WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden'</a>&nbsp;s advocacy for curing cancer didn't start with her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">son's death in 2015 from brain cancer</a>. It began decades earlier, long before she came into the national spotlight, and could now be further energized by her own brush with a common form of skin cancer.

The first lady often says the worst three words anyone will ever hear are, “You have cancer." She heard a version of that phrase for herself this past week.

A lesion that doctors had found above her right eye during a routine screening late last year was removed on Wednesday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma</a>&nbsp;— a highly treatable form of skin cancer. While Biden was being prepped to remove the lesion, doctors found and removed another one from the left side of her chest, also confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma. A third lesion from her left eyelid was being examined.

While it's too early to know when and how Biden might address her situation publicly, her experience could inject new purpose into what has become part of her life's work highlighting research into curing cancer and urging people to get regular screenings.

Personal experiences can add potency to a public figure's advocacy.

“Nothing like ‘I’ve been there, done that' and being personally involved," said Myra Gutin, a first lady scholar at Rider University.

Biden's spokesperson, Vanessa Valdivia, said “the first lady's fight against cancer has always been personal. She knows that cancer touches us all.”

Biden's advocacy dates to 1993, when four girlfriends were diagnosed with breast cancer, including her pal Winnie, who succumbed to the disease. She said last year in a speech that “Winnie inspired me to take up the cause of prevention and education.”

That experience led her to create the Biden Breast Health Initiative, one of the first breast health programs in the United States, to teach 16-to 18-year-old girls about caring for their breasts. Biden was among staffers who went into Delaware's high schools to conduct lectures and demonstrations.

Her mother, Bonny Jean Jacobs, and father, Donald Jacobs, died of cancer, in 2008 and 1999, respectively. A few years ago, one of her four sisters needed an auto-stem cell transplant to treat her cancer.

In May 2015,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/beau-biden">Beau Biden</a>, President Joe Biden's son with his late first wife, died of a rare and aggressive brain cancer, leaving behind a wife and two young kids. Joe Biden was vice president at the time and the blow from Beau's loss led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-entertainment-stephen-colbert-campaign-2016-beau-biden-37fed6382cc84756929b48eaef4be9ff">decide against running for president in 2016</a>. Jill Biden, who had helped raise Beau from a young age after she married his dad, was convinced he would survive the disease and later described feeling “blinded by the darkness” when he died.

After their son's death, the Bidens helped push for a national commitment to “end cancer as we know it.” Then-President Barack Obama — Biden's boss — put the vice president in charge of what the White House named the Cancer Moonshot.

The Bidens resurrected the initiative after Joe Biden became president and added a new goal of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cancer-initiative-122f2d0782a30d7cf766f2892fc5962a">cutting cancer death rates by at least 50% over the next 25 years</a>, and improving the experience of living with and surviving cancer for patients and their families.

“We’re ensuring that all of our government is ready to get to work,” Jill Biden said at the relaunch announcement at the White House last February. “We’re going to break down the walls that hold research back. We’re going to bring the best of our nation together — patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, doctors, and advocates — all of you — so that we can get this done.”

In the years between Biden serving as vice president and running for president, the Bidens headed up the Biden Cancer Initiative, a charity.

Jill Biden, 71, has been using her first lady platform to highlight research into a cancer cure, along with other issues she has long championed, including education and military families.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-health-disparities-cancer-virginia-2d2b44953030216aeee380b4b64295b4">Her first trip outside of Washington</a>&nbsp;after the January 2021 inauguration was to Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center in Richmond to call for an end to disparities in health care that she said have hurt communities of color.

She has toured cancer centers, including those for children, in New York City, South Carolina, Tennessee, Costa Rica, San Francisco and Florida, among others. She joined the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies — two of her favorite professional sports teams — for events, including during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-health-sports-jill-biden-baseball-976bb1c829fcb1284ae40ce5759038e5">World Series</a>, to highlight efforts to fight cancer through early detection and to honor patients.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month last October, Jill Biden hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-entertainment-health-jill-government-and-politics-a662294f8cdb930e5b8a26c42b07dba1">White House event with the American Cancer Society and singer Mary J. Blige,</a>&nbsp;who became an advocate for cancer screening after losing aunts and other relatives to various forms of cancer.

The first lady also partnered with the Lifetime cable channel to encourage women to get mammograms. A Democrat, she gave&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-jill-covid-government-and-politics-a5391541e8cf5323668dde873758916c">an interview last year to Newsmax</a>, the conservative cable news channel, to discuss the federal investment in accelerating the cancer fight.

She regularly encourages audiences to schedule cancer screening appointments they skipped during the pandemic out of fear of visiting doctor's offices.

Asked on Friday how the first lady was doing, the president flashed a thumbs-up to reporters.

<a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html">Basal cell carcinoma</a>, for which the first lady was treated with the procedure known as Mohs surgery, is the most common type of skin cancer, but also the most curable form. It’s considered highly treatable, especially when caught early. It is a slow-growing cancer that doesn't usually spread and seldom causes serious complications or becomes life-threatening.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skincancer.org/blog/first-lady-jill-biden-undergoes-mohs-surgery/">Skin Cancer Foundation</a>&nbsp;says the delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which makes basal cell carcinoma on and around the eyelids particularly common.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673893202587.png" alt="A lesion that doctors had found above her right eye during a routine screening late last year was removed on Wednesday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma</a>&nbsp;— a highly treatable form of skin cancer.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>A lesion that doctors had found above her right eye during a routine screening late last year was removed on Wednesday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma</a>&nbsp;— a highly treatable form of skin cancer.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden'</a>&nbsp;s advocacy for curing cancer didn't start with her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">son's death in 2015 from brain cancer</a>. It began decades earlier, long before she came into the national spotlight, and could now be further energized by her own brush with a common form of skin cancer.The first lady often says the worst three words anyone will ever hear are, “You have cancer." She heard a version of that phrase for herself this past week.A lesion that doctors had found above her right eye during a routine screening late last year was removed on Wednesday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma</a>&nbsp;— a highly treatable form of skin cancer. While Biden was being prepped to remove the lesion, doctors found and removed another one from the left side of her chest, also confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma. A third lesion from her left eyelid was being examined.While it's too early to know when and how Biden might address her situation publicly, her experience could inject new purpose into what has become part of her life's work highlighting research into curing cancer and urging people to get regular screenings.Personal experiences can add potency to a public figure's advocacy.“Nothing like ‘I’ve been there, done that' and being personally involved," said Myra Gutin, a first lady scholar at Rider University.Biden's spokesperson, Vanessa Valdivia, said “the first lady's fight against cancer has always been personal. She knows that cancer touches us all.”Biden's advocacy dates to 1993, when four girlfriends were diagnosed with breast cancer, including her pal Winnie, who succumbed to the disease. She said last year in a speech that “Winnie inspired me to take up the cause of prevention and education.”That experience led her to create the Biden Breast Health Initiative, one of the first breast health programs in the United States, to teach 16-to 18-year-old girls about caring for their breasts. Biden was among staffers who went into Delaware's high schools to conduct lectures and demonstrations.Her mother, Bonny Jean Jacobs, and father, Donald Jacobs, died of cancer, in 2008 and 1999, respectively. A few years ago, one of her four sisters needed an auto-stem cell transplant to treat her cancer.In May 2015,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/beau-biden">Beau Biden</a>, President Joe Biden's son with his late first wife, died of a rare and aggressive brain cancer, leaving behind a wife and two young kids. Joe Biden was vice president at the time and the blow from Beau's loss led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-entertainment-stephen-colbert-campaign-2016-beau-biden-37fed6382cc84756929b48eaef4be9ff">decide against running for president in 2016</a>. Jill Biden, who had helped raise Beau from a young age after she married his dad, was convinced he would survive the disease and later described feeling “blinded by the darkness” when he died.After their son's death, the Bidens helped push for a national commitment to “end cancer as we know it.” Then-President Barack Obama — Biden's boss — put the vice president in charge of what the White House named the Cancer Moonshot.The Bidens resurrected the initiative after Joe Biden became president and added a new goal of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cancer-initiative-122f2d0782a30d7cf766f2892fc5962a">cutting cancer death rates by at least 50% over the next 25 years</a>, and improving the experience of living with and surviving cancer for patients and their families.“We’re ensuring that all of our government is ready to get to work,” Jill Biden said at the relaunch announcement at the White House last February. “We’re going to break down the walls that hold research back. We’re going to bring the best of our nation together — patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, doctors, and advocates — all of you — so that we can get this done.”In the years between Biden serving as vice president and running for president, the Bidens headed up the Biden Cancer Initiative, a charity.Jill Biden, 71, has been using her first lady platform to highlight research into a cancer cure, along with other issues she has long championed, including education and military families.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-health-disparities-cancer-virginia-2d2b44953030216aeee380b4b64295b4">Her first trip outside of Washington</a>&nbsp;after the January 2021 inauguration was to Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center in Richmond to call for an end to disparities in health care that she said have hurt communities of color.She has toured cancer centers, including those for children, in New York City, South Carolina, Tennessee, Costa Rica, San Francisco and Florida, among others. She joined the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies — two of her favorite professional sports teams — for events, including during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-health-sports-jill-biden-baseball-976bb1c829fcb1284ae40ce5759038e5">World Series</a>, to highlight efforts to fight cancer through early detection and to honor patients.For Breast Cancer Awareness Month last October, Jill Biden hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-entertainment-health-jill-government-and-politics-a662294f8cdb930e5b8a26c42b07dba1">White House event with the American Cancer Society and singer Mary J. Blige,</a>&nbsp;who became an advocate for cancer screening after losing aunts and other relatives to various forms of cancer.The first lady also partnered with the Lifetime cable channel to encourage women to get mammograms. A Democrat, she gave&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-jill-covid-government-and-politics-a5391541e8cf5323668dde873758916c">an interview last year to Newsmax</a>, the conservative cable news channel, to discuss the federal investment in accelerating the cancer fight.She regularly encourages audiences to schedule cancer screening appointments they skipped during the pandemic out of fear of visiting doctor's offices.Asked on Friday how the first lady was doing, the president flashed a thumbs-up to reporters.<a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html">Basal cell carcinoma</a>, for which the first lady was treated with the procedure known as Mohs surgery, is the most common type of skin cancer, but also the most curable form. It’s considered highly treatable, especially when caught early. It is a slow-growing cancer that doesn't usually spread and seldom causes serious complications or becomes life-threatening.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skincancer.org/blog/first-lady-jill-biden-undergoes-mohs-surgery/">Skin Cancer Foundation</a>&nbsp;says the delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which makes basal cell carcinoma on and around the eyelids particularly common.

