Joseph “Joe” Allen Murphy, 85, passed away October 31, 2023, at Via Christi Village-Ridge, Wichita, Kansas after battling prostate cancer for a year and a half. He was born on September 20, 1938, in Great Bend, Kansas, to James and Alma (Riney) Murphy. 

On September 11, 1965, he married Roma Lee Riner in Great Bend, Kansas.

Joe was a hard worker who led by example. After his father passed away from a tragic accident when he was 12 years old, Joe assumed many responsibilities not normally required of a boy of such a young age. He worked on the family farm, went to school, played sports, and helped support his large family, including his invalid older brother and his two baby sisters. 

A lifetime resident of Great Bend prior to moving to Goddard in 2022, Joe served the country overseas in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962. After his honorable discharge, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University, where he met his future wife of 58 years, Roma. 

For 30 years, he worked as a technical systems coordinator for Midwest Energy, before “retiring,” only to spend the next 20 years as a custodian at Eisenhower Elementary School doing two of his favorite things: encouraging and building up kids and working hard. &nbsp;When asked by his children when he was going to finally retire, his response was always “in another two years.” He kept “two-yearing it” until he turned 77.&nbsp;

Joe was always a champion for the little guy and had a huge and generous heart. He was a devoted husband to Roma as they constantly spent time with their kids and grandkids. &nbsp;He was a lifetime blood donor, contributing well over eight gallons of blood to help others. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish and the American Legion. 

He never took himself too seriously, and liked to spread his hard-earned knowledge through multiple “Joe Murphyisms”: “Just hold your head high and walk fast.” “Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.” “Doing that can cause your kids to be born naked.” “It’ll put hair on your chest.” “It’s good to have some sweat run down the crack of your hind end.” “Now stay out of jail…” Those are but a sample of the wisdom he liked to share and smiles he liked to create. If you ever had the opportunity to take his order at a restaurant, you probably had the chance to tease him back when he said his favorite one, “I’d like an iced-tea, in a clean glass.” 

He loved his dogs, but above all, he loved his wife and kids, &nbsp;helping his kids with their lawn mowing business, watching their sports competitions and debate tournaments, and spending time with them and the grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, of the home. &nbsp;His children are a daughter, Kelly Sue (Mark) Disque of Wylie, Texas; son Patrick (Theresa) Murphy of Wichita, Kansas; son Sean (Alicia) Murphy of Papillion, Nebraska; and son Mark (Kimberly) of Olathe, Kansas. &nbsp;His thirteen grandchildren are Adam (Bethany), Brendan, and Kaitlyn Disque; Chelsea (Jordan) Mellinger, Conor, Ryan, and Shauna Murphy; Benjamin and Zane Murphy; and McKay, Gunner, Josie, and Taggart Murphy. &nbsp;His two step grandchildren are Cooper and Carli Dunham. &nbsp;He has six great-grandchildren. &nbsp;His sisters are Janice Sis of Bryan, Texas, and Rita (Joe) Buchanan of Council Grove, Kansas. &nbsp;His brothers-in-law are George Tooley of Greeley, Colorado, and Dan Bernard of Omaha, Nebraska. &nbsp;His sister-in-law is Rose Murphy of Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;He has numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard “Dick” Murphy and Michael Murphy; two sisters, Joyce Tooley and Barbara Bernard; a brother-in-law, Ray Sis; a niece, Katie Gant; and a nephew, Chris Tooley.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, 2023, with family to receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and vigil at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery North with military honors presented by McConnell Air Force Base. 

Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society or Eisenhower Elementary School Improvements Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>Joseph Allen Murphy</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699021413470.png" alt="Joseph Allen Murphy" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Allen Murphy</figcaption>
 </figure>September 20, 1938 - October 31, 2023Joseph “Joe” Allen Murphy, 85, passed away October 31, 2023, at Via Christi Village-Ridge, Wichita, Kansas after battling prostate cancer for a year and a half. He was born on September 20, 1938, in Great Bend, Kansas, to James and Alma (Riney) Murphy. On September 11, 1965, he married Roma Lee Riner in Great Bend, Kansas.Joe was a hard worker who led by example. After his father passed away from a tragic accident when he was 12 years old, Joe assumed many responsibilities not normally required of a boy of such a young age. He worked on the family farm, went to school, played sports, and helped support his large family, including his invalid older brother and his two baby sisters. A lifetime resident of Great Bend prior to moving to Goddard in 2022, Joe served the country overseas in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962. After his honorable discharge, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University, where he met his future wife of 58 years, Roma. For 30 years, he worked as a technical systems coordinator for Midwest Energy, before “retiring,” only to spend the next 20 years as a custodian at Eisenhower Elementary School doing two of his favorite things: encouraging and building up kids and working hard. &nbsp;When asked by his children when he was going to finally retire, his response was always “in another two years.” He kept “two-yearing it” until he turned 77.&nbsp;Joe was always a champion for the little guy and had a huge and generous heart. He was a devoted husband to Roma as they constantly spent time with their kids and grandkids. &nbsp;He was a lifetime blood donor, contributing well over eight gallons of blood to help others. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish and the American Legion. He never took himself too seriously, and liked to spread his hard-earned knowledge through multiple “Joe Murphyisms”: “Just hold your head high and walk fast.” “Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.” “Doing that can cause your kids to be born naked.” “It’ll put hair on your chest.” “It’s good to have some sweat run down the crack of your hind end.” “Now stay out of jail…” Those are but a sample of the wisdom he liked to share and smiles he liked to create. If you ever had the opportunity to take his order at a restaurant, you probably had the chance to tease him back when he said his favorite one, “I’d like an iced-tea, in a clean glass.” He loved his dogs, but above all, he loved his wife and kids, &nbsp;helping his kids with their lawn mowing business, watching their sports competitions and debate tournaments, and spending time with them and the grandkids.Survivors include his wife, of the home. &nbsp;His children are a daughter, Kelly Sue (Mark) Disque of Wylie, Texas; son Patrick (Theresa) Murphy of Wichita, Kansas; son Sean (Alicia) Murphy of Papillion, Nebraska; and son Mark (Kimberly) of Olathe, Kansas. &nbsp;His thirteen grandchildren are Adam (Bethany), Brendan, and Kaitlyn Disque; Chelsea (Jordan) Mellinger, Conor, Ryan, and Shauna Murphy; Benjamin and Zane Murphy; and McKay, Gunner, Josie, and Taggart Murphy. &nbsp;His two step grandchildren are Cooper and Carli Dunham. &nbsp;He has six great-grandchildren. &nbsp;His sisters are Janice Sis of Bryan, Texas, and Rita (Joe) Buchanan of Council Grove, Kansas. &nbsp;His brothers-in-law are George Tooley of Greeley, Colorado, and Dan Bernard of Omaha, Nebraska. &nbsp;His sister-in-law is Rose Murphy of Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;He has numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard “Dick” Murphy and Michael Murphy; two sisters, Joyce Tooley and Barbara Bernard; a brother-in-law, Ray Sis; a niece, Katie Gant; and a nephew, Chris Tooley.Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, 2023, with family to receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and vigil at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery North with military honors presented by McConnell Air Force Base. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society or Eisenhower Elementary School Improvements Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Joseph Allen Murphy, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/joseph-murphy/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Joseph Allen Murphy

Born in the early morning hours of December 1, 1954, and raised on the great plains of Hays, Kansas, Sherrie Roth Cronin peacefully exhaled her last breath on the night of October 23, 2023. She was surrounded by love, in the mountains of North Carolina, after a hard fought battle with cancer.

She was an engaging child, curious about our planet and the limitless mysteries of space. She also had a vivid imagination and used it, from an early age, to create expansive new worlds, twisting plots and intriguing characters, through her gift of storytelling. That set the stage. 

Before graduating from&nbsp;Hays High School in 1972, she was a permanent fixture on the Honor Roll,&nbsp;editor of the school newspaper, star on the debate team, and won the state championship for extemporaneous speaking.

She published a short story in Isaac Asimov's science fiction magazine at the age of 21, received a degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a degree in geology from The Colorado School of Mines, then canoed 500 miles down the Coppermine River in 1978.

This was t1e launch pad for a decades long career as a geophysicist, interpreting seismic data, and spending time out on the rigs, all while showing up tirelessly for her husband, three children and parents. Her career took her from Chicago, Illinois to Golden, Colorado to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Fort Worth and Houston, Texas, before retiring in Black Mountain, North Carolina.&nbsp;

To round out this remarkable life, Sherrie traveled extensively to 46 countries, earned her private pilot's license, achieved the status of solo skydiver, drove cross-country to Burning Man, volunteered for a trio of meaningful causes; the local library, a domestic violence hotline, and the Science Fiction &amp; Fantasy Writers Association. And she still managed to find the time, energy, and inspiration to fulfill one of her greatest, lifelong passions ...  storytelling,&nbsp;as she proudly self-published 12 full-length novels.

