Delorse F. Prater, 89, died on Monday October 30, 2023 at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City. She was born on August 15, 1934 at Ulysses, Kansas, the daughter of William Archer &amp; Esta Mable (Dye) Hatcher. 

She married Frank Wyatt in 1954 at Lakin. She later married Eugene Prater on January 30, 1975 at Garden City. He died on February 25, 2010.

Delorse attended Ulysses schools and the Dodge City Cosmetology School. She then opened at Beauty Shop in Johnson. In 1966 she moved to Garden City and had several jobs including being a Drill Press Operator at Oswalt Manufacturing. She and her husband were owners and operators of the Dee &amp; Gene Tavern referred to as the Old Pub. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing cards and dominos. She was very proud of being a Licensed Cosmetologist for over 60 years.

She is survived by her three sons- Donald Wyatt of Norfolk, Nebraska, Norman Wyatt and Marvin Wyatt both of Garden City, two daughters- Donna Allen-Roth of Garden City and Janet Wilson of Scott City, 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband, son- Gary Wyatt, three brothers- Doyle Hatcher, Dale Hatcher and Larry Joe Hatcher and three sisters- Juda Ann Hatcher, Pearl E. Hatcher and Esta May Hatcher.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Jim Akins officiating. Graveside service will be at 1:00 PM at Plains Cemetery in Plains. 

Memorials are suggested to Garden Valley Retirement Village Residents Activity Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Garnand Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>&nbsp;Delorse F. Prater</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698878549529.jpeg" alt="Delorse F. Prater" />
 <figcaption>Delorse F. Prater</figcaption>
 </figure>August 15, 1934 - October 30, 2023Delorse F. Prater, 89, died on Monday October 30, 2023 at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City. She was born on August 15, 1934 at Ulysses, Kansas, the daughter of William Archer &amp; Esta Mable (Dye) Hatcher. She married Frank Wyatt in 1954 at Lakin. She later married Eugene Prater on January 30, 1975 at Garden City. He died on February 25, 2010.Delorse attended Ulysses schools and the Dodge City Cosmetology School. She then opened at Beauty Shop in Johnson. In 1966 she moved to Garden City and had several jobs including being a Drill Press Operator at Oswalt Manufacturing. She and her husband were owners and operators of the Dee &amp; Gene Tavern referred to as the Old Pub. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing cards and dominos. She was very proud of being a Licensed Cosmetologist for over 60 years.She is survived by her three sons- Donald Wyatt of Norfolk, Nebraska, Norman Wyatt and Marvin Wyatt both of Garden City, two daughters- Donna Allen-Roth of Garden City and Janet Wilson of Scott City, 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband, son- Gary Wyatt, three brothers- Doyle Hatcher, Dale Hatcher and Larry Joe Hatcher and three sisters- Juda Ann Hatcher, Pearl E. Hatcher and Esta May Hatcher.Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Rev Jim Akins officiating. Graveside service will be at 1:00 PM at Plains Cemetery in Plains. Memorials are suggested to Garden Valley Retirement Village Residents Activity Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Delorse F. Prater

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed Jacob Lew as ambassador to Israel, filling the key diplomatic post as the country is fighting a war with Hamas.

Lew, a treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, was confirmed 53-43. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against Lew's confirmation.

He has promised to stand side by side with Israel's leaders as they respond to the militant group’s surprise attack on Oct. 7, telling senators in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-senate-lew-confirmation-ambassador-2c672dfc9a3b05c4d2d20ec894caa876">confirmation hearing</a>&nbsp;in mid-October that “at this moment, there is no greater mission than to be asked to strengthen the ties between the United States and the state of Israel.”

President Joe Biden nominated Lew, who goes by Jack, last month to fill the post left vacant when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-israel-middle-east-iran-nuclear-government-and-politics-bea234854f750f7a20d41c32cca62acd">Tom Nides</a>&nbsp;left as ambassador in July. Democrats say Lew’s wealth of government experience — he also was chief of staff to Obama and White House budget director under Obama and President Bill Clinton — makes him the right person to fill the post at a a critical moment in the two countries’ relationship.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said after Lew's confirmation that the administration is eager for him “to get on the ground and start leading our efforts to support Israel and their fight against Hamas, but also to help us integrate and continue to lead the effort to get humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.”

Republicans criticized Lew for his role in the Obama White House when it negotiated the Iran nuclear agreement in 2015, among other foreign policy moves. The deal with Iran — the chief sponsor of Hamas — was later scuttled by former President Donald Trump.

“This is the wrong person at the wrong time in the wrong place,” said Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, just before the vote. “The last thing we need is somebody who is very contrary to our view about how Iran should be handled.”

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., said that Lew has won praise from Israeli leaders and has the gravitas to “stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel” as the United States partners with the country.

“There’s to me no question about his qualifications, no question about his presence being welcomed by our Israeli friends, no question about his knowledge and commitment to these issues,” Cardin said. “We could not have a more qualified individual to represent America as our ambassador to Israel.”

At the hearing, Lew defended his work in the Obama White House and called Iran an “evil, malign government.”

“I want to be clear — Iran is a threat to regional stability and to Israel’s existence,” Lew said.

He also expressed sympathy for the civilians on both sides who have been injured or killed in the fighting. It must end, Lew said, “but it has to end with Israel’s security being guaranteed.”

Lew, who is Jewish, said at the hearing that he cannot remember a time in his life “when Israel’s struggle for security was not at the forefront of my mind.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698839698947.png" alt="Jacob Lew, a treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, was confirmed 53-43. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Lew, a treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, was confirmed 53-43. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed Jacob Lew as ambassador to Israel, filling the key diplomatic post as the country is fighting a war with Hamas.Lew, a treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, was confirmed 53-43. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against Lew's confirmation.He has promised to stand side by side with Israel's leaders as they respond to the militant group’s surprise attack on Oct. 7, telling senators in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-senate-lew-confirmation-ambassador-2c672dfc9a3b05c4d2d20ec894caa876">confirmation hearing</a>&nbsp;in mid-October that “at this moment, there is no greater mission than to be asked to strengthen the ties between the United States and the state of Israel.”President Joe Biden nominated Lew, who goes by Jack, last month to fill the post left vacant when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-israel-middle-east-iran-nuclear-government-and-politics-bea234854f750f7a20d41c32cca62acd">Tom Nides</a>&nbsp;left as ambassador in July. Democrats say Lew’s wealth of government experience — he also was chief of staff to Obama and White House budget director under Obama and President Bill Clinton — makes him the right person to fill the post at a a critical moment in the two countries’ relationship.U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said after Lew's confirmation that the administration is eager for him “to get on the ground and start leading our efforts to support Israel and their fight against Hamas, but also to help us integrate and continue to lead the effort to get humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.”Republicans criticized Lew for his role in the Obama White House when it negotiated the Iran nuclear agreement in 2015, among other foreign policy moves. The deal with Iran — the chief sponsor of Hamas — was later scuttled by former President Donald Trump.“This is the wrong person at the wrong time in the wrong place,” said Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, just before the vote. “The last thing we need is somebody who is very contrary to our view about how Iran should be handled.”Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., said that Lew has won praise from Israeli leaders and has the gravitas to “stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel” as the United States partners with the country.“There’s to me no question about his qualifications, no question about his presence being welcomed by our Israeli friends, no question about his knowledge and commitment to these issues,” Cardin said. “We could not have a more qualified individual to represent America as our ambassador to Israel.”At the hearing, Lew defended his work in the Obama White House and called Iran an “evil, malign government.”“I want to be clear — Iran is a threat to regional stability and to Israel’s existence,” Lew said.He also expressed sympathy for the civilians on both sides who have been injured or killed in the fighting. It must end, Lew said, “but it has to end with Israel’s security being guaranteed.”Lew, who is Jewish, said at the hearing that he cannot remember a time in his life “when Israel’s struggle for security was not at the forefront of my mind.”

Moran, Marshall voted no but Senate confirms new ambassador to Israel

Exhibition Fort Hays State at Kansas Wednesday, November 1 - 7 p.m. Lawrence, Kan. - Allen Fieldhouse

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> TV:&nbsp;ESPN+&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/documents/2023/10/31/ESPN_Plus_FAQ.pdf">HOW TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State Men's Basketball will prepare for its upcoming 2023-24 season with an exhibition contest at the University of Kansas on Wednesday. Tipoff at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence is set for 7 p.m.

Fort Hays State is coming off a 21-9 season in 2022-23. The Tigers went 15-7 in MIAA to tie for third in the conference standings. They have finished third in the conference each of the last two seasons. The Tigers enter their 23rd&nbsp;season under head coach Mark Johnson, who owns a 428-212 record at FHSU. The Tigers have 11 seasons of 20 or more wins under Johnson's guidance.

Kansas has been tabbed as the No. 1 ranked team in the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll for NCAA Division I. The Jayhawks are coming off a 28-8 season in 2022-23 and a Big 12 regular season title. It was their 21st&nbsp;Big 12 regular season title and NCAA-leading 64th&nbsp;regular season conference title all-time. Kansas advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the West Region before getting knocked out by No. 8 seed Arkansas by a score of 72-71. KU returns three of its regular starters from last year in Dajuan Harris, Kevin McCullar, and KJ Adams.

