nursing Home and
Via Christi Village.&nbsp; She was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis in
Victoria.&nbsp; She cherished time with her family and loved ones, and she
enjoyed baking. &nbsp;Her specialties were bierocks, blackberry kuchen and pies
along with dilly bread.&nbsp; Other things that filled her spare time were
crocheting, rug making, reading, and watching Hallmark movies.Survivors include a son, Michael Brown (Blythe) of Victoria,
three daughters, La Donna Braun (Frederick) of Bunker Hill, Kimberly Brown and
companion (Kenneth Kuntzsch) of Russell, and Bobbie Phlieger (James) of
Plainville, two brothers, Delmar Dinkel of Hays and Kenny Dinkel (Margie) of
Plainville, two sisters, Dorothy Jacobs and Donna Deckman (Joe), both of Hays,
a sister-in-law, Peggy Dinkel of Hays, 12 grandchildren and ten great
grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert
Dean Brown, three brothers, Melvin, Jim, and Frank Dinkel, infant siblings,
Richard Lee, Joseph Anthony, Thomas Gilbert, and Judith Pauline Dinkel, a
brother-in-law, Clarence “Bud” Jacobs, and a sister-in-law, Clarita (Pelzel)
Dinkel.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
October 22, 2024 at the Basilica of St. Fidelis with Fr. James Moster, OFMCap.
officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow in St. Fidelis Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation
will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the Basilica.&nbsp; A vigil
service and rosary will be at 5:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to Wheatland Nursing Center.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Lucy may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com
&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lucy Ann Brown

Richard
Polcyn, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Monday, October 14, 2024, at St Francis
Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.


Richard was born on November 14, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Florian
“Mike” Joseph and Clemence “Clem” Katherine (Mudd) Polcyn. He grew up on the
family farm south of Gorham, Kansas and then the family moved to Russell, in
1958. He graduated from Russell High School in 1965 and continued his education
at Pittsburg State University graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in
Industrial Technology.&nbsp; Richard was a
member of the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corp,
receiving a comission as a 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. &nbsp;After
leaving the Army, Richard moved to Phoenix, Arizona and went to work for Ford
Motor Company before moving back to the family farm in 1975.&nbsp; Richard was married to Carol Moyer and
Rebecca McKim.

While
farming was something he was good at, his passion was always flying so in 1980,
Richard started Rich’s Air Service, a charter company that eventually grew to
include fuel sales, and flight instruction in Russell and then later in Hays,
Ks.

He was
a lifelong member of St.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the Knights of
Columbus, Russell Elks Lodge and American Legion Post #99. Richard served on
several boards including the Farm Bureau and looked forward to meeting with
local and state government officials to talk about policy and government
programs that could help Kansas farmers.&nbsp;



Surviving family include his daughters, Vickie Polcyn-Scott (Glen) of Wichita,
Kansas and Jennifer Rogers (Robin) of St. George, Kansas. Four grandchildren,
Alex Cunningham (Dylan), Andrew Rogers, Kinsley Scott, and Kallen Scott. One
great-grandson, Dutton Cunningham and his sister &nbsp;Jean Crawford of Natoma. He was preceded in
death by his parents and son Alan Polcyn.

A
celebration of the funeral mass for Richard’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M.
on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in
Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at
the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas.&nbsp; Military honors will be performed by the
Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.&nbsp; Viewing and
family greeting will be from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at
the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; The vigil and rosary will be held at 5 P.M. Sunday
evening at the church, immediately following the visitation.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of
Angels Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729173383184.jpeg" alt="Richard Polcyn" />
 <figcaption>Richard Polcyn</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard
Polcyn, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Monday, October 14, 2024, at St Francis
Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.
Richard was born on November 14, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Florian
“Mike” Joseph and Clemence “Clem” Katherine (Mudd) Polcyn. He grew up on the
family farm south of Gorham, Kansas and then the family moved to Russell, in
1958. He graduated from Russell High School in 1965 and continued his education
at Pittsburg State University graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in
Industrial Technology.&nbsp; Richard was a
member of the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corp,
receiving a comission as a 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. &nbsp;After
leaving the Army, Richard moved to Phoenix, Arizona and went to work for Ford
Motor Company before moving back to the family farm in 1975.&nbsp; Richard was married to Carol Moyer and
Rebecca McKim.While
farming was something he was good at, his passion was always flying so in 1980,
Richard started Rich’s Air Service, a charter company that eventually grew to
include fuel sales, and flight instruction in Russell and then later in Hays,
Ks.He was
a lifelong member of St.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the Knights of
Columbus, Russell Elks Lodge and American Legion Post #99. Richard served on
several boards including the Farm Bureau and looked forward to meeting with
local and state government officials to talk about policy and government
programs that could help Kansas farmers.&nbsp;