Sherrie is loved and survived by her husband of 42 years, Kevin Cronin of Black Mountain, NC, her sister, June Roth Hanson (Gary) of Galena, Illinois, her three children, Francis-Casey Cronin of San Francisco, CA, Shenandoah Cronin Reyna (John) of Dallas, Texas and Emerald Cronin of Chicago, Illinois. 

She is preceded in death by her mom and dad, Mary Jane Von Feldt Roth and Francis Joseph Roth, both of Hays, Kansas.

Sherrie was a wonderful mom, sister, wife, daughter, and friend. She was fierce, interesting, kind, curious, driven, brilliant, creative and generous. She will be missed more than words can express. An inquisitive scientist, eloquent storyteller and avid adventurer, she gave of her time and her talents to help make this a better world.

If you would like to honor Sherrie, please consider reading one of her books&nbsp;or donating to Helpmate, an organization that serves survivors of domestic violence.

A Celebration of Life will take place on November 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Center Clubhouse at Tomahawk Lake in Black Mountain. Further details regarding the service and remembrances are available from Morris Funeral Home of Asheville, North Carolina, 828-252-1821.

<h2>Sherrie Roth Cronin</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699020579952.png" alt="Sherrie Roth Cronin" />
 <figcaption>Sherrie Roth Cronin</figcaption>
 </figure>December 1, 1954 - October 23, 2023Born in the early morning hours of December 1, 1954, and raised on the great plains of Hays, Kansas, Sherrie Roth Cronin peacefully exhaled her last breath on the night of October 23, 2023. She was surrounded by love, in the mountains of North Carolina, after a hard fought battle with cancer.She was an engaging child, curious about our planet and the limitless mysteries of space. She also had a vivid imagination and used it, from an early age, to create expansive new worlds, twisting plots and intriguing characters, through her gift of storytelling. That set the stage. Before graduating from&nbsp;Hays High School in 1972, she was a permanent fixture on the Honor Roll,&nbsp;editor of the school newspaper, star on the debate team, and won the state championship for extemporaneous speaking.She published a short story in Isaac Asimov's science fiction magazine at the age of 21, received a degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a degree in geology from The Colorado School of Mines, then canoed 500 miles down the Coppermine River in 1978.This was t1e launch pad for a decades long career as a geophysicist, interpreting seismic data, and spending time out on the rigs, all while showing up tirelessly for her husband, three children and parents. Her career took her from Chicago, Illinois to Golden, Colorado to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Fort Worth and Houston, Texas, before retiring in Black Mountain, North Carolina.&nbsp;To round out this remarkable life, Sherrie traveled extensively to 46 countries, earned her private pilot's license, achieved the status of solo skydiver, drove cross-country to Burning Man, volunteered for a trio of meaningful causes; the local library, a domestic violence hotline, and the Science Fiction &amp; Fantasy Writers Association. And she still managed to find the time, energy, and inspiration to fulfill one of her greatest, lifelong passions ... storytelling,&nbsp;as she proudly self-published 12 full-length novels.Sherrie is loved and survived by her husband of 42 years, Kevin Cronin of Black Mountain, NC, her sister, June Roth Hanson (Gary) of Galena, Illinois, her three children, Francis-Casey Cronin of San Francisco, CA, Shenandoah Cronin Reyna (John) of Dallas, Texas and Emerald Cronin of Chicago, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her mom and dad, Mary Jane Von Feldt Roth and Francis Joseph Roth, both of Hays, Kansas.Sherrie was a wonderful mom, sister, wife, daughter, and friend. She was fierce, interesting, kind, curious, driven, brilliant, creative and generous. She will be missed more than words can express. An inquisitive scientist, eloquent storyteller and avid adventurer, she gave of her time and her talents to help make this a better world.If you would like to honor Sherrie, please consider reading one of her books&nbsp;or donating to Helpmate, an organization that serves survivors of domestic violence.A Celebration of Life will take place on November 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Center Clubhouse at Tomahawk Lake in Black Mountain. Further details regarding the service and remembrances are available from Morris Funeral Home of Asheville, North Carolina, 828-252-1821.

Sherrie Roth Cronin

NEW YORK (AP) — FTX founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sam-bankman-fried">Sam Bankman-Fried’s</a>&nbsp;spectacular rise and fall in the cryptocurrency industry — a journey that included his testimony before Congress, a Super Bowl advertisement and dreams of a future run for president — hit rock bottom Thursday when a New York jury convicted him of fraud for stealing at least $10 billion from customers and investors.

After the month-long trial, jurors rejected Bankman-Fried’s claim during testimony in Manhattan federal court that he never committed fraud or meant to cheat customers before FTX, once the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, collapsed into bankruptcy a year ago.

“Mr. Bankman-Fried. Please rise and face the jury,” Judge Lewis A. Kaplan commanded just before a jury forewoman responded “guilty” seven times to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud conspiracy and three other conspiracy charges, which carry potential penalties adding up to 110 years in prison. Bankman-Fried is likely to face far less than the maximum at a sentencing set for March 28.

As the verdict was read, Bankman-Fried seemed stunned, appearing stone-faced, his hands clasped before him, as his lawyers remained sitting beside him. When he sat down, he looked down for several minutes.

His lawyer, Mark Cohen, later read a statement outside court to say they “respect the jury’s decision. But we are very disappointed with the result.”

“Mr. Bankman Fried maintains his innocence and will continue to vigorously fight the charges against him,” Cohen said.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who sat in the front row of the spectator section during the verdict, stood before cameras outside the courthouse and said Bankman-Fried “perpetrated one of the biggest financial frauds in American history, a multibillion dollar scheme designed to make him the king of crypto.”

“But here’s the thing: The cryptocurrency industry might be new. The players like Sam Bankman-Fried might be new. This kind of fraud, this kind of corruption is as old as time and we have no patience for it,” he said.

He said the case should serve as a warning to every other fraudster who “thinks they're untouchable, that their crimes are too complex,” that they are too powerful to prosecute or can talk their way out of their crimes because “I promise we'll have enough handcuffs for all of them.”

The jury rejected Bankman-Fried insistence during three days of testimony that he never committed fraud or plotted to steal from customers, investors and lenders and didn’t realize his companies were at least $10 billion in debt until October 2022.

After the jury left the room, Bankman-Fried's parents, both Stanford University law professors, moved to the front row behind him. His father put his arm around his wife. As Bankman-Fried was led out of the courtroom, he looked back and nodded toward his mother, who nodded back and then became emotional, wiping her hand over her face after he left the room.

The trial attracted intense interest with its focus on a fraud on a scale not seen since the 2009 prosecution of Bernard Madoff, whose Ponzi scheme over decades cheated thousands of investors out of about $20 billion. Madoff pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 150 years in prison, where he died in 2021.

The prosecution of Bankman-Fried, 31, put a spotlight on the emerging industry of cryptocurrency and a group of young executives in their 20s who lived together in a $30 million luxury apartment in the Bahamas as they dreamed of becoming the most powerful player in a new financial field.

Prosecutors made sure jurors knew that the defendant they saw in court with short hair and a suit was not the man with big messy hair and shorts that became his trademark appearance after he started his cryptocurrency hedge fund, Alameda Research, in 2017 and FTX, his cryptocurrency exchange, two years later.

They showed the jury pictures of Bankman-Fried sleeping on a private jet, sitting with a deck of cards and mingling at the Super Bowl with celebrities including the singer Katy Perry. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Roos called Bankman-Fried someone who liked “celebrity chasing.”

In a closing argument, Cohen said prosecutors were trying to turn “Sam into some sort of villain, some sort of monster.”

“It’s both wrong and unfair, and I hope and believe that you have seen that it’s simply not true,” he said. “According to the government, everything Sam ever touched and said was fraudulent.”

The government relied heavily on the testimony of three former members of Bankman-Fried’s inner circle, his top executives including his former girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, to explain how Bankman-Fried used Alameda Research to siphon billions of dollars from customer accounts at FTX.

With that money, prosecutors said, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate gained influence and power through investments, contributions, tens of millions of dollars in political contributions, Congressional testimony and a publicity campaign that enlisted celebrities like comedian Larry David and football quarterback Tom Brady.

Ellison, 28, testified that Bankman-Fried directed her while she was chief executive of Alameda Research to commit fraud as he pursued ambitions to lead huge companies, spend money influentially and run for U.S. president someday. She said he thought he had a 5% chance to eventually be U.S. president.

Becoming tearful as she described the collapse of the cryptocurrency empire last November, Ellison said the revelations that caused customers collectively to demand their money back, exposing the fraud, brought a “relief that I didn’t have to lie anymore.”

