By DAWNE LEIKER Special to the Hays Post

BIRD CITY — When the first “official” Antique Engine &amp; Thresher Association show opened in 1953 at Roy and Leone Kite’s farm northeast of Bird City, it’s doubtful that its organizers could imagine that 70 years later, the show would continue to entertain and amaze crowds.&nbsp;

But there they were, more than a thousand people from all over the country, enjoying the festive spirit of the Antique Engine and Thresher three-day event on the last Saturday in July, accompanied by the sounds of engines chuff, chuffing, and whistles piercing the air.

This year’s event, which ran from July 27 to 29, was highlighted by the Central States Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors, boasting exhibitors from Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. Granddaughters of Charles H. Parr were on hand to discuss the history of their family business. Charles Parr, along with Charles W. Hart, is credited with starting the farm tractor industry from their Charles City, Iowa, factory in 1901.&nbsp;

Seventeen operating steam traction engines chugged to life on the showgrounds. Along with the engines, events included tractor pulls, kids’ activities, sawmill and blacksmithing demonstrations, and much more.

For Riley Neff, 16, Emporia, operating his great-grandpa and great-uncle’s 1908 steam engine is just part of his identity.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s just fun to build a big old fire in there and show everybody. Giving people rides is probably my favorite part.”

Riley’s engine is dedicated to the memory of two individuals passionate about steam engines: Riley’s grandfather, Mike Smith, who passed away in 2005, and John B. O’Neal, who died in a grain elevator accident at age 22.&nbsp;

Riley prepared to give 6-year-old Kaiden Lauer of St. Francis a ride on his steam engine during Saturday's show. Kaiden said it would be his sixth ride on one of the machines.

Kaiden’s grandfather, Roger Orth, St. Francis, said Kaiden lives on a farm, is obsessed with steam engines and watches YouTube videos about engines whenever possible.&nbsp;

“He gets to experience the old times as well as the new times,” Orth said. The engine whistle interrupted their conversation, and Orth smiled at his grandson. “You’ve heard that before, haven’t you?”

Maintaining an antique steam engine is a year-round effort, said Will Clark of Oakley. He serves as an engineer for a 1910 75-horse Case steam engine owned by Ben Brent of Colorado.&nbsp;

“Basically, the most important things are water level and oiling,” Clark said. “If there’s water left in it over the winter, it creates ice problems and you have broken metal parts from ice contraction and expansion.”

Brent’s engine has been stored on the Thresher Show grounds for seven years.&nbsp;

The love for the antique machines is contagious for many of the show’s participants. Lynn Osburn, Denver, who gave a steam engine talk during the day’s scheduled activities, said his interest in steam engines began at age 11 when his dad brought him to his first show in Bird City.&nbsp;

“It made an impression on me,” he said. “Here was a chance to play with fire and not get in trouble.”

Fast forward 25 years, and Osburn decided to reconnect with the Bird City show’s organizer, Gerald Wright, to learn more about steam engineering. Wright put Osburn to work, telling him that the best way to learn about the engines was to work on them.

Since then, Osburn, a computer consultant, has been coming to the show every year.&nbsp;

“If you think about it, this (steam engine) was the highest tech thing going on 120 years ago,” he said. “I kind of like to think that if I was born 100 years ago, this is what I would have done. It was the highest high-tech available. There’s more to it than meets the eye.”

For Kris Oldsen, treasurer of the Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Association and economic director of Cheyenne County, the rewards of the show can be seen in the faces of the community members who attend.&nbsp;

“Seeing everybody here because they love tractors or steam engines is great, but some of them just love to be here because it’s a good day to spend with the kids,” she said. “The whole reason we do it is to see everybody out here happy, having fun.”

As many of the association’s volunteers begin to “age out,” Oldsen said, finding enough volunteers to make a successful show is challenging. Typically, 30 volunteers during the three-day event are needed to assist the nine volunteers who work year-round to plan and facilitate the show.

The Thresher showground is like a little town unto itself. With 31 buildings displaying various aspects of tri-state history, the grounds also house a 4,000-square-foot museum, which recently underwent remodeling.&nbsp;

In addition to the thresher show, the association hosts two other annual events. A Mule and Draft Horse Show will be presented during the first full weekend of October. Then during the last weekend of April 2024, a Military Show with a reenactment of WWII will occur on the grounds.

Looking ahead to the year 2025, the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association will host the annual Rumely Expo. This expo is hosted at various engine clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada and displays a comprehensive collection of Rumely Company artifacts. The show is anticipated to bring more than triple the attendance of the annual Antique Engine and Thresher Show. &nbsp;

More information about the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association is available on the association’s website: <a href="https://threshershow.org/">https://threshershow.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691178699556.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691169995751.jpeg" alt="Ben Brent and Will Clark discuss the maintenance of steam threshing machines with an attendee of the annual show. This machine, previously owned by Kimel Brent, Ben’s grandfather, is estimated to weigh between 35,000 and 40,000 pounds. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ben Brent and Will Clark discuss the maintenance of steam threshing machines with an attendee of the annual show. This machine, previously owned by Kimel Brent, Ben’s grandfather, is estimated to weigh between 35,000 and 40,000 pounds. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAWNE LEIKER Special to the Hays PostBIRD CITY — When the first “official” Antique Engine &amp; Thresher Association show opened in 1953 at Roy and Leone Kite’s farm northeast of Bird City, it’s doubtful that its organizers could imagine that 70 years later, the show would continue to entertain and amaze crowds.&nbsp;But there they were, more than a thousand people from all over the country, enjoying the festive spirit of the Antique Engine and Thresher three-day event on the last Saturday in July, accompanied by the sounds of engines chuff, chuffing, and whistles piercing the air.This year’s event, which ran from July 27 to 29, was highlighted by the Central States Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors, boasting exhibitors from Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. Granddaughters of Charles H. Parr were on hand to discuss the history of their family business. Charles Parr, along with Charles W. Hart, is credited with starting the farm tractor industry from their Charles City, Iowa, factory in 1901.&nbsp;Seventeen operating steam traction engines chugged to life on the showgrounds. Along with the engines, events included tractor pulls, kids’ activities, sawmill and blacksmithing demonstrations, and much more.For Riley Neff, 16, Emporia, operating his great-grandpa and great-uncle’s 1908 steam engine is just part of his identity.“I love it,” he said. “It’s just fun to build a big old fire in there and show everybody. Giving people rides is probably my favorite part.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170049151.jpeg" alt="Flames are seen in the firebox of a 1910 75-horsepower Case.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Flames are seen in the firebox of a 1910 75-horsepower Case.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Riley’s engine is dedicated to the memory of two individuals passionate about steam engines: Riley’s grandfather, Mike Smith, who passed away in 2005, and John B. O’Neal, who died in a grain elevator accident at age 22.&nbsp;Riley prepared to give 6-year-old Kaiden Lauer of St. Francis a ride on his steam engine during Saturday's show. Kaiden said it would be his sixth ride on one of the machines.Kaiden’s grandfather, Roger Orth, St. Francis, said Kaiden lives on a farm, is obsessed with steam engines and watches YouTube videos about engines whenever possible.&nbsp;“He gets to experience the old times as well as the new times,” Orth said. The engine whistle interrupted their conversation, and Orth smiled at his grandson. “You’ve heard that before, haven’t you?”Kaiden nodded “yes,” happily.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170149452.jpeg" alt="Roger Orth, Riley Neff, and Kaiden Lauer, prepare Riley’s engine for an upcoming ride. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Roger Orth, Riley Neff, and Kaiden Lauer, prepare Riley’s engine for an upcoming ride. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Maintaining an antique steam engine is a year-round effort, said Will Clark of Oakley. He serves as an engineer for a 1910 75-horse Case steam engine owned by Ben Brent of Colorado.&nbsp;“Basically, the most important things are water level and oiling,” Clark said. “If there’s water left in it over the winter, it creates ice problems and you have broken metal parts from ice contraction and expansion.”Brent’s engine has been stored on the Thresher Show grounds for seven years.&nbsp;The love for the antique machines is contagious for many of the show’s participants. Lynn Osburn, Denver, who gave a steam engine talk during the day’s scheduled activities, said his interest in steam engines began at age 11 when his dad brought him to his first show in Bird City.&nbsp;“It made an impression on me,” he said. “Here was a chance to play with fire and not get in trouble.”Fast forward 25 years, and Osburn decided to reconnect with the Bird City show’s organizer, Gerald Wright, to learn more about steam engineering. Wright put Osburn to work, telling him that the best way to learn about the engines was to work on them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170177933.jpeg" alt="Riley Neff, Emporia, with his 1908 Case threshing machine.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Riley Neff, Emporia, with his 1908 Case threshing machine.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Since then, Osburn, a computer consultant, has been coming to the show every year.&nbsp;“If you think about it, this (steam engine) was the highest tech thing going on 120 years ago,” he said. “I kind of like to think that if I was born 100 years ago, this is what I would have done. It was the highest high-tech available. There’s more to it than meets the eye.”For Kris Oldsen, treasurer of the Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Association and economic director of Cheyenne County, the rewards of the show can be seen in the faces of the community members who attend.&nbsp;“Seeing everybody here because they love tractors or steam engines is great, but some of them just love to be here because it’s a good day to spend with the kids,” she said. “The whole reason we do it is to see everybody out here happy, having fun.”As many of the association’s volunteers begin to “age out,” Oldsen said, finding enough volunteers to make a successful show is challenging. Typically, 30 volunteers during the three-day event are needed to assist the nine volunteers who work year-round to plan and facilitate the show.The Thresher showground is like a little town unto itself. With 31 buildings displaying various aspects of tri-state history, the grounds also house a 4,000-square-foot museum, which recently underwent remodeling.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170216786.jpeg" alt="Riley Neff, Kaiden Lauer, and Roger Orth get onboard for a ride around the showgrounds.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Riley Neff, Kaiden Lauer, and Roger Orth get onboard for a ride around the showgrounds.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to the thresher show, the association hosts two other annual events. A Mule and Draft Horse Show will be presented during the first full weekend of October. Then during the last weekend of April 2024, a Military Show with a reenactment of WWII will occur on the grounds.Looking ahead to the year 2025, the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association will host the annual Rumely Expo. This expo is hosted at various engine clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada and displays a comprehensive collection of Rumely Company artifacts. The show is anticipated to bring more than triple the attendance of the annual Antique Engine and Thresher Show. &nbsp;More information about the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association is available on the association’s website: <a href="https://threshershow.org/">https://threshershow.org/</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691171718352.jpeg" alt="A sawmill demonstration was one of many activities showcasing the history of farm life.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A sawmill demonstration was one of many activities showcasing the history of farm life.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Fire and Water: Antique Engine, Thresher festival celebrates 70 years in Bird City

