KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Missouri Supreme Court has turned away an appeal about how to word a ballot question on access to abortion in the state.

Missouri lawmakers have already banned abortion except in cases of medical emergency, but proponents of broader access to the procedure are seeking to put a question about it directly before voters next year. In all seven states where abortion has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">on the ballot</a>&nbsp;since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">struck down Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;last year, voters have either supported protecting abortion rights or rejected attempts to erode them.

In Missouri, officials and advocates on both sides are grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-68362de7c0c0f6344543308ec4569b5b">how to word the question</a>&nbsp;that could go on the ballot. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has proposed asking voters whether they are in favor of allowing “dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth.”

A state appeals court in October&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">said the wording was politically partisan</a>. Ashcroft appealed the decision, but on Monday the Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear his argument.

Summaries are used on Missouri ballots to help voters understand sometimes lengthy and complex constitutional amendments and other ballot proposals. Ashcroft, who is running for governor in 2024, said his wording “fairly and accurately reflects the scope and magnitude" of each of the six proposed abortion rights ballot measures.

“My responsibility as secretary of state is to make sure the people of Missouri have ballot language that they can understand and trust," Ashcroft said in a news release. "If these petitions make it to the ballot, the people will decide. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure Missourians know the truth.”

A statement from the ACLU of Missouri said the “repeated rejection of the Secretary of State’s arguments verify that his case has no legal bearing."

Ashcroft is the son of John Ashcroft, a former governor, U.S. senator and U.S. attorney general under President George W. Bush. Jay Ashcroft is among four Republicans who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/governor-missouri-ashcroft-election-republican-cceea45c2a7369a9ec37ea85ec6998c6">announced their candidacies</a>&nbsp;for governor next year.

Ashcroft’s original description of the proposed abortion amendments, which could go on the ballot in 2024 if supporters gather enough voter signatures, would have asked voters whether they want to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth, without requiring a medical license or potentially being subject to medical malpractice.”

In October, an appeals court panel wrote that allowing unrestricted abortion “during all nine months of pregnancy is not a probable effect of initiatives.” The panel largely upheld summaries that were written by a lower court judge to be more impartial.

Those summaries would tell voters the amendments would “establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives” and “remove Missouri’s ban on abortion.”

Missouri's current law makes most abortion a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison for anyone who performs or induces one. Medical professionals who do so also could lose their licenses. The law prohibits women who undergo abortions from being prosecuted.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio voters approved</a>&nbsp;a constitutional amendment that ensures access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care.

Measures to protect abortion access will be on 2024 ballots in Maryland and New York. Legislative efforts or petition drives are underway in a variety of other states. There are efforts to protect or expand access in Arizona, Florida, Nevada and South Dakota; and to restrict it in Iowa, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Drives are on for both kinds of measures in Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695984365207.png" alt="Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft photo Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft photo Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Missouri Supreme Court has turned away an appeal about how to word a ballot question on access to abortion in the state.Missouri lawmakers have already banned abortion except in cases of medical emergency, but proponents of broader access to the procedure are seeking to put a question about it directly before voters next year. In all seven states where abortion has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">on the ballot</a>&nbsp;since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">struck down Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;last year, voters have either supported protecting abortion rights or rejected attempts to erode them.In Missouri, officials and advocates on both sides are grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-68362de7c0c0f6344543308ec4569b5b">how to word the question</a>&nbsp;that could go on the ballot. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has proposed asking voters whether they are in favor of allowing “dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth.”A state appeals court in October&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">said the wording was politically partisan</a>. Ashcroft appealed the decision, but on Monday the Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear his argument.Summaries are used on Missouri ballots to help voters understand sometimes lengthy and complex constitutional amendments and other ballot proposals. Ashcroft, who is running for governor in 2024, said his wording “fairly and accurately reflects the scope and magnitude" of each of the six proposed abortion rights ballot measures.“My responsibility as secretary of state is to make sure the people of Missouri have ballot language that they can understand and trust," Ashcroft said in a news release. "If these petitions make it to the ballot, the people will decide. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure Missourians know the truth.”A statement from the ACLU of Missouri said the “repeated rejection of the Secretary of State’s arguments verify that his case has no legal bearing."Ashcroft is the son of John Ashcroft, a former governor, U.S. senator and U.S. attorney general under President George W. Bush. Jay Ashcroft is among four Republicans who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/governor-missouri-ashcroft-election-republican-cceea45c2a7369a9ec37ea85ec6998c6">announced their candidacies</a>&nbsp;for governor next year.Ashcroft’s original description of the proposed abortion amendments, which could go on the ballot in 2024 if supporters gather enough voter signatures, would have asked voters whether they want to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth, without requiring a medical license or potentially being subject to medical malpractice.”In October, an appeals court panel wrote that allowing unrestricted abortion “during all nine months of pregnancy is not a probable effect of initiatives.” The panel largely upheld summaries that were written by a lower court judge to be more impartial.Those summaries would tell voters the amendments would “establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives” and “remove Missouri’s ban on abortion.”Missouri's current law makes most abortion a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison for anyone who performs or induces one. Medical professionals who do so also could lose their licenses. The law prohibits women who undergo abortions from being prosecuted.Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio voters approved</a>&nbsp;a constitutional amendment that ensures access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care.Measures to protect abortion access will be on 2024 ballots in Maryland and New York. Legislative efforts or petition drives are underway in a variety of other states. There are efforts to protect or expand access in Arizona, Florida, Nevada and South Dakota; and to restrict it in Iowa, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Drives are on for both kinds of measures in Colorado.

Mo. high court deals blow to secretary of state's ballot language on abortion

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Government reports were delayed last week because of a systems upgrade at the Energy Information Administration. But the record-setting continued. 

Production in the week through November 3 reached 13,236,000 barrels per day, the highest weekly average ever. Output in the following week, the week through November 10, was down slightly but still high enough to tie for second-best ever, topping 13.2 million barrels per day for the sixth week in a row.

Energy Information Administration reported the biggest two-week increase in crude-oil inventories in recent memory. As of November 10, stockpiles were a fraction above 430 million barrels. That's up 3.6 million barrels from last week, which was more than 13 million barrels above the week before. Stockpiles remain about two percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Crude oil imports last week dropped to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is more than three percent higher than the same four weeks a year ago.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed 618 active drilling rigs Friday, up six oil rigs while the gas rig count dropped by four. Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up two rigs from last week. 

The Kansas Rig Count is up eight percent from a week ago, up more than two percent from a month ago, but down 25 percent from last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up one, and 22 west of Wichita, which is up two from last week. Drilling was underway or about to start on three leases in Barton County Friday.

Kansas regulators okayed 31 permits for drilling at new locations last week. So far this year that's 1,171 new permits, down 20% from a year ago.&nbsp; There are 14 new drilling locations in western Kansas, including two in Barton County and two in Russell County.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 40 new well completions for the week. That's 1,525 so far this year, up 105 wells over last year at this time. Out of 25 completions west of Wichita, operators completed three wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

The West’s sanctions on Russian oil exports are failing to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, meaning the measures are not succeeding in one of their principal objectives. A study cited by Bloomberg showed that nearly ALL seaborne shipments were for oil priced over the $60 per barrel cap. Government data show revenues from petrodollars nearly doubled between April and October, to more than $13 billion last month.

