RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting at a house party in Manhattan have made three arrests and the public's assistance finding Marc Oliver, 18, of Manhattan.

Oliver is believed to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if seen. If you have any information on Oliver's whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. In an emergency call 911. You can submit tips online here: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353&amp;fbclid=IwAR1GHVjFgfT3ues8-8f91kX8WxuPB2Km53SLcXi2j3GMvavjQuRYfzwpJh0" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353</a>#

Just before 3a.m. October 21, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting gunfire.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident.&nbsp;

On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 21-year-old Cordarius Gowdy; 18-year-old Damerius McGee both of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges&nbsp; of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698364743811.png" alt="Oliver-photo RCPD" />
 <figcaption>Oliver-photo RCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting at a house party in Manhattan have made three arrests and the public's assistance finding Marc Oliver, 18, of Manhattan.Oliver is believed to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if seen. If you have any information on Oliver's whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. In an emergency call 911. You can submit tips online here: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353&amp;fbclid=IwAR1GHVjFgfT3ues8-8f91kX8WxuPB2Km53SLcXi2j3GMvavjQuRYfzwpJh0" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353</a>#Just before 3a.m. October 21, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting gunfire.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident.&nbsp;On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 21-year-old Cordarius Gowdy; 18-year-old Damerius McGee both of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges&nbsp; of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling.

Police: Armed, dangerous suspect wanted for Manhattan shooting

KANSAS CITY — A&nbsp;former Kansas City police detective&nbsp;convicted in the 2019 death of a Black man is now in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Eric&nbsp;DeValkenaere, 45, is being held in the Western Reception and Diagnostic Corrections&nbsp; Center in St. Joseph, according to online jail records.

Last week,&nbsp;DeValkenaere's attorney announced he&nbsp; plans another appeal in the case. The&nbsp;lawyer asked appeals court judges to reinstate&nbsp;DeValkenaere's bond so he can remain free pending requests for a rehearing or an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.

The former officer had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during his initial appeal, but judges revoked bond after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">upholding his conviction</a>&nbsp;of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

DeValkenaere surrendered himself October 17 and was transferred from a Platte County jail to state prison this week.

Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office supports DeValkenaere's bond request. Bailey has played&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual role</a>&nbsp;in the former detective's case, in June asking the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general’s office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

Rumors have swirled that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere, although on Tuesday spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation” and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.

Lamb’s stepfather, Aqil Bey, during an October 18, press conference asked Parson to think about Lamb when deciding whether to pardon DeValkenaere.

“We pray that he take into consideration who Cameron Lamb was, what he would offer this city and could offer this city as an upstanding citizen (and) as a father to his children,” Bey said.

Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project founder Steve Young asked supporters to call Parson and request that he not pardon DeValkenaere.

“He has one foot in and one foot out (of jail),” Young said. “Who gets that kind of privilege?”

DeValkenaere, who is white, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in 2021 in the death of Lamb, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard in Kansas City when the officer shot him.

The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On October 16, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced to three years</a>&nbsp;in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest, and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698332674249.png" alt="DeValkenaere photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A&nbsp;former Kansas City police detective&nbsp;convicted in the 2019 death of a Black man is now in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections.Eric&nbsp;DeValkenaere, 45, is being held in the Western Reception and Diagnostic Corrections&nbsp; Center in St. Joseph, according to online jail records.Last week,&nbsp;DeValkenaere's attorney announced he&nbsp; plans another appeal in the case. The&nbsp;lawyer asked appeals court judges to reinstate&nbsp;DeValkenaere's bond so he can remain free pending requests for a rehearing or an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.The former officer had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during his initial appeal, but judges revoked bond after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">upholding his conviction</a>&nbsp;of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.DeValkenaere surrendered himself October 17 and was transferred from a Platte County jail to state prison this week.Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office supports DeValkenaere's bond request. Bailey has played&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual role</a>&nbsp;in the former detective's case, in June asking the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general’s office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.Rumors have swirled that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere, although on Tuesday spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation” and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.Lamb’s stepfather, Aqil Bey, during an October 18, press conference asked Parson to think about Lamb when deciding whether to pardon DeValkenaere.“We pray that he take into consideration who Cameron Lamb was, what he would offer this city and could offer this city as an upstanding citizen (and) as a father to his children,” Bey said.Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project founder Steve Young asked supporters to call Parson and request that he not pardon DeValkenaere.“He has one foot in and one foot out (of jail),” Young said. “Who gets that kind of privilege?”DeValkenaere, who is white, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in 2021 in the death of Lamb, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard in Kansas City when the officer shot him.The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On October 16, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced to three years</a>&nbsp;in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest, and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

Ex-KC officer who killed Black man moved to prison

When we recently drove to New Mexico, we discovered tarantula hordes sharing southeast Colorado highways with us. I’d seen posts regarding a Tarantula Fest in La Junta and wondered if they’d attended. Once we counted more than a dozen palm-size, hairy brown creatures crossing a stretch of asphalt slicing through section after section of native grassland I needed to discover these eight-legged guys’ intended destination. I didn’t want to join them.

Come to find out, guys they are. This annual tarantula march is not a migration technically. It involves local males of the species seeking mates isolated into webbed-encased burrows throughout undisturbed grasslands covering arid eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Scores of these shy creatures occupy this landscape unseen most of the year. That is until mating season kicks in. Likely dates to spy this trek for love start in late August as temps drop and last through October when I presume freezing nights put the kibosh on natural urges.

Fellas of the brown tarantula species mature sexually between five to ten years of age—yeah, these are long-lived arachnids. Gals mature later, living up to three decades and producing up to 4,000 offspring during their reproductive years. Once these arachnids reach goal age, Mother Nature flicks the on switch, sending males on their odyssey to search for breeding partners. Using touch, pheromones, and vibrations to find mates, these huge spiders may hike over a mile to contribute to the gene pool.

Once Mr. Tarantula finds a desirable female’s homey burrow on the lonesome prairie, he uses his pedipalps, aka arm/hand-like extensions located near his jaws, to drum on the object of his desire’s so-to-speak door. According to some sources, this rhythm lures an intrigued damsel from underground so the two can complete necessary mating rituals. If the guy is lucky, he survives this relationship and scurries off as fast as a tarantula can to find another interested partner. Apparently, once fertilization takes place, some females decide their partners qualify as tasty meals.

Surviving males wander from burrow to burrow, seeking reproductive opportunity. Once those honeymoons end, males cross the equivalent of the Rainbow Bridge—however that’s phrased in arachnid-speak.

Fertilized females create a giant (envision a golf ball) egg sac, where she deposits the next generation and protects her treasure from predators while rotating it like a rotisserie turns roasting chicken. Soon, hatchlings by the hundreds emerge and begin the process again, establishing their own burrows and controlling prairie pests. As scary as tarantulas look, they are good guys. They eat undesirable insects.

Speaking of insects, one of a tarantula’s most feared predators is the huge tarantula hawk, a spider-hunting wasp. They’re the United States’ largest wasp and feed on nectar. Unfortunately, successful reproduction requires a sacrificial tarantula. In this real-life horror story, fertile female wasps inject venom into target tarantulas, paralyzing them before dragging them into burrows. Once spiders are in place, female wasps lay eggs on them. Within days, larvae hatch and begin feasting on unmoving but still-living, hosts.

