WASHINGTON (AP) — An unknown man managed to slip undetected inside the home of White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jake-sullivan">Jake Sullivan</a>, according to two people familiar with the incident. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating.

The door was apparently unlocked, and the intruder was able to get inside Sullivan's home around 3 a.m. last month, the people said. Secret Service is investigating whether the person intentionally went into the home or whether it was some kind of accident; the person appeared to be intoxicated, the people said. The people were not authorized to talk about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Sullivan has round-the-clock security. But the agents stationed outside his home did not know that the unknown male accessed inside the Washington home until the man had already gone. Sullivan came outside and told them, the people said.

Security is always a top concern for high-level government officials, but there's been a more palpable sense of anxiety in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">as threats to lawmakers and officials are on the rise</a>. The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten with a hammer by an assailant who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">broke into the couple’s San Francisco in October.</a>

There was no evidence that the person meant to harm Sullivan or even knew him. The Washington Post first reported the breach.

Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place outside Sullivan's home as a precaution while a review is conducted.

The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it was “examining a security incident that took place at a protectee site.”

“While the protectee was unharmed, we are taking this matter seriously and have opened a comprehensive mission assurance investigation to review all facets of what occurred," according to the statement.

Any deviation from protocol was unacceptable, the Secret Service said.

Certain members of President Joe Biden's administration get a Secret Service security detail which means their homes are guarded and they receive protection as they move throughout their days outside the White House; it depends on a range of factors including the type of job and whether threats have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676938829757.png" alt="In February Jake Sullivan joined President Biden on the train from Kyiv to Poland during the surprise visit -White House pool photo" />
 <figcaption>In February Jake Sullivan joined President Biden on the train from Kyiv to Poland during the surprise visit -White House pool photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — An unknown man managed to slip undetected inside the home of White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jake-sullivan">Jake Sullivan</a>, according to two people familiar with the incident. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating.The door was apparently unlocked, and the intruder was able to get inside Sullivan's home around 3 a.m. last month, the people said. Secret Service is investigating whether the person intentionally went into the home or whether it was some kind of accident; the person appeared to be intoxicated, the people said. The people were not authorized to talk about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Sullivan has round-the-clock security. But the agents stationed outside his home did not know that the unknown male accessed inside the Washington home until the man had already gone. Sullivan came outside and told them, the people said.Security is always a top concern for high-level government officials, but there's been a more palpable sense of anxiety in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">as threats to lawmakers and officials are on the rise</a>. The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten with a hammer by an assailant who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">broke into the couple’s San Francisco in October.</a>There was no evidence that the person meant to harm Sullivan or even knew him. The Washington Post first reported the breach.Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place outside Sullivan's home as a precaution while a review is conducted.The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it was “examining a security incident that took place at a protectee site.”“While the protectee was unharmed, we are taking this matter seriously and have opened a comprehensive mission assurance investigation to review all facets of what occurred," according to the statement.Any deviation from protocol was unacceptable, the Secret Service said.Certain members of President Joe Biden's administration get a Secret Service security detail which means their homes are guarded and they receive protection as they move throughout their days outside the White House; it depends on a range of factors including the type of job and whether threats have been made.

Secret Service blunder at Biden's national security adviser’s home 

Wayne - 73, was born on October 4, 1940, and passed away on March 26, 2014. His parents were Michael and Anna (Weaver) Augustine.

Ann – 81, was born on May 3, 1941, and passed away on November 14, 2022. Her parents were Edmund F. and Pearl (Kippes) Leiker.

They were married on March 31, 1962, in Hays.

Wayne, who lived most of his life in Hays, was a retired electrician, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a member of the Hays American Legion.

Ann grew up in Hays, was a 1959 graduate of Hays High School, attended the Salina Cosmetology School, was a hair dresser in Hays, and worked at Dillons in Topeka for 10 years.

They were members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays.

Survivors include their children Darin Augustine and wife, Jill, Wichita, KS; Dianne Lindeman and husband Dean, Gilbert AZ; and daughter-in-law Kimberly, Russell, KS; their grandchildren Nick Augustine (Amanda); Alexis Lindeman and fiancé, Jeffery Steiner; Tristan Lindeman; Samantha Lindeman; Aidan Lindeman; Mallory Lindeman; and Chloe Augustine; their great-grandchildren Bentley Augustine; Leighton Augustine; and Levi Steiner.

Wayne’s survivors include a brother, Kenneth Augustine and wife, Barbara, Hays, KS.

Ann’s survivors include three sisters, Hazel Roberts, Wheatland, WY; Ruth Howard, Hutchinson, KS; and Carol Zedaker, Wheatland, WY.

They both were preceded in death by their parents; their sons Keith Alan Augustine and Donald Augustine; their granddaughter Taylor Elizabeth Augustine; their twin great-granddaughters, Hadley and Presley Augustine.

Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers Leroy “Dick” Augustine; Mike Augustine; Harold Augustine; his sisters Mary Ann Dreiling and Jeanie Pfeifer; Betty Flannery; Valarie Ader; Velma Hornet; his infant brother Dale Augustine; and his infant sister Marjorie Augustine.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Father Nick Parker officiating. Inurnment of their ashes will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. 

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

<h2>Wayne and Ann (Leiker) Augustine, Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684252936767.jpeg" alt="Wayne and Ann Augustine&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Wayne and Ann Augustine&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Wayne - 73, was born on October 4, 1940, and passed away on March 26, 2014. His parents were Michael and Anna (Weaver) Augustine.Ann – 81, was born on May 3, 1941, and passed away on November 14, 2022. Her parents were Edmund F. and Pearl (Kippes) Leiker.They were married on March 31, 1962, in Hays.Wayne, who lived most of his life in Hays, was a retired electrician, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a member of the Hays American Legion.Ann grew up in Hays, was a 1959 graduate of Hays High School, attended the Salina Cosmetology School, was a hair dresser in Hays, and worked at Dillons in Topeka for 10 years.They were members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays.Survivors include their children Darin Augustine and wife, Jill, Wichita, KS; Dianne Lindeman and husband Dean, Gilbert AZ; and daughter-in-law Kimberly, Russell, KS; their grandchildren Nick Augustine (Amanda); Alexis Lindeman and fiancé, Jeffery Steiner; Tristan Lindeman; Samantha Lindeman; Aidan Lindeman; Mallory Lindeman; and Chloe Augustine; their great-grandchildren Bentley Augustine; Leighton Augustine; and Levi Steiner.Wayne’s survivors include a brother, Kenneth Augustine and wife, Barbara, Hays, KS.Ann’s survivors include three sisters, Hazel Roberts, Wheatland, WY; Ruth Howard, Hutchinson, KS; and Carol Zedaker, Wheatland, WY.They both were preceded in death by their parents; their sons Keith Alan Augustine and Donald Augustine; their granddaughter Taylor Elizabeth Augustine; their twin great-granddaughters, Hadley and Presley Augustine.Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers Leroy “Dick” Augustine; Mike Augustine; Harold Augustine; his sisters Mary Ann Dreiling and Jeanie Pfeifer; Betty Flannery; Valarie Ader; Velma Hornet; his infant brother Dale Augustine; and his infant sister Marjorie Augustine.A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Father Nick Parker officiating. Inurnment of their ashes will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.The family suggests memorials made payable to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Wayne and Ann (Leiker) Augustine

Bernard Charles 'Ben' Levings, Great Bend

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/bernard-levings?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/bernard-levings?fh_id=10931</a>

Bernard Charles “Ben” Levings, 86, passed away on May 13, 2023, at University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend Campus, Great Bend, Kan. He was born on November 10, 1936, in Axtell, Kan., to Charles and Berniece (Thompson) Levings. 