This will be the 10th&nbsp;exhibition meeting between the schools and 13th&nbsp;overall. Kansas is 9-0 against FHSU in exhibition play and 3-0 in regular season play. The last exhibition meeting between the teams occurred on October 24, 2019 with the Jayhawks winning by a score of 86-56. Down 11 at the break, FHSU closed back within two points of KU with a 9-0 run out of halftime, but KU eventually pulled away for the win. The closest exhibition game between the teams occurred back in 2013 when KU won by 17, 92-75. The 75 points were also most scored by FHSU in an exhibition or regular season contest against KU.

Fort Hays State returns three All-MIAA selections from a year ago in Kaleb Hammeke, Elijah Nnanabu and Bjarni Jonsson. Hammeke is now a three-time All-MIAA selection after earning first-team honors last year, along with a selection to the NABC All-District Second Team for the Central Region. He was a second-team selection in 2021-22 and was honorable mention along with Freshman of the Year honors in 2020-21. Nnanabu and Jonsson were each honorable mention selections last year, while Jonsson was named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team for a second-straight year.

The Tigers return eight players from their team last year, which includes six that saw plenty of time on the court and two that redshirted. FHSU has six newcomers, which includes four transfers and two freshmen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698778067149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsExhibition Fort Hays State at Kansas Wednesday, November 1 - 7 p.m. Lawrence, Kan. - Allen FieldhouseRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> TV:&nbsp;ESPN+&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/documents/2023/10/31/ESPN_Plus_FAQ.pdf">HOW TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State Men's Basketball will prepare for its upcoming 2023-24 season with an exhibition contest at the University of Kansas on Wednesday. Tipoff at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence is set for 7 p.m.Fort Hays State is coming off a 21-9 season in 2022-23. The Tigers went 15-7 in MIAA to tie for third in the conference standings. They have finished third in the conference each of the last two seasons. The Tigers enter their 23rd&nbsp;season under head coach Mark Johnson, who owns a 428-212 record at FHSU. The Tigers have 11 seasons of 20 or more wins under Johnson's guidance.Kansas has been tabbed as the No. 1 ranked team in the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll for NCAA Division I. The Jayhawks are coming off a 28-8 season in 2022-23 and a Big 12 regular season title. It was their 21st&nbsp;Big 12 regular season title and NCAA-leading 64th&nbsp;regular season conference title all-time. Kansas advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the West Region before getting knocked out by No. 8 seed Arkansas by a score of 72-71. KU returns three of its regular starters from last year in Dajuan Harris, Kevin McCullar, and KJ Adams.This will be the 10th&nbsp;exhibition meeting between the schools and 13th&nbsp;overall. Kansas is 9-0 against FHSU in exhibition play and 3-0 in regular season play. The last exhibition meeting between the teams occurred on October 24, 2019 with the Jayhawks winning by a score of 86-56. Down 11 at the break, FHSU closed back within two points of KU with a 9-0 run out of halftime, but KU eventually pulled away for the win. The closest exhibition game between the teams occurred back in 2013 when KU won by 17, 92-75. The 75 points were also most scored by FHSU in an exhibition or regular season contest against KU.Fort Hays State returns three All-MIAA selections from a year ago in Kaleb Hammeke, Elijah Nnanabu and Bjarni Jonsson. Hammeke is now a three-time All-MIAA selection after earning first-team honors last year, along with a selection to the NABC All-District Second Team for the Central Region. He was a second-team selection in 2021-22 and was honorable mention along with Freshman of the Year honors in 2020-21. Nnanabu and Jonsson were each honorable mention selections last year, while Jonsson was named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team for a second-straight year.The Tigers return eight players from their team last year, which includes six that saw plenty of time on the court and two that redshirted. FHSU has six newcomers, which includes four transfers and two freshmen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - Tiger men open season with exhibition at No. 1 Kansas

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

GARDEN CITY — The front doors of Garden City Regional Airport’s new terminal howl in high winds, providing a spooky soundtrack during blustery autumn days.

The airport’s director, Rachelle Powell, said that’s one of a few kinks workers will smooth out as airport employees prepare for holiday travel season at the recently constructed terminal building. Kansas Reflector received a tour of the new terminal earlier in October.

The original airport terminal was built in 1959 to serve passengers in southwest Kansas, as well as southeast Colorado and the Oklahoma-Texas panhandles. It was demolished in September. The next phase included building a new terminal featuring an in-house restaurant facility, updated check-in counter, revamped departure gate and restyled waiting lounges.

Passengers can fly from Garden City to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, via American Airlines flights serviced twice daily on a 65-seat jet. Reservations can be made online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.aa.com/">www.aa.com</a>. Additionally, the airport receives a Boeing 737 from Harrah’s Casinos that charters flights to Laughlin, Nev., for people to gamble.

“The reaction from the community following the opening of Phase 1 has been very positive,” Garden City city manager Matt Allen said. “This is a very large, high-profile project for our city.”

The $31 million project was funded partly through a sales tax measure passed by Garden City voters in November 2021. Allen said voters approved a .15% sales tax bump for 15 years to help pay off about $9 million worth of construction. Additionally, city officials received roughly $22 million in federal funds, both from the Federal Aviation Administration and the CARES Act. Kansas City-based architecture firm HNTB and Crossland Construction of Garden City were chosen to design and build the project.

Powell said a total commercial ridership of about 59,000 people last year, both departing and arriving, warranted a new terminal.

“All the research we did, … FAA forecast data models and everything, supported the new airport,” Powell said.

City officials also realized demand had outgrown the 1959 terminal. City commissioners placed a high priority on upgrading facilities “to be more reflective of the service the airport provides to western Kansas and the five-state region,” Allen said.

Powell said about 28,000 people are forecast to fly out of GCK Regional by the end of the year. Airport ridership has grown from 18,375 departing passengers in 2018 to 29,186 in 2022.

Phase 2 of construction is underway and includes a second departure gate, full restrooms for arrivals, a service animal relief area, a luggage carousel and rental car booths. The arrival and departure lounges were expanded to accommodate larger groups.

“One unique thing about western Kansas airports is you don’t just fly out by yourself,” Powell said. “Your mom and dad and sister and aunt all send you away, so we wanted to accommodate that space for some of our people sending their loved ones off or coming to greet them.”

Powell is still waiting for a full body imaging scanner provided by the Transportation Safety Administration to complete the check-in area. She anticipates the second phase of work to be completed by mid-2024. That schedule gives city officials time to review proposals for leasing restaurant space inside the terminal. The former airport building housed Napoli’s Italian Restaurant for more than a decade before the restaurant’s owners moved to a location in Garden City last year.

On March 23, 2022, Napoli’s owners posted to Facebook: “Come and enjoy peaceful dining at the airport you only have 3 more weeks out here to enjoy this atmosphere because we will be closing down on April 16.”

The restaurant space was first to be demolished. Napoli’s is now located at 2204 East Kansas Ave. #5 in Garden City.