Jill Biden's skin cancer could fuel advocacy in cancer fight

Henry Joseph “Junior” Strecker, age 86, peacefully passed away on Jan 14, 2023, at his home in Wichita, KS.&nbsp;

He was born on October 3, 1936, in Spearville, KS, the son 
of Henry Joseph and Josephine Lutz Strecker. Junior was raised in 
Hodgeman County, ultimately settling in Scott City in 1975. He was 
General Manager of the Scott Co-op until he retired in 2000.&nbsp;

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and 
Knights of Columbus for 67 years. He served as Mayor from 2001-2007, 
Treasurer from 2009-2013 and served on numerous board throughout the 
state. He spent his life following sports, most especially, the Scott 
City Beavers. In 2013, he and Sharon moved to Wichita, KS where he 
resided until his death.&nbsp;

In his early years he attended school at St Mary’s Grade 
School, Windhorst High School and Wichita State University and served 2 
years of active duty for the U.S. Army as a Medical Specialist. On July 
11, 1968, he married Sharon Bogerd in Hebron, NE.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Strecker, of Wichita, 
KS, their daughter Karla &amp; Greg Glunz of Scott City, and two sons 
including Kelly &amp; Denise Strecker of Auburn, KS and Kevin &amp; 
Karen Strecker of Wichita, KS. Seven grandchildren including Colter 
&amp; Emily Shore of Windsor, CO, Trey &amp; Kelcie Strecker of Topeka, 
KS, Miles Glunz of Scotty City, Dylan &amp; Aurora Glunz of Scott City, 
Jade &amp; Brett Crittenden of Scott City and Michaela and Will Strecker
 of Wichita, KS. Also, seven great grandchildren including Kinsley &amp;
 Madelyn Strecker of Topeka, KS, Stella Shore of Windsor, CO, Chasen, 
Halle, Lyndon &amp; Kelton Crittenden of Scott City. Seven brothers 
including Jerry &amp; Judy Strecker of Amarillo, TX, LaVern of 
Independence, KS, Maurice &amp; Kathy of Eureka, KS, Norbert of 
Spearville, KS, Joe &amp; Linda of Dodge City, KS, John &amp; Mert of 
Colby, Mark &amp; Jackie of Spearville, KS and one sister-in-law, Cathy 
Strecker of Wichita, as well as numerous nieces &amp; nephews.&nbsp;

Junior has been preceded in death by his parents, three 
brothers William, Robert &amp; RIchard and two sister-in-laws, Sonja 
&amp; Teresa.&nbsp;

Vigil services will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the St Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, KS. 

Memorial Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 
23, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, KS 
with Father Warren Stecklein presiding. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be written to the Beaver 
Athletic Booster Club or St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Price 
&amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, KS, 67871.&nbsp;

Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott, City, KS. There will be no visitation times.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673890865226.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henry Joseph “Junior” Strecker, age 86, peacefully passed away on Jan 14, 2023, at his home in Wichita, KS.&nbsp;He was born on October 3, 1936, in Spearville, KS, the son 
of Henry Joseph and Josephine Lutz Strecker. Junior was raised in 
Hodgeman County, ultimately settling in Scott City in 1975. He was 
General Manager of the Scott Co-op until he retired in 2000.&nbsp;He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and 
Knights of Columbus for 67 years. He served as Mayor from 2001-2007, 
Treasurer from 2009-2013 and served on numerous board throughout the 
state. He spent his life following sports, most especially, the Scott 
City Beavers. In 2013, he and Sharon moved to Wichita, KS where he 
resided until his death.&nbsp;In his early years he attended school at St Mary’s Grade 
School, Windhorst High School and Wichita State University and served 2 
years of active duty for the U.S. Army as a Medical Specialist. On July 
11, 1968, he married Sharon Bogerd in Hebron, NE.Survivors include his wife, Sharon Strecker, of Wichita, 
KS, their daughter Karla &amp; Greg Glunz of Scott City, and two sons 
including Kelly &amp; Denise Strecker of Auburn, KS and Kevin &amp; 
Karen Strecker of Wichita, KS. Seven grandchildren including Colter 
&amp; Emily Shore of Windsor, CO, Trey &amp; Kelcie Strecker of Topeka, 
KS, Miles Glunz of Scotty City, Dylan &amp; Aurora Glunz of Scott City, 
Jade &amp; Brett Crittenden of Scott City and Michaela and Will Strecker
 of Wichita, KS. Also, seven great grandchildren including Kinsley &amp;
 Madelyn Strecker of Topeka, KS, Stella Shore of Windsor, CO, Chasen, 
Halle, Lyndon &amp; Kelton Crittenden of Scott City. Seven brothers 
including Jerry &amp; Judy Strecker of Amarillo, TX, LaVern of 
Independence, KS, Maurice &amp; Kathy of Eureka, KS, Norbert of 
Spearville, KS, Joe &amp; Linda of Dodge City, KS, John &amp; Mert of 
Colby, Mark &amp; Jackie of Spearville, KS and one sister-in-law, Cathy 
Strecker of Wichita, as well as numerous nieces &amp; nephews.&nbsp;Junior has been preceded in death by his parents, three 
brothers William, Robert &amp; RIchard and two sister-in-laws, Sonja 
&amp; Teresa.&nbsp;Vigil services will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the St Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, KS. Memorial Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 
23, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, KS 
with Father Warren Stecklein presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be written to the Beaver 
Athletic Booster Club or St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Price 
&amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, KS, 67871.&nbsp;Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott, City, KS. There will be no visitation times.

