Phyllis Mae (Wagner) Screen, 89, died on September 11, 2023 at Pinnacle Park Nursing home in Salina, Kansas. Phyllis was born on the family farm north of Culbertson, Nebraska on October 14, 1933 to Arthur and Wanda (Jerome) Wagner. 

She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1951 and attended McCook Community College.

Phyllis taught at a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kansas for two years. It was at a get together there that she met James Screen. They married on May 5, 1957. 

During their early married years, Phyllis left the workforce to support the needs of the farm and the family’s church, school, and 4-H activities. She later returned to the workforce as a certified nurse assistant at the Decatur County Hospital, where she retired.

Phyllis and Jim loved to travel, taking numerous bus trips, camping trips or later, vacations to visit children and grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was being grandma to 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Another one of Phyllis’ passions was music. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano at church each Sunday as well as other special occasions. Phyllis passed that love of music to her children and grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by a brother George Wagner, sisters-in-law, Dee Wagner and Deanie Wagner, her children, Larry Screen of Salina, Kansas, Susan (Peggy Schramm) Screen of San Carlos, California, and Vivian (Edward) Russ, WaKeeney, Kansas; grandchildren Justin Screen, Curtis Screen, Megan (Adam) Nelson, Nathan Russ, Josiah Russ, Sarah (Michael) Smith, Erin (Joshua Brame) Smith, Andrew Russ, Michelle Russ and Nicole Russ, great-grandchildren Jonathan (Savannah) Nelson, Aiden Nelson, Levi Nelson, Timothy Nelson, Isaac Nelson, Mandy Russ, Isaac Russ, JJ Russ, Jacob Russ, Adrione Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Rebekah Smith, Ronin Smith and Rawllin Russ. 

She is preceded in death by her husband James Screen, sister Dian Simpson, brothers Richard Wagner and Duane Wagner, brother-in-law David Simpson and two granddaughters-in-law, Mary Russ and Karen Russ.

There will be a funeral at First Covenant Church in Salina, Kansas on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with refreshments following. Another funeral will be held in Oberlin, Kansas on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2:30 at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin with gravesite service following.

Memorials can be made to either First Covenant Church in Salina or Oberlin Covenant Church in Oberlin.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Phyllis, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29073748&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.878610863.1682958623:GS1.1.1694785023.63.0.1694785023.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>Phyllis Mae Screen</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694785066196.png" alt="Phyllis Mae Screen" />
 <figcaption>Phyllis Mae Screen</figcaption>
 </figure>October 14, 1933 - September 11, 2023Phyllis Mae (Wagner) Screen, 89, died on September 11, 2023 at Pinnacle Park Nursing home in Salina, Kansas. Phyllis was born on the family farm north of Culbertson, Nebraska on October 14, 1933 to Arthur and Wanda (Jerome) Wagner. She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1951 and attended McCook Community College.Phyllis taught at a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kansas for two years. It was at a get together there that she met James Screen. They married on May 5, 1957. During their early married years, Phyllis left the workforce to support the needs of the farm and the family’s church, school, and 4-H activities. She later returned to the workforce as a certified nurse assistant at the Decatur County Hospital, where she retired.Phyllis and Jim loved to travel, taking numerous bus trips, camping trips or later, vacations to visit children and grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was being grandma to 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Another one of Phyllis’ passions was music. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano at church each Sunday as well as other special occasions. Phyllis passed that love of music to her children and grandchildren.Phyllis is survived by a brother George Wagner, sisters-in-law, Dee Wagner and Deanie Wagner, her children, Larry Screen of Salina, Kansas, Susan (Peggy Schramm) Screen of San Carlos, California, and Vivian (Edward) Russ, WaKeeney, Kansas; grandchildren Justin Screen, Curtis Screen, Megan (Adam) Nelson, Nathan Russ, Josiah Russ, Sarah (Michael) Smith, Erin (Joshua Brame) Smith, Andrew Russ, Michelle Russ and Nicole Russ, great-grandchildren Jonathan (Savannah) Nelson, Aiden Nelson, Levi Nelson, Timothy Nelson, Isaac Nelson, Mandy Russ, Isaac Russ, JJ Russ, Jacob Russ, Adrione Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Rebekah Smith, Ronin Smith and Rawllin Russ. She is preceded in death by her husband James Screen, sister Dian Simpson, brothers Richard Wagner and Duane Wagner, brother-in-law David Simpson and two granddaughters-in-law, Mary Russ and Karen Russ.There will be a funeral at First Covenant Church in Salina, Kansas on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with refreshments following. Another funeral will be held in Oberlin, Kansas on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2:30 at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin with gravesite service following.Memorials can be made to either First Covenant Church in Salina or Oberlin Covenant Church in Oberlin.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Phyllis, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29073748&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.878610863.1682958623:GS1.1.1694785023.63.0.1694785023.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

Phyllis Mae Screen

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest step in a long-running investigation into the president's son that puts the case on track toward a possible high-stakes trial as the 2024 election looms.&nbsp; &nbsp;During a campaign stop Thursday, President Biden dodged questions about the indictment.

(click below to watch President Biden during his campaign event in Maryland)

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.40.0.pdf">CLICK here</a>&nbsp;to read the indictment of Hunter Biden.

Hunter Biden is accused of lying about his drug use when he bought a firearm in October 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, according to the indictment filed in federal court in Delaware by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">a special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the case.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23977714-hunter-biden-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;comes weeks after the collapse of a plea deal that would have averted a criminal trial and distracting headlines for President Joe Biden.

The court fight doesn't seem likely to end soon. Hunter Biden's defense attorney argues he didn't violate the law and remains protected by an immunity provision that was part of the plea deal. The charges, meanwhile, are rarely filed as stand-alone counts and a federal appeals court recently found the measure he was charged under unconstitutional.

He's also been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-doj-2024-election-39a0268a3e2d4a0df1bed285d769b74a">under investigation for his business dealings</a>, and the special counsel has indicated that tax charges could be filed at some point in Washington or in California, where he lives.

The legal arguing comes as a political fight also plays out. The House has formally opened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Democratic president, seeking to tie the elder Biden to his son’s businesses and divert attention away from former President Donald Trump’s own legal woes. Trump's include federal indictments over the handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.

Republicans have unearthed no significant evidence so far of wrongdoing by the elder Biden, who as vice president spoke often to his son and stopped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">by a business dinner</a>&nbsp;with his son’s associates. The White House maintains Joe Biden was not involved in his son’s business affairs.

Republicans had slammed the plea agreement that spared Hunter Biden jail time as a “sweetheart deal.” Rep. James Comer, the lead Republican pursing the impeachment inquiry, called the gun charges “a very small start” and pushed for investigation of whether the president was involved in his son’s business dealings. Trump also pointed to the lack of connection to Joe Biden in the gun charge plea agreement.

Federal prosecutors investigating Hunter Biden have not indicated Joe Biden is connected over the course of their yearslong probe. The lead prosecutor, Trump-appointed Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss, was elevated to special counsel last month, giving him broad authority to investigate and report out his findings.

The three-count indictment he filed Thursday alleges Hunter Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a .38-caliber Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop.

He's charged with two counts of making false statements, first for checking a box falsely saying he was not addicted to drugs and second for giving it to the shop for their federally required records. A third count alleges he possessed the gun for about 11 days despite knowing he was a drug user.

The counts are punishable by up to 25 years in prison if convicted, though “actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum sentence,” a Justice Department statement from Weiss said.

A felony gun charge against Hunter Biden, 53, had previously been part of the plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges of failing to pay taxes on about $4 million of income in 2017 and 2018.

Under the terms, he would not have pleaded guilty to the gun charge, and prosecutors would have agreed to dismiss it if he stayed out of trouble for two years. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about it.

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell argued that part of the deal, which includes immunity provisions against other potential charges, remains in place. He said in a statement that Hunter Biden “possessing an unloaded gun for 11 days” presented no threat to public safety and slammed “'MAGA Republicans’ improper and partisan interference in this process,” a reference to Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Lowell took over after Hunter Biden's previous lawyer in the case, Christopher Clark, withdrew, saying he might be called to testify about the immunity provisions.

Prosecutors maintain the agreement never took effect and is now invalid.

Charges related to gun possession by drug users are rare, especially when not in connection with other crimes. Of all the people sentenced for illegal gun possession in 2021, about 5% were charged due to drug use, according to U.S. Sentencing Commission data.

Most such cases are brought against people accused of some other crime as well, said Adam Winkler, a constitutional law professor and expert in gun policy at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. “It’s relatively rare to prosecute someone for being a substance abuser in possession of firearms, absent other criminal activity, or unusual circumstances,” he said.

A federal appeals court recently found the longstanding purchase ban didn’t stand up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">new standards for gun laws</a>&nbsp;set by the Supreme Court. The Fifth Circuit found the nation's “history and traditions” don't support “disarming a sober citizen based exclusively on his past drug use.”

Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, have continued their own investigations into nearly every aspect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-9d4595ba4f3140c6bb6a3473a91f4a4c">Hunter Biden’s business dealings</a>&nbsp;as well as the Justice Department’s handling of the case.

Two FBI agents who worked on the Hunter Biden case testified separately behind closed doors this week to lawmakers about allegations of political interference in the case. Thomas Sobocinski, the special agent in charge of the Baltimore Field Office of the FBI and an unidentified agent who served as his No. 2, told Congress that Weiss had full authority of the yearslong investigation, rebutting IRS whistleblower testimony that the Justice Department slow-walked the probe.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest step in a long-running investigation into the president's son that puts the case on track toward a possible high-stakes trial as the 2024 election looms.&nbsp; &nbsp;During a campaign stop Thursday, President Biden dodged questions about the indictment.(click below to watch President Biden during his campaign event in Maryland)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F6921164927902658%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1889" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.40.0.pdf">CLICK here</a>&nbsp;to read the indictment of Hunter Biden.Hunter Biden is accused of lying about his drug use when he bought a firearm in October 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, according to the indictment filed in federal court in Delaware by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">a special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the case.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23977714-hunter-biden-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;comes weeks after the collapse of a plea deal that would have averted a criminal trial and distracting headlines for President Joe Biden.The court fight doesn't seem likely to end soon. Hunter Biden's defense attorney argues he didn't violate the law and remains protected by an immunity provision that was part of the plea deal. The charges, meanwhile, are rarely filed as stand-alone counts and a federal appeals court recently found the measure he was charged under unconstitutional.He's also been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-doj-2024-election-39a0268a3e2d4a0df1bed285d769b74a">under investigation for his business dealings</a>, and the special counsel has indicated that tax charges could be filed at some point in Washington or in California, where he lives.The legal arguing comes as a political fight also plays out. The House has formally opened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Democratic president, seeking to tie the elder Biden to his son’s businesses and divert attention away from former President Donald Trump’s own legal woes. Trump's include federal indictments over the handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.Republicans have unearthed no significant evidence so far of wrongdoing by the elder Biden, who as vice president spoke often to his son and stopped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">by a business dinner</a>&nbsp;with his son’s associates. The White House maintains Joe Biden was not involved in his son’s business affairs.Republicans had slammed the plea agreement that spared Hunter Biden jail time as a “sweetheart deal.” Rep. James Comer, the lead Republican pursing the impeachment inquiry, called the gun charges “a very small start” and pushed for investigation of whether the president was involved in his son’s business dealings. Trump also pointed to the lack of connection to Joe Biden in the gun charge plea agreement.Federal prosecutors investigating Hunter Biden have not indicated Joe Biden is connected over the course of their yearslong probe. The lead prosecutor, Trump-appointed Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss, was elevated to special counsel last month, giving him broad authority to investigate and report out his findings.The three-count indictment he filed Thursday alleges Hunter Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a .38-caliber Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop.He's charged with two counts of making false statements, first for checking a box falsely saying he was not addicted to drugs and second for giving it to the shop for their federally required records. A third count alleges he possessed the gun for about 11 days despite knowing he was a drug user.The counts are punishable by up to 25 years in prison if convicted, though “actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum sentence,” a Justice Department statement from Weiss said.A felony gun charge against Hunter Biden, 53, had previously been part of the plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges of failing to pay taxes on about $4 million of income in 2017 and 2018.Under the terms, he would not have pleaded guilty to the gun charge, and prosecutors would have agreed to dismiss it if he stayed out of trouble for two years. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about it.Defense attorney Abbe Lowell argued that part of the deal, which includes immunity provisions against other potential charges, remains in place. He said in a statement that Hunter Biden “possessing an unloaded gun for 11 days” presented no threat to public safety and slammed “'MAGA Republicans’ improper and partisan interference in this process,” a reference to Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.Lowell took over after Hunter Biden's previous lawyer in the case, Christopher Clark, withdrew, saying he might be called to testify about the immunity provisions.Prosecutors maintain the agreement never took effect and is now invalid.Charges related to gun possession by drug users are rare, especially when not in connection with other crimes. Of all the people sentenced for illegal gun possession in 2021, about 5% were charged due to drug use, according to U.S. Sentencing Commission data.Most such cases are brought against people accused of some other crime as well, said Adam Winkler, a constitutional law professor and expert in gun policy at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. “It’s relatively rare to prosecute someone for being a substance abuser in possession of firearms, absent other criminal activity, or unusual circumstances,” he said.A federal appeals court recently found the longstanding purchase ban didn’t stand up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">new standards for gun laws</a>&nbsp;set by the Supreme Court. The Fifth Circuit found the nation's “history and traditions” don't support “disarming a sober citizen based exclusively on his past drug use.”Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, have continued their own investigations into nearly every aspect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-9d4595ba4f3140c6bb6a3473a91f4a4c">Hunter Biden’s business dealings</a>&nbsp;as well as the Justice Department’s handling of the case.Two FBI agents who worked on the Hunter Biden case testified separately behind closed doors this week to lawmakers about allegations of political interference in the case. Thomas Sobocinski, the special agent in charge of the Baltimore Field Office of the FBI and an unidentified agent who served as his No. 2, told Congress that Weiss had full authority of the yearslong investigation, rebutting IRS whistleblower testimony that the Justice Department slow-walked the probe.

🎥 Biden dodges questions on son's indictment: 'I'll get in trouble'

David Lee Bouchey of Stockton, Kansas passed away on September 12, 2023 in his home at the age of 57. He was born on November 10, 1965 to Joseph A. and Edith Ann (Rostocil) Bouchey in Plainville, Kansas. 

On April 26, 1986, he married his high school sweetheart, Dena Jo Serefko. They were blessed with two children,&nbsp; Emilee and Chevy.

David graduated from Stockton High School in 1984. He worked at the Co-Op and was a bridge crew supervisor for the Rooks County Highway Department, but his true passion was his occupation as a farmer and rancher.

In his younger years, he and his buddies BJ, Billy, and Flip spent a lot of time coon hunting along with his friends Carl Hance, Curtis Patterson, Todd Williams, his brother Jim, and several other friends.

He was just beginning to learn the spin on a wood lathe and loved whittling logs in the winter. He was proudest of the hammer handle he made and the bowl for his wife. 

His friends called him “Boo,” his wife called him “Love,” and from him, you were sure to be given a nickname whether he liked you or not!

Along with his rosy cheeks and contagious laugh, he always had a smile on his face and a can of chew on hand ready to share a dip with his friends (and sometimes a teacher.)

David was a good-hearted man who worked hard, enjoyed life, and cherished his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in our hearts and minds.

He is survived by his wife, Dena Bouchey of their home in Stockton; daughter, Emilee Bouchey of Stockton; son, Chevy Bouchey of Stockton; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith Bouchey; brothers, Alan Bouchey, James “Jim” Bouchey; and sister, Carla Bouchey.

An inurnment will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2p.m. at the Stockton City Cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at his home, 1485 H Road in Stockton.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29050018&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1694717064.88.1.1694717069.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29050018&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1694717064.88.1.1694717069.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of David, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29050018&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1694717064.88.1.1694717069.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>David Lee Bouchey, Stockton</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694717124227.png" alt="David Lee Bouchey" />
 <figcaption>David Lee Bouchey</figcaption>
 </figure>November 10, 1965 - September 12, 2023David Lee Bouchey of Stockton, Kansas passed away on September 12, 2023 in his home at the age of 57. He was born on November 10, 1965 to Joseph A. and Edith Ann (Rostocil) Bouchey in Plainville, Kansas. On April 26, 1986, he married his high school sweetheart, Dena Jo Serefko. They were blessed with two children,&nbsp; Emilee and Chevy.David graduated from Stockton High School in 1984. He worked at the Co-Op and was a bridge crew supervisor for the Rooks County Highway Department, but his true passion was his occupation as a farmer and rancher.In his younger years, he and his buddies BJ, Billy, and Flip spent a lot of time coon hunting along with his friends Carl Hance, Curtis Patterson, Todd Williams, his brother Jim, and several other friends.He was just beginning to learn the spin on a wood lathe and loved whittling logs in the winter. He was proudest of the hammer handle he made and the bowl for his wife. His friends called him “Boo,” his wife called him “Love,” and from him, you were sure to be given a nickname whether he liked you or not!Along with his rosy cheeks and contagious laugh, he always had a smile on his face and a can of chew on hand ready to share a dip with his friends (and sometimes a teacher.)David was a good-hearted man who worked hard, enjoyed life, and cherished his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in our hearts and minds.He is survived by his wife, Dena Bouchey of their home in Stockton; daughter, Emilee Bouchey of Stockton; son, Chevy Bouchey of Stockton; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.David was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith Bouchey; brothers, Alan Bouchey, James “Jim” Bouchey; and sister, Carla Bouchey.An inurnment will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2p.m. at the Stockton City Cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at his home, 1485 H Road in Stockton.To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29050018&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1694717064.88.1.1694717069.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29050018&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1694717064.88.1.1694717069.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of David, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29050018&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1694717064.88.1.1694717069.55.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

David Lee Bouchey

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest and weightiest step yet in a long-running investigation into the president’s son.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.40.0.pdf">CLICK here</a> to read the indictment

Biden is accused of lying about his drug use when he bought a firearm in October 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, according to the indictment filed in federal court in Delaware.