On October 21, 1975, he married Eddy Ruth Roth. She died October 29, 1984. Ben later married Cindy Fercking in 1981, and they later divorced in 1992.

A Great Bend resident since 1974, Ben worked as a shop forman for equipment manufacturing. He was also skilled in construction, custom farm work, livestock, insurance sales, lock smithing, truck driving, and real estate.

Bernard is survived by close friend and caregiver, Cindy Fercking; a stepdaughter, Michelle; and a daughter of the heart, Vickie Dodson. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Eddy; and two stepdaughters, Pamela and Mary.

Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. 

Memorials have been designated to the Bernard Levings Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

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

<h2>Bernard Charles 'Ben' Levings, Great Bend</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684167451022.jpeg" alt="Bernard Charles 'Ben' Levings" />
 <figcaption>Bernard Charles 'Ben' Levings</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/bernard-levings?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/bernard-levings?fh_id=10931</a>November 10, 1936 - May 13, 2023Bernard Charles “Ben” Levings, 86, passed away on May 13, 2023, at University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend Campus, Great Bend, Kan. He was born on November 10, 1936, in Axtell, Kan., to Charles and Berniece (Thompson) Levings. On October 21, 1975, he married Eddy Ruth Roth. She died October 29, 1984. Ben later married Cindy Fercking in 1981, and they later divorced in 1992.A Great Bend resident since 1974, Ben worked as a shop forman for equipment manufacturing. He was also skilled in construction, custom farm work, livestock, insurance sales, lock smithing, truck driving, and real estate.Bernard is survived by close friend and caregiver, Cindy Fercking; a stepdaughter, Michelle; and a daughter of the heart, Vickie Dodson. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Eddy; and two stepdaughters, Pamela and Mary.Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the Bernard Levings Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Bernard Charles "Ben" Levings, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/bernard-levings/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Bernard Charles 'Ben' Levings

Marilyn Joyce Heble (Depperschmidt), Colby

<a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Heble-Marilyn/5190835/">https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Heble-Marilyn/5190835/</a>

Marilyn Joyce Heble, 82, of Colby, died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Citizens Medical Center, in Colby, surrounded in love by her two children. She was born January 4, 1941, in Park, KS, to Alphonse and Matilda (Kuhn) Depperschmidt. 

She graduated from Park High School in 1958 and moved to Colby where she began working at Southwestern Bell Telephone as an operator for 20+ years. She met and married Duane Heble on October 6, 1962. They continued to make their home in Colby and welcomed and raised three children. Marilyn was always active and interested in all their activities, but she was also careful to raise them to be independent and not get in the way of “natural consequences”, which was tested more than once. She was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and volunteered in numerous capacities over the years, but best utilized her organization skills and compassion for others by coordinating funeral dinners for over a decade. She volunteered with R.S.V.P. in Colby, and lots of other community projects, she just really enjoyed being busy and helping out in any way she could. Marilyn was very creative and enjoyed making handmade gifts for friends and family. Later in life she discovered she had a talent for art, and she enjoyed sketching and painting handmade birthday cards, gift bags and small prints. She was a skilled seamstress and quilter and made all kinds of projects over the years, her handmade Christmas stockings will be cherished by her children and grandkids for years to come. Marilyn was also a great baker; her homemade pies were always greatly anticipated and requested by many. She enjoyed making them to share with friends as thank you or just because she was thinking about you. Marilyn had a big heart and a host of talents, but her biggest joy was her grandkids and sharing time with them. She instilled her love for games and playing cards with all of them. She loved playing cards, especially rummy, and had her own version (Gma’s Rummy) where the rules could change at “Gma's” discretion. Cards brought her a lot of joy and camaraderie, and she was always up for another hand, usually outlasting everyone. Her generosity of her time and involvement in the local groups and activities gave her the opportunity to develop countless friendships throughout the community, she valued these friendships greatly and truly cherished spending time with her friends and relatives. The beloved Sacred Heart “coffee group” was a constant over the last 30+ years, and a great source of sharing faith, deep friendships and lots of fun. She loved her family roots and always looked forward to spending time with her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, childhood friends and countless God children. Always being a very detailed and organized person, she was the natural organizer of many family and school reunions. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Duane of 60 years; parents; her beloved daughter Brenda; and siblings Cletus Depperschmidt, Gerald Depperschmidt, Kathy Woerpel, and Linda Waddell. She is survived by her children Blaine (Vonceile) of Lindsborg, KS, and Becky (Scot) Bullock of Leawood, KS; grandchildren Hanna (Trevor) Whittaker, Clare Bullock, Colby Bullock, Blake Heble, Carly Bullock, and Brandt Heble; great-grandson Brooks Whittaker; and brothers Les (Connie) Depperschmidt of Derby, KS, Marvin (Norma) Depperschmidt of Salina, KS and Ken (Diane) Depperschmidt of Smith Center, KS. Visitation is 5-6:00 p.m., with a vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, KS. The funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Brenda Heble Memorial Scholarship Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. 

For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Marilyn Joyce Heble (Depperschmidt), Colby</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683901616718.jpeg" alt="Marilyn Joyce Heble (Depperschmidt).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Marilyn Joyce Heble (Depperschmidt).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Heble-Marilyn/5190835/">https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/Heble-Marilyn/5190835/</a>January 4th, 1941 - May 10th, 2023Marilyn Joyce Heble, 82, of Colby, died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Citizens Medical Center, in Colby, surrounded in love by her two children. She was born January 4, 1941, in Park, KS, to Alphonse and Matilda (Kuhn) Depperschmidt. She graduated from Park High School in 1958 and moved to Colby where she began working at Southwestern Bell Telephone as an operator for 20+ years. She met and married Duane Heble on October 6, 1962. They continued to make their home in Colby and welcomed and raised three children. Marilyn was always active and interested in all their activities, but she was also careful to raise them to be independent and not get in the way of “natural consequences”, which was tested more than once. She was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and volunteered in numerous capacities over the years, but best utilized her organization skills and compassion for others by coordinating funeral dinners for over a decade. She volunteered with R.S.V.P. in Colby, and lots of other community projects, she just really enjoyed being busy and helping out in any way she could. Marilyn was very creative and enjoyed making handmade gifts for friends and family. Later in life she discovered she had a talent for art, and she enjoyed sketching and painting handmade birthday cards, gift bags and small prints. She was a skilled seamstress and quilter and made all kinds of projects over the years, her handmade Christmas stockings will be cherished by her children and grandkids for years to come. Marilyn was also a great baker; her homemade pies were always greatly anticipated and requested by many. She enjoyed making them to share with friends as thank you or just because she was thinking about you. Marilyn had a big heart and a host of talents, but her biggest joy was her grandkids and sharing time with them. She instilled her love for games and playing cards with all of them. She loved playing cards, especially rummy, and had her own version (Gma’s Rummy) where the rules could change at “Gma's” discretion. Cards brought her a lot of joy and camaraderie, and she was always up for another hand, usually outlasting everyone. Her generosity of her time and involvement in the local groups and activities gave her the opportunity to develop countless friendships throughout the community, she valued these friendships greatly and truly cherished spending time with her friends and relatives. The beloved Sacred Heart “coffee group” was a constant over the last 30+ years, and a great source of sharing faith, deep friendships and lots of fun. She loved her family roots and always looked forward to spending time with her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, childhood friends and countless God children. Always being a very detailed and organized person, she was the natural organizer of many family and school reunions. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Duane of 60 years; parents; her beloved daughter Brenda; and siblings Cletus Depperschmidt, Gerald Depperschmidt, Kathy Woerpel, and Linda Waddell. She is survived by her children Blaine (Vonceile) of Lindsborg, KS, and Becky (Scot) Bullock of Leawood, KS; grandchildren Hanna (Trevor) Whittaker, Clare Bullock, Colby Bullock, Blake Heble, Carly Bullock, and Brandt Heble; great-grandson Brooks Whittaker; and brothers Les (Connie) Depperschmidt of Derby, KS, Marvin (Norma) Depperschmidt of Salina, KS and Ken (Diane) Depperschmidt of Smith Center, KS. Visitation is 5-6:00 p.m., with a vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, KS. The funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Brenda Heble Memorial Scholarship Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marilyn Joyce Heble (Depperschmidt)

<a href="https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=27911173">https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=27911173</a>

Bernice Regina (Schandler) Becker passed away on May 11, 2023 at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas, at the age of 94. She was born on October 28, 1928, in San Juan, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley to Bernard and Clara (Grimm) Schandler. 

