WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden is celebrating the release of a Chicago-area woman and her teenage daughter who had been visiting Israel when they were taken hostage by Hamas militants Oct. 7.

The Israeli military said Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, were released to the Israeli military Friday. Hamas said the Qatari government was instrumental in securing their release.

“Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in a statement.

Thanking the governments of Qatar and Israel for their help, Biden said the White House had been “working around-the-clock” to secure the release of American hostages “and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held.”

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas militants on Friday freed two Americans -- a mother and her teenage daughter who had been held hostage in Gaza since militants rampaged through Israel two weeks ago, the Israeli government said.

The pair, who also hold Israeli citizenship, were the first hostages to be released, and more than 200 are still being held.

Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons.

Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed.

“We call on world leaders and the international community to exert their full power in order to act for the release of all the hostages and missing,’’ the statement said.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said Friday it does not plan to take long-term control over the Gaza Strip after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-military-urban-battle-89e45b149f3b88cd647cf6376dbfe0ac">expected ground offensive</a>&nbsp;to root out Hamas militants that rule the territory. The Israeli military punished Gaza with airstrikes, authorities inched closer to bringing aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-refugees-6cf0ff04e513ecec12cf9152656ac1b6">desperate families and hospitals</a>, and Muslims around the world protested in solidarity with Palestinians.

Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">bombed areas in southern Gaza</a>&nbsp;where Palestinians had been told to seek safety while it tries to destroy Hamas in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-conflict-endgame-1bfcc187d826596e78090ec6cbf6516c">its brutal rampage in Israel</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago. Fighting between Israel and militants in neighboring Lebanon also raged,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-conflict-displaced-tyre-hamas-hezbollah-schools-3e704f45e99b83d7516134d6b7801582">prompting evacuations</a>&nbsp;of Lebanese and Israeli border towns as fears of a widening conflict grew.

Speaking to lawmakers about Israel’s long-term plans for Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant laid out a three-stage plan that seemed to suggest that Israel did not intend to reoccupy the territory it left in 2005.

First, Israeli airstrikes and “maneuvering” — a presumed reference to a ground attack — would aim to root out Hamas. Next will come a lower intensity fight to defeat remaining pockets of resistance. And, finally, a new “security regime” will be created in Gaza along with “the removal of Israel’s responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip,” Gallant said.

Gallant did not say who Israel expected to run Gaza if Hamas is toppled or what the new security regime would entail.

Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 until 2005, when it pulled up settlements and withdrew soldiers. Two years later, Hamas took over. Some Israelis blame the withdrawal from Gaza for the sporadic violence that has persisted since then.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7 — mostly civilians slain during the incursion that shattered Israelis sense of security and resulted in 203 hostages taken into Gaza.

The Health Ministry run by Hamas says more than 4,100 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. That includes a disputed number of people who died in a hospital explosion earlier this week.

The humanitarian crisis worsened for Gaza's 2.3 million civilians, as workers along its border with Egypt repaired the border crossing in a first step to bring aid to Palestinians running out of fuel, food, water and medicine.

Over a million people have been displaced in Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">Many heeded Israel’s orders to evacuate</a>&nbsp;the northern part of the sealed-off enclave on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called areas in southern Gaza “safe zones” earlier this week, Israeli military spokesman Nir Dinar said Friday: “There are no safe zones.”

U.N. officials said that with the bombings across all of Gaza, some Palestinians who had fled the north appeared to be going back.

“The strikes, coupled with extremely difficult living conditions in the south, appear to have pushed some to return to the north, despite the continuing heavy bombing there,” Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, said.

Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals were rationing their dwindling resources, as authorities worked out logistics for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-hospital-d9606e0ead1f8c4e9fd00b602ed14a38">a desperately needed aid delivery from Egypt</a>.

Generators in Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, were operating at the lowest setting to conserve fuel while providing power to vital departments such as intensive care, hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia said. Others worked in darkness.

“I don’t know how long (the fuel) will last. Every day we evaluate the situation,” he said.

The lack of medical supplies and water are making it difficult to treat the mass of victims from the Israeli strikes, he said.

The deal to get aid into Gaza through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-egypt-sinai-war-894d45535fed1049a0076453ca99c555">territory’s only entry point not controlled by Israel</a>&nbsp;remained fragile. Israel said the supplies could only go to civilians and that it would “thwart” any diversions by Hamas. It was unclear if fuel for the hospital generators would be allowed to enter.

Work continued Friday to repair the road at the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza that had been damaged in airstrikes. Trucks unloaded gravel, and bulldozers and other equipment was used to fill in large craters.

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a rapidly changing situation said aid had been delayed because of ongoing road repairs, and that it was expected to move across the border Saturday. More than 200 trucks and some 3,000 tons of aid were positioned near the crossing.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the crossing Friday and appealed for the quick movement of aid into Gaza, calling it “the difference between life and death.”

Israel has evacuated its own communities near Gaza and Lebanon, putting residents up in hotels elsewhere in the country. The Defense Ministry announced evacuation plans Friday for Kiryat Shmona, a town of more than 20,000 residents near the Lebanese border. Three Israelis including a 5-year-old girl were wounded in a rocket attack there Thursday, according to Israeli health services.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, which has a massive arsenal of long-range rockets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-clashes-cadccde8c6ce5400ee36fd12d3bfea52">has traded fire with Israel along the border</a>&nbsp;on a near-daily basis and hinted it might join the war if Israel seeks to annihilate Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups.

The violence in Gaza has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hospital-jordan-egypt-protests-590f24d154fb3cb256ec1707ec78b816">sparked protests across the region</a>, including in Arab countries allied with the U.S.

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis, a town in the territory’s south, and ambulances carrying men, women and children streamed into the local Nasser Hospital.

Late Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City housing displaced Palestinians. The military said it had targeted a Hamas command center nearby, causing damage to a church wall. Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said 16 Palestinian Christians were killed.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem condemned the attack and said it would “not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty” to provide assistance.

Palestinian militants have launched unrelenting rocket attacks into Israel — more than 6,900 since Oct. 7, according to Israel — and tensions have flared in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israel has targeted militants in raids across the occupied territory. On Friday, two Palestinian teenagers were killed in clashes in the West Bank, where more than 80 Palestinians have been killed over the past two weeks.

An unclassified U.S. intelligence assessment estimated casualties in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">an explosion at a Gaza City hospital</a>&nbsp;this week on the “low end” of 100 to 300 deaths. It said intelligence officials were still assessing the evidence and the casualty estimate may evolve.