Henry Joseph 'Junior' Strecker

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Mayor Mason Ruder likes to point out he was four years old in 1995 when the city of Hays purchased the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.

Now, 28 years later, the project is finally picking up speed, especially in the past year.&nbsp;

"Every day is now an R9 Ranch Day," Ruder declared with a smile during last week's city commission meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City Manager Toby Dougherty updated commissioners on the R9 water transfer process. It started in February 2014 when the then-city commission voted to apply to the state to change the water use from agricultural irrigation to municipal, and begin the approval process.

In June 2015, the change applications were filed and three years later a draft master order was issued through the Division of Water Resources in the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

The master order was issued in March 2019.

&nbsp;The Kansas Water Transfer Act has never been enacted; by statute, the process is purposely slow and meticulous to determine if it's in the best interest of the state for the transfer of water from Edwards County to Ellis County, and then on to Russell County, which owns a small portion of the ranch.

The timeline has been dramatically slowed by several petitions and appeals starting in April 2019 by WaterPACK,&nbsp;Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd42db8897d147ad4bb113a">only active opponent</a> in the project.&nbsp;

On June 29, 2022 Judge Bruce Gatterman, chief district judge of the Edwards County District Court, affirmed the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/03/28/chief-engineer-approves-hays-russell-r9-ranch-water-change-applications/">chief engineer’s 2019 approval of the cities’ change applications</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The group of irrigators believes Hays and Russell are being allowed to take too much water from the R9 Ranch, southeast of Kinsley, and there is potential harm in that.

"If they want to drag this out, fine," Dougherty said with a shrug of his shoulders. 

"We've received our positive ruling. We're starting the transfer process. We're moving forward. We don't think they're going to be successful."

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs interrupted Dougherty's report to express her anger at the continued delays and resulting increased cost to the city.

According to Dougherty, the deviations have cost the city about $2 million to date "in attorneys, in engineers. That's hard costs. Soft costs, inflation, you're talking $30-$40 million dollars, in what we could have done versus what it's going to cost now."&nbsp;

Converting water rights for one use to another is a widely used practice across Kansas, Dougherty told the commissioners.&nbsp;

"When you convert irrigation water rights to municipal water rights, you don't get 100% of that. You get a formulaic reduction to protect the water rights around you and to protect the aquifer, to make sure the new use does not use more water than the previous use," he explained.

Early on in the process, Hays and Russell voluntarily agreed to reduce their water rights by another 30% "because we want to make sure we don't do anything to potentially harm the aquifer.

Administrative law judge Matt Spurgen was appointed October 21 as hearing officer of the transfer hearing panel.&nbsp;

By the end of February, replies to the WaterPACK appeal are due from the cities and the Division of Water Resources, followed by another reply from WaterPACK.

By statute, oral arguments should be scheduled this summer with a final decision by the water transfer panel anywhere between October 2023 and May 2024.

With the entire state of Kansas currently in a drought - to various degrees - "it's getting serious again," said Jacobs.&nbsp;

"I would think this is to our benefit. We're talking about water for people, for sustainability of life in our area," she said.

Dougherty again emphasized he has "no doubt we will prevail" in the appeal process and decision by the water transfer panel.&nbsp;

"I am finalizing the wellfield and pipeline project design contracts," he told the commission. "I hope to have those in front of you within the next couple of months for your approval so we can get started on the design contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As soon as the design contracts are approved, we're gonna send that RFQ (Request For Quote) for a land acquisition services firm ... and then start acquiring the land for the pipeline itself."

The R-9 Ranch is being converted to native grass and walk-in hunting from irrigated cropland.

Dougherty said he's been searching for federal funding to help pay for that conversion and a possible move to more public use of the property.

To see the entire Jan. 12 update on the R-9 Ranch, courtesy of Nex-Tech, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLAZTzkqtt0&amp;list=PL3Fzb-KBsZZ-V5DLSgW2fa4YLIeCQQ_9A">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Below is a Jan. 13 recap discussion (at about 9:00) with Dougherty and Jacobs on KAYS Radio with Hays Post news reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612809980009.png" alt=" Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County. Photo by Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County. Photo by Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMayor Mason Ruder likes to point out he was four years old in 1995 when the city of Hays purchased the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.Now, 28 years later, the project is finally picking up speed, especially in the past year.&nbsp; "Every day is now an R9 Ranch Day," Ruder declared with a smile during last week's city commission meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;City Manager Toby Dougherty updated commissioners on the R9 water transfer process. It started in February 2014 when the then-city commission voted to apply to the state to change the water use from agricultural irrigation to municipal, and begin the approval process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673827604795.jpeg" alt="City of Hays document" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays document</figcaption>
 </figure>In June 2015, the change applications were filed and three years later a draft master order was issued through the Division of Water Resources in the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;The master order was issued in March 2019.&nbsp;The Kansas Water Transfer Act has never been enacted; by statute, the process is purposely slow and meticulous to determine if it's in the best interest of the state for the transfer of water from Edwards County to Ellis County, and then on to Russell County, which owns a small portion of the ranch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673829933735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The timeline has been dramatically slowed by several petitions and appeals starting in April 2019 by WaterPACK,&nbsp;Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd42db8897d147ad4bb113a">only active opponent</a> in the project.&nbsp;On June 29, 2022 Judge Bruce Gatterman, chief district judge of the Edwards County District Court, affirmed the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/03/28/chief-engineer-approves-hays-russell-r9-ranch-water-change-applications/">chief engineer’s 2019 approval of the cities’ change applications</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;WaterPACK appealed. The group of irrigators believes Hays and Russell are being allowed to take too much water from the R9 Ranch, southeast of Kinsley, and there is potential harm in that."If they want to drag this out, fine," Dougherty said with a shrug of his shoulders. "We've received our positive ruling. We're starting the transfer process. We're moving forward. We don't think they're going to be successful."<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/zEJdfJ6s-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sequence 01" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Commissioner Sandy Jacobs interrupted Dougherty's report to express her anger at the continued delays and resulting increased cost to the city.According to Dougherty, the deviations have cost the city about $2 million to date "in attorneys, in engineers. That's hard costs. Soft costs, inflation, you're talking $30-$40 million dollars, in what we could have done versus what it's going to cost now."&nbsp;Converting water rights for one use to another is a widely used practice across Kansas, Dougherty told the commissioners.&nbsp;"When you convert irrigation water rights to municipal water rights, you don't get 100% of that. You get a formulaic reduction to protect the water rights around you and to protect the aquifer, to make sure the new use does not use more water than the previous use," he explained.Early on in the process, Hays and Russell voluntarily agreed to reduce their water rights by another 30% "because we want to make sure we don't do anything to potentially harm the aquifer."To this group, that's not enough."Administrative law judge Matt Spurgen was appointed October 21 as hearing officer of the transfer hearing panel.&nbsp;By the end of February, replies to the WaterPACK appeal are due from the cities and the Division of Water Resources, followed by another reply from WaterPACK.By statute, oral arguments should be scheduled this summer with a final decision by the water transfer panel anywhere between October 2023 and May 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673832607116.jpeg" alt="City of Hays document" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays document</figcaption>
 </figure>With the entire state of Kansas currently in a drought - to various degrees - "it's getting serious again," said Jacobs.&nbsp;"I would think this is to our benefit. We're talking about water for people, for sustainability of life in our area," she said.Dougherty again emphasized he has "no doubt we will prevail" in the appeal process and decision by the water transfer panel.&nbsp;"I am finalizing the wellfield and pipeline project design contracts," he told the commission. "I hope to have those in front of you within the next couple of months for your approval so we can get started on the design contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As soon as the design contracts are approved, we're gonna send that RFQ (Request For Quote) for a land acquisition services firm ... and then start acquiring the land for the pipeline itself."The R-9 Ranch is being converted to native grass and walk-in hunting from irrigated cropland.Dougherty said he's been searching for federal funding to help pay for that conversion and a possible move to more public use of the property.To see the entire Jan. 12 update on the R-9 Ranch, courtesy of Nex-Tech, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLAZTzkqtt0&amp;list=PL3Fzb-KBsZZ-V5DLSgW2fa4YLIeCQQ_9A">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Below is a Jan. 13 recap discussion (at about 9:00) with Dougherty and Jacobs on KAYS Radio with Hays Post news reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission hears R9 Ranch water project updates" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5s4di-1361d11-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎥🎤 City: R9 Ranch water project delays costing Hays millions of dollars

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a multi-vehicle crash that injured seven people including a 5-year-old and have made an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. October 23, deputies were dispatched to an injury accident at 143rd Street East and US-54 in Sedgwick County involving eight vehicles, according to Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

Upon their arrival, deputies located several individuals with varying severities of injuries. Seven citizens including a 5-year-old passenger of a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Paloma Adame&nbsp; of Wichita were transported to local hospitals. 