More than 30 states prohibit cities from enacting rent control, but several states considered repeals.

By&nbsp;ROBBIE SEQUEIRA&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

With rents soaring&nbsp;since the COVID-19 pandemic tightened the housing supply, more local governments are considering rent control to keep increases in check and, ideally, protect struggling tenants whose incomes haven’t&nbsp;kept pace.

At the same time, some states are enacting measures to prohibit cities from adopting rent control, a policy that has long divided economists and housing experts.

Some policy analysts say restrictions exacerbate the housing crunch by keeping tenants in place longer than they’d otherwise stay. And some research has raised questions about whether the true beneficiaries are renters with low incomes or those with high incomes.

Rent regulation policies — known as rent control or rent stabilization — dictate how often and by how much a landlord can increase rents. More than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.naahq.org/rent-control-policy#:~:text=Currently%2C%2033%20states%20preempt%20local,the%20state%20or%20local%20level.">200 local governments</a>&nbsp;have a rent control policy in place, according to the National Apartment Association, an industry group.

More local governments are working to join the list.

Late last month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=42953&amp;Dept=1">Maryland’s Montgomery County</a>&nbsp;— one of three Maryland counties to adopt rent control ordinances this year and the state’s largest at&nbsp;more than&nbsp;a million residents —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apps.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccllims/DownloadFilePage?FileName=2790_1_25174_Bill_15-23_Signed_20230724.pdf">capped annual rent increases</a>&nbsp;at 6%.

In Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the City Council are struggling to push&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3744">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would exempt the city from the state’s 30-year-old rent control ban.

And in Seattle, the City Council in July debated a rent control proposal; but at an Aug. 1 meeting — amid chants of “housing is a human right” — the proposal failed on a 6-2 vote.

The bill would have created a trigger law that would go into effect in the event that Washington state’s 42-year ban on local rent control is overturned. Councilmember Kshama Sawant, the bill’s main sponsor, said during the vote that the bill was necessary to prompt the state legislature to repeal the law.

In 2020, Montgomery County responded to the pandemic by passing an emergency rent control act that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2022/20220726/20220726_24.pdf">capped</a>&nbsp;annual rent increases at 4%. When regular rent increases resumed in August 2022, rents in the county —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OLO/Resources/Files/2023_reports/OLOReport2023-5.pdf">where 40% of residents are renters</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;skyrocketed and more people were evicted, said Natali Fani-Gonzalez, a Democratic member of the Montgomery County council who introduced the rent control measure.

“This huge push for rent stabilization across city government is one of the consequences of the pandemic,” Fani-Gonzalez said.

The measure approved in July, which passed on a 7-4 vote, takes effect in October.

Fani-Gonzalez told Stateline that the new ordinance was “controversial” and contentious among the 11-person board but that she believes it will help ensure short- and long-term housing affordability.

“The heart of the whole piece of legislation is the cap for renting prices. … But managing to do so — that was a happy medium for renters and investment in our real estate,” she said.

“I saw this as an anti-rent-gouging effort, and during the pandemic, we had a measure in place that acted as rent control,” she added. “But it was temporary and when it ended, rent rose, and it put a burden on our residents.”

But Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, a Democrat who voted no, said he worried that it would disrupt the housing marketplace. Democratic Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe feared the bill would end up reducing the housing supply, pushing up prices.

In 2019, Oregon became the first to pass a statewide rent control law, capping increases at 7% a year plus inflation. Later that year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1482">California followed by capping rent increases at 10%</a>&nbsp;per year.

Both states have seen actions to expand rent control.

In Oregon, renters were stunned when last year’s high inflation led to legal rent increases of more than 14%. In response, lawmakers this year amended the law to cap rent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/05/04/watered-down-rent-control-bill-clears-oregon-senate-panel/">increases</a>&nbsp;at either 10% or 7% plus inflation, whichever is lower.

In California, voters could change the scope of rent control if they pass the Justice for Renters Act&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/22-0008%20%28%20%26quot%3BJustice%20for%20Renters%20Act%26quot%3B%20%29.pdf">proposal</a>&nbsp;in 2024. The ballot initiative would repeal the<a target="_blank" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;division=3.&amp;title=5.&amp;part=4.&amp;chapter=2.7.&amp;article=">&nbsp;Costa-Hawkins Rental Act</a>, a 1995 law that exempts single-family homes and condominiums, plus post-1995 construction, from rent control.

Dan Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said California’s rent regulation policies are “oppressive” on the rental industry, with many mom-and-pop landlords hamstrung by rising costs of managing properties.

Yukelson said one of the harms in a possible repeal of the Costa-Hawkins Act is the elimination of vacancy decontrol, which sets the rent amount at market or near market levels when the unit is vacant. He says the act helps smaller landlords compete in a tight California housing market.

“Smaller owners who just can’t deal with these layers of regulation are getting out of the [rental] business,” Yukelson told Stateline. “There’s a complete misunderstanding on the side of elected officials on what it takes to operate rental housing. So, either the government needs to run all the rental housing, or there needs to be some easing up on these regulations.”

At least 30 states&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.naahq.org/rent-control-policy#:~:text=Currently%2C%2033%20states%20preempt%20local,the%20state%20or%20local%20level.">preempt local governments</a>&nbsp;from adopting rent control laws. Five states without statewide rent regulations — Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York, along with Washington, D.C. — allow rent control at the local level.

The National Multifamily Housing Council tracked 23 states that had measures related to rent control enactment in the works heading into 2023, but none has led to a statewide measure or repeal.

However, a few states were successful in strengthening preemption laws this year.

In March, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on a bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/102/ByCategory">preventing local rent control.</a>

Montana enacted a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0210W$BSIV.ActionQuery?P_BILL_NO1=105&amp;P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=SB&amp;Z_ACTION=Find&amp;P_SESS=20231">rent control ban</a>&nbsp;on private and commercial property. State Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, a high-ranking Republican in the legislature, told Stateline that rent control measures could discourage landlords from investing in the state’s real estate market.

“This was a way for us to fill some of the gaps in our previous laws, where a particular cap measure could be implemented on certain property,” Fitzpatrick said.

So far this year, efforts to repeal these preemptions have fallen short.

<a target="_blank" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1115">Legislation</a>&nbsp;that would have repealed Colorado’s 4-decade-old ban on local rent control died in a committee. Similar bills&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/214154">in Georgia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/23%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0099.pdf">New Mexico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewBillDocument/2023/1419/0/DRS15099-NK-56B">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;also failed to advance.

