By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago along with hubs across the U.S. are among the 40 that will see flights cut starting Friday due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341">government shutdown</a>, according to a list distributed to the airlines and obtained by The Associated Press.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-aviation-administration">Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;announced Wednesday that it would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341">government shutdown</a>.

The affected airports covering more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the U.S. — including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities — such as New York, Houston and Chicago — multiple airports will be affected.

Full list of airports affected by FAA service cuts

The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the government shutdown and have been increasingly calling off work.

Controllers already have missed one full paycheck and are scheduled to again receive nothing next week as as the shutdown drags on.

The FAA has been delaying flights at times when airports or its other facilities are short on controllers.

Passengers should start to be notified about cancellations Thursday. Airlines said they would try to minimize the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">impact on customers</a>, some of whom will see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice.

United Airlines said it would focus the cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller planes like 737s. United, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they would offer refunds to passengers who opt not to fly -- even if they purchased tickets that aren’t normally refundable.

What to do if you’re facing flight disruptions during the government shutdownStaffing shortages have caused flight delays at a growing number of airports as disruptions pile up nationwide.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">Here is what to know about your rights as a passenger.</a>

The head of Frontier Airlines recommended that travelers buy backup tickets with another airline to avoid being stranded.

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">could be canceled</a>. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out.

Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, Bedford said.

“We can’t ignore it,” he said, adding that even if the shutdown ends before Friday, the FAA wouldn’t automatically resume normal operations until staffing improves and stabilizes.

Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday that they would meet with airline executives to figure out how to safely implement the reductions.

Major airlines, aviation unions and the broader travel industry have been urging Congress to end the shutdown, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/longest-government-shutdown-trump-schumer-elections-183a80e0bb9ab6a2ee6ddd5e8367f100">on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;became the longest on record.

The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and “forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman in a statement.

Duffy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-duffy-delays-9afedfa9e5000510c77465808404c830">warned</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies if the shutdown drags on long enough for air traffic controllers to miss their second full paycheck next week.

Duffy said some controllers can get by missing one paycheck, but not two or more. And he has said some controllers are even struggling to pay for transportation to work.

Staffing can run short both in regional control centers that manage multiple airports and in individual airport towers, but they don’t always lead to flight disruptions. Throughout October, flight delays caused by staffing problems had been largely isolated and temporary.

But the past weekend brought some of the worst staffing issues since the start of the shutdown.

From Friday to Sunday evening, at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limits, according to an Associated Press analysis of operations plans shared through the Air Traffic Control System Command Center system. The figure, which is likely an undercount, is well above the average for weekends before the shutdown.

During weekends from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, the average number of airport towers, regional control centers and facilities monitoring traffic at higher altitudes that announced potential staffing issues was 8.3, according to the AP analysis. But during the five weekend periods since the shutdown began, the average more than tripled to 26.2 facilities.

Associated Press journalist Christopher L. Keller contributed from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762444088736.png" alt="View from LAX cameras early Thursday" />
 <figcaption>View from LAX cameras early Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>WASHINGTON (AP) —Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago along with hubs across the U.S. are among the 40 that will see flights cut starting Friday due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341">government shutdown</a>, according to a list distributed to the airlines and obtained by The Associated Press.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-aviation-administration">Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;announced Wednesday that it would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341">government shutdown</a>.The affected airports covering more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the U.S. — including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities — such as New York, Houston and Chicago — multiple airports will be affected.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDuffy</a> announces a 10% reduction in scheduled flight capacity at the nation&#39;s top 40 high-traffic markets due to the Democrat Shutdown&#39;s strain on air traffic controllers. <a href="https://t.co/g6yJygA96W">pic.twitter.com/g6yJygA96W</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1986182615372849270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Full list of airports affected by FAA service cuts</h2><ul>
 <li>Anchorage International (ANC)</li><li>Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)</li><li>Boston Logan International (BOS)</li><li>Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)</li><li>Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)</li><li>Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)</li><li>Dallas Love Field (DAL)</li><li>Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)</li><li>Denver International (DEN)</li><li>Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)</li><li>Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)</li><li>Newark Liberty International (EWR)</li><li>Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL)</li><li>Honolulu International (HNL)</li><li>Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)</li><li>Washington Dulles International (IAD)</li><li>George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)</li><li>Indianapolis International (IND)</li><li>New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)</li><li>Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS)</li><li>Los Angeles International (LAX)</li><li>New York LaGuardia (LGA)</li><li>Orlando International (MCO)</li><li>Chicago Midway (MDW)</li><li>Memphis International (MEM)</li><li>Miami International (MIA)</li><li>Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP)</li><li>Oakland International (OAK)</li><li>Ontario International (ONT)</li><li>Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)</li><li>Portland International (PDX)</li><li>Philadelphia International (PHL)</li><li>Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)</li><li>San Diego International (SAN)</li><li>Louisville International (SDF)</li><li>Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA)</li><li>San Francisco International (SFO)</li><li>Salt Lake City International (SLC)</li><li>Teterboro Airport (TEB)</li><li>Tampa International (TPA)</li>
 </ul>The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the government shutdown and have been increasingly calling off work.Controllers already have missed one full paycheck and are scheduled to again receive nothing next week as as the shutdown drags on.The FAA has been delaying flights at times when airports or its other facilities are short on controllers.Passengers should start to be notified about cancellations Thursday. Airlines said they would try to minimize the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">impact on customers</a>, some of whom will see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice.United Airlines said it would focus the cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller planes like 737s. United, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they would offer refunds to passengers who opt not to fly -- even if they purchased tickets that aren’t normally refundable.What to do if you’re facing flight disruptions during the government shutdownStaffing shortages have caused flight delays at a growing number of airports as disruptions pile up nationwide.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">Here is what to know about your rights as a passenger.</a><ul>
 <li>My flight was canceled. Now what?&nbsp;If you are already at the airport, it is time to find another flight. Airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge. You can ask to be booked on another airline, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. It is often hit or miss.</li><li>Am I owed a refund?&nbsp;If your flight is canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or have found another way of getting to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket.</li><li>Can I get compensation?&nbsp;U.S. airlines are not required to pay additional cash compensation and cover lodging and meals for passengers who are stranded, even if a flight cancellation or a severe delay is the airline’s fault.</li>
 </ul>The head of Frontier Airlines recommended that travelers buy backup tickets with another airline to avoid being stranded.Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-travel-delays-canceled-flights-38bd3f9d066b064b5f2aa248864fe13b">could be canceled</a>. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out.Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, Bedford said.“We can’t ignore it,” he said, adding that even if the shutdown ends before Friday, the FAA wouldn’t automatically resume normal operations until staffing improves and stabilizes.Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday that they would meet with airline executives to figure out how to safely implement the reductions.Major airlines, aviation unions and the broader travel industry have been urging Congress to end the shutdown, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/longest-government-shutdown-trump-schumer-elections-183a80e0bb9ab6a2ee6ddd5e8367f100">on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;became the longest on record.The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and “forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman in a statement.Duffy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-duffy-delays-9afedfa9e5000510c77465808404c830">warned</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies if the shutdown drags on long enough for air traffic controllers to miss their second full paycheck next week.Duffy said some controllers can get by missing one paycheck, but not two or more. And he has said some controllers are even struggling to pay for transportation to work.Staffing can run short both in regional control centers that manage multiple airports and in individual airport towers, but they don’t always lead to flight disruptions. Throughout October, flight delays caused by staffing problems had been largely isolated and temporary.But the past weekend brought some of the worst staffing issues since the start of the shutdown.From Friday to Sunday evening, at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limits, according to an Associated Press analysis of operations plans shared through the Air Traffic Control System Command Center system. The figure, which is likely an undercount, is well above the average for weekends before the shutdown.During weekends from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, the average number of airport towers, regional control centers and facilities monitoring traffic at higher altitudes that announced potential staffing issues was 8.3, according to the AP analysis. But during the five weekend periods since the shutdown began, the average more than tripled to 26.2 facilities.___Associated Press journalist Christopher L. Keller contributed from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Government shutdown: Airports on the FAA’s list for flight reductions

KANSAS CITY —A second person has died from injuries that occurred just before 1:30a.m. October 19, in Kansas City Missouri.

A gray Chevrolet Malibu was southbound on Paseo at a very high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. At 16th and Paseo, the car went into a broad slide, continued over the curb through the grass and struck a large tree.

EMS transported the unrestrained driver to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

The front seat passenger and left rear seat passenger were both transported to local hospitals with critical injuries. 

On Tuesday authorities were notified by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office that the front seat passenger had been pronounced deceased by hospital staff on Oct. 19,&nbsp; at 3:31 a.m.&nbsp;

The right rear seat passenger was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. . The left rear seat passenger was reported in serious condition and the right rear seat passenger was in stable condition.&nbsp; Police did not release names of those involved.

This is fatality #56 compared to #80 at this time last year.

