JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.

The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region.

"The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696972133403.png" alt="USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: An Israeli cargo plane lands, delivering an initial shipment of advanced weaponry from the United States to Israel. <a href="https://t.co/TEv2g9gXyW">pic.twitter.com/TEv2g9gXyW</a>&mdash; Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_MOD/status/1711974859520041121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region."The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

US warships, weapons arrive in Mediterranean to support Israel

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is pleased to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Sandy Seamone to teach two Joy of Painting classes on October 21 and 22. On Saturday, October 21, the class will paint “Sunset Creek,” and on Sunday, October 22, “The Swan.” 

Classes are held in the Hansen Museum Community Room, Logan, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break each day.&nbsp;

The Bob Ross method is designed to be a fun and simple way to paint. Seamone learned from the happy tree guy himself. Implementing the soft-spoken, supportive ways of her mentor, Seamone creates a classroom with a relaxing and light-hearted atmosphere. 

All painting supplies are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Young and old alike will enjoy the camaraderie of these classes. Students need only bring a roll of paper towels.&nbsp;

Call the museum to register or find the registration form on our website (<a href="http://hansenmuseum.org/">hansenmuseum.org</a>) under Classes &amp; Workshops. Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members. This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

For more information, please call 785-689-4846.&nbsp;

The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 and 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695996617150.jpeg" alt="Hansen Museum file photo" />
 <figcaption>Hansen Museum file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is pleased to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Sandy Seamone to teach two Joy of Painting classes on October 21 and 22. On Saturday, October 21, the class will paint “Sunset Creek,” and on Sunday, October 22, “The Swan.” Classes are held in the Hansen Museum Community Room, Logan, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break each day.&nbsp;The Bob Ross method is designed to be a fun and simple way to paint. Seamone learned from the happy tree guy himself. Implementing the soft-spoken, supportive ways of her mentor, Seamone creates a classroom with a relaxing and light-hearted atmosphere. All painting supplies are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Young and old alike will enjoy the camaraderie of these classes. Students need only bring a roll of paper towels.&nbsp;Call the museum to register or find the registration form on our website (<a href="http://hansenmuseum.org/">hansenmuseum.org</a>) under Classes &amp; Workshops. Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members. This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information, please call 785-689-4846.&nbsp;The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 and 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.&nbsp;

Beginner-friendly 'Joy of Painting' class upcoming at Hansen Museum in Logan

WICHITA, Kan. - In an electrifying showdown at Wichita's Wilkins Field, the Fort Hays State men's soccer team showcased their prowess with a pivotal 2-1 victory over the Newman Jets. 

The Tigers (4-5-2, 3-1-2 GAC) wasted no time asserting their dominance, delivering an impressive display of teamwork that resulted in a goal in the 11th minute. Tadhg Walsh&nbsp;netted his third goal of the season, capitalizing on a precise assist from Mike Leue. 

The second half witnessed a tense standoff, with both teams battling for supremacy. In the 81st minute, the Jets (2-6-3, 1-4-1 GAC) rallied, as Alberto Romano notched his fourth goal of the season, leveling the score at 1-1. Yet, it was Fort Hays State who had the last word. In the 88th minute, Elias Ovelar Semenuik&nbsp;displayed his goal-scoring prowess, seizing a critical opportunity with a composed finish. This well-executed play, coupled with an assist from Luca Garcia, marked Semeniuk's second goal of the season, propelling the Tigers ahead with a score of 2-1.

Throughout the game, Scott Pengelly&nbsp;made a series of critical saves, concluding with a total of four, firmly securing the team's victory. Meanwhile, on the opposing side, Juan Carlos Cordova made six saves but couldn't prevent the Tigers from clinching the win.

The Tigers return home for the start of a five-game home stretch, starting with No. 22 Rogers State, Saturday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696992364505.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. - In an electrifying showdown at Wichita's Wilkins Field, the Fort Hays State men's soccer team showcased their prowess with a pivotal 2-1 victory over the Newman Jets. The Tigers (4-5-2, 3-1-2 GAC) wasted no time asserting their dominance, delivering an impressive display of teamwork that resulted in a goal in the 11th minute. Tadhg Walsh&nbsp;netted his third goal of the season, capitalizing on a precise assist from Mike Leue. The second half witnessed a tense standoff, with both teams battling for supremacy. In the 81st minute, the Jets (2-6-3, 1-4-1 GAC) rallied, as Alberto Romano notched his fourth goal of the season, leveling the score at 1-1. Yet, it was Fort Hays State who had the last word. In the 88th minute, Elias Ovelar Semenuik&nbsp;displayed his goal-scoring prowess, seizing a critical opportunity with a composed finish. This well-executed play, coupled with an assist from Luca Garcia, marked Semeniuk's second goal of the season, propelling the Tigers ahead with a score of 2-1.Throughout the game, Scott Pengelly&nbsp;made a series of critical saves, concluding with a total of four, firmly securing the team's victory. Meanwhile, on the opposing side, Juan Carlos Cordova made six saves but couldn't prevent the Tigers from clinching the win.The Tigers return home for the start of a five-game home stretch, starting with No. 22 Rogers State, Saturday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m.

⚽ Tiger men win thriller over Jets in Wichita

LARCHWOOD, Iowa - The Fort Hays State women's golf team placed 10th&nbsp;at the Sioux Falls Invitational, hosted at the Grand Falls Casino &amp; Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa on October 9th and 10th.&nbsp;

Over the course of the tournament, the Tigers delivered commendable performances. Their journey began with a 322 in the first round, followed by a 334 on the second day. This collective effort resulted in a 36-hole total of 656.

Morgan Brasser&nbsp;emerged as the top Tiger, securing a share of third place among the 74 participants. Brasser had 22 pars and 7 birdies throughout the weekend, shooting an even-par 72 in round one and a 3-over par 75 in round two. After the initial day, she trailed by a single stroke and momentarily led the field during day two before finishing four shots off the winning score of 1-under par.&nbsp;

Corbyn Marquess&nbsp;made a notable contribution, tying for the 40th position after scores of 77 and 87. Marquess finished with 18 pars and three birdies during the tournament, finishing at +20 overall. Hayden York, who tied for 53rd place, accumulated 15 pars with two birdies, concluding at +28 with rounds of 88 and 84. Shauna Lee, with rounds of 85 and 91, secured a shared 59th position. Ella Neuhauser&nbsp;tied for 65th, shooting 94 and 88.&nbsp;

Augustana secured the team title at 17-over par overall, demonstrating their dominance on the course. Northwest Missouri State, finishing 14 strokes behind, took the second spot. Maggie Veenendall from the University of Sioux Falls clinched the individual title by a margin of two strokes, finishing at 1-under par overall.

The Tigers now turn their attention to the next challenge, the Midwest Classic in Warrensburg, Missouri on October 16-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696989812770.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Hayden York (FHSU Athletics photo/dee Welsch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Hayden York (FHSU Athletics photo/dee Welsch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLARCHWOOD, Iowa - The Fort Hays State women's golf team placed 10th&nbsp;at the Sioux Falls Invitational, hosted at the Grand Falls Casino &amp; Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa on October 9th and 10th.&nbsp;Over the course of the tournament, the Tigers delivered commendable performances. Their journey began with a 322 in the first round, followed by a 334 on the second day. This collective effort resulted in a 36-hole total of 656.Morgan Brasser&nbsp;emerged as the top Tiger, securing a share of third place among the 74 participants. Brasser had 22 pars and 7 birdies throughout the weekend, shooting an even-par 72 in round one and a 3-over par 75 in round two. After the initial day, she trailed by a single stroke and momentarily led the field during day two before finishing four shots off the winning score of 1-under par.&nbsp;Corbyn Marquess&nbsp;made a notable contribution, tying for the 40th position after scores of 77 and 87. Marquess finished with 18 pars and three birdies during the tournament, finishing at +20 overall. Hayden York, who tied for 53rd place, accumulated 15 pars with two birdies, concluding at +28 with rounds of 88 and 84. Shauna Lee, with rounds of 85 and 91, secured a shared 59th position. Ella Neuhauser&nbsp;tied for 65th, shooting 94 and 88.&nbsp;Augustana secured the team title at 17-over par overall, demonstrating their dominance on the course. Northwest Missouri State, finishing 14 strokes behind, took the second spot. Maggie Veenendall from the University of Sioux Falls clinched the individual title by a margin of two strokes, finishing at 1-under par overall.The Tigers now turn their attention to the next challenge, the Midwest Classic in Warrensburg, Missouri on October 16-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU women place 10th at Sioux Falls Invitational, Brasser third

Tommy Chestnut Jr. (born Chestnutt), 88 years, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023, after a brief hospital stay in Hays, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on August 16, 1935 in Glade, Kansas to Tommy Sr. and Nellie (Parker) Chestnut (Chestnutt). 