Economists and housing experts disagree on whether rent control is effective. One challenge is that rent regulation differs so greatly from city to city, according to Jen Butler, a spokesperson for the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an advocacy group.

“This diversity in rent stabilization policies has resulted in mixed evidence as to the impact of them on the rental housing supply and rents,” Butler said in an interview. “These policies protect renters currently in homes covered by the policy from unaffordable rent increases — but they can also encourage these same renters to remain in place longer than they typically would, while renters in homes not covered by the policy are left without similar protections.”

Proponents of rent control, among them Rutgers University economist Mark Paul, say arguments against rent control lack empirical evidence.

“I think it’s important to note that rent control does not say landlords can’t profit off their property. That’s not the point of rent control,” said Paul. “Rent control is limiting the ability of landlords, or corporately owned property owners from raising the rent by 6, 8 or 12% a year and pricing people out of their homes.”

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cura.umn.edu/research/minneapolis-rent-stabilization-study">2021 University of Minnesota study</a>&nbsp;published by the university’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs suggests that rent control policies increased housing stability, and there is little evidence that those policies negatively impacted new construction — which is dependent on localized economic cycles and credit markets.

That same study, which reviewed rent control policies of four cities (Oakland, California; Newark, New Jersey; Sacramento, California; and Portland, Oregon) pointed out that there is debate on whether most rent regulation benefits are going to the neediest renters.

When Minneapolis floated the possibility of rent stabilization earlier this year, a study requested by the city council advised against it, suggesting it would not offer much help to city residents.

The No. 1 driver of long-term U.S. homelessness, housing policy experts and advocates said recently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RJYszWSs2A&amp;feature=youtu.be">during a joint press call with media members</a>, is rising rents.

“For 75 years, the long-term trend has been that the cost of modest rental housing has been going up faster than modest income,” said Steve Berg, chief policy officer for the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Between 2019 and 2021,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/among-lowest-income-renters-latine-and-black-renters-experienced-greatest-rent-increase">median rents</a>&nbsp;went up by 12% for renters in households making less than $15,000, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank.

Those increases, said Peggy Bailey, vice president of housing and income security for the center, “were not met with corresponding increases in income” and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/among-lowest-income-renters-latine-and-black-renters-experienced-greatest-rent-increase">&nbsp;disproportionately affected Black and Latino renters</a>.

According to 2017-2021 census data, more than 19 million renters in the United States are considered rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. In New York City, renters on average spend more than 68% of their income on rent, according to a January Moody’s Analytics&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cre.moodysanalytics.com/insights/market-insights/q4-2022-housing-affordability-update/">report</a>.

There also is a dearth of affordable rental housing. Low-cost rentals fell by 3.9 million units over the past decade, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_The_State_of_the_Nations_Housing_2023.pdf">report</a>.

In Indiana, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iga.in.gov/laws/2022/ic/titles/32#32-31-1-20">prohibits local rent control</a>, Indiana University McKinney School of Law professor Fran Quigley has had his law students working closely with tenants in Indiana’s eviction court. Rent control, Quigley believes, could change housing outcomes in the Hoosier State, where&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionresearch.net/indiana/">evictions</a>&nbsp;surpassed historical average levels in March 2022.

“I think rent control momentum is going to continue to build, because we have 44 million rental households in this nation and that’s a really powerful political block,” said Quigley. “Folks get mobilized, speak out, and rent control on the ballot does very well. … That works in the favor of momentum going forward.”