Based on the number of tarantulas we encountered crossing the highway, few suffer this fate. Most live long spidey-lives, continuing annual reproductive efforts and contributing to healthy prairies. To learn more and have fun, investigate La Junta’s Tarantula Fest.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>When we recently drove to New Mexico, we discovered tarantula hordes sharing southeast Colorado highways with us. I’d seen posts regarding a Tarantula Fest in La Junta and wondered if they’d attended. Once we counted more than a dozen palm-size, hairy brown creatures crossing a stretch of asphalt slicing through section after section of native grassland I needed to discover these eight-legged guys’ intended destination. I didn’t want to join them.Come to find out, guys they are. This annual tarantula march is not a migration technically. It involves local males of the species seeking mates isolated into webbed-encased burrows throughout undisturbed grasslands covering arid eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Scores of these shy creatures occupy this landscape unseen most of the year. That is until mating season kicks in. Likely dates to spy this trek for love start in late August as temps drop and last through October when I presume freezing nights put the kibosh on natural urges.Fellas of the brown tarantula species mature sexually between five to ten years of age—yeah, these are long-lived arachnids. Gals mature later, living up to three decades and producing up to 4,000 offspring during their reproductive years. Once these arachnids reach goal age, Mother Nature flicks the on switch, sending males on their odyssey to search for breeding partners. Using touch, pheromones, and vibrations to find mates, these huge spiders may hike over a mile to contribute to the gene pool.Once Mr. Tarantula finds a desirable female’s homey burrow on the lonesome prairie, he uses his pedipalps, aka arm/hand-like extensions located near his jaws, to drum on the object of his desire’s so-to-speak door. According to some sources, this rhythm lures an intrigued damsel from underground so the two can complete necessary mating rituals. If the guy is lucky, he survives this relationship and scurries off as fast as a tarantula can to find another interested partner. Apparently, once fertilization takes place, some females decide their partners qualify as tasty meals.Surviving males wander from burrow to burrow, seeking reproductive opportunity. Once those honeymoons end, males cross the equivalent of the Rainbow Bridge—however that’s phrased in arachnid-speak.Fertilized females create a giant (envision a golf ball) egg sac, where she deposits the next generation and protects her treasure from predators while rotating it like a rotisserie turns roasting chicken. Soon, hatchlings by the hundreds emerge and begin the process again, establishing their own burrows and controlling prairie pests. As scary as tarantulas look, they are good guys. They eat undesirable insects.Speaking of insects, one of a tarantula’s most feared predators is the huge tarantula hawk, a spider-hunting wasp. They’re the United States’ largest wasp and feed on nectar. Unfortunately, successful reproduction requires a sacrificial tarantula. In this real-life horror story, fertile female wasps inject venom into target tarantulas, paralyzing them before dragging them into burrows. Once spiders are in place, female wasps lay eggs on them. Within days, larvae hatch and begin feasting on unmoving but still-living, hosts.Based on the number of tarantulas we encountered crossing the highway, few suffer this fate. Most live long spidey-lives, continuing annual reproductive efforts and contributing to healthy prairies. To learn more and have fun, investigate La Junta’s Tarantula Fest.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: Alert—tarantula crossing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman was charged Wednesday with a misdemeanor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-fire-alarm-jamaal-bowman-house-bc9c1cca01fa918999621e0f7eb27165">triggering a fire alarm as lawmakers scrambled to pass a funding bill</a>&nbsp;before a government shutdown deadline in September.

He is expected to plead guilty, formally apologize and pay a $1,000 fine. The false fire alarm charge would then be dropped if he successfully completes 3 months of probation.

The alarm forced the evacuation of a House office building for over an hour. The New York lawmaker has acknowledged pulling the alarm and said it was a mistake. He was in a rush to go to vote, tried to go through a door that was unexpectedly closed and wrongly thought pulling the fire alarm lever would help him open it, he said.

At the time of the evacuation, House Democrats were working to delay a vote on a funding bill to keep federal agencies open. They had said they needed time to review a bill that Republicans abruptly released to avoid a shutdown. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">funding package was ultimately approved</a>&nbsp;with most Republicans and almost all Democrats, including Bowman, supporting the bill.

Republicans criticized Bowman after the alarm, and on Wednesday introduced a motion to censure him. Rep. Bryan Steil, the chairman of the Committee on House Administration, referred the case to Capitol police. He called Bowman’s explanation an “excuse."

He pointed out that Bowman passed several police officers after pulling the alarm without alerting them about it. Bowman, for his part, has said he was urgently trying to get to the vote and said Republicans would “attempt to distract everyone” with the case.

Prosecutors said Bowman was “treated like anyone else who violates the law” and has agreed to pay the maximum fine, according to a spokesperson for the District of Columbia attorney general’s office.

Bowman told police at the time he didn’t mean to disrupt any congressional proceeding, according to court documents. He said he didn’t immediately tell anyone about the alarm going off because he was in a hurry to vote.

Under an agreement with the D.C. attorney general, the charge will be withdrawn in three months if the congressman provides a formal apology to Capitol police and pays a $1,000 fine.

Bowman said he was grateful for the quick resolution in the case, and looking forward to putting it behind him. “I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696253301965.png" alt="Rep. Jamal Bowman pulling the alarm photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Jamal Bowman pulling the alarm photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman was charged Wednesday with a misdemeanor for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-fire-alarm-jamaal-bowman-house-bc9c1cca01fa918999621e0f7eb27165">triggering a fire alarm as lawmakers scrambled to pass a funding bill</a>&nbsp;before a government shutdown deadline in September.He is expected to plead guilty, formally apologize and pay a $1,000 fine. The false fire alarm charge would then be dropped if he successfully completes 3 months of probation.The alarm forced the evacuation of a House office building for over an hour. The New York lawmaker has acknowledged pulling the alarm and said it was a mistake. He was in a rush to go to vote, tried to go through a door that was unexpectedly closed and wrongly thought pulling the fire alarm lever would help him open it, he said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Headed back home this morning. Wonder if I need to pull this red alarm thingy to get out the Russell Senate Office building…? <a href="https://t.co/9d7gKTABsJ">pic.twitter.com/9d7gKTABsJ</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1708463092080705986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the time of the evacuation, House Democrats were working to delay a vote on a funding bill to keep federal agencies open. They had said they needed time to review a bill that Republicans abruptly released to avoid a shutdown. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">funding package was ultimately approved</a>&nbsp;with most Republicans and almost all Democrats, including Bowman, supporting the bill.Republicans criticized Bowman after the alarm, and on Wednesday introduced a motion to censure him. Rep. Bryan Steil, the chairman of the Committee on House Administration, referred the case to Capitol police. He called Bowman’s explanation an “excuse."He pointed out that Bowman passed several police officers after pulling the alarm without alerting them about it. Bowman, for his part, has said he was urgently trying to get to the vote and said Republicans would “attempt to distract everyone” with the case.Prosecutors said Bowman was “treated like anyone else who violates the law” and has agreed to pay the maximum fine, according to a spokesperson for the District of Columbia attorney general’s office.Bowman told police at the time he didn’t mean to disrupt any congressional proceeding, according to court documents. He said he didn’t immediately tell anyone about the alarm going off because he was in a hurry to vote.Under an agreement with the D.C. attorney general, the charge will be withdrawn in three months if the congressman provides a formal apology to Capitol police and pays a $1,000 fine.Bowman said he was grateful for the quick resolution in the case, and looking forward to putting it behind him. “I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped," he said.

Congressman charged, to pay fine for pulling Capitol fire alarm

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans eagerly elected Rep. Mike Johnson as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-republicans-emmer-mccarthy-c7ddb6abf4c7322f9fc44fdaa07791fc">House speaker</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the seat of U.S. power and ending for now the political chaos in their majority.

When called for his vote, Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann shouted, "I like Mike!" The GOP members of the House roared with approval.

Johnson, 51, of Louisiana, swept through on the first ballot with support from all Republicans anxious to put the past weeks of tumult behind and get on with the business of governing. He was quickly sworn into office.

“We are ready to get to work again,” he said after taking the gavel.

To the American people watching he said, “Our mission here is to serve you well and to restore the people’s faith in this House.”

A lower-ranked member of the House GOP leadership team, Johnson emerged as the fourth Republican nominee in what had become an almost absurd cycle of political infighting since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy's ouster</a>&nbsp;as GOP factions jockeyed for power. While not the party's top choice for the gavel, the deeply religious and even-keeled Johnson has few foes and an important GOP backer: Donald Trump.

“I think he’s gonna be a fantastic speaker,” Trump said Wednesday at the New York courthouse where the former president, who is now the Republican front-runner for president in 2024, is on trial over a lawsuit alleging business fraud.

Three weeks on without a House speaker, the Republicans have been wasting their majority status — a maddening embarrassment to some, democracy in action to others, but not at all how the House is expected to function.

Far-right members had refused to accept a more traditional speaker, and moderate conservatives didn't want a hard-liner. While Johnson had no opponents during a private party roll call late Tuesday, some two dozen Republicans did not vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">more than enough</a>&nbsp;to sink his nomination.