KANSAS CITY —A second person has died from injuries that occurred just before 1:30a.m. October 19, in Kansas City Missouri.A gray Chevrolet Malibu was southbound on Paseo at a very high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. At 16th and Paseo, the car went into a broad slide, continued over the curb through the grass and struck a large tree.EMS transported the unrestrained driver to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff.The front seat passenger and left rear seat passenger were both transported to local hospitals with critical injuries. On Tuesday authorities were notified by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office that the front seat passenger had been pronounced deceased by hospital staff on Oct. 19,&nbsp; at 3:31 a.m.&nbsp;The right rear seat passenger was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. . The left rear seat passenger was reported in serious condition and the right rear seat passenger was in stable condition.&nbsp; Police did not release names of those involved.This is fatality #56 compared to #80 at this time last year.

KCPD: 2nd person dies after violent crash into a tree

Delores D.
Lockhart, 70, of Oakley, died Monday, November 3, 2025. She was born October
19, 1955, in Quinter, KS, to Victor and Esmaria 'Esta' (Wolf) Schmidtberger.
Delores grew up on the family farm near Grainfield and graduated from Wheatland
High School in 1973. 

She married
Eugene Baalmann on November 23, 1973, and made their home in Oakley. The couple
had two boys who, especially after Gene’s passing, kept her on her toes.
Delores was a dedicated employee and always took pride in her work. After high
school she took a job at C.D. Clark &amp; Sons, working in the parts department
and later moved to the office where she learned accounting. She remained there
until 1991 when she went to work at Hoxie Implement, where she stayed for 25
years. She was employed at American Implement in Colby at the time of her
death. She also did the accounting for Cross Country Trucking and Baalmann
Mortuary. Along with accounting, she was a notary and had her insurance
license. After Gene’s passing in 1996, Delores met Daniel Lockhart and they
were married in August 2002. 

She never met a
stranger and remembered everyone! She enjoyed socializing at her weekly ladies
bowling league and one of the highlights of her year was bartending with Danny
at the annual St. Joesph School Winter Blast. This led to them bartending many
weddings, which she was always thrilled to do. She was known for her huge
garden, which she took great pride in. She loved giving the produce away to
coworkers, family, and St. Joseph School. What she didn’t give away she enjoyed
canning, cooking and baking with. She also loved playing cards, going to her
grandchildren’s events and spending time with family. Delores was a member of
St. Joseph Church, where she served on the Finance Council and was part of the
Altar Society.

She was
preceded in death by her parents, husband Eugene Baalmann and infant brother
Mark Alan. 

Delores is
survived by her husband Danny; sons, David (Julie), of Louisburg, KS and Jason
(Shane) of Colby, KS; grandchildren, Kylie, Carson, Connor, Liam, Elan and
Audra; step-children, Ryan (Amanda) Lockhart and Elizabeth (Ethan) DeVader;
nine step- grandchildren; siblings, Sylvia (Terry) Krannawitter, Lela Cooksey,
Doris Schmidtberger-Baker, Leroy (Pam) Schmidtberger, Joe (Jennifer)
Schmidtberger, Delmar (Linda) Schmidtberger, Arnold (Kathy) Schmidtberger,
Alvera (Gary) Bruggeman, and Vicki (Sean) Timiney; and numerous nieces, nephews
and cousins. 

Visitation is
5-7:00 p.m. with Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church, Oakley. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday,
November 7, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in St. Paul
Catholic Cemetery, Angelus. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School
and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For
information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762367281207.jpeg" alt="Delores D. Lockhart" />
 <figcaption>Delores D. Lockhart</figcaption>
 </figure>Delores D.
Lockhart, 70, of Oakley, died Monday, November 3, 2025. She was born October
19, 1955, in Quinter, KS, to Victor and Esmaria 'Esta' (Wolf) Schmidtberger.
Delores grew up on the family farm near Grainfield and graduated from Wheatland
High School in 1973. She married
Eugene Baalmann on November 23, 1973, and made their home in Oakley. The couple
had two boys who, especially after Gene’s passing, kept her on her toes.
Delores was a dedicated employee and always took pride in her work. After high
school she took a job at C.D. Clark &amp; Sons, working in the parts department
and later moved to the office where she learned accounting. She remained there
until 1991 when she went to work at Hoxie Implement, where she stayed for 25
years. She was employed at American Implement in Colby at the time of her
death. She also did the accounting for Cross Country Trucking and Baalmann
Mortuary. Along with accounting, she was a notary and had her insurance
license. After Gene’s passing in 1996, Delores met Daniel Lockhart and they
were married in August 2002. She never met a
stranger and remembered everyone! She enjoyed socializing at her weekly ladies
bowling league and one of the highlights of her year was bartending with Danny
at the annual St. Joesph School Winter Blast. This led to them bartending many
weddings, which she was always thrilled to do. She was known for her huge
garden, which she took great pride in. She loved giving the produce away to
coworkers, family, and St. Joseph School. What she didn’t give away she enjoyed
canning, cooking and baking with. She also loved playing cards, going to her
grandchildren’s events and spending time with family. Delores was a member of
St. Joseph Church, where she served on the Finance Council and was part of the
Altar Society.She was
preceded in death by her parents, husband Eugene Baalmann and infant brother
Mark Alan. Delores is
survived by her husband Danny; sons, David (Julie), of Louisburg, KS and Jason
(Shane) of Colby, KS; grandchildren, Kylie, Carson, Connor, Liam, Elan and
Audra; step-children, Ryan (Amanda) Lockhart and Elizabeth (Ethan) DeVader;
nine step- grandchildren; siblings, Sylvia (Terry) Krannawitter, Lela Cooksey,
Doris Schmidtberger-Baker, Leroy (Pam) Schmidtberger, Joe (Jennifer)
Schmidtberger, Delmar (Linda) Schmidtberger, Arnold (Kathy) Schmidtberger,
Alvera (Gary) Bruggeman, and Vicki (Sean) Timiney; and numerous nieces, nephews
and cousins. Visitation is
5-7:00 p.m. with Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church, Oakley. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday,
November 7, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in St. Paul
Catholic Cemetery, Angelus. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School
and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For
information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

Delores D. Lockhart

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State had three individuals receive Player of the Week honors from the Great American Conference on Tuesday. Juan Linares was named Offensive Player of the Week, Jackson Elgas was the Co-Defender of the Week, and Payton Roehrich was the Goalkeeper of the Week.

Linares recorded two goals and an assist for five points over two matches, helping FHSU to a 4-0 win over Ouachita Baptist and a 5-0 win over Harding. He scored the first two goals of the 4-0 win at OBU, converting a penalty kick and then a shot from about 30 yards out. In the 5-0 win over Harding, he provided an assist on FHSU's fourth goal.

Jackson Elgas played a team-high 150 minutes for the week, helping FHSU remain unbeaten at 14-0-3 overall and 10-0-1 in the GAC. He played 75 minutes in both matches, helping the team record its 12th and 13th shutouts of the season. He provided a team save on an OBU shot that was headed for an empty net late in the first half, then he had the assist on the game-winning goal at Harding with a nice crossing pass. He helped the Tigers limit the opposition to just 8.5 shots per match for the week.

Payton Roehrich picked up a pair of combined shutouts with Simon Niksch on the road in Arkansas, his fourth and fifth combined shutouts of the season. Roehrich played the first 70 minutes of the match at Ouachita Baptist and made four saves before being lifted when FHSU had a comfortable lead. In the win at Harding, Roehrich only played the first half of contest at Harding and did not have to make a save, but yielded to Niksch when the Tigers were up 3-0 at halftime. Roehrich made four saves for the week.

Elgas shared the Defender of the Week honor with Artur Carvalho of Rogers State, making four honorees for the weekly GAC honors overall.

FHSU Men's Soccer now has 13 player of the week honors from the conference office this season. Roehrich has now earned Goalkeeper of the Week three times this season. Dimitry Tchantcheu (defender), Oliver Wright (defender), and Linares (offense) have all earned weekly honors twice this season. Elias Ovelar Semeniuk (offense), Bastian Carlman (offense), Harrison Bensouda (defender), and Elgas (defender) have all earned an honor once this year. The Tigers have claimed 12 of their 13 honors within the months of October and November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762342355014.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State had three individuals receive Player of the Week honors from the Great American Conference on Tuesday. Juan Linares was named Offensive Player of the Week, Jackson Elgas was the Co-Defender of the Week, and Payton Roehrich was the Goalkeeper of the Week.Linares recorded two goals and an assist for five points over two matches, helping FHSU to a 4-0 win over Ouachita Baptist and a 5-0 win over Harding. He scored the first two goals of the 4-0 win at OBU, converting a penalty kick and then a shot from about 30 yards out. In the 5-0 win over Harding, he provided an assist on FHSU's fourth goal.Jackson Elgas played a team-high 150 minutes for the week, helping FHSU remain unbeaten at 14-0-3 overall and 10-0-1 in the GAC. He played 75 minutes in both matches, helping the team record its 12th and 13th shutouts of the season. He provided a team save on an OBU shot that was headed for an empty net late in the first half, then he had the assist on the game-winning goal at Harding with a nice crossing pass. He helped the Tigers limit the opposition to just 8.5 shots per match for the week.Payton Roehrich picked up a pair of combined shutouts with Simon Niksch on the road in Arkansas, his fourth and fifth combined shutouts of the season. Roehrich played the first 70 minutes of the match at Ouachita Baptist and made four saves before being lifted when FHSU had a comfortable lead. In the win at Harding, Roehrich only played the first half of contest at Harding and did not have to make a save, but yielded to Niksch when the Tigers were up 3-0 at halftime. Roehrich made four saves for the week.Elgas shared the Defender of the Week honor with Artur Carvalho of Rogers State, making four honorees for the weekly GAC honors overall.FHSU Men's Soccer now has 13 player of the week honors from the conference office this season. Roehrich has now earned Goalkeeper of the Week three times this season. Dimitry Tchantcheu (defender), Oliver Wright (defender), and Linares (offense) have all earned weekly honors twice this season. Elias Ovelar Semeniuk (offense), Bastian Carlman (offense), Harrison Bensouda (defender), and Elgas (defender) have all earned an honor once this year. The Tigers have claimed 12 of their 13 honors within the months of October and November.