Western allies are ramping up pressure on the shippers, and the ships, used to violate the sanctions. The European Union has tasked Denmark with scrutinizing the so-called "ghost ships" Moscow uses to transport crude oil while avoiding Western price caps. According to a Bloomberg report, Russia sold 99% of its crude above the West's price cap of $60 a barrel last month. The Financial Times reported that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian ships that sail through the Danish straits. Russia sends the equivalent of two million barrels of oil through the straits each day. That's 60% of its total seaborne crude exports.&nbsp; The U.S. announced penalties against three companies, and three ships were designated "blocked property."

A Reuters report says the EU wants to ban the sale of crude-oil tankers. The measure would outlaw the sale or use in Russia of tankers to haul crude oil. The new sanctions also include efforts to block access to Russia's diamond industry. The U.S. imposed sanctions against three companies involved in transporting sanctioned crude at prices below the cap. Three ships were designated "blocked property."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsGovernment reports were delayed last week because of a systems upgrade at the Energy Information Administration. But the record-setting continued. Production in the week through November 3 reached 13,236,000 barrels per day, the highest weekly average ever. Output in the following week, the week through November 10, was down slightly but still high enough to tie for second-best ever, topping 13.2 million barrels per day for the sixth week in a row.Energy Information Administration reported the biggest two-week increase in crude-oil inventories in recent memory. As of November 10, stockpiles were a fraction above 430 million barrels. That's up 3.6 million barrels from last week, which was more than 13 million barrels above the week before. Stockpiles remain about two percent below the five-year seasonal average.Crude oil imports last week dropped to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is more than three percent higher than the same four weeks a year ago.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed 618 active drilling rigs Friday, up six oil rigs while the gas rig count dropped by four. Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up two rigs from last week. The Kansas Rig Count is up eight percent from a week ago, up more than two percent from a month ago, but down 25 percent from last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up one, and 22 west of Wichita, which is up two from last week. Drilling was underway or about to start on three leases in Barton County Friday.Kansas regulators okayed 31 permits for drilling at new locations last week. So far this year that's 1,171 new permits, down 20% from a year ago.&nbsp; There are 14 new drilling locations in western Kansas, including two in Barton County and two in Russell County.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 40 new well completions for the week. That's 1,525 so far this year, up 105 wells over last year at this time. Out of 25 completions west of Wichita, operators completed three wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County.The West’s sanctions on Russian oil exports are failing to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, meaning the measures are not succeeding in one of their principal objectives. A study cited by Bloomberg showed that nearly ALL seaborne shipments were for oil priced over the $60 per barrel cap. Government data show revenues from petrodollars nearly doubled between April and October, to more than $13 billion last month.Western allies are ramping up pressure on the shippers, and the ships, used to violate the sanctions. The European Union has tasked Denmark with scrutinizing the so-called "ghost ships" Moscow uses to transport crude oil while avoiding Western price caps. According to a Bloomberg report, Russia sold 99% of its crude above the West's price cap of $60 a barrel last month. The Financial Times reported that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian ships that sail through the Danish straits. Russia sends the equivalent of two million barrels of oil through the straits each day. That's 60% of its total seaborne crude exports.&nbsp; The U.S. announced penalties against three companies, and three ships were designated "blocked property."A Reuters report says the EU wants to ban the sale of crude-oil tankers. The measure would outlaw the sale or use in Russia of tankers to haul crude oil. The new sanctions also include efforts to block access to Russia's diamond industry. The U.S. imposed sanctions against three companies involved in transporting sanctioned crude at prices below the cap. Three ships were designated "blocked property."

News from the Oil Patch: Targeting the shippers, and the ships

TOPEKA—The seven justices of the Kansas Supreme Court released&nbsp; statement Tuesday regarding the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/YfC9KYIruu6U4lwgZ_7uY8aGO8DWUAUpM0srItPWdHE" target="_blank">October 12 security incident</a>&nbsp;that disrupted access to information systems used by courts statewide.

The disruption left attorneys unable to search online records and forced them to file motions the old fashioned way — on paper. Courts limped along, although the growing piles of paper are a mess that will have to be sorted and scanned eventually.

According to the statement from Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert and Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles, Caleb Stegall, Evelyn Wilson, K.J. Wall, and Melissa Standridge:

“A few weeks ago, the Kansas judicial branch was a victim of a sophisticated foreign cyberattack that impacted the information systems used by the Kansas judicial branch. This attack has temporarily incapacitated Kansas Office of Judicial Administration information systems, affecting daily operations of the state’s appellate courts and district courts in 104 counties.

“When we discovered the attack, we quickly disconnected our information systems from external access. We notified state authorities, and since that time have benefited from the continued support provided by the governor’s office, legislative leadership, and state and federal law enforcement. This attack—on one of our three branches of government—was made against all Kansans.

“While the impact on our information systems is temporary, the cybercriminals also stole data and threatened to post it to a dark web site if their demands were not met. We are working with cybersecurity experts to identify the data quickly and securely so we can conduct a comprehensive review to determine the full scope of what personal information the cybercriminals may have stolen. Based on our preliminary review, it appears the stolen information includes Office of Judicial Administration files, district court case records on appeal, and other data, some of which may be confidential under law. A full review of what may have been stolen is a high priority to us but it will take time. Once this review is complete, we will notify those affected. As we respond to this criminal attack, we will continue to update our incident response page.

“Cyberattacks on government entities are rampant. According to the 2022 FBI IC3 Internet Crime report, government is the third most-targeted sector for such attacks. Cybercrime is a persistent and serious threat to our democratic institutions. With the help of cybersecurity experts, we are buttressing our systems to guard against future attacks. It will likely take several weeks to return safely to normal operations, including electronic filing, but we will do so.

“This assault on the Kansas system of justice is evil and criminal. Today, we express our deep sorrow that Kansans will suffer at the hands of these cybercriminals.

“Throughout this incident, our decisions have been guided by our foundational values. Chief among those is our dedication to upholding and abiding by the rule of law. By adhering to those values at this profoundly trying time, we seek to demonstrate that no malicious element is more powerful than the rule of law and the institutions that abide by it.”