But when GOP Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik rose to introduce Johnson's name Wednesday as their nominee, Republicans jumped to their feet for a standing ovation.

“House Republicans and Speaker Mike Johnson will never give up,” she said.

Democrats again nominated their leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, criticizing Johnson as an architect of Trump's legal effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

With Republicans controlling the House only 221-212 over Democrats, Johnson could afford just a few detractors to win the gavel. He won 220-209, with a few absences.

Jeffries said House Democrats will work with Republicans whenever possible for the “good of the country.”

Overnight the endorsements for Johnson started pouring in, including from failed speaker hopefuls. Rep. Jim Jordan, the hard-charging Judiciary Committee chairman, gave his support, as did Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the fellow Louisiana congressman, who stood behind Johnson after he won the nomination.

“Mike! Mike! Mike!” lawmakers chanted at a press conference after the late-night internal vote, surrounding Johnson and posing for selfies in a show of support.

Anxious and exhausted, Republican lawmakers are desperately trying to move on.

Johnson's rise comes after a tumultuous month, capped by a head-spinning Tuesday that within a span of a few hours saw one candidate, Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-us-republican-party-thomas-emmer-united-states-house-of-representatives-hockey-744b602f30285f3398da09d1489f37dd">Tom Emmer</a>, the GOP Whip, nominated and then quickly withdraw when it became clear he would be the third candidate unable to secure enough support from GOP colleagues after Trump bashed his nomination.

“He wasn’t MAGA,” said Trump, referring to his Make America Great Again campaign slogan.

Attention quickly turned to Johnson. A lawyer specializing in constitutional issues, Johnson had rallied Republicans around Trump’s legal effort to overturn the 2020 election results.

Elevating Johnson to speaker gives Louisianians two high-ranking GOP leaders, putting him above Scalise, who was rejected by hard-liners in his own bid as speaker.

Johnson is affable and well liked, with a fiery belief system, and colleagues swiftly started giving him their support.

“Democracy is messy sometimes, but it is our system,” Johnson said after winning the nomination. “We’re going to restore your trust in what we do here.”

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led a small band of hard-liners to engineer McCarthy's ouster at the start of the month, posted on social media that “Mike Johnson won’t be the Speaker the Swamp wants but, he is the Speaker America needs.”

Republicans have been flailing all month, unable to conduct routine business as they fight amongst themselves with daunting challenges ahead.

The federal government risks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">a shutdown</a>&nbsp;in a matter of weeks if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by a Nov. 17 deadline to keep services and offices running. More immediately, President Biden has asked Congress to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$105 billion in aid</a>&nbsp;— to help Israel and Ukraine amid their wars and to shore up the U.S. border with Mexico. Federal aviation and farming programs face expiration without action.

Many hard-liners have been resisting a leader who voted for the budget deal that McCarthy struck with Biden earlier this year, which set federal spending levels that far-right Republicans don't agree with and now want to undo. They are pursuing steeper cuts to federal programs and services with next month's funding deadline.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she wanted assurances the candidates would pursue impeachment inquiries into Biden and other top Cabinet officials.

During the turmoil, the House was led by a speaker pro tempore,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-interim-congress-north-carolina-15b8b6cc20afa9d8f18d84765d776736">Rep. Patrick McHenry</a>, R-N.C., the bow tie-wearing chairman of the Financial Services Committee. His main job was to elect a more permanent speaker.

Some Republicans — and Democrats — wanted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-powers-mchenry-875bebd218096a5252840cd8f52cc137">give McHenry more power</a>&nbsp;to get on with the routine business of governing. But McHenry, the first person to be in the position that was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as an emergency measure, declined to back those overtures. He, too, received a standing ovation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698250303541.png" alt="New House Speaker Mike Johnson -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>New House Speaker Mike Johnson -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans eagerly elected Rep. Mike Johnson as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-republicans-emmer-mccarthy-c7ddb6abf4c7322f9fc44fdaa07791fc">House speaker</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the seat of U.S. power and ending for now the political chaos in their majority.When called for his vote, Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann shouted, "I like Mike!" The GOP members of the House roared with approval.Johnson, 51, of Louisiana, swept through on the first ballot with support from all Republicans anxious to put the past weeks of tumult behind and get on with the business of governing. He was quickly sworn into office.“We are ready to get to work again,” he said after taking the gavel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations Speaker Mike Johnson! Mike is a God-fearing father of four and a dedicated public servant. As the House GOP Vice Chair and member of the Judiciary Committee, he has fought to defend our Constitutional rights, hold the Biden administration accountable, and… <a href="https://t.co/iLwpHIcr62">pic.twitter.com/iLwpHIcr62</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1717253014254158322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>To the American people watching he said, “Our mission here is to serve you well and to restore the people’s faith in this House.”A lower-ranked member of the House GOP leadership team, Johnson emerged as the fourth Republican nominee in what had become an almost absurd cycle of political infighting since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy's ouster</a>&nbsp;as GOP factions jockeyed for power. While not the party's top choice for the gavel, the deeply religious and even-keeled Johnson has few foes and an important GOP backer: Donald Trump.“I think he’s gonna be a fantastic speaker,” Trump said Wednesday at the New York courthouse where the former president, who is now the Republican front-runner for president in 2024, is on trial over a lawsuit alleging business fraud.Three weeks on without a House speaker, the Republicans have been wasting their majority status — a maddening embarrassment to some, democracy in action to others, but not at all how the House is expected to function.Far-right members had refused to accept a more traditional speaker, and moderate conservatives didn't want a hard-liner. While Johnson had no opponents during a private party roll call late Tuesday, some two dozen Republicans did not vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">more than enough</a>&nbsp;to sink his nomination.But when GOP Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik rose to introduce Johnson's name Wednesday as their nominee, Republicans jumped to their feet for a standing ovation.“House Republicans and Speaker Mike Johnson will never give up,” she said.Democrats again nominated their leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, criticizing Johnson as an architect of Trump's legal effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.With Republicans controlling the House only 221-212 over Democrats, Johnson could afford just a few detractors to win the gavel. He won 220-209, with a few absences.Jeffries said House Democrats will work with Republicans whenever possible for the “good of the country.”Overnight the endorsements for Johnson started pouring in, including from failed speaker hopefuls. Rep. Jim Jordan, the hard-charging Judiciary Committee chairman, gave his support, as did Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the fellow Louisiana congressman, who stood behind Johnson after he won the nomination.“Mike! Mike! Mike!” lawmakers chanted at a press conference after the late-night internal vote, surrounding Johnson and posing for selfies in a show of support.Anxious and exhausted, Republican lawmakers are desperately trying to move on.Johnson's rise comes after a tumultuous month, capped by a head-spinning Tuesday that within a span of a few hours saw one candidate, Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-us-republican-party-thomas-emmer-united-states-house-of-representatives-hockey-744b602f30285f3398da09d1489f37dd">Tom Emmer</a>, the GOP Whip, nominated and then quickly withdraw when it became clear he would be the third candidate unable to secure enough support from GOP colleagues after Trump bashed his nomination.“He wasn’t MAGA,” said Trump, referring to his Make America Great Again campaign slogan.Attention quickly turned to Johnson. A lawyer specializing in constitutional issues, Johnson had rallied Republicans around Trump’s legal effort to overturn the 2020 election results.Elevating Johnson to speaker gives Louisianians two high-ranking GOP leaders, putting him above Scalise, who was rejected by hard-liners in his own bid as speaker.Johnson is affable and well liked, with a fiery belief system, and colleagues swiftly started giving him their support.“Democracy is messy sometimes, but it is our system,” Johnson said after winning the nomination. “We’re going to restore your trust in what we do here.”Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led a small band of hard-liners to engineer McCarthy's ouster at the start of the month, posted on social media that “Mike Johnson won’t be the Speaker the Swamp wants but, he is the Speaker America needs.”Republicans have been flailing all month, unable to conduct routine business as they fight amongst themselves with daunting challenges ahead.The federal government risks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">a shutdown</a>&nbsp;in a matter of weeks if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by a Nov. 17 deadline to keep services and offices running. More immediately, President Biden has asked Congress to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$105 billion in aid</a>&nbsp;— to help Israel and Ukraine amid their wars and to shore up the U.S. border with Mexico. Federal aviation and farming programs face expiration without action.Many hard-liners have been resisting a leader who voted for the budget deal that McCarthy struck with Biden earlier this year, which set federal spending levels that far-right Republicans don't agree with and now want to undo. They are pursuing steeper cuts to federal programs and services with next month's funding deadline.Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she wanted assurances the candidates would pursue impeachment inquiries into Biden and other top Cabinet officials.During the turmoil, the House was led by a speaker pro tempore,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-interim-congress-north-carolina-15b8b6cc20afa9d8f18d84765d776736">Rep. Patrick McHenry</a>, R-N.C., the bow tie-wearing chairman of the Financial Services Committee. His main job was to elect a more permanent speaker.Some Republicans — and Democrats — wanted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-powers-mchenry-875bebd218096a5252840cd8f52cc137">give McHenry more power</a>&nbsp;to get on with the routine business of governing. But McHenry, the first person to be in the position that was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as an emergency measure, declined to back those overtures. He, too, received a standing ovation.___

Kan. Congressman: I like Mike; House finally elects new Speaker

LeRoy Pierce, a cowboy, entertainer, jokester, and leather craftsman, passed away in the comfort of his home on October 24, 2023, at the age of 93.

