Imagine someone you love in crisis – scared, overwhelmed, unsure where to turn. For too many in our community, that’s often the reality. But it doesn’t have to be.

High Plains Mental Health Center is proud to announce construction has started on a new Crisis Intervention Center in downtown Hays.

This facility will help save lives and bring hope to those who need it most.

Expected to open in November, the Crisis Intervention Center will serve adult clients experiencing mental health or substance use crises. 

The facility will accept both voluntary and non-voluntary referrals for treatment and will also offer medical detox services for those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Currently, there are no outpatient de-tox facilities or adult crisis beds in Northwest Kansas, so this facility will fill a significant gap in services, said Chief Executive Officer Craig Poe.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” Poe said. 

“The [Crisis Intervention Center] will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

The&nbsp;Crisis Intervention Center will offer 22 patient rooms and two de-escalation rooms, with overflow capacity available to accommodate peak demand times.

The facility is expected to serve at least 500 clients annually, and it will be the closest option for residents in 28 western Kansas counties.

It will be in the Hadley Office Complex, 205 E. Seventh Street in Hays. Led by High Plains Mental Health Center, this transformative project is already partially funded, but an additional $4 million is needed to make it a reality.

These funds will cover critical renovations, architectural design, safety enhancements, and furnishings to ensure a state-of-the-art facility. 

With a target completion date of October 2025, this project is on a tight timeline — but the urgency of our community’s mental health needs makes every step forward essential.

“We can’t do this without your help. Every donation helps make this center a reality for those who need our support,” Poe said. “Join us in creating a space where everyone can get the care they need in the most effective setting. Every single gift counts. Please help us build for the future.”

Visit <a href="http://hpmhc.com/giving">hpmhc.com/giving</a> to get started today, and watch social media for updates and other opportunities coming soon.

Contributions can also be sent by paper mail to 208 E. Seventh St., Hays, KS 67601.

For more information, contact development officer James Gerstner at 785-628-2871. Donors will be recognized for their generous contributions.

Over the past decade, mental illness and substance use issues have escalated into a growing crisis that demands immediate attention. 

Northwest Kansas has one of the highest suicide rates in the state, yet there are no adult psychiatric hospitals in the region.

As a result, individuals in urgent need of care are often sent to emergency rooms or jails — facilities designed for medical emergencies and public safety, not for mental health treatment.

Without the right expertise or environment, these settings often fail to provide the care needed, leaving individuals vulnerable and their conditions worsening.

The current system is overloaded, as regional emergency rooms often must hold psychiatric patients for days waiting on a state hospital bed to become available.

Often, law enforcement officers must also remain at the hospital in cases of non-voluntary admissions. As a result, rural police and sheriff’s departments struggle with staffing capacity while knowing the patients are not receiving prompt and adequate treatment.

“This facility will be huge for this region and our ability to provide services to those mental health consumers who need help, especially in times of crisis,” said Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Law enforcement across the region have to respond to these calls. This facility will allow those patients to get treatment in a more timely manner.”

The&nbsp;Crisis Intervention Center will also drive economic growth and community prosperity by creating 86 new jobs — 50 direct jobs within the&nbsp;Crisis Intervention Center and 36 additional jobs through the subsequent economic ripple effect.

This proposal is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the mental well-being of Kansans, while simultaneously driving economic growth and job creation in Hays and surrounding communities.

“The Crisis Intervention Center&nbsp; represents more than just a project — it is a lifeline for those facing the darkest moments of their lives,” Poe said. 

“This facility will save lives, transform care and strengthen entire communities by improving outcomes, reducing stigma and alleviating pressure on emergency rooms, jails and already-stretched county resources. With this center, we can expand regional emergency response capacity, ensuring faster, more effective care for those in crisis.”

High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed Community Mental Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741210374220.png" alt="Artist rendering of what the new&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center Crisis Intervention Center might look like. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Artist rendering of what the new&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center Crisis Intervention Center might look like. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>High Plains Mental HealthImagine someone you love in crisis – scared, overwhelmed, unsure where to turn. For too many in our community, that’s often the reality. But it doesn’t have to be.High Plains Mental Health Center is proud to announce construction has started on a new Crisis Intervention Center in downtown Hays.This facility will help save lives and bring hope to those who need it most.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrvPagNrjwE?si=Vou9eFhHd_lMGQYS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Expected to open in November, the Crisis Intervention Center will serve adult clients experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will accept both voluntary and non-voluntary referrals for treatment and will also offer medical detox services for those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Currently, there are no outpatient de-tox facilities or adult crisis beds in Northwest Kansas, so this facility will fill a significant gap in services, said Chief Executive Officer Craig Poe.“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” Poe said. “The [Crisis Intervention Center] will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”The&nbsp;Crisis Intervention Center will offer 22 patient rooms and two de-escalation rooms, with overflow capacity available to accommodate peak demand times.The facility is expected to serve at least 500 clients annually, and it will be the closest option for residents in 28 western Kansas counties.It will be in the Hadley Office Complex, 205 E. Seventh Street in Hays. Led by High Plains Mental Health Center, this transformative project is already partially funded, but an additional $4 million is needed to make it a reality.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741210457931.png" alt="Artist rendering of what a patient room at the High Plains Mental Health Center Crisis Intervention Center might look like. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Artist rendering of what a patient room at the High Plains Mental Health Center Crisis Intervention Center might look like. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>These funds will cover critical renovations, architectural design, safety enhancements, and furnishings to ensure a state-of-the-art facility. With a target completion date of October 2025, this project is on a tight timeline — but the urgency of our community’s mental health needs makes every step forward essential.“We can’t do this without your help. Every donation helps make this center a reality for those who need our support,” Poe said. “Join us in creating a space where everyone can get the care they need in the most effective setting. Every single gift counts. Please help us build for the future.”Online giving is convenient and secure.Visit <a href="http://hpmhc.com/giving">hpmhc.com/giving</a> to get started today, and watch social media for updates and other opportunities coming soon.Contributions can also be sent by paper mail to 208 E. Seventh St., Hays, KS 67601.For more information, contact development officer James Gerstner at 785-628-2871. Donors will be recognized for their generous contributions.Over the past decade, mental illness and substance use issues have escalated into a growing crisis that demands immediate attention. Northwest Kansas has one of the highest suicide rates in the state, yet there are no adult psychiatric hospitals in the region.As a result, individuals in urgent need of care are often sent to emergency rooms or jails — facilities designed for medical emergencies and public safety, not for mental health treatment.Without the right expertise or environment, these settings often fail to provide the care needed, leaving individuals vulnerable and their conditions worsening.The current system is overloaded, as regional emergency rooms often must hold psychiatric patients for days waiting on a state hospital bed to become available.Often, law enforcement officers must also remain at the hospital in cases of non-voluntary admissions. As a result, rural police and sheriff’s departments struggle with staffing capacity while knowing the patients are not receiving prompt and adequate treatment.“This facility will be huge for this region and our ability to provide services to those mental health consumers who need help, especially in times of crisis,” said Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Law enforcement across the region have to respond to these calls. This facility will allow those patients to get treatment in a more timely manner.”The&nbsp;Crisis Intervention Center will also drive economic growth and community prosperity by creating 86 new jobs — 50 direct jobs within the&nbsp;Crisis Intervention Center and 36 additional jobs through the subsequent economic ripple effect.This proposal is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the mental well-being of Kansans, while simultaneously driving economic growth and job creation in Hays and surrounding communities.“The Crisis Intervention Center&nbsp; represents more than just a project — it is a lifeline for those facing the darkest moments of their lives,” Poe said. “This facility will save lives, transform care and strengthen entire communities by improving outcomes, reducing stigma and alleviating pressure on emergency rooms, jails and already-stretched county resources. With this center, we can expand regional emergency response capacity, ensuring faster, more effective care for those in crisis.”High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed Community Mental Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas.

