WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana-legalization" target="_blank">marijuana policy</a>, and Senate leaders hailed it this week as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”

“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.

“HHS has done the right thing,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws.”

Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.

According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."

Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8" target="_blank">requested the review in October 2022</a>&nbsp;as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. “However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. “If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality.”

Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.

In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: “We enthusiastically welcome today’s news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana-legalization" target="_blank">marijuana policy</a>, and Senate leaders hailed it this week as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I can now share that, following the data and science, <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HHSGov</a> has responded to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>’ directive to me for the Department to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA. We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously. <a href="https://t.co/p84x8p07sP">pic.twitter.com/p84x8p07sP</a>&mdash; Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBecerra/status/1696981120280084617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.“HHS has done the right thing,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws.”Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8" target="_blank">requested the review in October 2022</a>&nbsp;as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. “However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. “If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality.”Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: “We enthusiastically welcome today’s news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry.”

Biden Admin. moves to classify marijuana as a lower-risk drug

Mayor Quinton Lucas is alleged to have violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which allows the public to request government records

By ALLISON KITE,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A Kansas City activist has filed a lawsuit alleging&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/quinton-lucas/">Mayor Quinton Lucas</a>&nbsp;attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing a request for public records from his office.

Lora McDonald, executive director of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2, sued the city earlier this month over alleged violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law. She alleges in her lawsuit that the mayor called her “speaking with a raised, angry voice, asserting his discontent” with a request she filed a week earlier.

“Plaintiff felt Mayor Lucas’s call was an attempt to intimidate, harass and/or coerce because of the tone and demeanor of his voice and because he was suggesting she withdraw the request,” the lawsuit says.

Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in an email that the mayor’s office disagreed with the characterization.

“In a decade of public life featuring challenging airport negotiations, protestors at his home, multiple recall efforts, hate mail during the COVID-19 crisis, and a public uprising on the Plaza, the mayor has never been characterized as an ‘angry man,’” Johnson said.

McDonald’s alleged exchange with Lucas —&nbsp;and, later, a city staffer —&nbsp;paints a picture of a city government that resists releasing public information and takes requests for records as an affront. The lawsuit also outlines four instances where City Hall has failed to promptly release records or even respond when McDonald sought an estimate as to when she could expect the request to be fulfilled.

“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why are we having this phone call?” McDonald said in an interview about her conversation with Lucas.

McDonald’s request sought communications between the mayor and attorneys —&nbsp;both employed by the city and outside counsel —&nbsp;concerning litigation attempting to overturn a state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gov-parson-signs-bill-requiring-kansas-city-to-put-more-money-toward-police/">law that requires Kansas City to increase funding to the police department</a>.

Kansas City is the only major U.S. city that does not control its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by a board appointed by the Missouri governor. But the city funds the department.

Last fall, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring Kansas City to dedicate 25% of its general revenue to the police department. The Missouri General Assembly passed legislation to force the increase in the spring of 2022, but it required a statewide vote to go into effect.

In August of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/17/kansas-city-mayor-sues-to-block-missouri-law-requiring-higher-police-spending/">Lucas filed a lawsuit against the state</a>&nbsp;alleging that it’s unconstitutional for the state to force Kansas City to spend more on its police unless it appropriates money to the city.

He filed the lawsuit as an individual rather than in his official capacity and is represented by a city-employed attorney and private counsel. His case was later combined with a similar, though broader, lawsuit filed by Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City.

After Lucas’ call, McDonald says she didn’t hear anything from City Hall for more than a month despite following up with city staff. Her lawsuit goes on to say that it wasn’t until her attorney sent an email saying he would advise McDonald to sue if they didn’t get a response that Kansas City provided an estimated cost and timeframe for when it would release the records.

Just two days before the city had promised it would release records, the lawsuit states that Melesa Johnson, then the mayor’s general counsel and deputy chief of staff, called McDonald’s attorney and texted McDonald, questioning why she filed a request for records given that MORE2, like City Hall, supports local control of the Kansas City police.

“As an avid supporter of you and MORE2 who routinely assists with the mayor’s support of your organization, I am trying to understand why we are pitting our respective offices against each other when we share the overall same goal of seeing state control dismantled,” Melesa Johnson said in a text, according to the lawsuit.

Bernie Rhodes, a First Amendment attorney with Lathrop GPM who has represented The Independent in the past, said he hears complaints about Kansas City ignoring Sunshine Law requests “virtually every week.”

“As long as the city feels that it has other priorities than being responsive to the citizens, these problems will continue,” Rhodes said in an interview.

Rhodes said he also frequently hears about government agencies questioning citizens’ motivations in requesting records in an attempt to intimidate them.

“That’s why the law is crystal clear that your reason doesn’t matter,” Rhodes said. “You’re entitled to the information because you’re the people who are paying the salary of these folks in office.”

Asked about the claim against Lucas, Rhodes said: “I find it troubling anytime anyone in authority attempts to intimidate someone who’s making legitimate Sunshine Law requests.”

Jazzlyn Johnson said the mayor considers McDonald a friend and the two share the view that the police department should be controlled locally “even if he disagrees with Ms. McDonald perhaps on the most efficient path to that outcome.”

“While the mayor suggested to Ms. McDonald and her counsel that collaboration is a better approach, the mayor shared with Ms. McDonald that she has every right to pursue her requests and the city has responded to all of her requests.”

In the case of McDonald’s request for communications about the police funding lawsuits, the city ultimately produced some records but withheld others, citing attorney-client privilege, McDonald said. Her lawsuit challenges that assertion.

Steve Leben, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and former Kansas judge, said it appeared the claim of attorney-client privilege was reasonable.

However, the lag between when McDonald requested the records and when the city deemed them closed because of attorney-client privilege raised “substantial concerns,” Rhodes said.

The Missouri Sunshine Law requires governmental agencies to respond to requests within three business days. If locating or producing the records is expected to take longer than that, the agency is required to explain the delay to the requestor and provide a date at which the agency expects to be able to release the records.