The report echoed earlier assessments by U.S. officials that the massive blast at the al-Ahli hospital was not caused by an Israeli airstrike, as Hamas has reported. Israel has presented video, audio and other evidence it says proves the blast was caused by a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden is celebrating the release of a Chicago-area woman and her teenage daughter who had been visiting Israel when they were taken hostage by Hamas militants Oct. 7.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we have secured the release of two Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel. Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715457670935728145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Israeli military said Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, were released to the Israeli military Friday. Hamas said the Qatari government was instrumental in securing their release.“Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in a statement.Thanking the governments of Qatar and Israel for their help, Biden said the White House had been “working around-the-clock” to secure the release of American hostages “and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held.”-------------------KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas militants on Friday freed two Americans -- a mother and her teenage daughter who had been held hostage in Gaza since militants rampaged through Israel two weeks ago, the Israeli government said.The pair, who also hold Israeli citizenship, were the first hostages to be released, and more than 200 are still being held.Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons.Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed.“We call on world leaders and the international community to exert their full power in order to act for the release of all the hostages and missing,’’ the statement said.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said Friday it does not plan to take long-term control over the Gaza Strip after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-military-urban-battle-89e45b149f3b88cd647cf6376dbfe0ac">expected ground offensive</a>&nbsp;to root out Hamas militants that rule the territory. The Israeli military punished Gaza with airstrikes, authorities inched closer to bringing aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-refugees-6cf0ff04e513ecec12cf9152656ac1b6">desperate families and hospitals</a>, and Muslims around the world protested in solidarity with Palestinians.Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">bombed areas in southern Gaza</a>&nbsp;where Palestinians had been told to seek safety while it tries to destroy Hamas in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-conflict-endgame-1bfcc187d826596e78090ec6cbf6516c">its brutal rampage in Israel</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago. Fighting between Israel and militants in neighboring Lebanon also raged,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-conflict-displaced-tyre-hamas-hezbollah-schools-3e704f45e99b83d7516134d6b7801582">prompting evacuations</a>&nbsp;of Lebanese and Israeli border towns as fears of a widening conflict grew.Speaking to lawmakers about Israel’s long-term plans for Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant laid out a three-stage plan that seemed to suggest that Israel did not intend to reoccupy the territory it left in 2005.First, Israeli airstrikes and “maneuvering” — a presumed reference to a ground attack — would aim to root out Hamas. Next will come a lower intensity fight to defeat remaining pockets of resistance. And, finally, a new “security regime” will be created in Gaza along with “the removal of Israel’s responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip,” Gallant said.Gallant did not say who Israel expected to run Gaza if Hamas is toppled or what the new security regime would entail.Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 until 2005, when it pulled up settlements and withdrew soldiers. Two years later, Hamas took over. Some Israelis blame the withdrawal from Gaza for the sporadic violence that has persisted since then.More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7 — mostly civilians slain during the incursion that shattered Israelis sense of security and resulted in 203 hostages taken into Gaza.The Health Ministry run by Hamas says more than 4,100 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. That includes a disputed number of people who died in a hospital explosion earlier this week.The humanitarian crisis worsened for Gaza's 2.3 million civilians, as workers along its border with Egypt repaired the border crossing in a first step to bring aid to Palestinians running out of fuel, food, water and medicine.Over a million people have been displaced in Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">Many heeded Israel’s orders to evacuate</a>&nbsp;the northern part of the sealed-off enclave on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called areas in southern Gaza “safe zones” earlier this week, Israeli military spokesman Nir Dinar said Friday: “There are no safe zones.”U.N. officials said that with the bombings across all of Gaza, some Palestinians who had fled the north appeared to be going back.“The strikes, coupled with extremely difficult living conditions in the south, appear to have pushed some to return to the north, despite the continuing heavy bombing there,” Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, said.Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals were rationing their dwindling resources, as authorities worked out logistics for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-hospital-d9606e0ead1f8c4e9fd00b602ed14a38">a desperately needed aid delivery from Egypt</a>.Generators in Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, were operating at the lowest setting to conserve fuel while providing power to vital departments such as intensive care, hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia said. Others worked in darkness.“I don’t know how long (the fuel) will last. Every day we evaluate the situation,” he said.The lack of medical supplies and water are making it difficult to treat the mass of victims from the Israeli strikes, he said.The deal to get aid into Gaza through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-egypt-sinai-war-894d45535fed1049a0076453ca99c555">territory’s only entry point not controlled by Israel</a>&nbsp;remained fragile. Israel said the supplies could only go to civilians and that it would “thwart” any diversions by Hamas. It was unclear if fuel for the hospital generators would be allowed to enter.Work continued Friday to repair the road at the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza that had been damaged in airstrikes. Trucks unloaded gravel, and bulldozers and other equipment was used to fill in large craters.A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a rapidly changing situation said aid had been delayed because of ongoing road repairs, and that it was expected to move across the border Saturday. More than 200 trucks and some 3,000 tons of aid were positioned near the crossing.U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the crossing Friday and appealed for the quick movement of aid into Gaza, calling it “the difference between life and death.”Israel has evacuated its own communities near Gaza and Lebanon, putting residents up in hotels elsewhere in the country. The Defense Ministry announced evacuation plans Friday for Kiryat Shmona, a town of more than 20,000 residents near the Lebanese border. Three Israelis including a 5-year-old girl were wounded in a rocket attack there Thursday, according to Israeli health services.Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, which has a massive arsenal of long-range rockets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-clashes-cadccde8c6ce5400ee36fd12d3bfea52">has traded fire with Israel along the border</a>&nbsp;on a near-daily basis and hinted it might join the war if Israel seeks to annihilate Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups.The violence in Gaza has also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hospital-jordan-egypt-protests-590f24d154fb3cb256ec1707ec78b816">sparked protests across the region</a>, including in Arab countries allied with the U.S.Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis, a town in the territory’s south, and ambulances carrying men, women and children streamed into the local Nasser Hospital.Late Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City housing displaced Palestinians. The military said it had targeted a Hamas command center nearby, causing damage to a church wall. Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said 16 Palestinian Christians were killed.The Greek Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem condemned the attack and said it would “not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty” to provide assistance.Palestinian militants have launched unrelenting rocket attacks into Israel — more than 6,900 since Oct. 7, according to Israel — and tensions have flared in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.Israel has targeted militants in raids across the occupied territory. On Friday, two Palestinian teenagers were killed in clashes in the West Bank, where more than 80 Palestinians have been killed over the past two weeks.An unclassified U.S. intelligence assessment estimated casualties in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hospital-explosion-3d255725997c4e2757372b3ee2fc8859">an explosion at a Gaza City hospital</a>&nbsp;this week on the “low end” of 100 to 300 deaths. It said intelligence officials were still assessing the evidence and the casualty estimate may evolve.The report echoed earlier assessments by U.S. officials that the massive blast at the al-Ahli hospital was not caused by an Israeli airstrike, as Hamas has reported. Israel has presented video, audio and other evidence it says proves the blast was caused by a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants.

Biden celebrates release of 2 American hostages by Hamas 

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Fort Hays State's Regan Hodsden won the 2023 MIAA Women's Cross Country Championship Friday afternoon, helping the Tigers to a third-place team finish. Two other Tigers joined Hodsden on the All-MIAA podium, with Jaycee Vath&nbsp;placing third to pick up first team honors and Darian Hudgeons&nbsp;placing 20th to receive honorable mention status for the second year in a row.

Hodsden is the second Tiger to win an individual conference title, and the first to do so on the women's team (Cory Keehn, 2012). The Tigers' third-place finish matches their second-best finish at the MIAA meet since joining the league in 2006.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A native of Mitchell, Neb., Hodsden continued a dominant season, winning her third race in as many tries. The 2022 XC All-American won the six-kilometer race in 21:29.8, finishing seven seconds in front of her nearest competitor.

Vath's third-place finish made Fort Hays State the only school with multiple finishers inside the top five. The Lincoln, Kan. native shaved more than 19 seconds off her personal-best 6K time, completing the race in 21:43.0. Hudgeons grabbed the final all-conference spot with a time of 22:29.6.

Abbye Hudson slotted 37th after completing the race in 23:12.7, with Hattie Lukert&nbsp;rounding out the Tiger top five in 46th place with a time of 23:45.2.Pittsburg State captured the team title with 57 team points, placing five runners inside the top 24.Fort Hays State will now take two weeks to prepare for the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships, slated for Saturday, November 4 in Joplin, Mo.

Full FHSU Results 3rd - Team - 105 points 1st - Regan Hodseden&nbsp;- 21:29.8 3rd - Jaycee Vath&nbsp;- 21:43.0 20th - Darian Hudgeons&nbsp;- 22:29.6 37th - Abbye Hudson&nbsp;- 23:12.7 46th - Hattie Lukert&nbsp;- 23:45.2 54th - Faith Little&nbsp;- 24:03.6 60th - Ashlyn Harbaugh&nbsp;- 24:26.6 72nd - Madison Sutterfield&nbsp;- 24:53.8 82nd - Amelia Foster&nbsp;- 26:11.8 Brenna Murphy&nbsp;- DNF&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697830031982.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Regan Hodsden runs at the MIAA Women's Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Mo., Friday, October 20, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Corbin Smith, MIAA)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Regan Hodsden runs at the MIAA Women's Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Mo., Friday, October 20, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Corbin Smith, MIAA)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCOLUMBIA, Mo. - Fort Hays State's Regan Hodsden won the 2023 MIAA Women's Cross Country Championship Friday afternoon, helping the Tigers to a third-place team finish. Two other Tigers joined Hodsden on the All-MIAA podium, with Jaycee Vath&nbsp;placing third to pick up first team honors and Darian Hudgeons&nbsp;placing 20th to receive honorable mention status for the second year in a row.Hodsden is the second Tiger to win an individual conference title, and the first to do so on the women's team (Cory Keehn, 2012). The Tigers' third-place finish matches their second-best finish at the MIAA meet since joining the league in 2006.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697830107206.jpeg" alt="The Fort Hays State women's cross country team finished third at the MIAA Championships in Columbia, Mo., Friday, October 20, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>The Fort Hays State women's cross country team finished third at the MIAA Championships in Columbia, Mo., Friday, October 20, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>A native of Mitchell, Neb., Hodsden continued a dominant season, winning her third race in as many tries. The 2022 XC All-American won the six-kilometer race in 21:29.8, finishing seven seconds in front of her nearest competitor.Vath's third-place finish made Fort Hays State the only school with multiple finishers inside the top five. The Lincoln, Kan. native shaved more than 19 seconds off her personal-best 6K time, completing the race in 21:43.0. Hudgeons grabbed the final all-conference spot with a time of 22:29.6.Abbye Hudson slotted 37th after completing the race in 23:12.7, with Hattie Lukert&nbsp;rounding out the Tiger top five in 46th place with a time of 23:45.2.Pittsburg State captured the team title with 57 team points, placing five runners inside the top 24.Fort Hays State will now take two weeks to prepare for the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships, slated for Saturday, November 4 in Joplin, Mo.Full FHSU Results 3rd - Team - 105 points 1st - Regan Hodseden&nbsp;- 21:29.8 3rd - Jaycee Vath&nbsp;- 21:43.0 20th - Darian Hudgeons&nbsp;- 22:29.6 37th - Abbye Hudson&nbsp;- 23:12.7 46th - Hattie Lukert&nbsp;- 23:45.2 54th - Faith Little&nbsp;- 24:03.6 60th - Ashlyn Harbaugh&nbsp;- 24:26.6 72nd - Madison Sutterfield&nbsp;- 24:53.8 82nd - Amelia Foster&nbsp;- 26:11.8 Brenna Murphy&nbsp;- DNF&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♀️ FHSU's Hodsden wins MIAA title, Tiger women third

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's cross country team placed eighth at the 2023 MIAA Championships, held Friday afternoon at Gans Creek Cross Country Course. Grant Bradley&nbsp;was the top finisher for the Tigers, earning first team All-MIAA status with a ninth-place finish.

