VATICAN CITY (AP) — So much for a short pontificate.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;celebrates the 10th anniversary of his election Monday, far outpacing the “two or three” years he once envisioned for his papacy and showing no signs of slowing down.

On the contrary, with an agenda full of problems and plans and no longer encumbered by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">the shadow of Pope Benedict XVI</a>, Francis, 86, has backed off from talking about retiring and recently described the papacy as a job for life.

History’s first Latin American pope already has made his mark and could have even more impact in the years to come. Yet a decade ago, the Argentine Jesuit was so convinced he wouldn’t be elected as pope that he nearly missed the final vote as he chatted with a fellow cardinal outside the Sistine Chapel.

“The master of ceremonies came out and said ‘Are you going in or not?’” Francis recalled in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “I realized afterward that it was my unconscious resistance to going in.”

He was elected the 266th pope on the next ballot.

Francis had a big learning curve on clergy sex abuse, initially downplaying the problem in ways that made survivors question whether he “got it.” He had his wake-up call five years into his pontificate after a problematic visit to Chile.

During the trip, he discovered a serious disconnect between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2018-the-year-in-review-pope-francis-ap-top-news-chile-international-news-1d175bccdb364e5387956fc0e0672bf2">what Chilean bishops had told him</a>&nbsp;about a notorious case and the reality: Hundreds or thousands of Chilean faithful had been raped and molested by Catholic priests over decades.

“That was my conversion,” he told the AP. “That’s when the bomb went off, when I saw the corruption of many bishops in this.”

Francis has passed a series of measures since then aimed at holding the church hierarchy accountable, but the results have been mixed. Benedict removed some 800 priests, but Francis seems far less eager to defrock abusers, reflecting resistance within the hierarchy to efforts to permanently remove predators from the priesthood.

The next frontier in the crisis has already reared its head: the sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse of adults by clergy. Francis is aware of the problem — a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-vatican-city-736fadac67811722f2a33ef94d1e789a">case concerns one of his fellow Jesuits</a>&nbsp;— but there seems to be no will to take firm action

When the history of the Francis pontificate is written, entire chapters might well be devoted to his emphasis on “synodality,” a term that has little meaning outside Catholic circles but could go down as one of Francis’ most important church contributions.

A synod is a gathering of bishops, and Francis’ philosophy that bishops must listen to one another and the laity has come to define his vision for the Catholic Church: He wants it to be a place where the faithful are welcomed, accompanied and heard.

The synods held during his first 10 years produced some of the most significant, and controversial, moments of his papacy.

After listening to the plight of divorced Catholics during a 2014-2015 synod on the family, for instance, Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b67e0b339b9d46fab29cb0ef642d5ed7">opened the door</a>&nbsp;to letting divorced and civilly remarried couples receive Communion. Calls to allow married priests marked his 2019 synod on the Amazon, although Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-international-news-pope-francis-latin-america-europe-c7f3dd10f458cb02fa9fa725c096d7db">ultimately rejected the idea</a>.

His October synod has involved an unprecedented canvassing of the Catholic faithful about their hopes for the church and problems they have encountered, eliciting demands from women for greater leadership roles, including ordination.

Catholic traditionalists were wary when Francis emerged as pope for the first time on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica without the red cape that his predecessors had worn for formal events. Yet they never expected him to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latin-mass-pope-francis-restrictions-benedict-6f50b9bc219d423f99267fddcdf23cf6">reverse one of Benedict’s signature decisions</a>&nbsp;by reimposing restrictions on the old Latin Mass, including where and who can celebrate it,.

While the decision directly affected only a fraction of Catholic Mass-goers, his crackdown on the Tridentine Rite became the call to arms for the anti-Francis conservative opposition.

Francis justified his move by saying Benedict’s decision to liberalize the celebration of the old Mass had become a source of division in parishes. But traditionalists took the renewed restrictions as an attack on orthodoxy, one that they saw as contradicting Francis’ “all are welcome” mantra.

“Instead of integrating them into parish life, the restriction on the use of parish churches will marginalize and push to the peripheries faithful Catholics who wish only to worship,” lamented Joseph Shaw of the Latin Mass Society’s U.K. branch.

While the short-term prospects for Francis relenting are not great, the traditionalists do have time on their side, knowing that in a 2,000-year-old institution, another pope might come along who is more friendly to the old rite.

Francis’ quips about the “female genius” have long made women cringe. Women theologians are the “strawberries on the cake,” he once said. Nuns shouldn’t be “old maids,” he said. Europe shouldn’t be a barren, infertile “grandmother,” he told European Union lawmakers — a remark that got him an angry phone call from then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

But, it’s also true that Francis has done more to promote women in the church than any pope before him, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-news-voting-rights-pope-francis-f89395f9d9a5e721d6b56af7b7f6116b">naming several women to high-profile positions in the Vatican</a>.

That’s not saying much given only one in four Holy See employees is female, no woman heads a dicastery, or department, and Francis has upheld church doctrine forbidding women from the priesthood.

But the trend is there and “there is no possibility of going back,” said María Lía Zervino, one of the first three women named to the Vatican office that helps the pope select bishops around the world.

Francis' insistence that long-marginalized LGBTQ Catholics can find a welcome home in the church can be summed up by two pronouncements that have book-ended his papacy to date:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/archive-pope-benedict-xvi-pope-francis-7b465b60945f40deb3a68b3de742f84a">“Who am I to judge?”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">“Being homosexual is not a crime.”</a>

In between making those historic statements, Francis made outreach to LGBTQ people a hallmark of his papacy more than any pope before him.

He ministers to members of a transgender community in Rome. He has counseled gay couples seeking to raise their children Catholic. During a 2015 visit to the U.S., he publicized a private meeting with a gay former student and the man's partner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f27eb8dd7bf744aa9fb11572c15748f4">to counter the conservative narrative</a>&nbsp;that he had received an anti-same-sex marriage activist.

“The pope is reminding the church that the way people treat one another in the social world is of much greater moral importance that what people may possibly do in the privacy of a bedroom,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater acceptance of LGBTQ Catholics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — So much for a short pontificate.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;celebrates the 10th anniversary of his election Monday, far outpacing the “two or three” years he once envisioned for his papacy and showing no signs of slowing down.On the contrary, with an agenda full of problems and plans and no longer encumbered by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">the shadow of Pope Benedict XVI</a>, Francis, 86, has backed off from talking about retiring and recently described the papacy as a job for life.History’s first Latin American pope already has made his mark and could have even more impact in the years to come. Yet a decade ago, the Argentine Jesuit was so convinced he wouldn’t be elected as pope that he nearly missed the final vote as he chatted with a fellow cardinal outside the Sistine Chapel.“The master of ceremonies came out and said ‘Are you going in or not?’” Francis recalled in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “I realized afterward that it was my unconscious resistance to going in.”He was elected the 266th pope on the next ballot.SEX ABUSEFrancis had a big learning curve on clergy sex abuse, initially downplaying the problem in ways that made survivors question whether he “got it.” He had his wake-up call five years into his pontificate after a problematic visit to Chile.During the trip, he discovered a serious disconnect between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2018-the-year-in-review-pope-francis-ap-top-news-chile-international-news-1d175bccdb364e5387956fc0e0672bf2">what Chilean bishops had told him</a>&nbsp;about a notorious case and the reality: Hundreds or thousands of Chilean faithful had been raped and molested by Catholic priests over decades.“That was my conversion,” he told the AP. “That’s when the bomb went off, when I saw the corruption of many bishops in this.”Francis has passed a series of measures since then aimed at holding the church hierarchy accountable, but the results have been mixed. Benedict removed some 800 priests, but Francis seems far less eager to defrock abusers, reflecting resistance within the hierarchy to efforts to permanently remove predators from the priesthood.The next frontier in the crisis has already reared its head: the sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse of adults by clergy. Francis is aware of the problem — a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-vatican-city-736fadac67811722f2a33ef94d1e789a">case concerns one of his fellow Jesuits</a>&nbsp;— but there seems to be no will to take firm actionSIGNIFICANCE OF SYNODSWhen the history of the Francis pontificate is written, entire chapters might well be devoted to his emphasis on “synodality,” a term that has little meaning outside Catholic circles but could go down as one of Francis’ most important church contributions.A synod is a gathering of bishops, and Francis’ philosophy that bishops must listen to one another and the laity has come to define his vision for the Catholic Church: He wants it to be a place where the faithful are welcomed, accompanied and heard.The synods held during his first 10 years produced some of the most significant, and controversial, moments of his papacy.After listening to the plight of divorced Catholics during a 2014-2015 synod on the family, for instance, Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b67e0b339b9d46fab29cb0ef642d5ed7">opened the door</a>&nbsp;to letting divorced and civilly remarried couples receive Communion. Calls to allow married priests marked his 2019 synod on the Amazon, although Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-international-news-pope-francis-latin-america-europe-c7f3dd10f458cb02fa9fa725c096d7db">ultimately rejected the idea</a>.His October synod has involved an unprecedented canvassing of the Catholic faithful about their hopes for the church and problems they have encountered, eliciting demands from women for greater leadership roles, including ordination.LATIN MASSCatholic traditionalists were wary when Francis emerged as pope for the first time on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica without the red cape that his predecessors had worn for formal events. Yet they never expected him to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latin-mass-pope-francis-restrictions-benedict-6f50b9bc219d423f99267fddcdf23cf6">reverse one of Benedict’s signature decisions</a>&nbsp;by reimposing restrictions on the old Latin Mass, including where and who can celebrate it,.While the decision directly affected only a fraction of Catholic Mass-goers, his crackdown on the Tridentine Rite became the call to arms for the anti-Francis conservative opposition.Francis justified his move by saying Benedict’s decision to liberalize the celebration of the old Mass had become a source of division in parishes. But traditionalists took the renewed restrictions as an attack on orthodoxy, one that they saw as contradicting Francis’ “all are welcome” mantra.“Instead of integrating them into parish life, the restriction on the use of parish churches will marginalize and push to the peripheries faithful Catholics who wish only to worship,” lamented Joseph Shaw of the Latin Mass Society’s U.K. branch.While the short-term prospects for Francis relenting are not great, the traditionalists do have time on their side, knowing that in a 2,000-year-old institution, another pope might come along who is more friendly to the old rite.ROLE OF WOMENFrancis’ quips about the “female genius” have long made women cringe. Women theologians are the “strawberries on the cake,” he once said. Nuns shouldn’t be “old maids,” he said. Europe shouldn’t be a barren, infertile “grandmother,” he told European Union lawmakers — a remark that got him an angry phone call from then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel.But, it’s also true that Francis has done more to promote women in the church than any pope before him, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-news-voting-rights-pope-francis-f89395f9d9a5e721d6b56af7b7f6116b">naming several women to high-profile positions in the Vatican</a>.That’s not saying much given only one in four Holy See employees is female, no woman heads a dicastery, or department, and Francis has upheld church doctrine forbidding women from the priesthood.But the trend is there and “there is no possibility of going back,” said María Lía Zervino, one of the first three women named to the Vatican office that helps the pope select bishops around the world.LGBTQ FAITHFULFrancis' insistence that long-marginalized LGBTQ Catholics can find a welcome home in the church can be summed up by two pronouncements that have book-ended his papacy to date:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/archive-pope-benedict-xvi-pope-francis-7b465b60945f40deb3a68b3de742f84a">“Who am I to judge?”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">“Being homosexual is not a crime.”</a>In between making those historic statements, Francis made outreach to LGBTQ people a hallmark of his papacy more than any pope before him.He ministers to members of a transgender community in Rome. He has counseled gay couples seeking to raise their children Catholic. During a 2015 visit to the U.S., he publicized a private meeting with a gay former student and the man's partner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f27eb8dd7bf744aa9fb11572c15748f4">to counter the conservative narrative</a>&nbsp;that he had received an anti-same-sex marriage activist.“The pope is reminding the church that the way people treat one another in the social world is of much greater moral importance that what people may possibly do in the privacy of a bedroom,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater acceptance of LGBTQ Catholics.

