Evelyn D. Armbrister, 91, Hays, died Friday, December 8, 2023 at HaysMed.

She was born November 9, 1932 in Hays, the daughter of Jacob “Jake” and Mae Frances (Smith) Henrickson. On October 28, 1950 she was united in marriage to Raymond F. Armbrister in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they were married 60 years before he preceded her in death on June 30, 2010. Evelyn was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church until 1984 when she and Raymond moved to Hays and they became members of Messiah Lutheran Church. At the age of 15, Evelyn ran her grandfather’s dairy farm and she became a hardworking farmwife, feeding cattle, helping with field work, driving the tractor and wheat truck, and pumping oil wells. She loved Christmas and Christmas music, played the saxophone, was a talented artist and seamstress, and enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include her two sons, Rodney Armbrister and wife Robin of Ellis and Clarence Armbrister and wife Sharon of Bel Aire, two daughters, Gwen Herman and husband Jerry of Hays and Yvonne Koehn and husband Steven of Castle Rock, CO, a sister, Joyce Meseke of Kansas City, nine grandchildren, Jeremy Herman and wife Justine, Travis Herman and wife Erin, Karen Christian, Jennifer Miller and husband Ricky, Tamra Lickteig and husband Brad, Kely Hopkins and husband David, Kyle Armbrister, Randy Armbrister and wife Alana, and Dana Ellis and husband Kody, nine great grandchildren, Quinton, Jaxon, Isla, and Cade Herman, Audrey and Emery Christian, Evelyn Miller, Morgan and Nora Lickteig, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond, six brothers, Les, Jakie, Robert, Toliff, Orval, and an infant brother, and four sisters, Ruth, Mildred, Vera, and Mary Lorine.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Mount Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until service time on Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Evelyn may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702491791670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Evelyn D. Armbrister, 91, Hays, died Friday, December 8, 2023 at HaysMed.She was born November 9, 1932 in Hays, the daughter of Jacob “Jake” and Mae Frances (Smith) Henrickson. On October 28, 1950 she was united in marriage to Raymond F. Armbrister in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they were married 60 years before he preceded her in death on June 30, 2010. Evelyn was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church until 1984 when she and Raymond moved to Hays and they became members of Messiah Lutheran Church. At the age of 15, Evelyn ran her grandfather’s dairy farm and she became a hardworking farmwife, feeding cattle, helping with field work, driving the tractor and wheat truck, and pumping oil wells. She loved Christmas and Christmas music, played the saxophone, was a talented artist and seamstress, and enjoyed gardening.Survivors include her two sons, Rodney Armbrister and wife Robin of Ellis and Clarence Armbrister and wife Sharon of Bel Aire, two daughters, Gwen Herman and husband Jerry of Hays and Yvonne Koehn and husband Steven of Castle Rock, CO, a sister, Joyce Meseke of Kansas City, nine grandchildren, Jeremy Herman and wife Justine, Travis Herman and wife Erin, Karen Christian, Jennifer Miller and husband Ricky, Tamra Lickteig and husband Brad, Kely Hopkins and husband David, Kyle Armbrister, Randy Armbrister and wife Alana, and Dana Ellis and husband Kody, nine great grandchildren, Quinton, Jaxon, Isla, and Cade Herman, Audrey and Emery Christian, Evelyn Miller, Morgan and Nora Lickteig, and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond, six brothers, Les, Jakie, Robert, Toliff, Orval, and an infant brother, and four sisters, Ruth, Mildred, Vera, and Mary Lorine.Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Mount Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until service time on Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Evelyn may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Evelyn D. Armbrister

Cora A. Dortland, 94, Gorham, died Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Via Christi Village in Hays.

She was born March 21, 1929 in Catharine, the daughter of Adolph and Anna (Staab) Schmidt. She was a graduate of Girls Catholic High School, and on October 26, 1968 she was united in marriage to Everett Dortland at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine. They were married 41 years before he preceded her in death on July 1, 2010. Cora was an X-Ray technician for 11 years at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, and she was a homemaker and farmwife, living on the farm south of Gorham for over 50 years. She was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Gorham and the Gorham Daughters of Isabella Circle #287.

Survivors include two brothers, Adolph Schmidt and wife DeAnn and Gerald Schmidt and wife Elaine, all of Hays, two sisters-in-law, Rosie Schmidt of Hays and Geraldine Wheeler of Denver, CO, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, infant Elmer, Celestine, Herbert, Alfred, Emery, and Elmer Schmidt, and three sisters, Cyrilla Evans, Fidelia Rome, and Irene Dinkel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Gorham. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church in Gorham. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30, both on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Cemetery or to St. Mary Church for masses. Condolences and memories of Cora may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702405737691.jpeg" alt="2FBA93C3-81E0-4801-9256-0E962F8DF4BF_1_201_a.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>2FBA93C3-81E0-4801-9256-0E962F8DF4BF_1_201_a.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>Cora A. Dortland, 94, Gorham, died Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Via Christi Village in Hays.She was born March 21, 1929 in Catharine, the daughter of Adolph and Anna (Staab) Schmidt. She was a graduate of Girls Catholic High School, and on October 26, 1968 she was united in marriage to Everett Dortland at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine. They were married 41 years before he preceded her in death on July 1, 2010. Cora was an X-Ray technician for 11 years at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, and she was a homemaker and farmwife, living on the farm south of Gorham for over 50 years. She was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Gorham and the Gorham Daughters of Isabella Circle #287.Survivors include two brothers, Adolph Schmidt and wife DeAnn and Gerald Schmidt and wife Elaine, all of Hays, two sisters-in-law, Rosie Schmidt of Hays and Geraldine Wheeler of Denver, CO, and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, infant Elmer, Celestine, Herbert, Alfred, Emery, and Elmer Schmidt, and three sisters, Cyrilla Evans, Fidelia Rome, and Irene Dinkel.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Gorham. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church in Gorham. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30, both on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Cemetery or to St. Mary Church for masses. Condolences and memories of Cora may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Cora A. Dortland

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced Friday for violence against corrections officers.

&nbsp;Brandon M. Frye, 30, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 122 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Frye, who pleaded no contest on October 17, 2023, to serve 24 months on post-release supervision.

Charges are from an incident on May 5, 2023, when Frye was in custody at the Douglas County Jail. Frye first struck a corrections officer with a closed fist. Frye then struck another officer when he kicked a cell door. While being moved to the maximum-security housing unit, Frye struck a third corrections officer with his forehead, injuring the officer. Frye then spit on a fourth corrections officer. The next day, Frye spit on a fifth officer who was trying to retrieve Frye’s breakfast tray.

Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702137712790.png" alt="Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced Friday for violence against corrections officers.&nbsp;Brandon M. Frye, 30, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 122 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Frye, who pleaded no contest on October 17, 2023, to serve 24 months on post-release supervision.Charges are from an incident on May 5, 2023, when Frye was in custody at the Douglas County Jail. Frye first struck a corrections officer with a closed fist. Frye then struck another officer when he kicked a cell door. While being moved to the maximum-security housing unit, Frye struck a third corrections officer with his forehead, injuring the officer. Frye then spit on a fourth corrections officer. The next day, Frye spit on a fifth officer who was trying to retrieve Frye’s breakfast tray.Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. felon sentenced for attack on corrections officers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivy-league-presidents-backlash-women-021ec60af6a5a5279c644376de065738">her comments last week</a>&nbsp;at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday.

“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” the Harvard Corporation said in a statement following its meeting Monday night.

Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-hamas-college-protest-tulane-29dca6e670639b73f5bfe7bfcf6befee">campus antisemitism</a>. Their academic responses provoked a backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.