Bradley completed the eight-kilometer race in 24:45.9, picking up all-conference status for the first time in his cross country career and the fourth time including track and field. Corbin Ricke&nbsp;was 29th overall, crossing the finish line in 25:39.7, with Jaret Pfizenmaier&nbsp;placing 41st with a time of 25:58.4. Kaiden Esfeld&nbsp;completed the race in 26:17.9, good for 56th place, while Noah Morenz&nbsp;was close behind in 59th with a time of 26:25.2.

Pittsburg State captured the team title with 67 team points, while Washburn's David Kibet took home the individual title with a time of 24:01.0.Fort Hays State will now take two weeks to prepare for the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships, slated for Saturday, November 4 in Joplin, Mo.

Full FHSU Results 8th - Team - 191 points 9th - Grant Bradley&nbsp;- 24:45.9 29th - Corbin Ricke&nbsp;- 25:39.7 41st - Jaret Pfizenmaier&nbsp;- 25:58.4 56th - Kaiden Esfeld&nbsp;- 26:17.9 59th - Noah Morenz - 26:25.2 62nd - Carsyn Turpin&nbsp;- 26:28.0 70th - Javyn Contreras&nbsp;- 26:46.0 79th - Brady Stegman&nbsp;- 27:09.2 88th - Trevor Medina&nbsp;- 27:34.4 97th - Ethan Fisher&nbsp;- 28:24.3&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697831287040.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Grant Bradley runs at the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Friday, Friday, October 6, 2023 (FHSU Athletics photo/Clay Billman, OSU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Grant Bradley runs at the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Friday, Friday, October 6, 2023 (FHSU Athletics photo/Clay Billman, OSU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCOLUMBIA, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's cross country team placed eighth at the 2023 MIAA Championships, held Friday afternoon at Gans Creek Cross Country Course. Grant Bradley&nbsp;was the top finisher for the Tigers, earning first team All-MIAA status with a ninth-place finish.Bradley completed the eight-kilometer race in 24:45.9, picking up all-conference status for the first time in his cross country career and the fourth time including track and field. Corbin Ricke&nbsp;was 29th overall, crossing the finish line in 25:39.7, with Jaret Pfizenmaier&nbsp;placing 41st with a time of 25:58.4. Kaiden Esfeld&nbsp;completed the race in 26:17.9, good for 56th place, while Noah Morenz&nbsp;was close behind in 59th with a time of 26:25.2.Pittsburg State captured the team title with 67 team points, while Washburn's David Kibet took home the individual title with a time of 24:01.0.Fort Hays State will now take two weeks to prepare for the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships, slated for Saturday, November 4 in Joplin, Mo.Full FHSU Results 8th - Team - 191 points 9th - Grant Bradley&nbsp;- 24:45.9 29th - Corbin Ricke&nbsp;- 25:39.7 41st - Jaret Pfizenmaier&nbsp;- 25:58.4 56th - Kaiden Esfeld&nbsp;- 26:17.9 59th - Noah Morenz - 26:25.2 62nd - Carsyn Turpin&nbsp;- 26:28.0 70th - Javyn Contreras&nbsp;- 26:46.0 79th - Brady Stegman&nbsp;- 27:09.2 88th - Trevor Medina&nbsp;- 27:34.4 97th - Ethan Fisher&nbsp;- 28:24.3&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ Bradley earns All-MIAA, men eighth at MIAA Cross Country Championships

WASHINGTON.&nbsp;— House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement this week ahead of the lapse of the U.N. embargo on Iranian missiles and long-range drones.

According to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the JCPOA, all UN restrictions on Iran's ability to obtain drone and missiles ended on October 18, known as 'Transition Day.'

Congress was busy working to elect a new House Speaker on Wednesday. They are still working on that effort.

According to Representative McCaul, "as a result, Iran's own firepower will now increase and it will be easier for the country to send ballistic missiles to its dangerous terror proxy organizations and other nations hostile to the U.S. - including Russia."

WASHINGTON.&nbsp;— House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement this week ahead of the lapse of the U.N. embargo on Iranian missiles and long-range drones.According to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the JCPOA, all UN restrictions on Iran's ability to obtain drone and missiles ended on October 18, known as 'Transition Day.'Congress was busy working to elect a new House Speaker on Wednesday. They are still working on that effort.According to Representative McCaul, "as a result, Iran's own firepower will now increase and it will be easier for the country to send ballistic missiles to its dangerous terror proxy organizations and other nations hostile to the U.S. - including Russia."

U.N missile embargo on Iran expired while Congress wasn't watching

BUNKER HILL – “The Dolly Madison Murders” is a new documentary which will air on Smoky Hills PBS on&nbsp;Saturday, October 28 at 8 p.m. and then re-air on October 31 at 10 p.m.

“We are able to bring another great local documentary to Smoky Hills PBS because of the support from our viewers!”&nbsp;said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager.&nbsp; “This is a must see for everyone as it takes a deep dive into an unsolved murder case right here in Kansas.”

This documentary goes back to September 2002, where two women were found dead inside the Dolly Madison bakery in Great Bend. Twenty years later, a filmmaker who grew up near the bakery, is determined to shed light on the case and find justice for the victims. With interviews, evidence analysis, and community involvement, the film investigates potential suspects, including someone who may be hiding in plain sight.

The trailer can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/I2qHtFPJz8w" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/I2qHtFPJz8w</a>.

There are many ways to watch this documentary on Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; SHPBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697807486730.png" alt="Screen shots from&nbsp;“The Dolly Madison Murders” documentary" />
 <figcaption>Screen shots from&nbsp;“The Dolly Madison Murders” documentary</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL – “The Dolly Madison Murders” is a new documentary which will air on Smoky Hills PBS on&nbsp;Saturday, October 28 at 8 p.m. and then re-air on October 31 at 10 p.m.“We are able to bring another great local documentary to Smoky Hills PBS because of the support from our viewers!”&nbsp;said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager.&nbsp; “This is a must see for everyone as it takes a deep dive into an unsolved murder case right here in Kansas.”This documentary goes back to September 2002, where two women were found dead inside the Dolly Madison bakery in Great Bend. Twenty years later, a filmmaker who grew up near the bakery, is determined to shed light on the case and find justice for the victims. With interviews, evidence analysis, and community involvement, the film investigates potential suspects, including someone who may be hiding in plain sight.The trailer can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/I2qHtFPJz8w" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/I2qHtFPJz8w</a>.There are many ways to watch this documentary on Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; SHPBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;

Smoky Hills PBS to air documentary on Great Bend's 'Dolly Madison' murders

The unemployment rate in Ellis County and across the region is down slightly for September, according to the latest labor report.

The jobless rate in Ellis County dropped from 2.4 percent in August to 2.2 percent in September. 

Rooks County unemployment dropped by .5 percent to 2.8 percent. Trego County unemployment dropped by. 6 percent to 3 percent. Russell and Rush counties' jobless rates were 2.7 percent.

No county in the northwest region of the state had a jobless rate of more than 3.1 percent.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in September.

This is an increase from 2.7 percent in August and a decrease from 2.9 percent in September 2022.

“The September unemployment rate was 2.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This was a decrease from 2.9 percent a year ago and unchanged from the end of the second quarter.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4,200 from August. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,000 over the month, while government increased by 200.

“Kansas nonfarm jobs showed little change over the month in September,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler. “Despite relatively flat growth throughout 2023, Kansas has added 22,200 jobs since September 2022.”

Since September 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 22,200. This change is due to an increase of 16,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 6,200 government jobs.

Complete Kansas labor market information for September is available <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">here</a>.

