BELOIT and HAYS – North Central Kansas Technical College is proud to announce a significant achievement in its ongoing commitment to student success. 

Thanks to the generous support of numerous donors, in collaboration with the North Central Kansas Technical College Endowment Association and Foundation, a record-breaking 48 scholarships totaling $107,300 have been awarded to 79 students across both the Beloit and Hays campuses during the 2023 academic year.

These scholarships, endowed by dedicated benefactors, have been established to provide vital financial assistance to students pursuing a variety of programs at NCK Tech. The enduring legacy of these donors is reflected in the annual scholarships they have created, ensuring that students receive support not only now but into the future.

In a celebratory event, NCK Tech hosted receptions for students and donors on both the Hays campus on September 27 and the Beloit campus&nbsp; on October 4. During these gatherings, a total of 48 scholarships were presented, many of which included multiple awards.

The 2023 scholarship awards mark a significant increase compared to the 2021 awards, when 22 scholarships benefited 49 students across both campuses. This growth in scholarships reflects NCK Tech's unwavering dedication to expanding access to education, providing more students from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Scholarships play a pivotal role in enabling students to concentrate on their studies without the added burden of financial stress, allowing them to fully dedicate their time and energy to their academic pursuits. This positive change is a testament to the understanding of the importance of diversity in the academic community.

The success of these scholarship programs would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of the benefactors who have made them a reality. Their belief in the potential of students and their dedication to education have set an inspiring example, encouraging the recipients to pay it forward and support future generations in their pursuit of knowledge.

These benefactors include individual donors, businesses, organizations and foundations. Scholarships are often started to memorialize friends and family members, honor those who worked in or were positively impacted by someone in a field taught at NCK Tech, or to help students who will benefit the workforce or the community.

Eric Burks, president of North Central Kansas Technical College, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Honoring the legacy of our donors, their contributions, and their leadership in educating our future workforce is a pleasure, and we can't thank them enough for their generosity. Many thanks to the support of all of our donors and particularly the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for matching 1:1 for endowed scholarships. Their matching program has helped grow our endowed funds over the last three years.”

Mendi Anschutz, director of advancement for the North Central Kansas Technical College Endowment Association and Foundation, added, "We are deeply grateful to these donors for establishing these important scholarship funds, which we are honored to administer."

For more information about North Central Kansas Technical College and its scholarship programs, please visit <a href="https://ncktc.edu/foundation/">ncktc.edu/foundation/ </a>or contact Mendi Anschutz at 785-738-9090.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617203772402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechBELOIT and HAYS – North Central Kansas Technical College is proud to announce a significant achievement in its ongoing commitment to student success. Thanks to the generous support of numerous donors, in collaboration with the North Central Kansas Technical College Endowment Association and Foundation, a record-breaking 48 scholarships totaling $107,300 have been awarded to 79 students across both the Beloit and Hays campuses during the 2023 academic year.These scholarships, endowed by dedicated benefactors, have been established to provide vital financial assistance to students pursuing a variety of programs at NCK Tech. The enduring legacy of these donors is reflected in the annual scholarships they have created, ensuring that students receive support not only now but into the future.In a celebratory event, NCK Tech hosted receptions for students and donors on both the Hays campus on September 27 and the Beloit campus&nbsp; on October 4. During these gatherings, a total of 48 scholarships were presented, many of which included multiple awards.The 2023 scholarship awards mark a significant increase compared to the 2021 awards, when 22 scholarships benefited 49 students across both campuses. This growth in scholarships reflects NCK Tech's unwavering dedication to expanding access to education, providing more students from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue higher education.Scholarships play a pivotal role in enabling students to concentrate on their studies without the added burden of financial stress, allowing them to fully dedicate their time and energy to their academic pursuits. This positive change is a testament to the understanding of the importance of diversity in the academic community.The success of these scholarship programs would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of the benefactors who have made them a reality. Their belief in the potential of students and their dedication to education have set an inspiring example, encouraging the recipients to pay it forward and support future generations in their pursuit of knowledge.These benefactors include individual donors, businesses, organizations and foundations. Scholarships are often started to memorialize friends and family members, honor those who worked in or were positively impacted by someone in a field taught at NCK Tech, or to help students who will benefit the workforce or the community.Eric Burks, president of North Central Kansas Technical College, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Honoring the legacy of our donors, their contributions, and their leadership in educating our future workforce is a pleasure, and we can't thank them enough for their generosity. Many thanks to the support of all of our donors and particularly the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for matching 1:1 for endowed scholarships. Their matching program has helped grow our endowed funds over the last three years.”Mendi Anschutz, director of advancement for the North Central Kansas Technical College Endowment Association and Foundation, added, "We are deeply grateful to these donors for establishing these important scholarship funds, which we are honored to administer."For more information about North Central Kansas Technical College and its scholarship programs, please visit <a href="https://ncktc.edu/foundation/">ncktc.edu/foundation/ </a>or contact Mendi Anschutz at 785-738-9090.

NCK Technical College celebrates record number of student scholarships 

WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.

Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.

“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.

Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.

Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.

Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”

The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.

Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.

He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.

U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>

An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.

“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.

Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.

Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.

“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.

“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”

Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.

Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.

Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.

“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.

Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Judith and Natalie, I’m so glad you’re coming home. <a href="https://t.co/c7az0PcYXn">pic.twitter.com/c7az0PcYXn</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715740319772295519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.-----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

🎧 Listen to Biden phone call with 2 freed American hostages

Janet Joan Funk, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Main Street Manor of Russell, Kansas.

Janet was born on June 30, 1946, in Russell. She was the daughter of LaVern H. and Elaine L. (Karst) Becker. She grew up on the family farm near Milberger, Kansas. 

She graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1964. She then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in elementary education.

Janet was united in marriage to Wayne E. Funk on August 7, 1966 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas. From this union, Janet and Wayne were blessed with three sons Doug, Warren, and Deric.

Janet was a dedicated teacher for 40 years. She started teaching in 1967. She worked for a few local school districts before spending most of her teaching years in Russell. She also was the librarian at the school.

Janet was an active member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. She was on the church council, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Prairie Mates FCE for 52 years, Milberger Activities Association, the K- State Extension Council, Sunflower 4-H member and Leader, and was the Russell County Republican Committeewoman. 

In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, singing, a little gambling, and taking advantage of her gift for gab. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Janet lived by the motto “Take Care of Everyone” and this was a strong influence on her and her family.

Surviving family include her sons Doug Funk (Teema) of Russell, Kansas, Warren Funk (Erica) of Rexford, Kansas and Deric Funk (Mandy) of Galatia, Kansas; brother Martin Becker and wife Susan of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren Lakin, Kaitlyn, Camille and Callen Funk; three step grandchildren Molly, Macy and Chloe and three stepgreat- grandchildren Delilah, Amari and Lovelyn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Wayne on September 05, 2022.

Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 23, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner- Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Memorials have been established with Prairie Mates FCE, Community for Classrooms or Milberger Cemetery Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<h2>Janet Joan Funk, Russell</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697971890733.jpeg" alt="Janet Joan Funk" />
 <figcaption>Janet Joan Funk</figcaption>
 </figure>June 30, 1046 - October 19, 2023Janet Joan Funk, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Main Street Manor of Russell, Kansas.Janet was born on June 30, 1946, in Russell. She was the daughter of LaVern H. and Elaine L. (Karst) Becker. She grew up on the family farm near Milberger, Kansas. She graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1964. She then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in elementary education.Janet was united in marriage to Wayne E. Funk on August 7, 1966 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas. From this union, Janet and Wayne were blessed with three sons Doug, Warren, and Deric.Janet was a dedicated teacher for 40 years. She started teaching in 1967. She worked for a few local school districts before spending most of her teaching years in Russell. She also was the librarian at the school.Janet was an active member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. She was on the church council, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Prairie Mates FCE for 52 years, Milberger Activities Association, the K- State Extension Council, Sunflower 4-H member and Leader, and was the Russell County Republican Committeewoman. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, singing, a little gambling, and taking advantage of her gift for gab. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Janet lived by the motto “Take Care of Everyone” and this was a strong influence on her and her family.Surviving family include her sons Doug Funk (Teema) of Russell, Kansas, Warren Funk (Erica) of Rexford, Kansas and Deric Funk (Mandy) of Galatia, Kansas; brother Martin Becker and wife Susan of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren Lakin, Kaitlyn, Camille and Callen Funk; three step grandchildren Molly, Macy and Chloe and three stepgreat- grandchildren Delilah, Amari and Lovelyn. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Wayne on September 05, 2022.Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 23, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner- Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been established with Prairie Mates FCE, Community for Classrooms or Milberger Cemetery Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Janet Joan Funk

Alma Louise Campas passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2023 at Wichita County Long Term Care in Leoti, KS. Alma was born on November 2nd, 1928 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Garden City, Kansas to Herman and Olga Kuhlman. 

She lived all of her years in western Kansas, growing up just south of the Wichita-Kearny County line, spending her younger years in the Lydia area and her high school years, and the rest of her days in Leoti, KS.

She was the wife of Charles Campas, whom she wed on March 22, 1947, and who passed away in 1994. She and Charlie had three children, Priscilla, Roxy, and Gary. 

Together, they continued the farm passed down from her father and started Charlie’s Mexican Restaurant in April of 1962. Throughout her years, Alma was an active member of the Leoti community, the Wichita County Genealogy Society, and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, where she taught RCIA.

She spent her days raising her family, helping to run the family farm, running and working at Charlie’s restaurant, attending the games and activities of her children and grandchildren, staying in touch with relatives near and far, and giving special attention to researching and maintaining family history. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and smart businesswoman.

Alma is preceded in death by her mother and father, Herman J.W. Kuhlman and Olga Kettler Kuhlman, her sisters and only siblings, Verna Foos and Norma Kulhman, her husband, Charlie Campas, and great-great-grandson, Andrew Williams. She is also preceded by her sisters-in-law, Magdalena Cordova, Louise Korbe, Inez Blau, and Beverly Campos, and brother-in-law Ray Campos, who remained close family after Charlie’s passing and until their deaths.

She is survived by her children Roxy (Jan) Campas and Gary (Sheila) Campas, both of Leoti, KS and Priscilla (Robert) Tell of Montrose, CO; sister, Joyce Miller of Golden, Colorado, her grandchildren Traci (Mike) McGuire of Pratt, KS, Shandell (Joe) Schieferecke of McPherson, KS, Nicholas Campas of Lakin, KS, Morgan (Scott) O’Hara of Parker, CO, and Keegan Campas of Denver, CO; great-grandchildren Ashtyn Schieferecke, Lakyn Schieferecke, Abby Schieferecke, Parker Campas, Sasha O’Hara, Xavier O’Hara, Thaddeus O’Hara, Danielle (Gary) Roberts, Corey (Brittany) McGuire, and Megan (Brady) Hutchinson; great-great-grandchildren Charlotte Hutchinson, Kallen, Krew and Kilyn McGuire, and Taylor and Alexis Williams.

Alma’s family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the community and extended family members who have shown Alma love and support over the years and to the Wichita County Long Term Care unit for providing her care and comfort in her final years.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua in Leoti, KS with Frs. Bernard Felix and Benjamin Martin presiding. Burial to follow at Leoti Cemetery.

Visitation will be at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home on Saturday, October 21, from 12:00-8:00, and on Sunday, October 22, from 1:00-5:00. Rosary will take place on Sunday evening at St. Anthony at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Leoti EMS or St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, KS, ℅ Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861, in memory of Alma Campas.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/d7799484-df40-415a-a70a-eacececc2b4b" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Alma Louise Campas, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/d7799484-df40-415a-a70a-eacececc2b4b" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Alma Louise Campas, Leoti</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697971579855.jpeg" alt="Alma Louise Campas" />
 <figcaption>Alma Louise Campas</figcaption>
 </figure>November 2, 1928 - October 19, 2023Alma Louise Campas passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2023 at Wichita County Long Term Care in Leoti, KS. Alma was born on November 2nd, 1928 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Garden City, Kansas to Herman and Olga Kuhlman. She lived all of her years in western Kansas, growing up just south of the Wichita-Kearny County line, spending her younger years in the Lydia area and her high school years, and the rest of her days in Leoti, KS.She was the wife of Charles Campas, whom she wed on March 22, 1947, and who passed away in 1994. She and Charlie had three children, Priscilla, Roxy, and Gary. Together, they continued the farm passed down from her father and started Charlie’s Mexican Restaurant in April of 1962. Throughout her years, Alma was an active member of the Leoti community, the Wichita County Genealogy Society, and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, where she taught RCIA.She spent her days raising her family, helping to run the family farm, running and working at Charlie’s restaurant, attending the games and activities of her children and grandchildren, staying in touch with relatives near and far, and giving special attention to researching and maintaining family history. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and smart businesswoman.Alma is preceded in death by her mother and father, Herman J.W. Kuhlman and Olga Kettler Kuhlman, her sisters and only siblings, Verna Foos and Norma Kulhman, her husband, Charlie Campas, and great-great-grandson, Andrew Williams. She is also preceded by her sisters-in-law, Magdalena Cordova, Louise Korbe, Inez Blau, and Beverly Campos, and brother-in-law Ray Campos, who remained close family after Charlie’s passing and until their deaths.She is survived by her children Roxy (Jan) Campas and Gary (Sheila) Campas, both of Leoti, KS and Priscilla (Robert) Tell of Montrose, CO; sister, Joyce Miller of Golden, Colorado, her grandchildren Traci (Mike) McGuire of Pratt, KS, Shandell (Joe) Schieferecke of McPherson, KS, Nicholas Campas of Lakin, KS, Morgan (Scott) O’Hara of Parker, CO, and Keegan Campas of Denver, CO; great-grandchildren Ashtyn Schieferecke, Lakyn Schieferecke, Abby Schieferecke, Parker Campas, Sasha O’Hara, Xavier O’Hara, Thaddeus O’Hara, Danielle (Gary) Roberts, Corey (Brittany) McGuire, and Megan (Brady) Hutchinson; great-great-grandchildren Charlotte Hutchinson, Kallen, Krew and Kilyn McGuire, and Taylor and Alexis Williams.Alma’s family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the community and extended family members who have shown Alma love and support over the years and to the Wichita County Long Term Care unit for providing her care and comfort in her final years.Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua in Leoti, KS with Frs. Bernard Felix and Benjamin Martin presiding. Burial to follow at Leoti Cemetery.Visitation will be at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home on Saturday, October 21, from 12:00-8:00, and on Sunday, October 22, from 1:00-5:00. Rosary will take place on Sunday evening at St. Anthony at 7:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Leoti EMS or St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, KS, ℅ Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861, in memory of Alma Campas.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/d7799484-df40-415a-a70a-eacececc2b4b" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Alma Louise Campas, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/d7799484-df40-415a-a70a-eacececc2b4b" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Alma Louise Campas

Kenneth Eldon “Kenny” Wells, 86, passed away October 17, 2023, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on June 21, 1937, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Emery Doyle and Bertha (Staerkel) Wells. 