FTX cofounder Gary Wang, who was FTX’s chief technology officer, revealed in his testimony that Bankman-Fried directed him to insert code into FTX’s operations so that Alameda Research could make unlimited withdrawals from FTX and have a credit line up to $65 billion. Wang said the money came from customers.

Nishad Singh, the former head of engineering at FTX, testified that he felt “blindsided and horrified” at the result of the actions of a man he once admired when he saw the extent of the fraud. He said the collapse last November left him suicidal.

Ellison, Wang and Singh all pleaded guilty to fraud charges and testified against Bankman-Fried in the hopes of leniency at sentencing.

Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas last December and extradited to the United States, where he was freed on a $250 million personal recognizance bond with electronic monitoring and a requirement that he remain at the home of his parents in Palo Alto, California.

His communications, including hundreds of phone calls with journalists and internet influencers, along with emails and texts, eventually got him in trouble when the judge concluded he was trying to influence prospective trial witnesses and ordered him jailed in August.

During the trial, prosecutors used Bankman-Fried’s public statements, online announcements and his Congressional testimony against him, showing how the entrepreneur repeatedly promised customers that their deposits were safe and secure as late as last Nov. 7 when he tweeted “FTX is fine. Assets are fine” as customers furiously tried to withdraw their money. He deleted the tweet the next day. FTX filed for bankruptcy four days later.

In his closing, Roos mocked Bankman-Fried’s testimony, saying that under questioning from his lawyer, the defendant’s words were “smooth, like it had been rehearsed a bunch of times?”

But under cross examination, “he was a different person,” the prosecutor said. “Suddenly on cross-examination he couldn’t remember a single detail about his company or what he said publicly. It was uncomfortable to hear. He never said he couldn’t recall during his direct examination, but it happened over 140 times during his cross-examination.”

Former federal prosecutors said the quick verdict — after only half a day of deliberation — showed how well the government tried the case.

“The government tried the case as we expected," said Joshua A. Naftalis, a partner at Pallas Partners LLP and a former Manhattan prosecutor. “It was a massive fraud, but that doesn’t mean it had to be a complicated fraud, and I think the jury understood that argument.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680015507609.png" alt=" FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court in New York, Feb. 16, 2023.&nbsp; (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)" />
 <figcaption> FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court in New York, Feb. 16, 2023.&nbsp; (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — FTX founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sam-bankman-fried">Sam Bankman-Fried’s</a>&nbsp;spectacular rise and fall in the cryptocurrency industry — a journey that included his testimony before Congress, a Super Bowl advertisement and dreams of a future run for president — hit rock bottom Thursday when a New York jury convicted him of fraud for stealing at least $10 billion from customers and investors.After the month-long trial, jurors rejected Bankman-Fried’s claim during testimony in Manhattan federal court that he never committed fraud or meant to cheat customers before FTX, once the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, collapsed into bankruptcy a year ago.“Mr. Bankman-Fried. Please rise and face the jury,” Judge Lewis A. Kaplan commanded just before a jury forewoman responded “guilty” seven times to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud conspiracy and three other conspiracy charges, which carry potential penalties adding up to 110 years in prison. Bankman-Fried is likely to face far less than the maximum at a sentencing set for March 28.As the verdict was read, Bankman-Fried seemed stunned, appearing stone-faced, his hands clasped before him, as his lawyers remained sitting beside him. When he sat down, he looked down for several minutes.His lawyer, Mark Cohen, later read a statement outside court to say they “respect the jury’s decision. But we are very disappointed with the result.”“Mr. Bankman Fried maintains his innocence and will continue to vigorously fight the charges against him,” Cohen said.U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who sat in the front row of the spectator section during the verdict, stood before cameras outside the courthouse and said Bankman-Fried “perpetrated one of the biggest financial frauds in American history, a multibillion dollar scheme designed to make him the king of crypto.”“But here’s the thing: The cryptocurrency industry might be new. The players like Sam Bankman-Fried might be new. This kind of fraud, this kind of corruption is as old as time and we have no patience for it,” he said.He said the case should serve as a warning to every other fraudster who “thinks they're untouchable, that their crimes are too complex,” that they are too powerful to prosecute or can talk their way out of their crimes because “I promise we'll have enough handcuffs for all of them.”The jury rejected Bankman-Fried insistence during three days of testimony that he never committed fraud or plotted to steal from customers, investors and lenders and didn’t realize his companies were at least $10 billion in debt until October 2022.After the jury left the room, Bankman-Fried's parents, both Stanford University law professors, moved to the front row behind him. His father put his arm around his wife. As Bankman-Fried was led out of the courtroom, he looked back and nodded toward his mother, who nodded back and then became emotional, wiping her hand over her face after he left the room.The trial attracted intense interest with its focus on a fraud on a scale not seen since the 2009 prosecution of Bernard Madoff, whose Ponzi scheme over decades cheated thousands of investors out of about $20 billion. Madoff pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 150 years in prison, where he died in 2021.The prosecution of Bankman-Fried, 31, put a spotlight on the emerging industry of cryptocurrency and a group of young executives in their 20s who lived together in a $30 million luxury apartment in the Bahamas as they dreamed of becoming the most powerful player in a new financial field.Prosecutors made sure jurors knew that the defendant they saw in court with short hair and a suit was not the man with big messy hair and shorts that became his trademark appearance after he started his cryptocurrency hedge fund, Alameda Research, in 2017 and FTX, his cryptocurrency exchange, two years later.They showed the jury pictures of Bankman-Fried sleeping on a private jet, sitting with a deck of cards and mingling at the Super Bowl with celebrities including the singer Katy Perry. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Roos called Bankman-Fried someone who liked “celebrity chasing.”In a closing argument, Cohen said prosecutors were trying to turn “Sam into some sort of villain, some sort of monster.”“It’s both wrong and unfair, and I hope and believe that you have seen that it’s simply not true,” he said. “According to the government, everything Sam ever touched and said was fraudulent.”The government relied heavily on the testimony of three former members of Bankman-Fried’s inner circle, his top executives including his former girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, to explain how Bankman-Fried used Alameda Research to siphon billions of dollars from customer accounts at FTX.With that money, prosecutors said, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate gained influence and power through investments, contributions, tens of millions of dollars in political contributions, Congressional testimony and a publicity campaign that enlisted celebrities like comedian Larry David and football quarterback Tom Brady.Ellison, 28, testified that Bankman-Fried directed her while she was chief executive of Alameda Research to commit fraud as he pursued ambitions to lead huge companies, spend money influentially and run for U.S. president someday. She said he thought he had a 5% chance to eventually be U.S. president.Becoming tearful as she described the collapse of the cryptocurrency empire last November, Ellison said the revelations that caused customers collectively to demand their money back, exposing the fraud, brought a “relief that I didn’t have to lie anymore.”FTX cofounder Gary Wang, who was FTX’s chief technology officer, revealed in his testimony that Bankman-Fried directed him to insert code into FTX’s operations so that Alameda Research could make unlimited withdrawals from FTX and have a credit line up to $65 billion. Wang said the money came from customers.Nishad Singh, the former head of engineering at FTX, testified that he felt “blindsided and horrified” at the result of the actions of a man he once admired when he saw the extent of the fraud. He said the collapse last November left him suicidal.Ellison, Wang and Singh all pleaded guilty to fraud charges and testified against Bankman-Fried in the hopes of leniency at sentencing.Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas last December and extradited to the United States, where he was freed on a $250 million personal recognizance bond with electronic monitoring and a requirement that he remain at the home of his parents in Palo Alto, California.His communications, including hundreds of phone calls with journalists and internet influencers, along with emails and texts, eventually got him in trouble when the judge concluded he was trying to influence prospective trial witnesses and ordered him jailed in August.During the trial, prosecutors used Bankman-Fried’s public statements, online announcements and his Congressional testimony against him, showing how the entrepreneur repeatedly promised customers that their deposits were safe and secure as late as last Nov. 7 when he tweeted “FTX is fine. Assets are fine” as customers furiously tried to withdraw their money. He deleted the tweet the next day. FTX filed for bankruptcy four days later.In his closing, Roos mocked Bankman-Fried’s testimony, saying that under questioning from his lawyer, the defendant’s words were “smooth, like it had been rehearsed a bunch of times?”But under cross examination, “he was a different person,” the prosecutor said. “Suddenly on cross-examination he couldn’t remember a single detail about his company or what he said publicly. It was uncomfortable to hear. He never said he couldn’t recall during his direct examination, but it happened over 140 times during his cross-examination.”Former federal prosecutors said the quick verdict — after only half a day of deliberation — showed how well the government tried the case.“The government tried the case as we expected," said Joshua A. Naftalis, a partner at Pallas Partners LLP and a former Manhattan prosecutor. “It was a massive fraud, but that doesn’t mean it had to be a complicated fraud, and I think the jury understood that argument.”