Her parents farmed ten acres of irrigated citrus and vegetables. In 1935 they moved to New Almelo, Kansas, where their children attended the St. Joseph Catholic grade school. Bernice attended the Catholic parochial high schools in Leoville for one year and Tipton for three years. 

In Tipton, Henry Becker, a marine returning home from serving duty in the Pacific Islands during WWII, saw Bernice and stated: “I’m going to marry that girl.” He was the love of her life. They were married on August 4, 1948. 

To this union 10 children were born: Joyce Wentz (Russ Haring-companion-deceased), Tonganoxie; Henry (Monika Biehl-deceased), Brenken, Germany; Eugene (Deborah Warren), Tonganoxie; Debra Bienhoff (Paul), Kensington; Edna Mader (Dennis), Collyer; Paul (Linda Sansom), Lenora; John (Ann Yiesley-deceased), Lenora; Elaine McCrary (Wayne), Hutchinson; Judy Koelling (Kirk), Russell; Christopher (Gina Young), Manhattan. 

After farming several years in Tipton, they purchased an acreage eleven miles south of Norton, Kansas, and moved there with their three children to continue their farming/ranch operation until Henry’s death on June 6, 1985, after 36 years of marriage.

Bernice was a faithful Catholic, loving wife and mother, and dedicated community member. When needed, she assisted Henry with the farm, making trips to the elevator with truckloads of harvested grain, and later drove a school bus route for 14 years. 

Her life was full with celebrations: baptisms, confirmations, graduations, and weddings-first for her children and then grandchildren. Henry and Bernice made several trips together before his death. They would go to conventions for their organizations and made several trips to Germany. 

After Henry’s death, her daughter Joyce went with her on several tours, including one to the Holy Land in Israel. With a church group she spent two weeks a year for four years to help build a church in Lourdes, Costa Rica. Years of preparing meals for her large family help train her in her most significant and long-lasting volunteer duty – St. Francis of Assisi Parish Funeral Dinner Chairman. 

She was an active member of many organizations: Altar Society, Legion of Mary, Salina Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, a local photographer for the Diocesan Catholic paper, 4-H project leader, American Legion Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, local Republican organization, Farm Bureau Committee, and facilitator for Norton County Prison “Promise Keepers.”

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Henry Becker; parents Bernard and Clara Schandler; sister Mary Margaret Schandler; sisters and spouses Marge and Jim Hickert, Lorene and Charles Meyer; sister-in-law Patricia Schandler; daughters-in law Monika Becker and Ann Becker; companion Russ Haring; grandson Brian Mader; great-grandson Gabriel Mader.

She is survived by her 10 children and their seven spouses; 34 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; brothers Eugene Schandler, Logan and Robert Schandler (Pam), Overland Park.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Norton. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 5-7:00 p.m. A rosary and vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bernice and Henry Becker Scholarship Fund or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=27911173&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1683902576.10.1.1683903771.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=27911173&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1683902576.10.1.1683903771.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Bernice, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=27911173&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1683902576.10.1.1683903771.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Bernice Regina Becker</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684024524696.jpeg" alt="Bernice Regina Becker" />
 <figcaption>Bernice Regina Becker</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=27911173">https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=27911173</a>October 28, 1928 - May 11, 2023Bernice Regina (Schandler) Becker passed away on May 11, 2023 at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas, at the age of 94. She was born on October 28, 1928, in San Juan, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley to Bernard and Clara (Grimm) Schandler. Her parents farmed ten acres of irrigated citrus and vegetables. In 1935 they moved to New Almelo, Kansas, where their children attended the St. Joseph Catholic grade school. Bernice attended the Catholic parochial high schools in Leoville for one year and Tipton for three years. In Tipton, Henry Becker, a marine returning home from serving duty in the Pacific Islands during WWII, saw Bernice and stated: “I’m going to marry that girl.” He was the love of her life. They were married on August 4, 1948. To this union 10 children were born: Joyce Wentz (Russ Haring-companion-deceased), Tonganoxie; Henry (Monika Biehl-deceased), Brenken, Germany; Eugene (Deborah Warren), Tonganoxie; Debra Bienhoff (Paul), Kensington; Edna Mader (Dennis), Collyer; Paul (Linda Sansom), Lenora; John (Ann Yiesley-deceased), Lenora; Elaine McCrary (Wayne), Hutchinson; Judy Koelling (Kirk), Russell; Christopher (Gina Young), Manhattan. After farming several years in Tipton, they purchased an acreage eleven miles south of Norton, Kansas, and moved there with their three children to continue their farming/ranch operation until Henry’s death on June 6, 1985, after 36 years of marriage.Bernice was a faithful Catholic, loving wife and mother, and dedicated community member. When needed, she assisted Henry with the farm, making trips to the elevator with truckloads of harvested grain, and later drove a school bus route for 14 years. Her life was full with celebrations: baptisms, confirmations, graduations, and weddings-first for her children and then grandchildren. Henry and Bernice made several trips together before his death. They would go to conventions for their organizations and made several trips to Germany. After Henry’s death, her daughter Joyce went with her on several tours, including one to the Holy Land in Israel. With a church group she spent two weeks a year for four years to help build a church in Lourdes, Costa Rica. Years of preparing meals for her large family help train her in her most significant and long-lasting volunteer duty – St. Francis of Assisi Parish Funeral Dinner Chairman. She was an active member of many organizations: Altar Society, Legion of Mary, Salina Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, a local photographer for the Diocesan Catholic paper, 4-H project leader, American Legion Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, local Republican organization, Farm Bureau Committee, and facilitator for Norton County Prison “Promise Keepers.”Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Henry Becker; parents Bernard and Clara Schandler; sister Mary Margaret Schandler; sisters and spouses Marge and Jim Hickert, Lorene and Charles Meyer; sister-in-law Patricia Schandler; daughters-in law Monika Becker and Ann Becker; companion Russ Haring; grandson Brian Mader; great-grandson Gabriel Mader.She is survived by her 10 children and their seven spouses; 34 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; brothers Eugene Schandler, Logan and Robert Schandler (Pam), Overland Park.Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Norton. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 5-7:00 p.m. A rosary and vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bernice and Henry Becker Scholarship Fund or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=27911173&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1683902576.10.1.1683903771.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=27911173&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1683902576.10.1.1683903771.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Bernice, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=27911173&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1683902576.10.1.1683903771.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">visit our floral store.</a>

Bernice Regina Becker

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum is making strides to show all the history of Stafford County. Last month, the Lucille M. Hall Museum was awarded $10,000 by Humanities Kansas for a portrait project highlighting some of the county's lesser-known historical faces.

"We're just trying to tell more stories of diversity, while also telling the stories people are more familiar with," said Beccy Tanner, project director. "This year, we're focusing on Native Americans whose tribe would have been prominent in this area prior to the settlement of the first settlers."

This is the second phase of a multi-year project. Two years ago, the museum invited descendants of African American Exodusters who arrived in the area in the late 1870s. Photographer Bo Rader, using 19th-century wet plate glass negative technology, took portraits of the visitors and donated his work to the museum. The photos are now part of the "Hall of Portraits: Documenting Our Diverse Legacy" exhibit at the museum.