LeRoy was born August 6, 1930, to Orville Aaron Pierce and Tabea (Eichman) Pierce in Trego Center, KS. He moved throughout his childhood years until the family settled in Hill City, KS. 

At the age of 10, LeRoy suffered a bone infection in his hip which impacted the rest of his life. He graduated from WaKeeney High School with the class of 1949.

On June 6, 1952, LeRoy married Luella Hughes in WaKeeney, KS. Together they raised four children. 

In 1962, the family moved to Winona, KS where LeRoy worked throughout his years. He worked many jobs due to the ups and downs of his hip, including the Farmer’s Co-op, Oakley Motors, and a custom baling for farmers and ranchers. He raised registered Texas Longhorn cattle and Quarter horses. In 1989, LeRoy bought a shoe repair shop and started repairing boots, shoes, and saddles for the community.

In the 1990s, LeRoy picked up a passion from his childhood and started playing his accordion he had put in the closet for 50 years. Luella played the piano her entire life and was able to bring LeRoy’s talents out. They entertained the WaKeeney community plus many more, that are impossible to mention. LeRoy and Luella loved entertaining during their retirement.

LeRoy will be greatly missed by his loved ones and is survived by his wife Luella Faye (Hughes) Pierce;&nbsp; children Billy (Betty) Pierce, Dana (Gayla) Pierce, Rita (Russ) Decker, Orville Pierce, and daughter-in-law Mavaneen Pierce; grandchildren Matthew (Amy) Pierce, Justin (Kristi) Pierce, Levi (Molly) Pierce, Amber Pierce, Rusti (Louie) Lichtenberg, Kelli (Nicholas) Rubio, Jason (Kindra) Pierce, Tathaya Pierce, Ryan Pierce, and Hunter Pierce; and sisters Lillian Large, Lucille (Charles) Rief, and Myra (Jack Minton) Kraft. He had 16 great-grandchildren and four great- great-grandchildren.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Tabea Pierce, infant brothers Lloyde and Abraham Pierce, sisters Pauline (Clayton) Mong, and Shirley (Gene) Glider.

Visitation is October 29, at 5-7 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, KS and services are scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, KS. Meal to follow at the VFW.

Memorial donations can be made to the Trego County VFW, 400 North Railroad Avenue, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;David LeRoy Pierce, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/david-pierce/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>David LeRoy Pierce</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698249400821.png" alt="David LeRoy Pierce" />
 <figcaption>David LeRoy Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>August 6, 1930 - October 24, 2023LeRoy Pierce, a cowboy, entertainer, jokester, and leather craftsman, passed away in the comfort of his home on October 24, 2023, at the age of 93.LeRoy was born August 6, 1930, to Orville Aaron Pierce and Tabea (Eichman) Pierce in Trego Center, KS. He moved throughout his childhood years until the family settled in Hill City, KS. At the age of 10, LeRoy suffered a bone infection in his hip which impacted the rest of his life. He graduated from WaKeeney High School with the class of 1949.On June 6, 1952, LeRoy married Luella Hughes in WaKeeney, KS. Together they raised four children. In 1962, the family moved to Winona, KS where LeRoy worked throughout his years. He worked many jobs due to the ups and downs of his hip, including the Farmer’s Co-op, Oakley Motors, and a custom baling for farmers and ranchers. He raised registered Texas Longhorn cattle and Quarter horses. In 1989, LeRoy bought a shoe repair shop and started repairing boots, shoes, and saddles for the community.In the 1990s, LeRoy picked up a passion from his childhood and started playing his accordion he had put in the closet for 50 years. Luella played the piano her entire life and was able to bring LeRoy’s talents out. They entertained the WaKeeney community plus many more, that are impossible to mention. LeRoy and Luella loved entertaining during their retirement.LeRoy will be greatly missed by his loved ones and is survived by his wife Luella Faye (Hughes) Pierce;&nbsp; children Billy (Betty) Pierce, Dana (Gayla) Pierce, Rita (Russ) Decker, Orville Pierce, and daughter-in-law Mavaneen Pierce; grandchildren Matthew (Amy) Pierce, Justin (Kristi) Pierce, Levi (Molly) Pierce, Amber Pierce, Rusti (Louie) Lichtenberg, Kelli (Nicholas) Rubio, Jason (Kindra) Pierce, Tathaya Pierce, Ryan Pierce, and Hunter Pierce; and sisters Lillian Large, Lucille (Charles) Rief, and Myra (Jack Minton) Kraft. He had 16 great-grandchildren and four great- great-grandchildren.LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Tabea Pierce, infant brothers Lloyde and Abraham Pierce, sisters Pauline (Clayton) Mong, and Shirley (Gene) Glider.Visitation is October 29, at 5-7 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, KS and services are scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, KS. Meal to follow at the VFW.Memorial donations can be made to the Trego County VFW, 400 North Railroad Avenue, WaKeeney, KS 67672.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;David LeRoy Pierce, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/david-pierce/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

David LeRoy Pierce

JETMORE – Ronnie D. Cole, 68, passed away October 24, 2023 at the family farm with his two sons and wife by his side.

He was born November 25, 1954 in Dodge City, KS; the son of Ralph Ora and Dorothy Elverda Rankin Cole. &nbsp;A lifetime area resident, he was a former teacher/farmer.

He was a member of the Jetmore Methodist Church. &nbsp;Ronnie loved being around children and teaching them music. &nbsp;He served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1977 serving overseas in Korea and was the co-founder of the Sawlog ‘N’ Strings Blue Grass Festival for fifteen years.

On March 15, 1980 he married Diane L. Taylor in Junction City, KS. &nbsp;She survives.

Other survivors include: two sons, Jason (Jasmine) Cole, Westwood, KS and Ryan (Jane) Cole, Buena Vista, CO; brother, Ross W. Cole, Wichita; three grandchildren, Myah, Josh and Aspen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Roma V. Kerns.

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

Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Prairie or Jetmore Methodist Church, both in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<h2>Ronnie D. Cole, Jetmore</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698247802545.jpeg" alt="Ronnie D. Cole" />
 <figcaption>Ronnie D. Cole</figcaption>
 </figure>November 25, 1954 - October 24, 2023JETMORE – Ronnie D. Cole, 68, passed away October 24, 2023 at the family farm with his two sons and wife by his side.He was born November 25, 1954 in Dodge City, KS; the son of Ralph Ora and Dorothy Elverda Rankin Cole. &nbsp;A lifetime area resident, he was a former teacher/farmer.He was a member of the Jetmore Methodist Church. &nbsp;Ronnie loved being around children and teaching them music. &nbsp;He served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1977 serving overseas in Korea and was the co-founder of the Sawlog ‘N’ Strings Blue Grass Festival for fifteen years.On March 15, 1980 he married Diane L. Taylor in Junction City, KS. &nbsp;She survives.Other survivors include: two sons, Jason (Jasmine) Cole, Westwood, KS and Ryan (Jane) Cole, Buena Vista, CO; brother, Ross W. Cole, Wichita; three grandchildren, Myah, Josh and Aspen.He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Roma V. Kerns.Cremation has taken place and a service will be at a later date.Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Prairie or Jetmore Methodist Church, both in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854.&nbsp;&nbsp;To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Ronnie D. Cole, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithmortuary.com/obituary/ronnie-cole/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Ronnie D. Cole

Gerald 'Jerry' Dean Koerner, age 60, from Munjor, Kansas passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, in Gainesville, Texas. He was born November 14, 1962, in Hays, Kansas to Gary Koerner and Jeannie (Dinkel) Koerner. 