Some lawmakers and donors to the the university called for Gay to step down, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-governor-antisemitism-colleges-israel-gaza-ae1294d644b3305cc51e8d9bb7252766">the resignation of Liz Magill</a>&nbsp;as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The Harvard Crimson student newspaper first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2023/12/12/gay-stays-in-office-corporation-support/">reported Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that Gay, who became Harvard’s first Black president in July, will remain in office with the support of the Harvard Corporation following the conclusion of the board’s meeting. It cited an unnamed source familiar with the decision.

A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-penn-mit-antisemitism-ivy-league-aff2c8e58088654953cac9c334170444">asked the school's governing body</a>&nbsp;to keep Gay in charge.

“So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the university's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation,” the corporation's statement said. “Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the university's fight against antisemitism."

In an interview with The Crimson last week, Gay said she got caught up in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-mit-penn-campus-antisemitism-backlash-2c89312cdd0d2652a9b57ce71f1533fd">a heated exchange at the House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students.

“What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,” Gay said.

Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as have similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee.

The corporation also addressed allegations of plagiarism against Gay, saying that Harvard became aware of them in late October regarding three articles she had written. It initiated an independent review at Gay's request.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivy-league-presidents-backlash-women-021ec60af6a5a5279c644376de065738">her comments last week</a>&nbsp;at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill resigned Saturday after facing backlash from her congressional testimony earlier this week on antisemitism on college campuses. Here&#39;s the exchange. <a href="https://t.co/EVrAMy33qh">pic.twitter.com/EVrAMy33qh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1733607598803292487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” the Harvard Corporation said in a statement following its meeting Monday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702390765330.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-hamas-college-protest-tulane-29dca6e670639b73f5bfe7bfcf6befee">campus antisemitism</a>. Their academic responses provoked a backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.Some lawmakers and donors to the the university called for Gay to step down, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-governor-antisemitism-colleges-israel-gaza-ae1294d644b3305cc51e8d9bb7252766">the resignation of Liz Magill</a>&nbsp;as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday.The Harvard Crimson student newspaper first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2023/12/12/gay-stays-in-office-corporation-support/">reported Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that Gay, who became Harvard’s first Black president in July, will remain in office with the support of the Harvard Corporation following the conclusion of the board’s meeting. It cited an unnamed source familiar with the decision.A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-penn-mit-antisemitism-ivy-league-aff2c8e58088654953cac9c334170444">asked the school's governing body</a>&nbsp;to keep Gay in charge.“So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the university's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation,” the corporation's statement said. “Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the university's fight against antisemitism."In an interview with The Crimson last week, Gay said she got caught up in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-mit-penn-campus-antisemitism-backlash-2c89312cdd0d2652a9b57ce71f1533fd">a heated exchange at the House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students.“What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,” Gay said.Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as have similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee.The corporation also addressed allegations of plagiarism against Gay, saying that Harvard became aware of them in late October regarding three articles she had written. It initiated an independent review at Gay's request.

🎥Why Harvard won't fire president following antisemitism testimony

In Loving Memory of Mary Ann Legleiter, age 91, of Liebenthal, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. She was born on June 27, 1932, in her family home in Ellis, Kansas, to Nicholas and Leoba (Geist) Dinkel. Mary Ann was a dedicated and loving wife to Francis C. Legleiter, whom she married on October 9, 1950. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2006.

Mary Ann was a remarkable mother of nine children, nineteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren, all of whom meant the world to her. As a farmwife, she worked alongside her husband, Francis, tending to the land and raising their large family. She also worked outside the home as a cook at various locations, including St. Anthony Hospital, Rush County Memorial Hospital, and the LaCrosse Sale Barn.

In her spare time, Mary Ann found joy in crocheting, sewing, making noodles, and raising chickens. She was a proud member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Liebenthal and the St. Ann’s Altar Society, where she actively participated in various activities, including the creation of rosaries.

Mary Ann is survived by her son, Robert Legleiter, and wife Sue of Hays; daughters, Janett Copeland of Hays, Shirley Haselhorst and husband Art of Antonino, Lillian Binder and husband Ernie of Munjor, Evelyn Younker and husband Darold of Munjor, Luella Amerine and husband Craig of Lawrence; brothers, LeRoy Dinkel of Golden, CO, Verlin Dinkel of Henderson, NV, Larry Dinkel of Ellis, Pat Dinkel of Broomfield, CO, and Paul Dinkel of Stilwell, OK; sisters, Florence Honas of Chanute, KS, and Bernice Klaus of Salina, KS.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Frank (Donna) Legleiter of Salina, Leon (Carrie) Legleiter of Hays, Matthew (Karlee) Legleiter of Liebenthal, Shawn (Molly) Legleiter of Hays, Craig Legleiter of Woodbury, MN, Troy Copeland of Evans, CO, Todd (Christy) Copeland of Greeley, CO, Austin (Vallina) Copeland of Evans, CO, Amber (Kirk) Lacewell of Bentonville, AR, Travis Haselhorst (friend, Kayla) &nbsp;of Antonino, Tyler (Jobeth) Haselhorst of Hays, Elliot Binder (Friend, Natashia Cecil) of Hays, Preston Binder of Shoreline, WA, Darold Younker Jr. of Munjor, Dawn (Jerry) Paul of Hays, Heather (Kahl) Schneider of Adair, IA, Samantha (Deonte) Sims of Kansas City, MO, Annastasia (Derek) Thompson of Manhattan, KS and Kelsy (Legleiter) King of Hays; 25 great grandchildren; 7 step great grandchildren; 4 step great-great grandchildren; as well as daughters in law, Carolynn Legleiter of Hays and Monica Legleiter of LaCrosse.Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Leoba; her husband, Francis; sons, Clarence, Duane, and Glenn Legleiter; great-grandsons Bryston Legleiter and Tanner Haselhorst; as well as her brothers, Mark, Infant Marvin, Marvin, Allen, LaVern, Kenneth, and infant Verlin.

Mary Ann Legleiter will be remembered for her unwavering love, dedication to family, and the warmth she brought to the hearts of everyone who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Liebenthal, Kansas with father Stephen Dabanka and Father Curtis Carlson officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Liebenthal.