This story was produced by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>, an affiliate of States Newsroom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691426453470.png" alt="Residents of Montgomery County, Maryland, show up at council chambers in support of a rent control ordinance. In July, the county passed rent control measures, capping rent increases at 6%. (Montgomery County)" />
 <figcaption>Residents of Montgomery County, Maryland, show up at council chambers in support of a rent control ordinance. In July, the county passed rent control measures, capping rent increases at 6%. (Montgomery County)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 30 states prohibit cities from enacting rent control, but several states considered repeals.</h2>By&nbsp;ROBBIE SEQUEIRA&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>With rents soaring&nbsp;since the COVID-19 pandemic tightened the housing supply, more local governments are considering rent control to keep increases in check and, ideally, protect struggling tenants whose incomes haven’t&nbsp;kept pace.At the same time, some states are enacting measures to prohibit cities from adopting rent control, a policy that has long divided economists and housing experts.Some policy analysts say restrictions exacerbate the housing crunch by keeping tenants in place longer than they’d otherwise stay. And some research has raised questions about whether the true beneficiaries are renters with low incomes or those with high incomes.Rent regulation policies — known as rent control or rent stabilization — dictate how often and by how much a landlord can increase rents. More than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.naahq.org/rent-control-policy#:~:text=Currently%2C%2033%20states%20preempt%20local,the%20state%20or%20local%20level.">200 local governments</a>&nbsp;have a rent control policy in place, according to the National Apartment Association, an industry group.More local governments are working to join the list.Late last month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=42953&amp;Dept=1">Maryland’s Montgomery County</a>&nbsp;— one of three Maryland counties to adopt rent control ordinances this year and the state’s largest at&nbsp;more than&nbsp;a million residents —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apps.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccllims/DownloadFilePage?FileName=2790_1_25174_Bill_15-23_Signed_20230724.pdf">capped annual rent increases</a>&nbsp;at 6%.In Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the City Council are struggling to push&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3744">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would exempt the city from the state’s 30-year-old rent control ban.And in Seattle, the City Council in July debated a rent control proposal; but at an Aug. 1 meeting — amid chants of “housing is a human right” — the proposal failed on a 6-2 vote.The bill would have created a trigger law that would go into effect in the event that Washington state’s 42-year ban on local rent control is overturned. Councilmember Kshama Sawant, the bill’s main sponsor, said during the vote that the bill was necessary to prompt the state legislature to repeal the law.<h2>Housing shortages</h2>In 2020, Montgomery County responded to the pandemic by passing an emergency rent control act that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2022/20220726/20220726_24.pdf">capped</a>&nbsp;annual rent increases at 4%. When regular rent increases resumed in August 2022, rents in the county —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OLO/Resources/Files/2023_reports/OLOReport2023-5.pdf">where 40% of residents are renters</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;skyrocketed and more people were evicted, said Natali Fani-Gonzalez, a Democratic member of the Montgomery County council who introduced the rent control measure.“This huge push for rent stabilization across city government is one of the consequences of the pandemic,” Fani-Gonzalez said.The measure approved in July, which passed on a 7-4 vote, takes effect in October.Fani-Gonzalez told Stateline that the new ordinance was “controversial” and contentious among the 11-person board but that she believes it will help ensure short- and long-term housing affordability.“The heart of the whole piece of legislation is the cap for renting prices. … But managing to do so — that was a happy medium for renters and investment in our real estate,” she said.“I saw this as an anti-rent-gouging effort, and during the pandemic, we had a measure in place that acted as rent control,” she added. “But it was temporary and when it ended, rent rose, and it put a burden on our residents.”But Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, a Democrat who voted no, said he worried that it would disrupt the housing marketplace. Democratic Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe feared the bill would end up reducing the housing supply, pushing up prices.<h2>State laws</h2>In 2019, Oregon became the first to pass a statewide rent control law, capping increases at 7% a year plus inflation. Later that year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1482">California followed by capping rent increases at 10%</a>&nbsp;per year.Both states have seen actions to expand rent control.In Oregon, renters were stunned when last year’s high inflation led to legal rent increases of more than 14%. In response, lawmakers this year amended the law to cap rent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/05/04/watered-down-rent-control-bill-clears-oregon-senate-panel/">increases</a>&nbsp;at either 10% or 7% plus inflation, whichever is lower.In California, voters could change the scope of rent control if they pass the Justice for Renters Act&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/22-0008%20%28%20%26quot%3BJustice%20for%20Renters%20Act%26quot%3B%20%29.pdf">proposal</a>&nbsp;in 2024. The ballot initiative would repeal the<a target="_blank" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;division=3.&amp;title=5.&amp;part=4.&amp;chapter=2.7.&amp;article=">&nbsp;Costa-Hawkins Rental Act</a>, a 1995 law that exempts single-family homes and condominiums, plus post-1995 construction, from rent control.Dan Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said California’s rent regulation policies are “oppressive” on the rental industry, with many mom-and-pop landlords hamstrung by rising costs of managing properties.Yukelson said one of the harms in a possible repeal of the Costa-Hawkins Act is the elimination of vacancy decontrol, which sets the rent amount at market or near market levels when the unit is vacant. He says the act helps smaller landlords compete in a tight California housing market.“Smaller owners who just can’t deal with these layers of regulation are getting out of the [rental] business,” Yukelson told Stateline. “There’s a complete misunderstanding on the side of elected officials on what it takes to operate rental housing. So, either the government needs to run all the rental housing, or there needs to be some easing up on these regulations.”At least 30 states&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.naahq.org/rent-control-policy#:~:text=Currently%2C%2033%20states%20preempt%20local,the%20state%20or%20local%20level.">preempt local governments</a>&nbsp;from adopting rent control laws. Five states without statewide rent regulations — Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York, along with Washington, D.C. — allow rent control at the local level.The National Multifamily Housing Council tracked 23 states that had measures related to rent control enactment in the works heading into 2023, but none has led to a statewide measure or repeal.However, a few states were successful in strengthening preemption laws this year.In March, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on a bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/102/ByCategory">preventing local rent control.</a>Montana enacted a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0210W$BSIV.ActionQuery?P_BILL_NO1=105&amp;P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=SB&amp;Z_ACTION=Find&amp;P_SESS=20231">rent control ban</a>&nbsp;on private and commercial property. State Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, a high-ranking Republican in the legislature, told Stateline that rent control measures could discourage landlords from investing in the state’s real estate market.“This was a way for us to fill some of the gaps in our previous laws, where a particular cap measure could be implemented on certain property,” Fitzpatrick said.So far this year, efforts to repeal these preemptions have fallen short.<a target="_blank" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1115">Legislation</a>&nbsp;that would have repealed Colorado’s 4-decade-old ban on local rent control died in a committee. Similar bills&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/214154">in Georgia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/23%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0099.pdf">New Mexico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewBillDocument/2023/1419/0/DRS15099-NK-56B">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;also failed to advance.<h2>Little consensus on rent regulation</h2>Economists and housing experts disagree on whether rent control is effective. One challenge is that rent regulation differs so greatly from city to city, according to Jen Butler, a spokesperson for the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an advocacy group.“This diversity in rent stabilization policies has resulted in mixed evidence as to the impact of them on the rental housing supply and rents,” Butler said in an interview. “These policies protect renters currently in homes covered by the policy from unaffordable rent increases — but they can also encourage these same renters to remain in place longer than they typically would, while renters in homes not covered by the policy are left without similar protections.”Proponents of rent control, among them Rutgers University economist Mark Paul, say arguments against rent control lack empirical evidence.“I think it’s important to note that rent control does not say landlords can’t profit off their property. That’s not the point of rent control,” said Paul. “Rent control is limiting the ability of landlords, or corporately owned property owners from raising the rent by 6, 8 or 12% a year and pricing people out of their homes.”A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cura.umn.edu/research/minneapolis-rent-stabilization-study">2021 University of Minnesota study</a>&nbsp;published by the university’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs suggests that rent control policies increased housing stability, and there is little evidence that those policies negatively impacted new construction — which is dependent on localized economic cycles and credit markets.That same study, which reviewed rent control policies of four cities (Oakland, California; Newark, New Jersey; Sacramento, California; and Portland, Oregon) pointed out that there is debate on whether most rent regulation benefits are going to the neediest renters.When Minneapolis floated the possibility of rent stabilization earlier this year, a study requested by the city council advised against it, suggesting it would not offer much help to city residents.<h2>Rising rents</h2>The No. 1 driver of long-term U.S. homelessness, housing policy experts and advocates said recently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RJYszWSs2A&amp;feature=youtu.be">during a joint press call with media members</a>, is rising rents.“For 75 years, the long-term trend has been that the cost of modest rental housing has been going up faster than modest income,” said Steve Berg, chief policy officer for the National Alliance to End Homelessness.Between 2019 and 2021,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/among-lowest-income-renters-latine-and-black-renters-experienced-greatest-rent-increase">median rents</a>&nbsp;went up by 12% for renters in households making less than $15,000, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank.Those increases, said Peggy Bailey, vice president of housing and income security for the center, “were not met with corresponding increases in income” and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbpp.org/among-lowest-income-renters-latine-and-black-renters-experienced-greatest-rent-increase">&nbsp;disproportionately affected Black and Latino renters</a>.According to 2017-2021 census data, more than 19 million renters in the United States are considered rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. In New York City, renters on average spend more than 68% of their income on rent, according to a January Moody’s Analytics&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cre.moodysanalytics.com/insights/market-insights/q4-2022-housing-affordability-update/">report</a>.There also is a dearth of affordable rental housing. Low-cost rentals fell by 3.9 million units over the past decade, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_The_State_of_the_Nations_Housing_2023.pdf">report</a>.In Indiana, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iga.in.gov/laws/2022/ic/titles/32#32-31-1-20">prohibits local rent control</a>, Indiana University McKinney School of Law professor Fran Quigley has had his law students working closely with tenants in Indiana’s eviction court. Rent control, Quigley believes, could change housing outcomes in the Hoosier State, where&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionresearch.net/indiana/">evictions</a>&nbsp;surpassed historical average levels in March 2022.“I think rent control momentum is going to continue to build, because we have 44 million rental households in this nation and that’s a really powerful political block,” said Quigley. “Folks get mobilized, speak out, and rent control on the ballot does very well. … That works in the favor of momentum going forward.”This story was produced by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>, an affiliate of States Newsroom.

Some cities are pushing for rent control. They’re meeting resistance

<a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28622467">https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28622467</a>

James Lee “Jim” Soderlund, 66, passed away on Aug. 4, 2023 in Oberlin, KS. He was born on Oct. 8, 1956 to Alfred LeRoy and Elaine Marie (Rippe) Soderlund in Oberlin, KS.

Jim graduated from Beaver City High School in 1975. 

After high school he moved back to Oberlin and started working. He did construction, lineman work for the city of Oberlin, sanitation engineer, and maintenance. 

Jim married Penny Fisher on Sept. 4, 1982 in Oberlin, KS.&nbsp; After retiring in 2018, he enjoyed feeding the neighborhood cats.

Jim loved to hunt, fish, and was assistant chief of the Oberlin Fire Department for many years. He also enjoyed watching western TV shows such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza. But most of all he loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids.

Jim is survived by daughters Jessica Soderlund of Beloit, KS, Jamie (Jordan) Macfee of Beloit, KS, and Jean Soderlund of Emporia, KS; brothers Kenny Soderlund of Beaver City, NE, Gene Soderlund of Horton, KS, Rick Soderlund of Abilene, KS, and Tracy Soderlund of Danbury, NE; sister Lori Dreiling of Hays, KS; grandchildren Taedan Macfee, Brynlee Macfee, Bailey Macfee. 

He was preceded by his parents, wife Penny Soderlund, and infant brother Trevor Soderlund.

Funeral services will be held on Tues. Aug. 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, KS. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 on Tues. Burial will be in Oberlin Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Pauls Funeral Home or a Charity of your choice. 

Condolences can be left at www.paulsfh.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=28622467&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.878610863.1682958623:GS1.1.1690839420.44.1.1690840247.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>James Lee 'Jim' Soderlund</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691331782347.png" alt="James Lee 'Jim' Soderlund" />
 <figcaption>James Lee 'Jim' Soderlund</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28622467">https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28622467</a>October 8, 1956 - August 4, 2023James Lee “Jim” Soderlund, 66, passed away on Aug. 4, 2023 in Oberlin, KS. He was born on Oct. 8, 1956 to Alfred LeRoy and Elaine Marie (Rippe) Soderlund in Oberlin, KS.Jim graduated from Beaver City High School in 1975. After high school he moved back to Oberlin and started working. He did construction, lineman work for the city of Oberlin, sanitation engineer, and maintenance. Jim married Penny Fisher on Sept. 4, 1982 in Oberlin, KS.&nbsp; After retiring in 2018, he enjoyed feeding the neighborhood cats.Jim loved to hunt, fish, and was assistant chief of the Oberlin Fire Department for many years. He also enjoyed watching western TV shows such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza. But most of all he loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids.Jim is survived by daughters Jessica Soderlund of Beloit, KS, Jamie (Jordan) Macfee of Beloit, KS, and Jean Soderlund of Emporia, KS; brothers Kenny Soderlund of Beaver City, NE, Gene Soderlund of Horton, KS, Rick Soderlund of Abilene, KS, and Tracy Soderlund of Danbury, NE; sister Lori Dreiling of Hays, KS; grandchildren Taedan Macfee, Brynlee Macfee, Bailey Macfee. He was preceded by his parents, wife Penny Soderlund, and infant brother Trevor Soderlund.Funeral services will be held on Tues. Aug. 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, KS. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 on Tues. Burial will be in Oberlin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pauls Funeral Home or a Charity of your choice. Condolences can be left at www.paulsfh.com.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=28622467&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.878610863.1682958623:GS1.1.1690839420.44.1.1690840247.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

James Lee 'Jim' Soderlund 

KANSAS CITY —A judge sentenced a Kansas City-area man to 24 years in prison after he was convicted by a jury of sexual assaults involving a child, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jeremy S. Callihan, 36, Raytown, was sentenced to 20 years for a conviction of Statutory Sodomy in the 1st Degree and four years for a conviction of Sexual Misconduct with a Child under 15. The judge set those sentences to run consecutively for a total of 24 years.