⚽ Trio of Tigers receive GAC Player of the Week honors

Karen
Adelia (Bell) Ashbaugh, 85, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October
31, 2025, in Denton, TX. She was born on November 9, 1939, in Moscow, Kansas.



Karen was a devoted wife to the late Darwin Ashbaugh, whom she married in
Moscow on August 2, 1964. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love,
and service. Darwin preceded her in death in 2008, after 43 years of marriage.



Above all, Karen was a proud and loving mother to her son Mike Ashbaugh, wife
Jodi, and grandmother to Erin and Bryce Ashbaugh. She took great joy in their
achievements, and they were a constant source of support and love for her.



An educator at heart, Karen spent many years as a teacher in the Ellis and
Palco School systems, where she touched the lives of countless students. She
had a unique ability to inspire those she taught.



Karen was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ellis, where she actively
participated in the church community. She also enjoyed quilting and developed
many lifelong friends. She was a member of KNEA during her time as an educator.



Karen is survived by her son Mike Ashbaugh (Jodi), and her grandchildren Erin
&amp; Bryce Ashbaugh, all of Denton, TX. She is also survived by her sisters,
Helen Felzein, Kay Thompson, Ronda Fondoble and brother, Jim Bell, along with
many extended family members and friends.



Karen was preceded in death by her husband Darwin, her parents, William and
Mary Bell, sisters, Mildred Cassidy and Dorothy Ladnier, brothers, Jack, Allen,
and Doug Bell.



She will be remembered as a woman of strength, deep faith, and a compassionate
educator, who left a lasting impact on those around her.



A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7,
2025, at the United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas, with Pastor Scott
Tempero officiating. 



Interment immediately following at Mount Hope cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, where
she will be laid to rest beside her husband Darwin. 



Visitation hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November
6, 2025 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th in Ellis, Kansas.

Memorial contributions in Karen’s honor may be made to the Ellis United
Methodist Church, 1201 Washington St, Ellis, KS 67637.

Memories may be shared on Karen's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762273703791.jpeg" alt="Karen Adelia (Bell) Ashbaugh" />
 <figcaption>Karen Adelia (Bell) Ashbaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>Karen
Adelia (Bell) Ashbaugh, 85, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October
31, 2025, in Denton, TX. She was born on November 9, 1939, in Moscow, Kansas.

Karen was a devoted wife to the late Darwin Ashbaugh, whom she married in
Moscow on August 2, 1964. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love,
and service. Darwin preceded her in death in 2008, after 43 years of marriage.

Above all, Karen was a proud and loving mother to her son Mike Ashbaugh, wife
Jodi, and grandmother to Erin and Bryce Ashbaugh. She took great joy in their
achievements, and they were a constant source of support and love for her.

An educator at heart, Karen spent many years as a teacher in the Ellis and
Palco School systems, where she touched the lives of countless students. She
had a unique ability to inspire those she taught.

Karen was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ellis, where she actively
participated in the church community. She also enjoyed quilting and developed
many lifelong friends. She was a member of KNEA during her time as an educator.

Karen is survived by her son Mike Ashbaugh (Jodi), and her grandchildren Erin
&amp; Bryce Ashbaugh, all of Denton, TX. She is also survived by her sisters,
Helen Felzein, Kay Thompson, Ronda Fondoble and brother, Jim Bell, along with
many extended family members and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Darwin, her parents, William and
Mary Bell, sisters, Mildred Cassidy and Dorothy Ladnier, brothers, Jack, Allen,
and Doug Bell.

She will be remembered as a woman of strength, deep faith, and a compassionate
educator, who left a lasting impact on those around her.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7,
2025, at the United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas, with Pastor Scott
Tempero officiating. 

Interment immediately following at Mount Hope cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, where
she will be laid to rest beside her husband Darwin. 

Visitation hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November
6, 2025 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th in Ellis, Kansas. 

Memorial contributions in Karen’s honor may be made to the Ellis United
Methodist Church, 1201 Washington St, Ellis, KS 67637.

Memories may be shared on Karen's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Karen Adelia (Bell) Ashbaugh

Jamie
L (Hofts) Woolley was born March 9, 1948, in Concordia hospital to Glenn and
Phyllis Hofts. She grew up in the small town of Republic, graduating from high
school in 1966. Following graduation, she continued her education at Kansas
Wesleyan University with a degree in Radiologic Technology. She married Mike
Woolley on February 19, 1972 at the Dispatch Church.

She worked for many years as an x-ray technician at Osborne Memorial Hospital.
Jamie’s outreach and serving of others also carried over into her becoming a
home health provider for many residents of Osborne.

Jamie was an accomplished musician and regularly shared her talents at both the
Osborne and Republic United Methodist Churches. She played for many weddings
and funerals in the North Central Kansas area for nearly 60 years. She was very
involved with her local church (Osborne United Methodist) and participated in
many aspects as a volunteer.

Jamie enjoyed exercising, including walking, hiking, and most importantly
bicycling.&nbsp; She completed multiple Bike Across Kansas events.&nbsp; One of
her proudest accomplishments was spending 10 days hiking and high-country wild
camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains in her 60’s.

Jamie was a proud mom of her son, Terran. She and her husband, Mike, enjoyed
camping for many years everywhere from Colorado in the 1970’s to making the
trek to Glacier National Park in the last 5 years. If the mountains were in the
windshield, Mike and Jamie were happy!

She loved Vizsla dogs after growing up with her beloved Vizsla
Scout.&nbsp;&nbsp; She owned two in her adult life that were her constant
walking companions.

Jamie was a true caregiver and provided faithful care to her parents in their
later years. She adored her role as Aunt Jamie to her many nieces and nephews
but particularly cherished her relationship to her niece Allison and her young
son Oliver, forever known to Jamie as “Little Man”.

Jamie was a huge KU Jayhawks fan and had a wide variety of game time traditions
and rituals that she was certain could affect the outcome of a game.

Jamie
was a woman of strength, faith, and resilience. Quitting was never easy for
her, and it definitely was not easy for her at the end of her life.
Unfortunately, her body ran out of fight on Tuesday October 28 at the Osborne
Memorial Hospital.

She
leaves behind husband, Mike, Osborne, KS, son Terran (Tina),&nbsp; McPherson,
KS, brother Tom (Laurie) Hofts, Plant City, FL. Allison (Thomas) Spurgin, Hays,
KS.&nbsp; Many beloved nieces and nephews.

Celebration
of life services will be held at 10:30AM on November 15, 2025, at the United
Methodist church in Osborne, KS.