TOPEKA—The seven justices of the Kansas Supreme Court released&nbsp; statement Tuesday regarding the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/YfC9KYIruu6U4lwgZ_7uY8aGO8DWUAUpM0srItPWdHE" target="_blank">October 12 security incident</a>&nbsp;that disrupted access to information systems used by courts statewide.The disruption left attorneys unable to search online records and forced them to file motions the old fashioned way — on paper. Courts limped along, although the growing piles of paper are a mess that will have to be sorted and scanned eventually.According to the statement from Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert and Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles, Caleb Stegall, Evelyn Wilson, K.J. Wall, and Melissa Standridge:“A few weeks ago, the Kansas judicial branch was a victim of a sophisticated foreign cyberattack that impacted the information systems used by the Kansas judicial branch. This attack has temporarily incapacitated Kansas Office of Judicial Administration information systems, affecting daily operations of the state’s appellate courts and district courts in 104 counties.“When we discovered the attack, we quickly disconnected our information systems from external access. We notified state authorities, and since that time have benefited from the continued support provided by the governor’s office, legislative leadership, and state and federal law enforcement. This attack—on one of our three branches of government—was made against all Kansans.“While the impact on our information systems is temporary, the cybercriminals also stole data and threatened to post it to a dark web site if their demands were not met. We are working with cybersecurity experts to identify the data quickly and securely so we can conduct a comprehensive review to determine the full scope of what personal information the cybercriminals may have stolen. Based on our preliminary review, it appears the stolen information includes Office of Judicial Administration files, district court case records on appeal, and other data, some of which may be confidential under law. A full review of what may have been stolen is a high priority to us but it will take time. Once this review is complete, we will notify those affected. As we respond to this criminal attack, we will continue to update our incident response page.“Cyberattacks on government entities are rampant. According to the 2022 FBI IC3 Internet Crime report, government is the third most-targeted sector for such attacks. Cybercrime is a persistent and serious threat to our democratic institutions. With the help of cybersecurity experts, we are buttressing our systems to guard against future attacks. It will likely take several weeks to return safely to normal operations, including electronic filing, but we will do so.“This assault on the Kansas system of justice is evil and criminal. Today, we express our deep sorrow that Kansans will suffer at the hands of these cybercriminals.“Throughout this incident, our decisions have been guided by our foundational values. Chief among those is our dedication to upholding and abiding by the rule of law. By adhering to those values at this profoundly trying time, we seek to demonstrate that no malicious element is more powerful than the rule of law and the institutions that abide by it.”

Kan. court system suffered a sophisticated foreign cyber-attack

Ruth Mae (Waudby) Moyer was born October 14 1924; she had just turned 99, when she passed away at Wheatland Nursing Center on November 12. 

Ruth graduated from Russell High School in 1943, and from business school at Brown Mackie Business School in Salina. 

She was married to Ernie Reissig, and they have a daughter, Mervis Reissig, who lives in Redondo Beach, CA. Later, she married Bill Moyer, and they have a son, Bill Moyer Jr., who lives in Lorraine, KS with his wife Donna. 

Ruth is also survived by six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. 

She worked at various businesses in Russell, including the Russell Lumberyard, Jim’s Hamburger Stand, and the Russell Daily News.

 She was also a long-time volunteer for the Foster Grandparent program through Fort Hays State; and for the Methodist Thrift Shop in Russell. She was well known for her feistiness, helping others, and her honesty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FHSU Foster Grandparent Program, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. There will be a spiritual message by Elder Sharon Ringler APS at 11 a.m.

 Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.

<h2>Ruth Mae (Waudby) Moyer</h2>Ruth Mae (Waudby) Moyer was born October 14 1924; she had just turned 99, when she passed away at Wheatland Nursing Center on November 12. Ruth graduated from Russell High School in 1943, and from business school at Brown Mackie Business School in Salina. She was married to Ernie Reissig, and they have a daughter, Mervis Reissig, who lives in Redondo Beach, CA. Later, she married Bill Moyer, and they have a son, Bill Moyer Jr., who lives in Lorraine, KS with his wife Donna. Ruth is also survived by six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She worked at various businesses in Russell, including the Russell Lumberyard, Jim’s Hamburger Stand, and the Russell Daily News. She was also a long-time volunteer for the Foster Grandparent program through Fort Hays State; and for the Methodist Thrift Shop in Russell. She was well known for her feistiness, helping others, and her honesty.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FHSU Foster Grandparent Program, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601.Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. There will be a spiritual message by Elder Sharon Ringler APS at 11 a.m. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.

Ruth Mae (Waudby) Moyer

Myrna May (Covert) Porsch was born January 8, 1932, in Wenatchee, WA, to Harry Langford and Mable Violet (Warren) Covert. Her family lived there until she was four, when they moved to Wilbur, WA. When she was in third grade, the family moved to Harrington, WA. 

She graduated from Harrington High School in 1951 and put herself through Kelsey Baird Business School in Spokane, WA.

After graduation, Myrna worked as an administrator for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Spokane, WA, where she met her future husband Norbert Anthony Porsch, a U.S.A. Marine sergeant who was serving as an instructor at Fairchild Airforce Base. 

They were married on Oct. 15, 1955, in Harrington, WA. Their honeymoon was the adventure of their drive to Kansas in their old pickup. They settled into their home on a small farm they purchased south of Selden, KS, Norb's hometown, where they raised their four children, Kathy, Ruth, Joan, and Michael.

Myrna worked as a nurse’s aide at Sheridan Country Hospital starting in September 1963 for 34 years, and as a housekeeper for a final year before her retirement in October 1998. She moved to Colby, KS in 1995, where she lived until August 2021 when she moved to Hoxie where she remained until her death on Nov. 19, 2023.

An active volunteer in Thomas County's Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for many years, she also regularly participated in activities at the Senior Progress Center, leading exercises, playing cards, and working on puzzles, as well as helping serve the lunches. She enjoyed her gardens, hosting card parties with friends, and family gatherings at her Colby home. After her mobility became limited, she continued to keep up with family and friends via social media and frequent telephone calls. She avidly followed her grandchildren’s sports, and her “greats” were her special treasures.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norb, brother Jim Covert, sisters Patty Covert and Harriet (Covert) Hayden, brother-in-law Doc Porsch, brother- and sister-in-law Francis and Leone Porsch, and brothers-in-law Alfred (Dink) Dinkel and Stanley Shaw.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Marc Epard), Ruth, Joan (Bill Jenkins), and Michael (Tami) Porsch; grandchildren Robby (Amanda Turner), Tristan (Taylore), Dayton, Marissa, and Chloe Porsch; great granddaughters Henley and Amelia Porsch and great-grandson Wyatt Porsch; sisters Eileen (Glen) Tanke and Helen (Roy) Nuxol; brother-in-law Donald Hayden; sisters-in-law Mary Anna (Porsch) Dinkel and Ramona (Porsch) Shaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The immediate family will celebrate her life privately. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to Sheridan County Benefit Walk sent in care of: Myrna Porsch Memorial, Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, 1024 Sheridan Avenue, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. 