The October 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, Nov. 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697816130976.png" alt="September 2023 unemployment rates. Image courtesy of Kansas Department of Labor" />
 <figcaption>September 2023 unemployment rates. Image courtesy of Kansas Department of Labor</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Labor&nbsp;The unemployment rate in Ellis County and across the region is down slightly for September, according to the latest labor report.The jobless rate in Ellis County dropped from 2.4 percent in August to 2.2 percent in September. Rooks County unemployment dropped by .5 percent to 2.8 percent. Trego County unemployment dropped by. 6 percent to 3 percent. Russell and Rush counties' jobless rates were 2.7 percent.No county in the northwest region of the state had a jobless rate of more than 3.1 percent.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in September.This is an increase from 2.7 percent in August and a decrease from 2.9 percent in September 2022.“The September unemployment rate was 2.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This was a decrease from 2.9 percent a year ago and unchanged from the end of the second quarter.”Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4,200 from August. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,000 over the month, while government increased by 200.“Kansas nonfarm jobs showed little change over the month in September,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler. “Despite relatively flat growth throughout 2023, Kansas has added 22,200 jobs since September 2022.”Since September 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 22,200. This change is due to an increase of 16,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 6,200 government jobs.Complete Kansas labor market information for September is available <a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">here</a>.The October 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, Nov. 17.

Unemployment rates down across northwest Kansas

NCK Technical College is excited to announce it will be hosting a special "Catching Up," Hays Chamber of Commerce event on Wednesday, October 25, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the college's administrative building, 2205 Wheatland Ave. 

This event will provide a platform to showcase various aspects of NCK Tech's history, programs, and recent developments, sharing upcoming Founders' Week events and highlighting the college's significant expansion and enrollment growth.

NCK Tech, with its rich history and commitment to technical education, has been an integral part of the Hays community for many years. This event aims to bring together members of the Chamber of Commerce, students, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to reflect on the college's journey and discuss the exciting developments in the pipeline.

1. NCK Tech History and Programs: Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the origins and evolution of NCK Tech College. The college's extensive range of programs, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various industries, will be mentioned.

2. Founders' Week Celebrations: As part of the event, NCK Tech College will also announce events happening during Founders' Week, recognizing the visionaries who established the institution and the significant milestones achieved since its inception.

3. Building Expansion: NCK Tech College is proud to share news about its upcoming campus expansion project. Attendees will get an exclusive look at the floorplans and artist renderings of the building expansion, further enhancing the learning environment for students.

4. New Programs: The college has been actively working on the development of new, innovative programs that align with the changing needs of the workforce. This event will&nbsp;feature insights into these upcoming programs that will prepare students for in-demand careers.

This event promises to be an engaging and informative gathering, bringing together the community and NCK Tech College in celebration of the institution's past, present, and future. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with local business leaders, faculty, and students while gaining a deeper understanding of the pivotal role NCK Tech plays in the region.

&nbsp;Light refreshments prepared by culinary arts students will be provided.

NCK Tech is a leading institution in technical education, dedicated to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today's workforce. With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, the college continues to expand its programs and facilities, preparing students for in-demand careers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684860412842.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechNCK Technical College is excited to announce it will be hosting a special "Catching Up," Hays Chamber of Commerce event on Wednesday, October 25, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the college's administrative building, 2205 Wheatland Ave. This event will provide a platform to showcase various aspects of NCK Tech's history, programs, and recent developments, sharing upcoming Founders' Week events and highlighting the college's significant expansion and enrollment growth.NCK Tech, with its rich history and commitment to technical education, has been an integral part of the Hays community for many years. This event aims to bring together members of the Chamber of Commerce, students, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to reflect on the college's journey and discuss the exciting developments in the pipeline.Key highlights of the event include:1. NCK Tech History and Programs: Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the origins and evolution of NCK Tech College. The college's extensive range of programs, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various industries, will be mentioned.2. Founders' Week Celebrations: As part of the event, NCK Tech College will also announce events happening during Founders' Week, recognizing the visionaries who established the institution and the significant milestones achieved since its inception.3. Building Expansion: NCK Tech College is proud to share news about its upcoming campus expansion project. Attendees will get an exclusive look at the floorplans and artist renderings of the building expansion, further enhancing the learning environment for students.4. New Programs: The college has been actively working on the development of new, innovative programs that align with the changing needs of the workforce. This event will&nbsp;feature insights into these upcoming programs that will prepare students for in-demand careers.This event promises to be an engaging and informative gathering, bringing together the community and NCK Tech College in celebration of the institution's past, present, and future. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with local business leaders, faculty, and students while gaining a deeper understanding of the pivotal role NCK Tech plays in the region.&nbsp;Light refreshments prepared by culinary arts students will be provided.NCK Tech is a leading institution in technical education, dedicated to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today's workforce. With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, the college continues to expand its programs and facilities, preparing students for in-demand careers.

NCK Tech to host "Catching Up" Hays Chamber event on Oct. 25

Reginald "Reggie" Reed, 93, of Courtland, passed away October 17, 2023.

Reginald “Reggie” Oren Reed was born February 28, 1930, in rural Scandia to Ruby (Freed) Reed and Oren Reed, and peacefully passed at home surrounded by his family.&nbsp; 

Reggie was the oldest child of five born to Ruby and Oren.&nbsp; 

Reggie attended primary school at Union Valley, rural Scandia and graduated Belleville High School.&nbsp; He attended Kansas State University for one semester before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.&nbsp; He trained at Camp Pendleton in California before being shipped overseas to serve in the Korean War as a machine gunner and corporal.&nbsp; 

Upon his return to California, he and Jacqueline J. Lilly wed on November 7, 1953, in Courtside, Arizona, and resided in Hawthorne, California, for a short time before returning to Kansas.

In 1954, they welcomed their oldest son, Michael, followed by Melinda and Mark in the years to come.&nbsp; In the late 50s, they purchased the Olson homestead south of Courtland and lived in the rock house and continued to farm and raise their growing family.&nbsp; In the mid-60s, Reggie and Jackie purchased the Ullom place just two miles north which is what we call our Reed homeplace and was our family farm headquarters for many years. Reggie and Jackie lived their entire married lives in the Courtland, Scandia area where they worked hard to build their farming operation and create a life focused on farming and family for over 60 years.

Reggie took pride in his family (especially his grandkids and great-grandkids), crops and livestock. Grandad and Grandma always had time for grandchildren and great-grandchildren.&nbsp; He was well-read and informed on agriculture and the world, he liked public radio and classical music, was skilled in the shop, understood the value of time and people, appreciated the arts and loved animals, babies and children.&nbsp; Reggie instilled values in his family like work ethic, integrity, honesty, grit, humor and love.&nbsp; A hard-working farmer and stockman, along with the titles of Dad and Grandad were Reggie’s identity.&nbsp;

He and Jackie leave a legacy of these values and countless memories in their survivors:&nbsp; children Michael Reed (Susan Illig), Las Vegas, NV, Melinda Reed-Hettick (Bob), Stevensville, MT, Mark Reed (Saundra), Courtland, KS; grandchildren Dane Reed, Janine Heincker (Carl), Matthew Hettick (Rebecka), Katie Reed-Carlgren (Bret), Michael Hettick (Anne), Davin Reed, Neely Reed-Kohmetscher (Roger), Andrew Hettick (Teddy) and Marisa Reed; 15 great-grandchildren: Brandt, Blakely and Bristol Carlgren; Reed and Ansley Kohmetscher; Bailee, Blair, Isabella, Blaise, Eden, Brene and Basil Heincker; Ruca Dierks, Grace and Carson Hettick and Brexton Hettick; loving sister, Patricia Dinning, Courtland, KS; family friend and caregiver Theresa Campbell; loyal buddies and pets Jet-Jack, Gus and Caroline Cookie Kohmetscher.

Reggie is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” J. Reed, his parents Ruby and Oren Reed, his parents-in-law, brothers Max Reed, Bill Reed, Gary Reed, and brother-in-law John Dinning.