All were treated and released from the hospital. Through the investigation it was found the 5-year-old was not properly restrained and Adame’s vehicle had been traveling at excessive speeds, according to Gibbs.

&nbsp;On January 12, detectives arrested Adame. She <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18716433">remains in custody</a> on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree and 11 counts of Aggravated Battery, according to online jail records.

Deputies will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673629872866.png" alt="Adame-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Adame-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a multi-vehicle crash that injured seven people including a 5-year-old and have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. October 23, deputies were dispatched to an injury accident at 143rd Street East and US-54 in Sedgwick County involving eight vehicles, according to Lt. Nathan Gibbs.Upon their arrival, deputies located several individuals with varying severities of injuries. Seven citizens including a 5-year-old passenger of a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Paloma Adame&nbsp; of Wichita were transported to local hospitals. All were treated and released from the hospital. Through the investigation it was found the 5-year-old was not properly restrained and Adame’s vehicle had been traveling at excessive speeds, according to Gibbs.&nbsp;On January 12, detectives arrested Adame. She <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18716433">remains in custody</a> on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree and 11 counts of Aggravated Battery, according to online jail records.Deputies will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. woman jailed for 8-vehicle crash that injured 5-year-old

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University is still optimistic about job growth in Kansas, even though finding workers is hard.

"The labor market is getting tighter and tighter," Hill said. "Because it's getting tighter, employers, when they go out and look, they are getting, not the preferred candidate, not their second candidate, they are dipping way down into the barrel and getting some of these people that they just don't see as qualified, or having other issues related to absenteeism, things like that. The amount of labor available is very constrained, particularly in Kansas, but that doesn't mean that's going to remain that way."

The bounce back from the pandemic caused higher growth in 2021, but even regression to the average is still decent news if you're looking for work.

"In October and at my revisions just here in January, I'm expecting it to slow down, just because of those broad issues that's going on in the global economy and the U.S. economy and those labor constraints, but both of them, I expect to grow, actually closer to our historic average. That's actually a very positive expectation."

That average is around 0.6% growth in 2023.

"There are jobs that aren't going to come back and we created new jobs," Hill said. "The labor market has really been trying to catch up to where firms want to be, where they see the demand. That takes a lot of time, for the labor market to heal. That means people have to get training and education and move to new jobs and as we slow down, there are a lot of people who left the labor market thinking the stock market is going to do well and their portfolios are doing good, that are probably going to re-enter."

Fixing health issues and childcare issues for those who didn't feel secure enough to work due to the pandemic is an important key to seeing this growth happen.

"There's other dynamics of the cost of childcare and things like that, that clearly are policy barriers that are preventing more people to enter the labor market," Hill said. "You see that in markets like Hutchinson. You even see that in more extremes in smaller and smaller communities, where the second person would like to go, but the cost is so prohibitive."

Hill will be in Hutchinson Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at The Burt for the&nbsp;2023 Kansas Economic Outlook Conference's Reno County stop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672757461837.png" alt="Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremy Hill, Director of the Center For Economic Development And Business Research at Wichita State University is still optimistic about job growth in Kansas, even though finding workers is hard."The labor market is getting tighter and tighter," Hill said. "Because it's getting tighter, employers, when they go out and look, they are getting, not the preferred candidate, not their second candidate, they are dipping way down into the barrel and getting some of these people that they just don't see as qualified, or having other issues related to absenteeism, things like that. The amount of labor available is very constrained, particularly in Kansas, but that doesn't mean that's going to remain that way."The bounce back from the pandemic caused higher growth in 2021, but even regression to the average is still decent news if you're looking for work."In October and at my revisions just here in January, I'm expecting it to slow down, just because of those broad issues that's going on in the global economy and the U.S. economy and those labor constraints, but both of them, I expect to grow, actually closer to our historic average. That's actually a very positive expectation."That average is around 0.6% growth in 2023."There are jobs that aren't going to come back and we created new jobs," Hill said. "The labor market has really been trying to catch up to where firms want to be, where they see the demand. That takes a lot of time, for the labor market to heal. That means people have to get training and education and move to new jobs and as we slow down, there are a lot of people who left the labor market thinking the stock market is going to do well and their portfolios are doing good, that are probably going to re-enter."Fixing health issues and childcare issues for those who didn't feel secure enough to work due to the pandemic is an important key to seeing this growth happen."There's other dynamics of the cost of childcare and things like that, that clearly are policy barriers that are preventing more people to enter the labor market," Hill said. "You see that in markets like Hutchinson. You even see that in more extremes in smaller and smaller communities, where the second person would like to go, but the cost is so prohibitive."Hill will be in Hutchinson Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at The Burt for the&nbsp;2023 Kansas Economic Outlook Conference's Reno County stop.

WSU economist: Even in tight market, there will be more jobs

Joseph A. Gomes, age 44, passed away on 
Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on September 10, 1978, in Lodi, California, the son 
of Elroy Elwood Gomes II &amp; Arlee Frances Azevedo.&nbsp; A resident of 
Scott City, Kansas, since 2006, he was an elevator operator and manager 
for COOP.

On October 31, 2009, he married Cassandra Shields-Phillips in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include his Wife - Cassandra Gomes of Oklahoma, One Son - 
Seth Gomes of Scott City, Kansas, Kyara Gomes of Scott City, Kansas, 
Mother - Arlee &amp; Douglas Peterson of Scott City, Kansas, Father - 
Rockie &amp; Sandy Gomes of Isleton, California, One Sister - Shelly 
Gomes of Isleton, California, and One Granddaughter - Avery Gomes of 
Scott City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by One Son - Andrew Joseph Gomes, and One Brother - Rockie Gomes.

A Memorial Service will be held at a late date.

Memorials In Lieu Of Flowers may be written to the Joseph Gomes 
memorial fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, 
Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673716881403.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joseph A. Gomes, age 44, passed away on 
Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on September 10, 1978, in Lodi, California, the son 
of Elroy Elwood Gomes II &amp; Arlee Frances Azevedo.&nbsp; A resident of 
Scott City, Kansas, since 2006, he was an elevator operator and manager 
for COOP.On October 31, 2009, he married Cassandra Shields-Phillips in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include his Wife - Cassandra Gomes of Oklahoma, One Son - 
Seth Gomes of Scott City, Kansas, Kyara Gomes of Scott City, Kansas, 
Mother - Arlee &amp; Douglas Peterson of Scott City, Kansas, Father - 
Rockie &amp; Sandy Gomes of Isleton, California, One Sister - Shelly 
Gomes of Isleton, California, and One Granddaughter - Avery Gomes of 
Scott City, Kansas.He was preceded in death by One Son - Andrew Joseph Gomes, and One Brother - Rockie Gomes.A Memorial Service will be held at a late date.Memorials In Lieu Of Flowers may be written to the Joseph Gomes 
memorial fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, 
Scott City, Kansas, 67871.There will be no calling times.

Joseph A. Gomes

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Maine scored its first Mega Millions jackpot — and someone beat the ill fortune of Friday the 13th — when a ticket purchased in the state matched the winning numbers for the lottery's estimated $1.35 billion grand prize.

The lucky combination of numbers drawn late Friday night were: 30, 43, 45, 46, 61 and gold Mega Ball 14.

The winner, whose name is not yet known, overcame steep odds of 1 in 302.6 million, which led to three months of drawings without a claim on the jackpot.

