PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of the Jessica's Law offense of Aggravated indecent Liberties; lewd fondling of a child under the age of 14 is out of custody after a two day jury trial in Pawnee County.

A jury made up of 6 men and 6 women deliberated for approximately two and a half hours Wednesday afternoon before returning a Not Guilty verdict for 33-year-old Joshua&nbsp; Bernal, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug Mcnett.

The alleged incident was reported to the Larned Police Department on August 29, 2022, and was additionally investigated by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. It was alleged to have occurred at a private residence in Larned during the Summer of 2022.

Bernal was arrested on October 14, 2022, without incident.&nbsp;

Following the reading of the verdict, District Judge Bruce Gatterman released Bernal from any further obligation to the Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674672820293.png" alt="Bernal photo Pawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bernal photo Pawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of the Jessica's Law offense of Aggravated indecent Liberties; lewd fondling of a child under the age of 14 is out of custody after a two day jury trial in Pawnee County.A jury made up of 6 men and 6 women deliberated for approximately two and a half hours Wednesday afternoon before returning a Not Guilty verdict for 33-year-old Joshua&nbsp; Bernal, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug Mcnett.The alleged incident was reported to the Larned Police Department on August 29, 2022, and was additionally investigated by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. It was alleged to have occurred at a private residence in Larned during the Summer of 2022.Bernal was arrested on October 14, 2022, without incident.&nbsp;Following the reading of the verdict, District Judge Bruce Gatterman released Bernal from any further obligation to the Court.

Jury: SW Kansas man not guilty of child sex crimes

Margaret A. “Marge” Roy was born March 30, 1926, on the family farm northwest of Selden, KS to Gottfried “Fred” and Sarah “Sadie” (McDonald) Mumm. She passed away peacefully on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Rawlins County Hospital in Atwood, KS, at the age of 97.

Marge was one of 16 children and was raised on the family farm with 12 brothers and sisters, and attended school in Selden, KS.

After high school, Marge worked in Denver, CO, and Colby where she met her future husband. She married Eugene F. “Gene” Roy from Damar, KS on October 7, 1947, in Osage, IA. He was the love of her life, and they were married for 66 years before Gene passed away on November 12, 2013. They lived in several places in Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri; and settled in Phillipsburg, KS in 1949. 

Marge was a homemaker raising five children and worked hard to make a good home for her family. She enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. She also worked for the Phillipsburg School District for more than 30 years in the cafeteria. After retiring she and Gene moved to Atwood, KS in 1996 where they were members of the Sacred Heart Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene “Gene” Roy; her parents Sarah “Sadie” and Gottfried “Fred” Mumm; brothers, Sylvester Paul, Gottfried Bernard, Frederick “Fritz”, Hubert, Charles “Bud”, and Clement “Clem” Mumm; sisters, Juliann Mumm, Anogene “Annie” Rogers, Josephine “Jo” Douglass, Eleanor “Norie” Rogers, Alberta “Berta” Ritter, and Clara “Sis” Newton; and two grandchildren.

Margaret was a much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and took great pleasure in being with them. She was a gentle, kindhearted, generous, fun loving and determined woman that was loved by those whose life she touched.

She is survived by her three daughters, Shirley Dykes, Phoenix, AZ; Doris Chase and husband Dustin, Salina, KS and Connie Cooper and husband Mike, Atwood, KS; two sons, Duane Roy, Trinidad, CO and Mike Roy and wife Carole, Centennial, CO; 11 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, four stepgreat-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; brother Kenneth “Kenny” Mumm; two sisters, Mary Dolores “Dode” Raile and Joan “Judy” and husband Gordon Smith; and sisters-in-law Gail Mumm, Vicky Mumm and Pat Mumm.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov 9, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, KS, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood, KS. 

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Sacred Heart Catholic Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. 

Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.

<h2>Margaret A. Roy (Mumm)</h2>&nbsp;March 30, 1928 - November 6, 2023<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699538561878.png" alt="Margaret A. Roy (Mumm)" />
 <figcaption>Margaret A. Roy (Mumm)</figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret A. “Marge” Roy was born March 30, 1926, on the family farm northwest of Selden, KS to Gottfried “Fred” and Sarah “Sadie” (McDonald) Mumm. She passed away peacefully on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Rawlins County Hospital in Atwood, KS, at the age of 97.Marge was one of 16 children and was raised on the family farm with 12 brothers and sisters, and attended school in Selden, KS.After high school, Marge worked in Denver, CO, and Colby where she met her future husband. She married Eugene F. “Gene” Roy from Damar, KS on October 7, 1947, in Osage, IA. He was the love of her life, and they were married for 66 years before Gene passed away on November 12, 2013. They lived in several places in Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri; and settled in Phillipsburg, KS in 1949. Marge was a homemaker raising five children and worked hard to make a good home for her family. She enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. She also worked for the Phillipsburg School District for more than 30 years in the cafeteria. After retiring she and Gene moved to Atwood, KS in 1996 where they were members of the Sacred Heart Church.She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene “Gene” Roy; her parents Sarah “Sadie” and Gottfried “Fred” Mumm; brothers, Sylvester Paul, Gottfried Bernard, Frederick “Fritz”, Hubert, Charles “Bud”, and Clement “Clem” Mumm; sisters, Juliann Mumm, Anogene “Annie” Rogers, Josephine “Jo” Douglass, Eleanor “Norie” Rogers, Alberta “Berta” Ritter, and Clara “Sis” Newton; and two grandchildren.Margaret was a much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and took great pleasure in being with them. She was a gentle, kindhearted, generous, fun loving and determined woman that was loved by those whose life she touched.She is survived by her three daughters, Shirley Dykes, Phoenix, AZ; Doris Chase and husband Dustin, Salina, KS and Connie Cooper and husband Mike, Atwood, KS; two sons, Duane Roy, Trinidad, CO and Mike Roy and wife Carole, Centennial, CO; 11 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, four stepgreat-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; brother Kenneth “Kenny” Mumm; two sisters, Mary Dolores “Dode” Raile and Joan “Judy” and husband Gordon Smith; and sisters-in-law Gail Mumm, Vicky Mumm and Pat Mumm.Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov 9, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, KS, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood, KS. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Sacred Heart Catholic Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Margaret A. Roy (Mumm)

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

The city of Victoria in the coastal plains of Texas is home to a beautiful Catholic cathedral and tradition-rich football.

It’s hard to compare that Texas city with Victoria, Kan., whose “Cathedral of the Plains” actually was raised to the status of a minor basilica in 2014.

But when it comes to spinning tales of their town’s success in high school football, Victoria, Kan. (population 1,150) can definitely share bragging rights with cities as large as Victoria, Texas, a city of 65,000-plus just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

In fact, “our” Victoria – smack dab in the midst of land-locked rural Kansas – more represents the small town on which the book and movie “Friday Night Lights” were based than does the metro area of Victoria County, Texas.

That popular sports film was based on a true story from the 1980s. When the film was released in October 2004, Victoria High School (the Kansas version) was well on its way to winning its first eight-man state football title.

The Knights went on to claim three more state championships during the next 11 years and are currently enjoying a season that has taken them deep into the 2023 playoffs, cementing their legacy in Kansas eight-man football.

But ask anyone associated with the Knights in the 1980s, and they will tell you that the tradition of winning football state championships began long before the calendar turned over to 2000.

Victoria rode the momentum of its first state football title in 1981 – when it won the Class 2A, 11-man division – to two more championships in 1985 and ’88.

Several players and coaches from the teams of the ‘80s still live in the area and remain supporters of the Knights today. Some will take to the road to Dighton for Friday’s sectional game or tune in to the radio broadcast on KFIX Eagle Radio 96.9 FM.

Numerous players from the ’80s showed up for a reunion in their hometown last month to watch some outstanding high school football – and reminisce.

Members of those first three state championship teams were honored at halftime of the Friday night game, then gathered at one of the former players’ garage afterward. They were back together again Saturday night at the local VFW building for a supper and more storytelling.

Chris Windholz had the distinction of playing on a state championship team (1988) and serving as the head coach for the first eight-man title team (2004).

Some made the trip from all across Kansas – and even several other states – for the reunion. And Doug Moeckel, head coach of the 1985 and ’88 teams, came in from Topeka.

“We just felt so much support and didn’t want to let our school or our city down,” David Younger said of the Knight squads that followed the 1981 team.

Younger, who now lives in Windsor, Colo., was a fifth-grader that year and was a freshman on the 1985 title team before starting as a senior on the 1988 squad.

“I’ll always remember the camaraderie among us,” Younger said. “It was special.”

Rod Goetz (1981 team), who still lives in the Victoria area, agreed. He told how he and his classmates decided to trade partying for working out the summer before their senior season.