Proposals for the new airport restaurant must include a menu, hours of operation, plus rent and catering information. Applications can be filed at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.garden-city.org/Home/Components/RFP/RFP/2337/410">City of Garden City website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698853363942.png" alt="Garden City Regional Airport maintenance worker Jacob Ochampaugh sweeps the floors of the new departure gate. The airport terminal was revamped this year, as airport officials expect increased ridership. (AJ Dome/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Garden City Regional Airport maintenance worker Jacob Ochampaugh sweeps the floors of the new departure gate. The airport terminal was revamped this year, as airport officials expect increased ridership. (AJ Dome/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — The front doors of Garden City Regional Airport’s new terminal howl in high winds, providing a spooky soundtrack during blustery autumn days.The airport’s director, Rachelle Powell, said that’s one of a few kinks workers will smooth out as airport employees prepare for holiday travel season at the recently constructed terminal building. Kansas Reflector received a tour of the new terminal earlier in October.The original airport terminal was built in 1959 to serve passengers in southwest Kansas, as well as southeast Colorado and the Oklahoma-Texas panhandles. It was demolished in September. The next phase included building a new terminal featuring an in-house restaurant facility, updated check-in counter, revamped departure gate and restyled waiting lounges.Passengers can fly from Garden City to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, via American Airlines flights serviced twice daily on a 65-seat jet. Reservations can be made online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.aa.com/">www.aa.com</a>. Additionally, the airport receives a Boeing 737 from Harrah’s Casinos that charters flights to Laughlin, Nev., for people to gamble.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698853403837.png" alt="The new facade of the Garden City Regional Airport was unveiled in early October. Voters in Garden City approved a 0.15% sales tax boost to pay for $9 million of the $31 million project. (AJ Dome/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The new facade of the Garden City Regional Airport was unveiled in early October. Voters in Garden City approved a 0.15% sales tax boost to pay for $9 million of the $31 million project. (AJ Dome/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The reaction from the community following the opening of Phase 1 has been very positive,” Garden City city manager Matt Allen said. “This is a very large, high-profile project for our city.”The $31 million project was funded partly through a sales tax measure passed by Garden City voters in November 2021. Allen said voters approved a .15% sales tax bump for 15 years to help pay off about $9 million worth of construction. Additionally, city officials received roughly $22 million in federal funds, both from the Federal Aviation Administration and the CARES Act. Kansas City-based architecture firm HNTB and Crossland Construction of Garden City were chosen to design and build the project.Powell said a total commercial ridership of about 59,000 people last year, both departing and arriving, warranted a new terminal.“All the research we did, … FAA forecast data models and everything, supported the new airport,” Powell said.City officials also realized demand had outgrown the 1959 terminal. City commissioners placed a high priority on upgrading facilities “to be more reflective of the service the airport provides to western Kansas and the five-state region,” Allen said.Powell said about 28,000 people are forecast to fly out of GCK Regional by the end of the year. Airport ridership has grown from 18,375 departing passengers in 2018 to 29,186 in 2022.Phase 2 of construction is underway and includes a second departure gate, full restrooms for arrivals, a service animal relief area, a luggage carousel and rental car booths. The arrival and departure lounges were expanded to accommodate larger groups.“One unique thing about western Kansas airports is you don’t just fly out by yourself,” Powell said. “Your mom and dad and sister and aunt all send you away, so we wanted to accommodate that space for some of our people sending their loved ones off or coming to greet them.”Powell is still waiting for a full body imaging scanner provided by the Transportation Safety Administration to complete the check-in area. She anticipates the second phase of work to be completed by mid-2024. That schedule gives city officials time to review proposals for leasing restaurant space inside the terminal. The former airport building housed Napoli’s Italian Restaurant for more than a decade before the restaurant’s owners moved to a location in Garden City last year.On March 23, 2022, Napoli’s owners posted to Facebook: “Come and enjoy peaceful dining at the airport you only have 3 more weeks out here to enjoy this atmosphere because we will be closing down on April 16.”The restaurant space was first to be demolished. Napoli’s is now located at 2204 East Kansas Ave. #5 in Garden City.Proposals for the new airport restaurant must include a menu, hours of operation, plus rent and catering information. Applications can be filed at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.garden-city.org/Home/Components/RFP/RFP/2337/410">City of Garden City website</a>.

New Garden City Regional Airport terminal opens ahead of holiday travel season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is among the receiving votes section of the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. It is the second time the Tigers have received votes in the poll this year after being among the list in the first regular season poll back on September 5.

Fort Hays State is now 7-6-2 overall, coming off a 2-0 win over then No. 24 ranked Northeastern State last Thursday in Hays. The result knocked Northeastern State completely from the poll this week. Rogers State joins FHSU among the receiving votes section this week and GAC/MIAA frontrunner Southern Nazarene checks in at No. 17 this week.

Fort Hays State takes on both Southern Nazarene and Rogers State this week. FHSU hosts SNU on Thursday night at 6 p.m. before heading on the road to face Rogers State on Saturday (Nov. 3) at 1 p.m.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for October 31, 2023.

Rank&nbsp; School&nbsp; Prev&nbsp; W-L-T 1. Franklin Pierce&nbsp; 1&nbsp; 14-0-0 2. Midwestern State&nbsp; 2&nbsp; 15-0-1 3. University of Charleston&nbsp; 3&nbsp; 15-1-0 4. California State-Los Angeles&nbsp; 4&nbsp; 14-1-1 5. Gannon&nbsp; 7&nbsp; 15-0-2 5.&nbsp; Cal Poly Pomona&nbsp; 11&nbsp; 11-1-4 7. Florida Tech&nbsp; 8&nbsp; 10-1-3 8. Illinois-Springfield&nbsp; 10&nbsp; 11-1-5 9. Post&nbsp; 9&nbsp; 10-1-4 10. Wingate&nbsp; 12&nbsp; 9-3-2 11. California State-Chico&nbsp; 5&nbsp; 11-1-5 12. Fort Lewis College&nbsp; 23&nbsp; 10-3-4 13. Mississippi College&nbsp; 13&nbsp; 12-1-3 14. University of Indianapolis&nbsp; 14&nbsp; 10-1-5 15. CSU-Pueblo&nbsp; 6&nbsp; 12-4-2 15. Limestone&nbsp; 19&nbsp; 10-2-2 17. Southern Nazarene&nbsp; 16&nbsp; 11-3-2 18. Mercyhurst&nbsp; 20&nbsp; 13-2-1 19. Barry&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 9-4-1 20. Simon Fraser&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 9-2-2 21. Colorado Mesa&nbsp; 17&nbsp; 10-3-5 22. Tiffin&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 11-2-2 23. Clayton State&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 13-3-0 24. Lynn&nbsp; NR&nbsp; 9-2-4 25. California State-Monterey Bay&nbsp; 21&nbsp; 10-3-4&nbsp;

Receiving Votes: Rogers State, St. Thomas Aquinas College, St. Mary's (Texas), Millersville, Coker, Maryville of St. Louis, West Florida, Lincoln Memorial, Mercy,&nbsp;Fort Hays State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698850316635.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is among the receiving votes section of the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. It is the second time the Tigers have received votes in the poll this year after being among the list in the first regular season poll back on September 5.Fort Hays State is now 7-6-2 overall, coming off a 2-0 win over then No. 24 ranked Northeastern State last Thursday in Hays. The result knocked Northeastern State completely from the poll this week. Rogers State joins FHSU among the receiving votes section this week and GAC/MIAA frontrunner Southern Nazarene checks in at No. 17 this week.Fort Hays State takes on both Southern Nazarene and Rogers State this week. FHSU hosts SNU on Thursday night at 6 p.m. before heading on the road to face Rogers State on Saturday (Nov. 3) at 1 p.m.Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for October 31, 2023.Rank&nbsp; School&nbsp; Prev&nbsp; W-L-T 1. Franklin Pierce&nbsp; 1&nbsp; 14-0-0 2. Midwestern State&nbsp; 2&nbsp; 15-0-1 3. University of Charleston&nbsp; 3&nbsp; 15-1-0 4. California State-Los Angeles&nbsp; 4&nbsp; 14-1-1 5. Gannon&nbsp; 7&nbsp; 15-0-2 5.&nbsp; Cal Poly Pomona&nbsp; 11&nbsp; 11-1-4 7. Florida Tech&nbsp; 8&nbsp; 10-1-3 8. Illinois-Springfield&nbsp; 10&nbsp; 11-1-5 9. Post&nbsp; 9&nbsp; 10-1-4 10. Wingate&nbsp; 12&nbsp; 9-3-2 11. California State-Chico&nbsp; 5&nbsp; 11-1-5 12. Fort Lewis College&nbsp; 23&nbsp; 10-3-4 13. Mississippi College&nbsp; 13&nbsp; 12-1-3 14. University of Indianapolis&nbsp; 14&nbsp; 10-1-5 15. CSU-Pueblo&nbsp; 6&nbsp; 12-4-2 15. Limestone&nbsp; 19&nbsp; 10-2-2 17. Southern Nazarene&nbsp; 16&nbsp; 11-3-2 18. Mercyhurst&nbsp; 20&nbsp; 13-2-1 19. Barry&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 9-4-1 20. Simon Fraser&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 9-2-2 21. Colorado Mesa&nbsp; 17&nbsp; 10-3-5 22. Tiffin&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 11-2-2 23. Clayton State&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 13-3-0 24. Lynn&nbsp; NR&nbsp; 9-2-4 25. California State-Monterey Bay&nbsp; 21&nbsp; 10-3-4&nbsp;Receiving Votes: Rogers State, St. Thomas Aquinas College, St. Mary's (Texas), Millersville, Coker, Maryville of St. Louis, West Florida, Lincoln Memorial, Mercy,&nbsp;Fort Hays State

⚽ Tiger men receives votes in latest United Soccer Coaches Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Soccer received votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for the third straight week on Tuesday . The Tigers are one of 11 teams listed in the receiving votes section. The Tigers finished the regular season with an overall record of 12-3-3, producing their most wins in a regular season since 2016.

The Tigers prepare for MIAA Tournament play this week, hosting Northeastern State in the opening round on Friday night (Nov. 3) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The advancing team moves on to the semifinals at Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita, Kansas the following Thursday (Nov. 9).The MIAA has two teams among the Top 25 of the poll. Washburn enters this week at No. 8, while Central Missouri occupies the No. 17 spot.

This is the third straight season the FHSU women have at least received votes in the national poll. The Tigers were among the Top 25 last year, reaching as high as No. 22.Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for October 31, 2023.