The
family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Osborne County EMS
and can be sent in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements
have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family Mortuaries Osborne Chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762273069569.jpeg" alt="Jamie L (Hofts) Woolley" />
 <figcaption>Jamie L (Hofts) Woolley</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamie
L (Hofts) Woolley was born March 9, 1948, in Concordia hospital to Glenn and
Phyllis Hofts. She grew up in the small town of Republic, graduating from high
school in 1966. Following graduation, she continued her education at Kansas
Wesleyan University with a degree in Radiologic Technology. She married Mike
Woolley on February 19, 1972 at the Dispatch Church.She worked for many years as an x-ray technician at Osborne Memorial Hospital.
Jamie’s outreach and serving of others also carried over into her becoming a
home health provider for many residents of Osborne.Jamie was an accomplished musician and regularly shared her talents at both the
Osborne and Republic United Methodist Churches. She played for many weddings
and funerals in the North Central Kansas area for nearly 60 years. She was very
involved with her local church (Osborne United Methodist) and participated in
many aspects as a volunteer.Jamie enjoyed exercising, including walking, hiking, and most importantly
bicycling.&nbsp; She completed multiple Bike Across Kansas events.&nbsp; One of
her proudest accomplishments was spending 10 days hiking and high-country wild
camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains in her 60’s.Jamie was a proud mom of her son, Terran. She and her husband, Mike, enjoyed
camping for many years everywhere from Colorado in the 1970’s to making the
trek to Glacier National Park in the last 5 years. If the mountains were in the
windshield, Mike and Jamie were happy!She loved Vizsla dogs after growing up with her beloved Vizsla
Scout.&nbsp;&nbsp; She owned two in her adult life that were her constant
walking companions.Jamie was a true caregiver and provided faithful care to her parents in their
later years. She adored her role as Aunt Jamie to her many nieces and nephews
but particularly cherished her relationship to her niece Allison and her young
son Oliver, forever known to Jamie as “Little Man”.Jamie was a huge KU Jayhawks fan and had a wide variety of game time traditions
and rituals that she was certain could affect the outcome of a game.Jamie
was a woman of strength, faith, and resilience. Quitting was never easy for
her, and it definitely was not easy for her at the end of her life.
Unfortunately, her body ran out of fight on Tuesday October 28 at the Osborne
Memorial Hospital.She
leaves behind husband, Mike, Osborne, KS, son Terran (Tina),&nbsp; McPherson,
KS, brother Tom (Laurie) Hofts, Plant City, FL. Allison (Thomas) Spurgin, Hays,
KS.&nbsp; Many beloved nieces and nephews.Celebration
of life services will be held at 10:30AM on November 15, 2025, at the United
Methodist church in Osborne, KS.The
family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Osborne County EMS
and can be sent in care of the mortuary.Arrangements
have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family Mortuaries Osborne Chapel.

Jamie L (Hofts) Woolley

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/522d9bc7-8664-49c5-aba6-3242dc805e2a">FIND FOOD PANTRIES IN ELLIS COUNTY HERE</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f164f668-bb65-4763-88e9-50c2e763d898">The White House announced on Monday that it will allow the USDA to use all of the SNAP contingency funds to pay part of food benefits for November.</a>

In October, the USDA announced a pause in benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, due to the government shutdown.

Both SNAP recipients and community food pantries have been preparing for a pause in benefits.

Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center in Hays, said the pantry is well-stocked at this time. The annual Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat in October is one of the pantry's largest donation drives of the year.

Hill said the center also receives more food donations during the holidays.

However, Hill and others said that pressure on local pantries has already been on the rise due to the increasing cost of food.

Macey Pfeifer, First Call for Help director, said she saw an increase in food, rent and utility requests in October ahead of the benefit lapse.

"I think there had been talk about pausing SNAP in early to mid-October, and I think that really scared people," Pfeifer said. "Our food was flying off the shelves at the beginning of he month and mid-month."

She said First Call restocked its food pantry three times in October.

"It's been a huge expense," she said. "Thankfully, we have had great donors and people bringing stuff in to us, too."

Pfeifer said First Call for Help has also received a couple of grants this year that have helped keep the pantry full.

As of last week, Pfeifer said the pantry was well-stocked, but the agency always welcomes donations. She said the pantry has had a high demand for canned vegetables, canned beans, soup and boxes of cereal.

The Hays Post asked Pfeifer what it means for a family to miss a month's worth of food assistance.

"I think they probably won't be eating unless they come to a food bank," she said. "We have a lot of families here who rely on SNAP benefits, and I think it's a very scary time for them because they really do count on that money.

"It's not that they don't work. There are a lot of people who receive SNAP who are employed. Maybe they are minimum wage [earners] or are single moms or single dads.

"It probably means that they are going to eat less or they'll have to miss a meal here or there," she said.

Pfeifer said a family came in a couple of weeks ago seeking rental assistance. She said the parents were missing meals to feed their kids. That family had discussed moving one of their children to live with a different family member because they couldn't afford to feed them.

To access resources through First Call for Help, you must live in Ellis County. You must present an ID on your first visit. You can use a driver's license or a government-issued ID card. No proof of income is required for assistance with food or hygiene items. You can access resources every 30 days.

Pfeifer said she thought the community as a whole would see more evictions and people needing more help with other bills, in addition to food, because people will be using that money for food.

Renee Michaud, director of the St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Hays, said she was unsure how the delays in SNAP benefits would affect the food pantry.

"It is hard to know how that impact will come, even if it will come at all," she said, "but we will do the best we can to meet the need that comes. Hopefully, the government shutdown won't last that much longer."

Michaud said she has seen a slight increase—about 10%—in food needs due to other factors, including inflation.

"We made it through COVID. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it through this, too," she said.

St. Joseph's Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month. To qualify for assistance, you need to be a resident of Ellis County, but you do not need to show proof of income.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762203445904.jpeg" alt="Volunteers sort food in October at the Community Assistance Center in Hays during the Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat Food Drive. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers sort food in October at the Community Assistance Center in Hays during the Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat Food Drive. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/522d9bc7-8664-49c5-aba6-3242dc805e2a">FIND FOOD PANTRIES IN ELLIS COUNTY HERE</a>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f164f668-bb65-4763-88e9-50c2e763d898">The White House announced on Monday that it will allow the USDA to use all of the SNAP contingency funds to pay part of food benefits for November.</a>In October, the USDA announced a pause in benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, due to the government shutdown.Both SNAP recipients and community food pantries have been preparing for a pause in benefits.Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center in Hays, said the pantry is well-stocked at this time. The annual Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat in October is one of the pantry's largest donation drives of the year.Hill said the center also receives more food donations during the holidays.However, Hill and others said that pressure on local pantries has already been on the rise due to the increasing cost of food.Macey Pfeifer, First Call for Help director, said she saw an increase in food, rent and utility requests in October ahead of the benefit lapse."I think there had been talk about pausing SNAP in early to mid-October, and I think that really scared people," Pfeifer said. "Our food was flying off the shelves at the beginning of he month and mid-month."She said First Call restocked its food pantry three times in October."It's been a huge expense," she said. "Thankfully, we have had great donors and people bringing stuff in to us, too."Pfeifer said First Call for Help has also received a couple of grants this year that have helped keep the pantry full.As of last week, Pfeifer said the pantry was well-stocked, but the agency always welcomes donations. She said the pantry has had a high demand for canned vegetables, canned beans, soup and boxes of cereal.The Hays Post asked Pfeifer what it means for a family to miss a month's worth of food assistance."I think they probably won't be eating unless they come to a food bank," she said. "We have a lot of families here who rely on SNAP benefits, and I think it's a very scary time for them because they really do count on that money."It's not that they don't work. There are a lot of people who receive SNAP who are employed. Maybe they are minimum wage [earners] or are single moms or single dads."It probably means that they are going to eat less or they'll have to miss a meal here or there," she said.Pfeifer said a family came in a couple of weeks ago seeking rental assistance. She said the parents were missing meals to feed their kids. That family had discussed moving one of their children to live with a different family member because they couldn't afford to feed them.To access resources through First Call for Help, you must live in Ellis County. You must present an ID on your first visit. You can use a driver's license or a government-issued ID card. No proof of income is required for assistance with food or hygiene items. You can access resources every 30 days.Pfeifer said she thought the community as a whole would see more evictions and people needing more help with other bills, in addition to food, because people will be using that money for food.Renee Michaud, director of the St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Hays, said she was unsure how the delays in SNAP benefits would affect the food pantry."It is hard to know how that impact will come, even if it will come at all," she said, "but we will do the best we can to meet the need that comes. Hopefully, the government shutdown won't last that much longer."Michaud said she has seen a slight increase—about 10%—in food needs due to other factors, including inflation."We made it through COVID. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it through this, too," she said.St. Joseph's Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month. To qualify for assistance, you need to be a resident of Ellis County, but you do not need to show proof of income.

Ellis County food pantries readying for food needs in light of SNAP delays

FRESNO COUNTY —A hunter missing for almost three weeks in the California wilderness is alive and well.

Over the weekend hunters found 65-year-old Ron Dailey of Selma, California alive on the Swamp Lake trail Deputies and EMS have made contact with him, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff's office.

Dailey had been missing since October 13, when he did not return from a hunting trip.&nbsp;

Fresno County Sheriff's deputies and volunteers with the county Search and Rescue Unit actively searched for Dailey. He left home on the morning of Monday, October 13, and was supposed to be back home that same evening, but had not been seen or heard from since.  He told family he was going to the Shaver Lake / Courtright Reservoir area of Fresno County.  The latest information we have is that when hunting, Ron was known to travel down small roads, dirt paths off of Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road.