Surviving family include his daughters, Vickie Polcyn-Scott (Glen) of Wichita,
Kansas and Jennifer Rogers (Robin) of St. George, Kansas. Four grandchildren,
Alex Cunningham (Dylan), Andrew Rogers, Kinsley Scott, and Kallen Scott. One
great-grandson, Dutton Cunningham and his sister &nbsp;Jean Crawford of Natoma. He was preceded in
death by his parents and son Alan Polcyn.A
celebration of the funeral mass for Richard’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M.
on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in
Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at
the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas.&nbsp; Military honors will be performed by the
Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.&nbsp; Viewing and
family greeting will be from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at
the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; The vigil and rosary will be held at 5 P.M. Sunday
evening at the church, immediately following the visitation.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of
Angels Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Richard Polcyn

William 'Bill' Cooley, born on October 27, 1958, in
Montvale, New Jersey, left this world on October 14, 2024, at his home,
surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Bill's journey was rich with
the type of dedication and spirit that few possess. A hard worker, he carved
out a successful career in residential and commercial construction, where his
skills shone brightly, forming the foundation of countless structures and the
livelihoods of many.

Bill's life was not only about work; it was also a tapestry of
cherished memories woven with threads of laughter, friendship, and delightful
moments shared over burgers and beers at the Sip 'N Spin. The resonance of his
jovial spirit could often be found there, where he relished time with family
and friends, finding joy in both the grand gestures and simple pleasures of
life.

An avid sports fan, Bill’s enthusiasm sprung from his New Jersey
roots, where he developed an unwavering loyalty to the NY Yankees but by and
through his Kansas family he could be caught cheering on the KC Royals. His
ardor extended to his love for the Kansas Jayhawks and the Fighting Irish of
Notre Dame, capturing the hearts of those who gathered with him to cheer on
their teams. With every game, he instilled a sense of camaraderie, proudly
embracing the highs and lows of competition, unless the Miami Dolphins made him
cry and utter those all too familiar words: Next year will be our year.

However, the true essence of Bill's heart lay in the radiant love
he had for his family. His seven grandchildren—Alexis, Raelynn, Ariah, London,
Aiden, Aleeah, and Matthew—were the treasures of his life, the jewels that
illuminated his days with joy and laughter. Bill took immense pride in being a
grandfather, tirelessly creating memories that would live on in stories told
and moments shared.

He is survived by his devoted wife, LaVon Buhrle Cooley, along
with his sons, Brian (Joann) Cooley and Sean Cooley, and daughters, Cassandra
Buhrle and Chelsey (Josh) Schroeder. These family members remain a testament to
the love he cultivated throughout his life, each sharing in the memories of
laughter, support, and enduring affection that Bill gave so freely.

Though he will be deeply missed, Bill has been preceded in death
by his beloved parents, Chester and Catherine (Bowden) Cooley, and two
brothers, Robert and Kevin Cooley. Their memories live on, a gentle reminder of
the family bonds that shaped him.

As loved ones gather to honor Bill’s life, they will do so at
Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Hays, Kansas, beginning with
visitation on October 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by a prayer service
at 7:00 PM. The celebration of his life will culminate with a Mass at St.
Joseph's Catholic Church on October 19, commencing at 10:00 AM. Burial will
take place in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Schoenchen, Kansas.