Visitation will be Monday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Tuesday 8:30 Am - 9:30 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory- Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A family led rosary service will be Monday at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00 PM all at Brock's Chapel.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the wishes of the family to be designated at a later date with donations made payable to Lilly Binder.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702321104168.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Loving Memory of Mary Ann Legleiter, age 91, of Liebenthal, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. She was born on June 27, 1932, in her family home in Ellis, Kansas, to Nicholas and Leoba (Geist) Dinkel. Mary Ann was a dedicated and loving wife to Francis C. Legleiter, whom she married on October 9, 1950. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2006.Mary Ann was a remarkable mother of nine children, nineteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren, all of whom meant the world to her. As a farmwife, she worked alongside her husband, Francis, tending to the land and raising their large family. She also worked outside the home as a cook at various locations, including St. Anthony Hospital, Rush County Memorial Hospital, and the LaCrosse Sale Barn.In her spare time, Mary Ann found joy in crocheting, sewing, making noodles, and raising chickens. She was a proud member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Liebenthal and the St. Ann’s Altar Society, where she actively participated in various activities, including the creation of rosaries.Mary Ann is survived by her son, Robert Legleiter, and wife Sue of Hays; daughters, Janett Copeland of Hays, Shirley Haselhorst and husband Art of Antonino, Lillian Binder and husband Ernie of Munjor, Evelyn Younker and husband Darold of Munjor, Luella Amerine and husband Craig of Lawrence; brothers, LeRoy Dinkel of Golden, CO, Verlin Dinkel of Henderson, NV, Larry Dinkel of Ellis, Pat Dinkel of Broomfield, CO, and Paul Dinkel of Stilwell, OK; sisters, Florence Honas of Chanute, KS, and Bernice Klaus of Salina, KS.She is also survived by her grandchildren, Frank (Donna) Legleiter of Salina, Leon (Carrie) Legleiter of Hays, Matthew (Karlee) Legleiter of Liebenthal, Shawn (Molly) Legleiter of Hays, Craig Legleiter of Woodbury, MN, Troy Copeland of Evans, CO, Todd (Christy) Copeland of Greeley, CO, Austin (Vallina) Copeland of Evans, CO, Amber (Kirk) Lacewell of Bentonville, AR, Travis Haselhorst (friend, Kayla) &nbsp;of Antonino, Tyler (Jobeth) Haselhorst of Hays, Elliot Binder (Friend, Natashia Cecil) of Hays, Preston Binder of Shoreline, WA, Darold Younker Jr. of Munjor, Dawn (Jerry) Paul of Hays, Heather (Kahl) Schneider of Adair, IA, Samantha (Deonte) Sims of Kansas City, MO, Annastasia (Derek) Thompson of Manhattan, KS and Kelsy (Legleiter) King of Hays; 25 great grandchildren; 7 step great grandchildren; 4 step great-great grandchildren; as well as daughters in law, Carolynn Legleiter of Hays and Monica Legleiter of LaCrosse.Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Leoba; her husband, Francis; sons, Clarence, Duane, and Glenn Legleiter; great-grandsons Bryston Legleiter and Tanner Haselhorst; as well as her brothers, Mark, Infant Marvin, Marvin, Allen, LaVern, Kenneth, and infant Verlin.Mary Ann Legleiter will be remembered for her unwavering love, dedication to family, and the warmth she brought to the hearts of everyone who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Liebenthal, Kansas with father Stephen Dabanka and Father Curtis Carlson officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Liebenthal.Visitation will be Monday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Tuesday 8:30 Am - 9:30 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory- Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.A family led rosary service will be Monday at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00 PM all at Brock's Chapel.In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the wishes of the family to be designated at a later date with donations made payable to Lilly Binder.Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Mary Ann's tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Mary Ann Legleiter

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.

A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump, 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, signaled he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome.

Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court. The request filed Monday for the Supreme Court to take up the matter directly reflects Smith’s desire to keep the trial, currently set for March 4, on track and to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the case</a>&nbsp;until after next year’s presidential election.

“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.

The earliest the court would consider the appeal would be Jan. 5, 2024, the date of the justices' next scheduled private conference.

Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, they wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”

At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”

“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."

If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.

Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.

“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”

Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.

Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.

A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.

Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.

It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698261736155.png" alt="File&nbsp;-Former President Donald Trump during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court in October. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File&nbsp;-Former President Donald Trump during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court in October. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump, 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, signaled he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome.Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court. The request filed Monday for the Supreme Court to take up the matter directly reflects Smith’s desire to keep the trial, currently set for March 4, on track and to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the case</a>&nbsp;until after next year’s presidential election.“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.The earliest the court would consider the appeal would be Jan. 5, 2024, the date of the justices' next scheduled private conference.Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, they wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.

Supreme Court will decide if Trump is immune from Jan. 6 prosecution

Freedom from Religion Foundation says Goddard school district ended unconstitutional practice after receiving letter

By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A south-central Kansas public school choir teacher taught middle school students Christian worship songs centering around loving Jesus, such as “Praise His Holy Name,” and made students listen to Bible lessons, according to a national watchdog group’s report.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation, a national nonprofit geared toward the separation of state and church, urged the district to stop the practice in late November after a concerned district parent reached out to them.

“It’s not a teacher’s job to convert a student to their religion, no matter what tools they use to do so,” said FRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor in a news release.

The parent told the FRF that a teacher at Challenger Intermediate School in the Goddard school district had been teaching sixth-graders religious songs since late October, including “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.”

Lyrics of the song “Praise His Holy Name” has such lines as “Jesus, Jesus, how I love Thee! Shout Hallelujah!” and “There’s a cross for ev’ryone and there’s a cross for me.”&nbsp;

“Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” is a song encouraging people to pray for salvation. The song includes such lines as “The wind blows east and the wind blows west / It blows like the judgment day / And ev’ry poor soul that never did pray / Will be glad to pray that day.”

The teacher allegedly also taught lessons on the biblical story of Daniel, a story that is meant to encourage belief and worship of the Abrahamic God.

FRF legal fellow Samantha Lawrence sent district superintendent Justin Henry&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ffrf.org/uploads/legal/GoddardUSD265KS-ReligiousMusic.pdf">a letter</a>&nbsp;warning of these constitutional violations on Nov. 29.

“There is no need for a public intermediate school choral program to select religious worship music for students, and it is plainly unconstitutional for a public school choir teacher to teach students Bible lessons,” Lawrence wrote.

“By coercing sixth-grade students to sing overtly Christian worship music in its choral program, the district demonstrates favoritism towards religion over nonreligion, and Christianity over all other faiths,” she added. “This favoritism towards Christianity needlessly alienates all students and families, such as our complainant and their child, who do not subscribe to Christianity.”

Henry’s response to the letter, as reported by the FRF, was to inform the teacher of constitutional rights and violations.

“Since receiving your email on Nov. 29, we have had the opportunity to provide (the teacher) this information and will be planning a meeting with all district choir instructors to ensure they understand the information,” Henry said.

A spokesman for the district didn’t immediately answer questions from Kansas Reflector.

<h2>Freedom from Religion Foundation says Goddard school district ended unconstitutional practice after receiving letter</h2>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A south-central Kansas public school choir teacher taught middle school students Christian worship songs centering around loving Jesus, such as “Praise His Holy Name,” and made students listen to Bible lessons, according to a national watchdog group’s report.The Freedom from Religion Foundation, a national nonprofit geared toward the separation of state and church, urged the district to stop the practice in late November after a concerned district parent reached out to them.“It’s not a teacher’s job to convert a student to their religion, no matter what tools they use to do so,” said FRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor in a news release.The parent told the FRF that a teacher at Challenger Intermediate School in the Goddard school district had been teaching sixth-graders religious songs since late October, including “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.”Lyrics of the song “Praise His Holy Name” has such lines as “Jesus, Jesus, how I love Thee! Shout Hallelujah!” and “There’s a cross for ev’ryone and there’s a cross for me.”&nbsp;“Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” is a song encouraging people to pray for salvation. The song includes such lines as “The wind blows east and the wind blows west / It blows like the judgment day / And ev’ry poor soul that never did pray / Will be glad to pray that day.”The teacher allegedly also taught lessons on the biblical story of Daniel, a story that is meant to encourage belief and worship of the Abrahamic God.FRF legal fellow Samantha Lawrence sent district superintendent Justin Henry&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ffrf.org/uploads/legal/GoddardUSD265KS-ReligiousMusic.pdf">a letter</a>&nbsp;warning of these constitutional violations on Nov. 29.“There is no need for a public intermediate school choral program to select religious worship music for students, and it is plainly unconstitutional for a public school choir teacher to teach students Bible lessons,” Lawrence wrote.“By coercing sixth-grade students to sing overtly Christian worship music in its choral program, the district demonstrates favoritism towards religion over nonreligion, and Christianity over all other faiths,” she added. “This favoritism towards Christianity needlessly alienates all students and families, such as our complainant and their child, who do not subscribe to Christianity.”Henry’s response to the letter, as reported by the FRF, was to inform the teacher of constitutional rights and violations.“Since receiving your email on Nov. 29, we have had the opportunity to provide (the teacher) this information and will be planning a meeting with all district choir instructors to ensure they understand the information,” Henry said.A spokesman for the district didn’t immediately answer questions from Kansas Reflector.

Kansas public school district warned about Bible lessons, worship songs

JOHNSON COUNTY —Two more suspects have been sentenced for the 2019 murder of a Kansas teen in his new apartment complex in Overland Park.