'King of crypto' guilty of fraud; faces 110-years in prison

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for stealing firearms from a federal licensed firearms dealer in Kansas City, Kansas, according to&nbsp;The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

Just after 11:45p.m. October 24,&nbsp;an unknown individual rammed a stolen black Kia Soul through the front doors of Frontier Justice, 10000 France Family Drive, Kansas City, Kansas.

&nbsp;Investigators have learned that the same suspect attempted to break into a Bass Pro Shop, approximately one mile south of Frontier Justice, on the same night&nbsp;but was unable to gain entry.&nbsp;

Police have recovered the vehicle used in the break in.

Anyone with information about this theft should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283- 4867), email ATFTips@atf.gov, contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips, or text

ATFKC to 63975 and follow the prompts. Tips can also be submitted using the Reportit app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698958460866.png" alt="Security camera image ATF" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image ATF</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for stealing firearms from a federal licensed firearms dealer in Kansas City, Kansas, according to&nbsp;The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.Just after 11:45p.m. October 24,&nbsp;an unknown individual rammed a stolen black Kia Soul through the front doors of Frontier Justice, 10000 France Family Drive, Kansas City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698959117260.png" alt="Security camera image ATF" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image ATF</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Investigators have learned that the same suspect attempted to break into a Bass Pro Shop, approximately one mile south of Frontier Justice, on the same night&nbsp;but was unable to gain entry.&nbsp;Police have recovered the vehicle used in the break in.Anyone with information about this theft should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283- 4867), email ATFTips@atf.gov, contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips, or textATFKC to 63975 and follow the prompts. Tips can also be submitted using the Reportit app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Reward offered for information in theft from Kan. gun dealer

Timothy W. Hendrich, 93, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at his home in Harlan, Kansas.

Timothy Winslow Hendrich was born June 18, 1930 in a rural home in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, the 6th child of Louis John and Marie Kejr Hendrich. 

At a young age, with the instruction of his parents and Sunday school teacher, Tim realized he was a sinner who needed forgiveness and asked Jesus Christ, who died on the cross as a payment for his sins, to be his Lord and Savior.

In 1946, his parents moved to the Portis, Kansas area where they continued farming. Tim graduated from Portis High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army in 1952-53, stationed in Austria during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, he enrolled in Omaha Baptist Bible College and graduated in 1959 with a three-year Bible degree.

On October 14, 1960, Tim was united in marriage to Naomi Jean Olson of Douds, Iowa.&nbsp; 

They actively farmed in the Portis area with the help of their sons Tim and Terrel until well after retirement. He immensely enjoyed studying and using the latest technology in farm equipment. His favorite activity was anything involving his sons and having "fun times," such as go-cart design and dirt biking.

Tim’s love for God’s Word was evidenced by being a faithful member and serving in Grace Baptist Church of Smith Center, Kansas.&nbsp; He enjoyed investing in the youth by teaching God’s Word to the junior high and high school boys on Sunday mornings for several years.&nbsp; He also led the youth group on Sunday evenings which included exciting youth activities.&nbsp; Listening to AWANA Sparks (K-2nd graders) quoting Bible verses on Wednesday nights was a highlight. His skill for design was especially showcased in the AWANA Club floats for the annual Old Settlers’ Day Parade in Smith Center. A desire to be involved in other Christian ministries, led to the opportunity for him to be a founding board member of Red Cliff Bible Camp in Pinedale, Wyoming.

In their home, with his wife, Naomi, and his sons Tim and Terrel nearby, Tim W. Hendrich was called home into the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 13, 2023. The following day, he and Naomi would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.&nbsp; He was laid to rest, with immediate family attending, on October 15, 2023 at the Hammond Cemetery, Harlan. The local VFW chapter presented military funeral honors, including the presentation of the American flag to his widow, Naomi.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Louis Hendrich as well as his brothers, Samuel (Portis), Theophil, (Portis), Daniel (California), Joseph (Colorado), and Paul (Portis); sister, Lydia, Portis; and granddaughter, Ava Jean, Portis. 

He is survived by his wife Naomi and sons, Tim (Marthalyn), Harlan; Terrel (Melodie), Texas; siblings, Clarence (Willa Jodeman), Portis; and Harry (Marjorie Bursell), Smith Center.Tim rejoiced that all eleven of his grandchildren have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior:&nbsp; Abigayel (Joshua) Crompton, Pennsylvania; Timbrely (Daniel) Anderson, Massachusetts; Cherith, Brooke, SaraLyn, Christal, Jordan, Jared, Kailyn, Trenton and Kylie Hendrich, Texas. He was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Madelyn, of Pennsylvania.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Grace Brethren Church, Portis, Kansas.&nbsp; 

Memorial donations can be made to Red Cliff Bible Camp, P.O. Box 846, Pinedale, WY&nbsp; 82941.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Timothy W. Hendrich, Harlan</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698969069589.png" alt="Timothy Winslow Hendrich" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Winslow Hendrich</figcaption>
 </figure>June 18, 1930-October 13, 2023&nbsp;Timothy W. Hendrich, 93, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at his home in Harlan, Kansas.Timothy Winslow Hendrich was born June 18, 1930 in a rural home in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, the 6th child of Louis John and Marie Kejr Hendrich. At a young age, with the instruction of his parents and Sunday school teacher, Tim realized he was a sinner who needed forgiveness and asked Jesus Christ, who died on the cross as a payment for his sins, to be his Lord and Savior.In 1946, his parents moved to the Portis, Kansas area where they continued farming. Tim graduated from Portis High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army in 1952-53, stationed in Austria during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, he enrolled in Omaha Baptist Bible College and graduated in 1959 with a three-year Bible degree.On October 14, 1960, Tim was united in marriage to Naomi Jean Olson of Douds, Iowa.&nbsp; They actively farmed in the Portis area with the help of their sons Tim and Terrel until well after retirement. He immensely enjoyed studying and using the latest technology in farm equipment. His favorite activity was anything involving his sons and having "fun times," such as go-cart design and dirt biking.Tim’s love for God’s Word was evidenced by being a faithful member and serving in Grace Baptist Church of Smith Center, Kansas.&nbsp; He enjoyed investing in the youth by teaching God’s Word to the junior high and high school boys on Sunday mornings for several years.&nbsp; He also led the youth group on Sunday evenings which included exciting youth activities.&nbsp; Listening to AWANA Sparks (K-2nd graders) quoting Bible verses on Wednesday nights was a highlight. His skill for design was especially showcased in the AWANA Club floats for the annual Old Settlers’ Day Parade in Smith Center. A desire to be involved in other Christian ministries, led to the opportunity for him to be a founding board member of Red Cliff Bible Camp in Pinedale, Wyoming.In their home, with his wife, Naomi, and his sons Tim and Terrel nearby, Tim W. Hendrich was called home into the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 13, 2023. The following day, he and Naomi would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.&nbsp; He was laid to rest, with immediate family attending, on October 15, 2023 at the Hammond Cemetery, Harlan. The local VFW chapter presented military funeral honors, including the presentation of the American flag to his widow, Naomi.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Louis Hendrich as well as his brothers, Samuel (Portis), Theophil, (Portis), Daniel (California), Joseph (Colorado), and Paul (Portis); sister, Lydia, Portis; and granddaughter, Ava Jean, Portis. He is survived by his wife Naomi and sons, Tim (Marthalyn), Harlan; Terrel (Melodie), Texas; siblings, Clarence (Willa Jodeman), Portis; and Harry (Marjorie Bursell), Smith Center.Tim rejoiced that all eleven of his grandchildren have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior:&nbsp; Abigayel (Joshua) Crompton, Pennsylvania; Timbrely (Daniel) Anderson, Massachusetts; Cherith, Brooke, SaraLyn, Christal, Jordan, Jared, Kailyn, Trenton and Kylie Hendrich, Texas. He was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Madelyn, of Pennsylvania.Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Grace Brethren Church, Portis, Kansas.&nbsp; Memorial donations can be made to Red Cliff Bible Camp, P.O. Box 846, Pinedale, WY&nbsp; 82941.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Timothy W. Hendrich

Harold “Buck” Green, 77, of Lenora, passed away October 24, 2023 at the Norton County Hospital. He was born July 10, 1946 in North Platte, NE to George and Lola (Lang) Green.

Buck grew up on the ranch north of Hershey on the Birdwood Creek. 

He was a graduate of Curtis High School. He went on to attend Kearney State College on a wrestling scholarship.&nbsp;

Buck loved to hunt, fish, rodeo, play poker, and tell stories. Buck was a lover of all animals, especially dogs. He was especially proud of winning the bull riding at the Sutherland Rodeo. 

In 1990, he and his family moved to Glenwood, NM where he continued to ranch. 

He married Maria Guadalupe Gutierrez Arballo “Lupita” in New Mexico on December 23, 2008. They spent a lot of time in Mexico at Lupita’s farm, and finally came back to Lenora to live the last few years.