“We got a lot closer that summer, and I think it really made a difference in the fall,” he said. “After working out, we would go out to eat out together and all got along really well.”

Two players from that team even roomed together growing up.

Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome both stayed around Ellis County after graduation and still support the Knights.

Some players and coaches gave talks at the Saturday dinner. They and others in the crowd got emotional as they relived their glory days.

“You guys taught us the things that make us the men we are today,” Stan Dome told the coaches present.

Bob Leikam, who scouted opponents for the 1981 team and was a long-time teacher in Victoria, said the feeling of appreciation was mutual.

“People ask me what’s so special about Victoria,” Leikam said. “It’s hard to put into words, but it is special. I spent 33 years here, because I wanted our children to grow up with you kids. I’m thankful to have been a part of it.”

Each team had something different to talk about.

The 1981 team will always be remembered for a fake-punt play in the championship game that ultimately gave the Knights the momentum en route to upending previously unbeaten Frontenac to finish with a 12-1 mark.

The 1985 team started the season 2-4 before reeling off seven-straight wins – the last two by 8-6 scores, outlasting Centralia on a snowy field in the title game.

And the 1988 squad went undefeated to finish 13-0 (including four shutouts) while outscoring its opponents 394-107.

“It takes a lot of luck to win it all, but that’s not the main thing,” added Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of the state championship teams in the ’80s. “It’s the character of people that floats the boat.”

An online description of the heart of Texas high school football is “a celebration of unity and community pride, where towns and cities come alive on game days, rallying behind their local teams. The fervor and passion surround each matchup of Texas high school football are unparalleled.”

Stan Dome, for one, would beg to differ on that last sentence.

“I remember back then, we often had a larger crowd for our away games than the home team,” he said. “It was something we’ll never forget.”

That senior season meant so much to the Dome brothers that they later had clocks made with a photo of them standing by the state championship trophy.

“That clock is still hanging, too,” Stan Dome said, “and it still keeps good time.”

Good times continued long after that special 1981 season. Several players from that first state title team had relatives later win state championships in either 11-man or eight-man.

One of those was Dave Kisner, whose younger brother, Jeff, was a member of the 1985 team. Jeff’s two sons also get to experience the joy of winning it all, too, during the Knights’ eight-man state championship runs.

“It was such a wonderful ride,” said Jeff’s wife, Janine, who also grew up in Victoria. “… great memories.”

The Knights of the 2020s hope to make more good memories.

If Victoria (8-1) beats Dighton (6-4) Friday night, it will advance to the sub-state championship round. Because of the east-west formula for the playoffs, the sub-state site won’t be determined until the conclusion of the Minneola-Coldwater sectional game. The state championship game is set for Nov. 25 in Newton.

Stay tuned. If all goes as planned, the Knights will be making a road trip on Thanksgiving weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699492824744.jpeg" alt="Players and coaches from Victoria’s three state championship football teams from the 1980s gather for a photo at halftime of a game this season. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Players and coaches from Victoria’s three state championship football teams from the 1980s gather for a photo at halftime of a game this season. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696618498114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostThe city of Victoria in the coastal plains of Texas is home to a beautiful Catholic cathedral and tradition-rich football.It’s hard to compare that Texas city with Victoria, Kan., whose “Cathedral of the Plains” actually was raised to the status of a minor basilica in 2014.But when it comes to spinning tales of their town’s success in high school football, Victoria, Kan. (population 1,150) can definitely share bragging rights with cities as large as Victoria, Texas, a city of 65,000-plus just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.In fact, “our” Victoria – smack dab in the midst of land-locked rural Kansas – more represents the small town on which the book and movie “Friday Night Lights” were based than does the metro area of Victoria County, Texas.That popular sports film was based on a true story from the 1980s. When the film was released in October 2004, Victoria High School (the Kansas version) was well on its way to winning its first eight-man state football title.The Knights went on to claim three more state championships during the next 11 years and are currently enjoying a season that has taken them deep into the 2023 playoffs, cementing their legacy in Kansas eight-man football.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699492939357.jpeg" alt="The 1985 Knights survived a cold, snowy day in Manhattan to win the school’s second state football title. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The 1985 Knights survived a cold, snowy day in Manhattan to win the school’s second state football title. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>But ask anyone associated with the Knights in the 1980s, and they will tell you that the tradition of winning football state championships began long before the calendar turned over to 2000.Victoria rode the momentum of its first state football title in 1981 – when it won the Class 2A, 11-man division – to two more championships in 1985 and ’88.Several players and coaches from the teams of the ‘80s still live in the area and remain supporters of the Knights today. Some will take to the road to Dighton for Friday’s sectional game or tune in to the radio broadcast on KFIX Eagle Radio 96.9 FM.Numerous players from the ’80s showed up for a reunion in their hometown last month to watch some outstanding high school football – and reminisce.Members of those first three state championship teams were honored at halftime of the Friday night game, then gathered at one of the former players’ garage afterward. They were back together again Saturday night at the local VFW building for a supper and more storytelling.Chris Windholz had the distinction of playing on a state championship team (1988) and serving as the head coach for the first eight-man title team (2004).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699493027954.jpeg" alt="The shirt of Jeff Kisner, Victoria, says it all as he visits with Carl Dinkel, Fredonia, at the reunion. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The shirt of Jeff Kisner, Victoria, says it all as he visits with Carl Dinkel, Fredonia, at the reunion. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Some made the trip from all across Kansas – and even several other states – for the reunion. And Doug Moeckel, head coach of the 1985 and ’88 teams, came in from Topeka.“We just felt so much support and didn’t want to let our school or our city down,” David Younger said of the Knight squads that followed the 1981 team.Younger, who now lives in Windsor, Colo., was a fifth-grader that year and was a freshman on the 1985 title team before starting as a senior on the 1988 squad.“I’ll always remember the camaraderie among us,” Younger said. “It was special.”Rod Goetz (1981 team), who still lives in the Victoria area, agreed. He told how he and his classmates decided to trade partying for working out the summer before their senior season.“We got a lot closer that summer, and I think it really made a difference in the fall,” he said. “After working out, we would go out to eat out together and all got along really well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699493250134.jpeg" alt="Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of Victoria’s three state championship football teams in the 1980s, proudly wears a shirt from the undefeated 1988 team. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of Victoria’s three state championship football teams in the 1980s, proudly wears a shirt from the undefeated 1988 team. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Two players from that team even roomed together growing up.Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome both stayed around Ellis County after graduation and still support the Knights.Some players and coaches gave talks at the Saturday dinner. They and others in the crowd got emotional as they relived their glory days.“You guys taught us the things that make us the men we are today,” Stan Dome told the coaches present.Bob Leikam, who scouted opponents for the 1981 team and was a long-time teacher in Victoria, said the feeling of appreciation was mutual.“People ask me what’s so special about Victoria,” Leikam said. “It’s hard to put into words, but it is special. I spent 33 years here, because I wanted our children to grow up with you kids. I’m thankful to have been a part of it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699493334785.jpeg" alt="Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome each own a clock honoring Victoria’s first state championship football team. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome each own a clock honoring Victoria’s first state championship football team. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Each team had something different to talk about.The 1981 team will always be remembered for a fake-punt play in the championship game that ultimately gave the Knights the momentum en route to upending previously unbeaten Frontenac to finish with a 12-1 mark.The 1985 team started the season 2-4 before reeling off seven-straight wins – the last two by 8-6 scores, outlasting Centralia on a snowy field in the title game.And the 1988 squad went undefeated to finish 13-0 (including four shutouts) while outscoring its opponents 394-107.“It takes a lot of luck to win it all, but that’s not the main thing,” added Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of the state championship teams in the ’80s. “It’s the character of people that floats the boat.”An online description of the heart of Texas high school football is “a celebration of unity and community pride, where towns and cities come alive on game days, rallying behind their local teams. The fervor and passion surround each matchup of Texas high school football are unparalleled.”Stan Dome, for one, would beg to differ on that last sentence.“I remember back then, we often had a larger crowd for our away games than the home team,” he said. “It was something we’ll never forget.”That senior season meant so much to the Dome brothers that they later had clocks made with a photo of them standing by the state championship trophy.“That clock is still hanging, too,” Stan Dome said, “and it still keeps good time.”Good times continued long after that special 1981 season. Several players from that first state title team had relatives later win state championships in either 11-man or eight-man.One of those was Dave Kisner, whose younger brother, Jeff, was a member of the 1985 team. Jeff’s two sons also get to experience the joy of winning it all, too, during the Knights’ eight-man state championship runs.“It was such a wonderful ride,” said Jeff’s wife, Janine, who also grew up in Victoria. “… great memories.”The Knights of the 2020s hope to make more good memories.If Victoria (8-1) beats Dighton (6-4) Friday night, it will advance to the sub-state championship round. Because of the east-west formula for the playoffs, the sub-state site won’t be determined until the conclusion of the Minneola-Coldwater sectional game. The state championship game is set for Nov. 25 in Newton.Stay tuned. If all goes as planned, the Knights will be making a road trip on Thanksgiving weekend.