He had five siblings, Fern Stephenson, Audrey Hoover, Roy Chestnut, Doris Morgan, and Sandra Brooks.

He attended school in Phillipsburg, Kansas and was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School. 

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Iris June Spicer, on July 9, 1954. Tom and June lived in Kansas until 1958 when they moved to Colorado and Tom went to work as an electrician. &nbsp;Tom and June were blessed with five children Steve (Kara Sekavec), Kathy Hobaugh (Ed), Randy (Lisa), Rick (Debbie), and Kelly (Lisa Frandsen).

During his lifetime Tom worked and provided for his wife and his five children. &nbsp;In 1972 he and June started the family business C &amp; R Electrical Contractors, Incorporated. The business still operates today and is run by his three sons Rick, Randy, and Kelly. &nbsp;

Tom served his community as a volunteer firefighter for West Adams County Fire Protection District (Nov. 1970 – Aug. 1985). &nbsp;He also served on the Construction Review Board for the city of Broomfield, president of the board for the Northglenn Business Condo Association, board member of Wadley Farms III Homeowners Association, treasurer of the board of directors of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors as well as held a real estate broker's license for Colorado. &nbsp;

His hobbies were hunting, fishing, photography, and woodworking. Tom was always there for neighbors or friends when they needed his help. &nbsp;He and June loved to be with family and greatly enjoyed spending time with their eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating. &nbsp;The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS &nbsp;67661.

<h2>Tommy Chestnut, Jr., Brighton, CO</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696974162776.jpeg" alt="Tommy Chestnut, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Tommy Chestnut, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>August 16, 1935 - October 8, 2023Tommy Chestnut Jr. (born Chestnutt), 88 years, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023, after a brief hospital stay in Hays, Kansas. &nbsp;He was born on August 16, 1935 in Glade, Kansas to Tommy Sr. and Nellie (Parker) Chestnut (Chestnutt). He had five siblings, Fern Stephenson, Audrey Hoover, Roy Chestnut, Doris Morgan, and Sandra Brooks.He attended school in Phillipsburg, Kansas and was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Iris June Spicer, on July 9, 1954. Tom and June lived in Kansas until 1958 when they moved to Colorado and Tom went to work as an electrician. &nbsp;Tom and June were blessed with five children Steve (Kara Sekavec), Kathy Hobaugh (Ed), Randy (Lisa), Rick (Debbie), and Kelly (Lisa Frandsen).During his lifetime Tom worked and provided for his wife and his five children. &nbsp;In 1972 he and June started the family business C &amp; R Electrical Contractors, Incorporated. The business still operates today and is run by his three sons Rick, Randy, and Kelly. &nbsp;Tom served his community as a volunteer firefighter for West Adams County Fire Protection District (Nov. 1970 – Aug. 1985). &nbsp;He also served on the Construction Review Board for the city of Broomfield, president of the board for the Northglenn Business Condo Association, board member of Wadley Farms III Homeowners Association, treasurer of the board of directors of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors as well as held a real estate broker's license for Colorado. &nbsp;His hobbies were hunting, fishing, photography, and woodworking. Tom was always there for neighbors or friends when they needed his help. &nbsp;He and June loved to be with family and greatly enjoyed spending time with their eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating. &nbsp;The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS.Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.Arrangements by Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS &nbsp;67661.

Tommy Chestnut, Jr.

Phillipsburg Resident, James Bass, passed away peacefully, at home, on October 7, 2023, at the age of 64.

James Edgar Bass was born on July 13, 1959 in Franklin, Nebraska, to his parents Norman and Olive (Pitzer) Bass.

James was married to Wanda (Dierking) Bass on August 27, 1978, in Kensington, Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Olive Bass, sisters Marjorie Bohrer and Betty Gleason, brothers-in-law Roderick Bohrer and Phillip Gleason, and nephew Randy Bohrer.

Survivors include his wife Wanda Bass of Phillipsburg, Kansas, daughters Janice Boland and husband Karl of Alton, Kansas, Julie Huffman and husband Chris of Smith Center, Kansas, Joanie Bass and husband Luke of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Jamie Bass of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Jessica Bass of Phillipsburg, Kansas, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Chris Baker, will be held at the Heartland Worship Center in Agra, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023. Following the service, burial will take place at the Thornburg Cemetery in Smith County, Kansas.

Mr. Bass will lie in state from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Bass Memorial Fund.

<h2>James Bass, Phillipsburg</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696974084749.jpeg" alt="James Bass" />
 <figcaption>James Bass</figcaption>
 </figure>July 13, 1959 - October 7, 2023Phillipsburg Resident, James Bass, passed away peacefully, at home, on October 7, 2023, at the age of 64.James Edgar Bass was born on July 13, 1959 in Franklin, Nebraska, to his parents Norman and Olive (Pitzer) Bass.James was married to Wanda (Dierking) Bass on August 27, 1978, in Kensington, Kansas.He is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Olive Bass, sisters Marjorie Bohrer and Betty Gleason, brothers-in-law Roderick Bohrer and Phillip Gleason, and nephew Randy Bohrer.Survivors include his wife Wanda Bass of Phillipsburg, Kansas, daughters Janice Boland and husband Karl of Alton, Kansas, Julie Huffman and husband Chris of Smith Center, Kansas, Joanie Bass and husband Luke of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Jamie Bass of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Jessica Bass of Phillipsburg, Kansas, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Chris Baker, will be held at the Heartland Worship Center in Agra, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023. Following the service, burial will take place at the Thornburg Cemetery in Smith County, Kansas.Mr. Bass will lie in state from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.Memorial contributions may be made to the James Bass Memorial Fund.

James Bass

<h2>Louis Joseph Sabatka</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696973608205.jpeg" alt="Louis Joseph Sabatka" />
 <figcaption>Louis Joseph Sabatka</figcaption>
 </figure>October 19, 1929 - October 9, 2023<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696973680303.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Louis Joseph Sabatka

Arleen Dorothy Brown, a devoted farmwife and homemaker, returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Long Term Care in WaKeeney, Kansas. She was born on March 15, 1929, to Alexander J. “Alex” and Clara (Mermis) Windholz on the family farm north of Walker in rural Ellis County.

Arleen completed her education through the 8th grade, and on June 3, 1946, she married the love of her life, John A. Brown, in Emmeran, KS. John preceded her in death in March of 1997. Together, they were blessed with four children: Cheryl, Darrell, Lois, and Angie.

Arleen was a woman of deep faith, unwavering until the very end. She found solace in praying the rosary several times a day, remaining committed to her Catholic beliefs. As a committed farmwife, Arleen's heart belonged to the land, and she took joy in tending to her garden and roses. Her love extended to the kitchen, where she delighted in cooking and sharing meals around the table with friends and family.

Arleen will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace with her creator. 

She is survived by her children, Cheryl Smotherman, Hays, KS; Lois (Paul) Abrams, Nashville, TN; and Angie (Terry) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; grandchildren, Robin (Scott) Banks, Plano, TX; Grady (Tavia) William, Hays, KS; Ryan (Danielle) Smotherman, St. Louis, MO; Michael Abrams, Berkeley, CA; Kate (Ian) O’Bryant, Nashville, TN; Justin (Corey) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; Travis (Jessica) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; and Dylan (Nicole) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; 14 great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, Henrietta Windholz, Hays, KS; and Rosie Guerico, Victoria, KS. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.

Arleen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; son, Darrell; son-in-law, Jack Smotherman; sisters, Evelyn Dreher, Amelda Bieker, Viola Weigel, Bertha Brown, and one infant sister; as well as brothers, Louis Windholz, Edward Windholz, and Francis Windholz.

As we bid farewell to a woman whose life was a testament to love, faith, and family, may Arleen rest in eternal peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, Kansas, with Father Charlie Steier as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, October 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home. A vigil service will start at 7:00 p.m., immediately following a rosary.

Memorial donations can be made to Trego County Hospital Endowment/Long Term Care. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.