“Congratulations to the Maine State Lottery, which has just won its first-ever Mega Millions jackpot," Pat McDonald, Ohio lottery director and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a statement early Saturday.

The jackpot was the second largest in Mega Millions history and the fourth time the game has had a billion-dollar win. The largest Mega Millions jackpot in October 2018 was $1.53 billion claimed by a single ticket holder in South Carolina.

Friday’s prosperous drawing also marked the seventh time there was a grand prize winner on Friday the 13th, a date superstitiously considered unlucky.

To claim the full $1.35 billion, the winner would need to take the money in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99?utm_source=Connatix&amp;utm_medium=HomePage">an annuity</a>&nbsp;with annual payments over 29 years. Most jackpot recipients prefer the reduced but quicker cash option, which for Friday night’s drawing was an estimated $724.6 million.

The next grand prize drawing on Tuesday will drop to an estimated $20 million and a cash option of $10.7 million.

Until Friday night, there had been 25 straight drawings without a jackpot winner.

There were more than 7 million winning tickets across nine prize tiers Friday. Beyond Maine's jackpot, 14 tickets matched five white balls to claim the second-tier prize of $1 million. Four were sold in New York, two in California and one each in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, Mega Millions said.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Maine scored its first Mega Millions jackpot — and someone beat the ill fortune of Friday the 13th — when a ticket purchased in the state matched the winning numbers for the lottery's estimated $1.35 billion grand prize.The lucky combination of numbers drawn late Friday night were: 30, 43, 45, 46, 61 and gold Mega Ball 14.The winner, whose name is not yet known, overcame steep odds of 1 in 302.6 million, which led to three months of drawings without a claim on the jackpot.“Congratulations to the Maine State Lottery, which has just won its first-ever Mega Millions jackpot," Pat McDonald, Ohio lottery director and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a statement early Saturday.The jackpot was the second largest in Mega Millions history and the fourth time the game has had a billion-dollar win. The largest Mega Millions jackpot in October 2018 was $1.53 billion claimed by a single ticket holder in South Carolina.Friday’s prosperous drawing also marked the seventh time there was a grand prize winner on Friday the 13th, a date superstitiously considered unlucky.To claim the full $1.35 billion, the winner would need to take the money in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99?utm_source=Connatix&amp;utm_medium=HomePage">an annuity</a>&nbsp;with annual payments over 29 years. Most jackpot recipients prefer the reduced but quicker cash option, which for Friday night’s drawing was an estimated $724.6 million.The next grand prize drawing on Tuesday will drop to an estimated $20 million and a cash option of $10.7 million.Until Friday night, there had been 25 straight drawings without a jackpot winner.There were more than 7 million winning tickets across nine prize tiers Friday. Beyond Maine's jackpot, 14 tickets matched five white balls to claim the second-tier prize of $1 million. Four were sold in New York, two in California and one each in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, Mega Millions said.Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Winner: Mega Millions $1.35B grand prize ticket sold Friday the 13th

The jackpot for the upcoming Mega Millions drawing has climbed to $1.35 billion with a cash option of $707.9 million,
 making it the second-highest Mega Millions jackpot of all time. The 
next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, with cutoff for entry
 at 8:59 p.m. central time.&nbsp;

Mega Millions was last hit on October 14 in both Florida and 
California. It has been rolling for 25 consecutive draws, and has seen 
68 winning tickets of $1 million or higher sold in that time, including 
one $1 million winner in Kansas.&nbsp;

In the Tuesday, Jan. 10, Mega Millions drawing, one ticket in 
Kansas matched all five numbers but not the Mega Ball to win $1 million.
 The ticket was sold in Southeast Kansas and remains unclaimed at this 
time. The winning numbers in that drawing were 7 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 18 Mega Ball 9.&nbsp;

The Southeast Kansas region includes the following counties: Chase, 
Lyon (southern half), Coffey, Anderson, Linn, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen,
 Bourbon, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, 
Labette, and Cherokee.&nbsp;

Mega Millions draws every Tuesday and Friday, with tickets starting 
at $2 per play.&nbsp;

Kansas LotteryThe jackpot for the upcoming Mega Millions drawing has climbed to $1.35 billion with a cash option of $707.9 million,
 making it the second-highest Mega Millions jackpot of all time. The 
next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, with cutoff for entry
 at 8:59 p.m. central time.&nbsp;Mega Millions was last hit on October 14 in both Florida and 
California. It has been rolling for 25 consecutive draws, and has seen 
68 winning tickets of $1 million or higher sold in that time, including 
one $1 million winner in Kansas.&nbsp;In the Tuesday, Jan. 10, Mega Millions drawing, one ticket in 
Kansas matched all five numbers but not the Mega Ball to win $1 million.
 The ticket was sold in Southeast Kansas and remains unclaimed at this 
time. The winning numbers in that drawing were 7 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 18 Mega Ball 9.&nbsp;The Southeast Kansas region includes the following counties: Chase, 
Lyon (southern half), Coffey, Anderson, Linn, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen,
 Bourbon, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, 
Labette, and Cherokee.&nbsp;Mega Millions draws every Tuesday and Friday, with tickets starting 
at $2 per play.&nbsp;

Million-dollar lottery ticket sold in Kansas remains unclaimed

Herbert James Weigel Jr., 85, died January 1, 2023, in North Kansas 
City Hospice House. He was born on October 14, 1937, in Hays, to Herbert
 and Martina (Leiker) Weigel.

Herb served in the U.S. Air Force for 6 years. While stationed in 
Tripoli, Libya he met the love of his life, Ines Maria Filippi.&nbsp; They 
were happily married almost 65 years before the passing of Ines. Herb 
finished his illustrious 40 year career with Dillons as the Hutchinson 
Northgate Dillons manager in 1993. Herb spent his retirement years 
traveling with Ines, taking care of his lawn, rescuing cats, and 
shopping for bargains for his family.

Herb was known to everyone as an honorable, kind, generous, loving, 
patient, hardworking and an animal loving man. He supported everyone and
 always saw the silver lining when anything got tough. Herb had a 
passion and love for his family and all of his grandchildren. All his 
life, Herb (PoPo) kept in touch with everyone through phone calls or 
encouraging cards. The last four months after Ines’s passing, he moved 
to Kansas City with his cat Pooky to be with his Kansas City girls. He 
moved through the next four months with bravery, perseverance, honor, 
positivity, strength and courage.&nbsp; Herb was an amazing husband, father, 
grandfather and human being. Our family is saddened they have both left 
us but thankful Herb and Ines have been eternally reunited with their 
loved ones in heaven.

Herb is survived by: daughters, Cindy Cook and Susan Weigel-Wise of 
Hutchinson; Debbie Gray of Shawnee; and Missy Pint of Lenexa; 
grandchildren: Rachel Joshi, Tanner Gray, Jenna Gray, Lexi Pint, Riley 
Pint, Ava Walter, Alex Wise, Hayley Wise and Jordan Cook; eight great 
grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Ann Taylor and Sheila Rohl.

He was preceded in death by: his wife Ines Weigel; parents; and sister Susie Ruder.