President Joe Biden's son has also been under investigation for his business dealings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">The special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the case has indicated that charges of failure to pay taxes on time could be filed in Washington or in California, where he lives.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23977714-hunter-biden-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;comes as congressional Republicans pursue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Democratic president, in large part over Hunter Biden’s business dealings. Republicans have obtained testimony about how Hunter Biden used the “Biden brand” to drum up work overseas, but they have not produced hard evidence of wrongdoing by the president.

The indictment says Hunter Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop in October 2018. He’s accused of checking a box falsely saying he was not a user of or addicted to drugs and of illegally possessing the gun as a drug user.

A felony gun charge against Hunter Biden, 53, had previously been part of a plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanor tax charges, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about its unusual provisions.

Defense attorneys have argued that a part of the deal sparing Hunter Biden prosecution on the gun count if he stays out of trouble remains in place. It includes immunity provisions against other potential charges. Attorneys indicated they would fight additional charges filed against him, but did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Prosecutors, though, maintain the agreement never took effect and is now invalid. They telegraphed charges were coming earlier this month.

Republicans had denounced the plea agreement as a “sweetheart deal.” It would have allowed Hunter Biden to serve probation rather than jail time after pleading guilty to failing to pay taxes in both 2017 and 2018.

His personal income during those two years totaled roughly $4 million, including business and consulting fees from a company he formed with the CEO of a Chinese business conglomerate and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, prosecutors have said.

Congressional Republicans have continued their own investigations into the Justice Department's handling of the case as well as nearly every aspect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-9d4595ba4f3140c6bb6a3473a91f4a4c">Hunter Biden’s business dealings</a>, seeking to connect his financial affairs directly to his father. They have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his son’s work, though he sometimes had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">dinner with his son's clients</a>&nbsp;or said hello to them on calls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694714360672.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest and weightiest step yet in a long-running investigation into the president’s son.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.40.0.pdf">CLICK here</a> to read the indictmentBiden is accused of lying about his drug use when he bought a firearm in October 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, according to the indictment filed in federal court in Delaware.President Joe Biden's son has also been under investigation for his business dealings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">The special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the case has indicated that charges of failure to pay taxes on time could be filed in Washington or in California, where he lives.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23977714-hunter-biden-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;comes as congressional Republicans pursue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Democratic president, in large part over Hunter Biden’s business dealings. Republicans have obtained testimony about how Hunter Biden used the “Biden brand” to drum up work overseas, but they have not produced hard evidence of wrongdoing by the president.The indictment says Hunter Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop in October 2018. He’s accused of checking a box falsely saying he was not a user of or addicted to drugs and of illegally possessing the gun as a drug user.A felony gun charge against Hunter Biden, 53, had previously been part of a plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanor tax charges, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about its unusual provisions.Defense attorneys have argued that a part of the deal sparing Hunter Biden prosecution on the gun count if he stays out of trouble remains in place. It includes immunity provisions against other potential charges. Attorneys indicated they would fight additional charges filed against him, but did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.Prosecutors, though, maintain the agreement never took effect and is now invalid. They telegraphed charges were coming earlier this month.Republicans had denounced the plea agreement as a “sweetheart deal.” It would have allowed Hunter Biden to serve probation rather than jail time after pleading guilty to failing to pay taxes in both 2017 and 2018.His personal income during those two years totaled roughly $4 million, including business and consulting fees from a company he formed with the CEO of a Chinese business conglomerate and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, prosecutors have said.Congressional Republicans have continued their own investigations into the Justice Department's handling of the case as well as nearly every aspect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-9d4595ba4f3140c6bb6a3473a91f4a4c">Hunter Biden’s business dealings</a>, seeking to connect his financial affairs directly to his father. They have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his son’s work, though he sometimes had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">dinner with his son's clients</a>&nbsp;or said hello to them on calls.

Read: Hunter Biden indictment on federal firearms charges

Loretta Margaret (Carlton) Ray was born to Glen and Irene (Ward) Carlton on October 28, 1940 in Norton, KS and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by many loved ones on September 12, 2023 at the age of 82.

Loretta attended school in Norton and graduated in 1959. She married Bill Ray on February 27, 1960.

Loretta was the true definition of caretaker. It would be impossible to count the amount of school activities and sporting events she attended throughout her life, not to mention the best whiffleball pitcher those kids ever knew. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids more than anything. Loretta was also a very talented seamstress. After learning how to sew in high school, there was nothing she couldn’t create or fix, not to mention the countless Halloween costumes created for all her grandkids and others.

Loretta is survived by her children, Michael Ray of Norton, KS, Patty (Dave) Newell of Norton, KS, Doug (Kerri) Ray of Norton, KS, and Christine (Kendall) Strutt of Belleville, KS; six&nbsp; grandchildren, Michael, Whitney, Travis, Amanda, Kyle, and Karlie; great-grandchildren, Hadlee, Bennett, Lucy, Kohen, Stetli, Payne, Noah, and a baby boy on the way; sister-in-law, Virginia (Carlton) Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Ray; grandson, Connor Strutt and siblings, Mary Arehart, Gerry Urban, Connie Hendrix, JB Carlton, and Tom Carlton.

Graveside service and inurnment will be held in the Norton Cemetery on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Connor’s Cuddles, a foundation Loretta spent countless hours making cuddles for or the Norton Public Library and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

To<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29042878&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1694698616.66.1.1694698616.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29042878&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1694698616.66.1.1694698616.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Loretta, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29042878&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1694698616.66.1.1694698616.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>Hide

<h2>Loretta Margaret Ray</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694698828955.png" alt="Loretta Margaret Ray" />
 <figcaption>Loretta Margaret Ray</figcaption>
 </figure>October 28, 1940 - September 12, 2023Loretta Margaret (Carlton) Ray was born to Glen and Irene (Ward) Carlton on October 28, 1940 in Norton, KS and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by many loved ones on September 12, 2023 at the age of 82.Loretta attended school in Norton and graduated in 1959. She married Bill Ray on February 27, 1960.Loretta was the true definition of caretaker. It would be impossible to count the amount of school activities and sporting events she attended throughout her life, not to mention the best whiffleball pitcher those kids ever knew. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids more than anything. Loretta was also a very talented seamstress. After learning how to sew in high school, there was nothing she couldn’t create or fix, not to mention the countless Halloween costumes created for all her grandkids and others.Loretta is survived by her children, Michael Ray of Norton, KS, Patty (Dave) Newell of Norton, KS, Doug (Kerri) Ray of Norton, KS, and Christine (Kendall) Strutt of Belleville, KS; six&nbsp; grandchildren, Michael, Whitney, Travis, Amanda, Kyle, and Karlie; great-grandchildren, Hadlee, Bennett, Lucy, Kohen, Stetli, Payne, Noah, and a baby boy on the way; sister-in-law, Virginia (Carlton) Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Ray; grandson, Connor Strutt and siblings, Mary Arehart, Gerry Urban, Connie Hendrix, JB Carlton, and Tom Carlton.Graveside service and inurnment will be held in the Norton Cemetery on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Connor’s Cuddles, a foundation Loretta spent countless hours making cuddles for or the Norton Public Library and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.To<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29042878&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1694698616.66.1.1694698616.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29042878&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1694698616.66.1.1694698616.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Loretta, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29042878&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1694698616.66.1.1694698616.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>Hide

Loretta Margaret Ray

HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday declared illegal a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">hundreds of thousands of immigrants</a>&nbsp;brought to the U.S. as children.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen agreed with Texas and eight other states suing to stop the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. The judge’s ruling was ultimately expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, sending the program’s fate before the high court for a third time.

Hanen barred the government from approving any new applications, but left the program intact for existing recipients during the expected appeals process. Hanen said his order does not require the federal government to take any actions against DACA recipients.

The states have argued the Obama administration didn’t have the authority to first create the program in 2012 because it circumvented Congress.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-f01fc0f485a8983b5f072e7af324c43f">In 2021, Hanen had declared</a>&nbsp;the program illegal, ruling it had not been subject to public notice and comment periods required under the federal Administrative Procedures Act.

The Biden administration tried to satisfy Hanen’s concerns with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">a new version of DACA</a>&nbsp;that took effect in October 2022 and was subject to public comments as part of a formal rule-making process.

But Hanen, who was appointed by then-President George W. Bush in 2002, ruled the updated version of DACA was still illegal. He had previously said DACA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/11326880d55b41e7965f386b3d3886ec">was unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;and it would be up to Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers.”

Hanen also had previously ruled the states had standing to file their lawsuit because they had been harmed by the program.