"Hopefully, by the time it's all said and done, we'll have more than 100 portraits," Tanner said. "There's a wonderful song in the musical 'Hamilton' that 'History has its eyes on you.' I think this will be a chance for people to see that history does indeed have its eyes on you as you come into this portrait room, and you see all these people, and you see their portraits looking directly at you as a visitor."

Museum volunteers will also do recorded interviews with each of the subjects in the portraits. Those interviews will be available on the museum's YouTube channel. A 30-minute documentary will dive deeper into the impacts various cultures have made in the area. Another documentary in production features St. John's national champion marching band from the 1930s.

Michael Hathaway volunteers as director at the museum, and his nephew, Seth Hathaway is filming the interviews. The group tries to keep fresh exhibits in rotation, including a current "Death on the Prairie" exhibit that features artifacts from five generations of the Minnis family who have worked in the funeral home business. The "world-famous triple-T" exhibit features historic toilets.

The museum, located at 304 N. Main in St. John, will have a Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, and a Homecoming Festival in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683295088145.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum is making strides to show all the history of Stafford County. Last month, the Lucille M. Hall Museum was awarded $10,000 by Humanities Kansas for a portrait project highlighting some of the county's lesser-known historical faces."We're just trying to tell more stories of diversity, while also telling the stories people are more familiar with," said Beccy Tanner, project director. "This year, we're focusing on Native Americans whose tribe would have been prominent in this area prior to the settlement of the first settlers."This is the second phase of a multi-year project. Two years ago, the museum invited descendants of African American Exodusters who arrived in the area in the late 1870s. Photographer Bo Rader, using 19th-century wet plate glass negative technology, took portraits of the visitors and donated his work to the museum. The photos are now part of the "Hall of Portraits: Documenting Our Diverse Legacy" exhibit at the museum."Hopefully, by the time it's all said and done, we'll have more than 100 portraits," Tanner said. "There's a wonderful song in the musical 'Hamilton' that 'History has its eyes on you.' I think this will be a chance for people to see that history does indeed have its eyes on you as you come into this portrait room, and you see all these people, and you see their portraits looking directly at you as a visitor."Museum volunteers will also do recorded interviews with each of the subjects in the portraits. Those interviews will be available on the museum's YouTube channel. A 30-minute documentary will dive deeper into the impacts various cultures have made in the area. Another documentary in production features St. John's national champion marching band from the 1930s.Michael Hathaway volunteers as director at the museum, and his nephew, Seth Hathaway is filming the interviews. The group tries to keep fresh exhibits in rotation, including a current "Death on the Prairie" exhibit that features artifacts from five generations of the Minnis family who have worked in the funeral home business. The "world-famous triple-T" exhibit features historic toilets.The museum, located at 304 N. Main in St. John, will have a Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, and a Homecoming Festival in October.

 Kansas museum using grant to tell a different history

As a heartfelt tribute to their alma mater, the Hays High School Class of 1972 has honored five seniors with $1000 scholarships. 

These awards were presented to the students at their annual awards night on May 8 by Margie Denning Hammerschmidt, project leader for this initiative.

Last October, the HHS Class of 1972 celebrated their 50 years of “living life” since high school graduation by donating items and participating in a raffle and auction held during their reunion event. 

Generous monetary donations were also given to support this scholarship effort. 

The response was overwhelmingly positive and allowed this class to provide scholarships to promising students in our community. 

This generous contribution is a testament to the enduring spirit of HHS graduates and a reminder that investing in the education of our youth is critical to our future.

For the selection process, significance was assigned to the values of character, work ethic,&nbsp; integrity and a commitment to helping others. 

The importance of both ‘giving back’ and ‘paying it forward’ are values the HHS Class of 1972 believes will provide a good foundation for incorporating a charitable awareness of social responsibility.

The Class of 1972 would like to thank all the students who applied to this process.

 All students planning to attend ANY higher education Hays institution were invited to apply (Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech-Hays and the Hays Academy of Hair Design). 

The applications received confirmed there are many fine students who emphasize the importance of valuing oneself and recognizing the positive contributions they can make every day. 

We are proud to award $1000 scholarships to five deserving students: 

"May your dreams take you on a journey that makes your soul sing, and may your heart be filled with the grace and courage to fulfill your purpose." - Unknown

SubmittedAs a heartfelt tribute to their alma mater, the Hays High School Class of 1972 has honored five seniors with $1000 scholarships. These awards were presented to the students at their annual awards night on May 8 by Margie Denning Hammerschmidt, project leader for this initiative.Last October, the HHS Class of 1972 celebrated their 50 years of “living life” since high school graduation by donating items and participating in a raffle and auction held during their reunion event. Generous monetary donations were also given to support this scholarship effort. The response was overwhelmingly positive and allowed this class to provide scholarships to promising students in our community. This generous contribution is a testament to the enduring spirit of HHS graduates and a reminder that investing in the education of our youth is critical to our future.For the selection process, significance was assigned to the values of character, work ethic,&nbsp; integrity and a commitment to helping others. The importance of both ‘giving back’ and ‘paying it forward’ are values the HHS Class of 1972 believes will provide a good foundation for incorporating a charitable awareness of social responsibility.The Class of 1972 would like to thank all the students who applied to this process. All students planning to attend ANY higher education Hays institution were invited to apply (Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech-Hays and the Hays Academy of Hair Design). The applications received confirmed there are many fine students who emphasize the importance of valuing oneself and recognizing the positive contributions they can make every day. We are proud to award $1000 scholarships to five deserving students: <ul>
 <li>Halle Lohmeyer</li><li>Ashlyn Zimmer</li><li>Matthew Berner</li><li>Chase Victoria Wittman</li><li>Allie Straub</li>
 </ul>"May your dreams take you on a journey that makes your soul sing, and may your heart be filled with the grace and courage to fulfill your purpose." - Unknown

Hays High Class of 1972 honors five HHS seniors with $1000 scholarships

GOODLAND - Marie Elena Elias passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. She was 80 years old. Her family and so many others that loved her are mourning her passing.

Marie was born on October 26, 1942. She will be forever loved and greatly missed by her son Michael Elias, her son Marc Elias and his wife Gretchen, her grandchildren, her sister Linda Acaron and her husband Charlie, and her many dear friends that brought joy to her life every day. 

Marie was predeceased by her husband Mike Elias, her mother Maria Ibanez, and her father Cayetano Ibanez.

Marie was born and raised in Queens, New York. After living in California, Oklahoma City, Miami, and St. Louis, she and her family of four settled in Goodland in 1979. 

Shortly upon arriving there, she became an elementary school librarian, a position she held for nearly 40 years. Through her service to the school, she touched the lives of thousands. Day after day for decades, Marie worked magic in the library to make reading fun, providing the spark to ignite a love of reading for generations of students.