NWester: High school football — the pride of Victoria for decades

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

 First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;

Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699048664862.png" alt="Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

Homicide: Search continues for 17-year-old Kansas suspect

Fort Hays State University will hold a special rededication ceremony to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the original dedication of the Memorial Union on Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Union’s Sunset Atrium.

Fort Hays State University’s Memorial Union was built in 1958. A dedication service was held in October of that year, where the building was named in honor of former students who lost their lives while serving their country.

A plaque bearing the names of those brave Americans was installed to commemorate the event. Twenty-five years later, the memorial was updated to include former students who lost their lives in conflicts up to – and including – the Vietnam War.

This rededication ceremony will include the addition of two former students lost in combat operations in Afghanistan, Army Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter and Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols. Their names will be added to the esteemed list of courageous individuals who preceded them.

This event will also include the unveiling of a new digital memorial display.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699460372058.png" alt="The Fort Hays State University Memorial Union is named in honor of former students who lost their lives while serving their country. FHSU photo" />
 <figcaption>The Fort Hays State University Memorial Union is named in honor of former students who lost their lives while serving their country. FHSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University will hold a special rededication ceremony to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the original dedication of the Memorial Union on Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Union’s Sunset Atrium.Fort Hays State University’s Memorial Union was built in 1958. A dedication service was held in October of that year, where the building was named in honor of former students who lost their lives while serving their country.A plaque bearing the names of those brave Americans was installed to commemorate the event. Twenty-five years later, the memorial was updated to include former students who lost their lives in conflicts up to – and including – the Vietnam War.This rededication ceremony will include the addition of two former students lost in combat operations in Afghanistan, Army Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter and Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols. Their names will be added to the esteemed list of courageous individuals who preceded them.This event will also include the unveiling of a new digital memorial display.

Fort Hays State University Memorial Union memorial plaque rededication set

Libbie Ann Olson, 95, passed away November 7, 2023 peacefully at River Bend Assisting Living in Great Bend, KS. &nbsp;Libbie was born in Omaha, NE on October 13, 1928, to Frank and Bozena Storch. 

She married Cedric Olson in 1951 in Omaha, NE. &nbsp;For their honeymoon, they traveled to Great Bend, KS where they moved soon after and spent the rest of their days. &nbsp;

Libbie graduated from Nebraska State Teacher’s College in Kearney, NE in 1950 and earned her master’s degree in library science from Emporia State University in 1970. She taught one year in Omaha, NE and then 40 years in Great Bend. &nbsp;She was a kindergarten teacher at Park School for 15 years, elementary librarian for 5 years and then moved to Great Bend High School where she was the head librarian. &nbsp;She thoroughly enjoyed working with children. One of her biggest professional endeavors was establishing the modern library system for GBHS.

Libbie served as Secretary, Vice-President and President of Great Bend Chapter of National Education Association in which she was instrumental in getting equal pay for women and men teachers. &nbsp;She helped organize the Central Kansas Kindergarten Teachers Association. She received the Master Teacher Award in 1991, which she was most proud of. &nbsp;

Libbie and Ced were members of the Kansas Quarter Horse Association. They made lifelong friendships and devoted many miles supporting their daughters and their horses. They were instrumental in promoting the Barton County 4-H Horse program. 

Other professional memberships include KNEA, Kansas Association of School Librarians and Delta Kappa Gamma, PEO, Cosmopolitan Study Club and RSVP. &nbsp;

Libbie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend where she was active as a deacon, elder for the church and active on various church committees.&nbsp;

After caring for her husband Ced, she moved into Great Bend from the country and continued to pour her heart and time into her church and family. &nbsp;She was an avid traveler, visiting friends and family. &nbsp;But what she most enjoyed was the activities involving her four grandchildren. &nbsp;She could always be counted on to help with a school paper, keep the correct tennis score at their many matches and be ready with a tin of homemade cookies and coffee cake at Christmas. &nbsp;She was their biggest cheerleader, especially for educational endeavors. She was most proud of all grandchildren graduating from college and reaching their degree goals.

She will be greatly missed by two her daughters Nancy (John) Francis of Great Bend and Jane Gunn-McRae (Terry) of Topeka; four grandchildren, Lauren (Jeremiah) Jones of Lakewood, CO, Leslie (Nick) Klug of Great Bend, Garrett (Natasha) Gunn of Topeka and Morgan Francis of Hermosa Beach, CA; two stepgrandchildren, Josh (Kelly) McRae of Overland Park and Justin McRae of Eudora; four great-grandchildren, Olivia and Liam Klug of Great Bend, and William and Libbie Jones of Lakewood, CO; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Keegan and Kade McRae. &nbsp;She is also survived by brother, Dr. Vladimir (Gloria) Storch of Omaha, NE along with many nieces and nephews. 

&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sisters Dramy Smith of Grand Island, NE and Bozena Drozda of Omaha, NE. &nbsp;

The family wishes to say Thank You to River Bend and various caregivers for their loving care over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive guests from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 13, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, with Kathleen Luke presiding. A private family interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to First Presbyterian Church and USD 428 Education Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.&nbsp;

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Libbie Ann Olson, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/libbie-olson/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Libbie Ann Olson, Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699473264374.png" alt="Libbie Ann Olson" />
 <figcaption>Libbie Ann Olson</figcaption>
 </figure>October 13, 1928 - November 7, 2023Libbie Ann Olson, 95, passed away November 7, 2023 peacefully at River Bend Assisting Living in Great Bend, KS. &nbsp;Libbie was born in Omaha, NE on October 13, 1928, to Frank and Bozena Storch. She married Cedric Olson in 1951 in Omaha, NE. &nbsp;For their honeymoon, they traveled to Great Bend, KS where they moved soon after and spent the rest of their days. &nbsp;Libbie graduated from Nebraska State Teacher’s College in Kearney, NE in 1950 and earned her master’s degree in library science from Emporia State University in 1970. She taught one year in Omaha, NE and then 40 years in Great Bend. &nbsp;She was a kindergarten teacher at Park School for 15 years, elementary librarian for 5 years and then moved to Great Bend High School where she was the head librarian. &nbsp;She thoroughly enjoyed working with children. One of her biggest professional endeavors was establishing the modern library system for GBHS.Libbie served as Secretary, Vice-President and President of Great Bend Chapter of National Education Association in which she was instrumental in getting equal pay for women and men teachers. &nbsp;She helped organize the Central Kansas Kindergarten Teachers Association. She received the Master Teacher Award in 1991, which she was most proud of. &nbsp;Libbie and Ced were members of the Kansas Quarter Horse Association. They made lifelong friendships and devoted many miles supporting their daughters and their horses. They were instrumental in promoting the Barton County 4-H Horse program. Other professional memberships include KNEA, Kansas Association of School Librarians and Delta Kappa Gamma, PEO, Cosmopolitan Study Club and RSVP. &nbsp;Libbie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend where she was active as a deacon, elder for the church and active on various church committees.&nbsp;After caring for her husband Ced, she moved into Great Bend from the country and continued to pour her heart and time into her church and family. &nbsp;She was an avid traveler, visiting friends and family. &nbsp;But what she most enjoyed was the activities involving her four grandchildren. &nbsp;She could always be counted on to help with a school paper, keep the correct tennis score at their many matches and be ready with a tin of homemade cookies and coffee cake at Christmas. &nbsp;She was their biggest cheerleader, especially for educational endeavors. She was most proud of all grandchildren graduating from college and reaching their degree goals.She will be greatly missed by two her daughters Nancy (John) Francis of Great Bend and Jane Gunn-McRae (Terry) of Topeka; four grandchildren, Lauren (Jeremiah) Jones of Lakewood, CO, Leslie (Nick) Klug of Great Bend, Garrett (Natasha) Gunn of Topeka and Morgan Francis of Hermosa Beach, CA; two stepgrandchildren, Josh (Kelly) McRae of Overland Park and Justin McRae of Eudora; four great-grandchildren, Olivia and Liam Klug of Great Bend, and William and Libbie Jones of Lakewood, CO; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Keegan and Kade McRae. &nbsp;She is also survived by brother, Dr. Vladimir (Gloria) Storch of Omaha, NE along with many nieces and nephews. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sisters Dramy Smith of Grand Island, NE and Bozena Drozda of Omaha, NE. &nbsp;The family wishes to say Thank You to River Bend and various caregivers for their loving care over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive guests from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 13, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, with Kathleen Luke presiding. A private family interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to First Presbyterian Church and USD 428 Education Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Libbie Ann Olson, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/libbie-olson/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Libbie Ann Olson

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted late Tuesday to censure Democratic Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>&nbsp;of Michigan — the only Palestinian American in Congress — an extraordinary rebuke of her rhetoric about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.