The states have claimed they incur hundreds of millions of dollars in health care, education and other costs when immigrants are allowed to remain in the country illegally. The states that sued are Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.

Those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daca-lawsuit-court-hearing-dreamers-5f77f76eaa9b96dbb7d8123103f240de">defending the program</a>&nbsp;— the federal government, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of New Jersey — had argued the states failed to present evidence that any of the costs they allege they have incurred have been tied to DACA recipients. They also argued Congress has given the Department of Homeland Security the legal authority to set immigration enforcement policies.

Despite previously declaring the DACA program illegal, Hanen had left the Obama-era program intact for those already benefiting from it. But he had ruled there could be no new applicants while appeals were pending.

There were 578,680 people enrolled in DACA at the end of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The program has faced a roller coaster of court challenges over the years.

In 2016, the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 over an expanded DACA and a version of the program for parents of DACA recipients. In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-courts-immigration-4901a69e2fb198705ab4f5370b28810a">high court ruled 5-4</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration improperly ended DACA, allowing it to stay in place.

In 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-united-states-immigration-government-and-politics-b05499ef2d0d999c045079204d42be84">5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans upheld Hanen’s earlier ruling declaring DACA illegal, but sent the case back to him to review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">changes made to the program by the Biden administration</a>.

President Joe Biden and advocacy groups have called on Congress to pass permanent protections for “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">dreamers</a>.” Congress has failed multiple times to pass proposals called the DREAM Act to protect DACA recipients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592490581956.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday declared illegal a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">hundreds of thousands of immigrants</a>&nbsp;brought to the U.S. as children.U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen agreed with Texas and eight other states suing to stop the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. The judge’s ruling was ultimately expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, sending the program’s fate before the high court for a third time.Hanen barred the government from approving any new applications, but left the program intact for existing recipients during the expected appeals process. Hanen said his order does not require the federal government to take any actions against DACA recipients.The states have argued the Obama administration didn’t have the authority to first create the program in 2012 because it circumvented Congress.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-f01fc0f485a8983b5f072e7af324c43f">In 2021, Hanen had declared</a>&nbsp;the program illegal, ruling it had not been subject to public notice and comment periods required under the federal Administrative Procedures Act.The Biden administration tried to satisfy Hanen’s concerns with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">a new version of DACA</a>&nbsp;that took effect in October 2022 and was subject to public comments as part of a formal rule-making process.But Hanen, who was appointed by then-President George W. Bush in 2002, ruled the updated version of DACA was still illegal. He had previously said DACA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/11326880d55b41e7965f386b3d3886ec">was unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;and it would be up to Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers.”Hanen also had previously ruled the states had standing to file their lawsuit because they had been harmed by the program.The states have claimed they incur hundreds of millions of dollars in health care, education and other costs when immigrants are allowed to remain in the country illegally. The states that sued are Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.Those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daca-lawsuit-court-hearing-dreamers-5f77f76eaa9b96dbb7d8123103f240de">defending the program</a>&nbsp;— the federal government, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of New Jersey — had argued the states failed to present evidence that any of the costs they allege they have incurred have been tied to DACA recipients. They also argued Congress has given the Department of Homeland Security the legal authority to set immigration enforcement policies.Despite previously declaring the DACA program illegal, Hanen had left the Obama-era program intact for those already benefiting from it. But he had ruled there could be no new applicants while appeals were pending.There were 578,680 people enrolled in DACA at the end of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.The program has faced a roller coaster of court challenges over the years.In 2016, the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 over an expanded DACA and a version of the program for parents of DACA recipients. In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-courts-immigration-4901a69e2fb198705ab4f5370b28810a">high court ruled 5-4</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration improperly ended DACA, allowing it to stay in place.In 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-united-states-immigration-government-and-politics-b05499ef2d0d999c045079204d42be84">5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans upheld Hanen’s earlier ruling declaring DACA illegal, but sent the case back to him to review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">changes made to the program by the Biden administration</a>.President Joe Biden and advocacy groups have called on Congress to pass permanent protections for “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">dreamers</a>.” Congress has failed multiple times to pass proposals called the DREAM Act to protect DACA recipients.

Federal judge again says Biden immigration program illegal

Fred W. Berger Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023 at River Bend Assisted Living in Great Bend, Kansas.

He was born January 12, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Fred W. Berger Sr. and Fern (Walsh) Berger. His mother passed away when he was 13 months old, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Bessie P. Walsh in Tescott, Kansas, who passed away when he as 17. 

He married Barbara Windscheffel, to which they were blessed with three children, Brent, Brad, and Babette. They later divorced. On March 17, 1976, he married Wilma Jean Korbe and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2022.

Fred graduated from Tescott High School and after graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., serving from 1946 – 1948. After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska where he received a degree in business administration in 1953. He later was selected as an All-Conference Guard by the Lincoln Star Journal in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

He then attended the Hartford Accident and Indemnity School in Hartford, Connecticut where he received his degree in insurance in 1956. In 1957, he completed the Dale Carnegie Course, and in 1958, attended the American Property and Casualty School. In 1963, he received his Life Underwriting Training Council (LUTC) designation.

Fred was a field representative for the Hartford Insurance Company following college. Fred worked in several insurance agencies until in 1968, when he and silent partner Leo Dreiling formed Insurance Planning, Inc. (IPI). 

Fred was very committed to his profession and under his direction IPI grew from two employees in 1968 to one of the largest agencies in Kansas. 

During Fred’s career he earned the following designations: Certified Insurance Councilor (CIC), Certified Long Term Care Counselor (CLTC), Advisor in Insurance (AAI), and Long-Term Care Professional (LTCP). Fred served as the president of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Kansas. In 1978, the PIA named Fred the Professional Agent of the Year for the State. 

Due to Fred’s innovative marketing ideas, in 1989, Insurance Planning was nominated as the Marketeer of the Year out of 4,000 independent agents in the United States and Canada. Fred is co-author of “The Oilfield Manual.” In 1992, he sold their controlling interest in Insurance Planning, Inc. to the other seven junior partners. He remained working for a time as a long-term care salesman.

Fred was a former member of the Presidents Club at Fort Hays State University, Smoky Hill Country Club, Charter Member of the Ambassador Club, past member of the Baseball Association, and co-Chairman of the financial division of the United Way of Ellis County, and board member of the Heartland Community Foundation all in Hays, as well as charter member of the Ambassador Clubs of Great Bend and Hays, Great Bend Kiwanis Club and Board Member, past O&amp;E Chairman of Boy Scouts of America and United Fund Board all of Great Bend. 

He was a beloved child of Christ and a former member of Celebration Community Church in Hays before moving to Great Bend in 2014. He is currently a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend.

Survivors include his son, Brad A. Berger of Aptos, CA, stepdaughter, Debra J. (Clayton) Noffsinger of Great Bend, half-brother, Charles (Sally) Berger of Soddy, TN, brother-in-law, Francis McIntosh of Smith Center, sister-in-law, Darlene&nbsp;Hammerschmidt of Hutchinson, daughter-in-law, Mary LaFlamme of Hays, grandchildren, Lana McClanahan, John Kinderknecht, Candi Pfannenstiel, Jeffrey Noffsinger, Jennifer (Nathan) Sullivan, Cory (Sheena) Noffsinger, Jacki Klug, and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, son, Brent Berger, daughter, Babette Kinderknecht, stepsons, William Allen Korbe and Walter Joseph Korbe, brother-in-law, Charles Oscar McIntosh, sisters-in-law, Leona McIntosh and Dorothy Fross, and a stepgranddaughter, Emily Faye Noffsinger.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Celebration Community Church in Hays, with Pastor Josh Leu officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. 

Memorials are suggested and payable to Heartland Community Foundation for the Fred and Jean Berger Insurance Planning, Inc. Charitable Fund or  Gentiva Hospice. 