Ron is 5-foot-7,&nbsp; 190 lbs. with brown eyes, brown hair and a beard.  He does have underlying medical conditions.  He was driving a silver, 4-door, 2002 Dodge Dakota with California license plate 16028S2. The sheriff's office released no other details on Monday until authorities can interview him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762224116242.png" alt="Photo Fresno County SAR Posse" />
 <figcaption>Photo Fresno County SAR Posse</figcaption>
 </figure>FRESNO COUNTY —A hunter missing for almost three weeks in the California wilderness is alive and well.Over the weekend hunters found 65-year-old Ron Dailey of Selma, California alive on the Swamp Lake trail Deputies and EMS have made contact with him, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff's office.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0djFr4G8ziWmDU3s4jxeuUDRp8hycoXTpgJimnhDWeiWVAsddMx9Hz5wYZnRhYnScl%26id%3D61565747247079&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="734" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Dailey had been missing since October 13, when he did not return from a hunting trip.&nbsp;Fresno County Sheriff's deputies and volunteers with the county Search and Rescue Unit actively searched for Dailey. He left home on the morning of Monday, October 13, and was supposed to be back home that same evening, but had not been seen or heard from since. He told family he was going to the Shaver Lake / Courtright Reservoir area of Fresno County. The latest information we have is that when hunting, Ron was known to travel down small roads, dirt paths off of Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road.Ron is 5-foot-7,&nbsp; 190 lbs. with brown eyes, brown hair and a beard. He does have underlying medical conditions. He was driving a silver, 4-door, 2002 Dodge Dakota with California license plate 16028S2. The sheriff's office released no other details on Monday until authorities can interview him.

Sheriff: Hunter missing for 20 days in wilderness found alive

TOPEKA — The State of Kansas ends October 2025 with total tax collections at $695.6 million. That is $47.0 million, or 7.2%, above the estimate, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Revenue. Total tax collections were up 4.1% from October 2024. &nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F11%2F03%2Ffile_attachments%2F3447305%2F04_October_Revenue_FY2026_11-03-2025_Final.pdf/1/0101019a4b8ab79b-a1ff6816-5ce2-4229-a768-e2918285255b-000000/So__MkvN4JJBAYw10NXQtMSeU_gb1_Qw_bz25842bA8=429">here</a>&nbsp;to view the October 2025 revenue numbers.

“While this month’s tax collections indicate some good news, corporate income tax collections have significantly missed the mark, which is concerning,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My administration will continue to monitor revenues and prioritize fiscal responsibility as I craft my Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal.”

Individual income tax collections were $367.4 million. That is $67.4 million, or 22.5% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.9% from October 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $15.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 60.2% below the estimate, and down 58.2% from October 2024.&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.5 million, which is $3.5 million, or 1.2% above the estimate, and down 1.7% from October 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA — The State of Kansas ends October 2025 with total tax collections at $695.6 million. That is $47.0 million, or 7.2%, above the estimate, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Revenue. Total tax collections were up 4.1% from October 2024. &nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F11%2F03%2Ffile_attachments%2F3447305%2F04_October_Revenue_FY2026_11-03-2025_Final.pdf/1/0101019a4b8ab79b-a1ff6816-5ce2-4229-a768-e2918285255b-000000/So__MkvN4JJBAYw10NXQtMSeU_gb1_Qw_bz25842bA8=429">here</a>&nbsp;to view the October 2025 revenue numbers.“While this month’s tax collections indicate some good news, corporate income tax collections have significantly missed the mark, which is concerning,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My administration will continue to monitor revenues and prioritize fiscal responsibility as I craft my Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal.”Individual income tax collections were $367.4 million. That is $67.4 million, or 22.5% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.9% from October 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $15.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 60.2% below the estimate, and down 58.2% from October 2024.&nbsp;Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.5 million, which is $3.5 million, or 1.2% above the estimate, and down 1.7% from October 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor: Not all good news in Kan. October tax collection report

SALINE COUNTY —Wildlife officials are investigating after a&nbsp;deer was&nbsp; poached and left headless in Saline County.

&nbsp;Just after 11:30a.m. October 31, Friday a resident who lives near the 1900 block of North Kipp Road reported of finding a headless white-tailed deer, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The day before, the resident heard a gunshot at around 4:30 pm. He then found tire tracks, which led him to find the headless deer.

Rifle season for deer in the state is&nbsp;December 3 through December 14, 2025, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

SALINE COUNTY —Wildlife officials are investigating after a&nbsp;deer was&nbsp; poached and left headless in Saline County.&nbsp;Just after 11:30a.m. October 31, Friday a resident who lives near the 1900 block of North Kipp Road reported of finding a headless white-tailed deer, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.The day before, the resident heard a gunshot at around 4:30 pm. He then found tire tracks, which led him to find the headless deer.Rifle season for deer in the state is&nbsp;December 3 through December 14, 2025, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Sheriff: Deer poached, left headless ahead of rifle season in Kansas

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

US crude-oil production exceeded 13.6 million barrels a day in each of the four weekly government reports this month including a new all-time high this week.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports average crude production of 13,644,000 barrels per day, up 15,000 from a week ago, and 8,000 barrels a day higher than the previous record high set just two weeks ago.

Crude oil imports fell last week by nearly a million barrels a day to just over five million. The four-week average is down more than five percent from a year ago. Crude exports rose slightly from last week to top four-thousand barrels a day for the third straight week.

Strategic crude inventories now trail commercial inventories by just under seven million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports the Strategic Petroleum Reserves rose half a million barrels to just over 409 million.

Commercial stockpiles are down 6.9 million barrels this week. EIA says commercial inventories are about six percent below the five year average for this time of year.

Crude prices cap off four straight daily gains with a cumulative weekly loss of nearly a dollar. Near-month NYMEX crude ends the week Friday two pennies shy of $61 a barrel, then shied away even further on Monday. Brent crude in London drops under $65 a barrel as of Monday midday.

Kansas prices end the month of October a few cents higher. Kansas Common starts the month of November at fifty-one twenty-five ($51.25) per barrel. The average price for October is a dollar less than that. Prices at CHS in McPherson are down from $52 at the first of the month and $62 at the first of the year.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down four at 546 active rigs. Louisiana, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up one, while the tallies in Texas, Wyoming and Colorado were each down one. The breakout for oil rigs is down six, and the count for horizontal rigs is down seven rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down four active rigs in eastern Kansas and down three more West of Wichita for a total of 12 active rigs. The report shows an increase of five "cold-stacked rigs" from a week ago, a total that has held steady since March. Total active rigs are down 20 percent from a month ago and nearly 65 percent from a year ago. The number of active, licensed operators who have drilled a well in Kansas is now 169, down from 230 a year ago.

Kansas regulators okay eleven new drilling locations statewide, 563 so far this year, compared to 918 a year ago. Eight are west of Wichita including one in Finney County.

Operators completed 17 wells this week. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 952 well-completions so far this year, compared to nearly 11-hundred a year ago.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 51 new intent-to-drill notices in October, That's 647 so far this year, compared to over a thousand through October last year, and more than 11-hundred through the first ten months of 2023. A search of the KCC Web site returns two new intents in Ellis County, two in Finney County, and one in Russell County.New US sanctions are having a Big impact on Big Russian oil.&nbsp; Russia's second-largest crude-oil producer announced it would sell its international assets in response to sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump. Lukoil accounts for around two percent of global oil output, and has stakes in oil and gas projects in 11 countries. It has refineries in Bulgaria and Romania and a 45 percent stake in a refinery in the Netherlands. The company said in a statement that it was already talking with potential buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaUS crude-oil production exceeded 13.6 million barrels a day in each of the four weekly government reports this month including a new all-time high this week.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports average crude production of 13,644,000 barrels per day, up 15,000 from a week ago, and 8,000 barrels a day higher than the previous record high set just two weeks ago.Crude oil imports fell last week by nearly a million barrels a day to just over five million. The four-week average is down more than five percent from a year ago. Crude exports rose slightly from last week to top four-thousand barrels a day for the third straight week.Strategic crude inventories now trail commercial inventories by just under seven million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports the Strategic Petroleum Reserves rose half a million barrels to just over 409 million.Commercial stockpiles are down 6.9 million barrels this week. EIA says commercial inventories are about six percent below the five year average for this time of year.Crude prices cap off four straight daily gains with a cumulative weekly loss of nearly a dollar. Near-month NYMEX crude ends the week Friday two pennies shy of $61 a barrel, then shied away even further on Monday. Brent crude in London drops under $65 a barrel as of Monday midday.Kansas prices end the month of October a few cents higher. Kansas Common starts the month of November at fifty-one twenty-five ($51.25) per barrel. The average price for October is a dollar less than that. Prices at CHS in McPherson are down from $52 at the first of the month and $62 at the first of the year.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down four at 546 active rigs. Louisiana, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up one, while the tallies in Texas, Wyoming and Colorado were each down one. The breakout for oil rigs is down six, and the count for horizontal rigs is down seven rigs.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down four active rigs in eastern Kansas and down three more West of Wichita for a total of 12 active rigs. The report shows an increase of five "cold-stacked rigs" from a week ago, a total that has held steady since March. Total active rigs are down 20 percent from a month ago and nearly 65 percent from a year ago. The number of active, licensed operators who have drilled a well in Kansas is now 169, down from 230 a year ago.Kansas regulators okay eleven new drilling locations statewide, 563 so far this year, compared to 918 a year ago. Eight are west of Wichita including one in Finney County.Operators completed 17 wells this week. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 952 well-completions so far this year, compared to nearly 11-hundred a year ago.The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 51 new intent-to-drill notices in October, That's 647 so far this year, compared to over a thousand through October last year, and more than 11-hundred through the first ten months of 2023. A search of the KCC Web site returns two new intents in Ellis County, two in Finney County, and one in Russell County.New US sanctions are having a Big impact on Big Russian oil.&nbsp; Russia's second-largest crude-oil producer announced it would sell its international assets in response to sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump. Lukoil accounts for around two percent of global oil output, and has stakes in oil and gas projects in 11 countries. It has refineries in Bulgaria and Romania and a 45 percent stake in a refinery in the Netherlands. The company said in a statement that it was already talking with potential buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: U.S. sanctions prompt Russian asset sales

Anita Jolene (Owens) Beckman
passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 30, 2025, at the Salina
Regional Health Center. She was born on February 1, 1953, in Quinter, Kansas,
to Ralph and Sarah (Gross) Owens.&nbsp;
Anita’s family moved to Scott City, then to Quinter, and eventually
settled in Hoxie, Kansas, in the early 1970s. She graduated from Hoxie High
School with the Class of 1971. During high school and after graduation, she
worked at Getz IGA.