The law, Rhodes said, “allows for extra time to make the production but not to decide whether you’re going to give documents or not.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693490002784.png" alt=" Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas meets with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in October 2019. Lucas allegedly raised his voice and urged an activist to withdraw a Missouri Sunshine Law request, a lawsuit claims. (Missouri Governor's Office)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas meets with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in October 2019. Lucas allegedly raised his voice and urged an activist to withdraw a Missouri Sunshine Law request, a lawsuit claims. (Missouri Governor's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Mayor Quinton Lucas is alleged to have violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which allows the public to request government records</h2>By ALLISON KITE,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>A Kansas City activist has filed a lawsuit alleging&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/quinton-lucas/">Mayor Quinton Lucas</a>&nbsp;attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing a request for public records from his office.Lora McDonald, executive director of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2, sued the city earlier this month over alleged violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law. She alleges in her lawsuit that the mayor called her “speaking with a raised, angry voice, asserting his discontent” with a request she filed a week earlier.“Plaintiff felt Mayor Lucas’s call was an attempt to intimidate, harass and/or coerce because of the tone and demeanor of his voice and because he was suggesting she withdraw the request,” the lawsuit says.Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in an email that the mayor’s office disagreed with the characterization.“In a decade of public life featuring challenging airport negotiations, protestors at his home, multiple recall efforts, hate mail during the COVID-19 crisis, and a public uprising on the Plaza, the mayor has never been characterized as an ‘angry man,’” Johnson said.McDonald’s alleged exchange with Lucas —&nbsp;and, later, a city staffer —&nbsp;paints a picture of a city government that resists releasing public information and takes requests for records as an affront. The lawsuit also outlines four instances where City Hall has failed to promptly release records or even respond when McDonald sought an estimate as to when she could expect the request to be fulfilled.“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why are we having this phone call?” McDonald said in an interview about her conversation with Lucas.McDonald’s request sought communications between the mayor and attorneys —&nbsp;both employed by the city and outside counsel —&nbsp;concerning litigation attempting to overturn a state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gov-parson-signs-bill-requiring-kansas-city-to-put-more-money-toward-police/">law that requires Kansas City to increase funding to the police department</a>.Kansas City is the only major U.S. city that does not control its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by a board appointed by the Missouri governor. But the city funds the department.Last fall, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring Kansas City to dedicate 25% of its general revenue to the police department. The Missouri General Assembly passed legislation to force the increase in the spring of 2022, but it required a statewide vote to go into effect.In August of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/17/kansas-city-mayor-sues-to-block-missouri-law-requiring-higher-police-spending/">Lucas filed a lawsuit against the state</a>&nbsp;alleging that it’s unconstitutional for the state to force Kansas City to spend more on its police unless it appropriates money to the city.He filed the lawsuit as an individual rather than in his official capacity and is represented by a city-employed attorney and private counsel. His case was later combined with a similar, though broader, lawsuit filed by Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City.After Lucas’ call, McDonald says she didn’t hear anything from City Hall for more than a month despite following up with city staff. Her lawsuit goes on to say that it wasn’t until her attorney sent an email saying he would advise McDonald to sue if they didn’t get a response that Kansas City provided an estimated cost and timeframe for when it would release the records.Just two days before the city had promised it would release records, the lawsuit states that Melesa Johnson, then the mayor’s general counsel and deputy chief of staff, called McDonald’s attorney and texted McDonald, questioning why she filed a request for records given that MORE2, like City Hall, supports local control of the Kansas City police.“As an avid supporter of you and MORE2 who routinely assists with the mayor’s support of your organization, I am trying to understand why we are pitting our respective offices against each other when we share the overall same goal of seeing state control dismantled,” Melesa Johnson said in a text, according to the lawsuit.Bernie Rhodes, a First Amendment attorney with Lathrop GPM who has represented The Independent in the past, said he hears complaints about Kansas City ignoring Sunshine Law requests “virtually every week.”“As long as the city feels that it has other priorities than being responsive to the citizens, these problems will continue,” Rhodes said in an interview.Rhodes said he also frequently hears about government agencies questioning citizens’ motivations in requesting records in an attempt to intimidate them.“That’s why the law is crystal clear that your reason doesn’t matter,” Rhodes said. “You’re entitled to the information because you’re the people who are paying the salary of these folks in office.”Asked about the claim against Lucas, Rhodes said: “I find it troubling anytime anyone in authority attempts to intimidate someone who’s making legitimate Sunshine Law requests.”Jazzlyn Johnson said the mayor considers McDonald a friend and the two share the view that the police department should be controlled locally “even if he disagrees with Ms. McDonald perhaps on the most efficient path to that outcome.”“While the mayor suggested to Ms. McDonald and her counsel that collaboration is a better approach, the mayor shared with Ms. McDonald that she has every right to pursue her requests and the city has responded to all of her requests.”In the case of McDonald’s request for communications about the police funding lawsuits, the city ultimately produced some records but withheld others, citing attorney-client privilege, McDonald said. Her lawsuit challenges that assertion.Steve Leben, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and former Kansas judge, said it appeared the claim of attorney-client privilege was reasonable.However, the lag between when McDonald requested the records and when the city deemed them closed because of attorney-client privilege raised “substantial concerns,” Rhodes said.The Missouri Sunshine Law requires governmental agencies to respond to requests within three business days. If locating or producing the records is expected to take longer than that, the agency is required to explain the delay to the requestor and provide a date at which the agency expects to be able to release the records.The law, Rhodes said, “allows for extra time to make the production but not to decide whether you’re going to give documents or not.”

Lawsuit alleges KC mayor tried to intimidate activist over request for records

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team will head into the 2023-24 season ranked eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday (Aug. 31) by the league office.

The Tigers received 27 points in the balloting process, 12 behind seventh-place Missouri Western and 13 clear of ninth-ranked Lincoln. Defending conference champion Missouri Southern tops the poll after picking up just one more point than second-ranked Central Missouri.

Fort Hays State placed eighth in the season-long points standings in the league last season, including a sixth-place finish amongst league competition at the Newman Fall Invitational last October. The Tigers' top finish of the season was a t-4th result out of 20 teams at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational in March.

The Tigers return five golfers from last year's squad, including four players that competed in at least four events last fall. Jackson Rader returns for his junior season after picking up All-MIAA accolades a year ago. FHSU also added three new players to the roster this season, including a pair of junior college transfers and one true freshman.

FHSU will open the season with an MIAA mandated event at the LU Invitational, hosted by Lincoln at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Mo. September 11-12.

2023-24 MIAA Men's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Missouri Southern (3) - 62 points 2. Central Missouri (4) - 61 points 3. Central Oklahoma (1) - 52 points 4. Washburn - 51 points 5. Northeastern State (1) - 48 points 6. Rogers State - 40 points 7. Missouri Western - 39 points 8. Fort Hays State - 27 points 9. Lincoln - 14 points 10. Newman - 11 points

FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team will head into the 2023-24 season ranked eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday (Aug. 31) by the league office.The Tigers received 27 points in the balloting process, 12 behind seventh-place Missouri Western and 13 clear of ninth-ranked Lincoln. Defending conference champion Missouri Southern tops the poll after picking up just one more point than second-ranked Central Missouri.Fort Hays State placed eighth in the season-long points standings in the league last season, including a sixth-place finish amongst league competition at the Newman Fall Invitational last October. The Tigers' top finish of the season was a t-4th result out of 20 teams at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational in March.The Tigers return five golfers from last year's squad, including four players that competed in at least four events last fall. Jackson Rader returns for his junior season after picking up All-MIAA accolades a year ago. FHSU also added three new players to the roster this season, including a pair of junior college transfers and one true freshman.FHSU will open the season with an MIAA mandated event at the LU Invitational, hosted by Lincoln at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Mo. September 11-12.2023-24 MIAA Men's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll1. Missouri Southern (3) - 62 points 2. Central Missouri (4) - 61 points 3. Central Oklahoma (1) - 52 points 4. Washburn - 51 points 5. Northeastern State (1) - 48 points 6. Rogers State - 40 points 7. Missouri Western - 39 points 8. Fort Hays State - 27 points 9. Lincoln - 14 points 10. Newman - 11 points

🏌️‍♂️FHSU Men's Golf Eighth in 2023 MIAA Preseason Poll

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is proud to announce the appointment of James Bell, a long-time Hays Post reporter and co-host of "The Morning Blend" on 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS radio, as its new Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

With a distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting, Bell brings his extensive experience and community engagement to further elevate the Chamber's outreach efforts. In his role, Bell will be responsible for spearheading The Chamber's marketing strategies, enhancing communication with members and the public, and fostering collaborations to promote economic growth within the Hays and Ellis County community.