High Plains announces new Crisis Intervention Center; launches fundraising campaign

DEFENSE POW/MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY&nbsp;

WASHINGTON  –  The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announces that U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson, 24, of Wichita, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Sept. 25, 2024.

Tennyson's family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In March 1944, Tennyson was assigned to the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force and deployed in present day Papua New Guinea. On the morning of March 11, Tennyson, the pilot onboard a B-24D “Liberator” Heaven Can Wait departed Nadzab Strip #1, Papua New Guinea, as part of a bombing mission against enemy positions at Boram Airfield, and Awar Point, Hansa Bay, located along the northern coast of New Guinea. Observers from other aircraft in the formation reported seeing flames erupting from the bomb bay, spreading to the tail quickly. Heaven Can Wait was seen pitching up violently before banking left and crashing down into the water. It is believed anti-aircraft fire hit the plane, causing un-dropped ordnance to explode. Several aircraft circled the crash site in hopes of locating any possible survivors, but none could be seen.

Following the war, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS), the military unit responsible for investigating and recovering missing American personnel in the Pacific Theater, conducted exhaustive searches of battle areas and crash sites in New Guinea, concluding their search in late 1948. In March 1950, a board of AGRS officials concluded they were unable to locate any remains of Tennyson and the other Heaven Can Wait crew members. They were designated as non-recoverable.

Between 2013 and 2017, the family of 2nd Lt. Kelly, Heaven Can Wait bombardier, undertook a dedicated archival research effort to collect historical documents and eyewitness accounts of the loss of the Heaven Can Wait crew. The family worked with Dr. Scott Althaus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to complete this effort and provided this documentation. In October 2017, Project Recover, a DPAA partner organization, located the wreckage of a B-24 aircraft in Hansa Bay while making sonar scans as part of a unilateral remote sensing survey effort. In 2019, a DPAA underwater investigation team (UIT) conducted several surveys of the wreckage, performing visual inspections and clearing the site of any unexploded ordnance.

From March 9 through April 13, 2023, an underwater recovery team (RT-U) excavated the crash site, where they recovered possible osseous materials and material evidence, to include life support equipment and identification tags. The recovered evidence was sent to the DPAA Laboratory for review and analysis.

To identify Tennyson’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis.

Tennyson’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Tennyson will be buried in Wichita, Kansas, on a date yet to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741143514927.png" alt="Lt Herbert G Tennyson - Photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency" />
 <figcaption>Lt Herbert G Tennyson - Photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>DEFENSE POW/MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY&nbsp;WASHINGTON – The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announces that U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson, 24, of Wichita, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Sept. 25, 2024.Tennyson's family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741143630031.png" alt="Lt Herbert G Tennyson - Photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency" />
 <figcaption>Lt Herbert G Tennyson - Photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>In March 1944, Tennyson was assigned to the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force and deployed in present day Papua New Guinea. On the morning of March 11, Tennyson, the pilot onboard a B-24D “Liberator” Heaven Can Wait departed Nadzab Strip #1, Papua New Guinea, as part of a bombing mission against enemy positions at Boram Airfield, and Awar Point, Hansa Bay, located along the northern coast of New Guinea. Observers from other aircraft in the formation reported seeing flames erupting from the bomb bay, spreading to the tail quickly. Heaven Can Wait was seen pitching up violently before banking left and crashing down into the water. It is believed anti-aircraft fire hit the plane, causing un-dropped ordnance to explode. Several aircraft circled the crash site in hopes of locating any possible survivors, but none could be seen.Following the war, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS), the military unit responsible for investigating and recovering missing American personnel in the Pacific Theater, conducted exhaustive searches of battle areas and crash sites in New Guinea, concluding their search in late 1948. In March 1950, a board of AGRS officials concluded they were unable to locate any remains of Tennyson and the other Heaven Can Wait crew members. They were designated as non-recoverable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741143677899.png" alt="Heaven Can Wait - Photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency" />
 <figcaption>Heaven Can Wait - Photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>Between 2013 and 2017, the family of 2nd Lt. Kelly, Heaven Can Wait bombardier, undertook a dedicated archival research effort to collect historical documents and eyewitness accounts of the loss of the Heaven Can Wait crew. The family worked with Dr. Scott Althaus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to complete this effort and provided this documentation. In October 2017, Project Recover, a DPAA partner organization, located the wreckage of a B-24 aircraft in Hansa Bay while making sonar scans as part of a unilateral remote sensing survey effort. In 2019, a DPAA underwater investigation team (UIT) conducted several surveys of the wreckage, performing visual inspections and clearing the site of any unexploded ordnance.From March 9 through April 13, 2023, an underwater recovery team (RT-U) excavated the crash site, where they recovered possible osseous materials and material evidence, to include life support equipment and identification tags. The recovered evidence was sent to the DPAA Laboratory for review and analysis.To identify Tennyson’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis.Tennyson’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.Tennyson will be buried in Wichita, Kansas, on a date yet to be determined.

Remains of WWII bomber pilot from Kansas identified

Cova Irene (Middleton) Huntington Fink, age 101, died peacefully January 9, 2025. She was born May 15, 1923, to Ira and Elta (Flanders) Middleton in rural Graham County. Cova grew up on her parents’ farm surrounded by three brothers and three sisters. Cova was educated in Bogue schools, graduating from high school in 1941. Shortly after graduation, Cova and Verlan Huntington of Morland, Kansas were married. The family grew to four with the birth of Ronald and Saundra and they settled in Hill City in 1948. Verlan passed away in 1962.

Never being one to sit still, Cova was the Deputy Graham County Treasurer from 1953-1955. Cova then began working at the Farmers and Merchants Bank and was employed there until her retirement in 1985. She and her co-workers quickly became great working friends and were fantastic bowlers. Cova bowled for over 30 years, bowling with Judy Dean, Emma Hildebrand, Rusty Nighswonger and Teresa Kemp. This team participated in 30 State Tournaments and 10 National Tournaments.