Jerry was a life-long resident of Hays and graduate of Hays High School and maintained many of those friendships from adolescence to adulthood. 

He was known by all to be funny, ornery, and sometimes a bit of a troublemaker. He was a lifetime motorcycle enthusiast of Harley Davidsons and spent many years as a driller in the oil field industry. Jerry was also a successful entrepreneur with his pursuits at Koerner Concrete. He took pride in his work and his attention to detail and quality still shines today.

He spent his time riding motorcycles, watching old westerns or anything with John Candy, and enjoying the company of many friends and family. A great conversationalist, Jerry (aka Jer-Bear) could create friendships with people of all walks of life and strived to make everyone he met laugh. 

If you knew Jerry, you knew that his brightest accomplishment was his daughter, Karly. Nothing brought him more joy than to see her successful, happy, resilient, and thriving. He was overjoyed to watch her graduate college, get married, buy her first house, and become a step-mother to her daughter Adalynn. 

Jerry and Baby, his dog and trusty sidekick, spent their days going on drives to the park to chase squirrels, getting Jr. Bacon Burgers from Wendy's, and sitting on the front porch with a snowball and can of Skoal enjoying the peacefulness and quiet Munjor had to offer.

Jerry is survived by daughter Karly Seitz, husband Michael and granddaughter Adalynn of Gainesville, Texas; sister Kimberly Harbolt and husband Joe of Delaware, Ohio; nieces Shayla Bliss and Jaquie Watts and nephew Matt Watts of Delaware, Ohio.

He is preceded in death by father Gary Koerner, mother Jeannie Dinkel Koerner, and brother Matthew Koerner.

Services will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Brock's~Keithley Funeral Home and Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;Visitation will be Friday, October 27, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., also at Brock's~Keithley Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories can be shared on Jerry’s tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>, where friends and family can share cherished memories he leaves behind. Jerry’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Memorials are suggested to Home Hospice of Cooke County or LINK Inc. of Hays in care of Brock’s~Keithley Funeral Homes.

Services are being provided by Brock’s~Keithley Funeral Homes, Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To send flowers to the family of Jerry, please&nbsp;<a href="http://brocks-north-hill-chapel.tributestore.com/?oId=29645127&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1840110272.1682624439:GS1.1.1698098810.162.1.1698098819.51.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Jerry Koerner, Munjor</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698242680718.jpeg" alt="Gerald 'Jerry' Dean Koerner" />
 <figcaption>Gerald 'Jerry' Dean Koerner</figcaption>
 </figure>November 14, 1962 - October 23, 2023Gerald 'Jerry' Dean Koerner, age 60, from Munjor, Kansas passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, in Gainesville, Texas. He was born November 14, 1962, in Hays, Kansas to Gary Koerner and Jeannie (Dinkel) Koerner. Jerry was a life-long resident of Hays and graduate of Hays High School and maintained many of those friendships from adolescence to adulthood. He was known by all to be funny, ornery, and sometimes a bit of a troublemaker. He was a lifetime motorcycle enthusiast of Harley Davidsons and spent many years as a driller in the oil field industry. Jerry was also a successful entrepreneur with his pursuits at Koerner Concrete. He took pride in his work and his attention to detail and quality still shines today.He spent his time riding motorcycles, watching old westerns or anything with John Candy, and enjoying the company of many friends and family. A great conversationalist, Jerry (aka Jer-Bear) could create friendships with people of all walks of life and strived to make everyone he met laugh. If you knew Jerry, you knew that his brightest accomplishment was his daughter, Karly. Nothing brought him more joy than to see her successful, happy, resilient, and thriving. He was overjoyed to watch her graduate college, get married, buy her first house, and become a step-mother to her daughter Adalynn. Jerry and Baby, his dog and trusty sidekick, spent their days going on drives to the park to chase squirrels, getting Jr. Bacon Burgers from Wendy's, and sitting on the front porch with a snowball and can of Skoal enjoying the peacefulness and quiet Munjor had to offer.Jerry is survived by daughter Karly Seitz, husband Michael and granddaughter Adalynn of Gainesville, Texas; sister Kimberly Harbolt and husband Joe of Delaware, Ohio; nieces Shayla Bliss and Jaquie Watts and nephew Matt Watts of Delaware, Ohio.He is preceded in death by father Gary Koerner, mother Jeannie Dinkel Koerner, and brother Matthew Koerner.Services will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Brock's~Keithley Funeral Home and Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;Visitation will be Friday, October 27, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., also at Brock's~Keithley Funeral Home.Condolences and memories can be shared on Jerry’s tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>, where friends and family can share cherished memories he leaves behind. Jerry’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.Memorials are suggested to Home Hospice of Cooke County or LINK Inc. of Hays in care of Brock’s~Keithley Funeral Homes.Services are being provided by Brock’s~Keithley Funeral Homes, Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;To send flowers to the family of Jerry, please&nbsp;<a href="http://brocks-north-hill-chapel.tributestore.com/?oId=29645127&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1840110272.1682624439:GS1.1.1698098810.162.1.1698098819.51.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

Jerry Koerner

TOPEKA, KAN. – Three Kansans have been charged through criminal complaint in Topeka in connection with a robbery that occurred on October 16, 2023, at money lending business, LendNation, according to the United State's Attorney.

LendNation, located on Southwest 10th Avenue in Topeka, is a company that provides various loan options to customers.

According to the criminal complaint, Aaron Elizabeth Fish, 32, of Topeka, store manager of LendNation; Mejia J. Pattillo, 47, of Topeka; and Katelyn Nichole North, 32, of Topeka are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly conspiring together to rob LendNation.

Pattillo is also charged with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly robbing LendNation on October 16, 2023.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Topeka Police Department are investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698152880645.png" alt="Fish-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fish-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – Three Kansans have been charged through criminal complaint in Topeka in connection with a robbery that occurred on October 16, 2023, at money lending business, LendNation, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698153073715.png" alt="Portillo-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Portillo-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LendNation, located on Southwest 10th Avenue in Topeka, is a company that provides various loan options to customers.According to the criminal complaint, Aaron Elizabeth Fish, 32, of Topeka, store manager of LendNation; Mejia J. Pattillo, 47, of Topeka; and Katelyn Nichole North, 32, of Topeka are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly conspiring together to rob LendNation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698152979562.png" alt="North-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>North-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Pattillo is also charged with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly robbing LendNation on October 16, 2023.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Topeka Police Department are investigating the case.

Three charged in Kansas money lending business robbery

Much-needed rain falls in Hays early Wednesday morning

Sue E. Trimble, 70, Hays, died Sunday, October 22, 2023 at HaysMed.

She was born March 4, 1953 in Hays, the daughter of Herbert and Bernetha (Boos) Leiker. 

In 1971, she graduated from Hill City High School. 

She was united in marriage to Joseph Trimble in 1971, and he preceded her in death on May 25, 1990. 

Sue earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was a dedicated early childhood teacher who loved the children she taught in the Garden City school district. She had a strong faith life, enjoyed reading, learning history, and loved her family, extending that love as a foster parent.

Survivors include her mother Bernetha Leiker of Hays, a daughter, Sarah Falke and husband James of Holcomb, three brothers, Mike Leiker and wife Ruth of Hays, Tim Leiker and wife Dot of Elkhart, and Steve Leiker of Russell, a sister, Barbara Moore and husband Bruce of Winfield, and three grandchildren, Arya, Everett, and Finley Falke.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Pastor Russell Kirkpatrick officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Palco Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested and payable to the Hays Public Library. 