Buck is survived by his wife Lupita of the home; daughter Stephanie (Doug) David of Lenora; grandson Cody Roberts of Hill City; three great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Lola Green; brother, Ray Green, and sister, Kay Ferguson.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023&nbsp;at the Birdwood Creek on the old Green Ranch Bridge. There will be a celebration of his life following at 12:30 p.m. at the Longhorn Bar in Sutherland. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion of Hershey, NE or to the American Cancer Society. 

Arrangements by Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

<h2>Harold George Green, Lenora</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698968695948.png" alt="Harold George Green" />
 <figcaption>Harold George Green</figcaption>
 </figure>July 10, 1946 - October 24, 2023Harold “Buck” Green, 77, of Lenora, passed away October 24, 2023 at the Norton County Hospital. He was born July 10, 1946 in North Platte, NE to George and Lola (Lang) Green.Buck grew up on the ranch north of Hershey on the Birdwood Creek. He was a graduate of Curtis High School. He went on to attend Kearney State College on a wrestling scholarship.&nbsp;Buck loved to hunt, fish, rodeo, play poker, and tell stories. Buck was a lover of all animals, especially dogs. He was especially proud of winning the bull riding at the Sutherland Rodeo. In 1990, he and his family moved to Glenwood, NM where he continued to ranch. He married Maria Guadalupe Gutierrez Arballo “Lupita” in New Mexico on December 23, 2008. They spent a lot of time in Mexico at Lupita’s farm, and finally came back to Lenora to live the last few years.Buck is survived by his wife Lupita of the home; daughter Stephanie (Doug) David of Lenora; grandson Cody Roberts of Hill City; three great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Lola Green; brother, Ray Green, and sister, Kay Ferguson.A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023&nbsp;at the Birdwood Creek on the old Green Ranch Bridge. There will be a celebration of his life following at 12:30 p.m. at the Longhorn Bar in Sutherland. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion of Hershey, NE or to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Harold George Green

<a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/94163" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>

Christine Bailey, 96, passed away November 2, 2023, at Diversicare of Larned, Kansas. She was born January 9, 1927, at Pryor, Colo., to Michael and Anna (Soltis) Hudran. She married Floyd “Jim” Bailey October 23, 1945, at Pueblo, Colo. He died April 22, 2000.

A longtime resident of Great Bend, Christine was a homemaker. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, sewing, walking, and gardening, especially growing tomatoes.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, including Larry (Toni) Bailey of Fisher, Tex., Rod (Martha) Bailey of Simsonville, S.C., Donald (Jackie) Bailey of Giddino, Tex., Kevin (Aileen) Bailey of Leavenworth, Kan., Marilyn (Steve) Petty of Great Bend, Kan., Alice (Paul) Neidhart of Naperville, Ill., and Dianna (Greg) Allison of Great Bend, Kan.; and a sister-in-law, Carol Bailey of Sierra Vista, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Bailey; and her siblings Willie Hudran, George Hudran, Harry Hudran, Mike Hudran, Rose Kosarek, Annie McAllister, Mary Beres, Sue Solomon, Helen Alberici and Katherine Bailey.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 4:00 p.m. and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to Prince of Peace Parish or Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>Christine Bailey, Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698967280711.png" alt="Christine Bailey" />
 <figcaption>Christine Bailey</figcaption>
 </figure>January 9, 1927 - November 2, 2023<a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/94163" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>Christine Bailey, 96, passed away November 2, 2023, at Diversicare of Larned, Kansas. She was born January 9, 1927, at Pryor, Colo., to Michael and Anna (Soltis) Hudran. She married Floyd “Jim” Bailey October 23, 1945, at Pueblo, Colo. He died April 22, 2000.A longtime resident of Great Bend, Christine was a homemaker. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, sewing, walking, and gardening, especially growing tomatoes.Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, including Larry (Toni) Bailey of Fisher, Tex., Rod (Martha) Bailey of Simsonville, S.C., Donald (Jackie) Bailey of Giddino, Tex., Kevin (Aileen) Bailey of Leavenworth, Kan., Marilyn (Steve) Petty of Great Bend, Kan., Alice (Paul) Neidhart of Naperville, Ill., and Dianna (Greg) Allison of Great Bend, Kan.; and a sister-in-law, Carol Bailey of Sierra Vista, Ariz.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Bailey; and her siblings Willie Hudran, George Hudran, Harry Hudran, Mike Hudran, Rose Kosarek, Annie McAllister, Mary Beres, Sue Solomon, Helen Alberici and Katherine Bailey.&nbsp;Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 4:00 p.m. and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to Prince of Peace Parish or Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Christine Bailey, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/christine-bailey/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Christine Bailey

American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition recently announced the winners of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event honoring the role of farmers markets.

The Downtown Hays Market was announced as the Best Market in Kansas in September 2023 following a public campaign. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the winners in each state and region.

This season marked the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Hays Market. 

The first season in 2013 consisted of a few pop-up tents on the west side of 10th and Main Street. This year, the market hosted more than 60 registered vendors and welcomed hundreds of customers, including many regulars every week.

“It feels like a big family gathering under the pavilion … it’s a great place to be on Saturday mornings!” said Julie Rider, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp.

Opening Memorial Day weekend and running through October at the downtown pavilion in the Union Pacific Plaza, the market ensures the community has access to fresh, nutritious food produced by local farmers and artisans. As a site that accepts Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and offers a Double Up Food Bucks match to our community, the market is a valuable resource to families.

In addition to fresh food produce vendors, the market regularly features local musicians, live plants and fresh cut flowers, educational components, and a variety of craft vendors. One perk of the market is complimentary coffee provided by Breathe Coffee House, which is sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As a state winner, the Downtown Hays Market will receive $100 for marketing or other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact and are provided with a custom America’s Farmers Market Celebration winner’s badge to display on various platforms. 

Learn more about the Downtown Hays Market at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market">www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684943096978.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DHDCAmerican Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition recently announced the winners of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event honoring the role of farmers markets.The Downtown Hays Market was announced as the Best Market in Kansas in September 2023 following a public campaign. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the winners in each state and region.This season marked the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Hays Market. The first season in 2013 consisted of a few pop-up tents on the west side of 10th and Main Street. This year, the market hosted more than 60 registered vendors and welcomed hundreds of customers, including many regulars every week.“It feels like a big family gathering under the pavilion … it’s a great place to be on Saturday mornings!” said Julie Rider, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp.Opening Memorial Day weekend and running through October at the downtown pavilion in the Union Pacific Plaza, the market ensures the community has access to fresh, nutritious food produced by local farmers and artisans. As a site that accepts Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and offers a Double Up Food Bucks match to our community, the market is a valuable resource to families.In addition to fresh food produce vendors, the market regularly features local musicians, live plants and fresh cut flowers, educational components, and a variety of craft vendors. One perk of the market is complimentary coffee provided by Breathe Coffee House, which is sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.As a state winner, the Downtown Hays Market will receive $100 for marketing or other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact and are provided with a custom America’s Farmers Market Celebration winner’s badge to display on various platforms. Learn more about the Downtown Hays Market at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market">www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market</a>.

Downtown Hays Market named best in Kansas

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022, according to a media release from the department of revenue.

Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.

“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate," said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022, according to a media release from the department of revenue.Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate," said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.&nbsp;

Kansas total Oct. tax collections 4.1 percent below estimate

Fred Edwin Goodman, age 94, died at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City on October 30, 2023. He was born on May 28, 1929, on the farm, South of Beeler, Kansas, the son of Edwin and Lella (Collier) Goodman.

He was a graduate of the Beeler High School, a veteran of the United States Army, and he attended the GI Farm School taught by Leo Brener. &nbsp;

He was a member of the Ransom VFW, Post 7972 and the Ness City Frank Stull American Legion, Post 152, and a benefactor member of the NRA. 

Fred was a farmer and a stockman, and he worked many years in residential construction. He was very proud that he was on the crew that built the Beeler Elevator.

On October 19, 1956, he married Nadine Delores Schwartz. &nbsp;Four children were born to this marriage. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on March 12, 2021. His parents and grandson Derek Allen Goodman also preceded him in death.

Fred is survived by his four children, Roger Goodman of Attica, Kansas, Tim Goodman of Beeler, Steven Goodman of Kansas City, Kansas, and Lynett French and her husband, Jon, of Wichita; four grandchildren, Lance (Delisa) Goodman, Ozawkie, KS, Jared (Allie) Goodman, Spring Hill, KS, Ezra Goodman, Wichita, and Black Goodman, Attica; and three grandchildren, Camdyn, Hartley, and Banks.