In the hearts of those who knew him, William "Bill"
Cooley leaves a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished moments, a man whose
spirit remains eternally vibrant in the laughter and memories of his family.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: The American Cancer
Society and/or Hospice at HaysMed in care of the Funeral Home.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729173045433.jpeg" alt="William 'Bill" Cooley" />
 <figcaption>William 'Bill" Cooley</figcaption>
 </figure>William 'Bill' Cooley, born on October 27, 1958, in
Montvale, New Jersey, left this world on October 14, 2024, at his home,
surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Bill's journey was rich with
the type of dedication and spirit that few possess. A hard worker, he carved
out a successful career in residential and commercial construction, where his
skills shone brightly, forming the foundation of countless structures and the
livelihoods of many.Bill's life was not only about work; it was also a tapestry of
cherished memories woven with threads of laughter, friendship, and delightful
moments shared over burgers and beers at the Sip 'N Spin. The resonance of his
jovial spirit could often be found there, where he relished time with family
and friends, finding joy in both the grand gestures and simple pleasures of
life.An avid sports fan, Bill’s enthusiasm sprung from his New Jersey
roots, where he developed an unwavering loyalty to the NY Yankees but by and
through his Kansas family he could be caught cheering on the KC Royals. His
ardor extended to his love for the Kansas Jayhawks and the Fighting Irish of
Notre Dame, capturing the hearts of those who gathered with him to cheer on
their teams. With every game, he instilled a sense of camaraderie, proudly
embracing the highs and lows of competition, unless the Miami Dolphins made him
cry and utter those all too familiar words: Next year will be our year.However, the true essence of Bill's heart lay in the radiant love
he had for his family. His seven grandchildren—Alexis, Raelynn, Ariah, London,
Aiden, Aleeah, and Matthew—were the treasures of his life, the jewels that
illuminated his days with joy and laughter. Bill took immense pride in being a
grandfather, tirelessly creating memories that would live on in stories told
and moments shared.He is survived by his devoted wife, LaVon Buhrle Cooley, along
with his sons, Brian (Joann) Cooley and Sean Cooley, and daughters, Cassandra
Buhrle and Chelsey (Josh) Schroeder. These family members remain a testament to
the love he cultivated throughout his life, each sharing in the memories of
laughter, support, and enduring affection that Bill gave so freely.Though he will be deeply missed, Bill has been preceded in death
by his beloved parents, Chester and Catherine (Bowden) Cooley, and two
brothers, Robert and Kevin Cooley. Their memories live on, a gentle reminder of
the family bonds that shaped him.As loved ones gather to honor Bill’s life, they will do so at
Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Hays, Kansas, beginning with
visitation on October 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by a prayer service
at 7:00 PM. The celebration of his life will culminate with a Mass at St.
Joseph's Catholic Church on October 19, commencing at 10:00 AM. Burial will
take place in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Schoenchen, Kansas.In the hearts of those who knew him, William "Bill"
Cooley leaves a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished moments, a man whose
spirit remains eternally vibrant in the laughter and memories of his family.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: The American Cancer
Society and/or Hospice at HaysMed in care of the Funeral Home.Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory -
Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Bill's tribute page
at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

William 'Bill' Cooley

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ZEKE%20MILLER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ZEKE MILLER &nbsp;AP White House Correspondent</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a combative interview with Fox News on Wednesday, sparring with anchor Bret Baier on immigration and shifting policy positions while asserting that if elected, she would not represent a continuation of Joe Biden's presidency.

Harris’ interview marked her first foray onto the network, which is popular with conservative viewers, as she looked to broaden her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-presidential-campaign-8975f37859dc16de3a7e8a99c5d07760">outreach to GOP-leaning voters</a>&nbsp;with less than three weeks until Election Day. Her nearly 30-minute sit-down with Baier repeatedly grew heated, with the two talking over each other.

When Baier kept talking as Harris tried to respond to his challenges on immigration, Harris said: "May I please finish? ... You have to let me finish, please.”