Rank&nbsp; School&nbsp; Prev&nbsp; W-L-T 1. College of Saint Rose&nbsp; 3&nbsp; 15-0-1 2. Ashland&nbsp; 2&nbsp; 14-0-3 3. Lee&nbsp; 7&nbsp; 13-0-4 4. Catawba College&nbsp; 1&nbsp; 15-1-0 5. Concordia-Irvine&nbsp; 8&nbsp; 11-1-1 6. University of Charleston&nbsp; 9&nbsp; 15-0-2 7. Colorado School of Mines&nbsp; 14&nbsp; 13-2-3 8. Washburn&nbsp; 6&nbsp; 15-2-1 9. West Florida&nbsp; 16&nbsp; 15-1-1 10. Lenoir-Rhyne&nbsp; 13&nbsp; 12-0-3 11. Northern Michigan&nbsp; 12&nbsp; 12-1-4 12. Kutztown&nbsp; 5&nbsp; 12-0-5 13. Hawaii-Hilo&nbsp; 10&nbsp; 10-2-1 14. Dallas Baptist&nbsp; 22&nbsp; 10-0-4 15. Adelphi&nbsp; 11 10-1-4 16. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Fla.)&nbsp; 17&nbsp; 11-1-3 17. Central Missouri&nbsp; 15&nbsp; 13-3-2 18. Colorado Mesa&nbsp; 4&nbsp; 12-3-1 19. Minnesota State-Mankato&nbsp; 18&nbsp; 11-2-5 20. Seattle Pacific&nbsp; 24&nbsp; 11-2-4 21. Mercyhurst&nbsp; 21&nbsp; 13-2-1 22. Florida Tech&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 11-1-3 23. North Georgia&nbsp; NR&nbsp; 13-2-2 24. Nova Southeastern&nbsp; NR&nbsp; 10-3-1 25. Maryville of St. Louis&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 12-2-3&nbsp;

Receiving Votes: UC-Colorado Springs, Point Loma Nazarene, Southern New Hampshire, Mississippi College, Saint Anselm College,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Grand Valley State, Flagler College, Columbus State, Regis, West Chester

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698848982254.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Carly Walker goes after the ball in the first half of an NCAA soccer match against Washburn in Hays, Kan., Friday, October 27, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Carly Walker goes after the ball in the first half of an NCAA soccer match against Washburn in Hays, Kan., Friday, October 27, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Soccer received votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for the third straight week on Tuesday . The Tigers are one of 11 teams listed in the receiving votes section. The Tigers finished the regular season with an overall record of 12-3-3, producing their most wins in a regular season since 2016.The Tigers prepare for MIAA Tournament play this week, hosting Northeastern State in the opening round on Friday night (Nov. 3) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The advancing team moves on to the semifinals at Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita, Kansas the following Thursday (Nov. 9).The MIAA has two teams among the Top 25 of the poll. Washburn enters this week at No. 8, while Central Missouri occupies the No. 17 spot.This is the third straight season the FHSU women have at least received votes in the national poll. The Tigers were among the Top 25 last year, reaching as high as No. 22.Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for October 31, 2023.Rank&nbsp; School&nbsp; Prev&nbsp; W-L-T 1. College of Saint Rose&nbsp; 3&nbsp; 15-0-1 2. Ashland&nbsp; 2&nbsp; 14-0-3 3. Lee&nbsp; 7&nbsp; 13-0-4 4. Catawba College&nbsp; 1&nbsp; 15-1-0 5. Concordia-Irvine&nbsp; 8&nbsp; 11-1-1 6. University of Charleston&nbsp; 9&nbsp; 15-0-2 7. Colorado School of Mines&nbsp; 14&nbsp; 13-2-3 8. Washburn&nbsp; 6&nbsp; 15-2-1 9. West Florida&nbsp; 16&nbsp; 15-1-1 10. Lenoir-Rhyne&nbsp; 13&nbsp; 12-0-3 11. Northern Michigan&nbsp; 12&nbsp; 12-1-4 12. Kutztown&nbsp; 5&nbsp; 12-0-5 13. Hawaii-Hilo&nbsp; 10&nbsp; 10-2-1 14. Dallas Baptist&nbsp; 22&nbsp; 10-0-4 15. Adelphi&nbsp; 11 10-1-4 16. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Fla.)&nbsp; 17&nbsp; 11-1-3 17. Central Missouri&nbsp; 15&nbsp; 13-3-2 18. Colorado Mesa&nbsp; 4&nbsp; 12-3-1 19. Minnesota State-Mankato&nbsp; 18&nbsp; 11-2-5 20. Seattle Pacific&nbsp; 24&nbsp; 11-2-4 21. Mercyhurst&nbsp; 21&nbsp; 13-2-1 22. Florida Tech&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 11-1-3 23. North Georgia&nbsp; NR&nbsp; 13-2-2 24. Nova Southeastern&nbsp; NR&nbsp; 10-3-1 25. Maryville of St. Louis&nbsp; RV&nbsp; 12-2-3&nbsp;Receiving Votes: UC-Colorado Springs, Point Loma Nazarene, Southern New Hampshire, Mississippi College, Saint Anselm College,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Grand Valley State, Flagler College, Columbus State, Regis, West Chester

⚽ FHSU women receive votes in top 25 poll for third straight week

Mary Lee Molz, age 92, of Deerfield, Kansas died on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the Kearney County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas. She was born July 28, 1931 in Wilson, Kansas. She is the daughter of John Francis and Caroline Kathryn (Knauer) Healey. 

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lakin, Kansas.

After the passing of her parents, she completed her high school education in Ames, Iowa. She continued her education in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned her teaching certificate from Drake University. Upon receiving her certificate from Drake, Mary Lee obtained employment as a teacher in her beloved Kansas. She arrived to teach in Deerfield, Kansas elementary school in 1951. She was highly respected and loved by all the students under her guidance.

Mary Lee taught three years before meeting her life-time companion. In January 1956, she married Otis H. Molz of Deerfield and lived on their farm for 67 years. 

With Otis, they built a very successful farm business eventually taking their farm knowledge to countries far and near. Mary Lee and Otis were very involved in co-op activities and funded many local agricultural scholarships through the co-op. In 2001, both Mary Lee and Otis were inducted into the National Co-op Hall of Fame, Washington, DC.

Mary Lee had a passion for cooking and baking, collecting hundreds of recipes through the years. Mary Lee loved art and often volunteered her time, talent, and artwork to various community organizations.

She is survived by her husband, Otis H Molz, son, Bobby Joe Molz of Garden City, and daughter, Barbara Ann Franklin of Topeka, and two great grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, three grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakin with Reverend Magdiel Fajardo officiating. Grave site service will be held at the Deerfield, Kansas cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Salvation Army or American Red Cross in care of Garnand Funeral Home. 

Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Gardand Funeral Home in Lakin. 

<h2>Mary Lee Molz, Deerfield</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698845995398.jpeg" alt="Mary Lee Molz" />
 <figcaption>Mary Lee Molz</figcaption>
 </figure>July 28, 1931 - October 30, 2023Mary Lee Molz, age 92, of Deerfield, Kansas died on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the Kearney County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas. She was born July 28, 1931 in Wilson, Kansas. She is the daughter of John Francis and Caroline Kathryn (Knauer) Healey. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lakin, Kansas.After the passing of her parents, she completed her high school education in Ames, Iowa. She continued her education in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned her teaching certificate from Drake University. Upon receiving her certificate from Drake, Mary Lee obtained employment as a teacher in her beloved Kansas. She arrived to teach in Deerfield, Kansas elementary school in 1951. She was highly respected and loved by all the students under her guidance.Mary Lee taught three years before meeting her life-time companion. In January 1956, she married Otis H. Molz of Deerfield and lived on their farm for 67 years. With Otis, they built a very successful farm business eventually taking their farm knowledge to countries far and near. Mary Lee and Otis were very involved in co-op activities and funded many local agricultural scholarships through the co-op. In 2001, both Mary Lee and Otis were inducted into the National Co-op Hall of Fame, Washington, DC.Mary Lee had a passion for cooking and baking, collecting hundreds of recipes through the years. Mary Lee loved art and often volunteered her time, talent, and artwork to various community organizations.She is survived by her husband, Otis H Molz, son, Bobby Joe Molz of Garden City, and daughter, Barbara Ann Franklin of Topeka, and two great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, three grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakin with Reverend Magdiel Fajardo officiating. Grave site service will be held at the Deerfield, Kansas cemetery.Memorials are suggested to Salvation Army or American Red Cross in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Gardand Funeral Home in Lakin. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mary Lee Molz

<h2>Romajean Hahn</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698845714915.png" alt="Romajean Hahn" />
 <figcaption>Romajean Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>December 11, 1930 - October 30, 2023Obituary pending.

Romajean Hahn

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall demanded answers from Department of Homeland Secretary (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas on the Biden administration’s failures to secure our nation’s borders ranging from the historic number of migrant crossings on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist, and the lack of urgency from this administration to get Congress answers to who and where these people are inside of our country. 

During&nbsp; the hearing Senator Marshall asked Mayorcas, “Approximately how many illegal aliens in this country who are here on asylum have direct ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Islamic Jihad, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran?” The Secretary dodged the question

The Secretary did confirm over 600,000 known 'gotaways' entered our country in 2023 alone.