On October 5, 1967, Cova and Leon “Rasty” Fink were married. They made their home in Hill City until moving to Leon’s farm southeast of Hill City. Together they enjoyed gardening, farming and raising cattle. If that didn’t keep them busy, they would be on the go; either bowling, dancing or playing pinochle! She also made beautifully pieced quilts that were keepsakes for her family.

In 1988 they moved back to Hill City. For nine years they were “Snowbirds” traveling with their fifth wheeler and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. When they weren’t traveling, she especially enjoyed family gatherings for special occasions or just a quick visit. Cova truly loved spending time with family and friends. Sadly, Cova lost Rasty in 2010.

Cova was quick-witted, social, and a fount of information she had acquired. She was known to speak her mind. In her later years, Cova lost her eyesight. However, her hearing and her memory were as sharp as ever. If a grandchild or a great grandchild had a birthday, she always remembered the date. She lived 101 years full of family, hard work, and love.

Preceding Cova in death were her parents, Ida and Elta Middleton; brothers: Marvin Middleton, Ovid (Pauline) Middleton, Harry (Donna) Middleton; sisters, Melva Jean (Jim) Coates, Marjorie Cooper and Lucille (Lewis) Bright; her son Ronald Huntington and grandson Aaron Johnson.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Saundra Huntington, of Hill City; daughter-in-law Donna Huntington of Grove, Oklahoma; three stepdaughters: Leanore (Albert) Burton, of Hill City, Kathy Fink of Tampa, Florida, Vera Fisher, of Hill City; grandchildren: Cheryl Frazee (Jim), Michele Johnson, Jeff Huntington (Lisa), Jill Anderson (Scott), Justin Huntington; step-grandchildren: Corey Burton, Carey Burton (Danny), Collette Haslett (Jeff), Courtney Zohner (Justin), Caleb Burton (Nouma), Troy Schneider (Lisa), Tabitha Albertson (David), Tamara Schneider, Aimee Cox (Scott), Derrick Cox, and Zachary Quint. Cova was blessed with 31 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Kansas. Following a luncheon at the Immaculate Heart of Mary CCD building, the burial will take place at Morland City Cemetery, Morland, Kansas. Memorials may be sent to the Miniserial Alliance Food Pantry in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736819029033.jpeg" alt="Cova Irene Middleton Huntington Fink" />
 <figcaption>Cova Irene Middleton Huntington Fink</figcaption>
 </figure>Cova Irene (Middleton) Huntington Fink, age 101, died peacefully January 9, 2025. She was born May 15, 1923, to Ira and Elta (Flanders) Middleton in rural Graham County. Cova grew up on her parents’ farm surrounded by three brothers and three sisters. Cova was educated in Bogue schools, graduating from high school in 1941. Shortly after graduation, Cova and Verlan Huntington of Morland, Kansas were married. The family grew to four with the birth of Ronald and Saundra and they settled in Hill City in 1948. Verlan passed away in 1962.Never being one to sit still, Cova was the Deputy Graham County Treasurer from 1953-1955. Cova then began working at the Farmers and Merchants Bank and was employed there until her retirement in 1985. She and her co-workers quickly became great working friends and were fantastic bowlers. Cova bowled for over 30 years, bowling with Judy Dean, Emma Hildebrand, Rusty Nighswonger and Teresa Kemp. This team participated in 30 State Tournaments and 10 National Tournaments.On October 5, 1967, Cova and Leon “Rasty” Fink were married. They made their home in Hill City until moving to Leon’s farm southeast of Hill City. Together they enjoyed gardening, farming and raising cattle. If that didn’t keep them busy, they would be on the go; either bowling, dancing or playing pinochle! She also made beautifully pieced quilts that were keepsakes for her family.In 1988 they moved back to Hill City. For nine years they were “Snowbirds” traveling with their fifth wheeler and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. When they weren’t traveling, she especially enjoyed family gatherings for special occasions or just a quick visit. Cova truly loved spending time with family and friends. Sadly, Cova lost Rasty in 2010.Cova was quick-witted, social, and a fount of information she had acquired. She was known to speak her mind. In her later years, Cova lost her eyesight. However, her hearing and her memory were as sharp as ever. If a grandchild or a great grandchild had a birthday, she always remembered the date. She lived 101 years full of family, hard work, and love.Preceding Cova in death were her parents, Ida and Elta Middleton; brothers: Marvin Middleton, Ovid (Pauline) Middleton, Harry (Donna) Middleton; sisters, Melva Jean (Jim) Coates, Marjorie Cooper and Lucille (Lewis) Bright; her son Ronald Huntington and grandson Aaron Johnson.Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Saundra Huntington, of Hill City; daughter-in-law Donna Huntington of Grove, Oklahoma; three stepdaughters: Leanore (Albert) Burton, of Hill City, Kathy Fink of Tampa, Florida, Vera Fisher, of Hill City; grandchildren: Cheryl Frazee (Jim), Michele Johnson, Jeff Huntington (Lisa), Jill Anderson (Scott), Justin Huntington; step-grandchildren: Corey Burton, Carey Burton (Danny), Collette Haslett (Jeff), Courtney Zohner (Justin), Caleb Burton (Nouma), Troy Schneider (Lisa), Tabitha Albertson (David), Tamara Schneider, Aimee Cox (Scott), Derrick Cox, and Zachary Quint. Cova was blessed with 31 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Kansas. Following a luncheon at the Immaculate Heart of Mary CCD building, the burial will take place at Morland City Cemetery, Morland, Kansas. Memorials may be sent to the Miniserial Alliance Food Pantry in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Cova Irene Middleton Huntington Fink

Michelle Renee Jarmer, 57, passed away on February 26, 2025, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kan. She was born October 5, 1967, in Yuma, Ariz.

Michelle, a current resident of Salina coming from Hays and Ellis, served faithfully as a county appraiser for Ness and Ellis counties. She enjoyed scrapbooking and dove wholeheartedly into anything that her kids or grandkids were doing, from storm chasing to motorcycle and four-wheeler riding. Not only was Michelle survived by children of her own, but she was also considered a second mom to so many more.