Graveside service and inurnment will be held at the Courtland Cemetery on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating. Friends may sign Reggie’s register book on Friday, October 20, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Solomon Valley Hospice, Pike Valley FFA or family’s choice and may be sent in to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Reggie’s family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/c75567f9-6281-4ba4-8026-b4281340ba50" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Reginald O. Reed, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/c75567f9-6281-4ba4-8026-b4281340ba50" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Reginald O. Reed, Courtland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697658993337.jpeg" alt="Reginald O. Reed" />
 <figcaption>Reginald O. Reed</figcaption>
 </figure>February 28, 1930 - October 17, 2023Reginald "Reggie" Reed, 93, of Courtland, passed away October 17, 2023.Reginald “Reggie” Oren Reed was born February 28, 1930, in rural Scandia to Ruby (Freed) Reed and Oren Reed, and peacefully passed at home surrounded by his family.&nbsp; Reggie was the oldest child of five born to Ruby and Oren.&nbsp; Reggie attended primary school at Union Valley, rural Scandia and graduated Belleville High School.&nbsp; He attended Kansas State University for one semester before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.&nbsp; He trained at Camp Pendleton in California before being shipped overseas to serve in the Korean War as a machine gunner and corporal.&nbsp; Upon his return to California, he and Jacqueline J. Lilly wed on November 7, 1953, in Courtside, Arizona, and resided in Hawthorne, California, for a short time before returning to Kansas.In 1954, they welcomed their oldest son, Michael, followed by Melinda and Mark in the years to come.&nbsp; In the late 50s, they purchased the Olson homestead south of Courtland and lived in the rock house and continued to farm and raise their growing family.&nbsp; In the mid-60s, Reggie and Jackie purchased the Ullom place just two miles north which is what we call our Reed homeplace and was our family farm headquarters for many years. Reggie and Jackie lived their entire married lives in the Courtland, Scandia area where they worked hard to build their farming operation and create a life focused on farming and family for over 60 years.Reggie took pride in his family (especially his grandkids and great-grandkids), crops and livestock. Grandad and Grandma always had time for grandchildren and great-grandchildren.&nbsp; He was well-read and informed on agriculture and the world, he liked public radio and classical music, was skilled in the shop, understood the value of time and people, appreciated the arts and loved animals, babies and children.&nbsp; Reggie instilled values in his family like work ethic, integrity, honesty, grit, humor and love.&nbsp; A hard-working farmer and stockman, along with the titles of Dad and Grandad were Reggie’s identity.&nbsp;He and Jackie leave a legacy of these values and countless memories in their survivors:&nbsp; children Michael Reed (Susan Illig), Las Vegas, NV, Melinda Reed-Hettick (Bob), Stevensville, MT, Mark Reed (Saundra), Courtland, KS; grandchildren Dane Reed, Janine Heincker (Carl), Matthew Hettick (Rebecka), Katie Reed-Carlgren (Bret), Michael Hettick (Anne), Davin Reed, Neely Reed-Kohmetscher (Roger), Andrew Hettick (Teddy) and Marisa Reed; 15 great-grandchildren: Brandt, Blakely and Bristol Carlgren; Reed and Ansley Kohmetscher; Bailee, Blair, Isabella, Blaise, Eden, Brene and Basil Heincker; Ruca Dierks, Grace and Carson Hettick and Brexton Hettick; loving sister, Patricia Dinning, Courtland, KS; family friend and caregiver Theresa Campbell; loyal buddies and pets Jet-Jack, Gus and Caroline Cookie Kohmetscher.Reggie is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” J. Reed, his parents Ruby and Oren Reed, his parents-in-law, brothers Max Reed, Bill Reed, Gary Reed, and brother-in-law John Dinning.Graveside service and inurnment will be held at the Courtland Cemetery on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating. Friends may sign Reggie’s register book on Friday, October 20, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home.Memorials may be made to Solomon Valley Hospice, Pike Valley FFA or family’s choice and may be sent in to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Reggie’s family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.comTo order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/c75567f9-6281-4ba4-8026-b4281340ba50" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Reginald O. Reed, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/c75567f9-6281-4ba4-8026-b4281340ba50" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Reginald O. Reed

WASHINGTON&nbsp; — President Joe Biden declared it is “vital for America's national security” for Israel and Ukraine to succeed in their wars, making the case Thursday night for deepening U.S. involvement in two unpredictable foreign conflicts as he prepared to ask for billions of dollars in military assistance for both countries.

He said he would send an urgent funding request to Congress, which is expected to be $105 billion for the next year. The proposal, which will be unveiled on Friday, includes $60 billion for Ukraine, much of which is for replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles that have already been provided.

Kansas United State's Senator Roger Marshall is opposed to a funding request that ties help for Israel with additional dollars for Ukraine.

On social media ahead of the President's address Marshall wrote, "Funding for Israel should not be used as leverage to send billions of more dollars to Ukraine. Period. These are two separate conflicts and should not be considered a package deal."

There’s also $14 billion for Israel, $10 billion for humanitarian efforts, $14 billion for managing the U.S.-Mexico border and fighting fentanyl trafficking and $7 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, which includes Taiwan. The proposal was described by three people familiar with the details who insisted on anonymity before the official announcement.

“It’s a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations,” Biden said.

(Click below to watch a replay of the address)

He hopes that combining all of these issues into one piece of legislation will create the necessary coalition for congressional approval. His speech came the day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce">his high-stakes trip to Israel</a>, where he showed solidarity with the country after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and pushed for more humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.

With Israel continuing to bombard the Gaza Strip and preparing a ground invasion, Biden placed an increased emphasis on the deadly toll that the conflict has had on civilians there, saying he's “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Palestinian life."

“Israel and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity and peace,” Biden said. He also warned about a rising tide of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the U.S., noting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-israel-hamas-war-hate-crime-palestinian-df260347321c69acb3b59aae5ede0803">killing of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy</a>.

“To all you hurting, I want you to know I see you. You belong. And I want to say this to you. You're all Americans.”

As Biden seeks a second term in a campaign that will likely hinge on voters' feeling about the economy, he was careful to emphasize that the spending will create jobs for U.S. workers, referencing the construction of missiles in Arizona and artillery shells in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas.

And he worked in a nod to one of his political heroes, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, by saying that “just as in World War II,” the country is “building the arsenal of democracy and serving the cause of freedom.”

Biden faces an array of steep challenges as he tries to secure the money. The House remains in chaos because the Republican majority has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-abdef873a8d14979848b658e4ef46fd2">unable to select a speaker</a>&nbsp;to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted more than two weeks ago.

In addition, conservative Republicans oppose money for sending more weapons to Ukraine as its battle against the Russian invasion approaches the two-year mark. Biden's previous request for funding, which included $24 billion to help with the next few months of fighting, was stripped out of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">budget legislation last month</a>&nbsp;despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">a personal plea</a>&nbsp;from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

There will be resistance from some on the other side of the political spectrum when it comes to military assistance for Israel, which has been bombarding the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.

Critics have accused Israel of indiscriminately killing civilians and committing war crimes by cutting off essential supplies including food, water and fuel.

Bipartisan support for Israel has already eroded in recent years as progressive Democrats have become more outspoken in their opposition to the country's decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory, which is widely viewed as illegal by the international community.

There are rumbles of disagreement within Biden's administration as well. Josh Paul, a State Department official who oversaw the congressional liaison office dealing with foreign arms sales, resigned over U.S. policy on weapons transfers to Israel.

“I cannot work in support of a set of major policy decisions, including rushing more arms to one side of the conflict, that I believe to be short-sighted, destructive, unjust and contradictory to the very values that we publicly espouse,” he wrote in a statement posted to his LinkedIn account.

A speech from the Oval Office is one of the most prestigious platforms that a president can command, an opportunity to try to seize the country’s attention at a moment of crisis. The major television networks broke into regular programming to carry the address live.

Biden has delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-limit-budget-36bd8dbb08192ba7f7507cab16184d93">only one other such speech</a>&nbsp;during his presidency, after Congress passed bipartisan budget legislation to avert a default on the country’s debt.

The White House and other senior administration officials, including Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, have quietly briefed key lawmakers in recent days about the contours of the planned supplemental funding request.

The Democratic Senate plans to move quickly on Biden’s proposal, hoping that it creates pressure on the Republican-controlled House to resolve its leadership drama and return to legislating.

However, there are disagreements within the Senate, too, on how to move forward. Eight Republicans, led by Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, said they did not want to combine assistance for Ukraine and Israel in the same legislation.

“These are two separate and unrelated conflicts and it would be wrong to leverage support of aid to Israel in an attempt to get additional aid for Ukraine across the finish line,” they wrote in a letter.

North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said he was fine with the proposal as long as there was also a fresh effort to address border issues. But he said "it’s got to be designed to secure the border, not to facilitate travel through the border.”

Although there was a lull in migrant arrivals to the U.S. after the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">new asylum restrictions in May</a>, illegal crossings topped a daily average of more than 8,000 last month.

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat who leads a Senate panel that oversees funding for the Department of Homeland Security, was wary of any effort to overhaul border policy during a debate over spending.

"How are we going to settle our differences over immigration in the next two weeks?” Murphy said. “This is a supplemental funding bill. The minute you start loading it up with policies, that sounds like a plan to fail.”