Harris tried repeatedly to pivot the conversation to attacking Donald Trump. But she also had plenty to say about herself.

A week after saying she couldn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-stern-view-colbert-60-minutes-daddy-5a2af60ba0b1099e19cca151955c9855">think of any move</a>&nbsp;made by Biden that she would have done differently, Harris asserted, “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.”

Harris did not offer specifics, but said, “Like every new president that comes into office, I will bring my life experiences, and my professional experiences and fresh and new ideas.”

Asked to clarify her assertion that she wants to “turn the page,” though Democrats currently hold the White House, Harris said she is running on “turning the page from the last decade in which we have been burdened with the kind of rhetoric coming from Donald Trump.”

On immigration, Harris expressed regret over the deaths of women who were killed by people who were detained and then released after crossing into the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration, but she criticized Trump for his role in blocking a bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year that would have boosted border funding.

“I am so sorry for her loss, sincerely,” Harris said after Baier played footage of the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray blaming Biden and Harris for her daughter's death.

Harris indicated she no longer supports decriminalizing crossing the border illegally, as she did in 2019.

“That was five years ago and I am very clear that I will follow the law,” she said. She gave the same answer about proposals to allow those in the U.S. illegally to get driver's licenses and subsidized healthcare.

Of Trump, she said, “People are exhausted with someone who professes to be a leader and who spends full time demeaning and engaging in personal grievances." She added, "He’s not stable."

She also sought to focus Fox viewers on Trump's talk of "the enemy within” and threats to punish political rivals.

Baier challenged Harris over her attestations to Biden's mental stamina after his disastrous debate with Trump in June that forced his exit from the 2024 presidential race and her elevation to the top of the ticket. She again defended Biden, but added, “Joe Biden is not on the ballot and Donald Trump is.”

Trump's campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Harris was “angry, defensive, and once again abdicated any responsibility for the problems Americans are facing.” She added that if "Kamala can’t handle the pressure of an interview with Fox News, she certainly can’t handle the pressure of being president of the United States.”

Pushing back against Baier's line of questioning, Harris at one point said, “I would like if we could have a conversation that is grounded in a full assessment of the facts.”

Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon said her team felt she “achieved what we set out to achieve" with the “Special Report” host. “She was able to reach an audience that has probably been not exposed to the arguments she’s been making on the trail and she also got to show her toughness in standing tall against a hostile interviewer,” he said.