Survivors include her soul mate, Randy Ferguson of Salina; five sons, Cody Jarmer (Kymber Reinert) of Larned, Derrick Jarmer of Ness City, Austin Ferguson of Salina, Dalton Ferguson of Salina, and Cole Ferguson of Salina; two daughters, Caitlyn Ferguson of Lyons and Mary Ferguson of Salina; and two sisters, Jacqueline Lang (Randy) of Hays and Laura Geschwenter (Jeffrey) of Ellis; and 13 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Leiker and infant Bryce Jarmer.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family present to receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Private family services will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Michelle Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741029887032.jpeg" alt="Michelle Renee Jarmer" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Renee Jarmer</figcaption>
 </figure>Michelle Renee Jarmer, 57, passed away on February 26, 2025, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kan. She was born October 5, 1967, in Yuma, Ariz.Michelle, a current resident of Salina coming from Hays and Ellis, served faithfully as a county appraiser for Ness and Ellis counties. She enjoyed scrapbooking and dove wholeheartedly into anything that her kids or grandkids were doing, from storm chasing to motorcycle and four-wheeler riding. Not only was Michelle survived by children of her own, but she was also considered a second mom to so many more.Survivors include her soul mate, Randy Ferguson of Salina; five sons, Cody Jarmer (Kymber Reinert) of Larned, Derrick Jarmer of Ness City, Austin Ferguson of Salina, Dalton Ferguson of Salina, and Cole Ferguson of Salina; two daughters, Caitlyn Ferguson of Lyons and Mary Ferguson of Salina; and two sisters, Jacqueline Lang (Randy) of Hays and Laura Geschwenter (Jeffrey) of Ellis; and 13 grandchildren.She was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Leiker and infant Bryce Jarmer.Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family present to receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Private family services will take place at a later date.Memorials may be given to the Michelle Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Michelle Renee Jarmer

UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued.  According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.

Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.

Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.

KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.

Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued. According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

Plea hearing for stolen vehicle crash that killed Kansas woman

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;on Friday berated Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;over the war in Ukraine, accusing him of not showing gratitude after he challenged Vance on the question of diplomacy with Russia’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin</a>.

The argument in the Oval Office was broadcast globally. It led to the rest of Zelenskyy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">White House visit</a>&nbsp;being canceled and called into question how much the U.S. will still support Ukraine in its defense against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s 2022 invasion</a>.

Here is a transcript of the key moments of the exchange.

Zelenskyy challenges Vance on Russia and diplomacy

Vance: “For four years, the United States of America, we had a president who stood up at press conferences and talked tough about Vladimir Putin, and then Putin invaded Ukraine and destroyed a significant chunk of the country. The path to peace and the path to prosperity is, maybe, engaging in diplomacy. We tried the pathway of Joe Biden, of thumping our chest and pretending that the president of the United States’ words mattered more than the president of the United States’ actions. What makes America a good country is America engaging in diplomacy. That’s what President Trump is doing.”

Zelenskyy: “OK. So he (Putin) occupied it, our parts, big parts of Ukraine, parts of east and Crimea. So he occupied it in 2014. So during a lot of years — I’m not speaking about just Biden, but those times was (Barack) Obama, then President Obama, then President Trump, then President Biden, now President Trump. And God bless, now, President Trump will stop him. But during 2014, nobody stopped him. He just occupied and took. He killed people. You know what the --"

Zelenskyy: “Yes, but during 2014 ‘til 2022, the situation is the same, that people have been dying on the contact line. Nobody stopped him. You know that we had conversations with him, a lot of conversations, my bilateral conversation. And we signed with him, me, like, you, president, in 2019, I signed with him the deal. I signed with him, (French President Emmanuel) Macron and (former German Chancellor Angela) Merkel. We signed ceasefire. Ceasefire. All of them told me that he will never go … But after that, he broke the ceasefire, he killed our people, and he didn’t exchange prisoners. We signed the exchange of prisoners. But he didn’t do it. What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? What do you mean?”

Vance: “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country. Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”

Zelenskyy: “Have you ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have?”

Vance: “I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know that what happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour, Mr. President. Do you disagree that you’ve had problems, bringing people into your military?”

Vance: “And do you think that is respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”

Zelenskyy: “A lot of questions. Let’s start from the beginning.”

Trump erupts when Zelenskyy suggests the U.S. might ‘feel it in the future’

Zelenskyy: “First of all, during the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have nice ocean and don’t feel now. But you will feel it in the future. God bless –”

Trump: “You don’t know that. You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.”

Zelenskyy: “I’m not telling you. I am answering on these questions.”

Trump: “Because you’re in no position to dictate that.”

Vance: “That’s exactly what you’re doing.”

Trump: “You are in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good.”

Zelenskyy: “You will feel influenced.”

Trump: “We are going to feel very good and very strong.”

Zelenskyy: “I am telling you. You will feel influenced.”

Trump: “You’re, right now, not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position –”

Zelenskyy: “From the very beginning of the war —”

Trump: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”

Zelenskyy: “I’m not playing cards. I’m very serious, Mr. President. I’m very serious.”

Trump: “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”

Zelenskyy: “What are you speaking about?”

Trump: “You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”

Vance: “Have you said thank you once?”

Zelenskyy: “A lot of times. Even today.”

Vance: “No, in this entire meeting. You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October.”

Vance: “Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”

Zelenskyy: “Please. You think that if you will speak very loudly about the war, you can –”

Trump: “He’s not speaking loudly. He’s not speaking loudly. Your country is in big trouble.”

Trump: “No, no. You’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble.”

Trump: “You’re not winning. You’re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out OK because of us.”

Zelenskyy: “Mr. President, we are staying in our country, staying strong. From the very beginning of the war, we’ve been alone. And we are thankful. I said thanks.”

Trump demands Zelenskyy accept a ceasefire

Trump: “If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”

Zelenskyy: “In three days. I heard it from Putin. In three days.”

Trump: “Maybe less. It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this, I tell you.

Zelenskyy: “I said a lot of times, thank you, to American people.”

Vance: “Accept that there are disagreements, and let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it out in the American media when you’re wrong. We know that you’re wrong.”

Trump: “But you see, I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. I think it’s very important. That’s why I kept this going so long. You have to be thankful.”

Trump: “You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. People are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. It would be a damn good thing, and then you tell us, ‘I don’t want a ceasefire. I don’t want a ceasefire, I want to go, and I want this.’ Look, if you can get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you take it so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed.”

Zelenskyy: “Of course we want to stop the war. But I said to you, with guarantees.”

Trump: “Are you saying you don’t want a ceasefire? I want a ceasefire. Because you’ll get a ceasefire faster than an agreement.”

Zelenskyy: “Ask our people about a ceasefire, what they think.”

Trump: “That wasn’t with me. That was with a guy named Biden, who is not a smart person.”

Zelenskyy: “This is your president. It was your president.”

Trump: “Excuse me. That was with Obama, who gave you sheets, and I gave you Javelins. I gave you the Javelins to take out all those tanks. Obama gave you sheets. In fact, the statement is Obama gave sheets, and Trump gave Javelins. You’ve got to be more thankful because let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don’t have any cards.”

Trump says Putin respects him due to the investigations of his first term

Vance, restating a reporter’s question: “She is asking what if Russia breaks the ceasefire.”

Trump: “What, if anything? What if the bomb drops on your head right now? OK, what if they broke it? I don’t know, they broke it with Biden because Biden, they didn’t respect him. They didn’t respect Obama. They respect me. Let me tell you, Putin went through a hell of a lot with me. He went through a phony witch hunt ... All I can say is this. He might have broken deals with Obama and Bush, and he might have broken them with Biden. He did, maybe. Maybe he did. I don’t know what happened, but he didn’t break them with me. He wants to make a deal. I don’t know if you can make a deal.”