Rosary will be 6 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, in the Elliott 
Mortuary chapel followed by family greeting friends until 8 p.m. 
Graveside service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson,
 on January 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome. There will be a 
Celebration of Life reception at Holy Cross Church after the inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Street Cat 
Society and Hospice House in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, 
Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673644173353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Herbert James Weigel Jr., 85, died January 1, 2023, in North Kansas 
City Hospice House. He was born on October 14, 1937, in Hays, to Herbert
 and Martina (Leiker) Weigel.Herb served in the U.S. Air Force for 6 years. While stationed in 
Tripoli, Libya he met the love of his life, Ines Maria Filippi.&nbsp; They 
were happily married almost 65 years before the passing of Ines. Herb 
finished his illustrious 40 year career with Dillons as the Hutchinson 
Northgate Dillons manager in 1993. Herb spent his retirement years 
traveling with Ines, taking care of his lawn, rescuing cats, and 
shopping for bargains for his family.Herb was known to everyone as an honorable, kind, generous, loving, 
patient, hardworking and an animal loving man. He supported everyone and
 always saw the silver lining when anything got tough. Herb had a 
passion and love for his family and all of his grandchildren. All his 
life, Herb (PoPo) kept in touch with everyone through phone calls or 
encouraging cards. The last four months after Ines’s passing, he moved 
to Kansas City with his cat Pooky to be with his Kansas City girls. He 
moved through the next four months with bravery, perseverance, honor, 
positivity, strength and courage.&nbsp; Herb was an amazing husband, father, 
grandfather and human being. Our family is saddened they have both left 
us but thankful Herb and Ines have been eternally reunited with their 
loved ones in heaven.Herb is survived by: daughters, Cindy Cook and Susan Weigel-Wise of 
Hutchinson; Debbie Gray of Shawnee; and Missy Pint of Lenexa; 
grandchildren: Rachel Joshi, Tanner Gray, Jenna Gray, Lexi Pint, Riley 
Pint, Ava Walter, Alex Wise, Hayley Wise and Jordan Cook; eight great 
grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Ann Taylor and Sheila Rohl.He was preceded in death by: his wife Ines Weigel; parents; and sister Susie Ruder.Rosary will be 6 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, in the Elliott 
Mortuary chapel followed by family greeting friends until 8 p.m. 
Graveside service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson,
 on January 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome. There will be a 
Celebration of Life reception at Holy Cross Church after the inurnment.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Street Cat 
Society and Hospice House in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, 
Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501.

Herbert Weigel

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a child and have made an arrest.

On January 4, investigators with the Topeka Police Department&nbsp;became aware of a child abuse case that involved a child who was being&nbsp; treated at a local hospital, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks. The 16-month-old boy died at the hospital on Sunday.

As a result of the investigation, on Thursday,&nbsp; police arrested 40-year-old Dustin J. Kelley, 40 of Topeka on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Endangering a Child.

The child and Kelley were known to one another, according to Eubanks.

Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been discharged from the state department of corrections in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673572924426.png" alt="Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a child and have made an arrest.On January 4, investigators with the Topeka Police Department&nbsp;became aware of a child abuse case that involved a child who was being&nbsp; treated at a local hospital, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks. The 16-month-old boy died at the hospital on Sunday.As a result of the investigation, on Thursday,&nbsp; police arrested 40-year-old Dustin J. Kelley, 40 of Topeka on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Endangering a Child.The child and Kelley were known to one another, according to Eubanks.Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been discharged from the state department of corrections in October.

Kansas man accused in abuse death of 16-month-old

Norman “Glenn” Jones, 84, Lenora, Kansas passed away at his home, 
January 9, 2023. He was born January 6, 1939, in Rural Graham County 
Kansas, the sixth of ten children, to Ivan and Vera (Hodge) Jones. 
Glenn, as he was known to everyone, attended school in Lenora, 
graduating in 1957. During his high school days, he loved playing 
basketball. Even though he wasn’t tall, he was a good ball handler and 
was very quick. He always said with how involved he was with sports, he 
didn’t have time for girls. However, he became very interested in a 
lovely gal from Bogue, Leola “Lee” Johnson, the love of his life. Glenn 
and Lee were married March 28, 1965, in Bogue. They were blessed with 
two beautiful daughters, Janeil Lynn and Lisa Marie.

Glenn
 served in the United States Army from February of 1962 to February of 
1964. He was stationed in Ingrades, France and went to diesel mechanic 
school in Germany. He served in the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1968. As a
 child he received a Sunday School certificate of perfect attendance for
 five straight years. In October of 1967 Glenn made his most important 
decision and decided to serve the Lord! He was saved right here in the 
Church of God in little Lenora, Kansas under Pastor Bud Williams. As an 
adult he went on to teach Sunday School, served as Chairman of the Board
 for years and was involved in Teens for Christ. Glenn and Lee visited 
the Holy Land with a group from the Lenora Church of God in 1982 to walk
 where Jesus walked.

Glenn farmed for 
decades, including the ground where he was born. For several years Glenn
 owned and operated Glenn’s Drilling, a water well drilling company. 
Although he made a living farming, his passion for the soil was his 
garden. Glenn was known in several counties for his tomatoes as well as 
several other vegetables. His family will also tell you he made the best
 chicken gravy and caramel popcorn. His greatest gift was his music. 
Glenn and his brother Carl used to sing in competitions. Some people 
thought they sounded like the Everly Brothers. Glenn used his musical 
gift as a ministry to comfort others at funerals and rejoice with them 
at weddings. He led the singing in the Lenora church for years with his 
guitar in hand. He played by ear. Glenn sang until he started losing his
 voice. But make no mistake, his voice came back, and he’s shouting, 
praising, and worshipping in Glory.

Glenn
 was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Chelsea Barlow
 and Cody Barlow; an infant sister Valera Inez Jones; sisters:  Ruby 
Riemann, Marilyn Hadley, and Valeta Poage; brothers: Darwin Dean Jones, 
Carl Ivan Jones, and Darrel Wayne Jones;  Survivors include his wife of 
57 years, Lee, Lenora; a son from a previous marriage, Steve Boone of 
Timken; two daughters Janeil Lynn and husband Charley Middlebrooks of 
Niceville, Florida and Lisa Marie and husband Trevor Barlow of Lenora; 
eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two sisters June Stockman
 and husband Keith and Joyce Hodges and husband Terry Smith all of 
Colorado Springs; and a brother-in-law Kenny Riemann of Edmond.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Glenn-Jones?obId=26994598#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673618415328.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman “Glenn” Jones, 84, Lenora, Kansas passed away at his home, 
January 9, 2023. He was born January 6, 1939, in Rural Graham County 
Kansas, the sixth of ten children, to Ivan and Vera (Hodge) Jones. 
Glenn, as he was known to everyone, attended school in Lenora, 
graduating in 1957. During his high school days, he loved playing 
basketball. Even though he wasn’t tall, he was a good ball handler and 
was very quick. He always said with how involved he was with sports, he 
didn’t have time for girls. However, he became very interested in a 
lovely gal from Bogue, Leola “Lee” Johnson, the love of his life. Glenn 
and Lee were married March 28, 1965, in Bogue. They were blessed with 
two beautiful daughters, Janeil Lynn and Lisa Marie.Glenn
 served in the United States Army from February of 1962 to February of 
1964. He was stationed in Ingrades, France and went to diesel mechanic 
school in Germany. He served in the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1968. As a
 child he received a Sunday School certificate of perfect attendance for
 five straight years. In October of 1967 Glenn made his most important 
decision and decided to serve the Lord! He was saved right here in the 
Church of God in little Lenora, Kansas under Pastor Bud Williams. As an 
adult he went on to teach Sunday School, served as Chairman of the Board
 for years and was involved in Teens for Christ. Glenn and Lee visited 
the Holy Land with a group from the Lenora Church of God in 1982 to walk
 where Jesus walked.Glenn farmed for 
decades, including the ground where he was born. For several years Glenn
 owned and operated Glenn’s Drilling, a water well drilling company. 
Although he made a living farming, his passion for the soil was his 
garden. Glenn was known in several counties for his tomatoes as well as 
several other vegetables. His family will also tell you he made the best
 chicken gravy and caramel popcorn. His greatest gift was his music. 
Glenn and his brother Carl used to sing in competitions. Some people 
thought they sounded like the Everly Brothers. Glenn used his musical 
gift as a ministry to comfort others at funerals and rejoice with them 
at weddings. He led the singing in the Lenora church for years with his 
guitar in hand. He played by ear. Glenn sang until he started losing his
 voice. But make no mistake, his voice came back, and he’s shouting, 
praising, and worshipping in Glory.Glenn
 was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Chelsea Barlow
 and Cody Barlow; an infant sister Valera Inez Jones; sisters: Ruby 
Riemann, Marilyn Hadley, and Valeta Poage; brothers: Darwin Dean Jones, 
Carl Ivan Jones, and Darrel Wayne Jones; Survivors include his wife of 
57 years, Lee, Lenora; a son from a previous marriage, Steve Boone of 
Timken; two daughters Janeil Lynn and husband Charley Middlebrooks of 
Niceville, Florida and Lisa Marie and husband Trevor Barlow of Lenora; 
eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two sisters June Stockman
 and husband Keith and Joyce Hodges and husband Terry Smith all of 
Colorado Springs; and a brother-in-law Kenny Riemann of Edmond.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Glenn-Jones?obId=26994598#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Glenn Jones

Ardath Lorraine Clock, 90, passed away January 12, 2023, at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born August 20, 1932, in Stockton, Illinois, the daughter of 
Raymond and Ruth Eaton Gallagher.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, she was a 
homemaker.