This week Judge Charles Droege sentenced 26-year-old Alan Michael Hicks to nearly 18-years in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

Judge Droege also sentenced 21-year-old Juriah Sue Jones to ten years in prison for her role in the murder.

In October Hicks pled guilty to charges in the death of 17-year-old Ben Workman who was killed in an apartment complex near 80th and Farley streets in January 2019. Jones pled guilty in September to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery.

Workman had recently moved into his apartment with his girlfriend two weeks before he was killed, according to Overland Park police.

&nbsp;Raymond Cherry was also charged in connection with Workman's death. Cherry was found guilty of first-degree murder and received a life sentence in April, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701967448166.png" alt="Hicks-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hicks-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Two more suspects have been sentenced for the 2019 murder of a Kansas teen in his new apartment complex in Overland Park.This week Judge Charles Droege sentenced 26-year-old Alan Michael Hicks to nearly 18-years in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701967911587.png" alt="Jones-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Droege also sentenced 21-year-old Juriah Sue Jones to ten years in prison for her role in the murder.In October Hicks pled guilty to charges in the death of 17-year-old Ben Workman who was killed in an apartment complex near 80th and Farley streets in January 2019. Jones pled guilty in September to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery.Workman had recently moved into his apartment with his girlfriend two weeks before he was killed, according to Overland Park police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677204070419.png" alt="Cherry photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Cherry photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Raymond Cherry was also charged in connection with Workman's death. Cherry was found guilty of first-degree murder and received a life sentence in April, according to the district attorney's office.

2 sentenced for killing Kansas teen during robbery at his apartment

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced December 6, for a high-speed chase in a car stolen from a car dealearship.

John J. Krueger, 37, of Overland Park,&nbsp;was sentenced to 14 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, according to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Krueger, 37, who pleaded no contest on October 30, 2023, to serve 12 months on post-release supervision.

The charges are from an incident on the morning of October 7, 2023. Krueger took a vehicle from a dealership in Kansas City without permission. The vehicle was later spotted in the 2700 block of Iowa Street. Krueger fled northbound in the vehicle while being pursued by officers from the Lawrence Police Department. With assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, police were able to stop Krueger near W. 15th and Iowa streets.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702136937654.png" alt="Krueger from an earlier arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Krueger from an earlier arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced December 6, for a high-speed chase in a car stolen from a car dealearship.John J. Krueger, 37, of Overland Park,&nbsp;was sentenced to 14 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, according to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Krueger, 37, who pleaded no contest on October 30, 2023, to serve 12 months on post-release supervision.The charges are from an incident on the morning of October 7, 2023. Krueger took a vehicle from a dealership in Kansas City without permission. The vehicle was later spotted in the 2700 block of Iowa Street. Krueger fled northbound in the vehicle while being pursued by officers from the Lawrence Police Department. With assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, police were able to stop Krueger near W. 15th and Iowa streets.&nbsp;

Kan. man sentenced for police-chase in car taken from dealership

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Two teachers from&nbsp; Salina USD 305 Public Schools, Caleb and Lacie Stewart, skipped this year's traditional Thanksgiving celebration.&nbsp;

While friends and family cooked turkey and stuffing, the Stewarts hung Christmas lights and decorations in the Oval Office and other important White House rooms.

Dozens of volunteers visited the White House to decorate, with Stewarts' group including 15 members to decorate the Oval Office, the Vice President's Office, the Cabinet Room and the Roosevelt Room.

As fellow volunteers milled about the White House, Caleb Stewart said he noticed the camaraderie while decorating.

"We were just there to all work together to decorate the people's house for Christmas," Caleb Stewart said. "The big thing I'm taking away is that it is still possible for everyone to get along and work together toward a common goal."

The Stewarts tune in to the "HGTV White House Christmas Special" each year to watch the process of decorating the White House. This year, they decided to get involved and turned in a volunteer application in September.

The pair nervously waited for a response, and in October, HGTV and White House staff told the couple to show up on Thanksgiving week.

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Stewarts arrived, celebrated Thanksgiving Day in Washington, D.C., and began decorating with dozens of other volunteers.

"We started our decorating shift on Friday," Caleb Stewart said. "We decorated all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and that was 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all those days."

The Stewarts strung twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees throughout their assigned rooms.&nbsp;

While working, Lacie Stewart said she thought of the history of the iconic building and how she had taught her third-grade class at Schilling Elementary about it just a few weeks before.

She teaches about government and American History through a reading unit that took the students on a virtual White House and Washington, D.C. tour.

"My kids were really excited to research that and know those places, and then a month later, I was like, 'Hey guys, remember that White House picture we showed you? We're actually going in there, and I'm going to tell you all about it,'" Lacie Stewart said. "It was really cool to make that connection."

Lacie and Caleb Stewart began teaching eight years ago in Salina, with Caleb starting his career at South Middle School and then moving on to teach high school English at Salina South for the past three years.&nbsp;

Lacie Stewart began teaching at Schilling Elementary eight years ago and continues to teach third grade there.

After returning from Washington, the couple told their students of the experience, from decorating in the Roosevelt Room to shaking hands with first lady and fellow educator Jill Biden.

"The day we got back, we actually put together a little slideshow presentation of some pictures," Caleb Stewart said.&nbsp;

The White House also provided volunteers with a children's book-style booklet that explained the decorations of each room, so the Stewarts shared that with students.

Lacie Stewart said her students excitedly absorbed the information, letting friends and family know about their teacher's accomplishment.

"They had lots of questions," Lacie Stewart said. "After the initial kind of enjoyment, they really kind of thought about it like 'Wow, my teacher did do this!'"

"They were telling other students or parents, and I had a lot of parents after school ask me, 'Is it true that you really went to the White House?' and I was like, 'Your students aren't lying to you, it's true — I really did.'"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702071243946.jpeg" alt="White House Christmas decorating volunteers stand in front of the festive Presidential Mansion for the 2023 season. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart" />
 <figcaption>White House Christmas decorating volunteers stand in front of the festive Presidential Mansion for the 2023 season. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTwo teachers from&nbsp; Salina USD 305 Public Schools, Caleb and Lacie Stewart, skipped this year's traditional Thanksgiving celebration.&nbsp;While friends and family cooked turkey and stuffing, the Stewarts hung Christmas lights and decorations in the Oval Office and other important White House rooms.Dozens of volunteers visited the White House to decorate, with Stewarts' group including 15 members to decorate the Oval Office, the Vice President's Office, the Cabinet Room and the Roosevelt Room.As fellow volunteers milled about the White House, Caleb Stewart said he noticed the camaraderie while decorating."We were just there to all work together to decorate the people's house for Christmas," Caleb Stewart said. "The big thing I'm taking away is that it is still possible for everyone to get along and work together toward a common goal."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702071395262.jpeg" alt="Lacie and Caleb Stewart stand in front of one of the decorations in the White House. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart" />
 <figcaption>Lacie and Caleb Stewart stand in front of one of the decorations in the White House. Photo courtesy Caleb and Lacie Stewart</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Decorating the White House</h2>The Stewarts tune in to the "HGTV White House Christmas Special" each year to watch the process of decorating the White House. This year, they decided to get involved and turned in a volunteer application in September.The pair nervously waited for a response, and in October, HGTV and White House staff told the couple to show up on Thanksgiving week.On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Stewarts arrived, celebrated Thanksgiving Day in Washington, D.C., and began decorating with dozens of other volunteers."We started our decorating shift on Friday," Caleb Stewart said. "We decorated all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and that was 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all those days."<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-m_TUT7zoY?si=WS106DCne13NvhgC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Stewarts strung twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees throughout their assigned rooms.&nbsp;While working, Lacie Stewart said she thought of the history of the iconic building and how she had taught her third-grade class at Schilling Elementary about it just a few weeks before.She teaches about government and American History through a reading unit that took the students on a virtual White House and Washington, D.C. tour."My kids were really excited to research that and know those places, and then a month later, I was like, 'Hey guys, remember that White House picture we showed you? We're actually going in there, and I'm going to tell you all about it,'" Lacie Stewart said. "It was really cool to make that connection."<h2>Teachers for the community</h2>Lacie and Caleb Stewart began teaching eight years ago in Salina, with Caleb starting his career at South Middle School and then moving on to teach high school English at Salina South for the past three years.&nbsp;Lacie Stewart began teaching at Schilling Elementary eight years ago and continues to teach third grade there.After returning from Washington, the couple told their students of the experience, from decorating in the Roosevelt Room to shaking hands with first lady and fellow educator Jill Biden."The day we got back, we actually put together a little slideshow presentation of some pictures," Caleb Stewart said.&nbsp;The White House also provided volunteers with a children's book-style booklet that explained the decorations of each room, so the Stewarts shared that with students.Lacie Stewart said her students excitedly absorbed the information, letting friends and family know about their teacher's accomplishment."They had lots of questions," Lacie Stewart said. "After the initial kind of enjoyment, they really kind of thought about it like 'Wow, my teacher did do this!'""They were telling other students or parents, and I had a lot of parents after school ask me, 'Is it true that you really went to the White House?' and I was like, 'Your students aren't lying to you, it's true — I really did.'"