Referring to former Trump challenger Nikki Haley, Fallon said, “I think there’s a good number of independents and Haley-style Republicans who are very open to voting for Vice President Harris and that’s why we are open to doing events with Republicans and on Fox News."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729167956626.png" alt="Image courtesy Fox news via Kamala Harris campaign&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Fox news via Kamala Harris campaign&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ZEKE%20MILLER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ZEKE MILLER &nbsp;AP White House Correspondent</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a combative interview with Fox News on Wednesday, sparring with anchor Bret Baier on immigration and shifting policy positions while asserting that if elected, she would not represent a continuation of Joe Biden's presidency.Harris’ interview marked her first foray onto the network, which is popular with conservative viewers, as she looked to broaden her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-presidential-campaign-8975f37859dc16de3a7e8a99c5d07760">outreach to GOP-leaning voters</a>&nbsp;with less than three weeks until Election Day. Her nearly 30-minute sit-down with Baier repeatedly grew heated, with the two talking over each other.When Baier kept talking as Harris tried to respond to his challenges on immigration, Harris said: "May I please finish? ... You have to let me finish, please.”Harris tried repeatedly to pivot the conversation to attacking Donald Trump. But she also had plenty to say about herself.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I invite everyone to go to <a href="https://t.co/c9mtidgQmA">https://t.co/c9mtidgQmA</a> to read up on my comprehensive plans for the American people. <a href="https://t.co/puHgczVf5n">pic.twitter.com/puHgczVf5n</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1846709798957465985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A week after saying she couldn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-stern-view-colbert-60-minutes-daddy-5a2af60ba0b1099e19cca151955c9855">think of any move</a>&nbsp;made by Biden that she would have done differently, Harris asserted, “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.”Harris did not offer specifics, but said, “Like every new president that comes into office, I will bring my life experiences, and my professional experiences and fresh and new ideas.”Asked to clarify her assertion that she wants to “turn the page,” though Democrats currently hold the White House, Harris said she is running on “turning the page from the last decade in which we have been burdened with the kind of rhetoric coming from Donald Trump.”On immigration, Harris expressed regret over the deaths of women who were killed by people who were detained and then released after crossing into the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration, but she criticized Trump for his role in blocking a bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year that would have boosted border funding.“I am so sorry for her loss, sincerely,” Harris said after Baier played footage of the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray blaming Biden and Harris for her daughter's death.Harris indicated she no longer supports decriminalizing crossing the border illegally, as she did in 2019.“That was five years ago and I am very clear that I will follow the law,” she said. She gave the same answer about proposals to allow those in the U.S. illegally to get driver's licenses and subsidized healthcare.Of Trump, she said, “People are exhausted with someone who professes to be a leader and who spends full time demeaning and engaging in personal grievances." She added, "He’s not stable."She also sought to focus Fox viewers on Trump's talk of "the enemy within” and threats to punish political rivals.Baier challenged Harris over her attestations to Biden's mental stamina after his disastrous debate with Trump in June that forced his exit from the 2024 presidential race and her elevation to the top of the ticket. She again defended Biden, but added, “Joe Biden is not on the ballot and Donald Trump is.”Trump's campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Harris was “angry, defensive, and once again abdicated any responsibility for the problems Americans are facing.” She added that if "Kamala can’t handle the pressure of an interview with Fox News, she certainly can’t handle the pressure of being president of the United States.”Pushing back against Baier's line of questioning, Harris at one point said, “I would like if we could have a conversation that is grounded in a full assessment of the facts.”Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon said her team felt she “achieved what we set out to achieve" with the “Special Report” host. “She was able to reach an audience that has probably been not exposed to the arguments she’s been making on the trail and she also got to show her toughness in standing tall against a hostile interviewer,” he said.Referring to former Trump challenger Nikki Haley, Fallon said, “I think there’s a good number of independents and Haley-style Republicans who are very open to voting for Vice President Harris and that’s why we are open to doing events with Republicans and on Fox News."

Harris' interview with Fox News marked by testy exchanges over immigration, more

Friday, October 18
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Syracuse, 5:30pm &nbsp;KKQY: Ness City FB at Ellis, 6:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Great Bend, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 19
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs. Houston, 1:00pm &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at Pittsburg State, 1:00pm

Sunday, October 20
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers, 2:00pm

Thursday, October 17Friday, October 18
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Syracuse, 5:30pm &nbsp;KKQY: Ness City FB at Ellis, 6:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Great Bend, 6:30pmSaturday, October 19
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs. Houston, 1:00pm &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at Pittsburg State, 1:00pmSunday, October 20
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers, 2:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.

The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.

Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.

The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.

Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.

The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.

KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729105015166.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.--------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A motorcycle officer of the Kansas City Police Department sustained serious injuries this morning in a crash. We are praying for the officer, their family, and all of the women and men of KCPD.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846577294451597518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

Bystanders helped KC motorcycle officer critically injured in crash

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to target underground bunkers used by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;early Thursday, a major escalation in the American response to the rebels' attacks on Mideast shipping lanes that appeared to be a warning to Iran as well.

While it wasn't immediately clear how much damage the strikes caused, the attack appeared to be the first use of the B-2 in combat in years and the first time the flying wing targeted sites in Yemen.

In announcing the strikes against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a point to offer a warning likely heard in Tehran as well.

“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified,” Austin said.

Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-10-01-2024-eb175dff6e46906caea8b9e43dfbd3da">targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks</a>&nbsp;twice over the past year. The B-2 would be used in any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-us-penetrator-bomb-c623a3e172298a244e47d5bf404fc55b">American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities</a>&nbsp;like Natanz or Fordo given it is the only aircraft in service that can drop the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104614/massive-ordnance-penetrator/">GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”</a>

Iran offered no immediate comment on the strike Thursday. Its foreign minister has been visiting Arab nations ahead of an expected Israeli retaliatory strike over Tehran's Oct. 1 missile assault.

The Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to target underground bunkers used by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;early Thursday, a major escalation in the American response to the rebels' attacks on Mideast shipping lanes that appeared to be a warning to Iran as well.While it wasn't immediately clear how much damage the strikes caused, the attack appeared to be the first use of the B-2 in combat in years and the first time the flying wing targeted sites in Yemen.In announcing the strikes against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a point to offer a warning likely heard in Tehran as well.“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified,” Austin said.Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-10-01-2024-eb175dff6e46906caea8b9e43dfbd3da">targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks</a>&nbsp;twice over the past year. The B-2 would be used in any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-us-penetrator-bomb-c623a3e172298a244e47d5bf404fc55b">American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities</a>&nbsp;like Natanz or Fordo given it is the only aircraft in service that can drop the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104614/massive-ordnance-penetrator/">GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”</a>Iran offered no immediate comment on the strike Thursday. Its foreign minister has been visiting Arab nations ahead of an expected Israeli retaliatory strike over Tehran's Oct. 1 missile assault.The Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.Austin said the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.” Both he and the U.S. military's Central Command offered no immediate assessment on the damage done. However, Central Command said it believed no civilians had been killed.The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized one vessel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sunk two in the campaign</a>&nbsp;that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel and have shot down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-drone-bf72b98965b1b440f635e322971f5894">U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper drones</a>. The rebels have threatened new attacks in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-09-30-2024-83ea5f243688f309754ec74850de4238">Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon</a>&nbsp;and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-28-september-2024-c4751957433ff944c4eb06027885a973">killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah</a>.Hamas' initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. Israeli miltary action in the time since has killed over 42,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, hundreds more in the West Bank and over 2,300 people in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the combat edges ever closer to a full-on regional war.The locations named by the Houthis on Thursday correspond to known underground bases operated by the rebels, who have been locked into a stalemated war with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015 that’s decimated the Arab world’s poorest nation.The Houthis have refurbished tunnels that once held Scud missiles when Yemen was ruled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-225cdd5aa2a14b9ebdadcd59d67c5d4c">strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh</a>, according to an analysis in April by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Those sites include the al-Hafa and Jebel Attan military bases, the former Presidential House and the Yemen state television compound in Sanaa, analyst Fabian Hinz wrote.The Houthis have built what appears to be their own large-scale tunnel network near Saada as well, Hinz added.“The fact that the Houthis began constructing major new installations after the agreement of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-saudi-arabia-ceasefire-negotiations-3854d4aea23e03882e0a53ecbd0e71b7">cease-fire with the Saudi-led coalition</a>&nbsp;suggests that the group is focused on entrenching themselves and bolstering their military capabilities,” he wrote. Iran similarly relies on a network of underground missile bases.The nuclear-capable B-2, which first saw action in 1999 in the Kosovo War, is rarely used by the U.S. military in combat as each aircraft is worth some $1 billion. It has dropped bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as well. The aircraft are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and typically conduct long-range strikes from there, though some B-2s were in Australia in September.The U.S. last used the B-2 in combat in 2017 against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fad983e2715f479cb67a35cc667204be">Islamic State group targets in Libya</a>, killing more than 80 fighters in a mission defense officials at the time said disrupted possible militant attacks in Europe.The B-2's use in Yemen comes just two days after U.N. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg warned Yemen's frozen war could heat back up given the Mideast wars and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">the Houthis' taking captive U.N. and aid workers</a>&nbsp;in an internationally criticized crackdown.“This cycle of retaliation is pulling Yemen deeper into the regional conflict, jeopardizing its hopes for peace and stability,” Grundberg said Tuesday. “Moreover, it distracts from the urgent need to address Yemen’s own internal crisis.”