Crude prices have dropped nearly $9 in nine trading days. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude settled Friday at $73.39 per barrel, down from nearly $82 on January 24th.&nbsp; Kansas prices have dropped nearly $6 in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $63.75 per barrel after dropping $2.50 on Friday. The average price in January was $68.72 per barrel. That's up nearly $2 from the month before, but down more than $4 from the January average last year.&nbsp; Gasoline and diesel prices continued to drift lower last week, alongside gradual increases in US stockpiles. The national average pump price for a gallon of regular dropped to a fraction below $3.50 per gallon on Thursday. That's 28 cents more than a month ago, but about a dime cheaper than last year at this time. National diesel prices were also slightly lower at $4.67 per gallon, but remain nearly a dollar higher than a year ago. Across Kansas, the average price for regular was $3.20 per gallon Thursday; diesel was about $4.15 per gallon. The government reported a slight uptick in weekly US crude production. The Energy Information Administration said operators pumped 12.151 million barrels per day in the week through January 27, up 1,000 barrels a day from the week before, and more than a half-million barrels per day higher than a year ago. EIA said imports increased by 1.4 million barrels per day. The four week average is one percent higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Crude inventories were up 4.1 million barrels from the week before, and about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year. New monthly numbers from the government show crude production inching upward in Kansas and a slight dip nationally. The November tally from the Energy Information Administration shows US operators pumped over 371 million barrels, or about 12.37 million barrels per day. Output the month before was about 3,000 d barrels per day higher. In Kansas, November output averaged 77,300 barrels per day, up about 100 barrels per day from October. State regulators report 129 intent-to-drill notices filed across Kansas last month, up from 70 in December, and 97 in January of last year. There are three new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, two in Russell County and six in Stafford County. The Kansas Rig Count was down seven rigs east of Wichita and down three rigs in Western Kansas, a 21% drop. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a number of rigs in eastern Kansas have been cold stacked and taken out of service. The count is down nearly 25% from a month ago and is nearly 12% lower than a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on three leases in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. Operators completed 41 wells last week, 29 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton and Ellis counties. Kansas regulators last week okayed 13 new drilling permits, eight of them west of Wichita, including two in Stafford County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops to 759, down ten oil rigs and two gas rigs. The counts in Texas and Wyoming were each down three rigs. US rail shippers moved more crushed stone and sand last month than they ever have, thanks largely to the growth in demand for fracking sand. But the Association of American Railroads says total rail traffic in January was down more than three percent compared to a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic during the week through January 28th was up more than 13% over the same week last year. AAR reports 10,952 tanker carloads hauling petroleum, up 366 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic was down 138 carloads for the week, or about three percent below the tally a year ago. An appeals court is forcing the government to consider a much broader class of pollutants before approving oil-and-gas drilling in northwestern New Mexico. The US 10th Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated the government's analysis of the impact of drilling, in what environmental groups say is a "new precedent" that will help protect community health. The court rejected nearly 200 drilling applications in the greater Chaco region, which is an area viewed as sacred to indigenous people and is the home of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The case has now been sent back to the district court for further action.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices have dropped nearly $9 in nine trading days. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude settled Friday at $73.39 per barrel, down from nearly $82 on January 24th.&nbsp; Kansas prices have dropped nearly $6 in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $63.75 per barrel after dropping $2.50 on Friday. The average price in January was $68.72 per barrel. That's up nearly $2 from the month before, but down more than $4 from the January average last year.&nbsp; Gasoline and diesel prices continued to drift lower last week, alongside gradual increases in US stockpiles. The national average pump price for a gallon of regular dropped to a fraction below $3.50 per gallon on Thursday. That's 28 cents more than a month ago, but about a dime cheaper than last year at this time. National diesel prices were also slightly lower at $4.67 per gallon, but remain nearly a dollar higher than a year ago. Across Kansas, the average price for regular was $3.20 per gallon Thursday; diesel was about $4.15 per gallon. The government reported a slight uptick in weekly US crude production. The Energy Information Administration said operators pumped 12.151 million barrels per day in the week through January 27, up 1,000 barrels a day from the week before, and more than a half-million barrels per day higher than a year ago. EIA said imports increased by 1.4 million barrels per day. The four week average is one percent higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Crude inventories were up 4.1 million barrels from the week before, and about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year. New monthly numbers from the government show crude production inching upward in Kansas and a slight dip nationally. The November tally from the Energy Information Administration shows US operators pumped over 371 million barrels, or about 12.37 million barrels per day. Output the month before was about 3,000 d barrels per day higher. In Kansas, November output averaged 77,300 barrels per day, up about 100 barrels per day from October. State regulators report 129 intent-to-drill notices filed across Kansas last month, up from 70 in December, and 97 in January of last year. There are three new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, two in Russell County and six in Stafford County. The Kansas Rig Count was down seven rigs east of Wichita and down three rigs in Western Kansas, a 21% drop. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a number of rigs in eastern Kansas have been cold stacked and taken out of service. The count is down nearly 25% from a month ago and is nearly 12% lower than a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on three leases in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. Operators completed 41 wells last week, 29 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton and Ellis counties. Kansas regulators last week okayed 13 new drilling permits, eight of them west of Wichita, including two in Stafford County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops to 759, down ten oil rigs and two gas rigs. The counts in Texas and Wyoming were each down three rigs. US rail shippers moved more crushed stone and sand last month than they ever have, thanks largely to the growth in demand for fracking sand. But the Association of American Railroads says total rail traffic in January was down more than three percent compared to a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic during the week through January 28th was up more than 13% over the same week last year. AAR reports 10,952 tanker carloads hauling petroleum, up 366 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic was down 138 carloads for the week, or about three percent below the tally a year ago. An appeals court is forcing the government to consider a much broader class of pollutants before approving oil-and-gas drilling in northwestern New Mexico. The US 10th Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated the government's analysis of the impact of drilling, in what environmental groups say is a "new precedent" that will help protect community health. The court rejected nearly 200 drilling applications in the greater Chaco region, which is an area viewed as sacred to indigenous people and is the home of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The case has now been sent back to the district court for further action.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices nosedive

William “Bill” Dennis Walker was born on October 
9, 1943, in Carneiro, Kansas, to Ray C. Walker Sr. and Evelyn M. (Sheridan)
 Walker. He was blessed with thirteen siblings. He died on February 3, 
2023, in Lindsborg, Kansas, with his family at his side.&nbsp; Bill was a 
graduate of Brookville High School and Kansas Wesleyan University. He 
was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Russell, Kansas.

In his early years, Bill worked for Northern Natural Gas Company, 
Walker Hardware, and the Civil Corps of Engineers. Bill was an avid 
fisherman and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his friends and
 family. He enjoyed restoring antique furniture and spent many years 
raising hogs. He could fix anything as long as someone could hold the 
flashlight still. He often had a good “dad” joke to tell. He enjoyed 
watching the Kansas City Chiefs and will have the best seat to watch the
 Super Bowl this year. Friends and family are welcome to wear their 
Chiefs gear to the service in honor of Bill.

Bill married Carol (Rathbun) Walker on February 2, 1962. She survives
 in the home with their faithful dog, Daisy.&nbsp; Bill is survived by his 
children Daymon (Lisa) Walker of Salina, Cassie (Rob) Gorman of 
Lindsborg, Carla (Mark) Kerns of Lindsborg, and Wade (Michelle) Walker 
of Solomon. He loved and adored his seven grandchildren, Megan Croomes 
(Cutler), Kristopher Gorman (Haley), Taylor Walker (Jaycelyn), Bayleigh 
Walker (Marissa), Tate Walker (Lexi), Mason Kerns (Daisy), and Mickalee 
Kerns; and 9 great-grandchildren Kylar, Ben, Paisley, Mary Alice, 
Addison, Wyatt, Isla, Maggie, and Ridley.&nbsp;&nbsp; Other survivors include a 
brother, Duane (Jo) Walker of Canton, sisters Helen Pflughoeft, Dixie 
Walker, Ernestine (Bob) Allen, and Geri (Monte) Elam, all of Salina, and
 many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ray (Joyce), 
Frank, Bob (Marty), Don (Rachel), Sherry Walker, Virginia Vanek (Cirel),
 Ramona Wagner, Berniece Zimmerman (Claude); and great grandson Corbin 
Walker.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 10, at Ryan Mortuary, 
Salina. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Brookville 
United Methodist Church in Brookville, with burial in Carneiro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675720104511.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William “Bill” Dennis Walker was born on October 
9, 1943, in Carneiro, Kansas, to Ray C. Walker Sr. and Evelyn M. (Sheridan)
 Walker. He was blessed with thirteen siblings. He died on February 3, 
2023, in Lindsborg, Kansas, with his family at his side.&nbsp; Bill was a 
graduate of Brookville High School and Kansas Wesleyan University. He 
was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Russell, Kansas.In his early years, Bill worked for Northern Natural Gas Company, 
Walker Hardware, and the Civil Corps of Engineers. Bill was an avid 
fisherman and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his friends and
 family. He enjoyed restoring antique furniture and spent many years 
raising hogs. He could fix anything as long as someone could hold the 
flashlight still. He often had a good “dad” joke to tell. He enjoyed 
watching the Kansas City Chiefs and will have the best seat to watch the
 Super Bowl this year. Friends and family are welcome to wear their 
Chiefs gear to the service in honor of Bill.Bill married Carol (Rathbun) Walker on February 2, 1962. She survives
 in the home with their faithful dog, Daisy.&nbsp; Bill is survived by his 
children Daymon (Lisa) Walker of Salina, Cassie (Rob) Gorman of 
Lindsborg, Carla (Mark) Kerns of Lindsborg, and Wade (Michelle) Walker 
of Solomon. He loved and adored his seven grandchildren, Megan Croomes 
(Cutler), Kristopher Gorman (Haley), Taylor Walker (Jaycelyn), Bayleigh 
Walker (Marissa), Tate Walker (Lexi), Mason Kerns (Daisy), and Mickalee 
Kerns; and 9 great-grandchildren Kylar, Ben, Paisley, Mary Alice, 
Addison, Wyatt, Isla, Maggie, and Ridley.&nbsp;&nbsp; Other survivors include a 
brother, Duane (Jo) Walker of Canton, sisters Helen Pflughoeft, Dixie 
Walker, Ernestine (Bob) Allen, and Geri (Monte) Elam, all of Salina, and
 many nieces and nephews.Bill was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ray (Joyce), 
Frank, Bob (Marty), Don (Rachel), Sherry Walker, Virginia Vanek (Cirel),
 Ramona Wagner, Berniece Zimmerman (Claude); and great grandson Corbin 
Walker.Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 10, at Ryan Mortuary, 
Salina. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Brookville 
United Methodist Church in Brookville, with burial in Carneiro Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