Kenny was married to Ruby Popp; they were later divorced. He was then married to Lois Bath.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Kenny worked as an electrician before becoming owner and operator of Wells Seamless Guttering for more than 40 years. 

He was of the Lutheran faith and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Kenny was also a member of many country bands, playing the bass. He liked fishing, bowling, and was a pet lover, especially his dogs.

Survivors include three daughters, Debra (Steve) McAnulla, Carol (Bill) Herrman, and Cheryl Davis, all of Great Bend, Kan.; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Douglas Wells; his parents; two brothers, Melvin and Larry Wells; and his beloved dog, Missy.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A private service will be held at a later date. 

Memorials have been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society or Fraternal Order of Eagles, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>Kenneth Eldon Wells, Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697971441038.png" alt="Kenneth Eldon Wells" />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Eldon Wells</figcaption>
 </figure>June 21, 1937 - October 17, 2023Kenneth Eldon “Kenny” Wells, 86, passed away October 17, 2023, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on June 21, 1937, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Emery Doyle and Bertha (Staerkel) Wells. Kenny was married to Ruby Popp; they were later divorced. He was then married to Lois Bath.A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Kenny worked as an electrician before becoming owner and operator of Wells Seamless Guttering for more than 40 years. He was of the Lutheran faith and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Kenny was also a member of many country bands, playing the bass. He liked fishing, bowling, and was a pet lover, especially his dogs.Survivors include three daughters, Debra (Steve) McAnulla, Carol (Bill) Herrman, and Cheryl Davis, all of Great Bend, Kan.; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Douglas Wells; his parents; two brothers, Melvin and Larry Wells; and his beloved dog, Missy.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A private service will be held at a later date. Memorials have been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society or Fraternal Order of Eagles, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Kenneth Eldon Wells, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/kenneth-wells/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Kenneth Eldon Wells

Cynthia Gail Judd, 69, passed away on October 21, 2023, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on August 25, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, to William and Phyllis (Corley) Votapka. On November 28, 1981, she married Mark A. Judd in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

A long time Great Bend resident coming from Stockton, Cindy worked as an accountant for CPI and financial manager for 20/20 Optix. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. Cindy was an avid reader, enjoyed KU basketball games, and participating in the Relay For Life Survivor Walk.

Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Amanda (E.J.) Shepherd of Louisburg, Kansas, and Andrea (Chris) Jeska of Great Bend, Kansas; seven grandchildren; Ward, Winston, Whittaker, Benton, Jude, Adalynn, and Silas; a brother, Timothy (Laurie) Votapka of Kildeer, Illinois; and a sister, Nancy (Howard) Diacon of Lawrence, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at First Church of the Nazarene, with Pastors Josh and Amy Foster presiding.

 Memorials have been designated to First Church of the Nazarene, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>Cynthia Gail Judd, Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697971332171.png" alt="Cynthia Gail Judd" />
 <figcaption>Cynthia Gail Judd</figcaption>
 </figure>August 25, 1954 - October 21, 2023Cynthia Gail Judd, 69, passed away on October 21, 2023, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on August 25, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, to William and Phyllis (Corley) Votapka. On November 28, 1981, she married Mark A. Judd in Phillipsburg, Kansas.A long time Great Bend resident coming from Stockton, Cindy worked as an accountant for CPI and financial manager for 20/20 Optix. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. Cindy was an avid reader, enjoyed KU basketball games, and participating in the Relay For Life Survivor Walk.Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Amanda (E.J.) Shepherd of Louisburg, Kansas, and Andrea (Chris) Jeska of Great Bend, Kansas; seven grandchildren; Ward, Winston, Whittaker, Benton, Jude, Adalynn, and Silas; a brother, Timothy (Laurie) Votapka of Kildeer, Illinois; and a sister, Nancy (Howard) Diacon of Lawrence, Kansas.She was preceded in death by her parents.Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at First Church of the Nazarene, with Pastors Josh and Amy Foster presiding. Memorials have been designated to First Church of the Nazarene, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Cynthia Gail Judd, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/cynthia-judd/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Cynthia Gail Judd

Mark MacConnell, automotive technology instructor with North Central Kansas Technical College on the Hays campus, is the recipient of the 2023 Kansas Council for Workforce Education Outstanding New Teacher Award.

The Outstanding New Teacher Award is designed to recognize a faculty member who has less than five years teaching experience and demonstrates outstanding teaching ability in the areas of career and technical education. The recipient exemplifies exceptional student engagement skills inside and outside of the classroom.

MacConnell was nominated for the award by Richard Cox, automotive technology department chair, Hays campus. Cox noted that MacConnell is an excellent instructor, bringing his knowledge and experience from industry into his classroom and lab. MacConnell was involved in NCK Tech prior to teaching. He is a graduate of the program and served for several years as a member of the advisory board.

Jennifer Brown, dean of instruction noted, "Mark is a natural educator. He is not afraid to try new techniques and ideas to help engage students." Cox stated in his nomination, "Mark is a great asset to our program and to our students."

The presentation of this award took place at the annual Fall Kansas Workforce Innovation Conference held on October 3, 2023 in Manhattan, KS. For more information on NCK TECH, visit our website at <a href="https://ncktc.edu/">www.ncktc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546631642.jpeg" alt="Mark MacConnell (left), automotive technology instructor with North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays, is pictured with&nbsp;Richard Cox, automotive technology department chair.&nbsp;MacConnell is the winner of the 2023 Kansas Council for Workforce Education Outstanding New Teacher Award. Photo courtesy NCK TECH." />
 <figcaption>Mark MacConnell (left), automotive technology instructor with North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays, is pictured with&nbsp;Richard Cox, automotive technology department chair.&nbsp;MacConnell is the winner of the 2023 Kansas Council for Workforce Education Outstanding New Teacher Award. Photo courtesy NCK TECH.</figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TECHMark MacConnell, automotive technology instructor with North Central Kansas Technical College on the Hays campus, is the recipient of the 2023 Kansas Council for Workforce Education Outstanding New Teacher Award.The Outstanding New Teacher Award is designed to recognize a faculty member who has less than five years teaching experience and demonstrates outstanding teaching ability in the areas of career and technical education. The recipient exemplifies exceptional student engagement skills inside and outside of the classroom.MacConnell was nominated for the award by Richard Cox, automotive technology department chair, Hays campus. Cox noted that MacConnell is an excellent instructor, bringing his knowledge and experience from industry into his classroom and lab. MacConnell was involved in NCK Tech prior to teaching. He is a graduate of the program and served for several years as a member of the advisory board.Jennifer Brown, dean of instruction noted, "Mark is a natural educator. He is not afraid to try new techniques and ideas to help engage students." Cox stated in his nomination, "Mark is a great asset to our program and to our students."The presentation of this award took place at the annual Fall Kansas Workforce Innovation Conference held on October 3, 2023 in Manhattan, KS. For more information on NCK TECH, visit our website at <a href="https://ncktc.edu/">www.ncktc.edu</a>.

Automotive Technology Instructor Named 2023 Outstanding New Teacher

By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&amp;id=12579">BOX SCORE</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. – For a second straight week, the Fort Hays State
football raced out to a quick start only to struggle in the second and fourth quarters.
Saturday, the Tigers scored touchdowns on their first two possessions but
needed a key third down conversion late in the game to hold off Washburn 31-27
at Yager Stadium.