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas President and CEO, Sarah Wasinger, expressed her enthusiasm about Bell's addition to the team. "We are thrilled to welcome James Bell as our Vice President of Marketing and Communications,” Wasinger said. “His deep-rooted connections to Hays and his exceptional communication skills make him the ideal candidate to lead our efforts in promoting local businesses and initiatives. With James on board, we look forward to expanding our reach and impact!"

Bell, known for his dedication to community reporting and insightful interviews, shared his excitement about this new chapter. "It's an honor to continue serving the Hays and Ellis County community in this new capacity,” Bell said. “The Chamber plays a pivotal role in fostering economic vitality, and I am excited to contribute my skills to amplify its mission. I am committed to showcasing the vibrant stories of our local businesses and working collaboratively to drive growth."

Bell's extensive background in journalism, combined with his passion for community development, positions him as an asset to The Chamber. Bell has called Hays home since 2002 after arriving as a student at Fort Hays State University. He graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master of Liberal Studies in 2012. His unique ability to connect with people and convey meaningful narratives is expected to greatly enhance The Chamber's marketing and communication endeavors. Bell will begin full-time with The Chamber on October 2nd.

Hays ChamberThe Chamber in Hays, Kansas is proud to announce the appointment of James Bell, a long-time Hays Post reporter and co-host of "The Morning Blend" on 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS radio, as its new Vice President of Marketing and Communications.With a distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting, Bell brings his extensive experience and community engagement to further elevate the Chamber's outreach efforts. In his role, Bell will be responsible for spearheading The Chamber's marketing strategies, enhancing communication with members and the public, and fostering collaborations to promote economic growth within the Hays and Ellis County community.The Chamber in Hays, Kansas President and CEO, Sarah Wasinger, expressed her enthusiasm about Bell's addition to the team. "We are thrilled to welcome James Bell as our Vice President of Marketing and Communications,” Wasinger said. “His deep-rooted connections to Hays and his exceptional communication skills make him the ideal candidate to lead our efforts in promoting local businesses and initiatives. With James on board, we look forward to expanding our reach and impact!"Bell, known for his dedication to community reporting and insightful interviews, shared his excitement about this new chapter. "It's an honor to continue serving the Hays and Ellis County community in this new capacity,” Bell said. “The Chamber plays a pivotal role in fostering economic vitality, and I am excited to contribute my skills to amplify its mission. I am committed to showcasing the vibrant stories of our local businesses and working collaboratively to drive growth."Bell's extensive background in journalism, combined with his passion for community development, positions him as an asset to The Chamber. Bell has called Hays home since 2002 after arriving as a student at Fort Hays State University. He graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master of Liberal Studies in 2012. His unique ability to connect with people and convey meaningful narratives is expected to greatly enhance The Chamber's marketing and communication endeavors. Bell will begin full-time with The Chamber on October 2nd.

Hays Chamber names vice president of marketing and communications

Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown, 76, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Sandra was born February 20, 1947, in Hoisington, Kansas. She was the daughter of Milton and Edna (Maier) Nuss. She grew up in the Susank and Hoisington areas.

Sandra was united in marriage to John Brown on October 16, 1964, in Great Bend, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with two daughter, Misty and Melodie. They were divorced later in life.

Sandra cleaned homes and offices in Russell for over 40 years. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, mowing, spending time at the lake, spending time with her grandsons and loved caring for her animals.

Surviving family include her daughters, Misty Brown (Michael Werth) and Melodie Anschutz (Derrick) all of Russell, Kansas; foster daughter, Tammy Pellant of Wilson, Kansas; sister, Pam Aldrich (Troy) of Lacrosse, Kansas; brothers, Warren Nuss (Shelia) of Hoisington, Kansas and Gary Nuss (Janet) of Silver Creek, Washington; and two grandsons, David Brown and Jordan Werth (Sierra) and foster grandson Colton Pellant.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard Nuss; and ex-husband, John Brown.

A gathering service to celebrate Sandra’s life will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Cremation has taken place and the family will have a private burial of ashes at a later date. 

Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who are in charge of these arrangements.

<h2>Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown, Russell</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692801438520.jpeg" alt="Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown, 76, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.Sandra was born February 20, 1947, in Hoisington, Kansas. She was the daughter of Milton and Edna (Maier) Nuss. She grew up in the Susank and Hoisington areas.Sandra was united in marriage to John Brown on October 16, 1964, in Great Bend, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with two daughter, Misty and Melodie. They were divorced later in life.Sandra cleaned homes and offices in Russell for over 40 years. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, mowing, spending time at the lake, spending time with her grandsons and loved caring for her animals.Surviving family include her daughters, Misty Brown (Michael Werth) and Melodie Anschutz (Derrick) all of Russell, Kansas; foster daughter, Tammy Pellant of Wilson, Kansas; sister, Pam Aldrich (Troy) of Lacrosse, Kansas; brothers, Warren Nuss (Shelia) of Hoisington, Kansas and Gary Nuss (Janet) of Silver Creek, Washington; and two grandsons, David Brown and Jordan Werth (Sierra) and foster grandson Colton Pellant.Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard Nuss; and ex-husband, John Brown.A gathering service to celebrate Sandra’s life will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Cremation has taken place and the family will have a private burial of ashes at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who are in charge of these arrangements.

Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown

The Hays Police Department in conjunction with USD 489 are happy to announce that Officer Austin Spencer has been selected to be our School Resource Officer. &nbsp;

Prior to coming to Hays and working for the Hays Police Department, Officer Austin Spencer had worked at the Lawrence Police Department as a patrol officer. &nbsp;

He has also worked for the Douglas County Youth Services as a truancy intern where he worked directly with juveniles who were chronically truant. &nbsp;

Officer Spencer has taught an 8-week course covering social skills to youth at the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center. &nbsp;

Officer Spencer has also participated in the Hays Police Department’s Adopt-A-Cop program with our local schools. &nbsp;

Officer Spencer has dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kansas in psychology and applied behavioral science emphasizing in juvenile justice. &nbsp;

Officer Austin Spencer will be assigned to work at Hays High School and support the Hays Middle School. &nbsp;

Officer Spencer will be attending basic SRO training in October, and he is excited to start his new role as a School Resource Officer. &nbsp;

Please help us congratulate and welcome SRO Austin Spencer to his new assignment. &nbsp;

His first day at Hays High School will be August 28, 2023. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692993801753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department in conjunction with USD 489 are happy to announce that Officer Austin Spencer has been selected to be our School Resource Officer. &nbsp;Prior to coming to Hays and working for the Hays Police Department, Officer Austin Spencer had worked at the Lawrence Police Department as a patrol officer. &nbsp;He has also worked for the Douglas County Youth Services as a truancy intern where he worked directly with juveniles who were chronically truant. &nbsp;Officer Spencer has taught an 8-week course covering social skills to youth at the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center. &nbsp;Officer Spencer has also participated in the Hays Police Department’s Adopt-A-Cop program with our local schools. &nbsp;Officer Spencer has dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kansas in psychology and applied behavioral science emphasizing in juvenile justice. &nbsp;Officer Austin Spencer will be assigned to work at Hays High School and support the Hays Middle School. &nbsp;Officer Spencer will be attending basic SRO training in October, and he is excited to start his new role as a School Resource Officer. &nbsp;Please help us congratulate and welcome SRO Austin Spencer to his new assignment. &nbsp;His first day at Hays High School will be August 28, 2023. &nbsp;Good luck Officer Spencer.