Highlights from Senator Marshall’s questioning includes:

On Illegal Aliens with ties to terrorist organization:&nbsp;

Mr. Secretary, approximately how many illegal aliens in this country are here on asylum have direct ties to Hamas to Hezbollah, to the Islamic Jihad or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator Marshall, let me assure you that the individuals that pose a risk to our national security are our highest enforcement priority, the safety and security of the American public

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Do you have any idea how many numbers, what those numbers are? Is that tens? Is it hundreds? Is it thousands?&nbsp;

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;An individual who poses a risk to our national security is our highest enforcement priority..

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;So you don't know the answer to the question? Do you have an answer for my question?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;I believe I have answered your question.&nbsp;

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;No, sir. You didn't. I asked you how many have direct ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, Islam jihad.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Will DHS and when will DHS disclose the countries of origin of people arrested by border patrol on the terrorist watch list?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;If you are referring, Senator, to the Terrorist Screening dataset, just to be precise, I would be pleased to speak with you in the appropriate context. This would not be it.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;How many ‘gotaways’ did CBP record in fiscal year 2023?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;I believe, Senator, that number is over 600,000. And as I'm sure you are well aware, the phenomenon of ‘gotaways’ is something that has been a challenge for the Department of Homeland Security for decades…

On Chinese National’s crossings:&nbsp;

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Would you agree with me that over 18,000 Chinese nationals, many are military-aged young men, have illegally crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2023?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, I don't have the precise number…

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Do you know where the Chinese nationals are settling? Where are they working? Why they are here? How do you follow them?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, if an individual has fled China, and seeks asylum and qualifies for asylum, for example, if they fear persecution, an understanding of their membership in a particular social group…

Senator Marshall: I'm sure you'll agree with me that under Mr. Biden, that at least 1.7 million ‘gotaways’ have evaded apprehension at our border. How many of these known ‘gotaways’ have convictions in their entire country for rape or murder? How many of these known ‘gotaways’ had been prosecuted and deported?

How many of these known ‘gotaways’ have committed crimes in the United States since you were sworn in?

How many of these known ‘gotaways’ are trafficking fentanyl?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;We well know that the trafficking of fentanyl is not specific to a nationality - tragically, we have individuals from various countries of origin. We have American citizens trafficking in fentanyl. Fentanyl is a scourge that we must all work together to overcome.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Let's talk about the 169 individuals encountered on the terrorist watchlist between the ports of entry in fiscal year 2023. How many were deported? How many are jailed? How many are still in the country?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;&nbsp;Senator, with respect to the individuals on the Terrorist Screening dataset, I would be pleased to provide you with the numbers in the appropriate context.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;The over 75,000 Special Interest aliens who crossed our border illegally this fiscal year. What are their whereabouts? How are you tracking these people?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;We have a number of ways of tracking them, Senator if in fact, they present a national security or public safety threat, we very well may detain them. If we do not believe that detention is appropriate. We have alternatives to detention.&nbsp;

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;The folks back home when they look at the evidence, they see that the DEA seized over 380 million doses of fentanyl in 2022. 73,000 Americans died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Mostly young adults, school aged children. And that 90% of the fentanyl&nbsp; comes from our southern border. You know considering that just last month, our border patrol had almost 270,000 encounters including 75,000 special interest aliens. Do Americans feel they're more safe today or less safe today under the policies of this administration?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, we are taking it to the cartels, to the traffickers of fentanyl, in an unprecedented way with more resources and more efficient and productive operations than ever before.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;But you would agree with me that Americans feel less safe today than they did before the start of this administration. And your testimony has solidified the view that American people they don't have confidence in the job that you're doing. This is why I believe the defining issue in this next election is going to be exactly this. Are our families safer today than they were three years ago?&nbsp;

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;In April, in sworn testimony before this committee, you insisted and I'll quote you, “If somebody errantly sends me an email on my personal email that should have been sent to my work email, I forwarded to my work email…” Despite that, a FOIA lawsuit by Americans for Prosperity has uncovered hundreds of pages of records reflecting your personal use of personal email account and cell phone for official DHS business since you assumed the office of Secretary. We sent you a letter on July 13, asking for additional questions on your in your suborders adherence to this DHS policy on the use of non DHS emails, but thus far, you failed to respond to me. Will you commit to getting the answers to our letter?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;I'll be happy to look at your inquiry and respond accordingly. What you just articulated is perfect evidence of the fact that I have followed the rules.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;And that explains why there's hundreds of pages of records reflecting your personal email account and cell phone for official DHS business?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, you mistake the facts.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;In May, the Biden Administration said when Title 42 ended that migrants would face tougher consequences. And I quote, “that there are tougher consequences if they were caught crossing the border illegally.” But just in the last border crossing numbers from this past week, the Biden Administration's actions showed that border patrol released. with no consequences, 156,000 migrants into the U.S. in September alone. Mr. Secretary, what are the consequences your administration threatens?&nbsp;

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Removal and return of individuals under Title Eight of the United States Code is one example of a consequence that we deliver. In fact, in fiscal year 2023, we removed or returned more than 620,000 individuals. Just recently, we announced that we negotiated an agreement with Venezuela for the first time.

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;So you sent back 10 maybe 200 people, but there's tens of thousands of them still here. How do you explain the 156,000 migrants in September alone that were released without any consequences?

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:: That is incorrect.&nbsp;

Senator Marshall:&nbsp;So you didn't release 156,000 migrants into the United States?

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall demanded answers from Department of Homeland Secretary (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas on the Biden administration’s failures to secure our nation’s borders ranging from the historic number of migrant crossings on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist, and the lack of urgency from this administration to get Congress answers to who and where these people are inside of our country. During&nbsp; the hearing Senator Marshall asked Mayorcas, “Approximately how many illegal aliens in this country who are here on asylum have direct ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Islamic Jihad, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran?” The Secretary dodged the question<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🚨Secretary Mayorkas confirmed OVER 600,000 known gotaways entered our country in 2023 alone. <a href="https://t.co/6eAPerWasN">pic.twitter.com/6eAPerWasN</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1719399077970841728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Secretary did confirm over 600,000 known 'gotaways' entered our country in 2023 alone.Highlights from Senator Marshall’s questioning includes:On Illegal Aliens with ties to terrorist organization:&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Mr. Secretary, approximately how many illegal aliens in this country are here on asylum have direct ties to Hamas to Hezbollah, to the Islamic Jihad or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator Marshall, let me assure you that the individuals that pose a risk to our national security are our highest enforcement priority, the safety and security of the American publicSenator Marshall:&nbsp;Do you have any idea how many numbers, what those numbers are? Is that tens? Is it hundreds? Is it thousands?&nbsp;Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;An individual who poses a risk to our national security is our highest enforcement priority..Senator Marshall:&nbsp;So you don't know the answer to the question? Do you have an answer for my question?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;I believe I have answered your question.&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;No, sir. You didn't. I asked you how many have direct ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, Islam jihad.On the Terror Watch List:&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Will DHS and when will DHS disclose the countries of origin of people arrested by border patrol on the terrorist watch list?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;If you are referring, Senator, to the Terrorist Screening dataset, just to be precise, I would be pleased to speak with you in the appropriate context. This would not be it.On Known Gotaways:&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;How many ‘gotaways’ did CBP record in fiscal year 2023?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;I believe, Senator, that number is over 600,000. And as I'm sure you are well aware, the phenomenon of ‘gotaways’ is something that has been a challenge for the Department of Homeland Security for decades…On Chinese National’s crossings:&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Would you agree with me that over 18,000 Chinese nationals, many are military-aged young men, have illegally crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2023?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, I don't have the precise number…Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Do you know where the Chinese nationals are settling? Where are they working? Why they are here? How do you follow them?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, if an individual has fled China, and seeks asylum and qualifies for asylum, for example, if they fear persecution, an understanding of their membership in a particular social group…On Known ‘Gotaways’:&nbsp;Senator Marshall: I'm sure you'll agree with me that under Mr. Biden, that at least 1.7 million ‘gotaways’ have evaded apprehension at our border. How many of these known ‘gotaways’ have convictions in their entire country for rape or murder? How many of these known ‘gotaways’ had been prosecuted and deported?How many of these known ‘gotaways’ have committed crimes in the United States since you were sworn in?How many of these known ‘gotaways’ are trafficking fentanyl?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;We well know that the trafficking of fentanyl is not specific to a nationality - tragically, we have individuals from various countries of origin. We have American citizens trafficking in fentanyl. Fentanyl is a scourge that we must all work together to overcome.On Terror Watchlist:&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;Let's talk about the 169 individuals encountered on the terrorist watchlist between the ports of entry in fiscal year 2023. How many were deported? How many are jailed? How many are still in the country?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;&nbsp;Senator, with respect to the individuals on the Terrorist Screening dataset, I would be pleased to provide you with the numbers in the appropriate context.On Safety of America:Senator Marshall:&nbsp;The over 75,000 Special Interest aliens who crossed our border illegally this fiscal year. What are their whereabouts? How are you tracking these people?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;We have a number of ways of tracking them, Senator if in fact, they present a national security or public safety threat, we very well may detain them. If we do not believe that detention is appropriate. We have alternatives to detention.&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;The folks back home when they look at the evidence, they see that the DEA seized over 380 million doses of fentanyl in 2022. 73,000 Americans died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Mostly young adults, school aged children. And that 90% of the fentanyl&nbsp; comes from our southern border. You know considering that just last month, our border patrol had almost 270,000 encounters including 75,000 special interest aliens. Do Americans feel they're more safe today or less safe today under the policies of this administration?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, we are taking it to the cartels, to the traffickers of fentanyl, in an unprecedented way with more resources and more efficient and productive operations than ever before.Senator Marshall:&nbsp;But you would agree with me that Americans feel less safe today than they did before the start of this administration. And your testimony has solidified the view that American people they don't have confidence in the job that you're doing. This is why I believe the defining issue in this next election is going to be exactly this. Are our families safer today than they were three years ago?&nbsp;On DHS Emails:Senator Marshall:&nbsp;In April, in sworn testimony before this committee, you insisted and I'll quote you, “If somebody errantly sends me an email on my personal email that should have been sent to my work email, I forwarded to my work email…” Despite that, a FOIA lawsuit by Americans for Prosperity has uncovered hundreds of pages of records reflecting your personal use of personal email account and cell phone for official DHS business since you assumed the office of Secretary. We sent you a letter on July 13, asking for additional questions on your in your suborders adherence to this DHS policy on the use of non DHS emails, but thus far, you failed to respond to me. Will you commit to getting the answers to our letter?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;I'll be happy to look at your inquiry and respond accordingly. What you just articulated is perfect evidence of the fact that I have followed the rules.Senator Marshall:&nbsp;And that explains why there's hundreds of pages of records reflecting your personal email account and cell phone for official DHS business?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Senator, you mistake the facts.On Securing the Border:Senator Marshall:&nbsp;In May, the Biden Administration said when Title 42 ended that migrants would face tougher consequences. And I quote, “that there are tougher consequences if they were caught crossing the border illegally.” But just in the last border crossing numbers from this past week, the Biden Administration's actions showed that border patrol released. with no consequences, 156,000 migrants into the U.S. in September alone. Mr. Secretary, what are the consequences your administration threatens?&nbsp;Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:&nbsp;Removal and return of individuals under Title Eight of the United States Code is one example of a consequence that we deliver. In fact, in fiscal year 2023, we removed or returned more than 620,000 individuals. Just recently, we announced that we negotiated an agreement with Venezuela for the first time.Senator Marshall:&nbsp;So you sent back 10 maybe 200 people, but there's tens of thousands of them still here. How do you explain the 156,000 migrants in September alone that were released without any consequences?Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:: That is incorrect.&nbsp;Senator Marshall:&nbsp;So you didn't release 156,000 migrants into the United States?