Marie loved her life, her small town, and the simple riches it brought her, including her comfortable home, her backyard garden, shopping trips with friends, visits from her children, grandchildren, and grand-pets, and a supportive community. Central to her life was the love of her friends, whom she cherished as family. She was blessed to have so many people to love in her life, and so many that loved her back.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the Marie Elias Memorial Fund at Bankwest. Contributions will be used for a memorial bench in her honor at the school garden at North Elementary, with any additional proceeds used to help provide books for elementary students across the community.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/d873a548-784a-4b73-993c-8c743f5e2623" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Marie Elias, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/d873a548-784a-4b73-993c-8c743f5e2623" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Marie Elena Elias</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683902262105.jpeg" alt="Marie Elias" />
 <figcaption>Marie Elias</figcaption>
 </figure>October 26, 1942 ~ April 20, 2023GOODLAND - Marie Elena Elias passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. She was 80 years old. Her family and so many others that loved her are mourning her passing.Marie was born on October 26, 1942. She will be forever loved and greatly missed by her son Michael Elias, her son Marc Elias and his wife Gretchen, her grandchildren, her sister Linda Acaron and her husband Charlie, and her many dear friends that brought joy to her life every day. Marie was predeceased by her husband Mike Elias, her mother Maria Ibanez, and her father Cayetano Ibanez.Marie was born and raised in Queens, New York. After living in California, Oklahoma City, Miami, and St. Louis, she and her family of four settled in Goodland in 1979. Shortly upon arriving there, she became an elementary school librarian, a position she held for nearly 40 years. Through her service to the school, she touched the lives of thousands. Day after day for decades, Marie worked magic in the library to make reading fun, providing the spark to ignite a love of reading for generations of students.Marie loved her life, her small town, and the simple riches it brought her, including her comfortable home, her backyard garden, shopping trips with friends, visits from her children, grandchildren, and grand-pets, and a supportive community. Central to her life was the love of her friends, whom she cherished as family. She was blessed to have so many people to love in her life, and so many that loved her back.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683902441916.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the Marie Elias Memorial Fund at Bankwest. Contributions will be used for a memorial bench in her honor at the school garden at North Elementary, with any additional proceeds used to help provide books for elementary students across the community.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/d873a548-784a-4b73-993c-8c743f5e2623" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Marie Elias, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/d873a548-784a-4b73-993c-8c743f5e2623" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Marie Elena Elias

By BOYCE DURR FHSU University Communications

This week, Brynn Wooten will finish an incredible four years at Fort Hays State University when she crosses the graduation stage on May 13 and receive degrees in biology and geosciences. In her time at FHSU, Wooten has had many outstanding accomplishments.

In addition to winning five national awards and two honorable mentions for her academic achievements and being <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d34c2341-11a0-404e-a206-78ad24357b62">FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar</a>, Wooten was recently awarded a $147,000 graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her graduate studies in paleontology.

“I applied for the NSF Fellowship in October mainly for the experience, not expecting that I would get it, but I thought it was a good opportunity to hone my scientific writing skills,” Wooten said. “The main aspects of the application were a three-page personal statement and a one-page research proposal.”

In her research proposal, Wooten discussed plans for a comparison study between several historical mass extensions. Her idea was to examine survival patterns from those events and apply those patterns to current animal extinctions today to see if she could create survival projections for modern mammals.

“I had a lot of fun researching and writing a proposal that was all my own,” Wooten commented. She realizes this may not be what she ends up studying, at least not right away, as her initial graduate research will depend upon where she goes to graduate school.

Completing a double major in both biology and geosciences/geology with an emphasis in paleontology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology, Wooten has received numerous offers for continuing her education, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Vanderbilt&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to Biological Sciences and to Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences ◦ Awarded a five-year College of Arts &amp; Sciences Graduate Fellowship

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the School of Earth Sciences ◦ Awarded a one-year University Fellowship + four-years GTA/GRA support&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Geology ◦ Awarded a one-year Graduate University Fellowship + three-year departmental Smith Fellowship

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Idaho State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences ◦ Awarded a GTA assistantship

“I applied to five schools and was accepted to four,” Wooten said. After weighing all her offers, she has committed to Vanderbilt and will head to Nashville for the fall 2023 semester.

“It’s an amazing program with a great reputation, and they made me a great offer,” Wooten said.

Hard work has been one of the secrets of Wooten’s success, but it is not the only one.

“I have had so many amazing professors help me along the way,” Wooten said. “I am the biggest advocate of Fort Hays State.” While she admits that many professors deserve her thanks because they were willing to give their time, share knowledge, and write letters of recommendation, Wooten acknowledges two people in particular that she believes were key to her success.

“Dr. Laura Wilson, the paleontologist here, and Dr. Kevin Amidon, the director of the honors college, have been astronomically helpful to me in my time here,” Wooten explains. “These were the main two people that I felt like I could turn to no matter what.”

“Brynn is the rare student that is willing to take a chance, fill out applications, apply for positions she thinks will help her grow, take on leadership roles and responsibilities in clubs and organizations, and really go the extra mile,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, Professor of Geosciences and Chief Curator at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. “In addition to her studies and clubs, Brynn has been doing outstanding work at the Sternberg as well.”

Wooten admits that leaving Hays will be bittersweet.

“I stepped on campus and knew this was where I wanted to be. It is so gorgeous here. I routinely go on walks and just take in the beauty of campus. I walk around campus and look at the fossils in the walls of the buildings. Where else can you find fossils in the walls of the buildings?” Wooten asks.

“It’s a fantastic school,” Wooten said. “I genuinely believe that I have gotten a better education here than I would have at a state flagship school.” When comparing her education to that of her brother, who happened to attend a large state school, Wooten believes the personal attention she received at FHSU was something she was unlikely to get at other, larger universities. She admits this has significantly impacted her and contributed greatly to her success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683754568749.jpeg" alt="Brynn Wooten" />
 <figcaption>Brynn Wooten</figcaption>
 </figure>By BOYCE DURR FHSU University CommunicationsThis week, Brynn Wooten will finish an incredible four years at Fort Hays State University when she crosses the graduation stage on May 13 and receive degrees in biology and geosciences. In her time at FHSU, Wooten has had many outstanding accomplishments.In addition to winning five national awards and two honorable mentions for her academic achievements and being <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d34c2341-11a0-404e-a206-78ad24357b62">FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar</a>, Wooten was recently awarded a $147,000 graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her graduate studies in paleontology.“I applied for the NSF Fellowship in October mainly for the experience, not expecting that I would get it, but I thought it was a good opportunity to hone my scientific writing skills,” Wooten said. “The main aspects of the application were a three-page personal statement and a one-page research proposal.”In her research proposal, Wooten discussed plans for a comparison study between several historical mass extensions. Her idea was to examine survival patterns from those events and apply those patterns to current animal extinctions today to see if she could create survival projections for modern mammals.“I had a lot of fun researching and writing a proposal that was all my own,” Wooten commented. She realizes this may not be what she ends up studying, at least not right away, as her initial graduate research will depend upon where she goes to graduate school.Completing a double major in both biology and geosciences/geology with an emphasis in paleontology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology, Wooten has received numerous offers for continuing her education, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Vanderbilt&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to Biological Sciences and to Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences ◦ Awarded a five-year College of Arts &amp; Sciences Graduate Fellowship&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the School of Earth Sciences ◦ Awarded a one-year University Fellowship + four-years GTA/GRA support&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Geology ◦ Awarded a one-year Graduate University Fellowship + three-year departmental Smith Fellowship&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Idaho State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences ◦ Awarded a GTA assistantship“I applied to five schools and was accepted to four,” Wooten said. After weighing all her offers, she has committed to Vanderbilt and will head to Nashville for the fall 2023 semester.“It’s an amazing program with a great reputation, and they made me a great offer,” Wooten said.Hard work has been one of the secrets of Wooten’s success, but it is not the only one.“I have had so many amazing professors help me along the way,” Wooten said. “I am the biggest advocate of Fort Hays State.” While she admits that many professors deserve her thanks because they were willing to give their time, share knowledge, and write letters of recommendation, Wooten acknowledges two people in particular that she believes were key to her success.“Dr. Laura Wilson, the paleontologist here, and Dr. Kevin Amidon, the director of the honors college, have been astronomically helpful to me in my time here,” Wooten explains. “These were the main two people that I felt like I could turn to no matter what.”“Brynn is the rare student that is willing to take a chance, fill out applications, apply for positions she thinks will help her grow, take on leadership roles and responsibilities in clubs and organizations, and really go the extra mile,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, Professor of Geosciences and Chief Curator at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. “In addition to her studies and clubs, Brynn has been doing outstanding work at the Sternberg as well.”Wooten admits that leaving Hays will be bittersweet.“I stepped on campus and knew this was where I wanted to be. It is so gorgeous here. I routinely go on walks and just take in the beauty of campus. I walk around campus and look at the fossils in the walls of the buildings. Where else can you find fossils in the walls of the buildings?” Wooten asks.“It’s a fantastic school,” Wooten said. “I genuinely believe that I have gotten a better education here than I would have at a state flagship school.” When comparing her education to that of her brother, who happened to attend a large state school, Wooten believes the personal attention she received at FHSU was something she was unlikely to get at other, larger universities. She admits this has significantly impacted her and contributed greatly to her success.

FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar receives NSF fellowship

WASHINGTON (AP) —Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Peloton-Recalls-Two-Million-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards">Click here to read </a>the recall from the CPSC

The recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400. They were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Peloton and Dick's websites.

Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering a free seat post that can be self-installed.

Peloton can be reached at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, seven days a week or online at www.onepeloton.com. Consumers can click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the Peloton website page for information on how to request the free seat post and instructions for installation.

Peloton has been in the process of a corporate reorganization. In October the company announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-peloton-interactive-inc-61dfbe60d797ce293e104fbe2aa4cfce">cutting</a>&nbsp;about 500 jobs. That announcement came after the company said in August that it would cut 784 jobs, close its North America distribution network and shift delivery work to third-party providers.

Peloton experienced incredible sales growth during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-based company’s share price multiplied by more than five times in 2020 amid lockdowns that made its bikes and treadmills popular among customers who pay a monthly fee to participate in its interactive workouts.

But sales began to slow in 2021 as the distribution of vaccines drew many people out of their homes and back into gyms.

Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683820965874.png" alt="Peleton -photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Peleton -photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Peloton-Recalls-Two-Million-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards">Click here to read </a>the recall from the CPSCThe recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400. They were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Peloton and Dick's websites.Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering a free seat post that can be self-installed.Peloton can be reached at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, seven days a week or online at www.onepeloton.com. Consumers can click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the Peloton website page for information on how to request the free seat post and instructions for installation.Peloton has been in the process of a corporate reorganization. In October the company announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-peloton-interactive-inc-61dfbe60d797ce293e104fbe2aa4cfce">cutting</a>&nbsp;about 500 jobs. That announcement came after the company said in August that it would cut 784 jobs, close its North America distribution network and shift delivery work to third-party providers.Peloton experienced incredible sales growth during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-based company’s share price multiplied by more than five times in 2020 amid lockdowns that made its bikes and treadmills popular among customers who pay a monthly fee to participate in its interactive workouts.But sales began to slow in 2021 as the distribution of vaccines drew many people out of their homes and back into gyms.Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading.

Peloton is recalling more than 2 million exercise bikes

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the 13 count indictment

Santos, the New York Republican whose biography began to unravel after his election last fall, is accused of duping donors, stealing campaign funds, lying to Congress and cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn’t deserve. Santos, 34, was released on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment Wednesday at a Long Island federal courthouse, about five hours after he surrendered to authorities. Santos told reporters he would not resign.

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos">George Santos</a>, the New York Republican infamous for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-lies-congress-new-york-republicans-9e4fd69b75894addb5bd2d4d5e8171ff">fabricating his life story</a>, has been indicted on charges that he duped donors, stole from his campaign and lied to Congress about being a millionaire, all while cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn't deserve, prosecutors said Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a> the 13 count indictment

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23809076-george-santos-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;was a reckoning for a web of fraud and deceit that prosecutors say overlapped with Santos' fantastical public image as a wealthy businessman — a fictional biography that began to unravel after he won election last fall.

Santos surrendered on Wednesday and was taken to a federal courthouse on Long Island, where he was expected to make an initial court appearance on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to Congress.

Among the allegations, prosecutors say Santos induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense that the money would be used to support his campaign. Instead, they say, he used the money for personal expenses, including to buy designer clothes and to pay his credit cards and car payments.

Santos also is accused of lying about his finances on congressional disclosure forms and applying for and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed as regional director of an investment firm that the government shut down in 2021 over allegations that it was a Ponzi scheme.

The indictment “seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself."

Reached by The Associated Press on Tuesday, Santos said he was unaware of the charges.

Santos has defied calls to resign — some from fellow Republicans — as details of his fictitous resume came to light, though he did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-house-committees-6e46e2badad39fb190d38105a800236f">decline his committee assignments</a>. He has given no indication that he plans to step aside because of his indictment. In the past, members of Congress in both parties have remained in office while facing charges.

Santos, 34, was elected to Congress last fall after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-business-bb455cc02b70e5366b9c5e347da8ad38">a campaign built partly on falsehoods</a>. He told people he was a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker with a substantial real estate portfolio who had been a star volleyball player in college, among other things.

In reality, Santos didn't work at the big financial firms he claimed had employed him, didn't go to college and struggled financially before his run for public office. He claimed he fueled his run largely with self-made riches, earned from brokering deals on expensive toys for wealthy clients, but the indictment alleges those boasts were also exaggerated.

In regulatory filings, Santos claimed he loaned his campaign and related political action committees more than $750,000, but it was unclear how he would have come into that kind of wealth so quickly after years in which he struggled to pay his rent and faced multiple eviction proceedings.

In a financial disclosure form, Santos reported making $750,000 a year from a family company, the Devolder Organization, but the charges unsealed Wednesday allege that Santos never received that sum, nor the $1 million and $5 million in dividends he listed as coming from the firm.

Santos has described the Devolder Organization as a broker for sales of luxury items like yachts and aircraft. The business was incorporated in Florida shortly after Santos stopped working as a salesman for Harbor City Capital, the company accused by federal authorities of operating an illegal Ponzi scheme.

In November 2021, Santos formed Redstone Strategies, a Florida company that federal prosecutors say he used to dupe donors into financing his lifestyle. According to the indictment, Santos told an associate to solicit contributions to the company and gave the person contact information for potential donors.

Emails to prospective donors falsely claimed that the company was formed “exclusively” to aid Santos’ election bid and that there would be no limits on how much they could contribute, the indictment said. Santos falsely claimed that the money would be spent on television ads and other campaign expenses, it said.

Last October, a month before his election, Santos transferred about $74,000 from company coffers to bank accounts he maintained, the indictment said. He also transferred money to some of his associates, it said.

Many of Santos' fellow New York Republicans called on him to resign after his fabricated life story was revealed. Some renewed those calls after news of his indictment.

"Sooner or later, whether he chooses to or not, both the truth and justice will be delivered to him,” said U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican representing parts of upstate New York.

House Republican leaders were more circumspect, with Speaker Kevin McCarthy saying, “I think in America, you’re innocent till proven guilty," and Majority Leader Steve Scalise saying, “In America there’s a presumption of innocence."

Santos has faced criminal investigations before.

When he was 19, he was the subject of a criminal investigation in Brazil over allegations he used stolen checks to buy items at a clothing shop. Brazilian authorities said they have reopened the case.

In 2017, Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-george-santos-pennsylvania-theft-business-e6d41c89261061f4775c7073c6ec14e8">charged with theft</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania after authorities said he used thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks to buy puppies from dog breeders. That case was dismissed after Santos claimed his checkbook had been stolen, and that someone else had taken the dogs.