Fort Hays State won their fourth-straight and improved to 6-2
overall and 5-2 in the MIAA while the Ichabods fell to 1-7 overall and 0-7 in
the MIAA.
&nbsp;
The Tigers built a 17-point lead with just over
six minutes to play and appeared to push the lead to 20 on a 40-yard Carson
Arndt field goal which was waived off after the officials stopped the play just
prior to the snap because the play clock was not reset properly. Washburn
blocked the second try which fueled a 14-point rally down the stretch.

Fort Hays State took a 14-0 lead after the first quarter only
to see Washburn outscore them 14-3 in the second quarter to pull within 17-14 at
halftime.
&nbsp;
The Tigers scored a pair of touchdowns in the
third quarter to extend their lead to 31-14. Washburn used a couple of big
plays following the blocked kick to score two touchdowns in a span of less than
four minutes and closed the gap to three with 2:35 to play. 

Jack Dawson connected with tight end Cale Cormaney on a
nine-yard completion on third-and-four with 1:40 to play to put the game away.
&nbsp;
Fort Hays State outgained the Ichabods by 207
total yards (487-280) and ran 24 more offensive plays in the game while
possessing the ball for nearly 13 more minutes.

For a fourth-straight week the Tigers were good on the ground
with 196 rushing yards. Shane Watts led the way with 144 yards and two touchdowns,
both in the third quarter. Jack Dawson threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns,
finding Hayden Horace and Colt Fuller for touchdowns in the first quarter.
Trevor Watts had a team-high 10 receptions for 81 yards, while Bryson Smith led
in receiving yards with 87 on four catches.

John Johnson led the Tiger defense with seven tackles. Myles
Menges had two sacks and Sam Brandt had a pair of pass breakups.
&nbsp;
Sam Van Dyne led Washburn on offense with 202
passing yards. Teondre Carter ran for a team-high 56 yards and two touchdowns.
D.J. Bell had 82 receiving yards.
&nbsp;


Fort Hays State returns home to take on Central
Oklahoma in the annual Hall of Fame Game at Lewis Field Stadium next Saturday
(Oct. 28). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697953119285.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State wide receiver Bryson Smith (1) catches a pass over Washburns's Jaquez White (16) in the first quarter of NCAA football game in Topeka, Kan., Saturday, October 21, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State wide receiver Bryson Smith (1) catches a pass over Washburns's Jaquez White (16) in the first quarter of NCAA football game in Topeka, Kan., Saturday, October 21, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&amp;id=12579">BOX SCORE</a>TOPEKA, Kan. – For a second straight week, the Fort Hays State
football raced out to a quick start only to struggle in the second and fourth quarters.
Saturday, the Tigers scored touchdowns on their first two possessions but
needed a key third down conversion late in the game to hold off Washburn 31-27
at Yager Stadium.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1646365902&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-brown-postgame-washburn-10-21-23" title="Coach Brown Postgame vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Brown Postgame vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State won their fourth-straight and improved to 6-2
overall and 5-2 in the MIAA while the Ichabods fell to 1-7 overall and 0-7 in
the MIAA.
&nbsp;
The Tigers built a 17-point lead with just over
six minutes to play and appeared to push the lead to 20 on a 40-yard Carson
Arndt field goal which was waived off after the officials stopped the play just
prior to the snap because the play clock was not reset properly. Washburn
blocked the second try which fueled a 14-point rally down the stretch.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1646366520&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/myles-menges-postgame-vs-washburn-10-21-23" title="Myles Menges Postgame vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Myles Menges Postgame vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State took a 14-0 lead after the first quarter only
to see Washburn outscore them 14-3 in the second quarter to pull within 17-14 at
halftime.
&nbsp;
The Tigers scored a pair of touchdowns in the
third quarter to extend their lead to 31-14. Washburn used a couple of big
plays following the blocked kick to score two touchdowns in a span of less than
four minutes and closed the gap to three with 2:35 to play. Jack Dawson connected with tight end Cale Cormaney on a
nine-yard completion on third-and-four with 1:40 to play to put the game away.
&nbsp;
Fort Hays State outgained the Ichabods by 207
total yards (487-280) and ran 24 more offensive plays in the game while
possessing the ball for nearly 13 more minutes.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1646366298&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/cale-cormaney-postgame-vs-washburn-10-21-23" title="Cale Cormaney Postgame vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Cale Cormaney Postgame vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)</a></div></div>For a fourth-straight week the Tigers were good on the ground
with 196 rushing yards. Shane Watts led the way with 144 yards and two touchdowns,
both in the third quarter. Jack Dawson threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns,
finding Hayden Horace and Colt Fuller for touchdowns in the first quarter.
Trevor Watts had a team-high 10 receptions for 81 yards, while Bryson Smith led
in receiving yards with 87 on four catches.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1646366103&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fort-hays-state-fb-highlights-vs-washburn-10-21-23-mixdown" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights vs. Washburn (Oct. 21, 2023)</a></div></div>John Johnson led the Tiger defense with seven tackles. Myles
Menges had two sacks and Sam Brandt had a pair of pass breakups.
&nbsp;
Sam Van Dyne led Washburn on offense with 202
passing yards. Teondre Carter ran for a team-high 56 yards and two touchdowns.
D.J. Bell had 82 receiving yards.
&nbsp;
Fort Hays State returns home to take on Central
Oklahoma in the annual Hall of Fame Game at Lewis Field Stadium next Saturday
(Oct. 28). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Hays.

🏈 Tigers hold off late Washburn rally for fourth straight win

GREAT BEND - Arely Maldonado led the Hays High girls' cross country team to a third place team finish by placing fourth at the Great Bend 5A regional Saturday at the Lake Barton Cross Country Course. 

The Indians qualify as a team with their third place finish.

Maldonado ran a 19:14.20 for her top five finish. The Salina Central duo of Katelyn Rupe and Kaylie Shultz went finished first and second with times of 17:21.18 and 18:02.05.

Brynn Kinderknect and Julia Zadina medaled in 18th and 19th. Cara Cunningham, Brenlynn Albers, Addison Otte and Ava Biggs competed in the race as well.

The Hays High boys finished in fifth place with 121 points.
They were led by Taevian Maupin who finished sixth (17:30.35) to earn a spot at
next week’s state meet Saturday (October 28) at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence.

Hays PostGREAT BEND - Arely Maldonado led the Hays High girls' cross country team to a third place team finish by placing fourth at the Great Bend 5A regional Saturday at the Lake Barton Cross Country Course. The Indians qualify as a team with their third place finish.Maldonado ran a 19:14.20 for her top five finish. The Salina Central duo of Katelyn Rupe and Kaylie Shultz went finished first and second with times of 17:21.18 and 18:02.05.Brynn Kinderknect and Julia Zadina medaled in 18th and 19th. Cara Cunningham, Brenlynn Albers, Addison Otte and Ava Biggs competed in the race as well.The Hays High boys finished in fifth place with 121 points.
They were led by Taevian Maupin who finished sixth (17:30.35) to earn a spot at
next week’s state meet Saturday (October 28) at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence.

🏃‍♀️ Hays High girls qualify for state meet

MEADE – The TMP-Marian girls’ cross country team qualified
for the 2A state meet after a second place finish at the Meade 2A Regional Saturday
at the Meade Golf Course. The Monarchs scored 57 points and finished 13 behind
first place Oakley.