Condolences and memories of Fred may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<h2>Fred W. Berger Jr., Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694646992912.jpeg" alt="Fred W. Berger, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Fred W. Berger, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>January 12, 1928 - September 12, 2023Fred W. Berger Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023 at River Bend Assisted Living in Great Bend, Kansas.He was born January 12, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Fred W. Berger Sr. and Fern (Walsh) Berger. His mother passed away when he was 13 months old, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Bessie P. Walsh in Tescott, Kansas, who passed away when he as 17. He married Barbara Windscheffel, to which they were blessed with three children, Brent, Brad, and Babette. They later divorced. On March 17, 1976, he married Wilma Jean Korbe and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2022.Fred graduated from Tescott High School and after graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., serving from 1946 – 1948. After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska where he received a degree in business administration in 1953. He later was selected as an All-Conference Guard by the Lincoln Star Journal in Lincoln, Nebraska. He then attended the Hartford Accident and Indemnity School in Hartford, Connecticut where he received his degree in insurance in 1956. In 1957, he completed the Dale Carnegie Course, and in 1958, attended the American Property and Casualty School. In 1963, he received his Life Underwriting Training Council (LUTC) designation.Fred was a field representative for the Hartford Insurance Company following college. Fred worked in several insurance agencies until in 1968, when he and silent partner Leo Dreiling formed Insurance Planning, Inc. (IPI). Fred was very committed to his profession and under his direction IPI grew from two employees in 1968 to one of the largest agencies in Kansas. During Fred’s career he earned the following designations: Certified Insurance Councilor (CIC), Certified Long Term Care Counselor (CLTC), Advisor in Insurance (AAI), and Long-Term Care Professional (LTCP). Fred served as the president of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Kansas. In 1978, the PIA named Fred the Professional Agent of the Year for the State. Due to Fred’s innovative marketing ideas, in 1989, Insurance Planning was nominated as the Marketeer of the Year out of 4,000 independent agents in the United States and Canada. Fred is co-author of “The Oilfield Manual.” In 1992, he sold their controlling interest in Insurance Planning, Inc. to the other seven junior partners. He remained working for a time as a long-term care salesman.Fred was a former member of the Presidents Club at Fort Hays State University, Smoky Hill Country Club, Charter Member of the Ambassador Club, past member of the Baseball Association, and co-Chairman of the financial division of the United Way of Ellis County, and board member of the Heartland Community Foundation all in Hays, as well as charter member of the Ambassador Clubs of Great Bend and Hays, Great Bend Kiwanis Club and Board Member, past O&amp;E Chairman of Boy Scouts of America and United Fund Board all of Great Bend. He was a beloved child of Christ and a former member of Celebration Community Church in Hays before moving to Great Bend in 2014. He is currently a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend.Survivors include his son, Brad A. Berger of Aptos, CA, stepdaughter, Debra J. (Clayton) Noffsinger of Great Bend, half-brother, Charles (Sally) Berger of Soddy, TN, brother-in-law, Francis McIntosh of Smith Center, sister-in-law, Darlene&nbsp;Hammerschmidt of Hutchinson, daughter-in-law, Mary LaFlamme of Hays, grandchildren, Lana McClanahan, John Kinderknecht, Candi Pfannenstiel, Jeffrey Noffsinger, Jennifer (Nathan) Sullivan, Cory (Sheena) Noffsinger, Jacki Klug, and 18 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, son, Brent Berger, daughter, Babette Kinderknecht, stepsons, William Allen Korbe and Walter Joseph Korbe, brother-in-law, Charles Oscar McIntosh, sisters-in-law, Leona McIntosh and Dorothy Fross, and a stepgranddaughter, Emily Faye Noffsinger.A celebration of Fred’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Celebration Community Church in Hays, with Pastor Josh Leu officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested and payable to Heartland Community Foundation for the Fred and Jean Berger Insurance Planning, Inc. Charitable Fund or Gentiva Hospice. Condolences and memories of Fred may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Fred W. Berger, Jr.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for all regions of the state other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level, according to a media release from the KDHE.

WNV is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Twenty-two human cases of WNV have been reported to KDHE in 2023, including 17 neuroinvasive cases and three deaths. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA)&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L25ld3MtZXZlbnRzL25ld3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMy8wOC8yNS93ZXN0LW5pbGUtdmlydXMtY29uZmlybWVkLWluLWhvcnNlcy1pbi1rYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxMy44MjUzODQ5MSJ9.rwJC-rEbM10B-Dn9IPdYWKOxjP1uyWSamyeU3XQu_68/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">has also reported seven equine cases of WNV</a>&nbsp;for 2023. Confirmed equine cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas, Ford and Pratt counties.

Most people infected with WNV will not feel sick, but about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop neuroinvasive disease, which includes swelling of the brain and/or brain tissue and, in some cases, death. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat WNV in humans. Treatment consists of supportive care.

Similarly, horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses but is preventable, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. WNV is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human.

“We’re right in the middle of our peak timeframe for WNV transmission here in Kansas, and with more widespread virus activity this year than in the previous several years, it’s important to take mosquito bite prevention measures to protect yourself, your family, and livestock against all mosquito-borne illnesses,” said&nbsp;Dr. Erin Petro, State Public Health Veterinarian.

KDHE recommends taking the following actions to prevent mosquito bites:

For more information about WNV and mosquito bite prevention, visit the KDHE WNV website and check the current regional WNV risk levels, which are updated each Friday from June through October.

For more information about animal diseases, including WNV, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0FuaW1hbERpc2Vhc2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1Mzg0OTEifQ.wNQu0OH3Ong78ssYSKkjtzQDJAkBHQorCCc47CVRsJA/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">KDA Division of Animal Health website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694639188464.png" alt="KDHE map" />
 <figcaption>KDHE map</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for all regions of the state other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level, according to a media release from the KDHE.WNV is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Twenty-two human cases of WNV have been reported to KDHE in 2023, including 17 neuroinvasive cases and three deaths. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA)&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L25ld3MtZXZlbnRzL25ld3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMy8wOC8yNS93ZXN0LW5pbGUtdmlydXMtY29uZmlybWVkLWluLWhvcnNlcy1pbi1rYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxMy44MjUzODQ5MSJ9.rwJC-rEbM10B-Dn9IPdYWKOxjP1uyWSamyeU3XQu_68/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">has also reported seven equine cases of WNV</a>&nbsp;for 2023. Confirmed equine cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas, Ford and Pratt counties.Most people infected with WNV will not feel sick, but about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop neuroinvasive disease, which includes swelling of the brain and/or brain tissue and, in some cases, death. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat WNV in humans. Treatment consists of supportive care.Similarly, horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses but is preventable, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. WNV is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human.“We’re right in the middle of our peak timeframe for WNV transmission here in Kansas, and with more widespread virus activity this year than in the previous several years, it’s important to take mosquito bite prevention measures to protect yourself, your family, and livestock against all mosquito-borne illnesses,” said&nbsp;Dr. Erin Petro, State Public Health Veterinarian.KDHE recommends taking the following actions to prevent mosquito bites:<ul>
 <li>When enjoying the outdoors, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents, including picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. When used as directed, EPA-approved insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.</li><li>Individuals should cover their skin with clothing when outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants when practical.</li><li>Mosquitoes bite during the day and night, but some species are more active at dusk and dawn. Limit outdoor activities during these peak mosquito activity times.</li><li>Use screens on windows and doors—repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.</li><li>Eliminate sources of standing water, which are important breeding sites for mosquitoes—empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets and other places where rainwater collects. Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three days and consider using larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.</li><li>Talk with a veterinarian about vaccinations to protect horses against WNV.</li>
 </ul>For more information about WNV and mosquito bite prevention, visit the KDHE WNV website and check the current regional WNV risk levels, which are updated each Friday from June through October.For more information about animal diseases, including WNV, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0FuaW1hbERpc2Vhc2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1Mzg0OTEifQ.wNQu0OH3Ong78ssYSKkjtzQDJAkBHQorCCc47CVRsJA/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">KDA Division of Animal Health website</a>.

KDHE: High risk of West Nile virus activity in 5 regions of Kansas 

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that $1 million in Attraction Development Grants is available from Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Kansas tourism is an economic driver that highlights the many reasons why our state is the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Kelly said. “By investing in our tourism industry, we strengthen our economic growth and Kansas’ placement as a destination state for tourists from around the world.”

A first round of applications is now open with a deadline of October 1, 2023. A second round will open on February 1, 2024. $500,000 will be awarded in each round. Successful grant applications must have an accountable tie to the tourism industry, with funds being used to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions.&nbsp;

“Investing in the growth and development of our destination-based assets contributes to economic prosperity in communities of all sizes across Kansas,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Tourism empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and strengthening the overall business landscape.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tourism has a total economic impact of $11.2 billion on the state, which includes $7 billion in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Eligible projects for this grant program include new attraction construction, enhancements to an existing attraction, and new or enhanced exhibits that will improve a visitor’s experience.&nbsp;

“By strategically fostering new tourism development, we are inspiring quality vacation experiences for our visitors,”&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Visitors spend dollars while in our state, and those dollars provide increased tax revenue, new jobs, and a better quality of life for all.”

For more information on the Attraction Development Grant Program, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRyYXZlbGtzLmNvbS90cmF2ZWwtaW5kdXN0cnkvcHJvZ3JhbXMtYW5kLXJlc291cmNlcy9ncmFudHMvYXR0cmFjdGlvbi1kZXZlbG9wbWVudC1ncmFudHMvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkwNS44MjExODg0MSJ9.UmcTNzkXEYXvuw9WRT6rtKko4qXu2F3bJduC2EXaca8/s/1303161001/br/225291951886-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud&nbsp;<a href="mailto:carrie.doud@ks.gov">here</a>.