Condolences and memories of Sue may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<h2>Sue E. Trimble, Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698240961121.jpeg" alt="Sue E. Trimble" />
 <figcaption>Sue E. Trimble</figcaption>
 </figure>March 4, 1953 - October 22, 2023Sue E. Trimble, 70, Hays, died Sunday, October 22, 2023 at HaysMed.She was born March 4, 1953 in Hays, the daughter of Herbert and Bernetha (Boos) Leiker. In 1971, she graduated from Hill City High School. She was united in marriage to Joseph Trimble in 1971, and he preceded her in death on May 25, 1990. Sue earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was a dedicated early childhood teacher who loved the children she taught in the Garden City school district. She had a strong faith life, enjoyed reading, learning history, and loved her family, extending that love as a foster parent.Survivors include her mother Bernetha Leiker of Hays, a daughter, Sarah Falke and husband James of Holcomb, three brothers, Mike Leiker and wife Ruth of Hays, Tim Leiker and wife Dot of Elkhart, and Steve Leiker of Russell, a sister, Barbara Moore and husband Bruce of Winfield, and three grandchildren, Arya, Everett, and Finley Falke.She was preceded in death by her father.Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Pastor Russell Kirkpatrick officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Palco Cemetery. Memorials are suggested and payable to the Hays Public Library. Condolences and memories of Sue may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Sue E. Trimble

Phyllis Elzene Hurtt (Wales) died peacefully in her home on Monday, October 23, 2023. Phyllis was born on November 26, 1934, in Smith County, Kansas. 

Her parents were Alva and Letha (Yerkes) Wales. In January 1935 Letha passed away, Alva then remarried in 1936 to Leona Abernathy who loved and raised Phyllis. Alva and Leona gave birth to two more children, a son Kay and a daughter Linda. 

Phyllis went to school in Goodland, Kansas.

On October 28, 1950, Phyllis married Scott Bernard Hurtt and they made Colby, KS their home. They had two sons, Joady Scott born May 25, 1951 and Michael Joel on July 4, 1953. 

Phyllis was a homemaker, then worked at the Colby Schools as a cook for over 30 years.

She is survived by her son Joady and his wife Karen of Colby, KS; granddaughter Jayme Pfeifer (Jason) of Oakley, KS; grandson Garrett Hurtt (Jill) of Trenton, NE; great-grandchildren Jackson Pfeifer of Hays, KS and Grace Pfeifer of Oakley, KS; sister Linda Allacher (John) of Atwood, KS and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Scott, brother Kay Wales, son Michael and grandson Steven Hurtt.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Beulah Cemetery in Colby, KS. 

Memorials are suggested to the NWKS Foundation for Hope or Hospice Services, both of Colby, and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. 

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

<h2>Phyllis Elzene Hurtt</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698239451109.jpeg" alt="Phyllis Elzene Hurtt" />
 <figcaption>Phyllis Elzene Hurtt</figcaption>
 </figure>November 26, 1934 - October 23, 2023Phyllis Elzene Hurtt (Wales) died peacefully in her home on Monday, October 23, 2023. Phyllis was born on November 26, 1934, in Smith County, Kansas. Her parents were Alva and Letha (Yerkes) Wales. In January 1935 Letha passed away, Alva then remarried in 1936 to Leona Abernathy who loved and raised Phyllis. Alva and Leona gave birth to two more children, a son Kay and a daughter Linda. Phyllis went to school in Goodland, Kansas.On October 28, 1950, Phyllis married Scott Bernard Hurtt and they made Colby, KS their home. They had two sons, Joady Scott born May 25, 1951 and Michael Joel on July 4, 1953. Phyllis was a homemaker, then worked at the Colby Schools as a cook for over 30 years.She is survived by her son Joady and his wife Karen of Colby, KS; granddaughter Jayme Pfeifer (Jason) of Oakley, KS; grandson Garrett Hurtt (Jill) of Trenton, NE; great-grandchildren Jackson Pfeifer of Hays, KS and Grace Pfeifer of Oakley, KS; sister Linda Allacher (John) of Atwood, KS and several nieces and nephews.Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Scott, brother Kay Wales, son Michael and grandson Steven Hurtt.A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Beulah Cemetery in Colby, KS. Memorials are suggested to the NWKS Foundation for Hope or Hospice Services, both of Colby, and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phyllis Elzene Hurtt

DIGHTON - Albert Elmer Cook, Jr. was born October 22, 1930. He went to the Lord on his 93rd birthday, October 22, 2023. Albert was the son of Elmer Albert and Nina Ethel (Lamb) Cook.

Al graduated from Wellington High School with the Class of 1948. 

Working construction until 1950, Albert joined the United States Navy in 1950. After serving in the Navy on a munitions ship, the USS Titania, during the Korean War, Al returned to Mayfield, KS, and married Marilyn Ann Metzen on August 28th, 1956. Marilyn died January 19, 2008.

Al and Marilyn moved to Dighton, KS, in 1959, Al to teach as the shop teacher at Dighton High School and Marilyn as a cosmetologist at the Green Bonnet. 

After 36 years of teaching industrial arts, coaching football, cross-country, and track, Al retired only to begin serving on the school board for an additional 24 years. During that time, he served also on the Kansas Association of School Boards Risk Management committee. 

He served the community as a member of the American Legion Post #190 and as past commander of the Dighton VFW Post. As a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, he served his church. In addition, Albert had a custom-cutting business that harvested primarily in Summer and Lane County.

Al and Marilyn invested their entire lives in the Dighton community where they raised seven children. 

They are survived by Randy and Lenora Cook, Garden City, KS; Mike and Jenny Cook, Augusta, KS; Greg and Lorinda Cook, Tribune, KS; Rhonda Cook and Amy Carroll, Downingtown, PA; Becky and Steve Daniels, North Attleboro, MA; Mark and Signe Cook, Ellinwood, KS; and Marla and Mike Porch, Halstead, KS. Al and Marilyn were blessed with 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and students too numerous to mention that they considered “family.”

Albert Cook cherished and was dedicated to the parents, students, and people of Dighton that he was so honored to teach, know, and share life with.

Visitation for Albert Cook will be Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Boomhower Funeral Home, Dighton, Kansas. Vigil and rosary will be Friday, October 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dighton, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, with Rev. Donald Bedore officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Dighton Memorial Cemetery. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to Lane County Hospital or Dighton High School, both in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, P.O. Box 891, Dighton, Kansas 67839.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Albert Elmer Cook, Jr., Dighton</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698238865358.png" alt="Albert Elmer Cook, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Albert Elmer Cook, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>October 22, 1930 - October 22, 2023DIGHTON - Albert Elmer Cook, Jr. was born October 22, 1930. He went to the Lord on his 93rd birthday, October 22, 2023. Albert was the son of Elmer Albert and Nina Ethel (Lamb) Cook.Al graduated from Wellington High School with the Class of 1948. Working construction until 1950, Albert joined the United States Navy in 1950. After serving in the Navy on a munitions ship, the USS Titania, during the Korean War, Al returned to Mayfield, KS, and married Marilyn Ann Metzen on August 28th, 1956. Marilyn died January 19, 2008.Al and Marilyn moved to Dighton, KS, in 1959, Al to teach as the shop teacher at Dighton High School and Marilyn as a cosmetologist at the Green Bonnet. After 36 years of teaching industrial arts, coaching football, cross-country, and track, Al retired only to begin serving on the school board for an additional 24 years. During that time, he served also on the Kansas Association of School Boards Risk Management committee. He served the community as a member of the American Legion Post #190 and as past commander of the Dighton VFW Post. As a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, he served his church. In addition, Albert had a custom-cutting business that harvested primarily in Summer and Lane County.Al and Marilyn invested their entire lives in the Dighton community where they raised seven children. They are survived by Randy and Lenora Cook, Garden City, KS; Mike and Jenny Cook, Augusta, KS; Greg and Lorinda Cook, Tribune, KS; Rhonda Cook and Amy Carroll, Downingtown, PA; Becky and Steve Daniels, North Attleboro, MA; Mark and Signe Cook, Ellinwood, KS; and Marla and Mike Porch, Halstead, KS. Al and Marilyn were blessed with 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and students too numerous to mention that they considered “family.”Albert Cook cherished and was dedicated to the parents, students, and people of Dighton that he was so honored to teach, know, and share life with.Visitation for Albert Cook will be Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Boomhower Funeral Home, Dighton, Kansas. Vigil and rosary will be Friday, October 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dighton, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, with Rev. Donald Bedore officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Dighton Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Lane County Hospital or Dighton High School, both in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, P.O. Box 891, Dighton, Kansas 67839.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Albert Elmer Cook, Jr.