Junior Ella Bain led the Monarchs with a 12th place finish
(23:31.28), Allison Weber finished 19th (24:22.51), Arianna Ayarza 21st
(24:47.81), Grace Schmeider 24th (25:02.51), Gracyn Schippers 25th (25:12.44),
Claire Schippers 26th (25:21.98) and Rachel Staab 27 yh (5:31.84).

Smith Center freshman Madison Howland won the girls’ race
with a time of 18:58.26. Ellis sophomore Avery Boydson finished second
(19:37.24).

The TMP-Marian boys finished in fifth place. They were led
by Cayden Becker who finished in 14th place (18:33.23).

The 2A state meet will take place Saturday (October 28) in
Wamego.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697950631170.jpeg" alt="Courtesy TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostMEADE – The TMP-Marian girls’ cross country team qualified
for the 2A state meet after a second place finish at the Meade 2A Regional Saturday
at the Meade Golf Course. The Monarchs scored 57 points and finished 13 behind
first place Oakley.Junior Ella Bain led the Monarchs with a 12th place finish
(23:31.28), Allison Weber finished 19th (24:22.51), Arianna Ayarza 21st
(24:47.81), Grace Schmeider 24th (25:02.51), Gracyn Schippers 25th (25:12.44),
Claire Schippers 26th (25:21.98) and Rachel Staab 27 yh (5:31.84).Smith Center freshman Madison Howland won the girls’ race
with a time of 18:58.26. Ellis sophomore Avery Boydson finished second
(19:37.24).The TMP-Marian boys finished in fifth place. They were led
by Cayden Becker who finished in 14th place (18:33.23).The 2A state meet will take place Saturday (October 28) in
Wamego.

🏃‍♀️ Monarch girls' qualify for 2A state

LENORA –&nbsp;On Tuesday, October 10, Nex-Tech employees hosted residents of Gem at the Community Center. Nex-Tech recently completed building fiber in the community of Gem, and the event offered residents the opportunity to ask questions about Nex-Tech's Internet, TV, and phone services. &nbsp;

In 2022, Nex-Tech applied for a Capital Projects Fund grant from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development to bring this essential service to areas of Kansas that have been underserved and overcharged for Internet.

The community of Gem, population 96, is located in rural Thomas County in northwestern Kansas. Currently, most residents rely on costly cell phone data plans, or unreliable wireless service to connect to the Internet. &nbsp;

In addition to Gem, the awarded grant funds will enable Nex-Tech to build fiber in rural areas of Decatur County and Saline County, Kansas. Nex-Tech will provide 1 Gig Internet, streaming TV, and voice services. &nbsp;

"We appreciate the large number of residents who attended our event,” said Dustin Schlaefli, director of customer engagement at Nex-Tech. “We also appreciate members of the KOBD who attended and showed their support for our commitment to provide exceptional service at an affordable price, regardless of the size of the community." &nbsp;

Nex-Tech customer sales representatives worked to answer questions and have signed up over 30 homes to receive a reliable and affordable fiber Internet connection by the end of 2023. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697640243638.png" alt="gem 1.png" />
 <figcaption>gem 1.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Nex-TechLENORA –&nbsp;On Tuesday, October 10, Nex-Tech employees hosted residents of Gem at the Community Center. Nex-Tech recently completed building fiber in the community of Gem, and the event offered residents the opportunity to ask questions about Nex-Tech's Internet, TV, and phone services. &nbsp;In 2022, Nex-Tech applied for a Capital Projects Fund grant from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development to bring this essential service to areas of Kansas that have been underserved and overcharged for Internet.The community of Gem, population 96, is located in rural Thomas County in northwestern Kansas. Currently, most residents rely on costly cell phone data plans, or unreliable wireless service to connect to the Internet. &nbsp;In addition to Gem, the awarded grant funds will enable Nex-Tech to build fiber in rural areas of Decatur County and Saline County, Kansas. Nex-Tech will provide 1 Gig Internet, streaming TV, and voice services. &nbsp;"We appreciate the large number of residents who attended our event,” said Dustin Schlaefli, director of customer engagement at Nex-Tech. “We also appreciate members of the KOBD who attended and showed their support for our commitment to provide exceptional service at an affordable price, regardless of the size of the community." &nbsp;Nex-Tech customer sales representatives worked to answer questions and have signed up over 30 homes to receive a reliable and affordable fiber Internet connection by the end of 2023.

Tiny community of Gem now has fiber in town, thanks to Nex-Tech

Fort Hays State (5-2, 4-2 MIAA) at Washburn (1-6, 0-6 MIAA) Saturday, October 21 - 1:00 p.m. Topeka, Kan. - Yager Stadium

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State Football rides a three-game win streak into Topeka on Saturday (Oct. 21) when it takes on Washburn University. Kickoff from Yager Stadium is set for 1 p.m. The Tigers enter at 5-2 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Ichabods are 1-6 overall, but still winless in conference play at 0-6. It will be the 77th&nbsp;meeting all-time between the schools.

Fort Hays State looks to snap a two-game losing skid to Washburn. The Ichabods claimed a 23-20 overtime win on their home field back in 2021 before claiming a 45-14 win in Hays last year. The last two meetings in Topeka have gone to overtime, both decided by three points. FHSU took the contest in Topeka between the teams in 2019 by a score of 41-38. The Ichabods hold a 46-27-3 advantage in the all-time series between the teams.

Topeka has been tough on the Tigers in recent times. The overtime win for FHSU in 2019 was its only win against WU in Topeka in the program's NCAA Division II history. The Ichabods won nine straight against the Tigers in Topeka from 1997 to 2016.After starting the season 2-2, Fort Hays State reeled off wins against Lincoln, Missouri Southern, and Nebraska-Kearney to get to 5-2. Washburn has dropped its last four contests with its only win being in non-conference play against Lincoln University by a score of 24-10 back on September 16 in Jefferson City.

Fort Hays State has moved up into a tie for third in the MIAA standings at 4-2 with Emporia State and Missouri Western. Pittsburg State (7-0) and Central Missouri (6-1) are the only teams in front of the three-way cluster for third place.

Jack Dawson&nbsp;leads the Tiger offense with 1,699 passing yards this season, completing 65.3 percent of his passes. His 17 passing touchdowns ranks 12th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II. Brothers Trevor Watts&nbsp;and Shane Watts&nbsp;have combined for 984 all-purpose yards this season. Trevor leads Tiger receivers in catches (38) and yards (405), while Shane leads Tiger rushers in yards (396). Shane is the team leader in all-purpose yards with 498 for the season. Jayden Horace&nbsp;is the top scoring target among Tiger receivers with seven touchdown receptions to go with 387 yards.

John Johnson and Makel Williams&nbsp;anchor the Tiger defense at linebacker. The pair has a combined 95 tackles for the season, Johnson with 49 and Williams with 46 to lead the team. Williams is the team leader in interception with three. Myles Menges&nbsp;moved into the team lead for sacks with 3.0, and Parrish Terry&nbsp;leads in tackles for loss with 8.0. The Tigers as a team have 11 interceptions this season, which ranks 14th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II. Aside from Williams' three picks, eight other players have one for the season.