🎥 Senator Marshall: DHS Sec. says 600K known 'gotaways' at the border

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a violent attack on a woman in southwest Kansas.

Just after 8 p.m., October 27, police were dispatched to the 600 block of N. 10th Street for a reported stabbing, according to a media release.

First responders found an 80-year-old woman with wounds believed to have been caused by a machete. Through the investigation, police identified 32-year-old Zachary Porter as the suspect and took him into custody.

The victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Porter is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Second-Degree Murder.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698715603812.png" alt="Porter photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Porter photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a violent attack on a woman in southwest Kansas.Just after 8 p.m., October 27, police were dispatched to the 600 block of N. 10th Street for a reported stabbing, according to a media release.First responders found an 80-year-old woman with wounds believed to have been caused by a machete. Through the investigation, police identified 32-year-old Zachary Porter as the suspect and took him into custody.The victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment of injuries.Porter is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Second-Degree Murder.&nbsp;

80-year-old SW Kan. woman injured in machete attack

Laura Ann (Steinbacher) Schenkel, 83, passed away October 31, 2023, at Bridge Haven Memory Care, Lawrence, Kansas. She was born August 2, 1940, at Great Bend, to Charles and Eulalia (Brehm) Steinbacher. 

She married Ray S. Schenkel August 12, 1959, at Great Bend. He died December 15, 2012.&nbsp;

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Ann started her long time career in banking shortly after graduating from Great Bend High School. &nbsp;Her commitment to the community began at First National Bank, spanning over 30 years, then finally retiring as the senior vice president of Community Bank of the Midwest.

 She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Altar Society, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and served on the Cedar Park Place board of directors. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking and baking, drawing and painting with water colors and Hallmark Christmas movies. Ann especially loved spending time with her family.&nbsp;

Survivors include two sons, Scott Schenkel and wife Leilani of Great Bend and Todd Schenkel and wife Michelle of Topeka; two brothers, Jerry “Pete” Steinbacher of Great Bend, and Jim Steinbacher (Debra) of New Braunfels, Texas; three sisters, Jolene Romme of Lawrence, Jeanne Hollembeak (Bruce) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Mary Lou Steinbacher of Denver, CO; one sister-in-law, Anne Steinbacher of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren, Evan Schenkel, Cory Schenkel (Jessica), Taylor Christopher (Andy), and Tate Schenkel; five great-grandchildren with one expected in May, 2024; and 13 nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray S. Schenkel; two brothers, Charlie F. Steinbacher and Larry “Bones” Steinbacher; and brother-in-law, Leon Romme.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 4:00 p.m., and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dominican Sisters of Peace or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

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

<h2>Laura Ann Schenkel, Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698787843829.png" alt="Laura Ann Schenkel" />
 <figcaption>Laura Ann Schenkel</figcaption>
 </figure>August 2, 1940 - October 31, 2023Laura Ann (Steinbacher) Schenkel, 83, passed away October 31, 2023, at Bridge Haven Memory Care, Lawrence, Kansas. She was born August 2, 1940, at Great Bend, to Charles and Eulalia (Brehm) Steinbacher. She married Ray S. Schenkel August 12, 1959, at Great Bend. He died December 15, 2012.&nbsp;A lifetime Great Bend resident, Ann started her long time career in banking shortly after graduating from Great Bend High School. &nbsp;Her commitment to the community began at First National Bank, spanning over 30 years, then finally retiring as the senior vice president of Community Bank of the Midwest. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Altar Society, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and served on the Cedar Park Place board of directors. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking and baking, drawing and painting with water colors and Hallmark Christmas movies. Ann especially loved spending time with her family.&nbsp;Survivors include two sons, Scott Schenkel and wife Leilani of Great Bend and Todd Schenkel and wife Michelle of Topeka; two brothers, Jerry “Pete” Steinbacher of Great Bend, and Jim Steinbacher (Debra) of New Braunfels, Texas; three sisters, Jolene Romme of Lawrence, Jeanne Hollembeak (Bruce) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Mary Lou Steinbacher of Denver, CO; one sister-in-law, Anne Steinbacher of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren, Evan Schenkel, Cory Schenkel (Jessica), Taylor Christopher (Andy), and Tate Schenkel; five great-grandchildren with one expected in May, 2024; and 13 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray S. Schenkel; two brothers, Charlie F. Steinbacher and Larry “Bones” Steinbacher; and brother-in-law, Leon Romme.&nbsp;Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 4:00 p.m., and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dominican Sisters of Peace or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Laura Ann Schenkel, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/laura-schenkel/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>

Laura Ann Schenkel

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's top military and diplomatic leaders urged an increasingly divided Congress on Tuesday to send major immediate aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, arguing at a Senate hearing that broad support for the assistance would signal U.S. strength to adversaries worldwide.

The testimony from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken came as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">administration’s massive $105 billion emergency aid request</a>&nbsp;for conflicts in the two countries encountered roadblocks.

While there is bipartisan support in the Democratic-led Senate for aid to both Ukraine and Israel, the request faces deep problems in the Republican-led House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-republicans-emmer-mccarthy-54352a64be041cd445bda8df28b24f03">New Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;has proposed focusing on Israel alone, and slashing money for the Internal Revenue Service to pay for it.

(click below to watch Senator Moran's opening statement )

As the congressional divisions deepen, Blinken and Austin warned that the consequences of failing to help Ukraine in its war with Russia and Israel as it strikes back against Hamas would be dire. Inaction, they said, would threaten the security of the U.S. and the rest of the world.

“We now stand at a moment where many are again making the bet that the United States is too divided or distracted at home to stay the course,” Blinken said. “That is what is at stake.”

Austin said that if the United States fails to lead, ”the cost and the threats to the United States will only grow. We must not give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America’s resolve."

Biden has requested $14.3 billion for Israel, $61.4 billion to support Ukraine, $9.1 billion for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and elsewhere and $7.4 billion for the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. is focused on countering China's influence. Some of the Ukraine funding would go toward replenishing domestic stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.

The White House has also requested roughly $14 billion to protect the U.S. border. That money would be used to boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and to increase staffing for processing asylum cases.

But the House is trying to set aside much of Biden's request for now to focus on a roughly $14.5 billion package for Israel. That plan faced immediate resistance among Senate Democrats — and put pressure on the Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid but are conscious of growing concerns about it within their party.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House proposal "is clearly designed to divide Congress on a partisan basis, not unite us.” He said he hopes Johnson realizes he made a “grave mistake” and reverses course.

The two Cabinet secretaries argued that the aid should be tied together because the conflicts are interconnected. Blinken said that assisting Ukraine and Israel will strengthen the U.S. position against Iran, which is the biggest financial backer of Hamas.