Biden's decision to include funding for the Indo-Pacific in his proposal is a nod toward the potential for another international conflict. China wants to reunify the self-governing island of Taiwan with its mainland, a goal that could be carried out through force.

Although wars in Europe and the Middle East have been the most immediate concerns for U.S. foreign policy, Biden views Asia as the key arena in the struggle for global influence.

The administration's national security strategy, released last year, describes China as “America’s most consequential geopolitical challenge.”

WASHINGTON&nbsp; — President Joe Biden declared it is “vital for America's national security” for Israel and Ukraine to succeed in their wars, making the case Thursday night for deepening U.S. involvement in two unpredictable foreign conflicts as he prepared to ask for billions of dollars in military assistance for both countries.He said he would send an urgent funding request to Congress, which is expected to be $105 billion for the next year. The proposal, which will be unveiled on Friday, includes $60 billion for Ukraine, much of which is for replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles that have already been provided.Kansas United State's Senator Roger Marshall is opposed to a funding request that ties help for Israel with additional dollars for Ukraine.On social media ahead of the President's address Marshall wrote, "Funding for Israel should not be used as leverage to send billions of more dollars to Ukraine. Period. These are two separate conflicts and should not be considered a package deal."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Funding for Israel should not be used as leverage to send billions of more dollars to Ukraine. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝. These are two separate conflicts and should not be considered a ‘package deal.’ <a href="https://t.co/2uBkkWniQj">https://t.co/2uBkkWniQj</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1715003644620251353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>There’s also $14 billion for Israel, $10 billion for humanitarian efforts, $14 billion for managing the U.S.-Mexico border and fighting fentanyl trafficking and $7 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, which includes Taiwan. The proposal was described by three people familiar with the details who insisted on anonymity before the official announcement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Biden-Harris Administration is working to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to aid civilians who are suffering. <a href="https://t.co/sROGiJgHCl">pic.twitter.com/sROGiJgHCl</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1715133759928848460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It’s a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations,” Biden said.(Click below to watch a replay of the address)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F611557420957457%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=48" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>He hopes that combining all of these issues into one piece of legislation will create the necessary coalition for congressional approval. His speech came the day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce">his high-stakes trip to Israel</a>, where he showed solidarity with the country after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and pushed for more humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.With Israel continuing to bombard the Gaza Strip and preparing a ground invasion, Biden placed an increased emphasis on the deadly toll that the conflict has had on civilians there, saying he's “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Palestinian life."“Israel and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity and peace,” Biden said. He also warned about a rising tide of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the U.S., noting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-israel-hamas-war-hate-crime-palestinian-df260347321c69acb3b59aae5ede0803">killing of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy</a>.“To all you hurting, I want you to know I see you. You belong. And I want to say this to you. You're all Americans.”As Biden seeks a second term in a campaign that will likely hinge on voters' feeling about the economy, he was careful to emphasize that the spending will create jobs for U.S. workers, referencing the construction of missiles in Arizona and artillery shells in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas.And he worked in a nod to one of his political heroes, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, by saying that “just as in World War II,” the country is “building the arsenal of democracy and serving the cause of freedom.”Biden faces an array of steep challenges as he tries to secure the money. The House remains in chaos because the Republican majority has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-abdef873a8d14979848b658e4ef46fd2">unable to select a speaker</a>&nbsp;to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted more than two weeks ago.In addition, conservative Republicans oppose money for sending more weapons to Ukraine as its battle against the Russian invasion approaches the two-year mark. Biden's previous request for funding, which included $24 billion to help with the next few months of fighting, was stripped out of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">budget legislation last month</a>&nbsp;despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">a personal plea</a>&nbsp;from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.There will be resistance from some on the other side of the political spectrum when it comes to military assistance for Israel, which has been bombarding the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.Critics have accused Israel of indiscriminately killing civilians and committing war crimes by cutting off essential supplies including food, water and fuel.Bipartisan support for Israel has already eroded in recent years as progressive Democrats have become more outspoken in their opposition to the country's decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory, which is widely viewed as illegal by the international community.There are rumbles of disagreement within Biden's administration as well. Josh Paul, a State Department official who oversaw the congressional liaison office dealing with foreign arms sales, resigned over U.S. policy on weapons transfers to Israel.“I cannot work in support of a set of major policy decisions, including rushing more arms to one side of the conflict, that I believe to be short-sighted, destructive, unjust and contradictory to the very values that we publicly espouse,” he wrote in a statement posted to his LinkedIn account.A speech from the Oval Office is one of the most prestigious platforms that a president can command, an opportunity to try to seize the country’s attention at a moment of crisis. The major television networks broke into regular programming to carry the address live.Biden has delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-limit-budget-36bd8dbb08192ba7f7507cab16184d93">only one other such speech</a>&nbsp;during his presidency, after Congress passed bipartisan budget legislation to avert a default on the country’s debt.The White House and other senior administration officials, including Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, have quietly briefed key lawmakers in recent days about the contours of the planned supplemental funding request.The Democratic Senate plans to move quickly on Biden’s proposal, hoping that it creates pressure on the Republican-controlled House to resolve its leadership drama and return to legislating.However, there are disagreements within the Senate, too, on how to move forward. Eight Republicans, led by Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, said they did not want to combine assistance for Ukraine and Israel in the same legislation.“These are two separate and unrelated conflicts and it would be wrong to leverage support of aid to Israel in an attempt to get additional aid for Ukraine across the finish line,” they wrote in a letter.North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said he was fine with the proposal as long as there was also a fresh effort to address border issues. But he said "it’s got to be designed to secure the border, not to facilitate travel through the border.”Although there was a lull in migrant arrivals to the U.S. after the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">new asylum restrictions in May</a>, illegal crossings topped a daily average of more than 8,000 last month.Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat who leads a Senate panel that oversees funding for the Department of Homeland Security, was wary of any effort to overhaul border policy during a debate over spending."How are we going to settle our differences over immigration in the next two weeks?” Murphy said. “This is a supplemental funding bill. The minute you start loading it up with policies, that sounds like a plan to fail.”Biden's decision to include funding for the Indo-Pacific in his proposal is a nod toward the potential for another international conflict. China wants to reunify the self-governing island of Taiwan with its mainland, a goal that could be carried out through force.Although wars in Europe and the Middle East have been the most immediate concerns for U.S. foreign policy, Biden views Asia as the key arena in the struggle for global influence.The administration's national security strategy, released last year, describes China as “America’s most consequential geopolitical challenge.”

🎥 Kan. Senator against funding request that ties Israel with Ukraine 

Larned – Tess Viola Couch, 40, passed away October 18, 2023.

She was born August 19, 1983 in Larned, the daughter of Gerald Raymond and Lee Anne Stueckemann Williams. &nbsp;

A lifetime area resident, she was a longtime employee for Larned State Hospital.

She was of the Christian faith. &nbsp;Tess enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, cruising around, doing her make-up, and loved spending time and shopping with her girls.

She was married to Shawn Couch. &nbsp;They later divorced.

Survivors include: mother, Lee Anne Williams, Larned; two daughters, Alexandria Couch, Larned, and Samantha Couch, Ellsworth; sister, Luci Williams, Larned; nephew, Deacon Martin, Larned; significant other, Gina Perez, Larned; two dogs, Elway and Toshi.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Williams.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Memorials may be given to Samantha Couch Cancer Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550. &nbsp;

Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

<h2>Tess Viola Couch, Larned</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697806042807.jpeg" alt="Tess Viola Couch" />
 <figcaption>Tess Viola Couch</figcaption>
 </figure>August 19, 1983 - October 18, 2023Larned – Tess Viola Couch, 40, passed away October 18, 2023.She was born August 19, 1983 in Larned, the daughter of Gerald Raymond and Lee Anne Stueckemann Williams. &nbsp;A lifetime area resident, she was a longtime employee for Larned State Hospital.She was of the Christian faith. &nbsp;Tess enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, cruising around, doing her make-up, and loved spending time and shopping with her girls.She was married to Shawn Couch. &nbsp;They later divorced.Survivors include: mother, Lee Anne Williams, Larned; two daughters, Alexandria Couch, Larned, and Samantha Couch, Ellsworth; sister, Luci Williams, Larned; nephew, Deacon Martin, Larned; significant other, Gina Perez, Larned; two dogs, Elway and Toshi.She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Williams.Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.Memorials may be given to Samantha Couch Cancer Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550. &nbsp;Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Tess Viola Couch

Francis Richard Everett passed away on October 9, 2023, in Woodston, KS, at the age of 66. He was born on February 15, 1957, to Albert and Dorothy (Abernathy) Everett in Kansas City, KS.

Francis grew up in Kansas City and attended Turner High School. His parents were both from the Gaylord area, so as a young adult he moved to his grandparents’ farm in rural Gaylord, KS. 