<h2>Arleen Brown, WaKeeney</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696929007666.png" alt="Arleen Brown" />
 <figcaption>Arleen Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>March 15, 1929 - October 8, 202Arleen Dorothy Brown, a devoted farmwife and homemaker, returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Long Term Care in WaKeeney, Kansas. She was born on March 15, 1929, to Alexander J. “Alex” and Clara (Mermis) Windholz on the family farm north of Walker in rural Ellis County.Arleen completed her education through the 8th grade, and on June 3, 1946, she married the love of her life, John A. Brown, in Emmeran, KS. John preceded her in death in March of 1997. Together, they were blessed with four children: Cheryl, Darrell, Lois, and Angie.Arleen was a woman of deep faith, unwavering until the very end. She found solace in praying the rosary several times a day, remaining committed to her Catholic beliefs. As a committed farmwife, Arleen's heart belonged to the land, and she took joy in tending to her garden and roses. Her love extended to the kitchen, where she delighted in cooking and sharing meals around the table with friends and family.Arleen will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace with her creator. She is survived by her children, Cheryl Smotherman, Hays, KS; Lois (Paul) Abrams, Nashville, TN; and Angie (Terry) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; grandchildren, Robin (Scott) Banks, Plano, TX; Grady (Tavia) William, Hays, KS; Ryan (Danielle) Smotherman, St. Louis, MO; Michael Abrams, Berkeley, CA; Kate (Ian) O’Bryant, Nashville, TN; Justin (Corey) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; Travis (Jessica) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; and Dylan (Nicole) Sherfick, WaKeeney, KS; 14 great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, Henrietta Windholz, Hays, KS; and Rosie Guerico, Victoria, KS. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.Arleen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; son, Darrell; son-in-law, Jack Smotherman; sisters, Evelyn Dreher, Amelda Bieker, Viola Weigel, Bertha Brown, and one infant sister; as well as brothers, Louis Windholz, Edward Windholz, and Francis Windholz.As we bid farewell to a woman whose life was a testament to love, faith, and family, may Arleen rest in eternal peace.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, Kansas, with Father Charlie Steier as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, October 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home. A vigil service will start at 7:00 p.m., immediately following a rosary.Memorial donations can be made to Trego County Hospital Endowment/Long Term Care. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672.Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Arleen Brown

Marianne Lee Stoecker Schmitt, 71, passed away after a brief illness, on October 7, 2023, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas with her family by her side. Marianne was born to Lawrence and Betty (Lehmann) Stoecker on August 5, 1952, in Oakley, Kansas. 

She was the middle child with two brothers, David and Gary. Marianne grew up on the family farm south of Oakley where she would attend many family gatherings with aunts, uncles, and cousins from western Kansas. 

Marianne attended the Oakley schools and graduated from Oakley High School in 1970.

Marianne attended Kansas State University, where she would meet her husband, and lifelong Wildcat fan companion, Mike Schmitt. She received her bachelor of science in business administration, major in accounting, in 1974. 

After college, Marianne worked in the tax department for Arthur Anderson in Kansas City, Missouri from 1974 to 1975.

Marianne married Mike Schmitt on August 9, 1975, in Oakley, Kansas at the First United Methodist Church. They briefly lived in Fairview, Kansas before moving to Hiawatha, Kansas in 1976.

Marianne passed the CPA exam and became a licensed certified public accountant. She worked for L Rance Hixson, CPA, in Hiawatha for a few years before starting her own CPA firm in Hiawatha with a sole practice providing tax work for clients. She retired from her practice in 2020.

Along the way, she had two sons, Jason Schmitt born August 31, 1979, and Daniel Schmitt, born April 28, 1985. She was a loving wife to her husband Mike for 48 years. She was always present and active in her sons’ activities growing up in Hiawatha. For the past twelve years, Marianne was a loving Grandma to Lauren Schmitt (12) and Charlotte Schmitt (8), daughters of Jason and Tina (Hoobler) Schmitt. She enjoyed attending the girls’ dance recitals and sporting events, sewing the girls’ outfits, and partaking in many crafts projects with the granddaughters.

Aside from helping the residents and farmers of northeast Kansas with their tax planning, Marianne lived a full life of service, hobbies, sports, travel, and family events. 

Marianne attended The First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, where she volunteered on many committees. Presently, she was on the board of the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, and a current member of the PEO Hiawatha Chapter. She was a past member of the Brown County Developmental Services board and a supporter to the Hiawatha Community Hospital. She spent several years dedicating her time to the community by sitting as an elected member of the Hiawatha City Commission. She also found time to participate in women’s golf and tennis leagues and served on various other committees dedicated to the community. Marianne loved to be in her garden. Most recently, she was tending to the flowers at the “Welcome to Hiawatha” signs as you enter the town.

Marianne loved to travel. She enjoyed many years attending Kansas State University athletic events in both Manhattan, Kansas and on the road at away team schools. She enjoyed many trips with the family, skiing in Colorado in the winter and enjoying Colorado during the summertime. Marianne and Mike&nbsp;enjoyed visiting as many national parks as they could get to as well as visiting Europe during the summers. She also enjoyed trips back to Oakley, Kansas to visit with family and friends.

Marianne was preceded in death by her father Lawrence Stoecker and her mother Betty Stoecker, both of Oakley, KS. 

Marianne is survived by her husband, Mike Schmitt of Hiawatha, KS; her son Jason (Tina) Schmitt of Overland Park, KS and granddaughters Lauren Schmitt and Charlotte Schmitt; her son Daniel Schmitt of West Hollywood, CA; her brother David (Rita) Tripp of Leawood, KS; her brother Gary (Mary) Stoecker of Oakley, KS; nieces Megan Tripp, Jessica (Dan) Tripp Bates, Michelle (Cole) Stoecker Zimmerman; nephews Mark Stoecker and John Stoecker; brother-in-law Pat (Terri) Schmitt of Overland Park, KS; and many cousins; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Dan Norwood will officiate. Interment will follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.

Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Thursday until 5 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. 

Memorials are suggested to Friends of the Library, Trinity Food Center Food Pantry, First United Methodist Church, the Logan County Community Foundation in Oakley, KS, or a charity of the donor's choice and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.&nbsp;

For more information, online condolences, or to view the livestream of the service, please visit www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

<h2>Marianne Lee Stoecker Schmitt</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696957824037.jpeg" alt="Marianne Lee Stoecker Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Marianne Lee Stoecker Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>August 5, 1952 - October 7, 2023Marianne Lee Stoecker Schmitt, 71, passed away after a brief illness, on October 7, 2023, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas with her family by her side. Marianne was born to Lawrence and Betty (Lehmann) Stoecker on August 5, 1952, in Oakley, Kansas. She was the middle child with two brothers, David and Gary. Marianne grew up on the family farm south of Oakley where she would attend many family gatherings with aunts, uncles, and cousins from western Kansas. Marianne attended the Oakley schools and graduated from Oakley High School in 1970.Marianne attended Kansas State University, where she would meet her husband, and lifelong Wildcat fan companion, Mike Schmitt. She received her bachelor of science in business administration, major in accounting, in 1974. After college, Marianne worked in the tax department for Arthur Anderson in Kansas City, Missouri from 1974 to 1975.Marianne married Mike Schmitt on August 9, 1975, in Oakley, Kansas at the First United Methodist Church. They briefly lived in Fairview, Kansas before moving to Hiawatha, Kansas in 1976.Marianne passed the CPA exam and became a licensed certified public accountant. She worked for L Rance Hixson, CPA, in Hiawatha for a few years before starting her own CPA firm in Hiawatha with a sole practice providing tax work for clients. She retired from her practice in 2020.Along the way, she had two sons, Jason Schmitt born August 31, 1979, and Daniel Schmitt, born April 28, 1985. She was a loving wife to her husband Mike for 48 years. She was always present and active in her sons’ activities growing up in Hiawatha. For the past twelve years, Marianne was a loving Grandma to Lauren Schmitt (12) and Charlotte Schmitt (8), daughters of Jason and Tina (Hoobler) Schmitt. She enjoyed attending the girls’ dance recitals and sporting events, sewing the girls’ outfits, and partaking in many crafts projects with the granddaughters.Aside from helping the residents and farmers of northeast Kansas with their tax planning, Marianne lived a full life of service, hobbies, sports, travel, and family events. Marianne attended The First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, where she volunteered on many committees. Presently, she was on the board of the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, and a current member of the PEO Hiawatha Chapter. She was a past member of the Brown County Developmental Services board and a supporter to the Hiawatha Community Hospital. She spent several years dedicating her time to the community by sitting as an elected member of the Hiawatha City Commission. She also found time to participate in women’s golf and tennis leagues and served on various other committees dedicated to the community. Marianne loved to be in her garden. Most recently, she was tending to the flowers at the “Welcome to Hiawatha” signs as you enter the town.Marianne loved to travel. She enjoyed many years attending Kansas State University athletic events in both Manhattan, Kansas and on the road at away team schools. She enjoyed many trips with the family, skiing in Colorado in the winter and enjoying Colorado during the summertime. Marianne and Mike&nbsp;enjoyed visiting as many national parks as they could get to as well as visiting Europe during the summers. She also enjoyed trips back to Oakley, Kansas to visit with family and friends.Marianne was preceded in death by her father Lawrence Stoecker and her mother Betty Stoecker, both of Oakley, KS. Marianne is survived by her husband, Mike Schmitt of Hiawatha, KS; her son Jason (Tina) Schmitt of Overland Park, KS and granddaughters Lauren Schmitt and Charlotte Schmitt; her son Daniel Schmitt of West Hollywood, CA; her brother David (Rita) Tripp of Leawood, KS; her brother Gary (Mary) Stoecker of Oakley, KS; nieces Megan Tripp, Jessica (Dan) Tripp Bates, Michelle (Cole) Stoecker Zimmerman; nephews Mark Stoecker and John Stoecker; brother-in-law Pat (Terri) Schmitt of Overland Park, KS; and many cousins; and a host of friends.Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Dan Norwood will officiate. Interment will follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Thursday until 5 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Memorials are suggested to Friends of the Library, Trinity Food Center Food Pantry, First United Methodist Church, the Logan County Community Foundation in Oakley, KS, or a charity of the donor's choice and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.&nbsp;For more information, online condolences, or to view the livestream of the service, please visit www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

Marianne Lee Stoecker Schmitt

Sheryl Jean Janke, 69, passed away October 5, 2023, at Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. &nbsp;She was born July 10, 1954, in Claflin, Kan., to Raymond and Ruth (Brown) Janke. &nbsp;

Sheryl, a 1972 Claflin High School graduate and a 1976 University of Kansas graduate, dedicated her professional life to occupational therapy. 

From 1977 to 1989, she was a registered occupational therapist at the Northampton VA Medical Center, Leeds, Massachusetts and from 1989 until her retirement in 2011, she was a therapist at the Salem VA Medical Center Salem, Virginia. &nbsp;

Sheryl loved assisting veterans which was evident by her 34 years of service. &nbsp;While at the Northampton VA she led her team in developing and implementing a program to reintegrate vets with nonhospital vets. &nbsp;This program received national attention. &nbsp;Being passionate about being heart healthy, for herself and others, Sheryl was involved at the Fit Studio 365, Connection Achievement Therapy Center, and several senior fitness or healthy foods groups. &nbsp;

She was a follower of Jesus and a member of the Claflin United Methodist Church in her youth. Sheryl continued to grow in her faith by being active in bible study fellowship. &nbsp;She enjoyed holidays and lunches out with friends. 

Following retirement, she explored our world by cruising with her brother and sister-in-law. &nbsp;Although she was far away from Kansas, she connected by phone often to check on her extended family. &nbsp;She will be missed by her family and her devoted and loyal friends.&nbsp;

Survivors include her first cousins, Paul (Connie) Wesseler, Lois (Dennis) Hammer, Arlon (Marsha) Wesseler, Bruce (Olga) Sutherland, John (Debbie) Amos, Karen (Dale) DeWerff; and a sister-in-law, Regina Janke of Los Lunas, N.M. &nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Warren Janke and first cousin, Sandy Estabrook.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 16, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington,&nbsp;with Pastor Dale DeWerff and Karen DeWerff presiding.  A private family inurnment will be at Claflin Cemetery, Claflin, at a later date. 

 Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Sheryl Jean Janke, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/sheryl-janke/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Sheryl Jean Janke</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696970131493.jpeg" alt="Sheryl Jean Janke" />
 <figcaption>Sheryl Jean Janke</figcaption>
 </figure>July 10, 1954 - October 5, 2023Sheryl Jean Janke, 69, passed away October 5, 2023, at Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. &nbsp;She was born July 10, 1954, in Claflin, Kan., to Raymond and Ruth (Brown) Janke. &nbsp;Sheryl, a 1972 Claflin High School graduate and a 1976 University of Kansas graduate, dedicated her professional life to occupational therapy. From 1977 to 1989, she was a registered occupational therapist at the Northampton VA Medical Center, Leeds, Massachusetts and from 1989 until her retirement in 2011, she was a therapist at the Salem VA Medical Center Salem, Virginia. &nbsp;Sheryl loved assisting veterans which was evident by her 34 years of service. &nbsp;While at the Northampton VA she led her team in developing and implementing a program to reintegrate vets with nonhospital vets. &nbsp;This program received national attention. &nbsp;Being passionate about being heart healthy, for herself and others, Sheryl was involved at the Fit Studio 365, Connection Achievement Therapy Center, and several senior fitness or healthy foods groups. &nbsp;She was a follower of Jesus and a member of the Claflin United Methodist Church in her youth. Sheryl continued to grow in her faith by being active in bible study fellowship. &nbsp;She enjoyed holidays and lunches out with friends. Following retirement, she explored our world by cruising with her brother and sister-in-law. &nbsp;Although she was far away from Kansas, she connected by phone often to check on her extended family. &nbsp;She will be missed by her family and her devoted and loyal friends.&nbsp;Survivors include her first cousins, Paul (Connie) Wesseler, Lois (Dennis) Hammer, Arlon (Marsha) Wesseler, Bruce (Olga) Sutherland, John (Debbie) Amos, Karen (Dale) DeWerff; and a sister-in-law, Regina Janke of Los Lunas, N.M. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Warren Janke and first cousin, Sandy Estabrook.Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 16, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington,&nbsp;with Pastor Dale DeWerff and Karen DeWerff presiding. A private family inurnment will be at Claflin Cemetery, Claflin, at a later date. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Sheryl Jean Janke, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/sheryl-janke/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Sheryl Jean Janke

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.

(Click below to watch a replay of the President's comments)

Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;spoke by phone earlier on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.

“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden, who compared Hamas action to the terrorist group ISIS. He added, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”

Biden, in his public remarks and statements since Hamas launched its attacks, has repeatedly emphasized his shock over the breadth and brutality of the Hamas assault — a blitz by land, sea and air that surprised Israeli and U.S. intelligence and that has killed hundreds Israelis and left even more wounded.

Retaliatory strikes by Israel on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gaza-strip">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;have also left hundreds of dead and wounded Palestinians in the blockaded 141-square mile area, one the poorest places in the world. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummeled Gaza with airstrikes and sent tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing into U.N. shelters.

Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis. He also confirmed that the U.S. believes that Americans are among dozens of hostages taken by Hamas.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. does not know the precise number of American hostages that were taken. Sullivan said that the U.S., at the moment, has no plans of putting U.S. troops on the ground.

“As president I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” Biden said.

The White House on Monday confirmed that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-state-department-39b9e7f15334ff756f022704f9516867">already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Israel, and the Pentagon was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the war against Hamas.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;has arrived in the far Eastern Mediterranean, within range to provide a host of air support or long-range strike options for Israel if requested, but also to surge U.S. military presence there to prevent the war from spilling over into a more dangerous regional conflict, officials said.

The Pentagon has said that the U.S. warplanes, destroyers and cruisers that sailed with the Ford will conduct maritime and air operations which could include intelligence collection, interdictions and long-range strikes.

Along with the Ford, the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

“Let me say again to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation,” Biden said. “I have one word: Don’t."

Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the attacks, the State Department said Tuesday.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in the coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also “talk about what additional resources we can give them.”

Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him Tuesday to a Ukraine contact group meeting in Brussels that a small group of U.S. special operations forces is also working with the Israelis to help with planning and intelligence.

Biden on Monday in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and their decades-long push for sovereignty. But the leaders also sought to separate the Palestinians’ aspirations from the “appalling acts of terrorism” by Hamas.

Americans have had a gloomy outlook on Biden’s performance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Six in 10 Americans (61%)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-israel-united-states-biden-netanyahu-41ba5cb189185f3e4956f4465c00999f">disapproved of how Biden was handling the conflict</a>&nbsp;between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to an August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third (35%) of U.S. adults approved, which was slightly lower than Biden’s overall approval rating of 42% in the same poll.

Four in 10 Americans (44%) said the U.S. gives about the right amount of support to Israel in the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say the U.S. should offer more support to Israel. Four in 10 Americans (42%) said the correct amount of support is given to the Palestinians. Democrats and Independents were more likely than Republicans to say the Palestinians should receive more support.

The current crisis seems certain to further test public sentiment about Biden’s Mideast foreign policy approach.

The Biden White House has pointed to its handling of the last conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2021 as playing a crucial part in limiting the length and loss of life in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">a war that stretched over 11 days</a>&nbsp;and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">During the 2021 conflict,</a>&nbsp;Biden limited his public commentary while pressing Netanyahu in private to end the conflict. His behind-the-scenes effort played out even as some of the president’s fellow Democrats pressured him to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and as tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-business-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-d2781b6e5aea8602547c5c0b4112e977">White House officials said at the time.</a>

But this conflict is unlikely to end so quickly. Domestic and international pressure could quickly mount on Biden to pressure Netanyahu to wind down operations to prevent the suffering of innocent Gazans.

Netanyahu said on Saturday that civilians in Gaza should leave areas near where Hamas is operating as the Israeli military planned to take defining action against the the militant group.

Sullivan said U.S. government officials have discussed details with Israel and Egyptian officials about where people in Gaza should go.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696938143887.png" alt="The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.(Click below to watch a replay of the President's comments)<div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7v40bJGqfEo?si=wCspaDDhv7t2n9B0&amp;start=5840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;spoke by phone earlier on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Hamas attacks against Israel: &quot;This was an act of sheer evil.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JlfEvefe4f">pic.twitter.com/JlfEvefe4f</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1711824332270248058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden, who compared Hamas action to the terrorist group ISIS. He added, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961319712.png" alt="President Biden on Tuesday sat down with our teams to receive a situation update on the terrorist attack in Israel and to direct next steps.&nbsp;We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people." />
 <figcaption>President Biden on Tuesday sat down with our teams to receive a situation update on the terrorist attack in Israel and to direct next steps.&nbsp;We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people.</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden, in his public remarks and statements since Hamas launched its attacks, has repeatedly emphasized his shock over the breadth and brutality of the Hamas assault — a blitz by land, sea and air that surprised Israeli and U.S. intelligence and that has killed hundreds Israelis and left even more wounded.Retaliatory strikes by Israel on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gaza-strip">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;have also left hundreds of dead and wounded Palestinians in the blockaded 141-square mile area, one the poorest places in the world. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummeled Gaza with airstrikes and sent tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing into U.N. shelters.Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis. He also confirmed that the U.S. believes that Americans are among dozens of hostages taken by Hamas.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. does not know the precise number of American hostages that were taken. Sullivan said that the U.S., at the moment, has no plans of putting U.S. troops on the ground.“As president I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” Biden said.The White House on Monday confirmed that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-state-department-39b9e7f15334ff756f022704f9516867">already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Israel, and the Pentagon was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the war against Hamas.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;has arrived in the far Eastern Mediterranean, within range to provide a host of air support or long-range strike options for Israel if requested, but also to surge U.S. military presence there to prevent the war from spilling over into a more dangerous regional conflict, officials said.The Pentagon has said that the U.S. warplanes, destroyers and cruisers that sailed with the Ford will conduct maritime and air operations which could include intelligence collection, interdictions and long-range strikes.Along with the Ford, the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.“Let me say again to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation,” Biden said. “I have one word: Don’t."Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the attacks, the State Department said Tuesday.State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in the coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also “talk about what additional resources we can give them.”Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him Tuesday to a Ukraine contact group meeting in Brussels that a small group of U.S. special operations forces is also working with the Israelis to help with planning and intelligence.Biden on Monday in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and their decades-long push for sovereignty. But the leaders also sought to separate the Palestinians’ aspirations from the “appalling acts of terrorism” by Hamas.Americans have had a gloomy outlook on Biden’s performance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Six in 10 Americans (61%)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-israel-united-states-biden-netanyahu-41ba5cb189185f3e4956f4465c00999f">disapproved of how Biden was handling the conflict</a>&nbsp;between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to an August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third (35%) of U.S. adults approved, which was slightly lower than Biden’s overall approval rating of 42% in the same poll.Four in 10 Americans (44%) said the U.S. gives about the right amount of support to Israel in the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say the U.S. should offer more support to Israel. Four in 10 Americans (42%) said the correct amount of support is given to the Palestinians. Democrats and Independents were more likely than Republicans to say the Palestinians should receive more support.The current crisis seems certain to further test public sentiment about Biden’s Mideast foreign policy approach.The Biden White House has pointed to its handling of the last conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2021 as playing a crucial part in limiting the length and loss of life in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">a war that stretched over 11 days</a>&nbsp;and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">During the 2021 conflict,</a>&nbsp;Biden limited his public commentary while pressing Netanyahu in private to end the conflict. His behind-the-scenes effort played out even as some of the president’s fellow Democrats pressured him to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and as tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-business-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-d2781b6e5aea8602547c5c0b4112e977">White House officials said at the time.</a>But this conflict is unlikely to end so quickly. Domestic and international pressure could quickly mount on Biden to pressure Netanyahu to wind down operations to prevent the suffering of innocent Gazans.Netanyahu said on Saturday that civilians in Gaza should leave areas near where Hamas is operating as the Israeli military planned to take defining action against the the militant group.Sullivan said U.S. government officials have discussed details with Israel and Egyptian officials about where people in Gaza should go.

🎥Biden confirms Americans among hostages captured in Israel

Shannon Titus, 53, Colby passed away October 2, 2023 when her heart of gold stopped beating. She was in the ICU at Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Denver. She was born July 3, 1970 to Carl Joe and Laura Lorraine Robinson in Phillipsburg, Kansas. 

Shannon is survived by her children Laural Titus and Christian Smith Titus of Colby, her father Carl Joe (Barb) Robinson, Clayton and her siblings Shawn( Karen Coleman) Robinson, Wichita, Nancy (Ronda) Robinson, Colby, Laurie Long and Tyler Robinson, both of Clayton. Shannon left behind many nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Shannon was preceded in death by her mother Laura Lorraine Robinson and her grandparents Raymond and Ruth Robinson and Clifford and Evelyn Shaw.

Shannon was well known and loved from her many years of employment and living in the Colby community. She will be greatly missed for her sense of humor and concern for others.

Respects can be paid during her Celebration of Life Saturday, October 21 at noon held at the Wesleyan Church, 320 W. Pine St., Colby.&nbsp;

All donations and flowers are thankfully welcome. Donations can be sent to Shannon's sister Laurie Long at 335 W. 6th St., Colby,Ks 67701 for Shannon's final expenses and her children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Shannon Titus, Colby</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696958282503.jpeg" alt="Shannon Titus" />
 <figcaption>Shannon Titus</figcaption>
 </figure>July 3, 1970 - October 2, 2023Shannon Titus, 53, Colby passed away October 2, 2023 when her heart of gold stopped beating. She was in the ICU at Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Denver. She was born July 3, 1970 to Carl Joe and Laura Lorraine Robinson in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Shannon is survived by her children Laural Titus and Christian Smith Titus of Colby, her father Carl Joe (Barb) Robinson, Clayton and her siblings Shawn( Karen Coleman) Robinson, Wichita, Nancy (Ronda) Robinson, Colby, Laurie Long and Tyler Robinson, both of Clayton. Shannon left behind many nephews, nieces, family and friends.Shannon was preceded in death by her mother Laura Lorraine Robinson and her grandparents Raymond and Ruth Robinson and Clifford and Evelyn Shaw.Shannon was well known and loved from her many years of employment and living in the Colby community. She will be greatly missed for her sense of humor and concern for others.Respects can be paid during her Celebration of Life Saturday, October 21 at noon held at the Wesleyan Church, 320 W. Pine St., Colby.&nbsp;All donations and flowers are thankfully welcome. Donations can be sent to Shannon's sister Laurie Long at 335 W. 6th St., Colby,Ks 67701 for Shannon's final expenses and her children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shannon Titus

Somer Patterson Chalfant, born on August 12, 1978, in Phillipsburg, to Laurence and Vicki Patterson, passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on Oct. 3, 2023. She was known for her love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others.

Somer had a deep passion for literature and enjoyed writing poetry. She was a skilled cook, delighting in preparing meals for her loved ones. Somer was a strong advocate for women and those facing substance abuse or abusive situations.

In her youth, she was an active member of 4-H, showcasing her art and showing animals in various activities. She also engaged in high school sports, was a member of the amendment choir, and participated in cheerleading and dance. After high school, Somer earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Kansas State University and played a pivotal role in starting the International Admissions program there as the assistant director of international admissions.

Somer's impact extended globally when she became the Director of International Admissions at The University of Kansas. She promoted education to students worldwide, traveling to China, India, Vietnam, and many other countries fostering global educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to her other academic pursuits, Somer was in the process of earning her doctorate in education from The University of Kansas, showcasing her commitment to learning and helping others.

In her personal life, Somer was a loving wife to Bryan Chalfant and a dedicated mother to her two sons, Noah and Jude Chalfant. She always prioritized her children's needs, singing about their chunky thighs as babies and doing whatever she could to make them laugh and smile. Her nurturing spirit also extended to her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, rocking them to sleep, playing with them, laughing with them, and crying with them during tough times.

Somer will be remembered for her selflessness, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of her husband Bryan Chalfant of Lawrence, her children Noah and Jude Chalfant of Lawrence, her mother Vicki Patterson of Phillipsburg, and her brothers, Lance (Aubrey) of Hutchinson, and Lane (Sarah) Patterson of Hays, as well as in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her father Laurence Patterson, her aunt, whom she was very close to, Beverly Lethem Davis, and her mother-in-law, Anita Chalfant.&nbsp;

Somer had confided in her husband that she wished to be cremated upon passing. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating. &nbsp;The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the following organizations:

- [Willow Women’s Shelter (Lawrence, Kansas)](<a href="https://www.willowdvcenter.org/donate">https://www.willowdvcenter.org/donate</a>)

- [Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (Lawrence, Kansas)](<a href="https://bertnash.org/donate/">https://bertnash.org/donate/</a>)

- [Boys &amp; Girls Club of Hutchinson, Kansas](<a href="https://bgchutch.com/donate/">https://bgchutch.com/donate/</a>)

Your contributions will support causes that were dear to Somer's heart and continue her legacy of helping others.

<h2>Somer Chalfant, formerly of Phillipsburg</h2>August 12, 1978 - October 3, 2023Somer Patterson Chalfant, born on August 12, 1978, in Phillipsburg, to Laurence and Vicki Patterson, passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on Oct. 3, 2023. She was known for her love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696956373962.png" alt="Somer Chalfant" />
 <figcaption>Somer Chalfant</figcaption>
 </figure>Somer had a deep passion for literature and enjoyed writing poetry. She was a skilled cook, delighting in preparing meals for her loved ones. Somer was a strong advocate for women and those facing substance abuse or abusive situations.In her youth, she was an active member of 4-H, showcasing her art and showing animals in various activities. She also engaged in high school sports, was a member of the amendment choir, and participated in cheerleading and dance. After high school, Somer earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Kansas State University and played a pivotal role in starting the International Admissions program there as the assistant director of international admissions.Somer's impact extended globally when she became the Director of International Admissions at The University of Kansas. She promoted education to students worldwide, traveling to China, India, Vietnam, and many other countries fostering global educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.In addition to her other academic pursuits, Somer was in the process of earning her doctorate in education from The University of Kansas, showcasing her commitment to learning and helping others.In her personal life, Somer was a loving wife to Bryan Chalfant and a dedicated mother to her two sons, Noah and Jude Chalfant. She always prioritized her children's needs, singing about their chunky thighs as babies and doing whatever she could to make them laugh and smile. Her nurturing spirit also extended to her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, rocking them to sleep, playing with them, laughing with them, and crying with them during tough times.Somer will be remembered for her selflessness, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of her husband Bryan Chalfant of Lawrence, her children Noah and Jude Chalfant of Lawrence, her mother Vicki Patterson of Phillipsburg, and her brothers, Lance (Aubrey) of Hutchinson, and Lane (Sarah) Patterson of Hays, as well as in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.She was preceded in death by her father Laurence Patterson, her aunt, whom she was very close to, Beverly Lethem Davis, and her mother-in-law, Anita Chalfant.&nbsp;Somer had confided in her husband that she wished to be cremated upon passing. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating. &nbsp;The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the following organizations:- [Willow Women’s Shelter (Lawrence, Kansas)](<a href="https://www.willowdvcenter.org/donate">https://www.willowdvcenter.org/donate</a>)- [Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (Lawrence, Kansas)](<a href="https://bertnash.org/donate/">https://bertnash.org/donate/</a>)- [Boys &amp; Girls Club of Hutchinson, Kansas](<a href="https://bgchutch.com/donate/">https://bgchutch.com/donate/</a>)Your contributions will support causes that were dear to Somer's heart and continue her legacy of helping others.

Somer Chalfant

Roberta Jean Rogers, 71, passed away September 27, 2023, at her home near Hudson, Kansas surrounded by her loving family.

Roberta was born on March 3, 1952, in Bremerton, Washington, to Robert and Jean (Nivert) Bentley. &nbsp;

On January 12, 1974, she married Bob Rogers in Kansas City, Kansas.

Roberta grew up mostly in Kansas City, where she met her future husband. &nbsp;After marrying, they lived in the Kansas City area; Houston, Texas; Salina, and finally, rural Hudson. &nbsp;

She retired as the trust operations officer for Advantage Trust Company in Salina.

Roberta found delight in seeing others enjoying her amazing cooking. &nbsp;She volunteered her cooking talents to raise funds for Project Salina, a cause near to her heart. &nbsp;She also shared her passion for cooking, reading, and creative art projects with her family, many of whom still have painted or cross-stitched shirts in their closets. &nbsp;She spent many enjoyable evenings watching movies with her family, often hiding her eyes behind the TV remote during suspenseful parts.

Roberta is survived by her husband Bob; children Rebecca (Mark) Popp of Hudson; Sarah (Andrew) Applegarth of Salina; and Stephen (Pam) Rogers of Elk Grove, CA; grandchildren Donovan Applegarth, Evan Applegarth, Bryson Rogers, and Avery Popp; twin brother Robert (Suzanne) Bentley of Overland Park; and sister Mary Julo of Gladstone, MO. &nbsp;

She was proceeded in death by her parents.

Visitation for family and friends will be held in Salina from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Roselawn Funeral Home, 1423 E. Crawford St. and in Overland Park from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave.

The family suggests memorials to Project Salina, P.O. Box 2861, Salina, KS 67402-2861.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Roberta Jean Rogers, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/roberta-rogers/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Roberta Jean Rogers, rural Hudson</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696945838014.png" alt="Roberta Jean Rogers" />
 <figcaption>Roberta Jean Rogers</figcaption>
 </figure>March 3, 1952 - September 27, 2023Roberta Jean Rogers, 71, passed away September 27, 2023, at her home near Hudson, Kansas surrounded by her loving family.Roberta was born on March 3, 1952, in Bremerton, Washington, to Robert and Jean (Nivert) Bentley. &nbsp;On January 12, 1974, she married Bob Rogers in Kansas City, Kansas.Roberta grew up mostly in Kansas City, where she met her future husband. &nbsp;After marrying, they lived in the Kansas City area; Houston, Texas; Salina, and finally, rural Hudson. &nbsp;She retired as the trust operations officer for Advantage Trust Company in Salina.Roberta found delight in seeing others enjoying her amazing cooking. &nbsp;She volunteered her cooking talents to raise funds for Project Salina, a cause near to her heart. &nbsp;She also shared her passion for cooking, reading, and creative art projects with her family, many of whom still have painted or cross-stitched shirts in their closets. &nbsp;She spent many enjoyable evenings watching movies with her family, often hiding her eyes behind the TV remote during suspenseful parts.Roberta is survived by her husband Bob; children Rebecca (Mark) Popp of Hudson; Sarah (Andrew) Applegarth of Salina; and Stephen (Pam) Rogers of Elk Grove, CA; grandchildren Donovan Applegarth, Evan Applegarth, Bryson Rogers, and Avery Popp; twin brother Robert (Suzanne) Bentley of Overland Park; and sister Mary Julo of Gladstone, MO. &nbsp;She was proceeded in death by her parents.Visitation for family and friends will be held in Salina from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Roselawn Funeral Home, 1423 E. Crawford St. and in Overland Park from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave.The family suggests memorials to Project Salina, P.O. Box 2861, Salina, KS 67402-2861.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Roberta Jean Rogers, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/roberta-rogers/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Roberta Jean Rogers

WASHINGTON (AP) —Missouri Senator Josh Hawley reported Monday that he learned a Missouri native, a musician, wife and mother, was among those killed by Hamas terrorists in Israel, along with her husband. Officials have released no additional details.

&nbsp;The U.S. has already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment to Israel, the White House said Monday, as the Pentagon reviews its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the four-day-old war&nbsp;with Hamas.

John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed Monday evening that the first batch of military aid in the wake of the violent assault by Hamas militants is “making its way” to Israel.

The delivery came as President Joe Biden prepared to give formal remarks on the attacks from the White House on Tuesday afternoon, after he confirmed that at least 11 Americans were killed in the violence over the weekend.

“We fully expect there will be additional requests for security assistance for Israel as they continue to expend munitions in this fight,” Kirby said. "We will stay in lockstep with them, making sure that we’re filling their needs as best we can and as fast as we can.”

Also on Monday, a senior Defense Department official warned that the U.S. is closely watching Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups, noting that the decision to shift American ships in the region was to deter any of these groups from entering or expanding the conflict against Israel. The official briefed reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive shipments.

The official said the U.S. is “flooding the zone” with calls and other messages so that extremist groups and other nations know they should not question America's commitment to supporting the defense of Israel. The official, however, would not comment on whether U.S. military forces would be used at all, and Kirby later emphasized that “there is no intention to put U.S. boots on the ground.”

Meanwhile, Kirby said U.S. officials have yet to identify a direct link from the Hamas militants who executed this weekend's deadly attacks to Iran itself, although the country has a “degree of complicity” considering its long support for the group.

While the Pentagon official said the U.S. has the ability to supply weapons to Ukraine and Israel and maintain security for America, the rapid delivery of munitions to the new war has raised concerns.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said Congress must pass more funding quickly for the U.S. to be able to give both Israel and Ukraine the weapons and munitions they both now need.

“The intent is to lean forward in support of Israel,” she said. "But in particular with munitions and the ability to support Israel and Ukraine simultaneously, additional funding is needed to increase our capacity to expand production and then also pay for the munitions themselves.”

At the White House, officials were more cautious, emphasizing that the U.S. government has existing funding to support Israel for the time being. But it was becoming clear that the administration is now facing potentially competing requests from Israel and Ukraine for additional weaponry.

“If we need — and it's an ‘if’, but — if we need to go back to Capitol Hill for additional funding support for Israel, we will absolutely do that," Kirby said. Referring to Israel and Ukraine, he added, “We are a large enough, big enough, economically viable and vibrant enough country to be able to support both.”

On Capitol Hill, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers expressed support for Israel, although immediate congressional action was virtually impossible with the House remaining without a speaker and the Senate out of Washington until next week. Also uncertain is whether the debate over further assistance to Ukraine, which is opposed by a group of hard-right Republicans, will complicate efforts to pass assistance for Israel.

Wormuth, speaking at the annual Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, said the administration is still “in the early stage of the process of evaluating our ability to support what the IDF needs,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. She did not provide details, but Doug Bush, the Army's assistant secretary for acquisition, told reporters at the conference that conversations are underway about what the U.S. can provide. He said it likely will be a wide range of equipment, from small arms to sophisticated munitions.

Most of the weaponry sent already to help Ukraine has come from Army stocks and defense contractors at a rate that has challenged the global supply chain, and while the Army has recently ramped up production of some critical lines, such as 155 mm ammunition for howitzers, they are not yet at full speed.

With a new ground offensive in Gaza imminent following the Saturday surprise attack by Hamas, Army officials said Monday they were concerned about the ability to meet additional demand for ground munitions and Congress needed to act quickly to provide help in time.

In addition to the 11 American citizens whose deaths Biden confirmed, an undetermined number remain unaccounted for. It was not yet clear if the missing are dead, in hiding, or had been taken hostage.

Biden said the U.S. believes it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held hostage by Hamas, but officials are working to confirm that.

“I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts,” Biden said in a statement.

To underscore U.S. solidarity with Israel, the White House was lit in the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag on Monday night.

The attack by Hamas and Israel's retaliation&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/embeds/DHsmN/8/">have left more than 1,600 dead and thousands wounded on both sides</a>.

In the aftermath of the Hamas attack, the White House has asked Senate leaders to fast track confirmation of President Joe Biden’s nominee to be the next ambassador to Israel, former Obama-era Treasury Secretary and White House chief of staff Jack Lew, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity. The White House has received assurances that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will push forward hearings for Lew, the official added. The U.S. has been without an ambassador since the departure of Ambassador Tom Nides in July.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-norfolk-atlantic-ocean-us-navy-58217f23b761574fde9fb1adc8422aee">USS Gerald R. Ford</a>, the Navy’s newest and most advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/">aircraft carrier</a>, and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.

The senior Defense Department official said worries about Hezbollah opening a second front of violence against Israel was the main reason for moving the ships to the Eastern Mediterranean. The official said the U.S. is deeply concerned Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups will make the wrong decision to try to “pile on” and widen the war.

The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group already was in the Mediterranean. Last week it was conducting naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea. The carrier is in its first full deployment.

Humanitarian groups are scrambling to assist civilians caught in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-airstrikes-hostages-bf6c42f84526c4d9416978c8effd932a">war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;and determine what aid operations are still safe to continue — efforts that are being complicated by an intensified blockade of Gaza and ongoing fighting.

Two days after Hamas militants went on a rampage that took the world by surprise, Israel increased airstrikes on Gaza and blocked off food, fuel and other supplies from going into the territory, a move that raised concerns at the United Nations and among aid groups operating in the area home to 2.3 million people. Hamas, in turn, pledged to kill Israelis it abducted if the country’s military bombs civilian targets in Gaza without warning.

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides, and aid groups operating in the region say there are needs both in Gaza and Israel.

More than 2 tons of medical supplies from the Egyptian Red Crescent have been sent to Gaza and efforts are underway to organize food and other deliveries, according to an Egyptian military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press. But the United Nations and other aid groups are pleading for more access to help Palestinians who find themselves in the middle of intense fighting.

Doctors Without Borders, which is still operating in Gaza, has to rely on supplies it already has inside the territory because it can’t bring any more in, said Emmanuel Massart, a deputy desk coordinator with the organization in Brussels.

The group — which says it only runs programs in Palestinian areas since Israel has strong emergency and health services — reported Monday that it provided treatments to more than 50 people following airstrikes at the Jabalia refugee camp located north of Gaza City. In addition to helping patients in Gaza, it said it was donating medical supplies to other clinics and hospitals, which have become overcrowded with patients and are experiencing shortages of drugs and fuel that can be used for generators.

If Doctors Without Borders is not able to resupply fairly quickly, Massart said, it will run out of supplies it can use to operate on patients who might be wounded. He also said since the facilities the organization uses are running on generators due to the low supply of electricity, cutting off fuel will present a “huge problem.”

“If there is no fuel anymore, there is no medical facilities anymore because we cannot run our medical facility without the energy,” Massart said.

The war has also been deeply disruptive to work Mercy Corps has been doing to provide people in Gaza with necessities like food and water, said Arnaud Quemin, the Middle East regional director for the organization. Right now, he said the team on the ground is trying to find a scenario that would enable them to get back to work. The blockade of food and other supplies into Gaza is a major worry.

“We are very concerned with the way things are going at this point because it looks like it’s going to get worse – very soon,” Quemin said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-airstrikes-hostages-4377e096f62bf535bebcdff38cf16049">sealing of Gaza</a>, he said, will create “humanitarian needs very quickly.”

Governments have also been weighing how to respond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696938143887.png" alt="The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Missouri Senator Josh Hawley reported Monday that he learned a Missouri native, a musician, wife and mother, was among those killed by Hamas terrorists in Israel, along with her husband. Officials have released no additional details.&nbsp;The U.S. has already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment to Israel, the White House said Monday, as the Pentagon reviews its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the four-day-old war&nbsp;with Hamas.John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed Monday evening that the first batch of military aid in the wake of the violent assault by Hamas militants is “making its way” to Israel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As we continue to account for the horrors of the terrorist assault against Israel this weekend and the hundreds of civilians murdered, we are seeing the immense scale and reach of this tragedy. Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed. <a href="https://t.co/64GmhuoRob">pic.twitter.com/64GmhuoRob</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1711491436011504088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The delivery came as President Joe Biden prepared to give formal remarks on the attacks from the White House on Tuesday afternoon, after he confirmed that at least 11 Americans were killed in the violence over the weekend.“We fully expect there will be additional requests for security assistance for Israel as they continue to expend munitions in this fight,” Kirby said. "We will stay in lockstep with them, making sure that we’re filling their needs as best we can and as fast as we can.”Also on Monday, a senior Defense Department official warned that the U.S. is closely watching Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups, noting that the decision to shift American ships in the region was to deter any of these groups from entering or expanding the conflict against Israel. The official briefed reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive shipments.The official said the U.S. is “flooding the zone” with calls and other messages so that extremist groups and other nations know they should not question America's commitment to supporting the defense of Israel. The official, however, would not comment on whether U.S. military forces would be used at all, and Kirby later emphasized that “there is no intention to put U.S. boots on the ground.”Meanwhile, Kirby said U.S. officials have yet to identify a direct link from the Hamas militants who executed this weekend's deadly attacks to Iran itself, although the country has a “degree of complicity” considering its long support for the group.While the Pentagon official said the U.S. has the ability to supply weapons to Ukraine and Israel and maintain security for America, the rapid delivery of munitions to the new war has raised concerns.Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said Congress must pass more funding quickly for the U.S. to be able to give both Israel and Ukraine the weapons and munitions they both now need.“The intent is to lean forward in support of Israel,” she said. "But in particular with munitions and the ability to support Israel and Ukraine simultaneously, additional funding is needed to increase our capacity to expand production and then also pay for the munitions themselves.”At the White House, officials were more cautious, emphasizing that the U.S. government has existing funding to support Israel for the time being. But it was becoming clear that the administration is now facing potentially competing requests from Israel and Ukraine for additional weaponry.“If we need — and it's an ‘if’, but — if we need to go back to Capitol Hill for additional funding support for Israel, we will absolutely do that," Kirby said. Referring to Israel and Ukraine, he added, “We are a large enough, big enough, economically viable and vibrant enough country to be able to support both.”On Capitol Hill, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers expressed support for Israel, although immediate congressional action was virtually impossible with the House remaining without a speaker and the Senate out of Washington until next week. Also uncertain is whether the debate over further assistance to Ukraine, which is opposed by a group of hard-right Republicans, will complicate efforts to pass assistance for Israel.Wormuth, speaking at the annual Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, said the administration is still “in the early stage of the process of evaluating our ability to support what the IDF needs,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. She did not provide details, but Doug Bush, the Army's assistant secretary for acquisition, told reporters at the conference that conversations are underway about what the U.S. can provide. He said it likely will be a wide range of equipment, from small arms to sophisticated munitions.Most of the weaponry sent already to help Ukraine has come from Army stocks and defense contractors at a rate that has challenged the global supply chain, and while the Army has recently ramped up production of some critical lines, such as 155 mm ammunition for howitzers, they are not yet at full speed.With a new ground offensive in Gaza imminent following the Saturday surprise attack by Hamas, Army officials said Monday they were concerned about the ability to meet additional demand for ground munitions and Congress needed to act quickly to provide help in time.In addition to the 11 American citizens whose deaths Biden confirmed, an undetermined number remain unaccounted for. It was not yet clear if the missing are dead, in hiding, or had been taken hostage.Biden said the U.S. believes it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held hostage by Hamas, but officials are working to confirm that.“I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts,” Biden said in a statement.To underscore U.S. solidarity with Israel, the White House was lit in the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag on Monday night.The attack by Hamas and Israel's retaliation&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/embeds/DHsmN/8/">have left more than 1,600 dead and thousands wounded on both sides</a>.In the aftermath of the Hamas attack, the White House has asked Senate leaders to fast track confirmation of President Joe Biden’s nominee to be the next ambassador to Israel, former Obama-era Treasury Secretary and White House chief of staff Jack Lew, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity. The White House has received assurances that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will push forward hearings for Lew, the official added. The U.S. has been without an ambassador since the departure of Ambassador Tom Nides in July.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-norfolk-atlantic-ocean-us-navy-58217f23b761574fde9fb1adc8422aee">USS Gerald R. Ford</a>, the Navy’s newest and most advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/">aircraft carrier</a>, and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.The senior Defense Department official said worries about Hezbollah opening a second front of violence against Israel was the main reason for moving the ships to the Eastern Mediterranean. The official said the U.S. is deeply concerned Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups will make the wrong decision to try to “pile on” and widen the war.The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group already was in the Mediterranean. Last week it was conducting naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea. The carrier is in its first full deployment._____ Humanitarian groups are scrambling to assist civilians caught in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-airstrikes-hostages-bf6c42f84526c4d9416978c8effd932a">war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;and determine what aid operations are still safe to continue — efforts that are being complicated by an intensified blockade of Gaza and ongoing fighting.Two days after Hamas militants went on a rampage that took the world by surprise, Israel increased airstrikes on Gaza and blocked off food, fuel and other supplies from going into the territory, a move that raised concerns at the United Nations and among aid groups operating in the area home to 2.3 million people. Hamas, in turn, pledged to kill Israelis it abducted if the country’s military bombs civilian targets in Gaza without warning.Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides, and aid groups operating in the region say there are needs both in Gaza and Israel.More than 2 tons of medical supplies from the Egyptian Red Crescent have been sent to Gaza and efforts are underway to organize food and other deliveries, according to an Egyptian military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press. But the United Nations and other aid groups are pleading for more access to help Palestinians who find themselves in the middle of intense fighting.Doctors Without Borders, which is still operating in Gaza, has to rely on supplies it already has inside the territory because it can’t bring any more in, said Emmanuel Massart, a deputy desk coordinator with the organization in Brussels.The group — which says it only runs programs in Palestinian areas since Israel has strong emergency and health services — reported Monday that it provided treatments to more than 50 people following airstrikes at the Jabalia refugee camp located north of Gaza City. In addition to helping patients in Gaza, it said it was donating medical supplies to other clinics and hospitals, which have become overcrowded with patients and are experiencing shortages of drugs and fuel that can be used for generators.If Doctors Without Borders is not able to resupply fairly quickly, Massart said, it will run out of supplies it can use to operate on patients who might be wounded. He also said since the facilities the organization uses are running on generators due to the low supply of electricity, cutting off fuel will present a “huge problem.”“If there is no fuel anymore, there is no medical facilities anymore because we cannot run our medical facility without the energy,” Massart said.The war has also been deeply disruptive to work Mercy Corps has been doing to provide people in Gaza with necessities like food and water, said Arnaud Quemin, the Middle East regional director for the organization. Right now, he said the team on the ground is trying to find a scenario that would enable them to get back to work. The blockade of food and other supplies into Gaza is a major worry.“We are very concerned with the way things are going at this point because it looks like it’s going to get worse – very soon,” Quemin said. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-airstrikes-hostages-4377e096f62bf535bebcdff38cf16049">sealing of Gaza</a>, he said, will create “humanitarian needs very quickly.”Governments have also been weighing how to respond.As the fighting intensified, the European Union on late Monday reversed an earlier announcement by an EU commissioner that the bloc was “immediately” suspending aid for Palestinian authorities. Instead, the 27-nation group said it would urgently review the assistance it provides in the wake of Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Two European countries — Germany and Austria — said they were suspending development aid for Palestinian areas.Meanwhile, some organizations are stepping up aid efforts in Israel, which has seen displacement because of the violence.Naomi Adler, CEO of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, said a trauma center in Jerusalem that’s owned by the organization is treating wounded Israeli soldiers and civilians. About 90% of the patients in the center right now are soldiers, who are typically the first to be brought in for traumatic injuries, Adler said. But the center also accepts anyone who’s wounded or injured in the country.The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, a Jewish humanitarian organization, said on Sunday that it was activating its emergency response team in Israel, where it runs programs to support people with disabilities, the elderly and children and families who’ve been impacted by the war and prior conflicts. The organization said it was working with its partners, including in the Israeli government, to address what it called an unprecedented emergency.JDC’s CEO Ariel Zwang said among other things the nonprofit is helping teachers, social workers and other caregivers provide support to those who’ve suffered trauma and tragedies from the events of the past few days. She said it will help nursey teachers, for example, explain to children why some of their classmates are suddenly missing.“If you’re a teacher now, if you know the children are traumatized, you need special skills and special training in order to manage what you’re experiencing and provide for the emotional needs, which are extraordinary at this time, of your youngest charges,” Zwang said.One organization that helps Palestinian children is shifting its focus, too. Steve Sosebee, the president of Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, a U.S.-based charity that helps children in need travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, said given the war, the fund is now looking away from long-term programs and toward more urgent needs for food, medication, clothing and other types of basic humanitarian aid. But like others, he noted the blockade and security risks to its Gaza staff makes it more challenging to do that.“There are no areas of security, there are no safe havens,” Sosebee said. “And therefore, it’s very difficult for us to be out in the field providing humanitarian aid when there are no safe places from the constant bombing and attacks that are taking place over the last 72 hours.”