Pope Francis at 10 years: A reformer's learning curve, plans

As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;

In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;

Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;

This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;

This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;

Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;

Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;

The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.

During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.

They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.

Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.

The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.

Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.

In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.

Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;

States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;

In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;

Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.

This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;

Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;

Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.

With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?

Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University." />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas an outlier on medical cannabis

KANSAS CITY —A jury this week convicted a Kansas City woman for severely beating a child while the child was in her care in a Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Nancy Russell, 41,&nbsp; was found guilty of four Class B felonies of Domstic Assault 1st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

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

The child was reportedly walking with a limp and had gashes on the head. Forensic interviews in Arkansas disclosed the defendant struck the child with a cord and metal pipe. Russell will be sentenced at a future hearing.

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

Jury: Kansas City woman guilty of using metal pipe to beat child

Bonnie Jean Cram was born on October 22, 1926, at the farm of her 
parents, Lloyd and Ione Waters, nine miles south of St. Francis. She 
grew up there with her 2 older sisters, Janetta and Jeneva, her younger 
sister Dolly, and younger brother Fred. She attended Sunny Ridge rural 
country school and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1944. 
Earning money for college while working after high school, she attended 
Kansas State University during 1945-1946. 

She married Ernest R. Cram, 
known affectionately as Dick, on August 29, 1948, at the Methodist Church
 in St. Francis. They lived in Lawrence and Kansas City while Dick 
completed medical school at the University of Kansas in 1952. Bonnie 
attended Kansas City Art Institute during that time, until Richard, 
their first child, was born in 1953. The family moved to Denver, 
Colorado where daughter Ione was born in 1953. After Dick completed his 
military service at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, the family
 moved back to St. Francis in 1954 where Dick started his medical 
practice. Bonnie and Dick had three more children in St. Francis: 
daughter Claudia born in 1955, son Ole born in 1962, and daughter Adele 
born in 1971.&nbsp;

Bonnie loved her life, family, faith, and community in St. Francis. 
She painted, sculpted, sang, acted, and wrote. She and Dick starred in 
several community theater productions, including Music Man, Dust on the 
Sunflowers, Hello Dolly, Taming of the Shrew, and Fiddler on the Roof. 
She encouraged all of her children to pursue their artistic passions, 
taking them to art, piano, and dance lessons. She saw St. Francis as a 
city of light. She became a founding member of the local arts 
organization, CC4C, supporting its many activities and exhibits.&nbsp;

Bonnie enjoyed many gourmet and international cooking, putting on 
elaborate dinners for her family and many friends. Sitting down to one 
of Bonnie's dinners in the "Green Room" was always a sublime experience.
 She always had cappuccino and freshly baked cinnamon rolls or scones 
ready in her kitchen for her many friends dropping by.&nbsp;

Bonnie and Dick loved flying in their Beechcraft airplane "Love Baby"
 on Wednesday afternoons. Bonnie enthusiastically signed up for flying 
lessons and even soloed, taking her co-pilot duties with Dick seriously.
 After their flying duties were over, Bonnie and Dick became dedicated 
golfers, hitting Riverside Golf Course almost daily.&nbsp;

Always interested in politics, Bonnie worked very actively in the 
Republican Party for many decades, beginning as Bob Dole's Cheyenne 
County campaign chair in 1960 for his first race for Congress and 
continuing through his political career. She arranged countless coffees 
for visiting Republican office seekers and elected officials.&nbsp;

Bonnie's faith could move mountains. She read the Bible daily, 
memorized scriptures, prayed, and enjoyed hosting a weekly Bible study 
group in her home. As a young girl, her dream was to become a missionary
 to China. Although she never made it to China, Bonnie served as a 
wonderful missionary to all who were fortunate enough to know her and 
experience her warmth.&nbsp;

Bonnie Cram passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023 in Ellis, Kansas 
surrounded by family. She is survived by her five children: Richard 
Lloyd Cram; Ione Beth Slattery and spouse Mike; Claudia Ray Bunker; Ole 
Robert Cram III and spouse Elinor; and Adele Elizabeth DeGood and spouse
 Darris. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Megan Elizabeth
 Comfoltey and spouse Nick; Julian Robert Bunker and spouse Maryah; Joel
 Michael Bunker; Shannon Michelle Moore and spouse Marissa; Hope Elena 
Cram; Grace Amelia Cram; Issac Richard Cram; Katy Jean Cram; Nya Joy 
Cram; Micah Robert Cram; Paige Elizabeth DeGood; Dawsen Dean DeGood; and
 Cora Jean DeGood. She has three great-grandchildren: Cyprian Michael 
Bunker, Lyla Elizabeth Comfoltey, and Edward Arche Comfoltey.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Francis United 
Methodist Church in St. Francis, Kansas; 202 on Washington Events 
Center; or&nbsp; Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678550132300.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bonnie Jean Cram was born on October 22, 1926, at the farm of her 
parents, Lloyd and Ione Waters, nine miles south of St. Francis. She 
grew up there with her 2 older sisters, Janetta and Jeneva, her younger 
sister Dolly, and younger brother Fred. She attended Sunny Ridge rural 
country school and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1944. 
Earning money for college while working after high school, she attended 
Kansas State University during 1945-1946. She married Ernest R. Cram, 
known affectionately as Dick, on August 29, 1948, at the Methodist Church
 in St. Francis. They lived in Lawrence and Kansas City while Dick 
completed medical school at the University of Kansas in 1952. Bonnie 
attended Kansas City Art Institute during that time, until Richard, 
their first child, was born in 1953. The family moved to Denver, 
Colorado where daughter Ione was born in 1953. After Dick completed his 
military service at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, the family
 moved back to St. Francis in 1954 where Dick started his medical 
practice. Bonnie and Dick had three more children in St. Francis: 
daughter Claudia born in 1955, son Ole born in 1962, and daughter Adele 
born in 1971.&nbsp;Bonnie loved her life, family, faith, and community in St. Francis. 
She painted, sculpted, sang, acted, and wrote. She and Dick starred in 
several community theater productions, including Music Man, Dust on the 
Sunflowers, Hello Dolly, Taming of the Shrew, and Fiddler on the Roof. 
She encouraged all of her children to pursue their artistic passions, 
taking them to art, piano, and dance lessons. She saw St. Francis as a 
city of light. She became a founding member of the local arts 
organization, CC4C, supporting its many activities and exhibits.&nbsp;Bonnie enjoyed many gourmet and international cooking, putting on 
elaborate dinners for her family and many friends. Sitting down to one 
of Bonnie's dinners in the "Green Room" was always a sublime experience.
 She always had cappuccino and freshly baked cinnamon rolls or scones 
ready in her kitchen for her many friends dropping by.&nbsp;Bonnie and Dick loved flying in their Beechcraft airplane "Love Baby"
 on Wednesday afternoons. Bonnie enthusiastically signed up for flying 
lessons and even soloed, taking her co-pilot duties with Dick seriously.
 After their flying duties were over, Bonnie and Dick became dedicated 
golfers, hitting Riverside Golf Course almost daily.&nbsp;Always interested in politics, Bonnie worked very actively in the 
Republican Party for many decades, beginning as Bob Dole's Cheyenne 
County campaign chair in 1960 for his first race for Congress and 
continuing through his political career. She arranged countless coffees 
for visiting Republican office seekers and elected officials.&nbsp;Bonnie's faith could move mountains. She read the Bible daily, 
memorized scriptures, prayed, and enjoyed hosting a weekly Bible study 
group in her home. As a young girl, her dream was to become a missionary
 to China. Although she never made it to China, Bonnie served as a 
wonderful missionary to all who were fortunate enough to know her and 
experience her warmth.&nbsp;Bonnie Cram passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023 in Ellis, Kansas 
surrounded by family. She is survived by her five children: Richard 
Lloyd Cram; Ione Beth Slattery and spouse Mike; Claudia Ray Bunker; Ole 
Robert Cram III and spouse Elinor; and Adele Elizabeth DeGood and spouse
 Darris. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Megan Elizabeth
 Comfoltey and spouse Nick; Julian Robert Bunker and spouse Maryah; Joel
 Michael Bunker; Shannon Michelle Moore and spouse Marissa; Hope Elena 
Cram; Grace Amelia Cram; Issac Richard Cram; Katy Jean Cram; Nya Joy 
Cram; Micah Robert Cram; Paige Elizabeth DeGood; Dawsen Dean DeGood; and
 Cora Jean DeGood. She has three great-grandchildren: Cyprian Michael 
Bunker, Lyla Elizabeth Comfoltey, and Edward Arche Comfoltey.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Francis United 
Methodist Church in St. Francis, Kansas; 202 on Washington Events 
Center; or&nbsp; Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