For information or condolences visit: https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Myrna, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29946746&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1841863308.1682958493:GS1.1.1700581785.109.0.1700581789.56.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>Myrna May (Covert) Porsch</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700581896879.png" alt="Myrna May (Covert) Porsch" />
 <figcaption>Myrna May (Covert) Porsch</figcaption>
 </figure>Myrna May (Covert) Porsch was born January 8, 1932, in Wenatchee, WA, to Harry Langford and Mable Violet (Warren) Covert. Her family lived there until she was four, when they moved to Wilbur, WA. When she was in third grade, the family moved to Harrington, WA. She graduated from Harrington High School in 1951 and put herself through Kelsey Baird Business School in Spokane, WA.After graduation, Myrna worked as an administrator for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Spokane, WA, where she met her future husband Norbert Anthony Porsch, a U.S.A. Marine sergeant who was serving as an instructor at Fairchild Airforce Base. They were married on Oct. 15, 1955, in Harrington, WA. Their honeymoon was the adventure of their drive to Kansas in their old pickup. They settled into their home on a small farm they purchased south of Selden, KS, Norb's hometown, where they raised their four children, Kathy, Ruth, Joan, and Michael.Myrna worked as a nurse’s aide at Sheridan Country Hospital starting in September 1963 for 34 years, and as a housekeeper for a final year before her retirement in October 1998. She moved to Colby, KS in 1995, where she lived until August 2021 when she moved to Hoxie where she remained until her death on Nov. 19, 2023.An active volunteer in Thomas County's Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for many years, she also regularly participated in activities at the Senior Progress Center, leading exercises, playing cards, and working on puzzles, as well as helping serve the lunches. She enjoyed her gardens, hosting card parties with friends, and family gatherings at her Colby home. After her mobility became limited, she continued to keep up with family and friends via social media and frequent telephone calls. She avidly followed her grandchildren’s sports, and her “greats” were her special treasures.She was preceded in death by her husband Norb, brother Jim Covert, sisters Patty Covert and Harriet (Covert) Hayden, brother-in-law Doc Porsch, brother- and sister-in-law Francis and Leone Porsch, and brothers-in-law Alfred (Dink) Dinkel and Stanley Shaw.Survivors include her children, Kathy (Marc Epard), Ruth, Joan (Bill Jenkins), and Michael (Tami) Porsch; grandchildren Robby (Amanda Turner), Tristan (Taylore), Dayton, Marissa, and Chloe Porsch; great granddaughters Henley and Amelia Porsch and great-grandson Wyatt Porsch; sisters Eileen (Glen) Tanke and Helen (Roy) Nuxol; brother-in-law Donald Hayden; sisters-in-law Mary Anna (Porsch) Dinkel and Ramona (Porsch) Shaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.The immediate family will celebrate her life privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to Sheridan County Benefit Walk sent in care of: Myrna Porsch Memorial, Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, 1024 Sheridan Avenue, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. For information or condolences visit: https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Myrna, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29946746&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1841863308.1682958493:GS1.1.1700581785.109.0.1700581789.56.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

Myrna May (Covert) Porsch

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman is going to prison in connection with the death of a man who fell from the hood of a stolen car.

On Friday, a judge sentenced 37-year-old Ashley Corley of Hutchinson&nbsp; to nearly 18-years in prison for the incident involving a stolen vehicle that took the life of 41-year-old Rigoberto Rivas, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

In October of 2022, police responded to 9th Street North and St. Paul in Wichita where they found Rivas in the street. He had head injuries and died at a local hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;

Investigators learned that Rivas and Corley were seen running toward a gray car parked on the curb at 9th Street. Corley allegedly entered the vehicle and drove away at a high rate of speed with Rivas on the hood. The car swerved and Rivas fell from the car.

A follow-up investigation led officers to believe the car was stolen.

Police investigators arrested Corley in Hutchison, transported her back to Wichita and booked her into the Sedgwick County Jail

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666176519210.png" alt="Corley-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Corley-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman is going to prison in connection with the death of a man who fell from the hood of a stolen car.On Friday, a judge sentenced 37-year-old Ashley Corley of Hutchinson&nbsp; to nearly 18-years in prison for the incident involving a stolen vehicle that took the life of 41-year-old Rigoberto Rivas, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.In October of 2022, police responded to 9th Street North and St. Paul in Wichita where they found Rivas in the street. He had head injuries and died at a local hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;Investigators learned that Rivas and Corley were seen running toward a gray car parked on the curb at 9th Street. Corley allegedly entered the vehicle and drove away at a high rate of speed with Rivas on the hood. The car swerved and Rivas fell from the car.A follow-up investigation led officers to believe the car was stolen.Police investigators arrested Corley in Hutchison, transported her back to Wichita and booked her into the Sedgwick County Jail

Kan. woman sentenced for death of man who fell from hood of a car

Allen 'Dennis' VonLintel, age 84, of Victoria, Kansas passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born January 7, 1939, on the family farm south of Victoria, to Robert J. and Amelia (Wasinger) VonLintel. 

He married Kathryn “Kay” (Gross) on October 20,1962, at Munjor, Kansas. She preceded him in death on April 29, 2020.

Dennis was a farmer and cattleman in the Vincent community and a member of the Saint Boniface Catholic Church. He was a 1956 graduate of Victoria High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and polka dances.

Survivors include his children, Chris VonLintel and wife, Phyllis, Victoria, KS; Darin VonLintel and wife, Jennifer, Victoria, KS; Loren VonLintel and wife, Trisha, Victoria, KS; Sue Hobbs, and husband, Terry, Victoria, KS; his brothers, Robert VonLintel and wife, Gloria, Victoria, KS; Regis VonLintel and wife, Wilma, Victoria, KS; Roger VonLintel and wife, Sylvia, Erie, CO; his sister, Judy Murphy and husband, John, Gorham, KS; his grandchildren, Curtis VonLintel (Brandi); Cody VonLintel (Chelsea);&nbsp;Zach VonLintel (Sarah); Hanna Taylor (Lucas); Kelsey Rollmann (Cody); Amanda Ingham (Jacob); Tanner Hobbs and Thea Ferland; Bailey Hobbs; Autumn VonLintel; and his 16 great-grandchildren.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Amelia; his wife, Kay; and his brother, Gary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2023, at The Basilic of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with celebrant Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap. The burial will be in Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F. W. Post No. 1751.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggest memorials made payable to: St. Boniface Catholic Church or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main, Victoria, Kansas 67671. 

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

<h2>Allen 'Dennis' VonLintel, Victoria</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700519605433.jpeg" alt="Dennis VonLintel" />
 <figcaption>Dennis VonLintel</figcaption>
 </figure>January 7, 1939 - November 19, 2023Allen 'Dennis' VonLintel, age 84, of Victoria, Kansas passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays, Kansas.He was born January 7, 1939, on the family farm south of Victoria, to Robert J. and Amelia (Wasinger) VonLintel. He married Kathryn “Kay” (Gross) on October 20,1962, at Munjor, Kansas. She preceded him in death on April 29, 2020.Dennis was a farmer and cattleman in the Vincent community and a member of the Saint Boniface Catholic Church. He was a 1956 graduate of Victoria High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and polka dances.Survivors include his children, Chris VonLintel and wife, Phyllis, Victoria, KS; Darin VonLintel and wife, Jennifer, Victoria, KS; Loren VonLintel and wife, Trisha, Victoria, KS; Sue Hobbs, and husband, Terry, Victoria, KS; his brothers, Robert VonLintel and wife, Gloria, Victoria, KS; Regis VonLintel and wife, Wilma, Victoria, KS; Roger VonLintel and wife, Sylvia, Erie, CO; his sister, Judy Murphy and husband, John, Gorham, KS; his grandchildren, Curtis VonLintel (Brandi); Cody VonLintel (Chelsea);&nbsp;Zach VonLintel (Sarah); Hanna Taylor (Lucas); Kelsey Rollmann (Cody); Amanda Ingham (Jacob); Tanner Hobbs and Thea Ferland; Bailey Hobbs; Autumn VonLintel; and his 16 great-grandchildren.Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Amelia; his wife, Kay; and his brother, Gary.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2023, at The Basilic of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with celebrant Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap. The burial will be in Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F. W. Post No. 1751.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.The family suggest memorials made payable to: St. Boniface Catholic Church or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main, Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Allen 'Dennis' VonLintel 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Jackie McGann has been a home child care provider for 28 years, bringing to bear a talent and passion for caring for children she said she always had.

McGann is being recognized as the October Child Care Champion of the Month sponsored by the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County.

Mary Rudman nominated McGann for the award.

She said in her nomination, "Jackie McGann creates a fun and safe environment for her day care kids. We appreciate the diverse activities she provides the kids and the wholesome food she feeds them.

"She is an experienced day care provider who strives to help kids of all ages she cares for grow and develop at their own speed and thrive. We really appreciate what she does for our daughter and family."

McGann, 59, was the youngest in an Ellis farm family of nine. By the time she was in the third grade, her older siblings had children of their own.

"It was my nature," she said. "It was already there for me.

"I was surrounded by a lot of children and family, and I just knew how to take care fo them."

She naturally fell into being a babysitter for her young nephews and nieces.

McGann has tried to create magical moments for the children in her care from walking a beam across the creek in her backyard, picking cherry tomatoes from her garden or a field trip to her brother's farm in Ellis.

She said those little eyes never missed a tomato. "They don't miss anything," she said.

She scanned through photos on her phone of past day care children collecting eggs and digging potatoes on her brother's farm and posing with her dog, Max.

McGann is an animal lover and she said she's seen how the love of an animal can help a children with their own emotions.

Their dog, Max, was very adverse to the high-pitch squeals of the youngest children in McGann's care. One day, one of the children was very upset and crying.

The dog came in close to her and nudged her hard and began kissing her. The child pushed back at first and then finally erupted into giggles.

"After that they were besties," McGann said. ... "Animals are amazing for us. They help us through the hard times."

McGann also had a Siamese cat named Buster Brown.&nbsp;Siamese cats are known to be standoffish with humans. McGann was caring for an autistic boy.

"It's like Buster knew how much the child with autism needed him," she said. "[Buster] would jump on his lap and that child would squeeze so hard it was as if [Buster's] eyes were about to pop out of his head. ... He just gave himself to the child, and he wouldn't do that for anybody else."

McGann has been willing to offer extra love when needed. She was carrying for a baby who cried every time her parents left the room. For two weeks, McGann held and sang to that baby and she eventually was soothed and improved.

There's no magic formula, McGann said, just years of practice and experience caring for children.

She watches the children to make sure they are making friends and developing correctly.

"You need to tune it to that and address it and give them what they're needing," she said. "It doesn't take long. Give them what they need — a little love, a little reassurance, and a little extra time, and those problems just go away."

As she has become older, her memories of the many children for whom she has cared are closer and dearer to her heart, McGann said. Many of the children still keep in touch with her.

She just recently attended the wedding of a girl she cared for years ago. That young woman is now having a baby of her own, and McGann is going to be her child care provider.

 She also is now starting to be invited to high school graduations.

One graduate said, "Jackie, I love you. You're like my second mom, you know."

She recently received a letter from yet another child who is now a senior in high school.

"You've been an important person in my life and helped me become the person that I am today," the letter said. "You've helped me grow as a person and better myself. You've taught me how to watch over kids, which led me to the career I'm going to pursue in the future.

"You've taught me to be patient and kind with the people around me and pushed me to do what seemed like the impossible. ... Your house is a place that I will always remember — the place that encouraged me to be a better person and helped me grow as a person. ...

"Thank you for helping me become the person many are proud of and the person I am today."

McGann said her most challenging time was during the pandemic. She also had knee surgery in 2020.&nbsp;

"I tapped into God and prayed a lot," she said.

McGann has struggled with stomach issues most of her life, and because of that, just getting out of bed in the morning was sometimes a challenge.

In the almost three decades McGann has been a child care provider, the industry has become more professional, she said.

Inspections are more rigorous. More training is required, and regulations are more stringent.