William 'Bill' Dennis Walker 

Donald E. Bland Sr., 93, of McPherson, KS and formerly of Lakewood, 
CO, went home peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, 
February 1, 2023, at McPherson Health &amp; Rehab. 

Don was a retired electrician and building inspector, owning and operating Bland Electric.&nbsp;

Don
 was born on October 26, 1929, in Dillon, KS, the son of Walter Marion 
Shugart, Sr. and Cora Anna (Hunt) Shugart. Don spent his childhood in 
western Kansas with his foster parents Clifford and Ethel Bland and 
their family. 

Later he married his high school sweetheart, 
Katherine Berniece Tustin on February 20, 1951 in Oakley, KS.&nbsp; This 
union was blessed with three children, Donald Jr., Robert, and Jolynn 
“Jody.”&nbsp; 

Berniece preceded Don in death on February 19, 2007.

Don was a United States Navy veteran, serving during WW II and the Korean War.

He was a member of New Hope Evangelical Church, McPherson.

Survivors
 include three children, Don Bland Jr. (Barbara) of McPherson, KS, Rob 
Bland (Karen) of Northglenn, CO, and Jolynn “Jody” Fitzmorris (Jim) of 
Castle Rock, CO; ten grandchildren, Laurie Willison (Lynn), Michelle 
Sauerwein (Josh), Stephanie Benson (Todd), Corrie Hagan (Michael), 
Kristi Neville (Patrick), Valerie Hernandez (Mark), Heather Singhisen 
(Cameron), Joshua Fitzmorris (Jensine), Erica Diamond (Colby), and 
Mitchell Fitzmorris (Elizabeth); 21 great-grandchildren; and many more 
extended family and friends.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his 
parents Walter and Cora Shugart; his foster parents Clifford and Ethel 
Bland; wife Berniece Bland; six siblings and five foster siblings.

The
 family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., Monday, 
February 13, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; A graveside service
 (with military honors) will be held at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at
 WaKeeney, KS at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 20, 2023.&nbsp; A 
luncheon/reception will follow.

Memorial donations may be given to
 New Hope Evangelical Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 
205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675702559539.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald E. Bland Sr., 93, of McPherson, KS and formerly of Lakewood, 
CO, went home peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, 
February 1, 2023, at McPherson Health &amp; Rehab. Don was a retired electrician and building inspector, owning and operating Bland Electric.&nbsp;Don
 was born on October 26, 1929, in Dillon, KS, the son of Walter Marion 
Shugart, Sr. and Cora Anna (Hunt) Shugart. Don spent his childhood in 
western Kansas with his foster parents Clifford and Ethel Bland and 
their family. Later he married his high school sweetheart, 
Katherine Berniece Tustin on February 20, 1951 in Oakley, KS.&nbsp; This 
union was blessed with three children, Donald Jr., Robert, and Jolynn 
“Jody.”&nbsp; Berniece preceded Don in death on February 19, 2007.Don was a United States Navy veteran, serving during WW II and the Korean War.He was a member of New Hope Evangelical Church, McPherson.Survivors
 include three children, Don Bland Jr. (Barbara) of McPherson, KS, Rob 
Bland (Karen) of Northglenn, CO, and Jolynn “Jody” Fitzmorris (Jim) of 
Castle Rock, CO; ten grandchildren, Laurie Willison (Lynn), Michelle 
Sauerwein (Josh), Stephanie Benson (Todd), Corrie Hagan (Michael), 
Kristi Neville (Patrick), Valerie Hernandez (Mark), Heather Singhisen 
(Cameron), Joshua Fitzmorris (Jensine), Erica Diamond (Colby), and 
Mitchell Fitzmorris (Elizabeth); 21 great-grandchildren; and many more 
extended family and friends.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his 
parents Walter and Cora Shugart; his foster parents Clifford and Ethel 
Bland; wife Berniece Bland; six siblings and five foster siblings.The
 family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., Monday, 
February 13, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; A graveside service
 (with military honors) will be held at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at
 WaKeeney, KS at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 20, 2023.&nbsp; A 
luncheon/reception will follow.Memorial donations may be given to
 New Hope Evangelical Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 
205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

Donald E. Bland Sr.

Donald E. Cain, 96, of Salina, passed away Thursday, February 2, 
2023, at Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center.&nbsp; He was born on a farm on 
October 28, 1926, in Longford, KS, the son of Ben and Edna (Snowden) 
Cain.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He was married to Betty Lou Repstine on March 26, 1948, at St John’s 
Lutheran Church, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; To this union was born one son: Martin
 Douglas.&nbsp;

Donald graduated from Salina High School in 1945.&nbsp; Then attended Oklahoma University on a golf scholarship and Kansas Wesleyan.

Donald served in the United States Air Force From October 27, 1945 
through August 22, 1947. Serving as a Sgt. assigned to duty with 
Classification and Assignment Section Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina.

In 1949, Donald was employed by Mason Investment Company, for 15 
years as a loan officer and then retired in Oct. 1988 from the First 
National Bank and Trust Company (Sunflower), after 25 years as Vice 
President of the Consumer Loan Department.

Donald was an avid golfer, fisherman and small game hunter.

He was a past member of Northview Country Club in Ellis, the Salina 
Municipal Golf Course and the Great Life Golf Course (ELKS) and was Past
 President of the Pioneer Lake Association.

He was a life member of the ELKS, KWU – W - Clan and the Disabled American Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Edna Cain, his wife,
 Betty Lou, his son; Martin, a grandson; Douglas, two brothers and two 
sisters.

Survivors include his daughter-in-law: Darla Cain-Karst and her 
husband Sam of Bennington; a grandson: Mark and his wife Sarah, 
great-grandchildren: Leah, and Andrew, all of Hays, Kansas.

There will be a viewing for family and friends on Tuesday, February 
7, 2023 from 4-6 PM with family present from&nbsp; 5-6 PM. There will be a 
private family service with Interment to be in Roselawn Memorial Park, 
Salina.

Cards and/or Memorials may be sent to the funeral home or direct to 
Arbor Court; 1000 Shippel, Salina, KS 67401 or the Salina Animal 
Shelter, 329 N Second Street, Salina, KS. 67401.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation 
Services, Salina. Online condolences may be sent to 
www.roselawnsalina.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675615470761.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald E. Cain, 96, of Salina, passed away Thursday, February 2, 
2023, at Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center.&nbsp; He was born on a farm on 
October 28, 1926, in Longford, KS, the son of Ben and Edna (Snowden) 
Cain.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was married to Betty Lou Repstine on March 26, 1948, at St John’s 
Lutheran Church, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; To this union was born one son: Martin
 Douglas.&nbsp;Donald graduated from Salina High School in 1945.&nbsp; Then attended Oklahoma University on a golf scholarship and Kansas Wesleyan.Donald served in the United States Air Force From October 27, 1945 
through August 22, 1947. Serving as a Sgt. assigned to duty with 
Classification and Assignment Section Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina.In 1949, Donald was employed by Mason Investment Company, for 15 
years as a loan officer and then retired in Oct. 1988 from the First 
National Bank and Trust Company (Sunflower), after 25 years as Vice 
President of the Consumer Loan Department.Donald was an avid golfer, fisherman and small game hunter.He was a past member of Northview Country Club in Ellis, the Salina 
Municipal Golf Course and the Great Life Golf Course (ELKS) and was Past
 President of the Pioneer Lake Association.He was a life member of the ELKS, KWU – W - Clan and the Disabled American Veterans.He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Edna Cain, his wife,
 Betty Lou, his son; Martin, a grandson; Douglas, two brothers and two 
sisters.Survivors include his daughter-in-law: Darla Cain-Karst and her 
husband Sam of Bennington; a grandson: Mark and his wife Sarah, 
great-grandchildren: Leah, and Andrew, all of Hays, Kansas.There will be a viewing for family and friends on Tuesday, February 
7, 2023 from 4-6 PM with family present from&nbsp; 5-6 PM. There will be a 
private family service with Interment to be in Roselawn Memorial Park, 
Salina.Cards and/or Memorials may be sent to the funeral home or direct to 
Arbor Court; 1000 Shippel, Salina, KS 67401 or the Salina Animal 
Shelter, 329 N Second Street, Salina, KS. 67401.Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation 
Services, Salina. Online condolences may be sent to 
www.roselawnsalina.com.