She was a member of the First Christian Church, Larned, the Christian
 Women Fellowship, volunteered at the Christian Women Fellowship Thrift 
store, loved playing piano, reading, was very artistic, enjoyed playing 
bridge for over 60 years and was always willing to help others.

On October 28, 1951, she married Jack D. Clock in Stockton, Illinois.&nbsp; He passed away November 3, 2008.

Survivors include; two sons, Rick (Gay Lynn) Clock, Baldwin City and 
Kevin Clock, Westminster, Colorado; a daughter Kyle (Jeb Scales) Fogo, 
Centennial, Colorado; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by; four brothers, B.R. Gallagher, D.L. Gallagher, Wayne Gallagher and Warren Gallagher.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. 
Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the First Christian Church, Larned, with 
Pastor Damon Bradley presiding.

Inurnment will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois.

Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673558815114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ardath Lorraine Clock, 90, passed away January 12, 2023, at Diversicare of Larned.She was born August 20, 1932, in Stockton, Illinois, the daughter of 
Raymond and Ruth Eaton Gallagher.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, she was a 
homemaker.She was a member of the First Christian Church, Larned, the Christian
 Women Fellowship, volunteered at the Christian Women Fellowship Thrift 
store, loved playing piano, reading, was very artistic, enjoyed playing 
bridge for over 60 years and was always willing to help others.On October 28, 1951, she married Jack D. Clock in Stockton, Illinois.&nbsp; He passed away November 3, 2008.Survivors include; two sons, Rick (Gay Lynn) Clock, Baldwin City and 
Kevin Clock, Westminster, Colorado; a daughter Kyle (Jeb Scales) Fogo, 
Centennial, Colorado; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by; four brothers, B.R. Gallagher, D.L. Gallagher, Wayne Gallagher and Warren Gallagher.Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. 
Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the First Christian Church, Larned, with 
Pastor Damon Bradley presiding.Inurnment will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois.Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Ardath Lorraine Clock

WASHINGTON —Thousands of flights across the U.S. were canceled or delayed Wednesday after a system that offers safety information to pilots failed.  

On Wednesday afternoon, Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina filed a bill in response to the recent Southwest and FAA flight cancellations and technology failures.

The bill, titled “Commercial Cabins for Cabinet Members, “would require the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to only fly commercial, just like every other American, until the FAA reauthorization is completed. This should provide enough time to also investigate Southwest and the FAA, according to a media release.

According to Rep. Mace, "in the past six months Sec. Buttigieg has flown private approximately 20 times. So, until the issues with Southwest and the FAA are investigated and resolved, he and his staff should be required to fly commercial just like every other American. "

“If according to Sec. Buttigieg, on MSNBC on Wednesday, the FAA systems are constantly being updated, and if they’re so good, then why is he flying private all the time?”&nbsp;said Rep. Mace.&nbsp;

“Until we see the Southwest Airlines debacle investigated; until the FAA software glitches are fixed; and until we complete the FAA reauthorization later this year, the Secretary of Transportation should be required to fly commercial just like everyone else.”&nbsp;

Read the full text of the bill here&nbsp;<a href="https://mace.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/mace.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/commercial-cabins-for-cabinet-members.pdf">Commercial Cabins for Cabinet Members Act</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666233119638.png" alt="In October, Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg was in Kansas with Democrat Senate candidate Mark Holland." />
 <figcaption>In October, Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg was in Kansas with Democrat Senate candidate Mark Holland.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Thousands of flights across the U.S. were canceled or delayed Wednesday after a system that offers safety information to pilots failed. On Wednesday afternoon, Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina filed a bill in response to the recent Southwest and FAA flight cancellations and technology failures.The bill, titled “Commercial Cabins for Cabinet Members, “would require the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to only fly commercial, just like every other American, until the FAA reauthorization is completed. This should provide enough time to also investigate Southwest and the FAA, according to a media release.According to Rep. Mace, "in the past six months Sec. Buttigieg has flown private approximately 20 times. So, until the issues with Southwest and the FAA are investigated and resolved, he and his staff should be required to fly commercial just like every other American. "“If according to Sec. Buttigieg, on MSNBC on Wednesday, the FAA systems are constantly being updated, and if they’re so good, then why is he flying private all the time?”&nbsp;said Rep. Mace.&nbsp;“Until we see the Southwest Airlines debacle investigated; until the FAA software glitches are fixed; and until we complete the FAA reauthorization later this year, the Secretary of Transportation should be required to fly commercial just like everyone else.”&nbsp;Read the full text of the bill here&nbsp;<a href="https://mace.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/mace.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/commercial-cabins-for-cabinet-members.pdf">Commercial Cabins for Cabinet Members Act</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bill would force Buttigieg to fly commercial until FAA fiasco solved

Bryan Kent Harris, 71, passed away on January 10, 2023, at his home 
in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 18, 1951, in Salina, 
Kansas, to William and Joan (VanBuskirk) Harris. On April 7, 1998, he 
married Janice Baker in Fresno, California. She survives.

Bryan was a 1971 graduate of Salina High School and a graduate of 
Kansas State University with an associate's degree in drafting. A 
long-time resident of Great Bend, Bryan was known throughout his working
 years as a roofer, but also as offering great customer service at True 
Value and other local establishments. He was a member of the First 
United Methodist Church and Ambucs, an organization that helps building 
wheelchair ramps and provide trikes for children of different abilities.
 Bryan was passionate about helping anyone he could, including helping 
host events and offer recognition for first responders and military 
personnel.

Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, William Harris of 
Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter, Jennifer Harris of Topeka, Kansas; a 
sister, Deanna Clark of Salina, Kansas; and many other beloved family 
members. He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral 
Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Bryant
 Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Memorials have 
been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673531313232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bryan Kent Harris, 71, passed away on January 10, 2023, at his home 
in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 18, 1951, in Salina, 
Kansas, to William and Joan (VanBuskirk) Harris. On April 7, 1998, he 
married Janice Baker in Fresno, California. She survives.Bryan was a 1971 graduate of Salina High School and a graduate of 
Kansas State University with an associate's degree in drafting. A 
long-time resident of Great Bend, Bryan was known throughout his working
 years as a roofer, but also as offering great customer service at True 
Value and other local establishments. He was a member of the First 
United Methodist Church and Ambucs, an organization that helps building 
wheelchair ramps and provide trikes for children of different abilities.
 Bryan was passionate about helping anyone he could, including helping 
host events and offer recognition for first responders and military 
personnel.Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, William Harris of 
Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter, Jennifer Harris of Topeka, Kansas; a 
sister, Deanna Clark of Salina, Kansas; and many other beloved family 
members. He is preceded in death by his parents.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral 
Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Bryant
 Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Memorials have 
been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Bryan Kent Harris

Elvis Eugene Givens passed away on January 9, 2023, at his home in 
Stockton, KS, at the age of 65. He was born on October 7, 1957, to Bobby
 Ann Litz in Henderson, KY. He was married to Patricia Shaffer on June 
27, 1980. They were blessed with three children: David, Robert, and 
Tanya.

Elvis grew up in Kentucky and later moved to 
California. He graduated from Garden Grove California High School in 
1975. He attended Orange County Community College to become a marine 
biologist. In 1987, he joined the U.S. Marines Corps Intelligence 
Department and then the U.S. Army National Guard in 1996 serving as a 
metal worker until 1999 when he was honorably discharged. Moving to 
Kansas in 1995, he worked as an auto mechanic. He moved to Stockton in 
2002 and worked as a correctional officer.