Viewing will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. A graveside funeral service with Military Rites will be held at Buda Cemetery, Beeler, Kansas on Friday, November 3, 2023, 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Buda Cemetery Fence Fund, The Ness City American Legion, The Ransom VFW, or the National Rifle Association.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.&nbsp;

<h2>Fred Edwin Goodman</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698880519533.jpeg" alt="Fred Edwin Goodman" />
 <figcaption>Fred Edwin Goodman</figcaption>
 </figure>May 28, 1929 - October 30, 2023Fred Edwin Goodman, age 94, died at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City on October 30, 2023. He was born on May 28, 1929, on the farm, South of Beeler, Kansas, the son of Edwin and Lella (Collier) Goodman.He was a graduate of the Beeler High School, a veteran of the United States Army, and he attended the GI Farm School taught by Leo Brener. &nbsp;He was a member of the Ransom VFW, Post 7972 and the Ness City Frank Stull American Legion, Post 152, and a benefactor member of the NRA. Fred was a farmer and a stockman, and he worked many years in residential construction. He was very proud that he was on the crew that built the Beeler Elevator.On October 19, 1956, he married Nadine Delores Schwartz. &nbsp;Four children were born to this marriage. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on March 12, 2021. His parents and grandson Derek Allen Goodman also preceded him in death.Fred is survived by his four children, Roger Goodman of Attica, Kansas, Tim Goodman of Beeler, Steven Goodman of Kansas City, Kansas, and Lynett French and her husband, Jon, of Wichita; four grandchildren, Lance (Delisa) Goodman, Ozawkie, KS, Jared (Allie) Goodman, Spring Hill, KS, Ezra Goodman, Wichita, and Black Goodman, Attica; and three grandchildren, Camdyn, Hartley, and Banks.Viewing will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. A graveside funeral service with Military Rites will be held at Buda Cemetery, Beeler, Kansas on Friday, November 3, 2023, 2:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Buda Cemetery Fence Fund, The Ness City American Legion, The Ransom VFW, or the National Rifle Association.Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.&nbsp;

Fred Edwin Goodman

Russell David Coombs was born on July 28, 1956, to Russell Wallace Coombs and Lena Marie Cotugno Coombs in Chicago, Illinois. He was the first born and the only son. He died on October 20, 2023, of complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

As a young boy, Russ began working at the age of 12 to help support his family. He had two paper routes and augmented his income by selling life insurance policies door to door. This was the beginning of his strong work ethic that continued throughout his lifetime. 

As a 1974 graduate of Romeoville High School in Romeoville, Illinois, (just down the road from Joliet, as he would describe it), Russ went directly to work in the art and design industry.

Russ loved music, art, travel and family. He loved adventure. He enjoyed meeting people, hearing their stories and creating his own through travel experiences. In his early twenties, he went on an extended solo “Chautauqua '' throughout Mexico and Central America. This experience was one that provided many stories throughout the years, from sleeping on beaches and on empty hospital gurneys to describing the interesting people he met along the way. 

After his return home to Chicago, he accepted a job in Cody, Wyoming as an illustrator for an aviation airframe power and maintenance manual company. It was in Wyoming that he completed an Associate of science degree at Northwest College in Powell and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming in Laramie in 1989. His internship experience in college led to his first job after graduation in New Orleans, Louisiana with ConocoPhillips working off the Gulf Coast on the oil rigs.

Career moves to Utah, Michigan and Washington followed. He took great pride in his work with Honeywell Aerospace and the related contract work with Airbus and Boeing. Honeywell invested in Russ by providing him the opportunity to become a certified Master Black Belt in Lean/Six Sigma. He applied and taught lean manufacturing and process improvement principles and methods throughout the company. Honeywell continued their investment in Russ. The company sponsored his enrollment in the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the University of Washington in Seattle. He graduated in 2006.

After his diagnosis of Parkinson’s, Russ continued to work for several years, teaching individuals Lean and Six Sigma principles and practices and consulting with companies and educational institutions regarding the application of said practices. He worked both domestically and abroad.

He was committed to connecting with others within the Parkinson’s community and to making a difference. He was one of the inaugural participants of the Rock Steady Boxing classes at Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne, Indiana; he participated in a national clinical trial for Parkinson’s that has FDA approval pending for spring 2024; and has been an active member of the Claremore, Oklahoma Parkinson’s Support Group. He had a sincere desire to increase the awareness and support for developing a cure for Parkinson’s and to help expand the resources available to those individuals with Parkinson’s, specifically having Rock Steady Boxing classes in Claremore.

Throughout his life, Russ loved gatherings of all kinds with family and friends. He valued the time to relive shared experiences; reconnect on what was happening in others’ lives; and sometimes take an opportunity to discuss the current social and political issues of the day. However, if these gatherings included sunsets, lasagna, smoothies, and/or chocolate chip cookies, they were all the better.

(His grandsons have nicknamed him “Grandpa Cookie Monster”). He was kind, funny and intelligent. He was a good man.

Russ is survived by his wife. Jerrilee Mosier of Claremore, OK; his son, David Cameron Coombs (Kelsee) and his grandsons, Cameron and James Coombs of Idaho Fall, ID; his sisters, Carol Callies (Tom) of Warrenton, VA and Amy Feeley (Mike) of Phoenix, AZ; mother and father-in-law, Mary and Richard Mosier, Claremore, OK; brothers-in-law, Greg Mosier, Reno, NV, Rick (Teresa) Mosier; Doug Mosier; Roger (Vicki) Mosier, all of Claremore OK; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Russ loved and he was loved back by many!

Services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 at the First Presbyterian Church, 102 East 4th Street, Claremore. OK

Graveside services will be on Monday, November 6th, 2023 at 11:00 at the Hoxie Cemetery, Hoxie, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s. Russ’ Tribute Page link: https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2730 and/or to the Russ Coombs Memorial Fund of Claremore, OK.

Checks should be made out to the City of Claremore Recreation Center in Support of Parkinson’s Resources/ Russ Coombs Memorial Fund and addressed to City of Claremore, 104 South Muskogee Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.

<h2>Russell David Coombs</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698880186687.png" alt="Russell David Coombs" />
 <figcaption>Russell David Coombs</figcaption>
 </figure>July 28, 1956 - October 20, 2023Russell David Coombs was born on July 28, 1956, to Russell Wallace Coombs and Lena Marie Cotugno Coombs in Chicago, Illinois. He was the first born and the only son. He died on October 20, 2023, of complications related to Parkinson’s disease.As a young boy, Russ began working at the age of 12 to help support his family. He had two paper routes and augmented his income by selling life insurance policies door to door. This was the beginning of his strong work ethic that continued throughout his lifetime. As a 1974 graduate of Romeoville High School in Romeoville, Illinois, (just down the road from Joliet, as he would describe it), Russ went directly to work in the art and design industry.Russ loved music, art, travel and family. He loved adventure. He enjoyed meeting people, hearing their stories and creating his own through travel experiences. In his early twenties, he went on an extended solo “Chautauqua '' throughout Mexico and Central America. This experience was one that provided many stories throughout the years, from sleeping on beaches and on empty hospital gurneys to describing the interesting people he met along the way. After his return home to Chicago, he accepted a job in Cody, Wyoming as an illustrator for an aviation airframe power and maintenance manual company. It was in Wyoming that he completed an Associate of science degree at Northwest College in Powell and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming in Laramie in 1989. His internship experience in college led to his first job after graduation in New Orleans, Louisiana with ConocoPhillips working off the Gulf Coast on the oil rigs.Career moves to Utah, Michigan and Washington followed. He took great pride in his work with Honeywell Aerospace and the related contract work with Airbus and Boeing. Honeywell invested in Russ by providing him the opportunity to become a certified Master Black Belt in Lean/Six Sigma. He applied and taught lean manufacturing and process improvement principles and methods throughout the company. Honeywell continued their investment in Russ. The company sponsored his enrollment in the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the University of Washington in Seattle. He graduated in 2006.After his diagnosis of Parkinson’s, Russ continued to work for several years, teaching individuals Lean and Six Sigma principles and practices and consulting with companies and educational institutions regarding the application of said practices. He worked both domestically and abroad.He was committed to connecting with others within the Parkinson’s community and to making a difference. He was one of the inaugural participants of the Rock Steady Boxing classes at Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne, Indiana; he participated in a national clinical trial for Parkinson’s that has FDA approval pending for spring 2024; and has been an active member of the Claremore, Oklahoma Parkinson’s Support Group. He had a sincere desire to increase the awareness and support for developing a cure for Parkinson’s and to help expand the resources available to those individuals with Parkinson’s, specifically having Rock Steady Boxing classes in Claremore.Throughout his life, Russ loved gatherings of all kinds with family and friends. He valued the time to relive shared experiences; reconnect on what was happening in others’ lives; and sometimes take an opportunity to discuss the current social and political issues of the day. However, if these gatherings included sunsets, lasagna, smoothies, and/or chocolate chip cookies, they were all the better.(His grandsons have nicknamed him “Grandpa Cookie Monster”). He was kind, funny and intelligent. He was a good man.Russ is survived by his wife. Jerrilee Mosier of Claremore, OK; his son, David Cameron Coombs (Kelsee) and his grandsons, Cameron and James Coombs of Idaho Fall, ID; his sisters, Carol Callies (Tom) of Warrenton, VA and Amy Feeley (Mike) of Phoenix, AZ; mother and father-in-law, Mary and Richard Mosier, Claremore, OK; brothers-in-law, Greg Mosier, Reno, NV, Rick (Teresa) Mosier; Doug Mosier; Roger (Vicki) Mosier, all of Claremore OK; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.Russ loved and he was loved back by many!Services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 at the First Presbyterian Church, 102 East 4th Street, Claremore. OKGraveside services will be on Monday, November 6th, 2023 at 11:00 at the Hoxie Cemetery, Hoxie, Kansas.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s. Russ’ Tribute Page link: https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2730 and/or to the Russ Coombs Memorial Fund of Claremore, OK. Checks should be made out to the City of Claremore Recreation Center in Support of Parkinson’s Resources/ Russ Coombs Memorial Fund and addressed to City of Claremore, 104 South Muskogee Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.