In 1971, Anita married Wes,
and they were blessed with one son, Travis. The couple later divorced.

On August 20, 1977, Anita
married Stuart Beckman, and together they recently celebrated 48 years of
marriage. Anita and Stuart were blessed with two more sons, Brandon and Brent,
and raised their three boys on the family farm, where they lived until their
recent move to Hoxie.

A devoted wife, mother, and
homemaker, Anita worked hard alongside her husband on the farm—driving grain
carts, raising bottle calves, and caring for the animals she loved, especially
her horses. She was a wonderful cook known for her delicious sandwiches, chili,
and especially her famous meatloaf. Above all, Anita loved her family deeply
and was always there to support them.

Anita also shared her talents
as a coach for golf and volleyball in the Hoxie school system. She was an avid
and skilled golfer, a member of the Hoxie Golf Club, and served on its board.

A faithful member of Saint
Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas, Anita served her parish as
an organist and a member of St. Ann’s Sodality. She lived her faith with quiet
strength and unwavering devotion, serving her Lord in every way she could.

Anita was a kind and gentle
soul. Though she faced years of health challenges, she always greeted others
with a warm smile and made everyone feel valued and loved. Her courage,
positivity, and grace through adversity were an inspiration to all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed, but her smile, kindness, and caring heart will
forever remain in the hearts and memories of those she touched.

Anita is survived by her
loving husband, Stuart Beckman of Hoxie, KS; son Travis Spillman (Malaina) of
Show Low, Arizona; sons Brandon Beckman (Tisha) and Brent Beckman of Rexford,
Kansas; sisters Carol Mick and Audrey Moss (Rick) of Hoxie, Kansas; and nine
grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by
her parents, Ralph Owens and Sarah (Gross) Senne, and her brother, Lonnie
Owens.

A Mass of Christian Burial
will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Saint Martin of
Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. The service will be live streamed.
Burial will follow in St. Martin’s Cemetery. Visitation will take place on
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A Vigil
and Rosary Service will follow at 7:00 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the
Sheridan County Benefit Walk or for Masses, and may be sent in care of
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762130136135.jpeg" alt="Anita Jolene (Owens) Beckman" />
 <figcaption>Anita Jolene (Owens) Beckman</figcaption>
 </figure>Anita Jolene (Owens) Beckman
passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 30, 2025, at the Salina
Regional Health Center. She was born on February 1, 1953, in Quinter, Kansas,
to Ralph and Sarah (Gross) Owens.&nbsp;
Anita’s family moved to Scott City, then to Quinter, and eventually
settled in Hoxie, Kansas, in the early 1970s. She graduated from Hoxie High
School with the Class of 1971. During high school and after graduation, she
worked at Getz IGA.In 1971, Anita married Wes,
and they were blessed with one son, Travis. The couple later divorced.On August 20, 1977, Anita
married Stuart Beckman, and together they recently celebrated 48 years of
marriage. Anita and Stuart were blessed with two more sons, Brandon and Brent,
and raised their three boys on the family farm, where they lived until their
recent move to Hoxie.A devoted wife, mother, and
homemaker, Anita worked hard alongside her husband on the farm—driving grain
carts, raising bottle calves, and caring for the animals she loved, especially
her horses. She was a wonderful cook known for her delicious sandwiches, chili,
and especially her famous meatloaf. Above all, Anita loved her family deeply
and was always there to support them.Anita also shared her talents
as a coach for golf and volleyball in the Hoxie school system. She was an avid
and skilled golfer, a member of the Hoxie Golf Club, and served on its board.A faithful member of Saint
Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas, Anita served her parish as
an organist and a member of St. Ann’s Sodality. She lived her faith with quiet
strength and unwavering devotion, serving her Lord in every way she could.Anita was a kind and gentle
soul. Though she faced years of health challenges, she always greeted others
with a warm smile and made everyone feel valued and loved. Her courage,
positivity, and grace through adversity were an inspiration to all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed, but her smile, kindness, and caring heart will
forever remain in the hearts and memories of those she touched.Anita is survived by her
loving husband, Stuart Beckman of Hoxie, KS; son Travis Spillman (Malaina) of
Show Low, Arizona; sons Brandon Beckman (Tisha) and Brent Beckman of Rexford,
Kansas; sisters Carol Mick and Audrey Moss (Rick) of Hoxie, Kansas; and nine
grandchildren.She was preceded in death by
her parents, Ralph Owens and Sarah (Gross) Senne, and her brother, Lonnie
Owens.A Mass of Christian Burial
will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Saint Martin of
Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. The service will be live streamed.
Burial will follow in St. Martin’s Cemetery. Visitation will take place on
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A Vigil
and Rosary Service will follow at 7:00 P.M.Memorials are suggested to the
Sheridan County Benefit Walk or for Masses, and may be sent in care of
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.

Anita Jolene (Owens) Beckman

Alva Dee Winters was born May 28, 1926 in Webster, Kansas to
George and Rose (Folsom) Winters. He passed away peacefully at home October 30,
2025, having lived a full 99 years.

After attending school in Webster, Alva began his career as
a professional horse jockey. In the big circuit, he traveled across the country
racing thoroughbreds in large events like the Preakness and Kentucky Derby for
Bing Crosby.&nbsp; He was called away from
that adventure when he was drafted into the Navy during WWII, where he was
witness to the atomic testing at the Bikini Atoll onboard the USS Palmyra.&nbsp; After he was honorably discharged from the
Navy, he came home to Stockton where he met his beloved wife, Edrie (Marshall)
Winters.&nbsp; They were happily married for
54 years until her death in 2004.&nbsp; 

Alva’s life was defined by dedication to family, a strong
spirit, and a marvelous wit.&nbsp; A
consummate storyteller, Alva will be remembered for always being ready with a
great story or a good joke to lighten the mood.&nbsp;
His stories were his legacy, weaving together the history of his life
and those of his forefathers with the wisdom he had gathered along the way.

Alva was preceded in death by his wife, Edrie; parents,
George and Rose; stepfather Victor Brown; siblings Georgia Buttermore, Viola
Paulson, Ivan Winters, Jule Winters, Billy Winters and an infant sister; his
children Patricia Spradlin and Alva Dee Winters II and granddaughter Debbie
Spradlin.&nbsp; He is survived by son Cid
(Judy) Weishapl, of Denver, Colorado, daughter Barbara (Marvin) Sterling, of
Hill City, and son Ralph Winters of&nbsp;
LaCrosse; and Lenny (Dianne) Winters of Imperial, Nebraska;&nbsp; along with his many grandchildren and great
grandchildren.

Alva, you will be so very missed, but we take solace in
knowing that you are now with our Lord and Savior, and dancing to a lively
swing tune with Edrie. 