The Tigers currently tout the best defense in the MIAA, allowing just 260 yards per game. The Tigers own the best pass defense, allowing just 146.1 yards per game through the air. FHSU also leads the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing just 16.6 points per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697798479465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (5-2, 4-2 MIAA) at Washburn (1-6, 0-6 MIAA) Saturday, October 21 - 1:00 p.m. Topeka, Kan. - Yager StadiumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a> Fort Hays State Football rides a three-game win streak into Topeka on Saturday (Oct. 21) when it takes on Washburn University. Kickoff from Yager Stadium is set for 1 p.m. The Tigers enter at 5-2 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Ichabods are 1-6 overall, but still winless in conference play at 0-6. It will be the 77th&nbsp;meeting all-time between the schools.Fort Hays State looks to snap a two-game losing skid to Washburn. The Ichabods claimed a 23-20 overtime win on their home field back in 2021 before claiming a 45-14 win in Hays last year. The last two meetings in Topeka have gone to overtime, both decided by three points. FHSU took the contest in Topeka between the teams in 2019 by a score of 41-38. The Ichabods hold a 46-27-3 advantage in the all-time series between the teams.Topeka has been tough on the Tigers in recent times. The overtime win for FHSU in 2019 was its only win against WU in Topeka in the program's NCAA Division II history. The Ichabods won nine straight against the Tigers in Topeka from 1997 to 2016.After starting the season 2-2, Fort Hays State reeled off wins against Lincoln, Missouri Southern, and Nebraska-Kearney to get to 5-2. Washburn has dropped its last four contests with its only win being in non-conference play against Lincoln University by a score of 24-10 back on September 16 in Jefferson City.Fort Hays State has moved up into a tie for third in the MIAA standings at 4-2 with Emporia State and Missouri Western. Pittsburg State (7-0) and Central Missouri (6-1) are the only teams in front of the three-way cluster for third place.Jack Dawson&nbsp;leads the Tiger offense with 1,699 passing yards this season, completing 65.3 percent of his passes. His 17 passing touchdowns ranks 12th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II. Brothers Trevor Watts&nbsp;and Shane Watts&nbsp;have combined for 984 all-purpose yards this season. Trevor leads Tiger receivers in catches (38) and yards (405), while Shane leads Tiger rushers in yards (396). Shane is the team leader in all-purpose yards with 498 for the season. Jayden Horace&nbsp;is the top scoring target among Tiger receivers with seven touchdown receptions to go with 387 yards.John Johnson and Makel Williams&nbsp;anchor the Tiger defense at linebacker. The pair has a combined 95 tackles for the season, Johnson with 49 and Williams with 46 to lead the team. Williams is the team leader in interception with three. Myles Menges&nbsp;moved into the team lead for sacks with 3.0, and Parrish Terry&nbsp;leads in tackles for loss with 8.0. The Tigers as a team have 11 interceptions this season, which ranks 14th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II. Aside from Williams' three picks, eight other players have one for the season.The Tigers currently tout the best defense in the MIAA, allowing just 260 yards per game. The Tigers own the best pass defense, allowing just 146.1 yards per game through the air. FHSU also leads the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing just 16.6 points per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - Tigers face Ichabods in Topeka Saturday

Herbert A. Steinike, Jr., 97, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Gove County Hospital, Quinter, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on October 15, 1926, to Herbert A. Steinike, Sr. and Alma (Dieckmann) Steinike at Cheyenne Wells, Colorado.

Herb graduated in May of 1944 from Cheyenne Wells High School and was drafted into the Army in March of 1945. &nbsp;He was honorably discharged in September of 1946. &nbsp;Decorations and citations during his enlistment included the American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

On July 24, 1949, he married Jewell Embree at Cheyenne Wells, and they lived for many years in Sharon Springs, Kansas. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on October 26, 1998. &nbsp;

Herb was also preceded in death by his parents, son Paul Steinike, sisters Pauline Teague, Katherine Koeller, Leona Leonard, Bernice Dorzweiler, and brother Elmer Steinike.

Herb and Deloris (Packard) were married on March 18, 2000, in Gove, Kansas where they made their home and Deloris continues to reside.

Herb retired from the Union Pacific Railroad as an engineer after 46 years of service. &nbsp;

Herb loved to garden, tell jokes, bowl, woodwork (he made many rocking horses), and do construction projects. &nbsp;A particular joy for Herb was making and sharing his special sugar popcorn with family and friends and working on the Wallace County fairgrounds railroad.

Herb is survived by Deloris of the home; his children David (Jan) Steinike, Panama City, Florida and Susan (John) Wempe, Little River, Kansas; grandchildren Jennifer Deines, Elizabeth (Joseph) Hibbard, Jesse (Danyelle) Deines, and Samuel (Senzen) Steinike; eight great-grandchildren; stepchildren Charles (Rose) Packard, Grainfield, Kansas, Debra (Randall) Metzger, Burlingame, Kansas, and Brian (Annette) Packard, Gove, Kansas; 15 step-grandchildren, and 24 step-great-grandchildren.

Services will be on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. CST (9:30 a.m. MST) at the Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter, Kansas.

Interment will follow the service at the Sharon Springs Cemetery in Sharon Springs, Kansas at 12:30 p.m. CST (11:30 a.m. MST)

Memorial donations may be made to the Wallace County Amusement Association, in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St, Quinter, KS 67752.

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

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Herbert A. "Herb" Steinike, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/h-a-steinike/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>H. A. 'Herb' Steinike, Gove</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697899254414.png" alt="H. A. 'Herb' Steinike" />
 <figcaption>H. A. 'Herb' Steinike</figcaption>
 </figure>October 12, 1926 - October 19, 2023Herbert A. Steinike, Jr., 97, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Gove County Hospital, Quinter, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on October 15, 1926, to Herbert A. Steinike, Sr. and Alma (Dieckmann) Steinike at Cheyenne Wells, Colorado.Herb graduated in May of 1944 from Cheyenne Wells High School and was drafted into the Army in March of 1945. &nbsp;He was honorably discharged in September of 1946. &nbsp;Decorations and citations during his enlistment included the American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.On July 24, 1949, he married Jewell Embree at Cheyenne Wells, and they lived for many years in Sharon Springs, Kansas. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on October 26, 1998. &nbsp;Herb was also preceded in death by his parents, son Paul Steinike, sisters Pauline Teague, Katherine Koeller, Leona Leonard, Bernice Dorzweiler, and brother Elmer Steinike.Herb and Deloris (Packard) were married on March 18, 2000, in Gove, Kansas where they made their home and Deloris continues to reside.Herb retired from the Union Pacific Railroad as an engineer after 46 years of service. &nbsp;Herb loved to garden, tell jokes, bowl, woodwork (he made many rocking horses), and do construction projects. &nbsp;A particular joy for Herb was making and sharing his special sugar popcorn with family and friends and working on the Wallace County fairgrounds railroad.Herb is survived by Deloris of the home; his children David (Jan) Steinike, Panama City, Florida and Susan (John) Wempe, Little River, Kansas; grandchildren Jennifer Deines, Elizabeth (Joseph) Hibbard, Jesse (Danyelle) Deines, and Samuel (Senzen) Steinike; eight great-grandchildren; stepchildren Charles (Rose) Packard, Grainfield, Kansas, Debra (Randall) Metzger, Burlingame, Kansas, and Brian (Annette) Packard, Gove, Kansas; 15 step-grandchildren, and 24 step-great-grandchildren.Services will be on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. CST (9:30 a.m. MST) at the Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter, Kansas.Interment will follow the service at the Sharon Springs Cemetery in Sharon Springs, Kansas at 12:30 p.m. CST (11:30 a.m. MST)Memorial donations may be made to the Wallace County Amusement Association, in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St, Quinter, KS 67752.Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Herbert A. "Herb" Steinike, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/h-a-steinike/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

H. A. 'Herb' Steinike

Helen Roberta Holbrook, daughter of Robert and Ella (Brennan) Mechsner, passed away on October 20, 2023 at the age of 91 at the Andbe Home.