“Since we cut off Russia’s traditional means of supplying its military, it has turned more and more to Iran for assistance,” Blinken said. “In return, Moscow has supplied Iran with increasingly advanced military technology, which poses a threat to Israel’s security. Allowing Russia to prevail with Iran’s support will embolden both Moscow and Tehran.”

Austin said the money would help Israel and Ukraine defend themselves against aggression — and also replenish U.S. stockpiles.

“In both Israel and Ukraine, democracies are fighting ruthless foes bent on their annihilation,” Austin said. “We will not let Hamas or Putin win. Today’s battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come.”

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., said at the start of the hearing that she and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, were drafting “strong bipartisan legislation” that would include aid for both countries.

“Make no mistake, we need to address all of these priorities as part of one package — because the reality is these issues are all connected, and they are all urgent,” Murray said.

Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”

After the protesters were escorted out, Blinken said he heard “the passions expressed in this room and outside this room.” He said that the U.S. is committed to protecting civilian life, “but all of us know the imperative of standing up with our allies and partners when their security, when their democracies, are threatened.”

Despite growing questions about the Ukraine aid within the Republican conference, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has forcefully advocated tying the aid for Ukraine and Israel together. He hosted Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, at an event in Kentucky on Monday and told the audience, “this is a moment for swift and decisive action.”

Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid are uncertain of the path forward. Further complicating the package, several of them have been negotiating border security measures that would go beyond Biden’s request, an attempt to help control the influx of migrants.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said there are a significant number of Republicans “who believe that these are all vital national security interests and priorities of the United States.” At the same time, trying to pass all of them together is complicated, he said.

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said she wants to see Ukraine aid passed, and “I don’t care how it happens.” She said she is open to the IRS cuts that Republicans proposed for the Israel funding in the House.

Senate Republicans who have opposed additional Ukraine aid threw support behind the House approach. “We have a Republican majority in the House, we need to follow the speaker," said Florida Sen. Rick Scott.

The House could pass its Israel aid package by the end of the week. In an interview on Fox News on Monday, Johnson said the legislation would be offset by the IRS funding because “we're not just going to print money and send it overseas."

The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., denounced the proposed IRS cuts as irresponsible.

“Hamas depends on sham charities and other illicit finance schemes to fund its operations, but this proposal would cut resources to IRS criminal investigators who are actively helping American allies stop terrorist financing and sanctions evaders,” Wyden said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698774267685.png" alt="Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's top military and diplomatic leaders urged an increasingly divided Congress on Tuesday to send major immediate aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, arguing at a Senate hearing that broad support for the assistance would signal U.S. strength to adversaries worldwide.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> was interrupted by multiple pro-Palestinian protestors calling for a cease-fire in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his opening statement on supplemental funding for national security. <a href="https://t.co/yk6uXkTFxo">pic.twitter.com/yk6uXkTFxo</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1719386809346531465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The testimony from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken came as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">administration’s massive $105 billion emergency aid request</a>&nbsp;for conflicts in the two countries encountered roadblocks.While there is bipartisan support in the Democratic-led Senate for aid to both Ukraine and Israel, the request faces deep problems in the Republican-led House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-republicans-emmer-mccarthy-54352a64be041cd445bda8df28b24f03">New Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;has proposed focusing on Israel alone, and slashing money for the Internal Revenue Service to pay for it.(click below to watch Senator Moran's opening statement )<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/24Y8wUVM_2k?si=ZyBzgspZbR_7K1pM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>As the congressional divisions deepen, Blinken and Austin warned that the consequences of failing to help Ukraine in its war with Russia and Israel as it strikes back against Hamas would be dire. Inaction, they said, would threaten the security of the U.S. and the rest of the world.“We now stand at a moment where many are again making the bet that the United States is too divided or distracted at home to stay the course,” Blinken said. “That is what is at stake.”Austin said that if the United States fails to lead, ”the cost and the threats to the United States will only grow. We must not give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America’s resolve."Biden has requested $14.3 billion for Israel, $61.4 billion to support Ukraine, $9.1 billion for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and elsewhere and $7.4 billion for the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. is focused on countering China's influence. Some of the Ukraine funding would go toward replenishing domestic stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.The White House has also requested roughly $14 billion to protect the U.S. border. That money would be used to boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and to increase staffing for processing asylum cases.But the House is trying to set aside much of Biden's request for now to focus on a roughly $14.5 billion package for Israel. That plan faced immediate resistance among Senate Democrats — and put pressure on the Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid but are conscious of growing concerns about it within their party.Speaking on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House proposal "is clearly designed to divide Congress on a partisan basis, not unite us.” He said he hopes Johnson realizes he made a “grave mistake” and reverses course.The two Cabinet secretaries argued that the aid should be tied together because the conflicts are interconnected. Blinken said that assisting Ukraine and Israel will strengthen the U.S. position against Iran, which is the biggest financial backer of Hamas.“Since we cut off Russia’s traditional means of supplying its military, it has turned more and more to Iran for assistance,” Blinken said. “In return, Moscow has supplied Iran with increasingly advanced military technology, which poses a threat to Israel’s security. Allowing Russia to prevail with Iran’s support will embolden both Moscow and Tehran.”Austin said the money would help Israel and Ukraine defend themselves against aggression — and also replenish U.S. stockpiles.“In both Israel and Ukraine, democracies are fighting ruthless foes bent on their annihilation,” Austin said. “We will not let Hamas or Putin win. Today’s battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come.”Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., said at the start of the hearing that she and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, were drafting “strong bipartisan legislation” that would include aid for both countries.“Make no mistake, we need to address all of these priorities as part of one package — because the reality is these issues are all connected, and they are all urgent,” Murray said.Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”After the protesters were escorted out, Blinken said he heard “the passions expressed in this room and outside this room.” He said that the U.S. is committed to protecting civilian life, “but all of us know the imperative of standing up with our allies and partners when their security, when their democracies, are threatened.”Despite growing questions about the Ukraine aid within the Republican conference, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has forcefully advocated tying the aid for Ukraine and Israel together. He hosted Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, at an event in Kentucky on Monday and told the audience, “this is a moment for swift and decisive action.”Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid are uncertain of the path forward. Further complicating the package, several of them have been negotiating border security measures that would go beyond Biden’s request, an attempt to help control the influx of migrants.Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said there are a significant number of Republicans “who believe that these are all vital national security interests and priorities of the United States.” At the same time, trying to pass all of them together is complicated, he said.Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said she wants to see Ukraine aid passed, and “I don’t care how it happens.” She said she is open to the IRS cuts that Republicans proposed for the Israel funding in the House.Senate Republicans who have opposed additional Ukraine aid threw support behind the House approach. “We have a Republican majority in the House, we need to follow the speaker," said Florida Sen. Rick Scott.The House could pass its Israel aid package by the end of the week. In an interview on Fox News on Monday, Johnson said the legislation would be offset by the IRS funding because “we're not just going to print money and send it overseas."The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., denounced the proposed IRS cuts as irresponsible.“Hamas depends on sham charities and other illicit finance schemes to fund its operations, but this proposal would cut resources to IRS criminal investigators who are actively helping American allies stop terrorist financing and sanctions evaders,” Wyden said.

🎥Protestors interrupt Senate hearing on funding for Israel 

Kirk L. Halderman passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2023, at the Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 61.

Kirk was born July 30, 1962, the oldest of two children of Lynne and Phyllis (Ross) Halderman. 

Kirk grew up on a farm northwest of Long Island, Kansas. 

He attended Northern Valley Schools and graduated with the class of 1980. He went on to further his education at Fort Hays State University and Wichita Practical Nursing School, graduating in 1986. 

Kirk married Tim Hopkins on June 3, 1995, in Seattle, Washington. 

In 2000 they moved to Oklahoma City. Kirk was area sales manager for Dillard’s Department Store. Later he went to dog training school and was employed at the Warwick Animal Hospital. After an early retirement due to health issues, he took over the job as HOA president where he and Tim have lived for 11 years.

Kirk enjoyed traveling, gardening, antique shopping, and eating out, especially for breakfast and visiting. He had hours of enjoyment with their pet dogs Peanut, Dallas, Josie, and the cat Elvira.

Kirk was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Elizabeth Ross, and Ernest and Mae Halderman, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives.

Survivors include his husband of 28 years, Tim Halderman, parents Lynne and Phyllis Halderman, sister Kendra Graf and husband James, niece Maloree Graf, and many other relatives and friends. Kirk will be deeply missed.

A graveside service will be held for Kirk on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jason Bonnicksen officiating, at the Long Island Cemetery in Long Island, Kansas.

Following the graveside service, the family will receive friends and relatives at the Long Island Methodist Church for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Long Island Community Building or The Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska.