Visitation for Alva will be held at Stinemetz Funeral
Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to
7:00pm with family present. Funeral Service is Tuesday, November 4,&nbsp;2025 at 11:00 am., at Stinemetz Funeral Home. A Memorial Fund is designated to Webster Lake in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762129865025.jpeg" alt="Alva Dee Winters" />
 <figcaption>Alva Dee Winters</figcaption>
 </figure>Alva Dee Winters was born May 28, 1926 in Webster, Kansas to
George and Rose (Folsom) Winters. He passed away peacefully at home October 30,
2025, having lived a full 99 years.After attending school in Webster, Alva began his career as
a professional horse jockey. In the big circuit, he traveled across the country
racing thoroughbreds in large events like the Preakness and Kentucky Derby for
Bing Crosby.&nbsp; He was called away from
that adventure when he was drafted into the Navy during WWII, where he was
witness to the atomic testing at the Bikini Atoll onboard the USS Palmyra.&nbsp; After he was honorably discharged from the
Navy, he came home to Stockton where he met his beloved wife, Edrie (Marshall)
Winters.&nbsp; They were happily married for
54 years until her death in 2004.&nbsp; Alva’s life was defined by dedication to family, a strong
spirit, and a marvelous wit.&nbsp; A
consummate storyteller, Alva will be remembered for always being ready with a
great story or a good joke to lighten the mood.&nbsp;
His stories were his legacy, weaving together the history of his life
and those of his forefathers with the wisdom he had gathered along the way.Alva was preceded in death by his wife, Edrie; parents,
George and Rose; stepfather Victor Brown; siblings Georgia Buttermore, Viola
Paulson, Ivan Winters, Jule Winters, Billy Winters and an infant sister; his
children Patricia Spradlin and Alva Dee Winters II and granddaughter Debbie
Spradlin.&nbsp; He is survived by son Cid
(Judy) Weishapl, of Denver, Colorado, daughter Barbara (Marvin) Sterling, of
Hill City, and son Ralph Winters of&nbsp;
LaCrosse; and Lenny (Dianne) Winters of Imperial, Nebraska;&nbsp; along with his many grandchildren and great
grandchildren.Alva, you will be so very missed, but we take solace in
knowing that you are now with our Lord and Savior, and dancing to a lively
swing tune with Edrie. Visitation for Alva will be held at Stinemetz Funeral
Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to
7:00pm with family present. Funeral Service is Tuesday, November 4,&nbsp;2025 at 11:00 am., at Stinemetz Funeral Home. A Memorial Fund is designated to Webster Lake in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Alva Dee Winters

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On October 30, an Osage County Sheriff’s Office Investigator conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on Interstate 35 in Osage County for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.&nbsp; During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp;

The deputy arrested&nbsp; Jessica A. Meade, 28, of Lebo on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761945543981.png" alt="Meade photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Meade photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On October 30, an Osage County Sheriff’s Office Investigator conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on Interstate 35 in Osage County for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.&nbsp; During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp;The deputy arrested&nbsp; Jessica A. Meade, 28, of Lebo on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Sheriff: Kansas woman caught with meth and marijuana

Steve H. Hoffman (95) of Gorham, Kansas passed away on October 30, 2025 at Via Christi VillageCare Center, Hays, Kansas.He was born April 3, 1930, own the farm at Emmeram, Kansas to Michael and Clara (Nemechek) Dinkel-Hoffman.Steve married Wilma (Wellbrock) on May 24, 1954, at St. Boniface Church, Vincent, Kansas. They celebrated 54 happy years together until her death on June 5, 2008.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve grew up in the Emmeram area and attended Lost Canyon Grade School in Ellis County, graduating with an Eighth-grade diploma. Then he went to work, first farming with his uncle Steve Nemechek of WaKeeney. Steve served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and fought in Korea, while courting Wilma. In 1955, Steve and Wilma moved to Winterset Township south of Gorham where they raised their family, farmed the land, and raised cattle. Steve was innovative and industrious, reengineering farm equipment for efficiency, and was an admirable welder known for his ability to fix or improve just about anything.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve was generous and available to those who needed him. He was always willing to lend a hand to others and served his community as an active member of his church, St. Boniface, and as a board member for the Gorham CO-OP and the Winterset Township. A steadfast husband and father, Steve, was deeply admired by his family for being just as compassionate as he was strong. Steve enjoyed fishing, visiting with cattlemen at the weekly livestock sale, playing cards and making memories with friends and family on the farm. Perhaps above all, he loved amusing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with his quick wit and playful spirit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent, Kansas, a member of the Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;His survivors include his children, Linda Garner and husband Dennis, Gorham, KS; Marcy Watson and husband, Bruce, Topeka, KS; Karen Brown, Walker, KS; Glen Hoffman and wife, Michelle, Gorham,, KS; his grandchildren,&nbsp;Bradley Garner (Rosina); Jason Garner;&nbsp;Sandie Garner;&nbsp;Angie Howard (Nicholas); Eric Watson (Lindsey); Stacy Watson; Chad Brown (Amanda); Clint Brown; Brenda Gaston (Dan); Kristi Geihsler (Jeremey); Jolene Haas (Tyler); Marie Smedley (Andrew); Stephanie Edwards (Ian) Edwards; his 22 great grandchildren; his brother, Daniel Hoffman, Salina, KS; his sisters, Magdalena Dreiling, Denver, CO; Rita Friess, Spearville, KS; sister-in-law, Judy Hoffman, Liebenthal, KS; his brother-in-law, Wayne Wellbrock, Victoria, KS; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Wellbrock, Victoria, KS; Shirley Augustine, Ellsworth, KS; Lucy Boucher, Hays, KS; Sunell Koerner, Liberty, MO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Clara Hoffman; his wife, Wilma; his siblings, Clementine Dinkel and Otto; Mary Hoffman; Fredinand Dinkel and Catherine; Helen Kreutzer and Leonard; Michael Hoffman Jr. and Dorothy; Victor Hoffman and Amelia; Joseph Hoffman and Elsie; Agatha Geier and Gottfried; Frank Hoffman and Mary Ann; Robert Hoffman; Elizabeth Flax and Lawrence; Anthony Hoffman; his son-in-law, Roger Brown; his brothers-in-law, Louis Dreiling; Daniel Friess; Bill Wellbrock and Donald Augustine; his sister-in-law, Ann Pfeifer; and Diane Wellbrock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 3, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap.&nbsp; Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with Military Rites by the Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A Vigil Service and V.F.W. Rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday at the Basilica of Saint Fidelis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The family suggests memorials payable to: Saint Fidelis Cemetery Fund or Women Who Lead {Matthew Wellbrock gift} in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas&nbsp; 67671. Condolences can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or left by guest book at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762113203307.jpeg" alt="Steve Hoffman" />
 <figcaption>Steve Hoffman</figcaption>
 </figure>Steve H. Hoffman (95) of Gorham, Kansas passed away on October 30, 2025 at Via Christi VillageCare Center, Hays, Kansas.He was born April 3, 1930, own the farm at Emmeram, Kansas to Michael and Clara (Nemechek) Dinkel-Hoffman.Steve married Wilma (Wellbrock) on May 24, 1954, at St. Boniface Church, Vincent, Kansas. They celebrated 54 happy years together until her death on June 5, 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve grew up in the Emmeram area and attended Lost Canyon Grade School in Ellis County, graduating with an Eighth-grade diploma. Then he went to work, first farming with his uncle Steve Nemechek of WaKeeney. Steve served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and fought in Korea, while courting Wilma. In 1955, Steve and Wilma moved to Winterset Township south of Gorham where they raised their family, farmed the land, and raised cattle. Steve was innovative and industrious, reengineering farm equipment for efficiency, and was an admirable welder known for his ability to fix or improve just about anything.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve was generous and available to those who needed him. He was always willing to lend a hand to others and served his community as an active member of his church, St. Boniface, and as a board member for the Gorham CO-OP and the Winterset Township. A steadfast husband and father, Steve, was deeply admired by his family for being just as compassionate as he was strong. Steve enjoyed fishing, visiting with cattlemen at the weekly livestock sale, playing cards and making memories with friends and family on the farm. Perhaps above all, he loved amusing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with his quick wit and playful spirit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent, Kansas, a member of the Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;His survivors include his children, Linda Garner and husband Dennis, Gorham, KS; Marcy Watson and husband, Bruce, Topeka, KS; Karen Brown, Walker, KS; Glen Hoffman and wife, Michelle, Gorham,, KS; his grandchildren,&nbsp;Bradley Garner (Rosina); Jason Garner;&nbsp;Sandie Garner;&nbsp;Angie Howard (Nicholas); Eric Watson (Lindsey); Stacy Watson; Chad Brown (Amanda); Clint Brown; Brenda Gaston (Dan); Kristi Geihsler (Jeremey); Jolene Haas (Tyler); Marie Smedley (Andrew); Stephanie Edwards (Ian) Edwards; his 22 great grandchildren; his brother, Daniel Hoffman, Salina, KS; his sisters, Magdalena Dreiling, Denver, CO; Rita Friess, Spearville, KS; sister-in-law, Judy Hoffman, Liebenthal, KS; his brother-in-law, Wayne Wellbrock, Victoria, KS; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Wellbrock, Victoria, KS; Shirley Augustine, Ellsworth, KS; Lucy Boucher, Hays, KS; Sunell Koerner, Liberty, MO.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Clara Hoffman; his wife, Wilma; his siblings, Clementine Dinkel and Otto; Mary Hoffman; Fredinand Dinkel and Catherine; Helen Kreutzer and Leonard; Michael Hoffman Jr. and Dorothy; Victor Hoffman and Amelia; Joseph Hoffman and Elsie; Agatha Geier and Gottfried; Frank Hoffman and Mary Ann; Robert Hoffman; Elizabeth Flax and Lawrence; Anthony Hoffman; his son-in-law, Roger Brown; his brothers-in-law, Louis Dreiling; Daniel Friess; Bill Wellbrock and Donald Augustine; his sister-in-law, Ann Pfeifer; and Diane Wellbrock.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 3, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap.&nbsp; Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with Military Rites by the Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A Vigil Service and V.F.W. Rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday at the Basilica of Saint Fidelis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The family suggests memorials payable to: Saint Fidelis Cemetery Fund or Women Who Lead {Matthew Wellbrock gift} in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas&nbsp; 67671. Condolences can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or left by guest book at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Steve H. Hoffman

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon charged in a deadly hotel shooting has admitted his responsibility for the crime.