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) from state lottery proceeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694447700238.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov. Kelly TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that $1 million in Attraction Development Grants is available from Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kansas tourism is an economic driver that highlights the many reasons why our state is the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Kelly said. “By investing in our tourism industry, we strengthen our economic growth and Kansas’ placement as a destination state for tourists from around the world.”A first round of applications is now open with a deadline of October 1, 2023. A second round will open on February 1, 2024. $500,000 will be awarded in each round. Successful grant applications must have an accountable tie to the tourism industry, with funds being used to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions.&nbsp;“Investing in the growth and development of our destination-based assets contributes to economic prosperity in communities of all sizes across Kansas,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Tourism empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and strengthening the overall business landscape.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourism has a total economic impact of $11.2 billion on the state, which includes $7 billion in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Eligible projects for this grant program include new attraction construction, enhancements to an existing attraction, and new or enhanced exhibits that will improve a visitor’s experience.&nbsp;“By strategically fostering new tourism development, we are inspiring quality vacation experiences for our visitors,”&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Visitors spend dollars while in our state, and those dollars provide increased tax revenue, new jobs, and a better quality of life for all.”For more information on the Attraction Development Grant Program, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRyYXZlbGtzLmNvbS90cmF2ZWwtaW5kdXN0cnkvcHJvZ3JhbXMtYW5kLXJlc291cmNlcy9ncmFudHMvYXR0cmFjdGlvbi1kZXZlbG9wbWVudC1ncmFudHMvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkwNS44MjExODg0MSJ9.UmcTNzkXEYXvuw9WRT6rtKko4qXu2F3bJduC2EXaca8/s/1303161001/br/225291951886-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud&nbsp;<a href="mailto:carrie.doud@ks.gov">here</a>.Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) from state lottery proceeds.

Gov. Kelly announces $1M available for tourism attraction development grants

Mary Ruth White, age 95, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 22, 1927, in Scott County, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Pauline Gaschler. 

A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, she was a beautician and a homemaker.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was also a member of the Altar Society and the VFW Auxiliary.

On April 20, 1949, she married Harold W. White in Marienthal, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on June 5, 2019, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her one daughter Susan and Brad Boulware of Scott City, Kansas, two granddaughters - Brooke and Noah Johnson of Sharon Springs, Kansas, &nbsp;Kadra Boulware of Wichita, Kansas, and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.

Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Park Lane Nursing Home or St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

As per Ruth’s request, there will be no visitation times.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/555d56cc-1726-4984-8d7c-88fe13c6e1c7" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ruth White, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/555d56cc-1726-4984-8d7c-88fe13c6e1c7" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Mary Ruth White, Scott City</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694556777705.jpeg" alt="Mary Ruth White" />
 <figcaption>Mary Ruth White</figcaption>
 </figure>October 22, 1927 - September 12, 2023Mary Ruth White, age 95, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 22, 1927, in Scott County, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Pauline Gaschler. A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, she was a beautician and a homemaker.She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was also a member of the Altar Society and the VFW Auxiliary.On April 20, 1949, she married Harold W. White in Marienthal, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on June 5, 2019, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her one daughter Susan and Brad Boulware of Scott City, Kansas, two granddaughters - Brooke and Noah Johnson of Sharon Springs, Kansas, &nbsp;Kadra Boulware of Wichita, Kansas, and one great-grandchild.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings.Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Park Lane Nursing Home or St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.As per Ruth’s request, there will be no visitation times.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/555d56cc-1726-4984-8d7c-88fe13c6e1c7" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ruth White, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/555d56cc-1726-4984-8d7c-88fe13c6e1c7" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Mary Ruth White

Albert Allen Whipkey, 77, passed away September 10, 2023, at Locust Grove Village, LaCrosse, Kansas. He was born on October 2, 1945, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. He was adopted a few days later by Albert A. and Beatrice S. Whipkey of Fairfax, Oklahoma and later Hoisington, Kansas. 

Allen graduated from Hoisington High School in 1963 and graduated with a bachelor's of science degree from the University of Central State in Oklahoma in 1967 and a master's of science in 1972.&nbsp;

Allen married Diedre Scott in June of 1966 in Oklahoma; they later divorced. He later married Connie Hoss in Great Bend, Kansas, in October of 1998. She survives.&nbsp;

Allen served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970. Allen then taught high school science classes, but mostly biology, chemistry and A&amp;P in different schools in Oklahoma, including Shawnee, Oklahoma and later at Great Bend High School for 18 years. Allen also taught outreach classes at Barton County Community College for a number of years. He was known as “Whip” to the students and loved the camaraderie he had with them. It was said that he made biology fun and easier to understand and the students always looked forward to hearing his hilarious childhood stories.&nbsp;

During his years in Oklahoma and later Kansas, he raised and showed Appaloosa horses. Next to his love of horses was his love of a brand new red Corvette convertible purchased in the year 2000. This car was once used to drive the grand marshal in a Hoisington Labor Day Parade, as well as driven to several proms.&nbsp;

Allen was the owner of Cheyenne Trailer Sales for many years.

 He was an avid sports fan of all sports which included his grandchildren’s many games and he could be found in the bleachers at these games.&nbsp;

Survivors include, two daughters, Deana (John) Custer of The Colony, Texas and Kimberly (Steven) Bohanon of Frisco, Texas; one son, Robert Whipkey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one stepdaughter, Rebecca (Eric) Anderson of Otis, Kansas; one stepson, Russell (Heidi Rogers) Hoss of Overland Park, Kansas; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Steven Whipkey.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Reverend Adam Wutka presiding. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington, Kansas. 

Memorials have been designated to Alzheimer’s Association or Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>Albert Allen Whipkey</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694524920685.jpeg" alt="Albert Allen Whipkey" />
 <figcaption>Albert Allen Whipkey</figcaption>
 </figure>Octobe 2, 1945 - September 10, 2023Albert Allen Whipkey, 77, passed away September 10, 2023, at Locust Grove Village, LaCrosse, Kansas. He was born on October 2, 1945, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. He was adopted a few days later by Albert A. and Beatrice S. Whipkey of Fairfax, Oklahoma and later Hoisington, Kansas. Allen graduated from Hoisington High School in 1963 and graduated with a bachelor's of science degree from the University of Central State in Oklahoma in 1967 and a master's of science in 1972.&nbsp;Allen married Diedre Scott in June of 1966 in Oklahoma; they later divorced. He later married Connie Hoss in Great Bend, Kansas, in October of 1998. She survives.&nbsp;Allen served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970. Allen then taught high school science classes, but mostly biology, chemistry and A&amp;P in different schools in Oklahoma, including Shawnee, Oklahoma and later at Great Bend High School for 18 years. Allen also taught outreach classes at Barton County Community College for a number of years. He was known as “Whip” to the students and loved the camaraderie he had with them. It was said that he made biology fun and easier to understand and the students always looked forward to hearing his hilarious childhood stories.&nbsp;During his years in Oklahoma and later Kansas, he raised and showed Appaloosa horses. Next to his love of horses was his love of a brand new red Corvette convertible purchased in the year 2000. This car was once used to drive the grand marshal in a Hoisington Labor Day Parade, as well as driven to several proms.&nbsp;Allen was the owner of Cheyenne Trailer Sales for many years. He was an avid sports fan of all sports which included his grandchildren’s many games and he could be found in the bleachers at these games.&nbsp;Survivors include, two daughters, Deana (John) Custer of The Colony, Texas and Kimberly (Steven) Bohanon of Frisco, Texas; one son, Robert Whipkey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one stepdaughter, Rebecca (Eric) Anderson of Otis, Kansas; one stepson, Russell (Heidi Rogers) Hoss of Overland Park, Kansas; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Steven Whipkey.&nbsp;Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Reverend Adam Wutka presiding. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington, Kansas. Memorials have been designated to Alzheimer’s Association or Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Albert Allen Whipkey, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/albert-whipkey/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Albert Allen Whipkey

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a variety of service projects called “Seven Acts of Kindness for 70 Years of Service."

1st Act of Kindness - On July 16, 26 flags were installed in front of and inside of Lewis Field Stadium for the 50th Anniversary Shrine Bowl that was hosted in Hays.

2nd Act of Kindness - To commemorate the end of summer, club members also had a park cleanup day at Kiwanis and Hickok Park on August 26th. Kiwanis Club of Hays is the sponsor of both of these parks, and the club is currently in the process of saving up funds over the next five years to do a large project at one of the parks to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

3rd Act of Kindness – On August 26, club members welcomed the community through the assistance of Snow Cone Express at Kiwanis Park for its Snow Cones in the Park family event. One hundred thirty-seven free snow cones were served to numerous families, with children enjoying play time at the park. Food items were also collected on behalf of the Community Assistance Center.

4th Act of Kindness – In partnership with the TMP-Marian Key Club, Kiwanis Club members will also be assisting with the Key Club Blood Drive on Wedenesday, November 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

5th Act of Kindness – The Kiwanis Club of Hays sponsors the TMP-Marian Builders Club and Key Club, as well as the Fort Hays State University Circle K Club. As a token of appreciation for the service these clubs provide the community, club members will arrange for pizza parties for each of these organizations this fall.

6th Act of Kindness – On February 17, National Random Acts of Kindness Day, several Kiwanis Club of Hays members will be doing a story time event by reading books to children at the Hays Public Library at 10 a.m. Treats will be provided to children who attend that morning, and a craft project will take place after the story time concludes.

7th Act of Kindness – To honor all Kiwanis Club of Hays members who left a positive mark on this world and have passed away, the club will be creating a memorial rock at Kiwanis Park that will include names of past Kiwanis Club of Hays members. This effort is being guided by the city of Hays Parks Department. Names are currently being taken to include on the&nbsp;memorial rock. Past club members who have breen a member of the club for five years or more or have served as a club officer will be included. Community members are encouraged to email info@hayskiwanis.com or call club president Sarah Wasinger at 785-650-2196 with names for this project by October 31.

Do to continued price increases for poinsettias, the club has made the difficult decision to discontinue this fundraiser in 2023. The Kiwanis Club of Hays board wishes to extend its appreciation to the entire community for their support of the Flag Project, Wild West Festival Saloon, and Poinsettia Project in past years, as these fundraisers allow the club to provide $50,000 worth of funding to local youth and veteran programs annually.

Kiwanis Club of Hays was chartered on May 5, 1953. The club currently has 95 members and meets weekly for lunch on Thursdays at noon at Smoky Hill Country Club. All community members are welcome to attend meetings to learn more information about becoming a member. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694439439533.jpeg" alt="The Hays Kiwanis Club is celebrating its70th anniversary this year. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Hays Kiwanis Club is celebrating its70th anniversary this year. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Kiwanis Club of Hays is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a variety of service projects called “Seven Acts of Kindness for 70 Years of Service."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694439032168.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis 1st Act of Kindness Shrine Bowl flags. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis 1st Act of Kindness Shrine Bowl flags. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>1st Act of Kindness - On July 16, 26 flags were installed in front of and inside of Lewis Field Stadium for the 50th Anniversary Shrine Bowl that was hosted in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694439098263.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis 2nd Act of Kindness Park Clean Up. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis 2nd Act of Kindness Park Clean Up. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>2nd Act of Kindness - To commemorate the end of summer, club members also had a park cleanup day at Kiwanis and Hickok Park on August 26th. Kiwanis Club of Hays is the sponsor of both of these parks, and the club is currently in the process of saving up funds over the next five years to do a large project at one of the parks to commemorate its 75th anniversary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694439188794.jpeg" alt="Hays Kiwanis 3rd Act of Kindness snow Cone in the Park. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Kiwanis 3rd Act of Kindness snow Cone in the Park. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>3rd Act of Kindness – On August 26, club members welcomed the community through the assistance of Snow Cone Express at Kiwanis Park for its Snow Cones in the Park family event. One hundred thirty-seven free snow cones were served to numerous families, with children enjoying play time at the park. Food items were also collected on behalf of the Community Assistance Center.4th Act of Kindness – In partnership with the TMP-Marian Key Club, Kiwanis Club members will also be assisting with the Key Club Blood Drive on Wedenesday, November 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.5th Act of Kindness – The Kiwanis Club of Hays sponsors the TMP-Marian Builders Club and Key Club, as well as the Fort Hays State University Circle K Club. As a token of appreciation for the service these clubs provide the community, club members will arrange for pizza parties for each of these organizations this fall.6th Act of Kindness – On February 17, National Random Acts of Kindness Day, several Kiwanis Club of Hays members will be doing a story time event by reading books to children at the Hays Public Library at 10 a.m. Treats will be provided to children who attend that morning, and a craft project will take place after the story time concludes.7th Act of Kindness – To honor all Kiwanis Club of Hays members who left a positive mark on this world and have passed away, the club will be creating a memorial rock at Kiwanis Park that will include names of past Kiwanis Club of Hays members. This effort is being guided by the city of Hays Parks Department. Names are currently being taken to include on the&nbsp;memorial rock. Past club members who have breen a member of the club for five years or more or have served as a club officer will be included. Community members are encouraged to email info@hayskiwanis.com or call club president Sarah Wasinger at 785-650-2196 with names for this project by October 31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694439315666.png" alt="Upcoming Kiwanis veterans appreciation lunch" />
 <figcaption>Upcoming Kiwanis veterans appreciation lunch</figcaption>
 </figure>Do to continued price increases for poinsettias, the club has made the difficult decision to discontinue this fundraiser in 2023. The Kiwanis Club of Hays board wishes to extend its appreciation to the entire community for their support of the Flag Project, Wild West Festival Saloon, and Poinsettia Project in past years, as these fundraisers allow the club to provide $50,000 worth of funding to local youth and veteran programs annually.About Kiwanis Club of HaysKiwanis Club of Hays was chartered on May 5, 1953. The club currently has 95 members and meets weekly for lunch on Thursdays at noon at Smoky Hill Country Club. All community members are welcome to attend meetings to learn more information about becoming a member. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanis Club of Hays celebrates 7 acts of kindness for 70 years of service

By RACHEL MIPRO,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Independent commission has begun to examine pay increases, fair compensation

TOPEKA —&nbsp; Increasing long-stagnant legislative pay could revolutionize state politics by encouraging Kansans from more diverse backgrounds to seek public office, but top Republican legislators also cautioned against dramatically escalating compensation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said low pay has been a longstanding barrier for many Kansans. But Masterson also warned against raising pay to the point where Kansans have a marked financial incentive to serve in the Legislature.&nbsp;

“The truth is, for years now, it’s been a hurdle for large segments of our population to even attempt and represent their neighbors in this way,” Masterson said during a Thursday legislative meeting on compensation. “We’d like to see us make that hurdle go away. However, I also don’t believe it should be a career. There needs to be some level of service. Public service, at some level does have sacrifice to it, and I think that should exist but there needs to be balance.”

Low compensation and long hours have blocked many Kansans from entering the field, leaving retired Kansans or those with independent income or extremely flexible jobs facing less competition for seats. In past sessions, critics of the system have said the pay barrier allows affluent Kansans to have a much greater voice in state policy than those from other economic backgrounds.&nbsp;

State legislators are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_ot_legislative_compensation_commission_1/documents/testimony/20230907_04.pdf">currently paid</a>&nbsp;a base salary of $88.66 for every day during the session, a salary that hasn’t changed since 2009. Starting in October, lawmakers will receive a per diem allowance of $166 per day to offset food and lodging costs during the session. In an average 92-day session, the pay works out to about $23,429 per year, with additional compensation for leadership positions.&nbsp;

The state ranked in the bottom third for legislative compensation in a 2019 legislative study of 14 other states. The study found Oklahoma, Missouri and Colorado paid their lawmakers about $48,000 per year. The lowest state compensation was between $12,000 and $13,000 per year, in Maine, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, shared Masterson’s sentiments.&nbsp;

He estimated lawmakers spend about 10-15 hours per week outside of the 92-day session on constituent needs or community engagement, with another 15 hours of work for anyone who heads a committee.&nbsp;

“We don’t have a normal job as legislators,” Hawkins said. “I wouldn’t call our job normal at all in any stretch of the imagination. We are working all the time. … Truly, it is a huge level of service but we love the people we serve, and that’s what we’re really trying to do is just serve and do the best job we can.”&nbsp;

While Hawkins said compensation rates needed to be adjusted, he also warned against raising pay too high.&nbsp;

“There has to be a level of service,” Hawkins said. “We’re a citizen legislature so we don’t want people just to consider that their main job. We need to go back home and go to work. And so there’s always going to be a balance.”&nbsp;

The re-evaluation of legislative pay is a result of a law passed in the 2023 session.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NjMzNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiMjI5LyJ9.xuWFkl3Y9o9So9Dm4_7fcrA6t1Cc-muDt4iKxWjBt4o/s/2897855304/br/161153741090-l">Senate Bill 229</a>,&nbsp;a legislative pay adjustment proposal, established a nine-person independent commission tasked with studying compensation rates for state officials.&nbsp;

The first round of compensation rates and salary will be decided by Dec. 1, 2023, and implemented in the 2025 legislative session, with rates set to be readjusted every four years.&nbsp;

Jason Watkins from the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, a former state representative who introduced the initial bill content on behalf of the chamber, said better pay would equalize the field.&nbsp;

“One of the reasons that we introduced this legislation is we believe in representative democracy,” Watkins said. “The Legislature should look like a cross section of the state of Kansas and folks from all walks of life should be able to serve.”&nbsp;

During his time as a representative, Watkins said he knew several people who could only serve one or two terms before leaving due to financial constraints. Watkins said lawmakers would joke that the term limits for Kansas lawmakers were decided by when they went&nbsp; bankrupt.&nbsp;