New School Resource Officer Announced for Hays High School

BY: Joseph Clark Department of Defense&nbsp;

The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing. &nbsp;

The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said. &nbsp;

The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine. &nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week. &nbsp;

"The training provided by the United States will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already underway in Europe and further deepens our support of the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands," Ryder said. "Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts."

Ryder added that by announcing the training, the U.S. is preempting any training capacity constraints in Denmark and the Netherlands' training pipeline to ensure the aircraft are fielded to Ukraine as quickly as possible. &nbsp;

He said Ukraine will ultimately determine the number of pilots that will require the training. &nbsp;

During a briefing last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said U.S. approval for the transfer would come after consultation with Congress and after completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft.&nbsp;

Ryder said the complete training pipeline would likely take several months, depending upon the pilots' proficiency coming into the course. &nbsp;

"Part of this training will be assessing the individual pilots' skill level, which will determine help to determine how long that training will last," he said. "Your basic, new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side, that training typically lasts about eight months."

That training includes a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat maneuvering and tactical intercepts among other concepts. &nbsp;

He said training for more experienced pilots could be completed in about five months.&nbsp;

Beyond flight training, Ryder said the F-16s require significant logistics and maintenance training for ground support personnel that ensures the aircrafts remain combat capable.

Prior to flight training, the pilots will receive language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas beginning in September.&nbsp;

The language training will ensure that all pilots have sufficient language skills to be able to fully comprehend the "complexities and specialized English required to fly the aircraft," Ryder said. &nbsp;

The announcement further underscores the United States' long-term solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. &nbsp;

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that commitment earlier today in a statement marking Ukraine's 32nd anniversary of its independence. &nbsp;

"The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their courage and resolve to defend their right to live in a sovereign, democratic and free country," he said. &nbsp;

"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more," he said. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom."

&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD News&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693011275570.png" alt="An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., flies during a training mission.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler" />
 <figcaption>An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., flies during a training mission.&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: Joseph Clark Department of Defense&nbsp;The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing. &nbsp;The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said. &nbsp;The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine. &nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week. &nbsp;"The training provided by the United States will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already underway in Europe and further deepens our support of the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands," Ryder said. "Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts."Ryder added that by announcing the training, the U.S. is preempting any training capacity constraints in Denmark and the Netherlands' training pipeline to ensure the aircraft are fielded to Ukraine as quickly as possible. &nbsp;He said Ukraine will ultimately determine the number of pilots that will require the training. &nbsp;During a briefing last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said U.S. approval for the transfer would come after consultation with Congress and after completion of training for Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft.&nbsp;Ryder said the complete training pipeline would likely take several months, depending upon the pilots' proficiency coming into the course. &nbsp;"Part of this training will be assessing the individual pilots' skill level, which will determine help to determine how long that training will last," he said. "Your basic, new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side, that training typically lasts about eight months."That training includes a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat maneuvering and tactical intercepts among other concepts. &nbsp;He said training for more experienced pilots could be completed in about five months.&nbsp;Beyond flight training, Ryder said the F-16s require significant logistics and maintenance training for ground support personnel that ensures the aircrafts remain combat capable.Prior to flight training, the pilots will receive language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas beginning in September.&nbsp;The language training will ensure that all pilots have sufficient language skills to be able to fully comprehend the "complexities and specialized English required to fly the aircraft," Ryder said. &nbsp;The announcement further underscores the United States' long-term solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. &nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted that commitment earlier today in a statement marking Ukraine's 32nd anniversary of its independence. &nbsp;"The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their courage and resolve to defend their right to live in a sovereign, democratic and free country," he said. &nbsp;"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more," he said. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom."&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD News&nbsp;

U.S. will train Ukrainian F-16 pilots, ground crews

<a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Summers-Karen/5259385/">https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Summers-Karen/5259385/</a>

<h2>Karen Grace Summers</h2><a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Summers-Karen/5259385/">https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Summers-Karen/5259385/</a>October 16, 1939 - August 23, 2023No services are scheduled.

Karen Grace Summers

<a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/Scott-Dean/5259466/">https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/Scott-Dean/5259466/</a>

NESS CITY - Dean Scott, 85, died on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at his home in Ness City. He was born on November 11, 1937 at Dighton the son of Richard Earl and Hazel Alberta (Leonard) Scott. 

He married JoAnn Mack on October 21, 1965 at Mesa, Arizona. Dean graduated from Dighton High School with the Class of 1955.

He served in the United States Army form 1960 to 1963. 

After his discharge he returned to Dighton before taking computer training education. He moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he was a computer programmer for Northern Arizona University and then later become involved in real estate in Flagstaff. 

After retiring he moved to Ness City. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed playing golf. He is survived by his wife JoAnn Scott and brother Alan and Marsha Scott of Dighton. Graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Dighton Memorial Cemetery with Rev Jennifer Bradford officiating. Military honors will be by 1st Infantry Honor Guard of Fort Riley and American Legion Post # 190 Honor Guard.

Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post # 190 Honor Guard Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

<h2>Dean Scott, Ness City</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693005289203.png" alt="Dean Scott" />
 <figcaption>Dean Scott</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/Scott-Dean/5259466/">https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/Scott-Dean/5259466/</a>&nbsp;November 11, 1937 - August 5, 2023NESS CITY - Dean Scott, 85, died on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at his home in Ness City. He was born on November 11, 1937 at Dighton the son of Richard Earl and Hazel Alberta (Leonard) Scott. He married JoAnn Mack on October 21, 1965 at Mesa, Arizona. Dean graduated from Dighton High School with the Class of 1955. He served in the United States Army form 1960 to 1963. After his discharge he returned to Dighton before taking computer training education. He moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he was a computer programmer for Northern Arizona University and then later become involved in real estate in Flagstaff. After retiring he moved to Ness City. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed playing golf. He is survived by his wife JoAnn Scott and brother Alan and Marsha Scott of Dighton. Graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Dighton Memorial Cemetery with Rev Jennifer Bradford officiating. Military honors will be by 1st Infantry Honor Guard of Fort Riley and American Legion Post # 190 Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post # 190 Honor Guard Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Dean Scott

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $275,000 will be available through a second round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grants. The&nbsp; program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. &nbsp;

“SEED grants help improve community appeal and have already been game-changing for more than 60 cities across the state,”&nbsp;said Toland.&nbsp;“The Kelly Administration is committed to developing community assets and investing in new opportunities that will support growth in rural areas throughout Kansas.”

The grants will be administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the program is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

Grant applications will open Monday, August 28, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 27. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.

An informational webinar on the grant program will be available to the public 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application and a list of eligible counties can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdXMwMndlYi56b29tLnVzL3dlYmluYXIvcmVnaXN0ZXIvV05fZkEzZ1VVRC1TOHlsdkZVTjdPazZHQSMvcmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMi44MTUwNTAyMSJ9.fYKwcV-_hbd3soO4IKcYIwXE9t24GMv5TQhx4R85gPw/s/1303161001/br/224653937351-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681311272013.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $275,000 will be available through a second round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grants. The&nbsp; program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. &nbsp;“SEED grants help improve community appeal and have already been game-changing for more than 60 cities across the state,”&nbsp;said Toland.&nbsp;“The Kelly Administration is committed to developing community assets and investing in new opportunities that will support growth in rural areas throughout Kansas.”The grants will be administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:<ul>
 <li>Childcare and senior programming&nbsp;– projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;</li><li>Community vibrancy&nbsp;– projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;</li><li>Food retail&nbsp;– projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and</li><li>Libraries&nbsp;– projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.</li>
 </ul>Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.Funding for the program is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.Grant applications will open Monday, August 28, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 27. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.An informational webinar on the grant program will be available to the public 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application and a list of eligible counties can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdXMwMndlYi56b29tLnVzL3dlYmluYXIvcmVnaXN0ZXIvV05fZkEzZ1VVRC1TOHlsdkZVTjdPazZHQSMvcmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMi44MTUwNTAyMSJ9.fYKwcV-_hbd3soO4IKcYIwXE9t24GMv5TQhx4R85gPw/s/1303161001/br/224653937351-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

SEED grants available for small counties to invest in rural quality-of-life initiatives

ATLANTA (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;surrendered Thursday on charges that he illegally schemed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">overturn the 2020 election in Georgia</a>, a brisk 20-minute booking that yielded a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.

He was released on $200,000 bond and headed back to the airport for his return flight home to New Jersey.

<a href="https://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/editorialfiles/2023/08/14/23SC188947_-_CRIMINAL_INDICTMENT.pdf">Click here to read the full</a>&nbsp;indictment

Trump’s surrender to law enforcement authorities has become by now a familiar election-season routine in a way that belies the unprecedented spectacle of a former president being booked, in four different cities, on felony criminal charges.

But his visit to Atlanta was notably different from the three past surrenders, unfolding at night and requiring him to visit a problem-plagued jail — rather than a courthouse — and not in a liberal bastion like New York or Washington but rather in the heart of a battleground state vital to the 2024 presidential election. And unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, a booking photo of him was taken, according to a person familiar with the proceedings.

Trump landed in Atlanta shortly after 7 p.m. and was driven, through the city's rush-hour traffic, to jail for the booking process. Wearing his signature white shirt and red tie, he offered a wave and thumbs up as he descended the steps of his private plane.

He completed the process in 20 minutes, providing officials as is customary with his physical measurements: 6 foot 3 inches. 215 pounds. Strawberry or blond hair.

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-florida-hush-money-election-764309dce49f81a50bf9f610ffd5ceb6">the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted</a>. Since then, he's faced federal charges in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Florida</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">Washington</a>, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others — including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-giuliani-georgia-election-indictment-fulton-county-203b1e69cbff227a0bf8cc59a6bb645f">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;— under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime.

Giuliani surrendered on Wednesday and posed for a mug shot. Meadows, who had sought to avoid having to turn himself in while he seeks to move the case to federal court, turned himself in Thursday. Bond was set at $100,000.

The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the 2024 campaign trail. He's turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.

The campaign has also used the appearances to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-jan-6-presidential-race-alabama-805ab1fe729b4cc0b7562b7802ad68ef">solicit fundraising contributions</a>&nbsp;from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his reelection chances. As Trump was en route from New Jersey to Atlanta, his campaign sent a message saying, “I’m writing to you from Trump Force One, on my way to Atlanta where I will be ARRESTED despite having committed NO CRIME.”

As afternoon turned to evening, scores of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maga-fans-surrender-jail-atlanta-election-c30e4836e3d9f2c9751cc38a6975c2bb">Trump supporters</a>&nbsp;had gathered outside the jail where the ex-president was to surrender, some waving flags with Trump’s name, as officials tightened security measures.

District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to turn themselves in at the main Fulton County jail. On Thursday, her office proposed an October 23 trial date, though the complexities of the 19-person case — and potential scheduling conflicts with other Trump prosecutions — would appear to make it all but impossible. The date seemed to be a response to early legal maneuvering by at least one defendant, Kenneth Chesebro, who requested a speedy trial.

Just ahead of his expected surrender, Trump hired a new lead attorney for the Georgia case.

Prominent Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow took the place of another high-profile criminal defense attorney, Drew Findling, who had represented Trump as recently as Monday when his bond terms were negotiated. But by Thursday Findling was no longer part of the team, according to a person with knowledge of the change who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Sadow, who has represented a rapper, Gunna,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-crime-atlanta-hip-hop-and-rap-2b84724c182d165c1704c4873e9dc6e8">who pleaded guilty last year in a racketeering case also brought by Willis</a>, said in a statement that “the president should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him.”

“We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty," he added. "Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system.”

It’s not the first time this year that Trump has shaken up his legal team either in the run-up to an indictment or in the immediate aftermath. One of his lead lawyers, Tim Parlatore, left the legal team weeks before Trump was indicted in Florida on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809">charges of illegally hoarding classified documents</a>, citing conflicts with a top Trump adviser. Two other lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, announced their resignations the morning after that indictment was returned.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a “perfect phone call” in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-a7b4aa4d8ce3bf52301ddbe620c6bff6">“find 11,780 votes”</a>&nbsp;for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-fulton-county-jail-investigation-6851ae2610d8265ce793abde99695fd8">opened a civil rights investigation</a>&nbsp;into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jail’s psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.

But Trump is not expected to spend much time there.

His attorneys and prosecutors have already agreed to a $200,000 bond, plus conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.

When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Trump’s bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.

Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments — in which a defendant appears in court for the first time — generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day. That means Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Trump's arraignment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692924558227.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump as shown in his Fulton Co. booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump as shown in his Fulton Co. booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;surrendered Thursday on charges that he illegally schemed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-investigation-grand-jury-willis-d39562cedfc60d64948708de1b011ed3">overturn the 2020 election in Georgia</a>, a brisk 20-minute booking that yielded a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.He was released on $200,000 bond and headed back to the airport for his return flight home to New Jersey.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692923629903.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump steps off his plane as he arrives at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. Trump is headed to the Fulton County Jail. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump steps off his plane as he arrives at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. Trump is headed to the Fulton County Jail. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/editorialfiles/2023/08/14/23SC188947_-_CRIMINAL_INDICTMENT.pdf">Click here to read the full</a>&nbsp;indictmentTrump’s surrender to law enforcement authorities has become by now a familiar election-season routine in a way that belies the unprecedented spectacle of a former president being booked, in four different cities, on felony criminal charges.But his visit to Atlanta was notably different from the three past surrenders, unfolding at night and requiring him to visit a problem-plagued jail — rather than a courthouse — and not in a liberal bastion like New York or Washington but rather in the heart of a battleground state vital to the 2024 presidential election. And unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, a booking photo of him was taken, according to a person familiar with the proceedings.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former president Trump arrives in Atlanta, Georgia. <a href="https://t.co/P9iyVsE0BV">pic.twitter.com/P9iyVsE0BV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1694857602835026097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump landed in Atlanta shortly after 7 p.m. and was driven, through the city's rush-hour traffic, to jail for the booking process. Wearing his signature white shirt and red tie, he offered a wave and thumbs up as he descended the steps of his private plane.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former president Trump arrives at Fulton County Jail for booking. <a href="https://t.co/fXSNtxKkWl">pic.twitter.com/fXSNtxKkWl</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1694866936809885897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He completed the process in 20 minutes, providing officials as is customary with his physical measurements: 6 foot 3 inches. 215 pounds. Strawberry or blond hair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692701458714.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692906724354.png" alt="Meadows-photo Fulton Co." />
 <figcaption>Meadows-photo Fulton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-florida-hush-money-election-764309dce49f81a50bf9f610ffd5ceb6">the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted</a>. Since then, he's faced federal charges in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Florida</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">Washington</a>, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others — including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-giuliani-georgia-election-indictment-fulton-county-203b1e69cbff227a0bf8cc59a6bb645f">Rudy Giuliani</a>&nbsp;— under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692827609455.png" alt="Giuliani-photo Fulton Co." />
 <figcaption>Giuliani-photo Fulton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Giuliani surrendered on Wednesday and posed for a mug shot. Meadows, who had sought to avoid having to turn himself in while he seeks to move the case to federal court, turned himself in Thursday. Bond was set at $100,000.The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the 2024 campaign trail. He's turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.The campaign has also used the appearances to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-jan-6-presidential-race-alabama-805ab1fe729b4cc0b7562b7802ad68ef">solicit fundraising contributions</a>&nbsp;from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his reelection chances. As Trump was en route from New Jersey to Atlanta, his campaign sent a message saying, “I’m writing to you from Trump Force One, on my way to Atlanta where I will be ARRESTED despite having committed NO CRIME.”As afternoon turned to evening, scores of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maga-fans-surrender-jail-atlanta-election-c30e4836e3d9f2c9751cc38a6975c2bb">Trump supporters</a>&nbsp;had gathered outside the jail where the ex-president was to surrender, some waving flags with Trump’s name, as officials tightened security measures.District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to turn themselves in at the main Fulton County jail. On Thursday, her office proposed an October 23 trial date, though the complexities of the 19-person case — and potential scheduling conflicts with other Trump prosecutions — would appear to make it all but impossible. The date seemed to be a response to early legal maneuvering by at least one defendant, Kenneth Chesebro, who requested a speedy trial.Just ahead of his expected surrender, Trump hired a new lead attorney for the Georgia case.Prominent Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow took the place of another high-profile criminal defense attorney, Drew Findling, who had represented Trump as recently as Monday when his bond terms were negotiated. But by Thursday Findling was no longer part of the team, according to a person with knowledge of the change who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.Sadow, who has represented a rapper, Gunna,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-crime-atlanta-hip-hop-and-rap-2b84724c182d165c1704c4873e9dc6e8">who pleaded guilty last year in a racketeering case also brought by Willis</a>, said in a statement that “the president should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him.”“We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty," he added. "Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system.”It’s not the first time this year that Trump has shaken up his legal team either in the run-up to an indictment or in the immediate aftermath. One of his lead lawyers, Tim Parlatore, left the legal team weeks before Trump was indicted in Florida on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809">charges of illegally hoarding classified documents</a>, citing conflicts with a top Trump adviser. Two other lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, announced their resignations the morning after that indictment was returned.Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a “perfect phone call” in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-a7b4aa4d8ce3bf52301ddbe620c6bff6">“find 11,780 votes”</a>&nbsp;for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-fulton-county-jail-investigation-6851ae2610d8265ce793abde99695fd8">opened a civil rights investigation</a>&nbsp;into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jail’s psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.But Trump is not expected to spend much time there.His attorneys and prosecutors have already agreed to a $200,000 bond, plus conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Trump’s bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments — in which a defendant appears in court for the first time — generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day. That means Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Trump's arraignment.

🎥Trump completes Georgia jail booking process in record time

Husband, father, and grandfather, Harold R. “Harry” Legleiter, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. He was 80.

Harry was born October 12, 1942, the tenth of fourteen children to Anton and Genevieve Legleiter in Liebenthal, Kansas. He graduated in 1961 from Hays High School. 

A few years later, he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Sander on September 27, 1965, and that brought 57 years of a life filled with six children and fourteen grandchildren. 

In 1968, he was called to active duty with the U.S. Army and served two years in Fort Hood, Texas. 

Harry was talented and skilled in home building and changed the real estate landscape with over 100 homes in Hays. His true vocation came when the amber waves of grain and the care of livestock became his passion. 

Not knowing a stranger, Harry often entertained others with his guitar and singing. His love of antiquing, competitive card playing, and making his legendary cookies and noodles became a ministry of love in his later years.

Survivors include his wife Pat of the home in Hays, five daughters, Renee Ford (Richard) of Dallas, TX, Janell Nease (Gary Hobbs) of Hays, Leah Leiker (Carl) of Thompson Station, TN, Trisha Harris (Andrew) of Hays, and Annie Erbert (Myron) of Hays, a son-in-law, Michael Nease of Hays, three brothers, Miles Legleiter (Janie) of Hays, Wally Legleiter of Hays, Dennis Legleiter (Carol Lou) of Gorham, two sisters, Patty Rohr (Gary) and Germaine Degenhardt, both of Hays, two sisters-in-law, Leota Legleiter of Great Bend and Carol Legleiter of Hays, fourteen grandchildren, David and Michael Ford, Ashley Robinson (Micquille), Kristen Nease, Samuel and Gabriel Nease, Noah, Halo, and Vienna Leiker, Viola, Stella, and Ezra Harris, Ava and Isla Erbert, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Lydia Sander, daughter, Wendy Nease, infant son, Ryan Michael, six brothers, Gerald (Betty), Wilfred (Deltha), Donald (Helen), LeeRoy, Tony, and Melvin (Sue), two sisters, Dorothy McCollum (Bill) and Virginia Kinderknecht (Don), and a sister-in-law, Betty Jane Legleiter.

A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August, 28, 2023 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 East 8th Street, Hays, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating, followed by lunch at the Rose Garden. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Monday, all at the Rose Garden. Private family inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will be at a later date in Mt. Allen Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harry’s memory are suggested and checks made payable to ARC of Central Plains, Cancer Council of Ellis County, or to Hospice of HaysMed. 

Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Harry may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<h2>Harold R. 'Harry' Legleiter, Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692891705983.jpeg" alt="Harry Legleiter&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Harry Legleiter&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Husband, father, and grandfather, Harold R. “Harry” Legleiter, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. He was 80.Harry was born October 12, 1942, the tenth of fourteen children to Anton and Genevieve Legleiter in Liebenthal, Kansas. He graduated in 1961 from Hays High School. A few years later, he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Sander on September 27, 1965, and that brought 57 years of a life filled with six children and fourteen grandchildren. In 1968, he was called to active duty with the U.S. Army and served two years in Fort Hood, Texas. Harry was talented and skilled in home building and changed the real estate landscape with over 100 homes in Hays. His true vocation came when the amber waves of grain and the care of livestock became his passion. Not knowing a stranger, Harry often entertained others with his guitar and singing. His love of antiquing, competitive card playing, and making his legendary cookies and noodles became a ministry of love in his later years.Survivors include his wife Pat of the home in Hays, five daughters, Renee Ford (Richard) of Dallas, TX, Janell Nease (Gary Hobbs) of Hays, Leah Leiker (Carl) of Thompson Station, TN, Trisha Harris (Andrew) of Hays, and Annie Erbert (Myron) of Hays, a son-in-law, Michael Nease of Hays, three brothers, Miles Legleiter (Janie) of Hays, Wally Legleiter of Hays, Dennis Legleiter (Carol Lou) of Gorham, two sisters, Patty Rohr (Gary) and Germaine Degenhardt, both of Hays, two sisters-in-law, Leota Legleiter of Great Bend and Carol Legleiter of Hays, fourteen grandchildren, David and Michael Ford, Ashley Robinson (Micquille), Kristen Nease, Samuel and Gabriel Nease, Noah, Halo, and Vienna Leiker, Viola, Stella, and Ezra Harris, Ava and Isla Erbert, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Lydia Sander, daughter, Wendy Nease, infant son, Ryan Michael, six brothers, Gerald (Betty), Wilfred (Deltha), Donald (Helen), LeeRoy, Tony, and Melvin (Sue), two sisters, Dorothy McCollum (Bill) and Virginia Kinderknecht (Don), and a sister-in-law, Betty Jane Legleiter.A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August, 28, 2023 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 East 8th Street, Hays, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating, followed by lunch at the Rose Garden. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Monday, all at the Rose Garden. Private family inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will be at a later date in Mt. Allen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harry’s memory are suggested and checks made payable to ARC of Central Plains, Cancer Council of Ellis County, or to Hospice of HaysMed. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Harry may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Harold R. 'Harry' Legleiter

TOPEKA — Three Kansas school districts, including Logan, and two organizations were recently honored for outstanding practices in Child Nutrition and Wellness programs that help support the Kansans Can vision.

The Kansans Can 2022-2023 Best Practice Awards were presented by Cheryl Johnson, Child Nutrition and Wellness director for the Kansas State Department of Education during the Aug. 8 Kansas State Board of Education meeting in Topeka. This is the sixth year for the awards.

The Kansans Can vision, which was established by the state board in 2015, is Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Recipients of the Kansans Can Serve Local Foods award are Logan USD 326, DeSoto USD 232 and Quality Care Services Inc.

Logan USD 326 received a Farm to Plate sub-grant from the department&nbsp; as part of a USDA Farm to School grant. The district’s objective was to educate students as to where their food comes from and give them a sense of ownership as they were allowed to grow their own food that was then used for school meals.

Logan used grant funds to purchase grow lights for garden towers, which allowed students to increase the amount of produce grown. They also purchased a compost bin and a commercial dehydrator.

“Logan is a leader in serving local, quality foods in school meals and in teaching students where their food comes from,” Johnson said. “They are a mentor and inspiration to many other districts throughout the state showing that Kansans Can serve local foods in child nutrition programs.”

DeSoto USD 232 celebrated Farm to Fork Friday each Friday from August through October during the 2022-2023 school year. Every Friday, a different local produce item was sourced from local farms and served at lunch through the Kansas City Food Hub – a farmer cooperative wholesaler and retailer that partners with 30 local farmers.

Produce served included watermelon, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, Fuji apples, romaine and sweet green peppers. Farmer information cards were posted during the lunch meal service so students could see where the produce came from.

Quality Care Services Inc. is a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes. The organization was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Edible Garden Turn-Key Grant effective July 2022 through June 2023. To apply for the grant, Quality Care Services needed community partnerships.

Quality Care Services partnered with Kansas Corn STEM and created a preschool curriculum that was offered free to all child care home providers through Kansas. Each of Quality Care Services’ child care home providers were given a local food bundle kit, which included a book on composting, container garden handouts and a sub-grant application for either a raised garden bed or hydroponic garden.

The organization successfully awarded 16 raised garden kits and 19 hydroponic garden kits. Providers grew more than 843 pounds of local food during the winter months.

“Quality Care is the first child care sponsor in Kansas to directly apply for a Farm to School Grant from USDA and is to be commended for its passion about serving quality local foods in day care homes, educating pre-K children about where their food comes from and creating a STEM curriculum,” Johnson said.

First Choice Support Services, a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes, received the Kansans Can Step Up to Lead award. The organization faced staffing challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First Choice lost all personnel except the executive director and one enrollment specialist in February 2021,” Johnson said. “Lacy Schmidt stepped up to lead in a position where she was a new employee with no other experienced employees to mentor or guide her. She went above and beyond to learn and build competence in the program administration. She has maintained perfect attendance since her employment.”

One of Schmidt’s major accomplishments was the outreach she conducted to licensed child care home providers.

“At a time when there is a shortage of child care workers in Kansas, leadership to encourage day care home providers to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is an indicator of quality care, is to be commended,” Johnson said.

Lansing USD 469 received the Kansans Can Impact Wellness award. The district has an active wellness committee that meets regularly. As a team, the committee has set goals to impact wellness within Lansing USD 469. Goals include increasing visibility and interest within the community around creating a healthier school environment and incorporating social-emotional wellness into the wellness policies.

“Kansas State Board of Education Child Nutrition and Wellness supports schools in their wellness policy implementation by offering wellness coach visits to school districts,” Johnson said. “The wellness coach that assisted Lansing … was impressed with the work of this diverse community and how their strong policies and practices are truly impacting wellness in the Lansing schools and communities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692645642859.jpeg" alt="USD 326 Logan is recognized for its outstanding practices in child nutrition and wellness by the Kansas State Department of Education. Photo courtesy KSDE" />
 <figcaption>USD 326 Logan is recognized for its outstanding practices in child nutrition and wellness by the Kansas State Department of Education. Photo courtesy KSDE</figcaption>
 </figure>KSDETOPEKA — Three Kansas school districts, including Logan, and two organizations were recently honored for outstanding practices in Child Nutrition and Wellness programs that help support the Kansans Can vision.The Kansans Can 2022-2023 Best Practice Awards were presented by Cheryl Johnson, Child Nutrition and Wellness director for the Kansas State Department of Education during the Aug. 8 Kansas State Board of Education meeting in Topeka. This is the sixth year for the awards.The Kansans Can vision, which was established by the state board in 2015, is Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.Recipients of the Kansans Can Serve Local Foods award are Logan USD 326, DeSoto USD 232 and Quality Care Services Inc.Logan USD 326 received a Farm to Plate sub-grant from the department&nbsp; as part of a USDA Farm to School grant. The district’s objective was to educate students as to where their food comes from and give them a sense of ownership as they were allowed to grow their own food that was then used for school meals.Logan used grant funds to purchase grow lights for garden towers, which allowed students to increase the amount of produce grown. They also purchased a compost bin and a commercial dehydrator.“Logan is a leader in serving local, quality foods in school meals and in teaching students where their food comes from,” Johnson said. “They are a mentor and inspiration to many other districts throughout the state showing that Kansans Can serve local foods in child nutrition programs.”DeSoto USD 232 celebrated Farm to Fork Friday each Friday from August through October during the 2022-2023 school year. Every Friday, a different local produce item was sourced from local farms and served at lunch through the Kansas City Food Hub – a farmer cooperative wholesaler and retailer that partners with 30 local farmers.Produce served included watermelon, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, Fuji apples, romaine and sweet green peppers. Farmer information cards were posted during the lunch meal service so students could see where the produce came from.Quality Care Services Inc. is a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes. The organization was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Edible Garden Turn-Key Grant effective July 2022 through June 2023. To apply for the grant, Quality Care Services needed community partnerships.Quality Care Services partnered with Kansas Corn STEM and created a preschool curriculum that was offered free to all child care home providers through Kansas. Each of Quality Care Services’ child care home providers were given a local food bundle kit, which included a book on composting, container garden handouts and a sub-grant application for either a raised garden bed or hydroponic garden.The organization successfully awarded 16 raised garden kits and 19 hydroponic garden kits. Providers grew more than 843 pounds of local food during the winter months.“Quality Care is the first child care sponsor in Kansas to directly apply for a Farm to School Grant from USDA and is to be commended for its passion about serving quality local foods in day care homes, educating pre-K children about where their food comes from and creating a STEM curriculum,” Johnson said.First Choice Support Services, a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes, received the Kansans Can Step Up to Lead award. The organization faced staffing challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.“First Choice lost all personnel except the executive director and one enrollment specialist in February 2021,” Johnson said. “Lacy Schmidt stepped up to lead in a position where she was a new employee with no other experienced employees to mentor or guide her. She went above and beyond to learn and build competence in the program administration. She has maintained perfect attendance since her employment.”One of Schmidt’s major accomplishments was the outreach she conducted to licensed child care home providers.“At a time when there is a shortage of child care workers in Kansas, leadership to encourage day care home providers to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is an indicator of quality care, is to be commended,” Johnson said.Lansing USD 469 received the Kansans Can Impact Wellness award. The district has an active wellness committee that meets regularly. As a team, the committee has set goals to impact wellness within Lansing USD 469. Goals include increasing visibility and interest within the community around creating a healthier school environment and incorporating social-emotional wellness into the wellness policies.“Kansas State Board of Education Child Nutrition and Wellness supports schools in their wellness policy implementation by offering wellness coach visits to school districts,” Johnson said. “The wellness coach that assisted Lansing … was impressed with the work of this diverse community and how their strong policies and practices are truly impacting wellness in the Lansing schools and communities.”

USD 326 Logan among honorees for outstanding practices in child nutrition programs

<a href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-nicholls?fh_id=12067">https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-nicholls?fh_id=12067</a>

Jesse Lewis Nicholls, 46, passed away on August 8, 2023, at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on October 14, 1976, in Longmont, Colorado the son of Dale Nicholls and Rebecca (Coyer) Nelson.

Jesse was a long-time resident of Colorado, and he was a truck driver.

Survivors include his father, Dale Nicholls; mother, Rebecca Nelson; son, Alex Nicholls; and sister, Amanda Mann. &nbsp;

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

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Jesse Lewis Nicholls, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-nicholls/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Jesse Lewis Nicholls</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692781524875.jpeg" alt="Jesse Lewis Nicholls" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Lewis Nicholls</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-nicholls?fh_id=12067">https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-nicholls?fh_id=12067</a>October 14, 1976 - August 8, 2023Jesse Lewis Nicholls, 46, passed away on August 8, 2023, at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on October 14, 1976, in Longmont, Colorado the son of Dale Nicholls and Rebecca (Coyer) Nelson.Jesse was a long-time resident of Colorado, and he was a truck driver.Survivors include his father, Dale Nicholls; mother, Rebecca Nelson; son, Alex Nicholls; and sister, Amanda Mann. &nbsp;Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Jesse Lewis Nicholls, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-nicholls/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Jesse Lewis Nicholls

<a href="http://priceandsons.com/obituaries/kenneth-anderson">priceandsons.com/obituaries/kenneth-anderson</a>

Kenneth R. Anderson, age 92, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on April 26, 1931, in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, the son of Wesley Steven and Mary Clementine Rayfield Anderson.&nbsp; 

Ken has been a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1962 moving from Satanta, Kansas.&nbsp; He managed and ran the local CATV station for 27 years.

<h2>Kenneth R. Anderson, Scott City</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692721002191.jpeg" alt="Kenneth R. Anderson" />
 <figcaption>Kenneth R. Anderson</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://priceandsons.com/obituaries/kenneth-anderson">priceandsons.com/obituaries/kenneth-anderson</a>April 26, 1931 - August 17, 2023Kenneth R. Anderson, age 92, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on April 26, 1931, in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, the son of Wesley Steven and Mary Clementine Rayfield Anderson.&nbsp; Ken has been a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1962 moving from Satanta, Kansas.&nbsp; He managed and ran the local CATV station for 27 years.He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas.On October 24, 1950, he married Stella Marie Masters in Ozark, Arkansas.&nbsp; She passed away on November 23, 2012, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include his son - Steve and Cathy Anderson of Carpenter, Wyoming, daughter - Lois and Nick Kuhn of Wichita, Kansas, two brothers - Dean Anderson of Seminole, Oklahoma, Howard Anderson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sister - Marge Tracy of Seminole, Oklahoma, five grandchildren - Michelle and Brett Garske of Northglenn, Colorado, John and Holly Anderson of Longmont, Colorado, Allison and Jonathan Ingram of Estes Park, Colorado, Emily Anderson and P.J. Korte of Fort Collins, Colorado, Tucker and Mary Hughes of Wellington, New Zealand, eight great-grandchildren - Charlie Spann of Denver, Colorado, Ashley Spann of Atlanta, Georgia, Pierce Anderson of Longmont, Colorado, Olivia Anderson of Longmont, Colorado, Cole Ingram of Estes Park, Colorado, Noah Purdom of Denver, Colorado, Clair Hughes of Wellington, New Zealand, and Gabriel Hughes of Wellington, New Zealand.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife - Stella Anderson, son - John Anderson, three brothers - Raymond Anderson, Leon Anderson, and Carmen Anderson.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Jeff Goetzinger presiding.Memorials in lieu of flowers may be written to the Scott County VIP Center in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Little Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma with Carl Whitfield presiding.Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington Street, Scott City, Kansas.