Russell David Coombs

Hannah LeAnn Woofter, Juris Doctor, passed away on October 29, 2023, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, at the age of 34. She was born in Colby, Kansas on January 12, 1989, to Carl Woofter and Tyra (Emig) Stephens.

Hannah grew up in Colby and graduated from Colby High School in 2007. During and after high school, she went to Colby Community College, received an associate of arts in political science in 2009, and then received her bachelor of arts degree in political science in 2011 at Kansas State University. 

After a few years of working, she decided to start her dream of becoming a lawyer. Hannah received her J.D. from Washburn University School of Law, where she was one of a handful of students to graduate with pro bono honors. While in law school, Hannah was a staff writer on the Washburn Law Journal and competed in moot court. She also completed an internship with Magistrate Judge Sebelius and interned at two different civil litigation firms. 

After graduating, she moved to Kansas City and worked for a civil litigation firm for two years before switching to family law, which she practiced exclusively for two years. Hannah returned to civil litigation and worked at Case Linden Kurtz Buck Law Firm in Kansas City, Missouri where she practiced insurance defense and general liability.

As an attorney, Hannah got to do the thing she loved most, helping people and working to make the world a better place. There were few things Hannah felt more strongly about than both human and animal rights and donating her time and resources to organizations like the KC Pet Project and The Trevor Project. Hannah's soft spot for animals, especially cats, led her to bring home any kitty she could get her hands on. Her fur babies Bear and Tilly were the loves of her life. 

Hannah liked living in Kansas City and enjoyed exploring local coffee shops and going to concerts, Taylor Swift being her all-time favorite. Hannah also valued friendship and loved spending all the time she could with her friends, as well as being a key contributor to her overly loud family dynamic. Hannah inherited her mother's green thumb and loved making her house look like a walk-through garden with plants everywhere. Hannah's zest for life also came with many artistic hobbies including painting with watercolors, finding endless projects to tackle with her brother Dylan, and recently discovering a real passion for redoing furniture.

Hannah is survived by her mother, Tyra and stepdad Russ Stephens of Hoxie, Kansas and stepmom Lee Woofter of Colby; siblings AJ and Kali Woofter of Merriam, KS, Corey and Alysse Stephens of Holly, CO, Dylan Woofter and fiancé Erika Best of Lenexa, KS, Kaitlyn and William Leighton of Hays, KS, Karlee and Austin Bliss of Holdredge, NE; eight nieces and nephews, Tegan Woofter of Lawrence, KS, Jaqueline and Eva Stephens, Evan Best, Marshall and Mason Leighton, and Xander and Jasper Bliss; grandma Gladys Woofter, and numerous aunts, uncles and wonderful friends.

She was preceded in the recent deaths of her father, Carl Woofter and aunt, Sherdia Shoff.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the City Limits Convention Center in Colby with Pastor Carl Dumler officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday 2-7 p.m. with family receiving friends 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Hoxie.

Memorials are suggested to Hannah Woofter Memorial Fund (for future designation) or Kansas City Pet Project and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Hannah, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29779832&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1841863308.1682958493:GS1.1.1698879756.90.1.1698879768.48.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>Hannah LeAnn Woofter</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698879840671.png" alt="Hannah LeAnn Woofter" />
 <figcaption>Hannah LeAnn Woofter</figcaption>
 </figure>January 12, 1989 - October 29, 2023Hannah LeAnn Woofter, Juris Doctor, passed away on October 29, 2023, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, at the age of 34. She was born in Colby, Kansas on January 12, 1989, to Carl Woofter and Tyra (Emig) Stephens.Hannah grew up in Colby and graduated from Colby High School in 2007. During and after high school, she went to Colby Community College, received an associate of arts in political science in 2009, and then received her bachelor of arts degree in political science in 2011 at Kansas State University. After a few years of working, she decided to start her dream of becoming a lawyer. Hannah received her J.D. from Washburn University School of Law, where she was one of a handful of students to graduate with pro bono honors. While in law school, Hannah was a staff writer on the Washburn Law Journal and competed in moot court. She also completed an internship with Magistrate Judge Sebelius and interned at two different civil litigation firms. After graduating, she moved to Kansas City and worked for a civil litigation firm for two years before switching to family law, which she practiced exclusively for two years. Hannah returned to civil litigation and worked at Case Linden Kurtz Buck Law Firm in Kansas City, Missouri where she practiced insurance defense and general liability.As an attorney, Hannah got to do the thing she loved most, helping people and working to make the world a better place. There were few things Hannah felt more strongly about than both human and animal rights and donating her time and resources to organizations like the KC Pet Project and The Trevor Project. Hannah's soft spot for animals, especially cats, led her to bring home any kitty she could get her hands on. Her fur babies Bear and Tilly were the loves of her life. Hannah liked living in Kansas City and enjoyed exploring local coffee shops and going to concerts, Taylor Swift being her all-time favorite. Hannah also valued friendship and loved spending all the time she could with her friends, as well as being a key contributor to her overly loud family dynamic. Hannah inherited her mother's green thumb and loved making her house look like a walk-through garden with plants everywhere. Hannah's zest for life also came with many artistic hobbies including painting with watercolors, finding endless projects to tackle with her brother Dylan, and recently discovering a real passion for redoing furniture.Hannah is survived by her mother, Tyra and stepdad Russ Stephens of Hoxie, Kansas and stepmom Lee Woofter of Colby; siblings AJ and Kali Woofter of Merriam, KS, Corey and Alysse Stephens of Holly, CO, Dylan Woofter and fiancé Erika Best of Lenexa, KS, Kaitlyn and William Leighton of Hays, KS, Karlee and Austin Bliss of Holdredge, NE; eight nieces and nephews, Tegan Woofter of Lawrence, KS, Jaqueline and Eva Stephens, Evan Best, Marshall and Mason Leighton, and Xander and Jasper Bliss; grandma Gladys Woofter, and numerous aunts, uncles and wonderful friends.She was preceded in the recent deaths of her father, Carl Woofter and aunt, Sherdia Shoff.A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the City Limits Convention Center in Colby with Pastor Carl Dumler officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday 2-7 p.m. with family receiving friends 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Hoxie.Memorials are suggested to Hannah Woofter Memorial Fund (for future designation) or Kansas City Pet Project and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Hannah, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29779832&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1841863308.1682958493:GS1.1.1698879756.90.1.1698879768.48.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

Hannah LeAnn Woofter

Tom Schenk, age 75, of Hays, KS died Sunday, October 29, 2023 at HaysMed, Hays.

Tom’s life was a miracle from the beginning. Born with a serious physical defect, he almost did not survive birth. But the faith and prayers of his parents prevailed, making him a gift not only to his family, but to countless children in Hays for many years.

Tom was the sixth of seven children born to Leonard and Hilda (Spies) Schenk. He was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, where together with his twin brother, Tim, he also received his First Communion on their eighth birthday.

Parish life was vital to Tom, as it was to his entire family. He became an altar server and was exemplary in his fidelity to that duty. He attended Jefferson West Elementary School and St. Joseph’s Military Academy, graduating in 1966. After attending St Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, he continued working in the family business, the Hays City Drug Store, and when this business had to close, he showed his business acumen as he remained alone to manage the sale of whatever inventory and furnishings he could negotiate.

Later Tom worked in maintenance at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, and later at Fort Hays State University.

An avid sports fan, Tom had a particular passion for the Pittsburgh Pirates, possibly influenced by the Capuchin priests and brothers who were so much a part of his education and faith life for many years. 

He coached little league baseball in Hays for 30 years, once promising the team they could douse him with Gatorade if they won the championship—which they did. 