2 teachers from Kan. helped decorate the White House for Christmas

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A judge sentenced a Michigan teenager to life in prison Friday for killing four students and terrorizing others at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oxford-high-school-shooting">Oxford High School</a>, after listening to hours of gripping anguish from parents and wounded survivors.

Judge Kwame Rowe rejected pleas from defense lawyers for a shorter sentence and ensured that Ethan Crumbley, 17, will not get an opportunity for parole.

“My actions were what I chose to do. I could not stop myself. ... I am a really bad person. I’ve done terrible things,” Crumbley, who was 15 when he attacked his school in 2021, said before the sentence was announced.

He said he was sorry and pledged to change while behind bars.

Life sentences for teenagers are rare in Michigan since the U.S. Supreme Court and the state’s highest court said the violent acts of minors must be viewed differently than the crimes of adults. But the Oakland County prosecutor said a no-parole term fits Crumbley's case.

Rowe’s decision followed deeply emotional remarks by families of the deceased and survivors who spoke about how the tragedy has affected them.

“Your statements,” Rowe said, “do not fall on deaf ears.”

Crumbley pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including first-degree murder and terrorism.

“We are miserable. We miss Tate,” said Buck Myre, the father of Tate Myre. “Our family has a permanent hole in it that can never be fixed — ever.”

Nicole Beausoleil recalled seeing the body of her daughter, Madisyn Baldwin, at the medical examiner's office, her hand with blue-painted fingernails sticking out from a covering.

“I looked though the glass. My scream should have shattered it,” Beausoleil said.

Jill Soave, the mother of Justin Shilling, told the shooter that he executed a boy who could have helped him navigate awkward teenage years.

“If you were that lonely, that miserable and lost, and you really needed a friend, Justin would have been your friend — if only you had asked,” Soave said.

Crumbley looked down as Soave and others spoke. He also will have an opportunity to address the judge and possibly explain why he believes he should be spared a life sentence.

Kylie Ossege explained how she had urged Hana St. Juliana a “thousand times” to keep breathing while they waited for help on a blood-soaked carpet. Her classmate died.

Ossege, now a college student, was shot and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-ossege-crumbley-450cc3cdd74058649740aa4cc3a7de8c">continues to struggle with daily pain</a>&nbsp;from spinal injuries.

“Being able to swing a leg over my horse is my therapy. It is pure joy,” she said of Blaze. “I have not been able to do it for two years.”

Defense attorney Paulette Michel Loftin has argued Crumbley deserves an opportunity for parole after his “sick brain” is fixed through counseling and rehabilitation.

But St. Juliana's father scoffed at that possibility.

"There can be no rehabilitation,” Steve St. Juliana told the judge. “There is absolutely nothing the defendant can do to earn my forgiveness. His age plays no part.”

In a journal, the shooter wrote about his desire to watch students suffer and the likelihood that he would spend his life in prison. He made a video on the eve of the shooting, declaring what he would do the next day.

More than 20 people gave victim-impact statements by early Friday afternoon. Some wore shirts honoring the fallen students. The judge briefly allowed a framed photo of Myre to be placed near him.

Speakers recalled the day and its aftermath in details large and small. One woman said she's still anxious simply pulling into Meijer, a big-box store where families reunited immediately after the shooting.

Linda Watson said her son, Aiden, who was shot in the leg, still doesn't go to school for a full day. She recalled the family staying in a hotel because a nail gun being used in her neighborhood sounded like a real gun to him.

“Aiden will be dealing with this for the rest of his life. ... This shooter — this monster — should have to feel everything hard and painful for the rest of his life," Watson said.

Like their son, Jennifer and James Crumbley are locked up in the county jail. They are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-school-shooting-michigan-ethan-crumbley-654c839914eb3a36ae43a7bc8dd9bacd">awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges</a>, accused of making a gun accessible at home and neglecting the shooter's mental health.

Crumbley and his parents met with school staff on the day of the shooting after a teacher noticed violent drawings. But no one checked his backpack for a gun and he was allowed to stay.

The shooting happened in Oxford Township, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) north of Detroit. Besides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-football-michigan-77eb45f22f5d9dab802e4378608ca307">the four students</a>&nbsp;who were killed, six more students and a teacher also were wounded.

The Oxford school district hired an outside group to conduct an independent investigation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investigation-crumbley-oxford-high-shooting-school-899e59fdce25d92d7307dd0b1ddcea18">A report released</a>&nbsp;in October said “missteps at each level” — school board, administrators, staff — contributed to the tragedy.