“A lot of folks that have served in the Legislature really experienced financial hardship,” Watkins said. “And listen, nobody should get rich serving at any level of government. But people shouldn’t have to go broke either. And that’s the stark truth.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694350643938.png" alt="Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, says low legislative pay has long impeded prospective candidates who can't afford to serve in the Legislature. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, says low legislative pay has long impeded prospective candidates who can't afford to serve in the Legislature. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Independent commission has begun to examine pay increases, fair compensation</h2>TOPEKA —&nbsp; Increasing long-stagnant legislative pay could revolutionize state politics by encouraging Kansans from more diverse backgrounds to seek public office, but top Republican legislators also cautioned against dramatically escalating compensation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said low pay has been a longstanding barrier for many Kansans. But Masterson also warned against raising pay to the point where Kansans have a marked financial incentive to serve in the Legislature.&nbsp;“The truth is, for years now, it’s been a hurdle for large segments of our population to even attempt and represent their neighbors in this way,” Masterson said during a Thursday legislative meeting on compensation. “We’d like to see us make that hurdle go away. However, I also don’t believe it should be a career. There needs to be some level of service. Public service, at some level does have sacrifice to it, and I think that should exist but there needs to be balance.”Low compensation and long hours have blocked many Kansans from entering the field, leaving retired Kansans or those with independent income or extremely flexible jobs facing less competition for seats. In past sessions, critics of the system have said the pay barrier allows affluent Kansans to have a much greater voice in state policy than those from other economic backgrounds.&nbsp;State legislators are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_ot_legislative_compensation_commission_1/documents/testimony/20230907_04.pdf">currently paid</a>&nbsp;a base salary of $88.66 for every day during the session, a salary that hasn’t changed since 2009. Starting in October, lawmakers will receive a per diem allowance of $166 per day to offset food and lodging costs during the session. In an average 92-day session, the pay works out to about $23,429 per year, with additional compensation for leadership positions.&nbsp;The state ranked in the bottom third for legislative compensation in a 2019 legislative study of 14 other states. The study found Oklahoma, Missouri and Colorado paid their lawmakers about $48,000 per year. The lowest state compensation was between $12,000 and $13,000 per year, in Maine, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, shared Masterson’s sentiments.&nbsp;He estimated lawmakers spend about 10-15 hours per week outside of the 92-day session on constituent needs or community engagement, with another 15 hours of work for anyone who heads a committee.&nbsp;“We don’t have a normal job as legislators,” Hawkins said. “I wouldn’t call our job normal at all in any stretch of the imagination. We are working all the time. … Truly, it is a huge level of service but we love the people we serve, and that’s what we’re really trying to do is just serve and do the best job we can.”&nbsp;While Hawkins said compensation rates needed to be adjusted, he also warned against raising pay too high.&nbsp;“There has to be a level of service,” Hawkins said. “We’re a citizen legislature so we don’t want people just to consider that their main job. We need to go back home and go to work. And so there’s always going to be a balance.”&nbsp;The re-evaluation of legislative pay is a result of a law passed in the 2023 session.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NjMzNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzbGVnaXNsYXR1cmUub3JnL2xpL2IyMDIzXzI0L21lYXN1cmVzL3NiMjI5LyJ9.xuWFkl3Y9o9So9Dm4_7fcrA6t1Cc-muDt4iKxWjBt4o/s/2897855304/br/161153741090-l">Senate Bill 229</a>,&nbsp;a legislative pay adjustment proposal, established a nine-person independent commission tasked with studying compensation rates for state officials.&nbsp;The first round of compensation rates and salary will be decided by Dec. 1, 2023, and implemented in the 2025 legislative session, with rates set to be readjusted every four years.&nbsp;Jason Watkins from the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, a former state representative who introduced the initial bill content on behalf of the chamber, said better pay would equalize the field.&nbsp;“One of the reasons that we introduced this legislation is we believe in representative democracy,” Watkins said. “The Legislature should look like a cross section of the state of Kansas and folks from all walks of life should be able to serve.”&nbsp;During his time as a representative, Watkins said he knew several people who could only serve one or two terms before leaving due to financial constraints. Watkins said lawmakers would joke that the term limits for Kansas lawmakers were decided by when they went&nbsp; bankrupt.&nbsp;“A lot of folks that have served in the Legislature really experienced financial hardship,” Watkins said. “And listen, nobody should get rich serving at any level of government. But people shouldn’t have to go broke either. And that’s the stark truth.”

GOP leaders warn against substantial pay increases for Kansas lawmakers

Kris Wayne Klitzke, age 62, died on September 9, 2023, at HaysMed Hospital in Hays, Kansas, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 25, 1960, in Ness City, Kansas, the son of Chester and Carol (Wood) Klitzke.

Kris worked in the oil field industry as a pumper until he retired in 2022, and even continued to work the industry after he was retired. 

Kris loved to camp at Cedar Bluff Reservoir, where he would spend his weekends fishing and boating. When he wasn’t at the lake, he enjoyed watching Westerns or “Gold Rush,” scratching lottery tickets, or playing slots at the casino. But more than anything, Kris enjoyed being with his family.

On October 8, 1983, Kris married Coral Martin. To this union, two daughters were born, Morgan Klitzke of Olathe, KS, and Courtney Klitzke of Kansas City, KS. They were later divorced. He then married Denise Robbins on September 23, 1995. Two boys were born through this marriage, Kale Klitzke of Granite Falls, WA, and Kolt Klitzke (Makenzie Eck) of Ness City, KS. Denise died on June 26, 2006. On December 1, 2007, he married Susan Bean-Rupp. Two stepdaughters were brought into this marriage, April Rupp of Ransom, KS, and Katie Ray (Doug) of Pratt, KS. 

Kris is survived by his wife Susan and his mother Carol, both of Ness City, KS, along with his two daughters, two sons, and two stepdaughters. He is also survived by his brothers, Kevin Klitzke (Cora) of Shreveport, LA, and Kent Klitzke (Terri) of Benton City, WA; sisters, Louella Slater (John) of Amarillo, TX, and Kim Davis (Ron) of Camano Island, WA; five grandchildren, Shelby Rupp (Lance), Dylan and Thomas Fehrenbach, Jayven and Kamden Teets; mother-in-law, Penny Foulke; father-in-law, Jerry Foulke; sisters-in-law, Michell Wall (Randy), Amy Stoecklein (Kevin), and Jill Keller; and brother-in-law Troy Bean (Katie); his fur babies, Chester, Gabbie, and Banjo, and many nieces and nephews.

Kris was preceded in death by his father, Chester; father-in-law, Robert Bean, and brother-in-law, Kevin Foulke.

<h2>Kris Wayne Klitzke</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694389838043.png" alt="Kris Wayne Klitze" />
 <figcaption>Kris Wayne Klitze</figcaption>
 </figure>December 25, 1960 - September 9, 2023Kris Wayne Klitzke, age 62, died on September 9, 2023, at HaysMed Hospital in Hays, Kansas, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 25, 1960, in Ness City, Kansas, the son of Chester and Carol (Wood) Klitzke.Kris worked in the oil field industry as a pumper until he retired in 2022, and even continued to work the industry after he was retired. Kris loved to camp at Cedar Bluff Reservoir, where he would spend his weekends fishing and boating. When he wasn’t at the lake, he enjoyed watching Westerns or “Gold Rush,” scratching lottery tickets, or playing slots at the casino. But more than anything, Kris enjoyed being with his family.On October 8, 1983, Kris married Coral Martin. To this union, two daughters were born, Morgan Klitzke of Olathe, KS, and Courtney Klitzke of Kansas City, KS. They were later divorced. He then married Denise Robbins on September 23, 1995. Two boys were born through this marriage, Kale Klitzke of Granite Falls, WA, and Kolt Klitzke (Makenzie Eck) of Ness City, KS. Denise died on June 26, 2006. On December 1, 2007, he married Susan Bean-Rupp. Two stepdaughters were brought into this marriage, April Rupp of Ransom, KS, and Katie Ray (Doug) of Pratt, KS. Kris is survived by his wife Susan and his mother Carol, both of Ness City, KS, along with his two daughters, two sons, and two stepdaughters. He is also survived by his brothers, Kevin Klitzke (Cora) of Shreveport, LA, and Kent Klitzke (Terri) of Benton City, WA; sisters, Louella Slater (John) of Amarillo, TX, and Kim Davis (Ron) of Camano Island, WA; five grandchildren, Shelby Rupp (Lance), Dylan and Thomas Fehrenbach, Jayven and Kamden Teets; mother-in-law, Penny Foulke; father-in-law, Jerry Foulke; sisters-in-law, Michell Wall (Randy), Amy Stoecklein (Kevin), and Jill Keller; and brother-in-law Troy Bean (Katie); his fur babies, Chester, Gabbie, and Banjo, and many nieces and nephews.Kris was preceded in death by his father, Chester; father-in-law, Robert Bean, and brother-in-law, Kevin Foulke.Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Kris Klitzke Memorial Fund for Cedar Bluff Reservoir in care of Susan Klitzke.Memories and words of sympathy may be shared with the family by writing in the guest book at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Kris Wayne Klitzke, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/kris-klitzke/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.