Betsy Ruth (Ellsaesser) Losey, 82, Hays, died Monday, October 23, 2023 at Homestead Assisted Living.

She was born June 22, 1941 in Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of Frank T. and Catherine Sarah (McCree) Ellsaesser.

She lived on the family farm north of Hugoton, Kansas until graduating from Hugoton High School and going to Fort Hays State College in Hays, Kansas.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Hugoton, serving in leadership roles in the Methodist Youth Fellowship at the local and state levels. At the time of her death, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hays.

Betsy married William J. Losey on August 13, 1961 at the Wesley Foundation Chapel in Hays, and he preceded her in death on March 16, 2022.

She graduated from Fort Hays State with a BS in elementary education in 1970 and earned an MS in education in 1971. She was an elementary school librarian for USD 489 Hays from 1977 until 2001. She also served as an adjunct faculty for Fort Hays State University College of Education and for the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University. She was an active member of the American Association of School Librarians and the Kansas Association of School Librarians.

She was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for the Wheatland District and Coronado Council, serving on many committees and in the training of leaders for the scouting program. She earned the Silver Beaver and the Wood Badge honors. Betsy enjoyed various crafts and cardmaking.

She is survived by her three children, Bill and Joyce Losey of Hugoton, Jim and Sandy Losey of Hays, and Rebecca Haury of Augusta, six grandchildren, Jennifer Whitmer (John), Amy Garza (Chris), Catherine Losey, Michael Losey (Amanda), Elizabeth Haury, and Steven Haury, six great grandchildren, Jason, Jade, Jacob, and Jana Whitmer, Greyson and Mojo Garza, her siblings, Bonnie Raff of Hope, AR, Barbara Miller of Boulder, CO, and Charles Ellsaesser of Bailey, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband William.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Rev. Delbert Stanton officiating. A private family inurnment will be in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m until service time on Monday at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested and payable to the USD 489 Foundation for the Roosevelt Elementary School Library or to the FHSU Foundation for the Forsyth Library. 

Condolences and memories of Betsy may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<h2>Betsy Ruth Losey, Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698101352898.jpeg" alt="Betsy Ruth Losey" />
 <figcaption>Betsy Ruth Losey</figcaption>
 </figure>Betsy Ruth (Ellsaesser) Losey, 82, Hays, died Monday, October 23, 2023 at Homestead Assisted Living.She was born June 22, 1941 in Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of Frank T. and Catherine Sarah (McCree) Ellsaesser.She lived on the family farm north of Hugoton, Kansas until graduating from Hugoton High School and going to Fort Hays State College in Hays, Kansas.She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Hugoton, serving in leadership roles in the Methodist Youth Fellowship at the local and state levels. At the time of her death, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hays.Betsy married William J. Losey on August 13, 1961 at the Wesley Foundation Chapel in Hays, and he preceded her in death on March 16, 2022.She graduated from Fort Hays State with a BS in elementary education in 1970 and earned an MS in education in 1971. She was an elementary school librarian for USD 489 Hays from 1977 until 2001. She also served as an adjunct faculty for Fort Hays State University College of Education and for the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University. She was an active member of the American Association of School Librarians and the Kansas Association of School Librarians.She was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for the Wheatland District and Coronado Council, serving on many committees and in the training of leaders for the scouting program. She earned the Silver Beaver and the Wood Badge honors. Betsy enjoyed various crafts and cardmaking.She is survived by her three children, Bill and Joyce Losey of Hugoton, Jim and Sandy Losey of Hays, and Rebecca Haury of Augusta, six grandchildren, Jennifer Whitmer (John), Amy Garza (Chris), Catherine Losey, Michael Losey (Amanda), Elizabeth Haury, and Steven Haury, six great grandchildren, Jason, Jade, Jacob, and Jana Whitmer, Greyson and Mojo Garza, her siblings, Bonnie Raff of Hope, AR, Barbara Miller of Boulder, CO, and Charles Ellsaesser of Bailey, CO.She was preceded in death by her parents and husband William.Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Rev. Delbert Stanton officiating. A private family inurnment will be in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m until service time on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested and payable to the USD 489 Foundation for the Roosevelt Elementary School Library or to the FHSU Foundation for the Forsyth Library. Condolences and memories of Betsy may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Betsy Ruth Losey

On Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. 

This bi-annual event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. 

The event will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th St., Hays.

In April of 2023, 4,497 law enforcement agencies nationwide hosted 4,955 collection sites, and collected 663,725 pounds of unused medications. 

Since the inception of the Drug Take Back Day, 17,300,454 pounds of medications have been safely disposed of.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. 

Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag. 

Please note that liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697057676026.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County SheriffOn Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This bi-annual event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. The event will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th St., Hays.In April of 2023, 4,497 law enforcement agencies nationwide hosted 4,955 collection sites, and collected 663,725 pounds of unused medications. Since the inception of the Drug Take Back Day, 17,300,454 pounds of medications have been safely disposed of.&nbsp;The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag. Please note that liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted&nbsp;

Unused prescription drugs Take Back Day is Oct. 28 in Ellis County

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Volleyball ended a long losing streak on their home floor to Washburn on Tuesday night&nbsp; with a four-set victory. It was the first win over the Ichabods in Hays since 2004, snapping a 16-match skid to the Ichabods in Hays. It also snapped a 14-game losing skid to the Ichabods overall, which dated back to the 2015 season when FHSU won in Topeka.

Fort Hays State took the opening set by a score of 25-19, only to see No. 25 ranked Washburn bounce back to tie the match with a 25-17 result in set two. The Tigers took the pivotal third set, 25-23, by rallying for the final two points of the set to break a 23-23 stalemate. They went on to seal the deal in the fourth set, winning 25-22.

The win snapped a 47-match losing skid to AVCA Top 25 ranked opponents for FHSU, which dated back to 2016 when the Tigers knocked off a No. 21 ranked Northwest Missouri State team in Maryville on November 5. FHSU also defeated a No. 6 ranked Central Missouri team earlier that 2016 season on September 30, which was its last win over a Top 25-ranked team in Hays.

The Tigers were able to limit the Ichabods to just an .024 hitting percentage in the first set, forcing 10 attack errors. Half of those hitting errors came in the form of five Tiger blocks in the set, headed by Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;with three as she sealed the set with a solo block.

The Washburn attack quickly heated in the second set, hitting .333 as a team with 13 kills to just two errors. FHSU had its best attacking set of the night (.211), but it was not enough to offset a strong set from a WU team that also put down five service aces in the set.

The Tigers regrouped and battled through a close third set. Neither team led by more than two until FHSU used a 4-0 burst to take an 18-14 lead. Washburn fought back to eventually draw even with FHSU at 22-22 and the teams traded another pair of points to reach 23-23. Washburn helped FHSU's cause with a service error, then Reeves was big on the block again sealing the third set by creating a wall with Riley Tinder&nbsp;to give FHSU a 2-1 lead in the match. FHSU benefitted from nine attack and six service errors by WU in the set. The Tigers needed only 10 kills in the set to offset the 15 Ichabod errors, led by Gracie Rains&nbsp;with four in the frame. Washburn held a slight attacking edge in the set, .152 to .143.

Fort Hays State held Washburn under .100 on attack percentage for the second time in the match for their match-sealing fourth set win. The Tigers outhit the Ichabods .159 to .068 in the set, holding a 15-11 edge in kills. Both teams had eight attacking errors in the set. Down 15-14 in the set, the Tigers rallied for five straight points to a 19-15 lead. Washburn did not go quietly, rallying for four straight points to draw back even at 19-19. Kills from Riley Tinder&nbsp;and Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;triggered another 4-0 run by the Tigers, capped by a WU attack error and service ace from Caiya Stucky. Washburn rallied again for three straight points, getting back within one at 23-22, but Tinder put down her fourth kill of the set and Claire Olson&nbsp;put the match away with another kill to end the long drought against the Ichabods in Hays.

Rains led the way for FHSU in kills with 14, while Tinder added 13. Reeves was big at the net on defense with seven blocks, just one shy of her season high eight that she has reached twice. Stucky distributed 39 assists and Brooke Hyland&nbsp;produced a team-best 22 digs. Stucky and Tinder both had double-doubles as Stucky added 10 digs to her assist total and Tinder added 15 digs to her kill total.