A Jackson County jury convicted Callihan in March, following a trial. The jury recommended a sentence of 24 years.

According to court records, in October 2019 Raytown Police were alerted to allegations of the Callihan having sexual contact with a child in a Raytown residence. Detectives investigated and observed a forensic interview of the victim at the Child Protection Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691070534496.png" alt="Callihan-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Callihan-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A judge sentenced a Kansas City-area man to 24 years in prison after he was convicted by a jury of sexual assaults involving a child, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jeremy S. Callihan, 36, Raytown, was sentenced to 20 years for a conviction of Statutory Sodomy in the 1st Degree and four years for a conviction of Sexual Misconduct with a Child under 15. The judge set those sentences to run consecutively for a total of 24 years.A Jackson County jury convicted Callihan in March, following a trial. The jury recommended a sentence of 24 years.According to court records, in October 2019 Raytown Police were alerted to allegations of the Callihan having sexual contact with a child in a Raytown residence. Detectives investigated and observed a forensic interview of the victim at the Child Protection Center.

KC-area man sentenced for sexual assault involving a child

TOPEKA -&nbsp; The Kansas Manufacturing Council, an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3f6i-8VDr2Xu8GH4og4HvYXe_9aYlHJaR_wsxtGMifqjdFTzUkqFNJvlp3gVMGAcpYY2qfKmTOGLRUj01Yv_u0cRJebGN87STg==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>.

Presented by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3agS4I45P7Q_1NYmp1Krly2vvHs0XBVyLq5m_yCK--qaWxEMwLklkQTTlYft-1dyZ7UdZNwhGQH7MOe7mEAMI1D5BWwhPtL-kQ==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">FORVIS</a>, the Kansas Manufacturing Council, launched this competition in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas manufacturers and to highlight products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.

“The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future,” said Brandie McPherson, the council's executive director.

Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition. 

There are two categories in this year's competition: People's Choice and Coolest Innovation. 

The People’s Choice contest begins with product nominations and the popular vote round. The top 16 vote-getters will move on to a bracket-style tournament where they will compete in head-to-head match-ups. The ones that receive the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the People’s Choice - Coolest Thing Made in Kansas.

The Coolest Innovation contest highlights the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address crucial challenges.

A panel of expert judges will review and score questionnaires completed by the companies regarding their nominated products. The top four scoring products will be invited to present in-person to the expert panel on October 23 at the&nbsp;Coolest Celebration Reception. The judges will choose the winning product&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNa9AwPm1v7oVofpQVabCpSG0QPPjYXjlCMTojgLlpSbSpMk2cKvJbprJQuf4DbbOWL-S_yDwIfQ9j9drz9cvL5tkrROh27uqkCPx1veugGzd7R4dg5tTtTYiXp2KG3r-hRf6KSzB6hWiX_anjDbFJw7RUG4TztDxXwIdvr3ec73_4=&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">based on a criteria&nbsp;</a>that includes its impact on the challenge it solves as well as the business, its employees, and customers.

Winners for both categories will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3Yn05dZhlCIZQ33ze_EQWEyvSHxCYxcN8PjUG_zh2TiSaPWz6E87e1JiYZfGKRTZXA2WwZYvBCeIFDRHQk4Sb9QTgwyE7054W59WpXDtXx1winnMvUkLozFFvyVHKfCX2Qwmej84YbLG-g2dcNLwyJhuKxT2nCJxX3eq3LTPmC7A&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita.

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNaHhDcdC1ivY_jpu23pj9vTjIAR5VOihW0ZvEARkv245oEiYcx2vqFPeQmJUbJ2eQMszI5qQdYW_BsUgqPVZ_aWnT4M6-eg824NR5aSmOCYrYeK83ZWUG2LxKLSxLqc1MFFi5Z0TxlElkRw3cdOgt0W5sT9hxY23WT&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2023 contest close on August 30 at midnight CT.

2023 Competition Details Nomination Rules

Voting Rules for People's Choice contest

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690920883205.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA -&nbsp; The Kansas Manufacturing Council, an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3f6i-8VDr2Xu8GH4og4HvYXe_9aYlHJaR_wsxtGMifqjdFTzUkqFNJvlp3gVMGAcpYY2qfKmTOGLRUj01Yv_u0cRJebGN87STg==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">2023 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>.Presented by&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3agS4I45P7Q_1NYmp1Krly2vvHs0XBVyLq5m_yCK--qaWxEMwLklkQTTlYft-1dyZ7UdZNwhGQH7MOe7mEAMI1D5BWwhPtL-kQ==&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">FORVIS</a>, the Kansas Manufacturing Council, launched this competition in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas manufacturers and to highlight products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.“The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future,” said Brandie McPherson, the council's executive director.Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition. There are two categories in this year's competition: People's Choice and Coolest Innovation. The People’s Choice contest begins with product nominations and the popular vote round. The top 16 vote-getters will move on to a bracket-style tournament where they will compete in head-to-head match-ups. The ones that receive the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the People’s Choice - Coolest Thing Made in Kansas. The Coolest Innovation contest highlights the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address crucial challenges.A panel of expert judges will review and score questionnaires completed by the companies regarding their nominated products. The top four scoring products will be invited to present in-person to the expert panel on October 23 at the&nbsp;Coolest Celebration Reception. The judges will choose the winning product&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNa9AwPm1v7oVofpQVabCpSG0QPPjYXjlCMTojgLlpSbSpMk2cKvJbprJQuf4DbbOWL-S_yDwIfQ9j9drz9cvL5tkrROh27uqkCPx1veugGzd7R4dg5tTtTYiXp2KG3r-hRf6KSzB6hWiX_anjDbFJw7RUG4TztDxXwIdvr3ec73_4=&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">based on a criteria&nbsp;</a>that includes its impact on the challenge it solves as well as the business, its employees, and customers.Winners for both categories will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3Yn05dZhlCIZQ33ze_EQWEyvSHxCYxcN8PjUG_zh2TiSaPWz6E87e1JiYZfGKRTZXA2WwZYvBCeIFDRHQk4Sb9QTgwyE7054W59WpXDtXx1winnMvUkLozFFvyVHKfCX2Qwmej84YbLG-g2dcNLwyJhuKxT2nCJxX3eq3LTPmC7A&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita.<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012KmUbOBPZBTUfVI17ejhZwtJ2rFikYug-TZwX7pVxliksPqQGDtL3ZJXf5ONtHNaHhDcdC1ivY_jpu23pj9vTjIAR5VOihW0ZvEARkv245oEiYcx2vqFPeQmJUbJ2eQMszI5qQdYW_BsUgqPVZ_aWnT4M6-eg824NR5aSmOCYrYeK83ZWUG2LxKLSxLqc1MFFi5Z0TxlElkRw3cdOgt0W5sT9hxY23WT&amp;c=3zYpJ5Zg0AAwKVaIho0Xc-8vbTUmwKJ1CAKmhH7jeIRtIMvIEoFf6g==&amp;ch=v-6K6FOPnRerLL2bW2xQ0xIOldDYe9GGH4AbfD27gEfGGiOwWtFHyw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2023 contest close on August 30 at midnight CT.2023 Competition Details Nomination Rules <ol>
 <li>Everyone is encouraged to nominate their favorite products. There is no limit to the number of product nominations per person.</li><li>Products nominated can be from any sector of the state’s manufacturing industry.</li><li>The company does not have to be headquartered in Kansas but the product must be manufactured in a Kansas-based facility.</li><li>The product must be made using a manufacturing process.</li><li>The Kansas Manufacturing Council will review each nomination to ensure these requirements are met. If for any reason the nomination does not meet these requirements, the nominator will be notified.</li><li>Companies may only have one product featured in the top four, so only one product nomination per company is encouraged.</li><li>Winning companies are prohibited from participating in the contest for one year, while each winning product is indefinitely prohibited from being nominated again.</li><li>Companies with products nominated will be notified by the Kansas Manufacturing Council.</li><li>Products can be nominated for both categories but may only be in one of the category's finals.</li>
 </ol>Voting Rules for People's Choice contest <ol>
 <li>Voting is open to the public. A voter may vote once per day.</li><li>The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round.</li><li>The 16 nominated products who receive the most votes during the popular vote round will advance to the bracket-style tournament.</li><li>The products receiving the highest number of votes in their head-to-head match-ups during each voting period will advance to the next round.</li><li>&nbsp;The final round of final four (4) will be decided by popular vote.</li>
 </ol>

Nominations open for 'Coolest Thing Made In Kansas' to highlight manufacturers  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Thursday it will extend its unilateral production cut of 1 million barrels of oil a day through the end of September in its effort to boost flagging energy prices, a move that could push U.S. gas prices higher.