He endeared himself to a generation of children and their parents and was a huge supporter of Catholic Schools in Hays, whose students will always remember him fondly as “Mister Tom.” An avid photographer, he combined this talent with his love for sports by photographing sports events. He was often called upon to photograph weddings, and would willingly have dedicated himself more to photography. But poor health intervened, severely limiting his activities.

Tom spoke little but observed much, which enabled him to come up with the perfect gift, wisecrack or other detail for those who loved him. He seemed to remember not only people and details, but who was friends with whom. Being the only member of his immediate family who remained in Hays, he was able to keep his family updated with events and people that were important to them.

Tom’s family and friends give thanks to our Father in Heaven for his life and for what he helped to forge in each of us.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the Mass in the Parish Cemetery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorial visitation will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601 with a combined parish vigil and rosary service beginning at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian in care of the funeral Home.

Services by Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences and memories can be shared on Tom's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

To send flowers to the family of Thomas, please&nbsp;<a href="http://brocks-north-hill-chapel.tributestore.com/?oId=29749204&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1840110272.1682624439:GS1.1.1698757213.170.0.1698757213.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Thomas A. Schenk</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698879591948.png" alt="Thomas A. Schenk" />
 <figcaption>Thomas A. Schenk</figcaption>
 </figure>May 1, 1948 - October 29, 2023Tom Schenk, age 75, of Hays, KS died Sunday, October 29, 2023 at HaysMed, Hays.Tom’s life was a miracle from the beginning. Born with a serious physical defect, he almost did not survive birth. But the faith and prayers of his parents prevailed, making him a gift not only to his family, but to countless children in Hays for many years.Tom was the sixth of seven children born to Leonard and Hilda (Spies) Schenk. He was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, where together with his twin brother, Tim, he also received his First Communion on their eighth birthday.Parish life was vital to Tom, as it was to his entire family. He became an altar server and was exemplary in his fidelity to that duty. He attended Jefferson West Elementary School and St. Joseph’s Military Academy, graduating in 1966. After attending St Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, he continued working in the family business, the Hays City Drug Store, and when this business had to close, he showed his business acumen as he remained alone to manage the sale of whatever inventory and furnishings he could negotiate.Later Tom worked in maintenance at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, and later at Fort Hays State University.An avid sports fan, Tom had a particular passion for the Pittsburgh Pirates, possibly influenced by the Capuchin priests and brothers who were so much a part of his education and faith life for many years. He coached little league baseball in Hays for 30 years, once promising the team they could douse him with Gatorade if they won the championship—which they did. He endeared himself to a generation of children and their parents and was a huge supporter of Catholic Schools in Hays, whose students will always remember him fondly as “Mister Tom.” An avid photographer, he combined this talent with his love for sports by photographing sports events. He was often called upon to photograph weddings, and would willingly have dedicated himself more to photography. But poor health intervened, severely limiting his activities.Tom spoke little but observed much, which enabled him to come up with the perfect gift, wisecrack or other detail for those who loved him. He seemed to remember not only people and details, but who was friends with whom. Being the only member of his immediate family who remained in Hays, he was able to keep his family updated with events and people that were important to them.Tom’s family and friends give thanks to our Father in Heaven for his life and for what he helped to forge in each of us.Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the Mass in the Parish Cemetery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorial visitation will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601 with a combined parish vigil and rosary service beginning at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian in care of the funeral Home.Services by Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.Condolences and memories can be shared on Tom's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.To send flowers to the family of Thomas, please&nbsp;<a href="http://brocks-north-hill-chapel.tributestore.com/?oId=29749204&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1840110272.1682624439:GS1.1.1698757213.170.0.1698757213.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

Thomas A. Schenk

Keith Bray, age 89, of Florence, Colorado, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at The Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center, Florence, CO. 

  Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, is handling arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Keith Bray, Florence, CO</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698879412521.jpeg" alt="Keith Bray" />
 <figcaption>Keith Bray</figcaption>
 </figure>June 22, 1934 - October 28, 2023Keith Bray, age 89, of Florence, Colorado, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at The Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center, Florence, CO. Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, is handling arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Keith Bray

Jermy Lynn Jimison, 45, died October 31, 2023, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born February 19, 1978, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Kyle M. and Deborah Ann (Mooney) Jimison. &nbsp;

Jermy graduated from Quivira Heights High School in 1996.

On June 6, 1998, he married Heather Dunlap in Great Bend, Kansas and they were blessed with a daughter, Taylor in 2000. They then later divorced.&nbsp;

A former resident of Bushton and Claflin areas, Jermy worked various jobs, he had been a farm hand for many farmers, and had worked for Walmart and Wells Furniture. 

Jermy’s favorite thing to do was spending time behind the wheel of his beloved 1985 Chevy Truck. Whether it was mudding with his brother or just country cruising with his daughter. Jermy was always available to help fix anything or share a pizza even if it was around the midnight hour.&nbsp;

He is survived by his daughter, Taylor Jimison and companion Austin Pruitt of Ellsworth; father, Kyle M. Jimison of Bushton; twin brother, Chad Jimison and wife Misty of Clearwater; nephew, Daxton Jimison of Clearwater; and niece, Tymberlin Jimison, of Great Bend; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Ann “Debbie” Jimison.

Friends may sign the book today and until service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.&nbsp;

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., November 10, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Diana Webster presiding. Inurnment will follow in Holy Name Cemetery, rural Bushton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jermy Jimison Memorial Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

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

<h2>Jermy Lynn Jimison</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698878880026.jpeg" alt="Jermy Lynn Jimison" />
 <figcaption>Jermy Lynn Jimison</figcaption>
 </figure>February 19, 1978 - October 31, 2023Jermy Lynn Jimison, 45, died October 31, 2023, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born February 19, 1978, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Kyle M. and Deborah Ann (Mooney) Jimison. &nbsp;Jermy graduated from Quivira Heights High School in 1996.On June 6, 1998, he married Heather Dunlap in Great Bend, Kansas and they were blessed with a daughter, Taylor in 2000. They then later divorced.&nbsp;A former resident of Bushton and Claflin areas, Jermy worked various jobs, he had been a farm hand for many farmers, and had worked for Walmart and Wells Furniture. Jermy’s favorite thing to do was spending time behind the wheel of his beloved 1985 Chevy Truck. Whether it was mudding with his brother or just country cruising with his daughter. Jermy was always available to help fix anything or share a pizza even if it was around the midnight hour.&nbsp;He is survived by his daughter, Taylor Jimison and companion Austin Pruitt of Ellsworth; father, Kyle M. Jimison of Bushton; twin brother, Chad Jimison and wife Misty of Clearwater; nephew, Daxton Jimison of Clearwater; and niece, Tymberlin Jimison, of Great Bend; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.He was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Ann “Debbie” Jimison.Friends may sign the book today and until service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.&nbsp;Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., November 10, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Diana Webster presiding. Inurnment will follow in Holy Name Cemetery, rural Bushton, Kansas.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jermy Jimison Memorial Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Jermy Lynn Jimison, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/jermy-jimison/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Jermy Lynn Jimison

Delorse F. Prater, 89, died on Monday October 30, 2023 at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City. She was born on August 15, 1934 at Ulysses, Kansas, the daughter of William Archer &amp; Esta Mable (Dye) Hatcher. 

<h2>&nbsp;Delorse F. Prater</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698878549529.jpeg" alt="Delorse F. Prater" />
 <figcaption>Delorse F. Prater</figcaption>
 </figure>August 15, 1934 - October 30, 2023Delorse F. Prater, 89, died on Monday October 30, 2023 at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City. She was born on August 15, 1934 at Ulysses, Kansas, the daughter of William Archer &amp; Esta Mable (Dye) Hatcher. She married Frank Wyatt in 1954 at Lakin. She later married Eugene Prater on January 30, 1975 at Garden City. He died on February 25, 2010.Delorse attended Ulysses schools and the Dodge City Cosmetology School. She then opened at Beauty Shop in Johnson. In 1966 she moved to Garden City and had several jobs including being a Drill Press Operator at Oswalt Manufacturing. She and her husband were owners and operators of the Dee &amp; Gene Tavern referred to as the Old Pub. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing cards and dominos. She was very proud of being a Licensed Cosmetologist for over 60 years.She is survived by her three sons- Donald Wyatt of Norfolk, Nebraska, Norman Wyatt and Marvin Wyatt both of Garden City, two daughters- Donna Allen-Roth of Garden City and Janet Wilson of Scott City, 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband, son- Gary Wyatt, three brothers- Doyle Hatcher, Dale Hatcher and Larry Joe Hatcher and three sisters- Juda Ann Hatcher, Pearl E. Hatcher and Esta May Hatcher.Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Jim Akins officiating. Graveside service will be at 1:00 PM at Plains Cemetery in Plains. Memorials are suggested to Garden Valley Retirement Village Residents Activity Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;