Bonnie Jean Cram

Frank Joseph Leibham passed away in Arlington, TX on 7 March 2023, 
taking his last ambulance ride as a retired EMT. Viewing services will 
be held on Friday, March 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home 
in Quinter, KS. Funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic 
Chuch in Collyer, KS, Father Charlie Steiner presiding on Saturday, 
March 18 at 10:30 a.m with interment following at St. Michael’s Catholic
 Cemetery.

Frank Leibham was the first child of three, born on 29th 
November 1935 in the Catholic village of Selz, South Russia (present day
 Limanskoje, Ukraine) to ethnic German parents, Josef and Emma (Scherr) 
Leibham. He spent his first 8 years growing up along the Black Sea in 
this German-Russian community before emigrating to West Germany.

Caught in the outbreak of WWII, Frank Leibham trekked with
 his family by covered wagon to Warthegau, German occupied Poland on 
25th March 1944. In September 1944 Frank’s father, Josef Leibham was 
drafted into the German Army and ended up a prisoner of war (POW) in 
Siberia, Russia. In February 1945 Frank emigrated with his mother, 
brother, Peter and aunt, Helena Leibham from Poland to Weenzen, 
Niedersachsen, Germany. While living in Germany, he attended school; 
delivered ice blocks by bicycle in exchange for cigarettes and ice 
cream; helped his mother in the sugar beet fields; and worked as a 
bricklayer apprentice.

Frank’s family could not afford to come on their own to 
the U.S., so the Catholic Church and family helped them. At the age of 
16 he immigrated with his mother and brother, Peter, on 26th December 
1951 aboard the General S. D. Sturgis traveled from Bremerhaven, Germany
 and arrived in New Orleans, LA. They traveled by train to Collyer, KS 
where they lived with his mother’s cousins, Bernard &amp; Edith Scherr, 
as indentured servants working on the Scherr farm. He attended the 2nd 
semester of 8th grade and his freshman year of high school in Collyer, 
KS before dropping out to help support his family.

Frank moved with his mother and brother to Quinter, KS in 
October 1954. He was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces on 13th February
 1960 where he proudly served in the 4th Infantry Division while in boot
 camp and the 3rd Infantry Division during the remainder of the two 
years he served his country. He attained the rank of E-4 corporal and 
received an honorable discharge on 13 February 1962. On 12th March 1968 
he became a naturalized American citizen.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frank was a car lover, who accelerated into adulthood 
racing them. His 1st car was a 1931 Ford Model A, which he bought for 
$25 in 1954. On 9th September 1961 in Collyer, KS he was united in 
marriage to Martha Ziegler at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He welcomed
 four children and celebrated 61 years of marriage with his wife.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frank had many professions during his life. In 1961 Frank 
Leibham began a career with Midwest Energy, after 36 years he retired as
 lineman in Quinter, KS. He was one of the original members of the 
Quinter Volunteer Ambulance Service formed in 1972 and was an active 
member until 2008. He served on the Quinter School Board for 8 years and
 the Quinter Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, being Fire Chief 
from 1987 to 1991. He served on the Quinter City Council from 1995 to 
2001. He was named Quinter, KS Citizen of the Year in March 2000. In 
July 2008 Frank and his wife, Martha relocated to Arlington, TX to be 
near family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Wendelin Josef 
Leibham (1942), maternal grandmother, Elisabeth (Schumacher) Scherr 
(1945), father, Josef Leibham (1985), mother, Emma (Scherr) Leibham 
(1996), and brother, Peter Joseph Leibham (2020).

He is survived by his wife, Martha; four children, Joseph 
(Linda) Leibham, Medicine Lodge, KS; James (Patricia) Leibham, 
Mansfield, TX; Judy (Doug) Ehrhardt, Arlington, TX; and Jeff (Janella) 
Leibham, Salina, KS. Thirteen grandchildren, J.J. Blackwill, Carroll, 
IA; Clancy Leibham, Garden Plains, KS; Roxie Ayres, Galva, KS; Kendra 
Rouse, Frisco, TX; Kristina Pavlovic, Salt Lake City, UT; Marty Leibham,
 Medicine Lodge, KS; Katie Kasdorf, Nashville, TN; Daniel Ehrhardt, 
stationed in Japan; Caleb Ayres, Salina, KS; Laura Landwehr, Sharon, KS;
 Nicole Johnson, Arlington, TX; Nathan Leibham, Medicine Lodge, KS; and 
James Leibham II, Mansfield, TX; and 20 (soon to be 23) great 
grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. All held him in the 
highest regard and loved him dearly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage of Our 
Forefathers (St. Michael’s Church, Collyer, KS) or the Quinter Ambulance
 Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678488488325.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Frank Joseph Leibham passed away in Arlington, TX on 7 March 2023, 
taking his last ambulance ride as a retired EMT. Viewing services will 
be held on Friday, March 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home 
in Quinter, KS. Funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic 
Chuch in Collyer, KS, Father Charlie Steiner presiding on Saturday, 
March 18 at 10:30 a.m with interment following at St. Michael’s Catholic
 Cemetery.Frank Leibham was the first child of three, born on 29th 
November 1935 in the Catholic village of Selz, South Russia (present day
 Limanskoje, Ukraine) to ethnic German parents, Josef and Emma (Scherr) 
Leibham. He spent his first 8 years growing up along the Black Sea in 
this German-Russian community before emigrating to West Germany.Caught in the outbreak of WWII, Frank Leibham trekked with
 his family by covered wagon to Warthegau, German occupied Poland on 
25th March 1944. In September 1944 Frank’s father, Josef Leibham was 
drafted into the German Army and ended up a prisoner of war (POW) in 
Siberia, Russia. In February 1945 Frank emigrated with his mother, 
brother, Peter and aunt, Helena Leibham from Poland to Weenzen, 
Niedersachsen, Germany. While living in Germany, he attended school; 
delivered ice blocks by bicycle in exchange for cigarettes and ice 
cream; helped his mother in the sugar beet fields; and worked as a 
bricklayer apprentice.Frank’s family could not afford to come on their own to 
the U.S., so the Catholic Church and family helped them. At the age of 
16 he immigrated with his mother and brother, Peter, on 26th December 
1951 aboard the General S. D. Sturgis traveled from Bremerhaven, Germany
 and arrived in New Orleans, LA. They traveled by train to Collyer, KS 
where they lived with his mother’s cousins, Bernard &amp; Edith Scherr, 
as indentured servants working on the Scherr farm. He attended the 2nd 
semester of 8th grade and his freshman year of high school in Collyer, 
KS before dropping out to help support his family.Frank moved with his mother and brother to Quinter, KS in 
October 1954. He was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces on 13th February
 1960 where he proudly served in the 4th Infantry Division while in boot
 camp and the 3rd Infantry Division during the remainder of the two 
years he served his country. He attained the rank of E-4 corporal and 
received an honorable discharge on 13 February 1962. On 12th March 1968 
he became a naturalized American citizen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frank was a car lover, who accelerated into adulthood 
racing them. His 1st car was a 1931 Ford Model A, which he bought for 
$25 in 1954. On 9th September 1961 in Collyer, KS he was united in 
marriage to Martha Ziegler at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He welcomed
 four children and celebrated 61 years of marriage with his wife.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frank had many professions during his life. In 1961 Frank 
Leibham began a career with Midwest Energy, after 36 years he retired as
 lineman in Quinter, KS. He was one of the original members of the 
Quinter Volunteer Ambulance Service formed in 1972 and was an active 
member until 2008. He served on the Quinter School Board for 8 years and
 the Quinter Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, being Fire Chief 
from 1987 to 1991. He served on the Quinter City Council from 1995 to 
2001. He was named Quinter, KS Citizen of the Year in March 2000. In 
July 2008 Frank and his wife, Martha relocated to Arlington, TX to be 
near family.He was preceded in death by his brother, Wendelin Josef 
Leibham (1942), maternal grandmother, Elisabeth (Schumacher) Scherr 
(1945), father, Josef Leibham (1985), mother, Emma (Scherr) Leibham 
(1996), and brother, Peter Joseph Leibham (2020).He is survived by his wife, Martha; four children, Joseph 
(Linda) Leibham, Medicine Lodge, KS; James (Patricia) Leibham, 
Mansfield, TX; Judy (Doug) Ehrhardt, Arlington, TX; and Jeff (Janella) 
Leibham, Salina, KS. Thirteen grandchildren, J.J. Blackwill, Carroll, 
IA; Clancy Leibham, Garden Plains, KS; Roxie Ayres, Galva, KS; Kendra 
Rouse, Frisco, TX; Kristina Pavlovic, Salt Lake City, UT; Marty Leibham,
 Medicine Lodge, KS; Katie Kasdorf, Nashville, TN; Daniel Ehrhardt, 
stationed in Japan; Caleb Ayres, Salina, KS; Laura Landwehr, Sharon, KS;
 Nicole Johnson, Arlington, TX; Nathan Leibham, Medicine Lodge, KS; and 
James Leibham II, Mansfield, TX; and 20 (soon to be 23) great 
grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. All held him in the 
highest regard and loved him dearly.Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage of Our 
Forefathers (St. Michael’s Church, Collyer, KS) or the Quinter Ambulance
 Service.