The Saudi reduction, which began in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers have agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">extend earlier production cuts</a>&nbsp;through next year.

The national average for U.S. gas prices stood at about $3.82 a gallon on Tuesday — about 30 cents higher than a month ago, according to motor club AAA. While today’s prices at the pump remain far lower than they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-are-gas-prices-rising-541819ca1aa4d3dc0a0206271f9f8589">last year</a>, when energy costs soared worldwide in the months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-rising-heat-wave-production-cuts-4cecfbe2ee68eccab7224f163fc676db">experts say such a jump is unusual</a>.

This year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-extremes-climate-change-f652668232cc2ec7400f7e65cfb75cb9">record-breaking summer heat</a>&nbsp;has also had an impact, driving up demand for air conditioning and forcing refineries to operate at reduced capacity.

The kingdom announced the extension in a statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official in the Energy Ministry. The official added that the cut “can be extended or deepened” if the need arises.

“This additional voluntary cut comes to reinforce the precautionary efforts made by OPEC+ countries with the aim of supporting the stability and balance of oil markets,” the official said.

The move was widely expected by analysts.

Benchmark Brent crude traded Thursday at over $80 a barrel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">A series of production cuts over the past year</a>&nbsp;has failed to substantially boost prices amid weakened demand from China and tighter monetary policy aimed at combatting inflation. Brent has largely hovered between $75 and $85 a barrel since last October.

The Saudis are particularly keen to boost oil prices in order to fund Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to overhaul the kingdom's economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population. The plans include several massive infrastructure projects, including the construction of a futuristic $500 billion city called Neom.

Higher prices would also help Russian President Vladimir Putin fund his war on Ukraine, as Western countries have used a price cap to try to cut into Moscow's revenues.

Western sanctions mean&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-health-covid-prices-european-union-65de1c4934227208bfa68bb7d4c47716">Moscow is forced to sell its oil at a discount</a>&nbsp;to countries like China and India. Its estimated export revenue fell by $1.4 billion to $13.3 billion in May, down 36% from a year ago, the International Energy Agency said in a report in June.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Thursday it will extend its unilateral production cut of 1 million barrels of oil a day through the end of September in its effort to boost flagging energy prices, a move that could push U.S. gas prices higher.The Saudi reduction, which began in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers have agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">extend earlier production cuts</a>&nbsp;through next year.The national average for U.S. gas prices stood at about $3.82 a gallon on Tuesday — about 30 cents higher than a month ago, according to motor club AAA. While today’s prices at the pump remain far lower than they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-are-gas-prices-rising-541819ca1aa4d3dc0a0206271f9f8589">last year</a>, when energy costs soared worldwide in the months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-rising-heat-wave-production-cuts-4cecfbe2ee68eccab7224f163fc676db">experts say such a jump is unusual</a>.This year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-extremes-climate-change-f652668232cc2ec7400f7e65cfb75cb9">record-breaking summer heat</a>&nbsp;has also had an impact, driving up demand for air conditioning and forcing refineries to operate at reduced capacity.The kingdom announced the extension in a statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official in the Energy Ministry. The official added that the cut “can be extended or deepened” if the need arises.“This additional voluntary cut comes to reinforce the precautionary efforts made by OPEC+ countries with the aim of supporting the stability and balance of oil markets,” the official said.The move was widely expected by analysts.Benchmark Brent crude traded Thursday at over $80 a barrel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">A series of production cuts over the past year</a>&nbsp;has failed to substantially boost prices amid weakened demand from China and tighter monetary policy aimed at combatting inflation. Brent has largely hovered between $75 and $85 a barrel since last October.The Saudis are particularly keen to boost oil prices in order to fund Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to overhaul the kingdom's economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population. The plans include several massive infrastructure projects, including the construction of a futuristic $500 billion city called Neom.Higher prices would also help Russian President Vladimir Putin fund his war on Ukraine, as Western countries have used a price cap to try to cut into Moscow's revenues.Western sanctions mean&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-health-covid-prices-european-union-65de1c4934227208bfa68bb7d4c47716">Moscow is forced to sell its oil at a discount</a>&nbsp;to countries like China and India. Its estimated export revenue fell by $1.4 billion to $13.3 billion in May, down 36% from a year ago, the International Energy Agency said in a report in June.

Expect jump in U.S. gas price as Saudis extends oil production cuts

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/james-underwood?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/james-underwood?fh_id=10931</a>

James C. “JC” Underwood, moved to heaven Aug. 2, 2023, at age 80. He was born July 5, 1943, to Spencer E. and Harriett C. (Hawk) Underwood in Atchison, KS. 

He understood working for a wage at an early age and bought his first car at age 12. 

He became a United States Navy Reserve during his high school years. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, KS, in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Navy. 

He married Doris Jo Rush on October 3, 1966, in Severance, KS. The couple made their first home in Kansas City, KS.&nbsp;

JC completed his United States Navy service in 1966 and worked a short stint at TWA while reenlisting in the military, this time the&nbsp; United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked for Ford Motor Company in Kansas City and started his own country living in rural Cameron, MO. He bought his uncle’s sale barn in the late 1970s and this is where his passion for leather began. By 1981, he opened his own tack shop, J.J. Western, and began leather making, his newfound love. He repaired boots and saddles and began manufacturing his own tack inventory.&nbsp;

His desire to serve people extended throughout life. He was a volunteer fireman, worked on specials forces for the police department and became an EMT. He kept current on his EMT training with ambulances in Wichita, KS, and volunteered EMT services in Kiowa County, KS. He loved to study law and used his knowledge to help others. He volunteered at the Central Kansas Dream Center to help keep the pantry stocked and organized. He was a member of Faith Community Church in Great Bend.&nbsp;

After 40 years, JC retired as a saddle maker in 2021, and moved from Mullinville, KS to Great Bend, KS, where he was closer to his family. He enjoyed fishing and telling stories.&nbsp;

He was proud of his family and leaves behind, his wife, Doris; one daughter, Heidi Jo (Keith) Burton of Great Bend, KS; one son, Joseph E. “Joe” (Laura) Underwood of Vanleer, TN; seven grandchildren, Valerie Morrell (Matt Seidel) of Pratt, KS, Lucas (Janine) Burton of Ellinwood, KS, Jeffrey C. “JC” (Jonna) Bosch and Corbin J. (Rachel Wiehl) Burton all of Heizer, KS, Kara A. (Brenner) Gentry of Dickson, TN, and Katelyn Jo Underwood and Sara J. Underwood both of Vanleer, TN; five great-grandchildren, Makayla, Lilly and Kaydalyn Burton, Arley Morrell, Colson James Bosch and Blake Bosch; a sister, Ann E. Perkins of Modesto, CA; a brother, Perry H. (Josie) Underwood of Prairie Village, KS; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ruby Jane Eppes from Yellville, AR.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will also gather at the funeral home prior to the graveside service, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday. &nbsp;Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, with Pastor Jordan Basye presiding. Military rites will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard American Legion Riders Post 180. 