Donald E. Cain

Ilene Joan Bunger was born on October 12, 1937, in Manhattan, Ks, 
daughter of William and Lucille Nauerth. &nbsp;She passed away on February 2,
 2023, at 85 years of age. &nbsp; She grew up on the family farm, 
graduating from Manhattan High School and attending Kansas State 
University. &nbsp;While attending Kansas State, she met her future husband, 
William "Bill" Bunger. &nbsp;&nbsp; Bill and Ilene were married April 16, 
1963, in Manhattan. &nbsp;They moved to Ellsworth Air Force Base, near Rapid 
City, South Dakota in the summer of 1963. &nbsp;In November of 1966, they 
moved to Beloit, Ks and started their career as a farming family. &nbsp;Three
 children were born to this union. She was a mother and farm wife. &nbsp;She was active in 4-H and Young Farmers of America. She worked at Klema's and volunteered at the Economy Shop of the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary. &nbsp; She enjoyed gardening, especially her flower garden. &nbsp;She enjoyed 
cooking for family and friends, wheat weaving and collecting bells. &nbsp; She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucille Nauerth. 
&nbsp;Uncle Bud (Helen) Conkwright, Uncle Jim (Faye) Conkwright, Uncle Ken 
(Edna) Conkwright, Dean Conkwright, Chloe Bunger, daughter of Brandon 
and Jami. She is survived by her husband Bill, sons, David (Jody) 
Bunger of Hays, Ks, and Rob (Kim) Bunger of Whitewater, Mo. &nbsp;Daughter 
Annie White of Carthage, Mo; Grandchildren: Melissa (Danny) Spencer, 
Brandon (Jami) Bunger, Keith Bunger, Cory Bunger, Cody Bunger, Colby 
Bunger, Jacklyn White; Great Grandchildren: Kaiden, Allie, Kaleb, Kyler,
 Connor, Logan, Nolan; Cousins: Kay (Bruce) Young and family, Stan 
(Vicki) Conkwright, Dale (Linda) Conkwright and family, Pat Conkwright 
and family, Alvena (Leonard) Wilgers and family; and many other family 
and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 7, at the 
Roberts Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family 
present from 5-7 PM Monday at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be given 
to Solomon Valley Hospice or the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675695366393.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Ilene Joan Bunger was born on October 12, 1937, in Manhattan, Ks, 
daughter of William and Lucille Nauerth. &nbsp;She passed away on February 2,
 2023, at 85 years of age. &nbsp; She grew up on the family farm, 
graduating from Manhattan High School and attending Kansas State 
University. &nbsp;While attending Kansas State, she met her future husband, 
William "Bill" Bunger. &nbsp;&nbsp; Bill and Ilene were married April 16, 
1963, in Manhattan. &nbsp;They moved to Ellsworth Air Force Base, near Rapid 
City, South Dakota in the summer of 1963. &nbsp;In November of 1966, they 
moved to Beloit, Ks and started their career as a farming family. &nbsp;Three
 children were born to this union. She was a mother and farm wife. &nbsp;She was active in 4-H and Young Farmers of America. She worked at Klema's and volunteered at the Economy Shop of the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary. &nbsp; She enjoyed gardening, especially her flower garden. &nbsp;She enjoyed 
cooking for family and friends, wheat weaving and collecting bells. &nbsp; She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucille Nauerth. 
&nbsp;Uncle Bud (Helen) Conkwright, Uncle Jim (Faye) Conkwright, Uncle Ken 
(Edna) Conkwright, Dean Conkwright, Chloe Bunger, daughter of Brandon 
and Jami. She is survived by her husband Bill, sons, David (Jody) 
Bunger of Hays, Ks, and Rob (Kim) Bunger of Whitewater, Mo. &nbsp;Daughter 
Annie White of Carthage, Mo; Grandchildren: Melissa (Danny) Spencer, 
Brandon (Jami) Bunger, Keith Bunger, Cory Bunger, Cody Bunger, Colby 
Bunger, Jacklyn White; Great Grandchildren: Kaiden, Allie, Kaleb, Kyler,
 Connor, Logan, Nolan; Cousins: Kay (Bruce) Young and family, Stan 
(Vicki) Conkwright, Dale (Linda) Conkwright and family, Pat Conkwright 
and family, Alvena (Leonard) Wilgers and family; and many other family 
and friends. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 7, at the 
Roberts Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family 
present from 5-7 PM Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given 
to Solomon Valley Hospice or the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary.

Ilene Joan Bunger

Dean Shearer, 89, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at his home in Norton, KS.&nbsp; 
 Dean was born on October 4, 1933, in Almena, KS, the son of Vernon and
 Rosie (Taylor) Shearer. On November 27, 1955, he married Nellie L. Gill
 in Norton, KS.&nbsp; Dean was a United States Navy Veteran serving from 
October 11, 1951, to October 3, 1955, when he was honorably discharged. 
 He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nellie, four brothers, 
Dale, Gerald, Arnold and Eldon Shearer and two sisters, Doris Linden and
 Dorothy Morford. Dean is survived by a daughter, Dalene 
Juenemann and husband Jerry of Olathe; a son, Doug Shearer and wife 
Monnie of Hays; two brothers, Lonnie Shearer and wife Pat of Almena, 
Roger Shearer of Logan; a special friend, Iris Smith; six grandchildren 
and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 
announced at a later date. Memorials may be given to Hospice Services of
 Norton County, and sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. 
Madison St., Smith&nbsp; Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675691491114.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dean Shearer, 89, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at his home in Norton, KS.&nbsp; 
 Dean was born on October 4, 1933, in Almena, KS, the son of Vernon and
 Rosie (Taylor) Shearer. On November 27, 1955, he married Nellie L. Gill
 in Norton, KS.&nbsp; Dean was a United States Navy Veteran serving from 
October 11, 1951, to October 3, 1955, when he was honorably discharged. 
 He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nellie, four brothers, 
Dale, Gerald, Arnold and Eldon Shearer and two sisters, Doris Linden and
 Dorothy Morford. Dean is survived by a daughter, Dalene 
Juenemann and husband Jerry of Olathe; a son, Doug Shearer and wife 
Monnie of Hays; two brothers, Lonnie Shearer and wife Pat of Almena, 
Roger Shearer of Logan; a special friend, Iris Smith; six grandchildren 
and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 
announced at a later date. Memorials may be given to Hospice Services of
 Norton County, and sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. 
Madison St., Smith&nbsp; Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dean Shearer

Henry "Hank" Mason Sellers, son of W D Sellers and Mildred L. (Jenkins) Sellers was born on October 9, 1945, in Fort Worth, TX.&nbsp; He died peacefully at home on January 31, 2023, at the age of 77. Henry lived his early life in Texas until his family moved to Kiowa, KS.&nbsp; He was a graduate of the Class of 1964 Hays High School. On November 18, 1964 he was united in marriage to Patricia Pierce at Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with three children: Margaret, Christine and Katherine.&nbsp; He was a member of the Episcopal Church. Hank worked as a guidance counselor at St. Francis' Boys Home in Ellsworth, KS.&nbsp; He worked in the Kansas oilfields and as a truck driver, then moved to off-shore oil explorations in the Indian Ocean/South China Sea, Southeast Asia &amp; The Norwegian Sea, Norway in his younger years while supporting his family.&nbsp; Hank worked on the Sellers Cattle Ranch for several years managing and involving the family with gardening &amp; geese wrangling. Then he worked at Briggs Auto Group in Manhattan, KS for 12 years. Afterward, he had various sales positions until he began a new venture as safety manager in the shale play oil exploration in the Pennsylvania area. Those who preceded him in death are his parents, Dub &amp; Mildred Sellers, his sister Patsy Kanak, two great-granddaughters Meredith and Macie Sellens, his wife of 36 years Patricia Pierce and other remembered family members. Survivors include his brother, Donnie Sellers (Lois) of Russell, KS, three daughters: Margaret Sellers of Kansas City, Missouri, Christine Sellers of Russell, Kansas and Katherine Sellers (Rick Meis) of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Also surviving are his granddaughters: Angela (Miller) Meyer (Patrick) of Adrian, Missouri, Jamie Crawford of St. John, Kansas, Randi Steinle (Randy Leiderbach) of Yukon, Oklahoma and Chandler Reich-Sellens (Jake) of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; His great grandchildren: &nbsp;Edwin, Porter, Veda, Reese, Adler and a number of other family&nbsp;members. The family will be having a private celebration of life service at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675624877113.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henry "Hank" Mason Sellers, son of W D Sellers and Mildred L. (Jenkins) Sellers was born on October 9, 1945, in Fort Worth, TX.&nbsp; He died peacefully at home on January 31, 2023, at the age of 77. Henry lived his early life in Texas until his family moved to Kiowa, KS.&nbsp; He was a graduate of the Class of 1964 Hays High School. On November 18, 1964 he was united in marriage to Patricia Pierce at Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with three children: Margaret, Christine and Katherine.&nbsp; He was a member of the Episcopal Church. Hank worked as a guidance counselor at St. Francis' Boys Home in Ellsworth, KS.&nbsp; He worked in the Kansas oilfields and as a truck driver, then moved to off-shore oil explorations in the Indian Ocean/South China Sea, Southeast Asia &amp; The Norwegian Sea, Norway in his younger years while supporting his family.&nbsp; Hank worked on the Sellers Cattle Ranch for several years managing and involving the family with gardening &amp; geese wrangling. Then he worked at Briggs Auto Group in Manhattan, KS for 12 years. Afterward, he had various sales positions until he began a new venture as safety manager in the shale play oil exploration in the Pennsylvania area. Those who preceded him in death are his parents, Dub &amp; Mildred Sellers, his sister Patsy Kanak, two great-granddaughters Meredith and Macie Sellens, his wife of 36 years Patricia Pierce and other remembered family members. Survivors include his brother, Donnie Sellers (Lois) of Russell, KS, three daughters: Margaret Sellers of Kansas City, Missouri, Christine Sellers of Russell, Kansas and Katherine Sellers (Rick Meis) of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Also surviving are his granddaughters: Angela (Miller) Meyer (Patrick) of Adrian, Missouri, Jamie Crawford of St. John, Kansas, Randi Steinle (Randy Leiderbach) of Yukon, Oklahoma and Chandler Reich-Sellens (Jake) of Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; His great grandchildren: &nbsp;Edwin, Porter, Veda, Reese, Adler and a number of other family&nbsp;members. The family will be having a private celebration of life service at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Henry 'Hank' Mason Sellers