On social media Wednesday, Kansas 2nd district congressman Jake LaTurner wrote, "It's shameful that we have individuals serving in Congress who knowingly push Hamas propaganda and dangerous antisemitic rhetoric.

"From the river to the sea!" is a disgusting terrorist slogan that calls for the complete destruction of Israel."

The 234-188 tally came after enough Democrats joined with Republicans to censure Tlaib, a punishment one step below expulsion from the House. The three-term congresswoman has long been a target of criticism for her views on the decades-long conflict in the Middle East.

The debate on the censure resolution on Tuesday afternoon was emotional and intense. Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia pushed the measure in response to what he called Tlaib’s promotion of antisemitic rhetoric. He said she has “levied unbelievable falsehoods about our greatest ally, Israel, and the attack on October 7.”

With other Democrats standing by her side, Tlaib defended her stance, saying she “will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words.” She added that her criticism of Israel has always been directed toward its government and its leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“It is important to separate people and government,” she said. “The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent. And it’s been used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”

That criticism reached new heights after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">the Oct. 7 attack by the terrorist group Hamas</a>&nbsp;left hundreds of Israelis dead and scores injured. Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank, came under heavy reproval after she failed to immediately condemn Hamas after the attack.

All Democrats initially stood by Tlaib and helped defeat the first censure resolution against her last week. But since then, many of her colleagues, including prominent Jewish members, have become more conflicted about her rhetoric about the war, especially because of a slogan she has used frequently that is widely seen as calling for the eradication of Israel.

Ultimately, more than 20 of them joined Republicans on Tuesday night to censure her after an effort to shelve the measure failed earlier in the day.

The latest censure push resulted in a dramatic vote on the House floor amid political tensions over the ongoing, deadly Israel-Hamas war. While the majority of both parties have historically stood firmly on the side of Israel, divisions have emerged in the Democratic Party about the American response.

Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans on Tuesday to advance the censure resolution, said he believed it was important to debate the slogan “from the river to the sea.”

“It is nothing else but the call for the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews,” the Jewish Democrat said. “I will always defend the right to free speech. Tlaib has the right to say whatever she wants.”

He added, “But it cannot go unanswered.”

While the censure of a lawmaker carries no practical effect, it amounts to severe reproach from colleagues, as lawmakers who are censured are usually asked to stand in the well of the House as the censure resolution against them is read aloud. But the resolution against Tlaib did not call for the public admonishment.

With the vote, Tlaib will become the second Muslim-American woman in Congress to be formally admonished this year for her criticism of Israel. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was removed in February from the House Foreign Affairs Committee for similar comments she made about Israel.

Some on the left have criticized President Joe Biden’s stance and urged him to put conditions on U.S. support for Israel as its aggressive military campaign drives the Palestinian death toll higher.

While the vote against Tlaib will take place against the extraordinary backdrop of the war, the push to censure her is part of a growing pattern in the House.

Censure had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impeachment-house-censure-schiff-biden-boebert-70a2206fc0c543a307fc3ec63d5287e9">long been viewed as a punishment of last resort</a>, just one step below expulsion and to be triggered only for the most egregious wrongdoing. But censure resolutions are quickly becoming routine in the chamber, often wielded in strikingly partisan ways.

Many Democrats and some Republicans who opposed censuring Tlaib cited free speech and warned of the precedent it would set.

“This resolution not only degrades our Constitution, but it cheapens the meaning of discipline in this body for people who actually commit wrongful actions like bribery, fraud, violent assault and so on,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who defended Tlaib against the resolution on the floor late Tuesday.

A second resolution by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to censure Tlaib had also been scheduled for a procedural vote late Tuesday night. But that measure was put on hold after the censure resolution from McCormick advanced to a final vote.

Tlaib is now the 26th person to ever be censured by the chamber, and the second just this year. In June, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schiff-censure-house-republicans-russia-trump-318300df0f7b4f51c5b0ba5dd91edd23">voted to censure Democrat Adam Schiff</a>&nbsp;of California for comments he made several years ago about investigations into then-President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia.

When the House was under Democratic control, Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-entertainment-marjorie-taylor-greene-censures-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-854fd412b7a1049c8fb9a83fe2c56b8f">censured in 2021</a>&nbsp;for tweeting an animated video that depicted him striking Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York with a sword. And Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel of New York was censured in 2010 over serious financial and campaign misconduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699467104100.png" alt="Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>, the only Palestinian American serving in Congress defends herself before the vote Tuesday night. She was comforted by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>, the only Palestinian American serving in Congress defends herself before the vote Tuesday night. She was comforted by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted late Tuesday to censure Democratic Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>&nbsp;of Michigan — the only Palestinian American in Congress — an extraordinary rebuke of her rhetoric about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.On social media Wednesday, Kansas 2nd district congressman Jake LaTurner wrote, "It's shameful that we have individuals serving in Congress who knowingly push Hamas propaganda and dangerous antisemitic rhetoric."From the river to the sea!" is a disgusting terrorist slogan that calls for the complete destruction of Israel."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night I voted to censure Rashida Tlaib. It&#39;s shameful that we have individuals serving in Congress who knowingly push Hamas propaganda and dangerous antisemitic rhetoric. &quot;From the river to the sea!&quot; is a disgusting terrorist slogan that calls for the complete destruction… <a href="https://t.co/TIkBmYdaGl">pic.twitter.com/TIkBmYdaGl</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1722287889743044832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 234-188 tally came after enough Democrats joined with Republicans to censure Tlaib, a punishment one step below expulsion from the House. The three-term congresswoman has long been a target of criticism for her views on the decades-long conflict in the Middle East.The debate on the censure resolution on Tuesday afternoon was emotional and intense. Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia pushed the measure in response to what he called Tlaib’s promotion of antisemitic rhetoric. He said she has “levied unbelievable falsehoods about our greatest ally, Israel, and the attack on October 7.”With other Democrats standing by her side, Tlaib defended her stance, saying she “will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words.” She added that her criticism of Israel has always been directed toward its government and its leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on the efforts to silence me: <a href="https://t.co/RRPRfEBrYz">pic.twitter.com/RRPRfEBrYz</a>&mdash; Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRashida/status/1721915427045920966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It is important to separate people and government,” she said. “The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent. And it’s been used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”That criticism reached new heights after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">the Oct. 7 attack by the terrorist group Hamas</a>&nbsp;left hundreds of Israelis dead and scores injured. Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank, came under heavy reproval after she failed to immediately condemn Hamas after the attack.All Democrats initially stood by Tlaib and helped defeat the first censure resolution against her last week. But since then, many of her colleagues, including prominent Jewish members, have become more conflicted about her rhetoric about the war, especially because of a slogan she has used frequently that is widely seen as calling for the eradication of Israel.Ultimately, more than 20 of them joined Republicans on Tuesday night to censure her after an effort to shelve the measure failed earlier in the day.The latest censure push resulted in a dramatic vote on the House floor amid political tensions over the ongoing, deadly Israel-Hamas war. While the majority of both parties have historically stood firmly on the side of Israel, divisions have emerged in the Democratic Party about the American response.Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans on Tuesday to advance the censure resolution, said he believed it was important to debate the slogan “from the river to the sea.”“It is nothing else but the call for the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews,” the Jewish Democrat said. “I will always defend the right to free speech. Tlaib has the right to say whatever she wants.”He added, “But it cannot go unanswered.”While the censure of a lawmaker carries no practical effect, it amounts to severe reproach from colleagues, as lawmakers who are censured are usually asked to stand in the well of the House as the censure resolution against them is read aloud. But the resolution against Tlaib did not call for the public admonishment.With the vote, Tlaib will become the second Muslim-American woman in Congress to be formally admonished this year for her criticism of Israel. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was removed in February from the House Foreign Affairs Committee for similar comments she made about Israel.Some on the left have criticized President Joe Biden’s stance and urged him to put conditions on U.S. support for Israel as its aggressive military campaign drives the Palestinian death toll higher.While the vote against Tlaib will take place against the extraordinary backdrop of the war, the push to censure her is part of a growing pattern in the House.Censure had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impeachment-house-censure-schiff-biden-boebert-70a2206fc0c543a307fc3ec63d5287e9">long been viewed as a punishment of last resort</a>, just one step below expulsion and to be triggered only for the most egregious wrongdoing. But censure resolutions are quickly becoming routine in the chamber, often wielded in strikingly partisan ways.Many Democrats and some Republicans who opposed censuring Tlaib cited free speech and warned of the precedent it would set.“This resolution not only degrades our Constitution, but it cheapens the meaning of discipline in this body for people who actually commit wrongful actions like bribery, fraud, violent assault and so on,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who defended Tlaib against the resolution on the floor late Tuesday.A second resolution by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to censure Tlaib had also been scheduled for a procedural vote late Tuesday night. But that measure was put on hold after the censure resolution from McCormick advanced to a final vote.Tlaib is now the 26th person to ever be censured by the chamber, and the second just this year. In June, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schiff-censure-house-republicans-russia-trump-318300df0f7b4f51c5b0ba5dd91edd23">voted to censure Democrat Adam Schiff</a>&nbsp;of California for comments he made several years ago about investigations into then-President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia.When the House was under Democratic control, Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-entertainment-marjorie-taylor-greene-censures-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-854fd412b7a1049c8fb9a83fe2c56b8f">censured in 2021</a>&nbsp;for tweeting an animated video that depicted him striking Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York with a sword. And Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel of New York was censured in 2010 over serious financial and campaign misconduct.