“The problem is I’ve empowered you (turning toward Zelenskyy) to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States. And your people are very brave. But you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out. But you don’t have the cards. But once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position, but you’re not acting at all thankful. And that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing.

“All right, I think we’ve seen enough. What do you think? This is going to be great television. I will say that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740765077568.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;on Friday berated Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;over the war in Ukraine, accusing him of not showing gratitude after he challenged Vance on the question of diplomacy with Russia’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Full Meeting between President Trump, Vice President Vance and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Oval Office. <a href="https://t.co/Xf6cyErem7">pic.twitter.com/Xf6cyErem7</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1895602226472550410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The argument in the Oval Office was broadcast globally. It led to the rest of Zelenskyy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">White House visit</a>&nbsp;being canceled and called into question how much the U.S. will still support Ukraine in its defense against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s 2022 invasion</a>.Here is a transcript of the key moments of the exchange.<h2>Zelenskyy challenges Vance on Russia and diplomacy</h2>Vance: “For four years, the United States of America, we had a president who stood up at press conferences and talked tough about Vladimir Putin, and then Putin invaded Ukraine and destroyed a significant chunk of the country. The path to peace and the path to prosperity is, maybe, engaging in diplomacy. We tried the pathway of Joe Biden, of thumping our chest and pretending that the president of the United States’ words mattered more than the president of the United States’ actions. What makes America a good country is America engaging in diplomacy. That’s what President Trump is doing.”Zelenskyy: “Can I ask you?”Vance: “Sure. Yeah.”Zelenskyy: “OK. So he (Putin) occupied it, our parts, big parts of Ukraine, parts of east and Crimea. So he occupied it in 2014. So during a lot of years — I’m not speaking about just Biden, but those times was (Barack) Obama, then President Obama, then President Trump, then President Biden, now President Trump. And God bless, now, President Trump will stop him. But during 2014, nobody stopped him. He just occupied and took. He killed people. You know what the --"Trump: “2015?”Zelenskyy: “2014.”Trump: “Oh, 2014? I was not here.”Vance: “That’s exactly right.”Zelenskyy: “Yes, but during 2014 ‘til 2022, the situation is the same, that people have been dying on the contact line. Nobody stopped him. You know that we had conversations with him, a lot of conversations, my bilateral conversation. And we signed with him, me, like, you, president, in 2019, I signed with him the deal. I signed with him, (French President Emmanuel) Macron and (former German Chancellor Angela) Merkel. We signed ceasefire. Ceasefire. All of them told me that he will never go … But after that, he broke the ceasefire, he killed our people, and he didn’t exchange prisoners. We signed the exchange of prisoners. But he didn’t do it. What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? What do you mean?”ADVERTISEMENTVance: “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country. Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”Zelenskyy: “Have you ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have?”ADVERTISEMENTVance: “I have been to –”Zelenskyy: “Come once.”Vance: “I’ve actually watched and seen the stories, and I know that what happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour, Mr. President. Do you disagree that you’ve had problems, bringing people into your military?”Zelenskyy: “We have problems –”Vance: “And do you think that is respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”Zelenskyy: “A lot of questions. Let’s start from the beginning.”Vance: “Sure.”ADVERTISEMENT<h2>Trump erupts when Zelenskyy suggests the U.S. might ‘feel it in the future’</h2>Zelenskyy: “First of all, during the war, everybody has problems, even you. But you have nice ocean and don’t feel now. But you will feel it in the future. God bless –”Trump: “You don’t know that. You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.”Zelenskyy: “I’m not telling you. I am answering on these questions.”Trump: “Because you’re in no position to dictate that.”Vance: “That’s exactly what you’re doing.”Trump: “You are in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good.”Zelenskyy: “You will feel influenced.”Trump: “We are going to feel very good and very strong.”Zelenskyy: “I am telling you. You will feel influenced.”Trump: “You’re, right now, not in a very good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position –”Zelenskyy: “From the very beginning of the war —”Trump: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”Zelenskyy: “I’m not playing cards. I’m very serious, Mr. President. I’m very serious.”Trump: “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III.”Zelenskyy: “What are you speaking about?”Trump: “You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”Vance: “Have you said thank you once?”Zelenskyy: “A lot of times. Even today.”Vance: “No, in this entire meeting. You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October.”Zelenskyy: “No.”Vance: “Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”Zelenskyy: “Please. You think that if you will speak very loudly about the war, you can –”Trump: “He’s not speaking loudly. He’s not speaking loudly. Your country is in big trouble.”Zelenskyy: “Can I answer —”Trump: “No, no. You’ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble.”Zelenskyy: “I know. I know.”Trump: “You’re not winning. You’re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out OK because of us.”Zelenskyy: “Mr. President, we are staying in our country, staying strong. From the very beginning of the war, we’ve been alone. And we are thankful. I said thanks.”<h2>Trump demands Zelenskyy accept a ceasefire</h2>Trump: “If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”Zelenskyy: “In three days. I heard it from Putin. In three days.”Trump: “Maybe less. It’s going to be a very hard thing to do business like this, I tell you.Vance: “Just say thank you.”Zelenskyy: “I said a lot of times, thank you, to American people.”Vance: “Accept that there are disagreements, and let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it out in the American media when you’re wrong. We know that you’re wrong.”Trump: “But you see, I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. I think it’s very important. That’s why I kept this going so long. You have to be thankful.”Zelenskyy: “I’m thankful.”Trump: “You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. People are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. It would be a damn good thing, and then you tell us, ‘I don’t want a ceasefire. I don’t want a ceasefire, I want to go, and I want this.’ Look, if you can get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you take it so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed.”Zelenskyy: “Of course we want to stop the war. But I said to you, with guarantees.”Trump: “Are you saying you don’t want a ceasefire? I want a ceasefire. Because you’ll get a ceasefire faster than an agreement.”Zelenskyy: “Ask our people about a ceasefire, what they think.”Trump: “That wasn’t with me. That was with a guy named Biden, who is not a smart person.”Zelenskyy: “This is your president. It was your president.”Trump: “Excuse me. That was with Obama, who gave you sheets, and I gave you Javelins. I gave you the Javelins to take out all those tanks. Obama gave you sheets. In fact, the statement is Obama gave sheets, and Trump gave Javelins. You’ve got to be more thankful because let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don’t have any cards.”<h2>Trump says Putin respects him due to the investigations of his first term</h2>Vance, restating a reporter’s question: “She is asking what if Russia breaks the ceasefire.”Trump: “What, if anything? What if the bomb drops on your head right now? OK, what if they broke it? I don’t know, they broke it with Biden because Biden, they didn’t respect him. They didn’t respect Obama. They respect me. Let me tell you, Putin went through a hell of a lot with me. He went through a phony witch hunt ... All I can say is this. He might have broken deals with Obama and Bush, and he might have broken them with Biden. He did, maybe. Maybe he did. I don’t know what happened, but he didn’t break them with me. He wants to make a deal. I don’t know if you can make a deal.”“The problem is I’ve empowered you (turning toward Zelenskyy) to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States. And your people are very brave. But you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out. But you don’t have the cards. But once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position, but you’re not acting at all thankful. And that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing.“All right, I think we’ve seen enough. What do you think? This is going to be great television. I will say that.”___

Read the transcript: Trump, Zelenskyy and Vance Oval Office clash

Virginia Ann (Billinger) Kinderknecht was born on October 21, 1938, in Hays, KS, to Otto and Francis Billinger. She passed away on February 23, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ellis, KS, at the age of 86.