Frank Joseph Leibham

Merlyn Fay Henning, 94, passed away March 8, 2023, at Azria Health 
Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kan. She was born on September 6, 1928, to Hal 
and Agnes (Luther) Byers in Great Bend, Kan. On June 6, 1954, she 
married Robert Lee “Bob” Henning in Great Bend, Kan. He passed on 
October 8, 2016.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Merlyn spent the majority of her 
working years as the secretary for First Assembly of God (Encounter) 
Church. She was a member there, as well as attended services at Faith 
Community Church, and a member at Lake Barton Club. Merlyn enjoyed 
puzzles and word searches, gardening, spending time with family and 
spending time with God, both in prayer and studying the Bible. &nbsp;Much of 
her life with Bob was spent planting the seed of faith and ministering 
to others.

Survivors include a son, Terry Henning of Eskridge, Kan.; a daughter,
 Nancy Ritter of Great Bend, Kan.; three grandchildren, Jessica (Wyatt 
Huslig) Milsap, Shane (Skylar) Meeker, and Tonya (Trevor) Olsen, all of 
Great Bend, Kan.; six great-grandchildren, Samantha (Austin) Drake of 
Wichita, Kan., Taylor Hommertzheim of Lawrence, Kan., Darius, Adalynn, 
and Leighton Meeker and Hadley Olsen, all of Great Bend, Kan.; one 
great-great-grandson, Braxton Drake of Wichita, Kan.; and honorary 
granddaughter, Christy Huslig of Great Bend, Kan. She is preceded in 
death by her husband; her parents; and two sisters, Haldine Smith and 
Dorothy Broughman.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 
2023, with family receiving guests from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bryant
 Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, 
March 13, 2023, at Faith Community Church, with Pastor Sandy Kennedy 
presiding. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. 

Memorials 
have been designated to Live Like Jesus Today Ministries, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678396286636.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Merlyn Fay Henning, 94, passed away March 8, 2023, at Azria Health 
Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kan. She was born on September 6, 1928, to Hal 
and Agnes (Luther) Byers in Great Bend, Kan. On June 6, 1954, she 
married Robert Lee “Bob” Henning in Great Bend, Kan. He passed on 
October 8, 2016.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Merlyn spent the majority of her 
working years as the secretary for First Assembly of God (Encounter) 
Church. She was a member there, as well as attended services at Faith 
Community Church, and a member at Lake Barton Club. Merlyn enjoyed 
puzzles and word searches, gardening, spending time with family and 
spending time with God, both in prayer and studying the Bible. &nbsp;Much of 
her life with Bob was spent planting the seed of faith and ministering 
to others.Survivors include a son, Terry Henning of Eskridge, Kan.; a daughter,
 Nancy Ritter of Great Bend, Kan.; three grandchildren, Jessica (Wyatt 
Huslig) Milsap, Shane (Skylar) Meeker, and Tonya (Trevor) Olsen, all of 
Great Bend, Kan.; six great-grandchildren, Samantha (Austin) Drake of 
Wichita, Kan., Taylor Hommertzheim of Lawrence, Kan., Darius, Adalynn, 
and Leighton Meeker and Hadley Olsen, all of Great Bend, Kan.; one 
great-great-grandson, Braxton Drake of Wichita, Kan.; and honorary 
granddaughter, Christy Huslig of Great Bend, Kan. She is preceded in 
death by her husband; her parents; and two sisters, Haldine Smith and 
Dorothy Broughman.Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 
2023, with family receiving guests from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bryant
 Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, 
March 13, 2023, at Faith Community Church, with Pastor Sandy Kennedy 
presiding. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials 
have been designated to Live Like Jesus Today Ministries, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

Merlyn Fay Henning

Clarence E. Niermeier was born on Friday the 13th of October 1949, in 
Colby, KS. The was the fifth of six children and only son born to Erich 
and Mildred (Dankert) Niermeier. He passed on to his Heavenly Home and 
ultimate life goal on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Oberlin, KS. 
On New Years Eve 1972, Clarence ventured to Herndon, KS, where he met 
his soul mate, Margaret Stoney. They were married June 3, 1972, and 
shared almost 51 years. This union was blessed with three sons: Bryan 
(Tanya), of Edmond, OK, Jayme (Jill), of Ludell and Chris (Kayla) of 
Ludell; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 
Clarence enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for two and a half years. 
Clarence was a very hard-working man and loved working beside his wife 
and sons. His favorite farm chore was fixing fence and watching baby 
calves play about. 
Clarence had great pride in the years that he worked for Atwood Township
 where, with the help of Norton Correctional Inmates, he built up Lake 
Atwood again to the beautiful feature it is today. They planted many 
trees and spent uncountable hours on a mower landscaping the grass. 
Clarence’s final request is that everyone learn to live their lives with love of each other and lots of laughter. 
A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, 
at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood, KS.

Memorials may be made to God’s 
Little Saints Preschool, Burning Bush Ministries or St. Jude Children’s 
Research Hospital and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678396167587.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clarence E. Niermeier was born on Friday the 13th of October 1949, in 
Colby, KS. The was the fifth of six children and only son born to Erich 
and Mildred (Dankert) Niermeier. He passed on to his Heavenly Home and 
ultimate life goal on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Oberlin, KS. 
On New Years Eve 1972, Clarence ventured to Herndon, KS, where he met 
his soul mate, Margaret Stoney. They were married June 3, 1972, and 
shared almost 51 years. This union was blessed with three sons: Bryan 
(Tanya), of Edmond, OK, Jayme (Jill), of Ludell and Chris (Kayla) of 
Ludell; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 
Clarence enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for two and a half years. 
Clarence was a very hard-working man and loved working beside his wife 
and sons. His favorite farm chore was fixing fence and watching baby 
calves play about. 
Clarence had great pride in the years that he worked for Atwood Township
 where, with the help of Norton Correctional Inmates, he built up Lake 
Atwood again to the beautiful feature it is today. They planted many 
trees and spent uncountable hours on a mower landscaping the grass. 
Clarence’s final request is that everyone learn to live their lives with love of each other and lots of laughter. 
A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, 
at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood, KS. Memorials may be made to God’s 
Little Saints Preschool, Burning Bush Ministries or St. Jude Children’s 
Research Hospital and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Clarence Erich Niermeier

Lester E. Look passed away at the Sabetha Community Hospital in 
Sabetha at the age of 92.&nbsp; He was born on October 6, 1930, to Bryan and 
Mary Ethel (Birdwell) Look in Stockton, Kansas.

Celebration
 of life services are planned for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at
 the United Methodist Church in Stockton.&nbsp; Burial will follow in 
Stockton City Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Army 
and V.F.W. Post #8873.&nbsp; There will be no public visitation.

Memorials
 are suggested to Kansas Honor Flight and may be sent in care of 
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st St., Stockton, Kansas 67669.

A full obituary is pending with&nbsp;Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678370234536.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lester E. Look passed away at the Sabetha Community Hospital in 
Sabetha at the age of 92.&nbsp; He was born on October 6, 1930, to Bryan and 
Mary Ethel (Birdwell) Look in Stockton, Kansas.Celebration
 of life services are planned for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at
 the United Methodist Church in Stockton.&nbsp; Burial will follow in 
Stockton City Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Army 
and V.F.W. Post #8873.&nbsp; There will be no public visitation.Memorials
 are suggested to Kansas Honor Flight and may be sent in care of 
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st St., Stockton, Kansas 67669.A full obituary is pending with&nbsp;Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home.

Lester E. Look

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A jury found UPS Inc. must pay a family $75 million, after a company driver with a known history of drug abuse collided with a pregnant woman's car, causing her baby to be born with permanent brain damage.

In May 2018, Steven Ray Miller was driving a UPS truck and ran a red light, hitting a car driven by Jodi Pannell, who was 13 weeks pregnant, according to trial testimony.

Pannell sought emergency medical treatment and began physical therapy. Her son was born in October 2018 with hypotonia, which is low muscle tone, and was later found to have a permanent brain condition called schizencephaly, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article272890890.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

A Clay County jury on Monday found that UPS should pay the family $65 million in damages and $10.3 million in interest.

Miller, 63, testified that he was speeding before the collision. He also said the company was aware that he had been charged with possession of crack cocaine before he was hired in 2010.

Miller also testified the company knew he had gone into a drug rehabilitation program after using crack cocaine in February 2018. He completed the program and returned to his job as a driver on May 3, five days before the crash.

Miller said he didn't drive while under the influence of drugs but acknowledged that he would have symptoms similar to a hangover after using crack cocaine.

The company did not test him for drugs after the crash, according to trial testimony.

UPS has not determined whether it will appeal the verdict, according to a company spokesman.