 Kan. Congressman explains vote to censure Congresswoman

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that occurred in Wichita's Old Town on October 29, have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;

Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;police located the 21-year-old suspect and attempted to stop him during a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop, and a traffic pursuit ensued, which led to the suspect colliding with another vehicle on the road. 

The suspect then fled on foot and was ultimately taken into custody by Wichita Police Officers.

The other driver involved in the crash received minor injuries and did not need immediate medical attention, according to Gupilan.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle collision, to ensure transparency. Police will released the name of the suspect after the charges are filed in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699406799719.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that occurred in Wichita's Old Town on October 29, have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;police located the 21-year-old suspect and attempted to stop him during a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop, and a traffic pursuit ensued, which led to the suspect colliding with another vehicle on the road. The suspect then fled on foot and was ultimately taken into custody by Wichita Police Officers.The other driver involved in the crash received minor injuries and did not need immediate medical attention, according to Gupilan.The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle collision, to ensure transparency. Police will released the name of the suspect after the charges are filed in the case.

Police capture Kan. shooting suspect after chase, crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Tuesday reiterated that President Joe Biden does not support an Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip once the war ends.

Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he would leave it to Netanyahu to clarify what he means by having “indefinite” control of Gaza's security.

“There needs to be a healthy set of conversations about what post conflict Gaza looks like and what governance looks like,” Kirby told reporters. “What we absolutely agree with our Israeli counterparts on is what it can’t look like, and it can’t look like it looked on October 6.”

Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;The pace of Palestinian civilians fleeing the combat zone in northern Gaza has picked up as Israel’s air and ground campaign there intensifies. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Wednesday that about 15,000 people fled on Tuesday, compared to 5,000 on Monday and 2,000 on Sunday.

The densely populated northern area of Gaza, specifically Gaza City and adjacent crowded urban refugee camps, are the focus of Israel’s campaign to crush Hamas, the militant group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years. The war, now in its second month, was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

The number of Palestinians killed in the war passed 10,300, including more than 4,200 children, the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday.

In the occupied West Bank, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed in the violence and Israeli raids. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697623511291.png" alt="Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Tuesday reiterated that President Joe Biden does not support an Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip once the war ends.Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he would leave it to Netanyahu to clarify what he means by having “indefinite” control of Gaza's security.“There needs to be a healthy set of conversations about what post conflict Gaza looks like and what governance looks like,” Kirby told reporters. “What we absolutely agree with our Israeli counterparts on is what it can’t look like, and it can’t look like it looked on October 6.”Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.Meanwhile,&nbsp;The pace of Palestinian civilians fleeing the combat zone in northern Gaza has picked up as Israel’s air and ground campaign there intensifies. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Wednesday that about 15,000 people fled on Tuesday, compared to 5,000 on Monday and 2,000 on Sunday.The densely populated northern area of Gaza, specifically Gaza City and adjacent crowded urban refugee camps, are the focus of Israel’s campaign to crush Hamas, the militant group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years. The war, now in its second month, was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.The number of Palestinians killed in the war passed 10,300, including more than 4,200 children, the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday.In the occupied West Bank, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed in the violence and Israeli raids. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.

White House against Israel re-occupying Gaza after war 

Judith Ann Berry, 71, long-time resident of McCook, Nebraska, passed away in her home on November 5, 2023 in Goodland, Kansas.&nbsp; Judith Ann was born to Joseph and Martha (Otte) Vinton on August 23, 1952 in Rushville, Nebraska.&nbsp; Judy was the oldest of 13 children, five sisters and seven brothers who were raised on the family ranch near Eli, Nebraska.&nbsp;

Judy attended grade school in a one-room school house in Eli, Nebraska where she walked or rode a horse along with her siblings about three miles every day, one way.&nbsp; She attended St. Martin’s Academy in Rapid City, South Dakota with her sister Mary and they graduated in 1971.&nbsp; Judy then attended Alliance School of Practical Nursing and graduated March 27, 1973.&nbsp; 

After graduating from nursing school, Judy returned to Gordon and worked in the nursing home for a short time. Judy then worked in Madonna Rehabilitation in Lincoln, Nebraska and Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska before moving to Oberlin, Kansas.

Judy loved to tell stories about growing up in the sand hills of Nebraska on a ranch.&nbsp; She even loved to do demo derby and racing cars with some of her brothers. She learned to fly with a couple of her uncles and grandfather as early as 12 years of age.&nbsp; Judy eventually got her pilot’s license and held it until she had her daughter in 1979.&nbsp; She got the nickname of “Mintlady” because she picked up a hobby of making cream cheese mints after doing them for her daughter’s graduation in 1997.&nbsp; She had about every flavor or shape you could think of.&nbsp; Judy loved nursing, but she loved her family and friends even more.

Judy worked at the Decatur County Hospital and Nursing home in Oberlin, Kansas; where she met her future husband, Gary Kay Berry.&nbsp; They moved to McCook, Nebraska and were married on August 4, 1984.&nbsp; She started her job at Community Hospital in August 1984 and continued to work there until her retirement on October 18th, 2019.&nbsp; Judy worked in various departments while at Community Hospital, but her absolute favorite thing was working with babies and first-time parents.&nbsp; Many of her co-workers would say that she could make bad situations tolerable and made work fun.&nbsp; She gave the best bear hugs and had a great laugh.&nbsp; She was a dedicated and loving nurse.&nbsp; Judy received the Caring Kind award in 2010.&nbsp; Her nomination for that award read as follows:&nbsp; Judy Berry, LPN, has been in nursing care at Community Hospital since 1984.&nbsp; She is always willing to go the “extra mile” for each individual – patients, fellow employees, and visitors.&nbsp; Judy has helped many mommies and daddies with their newborns and embraced each baby as though they were her own.&nbsp; She has also been with many families at the end of life and has compassion for not only the patient, but each family member as well.&nbsp; Judy was with us when both my parents lost the battle to cancer.&nbsp; She was quick to share a tear, offer a hug, or just hold our hand.&nbsp; Judy has a smile and a cheery word for everyone.&nbsp; She is quick to offer her help for each employee who might need an extra hand.&nbsp; Judy is truly a “Caring Person”

Upon retiring, she stayed in McCook, Nebraska until May of 2020 when she decided to be closer to Sara and her grandchildren.&nbsp; She bought her dream car and found a nice house in Goodland, KS.&nbsp; She enjoyed her grandchildren almost every day and sat on her porch watching neighbors.&nbsp; As God would have it, a nurse, Stephanie, moved in next door with her fiancée and they became good friends.&nbsp; When her health declined, her neighbors came over regularly and brought their boxer dogs with them.&nbsp; Probably once a month or so they would have supper with her and let Judy give the dogs table food treats.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Martha; brother, Edward; infant sister, Martha Elizabeth; husband, Gary Berry; brother-in-law, Steve Dykes; sister-in-law, Linda Vinton; brother-in-law, Harold Berry; brother-in-law, Robert Keen, Jr; sister-in-law, Diane Slagle, nieces, Annie Blauvelt and Rachel Vinton.&nbsp; 