She attended school in Park and graduated from Park Rural High School with the class of 1956. After high school, she attended St. Anthony School of Nursing in Hays, KS, graduating in 1959. On September 12, 1959, she married Robert “Bob” Kinderknecht, and they were married for 61 years. To this union, three children were welcomed to the family. Their home was open to many, often gathered around the table. She was known for her incredible fried chicken among her family.

Virginia proudly held the title of Director of Nursing at the Gove County Hospital, later transferring to the Long Term Care Facility. In 1969, she took time to raise their young family. Beginning in 1973, she dedicated 37 years as both the school nurse at USD #292 and the Gove County Health Nurse. She loved caring for people of all ages and always put their needs before hers.

Virginia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. Her greatest enjoyment and blessings were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—they made her very proud. She and Bob would attend the grandchildren’s school events, ball games, and music concerts, wherever the location. She enjoyed 50s and 60s music, polka dancing with Bob, researching family genealogy, and planning and attending Park High School alumni reunions.

Survivors include two children, Lisa Cox of Ellis, KS, and Don Kinderknecht of Seattle, WA; two grandchildren, Emily and husband Jordan Mattheyer, and Ethan and wife Britny Cox, all of Ellis; and three great-grandchildren, Mason and Ava Mattheyer and Mallory Cox. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Bob; brother, Don Billinger; son, Larry Kinderknecht; and son-in-law, Larry Cox.

If she is a fraction of the guardian angel that she was a nurse, we are ALL in good hands. May her memory live on because of memories that have been made by her love.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made out to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Ellis Good Samaritan Center. Any other donations received will go to the Fort Hays Nursing Program in Virginia’s honor. Donations made to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 5:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St., Quinter, KS, with a prayer of the Rosary immediately following. Visitation will continue until 7:00 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Cottonwood St., Park, KS, with burial to follow.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

Virginia Ann (Billinger) Kinderknecht was born on October 21, 1938, in Hays, KS, to Otto and Francis Billinger. She passed away on February 23, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ellis, KS, at the age of 86.She attended school in Park and graduated from Park Rural High School with the class of 1956. After high school, she attended St. Anthony School of Nursing in Hays, KS, graduating in 1959. On September 12, 1959, she married Robert “Bob” Kinderknecht, and they were married for 61 years. To this union, three children were welcomed to the family. Their home was open to many, often gathered around the table. She was known for her incredible fried chicken among her family.Virginia proudly held the title of Director of Nursing at the Gove County Hospital, later transferring to the Long Term Care Facility. In 1969, she took time to raise their young family. Beginning in 1973, she dedicated 37 years as both the school nurse at USD #292 and the Gove County Health Nurse. She loved caring for people of all ages and always put their needs before hers.Virginia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. Her greatest enjoyment and blessings were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—they made her very proud. She and Bob would attend the grandchildren’s school events, ball games, and music concerts, wherever the location. She enjoyed 50s and 60s music, polka dancing with Bob, researching family genealogy, and planning and attending Park High School alumni reunions.Survivors include two children, Lisa Cox of Ellis, KS, and Don Kinderknecht of Seattle, WA; two grandchildren, Emily and husband Jordan Mattheyer, and Ethan and wife Britny Cox, all of Ellis; and three great-grandchildren, Mason and Ava Mattheyer and Mallory Cox. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Bob; brother, Don Billinger; son, Larry Kinderknecht; and son-in-law, Larry Cox.If she is a fraction of the guardian angel that she was a nurse, we are ALL in good hands. May her memory live on because of memories that have been made by her love.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made out to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Ellis Good Samaritan Center. Any other donations received will go to the Fort Hays Nursing Program in Virginia’s honor. Donations made to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 5:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St., Quinter, KS, with a prayer of the Rosary immediately following. Visitation will continue until 7:00 p.m.The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Cottonwood St., Park, KS, with burial to follow.To share memories or leave condolences, please visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

Virginia Ann (Billinger) Kinderknecht

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in connection with a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old boy dead is due back in court Monday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.

Carrice&nbsp; Profit, 19, was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Police arrested her November 6.

Just after 10:30p.m. October 31, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers discovered evidence of a shooting a convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.

The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Profit met the requirement of a $350,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730979564649.png" alt="Profit photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Profit photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in connection with a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old boy dead is due back in court Monday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.Carrice&nbsp; Profit, 19, was charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Police arrested her November 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730455429350.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10:30p.m. October 31, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Officers discovered evidence of a shooting a convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.Profit met the requirement of a $350,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Kan. suspect in Halloween killing of 13-year-old is due back in court

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon found guilty in a fatal shooting that occurred just days after his release from prison is going back to prison for the rest of his life.

&nbsp;This week, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 38-year-old Jeremy Miles of Wichita to life without parole eligibility for 586 months for first-degree murder and 19 months for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In October, a jury found Miles guilty of the killing that occurred in August of 2023.

Just before 11a.m. Aug. 30, 2023, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police&nbsp; arrested&nbsp;Miles for the crime. He has three previous convictions for aggravated robbery and one for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and had been placed on In-State Post Release just a week before the murder, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693488696173.png" alt="Miles-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Miles-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon found guilty in a fatal shooting that occurred just days after his release from prison is going back to prison for the rest of his life.&nbsp;This week, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 38-year-old Jeremy Miles of Wichita to life without parole eligibility for 586 months for first-degree murder and 19 months for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In October, a jury found Miles guilty of the killing that occurred in August of 2023.Just before 11a.m. Aug. 30, 2023, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740065155471.png" alt="Miles photo Kansas Dept. of Correction" />
 <figcaption>Miles photo Kansas Dept. of Correction</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police&nbsp; arrested&nbsp;Miles for the crime. He has three previous convictions for aggravated robbery and one for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and had been placed on In-State Post Release just a week before the murder, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas felon killed man a week after release from prison

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., police officer who ran an anti-crime charity has been convicted in federal court of a scheme in which he spent more than $200,000 in donations for his own personal expenses.