Helen was born on February 25, 1932 at the Norton County Hospital. 

She went to Mt. Zion Country School. When she started there were 13 students in school. When she finished eighth grade, she was the last student to attend and then school closed. Helen went to Norton Community High School and graduated in 1949. Later she took two years of accounting from Colby Community College. 

Helen and Earl Holbrook were married in 1950. He was a baker at Molene’s Bakery. They purchased the business in the 1970s and operated the business until they retired in 1995. 

Helen was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

She liked to grow flowers and gardening. She canned and froze vegetables and shared the extras with neighbors and friends. Helen liked to sew and make quilts. She was quilt chairman for the St. Francis Altar Society for 15 years, making quilts for the fall bazaar, many of which she made herself. Helen also liked to crochet doilies, edging and other items. In her later years she crocheted afghans for gifts and the church bazaar.

Helen is survived by her son, David Holbrook of Scott City, KS; nephews, Bob Mechsner and Bill Donovan; nieces, Donna Avant and Susan Mechsner and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; sons: Dennis and Jimmy Holbrook; sister, Alice Donovan and her husband George; brothers, Ed Mechsner and wife Ida, Don Mechsner and wife Helen, Ken Mechsner, Jack Mechsner and wife Wanda; nephews, Roger Mechsner, Martin Mechsner, Mike Mechsner, and Steven Mechsner; six sisters-in-law and husbands; five brothers-in-law and wives, and a baby brother-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October, 24 at the funeral home. A wake service and rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Andbe Home or for masses and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29630590&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1697722581.91.1.1697722854.59.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29630590&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1697722581.91.1.1697722854.59.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Helen, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29630590&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1697722581.91.1.1697722854.59.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Helen Roberta Holbrook</h2>February 25, 1932 - October 20, 2023Helen Roberta Holbrook, daughter of Robert and Ella (Brennan) Mechsner, passed away on October 20, 2023 at the age of 91 at the Andbe Home.Helen was born on February 25, 1932 at the Norton County Hospital. She went to Mt. Zion Country School. When she started there were 13 students in school. When she finished eighth grade, she was the last student to attend and then school closed. Helen went to Norton Community High School and graduated in 1949. Later she took two years of accounting from Colby Community College. Helen and Earl Holbrook were married in 1950. He was a baker at Molene’s Bakery. They purchased the business in the 1970s and operated the business until they retired in 1995. Helen was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Altar Society.She liked to grow flowers and gardening. She canned and froze vegetables and shared the extras with neighbors and friends. Helen liked to sew and make quilts. She was quilt chairman for the St. Francis Altar Society for 15 years, making quilts for the fall bazaar, many of which she made herself. Helen also liked to crochet doilies, edging and other items. In her later years she crocheted afghans for gifts and the church bazaar.Helen is survived by her son, David Holbrook of Scott City, KS; nephews, Bob Mechsner and Bill Donovan; nieces, Donna Avant and Susan Mechsner and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; sons: Dennis and Jimmy Holbrook; sister, Alice Donovan and her husband George; brothers, Ed Mechsner and wife Ida, Don Mechsner and wife Helen, Ken Mechsner, Jack Mechsner and wife Wanda; nephews, Roger Mechsner, Martin Mechsner, Mike Mechsner, and Steven Mechsner; six sisters-in-law and husbands; five brothers-in-law and wives, and a baby brother-in-law.Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October, 24 at the funeral home. A wake service and rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Andbe Home or for masses and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29630590&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1697722581.91.1.1697722854.59.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29630590&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1697722581.91.1.1697722854.59.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Helen, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29630590&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1697722581.91.1.1697722854.59.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

Helen Roberta Holbrook

On October 4, the&nbsp; hosted a truly remarkable event that brought together the community in celebration of agriculture. 

Kids Ag Day, an annual tradition, took place at the scenic Pa's Pumpkin Patch (owned by Jeff and Marla Copper) south of Hays and was attended by over 300 enthusiastic fourth-grade students from Ellis County. 

The event wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable support of the TMP, Victoria, and Hays High FFA Chapters, who lent their helping hands to make this day even more special. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible presenters, sponsors, and volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to make Kids Ag Day a resounding success. Their unwavering commitment to educating young minds about the importance of agriculture is truly commendable.

The atmosphere was brimming with excitement as children immersed themselves in various interactive activities designed to ignite their curiosity about farming practices and food production. From engaging workshops on sustainable farming techniques to hands-on experiences with farm animals, every moment was a chance for these young learners to deepen their understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in our lives. 

As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we are reminded of how crucial it is for future generations to appreciate and value our agricultural heritage. Events like Kids Ag Day not only foster a sense of connection between children and nature but also inspire them to become informed advocates for sustainable farming practices. 

Once again, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this event possible - from the organizers behind the scenes to those who generously contributed their time and resources. Your dedication has left such a mark on these young minds and has undoubtedly sown seeds of passion for agriculture that will bear fruit for years to come. 

Together, let us continue nurturing a love for agriculture among our youth and pave the way for a brighter future rooted in sustainable practices.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Stephanie Eckroat County Service Coordinator Ellis County Farm Bureau

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697809294653.jpeg" alt="The Ellis County Farm Bureau Kids Ag Day 2023 was located at&nbsp;Pa's Pumpkin Patch, Hays. Photos courtesy Steph Eckroat" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis County Farm Bureau Kids Ag Day 2023 was located at&nbsp;Pa's Pumpkin Patch, Hays. Photos courtesy Steph Eckroat</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 4, the&nbsp; hosted a truly remarkable event that brought together the community in celebration of agriculture. Kids Ag Day, an annual tradition, took place at the scenic Pa's Pumpkin Patch (owned by Jeff and Marla Copper) south of Hays and was attended by over 300 enthusiastic fourth-grade students from Ellis County. The event wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable support of the TMP, Victoria, and Hays High FFA Chapters, who lent their helping hands to make this day even more special. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible presenters, sponsors, and volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to make Kids Ag Day a resounding success. Their unwavering commitment to educating young minds about the importance of agriculture is truly commendable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697809225836.jpeg" alt="Kids Ag Day 2023 ( Photo courtesy Stephanie Eckroat)" />
 <figcaption>Kids Ag Day 2023 ( Photo courtesy Stephanie Eckroat)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697809413088.jpeg" alt="Kids Ag Day participants check out the alpacas at Pa's Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 4. Photo by Steph Eckroat" />
 <figcaption>Kids Ag Day participants check out the alpacas at Pa's Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 4. Photo by Steph Eckroat</figcaption>
 </figure>The atmosphere was brimming with excitement as children immersed themselves in various interactive activities designed to ignite their curiosity about farming practices and food production. From engaging workshops on sustainable farming techniques to hands-on experiences with farm animals, every moment was a chance for these young learners to deepen their understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in our lives. As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we are reminded of how crucial it is for future generations to appreciate and value our agricultural heritage. Events like Kids Ag Day not only foster a sense of connection between children and nature but also inspire them to become informed advocates for sustainable farming practices. Once again, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this event possible - from the organizers behind the scenes to those who generously contributed their time and resources. Your dedication has left such a mark on these young minds and has undoubtedly sown seeds of passion for agriculture that will bear fruit for years to come. Together, let us continue nurturing a love for agriculture among our youth and pave the way for a brighter future rooted in sustainable practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephanie Eckroat County Service Coordinator Ellis County Farm Bureau

LETTER: Kids Ag Day brings community together to celebrate agriculture

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just spoke with the two Americans released today after being held hostage by Hamas. I let them know that their government will fully support them as they recover and heal. Jill and I will continue holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans. <a href="https://t.co/oXk6gfrD8M">pic.twitter.com/oXk6gfrD8M</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715489606722801704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

Father of freed American teen hostage says she's "doing very good”

BUNKER HILL – On our next stop of&nbsp;Traveling Kansas, we will focus on the communities within Trego County.&nbsp; This episode will air on October 26 at 7 p.m.&nbsp; A re-airing will also take place on&nbsp;October 27 at 1 p.m. and October 29 at 6:30 p.m..