Judy is survived by her daughter, Sara Berry (Rob Johnson); three “special” daughters – Kandy, Brandy, and Teresea; grandson, Gavin Herren; granddaughters, Aspen Johnson, Jessica (Quentin) Mirabal, and Sarah Johnson; great-granddaughters Charity Mirabal and Baby Mirabal; great-grandson, Jaxon Mirabal; her sisters and brothers, Mary (Brad) Blauvelt; Joe (Marcia) Vinton; Fred (Linda) Vinton; Theresa Dykes; Mike Vinton; Kathy (Verlin) Dohse; Arty (Dee) Vinton; Helen (Brunza) LaBore; Chris (Darla) Vinton; Paul (Shelia) Vinton, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: DeAlva Vinton, Gail Keen, Carroll (Jan) Berry, Bill Slagle, Deanna Sekyra, Terri Bredvick, and Debra (Earl) McNutt.&nbsp; There are a myriad of other special grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins that she loved so very much.&nbsp;

Celebration of life services in McCook, Nebraska will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Community Hospital Health Foundation in McCook and may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/946653b3-892e-4f8b-95af-6aac378e1ed4" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Ann Berry, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/946653b3-892e-4f8b-95af-6aac378e1ed4" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Judith Ann Berry, Goodland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699305262149.jpeg" alt="Judith Ann Berry" />
 <figcaption>Judith Ann Berry</figcaption>
 </figure>August 23, 1952 - November 5, 2023Judith Ann Berry, 71, long-time resident of McCook, Nebraska, passed away in her home on November 5, 2023 in Goodland, Kansas.&nbsp; Judith Ann was born to Joseph and Martha (Otte) Vinton on August 23, 1952 in Rushville, Nebraska.&nbsp; Judy was the oldest of 13 children, five sisters and seven brothers who were raised on the family ranch near Eli, Nebraska.&nbsp;Judy attended grade school in a one-room school house in Eli, Nebraska where she walked or rode a horse along with her siblings about three miles every day, one way.&nbsp; She attended St. Martin’s Academy in Rapid City, South Dakota with her sister Mary and they graduated in 1971.&nbsp; Judy then attended Alliance School of Practical Nursing and graduated March 27, 1973.&nbsp; After graduating from nursing school, Judy returned to Gordon and worked in the nursing home for a short time. Judy then worked in Madonna Rehabilitation in Lincoln, Nebraska and Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska before moving to Oberlin, Kansas.Judy loved to tell stories about growing up in the sand hills of Nebraska on a ranch.&nbsp; She even loved to do demo derby and racing cars with some of her brothers. She learned to fly with a couple of her uncles and grandfather as early as 12 years of age.&nbsp; Judy eventually got her pilot’s license and held it until she had her daughter in 1979.&nbsp; She got the nickname of “Mintlady” because she picked up a hobby of making cream cheese mints after doing them for her daughter’s graduation in 1997.&nbsp; She had about every flavor or shape you could think of.&nbsp; Judy loved nursing, but she loved her family and friends even more.Judy worked at the Decatur County Hospital and Nursing home in Oberlin, Kansas; where she met her future husband, Gary Kay Berry.&nbsp; They moved to McCook, Nebraska and were married on August 4, 1984.&nbsp; She started her job at Community Hospital in August 1984 and continued to work there until her retirement on October 18th, 2019.&nbsp; Judy worked in various departments while at Community Hospital, but her absolute favorite thing was working with babies and first-time parents.&nbsp; Many of her co-workers would say that she could make bad situations tolerable and made work fun.&nbsp; She gave the best bear hugs and had a great laugh.&nbsp; She was a dedicated and loving nurse.&nbsp; Judy received the Caring Kind award in 2010.&nbsp; Her nomination for that award read as follows:&nbsp; Judy Berry, LPN, has been in nursing care at Community Hospital since 1984.&nbsp; She is always willing to go the “extra mile” for each individual – patients, fellow employees, and visitors.&nbsp; Judy has helped many mommies and daddies with their newborns and embraced each baby as though they were her own.&nbsp; She has also been with many families at the end of life and has compassion for not only the patient, but each family member as well.&nbsp; Judy was with us when both my parents lost the battle to cancer.&nbsp; She was quick to share a tear, offer a hug, or just hold our hand.&nbsp; Judy has a smile and a cheery word for everyone.&nbsp; She is quick to offer her help for each employee who might need an extra hand.&nbsp; Judy is truly a “Caring Person”Upon retiring, she stayed in McCook, Nebraska until May of 2020 when she decided to be closer to Sara and her grandchildren.&nbsp; She bought her dream car and found a nice house in Goodland, KS.&nbsp; She enjoyed her grandchildren almost every day and sat on her porch watching neighbors.&nbsp; As God would have it, a nurse, Stephanie, moved in next door with her fiancée and they became good friends.&nbsp; When her health declined, her neighbors came over regularly and brought their boxer dogs with them.&nbsp; Probably once a month or so they would have supper with her and let Judy give the dogs table food treats.Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Martha; brother, Edward; infant sister, Martha Elizabeth; husband, Gary Berry; brother-in-law, Steve Dykes; sister-in-law, Linda Vinton; brother-in-law, Harold Berry; brother-in-law, Robert Keen, Jr; sister-in-law, Diane Slagle, nieces, Annie Blauvelt and Rachel Vinton.&nbsp; Judy is survived by her daughter, Sara Berry (Rob Johnson); three “special” daughters – Kandy, Brandy, and Teresea; grandson, Gavin Herren; granddaughters, Aspen Johnson, Jessica (Quentin) Mirabal, and Sarah Johnson; great-granddaughters Charity Mirabal and Baby Mirabal; great-grandson, Jaxon Mirabal; her sisters and brothers, Mary (Brad) Blauvelt; Joe (Marcia) Vinton; Fred (Linda) Vinton; Theresa Dykes; Mike Vinton; Kathy (Verlin) Dohse; Arty (Dee) Vinton; Helen (Brunza) LaBore; Chris (Darla) Vinton; Paul (Shelia) Vinton, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: DeAlva Vinton, Gail Keen, Carroll (Jan) Berry, Bill Slagle, Deanna Sekyra, Terri Bredvick, and Debra (Earl) McNutt.&nbsp; There are a myriad of other special grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins that she loved so very much.&nbsp;Celebration of life services in McCook, Nebraska will be held at a later date.Memorial contributions may be designated to the Community Hospital Health Foundation in McCook and may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/946653b3-892e-4f8b-95af-6aac378e1ed4" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Ann Berry, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/946653b3-892e-4f8b-95af-6aac378e1ed4" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Judith Ann Berry

Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl, 36, passed away on November 3, 2023, near Manhattan, Kansas. She was born on October 25, 1987, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Dale and Bernadette “Berny” (Pachta) Unruh. 

On October 15, 2022, she married Nathan “Nate” Uhl at the Unruh Family Farm. They had been working on remodeling a big, beautiful home near Manhattan, along with the son she gained, Tristen.

Survivors include her husband of the home; stepson, Tristen Uhl of Manhattan, Kansas; parents, Dale and Berny Unruh of Great Bend, Kansas; two brothers, Adam Unruh of Pawnee Rock, and Grant Unruh of Carleton, Nebraska; a sister, Danette Unruh of Esbon; grandmothers, Wynona Unruh of Great Bend and Carol Pachta of Belleville; in-laws, Bobby and Patricia Uhl of Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Grant Olin Unruh and Edward Pachta.

Visitation with family receiving friends will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with vigil and rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Manhattan, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Father Don Zimmerman presiding. Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Bergthal Mennonite Cemetery in Pawnee Rock, Kansas. 

Memorials have been designated to the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant, Ellsworth County 4-H or Russell County 4-H, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/nicolette-unruh-uhl/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699308340259.png" alt="Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl" />
 <figcaption>Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl</figcaption>
 </figure>October 25, 1987 - November 3, 2023Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl, 36, passed away on November 3, 2023, near Manhattan, Kansas. She was born on October 25, 1987, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Dale and Bernadette “Berny” (Pachta) Unruh. On October 15, 2022, she married Nathan “Nate” Uhl at the Unruh Family Farm. They had been working on remodeling a big, beautiful home near Manhattan, along with the son she gained, Tristen.Survivors include her husband of the home; stepson, Tristen Uhl of Manhattan, Kansas; parents, Dale and Berny Unruh of Great Bend, Kansas; two brothers, Adam Unruh of Pawnee Rock, and Grant Unruh of Carleton, Nebraska; a sister, Danette Unruh of Esbon; grandmothers, Wynona Unruh of Great Bend and Carol Pachta of Belleville; in-laws, Bobby and Patricia Uhl of Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Grant Olin Unruh and Edward Pachta.Visitation with family receiving friends will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with vigil and rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Manhattan, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Father Don Zimmerman presiding. Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Bergthal Mennonite Cemetery in Pawnee Rock, Kansas. Memorials have been designated to the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant, Ellsworth County 4-H or Russell County 4-H, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/nicolette-unruh-uhl/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Nicolette Lynn Unruh-Uhl

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

The U.S. is topping weekly production records with each passing week. 