Delbert L. 
“Red” Ellner, 89 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, formerly of Funk, 
Nebraska, died on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the Phelps Memorial 
Health Center in Holdrege.&nbsp; Delbert was born on June 11, 1933, near 
Lebanon, Kansas, the youngest of two sons, to Lewis and Frances (Finch) 
Ellner.&nbsp; Red received his primary education from a country school in 
Smith County, Kansas, and then graduated from Lebanon High School in 
Lebanon, Kansas, with the class of 1952.&nbsp; Following his education, he 
began working in a hardware store and a bar in Lebanon.&nbsp;

On July 
17, 1953, Red was inducted into the United States Army and served in 
Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on May 27, 
1955 and began working for Burlington Northern Railroad.&nbsp; He joined the 
crew as a means of traveling West where he intended to settle, yet he 
continued to work as a lineman for 40 years.

He met 
his future bride on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1959.&nbsp; On October 21,
 1961, Red was united in marriage to Marilyn Schoening at the St. John 
Lutheran Church in Mineola, Iowa.&nbsp; The couple made their home in Aurora,
 Illinois, where their son Patrick was born.&nbsp; Red continued to work for 
the railroad in the Communications Department.&nbsp; In 1965, they moved to 
Holdrege.&nbsp; In 1967, Red oversaw the relocation of a house to Funk and 
renovated it himself.&nbsp; Their daughter Julie was born later that year. 
&nbsp;They then built a home next door where they resided for the next 50 
years.&nbsp; During their time in Funk, he served as the mayor and served on 
the town council and also served on the school board.&nbsp; Red and Marilyn 
moved to Holdrege in 2010 and Red then began to make his home at 
Holdrege Memorial Homes in 2017.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Red 
enjoyed collecting antiques, repairing antique toys, attending auctions,
 gardening, wintering in Arizona, reading Westerns, camping and fishing 
at Harlan County Lake, and enjoying a cup of coffee at the Coffee Cup 
Café in Funk.&nbsp; He was a member of the Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk.

Red was 
preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law; 
his son, Patrick in 2016; and his brother, Dean in 2019.&nbsp;

Red is 
survived by his wife Marilyn Ellner of Holdrege; daughter, Julie Ellner 
of San Diego, California; and sister-in-law, Jennie Ellner of Hays, 
Kansas; and several nieces.

Memorials are strongly suggested to Holdrege Memorial Homes, the Nebraska Prairie Museum, or to Donor’s Choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.nelsonbauerfh.com/">www.nelsonbauerfh.com</a>

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675433638255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Delbert L. 
“Red” Ellner, 89 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, formerly of Funk, 
Nebraska, died on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the Phelps Memorial 
Health Center in Holdrege.&nbsp; Delbert was born on June 11, 1933, near 
Lebanon, Kansas, the youngest of two sons, to Lewis and Frances (Finch) 
Ellner.&nbsp; Red received his primary education from a country school in 
Smith County, Kansas, and then graduated from Lebanon High School in 
Lebanon, Kansas, with the class of 1952.&nbsp; Following his education, he 
began working in a hardware store and a bar in Lebanon.&nbsp;On July 
17, 1953, Red was inducted into the United States Army and served in 
Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on May 27, 
1955 and began working for Burlington Northern Railroad.&nbsp; He joined the 
crew as a means of traveling West where he intended to settle, yet he 
continued to work as a lineman for 40 years.He met 
his future bride on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1959.&nbsp; On October 21,
 1961, Red was united in marriage to Marilyn Schoening at the St. John 
Lutheran Church in Mineola, Iowa.&nbsp; The couple made their home in Aurora,
 Illinois, where their son Patrick was born.&nbsp; Red continued to work for 
the railroad in the Communications Department.&nbsp; In 1965, they moved to 
Holdrege.&nbsp; In 1967, Red oversaw the relocation of a house to Funk and 
renovated it himself.&nbsp; Their daughter Julie was born later that year. 
&nbsp;They then built a home next door where they resided for the next 50 
years.&nbsp; During their time in Funk, he served as the mayor and served on 
the town council and also served on the school board.&nbsp; Red and Marilyn 
moved to Holdrege in 2010 and Red then began to make his home at 
Holdrege Memorial Homes in 2017.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Red 
enjoyed collecting antiques, repairing antique toys, attending auctions,
 gardening, wintering in Arizona, reading Westerns, camping and fishing 
at Harlan County Lake, and enjoying a cup of coffee at the Coffee Cup 
Café in Funk.&nbsp; He was a member of the Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk.Red was 
preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law; 
his son, Patrick in 2016; and his brother, Dean in 2019.&nbsp;Red is 
survived by his wife Marilyn Ellner of Holdrege; daughter, Julie Ellner 
of San Diego, California; and sister-in-law, Jennie Ellner of Hays, 
Kansas; and several nieces.Memorials are strongly suggested to Holdrege Memorial Homes, the Nebraska Prairie Museum, or to Donor’s Choice.Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.nelsonbauerfh.com/">www.nelsonbauerfh.com</a>The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

Delbert L. 'Red' Ellner

Mary Ann Befort, 90 years old, passed away on January 31, 2023 in La Crosse, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born October 7, 1932, in Hays, Kansas, to Leo and Emma Gabel. She married Earl Befort on November 10, 1955.

Mary Ann worked as a school cook for USD 489 in Hays, as well as a secretary for Ralph Hunter, and a bookkeeper for Munjor water district.&nbsp; She was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor.&nbsp; She enjoyed sewing, spending time with her grandchildren and hosting special holiday meals.

She is survived by two sons, Jake Befort and his wife Mitzi of Bison, KS and Lyle Befort and his wife Linda of Sublette, KS; six grandchildren, Amy Davidson and her husband Michael, Ryan Befort and his wife Sarah, Morgan Befort, Dusti Befort, Kali Befort, Dawn Befort as well as six great-grandchildren; brothers Melvin Gabel, Salina, KS; Robert Gabel, Colorado; and Hilarius Gabel, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Gilbert, Herbert, and Vernon Gabel.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Monday, February 6, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be Sunday 5PM - 7PM with a combined vigil and rosary at 7PM all at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian High School.

Condolences may be shared by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675368536394.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Ann Befort, 90 years old, passed away on January 31, 2023 in La Crosse, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born October 7, 1932, in Hays, Kansas, to Leo and Emma Gabel. She married Earl Befort on November 10, 1955.Mary Ann worked as a school cook for USD 489 in Hays, as well as a secretary for Ralph Hunter, and a bookkeeper for Munjor water district.&nbsp; She was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor.&nbsp; She enjoyed sewing, spending time with her grandchildren and hosting special holiday meals.She is survived by two sons, Jake Befort and his wife Mitzi of Bison, KS and Lyle Befort and his wife Linda of Sublette, KS; six grandchildren, Amy Davidson and her husband Michael, Ryan Befort and his wife Sarah, Morgan Befort, Dusti Befort, Kali Befort, Dawn Befort as well as six great-grandchildren; brothers Melvin Gabel, Salina, KS; Robert Gabel, Colorado; and Hilarius Gabel, Colorado.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Gilbert, Herbert, and Vernon Gabel.Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Monday, February 6, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.Memorial visitation will be Sunday 5PM - 7PM with a combined vigil and rosary at 7PM all at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian High School.Condolences may be shared by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Mary Ann Befort

Michael A. Todd, age 70, peacefully 
passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at his home in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 14, 1952, in Akron, Colorado, the son of 
Harold and Mary Dickinson Todd.&nbsp; Mike grew up in Leoti, Kansas, and moved
 to Scott City, Kansas, in 1993 where he worked for the City of Scott 
City for 19 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Spuds Coffee Group and was an avid hunter.

On April 16, 1985, he married Kay Simons in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.

Survivors include his Wife - Kay Todd of Scott City, Kansas, Three 
Children - Ryan &amp; Shannon Todd of Gainesville, Florida, Chastel 
&amp; Eric Vallerand of Gainesville, Florida, Jeffrey &amp; Rachel 
Gilmore of Terry, Mississippi, Mother In Law - Norma Heiney of Scott 
City, Kansas, Sister In Law - Carlisa Davis of Scott City, Kansas, Five 
Grandchildren - Kambrea Gilmore of Terry, Mississippi, Nathan Vallerand 
of Gainesville, Florida, Lyra Todd of Gainesville, Florida, Callan Todd 
of Gainesville, Florida, Alden Todd of Gainesville, Florida, and Great 
Friends, Numerous Relatives, Maggie, Spike and his Cat Family.

Mike was preceded in death by his Parents and One Son - Brett Todd.