He spent many of his years working in agriculture as a farmhand, truck driver, and equipment operator. Francis was handy with tools and often worked on family and friends’ vehicles and such. 

He enjoyed following the Kansas City Chiefs and watching movies, especially old westerns. Francis lived life to the fullest and tended to lean towards the wild side of life, which eventually caught up with him in his later years.

Francis is survived by his sons, Steven Everett of Terra Haute, IN, Gregory Everett of Norfolk, NE, Jeffry Everett of Hutchison, KS, Matthew Everett of Appleton City, MO, and Frankie of Smith Center, KS; nine grandchildren; wife Heidi (Dunning) Everett; sister, Margaret Holland of Kansas City, KS; nephew, Joe Lawhead; sister-in-law Shirley Everett; and numerous nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothy Everett; brother, Michael Everett; and brother-in-law Mike Holland.

A family-directed graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Gaylord Cemetery in Gaylord, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home to help pay for funeral expenses and may be sent to 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29548736&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1697721975.119.1.1697722861.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29548736&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1697721975.119.1.1697722861.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Francis, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29548736&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1697721975.119.1.1697722861.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Francis Richard Everett</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697805158163.png" alt="Francis Richard Everett" />
 <figcaption>Francis Richard Everett</figcaption>
 </figure>February 15, 1957 - October 9, 2023Francis Richard Everett passed away on October 9, 2023, in Woodston, KS, at the age of 66. He was born on February 15, 1957, to Albert and Dorothy (Abernathy) Everett in Kansas City, KS.Francis grew up in Kansas City and attended Turner High School. His parents were both from the Gaylord area, so as a young adult he moved to his grandparents’ farm in rural Gaylord, KS. He spent many of his years working in agriculture as a farmhand, truck driver, and equipment operator. Francis was handy with tools and often worked on family and friends’ vehicles and such. He enjoyed following the Kansas City Chiefs and watching movies, especially old westerns. Francis lived life to the fullest and tended to lean towards the wild side of life, which eventually caught up with him in his later years.Francis is survived by his sons, Steven Everett of Terra Haute, IN, Gregory Everett of Norfolk, NE, Jeffry Everett of Hutchison, KS, Matthew Everett of Appleton City, MO, and Frankie of Smith Center, KS; nine grandchildren; wife Heidi (Dunning) Everett; sister, Margaret Holland of Kansas City, KS; nephew, Joe Lawhead; sister-in-law Shirley Everett; and numerous nephews, nieces, family, and friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothy Everett; brother, Michael Everett; and brother-in-law Mike Holland.A family-directed graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Gaylord Cemetery in Gaylord, KS.Memorials are suggested to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home to help pay for funeral expenses and may be sent to 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29548736&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1697721975.119.1.1697722861.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29548736&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1697721975.119.1.1697722861.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Francis, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumeroverlease-funeral-home-stockton-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=29548736&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1697721975.119.1.1697722861.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

Francis Richard Everett

Calling all space adventurers! Put on your Halloween costumes and join the Hays Symphony at its annual children’s concert on Sunday, October 29, at the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Center for the Performing Arts. The free concert has become a family tradition over the past seven years, offering an afternoon of music, drama, hands-on activities, and festivities for everyone.&nbsp;

“This year the symphony decided on the theme of space”, said Cathy Drabkin, publicity chair for the group. “We commissioned Hays playwright Catherine Trieschmann to create a musical drama with the prompt of “What would happen if an alien heard the music from Earth that was sent to space on the 1977 US Voyager I spacecraft?”&nbsp;

As a result, Trieschmann has written “The Golden Record,” an original musical comedy in which six aliens travel to our solar system in search of beautiful music. The production will be directed by Erin Renard, and features middle-school students in the alien roles. The symphony’s music which accompanies the story will include selections from The Planets, by Gustav Holst, the theme from the movie E.T., and first movement from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #2.

The symphony has also partnered with several FHSU departments and student groups and community organizations to offer a wide range of pre-concert activities in the lobby and the outside courtyard of Beach/Schmidt Auditorium.

FHSU students from STEM Education Club will be setting up several science education stations featuring hands-on activities with sound waves, with planetary orbits, and on the Voyager spacecraft.&nbsp; “We are so excited to share science activities and experiences with the community of Hays,” said Dr. Matthew Clay, assistant professor of teacher education at FHSU. “This is a great opportunity for our students to have a chance to experience working with so many children as they prepare for their careers as educators.”

The FHSU Science &amp; Mathematics Education Institute will offer digital planetarium shows for school-age children in the auditorium lobby. The shows require advance reservations through the symphony’s website.&nbsp;

The FHSU student chapter of the National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) is presenting Music in Orbit, a movement and music session featuring pieces performed in the concert, and offering a space-themed arts and crafts activity.&nbsp;

In addition, FHSU music education major Mackenzie Bowers and Associate Professor of Music Dr. Laura Andrews have created a comprehensive listening guide on The Planets which parents and students can use in advance of the concert to learn more about the music being performed. The guide which has been sent to general music educators throughout the region, is also available on the symphony’s website.

Pre-concert activities will also include a stringed instrument petting zoo organized by symphony musicians, a ukelele demonstration presented by Studio 809, a space-themed story hour with the Hays Public Library staff and bookmobile, a drumming circle set up by FHSU percussion students, Meet the Brass and Meet the Woodwinds sessions offered by FHSU music students, and a Halloween costume parade. The first 350 children to arrive also receive a free trick-or-treat bag provided by Werth Wealth Management.

“This event is truly a coming-together of the community,” said Drabkin. “It’s a festival of arts and science designed to delight our children with the wonders of live music and theater.”&nbsp;

The program has been made possible through a generous grant from the Heartland Community Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation that the Hays Symphony Guild received last May.

In addition, the program is supported by involvement from McDonalds of Hays, the Hays Arts Council, the Hays Public Library, the FHSU Department of Music, Werth Wealth Management, Studio 809, FHSU Science &amp; Mathematics Education Institute, USD489 Music Department, Hays Symphony musicians, and the Hays Symphony Guild.

Pre-concert activities begin at 1:15 p.m., and the concert starts at 2:30 p.m. Free tickets for both the planetarium shows and the concert are available on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a> website, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysSymphony">Hays Symphony’s Facebook page</a>, or contact Cathy Drabkin (<a href="mailto:cathydrabkin@hotmail.com">cathydrabkin@hotmail.com</a>).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697553266259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HSOCalling all space adventurers! Put on your Halloween costumes and join the Hays Symphony at its annual children’s concert on Sunday, October 29, at the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Center for the Performing Arts. The free concert has become a family tradition over the past seven years, offering an afternoon of music, drama, hands-on activities, and festivities for everyone.&nbsp;“This year the symphony decided on the theme of space”, said Cathy Drabkin, publicity chair for the group. “We commissioned Hays playwright Catherine Trieschmann to create a musical drama with the prompt of “What would happen if an alien heard the music from Earth that was sent to space on the 1977 US Voyager I spacecraft?”&nbsp;As a result, Trieschmann has written “The Golden Record,” an original musical comedy in which six aliens travel to our solar system in search of beautiful music. The production will be directed by Erin Renard, and features middle-school students in the alien roles. The symphony’s music which accompanies the story will include selections from The Planets, by Gustav Holst, the theme from the movie E.T., and first movement from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #2.The symphony has also partnered with several FHSU departments and student groups and community organizations to offer a wide range of pre-concert activities in the lobby and the outside courtyard of Beach/Schmidt Auditorium.FHSU students from STEM Education Club will be setting up several science education stations featuring hands-on activities with sound waves, with planetary orbits, and on the Voyager spacecraft.&nbsp; “We are so excited to share science activities and experiences with the community of Hays,” said Dr. Matthew Clay, assistant professor of teacher education at FHSU. “This is a great opportunity for our students to have a chance to experience working with so many children as they prepare for their careers as educators.”The FHSU Science &amp; Mathematics Education Institute will offer digital planetarium shows for school-age children in the auditorium lobby. The shows require advance reservations through the symphony’s website.&nbsp;The FHSU student chapter of the National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) is presenting Music in Orbit, a movement and music session featuring pieces performed in the concert, and offering a space-themed arts and crafts activity.&nbsp;In addition, FHSU music education major Mackenzie Bowers and Associate Professor of Music Dr. Laura Andrews have created a comprehensive listening guide on The Planets which parents and students can use in advance of the concert to learn more about the music being performed. The guide which has been sent to general music educators throughout the region, is also available on the symphony’s website.Pre-concert activities will also include a stringed instrument petting zoo organized by symphony musicians, a ukelele demonstration presented by Studio 809, a space-themed story hour with the Hays Public Library staff and bookmobile, a drumming circle set up by FHSU percussion students, Meet the Brass and Meet the Woodwinds sessions offered by FHSU music students, and a Halloween costume parade. The first 350 children to arrive also receive a free trick-or-treat bag provided by Werth Wealth Management.“This event is truly a coming-together of the community,” said Drabkin. “It’s a festival of arts and science designed to delight our children with the wonders of live music and theater.”&nbsp;The program has been made possible through a generous grant from the Heartland Community Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation that the Hays Symphony Guild received last May.In addition, the program is supported by involvement from McDonalds of Hays, the Hays Arts Council, the Hays Public Library, the FHSU Department of Music, Werth Wealth Management, Studio 809, FHSU Science &amp; Mathematics Education Institute, USD489 Music Department, Hays Symphony musicians, and the Hays Symphony Guild.Pre-concert activities begin at 1:15 p.m., and the concert starts at 2:30 p.m. Free tickets for both the planetarium shows and the concert are available on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a> website, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysSymphony">Hays Symphony’s Facebook page</a>, or contact Cathy Drabkin (<a href="mailto:cathydrabkin@hotmail.com">cathydrabkin@hotmail.com</a>).