"There are so many professionals out there with good training, and the homes are gone through thoroughly with thorough inspections," she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your nomination for Child Care Champion of the Month by clicking HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699644434107.jpeg" alt="Jackie McGann of Hays was selected as the October Child Care Champion of Ellis County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jackie McGann of Hays was selected as the October Child Care Champion of Ellis County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJackie McGann has been a home child care provider for 28 years, bringing to bear a talent and passion for caring for children she said she always had.McGann is being recognized as the October Child Care Champion of the Month sponsored by the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County.Mary Rudman nominated McGann for the award.She said in her nomination, "Jackie McGann creates a fun and safe environment for her day care kids. We appreciate the diverse activities she provides the kids and the wholesome food she feeds them."She is an experienced day care provider who strives to help kids of all ages she cares for grow and develop at their own speed and thrive. We really appreciate what she does for our daughter and family."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699983456617.jpeg" alt="Jackie McGann of Hays with her Child Care Champion of the Month plaque. Winners also receive $25 in Chamber bucks." />
 <figcaption>Jackie McGann of Hays with her Child Care Champion of the Month plaque. Winners also receive $25 in Chamber bucks.</figcaption>
 </figure>McGann, 59, was the youngest in an Ellis farm family of nine. By the time she was in the third grade, her older siblings had children of their own."It was my nature," she said. "It was already there for me."I was surrounded by a lot of children and family, and I just knew how to take care fo them."She naturally fell into being a babysitter for her young nephews and nieces.McGann has tried to create magical moments for the children in her care from walking a beam across the creek in her backyard, picking cherry tomatoes from her garden or a field trip to her brother's farm in Ellis.She said those little eyes never missed a tomato. "They don't miss anything," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699645293050.png" alt="Children, who used to attend McGann's child care, dig potatoes and harvest vegetables on her brother's farm. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Children, who used to attend McGann's child care, dig potatoes and harvest vegetables on her brother's farm. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She scanned through photos on her phone of past day care children collecting eggs and digging potatoes on her brother's farm and posing with her dog, Max.McGann is an animal lover and she said she's seen how the love of an animal can help a children with their own emotions.Their dog, Max, was very adverse to the high-pitch squeals of the youngest children in McGann's care. One day, one of the children was very upset and crying.The dog came in close to her and nudged her hard and began kissing her. The child pushed back at first and then finally erupted into giggles."After that they were besties," McGann said. ... "Animals are amazing for us. They help us through the hard times."McGann also had a Siamese cat named Buster Brown.&nbsp;Siamese cats are known to be standoffish with humans. McGann was caring for an autistic boy."It's like Buster knew how much the child with autism needed him," she said. "[Buster] would jump on his lap and that child would squeeze so hard it was as if [Buster's] eyes were about to pop out of his head. ... He just gave himself to the child, and he wouldn't do that for anybody else."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699645412766.png" alt="A boy who used to be in McGann's child care collects eggs during an outing to McGann's brother's farm. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A boy who used to be in McGann's child care collects eggs during an outing to McGann's brother's farm. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>McGann has been willing to offer extra love when needed. She was carrying for a baby who cried every time her parents left the room. For two weeks, McGann held and sang to that baby and she eventually was soothed and improved.There's no magic formula, McGann said, just years of practice and experience caring for children.She watches the children to make sure they are making friends and developing correctly."You need to tune it to that and address it and give them what they're needing," she said. "It doesn't take long. Give them what they need — a little love, a little reassurance, and a little extra time, and those problems just go away."As she has become older, her memories of the many children for whom she has cared are closer and dearer to her heart, McGann said. Many of the children still keep in touch with her.She just recently attended the wedding of a girl she cared for years ago. That young woman is now having a baby of her own, and McGann is going to be her child care provider.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699645567380.png" alt="Some of the children McGann cared for during an outing. McGann has had many children in her care during her 28 years as a child care provider. Many of those children still keep in contact with her. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Some of the children McGann cared for during an outing. McGann has had many children in her care during her 28 years as a child care provider. Many of those children still keep in contact with her. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure> She also is now starting to be invited to high school graduations.One graduate said, "Jackie, I love you. You're like my second mom, you know."She recently received a letter from yet another child who is now a senior in high school."You've been an important person in my life and helped me become the person that I am today," the letter said. "You've helped me grow as a person and better myself. You've taught me how to watch over kids, which led me to the career I'm going to pursue in the future."You've taught me to be patient and kind with the people around me and pushed me to do what seemed like the impossible. ... Your house is a place that I will always remember — the place that encouraged me to be a better person and helped me grow as a person. ..."Thank you for helping me become the person many are proud of and the person I am today."McGann said her most challenging time was during the pandemic. She also had knee surgery in 2020.&nbsp;"I tapped into God and prayed a lot," she said.McGann has struggled with stomach issues most of her life, and because of that, just getting out of bed in the morning was sometimes a challenge.In the almost three decades McGann has been a child care provider, the industry has become more professional, she said.Inspections are more rigorous. More training is required, and regulations are more stringent."There are so many professionals out there with good training, and the homes are gone through thoroughly with thorough inspections," she said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your nomination for Child Care Champion of the Month by clicking HERE.</a>

Child Care Champion: 28-year Hays care veteran says it's in her nature to nurture

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">new flu data</a>&nbsp;on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-flu-epidemic-0a9dda2ac3b407486d44412f6cbc62e0">declared</a>&nbsp;an influenza epidemic earlier this month.

“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert

Traditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.

Flu activity was moderate but rising in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And while flu activity has been high in Alaska for weeks, the state did not report data last week, so it wasn't part of the latest count.

Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctor's offices or hospitals; many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections aren’t lab-confirmed. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture.

Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing “continued increases” in flu.

There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version that's been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly — the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.

So far this fall, the CDC estimates at least 780,000 flu illnesses, at least 8,000 hospitalizations and at least 490 flu-related deaths — including at least one child.

Budd said that it’s not yet clear exactly how effective the current flu vaccines are, but the shots are well-matched to the flu strains that are showing up. In the U.S., about 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children have been vaccinated against flu, current CDC data indicates. That's down compared to last year in both categories.

Flu vaccination rates are better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses — COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700243960153.png" alt="CDC map for November 17" />
 <figcaption>CDC map for November 17</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">new flu data</a>&nbsp;on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-flu-epidemic-0a9dda2ac3b407486d44412f6cbc62e0">declared</a>&nbsp;an influenza epidemic earlier this month.“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expertTraditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.Flu activity was moderate but rising in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And while flu activity has been high in Alaska for weeks, the state did not report data last week, so it wasn't part of the latest count.Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctor's offices or hospitals; many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections aren’t lab-confirmed. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture.Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing “continued increases” in flu.There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version that's been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly — the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.So far this fall, the CDC estimates at least 780,000 flu illnesses, at least 8,000 hospitalizations and at least 490 flu-related deaths — including at least one child.Budd said that it’s not yet clear exactly how effective the current flu vaccines are, but the shots are well-matched to the flu strains that are showing up. In the U.S., about 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children have been vaccinated against flu, current CDC data indicates. That's down compared to last year in both categories.Flu vaccination rates are better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses — COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

The flu is soaring in 7 states and rising in others

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

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

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

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

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

Homicide: Search continues for Kansas teen suspect

Kansas Department of Labor&nbsp;

Unemployment across northwest Kansas remained stable between September and October with only slight fluctuations, according to the state's October labor report.

Unemployment rose from 2.2 to 2.3 percent in Ellis County from September to October and from 3.0 to 3.2 percent in Trego County. Unemployment in Rooks County increased from 2.8 to 3.2 percent, and unemployment in Russell County increased slightly from 2.7 to 2.9 percent.

Overall unemployment in the northwest corner of the state remained low with no county above 3.2 percent.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.9 percent in October. This is an increase from 2.8 percent in September and a decrease from 3 percent in October 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,200 from September. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 2,400 over the month, while government increased by 800.

Since October 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 15,600. This change is due to an increase of 8,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 7,300 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700233643657.png" alt="Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure> Kansas Department of Labor&nbsp; Unemployment across northwest Kansas remained stable between September and October with only slight fluctuations, according to the state's October labor report.Unemployment rose from 2.2 to 2.3 percent in Ellis County from September to October and from 3.0 to 3.2 percent in Trego County. Unemployment in Rooks County increased from 2.8 to 3.2 percent, and unemployment in Russell County increased slightly from 2.7 to 2.9 percent.Overall unemployment in the northwest corner of the state remained low with no county above 3.2 percent.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.9 percent in October. This is an increase from 2.8 percent in September and a decrease from 3 percent in October 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,200 from September. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 2,400 over the month, while government increased by 800.Since October 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 15,600. This change is due to an increase of 8,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 7,300 government jobs.

Unemployment in Ellis County, northwest Kansas low, stable

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting are asking the public for help to find a suspect identified as 29-year-old&nbsp;Tremale M. Serrano of Topeka.

Just after 9:30 a.m., October 15, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of an address in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders located Jackson E. Danner, 23, of Topeka, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation has led police to believe that there is a second suspect, identified as Tremale Serrano was involved.&nbsp; Anyone with information on Serrano is asked to contact police.