Aaron Wayne McKie, 47, was found guilty on Thursday, Feb. 20, of nine counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. McKie worked as a police officer for the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department for 24 years, assigned as a police officer to the Crime Free Multi-Housing section from 2002 through 2023.

McKie served from 2009 to 2023 as president of Mid-America Crime Free, Inc. (MACF), a non-profit organization that claimed to provide training to persons in the rental housing industry and promote anti-crime programs. He was an officer of the charity for three years prior, from 2006 to 2009.

Evidence produced during the trial indicated that McKie devised a scheme to defraud MACF and its donors that began in July 2009 and lasted until October 2023. Individuals and businesses contributed $387,620 to MACF, not including in-kind donations. McKie spent at least $200,060 for his own personal purposes.

The biggest source of MACF funds was an annual golf tournament, “Fairways 4 Fuzz Golf Tournament.” Individuals and businesses donated both money and in-kind donations, such as food and beverages, to MACF via the golf tournament. At least 121 donors have been identified.

From 2009 to 2023, the flyers soliciting donations and players for the tournament claimed the funds raised would enable MACF to provide free seminars to owners of rental properties and train police officers. In reality, those claims were false. The Kansas City Police Department paid the salaries and expenses of Crime Free Multi-Housing unit officers who may have provided training to landlords; McKie used the majority of MACF funds for personal spending; and the IRS had revoked the organization’s tax-exempt status in 2010.

Under federal statutes, McKie is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the 10 counts on which he was convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for nine hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, Feb. 10.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hanson. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714219569463.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., police officer who ran an anti-crime charity has been convicted in federal court of a scheme in which he spent more than $200,000 in donations for his own personal expenses.Aaron Wayne McKie, 47, was found guilty on Thursday, Feb. 20, of nine counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. McKie worked as a police officer for the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department for 24 years, assigned as a police officer to the Crime Free Multi-Housing section from 2002 through 2023.McKie served from 2009 to 2023 as president of Mid-America Crime Free, Inc. (MACF), a non-profit organization that claimed to provide training to persons in the rental housing industry and promote anti-crime programs. He was an officer of the charity for three years prior, from 2006 to 2009.Evidence produced during the trial indicated that McKie devised a scheme to defraud MACF and its donors that began in July 2009 and lasted until October 2023. Individuals and businesses contributed $387,620 to MACF, not including in-kind donations. McKie spent at least $200,060 for his own personal purposes.The biggest source of MACF funds was an annual golf tournament, “Fairways 4 Fuzz Golf Tournament.” Individuals and businesses donated both money and in-kind donations, such as food and beverages, to MACF via the golf tournament. At least 121 donors have been identified.From 2009 to 2023, the flyers soliciting donations and players for the tournament claimed the funds raised would enable MACF to provide free seminars to owners of rental properties and train police officers. In reality, those claims were false. The Kansas City Police Department paid the salaries and expenses of Crime Free Multi-Housing unit officers who may have provided training to landlords; McKie used the majority of MACF funds for personal spending; and the IRS had revoked the organization’s tax-exempt status in 2010.Under federal statutes, McKie is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the 10 counts on which he was convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for nine hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, Feb. 10.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hanson. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Jury: Former KCPD officer guilty in $200K charity fraud scheme

Sharon Sue McLaughlin, 69, of Zurich, Kansas, passed away
on February 15, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas. She was born on July 13,
1955, to Delwin and Velma (Meitler) Mendenhall at Plainville Rural Hospital in
Plainville, Kansas. She married Rick McLaughlin on October 21, 1978, at the
United Methodist Church in Plainville.

Sharon grew up in Zurich and graduated from Palco High
School in 1973. She dedicated 26 years of her life as a bookkeeper at Mr. K's
and spent another 14 years as a secretary at World Pest Control, where she was
a valued colleague and friend to many.

Sharon had a deep passion for life and always put others
first. She loved to cook, and her world-famous macaroni and cheese will be
remembered by all who had the privilege of enjoying it. Sharon also had a love
for music, particularly classic rock, and as a talented pianist, she generously
shared her musical gifts with family and friends. 

Playing cards with her loved ones was one of Sharon’s
favorite pastimes, and there was nothing she cherished more than spending quality
time with her family. She took great pride in her sons and grandchildren and could
always be found cheering them on at their sporting events, exuding her
trademark enthusiasm. 

Sharon’s playful spirit was one of her most defining
qualities - she was a prankster with a great sense of humor who brought
laughter to all who knew her. In addition to her mischievous side, Sharon was
also the ultimate organizer, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, and
everyone was taken care of.

Sharon’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of
laughter, love, and joy will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick of Zurich, KS;
sons, Chad (Aimee) McLaughlin of Zurich, J.T. (June) McLaughlin of Abilene, KS;
sister, Jeanie (Mark) Cameron of Abilene, KS; brothers, Randy (Sonja)
Mendenhall of Liberal, KS, Rocky (Deb) Mendenhall of Salina, KS, Rick (Rita)
Mendenhall of Garden City, KS, and Reggie (Cheryl) Mendenhall of Pratt, KS; eight
grandchildren: Zack, Alex, Vincent, Allissa, Jesseca, Courtney, Seirra,
Cameron; and five great-grandchildren: Lynlee, Leah, Derrick, Dawson and Miri. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delwin and Velma;
and granddaughter, Tesla. 

A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday,
February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the First Christian Church in Plainville.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Zurich Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center and
may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd,
Plainville, Kansas 67663. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739900075548.jpeg" alt="Sharon Sue McLaughlin" />
 <figcaption>Sharon Sue McLaughlin</figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Sue McLaughlin, 69, of Zurich, Kansas, passed away
on February 15, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas. She was born on July 13,
1955, to Delwin and Velma (Meitler) Mendenhall at Plainville Rural Hospital in
Plainville, Kansas. She married Rick McLaughlin on October 21, 1978, at the
United Methodist Church in Plainville.Sharon grew up in Zurich and graduated from Palco High
School in 1973. She dedicated 26 years of her life as a bookkeeper at Mr. K's
and spent another 14 years as a secretary at World Pest Control, where she was
a valued colleague and friend to many.Sharon had a deep passion for life and always put others
first. She loved to cook, and her world-famous macaroni and cheese will be
remembered by all who had the privilege of enjoying it. Sharon also had a love
for music, particularly classic rock, and as a talented pianist, she generously
shared her musical gifts with family and friends. Playing cards with her loved ones was one of Sharon’s
favorite pastimes, and there was nothing she cherished more than spending quality
time with her family. She took great pride in her sons and grandchildren and could
always be found cheering them on at their sporting events, exuding her
trademark enthusiasm. Sharon’s playful spirit was one of her most defining
qualities - she was a prankster with a great sense of humor who brought
laughter to all who knew her. In addition to her mischievous side, Sharon was
also the ultimate organizer, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, and
everyone was taken care of.Sharon’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of
laughter, love, and joy will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick of Zurich, KS;
sons, Chad (Aimee) McLaughlin of Zurich, J.T. (June) McLaughlin of Abilene, KS;
sister, Jeanie (Mark) Cameron of Abilene, KS; brothers, Randy (Sonja)
Mendenhall of Liberal, KS, Rocky (Deb) Mendenhall of Salina, KS, Rick (Rita)
Mendenhall of Garden City, KS, and Reggie (Cheryl) Mendenhall of Pratt, KS; eight
grandchildren: Zack, Alex, Vincent, Allissa, Jesseca, Courtney, Seirra,
Cameron; and five great-grandchildren: Lynlee, Leah, Derrick, Dawson and Miri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delwin and Velma;
and granddaughter, Tesla. A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday,
February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the First Christian Church in Plainville.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Zurich Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center and
may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd,
Plainville, Kansas 67663. Online condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Sharon Sue McLaughlin