Hays Symphony continues tradition with free space-themed concert, children’s activities

HAYS, Kan. - With a dominant performance the Fort Hays State Tigers secured a resounding victory over the Ouachita Baptist Tigers, with a final score of 6-0. Fort Hays State goes to 5-6-2 and 4-2-2 in conference play, while OBU falls to 0-11-3 and 0-6-2 in GAC play.

The first half of the game saw the Fort Hays State Tigers asserting their dominance with five goals.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>&nbsp;got the ball rolling with an unassisted goal at the 4:13 mark.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;added to the lead with a goal in the 11th minute, assisted by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/pablo-orozco/7441">Pablo Orozco</a>. Arndt continued his impressive performance, converting a penalty kick at 13:16 from a handball violation in the box.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>&nbsp;scored his second goal of the game following the penalty kick, with an assist from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>. Then Arndt found the back of the net again in the 24th minute, this time with Ovelar Semeniuk returning the favor with an assist, marking Arndt's first career hat trick. It was the 12th time in program history a player scored at least three goals in a match.

The second half was less eventful in terms of scoring but Fort Hays State maintained control of the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/agustin-ayala/7302">Agustin Ayala</a>&nbsp;managed to find the back of the net at the 64th minute, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/pablo-orozco/7441">Pablo Orozco</a>&nbsp;providing yet another assist.

Fort Hays State's goalkeeper,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>, had a solid performance by making three saves and maintaining a clean sheet throughout the game. On the other side, Masaya Nitta of Ouachita Baptist put in a commendable effort, despite the challenging circumstances. He recorded 12 saves on the night before yielding to Dillon Staal for the final 19 minutes of the game. Fort Hays State displayed exceptional offensive prowess, tallying 35 shots with 20 on target, while Ouachita Baptist managed just 7 shots with 3 on target.

The victory for Fort Hays State showcased its offensive capability and teamwork. Fort Hays State looks to build on this performance, continuing its season this Saturday (Oct. 21) when they face Harding at home. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697796341038.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Blake Arndt (9) celebrates after scoring a goal in an NCAA soccer match against Ouachita Baptist in Hays, Kan., Thursday, October 19, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Blake Arndt (9) celebrates after scoring a goal in an NCAA soccer match against Ouachita Baptist in Hays, Kan., Thursday, October 19, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - With a dominant performance the Fort Hays State Tigers secured a resounding victory over the Ouachita Baptist Tigers, with a final score of 6-0. Fort Hays State goes to 5-6-2 and 4-2-2 in conference play, while OBU falls to 0-11-3 and 0-6-2 in GAC play.The first half of the game saw the Fort Hays State Tigers asserting their dominance with five goals.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>&nbsp;got the ball rolling with an unassisted goal at the 4:13 mark.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;added to the lead with a goal in the 11th minute, assisted by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/pablo-orozco/7441">Pablo Orozco</a>. Arndt continued his impressive performance, converting a penalty kick at 13:16 from a handball violation in the box.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>&nbsp;scored his second goal of the game following the penalty kick, with an assist from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>. Then Arndt found the back of the net again in the 24th minute, this time with Ovelar Semeniuk returning the favor with an assist, marking Arndt's first career hat trick. It was the 12th time in program history a player scored at least three goals in a match.The second half was less eventful in terms of scoring but Fort Hays State maintained control of the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/agustin-ayala/7302">Agustin Ayala</a>&nbsp;managed to find the back of the net at the 64th minute, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/pablo-orozco/7441">Pablo Orozco</a>&nbsp;providing yet another assist.Fort Hays State's goalkeeper,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>, had a solid performance by making three saves and maintaining a clean sheet throughout the game. On the other side, Masaya Nitta of Ouachita Baptist put in a commendable effort, despite the challenging circumstances. He recorded 12 saves on the night before yielding to Dillon Staal for the final 19 minutes of the game. Fort Hays State displayed exceptional offensive prowess, tallying 35 shots with 20 on target, while Ouachita Baptist managed just 7 shots with 3 on target.The victory for Fort Hays State showcased its offensive capability and teamwork. Fort Hays State looks to build on this performance, continuing its season this Saturday (Oct. 21) when they face Harding at home. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Arndt scores hat trick in Tigers rout of OBU

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

WABAUNSEE CO. - According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigations(KBI), Communications Director, Melissa Underwood, an investigation is underway following allegations against an employee of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office.

Underwood says on October 12th, the KBI initiated an investigation into an allegation made against an employee of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office, following the request of the Wabaunsee County Undersheriff.

Underwood says the investigation is ongoing. No additional details are being released at this time.

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostWABAUNSEE CO. - According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigations(KBI), Communications Director, Melissa Underwood, an investigation is underway following allegations against an employee of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office.Underwood says on October 12th, the KBI initiated an investigation into an allegation made against an employee of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office, following the request of the Wabaunsee County Undersheriff.Underwood says the investigation is ongoing. No additional details are being released at this time.

KBI: Kansas sheriff's office employee under investigation

&nbsp;On October 7, Jana’s Campaign hosted their annual fundraising event, "Empty Place at the Table." The evening was an extraordinary success, raising a total of $80,815.84. 

This remarkable event has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier gala gatherings in the Hays community. It serves a dual purpose: raising both awareness and essential funds for Jana’s Campaign's mission of preventing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

The 2023 gala had an added layer of significance, as it commemorated the fifteenth-year anniversary of Jana’s death and the creation of Jana’s Campaign. 

The evening was a celebration of program successes and an acknowledgment of the remarkable journey the organization has undertaken. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697657613427.jpeg" alt="The 2023 Empty Place at the Table Under the Stars gala broke records with more than $80,000 raised for Jana's Campaign. Photo courtesy Jana's Campaign.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The 2023 Empty Place at the Table Under the Stars gala broke records with more than $80,000 raised for Jana's Campaign. Photo courtesy Jana's Campaign.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Jana's Campaign&nbsp;On October 7, Jana’s Campaign hosted their annual fundraising event, "Empty Place at the Table." The evening was an extraordinary success, raising a total of $80,815.84. This remarkable event has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier gala gatherings in the Hays community. It serves a dual purpose: raising both awareness and essential funds for Jana’s Campaign's mission of preventing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The 2023 gala had an added layer of significance, as it commemorated the fifteenth-year anniversary of Jana’s death and the creation of Jana’s Campaign. The evening was a celebration of program successes and an acknowledgment of the remarkable journey the organization has undertaken. Moreover, it marked a milestone in our mission to prevent gender and relationship violence as we had the privilege of providing bystander intervention training programming to all freshman students at Hays High School for the eighth year, the same week of the event. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and actively involving the community in this work. "To be in a room filled with individuals who understand the vital importance of preventing gender-based violence but are also wholeheartedly dedicated to making a difference is incredibly inspiring," remarked Kaiti Blackburn, Jana’s Campaign executive director. "With the funds raised during this event, we are poised to achieve remarkable strides in our mission." Jana’s Campaign, headquartered in Hays is a national education and gender-based violence prevention organization established in memory of Jana Mackey. Jana, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas, lost her life in 2008 at the hands of an ex-boyfriend. Her memory fuels the organization's commitment to preventing such tragedies and fostering safer communities. The resounding success of this year's "Empty Place at the Table" is a testament to the unwavering support of this community. Jana’s Campaign extends its gratitude to all who volunteered, participated, and donated to this important cause. Together, we can create a world free from gender and relationship violence. For more information about Jana’s Campaign and its mission, please visit <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.JanasCampaign.org</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578075822734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>