Memorial Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 
February 7, 2023, at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center at 212 E. 
5th Street in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor Don Williams presiding.&nbsp;

In Lieu Of Flower, memorials can be written to the Mike Todd Memorial
 Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, 
Kansas.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 6,
 2023, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 410 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675357509791.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael A. Todd, age 70, peacefully 
passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at his home in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on October 14, 1952, in Akron, Colorado, the son of 
Harold and Mary Dickinson Todd.&nbsp; Mike grew up in Leoti, Kansas, and moved
 to Scott City, Kansas, in 1993 where he worked for the City of Scott 
City for 19 years before retiring.He was a member of the Spuds Coffee Group and was an avid hunter.On April 16, 1985, he married Kay Simons in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.Survivors include his Wife - Kay Todd of Scott City, Kansas, Three 
Children - Ryan &amp; Shannon Todd of Gainesville, Florida, Chastel 
&amp; Eric Vallerand of Gainesville, Florida, Jeffrey &amp; Rachel 
Gilmore of Terry, Mississippi, Mother In Law - Norma Heiney of Scott 
City, Kansas, Sister In Law - Carlisa Davis of Scott City, Kansas, Five 
Grandchildren - Kambrea Gilmore of Terry, Mississippi, Nathan Vallerand 
of Gainesville, Florida, Lyra Todd of Gainesville, Florida, Callan Todd 
of Gainesville, Florida, Alden Todd of Gainesville, Florida, and Great 
Friends, Numerous Relatives, Maggie, Spike and his Cat Family.Mike was preceded in death by his Parents and One Son - Brett Todd.Memorial Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 
February 7, 2023, at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center at 212 E. 
5th Street in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor Don Williams presiding.&nbsp;In Lieu Of Flower, memorials can be written to the Mike Todd Memorial
 Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, 
Kansas.Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 6,
 2023, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 410 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later time.

Michael A. Todd

Annette “Nettie” Norman, age 76, died Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Azria Health Woodhaven Care Center in Great Bend, Kansas.

She was born October 22, 1946, in Pratt, Kansas. &nbsp;Annette was the&nbsp;fifth&nbsp;of&nbsp;seven&nbsp;children.&nbsp;She lived in various locations before settling in Hays, in her adult years.&nbsp;After 25 years of employment, she retired from Good Samaritan&nbsp;Society of Hays Care Center. &nbsp;

Nettie loved to socialize with family and friends.&nbsp;Her quick wit, humorous stories, and caring nature brightened the lives of those who knew her.&nbsp;She was truly one of a kind, with her own unique slang and a big playful smile.&nbsp;Perhaps she said it best at her retirement party when she commented, "I'm just so ornery."

She is survived by&nbsp;her&nbsp;brother,&nbsp;Bob Bandy and wife,&nbsp;Fran,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aurora, CO; her&nbsp;friend Ray Morris,&nbsp;Russell, KS, her DSNWK family, and countless others in the community whose lives she touched.&nbsp;

She was&nbsp;preceded&nbsp;in death by her mother, Margaret Bandy;&nbsp;her&nbsp;brothers,&nbsp;Carl;&nbsp;Jake;&nbsp;Milton; her&nbsp;sisters,&nbsp;Wanda and Helen;&nbsp;and&nbsp;her&nbsp;two sons.&nbsp;

Funeral Services are at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 6, 2023, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 with Rev. Troy Miller. &nbsp;Burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery Hays, Kansas. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday at the mortuary.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested made payable to DSNWK in care of the mortuary.

Her funeral service will be live streamed at http://evt.live/annette-norman-funeral-service

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675297745248.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Annette “Nettie” Norman, age 76, died Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Azria Health Woodhaven Care Center in Great Bend, Kansas.She was born October 22, 1946, in Pratt, Kansas. &nbsp;Annette was the&nbsp;fifth&nbsp;of&nbsp;seven&nbsp;children.&nbsp;She lived in various locations before settling in Hays, in her adult years.&nbsp;After 25 years of employment, she retired from Good Samaritan&nbsp;Society of Hays Care Center. &nbsp;Nettie loved to socialize with family and friends.&nbsp;Her quick wit, humorous stories, and caring nature brightened the lives of those who knew her.&nbsp;She was truly one of a kind, with her own unique slang and a big playful smile.&nbsp;Perhaps she said it best at her retirement party when she commented, "I'm just so ornery."She is survived by&nbsp;her&nbsp;brother,&nbsp;Bob Bandy and wife,&nbsp;Fran,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aurora, CO; her&nbsp;friend Ray Morris,&nbsp;Russell, KS, her DSNWK family, and countless others in the community whose lives she touched.&nbsp;She was&nbsp;preceded&nbsp;in death by her mother, Margaret Bandy;&nbsp;her&nbsp;brothers,&nbsp;Carl;&nbsp;Jake;&nbsp;Milton; her&nbsp;sisters,&nbsp;Wanda and Helen;&nbsp;and&nbsp;her&nbsp;two sons.&nbsp;Funeral Services are at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 6, 2023, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 with Rev. Troy Miller. &nbsp;Burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery Hays, Kansas. &nbsp; &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday at the mortuary.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorials are suggested made payable to DSNWK in care of the mortuary.Her funeral service will be live streamed at http://evt.live/annette-norman-funeral-serviceCondolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Annette 'Nettie' Norman

Hanna Elizabeth (Casad) Townley was born June 24, 1982, in Hays, KS. 
She passed away at the age of 40 on Friday, January 27, 2023, in Lincoln 
KS. 

She was the daughter of Cheryl (Iwanski) Casad and Andrew Casad. 

Hanna
 was a graduate of Stockton High School, Stockton KS, class of 2001 and 
furthered her education at Fort Hays State University where she received
 an associate’s degree in office technology. 

Hanna met Chad 
Townley her sophomore year in college, 2002, and they were married March
 18, 2007, at the Monte Carlo Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Hanna and Chad 
have a son, Hunter, who was born on October 18, 2010. Hunter was always 
the apple of her eye. 

She was a resident of Lincoln, where she worked at Lincoln County Courthouse and most recently at the Bank of Tescott.

Hanna
 was a beautiful soul always wearing a smile, quiet but bubbly and spoke
 the sweetest words. She enjoyed watching her son, Hunter, grow up and 
in all of his activities, spending time at the race track, hunting and 
fishing with Chad and Hunter and anyone else they could bring along. 
They were a family that loved just being together. She had a love for 
Boston Terriers and Sadie was her pride and joy, here’s to one last 
“Sadie Come.” 

Hanna was the best mom, wife and friend. She was 
loved by everyone and loved everyone she came in contact with. She 
always wanted everyone to be happy. Always prepared with snacks and 
drinks so no one would go hungry or thirsty. Bottled water was the drink
 of choice. She was always prepared for everything and volunteered to 
clean and even steam clean the carpets. She enjoyed being outside, 
mowing the lawn, taking care of her flowers and had a love-hate 
relationship with her community garden. Hanna loved teasing all she 
loved from her “sch-weetie pie’s” and joking about the gorilla tape 
keeping a shoe together. She always had a one-liner or zinger to keep 
you on your toes.

Hanna was a mother, a wife, a sister, a 
daughter, a friend and one so many loved and cared for. Her smile and 
thoughtfulness could light up a room. Her beauty and love will shine 
forever.

Hanna was preceded in death by her grandparents Kenton and Bea Casad; grandfather Irwin Iwanski; and father-in-law Kent Townley.

Hanna
 is survived by her husband Chad and son Hunter of Lincoln; mother 
Cheryl Casad of Olathe, KS; father Andrew Casad of Lincoln, NE; brother 
Joseph “Joey” Casad (Melissa) of Olathe; mother-in-law Janese Townley of
 Stockton; sisters-in-law, Sandy Townley of Stockton, Shannon Rappoport 
(Kevin) of Parker, CO; brother-in-law Mike Townley of Woodston, KS; 
grandmother Virginia Iwanski of Stockton; nephews Landon and Jameson 
Casad (Joey) of Olathe, and Logan Cone (Shannon) of Parker, CO; and many
 aunts, uncles and cousins.

Public visitation: 1-7 p.m., Friday, 
February 10, 2023, at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, KS. Family will be present 
5-7 p.m. to greet friends.

A private memorial service will be held at Hall Chapel.