"We have apologized to the family and taken full responsibility for this unfortunate incident,” spokesman Matthew O’Connor wrote. “We want the family to be able to provide the ongoing therapy and support for their son, but medical professionals have said that the cause of the child’s Schizencephaly is unknown.”

Babies with the condition have developmental delays in speech and language skills. Injuries to the brain during pregnancy can cause its onset, but so can genetics, infections and other factors.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A jury found UPS Inc. must pay a family $75 million, after a company driver with a known history of drug abuse collided with a pregnant woman's car, causing her baby to be born with permanent brain damage.In May 2018, Steven Ray Miller was driving a UPS truck and ran a red light, hitting a car driven by Jodi Pannell, who was 13 weeks pregnant, according to trial testimony.Pannell sought emergency medical treatment and began physical therapy. Her son was born in October 2018 with hypotonia, which is low muscle tone, and was later found to have a permanent brain condition called schizencephaly, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article272890890.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.A Clay County jury on Monday found that UPS should pay the family $65 million in damages and $10.3 million in interest.Miller, 63, testified that he was speeding before the collision. He also said the company was aware that he had been charged with possession of crack cocaine before he was hired in 2010.Miller also testified the company knew he had gone into a drug rehabilitation program after using crack cocaine in February 2018. He completed the program and returned to his job as a driver on May 3, five days before the crash.Miller said he didn't drive while under the influence of drugs but acknowledged that he would have symptoms similar to a hangover after using crack cocaine.The company did not test him for drugs after the crash, according to trial testimony.UPS has not determined whether it will appeal the verdict, according to a company spokesman."We have apologized to the family and taken full responsibility for this unfortunate incident,” spokesman Matthew O’Connor wrote. “We want the family to be able to provide the ongoing therapy and support for their son, but medical professionals have said that the cause of the child’s Schizencephaly is unknown.”Babies with the condition have developmental delays in speech and language skills. Injuries to the brain during pregnancy can cause its onset, but so can genetics, infections and other factors.

Jury: UPS must pay KC-area family hit by truck $75 million

Robert Lewis Alberts, 74, died March 5, 2023, at Medicalodges of 
Great Bend. He was born June 18, 1949, in Greeley, Colorado, the son of 
Lewis E. and Arlene E. (Shore) Alberts.&nbsp;

On June 17, 1980, he married Wilma Smith in Adams County, Colorado, she preceded him in death on October 29, 2018.

Robert was a longtime resident of Colorado, moving to Hoisington 
after his retirement. He worked in the construction business as a heavy
 equipment operator and in hazmat tank testing in Colorado. Robert was a
 good mechanic who loved kids and enjoyed tinkering, so found himself 
fixing up old bikes for children in his spare time.&nbsp; He was known as a 
big kid himself that enjoyed giving those around him a good-natured hard
 time.

He is survived by his four daughters, Jennifer Vance of Hoisington, 
Tammy Kite (Geoff) of Louisiana, Terri Madrid of Wichita, and Jacqueline
 Rollins of Evergreen, Colorado; a sister, Gerry Cutler of California; 
his best friend, Rod Dilker of Hoisington; twelve grandchildren, &nbsp;Sasha 
Riedel, Passion Snyder, Trinity Vance, Memphis Vance, Travis Rollins, 
Carley Rollins, Amanda Kite, Tasha Kite, Geoff Kite, Jr., Marci Madrid, 
Talia Madrid, and Joseph Madrid; six great grandchildren, Bentlee 
Riedel, Carson Riedel, Arabella Snyder, Nicholas Snyder, Abby Kite, and 
one more on the way, Baby Riedel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers, Shawn, and Ted Alberts.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678313091001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Lewis Alberts, 74, died March 5, 2023, at Medicalodges of 
Great Bend. He was born June 18, 1949, in Greeley, Colorado, the son of 
Lewis E. and Arlene E. (Shore) Alberts.&nbsp;On June 17, 1980, he married Wilma Smith in Adams County, Colorado, she preceded him in death on October 29, 2018.Robert was a longtime resident of Colorado, moving to Hoisington 
after his retirement. He worked in the construction business as a heavy
 equipment operator and in hazmat tank testing in Colorado. Robert was a
 good mechanic who loved kids and enjoyed tinkering, so found himself 
fixing up old bikes for children in his spare time.&nbsp; He was known as a 
big kid himself that enjoyed giving those around him a good-natured hard
 time.He is survived by his four daughters, Jennifer Vance of Hoisington, 
Tammy Kite (Geoff) of Louisiana, Terri Madrid of Wichita, and Jacqueline
 Rollins of Evergreen, Colorado; a sister, Gerry Cutler of California; 
his best friend, Rod Dilker of Hoisington; twelve grandchildren, &nbsp;Sasha 
Riedel, Passion Snyder, Trinity Vance, Memphis Vance, Travis Rollins, 
Carley Rollins, Amanda Kite, Tasha Kite, Geoff Kite, Jr., Marci Madrid, 
Talia Madrid, and Joseph Madrid; six great grandchildren, Bentlee 
Riedel, Carson Riedel, Arabella Snyder, Nicholas Snyder, Abby Kite, and 
one more on the way, Baby Riedel.He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers, Shawn, and Ted Alberts.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Robert Lewis Alberts

Wanda Lee Viola (Monroe) Gano, born in Graham County, Kansas, May 30, 
1933, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on the 
morning of March 3, 2023, at the age of 89 years old.

Wanda
 spent her early childhood in Graham County. Then she moved with her 
mother Viola, and stepdad, Hobart Goff, to Tacoma, Washington in the 
midst of World War II where Hobart served as a welder building ships for
 the US Navy and Viola served in areas of support work for the Navy. 
While in Tacoma, Wanda recalled that she and her sister, Wilma, would 
often go to movies on Saturdays. At the close of World War II, the 
family moved back to Graham County Kansas where Wanda continued her 
education in local schools.

At the age of 14, while
 attending church services in Morland, Kansas, she felt someone was 
watching her. It just so happened to be the young man that she would 
marry someday. His name? Gordon Gano. A short time later the pastor of 
the church asked Gordon if he would give Wanda a ride home after one of 
the church services. He gladly obliged. Love blossomed and grew into a 
loving, lasting relationship of marriage and family.

October 
3, 1950, Gordon and Wanda were united in marriage and ultimately 
celebrated 64 years of marriage before Gordon passed away March 20, 
2015. They began married life by building a home in southwest Graham 
County and farmed with Gordon’s family.

Their first of 
four children, Jerry Gordon Gano, was born the first summer of their 
married life. Three years later on the same summer date, a second boy, 
Gary Jordon Gano, was born into the family. Then, some 15 months later 
brother Larry Dwayne Gano joined the family. And finally, about four 
years later, Clifford Kerry Gano, was delivered into the family to make 
it complete.

Some of the highlights of family life 
over the years included: annual summer vacations; fishing trips to local
 creeks, ponds, and lakes; going to church whenever the doors were open;
 and working together on the family farm.

In earlier years of 
family life, Gordon and Wanda worked to raise large gardens, as well as 
care for some rabbits, chickens, pigs, and cattle. Wanda was always busy
 baking, cooking, and sewing, not only to adequately provide for her 
family, but to be a blessing to others as much as possible. Her homemade
 breads were the best in the world (at least in our humble opinion). She
 also enjoyed reading, and when done with books she had purchased, she 
would delightfully pass them along to others, to enjoy reading.  
She always saw to it that her boys were taken to the library in hopes 
they would acquire a love for reading. In later years, Wanda and Gordon 
had the opportunity and privilege to take extended trips to places such 
as: The Holy Lands, Mexico, Hawaii, Aruba, and a Caribbean cruise.

In
 Wanda’s most recent years, she became a regular contributor to the Hill
 City Times newspaper, submitting personal stories from her life and 
faith. Many in the community truly enjoyed reading them and always 
looked forward to more. Wanda also continued to live out her strong 
faith and prayer ministry. She was a prayer warrior by no stretch of the
 imagination. Something special she did, as led by the Lord, was to 
organize prayer cloths that were sent to family members in great need. 
This act of faith and prayers did, in fact, bring about healing and 
encouragement to those specific needs. Praise the Lord!

Wanda
 loved her family. But more importantly, she loved the Lord and the 
Lord’s Church. She exemplified a Proverbs 31 woman, lived and served her
 life as unto the Lord, and was faithful and generous with what the Lord
 blessed her with. Her faith and relationship with God certainly would 
have inspired untold people. Wanda has entered her well-deserved eternal
 rest, and now stands before her Lord hearing the kind, gentle, loving 
words spoken to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Wanda
 is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Viola and Hobart; 
her husband, Gordon; a daughter-in-law, LaDonna; a sister, Wilma; a 
brother, Tom; four baby great-grandchildren: twins:  Tamika Sue Sanders 
and Camille Ann Sanders, Blake Lee Gano and Andy Gene Gano; and in 
addition, numerous other extended family members. Surviving family 
members include four sons:  Jerry of Hill City, Kansas; Gary (Vickie) 
Gano of Hays, Kansas; Larry (Anita) Gano of Colbert, Washington; and 
Clifford (Janet) Gano of Jasonville, Indiana; 13 grandchildren; 40 
great-grandchildren; and in addition, numerous other extended family 
members. Wanda leaves behind her family and friends.

We pray God’s 
comfort over each of them. Her stay at Dawson Place of Hill City was a 
blessing and a place where she appreciated the love and care of staff 
and fellow residents.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Wanda-Lee-Viola-Gano?obId=27436446#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678313019739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wanda Lee Viola (Monroe) Gano, born in Graham County, Kansas, May 30, 
1933, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on the 
morning of March 3, 2023, at the age of 89 years old.Wanda
 spent her early childhood in Graham County. Then she moved with her 
mother Viola, and stepdad, Hobart Goff, to Tacoma, Washington in the 
midst of World War II where Hobart served as a welder building ships for
 the US Navy and Viola served in areas of support work for the Navy. 
While in Tacoma, Wanda recalled that she and her sister, Wilma, would 
often go to movies on Saturdays. At the close of World War II, the 
family moved back to Graham County Kansas where Wanda continued her 
education in local schools. At the age of 14, while
 attending church services in Morland, Kansas, she felt someone was 
watching her. It just so happened to be the young man that she would 
marry someday. His name? Gordon Gano. A short time later the pastor of 
the church asked Gordon if he would give Wanda a ride home after one of 
the church services. He gladly obliged. Love blossomed and grew into a 
loving, lasting relationship of marriage and family. October 
3, 1950, Gordon and Wanda were united in marriage and ultimately 
celebrated 64 years of marriage before Gordon passed away March 20, 
2015. They began married life by building a home in southwest Graham 
County and farmed with Gordon’s family.Their first of 
four children, Jerry Gordon Gano, was born the first summer of their 
married life. Three years later on the same summer date, a second boy, 
Gary Jordon Gano, was born into the family. Then, some 15 months later 
brother Larry Dwayne Gano joined the family. And finally, about four 
years later, Clifford Kerry Gano, was delivered into the family to make 
it complete. Some of the highlights of family life 
over the years included: annual summer vacations; fishing trips to local
 creeks, ponds, and lakes; going to church whenever the doors were open;
 and working together on the family farm. In earlier years of 
family life, Gordon and Wanda worked to raise large gardens, as well as 
care for some rabbits, chickens, pigs, and cattle. Wanda was always busy
 baking, cooking, and sewing, not only to adequately provide for her 
family, but to be a blessing to others as much as possible. Her homemade
 breads were the best in the world (at least in our humble opinion). She
 also enjoyed reading, and when done with books she had purchased, she 
would delightfully pass them along to others, to enjoy reading. 
She always saw to it that her boys were taken to the library in hopes 
they would acquire a love for reading. In later years, Wanda and Gordon 
had the opportunity and privilege to take extended trips to places such 
as: The Holy Lands, Mexico, Hawaii, Aruba, and a Caribbean cruise.In
 Wanda’s most recent years, she became a regular contributor to the Hill
 City Times newspaper, submitting personal stories from her life and 
faith. Many in the community truly enjoyed reading them and always 
looked forward to more. Wanda also continued to live out her strong 
faith and prayer ministry. She was a prayer warrior by no stretch of the
 imagination. Something special she did, as led by the Lord, was to 
organize prayer cloths that were sent to family members in great need. 
This act of faith and prayers did, in fact, bring about healing and 
encouragement to those specific needs. Praise the Lord! Wanda
 loved her family. But more importantly, she loved the Lord and the 
Lord’s Church. She exemplified a Proverbs 31 woman, lived and served her
 life as unto the Lord, and was faithful and generous with what the Lord
 blessed her with. Her faith and relationship with God certainly would 
have inspired untold people. Wanda has entered her well-deserved eternal
 rest, and now stands before her Lord hearing the kind, gentle, loving 
words spoken to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”Wanda
 is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Viola and Hobart; 
her husband, Gordon; a daughter-in-law, LaDonna; a sister, Wilma; a 
brother, Tom; four baby great-grandchildren: twins: Tamika Sue Sanders 
and Camille Ann Sanders, Blake Lee Gano and Andy Gene Gano; and in 
addition, numerous other extended family members. Surviving family 
members include four sons: Jerry of Hill City, Kansas; Gary (Vickie) 
Gano of Hays, Kansas; Larry (Anita) Gano of Colbert, Washington; and 
Clifford (Janet) Gano of Jasonville, Indiana; 13 grandchildren; 40 
great-grandchildren; and in addition, numerous other extended family 
members. Wanda leaves behind her family and friends.We pray God’s 
comfort over each of them. Her stay at Dawson Place of Hill City was a 
blessing and a place where she appreciated the love and care of staff 
and fellow residents.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Wanda-Lee-Viola-Gano?obId=27436446#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Wanda Lee Viola (Monroe) Gano

Marvin Bryan Miller, 89, of Claflin, Kansas, and former Russell, 
Kansas, resident, died on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at his home in 
Claflin surrounded by his family.

Marvin was born on June 17, 1933 in Paradise, Kansas, the son of 
Vernon and Fay (Stielow) Miller.&nbsp; He grew up in the Paradise, Kansas, 
area on the family farm and attended local schools.&nbsp; He met, fell in 
love, and was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Schumaker on October 9, 1954, in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; From this union Marvin and Shirley were 
blessed with four children Linda, Debra, Marlene and Bryan.&nbsp; He served 
his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard.&nbsp; He worked most all
 his life in the oil and gas industry as an oilfield pumper and finished
 his career working for Jayhawk Well Service.&nbsp; He also was owner and 
operator of Marv’s Gutter Service.&nbsp; He was a longtime member of St. Mary
 Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; He was also a longtime 
member of the National Rifle Association, American Legion Post #99 and 
the Elks Lodge of Russell.&nbsp; He enjoyed farming, tinkering, fixing 
things, fishing, hunting, carpentry and was an avid bird watcher.&nbsp;

Surviving family include his daughters Linda Michaelis and husband 
Dan of Claflin, Kansas, Debra Miller of Russell, Kansas, Marlene Harris 
and husband John of Raymore, Missouri and son Bryan Miller of Russell, 
Kansas and 5 grandchildren Fay Woods, Reese Eulert, Angela Meyer, Marty 
Michaelis and Kelly Bachar; 11 great grandchildren Brooke, Bailee and 
Brent Bachar, Owen &amp; Even Michaelis, Elsie, Scarlet, Ada and Hugh 
Woods and Eddie and Veda Meyer and a brother Raymond Miller of 
Hutchinson, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley on December 23,
 2020, 3 brothers Dean, Frankie and Wayne and , 2 sisters Helen 
Wrightsman and Vernita Spreier.

A catholic graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, March
 10, 2023, at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell, Kansas with 
Father Mike Elan officiating.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the 
family. &nbsp;The service will be held for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9982ba9c-9d64-4573-a2b3-39bfa87ae1a5">both Marvin and his wife Shirley</a> 
and burial of the ashes will follow the graveside service.&nbsp;


Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the 
funeral services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678137510275.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marvin Bryan Miller, 89, of Claflin, Kansas, and former Russell, 
Kansas, resident, died on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at his home in 
Claflin surrounded by his family.Marvin was born on June 17, 1933 in Paradise, Kansas, the son of 
Vernon and Fay (Stielow) Miller.&nbsp; He grew up in the Paradise, Kansas, 
area on the family farm and attended local schools.&nbsp; He met, fell in 
love, and was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Schumaker on October 9, 1954, in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; From this union Marvin and Shirley were 
blessed with four children Linda, Debra, Marlene and Bryan.&nbsp; He served 
his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard.&nbsp; He worked most all
 his life in the oil and gas industry as an oilfield pumper and finished
 his career working for Jayhawk Well Service.&nbsp; He also was owner and 
operator of Marv’s Gutter Service.&nbsp; He was a longtime member of St. Mary
 Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; He was also a longtime 
member of the National Rifle Association, American Legion Post #99 and 
the Elks Lodge of Russell.&nbsp; He enjoyed farming, tinkering, fixing 
things, fishing, hunting, carpentry and was an avid bird watcher.&nbsp;Surviving family include his daughters Linda Michaelis and husband 
Dan of Claflin, Kansas, Debra Miller of Russell, Kansas, Marlene Harris 
and husband John of Raymore, Missouri and son Bryan Miller of Russell, 
Kansas and 5 grandchildren Fay Woods, Reese Eulert, Angela Meyer, Marty 
Michaelis and Kelly Bachar; 11 great grandchildren Brooke, Bailee and 
Brent Bachar, Owen &amp; Even Michaelis, Elsie, Scarlet, Ada and Hugh 
Woods and Eddie and Veda Meyer and a brother Raymond Miller of 
Hutchinson, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley on December 23,
 2020, 3 brothers Dean, Frankie and Wayne and , 2 sisters Helen 
Wrightsman and Vernita Spreier.A catholic graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, March
 10, 2023, at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell, Kansas with 
Father Mike Elan officiating.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the 
family. &nbsp;The service will be held for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9982ba9c-9d64-4573-a2b3-39bfa87ae1a5">both Marvin and his wife Shirley</a> 
and burial of the ashes will follow the graveside service.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the 
funeral services.

Marvin B. Miller

Shirley Jean Miller, 86, of Claflin, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at her home in Claflin.

Shirley was born on August 09, 1934, in Abilene, Kansas, the daughter
 of Herbert “Boots” and Helen (Sullivan) Shumaker.&nbsp; She grew up in 
Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School.&nbsp; After high 
school she attended Marymount College in Salina, Kansas, for 2 years and
 received an associate’s degree in Home Economics.&nbsp; She met, fell in 
love and was united in marriage to Marvin Bryan Miller on October 9, 
1954 in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; From this union, they were blessed with four 
children Linda, Debra, Marlene and Bryan.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of 
St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; She was also a 
member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, T.O.P.S., and was an active member 
and leader of the Girl Scouts.&nbsp; She enjoyed sewing, crafts, cooking, 
reading cook books, Daniel Steel books, butterflies, pets and going to 
Wilson Lake.&nbsp; Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.&nbsp; 
She especially enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren and great 
grandchildren.

Surviving family include her husband Marvin of the home, daughters 
Linda F. Michaelis and husband Dan of Claflin, Kansas, Debra Miller of 
Russell, Kansas, Marlene Harris and husband John of Raymore, Missouri; 
son Bryan E. Miller of Russell, Kansas; brother Tom Shumaker and wife 
Judy of Sturgis, Michigan; 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Herbert 
Shumaker. 

A Catholic graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell, Kansas with Father Mike Elan officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family. The service will be held for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc0adb99-d166-4d1e-9bc8-fed37bf10135">both Shirley and her husband Marvin</a> and burial of the ashes will follow the graveside service.&nbsp;

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary 
of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678225526087.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Jean Miller, 86, of Claflin, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at her home in Claflin.Shirley was born on August 09, 1934, in Abilene, Kansas, the daughter
 of Herbert “Boots” and Helen (Sullivan) Shumaker.&nbsp; She grew up in 
Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School.&nbsp; After high 
school she attended Marymount College in Salina, Kansas, for 2 years and
 received an associate’s degree in Home Economics.&nbsp; She met, fell in 
love and was united in marriage to Marvin Bryan Miller on October 9, 
1954 in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; From this union, they were blessed with four 
children Linda, Debra, Marlene and Bryan.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of 
St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; She was also a 
member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, T.O.P.S., and was an active member 
and leader of the Girl Scouts.&nbsp; She enjoyed sewing, crafts, cooking, 
reading cook books, Daniel Steel books, butterflies, pets and going to 
Wilson Lake.&nbsp; Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.&nbsp; 
She especially enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren and great 
grandchildren.Surviving family include her husband Marvin of the home, daughters 
Linda F. Michaelis and husband Dan of Claflin, Kansas, Debra Miller of 
Russell, Kansas, Marlene Harris and husband John of Raymore, Missouri; 
son Bryan E. Miller of Russell, Kansas; brother Tom Shumaker and wife 
Judy of Sturgis, Michigan; 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Herbert 
Shumaker. A Catholic graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell, Kansas with Father Mike Elan officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family. The service will be held for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc0adb99-d166-4d1e-9bc8-fed37bf10135">both Shirley and her husband Marvin</a> and burial of the ashes will follow the graveside service.&nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary 
of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Shirley Jean Miller

Services for Deana Reimer, 76, Lawrence, will be at 2pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Deana left this world peacefully on Sunday, March 5th, 2023.

She was born on October 19, 1946, in Neodesha, KS, the daughter of 
Arlie Dale Hixon and Bonniemae Hixon. She graduated from Pawnee Rock 
High School in 1964 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and 
English in 1968 and her Master’s degree in 1983 in school administration
 from Fort Hays State University.

Deana and Keith were married June 11, 1966, in Pawnee Rock, KS, they 
settled in Dodge City, KS, in 1968 and later moved to Lawrence, KS, in 
2002.

Deana started her work in education in the Cimarron school district 
teaching English and Spanish to students of all ages. Deana began 
working in Migrant Education in 1990.

She dedicated her life to helping migrant families and continued 
until her retirement in 2004. Deana enjoyed spending time with her 
family, especially her grandkids.

Deana shared her love for the KC Chiefs and KU Jayhawks with anyone 
who would listen. She enjoyed spending time on ‘Lucy’ her iPad, sending 
messages and jokes at all hours of the day and night. Deana never met a 
stranger and always had a hug and joke to give. She was an inspiration 
to all that met her, loved being on stage and left everyone with a smile
 on their face and a “Deana” story.

Deana is survived by her husband Keith; son Tyson (Val) Lawrence; 
daughter Keena Schmidt (Chet) Lawrence; five grandchildren, Crosby, 
Rileigh, Ava, Caeson, and Greysen; two brothers, Larry Hixon (Ronda) 
Pawnee Rock, KS ; Jon Hixon (Karen) Storm Lake, IA; sister-in-law Sally 
Hixon, Howard CO; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Skeeter.

Deana was preceded in death by her brother Jerry Hixon and parents, Dale and Bonniemae Hixon.

The family suggest memorials be made to the Interstitial Cystitis 
National Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box
 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678225004476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Services for Deana Reimer, 76, Lawrence, will be at 2pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.Deana left this world peacefully on Sunday, March 5th, 2023.She was born on October 19, 1946, in Neodesha, KS, the daughter of 
Arlie Dale Hixon and Bonniemae Hixon. She graduated from Pawnee Rock 
High School in 1964 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and 
English in 1968 and her Master’s degree in 1983 in school administration
 from Fort Hays State University.Deana and Keith were married June 11, 1966, in Pawnee Rock, KS, they 
settled in Dodge City, KS, in 1968 and later moved to Lawrence, KS, in 
2002.Deana started her work in education in the Cimarron school district 
teaching English and Spanish to students of all ages. Deana began 
working in Migrant Education in 1990.She dedicated her life to helping migrant families and continued 
until her retirement in 2004. Deana enjoyed spending time with her 
family, especially her grandkids.Deana shared her love for the KC Chiefs and KU Jayhawks with anyone 
who would listen. She enjoyed spending time on ‘Lucy’ her iPad, sending 
messages and jokes at all hours of the day and night. Deana never met a 
stranger and always had a hug and joke to give. She was an inspiration 
to all that met her, loved being on stage and left everyone with a smile
 on their face and a “Deana” story.Deana is survived by her husband Keith; son Tyson (Val) Lawrence; 
daughter Keena Schmidt (Chet) Lawrence; five grandchildren, Crosby, 
Rileigh, Ava, Caeson, and Greysen; two brothers, Larry Hixon (Ronda) 
Pawnee Rock, KS ; Jon Hixon (Karen) Storm Lake, IA; sister-in-law Sally 
Hixon, Howard CO; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Skeeter.Deana was preceded in death by her brother Jerry Hixon and parents, Dale and Bonniemae Hixon.The family suggest memorials be made to the Interstitial Cystitis 
National Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box
 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.

Deana Dalene Reimer

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials are alerting consumers about two more recalls of eyedrops due to contamination risks that could lead to vision problems and serious injury.

The announcements follow a recall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">last month</a>&nbsp;of eyedrops made in India that were linked to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-ezricare-delsam-outbreak-2320289a358e9fe6fa7d38a1fc5f19f7">outbreak of drug-resistant infections.</a>&nbsp;One person died and at least five others had permanent vision loss.

There's no indication the latest recalls are related to those products.

The Food and Drug Administration posted separate recall notices for certain eyedrops distributed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pharmedica-usa-llc-issues-voluntary-worldwide-recall-purely-soothing-15-msm-drops-due-non-sterility">Pharmedica</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/apotex-corp-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-brimonidine-tartrate-ophthalmic-solution-015-due">Apotex</a>&nbsp;after the companies said they are voluntarily pulling several lots of their products from the market. Both companies said the recalls were conducted in consultation with the FDA.

Pharmedica on Friday said it is recalling two lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops due to problems “that could result in blindness." The over-the-counter drops are designed to treat eye irritation. The Phoenix-based company said consumers should immediately stop using the drops and return them to the place they were purchased.

The recall affects nearly 2,900 bottles, according to the company. The drops were manufactured in Arizona.

Last week, the FDA posted a separate recall announcement from Apotex recalling six lots of prescription eyedrops used to treat a form of glaucoma. The company said it launched the recall after finding cracks in a handful of bottle caps.

The drops are distributed as Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution. 0.15% and were sold between last April through February.

Apotex said in an email that the eyedrops were manufactured in Canada. The company hasn't received any reports of injuries related to the drops.

NEW YORK (AP) — The patients' eyes were painfully inflamed. They could sense light but could see almost nothing else. A doctor called one case the worst eye infection he’d ever seen.

It was the beginning of a national outbreak caused by an extremely worrisome bacteria — one that some say heralds an era in which antibiotics no longer work and seemingly routine infections get horribly out of hand.

At last count, 58 Americans in 13 states have been infected, including at least one who died and at least five who suffered permanent vision loss. All have been linked to tainted eyedrops, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">recall</a>.

Experts marvel at how disease detectives pieced together the case: Patients were scattered across the country. The illnesses occurred over the span of months. The infections were found in different parts of the body — in the blood of some patients, in the lungs of others.

But scientists also shudder, because they have long worried common bacteria will evolve so that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-infectious-diseases-antibiotics-fungi-2c661fd0c6ed899bedc51238d390603a">antibiotics no longer work against them</a>.

"This really shows us that it's not something theoretical and in the future. It's here,” said Dr. Luis Ostrosky, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

This account is drawn from phone and email interviews with U.S. disease investigators, health officials in three states and regulators in the U.S. and India.

The investigation started in May in Los Angeles County, California. A patient who'd recently been to an ophthalmologist came in with a bad eye infection. A month later, local health officials got a second report. Another bad eye infection, same eye doctor.

Two more cases were reported in the county before the summer was over. The patients’ eyes were inflamed with heavy yellow pus that obscured most of the pupil. Among the four, two had complete vision loss in the affected eye.

The hospital that reported the first infection determined it was caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The institution, which was equipped to do advanced genetic testing, quickly realized the bacteria had a rare gene that protected it from the effects of commonly used antibiotics.

It was an early break for investigators, said Kelsey OYong, of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

OYong and her colleagues knew they were dealing with a scary germ, and they notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pseudomonas infections are not new. Drug-resistant strains of the bacteria cause more than 30,000 infections annually among hospitalized patients in the U.S. and more than 2,500 deaths, the CDC said. It can spread through contaminated hands or medical equipment, and is particularly dangerous to fragile patients who have catheters or are on breathing machines.