Federal authorities have separately been looking into complaints about Santos' work raising money for a group that purported to help neglected and abused pets. One New Jersey veteran accused Santos of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-york-city-jersey-george-santos-surgery-f72a4d8a505783d7c558c8cbf4b6d55a">failing to deliver $3,000</a>&nbsp;he had raised to help his pet dog get a needed surgery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683736676254.png" alt="United State's Attorney's office" />
 <figcaption>United State's Attorney's office</figcaption>
 </figure>CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the 13 count indictmentSantos, the New York Republican whose biography began to unravel after his election last fall, is accused of duping donors, stealing campaign funds, lying to Congress and cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn’t deserve. Santos, 34, was released on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment Wednesday at a Long Island federal courthouse, about five hours after he surrendered to authorities. Santos told reporters he would not resign.----------CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos">George Santos</a>, the New York Republican infamous for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-lies-congress-new-york-republicans-9e4fd69b75894addb5bd2d4d5e8171ff">fabricating his life story</a>, has been indicted on charges that he duped donors, stole from his campaign and lied to Congress about being a millionaire, all while cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn't deserve, prosecutors said Wednesday.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a> the 13 count indictment<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23809076-george-santos-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;was a reckoning for a web of fraud and deceit that prosecutors say overlapped with Santos' fantastical public image as a wealthy businessman — a fictional biography that began to unravel after he won election last fall.Santos surrendered on Wednesday and was taken to a federal courthouse on Long Island, where he was expected to make an initial court appearance on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to Congress.Among the allegations, prosecutors say Santos induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense that the money would be used to support his campaign. Instead, they say, he used the money for personal expenses, including to buy designer clothes and to pay his credit cards and car payments.Santos also is accused of lying about his finances on congressional disclosure forms and applying for and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed as regional director of an investment firm that the government shut down in 2021 over allegations that it was a Ponzi scheme.The indictment “seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself."Reached by The Associated Press on Tuesday, Santos said he was unaware of the charges.Santos has defied calls to resign — some from fellow Republicans — as details of his fictitous resume came to light, though he did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-house-committees-6e46e2badad39fb190d38105a800236f">decline his committee assignments</a>. He has given no indication that he plans to step aside because of his indictment. In the past, members of Congress in both parties have remained in office while facing charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636785376.png" alt="Rep. Santos -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Santos -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Santos, 34, was elected to Congress last fall after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-business-bb455cc02b70e5366b9c5e347da8ad38">a campaign built partly on falsehoods</a>. He told people he was a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker with a substantial real estate portfolio who had been a star volleyball player in college, among other things.In reality, Santos didn't work at the big financial firms he claimed had employed him, didn't go to college and struggled financially before his run for public office. He claimed he fueled his run largely with self-made riches, earned from brokering deals on expensive toys for wealthy clients, but the indictment alleges those boasts were also exaggerated.In regulatory filings, Santos claimed he loaned his campaign and related political action committees more than $750,000, but it was unclear how he would have come into that kind of wealth so quickly after years in which he struggled to pay his rent and faced multiple eviction proceedings.In a financial disclosure form, Santos reported making $750,000 a year from a family company, the Devolder Organization, but the charges unsealed Wednesday allege that Santos never received that sum, nor the $1 million and $5 million in dividends he listed as coming from the firm.Santos has described the Devolder Organization as a broker for sales of luxury items like yachts and aircraft. The business was incorporated in Florida shortly after Santos stopped working as a salesman for Harbor City Capital, the company accused by federal authorities of operating an illegal Ponzi scheme.In November 2021, Santos formed Redstone Strategies, a Florida company that federal prosecutors say he used to dupe donors into financing his lifestyle. According to the indictment, Santos told an associate to solicit contributions to the company and gave the person contact information for potential donors.Emails to prospective donors falsely claimed that the company was formed “exclusively” to aid Santos’ election bid and that there would be no limits on how much they could contribute, the indictment said. Santos falsely claimed that the money would be spent on television ads and other campaign expenses, it said.Last October, a month before his election, Santos transferred about $74,000 from company coffers to bank accounts he maintained, the indictment said. He also transferred money to some of his associates, it said.Many of Santos' fellow New York Republicans called on him to resign after his fabricated life story was revealed. Some renewed those calls after news of his indictment."Sooner or later, whether he chooses to or not, both the truth and justice will be delivered to him,” said U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican representing parts of upstate New York.House Republican leaders were more circumspect, with Speaker Kevin McCarthy saying, “I think in America, you’re innocent till proven guilty," and Majority Leader Steve Scalise saying, “In America there’s a presumption of innocence."Santos has faced criminal investigations before.When he was 19, he was the subject of a criminal investigation in Brazil over allegations he used stolen checks to buy items at a clothing shop. Brazilian authorities said they have reopened the case.In 2017, Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-george-santos-pennsylvania-theft-business-e6d41c89261061f4775c7073c6ec14e8">charged with theft</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania after authorities said he used thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks to buy puppies from dog breeders. That case was dismissed after Santos claimed his checkbook had been stolen, and that someone else had taken the dogs.Federal authorities have separately been looking into complaints about Santos' work raising money for a group that purported to help neglected and abused pets. One New Jersey veteran accused Santos of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-york-city-jersey-george-santos-surgery-f72a4d8a505783d7c558c8cbf4b6d55a">failing to deliver $3,000</a>&nbsp;he had raised to help his pet dog get a needed surgery.___

GOP congressman surrenders; read the indictment of fraud, theft

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The ARC Park Phase 3 expansion in Hays' Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest, was originally proposed as an accessible baseball field.

Instead, it is now planned to be a multi-recreation area with permanent cornhole lanes, another picnic shelter, open green space, and a Quantis play structure for older kids.

The pivotal change in design plans came after the addition of turf fields at the Bickle-Schmidt Sport Complex, and the cost of the special accessible ball field tripled to nearly a million dollars.

Local athletes with The Arc Central Plains had the opportunity to practice at Bickle-Schmidt last fall and it was a perfect fit.

"The Special Olympics size for a ball field is 120 feet and there are at least two fields out at Bickle-Schmidt that are at least 150 feet. So, in cooperation with the city of Hays and Hays Rec, we did a sort of a beta test in October for our baseball/softball season. It went great," said Sarah Meitner, Arc of the Central Plains advisory board member. "The athletes loved it."

"There are some minor adjustments that will be made to the bases. We'll need to have a fence. The Arc is willing to make that investment," Meitner told Hays city commissioners.

Community needs and plans for phase 3 were then reevaluated by the advisory board.

"It was our goal to stay true to the initial mission of an inclusive playground."

The new recreational space will also include more sensory play equipment including two pulse tennis stations and an interactive sensory mural.

Cornhole, a favorite sport of many people, is a new Special Olympics Kansas sport with regional and state play.

"It's a great sport because it's accessible for all ages," Meitner said. "Athletes that are not able to keep up on the basketball court can still participate in the social aspects and the athletic fun."

The cornhole lanes will have turf in between them with shaded dugouts.

Commissioners had the most questions about the Quantis, manufactured by Landscape Structures. It's compared to a 'ninja course' and it's expensive - $465,000. There are currently only eight in the United States and none in Kansas.

The look and feel of playground equipment is changing, and it's more expensive, "especially if you put the label accessible or inclusive on it," Meitner said.&nbsp;

"The Quantis would put us ahead of the curve by building things like this in our community.

"It would be driving older kids to come and play at this versus playing at the [ARC] playground," Meitner added.

There have been incidents and complaints of misuse of the specialized accessible equipment with too many kids on it or those who are too big.&nbsp;

More fundraising and donations allowed for lighting and security cameras to be installed.&nbsp;

"This would make the park more family-friendly because it gets the big kids off the playground, and they can roughhouse a little bit.

"It also just continues to spread out the users."

The high-end cost estimate for the project is $1.67 million, according to Meitner. "We think there is some cushion in there to bring this down."

Fundraising has been underway for a while for phase 3 and is currently at a little more than $400,000.

Grant applications are in the works along with more fundraisers, including another lemonade stand challenge at the end of June.