Crumbley's behavior in class, including looking at a shooting video and gun ammunition on his phone, should have identified him as a “potential threat of violence,” the report said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638551635768.png" alt="Ethan Crumbley as shown in the original booking photo in 2021-photo Oakland County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Crumbley as shown in the original booking photo in 2021-photo Oakland County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A judge sentenced a Michigan teenager to life in prison Friday for killing four students and terrorizing others at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/oxford-high-school-shooting">Oxford High School</a>, after listening to hours of gripping anguish from parents and wounded survivors.Judge Kwame Rowe rejected pleas from defense lawyers for a shorter sentence and ensured that Ethan Crumbley, 17, will not get an opportunity for parole.“My actions were what I chose to do. I could not stop myself. ... I am a really bad person. I’ve done terrible things,” Crumbley, who was 15 when he attacked his school in 2021, said before the sentence was announced.He said he was sorry and pledged to change while behind bars.Life sentences for teenagers are rare in Michigan since the U.S. Supreme Court and the state’s highest court said the violent acts of minors must be viewed differently than the crimes of adults. But the Oakland County prosecutor said a no-parole term fits Crumbley's case.Rowe’s decision followed deeply emotional remarks by families of the deceased and survivors who spoke about how the tragedy has affected them.“Your statements,” Rowe said, “do not fall on deaf ears.”Crumbley pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including first-degree murder and terrorism.“We are miserable. We miss Tate,” said Buck Myre, the father of Tate Myre. “Our family has a permanent hole in it that can never be fixed — ever.”Nicole Beausoleil recalled seeing the body of her daughter, Madisyn Baldwin, at the medical examiner's office, her hand with blue-painted fingernails sticking out from a covering.“I looked though the glass. My scream should have shattered it,” Beausoleil said.Jill Soave, the mother of Justin Shilling, told the shooter that he executed a boy who could have helped him navigate awkward teenage years.“If you were that lonely, that miserable and lost, and you really needed a friend, Justin would have been your friend — if only you had asked,” Soave said.Crumbley looked down as Soave and others spoke. He also will have an opportunity to address the judge and possibly explain why he believes he should be spared a life sentence.Kylie Ossege explained how she had urged Hana St. Juliana a “thousand times” to keep breathing while they waited for help on a blood-soaked carpet. Her classmate died.Ossege, now a college student, was shot and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-ossege-crumbley-450cc3cdd74058649740aa4cc3a7de8c">continues to struggle with daily pain</a>&nbsp;from spinal injuries.“Being able to swing a leg over my horse is my therapy. It is pure joy,” she said of Blaze. “I have not been able to do it for two years.”Defense attorney Paulette Michel Loftin has argued Crumbley deserves an opportunity for parole after his “sick brain” is fixed through counseling and rehabilitation.But St. Juliana's father scoffed at that possibility."There can be no rehabilitation,” Steve St. Juliana told the judge. “There is absolutely nothing the defendant can do to earn my forgiveness. His age plays no part.”In a journal, the shooter wrote about his desire to watch students suffer and the likelihood that he would spend his life in prison. He made a video on the eve of the shooting, declaring what he would do the next day.More than 20 people gave victim-impact statements by early Friday afternoon. Some wore shirts honoring the fallen students. The judge briefly allowed a framed photo of Myre to be placed near him.Speakers recalled the day and its aftermath in details large and small. One woman said she's still anxious simply pulling into Meijer, a big-box store where families reunited immediately after the shooting.Linda Watson said her son, Aiden, who was shot in the leg, still doesn't go to school for a full day. She recalled the family staying in a hotel because a nail gun being used in her neighborhood sounded like a real gun to him.“Aiden will be dealing with this for the rest of his life. ... This shooter — this monster — should have to feel everything hard and painful for the rest of his life," Watson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638621694054.png" alt="Jennifeer Crumbley Oakland Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Jennifeer Crumbley Oakland Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Like their son, Jennifer and James Crumbley are locked up in the county jail. They are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oxford-school-shooting-michigan-ethan-crumbley-654c839914eb3a36ae43a7bc8dd9bacd">awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges</a>, accused of making a gun accessible at home and neglecting the shooter's mental health.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638621716369.png" alt="James Crumbley-photo Oakland Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>James Crumbley-photo Oakland Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Crumbley and his parents met with school staff on the day of the shooting after a teacher noticed violent drawings. But no one checked his backpack for a gun and he was allowed to stay.The shooting happened in Oxford Township, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) north of Detroit. Besides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-football-michigan-77eb45f22f5d9dab802e4378608ca307">the four students</a>&nbsp;who were killed, six more students and a teacher also were wounded.The Oxford school district hired an outside group to conduct an independent investigation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investigation-crumbley-oxford-high-shooting-school-899e59fdce25d92d7307dd0b1ddcea18">A report released</a>&nbsp;in October said “missteps at each level” — school board, administrators, staff — contributed to the tragedy.Crumbley's behavior in class, including looking at a shooting video and gun ammunition on his phone, should have identified him as a “potential threat of violence,” the report said.

Teen sentenced for Michigan high school attack that left 4 dead

Garden City- Laynie Schiffelbein, 64, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at St Catherine Hospital in Garden City. She was born on August 22, 1959 at Garden City the daughter of Charles Bertraum &amp; Billie Mae (Jacks) Sinclair. She married Tim Schiffelbein on October 15, 1982 in Garden City.

Laynie graduated from Garden City High School in 1977 and Kansas State University in 1981 with her Bachelor Of Arts in Education. She later earned her Masters from Emporia State University. She started her high school English teaching career in Spring Hill before moving to Perryton, Texas where she taught for 18 years. In 2003 she and her husband moved back to Garden City where she taught English and later became the Technology Coordinator for USD # 457. She was part of Community Congregational Church in Garden City and also belonged to the KNEA and NEA teaching associations. She enjoyed her horses, crafts, interior home projects, especially assigning her kids duties, family photos and especially family holiday celebrations.

She is survived by her Husband- Tim Schiffelbein, 3 Sons- Geoff Schiffelbein of Raytown, Missouri, Tyler Schiffelbein of Great Bend and Tucker Schiffelbein of Garden City, Daughter- Emma Jackson of Overland Park, 2 Brothers- C. Brent Sinclair of Garden City and Kent Sinclair of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Grandson- Bryant Alan Schiffelbein.Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Friday, December 15 at Community Congregational Church with Rev Jeff Starkey officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Schiffelbein Scholarship Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702073887584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Garden City- Laynie Schiffelbein, 64, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at St Catherine Hospital in Garden City. She was born on August 22, 1959 at Garden City the daughter of Charles Bertraum &amp; Billie Mae (Jacks) Sinclair. She married Tim Schiffelbein on October 15, 1982 in Garden City.Laynie graduated from Garden City High School in 1977 and Kansas State University in 1981 with her Bachelor Of Arts in Education. She later earned her Masters from Emporia State University. She started her high school English teaching career in Spring Hill before moving to Perryton, Texas where she taught for 18 years. In 2003 she and her husband moved back to Garden City where she taught English and later became the Technology Coordinator for USD # 457. She was part of Community Congregational Church in Garden City and also belonged to the KNEA and NEA teaching associations. She enjoyed her horses, crafts, interior home projects, especially assigning her kids duties, family photos and especially family holiday celebrations.She is survived by her Husband- Tim Schiffelbein, 3 Sons- Geoff Schiffelbein of Raytown, Missouri, Tyler Schiffelbein of Great Bend and Tucker Schiffelbein of Garden City, Daughter- Emma Jackson of Overland Park, 2 Brothers- C. Brent Sinclair of Garden City and Kent Sinclair of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Grandson- Bryant Alan Schiffelbein.Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Friday, December 15 at Community Congregational Church with Rev Jeff Starkey officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Schiffelbein Scholarship Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

Laynie Schiffelbein

MANHATTAN —Kansas State University president Richard Linton on Friday finally addressed&nbsp; rumors and the dismissal of Forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin from the basketball team.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to address our university community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and friends — regarding the questions and sentiments permeating social media and other events in recent days. Your passion demonstrates your interest in this university’s future, and we must all be committed to doing what is best for K-State. I want you to know that I am also committed to sharing our processes with transparency in regard to how we approach developing every student to meet the standards of this university. "

"We share a common aspiration to develop young men and women to make our world a better place. Our faculty, staff, coaches and administrators work every day to teach, guide, mentor and, at times, hold accountable members of our community. I recognize that leaders are often called upon to make difficult decisions. Some difficult decisions are very visible; others are not. Some of the policies that govern our decision-making are widely understood, yet again, others are not. As difficult decisions are made, it is also important that we have a sense of community and accountability. "

"The principal question at the heart of Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s release from the men’s basketball team seems to be around understanding the role a university president plays in student-athlete conduct decisions. I want to take the opportunity to outline the policy governing this process in full transparency."

"The NCAA Board of Governors has required each member institution to adopt a “serious misconduct policy” covering a number of potential allegations, including Title IX. Under the university’s serious misconduct policy, the university president is involved in collaboration with the athletic director and head coach when making a final decision concerning a student-athlete’s conduct and team membership."&nbsp;

"The decision to release Nae’Qwan from the men’s basketball team was made in full compliance with all applicable policies. When decisions like this are made, a range of factors are considered, including the entire history of a student athlete’s behavior."

"The reporting that this decision was made solely due to an incident at a bar in Aggieville is not accurate."

 Just before 2a.m. October 29,&nbsp;police arrested&nbsp; Tomlin at Tubby's Sports Bar, 1127 Moro Street in Manhattan on a requested charge of Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting, according to the&nbsp;Riley County Police Department arrest report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Linton's letter continues, "There remains much we cannot share with the university community under federal laws, namely FERPA, which protects a student’s right to privacy while attending a university. I know this is difficult, as you want to understand all that has transpired. But in the absence of being able to share any more specifics, I hope that the details I am sharing today help bring resolution to any lingering questions."