But the California infections were in patients' eyes, not more common spots like the blood and lungs. Also, the lab analysis determined the infections were caused by a Pseudomonas germ that could resist just about every antibiotic.

The only thing that worked was a newer antibiotic called cefiderocol, administered by IV.

Over the summer, Pseudomonas outbreaks were seen at long-term care facilities in two other states.

In Connecticut, the first case was in June. Eventually, the bacteria was found in 25 patients from five nursing homes in different parts of the state, said Christopher Boyle, a spokesperson for Connecticut’s health department.

In Davis County, Utah, north of Salt Lake City, the first of six cases was reported to the CDC in August. While the patients had the bacteria, none actually got sick, said Sarah Willardson of the Davis County Health Department.

L.A. County health investigators thought the cases there might be due to some kind of equipment contamination at the eye doctor’s office.

But that suspicion faded in early October, when genetic testing showed the clusters in California, Connecticut and Utah were all caused by the same bacteria strain — a version of the germ that hadn’t been seen anywhere before.

“That made us start thinking that this was some kind of a product,” said Maroya Walters, the CDC official supervising the investigation.

As the year went on, other reports of drug-resistant Pseudomonas came in, including a Washington man who died with a bloodstream infection.

Given the initial cluster at the California ophthalmologist’s office, investigators suspected an eye care product was the culprit, though that hypothesis was complicated by the fact that the infections at the long-term care facilities were mainly found in the lungs.

But it wasn’t impossible. Tear ducts drain into the nasal cavity, which leads to the lungs and could provide a path to deep inside the body.

In early November, investigators determined most of the infected Connecticut patients had been given artificial tears, though it wasn't clear who had been given which brand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678210738168.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials are alerting consumers about two more recalls of eyedrops due to contamination risks that could lead to vision problems and serious injury.The announcements follow a recall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">last month</a>&nbsp;of eyedrops made in India that were linked to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-ezricare-delsam-outbreak-2320289a358e9fe6fa7d38a1fc5f19f7">outbreak of drug-resistant infections.</a>&nbsp;One person died and at least five others had permanent vision loss.There's no indication the latest recalls are related to those products.The Food and Drug Administration posted separate recall notices for certain eyedrops distributed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pharmedica-usa-llc-issues-voluntary-worldwide-recall-purely-soothing-15-msm-drops-due-non-sterility">Pharmedica</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/apotex-corp-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-brimonidine-tartrate-ophthalmic-solution-015-due">Apotex</a>&nbsp;after the companies said they are voluntarily pulling several lots of their products from the market. Both companies said the recalls were conducted in consultation with the FDA.Pharmedica on Friday said it is recalling two lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops due to problems “that could result in blindness." The over-the-counter drops are designed to treat eye irritation. The Phoenix-based company said consumers should immediately stop using the drops and return them to the place they were purchased.The recall affects nearly 2,900 bottles, according to the company. The drops were manufactured in Arizona.Last week, the FDA posted a separate recall announcement from Apotex recalling six lots of prescription eyedrops used to treat a form of glaucoma. The company said it launched the recall after finding cracks in a handful of bottle caps.The drops are distributed as Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution. 0.15% and were sold between last April through February.Apotex said in an email that the eyedrops were manufactured in Canada. The company hasn't received any reports of injuries related to the drops.___<figure>
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 </figure>By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical WriterNEW YORK (AP) — The patients' eyes were painfully inflamed. They could sense light but could see almost nothing else. A doctor called one case the worst eye infection he’d ever seen.It was the beginning of a national outbreak caused by an extremely worrisome bacteria — one that some say heralds an era in which antibiotics no longer work and seemingly routine infections get horribly out of hand.At last count, 58 Americans in 13 states have been infected, including at least one who died and at least five who suffered permanent vision loss. All have been linked to tainted eyedrops, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">recall</a>.Experts marvel at how disease detectives pieced together the case: Patients were scattered across the country. The illnesses occurred over the span of months. The infections were found in different parts of the body — in the blood of some patients, in the lungs of others.But scientists also shudder, because they have long worried common bacteria will evolve so that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-infectious-diseases-antibiotics-fungi-2c661fd0c6ed899bedc51238d390603a">antibiotics no longer work against them</a>."This really shows us that it's not something theoretical and in the future. It's here,” said Dr. Luis Ostrosky, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.This account is drawn from phone and email interviews with U.S. disease investigators, health officials in three states and regulators in the U.S. and India.___The investigation started in May in Los Angeles County, California. A patient who'd recently been to an ophthalmologist came in with a bad eye infection. A month later, local health officials got a second report. Another bad eye infection, same eye doctor.Two more cases were reported in the county before the summer was over. The patients’ eyes were inflamed with heavy yellow pus that obscured most of the pupil. Among the four, two had complete vision loss in the affected eye.The hospital that reported the first infection determined it was caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The institution, which was equipped to do advanced genetic testing, quickly realized the bacteria had a rare gene that protected it from the effects of commonly used antibiotics.It was an early break for investigators, said Kelsey OYong, of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.OYong and her colleagues knew they were dealing with a scary germ, and they notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pseudomonas infections are not new. Drug-resistant strains of the bacteria cause more than 30,000 infections annually among hospitalized patients in the U.S. and more than 2,500 deaths, the CDC said. It can spread through contaminated hands or medical equipment, and is particularly dangerous to fragile patients who have catheters or are on breathing machines.But the California infections were in patients' eyes, not more common spots like the blood and lungs. Also, the lab analysis determined the infections were caused by a Pseudomonas germ that could resist just about every antibiotic.The only thing that worked was a newer antibiotic called cefiderocol, administered by IV.___Over the summer, Pseudomonas outbreaks were seen at long-term care facilities in two other states.In Connecticut, the first case was in June. Eventually, the bacteria was found in 25 patients from five nursing homes in different parts of the state, said Christopher Boyle, a spokesperson for Connecticut’s health department.In Davis County, Utah, north of Salt Lake City, the first of six cases was reported to the CDC in August. While the patients had the bacteria, none actually got sick, said Sarah Willardson of the Davis County Health Department.L.A. County health investigators thought the cases there might be due to some kind of equipment contamination at the eye doctor’s office.But that suspicion faded in early October, when genetic testing showed the clusters in California, Connecticut and Utah were all caused by the same bacteria strain — a version of the germ that hadn’t been seen anywhere before.“That made us start thinking that this was some kind of a product,” said Maroya Walters, the CDC official supervising the investigation.___As the year went on, other reports of drug-resistant Pseudomonas came in, including a Washington man who died with a bloodstream infection.Given the initial cluster at the California ophthalmologist’s office, investigators suspected an eye care product was the culprit, though that hypothesis was complicated by the fact that the infections at the long-term care facilities were mainly found in the lungs.But it wasn’t impossible. Tear ducts drain into the nasal cavity, which leads to the lungs and could provide a path to deep inside the body.In early November, investigators determined most of the infected Connecticut patients had been given artificial tears, though it wasn't clear who had been given which brand.Then, on Nov. 9, a Florida hospital contacted the CDC to report bad eye infections connected to an outpatient clinic. A check of artificial tears brands used in Connecticut, Florida and Utah pointed to one common product: EzriCare Artificial Tears, an over-the-counter product marketed in the U.S. by New Jersey-based EzriCare LLC and made in India by Global Pharma Healthcare.___The Pseudomonas bacteria is “pretty much everywhere” in India and the drug-resistant germ is common in many hospitals, said Dr. Gagandeep Kang, who studies microbes in the Christian Medical College in the same state as Global Pharma's factory.In January, genetic sequencing confirmed the Florida cases were caused by the same bacteria strain as the clusters in California, Connecticut and Utah. On Jan. 20, the CDC urged doctors to avoid recommending the EzriCare product.There was no recall or widespread public notice, however. Investigators had strong circumstantial evidence pointing toward the EzriCare drops, but didn’t get more conclusive proof until more than a week later after testing found the bacteria in seven open bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears in Connecticut and New Jersey.In early February, CDC officials issued a public health alert and the FDA recalled the EzriCare eyedrops and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, another product made by Global Pharma. Last week, the recall was expanded to include Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment.Global Pharma didn't respond to emailed requests for comment.___A month before the first recall, the FDA blocked imports of Global Pharma products.FDA spokesperson Audra Harrison said the U.S. import ban was “unrelated to the outbreak," and was instead based on the company’s “inadequate response” to a records request and problems with its manufacturing procedures. She wouldn't say what those problems were.The subsequent recall, she said, was recommended due to lack of microbial testing and issues with the product’s formulation and packaging.The FDA, tasked with assuring the safety of drug products shipped to the U.S., has long struggled to inspect facilities in China and India that account for the vast majority of raw materials used in American medicines. A search of FDA’s online inspection database shows no records of agency staff visiting the plant.Indian drug inspectors visited the plant and the country's drug controller asked Global Pharma to stop making all products related to treating eye disorders until they finish their investigation, said P.V. Vijayalakshmi, the drug controller for southern Tamil Nadu state.___Ostrosky, the University of Texas expert, called the U.S. investigation “a public health victory” saying it shows that fighting drug-resistant bacteria requires international collaboration and investment. But he also said the case is disheartening.An infection that's usually easy to treat with common antibiotic eyedrops "has become an infection that can be deadly and has pretty much no treatment except one IV antibiotic,” he said.Pseudomonas now joins a growing list of bugs — including bacteria that cause urinary tract infections — that are getting increasingly difficult to treat, Ostrosky added.“It's like a wave coming for us," he said.___AP writers Matthew Perrone in Washington and Aniruddha Ghosal in New Delhi contributed.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.