Elvis 
enjoyed being out in nature, scuba diving and hiking. He competed in 
martial arts tournaments as a brown belt while in California.

Elvis
 is survived by his children, David (Sylvia Holmes) Givens of Norton, 
KS, Robert (Anne) Givens of Stockton, and Tanya Martin of Concordia, KS;
 and 12 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Givens.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Memorials
 are suggested to Elvis Givens Memorial Fund and may be sent to 
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673531178367.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elvis Eugene Givens passed away on January 9, 2023, at his home in 
Stockton, KS, at the age of 65. He was born on October 7, 1957, to Bobby
 Ann Litz in Henderson, KY. He was married to Patricia Shaffer on June 
27, 1980. They were blessed with three children: David, Robert, and 
Tanya.Elvis grew up in Kentucky and later moved to 
California. He graduated from Garden Grove California High School in 
1975. He attended Orange County Community College to become a marine 
biologist. In 1987, he joined the U.S. Marines Corps Intelligence 
Department and then the U.S. Army National Guard in 1996 serving as a 
metal worker until 1999 when he was honorably discharged. Moving to 
Kansas in 1995, he worked as an auto mechanic. He moved to Stockton in 
2002 and worked as a correctional officer.Elvis 
enjoyed being out in nature, scuba diving and hiking. He competed in 
martial arts tournaments as a brown belt while in California.Elvis
 is survived by his children, David (Sylvia Holmes) Givens of Norton, 
KS, Robert (Anne) Givens of Stockton, and Tanya Martin of Concordia, KS;
 and 12 grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Givens.A memorial service will be planned at a later date.Memorials
 are suggested to Elvis Givens Memorial Fund and may be sent to 
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Elvis Eugene Givens

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced Monday, January 23, 2023,
 as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will 
begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.

More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax 
deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the 
calendar.

With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the 
pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service
 for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction
 Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and 
added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers.

"This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation's 
tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act," said
 Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "With these new additional 
resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many
 areas of the agency this year. We've trained thousands of new employees
 to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several
 difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax 
season. That's just the start as we work to add new long-term 
transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future 
years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and 
our employees know we could do with this funding."

These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for 
the 2023 tax season. The January 23 start date for individual tax return
 filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work
 that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the 
date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software 
providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they 
will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting 
tax returns on January 23.

The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before 
they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can 
avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the 
possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.

In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax 
situation to make sure they don't overlook important tax credits they 
may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS 
has set a special day on January 27 to encourage people to make sure 
they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can 
help low- and moderate-income workers and families.

The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;People can also get help from trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">tax professionals</a>, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.

The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By
 law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in 
the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's 
Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.

Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season

The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:

Have the right information before filing. The IRS 
encourages individuals to have all the information they need before 
filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax 
records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and 
this year's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a>&nbsp;valid for calendar year 2023.

Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or 
later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals
 have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is 
especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms
 1099 from banks or other payers reporting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a> distributions.

People should also remember that most income is taxable, including 
unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig 
economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the 
correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.

Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds 
people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on 
the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information 
that IRS phone assistors have.

The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service 
this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new 
phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS 
emphasizes it's important to note that call volumes remain at 
historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the 
information they need.

"Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O'Donnell said. "For 
faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From
 there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources 
available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night."

Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
 There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax 
return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
 To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns
 wherever possible.

To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with 
direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to 
file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid 
debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide 
routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an 
account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.

IRS Free File will open January 13 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.

The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 
or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using 
brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free 
File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income 
level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file 
themselves also at no cost.

Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 28

The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 
21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit 
and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.

While the IRS will begin accepting returns January 23, the IRS cannot
 issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional
 Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 
PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to 
help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18&nbsp;for 
most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related 
refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards 
by&nbsp;February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other 
issues with their tax return.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced Monday, January 23, 2023,
 as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will 
begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax 
deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the 
calendar.With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the 
pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service
 for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction
 Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and 
added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers."This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation's 
tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act," said
 Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "With these new additional 
resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many
 areas of the agency this year. We've trained thousands of new employees
 to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several
 difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax 
season. That's just the start as we work to add new long-term 
transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future 
years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and 
our employees know we could do with this funding."These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for 
the 2023 tax season. The January 23 start date for individual tax return
 filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work
 that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the 
date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software 
providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they 
will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting 
tax returns on January 23.The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before 
they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can 
avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the 
possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax 
situation to make sure they don't overlook important tax credits they 
may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS 
has set a special day on January 27 to encourage people to make sure 
they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can 
help low- and moderate-income workers and families.The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;People can also get help from trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">tax professionals</a>, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.<h2>April 18 tax filing deadline in 2023</h2>The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By
 law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in 
the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's 
Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.<h2>Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season</h2>The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:Have the right information before filing. The IRS 
encourages individuals to have all the information they need before 
filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax 
records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and 
this year's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a>&nbsp;valid for calendar year 2023.Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or 
later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals
 have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is 
especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms
 1099 from banks or other payers reporting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a> distributions.People should also remember that most income is taxable, including 
unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig 
economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the 
correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds 
people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on 
the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information 
that IRS phone assistors have.The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service 
this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new 
phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS 
emphasizes it's important to note that call volumes remain at 
historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the 
information they need."Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O'Donnell said. "For 
faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From
 there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources 
available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night."Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
 There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax 
return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
 To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns
 wherever possible.To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with 
direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to 
file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid 
debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide 
routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an 
account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.<h2>IRS Free File available January 13</h2>IRS Free File will open January 13 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 
or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using 
brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free 
File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income 
level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file 
themselves also at no cost.<h2>Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 28</h2>The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 
21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit 
and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.While the IRS will begin accepting returns January 23, the IRS cannot
 issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional
 Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 
PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to 
help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18&nbsp;for 
most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related 
refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards 
by&nbsp;February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other 
issues with their tax return.<h2>Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2022 returns</h2>Currently, the IRS has processed all paper and electronic individual 
tax year 2021 returns received prior to November 2022 that didn't 
require error-correction or further review. The IRS continues to work on
 remaining tax returns in these categories. This work will not impact 
tax refund timing for people filing in 2023, but the IRS continues to 
urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax 
season to avoid delays. Check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue">IRS Operations</a> page for the latest information about the status of tax returns received in 2022.<h2>IRS.gov, IRS Online Account provide free help</h2>Taxpayers can find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools</a>
 at IRS.gov that are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, determine eligibility for tax credits and get answers to tax 
questions.An IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 allows individuals to log in securely&nbsp;to access personal tax account 
information including balance, payments and tax records including 
adjusted gross income.There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled 
agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and some who don't have a
 professional credential. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> offers information to help people select one. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find local preparers who currently hold professional 
credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season 
Program Record of Completion.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 provides answers to many tax law questions. For example, it can help 
people determine if a type of income is taxable, or if they can deduct 
certain expenses. It also helps people find out if life event changes 
make them eligible for credits they didn't qualify for in the past and 
provides answers for general questions, such as determining filing 
status, if someone can claim dependents or if they have to file a tax 
return.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;offers
 taxpayers the ability to check the status of their refund within 24 
hours after the IRS accepts their e-filed tax return. The Where's My 
Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>
 is a free tax resource available for the military community, offered 
through the Department of Defense. It includes tax preparation and 
electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants 
and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the
 realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training
 pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings.&nbsp;Eligible 
taxpayers&nbsp;can use MilTax to <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">electronically file</a> a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.<h2>Key filing season dates</h2>There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:<ul>
 <li>January 13: IRS Free File opens</li><li>January 17: Due date for tax year 2022 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.</li><li>January 23:&nbsp;IRS begins 2023 tax season and starts accepting and processing individual 2022 tax returns.</li><li>January 27:&nbsp;Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
 to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – 
including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.</li><li>April 18: National due date to file a 2022 tax 
return or request an extension and pay tax owed due to the Emancipation 
Day holiday in Washington, D.C.</li><li>October 16:&nbsp;Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2022 tax returns.</li>
 </ul><h2>Before filing: Plan ahead</h2>It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.