"I want you to know that our university and our athletics department are unified. There is no “us” versus “them." Together, we are One K-State. The relationship between the university, athletics and the K-State community at large is special, and I will never take it for granted."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687440596492.jpeg" alt="Dr. Richard Linton-Photo Courtesy Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Richard Linton-Photo Courtesy Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Kansas State University president Richard Linton on Friday finally addressed&nbsp; rumors and the dismissal of Forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin from the basketball team."I am grateful to have the opportunity to address our university community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and friends — regarding the questions and sentiments permeating social media and other events in recent days. Your passion demonstrates your interest in this university’s future, and we must all be committed to doing what is best for K-State. I want you to know that I am also committed to sharing our processes with transparency in regard to how we approach developing every student to meet the standards of this university. ""We share a common aspiration to develop young men and women to make our world a better place. Our faculty, staff, coaches and administrators work every day to teach, guide, mentor and, at times, hold accountable members of our community. I recognize that leaders are often called upon to make difficult decisions. Some difficult decisions are very visible; others are not. Some of the policies that govern our decision-making are widely understood, yet again, others are not. As difficult decisions are made, it is also important that we have a sense of community and accountability. ""The principal question at the heart of Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s release from the men’s basketball team seems to be around understanding the role a university president plays in student-athlete conduct decisions. I want to take the opportunity to outline the policy governing this process in full transparency.""The NCAA Board of Governors has required each member institution to adopt a “serious misconduct policy” covering a number of potential allegations, including Title IX. Under the university’s serious misconduct policy, the university president is involved in collaboration with the athletic director and head coach when making a final decision concerning a student-athlete’s conduct and team membership."&nbsp;"The decision to release Nae’Qwan from the men’s basketball team was made in full compliance with all applicable policies. When decisions like this are made, a range of factors are considered, including the entire history of a student athlete’s behavior.""The reporting that this decision was made solely due to an incident at a bar in Aggieville is not accurate." Just before 2a.m. October 29,&nbsp;police arrested&nbsp; Tomlin at Tubby's Sports Bar, 1127 Moro Street in Manhattan on a requested charge of Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting, according to the&nbsp;Riley County Police Department arrest report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Linton's letter continues, "There remains much we cannot share with the university community under federal laws, namely FERPA, which protects a student’s right to privacy while attending a university. I know this is difficult, as you want to understand all that has transpired. But in the absence of being able to share any more specifics, I hope that the details I am sharing today help bring resolution to any lingering questions.""I want you to know that our university and our athletics department are unified. There is no “us” versus “them." Together, we are One K-State. The relationship between the university, athletics and the K-State community at large is special, and I will never take it for granted."

K-State president addresses rumors on Nae'Qwan Tomlin's dismissal

Tuesday, October 6th, 1931 - Wednesday, December 6th, 2023

<h2>Donald Robert Antholz</h2>Tuesday, October 6th, 1931 - Wednesday, December 6th, 2023<h2>Service Details</h2><ul>
 <li>Interment at Fairview Cemetery in Atwood.</li>
 </ul>

Donald Antholz

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Bills and Chiefs are accustomed to playing each other with the NFL spotlight shining squarely upon them.

There was that AFC championship game a few of years ago, when Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen and Kansas City counterpart Patrick Mahomes went toe-to-toe for four quarters. And the divisional playoff game the following season, when Mahomes needed a mere 13 seconds to march his team into range for a tying field goal, then led the Chiefs to victory in overtime.

Even their games the past two Octobers have been must-see TV featuring two of the league's best teams.

Yet there is a different feel surrounding the Bills' return to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

Buffalo is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-eagles-5705b92b6f2a85b680b7b1245fe1445f">muddling along at 6-6</a>&nbsp;and outside the current playoff picture, the first time since Allen's rookie season in 2018 that the Bills were .500 or worse at this point in the season. And the Chiefs have lost three of their last five games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-packers-score-e3973a6590b5cee35113222dc2e9d552">falling to 8-4</a>&nbsp;and suddenly looking up at Baltimore and Miami in the AFC standings.

“We understand what’s in front of us and what situation we’re in,” Allen said , “but we've got a lot of guys in this locker room that are very excited to be back, and we have a very good feeling in this locker room right now for what we need to do.”

The Bills are in their current predicament largely because of their inability to win close games. Each of their losses have been by six points or fewer, including four losses in the six games they played before getting last week off.

With Dallas and Miami still on the schedule, their path back to the playoffs won't be an easy one.

“We have to have a somewhat playoff mentality going forward,” Bills center Mitch Morse said, “and that's not going to guarantee us to win all the games. But we can't reach our goal if we don't play, work, practice, come together with a sense of urgency.”

The Chiefs have a similar sense of urgency coming off their loss last Sunday in Green Bay. They squandered control of their own destiny when it came to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and the AFC's lone first-round bye, with the lackluster 27-19 defeat.

“I've been on a team that was 6-4 and ended up winning the Super Bowl,” Mahomes said. “We have confidence every week that we’re going to find a way to win. Obviously, these last few weeks we’ve lost a couple, but we still have that mindset.”

Unlike the Bills, though, the Chiefs do not face anyone with a winning record the rest of the regular season.

“We can’t lose three out of four, or three out of five. It’s a critical situation,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said, "especially where we’re trying to be in the next few weeks. We have to correct the errors, and we have to correct them fast.”

Bills pass rusher Von Miller is expected to play Sunday despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/von-miller-buffalo-bills-assault-dallas-2d634ebf2d4824e71cf1f486ba96e612">allegations of domestic violence</a>&nbsp;made against him during their week off.

Miller turned himself in to police in a Dallas suburb after being charged in a warrant with domestic violence against the mother of his children, who is pregnant. He faces a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman.

“No one wants their name associated with any accusation like that,” Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane said. “But things happen sometimes, and again, we have to remember people, we have to give them their fair due process.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-3692851f083b4b6948f2c3a0fe9c29f8">The Chiefs</a>&nbsp;are unlikely to have linebacker Drue Tranquill (concussion), left tackle Donovan Smith (neck) and safety Bryan Cook (ankle), while running back Isiah Pacheco is nursing a bruised shoulder. But they are hopeful that linebacker Nick Bolton will be back soon from injured reserve, where he landed after wrist surgery, providing a big boost to a banged-up defense.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-dawson-knox-kaiir-elam-cd1f8666ea5de0150bbbb39da04fbe03">The Bills</a>&nbsp;aren't going to give the Chiefs any sympathy when it comes to injuries. Tight end Dalton Knox has missed five games after his own wrist surgery and cornerback Kaiir Elam four to an ankle injury, but both resumed practicing this week, raising hopes they will soon come off IR. Meanwhile, cornerback Dane Jackson cleared the concussion protocol and safety Taylor Rapp was back at practice after missing a game with a neck injury.

Allen and Mahomes have been so good for so long that it becomes a big storyline whenever things go awry. In both of their cases, turnovers have been a problem this season.

Allen has committed at least one in eight straight games — nine interceptions, two lost fumbles — while Mahomes has thrown 10 picks and is on pace to set a career high.

The Bills have scored 66 points in their two games since offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ken-dorsey-fired-bills-offensive-coordinator-8807463491b24503fe8d7b1b7d667d6c#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Witnessing%20a%20troubling,coordinator%20Ken%20Dorsey%20on%20Tuesday.">Ken Dorsey was fired</a>&nbsp;and quarterbacks coach Joe Brady took over; they had scored 123 in Dorsey's final six games total. But that doesn't mean the Chiefs are writing off everything that Buffalo did over its first 10 games this season.