Rylee Unruh paced a cluster of three Ichabods that reached double figures in kills, leading the team with 12. Rachel Schwensen and Jalyn Stevenson each added 11. Corinna McMullen topped a two-setter look from Washburn with 23 assists, followed by 21 from Sydney Conner. McMullen finished with a double-double, adding a team-high 16 digs to her assist total. Austin Broadie led WU in blocks with eight.

Fort Hays State improved to 10-14 overall and 4-11 in the MIAA with the win, while Washburn moved to 14-7 overall and 8-6 in the MIAA. FHSU looks for a winning record at home this season when it plays host to Newman University for Senior Night on Thursday (Oct. 26). The match is set to begin at 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698201292799.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Claire Olson (8) and Ashlyn Reeves (7) attempt a block in an NCAA volleyball match against Washburn in Hays, Kan., Tuesday, October 24, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Claire Olson (8) and Ashlyn Reeves (7) attempt a block in an NCAA volleyball match against Washburn in Hays, Kan., Tuesday, October 24, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Volleyball ended a long losing streak on their home floor to Washburn on Tuesday night&nbsp; with a four-set victory. It was the first win over the Ichabods in Hays since 2004, snapping a 16-match skid to the Ichabods in Hays. It also snapped a 14-game losing skid to the Ichabods overall, which dated back to the 2015 season when FHSU won in Topeka.Fort Hays State took the opening set by a score of 25-19, only to see No. 25 ranked Washburn bounce back to tie the match with a 25-17 result in set two. The Tigers took the pivotal third set, 25-23, by rallying for the final two points of the set to break a 23-23 stalemate. They went on to seal the deal in the fourth set, winning 25-22.The win snapped a 47-match losing skid to AVCA Top 25 ranked opponents for FHSU, which dated back to 2016 when the Tigers knocked off a No. 21 ranked Northwest Missouri State team in Maryville on November 5. FHSU also defeated a No. 6 ranked Central Missouri team earlier that 2016 season on September 30, which was its last win over a Top 25-ranked team in Hays.The Tigers were able to limit the Ichabods to just an .024 hitting percentage in the first set, forcing 10 attack errors. Half of those hitting errors came in the form of five Tiger blocks in the set, headed by Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;with three as she sealed the set with a solo block.The Washburn attack quickly heated in the second set, hitting .333 as a team with 13 kills to just two errors. FHSU had its best attacking set of the night (.211), but it was not enough to offset a strong set from a WU team that also put down five service aces in the set.The Tigers regrouped and battled through a close third set. Neither team led by more than two until FHSU used a 4-0 burst to take an 18-14 lead. Washburn fought back to eventually draw even with FHSU at 22-22 and the teams traded another pair of points to reach 23-23. Washburn helped FHSU's cause with a service error, then Reeves was big on the block again sealing the third set by creating a wall with Riley Tinder&nbsp;to give FHSU a 2-1 lead in the match. FHSU benefitted from nine attack and six service errors by WU in the set. The Tigers needed only 10 kills in the set to offset the 15 Ichabod errors, led by Gracie Rains&nbsp;with four in the frame. Washburn held a slight attacking edge in the set, .152 to .143.Fort Hays State held Washburn under .100 on attack percentage for the second time in the match for their match-sealing fourth set win. The Tigers outhit the Ichabods .159 to .068 in the set, holding a 15-11 edge in kills. Both teams had eight attacking errors in the set. Down 15-14 in the set, the Tigers rallied for five straight points to a 19-15 lead. Washburn did not go quietly, rallying for four straight points to draw back even at 19-19. Kills from Riley Tinder&nbsp;and Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;triggered another 4-0 run by the Tigers, capped by a WU attack error and service ace from Caiya Stucky. Washburn rallied again for three straight points, getting back within one at 23-22, but Tinder put down her fourth kill of the set and Claire Olson&nbsp;put the match away with another kill to end the long drought against the Ichabods in Hays.Rains led the way for FHSU in kills with 14, while Tinder added 13. Reeves was big at the net on defense with seven blocks, just one shy of her season high eight that she has reached twice. Stucky distributed 39 assists and Brooke Hyland&nbsp;produced a team-best 22 digs. Stucky and Tinder both had double-doubles as Stucky added 10 digs to her assist total and Tinder added 15 digs to her kill total.Rylee Unruh paced a cluster of three Ichabods that reached double figures in kills, leading the team with 12. Rachel Schwensen and Jalyn Stevenson each added 11. Corinna McMullen topped a two-setter look from Washburn with 23 assists, followed by 21 from Sydney Conner. McMullen finished with a double-double, adding a team-high 16 digs to her assist total. Austin Broadie led WU in blocks with eight.Fort Hays State improved to 10-14 overall and 4-11 in the MIAA with the win, while Washburn moved to 14-7 overall and 8-6 in the MIAA. FHSU looks for a winning record at home this season when it plays host to Newman University for Senior Night on Thursday (Oct. 26). The match is set to begin at 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Tigers upend No. 25 Washburn 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the second straight week, Fort Hays State Women's Soccer is among the list of teams receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. FHSU enters the final week of the regular season with an overall record of 11-2-3.

FHSU will take on its second-straight nationally ranked opponent when its hosts Washburn on Friday night in Hays. The Ichabods are up to No. 6 in the latest poll, currently at 14-1-1 overall on the season. FHSU and Washburn met earlier this season in a non-conference match in Topeka, which went the way of Washburn by a score of 2-1. The Ichabods were not ranked yet when that contest happened on September 22. FHSU looks to extend its win streak against WU in Hays, which currently sits at four-straight matches going back to 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698200804717.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the second straight week, Fort Hays State Women's Soccer is among the list of teams receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. FHSU enters the final week of the regular season with an overall record of 11-2-3.FHSU will take on its second-straight nationally ranked opponent when its hosts Washburn on Friday night in Hays. The Ichabods are up to No. 6 in the latest poll, currently at 14-1-1 overall on the season. FHSU and Washburn met earlier this season in a non-conference match in Topeka, which went the way of Washburn by a score of 2-1. The Ichabods were not ranked yet when that contest happened on September 22. FHSU looks to extend its win streak against WU in Hays, which currently sits at four-straight matches going back to 2018.This week will prove to be an exciting chase for the MIAA regular season title. Fort Hays State and No. 15 ranked Central Missouri are tied for second place in the MIAA standings, only a game back of Washburn. Washburn is 8-0-1 in MIAA play, while FHSU and UCM are both 7-1-1. The Tigers are looking to pull back even with Washburn for first place in the standings after keeping pace at the top the past two weeks. After the contest with Washburn on Friday, FHSU finishes the regular season and conference slate at Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday.The Tigers have already clinched a berth to the MIAA Tournament and a home match in the quarterfinals on Friday, November 3, but have their sites on a potential conference title this week.Fort Hays State ranked as high as No. 22 in the Top 25 Poll last year. This is the third straight season the FHSU women have at least received votes in the national poll.United Soccer Coaches Women's Division II Top 25 Poll (October 24, 2023) 1. Catawba College 14-0-0 2. Ashland 13-0-2 3. College of Saint Rose 13-0-1 4. Colorado Mesa 12-1-1 5. Kutztown 11-0-4 6. Washburn 14-1-1 7. Lee 11-0-4 8. Concordia Irvine 10-1-1 9. University of Charleston 13-0-2 10. Hawaii-Hilo 10-1-1 11. Adelphi 9-1-4 12. Northern Michigan 11-1-3 13. Lenoir-Rhyne 11-0-3 14. Colorado School of Mines 11-2-3 15. Central Missouri 12-3-1 16. West Florida 13-1-1 17. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Fla.) 9-1-3 18. Minnesota State-Mankato 9-2-5 19. Flagler College 10-1-3 20. Grand Valley State 8-2-5 21. Mercyhurst 13-2-0 22. Dallas Baptist 8-0-4 23. Saint Anselm College 6-4-5 24. Seattle Pacific 10-2-3 25. Colorado-Colorado Springs 9-3-3Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Florida Tech,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, Mississippi College, Maryville University of St. Louis, Frostburg State University, Jefferson University&nbsp;&nbsp;