Memorials have been designated to the Central Kansas Dream Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>James C. 'JC' Underwood</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691080696257.jpeg" alt="James C. 'JC' Underwood" />
 <figcaption>James C. 'JC' Underwood</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/james-underwood?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/james-underwood?fh_id=10931</a>July 5, 1943 - August 2, 2023James C. “JC” Underwood, moved to heaven Aug. 2, 2023, at age 80. He was born July 5, 1943, to Spencer E. and Harriett C. (Hawk) Underwood in Atchison, KS. He understood working for a wage at an early age and bought his first car at age 12. He became a United States Navy Reserve during his high school years. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, KS, in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He married Doris Jo Rush on October 3, 1966, in Severance, KS. The couple made their first home in Kansas City, KS.&nbsp;JC completed his United States Navy service in 1966 and worked a short stint at TWA while reenlisting in the military, this time the&nbsp; United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked for Ford Motor Company in Kansas City and started his own country living in rural Cameron, MO. He bought his uncle’s sale barn in the late 1970s and this is where his passion for leather began. By 1981, he opened his own tack shop, J.J. Western, and began leather making, his newfound love. He repaired boots and saddles and began manufacturing his own tack inventory.&nbsp;His desire to serve people extended throughout life. He was a volunteer fireman, worked on specials forces for the police department and became an EMT. He kept current on his EMT training with ambulances in Wichita, KS, and volunteered EMT services in Kiowa County, KS. He loved to study law and used his knowledge to help others. He volunteered at the Central Kansas Dream Center to help keep the pantry stocked and organized. He was a member of Faith Community Church in Great Bend.&nbsp;After 40 years, JC retired as a saddle maker in 2021, and moved from Mullinville, KS to Great Bend, KS, where he was closer to his family. He enjoyed fishing and telling stories.&nbsp;He was proud of his family and leaves behind, his wife, Doris; one daughter, Heidi Jo (Keith) Burton of Great Bend, KS; one son, Joseph E. “Joe” (Laura) Underwood of Vanleer, TN; seven grandchildren, Valerie Morrell (Matt Seidel) of Pratt, KS, Lucas (Janine) Burton of Ellinwood, KS, Jeffrey C. “JC” (Jonna) Bosch and Corbin J. (Rachel Wiehl) Burton all of Heizer, KS, Kara A. (Brenner) Gentry of Dickson, TN, and Katelyn Jo Underwood and Sara J. Underwood both of Vanleer, TN; five great-grandchildren, Makayla, Lilly and Kaydalyn Burton, Arley Morrell, Colson James Bosch and Blake Bosch; a sister, Ann E. Perkins of Modesto, CA; a brother, Perry H. (Josie) Underwood of Prairie Village, KS; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ruby Jane Eppes from Yellville, AR.Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will also gather at the funeral home prior to the graveside service, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday. &nbsp;Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, with Pastor Jordan Basye presiding. Military rites will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard American Legion Riders Post 180. Memorials have been designated to the Central Kansas Dream Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;James C. "JC" Underwood, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/james-underwood/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

James C. 'JC' Underwood

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/denton-schlegel?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/denton-schlegel?fh_id=10931</a>

<a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/91024" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>

Denton Ralph “Rip” Schlegel, 78, passed away on July 31, 2023, at Azria Health, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on June 20, 1945, at Hoisington, Kansas, to Ralph &amp; Carrie (Gustin) Schlegel. 

On October 27, 1973, he married Linda Monroe at Hoisington, Kansas. &nbsp;She died November 28, 2010.

Mr. Schlegel was a lifetime resident of Barton County. 

He was a 1963 graduate of Otis High School. During his time in high school, he earned the nickname “Rip” for how he would rip the nets from basketball goals and make three-point shots before they were a common shot made. 

Denton worked as a machinist at Great Bend Industries for over 30 years. 

When he wasn’t mowing yards or being directed in life by Linda and Glen, he enjoyed polka dances and loved going to Las Vegas.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Jeannette (Ken) Clark of Shawnee; nieces and nephews; and many friends.&nbsp;

Denton is preceded in death by his wife; brother and sister-in-law, Curtis and Wanda Schlegel; his parents; and his parents-in-law, Glen and Rosemary Monroe.

Friends may sign the book noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.&nbsp;

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Ron Bailey presiding. Inurnment will follow at Hoisington Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or the First United Methodist Church of Hoisington, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

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

<h2>Denton Ralph Schlegel</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690988651868.png" alt="Denton Ralph Schlegel" />
 <figcaption>Denton Ralph Schlegel</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/denton-schlegel?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/denton-schlegel?fh_id=10931</a>June 20, 1945 - July 31, 2023<a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/91024" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>Denton Ralph “Rip” Schlegel, 78, passed away on July 31, 2023, at Azria Health, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on June 20, 1945, at Hoisington, Kansas, to Ralph &amp; Carrie (Gustin) Schlegel. On October 27, 1973, he married Linda Monroe at Hoisington, Kansas. &nbsp;She died November 28, 2010.Mr. Schlegel was a lifetime resident of Barton County. He was a 1963 graduate of Otis High School. During his time in high school, he earned the nickname “Rip” for how he would rip the nets from basketball goals and make three-point shots before they were a common shot made. Denton worked as a machinist at Great Bend Industries for over 30 years. When he wasn’t mowing yards or being directed in life by Linda and Glen, he enjoyed polka dances and loved going to Las Vegas.Survivors include sister-in-law, Jeannette (Ken) Clark of Shawnee; nieces and nephews; and many friends.&nbsp;Denton is preceded in death by his wife; brother and sister-in-law, Curtis and Wanda Schlegel; his parents; and his parents-in-law, Glen and Rosemary Monroe.Friends may sign the book noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.&nbsp;Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Ron Bailey presiding. Inurnment will follow at Hoisington Cemetery.Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or the First United Methodist Church of Hoisington, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Denton Ralph Schlegel, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/denton-schlegel/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Denton Ralph Schlegel

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —The 2023 Primary Election may not have garnered much interest across much of Kansas, but an important matter was decided in Central Kansas as voters in USD 112-Central Plains voted overwhelmingly against disorganizing the school district.

<a href="http://ellsworthcounty.org/residents/elections/index.php'">According to the Ellsworth County Clerk,</a> there were 1179 no votes and&nbsp; 587 yes votes.

The USD 112 school district will stay the same, keeping the tax rate and schools intact.&nbsp;The district covers portions of five counties, including the  communities of Wilson, Holyrood, Bushton, Claflin, Dorrance, Lorraine, Beaver and Odin.

In January, the school board voted to close Wilson Jr. Sr. High School.

Last October, the Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in an effort to keep Wilson High School open. On May 9, the official petition to disorganize the district was filed in Ellsworth County after the USD 112 Board of Education declined a request to keep Wilson High School open for another year.

The results are unofficial until an Aug. 7 canvass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686337406551.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostELLSWORTH COUNTY —The 2023 Primary Election may not have garnered much interest across much of Kansas, but an important matter was decided in Central Kansas as voters in USD 112-Central Plains voted overwhelmingly against disorganizing the school district.<a href="http://ellsworthcounty.org/residents/elections/index.php'">According to the Ellsworth County Clerk,</a> there were 1179 no votes and&nbsp; 587 yes votes.The USD 112 school district will stay the same, keeping the tax rate and schools intact.&nbsp;The district covers portions of five counties, including the communities of Wilson, Holyrood, Bushton, Claflin, Dorrance, Lorraine, Beaver and Odin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690942109506.png" alt="File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In January, the school board voted to close Wilson Jr. Sr. High School.Last October, the Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in an effort to keep Wilson High School open. On May 9, the official petition to disorganize the district was filed in Ellsworth County after the USD 112 Board of Education declined a request to keep Wilson High School open for another year.The results are unofficial until an Aug. 7 canvass.

'No' vote prevails: USD 112 Central Plains to remain intact

<a href="https://www.moweryfs.com/obituaries/Arthur-Wagner-4/#!/TributeWall">https://www.moweryfs.com/obituaries/Arthur-Wagner-4/#!/TributeWall</a>

Arthur “Art” Francis Wagner was born on October 17, 1948, in Hays, Kansas, to Arthur A. Wagner and Hedwig (Werth) Wagner. He passed from this life on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 years. 

Art was reared and educated in Victoria, Kansas, and graduated with the Victoria High School Class of 1966. He furthered his education at Fort Hays Kansas State College in Hays and graduated in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree in business. 

Art married Joyce (Rohr) Wagner on August 30, 1969, in Vincent, Kansas. 

He spent most of his working life as a corporate tax specialist with Cities Service, later known as Occidental Petroleum, before his retirement after 40-plus years. 

Art was a longtime faithful member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, where he was active with the Men’s Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of pastimes such as hunting, fishing, bowling, reading, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.&nbsp;

Survivors include his loving wife of over 53 years,&nbsp;Joyce Wagner;&nbsp;three sons,&nbsp;Todd Wagner and wife Vicki,&nbsp;Bryan Wagner and wife Belinda,&nbsp;Jason Wagner and wife Christine;&nbsp;seven grandchildren,&nbsp;Ethan Wagner, Camdyn Wagner, Mason Mathis, Maddie Mathis, Maizy Wagner, Sydney Wagner, and Ryan Mathis;&nbsp;three siblings,&nbsp;Ron Wagner, Jeanette Pfannenstiel, and Gary Wagner

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Hedwig, two brothers, Arthur Anthony, Jr., and Gene, and his sister, Nellie.