“We're honored to showcase Trego County in this new episode of Traveling Kansas,” said Sara Oberle, Smoky Hills PBS corporate support representative. “Whether you're interested in history, nature, or exploring&nbsp;small town amenities, you'll find something to discover and enjoy in WaKeeney and Trego County - during the Christmas season, and all year long!”

On this episode of&nbsp;Traveling Kansas,&nbsp;we&nbsp;meet the people who keep the&nbsp;county's history alive and those people who have invested in the present&nbsp;and future success of the region.&nbsp; We will also unveil&nbsp;the many natural treasures in&nbsp;Trego&nbsp;County, explore the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, Cedar Bluff State Park, as well as the year-round local celebrations of the Christmas City of the High Plains, WaKeeney.&nbsp; Learn why people are asking "Why Not WaKeeney?"

This episode of Traveling Kansas will also premiere on our Smoky Hills PBS YouTube Channel on October 26 at 7 p.m..&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">Stream Smoky Hills PBS</a>

This episode is made&nbsp;possible by Trego County Economic Development, WaKeeney Travel and Tourism, Solutions North Bank, Western Cooperative, Gibson Health Mart, Malay’s Market, Dr. Heather A. Robben, Roosters Sport Haven at Cedar Bluff Reservoir, and Trego County Chamber of Commerce.

Traveling Kansas&nbsp;is a Smoky Hills PBS production that highlights Kansas communities, events and natural wonders.&nbsp; Previous episodes can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697057115113.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL – On our next stop of&nbsp;Traveling Kansas, we will focus on the communities within Trego County.&nbsp; This episode will air on October 26 at 7 p.m.&nbsp; A re-airing will also take place on&nbsp;October 27 at 1 p.m. and October 29 at 6:30 p.m..“We're honored to showcase Trego County in this new episode of Traveling Kansas,” said Sara Oberle, Smoky Hills PBS corporate support representative. “Whether you're interested in history, nature, or exploring&nbsp;small town amenities, you'll find something to discover and enjoy in WaKeeney and Trego County - during the Christmas season, and all year long!”On this episode of&nbsp;Traveling Kansas,&nbsp;we&nbsp;meet the people who keep the&nbsp;county's history alive and those people who have invested in the present&nbsp;and future success of the region.&nbsp; We will also unveil&nbsp;the many natural treasures in&nbsp;Trego&nbsp;County, explore the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, Cedar Bluff State Park, as well as the year-round local celebrations of the Christmas City of the High Plains, WaKeeney.&nbsp; Learn why people are asking "Why Not WaKeeney?"This episode of Traveling Kansas will also premiere on our Smoky Hills PBS YouTube Channel on October 26 at 7 p.m..&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">Stream Smoky Hills PBS</a>This episode is made&nbsp;possible by Trego County Economic Development, WaKeeney Travel and Tourism, Solutions North Bank, Western Cooperative, Gibson Health Mart, Malay’s Market, Dr. Heather A. Robben, Roosters Sport Haven at Cedar Bluff Reservoir, and Trego County Chamber of Commerce.Traveling Kansas&nbsp;is a Smoky Hills PBS production that highlights Kansas communities, events and natural wonders.&nbsp; Previous episodes can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

Trego County featured on Smoky Hills PBS' Traveling Kansas

With row crop harvest well underway, it is time to start planning fall herbicide applications. 

Herbicide applications in late October through November can improve control of difficult winter annual weeds. Fall weed control is associated with warmer soils and easier planting in the spring, however, it is important to remember that fall-applied herbicides may limit your crop options in the spring. Also remember that herbicides should not be applied to frozen ground.

Some of the key herbicides to consider for fall herbicide applications include chlorimuron (Classic, others), flumioxazin (Valor, others), suflentrazone (Spartan, others), and Autumn Super, for residual activity. One thing to keep in mind about residual activity from fall herbicide applications is that weather conditions will influence the length of residual control and the weed emergence patterns. So, even though they provide some residual activity, additional spring application pre-emergence herbicides will likely be needed for season-long weed control.

For burndown activity, glyphosate, 2,4-D or dicamba are good options to consider. Alternatives for grass control include Group 1 herbicides like clethodim (Select, others) or quizalofop (Assure II, others). Alternatives for controlling broadleaf weeds include paraquat (Gramoxone, others) or saflufenacil (Sharpen).

Some key weeds to target with fall herbicide applications are marestail, henbit, dandelion, prickly lettuce, pepperweed, field pansy, and recently-emerged cool-season grasses. When higher rates of herbicides are used in the fall some suppression of early spring-germinating summer annual broadleaf weeds such as kochia, common lambsquarters, wild buckwheat, and Pennsylvania smartweed can be achieved, according to recent research in Kansas.

Marestail is a problem that merits special attention. This weed is classified as a winter annual, but it germinates well into spring and summer, making it even more difficult to manage. Marestail is much easier to control in fall or early spring while it is still in the rosette growth stage.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval.

Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements. 

For more information on weed control refer to the 2023 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland. You can find it by typing into your internet browser&nbsp;“<a href="http://v">Chemical Weed Control Guide, KSU</a>.” Or stop by your local county or district extension office for a paper copy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>With row crop harvest well underway, it is time to start planning fall herbicide applications. Herbicide applications in late October through November can improve control of difficult winter annual weeds. Fall weed control is associated with warmer soils and easier planting in the spring, however, it is important to remember that fall-applied herbicides may limit your crop options in the spring. Also remember that herbicides should not be applied to frozen ground.Some of the key herbicides to consider for fall herbicide applications include chlorimuron (Classic, others), flumioxazin (Valor, others), suflentrazone (Spartan, others), and Autumn Super, for residual activity. One thing to keep in mind about residual activity from fall herbicide applications is that weather conditions will influence the length of residual control and the weed emergence patterns. So, even though they provide some residual activity, additional spring application pre-emergence herbicides will likely be needed for season-long weed control.For burndown activity, glyphosate, 2,4-D or dicamba are good options to consider. Alternatives for grass control include Group 1 herbicides like clethodim (Select, others) or quizalofop (Assure II, others). Alternatives for controlling broadleaf weeds include paraquat (Gramoxone, others) or saflufenacil (Sharpen).Some key weeds to target with fall herbicide applications are marestail, henbit, dandelion, prickly lettuce, pepperweed, field pansy, and recently-emerged cool-season grasses. When higher rates of herbicides are used in the fall some suppression of early spring-germinating summer annual broadleaf weeds such as kochia, common lambsquarters, wild buckwheat, and Pennsylvania smartweed can be achieved, according to recent research in Kansas.Marestail is a problem that merits special attention. This weed is classified as a winter annual, but it germinates well into spring and summer, making it even more difficult to manage. Marestail is much easier to control in fall or early spring while it is still in the rosette growth stage.The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements. For more information on weed control refer to the 2023 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland. You can find it by typing into your internet browser&nbsp;“<a href="http://v">Chemical Weed Control Guide, KSU</a>.” Or stop by your local county or district extension office for a paper copy.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.