The Energy Information Administration reports average output in the United States has surpassed 13 million barrels per day in each of the last four weekly reports. Prior to last month, that had only happened twice, back in the spring of 2020. The current record was set in the week through Oct. 27 at 13,233,000 barrels per day an increase of 3,000 barrels per day from the week before.

Kansas output in August was number eleven on the state rankings at just under 2.3 million barrels. That's 74,000 barrels per day, down 225 barrels per day from the July average. Kansas is among five crude-producing states showing declines in production, even as other states take aim at output records. Oklahoma, Alaska, California and Mississippi also posted declines in August, a month that saw record production nationwide and in several states. Texas produced with 5.6 million barrels per day. This marks the fifth time this year Texas has produced more crude oil than all other states combined.

Energy Information Administration reported an increase in domestic crude inventories last week, up 800,000 barrels to just under 422 million barrels as of October 27. Stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Crude imports averaged over six million barrels per day last week, up nearly half a million barrels from the week before. The four week average is up nearly 1.5% from a year ago.

Kansas regulators okayed 29 permits for new drilling locations last week, 15 of them in western Kansas, including two in Ellis County. The year-to-date tally is 1,115, down from 1,400 a year ago, but up from 966 through October of 2021. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 34 newly completed wells statewide, sixteen of them west of Wichita, including three in Barton County and two in Stafford County. The 1,433 statewide completions so far this year outnumber last year by 75 wells, and nearly double the count through October, 2021.

Baker Hughes reports 618 active drilling rigs as of November 3. The count in Texas was down seven rigs, New Mexico was up four. Oklahoma was down one rig. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 21 west of Wichita, which is unchanged from last week. The Kansas Rig Count is down 28% or 15 rigs from a year ago. 

Drilling got underway Friday on two leases in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

Kansas regulators report 197 new intent-to-drill notices across the state last month, including five in Barton County and six in Ellis County. The Kansas Corporation Commission lists 1,188 new intents for the first nine months of the year, compared to 1,457 through October last year. So far this year, Barton County has 36 intents on file. Ellis County has 43. Russell County has five and Stafford County adds 24.

Oil-by-rail traffic for the week through October 28 was up more than 13% over a year ago. At 9,976 tanker carloads, rail shipments increased by 33 carloads over the week before. Petroleum shipments were one of nine cargo categories that saw increases in October. The Association of American Railroads reports an increase of 5,046 carloads or 14.2 percent over last October.

It could take several months, but three U.S. refineries are included in the upcoming auction of the Venezuelan company Citgo as part of the Administration's move to relax sanctions against that country.&nbsp; According to the Energy Information Administration, the three refineries together account for about five percent of U.S. refining capacity. The refineries are built for the sour, heavy crude grades once supplied by Venezuelan oil fields. On October 23, &nbsp;marketing materials were offered to potential buyers, marking the formal beginning of the process to auction off the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsThe U.S. is topping weekly production records with each passing week. The Energy Information Administration reports average output in the United States has surpassed 13 million barrels per day in each of the last four weekly reports. Prior to last month, that had only happened twice, back in the spring of 2020. The current record was set in the week through Oct. 27 at 13,233,000 barrels per day an increase of 3,000 barrels per day from the week before.Kansas output in August was number eleven on the state rankings at just under 2.3 million barrels. That's 74,000 barrels per day, down 225 barrels per day from the July average. Kansas is among five crude-producing states showing declines in production, even as other states take aim at output records. Oklahoma, Alaska, California and Mississippi also posted declines in August, a month that saw record production nationwide and in several states. Texas produced with 5.6 million barrels per day. This marks the fifth time this year Texas has produced more crude oil than all other states combined.Energy Information Administration reported an increase in domestic crude inventories last week, up 800,000 barrels to just under 422 million barrels as of October 27. Stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.Crude imports averaged over six million barrels per day last week, up nearly half a million barrels from the week before. The four week average is up nearly 1.5% from a year ago.Kansas regulators okayed 29 permits for new drilling locations last week, 15 of them in western Kansas, including two in Ellis County. The year-to-date tally is 1,115, down from 1,400 a year ago, but up from 966 through October of 2021. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 34 newly completed wells statewide, sixteen of them west of Wichita, including three in Barton County and two in Stafford County. The 1,433 statewide completions so far this year outnumber last year by 75 wells, and nearly double the count through October, 2021.Baker Hughes reports 618 active drilling rigs as of November 3. The count in Texas was down seven rigs, New Mexico was up four. Oklahoma was down one rig. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 21 west of Wichita, which is unchanged from last week. The Kansas Rig Count is down 28% or 15 rigs from a year ago. Drilling got underway Friday on two leases in Barton County and one in Ellis County.Kansas regulators report 197 new intent-to-drill notices across the state last month, including five in Barton County and six in Ellis County. The Kansas Corporation Commission lists 1,188 new intents for the first nine months of the year, compared to 1,457 through October last year. So far this year, Barton County has 36 intents on file. Ellis County has 43. Russell County has five and Stafford County adds 24.Oil-by-rail traffic for the week through October 28 was up more than 13% over a year ago. At 9,976 tanker carloads, rail shipments increased by 33 carloads over the week before. Petroleum shipments were one of nine cargo categories that saw increases in October. The Association of American Railroads reports an increase of 5,046 carloads or 14.2 percent over last October.It could take several months, but three U.S. refineries are included in the upcoming auction of the Venezuelan company Citgo as part of the Administration's move to relax sanctions against that country.&nbsp; According to the Energy Information Administration, the three refineries together account for about five percent of U.S. refining capacity. The refineries are built for the sour, heavy crude grades once supplied by Venezuelan oil fields. On October 23, &nbsp;marketing materials were offered to potential buyers, marking the formal beginning of the process to auction off the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: U.S. sets weekly production records

Warren B. Sherwin, 89, died at Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City, Kansas on November 4, 2023. He was born on October 9, 1934, on the farm, southwest of Beeler, the youngest son of Mark and Alice (Prose) Sherwin. 

His older siblings were Douglas, Dennis and Reva, who all preceded him in death. 

His parents, Mark and Alice Sherwin, lived west of Buda School, a one-room schoolhouse, where he attended until going to Beeler High School. 

He met Alberta Anderson of Utica, at a dance in Dighton. They started corresponding after Warren was enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. 

He completed his basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, and was trained as a helicopter mechanic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His home base was Fort Hood, Texas where he loved working on helicopters. One of his most memorable experiences while in the military was being part of 800 soldiers participating in an army exercise to witness an atomic explosion, at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada in 1955. During that exercise he received $55/month extra in hazardous duty pay. He also flew support for tanks, transported officers and helped injured soldiers get medical care. After he was discharged in 1956 with a rank of E-3, he went to Wichita to work for Boeing, before moving back to the farm.&nbsp;

On December 23, 1957, Warren married Alberta Anderson at the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Utica. They had five children: &nbsp;Rhonda, Brenda, Shelly, Karen and Scott. 

Warren was dedicated to hard work, raising crops, beef cattle and putting in long hours in all kinds of weather to provide for his wife and children. The farm had a large orchard and garden. 

He and Alberta enjoyed going to “cousin” card parties and square dances.&nbsp;Alberta passed away on June 3, 1996, after 38 years of marriage. 

Later Warren met Dorothy Schwartzkopf Weeks of Brownell. They married on January 2, 1998. They lived and worked on the farm and were active in the Sunflower Polka Club. &nbsp;Dorothy passed away on October 27, 2000.&nbsp;

Warren met and later married Norma Dvorak Binns of Scott City on September 22, 2001, his wife for the last 22 years. They lived first on the farm for a few years and then moved to Scott City. They enjoyed traveling with their RV to a camp near Salinas, Colorado and to Fredericksburg, TX, where they had many retired friends.

The Sherwin children have many fond memories of their dad, including fishing on Sunday afternoons, working together in the fields and on the farm. Warren had a calm, steady, compassionate character. He was very mechanical and always had something to fix. Having four daughters and a son had its challenges, but he patiently taught them to drive farm machinery.

Besides his family, one of Warren’s legacies was the Indian Hill land northwest of Beeler in 1988. This property was reported to have been a lookout for Native Americans to see any enemy coming into the area. Five years later in 2003, he decided to have a life-sized figure of an Indian sitting on a horse at the top of Indian Hill. He asked local metal smith Brad Dinges to sculpt the figure, who recruited his daughter to be the model. This work soon became a local attraction and is currently listed under the Wonders of Ness County. Warren really enjoyed seeing newspaper articles and comments from drivers who saw the artwork.&nbsp;

Warren was a member of Buda Sunday School and assisted when needed, was baptized at the Beeler UMC where he became a member and later attended the Scott City UMC. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Beeler Cooperative. In 2019, he was a recipient of a Kansas Honor flight, because of his service during the Korean War. He enjoyed a quick trip to Washington D.C., visiting historic sites.