A rosary with be held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 6,2023 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Owasso. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Owasso with Father Matt LaChance officiating. Final resting place will be at St. Therese Cemetery Columbarium in Collinsville. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities Development Office, P.O. Box 580460 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74158.&nbsp;

Arrangements and&nbsp;services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso at www.moweryfs.com.

<h2>Arthur 'Art' Francis Wagner</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690907365449.png" alt="Arthur 'Art' Francis Wagner" />
 <figcaption>Arthur 'Art' Francis Wagner</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.moweryfs.com/obituaries/Arthur-Wagner-4/#!/TributeWall">https://www.moweryfs.com/obituaries/Arthur-Wagner-4/#!/TributeWall</a>October 17, 1948 - July 25, 2023Arthur “Art” Francis Wagner was born on October 17, 1948, in Hays, Kansas, to Arthur A. Wagner and Hedwig (Werth) Wagner. He passed from this life on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 years. Art was reared and educated in Victoria, Kansas, and graduated with the Victoria High School Class of 1966. He furthered his education at Fort Hays Kansas State College in Hays and graduated in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree in business. Art married Joyce (Rohr) Wagner on August 30, 1969, in Vincent, Kansas. He spent most of his working life as a corporate tax specialist with Cities Service, later known as Occidental Petroleum, before his retirement after 40-plus years. Art was a longtime faithful member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, where he was active with the Men’s Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of pastimes such as hunting, fishing, bowling, reading, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.&nbsp;Survivors include his loving wife of over 53 years,&nbsp;Joyce Wagner;&nbsp;three sons,&nbsp;Todd Wagner and wife Vicki,&nbsp;Bryan Wagner and wife Belinda,&nbsp;Jason Wagner and wife Christine;&nbsp;seven grandchildren,&nbsp;Ethan Wagner, Camdyn Wagner, Mason Mathis, Maddie Mathis, Maizy Wagner, Sydney Wagner, and Ryan Mathis;&nbsp;three siblings,&nbsp;Ron Wagner, Jeanette Pfannenstiel, and Gary WagnerHe was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Hedwig, two brothers, Arthur Anthony, Jr., and Gene, and his sister, Nellie.A rosary with be held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 6,2023 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Owasso. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Owasso with Father Matt LaChance officiating. Final resting place will be at St. Therese Cemetery Columbarium in Collinsville. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities Development Office, P.O. Box 580460 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74158.&nbsp;Arrangements and&nbsp;services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso at www.moweryfs.com.

Arthur 'Art' Francis Wagner

GRANT COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred in southwest Kansas in 2019 captured a man accused of fleeing the accident scene, according to the United State's Marshals Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 28 , the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force arrested 46-year-old Paulo I. Garcia in Douglas County, Georgia.&nbsp;Garcia was wanted out of Grant County Kansas, for "leaving the scene of an accident which involved great bodily injury/death, and felony theft."

In October of  2019, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 12:30 p.m. on that Saturday, a 2007 Kenworth truck was westbound on Grant County Road 10 three miles north of U.S. 160.

The driver, later identified as Garcia, failed to yield right of way to a 2012 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on County Road X and driven by Kevin Jay Coyle, 57, Turpin, Oklahoma. The Kenworth entered the uncontrolled intersection&nbsp;directly into the path of the Silverado.

Coyle and his father 81-year-old Gerald Lee Coyle also of Turpin, Oklahoma, who was a passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene.

While a witness to the crash was working to assist the victims, the driver of the Kenworth truck drove away in the witness’s pickup, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy. Authorities located the stolen pickup in a Haskell County, Kansas field.&nbsp;

Garcia was also wanted for a federal supervised release violation in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

“I am proud of the dedicated work of our Fugitive Task Force, and I hope this arrest will help the victim’s family get some sense of closure,” said Ronald Miller, US Marshal for the District of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690834733508.png" alt="Garcia-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred in southwest Kansas in 2019 captured a man accused of fleeing the accident scene, according to the United State's Marshals Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On 10/26/2019 KHP troopers worked a fatal in Grant County on U160 between East Rd 10-12. One of the drivers involved stole another vehicle and fled the scene. If you know who this person is or where he might be please contact TECHTRP Michael Racy at (620) 276-3201. <a href="https://t.co/d6CaBG3H7N">pic.twitter.com/d6CaBG3H7N</a>&mdash; Trooper Racy (@TrooperMikeKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperMikeKHP/status/1189580318732406787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On July 28 , the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force arrested 46-year-old Paulo I. Garcia in Douglas County, Georgia.&nbsp;Garcia was wanted out of Grant County Kansas, for "leaving the scene of an accident which involved great bodily injury/death, and felony theft."In October of 2019, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 12:30 p.m. on that Saturday, a 2007 Kenworth truck was westbound on Grant County Road 10 three miles north of U.S. 160.The driver, later identified as Garcia, failed to yield right of way to a 2012 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on County Road X and driven by Kevin Jay Coyle, 57, Turpin, Oklahoma. The Kenworth entered the uncontrolled intersection&nbsp;directly into the path of the Silverado.Coyle and his father 81-year-old Gerald Lee Coyle also of Turpin, Oklahoma, who was a passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene.While a witness to the crash was working to assist the victims, the driver of the Kenworth truck drove away in the witness’s pickup, according to KHP Trooper Michael Racy. Authorities located the stolen pickup in a Haskell County, Kansas field.&nbsp;Garcia was also wanted for a federal supervised release violation in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.“I am proud of the dedicated work of our Fugitive Task Force, and I hope this arrest will help the victim’s family get some sense of closure,” said Ronald Miller, US Marshal for the District of Kansas.

Driver captured 4-years after he fled fatal SW Kansas crash 

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for severely beating two children while the children were in her care in a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In March, a Jackson County jury convicted 41-year-old&nbsp; Nancy Russell of four Class B felonies of Domestic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, in October 2017, police in Kansas City were alerted by Arkansas police of possible child abuse. A family member had come forward to say that one of the children had been abused at a home in Kansas City in the area of 53rd and Hardesty.

 The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678322605798.png" alt="Russell-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Russell-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to 20 years in prison after she was convicted for severely beating two children while the children were in her care in a Kansas City home, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In March, a Jackson County jury convicted 41-year-old&nbsp; Nancy Russell of four Class B felonies of Domestic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, in October 2017, police in Kansas City were alerted by Arkansas police of possible child abuse. A family member had come forward to say that one of the children had been abused at a home in Kansas City in the area of 53rd and Hardesty. The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe.&nbsp;

Kansas City woman sentenced for beating child with a metal pipe 

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/morgan-smith?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/morgan-smith?fh_id=10931</a>

<a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/90981" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>

Morgan D. “Smitty” Smith, 92, passed away on July 27, 2023, surrounded by his family at Credo Senior Living, Hoisington, Kansas. He was born on January 2, 1931, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of John P. and Pauline (Swann) Smith.&nbsp;

On June 2, 1956, he married Norma L. Whitsel at First Christian Church in Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;She died October 20, 2021.

Mr. Smith was a resident of Hoisington for 60 years, coming from Lawton, Oklahoma, and Great Bend. 

<h2>Morgan D. Smith</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690579438675.png" alt="Morgan D. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Morgan D. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/morgan-smith?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/morgan-smith?fh_id=10931</a><a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/90981" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>January 2, 1931 - July 27, 2023Morgan D. “Smitty” Smith, 92, passed away on July 27, 2023, surrounded by his family at Credo Senior Living, Hoisington, Kansas. He was born on January 2, 1931, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of John P. and Pauline (Swann) Smith.&nbsp;On June 2, 1956, he married Norma L. Whitsel at First Christian Church in Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;She died October 20, 2021.Mr. Smith was a resident of Hoisington for 60 years, coming from Lawton, Oklahoma, and Great Bend. He was the owner and operator of Smith Acid Company. Morgan was a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend and V.F.W. He enjoyed hunting, painting portraits and landscapes, tinkering with watches and guns, and gardening. His family was left with his many examples and lessons of the importance of a strong work ethic and a giving, charitable nature.&nbsp;Survivors include five children, Michael D. (Debbie) Smith of Hoisington, Randall D. Smith of Fort Worth, Texas, Sabrina (Oscar) Mariño of Lawrence, Sonya (Wayde) Brozek of Wamego, and Kevin (Jennifer) Smith of Lee's Summit, Missouri; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.&nbsp;He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents; and siblings, Gloria Guyselman, Marie Yarmuk, and Paul Smith.Visitation will be from noon to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2023, with family to greet friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding.Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or Hoisington Church of the Nazarene, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Morgan D. Smith, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/morgan-smith/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.