In
 lieu of flowers, memorials for Hunter’s education are suggested. Checks
 can be payable to Hunter Townley and sent c/o Hall Chapel, P.O. Box 37,
 Lincoln, KS 67455.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675286818618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hanna Elizabeth (Casad) Townley was born June 24, 1982, in Hays, KS. 
She passed away at the age of 40 on Friday, January 27, 2023, in Lincoln 
KS. She was the daughter of Cheryl (Iwanski) Casad and Andrew Casad. Hanna
 was a graduate of Stockton High School, Stockton KS, class of 2001 and 
furthered her education at Fort Hays State University where she received
 an associate’s degree in office technology. Hanna met Chad 
Townley her sophomore year in college, 2002, and they were married March
 18, 2007, at the Monte Carlo Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Hanna and Chad 
have a son, Hunter, who was born on October 18, 2010. Hunter was always 
the apple of her eye. She was a resident of Lincoln, where she worked at Lincoln County Courthouse and most recently at the Bank of Tescott.Hanna
 was a beautiful soul always wearing a smile, quiet but bubbly and spoke
 the sweetest words. She enjoyed watching her son, Hunter, grow up and 
in all of his activities, spending time at the race track, hunting and 
fishing with Chad and Hunter and anyone else they could bring along. 
They were a family that loved just being together. She had a love for 
Boston Terriers and Sadie was her pride and joy, here’s to one last 
“Sadie Come.” Hanna was the best mom, wife and friend. She was 
loved by everyone and loved everyone she came in contact with. She 
always wanted everyone to be happy. Always prepared with snacks and 
drinks so no one would go hungry or thirsty. Bottled water was the drink
 of choice. She was always prepared for everything and volunteered to 
clean and even steam clean the carpets. She enjoyed being outside, 
mowing the lawn, taking care of her flowers and had a love-hate 
relationship with her community garden. Hanna loved teasing all she 
loved from her “sch-weetie pie’s” and joking about the gorilla tape 
keeping a shoe together. She always had a one-liner or zinger to keep 
you on your toes.Hanna was a mother, a wife, a sister, a 
daughter, a friend and one so many loved and cared for. Her smile and 
thoughtfulness could light up a room. Her beauty and love will shine 
forever.Hanna was preceded in death by her grandparents Kenton and Bea Casad; grandfather Irwin Iwanski; and father-in-law Kent Townley.Hanna
 is survived by her husband Chad and son Hunter of Lincoln; mother 
Cheryl Casad of Olathe, KS; father Andrew Casad of Lincoln, NE; brother 
Joseph “Joey” Casad (Melissa) of Olathe; mother-in-law Janese Townley of
 Stockton; sisters-in-law, Sandy Townley of Stockton, Shannon Rappoport 
(Kevin) of Parker, CO; brother-in-law Mike Townley of Woodston, KS; 
grandmother Virginia Iwanski of Stockton; nephews Landon and Jameson 
Casad (Joey) of Olathe, and Logan Cone (Shannon) of Parker, CO; and many
 aunts, uncles and cousins.Public visitation: 1-7 p.m., Friday, 
February 10, 2023, at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, KS. Family will be present 
5-7 p.m. to greet friends.A private memorial service will be held at Hall Chapel.In
 lieu of flowers, memorials for Hunter’s education are suggested. Checks
 can be payable to Hunter Townley and sent c/o Hall Chapel, P.O. Box 37,
 Lincoln, KS 67455.&nbsp;

Hanna Elizabeth (Casad) Townley

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Featuring seven home games – including two with new league members – K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference announced Kansas State’s 2023 football schedule on Tuesday.

The 2023 campaign kicks off against Southeast Missouri on September 2, while the Wildcats host Troy – which finished in the top 20 in the final polls – on September 9. The Wildcats and SEMO will meet for the first time on the gridiron, while it will be the second all-time meeting between K-State and Troy after the Wildcats won at home, 41-5, in 2003.

Kansas State closes out non-conference action by traveling to face Missouri on September 16. It will be ninth time in the last 10 years the Wildcats will face an SEC team, including the first on the road since topping Mississippi State, 31-24, in 2019.

The Wildcats open up league play and the defense of their Big 12 title by hosting one of the league’s newest members, UCF, on September 23. The only other meeting between the Wildcats and Knights came in Manhattan in 2010, a 17-10 K-State victory on a touchdown with less than one minute remaining.

K-State then has its bye week before traveling to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to face Oklahoma State on Friday, October 6. It will be the Wildcats’ first regular-season weekday game since opening up the 2016 season on a Friday at Stanford and the first in conference action since hosting Baylor on a Thursday night in 2015.

The Wildcats travel to face Texas Tech on October 14 before back-to-back home games against TCU (October 21) and Houston (October 28). K-State and UH, another new Big 12 member in 2023, will be meeting for the first time ever.

<a>The month of November opens with a trip to Texas on November 4 and a home game against Baylor on November 11. The Dillons Sunflower Showdown will be in Lawrence this season on November 18, while the Wildcats close out the regular season by hosting Iowa State on November 25.</a>

The 2023 Big 12 Championship game will be held on December 1 at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Game dates are subject to change. Kansas State will announce season-ticket options for the 2023 season later today.

<a>2023 K-STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (Dates Subject to Change)</a>

September 2 Southeast Missouri, Manhattan, Kan.

(Friday)&nbsp;October 6 at Oklahoma State, Stillwater, Okla.

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PR

Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN —&nbsp;Featuring seven home games – including two with new league members – K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference announced Kansas State’s 2023 football schedule on Tuesday.The 2023 campaign kicks off against Southeast Missouri on September 2, while the Wildcats host Troy – which finished in the top 20 in the final polls – on September 9. The Wildcats and SEMO will meet for the first time on the gridiron, while it will be the second all-time meeting between K-State and Troy after the Wildcats won at home, 41-5, in 2003.Kansas State closes out non-conference action by traveling to face Missouri on September 16. It will be ninth time in the last 10 years the Wildcats will face an SEC team, including the first on the road since topping Mississippi State, 31-24, in 2019.The Wildcats open up league play and the defense of their Big 12 title by hosting one of the league’s newest members, UCF, on September 23. The only other meeting between the Wildcats and Knights came in Manhattan in 2010, a 17-10 K-State victory on a touchdown with less than one minute remaining.K-State then has its bye week before traveling to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to face Oklahoma State on Friday, October 6. It will be the Wildcats’ first regular-season weekday game since opening up the 2016 season on a Friday at Stanford and the first in conference action since hosting Baylor on a Thursday night in 2015.The Wildcats travel to face Texas Tech on October 14 before back-to-back home games against TCU (October 21) and Houston (October 28). K-State and UH, another new Big 12 member in 2023, will be meeting for the first time ever.<a>The month of November opens with a trip to Texas on November 4 and a home game against Baylor on November 11. The Dillons Sunflower Showdown will be in Lawrence this season on November 18, while the Wildcats close out the regular season by hosting Iowa State on November 25.</a>The 2023 Big 12 Championship game will be held on December 1 at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Game dates are subject to change. Kansas State will announce season-ticket options for the 2023 season later today.<a>2023 K-STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (Dates Subject to Change)</a>September 2 Southeast Missouri, Manhattan, Kan.September 9 Troy,&nbsp;Manhattan, Kan.September 16 at Missouri, Columbia, Mo.September 23 UCF, Manhattan, Kan.(Friday)&nbsp;October 6 at Oklahoma State, Stillwater, Okla.October 14 at Texas Tech, Lubbock, TexasOctober 21 TCU, Manhattan, Kan.October 28 Houston, Manhattan, Kan.November 4 at Texas,&nbsp; Austin, TexasNovember 11 Baylor, Manhattan, Kan.November 18 at Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.November 25 Iowa State, Manhattan, Kan.KENNY LANNOUExecutive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PRK-State Athletics

🏈 K-State, Big 12 announce 2023 football schedule

Jerry Warren Schmutz, age 85, passed away Friday December 30, 2022, in
 Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born October 3, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas,&nbsp; to Lawrence Ralph and Ruth Rockey Schmutz. He grew up in Great Bend, 
Kansas, with friends whom he kept in touch with and cherished seeing at 
class reunions.

After graduation from Great Bend High School in Kansas, Jerry and 
twin brother Larry joined the Navy. They served on the USS Hopewell DD 
681 touring the Pacific. After returning home to Kansas, Jerry married 
Sharon and started a family. He became a piping engineer for Fluor 
Daniels. There he designed refineries and reactors domestically and 
internationally. They lived in such places as Holland, Iran and South 
Africa. Jerry and Jane knew each other from high school, connected at a 
class reunion, married, and later retired in Fayetteville.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Ransberger Schmutz; his son Mark L. 
Schmutz and daughters Melanie G. Nugent of Minnesota, Cheryl A. Kennedy 
of Texas, and Natalie W. Olsen of Fayetteville, Arkansas; four 
grandchildren and two great grandchildren.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by 
his parents, twin brother John Lawrence Schmutz, and his first wife 
Sharon Boyle Schmutz.

Cremation has been chosen and there will be a Graveside Memorial 
Service held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Great Bend 
Cemetery in Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Joseph Smeragliuolo 
officiating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675189067360.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jerry Warren Schmutz, age 85, passed away Friday December 30, 2022, in
 Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born October 3, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas,&nbsp; to Lawrence Ralph and Ruth Rockey Schmutz. He grew up in Great Bend, 
Kansas, with friends whom he kept in touch with and cherished seeing at 
class reunions.After graduation from Great Bend High School in Kansas, Jerry and 
twin brother Larry joined the Navy. They served on the USS Hopewell DD 
681 touring the Pacific. After returning home to Kansas, Jerry married 
Sharon and started a family. He became a piping engineer for Fluor 
Daniels. There he designed refineries and reactors domestically and 
internationally. They lived in such places as Holland, Iran and South 
Africa. Jerry and Jane knew each other from high school, connected at a 
class reunion, married, and later retired in Fayetteville.He is survived by his wife, Jane Ransberger Schmutz; his son Mark L. 
Schmutz and daughters Melanie G. Nugent of Minnesota, Cheryl A. Kennedy 
of Texas, and Natalie W. Olsen of Fayetteville, Arkansas; four 
grandchildren and two great grandchildren.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by 
his parents, twin brother John Lawrence Schmutz, and his first wife 
Sharon Boyle Schmutz.Cremation has been chosen and there will be a Graveside Memorial 
Service held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Great Bend 
Cemetery in Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Joseph Smeragliuolo 
officiating.