“There's some differences,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, "but there’s also some of the same things. They didn’t completely can the offense there. I think we’ll have a good feel for what they do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698747044273.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball as Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) and safety Justin Simmons (31) defend during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball as Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) and safety Justin Simmons (31) defend during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Bills and Chiefs are accustomed to playing each other with the NFL spotlight shining squarely upon them.There was that AFC championship game a few of years ago, when Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen and Kansas City counterpart Patrick Mahomes went toe-to-toe for four quarters. And the divisional playoff game the following season, when Mahomes needed a mere 13 seconds to march his team into range for a tying field goal, then led the Chiefs to victory in overtime.Even their games the past two Octobers have been must-see TV featuring two of the league's best teams.Yet there is a different feel surrounding the Bills' return to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.Buffalo is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-eagles-5705b92b6f2a85b680b7b1245fe1445f">muddling along at 6-6</a>&nbsp;and outside the current playoff picture, the first time since Allen's rookie season in 2018 that the Bills were .500 or worse at this point in the season. And the Chiefs have lost three of their last five games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-packers-score-e3973a6590b5cee35113222dc2e9d552">falling to 8-4</a>&nbsp;and suddenly looking up at Baltimore and Miami in the AFC standings.“We understand what’s in front of us and what situation we’re in,” Allen said , “but we've got a lot of guys in this locker room that are very excited to be back, and we have a very good feeling in this locker room right now for what we need to do.”The Bills are in their current predicament largely because of their inability to win close games. Each of their losses have been by six points or fewer, including four losses in the six games they played before getting last week off.With Dallas and Miami still on the schedule, their path back to the playoffs won't be an easy one.“We have to have a somewhat playoff mentality going forward,” Bills center Mitch Morse said, “and that's not going to guarantee us to win all the games. But we can't reach our goal if we don't play, work, practice, come together with a sense of urgency.”The Chiefs have a similar sense of urgency coming off their loss last Sunday in Green Bay. They squandered control of their own destiny when it came to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and the AFC's lone first-round bye, with the lackluster 27-19 defeat.“I've been on a team that was 6-4 and ended up winning the Super Bowl,” Mahomes said. “We have confidence every week that we’re going to find a way to win. Obviously, these last few weeks we’ve lost a couple, but we still have that mindset.”Unlike the Bills, though, the Chiefs do not face anyone with a winning record the rest of the regular season.“We can’t lose three out of four, or three out of five. It’s a critical situation,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said, "especially where we’re trying to be in the next few weeks. We have to correct the errors, and we have to correct them fast.”MILLER’S SITUATIONBills pass rusher Von Miller is expected to play Sunday despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/von-miller-buffalo-bills-assault-dallas-2d634ebf2d4824e71cf1f486ba96e612">allegations of domestic violence</a>&nbsp;made against him during their week off.Miller turned himself in to police in a Dallas suburb after being charged in a warrant with domestic violence against the mother of his children, who is pregnant. He faces a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman.“No one wants their name associated with any accusation like that,” Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane said. “But things happen sometimes, and again, we have to remember people, we have to give them their fair due process.”INJURY ITEMS<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-3692851f083b4b6948f2c3a0fe9c29f8">The Chiefs</a>&nbsp;are unlikely to have linebacker Drue Tranquill (concussion), left tackle Donovan Smith (neck) and safety Bryan Cook (ankle), while running back Isiah Pacheco is nursing a bruised shoulder. But they are hopeful that linebacker Nick Bolton will be back soon from injured reserve, where he landed after wrist surgery, providing a big boost to a banged-up defense.INJURY ITEMS, PART 2<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-dawson-knox-kaiir-elam-cd1f8666ea5de0150bbbb39da04fbe03">The Bills</a>&nbsp;aren't going to give the Chiefs any sympathy when it comes to injuries. Tight end Dalton Knox has missed five games after his own wrist surgery and cornerback Kaiir Elam four to an ankle injury, but both resumed practicing this week, raising hopes they will soon come off IR. Meanwhile, cornerback Dane Jackson cleared the concussion protocol and safety Taylor Rapp was back at practice after missing a game with a neck injury.QUARTERBACK CONCERNSAllen and Mahomes have been so good for so long that it becomes a big storyline whenever things go awry. In both of their cases, turnovers have been a problem this season.Allen has committed at least one in eight straight games — nine interceptions, two lost fumbles — while Mahomes has thrown 10 picks and is on pace to set a career high.COACHING CONCERNSThe Bills have scored 66 points in their two games since offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ken-dorsey-fired-bills-offensive-coordinator-8807463491b24503fe8d7b1b7d667d6c#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Witnessing%20a%20troubling,coordinator%20Ken%20Dorsey%20on%20Tuesday.">Ken Dorsey was fired</a>&nbsp;and quarterbacks coach Joe Brady took over; they had scored 123 in Dorsey's final six games total. But that doesn't mean the Chiefs are writing off everything that Buffalo did over its first 10 games this season.“There's some differences,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, "but there’s also some of the same things. They didn’t completely can the offense there. I think we’ll have a good feel for what they do.”

🏈 Bills and Chiefs to meet at Arrowhead with both teams feeling desperate for a win

MANHATTAN (AP) — Kansas State forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin was dismissed from the team late Wednesday, more than a month after his arrest for disorderly conduct, triggering a wave of criticism aimed at the school administration from some fans.

K-State basketball coach Jerome Tang spoke to the K-State community on social media Thursday evening.

Tomlin averaged 10.4 points in 36 games last season, and was a big part of the Wildcats' surprise run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. He considered turning pro after the season but ultimately decided to return to the program.

He was arrested following a bar fight in October, and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang immediately suspended him “for not living up to the expectations of our players.” But as the season progressed, many Kansas State fans were antsy for Tomlin's return to the team, even chanting his name during an overtime win against Villanova this week.

MANHATTAN (AP) — Kansas State forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin was dismissed from the team late Wednesday, more than a month after his arrest for disorderly conduct, triggering a wave of criticism aimed at the school administration from some fans.K-State basketball coach Jerome Tang spoke to the K-State community on social media Thursday evening.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A message from Coach Tang <a href="https://t.co/67FzLKhxJd">pic.twitter.com/67FzLKhxJd</a>&mdash; K-State Men&#39;s Basketball (@KStateMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateMBB/status/1732934034957717970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Tomlin averaged 10.4 points in 36 games last season, and was a big part of the Wildcats' surprise run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. He considered turning pro after the season but ultimately decided to return to the program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698592993697.png" alt="Tomlin photo KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Tomlin photo KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>He was arrested following a bar fight in October, and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang immediately suspended him “for not living up to the expectations of our players.” But as the season progressed, many Kansas State fans were antsy for Tomlin's return to the team, even chanting his name during an overtime win against Villanova this week.As some fans began calling and emailing administrators, including Kansas State president Richard Linton, athletic director Gene Taylor finally issued a statement that said Tomlin “will no longer be able to continue with the K-State men's basketball team."“This decision was not made lightly by me,” he said, "but it is the decision warranted by the circumstances that brought it to bear.”Taylor said he had been “monitoring the situation” along with Tang but declined to share any specifics of the case, citing federal privacy laws. That includes whether there were factors beyond the initial bar fight that led to his decision.Earlier in the day, Tomlin posted on Instagram the lyrics from a song that said: “I want to be free, free, free.” The 6-foot-10 forward is scheduled to graduate at the semester, and because he has yet to play for the Wildcats this season, Tomlin could transfer to another school and play for the remainder of the season.“Allowing for space and time is critical,” Taylor said, "but in today’s digital age, that unfortunately can lead to the spread of rumors and misinformation — and in this case, much of the information on social media is incorrect.“We stand united to do what is best for this young man’s personal development and growth,” Taylor continued, "and to do what is best to uphold the values of our teams and our university at large.”