<h2>Kirk L. Halderman, Oklahoma City, OK</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698783896154.jpeg" alt="Kirk L. Halderman" />
 <figcaption>Kirk L. Halderman</figcaption>
 </figure>July 30, 1962 - October 18, 2023Kirk L. Halderman passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2023, at the Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 61.Kirk was born July 30, 1962, the oldest of two children of Lynne and Phyllis (Ross) Halderman. Kirk grew up on a farm northwest of Long Island, Kansas. He attended Northern Valley Schools and graduated with the class of 1980. He went on to further his education at Fort Hays State University and Wichita Practical Nursing School, graduating in 1986. Kirk married Tim Hopkins on June 3, 1995, in Seattle, Washington. In 2000 they moved to Oklahoma City. Kirk was area sales manager for Dillard’s Department Store. Later he went to dog training school and was employed at the Warwick Animal Hospital. After an early retirement due to health issues, he took over the job as HOA president where he and Tim have lived for 11 years.Kirk enjoyed traveling, gardening, antique shopping, and eating out, especially for breakfast and visiting. He had hours of enjoyment with their pet dogs Peanut, Dallas, Josie, and the cat Elvira.Kirk was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Elizabeth Ross, and Ernest and Mae Halderman, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives.Survivors include his husband of 28 years, Tim Halderman, parents Lynne and Phyllis Halderman, sister Kendra Graf and husband James, niece Maloree Graf, and many other relatives and friends. Kirk will be deeply missed.A graveside service will be held for Kirk on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jason Bonnicksen officiating, at the Long Island Cemetery in Long Island, Kansas.Following the graveside service, the family will receive friends and relatives at the Long Island Methodist Church for a time of fellowship and refreshments.Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, in Phillipsburg, Kansas.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Long Island Community Building or The Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska.

Kirk L. Halderman

Steven D. Dubbert, 75, Cawker City, KS, transitioned from his earthly life, peacefully on the morning of October 17, 2023, while recuperating at the Spalding Acute Rehabilitation Center, Aurora, CO, after previously undergoing open-heart surgery at The Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora, CO.&nbsp; Steve was born on February 15, 1948, to Gerald Carl and Doralyn Ann (Gasper) Dubbert in Beloit, Kansas.

Steve grew up on a farm west of Cawker City near Oak Creek. He attended St. Theresa’s Parochial School and Cawker City High School, graduating in 1966.&nbsp; He attended Fort Hays State University, and then began an amazing life of travel adventures and work experiences.

Through his 20s, Steve was employed in a variety of work disciplines, including the manufacturing sector while in Kansas and ultimately seeking adventures throughout the United States including harvesting peas in Maine, and fishing for crab and salmon in Alaska.&nbsp; His common mode of travel at that time involved hitchhiking from place to place across the United States and throughout northern Europe. During his travels, he loved visiting local and historical sites, music festivals, all while staying at youth encampments/hostels along the way. He was a true adventurer!

Beginning in his 30s, Steve decided to make Colorado his home, including the cities of Loveland, Lakewood, Wheatridge, and Aspen. He thoroughly embraced a clean living lifestyle as many Coloradans do…of holistic healing and Eastern philosophy medicine and supplementation – something that he studied and practiced until his death. He loved snow skiing, hiking, ballroom dancing, playing his guitar/country music, attending flea markets/thrift shops, reading, and the mountains! Steve appeared quiet and reserved, but he thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and engaging in conversation, thus landing him in the profession of transporting travelers between airports and ski resorts across Colorado, as well as managing several apartment units during the majority of his working life.

Steve called Colorado his home until 2010 when a serious infection required an extensive back surgery. As a toddler, Steve had incurred 3rd&nbsp;degree burns to his back and neck which caused pain and chronic wounds throughout his life. This surgery was life-changing. He returned to Kansas where his mother, Doralyn, opened her home to him and cared for him as he recovered. After his recovery, he continued to live with her in their rural home, helping to maintain the property and to care for her with the daily chores of living until her passing in 2020.&nbsp; 

He loved fishing, gardening, following politics, history, travel, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos football, working on his vehicles, small building projects, and weekly outings to visit family. Steve continued to reside at his residence until a twist of fate required that he be airlifted from the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, to Colorado for the recent open-heart procedure. This was the first time he had returned to Colorado since his departure in 2010.

Steve’s “Celebration of Life” Mass will be held on May 25, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Cawker City at 10:00 a.m.with a luncheon immediately following at the Parish Hall.&nbsp; The inurnment of his ashes will be held in a private service at the St. Boniface Cemetery, Tipton, KS. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of A Better Place Funeral Service, Denver, CO.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Gerald (2000), his mother, Doralyn (2020) and his younger brother, Rodney (2022). He is survived by his sisters, Debby Loy (Wally), Barnard, KS; Darla Fuertges, Hays, KS; Carolyn McDaneld (Kenny), Wellington; a sister-in-law, Renee Dubbert, Johnstown, CO; and his nieces and nephews and their families.

<h2>Steven D. Dubbert, Cawker City</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698780818766.jpeg" alt="Steven D. Dubbert" />
 <figcaption>Steven D. Dubbert</figcaption>
 </figure>February 15, 1948 - October 17, 2023Steven D. Dubbert, 75, Cawker City, KS, transitioned from his earthly life, peacefully on the morning of October 17, 2023, while recuperating at the Spalding Acute Rehabilitation Center, Aurora, CO, after previously undergoing open-heart surgery at The Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora, CO.&nbsp; Steve was born on February 15, 1948, to Gerald Carl and Doralyn Ann (Gasper) Dubbert in Beloit, Kansas.Steve grew up on a farm west of Cawker City near Oak Creek. He attended St. Theresa’s Parochial School and Cawker City High School, graduating in 1966.&nbsp; He attended Fort Hays State University, and then began an amazing life of travel adventures and work experiences.Through his 20s, Steve was employed in a variety of work disciplines, including the manufacturing sector while in Kansas and ultimately seeking adventures throughout the United States including harvesting peas in Maine, and fishing for crab and salmon in Alaska.&nbsp; His common mode of travel at that time involved hitchhiking from place to place across the United States and throughout northern Europe. During his travels, he loved visiting local and historical sites, music festivals, all while staying at youth encampments/hostels along the way. He was a true adventurer!Beginning in his 30s, Steve decided to make Colorado his home, including the cities of Loveland, Lakewood, Wheatridge, and Aspen. He thoroughly embraced a clean living lifestyle as many Coloradans do…of holistic healing and Eastern philosophy medicine and supplementation – something that he studied and practiced until his death. He loved snow skiing, hiking, ballroom dancing, playing his guitar/country music, attending flea markets/thrift shops, reading, and the mountains! Steve appeared quiet and reserved, but he thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and engaging in conversation, thus landing him in the profession of transporting travelers between airports and ski resorts across Colorado, as well as managing several apartment units during the majority of his working life.Steve called Colorado his home until 2010 when a serious infection required an extensive back surgery. As a toddler, Steve had incurred 3rd&nbsp;degree burns to his back and neck which caused pain and chronic wounds throughout his life. This surgery was life-changing. He returned to Kansas where his mother, Doralyn, opened her home to him and cared for him as he recovered. After his recovery, he continued to live with her in their rural home, helping to maintain the property and to care for her with the daily chores of living until her passing in 2020.&nbsp; He loved fishing, gardening, following politics, history, travel, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos football, working on his vehicles, small building projects, and weekly outings to visit family. Steve continued to reside at his residence until a twist of fate required that he be airlifted from the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, to Colorado for the recent open-heart procedure. This was the first time he had returned to Colorado since his departure in 2010.Steve’s “Celebration of Life” Mass will be held on May 25, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Cawker City at 10:00 a.m.with a luncheon immediately following at the Parish Hall.&nbsp; The inurnment of his ashes will be held in a private service at the St. Boniface Cemetery, Tipton, KS. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of A Better Place Funeral Service, Denver, CO.Steve was preceded in death by his father, Gerald (2000), his mother, Doralyn (2020) and his younger brother, Rodney (2022). He is survived by his sisters, Debby Loy (Wally), Barnard, KS; Darla Fuertges, Hays, KS; Carolyn McDaneld (Kenny), Wellington; a sister-in-law, Renee Dubbert, Johnstown, CO; and his nieces and nephews and their families.

Steven D. Dubbert

Mack Palmer of Stockton was chosen as the grand prize winner of the Eagle Radio Cash Grab on Monday.

Palmer won one of two daily $50 prizes to be entered to win the grand prize of $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698779322108.jpeg" alt="Mack Palmer, center, of Stockton with programmers from the five Eagle-run stations in Hays. Palmer won the $1,000 Eagle Radio Cash Grab grand prize." />
 <figcaption>Mack Palmer, center, of Stockton with programmers from the five Eagle-run stations in Hays. Palmer won the $1,000 Eagle Radio Cash Grab grand prize.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostMack Palmer of Stockton was chosen as the grand prize winner of the Eagle Radio Cash Grab on Monday.Palmer won one of two daily $50 prizes to be entered to win the grand prize of $1,000.Eagle received 14,774 entries for the contest, which ran through the month of October.The staff at Eagle Radio of Hays, including stations 94.3 FM and 1400 AM KAYS, 99.5 FM KHAZ, 103.3 FM KJLS, 96.9 FM KFIX and 101.9 FM KKQY thank all who entered the Cash Grab contest.