Jerry Warren Schmutz

BY JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury was sworn in and the trial for the State v. Kyle Hardwick officially began in the courtroom of Judge Keith Schroeder on Jan. 25. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state called upon over 45 witnesses to testify in the case, as well as presented over 110 pieces of evidence. &nbsp;

Kyle Hardwick, represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma, is pleading not guilty to the charges of Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;One count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;Two counts of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The charges stem from the murders of Marion “Ed” Bates, 56, Hutchinson, and&nbsp;Phillip Anstine, 58, Hutchinson, in August 2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In their opening statement, Loftis presented Hardwick’s defense. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis told the jury that on Aug. 24, 2021, Hardwick had travelled with Phillip Anstine to the “compound.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phillip Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“After drinking about half a beer and eating piece of pizza, Kyle starts to feel sick,” Loftis said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Loftis, Hardwick woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is said to surmise he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is alleged to have tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine is said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis said, when Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is said to have played to Anstine’s paranoia by looking over Anstine’s shoulder, forcing him to turn around. Hardwick was then said to have used this gambit to wrestle the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pump house, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Marion Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Cathy Havel and Marion Bates had been close friends for around 11 years. Havel last spoke to Bates on Aug. 25, 2021, about a COVID-19 test she was going to take. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bates said he could not talk at that moment, and had something to do at the compound. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel never heard back from Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel said she texted and called Bates multiple times on Aug. 26, 2021, and that it was unusual for Bates to not answer his phone in a timely manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Havel did try to reach Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Corroborating each other’s&nbsp;testimonies as they took the stand separately, Havel and Dawnita Hartung eventually went to the compound to search for Bates and Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They noticed a red Ford pickup truck in the driveway. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It was there they met a man, unknown to them,&nbsp;who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel and Hartung pointed out Kyle Hardwick as the man who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;As ‘Birch,’ Hardwick told the two women that Bates and Anstine had gone to town to buy cigarettes about 40 minutes prior.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The women found this suspicious given how close the nearest gas station was.&nbsp;‘Birch’ had told the women his mother had kicked him out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hartung during her testimony, said ‘Kyle Birch’ was not someone Bates would hang out with. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Later when the women returned to the compound, they found that the red truck, and Hardwick as ‘Birch,’&nbsp;were gone. &nbsp;Havel and Hartung left notes in the driveway for Bates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joined by Jerry Bastion on Aug. 27, Havel and Hartung searched for Bates on the property. &nbsp;&nbsp;Kenneth Bates, the brother of Marion Bates, who was informed his brother was missing, gave Bastion permission to break into Marion Bates’ garage. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There they found Marion Bates unattended vehicle, with his wallet still inside.&nbsp; Shortly after, the authorities were called for a welfare check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office responded and surveyed the property. Deputies located the body of Marion Bates that day.&nbsp; Bates was discovered in the dried up pond covered by&nbsp;tree limbs. Forensic evidence used to identify him revealed he had not been dead long and that his head was riddled with shotgun pellets. &nbsp;&nbsp;On Aug. 28, at 8 a.m., following the discovery of Bates, a search warrant was obtained for the rest of the property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Reno County Sheriff’s deputy Matthew Mondragon, three feet from where Bates was found, Anstine was discovered in a burn&nbsp;pit. Most of his body had been incinerated by a fire in the pit. Forensic evidence used to identify Anstine showed he had been shot in the head as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mondragon identified other pieces of evidence found on the property, including combustible materials, and items belonging to Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These items included two debit cards, one with Hardwick’s name, a social security card, also with Hardwick’s name, and a bus ticket with the name ‘Kyle Hardhack.’&nbsp;&nbsp;

The defense did not cross-examine many witnesses, but they did Mondragon. Mondragon was asked to recall zip-ties found on the property and if they could be used to restrain somebody, which he confirmed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A drone was deployed by Reno County Sheriff Jeremy VanWey to gather another view of the crime scene.&nbsp;

Some of the evidence collected from the scene included .12 gauge shotgun shells, gas cans, campfire fuel, the barrel of a shotgun from the burn pit Anstine was found in,&nbsp;a pair of gloves, two empty bottles of Kentucky Deluxe bourbon, two&nbsp;empty bottles of vodka, a Dollar General receipt,&nbsp;and soil samples with biomaterial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During his testimony, Daniel Nowlan, Reno County Death Investigator, noted for Anstine’s body to burn the way it did, the fire would have to been man-maintained for a time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During cross-examination by the defense, Nowlan did confirm that Phillip Anstine did not die by burning alive, and cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The same cause of death determined for Marion Bates. He also said that Hardwick acted in self-defense could not be ruled out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Following Daniel Nowlan, the jury was dismissed for the first day. &nbsp;

On day two, Sedgwick County Forensic Center DNA analyst Therese Gibler testified that through her analysis, a sample she tested was almost certainly that of a child of Marion Bates' mother, Betty and a separate sample was almost certainly that of a child of Phillip Anstine's father, Duane. This was intended to establish that the victims were Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine.&nbsp;

Sedgwick County Forensic Center's Dr. Scott Kipper performed the autopsies on Bates and Anstine and confirmed that the shotgun wound killed Bates. Anstine's body was significantly burned, but Kipper was still able to determine that a shotgun wound also killed Anstine. Kipper could not rule out the possibility that the shots were in self-defense.&nbsp;

Several law enforcement witnesses were then called, including members of the Reno County Sheriff's Office and Maize Police, to establish the security of the crime scene and the circumstances under which Kyle Hardwick was found and arrested in Maize on Sept. 1.&nbsp;

The prosecution also attempted to establish through law enforcement testimony that electronic devices, including what they believe to be a cell phone, were found in a fire pit on the property. In addition, they went over the circumstances in which Phillip Anstine's truck was found elsewhere in the county in October.&nbsp;

Also, Anstine's friend Paul Jorgenson testified by Zoom from Wyoming to establish that Anstine told him he had both silver and gold on the property at the compound where the murders occurred.&nbsp;

The majority of day three of the State v. Kyle Hardwick, saw testimonies from officials with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). &nbsp;

During the corroborating testimony of the KBI, regarding the inventory and investigation of the items found in the truck, established to belong to Phillip Anstine, day three saw the most evidence admitted by the state. Including:&nbsp;

A Motorola blue cellphone; mesh covering; a beer bottle; two ghillie suits; a red bag containing ammunition; a pellet rifle; a total of six guns between five rifle cases; a camo duffle bag; metal siding that when removed, revealed seven ammunition boxes containing mostly 22 caliber ammunition; .12 gauge ammunition; a metal tool box; a vitamin container labeled ‘char-claw;’ two action cameras; jeep keys; as well as three empty packages of Marlboro Black 100s cigarettes. &nbsp;

The same brand of cigarettes had previously been found in the camper located at the compound and the abandoned grain silo where Hardwick was arrested. &nbsp;

The inventory of the truck was delivered in testimony by Chris Engle-Tjaden with the KBI.&nbsp;

During cross-examination, the defense confirmed the existence of the .380 ammunition. &nbsp;

Under defense examination, Engle-Tjaden said the only correlation to the mesh covering, was that it was found in the truck. &nbsp;

Forensic testing revealed Hardwick’s DNA was found on a lot of the items. Latent prints belonging to Hardwick were found on a food container and soda bottles. A latent print of Hardwick’s palm was also found on the truck. &nbsp;

Day three closed with people known to Hardwick taking the stand, Chase Mattingly and Sherry Reed. &nbsp;

During his testimony, Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;

He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;

During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;

The state then called key witness, Sherry Reed. &nbsp;