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

U.S. crude production last week reached the top ten.&nbsp; 

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported average output of 13,494,000 barrels per day, an increase of 16,000 daily barrels from a week earlier. That's the biggest weekly tally since December, and the ninth biggest ever. Four-week average output and cumulative annual production both top 13.4 million barrels a day. Each is up about three percent from a year ago.

EIA reported commercial crude stockpiles rose 4.1 million barrels from a week ago and are four percent below the five-year seasonal average at just under 428 million barrels.

Crude prices are hovering in a tight trading range, with the benchmarks dropping a few cents on Friday heading toward a weekly loss of a few pennies a barrel.&nbsp; New York crude offers dipped below $71 per barrel.&nbsp; Brent crude dropped under $75 in London.

The government continues to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and continues to amass huge savings for the U.S. Treasury. The Energy Department took delivery of 200,000 barrels last week at prices $15 cheaper than what we sold it for two years ago. That's a three million dollar profit this week and $468 million since refill operations resumed last April.

Weekly exploration data in Kansas points to another down year on the production side.&nbsp; Independent Oil and Gas Service notes 25 new well-completion reports last week, with 15 in western Kansas including one in Barton County, two in Ellis County and two in Russell County.&nbsp; That's 168 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 250 at this time last year. 

Overall, drilling activity in Kansas is down about 32% from same period last year. Kansas regulators okayed 15 new drilling permits, with five in western Kansas. That's 81 new permits so far this year, which is less than half the tally a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service shows a total of 15 active drilling rigs in Kansas. There are eight in the western half of the state, which is up one from a week ago, and seven in eastern Kansas, which is down one. Operators were moving in rotary tools to spud a new well in Barton County.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up one oil rig and one gas rig for a total of 588 active rigs. The count in Texas is up two rigs. Utah is up one. The tallies in North Dakota and Louisiana are each down one rig.

The number-three crude oil producing state in the country reports some mixed results. North Dakota's crude output increased slightly in December, on the heels of a spike of 11% the month before. The Department of Mineral Resources reported a daily average just under 1.2 million barrels a day, which is down slightly from the shorter month in November. 

Natural gas production was down nearly three percent, and the state's closely watched gas-capture rate dropped to 94%. Rig counts dropped four rigs in the last three months to 33 active rigs by February 13. DMR reports on ongoing decline in well-completions, but drilling permits are up in January.

The U.S. imports more crude oil that we export by more than 2.5 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration.&nbsp; Petroleum product imports trail exports by nearly five million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaFeb. 17, 2025 U.S. crude production last week reached the top ten.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported average output of 13,494,000 barrels per day, an increase of 16,000 daily barrels from a week earlier. That's the biggest weekly tally since December, and the ninth biggest ever. Four-week average output and cumulative annual production both top 13.4 million barrels a day. Each is up about three percent from a year ago.EIA reported commercial crude stockpiles rose 4.1 million barrels from a week ago and are four percent below the five-year seasonal average at just under 428 million barrels.Crude prices are hovering in a tight trading range, with the benchmarks dropping a few cents on Friday heading toward a weekly loss of a few pennies a barrel.&nbsp; New York crude offers dipped below $71 per barrel.&nbsp; Brent crude dropped under $75 in London.The government continues to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and continues to amass huge savings for the U.S. Treasury. The Energy Department took delivery of 200,000 barrels last week at prices $15 cheaper than what we sold it for two years ago. That's a three million dollar profit this week and $468 million since refill operations resumed last April.Weekly exploration data in Kansas points to another down year on the production side.&nbsp; Independent Oil and Gas Service notes 25 new well-completion reports last week, with 15 in western Kansas including one in Barton County, two in Ellis County and two in Russell County.&nbsp; That's 168 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 250 at this time last year. Overall, drilling activity in Kansas is down about 32% from same period last year. Kansas regulators okayed 15 new drilling permits, with five in western Kansas. That's 81 new permits so far this year, which is less than half the tally a year ago.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service shows a total of 15 active drilling rigs in Kansas. There are eight in the western half of the state, which is up one from a week ago, and seven in eastern Kansas, which is down one. Operators were moving in rotary tools to spud a new well in Barton County.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up one oil rig and one gas rig for a total of 588 active rigs. The count in Texas is up two rigs. Utah is up one. The tallies in North Dakota and Louisiana are each down one rig.The number-three crude oil producing state in the country reports some mixed results. North Dakota's crude output increased slightly in December, on the heels of a spike of 11% the month before. The Department of Mineral Resources reported a daily average just under 1.2 million barrels a day, which is down slightly from the shorter month in November. Natural gas production was down nearly three percent, and the state's closely watched gas-capture rate dropped to 94%. Rig counts dropped four rigs in the last three months to 33 active rigs by February 13. DMR reports on ongoing decline in well-completions, but drilling permits are up in January.The U.S. imports more crude oil that we export by more than 2.5 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration.&nbsp; Petroleum product imports trail exports by nearly five million.EIA said U.S. crude oil imports averaged 6.3 million barrels per day last week, down 606,000 barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude imports averaged about 6.6 million barrels per day, 7.6% more than the same four-week period last year.Crude exports averaged 3.9 million barrels a day, down nearly half a million from a week earlier, according to the government. Exports over the last four weeks are up 100,000 daily barrels compared to the same period last year.An oil tanker carrying crude from a sanctioned Russian producer has been floating off the coast of India for nearly a week, and it's not clear if authorities will allow the vessel to deliver its cargo. Bloomberg reports the Cordelia Moon was headed to western India with about a million barrels of Russian crude.&nbsp;The owner of the cargo was one of the two Russian producers sanctioned by the U.S. last month. This is the same Russian "shadow tanker" that made headlines in October when it came under fire near the Suez Canal, disrupting global trade.Another 6.3 million barrels of Russian deliveries are being held on sanctioned vessels along Russia's Pacific coast. Those ships have been stationary for about a week near Russia's Sakhalin Island facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;