Warren was proceeded in death by his first two wives, both parents, and his three siblings. 

Survivors include Norma Binns Sherwin of Scott City, KS; Rhonda (Steve) Ashworth of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Brenda Sherwin of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Shelly Sherwin of Douglas, Arizona; Karen Sherwin of Garden City; and Scott Sherwin who lives and manages the family farm near Beeler. Warren also has three grandsons: John Ashworth, Richard (Alena) Wheeler and Nathan Wheeler; and two granddaughters, Sarah (James) Heatley and Marie Ashworth. He recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, Luna Wheeler. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Sherwin of Wichita, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral service will be on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at the Ness City Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Buda Cemetery, Beeler, Kansas. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Beeler Volunteer Fire Department or the Buda Cemetery.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

<h2>Warren Bert Sherwin, Scott City</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699304477347.jpeg" alt="Warren Bert Sherwin" />
 <figcaption>Warren Bert Sherwin</figcaption>
 </figure>October 9, 1934 - November 4, 2023Warren B. Sherwin, 89, died at Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City, Kansas on November 4, 2023. He was born on October 9, 1934, on the farm, southwest of Beeler, the youngest son of Mark and Alice (Prose) Sherwin. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher.His older siblings were Douglas, Dennis and Reva, who all preceded him in death. His parents, Mark and Alice Sherwin, lived west of Buda School, a one-room schoolhouse, where he attended until going to Beeler High School. He met Alberta Anderson of Utica, at a dance in Dighton. They started corresponding after Warren was enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. He completed his basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, and was trained as a helicopter mechanic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His home base was Fort Hood, Texas where he loved working on helicopters. One of his most memorable experiences while in the military was being part of 800 soldiers participating in an army exercise to witness an atomic explosion, at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada in 1955. During that exercise he received $55/month extra in hazardous duty pay. He also flew support for tanks, transported officers and helped injured soldiers get medical care. After he was discharged in 1956 with a rank of E-3, he went to Wichita to work for Boeing, before moving back to the farm.&nbsp;On December 23, 1957, Warren married Alberta Anderson at the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Utica. They had five children: &nbsp;Rhonda, Brenda, Shelly, Karen and Scott. Warren was dedicated to hard work, raising crops, beef cattle and putting in long hours in all kinds of weather to provide for his wife and children. The farm had a large orchard and garden. He and Alberta enjoyed going to “cousin” card parties and square dances.&nbsp;Alberta passed away on June 3, 1996, after 38 years of marriage. Later Warren met Dorothy Schwartzkopf Weeks of Brownell. They married on January 2, 1998. They lived and worked on the farm and were active in the Sunflower Polka Club. &nbsp;Dorothy passed away on October 27, 2000.&nbsp;Warren met and later married Norma Dvorak Binns of Scott City on September 22, 2001, his wife for the last 22 years. They lived first on the farm for a few years and then moved to Scott City. They enjoyed traveling with their RV to a camp near Salinas, Colorado and to Fredericksburg, TX, where they had many retired friends.The Sherwin children have many fond memories of their dad, including fishing on Sunday afternoons, working together in the fields and on the farm. Warren had a calm, steady, compassionate character. He was very mechanical and always had something to fix. Having four daughters and a son had its challenges, but he patiently taught them to drive farm machinery.Besides his family, one of Warren’s legacies was the Indian Hill land northwest of Beeler in 1988. This property was reported to have been a lookout for Native Americans to see any enemy coming into the area. Five years later in 2003, he decided to have a life-sized figure of an Indian sitting on a horse at the top of Indian Hill. He asked local metal smith Brad Dinges to sculpt the figure, who recruited his daughter to be the model. This work soon became a local attraction and is currently listed under the Wonders of Ness County. Warren really enjoyed seeing newspaper articles and comments from drivers who saw the artwork.&nbsp;Warren was a member of Buda Sunday School and assisted when needed, was baptized at the Beeler UMC where he became a member and later attended the Scott City UMC. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Beeler Cooperative. In 2019, he was a recipient of a Kansas Honor flight, because of his service during the Korean War. He enjoyed a quick trip to Washington D.C., visiting historic sites.Warren was proceeded in death by his first two wives, both parents, and his three siblings. Survivors include Norma Binns Sherwin of Scott City, KS; Rhonda (Steve) Ashworth of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Brenda Sherwin of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Shelly Sherwin of Douglas, Arizona; Karen Sherwin of Garden City; and Scott Sherwin who lives and manages the family farm near Beeler. Warren also has three grandsons: John Ashworth, Richard (Alena) Wheeler and Nathan Wheeler; and two granddaughters, Sarah (James) Heatley and Marie Ashworth. He recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, Luna Wheeler. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Sherwin of Wichita, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.Funeral service will be on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at the Ness City Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Buda Cemetery, Beeler, Kansas. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Beeler Volunteer Fire Department or the Buda Cemetery.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Warren Bert Sherwin

Valerian “Larry” Ochs, 80, passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Logan County Senior Living in Oakley, KS. Larry was born in Quinter, KS on January 1, 1943, to Clem and Emma Helen (Gallagher) Ochs. 

He grew up on a farm south of Hoxie, KS and attended Hoxie Schools. Larry graduated from Sheridan County High School with the class of 1960.

He entered the Armed Forces in 1961 and was stationed at Fort Carson for six months then served in Germany for 18 months. Larry served his country for two years before returning to the family farm. In 2001, Larry returned to Germany when he and his wife took a trip there.

Larry married Virginia Ziegler on May 22, 1965, at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Grainfield, KS. 

They lived on the farm and continued to farm with his dad, and later with his brother, raising cattle and crops. Larry and Virginia eventually moved to Grainfield, KS. Once he quit farming, he worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation for a number of years. Larry and Virginia sold their home in Grainfield in 2021 and moved to Logan County Senior Living in Oakley.

The loves of Larry’s life were his wife Virginia, daughter Melissa, grandsons and great-grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time with his aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.

Larry is survived by his wife Virginia, of Oakley, KS; two grandsons, Dexter Herl (Tiffany Thomas) and Derek Herl, all of Grainfield; great-grandchildren, Deagon, Deighton and Kaelynn Herl, Kaitlyn Herskowitz Brooklyn Herl, Brooklyn Thomas, Leighton Bliss and Robin Bliss; sisters, Carol Geerdes and Deanna Kennedy, both of Hoxie, and brother Dan Ochs, who resides on the family farm, Grainfield, KS.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Herl, who died July 12, 1991, and his parents Clem and Emma Helen Ochs.

Memorials may be made to the Grainfield American Legion or Beougher Field in Grainfield and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. 

For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Valerian Ochs, Oakley</h2>&nbsp;January 1, 1943 - October 30, 2023Valerian “Larry” Ochs, 80, passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Logan County Senior Living in Oakley, KS. Larry was born in Quinter, KS on January 1, 1943, to Clem and Emma Helen (Gallagher) Ochs. He grew up on a farm south of Hoxie, KS and attended Hoxie Schools. Larry graduated from Sheridan County High School with the class of 1960.He entered the Armed Forces in 1961 and was stationed at Fort Carson for six months then served in Germany for 18 months. Larry served his country for two years before returning to the family farm. In 2001, Larry returned to Germany when he and his wife took a trip there.Larry married Virginia Ziegler on May 22, 1965, at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Grainfield, KS. They lived on the farm and continued to farm with his dad, and later with his brother, raising cattle and crops. Larry and Virginia eventually moved to Grainfield, KS. Once he quit farming, he worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation for a number of years. Larry and Virginia sold their home in Grainfield in 2021 and moved to Logan County Senior Living in Oakley.The loves of Larry’s life were his wife Virginia, daughter Melissa, grandsons and great-grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time with his aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.Larry is survived by his wife Virginia, of Oakley, KS; two grandsons, Dexter Herl (Tiffany Thomas) and Derek Herl, all of Grainfield; great-grandchildren, Deagon, Deighton and Kaelynn Herl, Kaitlyn Herskowitz Brooklyn Herl, Brooklyn Thomas, Leighton Bliss and Robin Bliss; sisters, Carol Geerdes and Deanna Kennedy, both of Hoxie, and brother Dan Ochs, who resides on the family farm, Grainfield, KS.He was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Herl, who died July 12, 1991, and his parents Clem and Emma Helen Ochs.Memorials may be made to the Grainfield American Legion or Beougher Field in Grainfield and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;