On November 14, police booked 33-year-old Aaron Serrano into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections in connection with Danner's death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700082021069.png" alt="Serrano-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Serrano-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting are asking the public for help to find a suspect identified as 29-year-old&nbsp;Tremale M. Serrano of Topeka.Just after 9:30 a.m., October 15, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of an address in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders located Jackson E. Danner, 23, of Topeka, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.The investigation has led police to believe that there is a second suspect, identified as Tremale Serrano was involved.&nbsp; Anyone with information on Serrano is asked to contact police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700082583370.png" alt="Aaron Serrano-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Serrano-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>On November 14, police booked 33-year-old Aaron Serrano into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections in connection with Danner's death.

Police: Search continues for suspect in month-old killing

Tyler Warren Winn, Hill City, Kansas, was tragically taken from his loving family November 9, 2023, in rural Sheridan County, Kansas. He was born May 6, 1993, to Allen and Debra (Smith) Winn in San Angelo, Texas. He was one of five siblings and the only son. 

Although Tyler moved to Kansas in 2016, he was a true Texan. “You can take the Texan out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the Texan.”

Tyler graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 2011 where he was active in the Mariachi band playing the Guitarron. 

He loved working with his hands and even competed in the Texas Skills USA building trades competition. 

Tyler had many hobbies including: playing the guitar, putting puzzles together, video gaming, holding a black belt in Karate, and upcycling junk parts into artwork. He was very intrigued by wiring systems and was attending Arizona State University working toward his electrical engineering degree. His true passion, though, was cars and trucks. This love began with the purchase of his 1979 Z28 Camaro when he was 16.

Right out of high school Tyler followed in his father’s footsteps and began working in the Texas oilfields. His true calling became clear to him after landing a job as a lube tech in the Chevy House. It wasn’t long before he was a GM-certified technician. 

After moving to Kansas, Tyler met the love of his life, Stephanie Wands. Following a few twists and turns, which included their firstborn, Ryder in 2019, Tyler began working as a diesel technician and opened his own automotive shop, LoneStar Auto. When they found out they were expecting a second son, Raysson, in 2021, the decision was made to move closer to their family in Hill City, Kansas. Tyler began working as a John Deere technician for BTI in Hoxie, Kansas. Life had one more blessing for them in 2022 when Daddy’s Princess, RhyAnne, was born. On October 15, 2022, Tyler and Stephanie finally tied the knot.

Tyler was only a member of the Hill City Community for 2 ½ years, but his impact will be felt for years to come. He was vice president of the Graham County Auto and Art Museum where he organized and pulled off the biggest car show the community had ever hosted. He showed northwest Kansas how a burnout contest was meant to be done and was already planning the second annual car show. 

A toy drive in Hill City has been established to honor his legacy as this was something Tyler and Stephanie were organizing. 

Tyler was a member of the Hoxie Hotrodders Lions Club and was very active in the Salina, Kansas car scene. He was the guy other car guys called when they couldn’t figure out something. He was always quick with advice and willing to teach others. Tyler was never idle. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and to reach the goals he constantly set for himself.

Tyler is survived by his loving wife Stephanie Winn and his children, Ryder, Raysson, and RhyAnne of Hill City, Kansas; his father Allen Winn and his sisters Jaime Maldanado, Haley Winn, Allison (Joe) Martin, and Holly Winn of Texas; and his grandmother, Sue Smith of Michigan. He is also survived by his grandmother-in-law Sandra Veh; his mother and father-in-law Jami (Lonnie) Sprinkle and Todd (Leslie) Wands; his brothers-in-law River (Craig) Ledet, Riley (Zoey) Wands, Tate (Skylar) Wands, and Jaran (Jordyn) Clark, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were like family. 

Tyler was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Winn, his paternal grandparents, his maternal grandfather, and his grandfather-in-law John Veh.

Tyler was a devoted, loving, and affectionate husband and father. His absence will be felt for many years to come. 

A celebration for Tyler’s Last Ride will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in Hill City, Kansas at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Everyone is invited to the dinner following the service, allowing all to socialize and share stories and memories. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Winn Family Memorial for the Betterment of Graham County in c/o First State Bank or Stinemetz Funeral Home. There will be bins available at Tyler’s service for donations to the toy drive.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29857949&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1700086866.133.0.1700086871.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29857949&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1700086866.133.0.1700086871.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Tyler, please&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29857949&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1700086866.133.0.1700086871.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Tyler Warren Winn, Hill City</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700086924178.png" alt="Tyler Warren Winn" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Warren Winn</figcaption>
 </figure>May 6, 1993 - November 9, 2023Tyler Warren Winn, Hill City, Kansas, was tragically taken from his loving family November 9, 2023, in rural Sheridan County, Kansas. He was born May 6, 1993, to Allen and Debra (Smith) Winn in San Angelo, Texas. He was one of five siblings and the only son. Although Tyler moved to Kansas in 2016, he was a true Texan. “You can take the Texan out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the Texan.”Tyler graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 2011 where he was active in the Mariachi band playing the Guitarron. He loved working with his hands and even competed in the Texas Skills USA building trades competition. Tyler had many hobbies including: playing the guitar, putting puzzles together, video gaming, holding a black belt in Karate, and upcycling junk parts into artwork. He was very intrigued by wiring systems and was attending Arizona State University working toward his electrical engineering degree. His true passion, though, was cars and trucks. This love began with the purchase of his 1979 Z28 Camaro when he was 16.Right out of high school Tyler followed in his father’s footsteps and began working in the Texas oilfields. His true calling became clear to him after landing a job as a lube tech in the Chevy House. It wasn’t long before he was a GM-certified technician. After moving to Kansas, Tyler met the love of his life, Stephanie Wands. Following a few twists and turns, which included their firstborn, Ryder in 2019, Tyler began working as a diesel technician and opened his own automotive shop, LoneStar Auto. When they found out they were expecting a second son, Raysson, in 2021, the decision was made to move closer to their family in Hill City, Kansas. Tyler began working as a John Deere technician for BTI in Hoxie, Kansas. Life had one more blessing for them in 2022 when Daddy’s Princess, RhyAnne, was born. On October 15, 2022, Tyler and Stephanie finally tied the knot.Tyler was only a member of the Hill City Community for 2 ½ years, but his impact will be felt for years to come. He was vice president of the Graham County Auto and Art Museum where he organized and pulled off the biggest car show the community had ever hosted. He showed northwest Kansas how a burnout contest was meant to be done and was already planning the second annual car show. A toy drive in Hill City has been established to honor his legacy as this was something Tyler and Stephanie were organizing. Tyler was a member of the Hoxie Hotrodders Lions Club and was very active in the Salina, Kansas car scene. He was the guy other car guys called when they couldn’t figure out something. He was always quick with advice and willing to teach others. Tyler was never idle. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and to reach the goals he constantly set for himself.Tyler is survived by his loving wife Stephanie Winn and his children, Ryder, Raysson, and RhyAnne of Hill City, Kansas; his father Allen Winn and his sisters Jaime Maldanado, Haley Winn, Allison (Joe) Martin, and Holly Winn of Texas; and his grandmother, Sue Smith of Michigan. He is also survived by his grandmother-in-law Sandra Veh; his mother and father-in-law Jami (Lonnie) Sprinkle and Todd (Leslie) Wands; his brothers-in-law River (Craig) Ledet, Riley (Zoey) Wands, Tate (Skylar) Wands, and Jaran (Jordyn) Clark, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were like family. Tyler was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Winn, his paternal grandparents, his maternal grandfather, and his grandfather-in-law John Veh.Tyler was a devoted, loving, and affectionate husband and father. His absence will be felt for many years to come. A celebration for Tyler’s Last Ride will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in Hill City, Kansas at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Everyone is invited to the dinner following the service, allowing all to socialize and share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Winn Family Memorial for the Betterment of Graham County in c/o First State Bank or Stinemetz Funeral Home. There will be bins available at Tyler’s service for donations to the toy drive.To&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29857949&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1700086866.133.0.1700086871.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29857949&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1700086866.133.0.1700086871.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Tyler, please&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29857949&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1700086866.133.0.1700086871.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