In October, 22-year-old John Griffin&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter in the February 2024 shooting death of&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips in a motel room&nbsp; in 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 9:30a.m. February 24, 2024,&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at a motel&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the two shooting victims in a motel room identified as Harrell and Phillips both of Wichita.

EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police used resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin 

Griffin&nbsp; had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOC.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804201051.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon charged in a deadly hotel shooting has admitted his responsibility for the crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708953115181.png" alt="Griffin photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In October, 22-year-old John Griffin&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter in the February 2024 shooting death of&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips in a motel room&nbsp; in 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 9:30a.m. February 24, 2024,&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at a motel&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located the two shooting victims in a motel room identified as Harrell and Phillips both of Wichita.EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene.Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police used resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin Griffin&nbsp; had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOC.He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon with a violent history admits killing couple at hotel

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Friday evening issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other additional funding sources. The USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether their plan is to partially or fully fund the SNAP program.

“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”

The order comes after&nbsp;Governor Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, two governors, and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Friday's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The USDA must present a plan to the court by Monday, November 3, to begin issuing SNAP benefits (full or partial).

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Friday evening issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other additional funding sources. The USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether their plan is to partially or fully fund the SNAP program.“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/GaXZbasg6U">pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984383011937534409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The order comes after&nbsp;Governor Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, two governors, and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.Friday's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The USDA must present a plan to the court by Monday, November 3, to begin issuing SNAP benefits (full or partial).

Kan. governor comments on judge's order in SNAP benefits case

By&nbsp;TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood Extension District

The 95th Annual 4-H Achievement Banquet was held on October 25, 2025, at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays, honoring Ellis County 4-H members. The event was attended by 137 4-H members, their families, and special guests. The banquet, sponsored by the Ellis County 4-H Council, recognized the achievements of all local 4-H members, leaders, and supporters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741105651681.jpeg" alt="Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe 95th Annual 4-H Achievement Banquet was held on October 25, 2025, at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays, honoring Ellis County 4-H members. The event was attended by 137 4-H members, their families, and special guests. The banquet, sponsored by the Ellis County 4-H Council, recognized the achievements of all local 4-H members, leaders, and supporters.Before the evening’s recognitions began, attendees enjoyed a lively Hula-Hooping Contest that brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition. Participants paid $1 to enter and competed in four age divisions: Juniors (8 and younger), Intermediates (9–13), Seniors (14–18), and Adults (19 and older). Contestants showcased their best hula-hooping skills to see who could keep their hoop spinning the longest, with the last participant standing in each division taking home bragging rights and a prize generously donated by Pat and Diane Kuhn. Winners included Tucker Neher, Brynlee Walter, Audrey Yarmer and Janelle Bott.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761771050386.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Each 4-H club also recognized outstanding members for their achievements this year. Outstanding Seniors and Juniors recognized by each club include:Big Creek Astros: Isaac Moreno and Brody ArmbristerBuckeye Junior Farmers: Keeli Kimzey and Audrey YarmerEllis Sunflowers: Colton Metzler and Clara StillGemini Juniors: Mariella Dreiling and Ashlynn EricksonGood Hope: Jaiden Pfannenstiel and Jacob LeikerShooting Sports: Morgan Munsch and Eli MeisVictoria Vikings: Ella Neher and Esther NeherAmong the club honorees, Mariella Dreiling and Morgan Munsch were named overall Senior winners, while Jacob Leiker and Eli Meis were named overall Junior winners.The purple club seal is the highest possible level a 4-H club can achieve in the Kansas 4-H program. In order to attain a purple seal this year, clubs had to meet 18-21 of the listed goals. Purple Club Seals awards were presented to the following clubs: Buckeye Jr. Farmers, Ellis Sunflowers, and Shooting Sports.Keeli Kimzey and Lizzy Vajnar received the National ‘I Dare You’ Leadership Award, recognizing personal integrity, balanced living, and leadership potential. Each received a copy of Danforth’s inspirational book I Dare You. Keeli is described by her reference as “an extremely gifted and motivated young woman” and “an incredibly kind leader and role model.” Lizzy’s reference notes she is “always pleasant, easy to work with, and acts mature and professional during public events.”The Kansas Key Award, presented to the top 10% of Kansas 4-H members demonstrating exceptional leadership, was awarded to Keeli Kimzey. Recipients must complete four years in the 4-H Leadership project and achieve nine of eleven state leadership goals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761771142648.jpeg" alt="Keeli Kimzey. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Keeli Kimzey. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761771411172.jpeg" alt="thumbnail_Rosemary Smith Scholarships.jpg" />
 <figcaption>thumbnail_Rosemary Smith Scholarships.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Keeli Kimzey and Lizzy Vajnar were also named 2025 Rosemary Smith 4-H Scholarship recipients. The award, given in memory of longtime 4-H leader Rosemary Smith, recognizes members who have significantly contributed to promoting 4-H at multiple levels. Keeli has served in leadership roles within the Buckeye Junior Farmers and coached the Special Olympics Show at the Kansas State Fair. Lizzy has served as Ellis County 4-H Council Treasurer, participated with the Cottonwood Extension District 4-H Water Ambassadors, and held leadership positions in the Good Hope and Growing Leaders 4-H Clubs.Intermediates receiving 1st Gold Certificates for their Project Record books were Brynlee Walter – Beef, Foods and Nutrition, Photography and Sheep, Cannon Vajnar – Entomology, Audrey Yarmer – Health &amp; Wellness and Poultry, Karci Kimzey – Horse. Senior division 1st Golds include Lizzy Vajnar - Communications, Keeli Kimzey- Horse, and Faith Schmeidler- Leadership. The Senior winners will have the opportunity to advance to the NW Area competition in January.Each 4-H Club in the county has the opportunity to nominate a business and an individual who they feel have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Ellis Co. 4-H. The Ellis Co. 4-H Council makes the final decision on who to recognize as a “Friend of 4-H”.This year’s individual Friend of 4-H is Amy Bainter, nominated by the Victoria Vikings and Ellis Sunflowers clubs. Amy dedicates countless hours running the 4-H Food Stand at the Ellis County Fair, mentoring members in food safety, customer service, and responsibility. Her leadership fosters an environment where youth can learn, grow, and take pride in their contributions, making her an invaluable member of the 4-H community. Amy is truly a Friend of 4-H for the Ellis Co. 4-H Program!This year’s business Friend of 4-H is Ellis County Farm Bureau, nominated by the Ellis Sunflowers 4-H Club. Ellis County Farm Bureau is an incredible friend to the 4-H program. By sponsoring the livestock auction meal, they help incentivize prospective buyers to see the hard work the kids have put into their projects. Providing water all week for the 4-Hers is a small but meaningful way to show the kids, “we are thinking of you.” They also support many “Ag in the Classroom” projects throughout the county, helping young people understand the work of farmers and ranchers. For these reasons, Ellis County Farm Bureau is highly deserving of being named the 2025 Business Friend of 4-H.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761771006601.jpeg" alt="thumbnail_Friend of 4-H Business.jpg" />
 <figcaption>thumbnail_Friend of 4-H Business.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The Beyond Ready Wildcat recognition honors 8th grade 4-H members for their commitment to leadership, service, and personal growth. This year, 23 Ellis Co. 4-H members were recognized for demonstrating the skills and character developed through their 4-H experiences, qualities that prepare them for success in high school, college, and life. The recognition also highlights their connection to Kansas State University, where many may continue their journey as Wildcats. Each recipient received a letter and certificate signed by K-State President Richard Linton and a Willie the Wildcat pin in recognition of their readiness for the future. Kansas 4-H, as part of K-State’s land-grant mission, is proud to celebrate these youth who embody responsibility, curiosity, and a commitment to “make the best better.”All Ellis County 4-H members present received a certificate of completion for the 2024-2025 4-H Program Year. First-year Cloverbuds (youth ages 5 and 6) received a pin lanyard, while second-year Cloverbuds were awarded a special Cloverbud pin. Those who met the criteria were also awarded membership pins based on their years and level of involvement in local and statewide 4-H activities. Club leaders and Shooting Sports instructors were recognized for their dedication to the program. Congratulations and thank you to these individuals for their dedication to and support of Ellis County 4-H youth.The evening concluded with the 4-H Scholarship &amp; Development Committee hosting a silent and live auction to raise funds for 4-H activities and senior scholarships. To donate, please contact the Cottonwood Extension District Office at 785-628-9430.Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with K-State Research and Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at tarobertson@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.All K-State Research and Extension educational programs and materials available without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.