Reed said she has known Hardwick since high school. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630432406794.png" alt="Hardwock photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Hardwock photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury was sworn in and the trial for the State v. Kyle Hardwick officially began in the courtroom of Judge Keith Schroeder on Jan. 25. &nbsp;&nbsp;The state called upon over 45 witnesses to testify in the case, as well as presented over 110 pieces of evidence. &nbsp;Kyle Hardwick, represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma, is pleading not guilty to the charges of Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;One count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;Two counts of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;The charges stem from the murders of Marion “Ed” Bates, 56, Hutchinson, and&nbsp;Phillip Anstine, 58, Hutchinson, in August 2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;In their opening statement, Loftis presented Hardwick’s defense. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis told the jury that on Aug. 24, 2021, Hardwick had travelled with Phillip Anstine to the “compound.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phillip Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;“After drinking about half a beer and eating piece of pizza, Kyle starts to feel sick,” Loftis said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;According to Loftis, Hardwick woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is said to surmise he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is alleged to have tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine is said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis said, when Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is said to have played to Anstine’s paranoia by looking over Anstine’s shoulder, forcing him to turn around. Hardwick was then said to have used this gambit to wrestle the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pump house, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Marion Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons.&nbsp; &nbsp;Cathy Havel and Marion Bates had been close friends for around 11 years. Havel last spoke to Bates on Aug. 25, 2021, about a COVID-19 test she was going to take. &nbsp;&nbsp;Bates said he could not talk at that moment, and had something to do at the compound. &nbsp;&nbsp;Havel never heard back from Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Havel said she texted and called Bates multiple times on Aug. 26, 2021, and that it was unusual for Bates to not answer his phone in a timely manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence presented during the trial showed that Havel did try to reach Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Corroborating each other’s&nbsp;testimonies as they took the stand separately, Havel and Dawnita Hartung eventually went to the compound to search for Bates and Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;They noticed a red Ford pickup truck in the driveway. &nbsp;&nbsp;It was there they met a man, unknown to them,&nbsp;who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;Havel and Hartung pointed out Kyle Hardwick as the man who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;As ‘Birch,’ Hardwick told the two women that Bates and Anstine had gone to town to buy cigarettes about 40 minutes prior.&nbsp;&nbsp;The women found this suspicious given how close the nearest gas station was.&nbsp;‘Birch’ had told the women his mother had kicked him out. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hartung during her testimony, said ‘Kyle Birch’ was not someone Bates would hang out with. &nbsp;&nbsp;Later when the women returned to the compound, they found that the red truck, and Hardwick as ‘Birch,’&nbsp;were gone. &nbsp;Havel and Hartung left notes in the driveway for Bates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Joined by Jerry Bastion on Aug. 27, Havel and Hartung searched for Bates on the property. &nbsp;&nbsp;Kenneth Bates, the brother of Marion Bates, who was informed his brother was missing, gave Bastion permission to break into Marion Bates’ garage. &nbsp;&nbsp;There they found Marion Bates unattended vehicle, with his wallet still inside.&nbsp; Shortly after, the authorities were called for a welfare check.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Reno County Sheriff’s Office responded and surveyed the property. Deputies located the body of Marion Bates that day.&nbsp; Bates was discovered in the dried up pond covered by&nbsp;tree limbs. Forensic evidence used to identify him revealed he had not been dead long and that his head was riddled with shotgun pellets. &nbsp;&nbsp;On Aug. 28, at 8 a.m., following the discovery of Bates, a search warrant was obtained for the rest of the property.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reno County Sheriff’s deputy Matthew Mondragon, three feet from where Bates was found, Anstine was discovered in a burn&nbsp;pit. Most of his body had been incinerated by a fire in the pit. Forensic evidence used to identify Anstine showed he had been shot in the head as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;Mondragon identified other pieces of evidence found on the property, including combustible materials, and items belonging to Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;These items included two debit cards, one with Hardwick’s name, a social security card, also with Hardwick’s name, and a bus ticket with the name ‘Kyle Hardhack.’&nbsp;&nbsp;The defense did not cross-examine many witnesses, but they did Mondragon. Mondragon was asked to recall zip-ties found on the property and if they could be used to restrain somebody, which he confirmed. &nbsp;&nbsp;A drone was deployed by Reno County Sheriff Jeremy VanWey to gather another view of the crime scene.&nbsp;Some of the evidence collected from the scene included .12 gauge shotgun shells, gas cans, campfire fuel, the barrel of a shotgun from the burn pit Anstine was found in,&nbsp;a pair of gloves, two empty bottles of Kentucky Deluxe bourbon, two&nbsp;empty bottles of vodka, a Dollar General receipt,&nbsp;and soil samples with biomaterial.&nbsp;&nbsp;During his testimony, Daniel Nowlan, Reno County Death Investigator, noted for Anstine’s body to burn the way it did, the fire would have to been man-maintained for a time. &nbsp;&nbsp;During cross-examination by the defense, Nowlan did confirm that Phillip Anstine did not die by burning alive, and cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The same cause of death determined for Marion Bates. He also said that Hardwick acted in self-defense could not be ruled out. &nbsp;&nbsp;Following Daniel Nowlan, the jury was dismissed for the first day. &nbsp;On day two, Sedgwick County Forensic Center DNA analyst Therese Gibler testified that through her analysis, a sample she tested was almost certainly that of a child of Marion Bates' mother, Betty and a separate sample was almost certainly that of a child of Phillip Anstine's father, Duane. This was intended to establish that the victims were Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine.&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Center's Dr. Scott Kipper performed the autopsies on Bates and Anstine and confirmed that the shotgun wound killed Bates. Anstine's body was significantly burned, but Kipper was still able to determine that a shotgun wound also killed Anstine. Kipper could not rule out the possibility that the shots were in self-defense.&nbsp;Several law enforcement witnesses were then called, including members of the Reno County Sheriff's Office and Maize Police, to establish the security of the crime scene and the circumstances under which Kyle Hardwick was found and arrested in Maize on Sept. 1.&nbsp;The prosecution also attempted to establish through law enforcement testimony that electronic devices, including what they believe to be a cell phone, were found in a fire pit on the property. In addition, they went over the circumstances in which Phillip Anstine's truck was found elsewhere in the county in October.&nbsp;Also, Anstine's friend Paul Jorgenson testified by Zoom from Wyoming to establish that Anstine told him he had both silver and gold on the property at the compound where the murders occurred.&nbsp;The majority of day three of the State v. Kyle Hardwick, saw testimonies from officials with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). &nbsp;During the corroborating testimony of the KBI, regarding the inventory and investigation of the items found in the truck, established to belong to Phillip Anstine, day three saw the most evidence admitted by the state. Including:&nbsp;A Motorola blue cellphone; mesh covering; a beer bottle; two ghillie suits; a red bag containing ammunition; a pellet rifle; a total of six guns between five rifle cases; a camo duffle bag; metal siding that when removed, revealed seven ammunition boxes containing mostly 22 caliber ammunition; .12 gauge ammunition; a metal tool box; a vitamin container labeled ‘char-claw;’ two action cameras; jeep keys; as well as three empty packages of Marlboro Black 100s cigarettes. &nbsp;The same brand of cigarettes had previously been found in the camper located at the compound and the abandoned grain silo where Hardwick was arrested. &nbsp;The inventory of the truck was delivered in testimony by Chris Engle-Tjaden with the KBI.&nbsp;During cross-examination, the defense confirmed the existence of the .380 ammunition. &nbsp;Under defense examination, Engle-Tjaden said the only correlation to the mesh covering, was that it was found in the truck. &nbsp;Forensic testing revealed Hardwick’s DNA was found on a lot of the items. Latent prints belonging to Hardwick were found on a food container and soda bottles. A latent print of Hardwick’s palm was also found on the truck. &nbsp;Day three closed with people known to Hardwick taking the stand, Chase Mattingly and Sherry Reed. &nbsp;During his testimony, Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;The state then called key witness, Sherry Reed. &nbsp;Reed said she has known Hardwick since high school. &nbsp;Reed, of Lawrence, Kansas, said she believed she still has a friendship with Hardwick. Hardwick had previously lived with Reed. &nbsp;Hardwick’s&nbsp;additional count of solicitation to commit perjury stems from&nbsp;a FaceTime call between the defendant and Reed.&nbsp;The FaceTime call had been played in court prior when Hardwick was bound over in June 2022, and was played again on Jan. 27. &nbsp;In the recorded FaceTime conversation, Hardwick repeatedly tells Reed not to show up for the hearing and, if she did testify, to tell the court she was mentally unstable and on drugs. At one time he said, “Please don’t come,” and repeatedly said, “you don’t have to show up.”&nbsp;Hardwick was also noted as telling Reed to “just tell the truth.” &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/07b4a825-c01a-4caf-9b40-ceac29173d6b" target="_blank">Much like her last reported appearance in court,</a> Reed&nbsp;seemed very confused. &nbsp;She could not remember much about phone calls she got from Hardwick or her meetings with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, nor&nbsp;whether she drove him from Lawrence to a bus station in Kansas City.&nbsp;During her testimony, Reed implied numerous times her confusion with her activities with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, conversations with Hardwick, and whether she dropped him off at a bus stop were due to her not having her ‘calendar’ or her ‘notes.’ &nbsp;In effort to help Reed remember, courtesy of the state, she was presented with copies of her prior testimony to aid her in current testimony.&nbsp;When asked, after taking a moment to review her prior testimony, Reed said she took Hardwick to a bus station in Kansas City in the morning of August 2021. &nbsp;When asked if she remembered telling the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, she was given $600 out of $1,200 from Hardwick, Reed said she only remembered having $600. &nbsp;Reed said she remembered giving a lot of evidence to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, including a Dollar General receipt for a cell phone. &nbsp;Despite the aid of having a copy of her prior testimony, Reed’s memory issues persisted. &nbsp;The state and Judge Schroeder suggested Reed retrieve the notes she claimed to have, if they would aid with her testimony. However, Reed said they were in her car. &nbsp;Reed said she knew Hardwick was coming to Hutchinson via bus when she dropped him off in Kansas City. &nbsp;When presented with state evidence of an iPhone, Reed said she remembered providing the phone to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. &nbsp;The state yielded their time with Reed to cross-examination with the defense. &nbsp;Reed told the defense, she does get a prescription for anxiety, as well as a prescription for Adderall. &nbsp;The first witness of day four of the trial, was Scott Anstine, the brother of Phillip Anstine. &nbsp;Scott Anstine said his brother usually stored his weapons in his house, and never just left them in his truck. He confirmed the firearms found in the truck in prior testimony were his brother’s. &nbsp;Scott Anstine said Phillip Anstine did not store his ammunition on the compound. &nbsp;Scott Anstine told the court, he is the heir to his brother’s estate. &nbsp;According to Scott Anstine, his brother kept his truck clean. &nbsp;During cross-examination and redirection, Scott Anstine did confirm that Phillip Anstine carried a pistol matching the description in the defense’s opening statement. &nbsp;The testimony of Det. Matt Franklin with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, the lead investigator of the murders of Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine, recalled to the court the events of the case. &nbsp;According to Det. Franklin, no gold or silver had been found on the compound. &nbsp;Only Phillip Anstine will know where the boxes of silver and gold others say he had are buried on the property.&nbsp;During his testimony, it was established via state and defense that Kyle Hardwick and Phillip Anstine had a friendly relationship. &nbsp;Det. Franklin was able to recall that through interviews with Sherry Reed and her submission of case-related items from August 2021 to October 2021, Hardwick was able to be taken into custody. &nbsp;It was also established that it was unclear what started the fire used to burn Anstine’s body. &nbsp;During Sherry Reed’s second testimony during the trial, she told the court she remained in contact with Hardwick post-arrest. &nbsp;Following Det. Franklin's testimony, Reed had a much better memory, and even supplied more intimate details about Hardwick, including his work history.&nbsp;The state rested their case on Jan. 30.&nbsp; The defense will continue presenting its evidence on Tuesday, Jan. 31.