Tyler Warren Winn

Maudene L. Fakes, 92, passed away November 14, 2023 at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.

She was born October 4, 1931 in Jetmore, the daughter of Roy and Estella Elizabeth Bickel Corey. &nbsp;

A lifetime area resident, she was a food service supervisor for twenty-five years at the Fort Dodge Kansas Soldiers’ Home.

She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Jetmore and the V.F.W. Auxiliary, Dodge City.

She married Howard Schlereth and then later married Mervin Fakes.

Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Guthrie, Sandy Hendrickson and Deanna Unruh, all of Jetmore; two stepchildren, Connie Yeager, MO and Dennis Fakes, AL; brother, Verle (Donna) Corey, Pueblo, CO; sister, Katy Johnson, Hugoton; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Howard Schlereth and Mervin Fakes; son, Gregory Schlereth; brother, Roy Corey and two sisters, Laura Law and Opal Gibbs.

Cremation has taken place and a service will be at a later date.

Memorials may be given to Hodgeman County Health Center in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Maudene L. Fakes, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithmortuary.com/obituary/maudene-fakes/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Maudene L. Fakes, Jetmore</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700085539655.jpeg" alt="Maudene L. Fakes" />
 <figcaption>Maudene L. Fakes</figcaption>
 </figure>October 4, 1931 - November 14, 2023Maudene L. Fakes, 92, passed away November 14, 2023 at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.She was born October 4, 1931 in Jetmore, the daughter of Roy and Estella Elizabeth Bickel Corey. &nbsp;A lifetime area resident, she was a food service supervisor for twenty-five years at the Fort Dodge Kansas Soldiers’ Home.She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Jetmore and the V.F.W. Auxiliary, Dodge City.She married Howard Schlereth and then later married Mervin Fakes.Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Guthrie, Sandy Hendrickson and Deanna Unruh, all of Jetmore; two stepchildren, Connie Yeager, MO and Dennis Fakes, AL; brother, Verle (Donna) Corey, Pueblo, CO; sister, Katy Johnson, Hugoton; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by Howard Schlereth and Mervin Fakes; son, Gregory Schlereth; brother, Roy Corey and two sisters, Laura Law and Opal Gibbs.Cremation has taken place and a service will be at a later date.Memorials may be given to Hodgeman County Health Center in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854.&nbsp;&nbsp;To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Maudene L. Fakes, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithmortuary.com/obituary/maudene-fakes/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Maudene L. Fakes

Police ask for help to find suspect in month-old Kan. killing

Ferdinand “Fred” Werth, Jr., 85, died November 13, 2023, at The Arbors, Hutchinson. He was born October 3, 1938, in La Crosse, to Ferdinand and Lidwina Lydia (Hepp) Werth, Sr.

Fred graduated from Great Bend High School in 1958 and served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1965. During his service in the Navy, Fred designed and built bombing range targets. &nbsp;He retired as a welder with Krause Plow in South Hutchinson. 

Fred enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, his Harley Davidson, and working on his Chevy truck. 

He was a devout Catholic, attending Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson. Fred also participated yearly in the Hutchinson Christmas Parade Toys for Tots Motorcycle Drive.&nbsp;

Fred married Virginia “Ginger” Stutzman in November 2003. &nbsp;She passed away April 28, 2020.

Fred is survived by his brother, Vernon (Diana) Werth of Colorado; his children, Katherine (Eugene) Wilbourn of Oklahoma and Michael J (Misty) Werth of Kansas; stepsons John (Amanda) and Chris (Gayle) Stutzman of Kansas; grandchildren Tiffani (Robert) Glen, Kayla (Aaron) Butler, Megan (Lloyd) Welch, all of Oklahoma, Jesseca (John) Brady of Virginia, Ashley (John) Rios of Texas, Sydney Werth of Arizona, and Jordan Werth of Kansas; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Lydia Werth; his brother, Robert; and his wife, Ginger.

Rosary will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, followed by the funeral liturgy at 10:30 a.m., all at Elliott Mortuary, with both led by Father Eric M. Weldon. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Friday at Elliott Mortuary. &nbsp;Graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Liebenthal, KS, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS &nbsp;67501.

<h2>Ferdinand 'Fred' Werth</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700069842476.jpeg" alt="Ferdinand 'Fred' Werth" />
 <figcaption>Ferdinand 'Fred' Werth</figcaption>
 </figure>October 3, 1938 - November 13, 2023Ferdinand “Fred” Werth, Jr., 85, died November 13, 2023, at The Arbors, Hutchinson. He was born October 3, 1938, in La Crosse, to Ferdinand and Lidwina Lydia (Hepp) Werth, Sr.Fred graduated from Great Bend High School in 1958 and served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1965. During his service in the Navy, Fred designed and built bombing range targets. &nbsp;He retired as a welder with Krause Plow in South Hutchinson. Fred enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, his Harley Davidson, and working on his Chevy truck. He was a devout Catholic, attending Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson. Fred also participated yearly in the Hutchinson Christmas Parade Toys for Tots Motorcycle Drive.&nbsp;Fred married Virginia “Ginger” Stutzman in November 2003. &nbsp;She passed away April 28, 2020.Fred is survived by his brother, Vernon (Diana) Werth of Colorado; his children, Katherine (Eugene) Wilbourn of Oklahoma and Michael J (Misty) Werth of Kansas; stepsons John (Amanda) and Chris (Gayle) Stutzman of Kansas; grandchildren Tiffani (Robert) Glen, Kayla (Aaron) Butler, Megan (Lloyd) Welch, all of Oklahoma, Jesseca (John) Brady of Virginia, Ashley (John) Rios of Texas, Sydney Werth of Arizona, and Jordan Werth of Kansas; and 10 great-grandchildren.Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Lydia Werth; his brother, Robert; and his wife, Ginger.Rosary will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, followed by the funeral liturgy at 10:30 a.m., all at Elliott Mortuary, with both led by Father Eric M. Weldon. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Friday at Elliott Mortuary. &nbsp;Graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Liebenthal, KS, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS &nbsp;67501.