The commission voted to approve the request to proceed with phase 3 after Kathy McAdoo, Arc executive director told commissioner the Arc organization already has enough of its own funds to cover the remaining cost.&nbsp;

"We could fund it today, although it would empty our accounts," McAdoo said.

The ARC Park has been gifted to the city of Hays which maintains it. The Arc plans to create an endowed designated fund for maintenance and equipment replacement expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jeff Boyle, parks department director, says the ARC Park maintenance is "pretty much self-sufficient. We're looking at dumping trash cans, cleaning the shelter, routine things that we do at all our shelters."

Boyle estimated the park's maintenance cost is about $5,000 a year.&nbsp;

"We made a commitment to the community. Phase 3 was part of that commitment. We have fundraised with the ball field in mind so there is money to put toward this area.

"But we want a place that will still have wide community use," Meitner said.

"After the playground opened (in September 2021) we saw a need for giving our middle school and high school kids a place to play as well. They're asking for it. They've been utilizing it. This (the amended phase 3 and the Quantis) answers that. It still expands the park, and then I think we'll be done," she said with a big smile.

The playground equipment is expected to be ordered later this year with installation and construction in the northwest corner of the park in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683671903442.jpeg" alt="ARC Park redesign for Phase 3 with no baseball field. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>ARC Park redesign for Phase 3 with no baseball field. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe ARC Park Phase 3 expansion in Hays' Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest, was originally proposed as an accessible baseball field.Instead, it is now planned to be a multi-recreation area with permanent cornhole lanes, another picnic shelter, open green space, and a Quantis play structure for older kids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683652534060.jpeg" alt="Proposed Phase 3 of the Hays ARC Park. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Proposed Phase 3 of the Hays ARC Park. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The pivotal change in design plans came after the addition of turf fields at the Bickle-Schmidt Sport Complex, and the cost of the special accessible ball field tripled to nearly a million dollars.Local athletes with The Arc Central Plains had the opportunity to practice at Bickle-Schmidt last fall and it was a perfect fit."The Special Olympics size for a ball field is 120 feet and there are at least two fields out at Bickle-Schmidt that are at least 150 feet. So, in cooperation with the city of Hays and Hays Rec, we did a sort of a beta test in October for our baseball/softball season. It went great," said Sarah Meitner, Arc of the Central Plains advisory board member. "The athletes loved it.""There are some minor adjustments that will be made to the bases. We'll need to have a fence. The Arc is willing to make that investment," Meitner told Hays city commissioners.Community needs and plans for phase 3 were then reevaluated by the advisory board."It was our goal to stay true to the initial mission of an inclusive playground."The new recreational space will also include more sensory play equipment including two pulse tennis stations and an interactive sensory mural.Cornhole, a favorite sport of many people, is a new Special Olympics Kansas sport with regional and state play."It's a great sport because it's accessible for all ages," Meitner said. "Athletes that are not able to keep up on the basketball court can still participate in the social aspects and the athletic fun."The cornhole lanes will have turf in between them with shaded dugouts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683671426053.jpeg" alt="The Quantis is often compared to a ninja course. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Quantis is often compared to a ninja course. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners had the most questions about the Quantis, manufactured by Landscape Structures. It's compared to a 'ninja course' and it's expensive - $465,000. There are currently only eight in the United States and none in Kansas.The look and feel of playground equipment is changing, and it's more expensive, "especially if you put the label accessible or inclusive on it," Meitner said.&nbsp;"The Quantis would put us ahead of the curve by building things like this in our community."It would be driving older kids to come and play at this versus playing at the [ARC] playground," Meitner added.There have been incidents and complaints of misuse of the specialized accessible equipment with too many kids on it or those who are too big.&nbsp;More fundraising and donations allowed for lighting and security cameras to be installed.&nbsp;"This would make the park more family-friendly because it gets the big kids off the playground, and they can roughhouse a little bit."It also just continues to spread out the users."<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/uhWI09wn-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sarah Meitner Phase 3" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The high-end cost estimate for the project is $1.67 million, according to Meitner. "We think there is some cushion in there to bring this down."Fundraising has been underway for a while for phase 3 and is currently at a little more than $400,000.Grant applications are in the works along with more fundraisers, including another lemonade stand challenge at the end of June.The commission voted to approve the request to proceed with phase 3 after Kathy McAdoo, Arc executive director told commissioner the Arc organization already has enough of its own funds to cover the remaining cost.&nbsp; "We could fund it today, although it would empty our accounts," McAdoo said.The ARC Park has been gifted to the city of Hays which maintains it. The Arc plans to create an endowed designated fund for maintenance and equipment replacement expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Boyle, parks department director, says the ARC Park maintenance is "pretty much self-sufficient. We're looking at dumping trash cans, cleaning the shelter, routine things that we do at all our shelters."Boyle estimated the park's maintenance cost is about $5,000 a year.&nbsp;"We made a commitment to the community. Phase 3 was part of that commitment. We have fundraised with the ball field in mind so there is money to put toward this area."But we want a place that will still have wide community use," Meitner said."After the playground opened (in September 2021) we saw a need for giving our middle school and high school kids a place to play as well. They're asking for it. They've been utilizing it. This (the amended phase 3 and the Quantis) answers that. It still expands the park, and then I think we'll be done," she said with a big smile.The playground equipment is expected to be ordered later this year with installation and construction in the northwest corner of the park in 2024.

🎥Hays ARC Park Phase 3 revised for more inclusive recreation 

<a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php">https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php</a>

<h2>Elvern Dean Borell</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683677995208.jpeg" alt="Elvern Dean Borell" />
 <figcaption>Elvern Dean Borell</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php">https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php</a>&nbsp; DIGHTON - Elvern Dean Borell, 88, died on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Lane County Hospital in Dighton. He was born on September 3, 1934 at the family farm in Russell County the son of Edwin Alexander and Alta Vera (Wire) Borell. As an infant Elvern was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson on October 14, 1934 by his uncle, Rev. William J. Lind. Carl and Minnie E. (Borell) Heinze were his baptismal sponsors. Elvern was confirmed in to the Lutheran faith on June 20, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dubuque. His conformation verse: “Love not the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). In 1949, Elvern transferred his church membership to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City and finally to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Dighton until its closure. Elvern’s education began at Crabtree Rural School in Russell County and then the family moved to Wilson for four years. In 1946 the family moved to Lane county and he graduated from Dighton Grade School in 1948 and Dighton High School in 1952. While growing up he enjoyed helping his dad on the family farm where he acquired his knowledge about farming and raising cattle while also being active in 4-H and enjoyed showing cattle at the Lane County Fair. In addition to farming and raising cattle for over 70 years, he took care of his father for 17 years. Family was important to him and he enjoyed giving each one a monetary gift in hopes of receiving a card in return that he could display. He was really proud of the plants he received from family and showing them off. He is survived by his sister Sharen (Brant) Hempler of Almena;&nbsp; nephews Von (Denise) Borell, Kent (Carrie) Borell, Tory (Melinda) Borell, all of Dighton, Mitchell (Shannan) Hempler of Norton, and Luke Hempler of Almena, and Lon’s wife Vicky Borell; nieces Sue Ann (Keith) Roberts of Orleans, Nebraska, Cindy Borell and Kay Conrady, both of Dodge City, and Janet (Douglas) Meili of Overland Park, Kansas; and sister-in-law Mary Lou Borell of Dighton; and great-nephews and nieces and great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gene (Alice) Borell, Ronald Borell and Loren (Ruth) Borell; and nephew Lon Ray Borell. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Dorrance with Brenda Rodger, PMA officiating. Burial will be in Hyde Park Cemetery in Russell County. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, Box 891,&nbsp; Dighton, KS 67839, 620-397-5792.Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com. A special thank you to Von Lee and Denise and family for taking care of Elvern since 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp;