CYRIL, Oklahoma (AP) — Oklahoma authorities searching for a missing 4-year-old girl say they have arrested a caretaker of the child for investigation of child neglect.

Alysia Adams, 31, was arrested at the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and booked into jail in Caddo County on two counts of child neglect, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5" target="_blank">said in a statement late Thursday</a>.

The bureau said the arrest is related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the ongoing search for Athena Brownfield</a>, who was first reported missing on Tuesday from her home in Cyril, about 70 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.

A postal carrier found Athena’s 5-year-old sister wandering alone outside Adams’ home on Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities later determined Athena was missing. The girls were in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena’s sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.

The bureau released no additional information about Adams’ arrest, and it was not immediately known if she had an attorney who could comment for her.

Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she went missing.

The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included using a helicopter and a specially trained ground team as well as reviewing surveillace video from around Cyril. It said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673617381405.png" alt="Adams-photo Caddo County" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Caddo County</figcaption>
 </figure>CYRIL, Oklahoma (AP) — Oklahoma authorities searching for a missing 4-year-old girl say they have arrested a caretaker of the child for investigation of child neglect.Alysia Adams, 31, was arrested at the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and booked into jail in Caddo County on two counts of child neglect, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5" target="_blank">said in a statement late Thursday</a>.The bureau said the arrest is related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the ongoing search for Athena Brownfield</a>, who was first reported missing on Tuesday from her home in Cyril, about 70 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.A postal carrier found Athena’s 5-year-old sister wandering alone outside Adams’ home on Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities later determined Athena was missing. The girls were in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena’s sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.The bureau released no additional information about Adams’ arrest, and it was not immediately known if she had an attorney who could comment for her.Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she went missing.The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included using a helicopter and a specially trained ground team as well as reviewing surveillace video from around Cyril. It said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

Caretaker arrested, search for missing Okla. toddler continues

Today is Friday, Jan. 13, the 13th day of 2023. There are 352 days left in the year.

On Jan. 13, 2021, President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House over the violent Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, becoming the only president to be twice impeached; ten Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach Trump on a charge of "incitement of insurrection." (Trump would again be acquitted by the Senate in a vote after his term was over.)

In 1733, James Oglethorpe and some 120 English colonists arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, while en route to settle in present-day Georgia.

In 1794, President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to the original 13.)

In 1898, Emile Zola's famous defense of Capt. Alfred Dreyfus, "J'accuse," was published in Paris.

In 1941, a new law went into effect granting Puerto Ricans U.S. birthright citizenship. Novelist and poet James Joyce died in Zurich, Switzerland, less than a month before his 59th birthday.

In 1964, Roman Catholic Bishop Karol Wojtyla (the future Pope John Paul II) was appointed Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, by Pope Paul VI.

In 1982, an Air Florida 737 crashed into Washington, D.C.'s 14th Street Bridge and fell into the Potomac River while trying to take off during a snowstorm, killing a total of 78 people, including four motorists on the bridge; four passengers and a flight attendant survived.

In 1987, West German police arrested Mohammed Ali Hamadi, a suspect in the 1985 hijacking of a TWA jetliner and the killing of a U.S. Navy diver who was on board. (Although convicted and sentenced to life, Hamadi was paroled by Germany in December 2005 and returned home to Lebanon.)

In 1990, L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the nation's first elected Black governor as he took the oath of office in Richmond.

In 1992, Japan apologized for forcing tens of thousands of Korean women to serve as sex slaves for its soldiers during World War II, citing newly uncovered documents that showed the Japanese army had had a role in abducting the so-called "comfort women."

In 2000, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates stepped aside as chief executive and promoted company president Steve Ballmer to the position.

In 2001, an earthquake estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey at magnitude 7.7 struck El Salvador; more than 840 people were killed.

In 2011, a funeral was held in Tucson, Arizona, for 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest victim of a mass shooting that also claimed five other lives and critically wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

In 2020, at a royal family summit in eastern England, Queen Elizabeth II brokered a deal to secure the future of the monarchy; it would allow Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, to live part-time in Canada.

Ten years ago: A Cairo appeals court overturned Hosni Mubarak's life sentence and ordered a retrial of the former Egyptian president for failing to prevent the killing of hundreds of protesters during the 2011 uprising that toppled his regime. (Mubarak was later ordered released.) "Argo" won best motion picture drama at the Golden Globes; "Les Miserables" won best picture musical or comedy.

Five years ago: A false alarm that warned of a ballistic missile headed for Hawaii sent the islands into a panic, with people abandoning cars on a highway and preparing to flee their homes; officials apologized and said the alert was sent when someone hit the wrong button during a shift change. Two Army captains who met at West Point, Daniel Hall and Vincent Franchino, returned there to be married, in what The New York Times said was believed to be the first same-sex marriage of active-duty personnel at the military academy.

One year ago: The Supreme Court found that the Biden administration had overstepped its authority by requiring that employees at large businesses get a COVID-19 vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job; the court allowed the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers. Two U.S. science agencies, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said 2021 was the sixth hottest year on record globally, part of a long-term warming trend.

Today's birthdays: Actor Frances Sternhagen is 93. TV personality Nick Clooney is 89. Comedian Charlie Brill is 85. Actor Billy Gray is 85. Actor Richard Moll is 80. Rock musician Trevor Rabin is 69. Rock musician James Lomenzo (Megadeth) is 64. Actor Kevin Anderson is 63. Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 62. Rock singer Graham "Suggs" McPherson (Madness) is 62. Country singer Trace Adkins is 61. Actor Penelope Ann Miller is 59. Actor Patrick Dempsey is 57. Actor Suzanne Cryer is 56. Actor Traci Bingham is 55. Actor Keith Coogan is 53. TV producer-writer Shonda Rhimes is 53. Actor Nicole Eggert is 51. Actor Ross McCall is 47. Actor Michael Pena is 47. Actor Orlando Bloom is 46. Meteorologist Ginger Zee (TV: "Good Morning America") is 42. Actor Ruth Wilson is 41. Actor Julian Morris is 40. Actor Beau Mirchoff is 34. Actor Liam Hemsworth is 33. NHL center Connor McDavid is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Jan. 13, the 13th day of 2023. There are 352 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Jan. 13, 2021, President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House over the violent Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, becoming the only president to be twice impeached; ten Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach Trump on a charge of "incitement of insurrection." (Trump would again be acquitted by the Senate in a vote after his term was over.)On this date:In 1733, James Oglethorpe and some 120 English colonists arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, while en route to settle in present-day Georgia.In 1794, President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to the original 13.)In 1898, Emile Zola's famous defense of Capt. Alfred Dreyfus, "J'accuse," was published in Paris.In 1941, a new law went into effect granting Puerto Ricans U.S. birthright citizenship. Novelist and poet James Joyce died in Zurich, Switzerland, less than a month before his 59th birthday.In 1964, Roman Catholic Bishop Karol Wojtyla (the future Pope John Paul II) was appointed Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, by Pope Paul VI.In 1982, an Air Florida 737 crashed into Washington, D.C.'s 14th Street Bridge and fell into the Potomac River while trying to take off during a snowstorm, killing a total of 78 people, including four motorists on the bridge; four passengers and a flight attendant survived.In 1987, West German police arrested Mohammed Ali Hamadi, a suspect in the 1985 hijacking of a TWA jetliner and the killing of a U.S. Navy diver who was on board. (Although convicted and sentenced to life, Hamadi was paroled by Germany in December 2005 and returned home to Lebanon.)In 1990, L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the nation's first elected Black governor as he took the oath of office in Richmond.In 1992, Japan apologized for forcing tens of thousands of Korean women to serve as sex slaves for its soldiers during World War II, citing newly uncovered documents that showed the Japanese army had had a role in abducting the so-called "comfort women."In 2000, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates stepped aside as chief executive and promoted company president Steve Ballmer to the position.In 2001, an earthquake estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey at magnitude 7.7 struck El Salvador; more than 840 people were killed.In 2011, a funeral was held in Tucson, Arizona, for 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest victim of a mass shooting that also claimed five other lives and critically wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.In 2020, at a royal family summit in eastern England, Queen Elizabeth II brokered a deal to secure the future of the monarchy; it would allow Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, to live part-time in Canada.Ten years ago: A Cairo appeals court overturned Hosni Mubarak's life sentence and ordered a retrial of the former Egyptian president for failing to prevent the killing of hundreds of protesters during the 2011 uprising that toppled his regime. (Mubarak was later ordered released.) "Argo" won best motion picture drama at the Golden Globes; "Les Miserables" won best picture musical or comedy.Five years ago: A false alarm that warned of a ballistic missile headed for Hawaii sent the islands into a panic, with people abandoning cars on a highway and preparing to flee their homes; officials apologized and said the alert was sent when someone hit the wrong button during a shift change. Two Army captains who met at West Point, Daniel Hall and Vincent Franchino, returned there to be married, in what The New York Times said was believed to be the first same-sex marriage of active-duty personnel at the military academy.One year ago: The Supreme Court found that the Biden administration had overstepped its authority by requiring that employees at large businesses get a COVID-19 vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job; the court allowed the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers. Two U.S. science agencies, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said 2021 was the sixth hottest year on record globally, part of a long-term warming trend.Today's birthdays: Actor Frances Sternhagen is 93. TV personality Nick Clooney is 89. Comedian Charlie Brill is 85. Actor Billy Gray is 85. Actor Richard Moll is 80. Rock musician Trevor Rabin is 69. Rock musician James Lomenzo (Megadeth) is 64. Actor Kevin Anderson is 63. Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 62. Rock singer Graham "Suggs" McPherson (Madness) is 62. Country singer Trace Adkins is 61. Actor Penelope Ann Miller is 59. Actor Patrick Dempsey is 57. Actor Suzanne Cryer is 56. Actor Traci Bingham is 55. Actor Keith Coogan is 53. TV producer-writer Shonda Rhimes is 53. Actor Nicole Eggert is 51. Actor Ross McCall is 47. Actor Michael Pena is 47. Actor Orlando Bloom is 46. Meteorologist Ginger Zee (TV: "Good Morning America") is 42. Actor Ruth Wilson is 41. Actor Julian Morris is 40. Actor Beau Mirchoff is 34. Actor Liam Hemsworth is 33. NHL center Connor McDavid is 26.

Today in History - Jan. 13

Today is Thursday, Jan. 12, the 12th day of 2023. There are 353 days left in the year.

On Jan. 12, 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records (originally Tamla Records) in Detroit.

In 1828, the United States and Mexico signed a Treaty of Limits defining the boundary between the two countries to be the same as the one established by an 1819 treaty between the U.S. and Spain.

In 1910, at a White House dinner hosted by President William Howard Taft, Baroness Rosen, wife of the Russian ambassador, caused a stir by requesting and smoking a cigarette — it was, apparently, the first time a woman had smoked openly during a public function in the executive mansion. (Some of the other women present who had brought their own cigarettes began lighting up in turn.)

In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected, 204-174, a proposed constitutional amendment to give women nationwide the right to vote.

In 1932, Hattie W. Caraway became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate after initially being appointed to serve out the remainder of the term of her late husband, Thaddeus.

In 1945, during World War II, Soviet forces began a major, successful offensive against the Germans in Eastern Europe. Aircraft from U.S. Task Force 38 sank about 40 Japanese ships off Indochina.

In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Sipuel v. Board of Regents of University of Oklahoma, unanimously ruled that state law schools could not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson said in his State of the Union address that the U.S. military should stay in Vietnam until Communist aggression there was stopped. The TV series "Batman," starring Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo, premiered on ABC.

In 1969, the New York Jets of the American Football League upset the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League 16-7 in Super Bowl III, played at the Orange Bowl in Miami.

In 1971, the groundbreaking situation comedy "All in the Family" premiered on CBS television.

In 2000, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Illinois v. Wardlow, gave police broad authority to stop and question people who run at the sight of an officer.

In 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7 earthquake; the Haitian government said 316,000 people were killed, while a report prepared for the U.S. Agency for International Development suggested the death toll may have been between 46,000 and 85,000.

In 2016, Iran detained 10 American sailors and their two small Navy boats after the boats drifted into Iranian waters; the sailors and their vessels were released the following day.

Ten years ago: The NHL's four-month lockout finally ended as the league and the players' association completed signing a required memorandum of understanding. Gary Stevens won the first race at Santa Anita, giving the Hall of Fame jockey his first win in North America since 2005, when he began a seven-year retirement that had recently ended. (Stevens rode 5-1 shot Branding to a 2 1/2-length victory in his third race since beginning his comeback on Jan. 6, 2013.)

Five years ago: President Donald Trump's White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, declared him in "excellent health" after the president received his first checkup at Walter Reed military hospital. Sportscaster Keith Jackson, best known as the down-home voice of college football, died; he was 89. John Tunney, whose successful campaign for a California seat in the U.S. Senate was the basis for the Robert Redford film "The Candidate," died in Los Angeles at the age of 83.

One year ago: The House panel investigating the U.S. Capitol insurrection requested an interview and records from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy as it continued to seek first-hand details from members of Congress on former President Donald Trump's actions on Jan. 6; McCarthy issued a statement saying he would refuse to cooperate, accusing the panel of an "abuse of power." The government reported that inflation jumped in December at its fastest year-over-year pace in nearly four decades, surging 7%. Ronnie Spector, who sang 1960s hits including "Be My Baby" as leader of the girl group The Ronettes, died at 78 after a brief battle with cancer.

Today's birthdays: The Amazing Kreskin is 88. Country singer William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 84. Actor Anthony Andrews is 75. Movie director Wayne Wang is 74. Legal affairs blogger Ann Althouse is 72. Writer Walter Mosley is 71. Country singer Ricky Van Shelton is 71. Radio-TV personality Howard Stern is 69. Writer-producer-director John Lasseter is 66. Broadcast journalist Christiane Amanpour is 65. Actor Oliver Platt is 63. Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is 63. Entrepreneur Jeff Bezos is 59. Rock singer Rob Zombie is 58. Actor Olivier Martinez is 57. Model Vendela is 56. Actor Rachael Harris is 55. Rock singer Zack de la Rocha is 53. Rapper Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) is 53. Actor Zabryna Guevara is 51. Singer Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) is 50. Singer Melanie Chisholm (Spice Girls) is 49. Contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp is 45. Actor Cynthia Addai-Robinson is 43. R&amp;B singer Amerie is 43. Actor Issa Rae is 38. Actor Will Rothhaar is 36. Actor Andrew Lawrence is 35. Rock singer ZAYN is 30. Pop/soul singer Ella Henderson (TV: "The X Factor") is 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Jan. 12, the 12th day of 2023. There are 353 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Jan. 12, 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records (originally Tamla Records) in Detroit.On this date:In 1828, the United States and Mexico signed a Treaty of Limits defining the boundary between the two countries to be the same as the one established by an 1819 treaty between the U.S. and Spain.In 1910, at a White House dinner hosted by President William Howard Taft, Baroness Rosen, wife of the Russian ambassador, caused a stir by requesting and smoking a cigarette — it was, apparently, the first time a woman had smoked openly during a public function in the executive mansion. (Some of the other women present who had brought their own cigarettes began lighting up in turn.)In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected, 204-174, a proposed constitutional amendment to give women nationwide the right to vote.In 1932, Hattie W. Caraway became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate after initially being appointed to serve out the remainder of the term of her late husband, Thaddeus.In 1945, during World War II, Soviet forces began a major, successful offensive against the Germans in Eastern Europe. Aircraft from U.S. Task Force 38 sank about 40 Japanese ships off Indochina.In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Sipuel v. Board of Regents of University of Oklahoma, unanimously ruled that state law schools could not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race.In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson said in his State of the Union address that the U.S. military should stay in Vietnam until Communist aggression there was stopped. The TV series "Batman," starring Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo, premiered on ABC.In 1969, the New York Jets of the American Football League upset the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League 16-7 in Super Bowl III, played at the Orange Bowl in Miami.In 1971, the groundbreaking situation comedy "All in the Family" premiered on CBS television.In 2000, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Illinois v. Wardlow, gave police broad authority to stop and question people who run at the sight of an officer.In 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7 earthquake; the Haitian government said 316,000 people were killed, while a report prepared for the U.S. Agency for International Development suggested the death toll may have been between 46,000 and 85,000.In 2016, Iran detained 10 American sailors and their two small Navy boats after the boats drifted into Iranian waters; the sailors and their vessels were released the following day.Ten years ago: The NHL's four-month lockout finally ended as the league and the players' association completed signing a required memorandum of understanding. Gary Stevens won the first race at Santa Anita, giving the Hall of Fame jockey his first win in North America since 2005, when he began a seven-year retirement that had recently ended. (Stevens rode 5-1 shot Branding to a 2 1/2-length victory in his third race since beginning his comeback on Jan. 6, 2013.)Five years ago: President Donald Trump's White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, declared him in "excellent health" after the president received his first checkup at Walter Reed military hospital. Sportscaster Keith Jackson, best known as the down-home voice of college football, died; he was 89. John Tunney, whose successful campaign for a California seat in the U.S. Senate was the basis for the Robert Redford film "The Candidate," died in Los Angeles at the age of 83.One year ago: The House panel investigating the U.S. Capitol insurrection requested an interview and records from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy as it continued to seek first-hand details from members of Congress on former President Donald Trump's actions on Jan. 6; McCarthy issued a statement saying he would refuse to cooperate, accusing the panel of an "abuse of power." The government reported that inflation jumped in December at its fastest year-over-year pace in nearly four decades, surging 7%. Ronnie Spector, who sang 1960s hits including "Be My Baby" as leader of the girl group The Ronettes, died at 78 after a brief battle with cancer.Today's birthdays: The Amazing Kreskin is 88. Country singer William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 84. Actor Anthony Andrews is 75. Movie director Wayne Wang is 74. Legal affairs blogger Ann Althouse is 72. Writer Walter Mosley is 71. Country singer Ricky Van Shelton is 71. Radio-TV personality Howard Stern is 69. Writer-producer-director John Lasseter is 66. Broadcast journalist Christiane Amanpour is 65. Actor Oliver Platt is 63. Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is 63. Entrepreneur Jeff Bezos is 59. Rock singer Rob Zombie is 58. Actor Olivier Martinez is 57. Model Vendela is 56. Actor Rachael Harris is 55. Rock singer Zack de la Rocha is 53. Rapper Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) is 53. Actor Zabryna Guevara is 51. Singer Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) is 50. Singer Melanie Chisholm (Spice Girls) is 49. Contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp is 45. Actor Cynthia Addai-Robinson is 43. R&amp;B singer Amerie is 43. Actor Issa Rae is 38. Actor Will Rothhaar is 36. Actor Andrew Lawrence is 35. Rock singer ZAYN is 30. Pop/soul singer Ella Henderson (TV: "The X Factor") is 27.

Today in History - Jan. 12

<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rita-allen">https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rita-allen</a>

Rita Joan Allen, 85, passed peacefully from this life Tuesday, January 10, 2023, with beloved family members by her side at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; Rita was born March 15, 1937 in rural Scandia to Bill and Edna (Kackley) Whitley.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Wayne Allen, her parents, her stepfather Elmer Nelson, whom she loved like a father, brother Robert (Bob) Whitley, sisters Bev Hall and Kay Zimmer, grandson Jeffery Allen, and many other beloved relatives.&nbsp;

She will forever be remembered and greatly missed by her three children, David Allen of Courtland, Patty (John) Pillard of Salina, and Rick (Staci) Allen of Lee’s Summit, MO; her sister Chris Garst of Topeka, sisters-in-law Norma Nelson of Jamestown and Gladys Olson of Smithville, MO, and brother-in-law Ronnie Allen of Courtland; grandchildren Matt Allen, Zach (Kris) Allen, Tammy Allen, Samantha (Randy) Gould, Ali Allen, Marci (Ivan) Allen, Traci (Wayland) Magee, Alyssa (Scott) Caudel, Ashley (Joel) Herrmann, and Analisa Smith; 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; her many nieces, nephews, and friends; and her beloved dog Sophie.

Rita attended Courtland High School and married Wayne in Harrisburg, PA, on February 23, 1952.&nbsp; 

While Wayne was in the army, the couple moved to Anchorage, AK, before returning to Kansas to farm near Courtland.&nbsp; They then moved to Detroit, MI, for a few years before returning to Courtland permanently in 1961.&nbsp; 

Rita worked several jobs outside the farm until retiring, including many years as office manager for MC Industries in Belleville.&nbsp; 

She was a loving and supportive wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and a friend to all in the community she called home for nearly all her life.&nbsp;

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Courtland, with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in rural Courtland.

The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday, January 21, from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Family and friends may sign Rita’s book on Friday, January 20, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorials may be made to the Church, and can be sent in care of the funeral home. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas is assisting the Allen family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/a6729ca4-e1b1-40aa-b2c1-2b63e3f3ae17" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita J. Allen, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/flowers/a6729ca4-e1b1-40aa-b2c1-2b63e3f3ae17" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Rita J. Allen, Courtland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673527800149.jpeg" alt="Rita J. Allen" />
 <figcaption>Rita J. Allen</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rita-allen">https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rita-allen</a>March 15, 1937 - January 10, 2023Rita Joan Allen, 85, passed peacefully from this life Tuesday, January 10, 2023, with beloved family members by her side at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; Rita was born March 15, 1937 in rural Scandia to Bill and Edna (Kackley) Whitley.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Wayne Allen, her parents, her stepfather Elmer Nelson, whom she loved like a father, brother Robert (Bob) Whitley, sisters Bev Hall and Kay Zimmer, grandson Jeffery Allen, and many other beloved relatives.&nbsp;She will forever be remembered and greatly missed by her three children, David Allen of Courtland, Patty (John) Pillard of Salina, and Rick (Staci) Allen of Lee’s Summit, MO; her sister Chris Garst of Topeka, sisters-in-law Norma Nelson of Jamestown and Gladys Olson of Smithville, MO, and brother-in-law Ronnie Allen of Courtland; grandchildren Matt Allen, Zach (Kris) Allen, Tammy Allen, Samantha (Randy) Gould, Ali Allen, Marci (Ivan) Allen, Traci (Wayland) Magee, Alyssa (Scott) Caudel, Ashley (Joel) Herrmann, and Analisa Smith; 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; her many nieces, nephews, and friends; and her beloved dog Sophie.Rita attended Courtland High School and married Wayne in Harrisburg, PA, on February 23, 1952.&nbsp; While Wayne was in the army, the couple moved to Anchorage, AK, before returning to Kansas to farm near Courtland.&nbsp; They then moved to Detroit, MI, for a few years before returning to Courtland permanently in 1961.&nbsp; Rita worked several jobs outside the farm until retiring, including many years as office manager for MC Industries in Belleville.&nbsp; She was a loving and supportive wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and a friend to all in the community she called home for nearly all her life.&nbsp;Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Courtland, with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in rural Courtland.The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday, January 21, from 9:30 a.m. until service time.Family and friends may sign Rita’s book on Friday, January 20, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. &nbsp;&nbsp;Memorials may be made to the Church, and can be sent in care of the funeral home. &nbsp;&nbsp;Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas is assisting the Allen family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/a6729ca4-e1b1-40aa-b2c1-2b63e3f3ae17" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita J. Allen, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/flowers/a6729ca4-e1b1-40aa-b2c1-2b63e3f3ae17" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Rita J. Allen

<a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/nancy-schmidt/5110659/index.php">https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/nancy-schmidt/5110659/index.php</a>

Nancy Ruth Rucker was born on November 8, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Kenneth and Hazel (Burns) Rucker. 

Her childhood was spent in Fort Mitchell, KY where she received an excellent education at Villa Madonna Academy and Beechwood High School. After the birth of her brother, Kenneth Walter, and death of her mother, the family moved to Indiana where Nancy graduated from Jeffersonville High School at the age of 16. Nancy attended Indiana University and graduated from Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Louisville in 1958.

Nancy worked as a pediatric nurse at Louisville Children’s Hospital for 7 years, and as a bedside nurse at hospitals in North Carolina, Colorado, and Kansas for the entirety of her career. After moving to Abilene in 1974, Nancy went to work as a nurse at Abilene Memorial Hospital where she remained until her retirement in 2010.

It was at Indiana University that she met her husband, Frederick Wingfield Schmidt, of Junction City, Kansas. They were married on December 30, 1965. Children Paul and Margaret were born in Colorado where Fred was teaching music at Fort Lewis College, Durango. They then returned to Kansas in 1969 to be close to family and where their daughter Katey was later born. Fred and Nancy made their home in rural Abilene where Nancy lived for 48 years until the time of her death.

Nancy deeply appreciated books, poetry, plants, animals, music, a good bakery, and beautiful things of every sort. Each day, she took great pleasure in looking at her flowers, books, and all the interesting objects that she and Fred had accumulated throughout their lives. Many a visitor to the Schmidt home believed there were fairies living in Nancy’s garden where she had cultivated a verdant landscape reminiscent of her childhood in Kentucky and Tennessee. 

Nancy was a serious thinker and loved reading and talking about the subjects of philosophy, psychology, and theology. A devoted mother, she was always interested in what her family was doing and maybe even more so in what they were thinking. Her childhood friendships and those she made in Kansas endured throughout her life. It was common for those who knew her to seek her thoughtful counsel and it is perhaps in this way that she will be most missed.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, and many friends. She is survived by her sister-in-law Anne Schmidt, children Paul Schmidt (Julie), Margaret Trow (Ron), Katey Naylor (Erik), and grandchildren Nell, William, and Alek.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The Land Institute of Salina, KS that works to develop and promote natural systems and perennial agriculture or to The Rebecca A. Morrison House that provides guest residence to those with family in care at Salina Regional Health Center. Donations may be sent in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd Street, Abilene, KS, 67410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Memory Wall.&nbsp;

To&nbsp;<a href="https://martinbeckercarlson-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=26945729" target="_blank">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family of Nancy Schmidt, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://martinbeckercarlson-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=26945729" target="_blank">Heartfelt Sympathies Store</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Nancy Schmidt, rural Abilene</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673632941813.png" alt="Nancy Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/nancy-schmidt/5110659/index.php">https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/nancy-schmidt/5110659/index.php</a>November 8th, 1937 - January 8th, 2023Nancy Ruth Rucker was born on November 8, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Kenneth and Hazel (Burns) Rucker. Her childhood was spent in Fort Mitchell, KY where she received an excellent education at Villa Madonna Academy and Beechwood High School. After the birth of her brother, Kenneth Walter, and death of her mother, the family moved to Indiana where Nancy graduated from Jeffersonville High School at the age of 16. Nancy attended Indiana University and graduated from Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Louisville in 1958.Nancy worked as a pediatric nurse at Louisville Children’s Hospital for 7 years, and as a bedside nurse at hospitals in North Carolina, Colorado, and Kansas for the entirety of her career. After moving to Abilene in 1974, Nancy went to work as a nurse at Abilene Memorial Hospital where she remained until her retirement in 2010.It was at Indiana University that she met her husband, Frederick Wingfield Schmidt, of Junction City, Kansas. They were married on December 30, 1965. Children Paul and Margaret were born in Colorado where Fred was teaching music at Fort Lewis College, Durango. They then returned to Kansas in 1969 to be close to family and where their daughter Katey was later born. Fred and Nancy made their home in rural Abilene where Nancy lived for 48 years until the time of her death. Nancy deeply appreciated books, poetry, plants, animals, music, a good bakery, and beautiful things of every sort. Each day, she took great pleasure in looking at her flowers, books, and all the interesting objects that she and Fred had accumulated throughout their lives. Many a visitor to the Schmidt home believed there were fairies living in Nancy’s garden where she had cultivated a verdant landscape reminiscent of her childhood in Kentucky and Tennessee. Nancy was a serious thinker and loved reading and talking about the subjects of philosophy, psychology, and theology. A devoted mother, she was always interested in what her family was doing and maybe even more so in what they were thinking. Her childhood friendships and those she made in Kansas endured throughout her life. It was common for those who knew her to seek her thoughtful counsel and it is perhaps in this way that she will be most missed. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, and many friends. She is survived by her sister-in-law Anne Schmidt, children Paul Schmidt (Julie), Margaret Trow (Ron), Katey Naylor (Erik), and grandchildren Nell, William, and Alek.A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The Land Institute of Salina, KS that works to develop and promote natural systems and perennial agriculture or to The Rebecca A. Morrison House that provides guest residence to those with family in care at Salina Regional Health Center. Donations may be sent in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd Street, Abilene, KS, 67410.&nbsp;&nbsp;We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Memory Wall.&nbsp;To&nbsp;<a href="https://martinbeckercarlson-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=26945729" target="_blank">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family of Nancy Schmidt, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://martinbeckercarlson-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=26945729" target="_blank">Heartfelt Sympathies Store</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nancy Schmidt

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the&nbsp;&nbsp;alleged kidnappings involving three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school made his first court appearance Tuesday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">&nbsp;Manasseh Ward, 21, Wichita,</a> is charged with kidnapping, 4 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, 3 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 4p.m. January 4, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a bi-racial man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 The man attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. The man let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.

Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.

A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..

While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; 

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">He is being held on $1, 600,000 bond.</a>&nbsp;The next court hearing in the case is January 26, according to the district attorney's office. His bond in an earlier probation violation is one-million dollar

In September, police arrested Ward on requested charges of of aggravated domestic battery, according to Sedgwick County booking report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673010286685.png" alt="Ward-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ward-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the&nbsp;&nbsp;alleged kidnappings involving three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school made his first court appearance Tuesday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">&nbsp;Manasseh Ward, 21, Wichita,</a> is charged with kidnapping, 4 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, 3 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 4p.m. January 4, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a bi-racial man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. The man attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. The man let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">He is being held on $1, 600,000 bond.</a>&nbsp;The next court hearing in the case is January 26, according to the district attorney's office. His bond in an earlier probation violation is one-million dollarIn September, police arrested Ward on requested charges of of aggravated domestic battery, according to Sedgwick County booking report.

Man charged in kidnapping, sex assault of kids near Kan. school

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug and weapons charges after a high speed chase.

Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2001 Chevrolet Suburban near NW Gordon Street and NW Polk Street&nbsp; with an unreadable tag, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver failed to stop and initiated a pursuit that continued in north Topeka before crossing the Kansas Avenue bridge. A deputy performed a successful tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) near SE 6th Street and SE Liberty Street, ending the pursuit. 

Both occupants were taken into custody. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and two handguns were located inside the vehicle.

The driver, Keith F. Kulper Jr., 42, of Topeka, received medical attention at a local hospital for shoulder pain. Kulper Jr. was then booked into the Shawnee County Department of Correction on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony flee and elude, endangerment, improper registration of vehicle, driving while suspended, and no insurance. Kulper Jr. was also booked in on a felony warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation with the original charge being criminal possession of a weapon.

The passenger, Jennifer D. Richardson, 28, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a warrant through Shawnee County for probation violation (original charge being theft) as well as a felony warrant through Neosho County, Kan. for possession of opiates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673436237910.png" alt="Kulper-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kulper-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug and weapons charges after a high speed chase.Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2001 Chevrolet Suburban near NW Gordon Street and NW Polk Street&nbsp; with an unreadable tag, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver failed to stop and initiated a pursuit that continued in north Topeka before crossing the Kansas Avenue bridge. A deputy performed a successful tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) near SE 6th Street and SE Liberty Street, ending the pursuit. Both occupants were taken into custody. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and two handguns were located inside the vehicle.The driver, Keith F. Kulper Jr., 42, of Topeka, received medical attention at a local hospital for shoulder pain. Kulper Jr. was then booked into the Shawnee County Department of Correction on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony flee and elude, endangerment, improper registration of vehicle, driving while suspended, and no insurance. Kulper Jr. was also booked in on a felony warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation with the original charge being criminal possession of a weapon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673436341293.png" alt="Richardson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Richardson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Jennifer D. Richardson, 28, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a warrant through Shawnee County for probation violation (original charge being theft) as well as a felony warrant through Neosho County, Kan. for possession of opiates.

Sheriff: Wanted Kansas felon captured after chase

It's another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendssalinakansaspubliclibrary">Friends of the Salina Public Library</a> book sale at the library, 301 W. Elm Street, Saturday! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendssalinakansaspubliclibrary">Friends of the Salina Kansas Public Library Facebook page</a>:

It's another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendssalinakansaspubliclibrary">Friends of the Salina Public Library</a> book sale at the library, 301 W. Elm Street, Saturday! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendssalinakansaspubliclibrary">Friends of the Salina Kansas Public Library Facebook page</a>:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffriendssalinakansaspubliclibrary%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02mxugk9y2dVTxj59NDcpLrTmtPaSKsFVJU2uebWUpJCREzQsCCmAQWuY4Ezi35UaZl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Friends of the Salina Public Library plan used book sale Saturday

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 11, the 11th day of 2023. There are 354 days left in the year.

On Jan. 11, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the Grand Canyon National Monument (it became a national park in 1919).

In 1913, the first enclosed sedan-type automobile, a Hudson, went on display at the 13th National Automobile Show in New York.

In 1927, the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was proposed during a dinner of Hollywood luminaries at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.

In 1935, aviator Amelia Earhart began an 18-hour trip from Honolulu to Oakland, California, that made her the first person to fly solo across any part of the Pacific Ocean.

In 1943, the United States and Britain signed treaties relinquishing extraterritorial rights in China.

In 1963, the Beatles' single "Please Please Me" (B side "Ask Me Why") was released in Britain by Parlophone.

In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued "Smoking and Health," a report that concluded that "cigarette smoking contributes substantially to mortality from certain specific diseases and to the overall death rate."

In 1978, two Soviet cosmonauts aboard the Soyuz 27 capsule linked up with the Salyut 6 orbiting space station, where the Soyuz 26 capsule was already docked.

In 1989, nine days before leaving the White House, President Ronald Reagan bade the nation farewell in a prime-time address, saying of his eight years in office: "We meant to change a nation and instead we changed a world."

In 2003, calling the death penalty process "arbitrary and capricious, and therefore immoral," Illinois Gov. George Ryan commuted the sentences of 167 condemned inmates, clearing his state's death row two days before leaving office.

In 2010, Mark McGwire admitted to The Associated Press that he'd used steroids and human growth hormone when he broke baseball's home run record in 1998.

In 2020, health authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan reported the first death from what had been identified as a new type of coronavirus; the patient was a 61-year-old man who'd been a frequent customer at a food market linked to the majority of cases there.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai met at the White House, where they agreed to speed up slightly the schedule for moving Afghanistan's security forces into the lead across the country. The government assured the public that Boeing's new 787 "Dreamliner" was safe to fly, even as it launched a review to find out what caused a fire, a fuel leak and other recent incidents. Italian actress Mariangela Melato ("Swept Away"), 71, died in Rome.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump was quoted as having used bluntly vulgar language during an Oval Office meeting with lawmakers while asking why the U.S. would accept more immigrants from Haiti and African countries rather than places like Norway. Edgar Ray Killen, a 1960s Klan leader who was convicted decades later in the slayings of three civil rights workers, died in prison at the age of 92.

One year ago: Speaking in Atlanta, President Joe Biden called on senators to "stand against voter suppression" by changing Senate rules to pass voting rights legislation that Republicans were blocking from debate and votes. (The legislation failed after two Democrats refused to join others in their party in changing the rules to overcome a Republican filibuster.) Just days after the one-year anniversary of the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the Justice Department's top national security official told lawmakers that the department was establishing a specialized unit focused on domestic terrorism.

Today's birthdays: Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is 89. Movie director Joel Zwick is 81. World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw is 71. Singer Robert Earl Keen is 61. Actor Phyllis Logan is 67. Musician Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) is 65. Actor Kim Coles is 60. Actor Jason Connery is 60. Former child actor Dawn Lyn (TV: "My Three Sons") is 60. Rock musician Tom Dumont (No Doubt) is 55. Movie director Malcolm D. Lee is 53. Singer Mary J. Blige is 52. Musician Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers) is 52. Actor Marc Blucas is 51. Actor Amanda Peet is 51. Actor Rockmond Dunbar is 50. Actor Aja Naomi King is 38. Actor Kristolyn Lloyd is 38. Reality TV star Jason Wahler is 36. Pop singer Cody Simpson is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Jan. 11, the 11th day of 2023. There are 354 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Jan. 11, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the Grand Canyon National Monument (it became a national park in 1919).On this date:In 1913, the first enclosed sedan-type automobile, a Hudson, went on display at the 13th National Automobile Show in New York.In 1927, the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was proposed during a dinner of Hollywood luminaries at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.In 1935, aviator Amelia Earhart began an 18-hour trip from Honolulu to Oakland, California, that made her the first person to fly solo across any part of the Pacific Ocean.In 1943, the United States and Britain signed treaties relinquishing extraterritorial rights in China.In 1963, the Beatles' single "Please Please Me" (B side "Ask Me Why") was released in Britain by Parlophone.In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued "Smoking and Health," a report that concluded that "cigarette smoking contributes substantially to mortality from certain specific diseases and to the overall death rate."In 1978, two Soviet cosmonauts aboard the Soyuz 27 capsule linked up with the Salyut 6 orbiting space station, where the Soyuz 26 capsule was already docked.In 1989, nine days before leaving the White House, President Ronald Reagan bade the nation farewell in a prime-time address, saying of his eight years in office: "We meant to change a nation and instead we changed a world."In 2003, calling the death penalty process "arbitrary and capricious, and therefore immoral," Illinois Gov. George Ryan commuted the sentences of 167 condemned inmates, clearing his state's death row two days before leaving office.In 2010, Mark McGwire admitted to The Associated Press that he'd used steroids and human growth hormone when he broke baseball's home run record in 1998.In 2020, health authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan reported the first death from what had been identified as a new type of coronavirus; the patient was a 61-year-old man who'd been a frequent customer at a food market linked to the majority of cases there.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai met at the White House, where they agreed to speed up slightly the schedule for moving Afghanistan's security forces into the lead across the country. The government assured the public that Boeing's new 787 "Dreamliner" was safe to fly, even as it launched a review to find out what caused a fire, a fuel leak and other recent incidents. Italian actress Mariangela Melato ("Swept Away"), 71, died in Rome.Five years ago: President Donald Trump was quoted as having used bluntly vulgar language during an Oval Office meeting with lawmakers while asking why the U.S. would accept more immigrants from Haiti and African countries rather than places like Norway. Edgar Ray Killen, a 1960s Klan leader who was convicted decades later in the slayings of three civil rights workers, died in prison at the age of 92.One year ago: Speaking in Atlanta, President Joe Biden called on senators to "stand against voter suppression" by changing Senate rules to pass voting rights legislation that Republicans were blocking from debate and votes. (The legislation failed after two Democrats refused to join others in their party in changing the rules to overcome a Republican filibuster.) Just days after the one-year anniversary of the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the Justice Department's top national security official told lawmakers that the department was establishing a specialized unit focused on domestic terrorism.Today's birthdays: Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is 89. Movie director Joel Zwick is 81. World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw is 71. Singer Robert Earl Keen is 61. Actor Phyllis Logan is 67. Musician Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) is 65. Actor Kim Coles is 60. Actor Jason Connery is 60. Former child actor Dawn Lyn (TV: "My Three Sons") is 60. Rock musician Tom Dumont (No Doubt) is 55. Movie director Malcolm D. Lee is 53. Singer Mary J. Blige is 52. Musician Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers) is 52. Actor Marc Blucas is 51. Actor Amanda Peet is 51. Actor Rockmond Dunbar is 50. Actor Aja Naomi King is 38. Actor Kristolyn Lloyd is 38. Reality TV star Jason Wahler is 36. Pop singer Cody Simpson is 26.

Today in History - Jan. 11

Louina Lael Seymour, 83, of Burrton, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at NMC Health in Newton. She was born April 12, 1939, in Stafford, Kansas, the daughter of LeRoy and Bessie Ellen (Tate) Wood.

Lael graduated from Solomon High School with the class of 1957.

She worked as a purchasing agent for Moridge Manufacturing in Moundridge for 26 years, retiring in 2005.

Lael was united in marriage to Arthur Dean Seymour on June 9, 1957, in Solomon. He survives of the home after 65 years of marriage.

Lael started volunteering her time in 2005 at Slate Creek Elementary and Santa Fe Middle School in Newton where her grandsons attended. She volunteered in the school libraries where she would often make bookmarks for the children.

She is also survived by her four children, Susan (Danny) Dauber of Salina, Kevin (Jean) Seymour of Moundridge, Denise (James) Wilson of Newton, and Diana (Marc) Sattler of Newton; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Lael was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Rowena Weers and Selena Book; and brother, Tharon Wood.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Moundridge United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m., Saturday at Prairiedale Cemetery, Talmage, KS. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, January 13, at Moundridge Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Moundridge Senior Center in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

Louina Lael Seymour, 83, of Burrton, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at NMC Health in Newton. She was born April 12, 1939, in Stafford, Kansas, the daughter of LeRoy and Bessie Ellen (Tate) Wood.Lael graduated from Solomon High School with the class of 1957.She worked as a purchasing agent for Moridge Manufacturing in Moundridge for 26 years, retiring in 2005.Lael was united in marriage to Arthur Dean Seymour on June 9, 1957, in Solomon. He survives of the home after 65 years of marriage.Lael started volunteering her time in 2005 at Slate Creek Elementary and Santa Fe Middle School in Newton where her grandsons attended. She volunteered in the school libraries where she would often make bookmarks for the children.She is also survived by her four children, Susan (Danny) Dauber of Salina, Kevin (Jean) Seymour of Moundridge, Denise (James) Wilson of Newton, and Diana (Marc) Sattler of Newton; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters-in-law.Lael was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Rowena Weers and Selena Book; and brother, Tharon Wood.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Moundridge United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m., Saturday at Prairiedale Cemetery, Talmage, KS. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, January 13, at Moundridge Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moundridge Senior Center in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

Louina Lael Seymour |1939-2023|

WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins today released her <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2022-annual-report-to-congress/">2022 Annual Report to Congress</a>,
 saying taxpayers and tax professionals "experienced more misery in 
2022" due to paper processing delays and poor customer service. But the 
report also says the Internal Revenue Service made considerable progress
 in reducing the volume of unprocessed tax returns and correspondence 
and is poised to start the 2023 filing season in a stronger position.

The Advocate's report assesses taxpayer service during 2022, 
identifies the ten most serious problems taxpayers are experiencing in 
their dealings with the IRS, and makes administrative and legislative 
recommendations to address those problems. This year's report recommends
 specific initiatives that Collins is urging the IRS to include in its 
plan showing how the additional funding it received in the Inflation 
Reduction Act will be spent. It also contains two research studies – one
 on ways to restructure the Earned Income Tax Credit to increase 
participation among eligible taxpayers while reducing improper payments,
 and the other designed to help the IRS improve its online operations by
 studying the functionality of online operations offered by over 40 
states and several foreign countries.

Return processing and refund delays. For most 
taxpayers, the most important function the IRS performs each year is 
issuing timely tax refunds. In 2022, about two-thirds of individual 
taxpayers were entitled to refunds, and the average refund amount was 
nearly $3,200. The report says the IRS failed to meet its responsibility
 to pay timely refunds to millions of taxpayers for the third year in a 
row. About 13&nbsp;million individual taxpayers filed paper returns. Because 
of paper processing delays, refunds for these taxpayers were delayed, 
generally by six months or longer. Millions of e-filed individual 
returns were "suspended" because they tripped IRS processing filters and
 required manual review by IRS employees before refunds could be 
released. Hundreds of thousands of business returns claiming the 
Employee Retention Tax Credit were delayed.

However, the report says the IRS will be starting the 2023 filing 
season in much better shape than the last two years. The IRS began 2022 
with an unprocessed paper backlog of 4.7 million original individual 
returns (Forms 1040), 3.2 million original business returns, and 3.6 
million amended returns (individual and business combined). When the 
Advocate's report went to press in mid-December 2022, the IRS had 
reduced those backlogs to 1 million original individual returns, 1.5 
million original business returns, and 1.5 million amended returns. By 
Dec. 23, the IRS had further reduced its unprocessed paper backlog of 
original individual returns to about 400,000 and original business 
returns to about 1 million. This significant reduction in the paper 
return inventory will enable the IRS to begin processing paper-filed tax
 year 2022 returns during the upcoming filing season. That contrasts 
with the previous two years, when the IRS was not able to process 
current-year returns until months after the filing season had ended.

The number of returns suspended during processing is the only 
significant return category in which inventories increased. The IRS 
entered 2022 with an inventory of 4.2 million suspended returns. The 
inventory grew to 5.9 million suspended returns by mid-December.

Cases involving suspected identity theft account for about half the 
inventory of suspended returns. In mid-December, the IRS reported 2.9 
million identity theft cases in its inventory. While some will turn out 
to be fraudulent claims, the IRS website as of January 9 states: "[D]ue 
to extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic, our identity theft 
inventories have increased and on average it is taking about 360 days to
 resolve identity theft cases." The report calls a year-long delay 
"unacceptable" and urges the IRS to assign additional employees to 
process these cases.

Delays in processing taxpayer correspondence and other cases in the Accounts Management function.
 The IRS sent millions of notices to taxpayers during 2022. These 
included 17 million math error notices, Automated Underreporter notices 
(where an amount reported on a tax return did not match the 
corresponding amount reported to the IRS on a Form 1099 or other 
information reporting document), notices requesting a taxpayer 
authenticate identity where IRS filters flagged a return as potentially 
fraudulent, correspondence examination notices, and some collection 
notices. Notices often require written taxpayer responses. If the IRS 
did not process a taxpayer response, it may have taken adverse action 
against the taxpayer or not released the refund claimed on the tax 
return. During fiscal year (FY)&nbsp;2022, it took the IRS an average of 193 
days to process taxpayer responses to proposed tax adjustments&nbsp;– about 
six months. That compares with 89 days in FY 2019, the most recent 
pre-pandemic year. The report also calls the delays in resolving these 
cases unacceptable.

Difficulty reaching the IRS on its toll-free telephone lines.
 The IRS received 173 million calls during FY 2022. Only 22 million 
(13%, or roughly one out of eight calls) got through to an IRS employee.
 As a result, most callers could not get answers to their tax-law 
questions, receive help with their account problems, or speak with an 
employee about compliance notices. Those who got through waited an 
average of 29 minutes on hold before the call began.

Telephone service for tax professionals was worse than the prior year
 and hit an all-time low. Because tax professionals prepare the majority
 of tax returns and often call with complex account-specific questions, 
the IRS has established a Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) telephone 
line to handle their calls. In FY 2022, IRS employees answered only 16% 
of PPS calls (fewer than one out of six), and the average hold time for 
those who got through was 25 minutes. Telephone delays place tax 
professionals in the difficult position of billing clients for the time 
spent trying to reach the IRS or writing off that time. "Tax 
professionals are key to a successful tax administration," Collins 
wrote. "The challenges of the past three filing seasons have pushed tax 
professionals to their limits, raising client doubts in their abilities 
and creating a loss of trust in the system."

In the report's preface, Collins predicted that taxpayer service will
 improve in 2023. "We have begun to see the light at the end of the 
tunnel," she wrote. "I am just not sure how much further we have to 
travel before we see sunlight."

The report cites three reasons for optimism:

But Collins warned the improvements will not be immediate. 
"Staff increases come with growing pains," she wrote. "As new employees 
are added, they must be trained. For most jobs, the IRS does not 
maintain a separate cadre of instructors. Instead, experienced employees
 must be pulled off their regular caseloads to provide the initial 
training and act as on-the-job instructors. In the short run, that may 
mean that fewer employees are assisting taxpayers, particularly 
experienced employees who are likely to be the most effective trainers."

She also pointed out that until additional fully-trained employees 
are on board, taxpayer service will continue to be a zero-sum game. For 
example, customer service representatives in the Accounts Management 
function split their time between answering the phones and processing 
taxpayer correspondence. If the IRS assigns more employees to answer the
 phones, correspondence processing will be slower. If the IRS assigns 
more employees to process correspondence, phone service will decline.

"The IRS will have to perform a difficult balancing act with its 
current resources and will need to ensure it does not create a new paper
 backlog in 2023 by reassigning too many Accounts Management employees 
from processing case inventories to answering the phones," Collins 
wrote. "The IRS needs to end the vicious cycle of paper backlogs. As 
employees are trained and report for duty, I expect we will start to see
 improvements in service, probably by the middle of 2023."

Taxpayer Advocate Service administrative recommendations to the IRS

In August 2022, Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), 
which provided the IRS with funding of nearly $80 billion over the next 
ten years to supplement its annual appropriations. While the funding 
earmarked for tax law enforcement has been controversial, the 
legislation included supplemental funding of $3.2 billion for taxpayer 
services, including pre-filing assistance and education, filing and 
account services, and taxpayer advocacy services; $4.8 billion to enable
 the IRS to continue modernizing its information technology (IT) 
systems, including advancement of customer callback and other technology
 to provide a more personalized customer experience; and $25.3 billion 
to support taxpayer services and other operations. The report said that 
this additional funding could be a gamechanger for taxpayers and tax 
professionals.

"If spent wisely, this funding will give IRS management the tools it 
needs to bring U.S. tax administration into the 21st&nbsp;century by enabling
 it to hire and train the workforce of the future, replace antiquated IT
 systems, and generally revamp the taxpayer experience based on 
principles of fair and equitable tax administration," Collins wrote.

In an August 17, 2022&nbsp;memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury 
directed the IRS Commissioner to produce an operational plan within six 
months that details how the additional IRA funding will be spent. In the
 report's preface and in discussing the 10 most serious taxpayer 
problems, Collins recommends numerous initiatives for inclusion in the 
plan, including the following:

There are steps the IRS can take to address all three of these 
limitations. It can modernize its e-filing platform to accept all IRS 
forms and schedules and taxpayer attachments. It can accept and review 
returns that violate some IRS systems' programming rules; otherwise, the
 taxpayer whose return is rejected must file it on paper, requiring the 
IRS to transcribe it. And if some software packages allow taxpayers to 
submit attachments and others do not, the IRS can post a list of 
software packages that allow attachments online. That way, taxpayers 
with attachments will know which packages they can use to e-file their 
returns. "If the IRS makes it possible for all taxpayers to e-file their
 returns," the report says, "the number of paper-filed returns is likely
 to drop dramatically."

National Taxpayer Advocate "Purple Book": Legislative 
recommendations to strengthen taxpayer rights and improve tax 
administration

The National Taxpayer Advocate's 2023 Purple Book proposes 65 
legislative recommendations for consideration by Congress. Among them 
are the following:

The report contains a taxpayer rights assessment that presents 
performance measures and other relevant data, a description of TAS's 
case advocacy operations during FY 2022, a summary of key TAS systemic 
advocacy accomplishments, and a discussion of the 10 federal tax issues 
most frequently litigated during the preceding year. For the second 
year, the section on most litigated tax issues contains an analysis of 
substantially all cases petitioned in the Tax Court rather than simply 
decided cases, providing a much broader view of issues taxpayers bring 
to court. Also, for the second time, the report includes a section 
titled "At a Glance," which provides concise summaries of the 10 "most 
serious problems." It is intended to give readers a quick overview of 
each issue so they can decide which ones they want to read about in 
depth.

Please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2022-annual-report-to-congress/">2022 National Taxpayer Advocate Annual Report to Congress</a> page for more information.

The National Taxpayer Advocate blogs about key issues in tax administration. Visit the <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/subscribe-to-tas/">TAS Subscriptions</a> page to subscribe. Past blogs from the National Taxpayer Advocate can be found at <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/taxnews-information/blogs-nta/">Most Recent NTA Blogs</a>. For media inquiries, please contact TAS Media Relations at <a href="mailto:TAS.media@irs.gov">TAS.media@irs.gov</a> or call the media line at <a href="tel:202-317-6802">202-317-6802</a>.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization
 within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. The 
local taxpayer advocate's number is in local directories and at <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/">Contact Us</a> page. Taxpayers can also call TAS toll-free at <a href="tel:877-777-4778">877-777-4778</a>.
 TAS can help those who need assistance in resolving an IRS problem, if 
the problem is causing financial difficulty, or those who believe an IRS
 system or procedure isn't working as it should. This service is free. 
For more information about TAS and taxpayer rights under the Taxpayer 
Bill of Rights, visit the <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/">Contact Us</a> page. Get updates on tax topics at social media platforms <a href="https://www.twitter.com/YourVoiceAtIRS">Facebook: Your voice at the IRS</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/YourVoiceAtIRS">Twitter: Your voice at the IRS</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/TASNTA">YouTube: TASNTA</a>.

2023 IRS report to Congress focuses on service, refund delays

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child rape.

Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 8, Sheriff's Detectives, along with Agents from Kansas Bureau of Investigations, arrived at 5130 County Road 5600 Cherryvale, Kansas to serve a felony rape of a minor and criminal threat warrant on 32-year-old Niklas Nelson, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 Upon arrival, agents and detectives contacted Nelson’s father and learned that Nelson was hiding inside the large metal shop on the property, in the second level/roof area. He also possibly had a handgun in his possession. 

 Agents and detectives surrounded the large shop and began attempting to call Nelson out using a PA system and started the armed and barricaded subject procedure. 

 Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property.  The Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and responded to the scene.  KBI responded with their Armored Rescue Vehicle for the SERT team to use.  Kansas Highway Patrol responded with their helicopter to assist in case Nelson fled on foot. 

 The SERT team started evaluating the situation.  With the use of less lethal chemicals, and other less lethal tools, the SERT team was able to take Nelson into custody. 

Nelson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections where he was booked into DOC on the arrest warrant with requested charges of rape, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine.  The case has been submitted to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673366027322.png" alt="Nelson-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Nelson-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child rape.Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 8, Sheriff's Detectives, along with Agents from Kansas Bureau of Investigations, arrived at 5130 County Road 5600 Cherryvale, Kansas to serve a felony rape of a minor and criminal threat warrant on 32-year-old Niklas Nelson, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. Upon arrival, agents and detectives contacted Nelson’s father and learned that Nelson was hiding inside the large metal shop on the property, in the second level/roof area. He also possibly had a handgun in his possession. Agents and detectives surrounded the large shop and began attempting to call Nelson out using a PA system and started the armed and barricaded subject procedure. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property. The Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and responded to the scene. KBI responded with their Armored Rescue Vehicle for the SERT team to use. Kansas Highway Patrol responded with their helicopter to assist in case Nelson fled on foot. The SERT team started evaluating the situation. With the use of less lethal chemicals, and other less lethal tools, the SERT team was able to take Nelson into custody. Nelson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections where he was booked into DOC on the arrest warrant with requested charges of rape, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine. The case has been submitted to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

Kan. child rape suspect in custody after standoff with KBI

ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;

In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273013220.png" alt="Lurquin-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lurquin-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

Police found fentanyl during arrest, booking of Kan. man

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With the 2022 portion of the schedule well in the books, the Wamego and Abilene girls’ basketball teams will meet on Tuesday night, each looking for a big early-January win.

The Lady Raiders have gotten off to a roaring start this season at 7-0 and will come into this contest ranked as the #3 team in Class 4A, having knocked off St. Mary’s and Concordia to open their new year.

“We have played very well as a team this season,” Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh said. “The girls have been extremely unselfish and only care about winning. They’re making the extra pass on offense, executing defensively, and building a strong bond on and off the court.”

On the other side of this matchup, the Cowgirls will enter this contest at 1-6, still putting the pieces together early in the year.

“We are starting to learn to compete and play for all four quarters,” Abilene head coach Shawn Herrman said. "We still need to stay patient on offense and limit our turnovers in a half-court set.”

While Wamego will come into this contest as heavy favorites, the Lady Raiders have afforded a great deal of respect to their opponents this week, while keeping the focus on the Cowgirl’s game in the paint.

“Abilene does a good job of playing into their post,” McIntosh said. “They switch up their defenses to try and keep you off rhythm. Dannefer is definitely someone they want to go to. She is very active in their offense, and it will be important for us to not allow her to catch where she wants to.”

On the other side of the matchup, Abilene will look to solve a puzzle that no other team has had an answer for, against a deep Raider attack that can hit their opponents from all over the court.

“They are extremely efficient on offense,” Herrman said. “They take care of the ball, apply ball pressure full-court, and continue that pressure in the half-court set. You can’t focus on just one player and they are very well-coached and experienced.”

To find that success, the Cowgirls will have to value each possession and handle the Raider press for 32 minutes.

“We have to take care of the ball and handle the pressure,” Herrman said. “We also have to become more efficient on the offensive end to give ourselves a chance.”

Meanwhile, Wamego will look to continue playing their game in the hopes of collecting an eighth straight victory to stay perfect on the year.

“We have to continue being us,” McIntosh said. “It doesn't matter who we play, we need to live up to our standards and the expectations we have for ourselves. For us, that means being the aggressors on both offense and defense.”

Tip-off between the Lady Raiders and Cowgirls is set for 6:30 at Abilene High School with the boys’ game to follow at 7:00.

For continuing coverage of all four teams all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of Abilene girl's basketball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Abilene girl's basketball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>With the 2022 portion of the schedule well in the books, the Wamego and Abilene girls’ basketball teams will meet on Tuesday night, each looking for a big early-January win.The Lady Raiders have gotten off to a roaring start this season at 7-0 and will come into this contest ranked as the #3 team in Class 4A, having knocked off St. Mary’s and Concordia to open their new year.“We have played very well as a team this season,” Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh said. “The girls have been extremely unselfish and only care about winning. They’re making the extra pass on offense, executing defensively, and building a strong bond on and off the court.”On the other side of this matchup, the Cowgirls will enter this contest at 1-6, still putting the pieces together early in the year.“We are starting to learn to compete and play for all four quarters,” Abilene head coach Shawn Herrman said. "We still need to stay patient on offense and limit our turnovers in a half-court set.”While Wamego will come into this contest as heavy favorites, the Lady Raiders have afforded a great deal of respect to their opponents this week, while keeping the focus on the Cowgirl’s game in the paint.“Abilene does a good job of playing into their post,” McIntosh said. “They switch up their defenses to try and keep you off rhythm. Dannefer is definitely someone they want to go to. She is very active in their offense, and it will be important for us to not allow her to catch where she wants to.”On the other side of the matchup, Abilene will look to solve a puzzle that no other team has had an answer for, against a deep Raider attack that can hit their opponents from all over the court.“They are extremely efficient on offense,” Herrman said. “They take care of the ball, apply ball pressure full-court, and continue that pressure in the half-court set. You can’t focus on just one player and they are very well-coached and experienced.”To find that success, the Cowgirls will have to value each possession and handle the Raider press for 32 minutes.“We have to take care of the ball and handle the pressure,” Herrman said. “We also have to become more efficient on the offensive end to give ourselves a chance.”Meanwhile, Wamego will look to continue playing their game in the hopes of collecting an eighth straight victory to stay perfect on the year.“We have to continue being us,” McIntosh said. “It doesn't matter who we play, we need to live up to our standards and the expectations we have for ourselves. For us, that means being the aggressors on both offense and defense.”Tip-off between the Lady Raiders and Cowgirls is set for 6:30 at Abilene High School with the boys’ game to follow at 7:00.For continuing coverage of all four teams all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Cowgirls play host to #3 Wamego in search of big upset win 

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With a month's worth of action on the hardwood already in the books, two teams, each ranked in Class 4A before the season began, will clash in Abilene as the Cowboys prepare to host white-hot Wamego on Tuesday evening.

The Red Raiders will enter this contest at 6-1, having already collected two wins in the new year, after knocking off St. Mary’s 60-55, and Concordia 59-49 last week.

“I’ve been impressed with our ability to rebound so far, especially on the offensive glass,” Wamego head coach Troy Hemphill said. “I’ve also been pleased with how we’re taking care of the ball, averaging just eight turnovers per game.”

On the other side of the matchup, the Cowboys have stumbled a bit in the new year, dropping their first two January matchups to St. Mary’s Academy and Marysville to fall back to 4-4 coming into this one.

“We still don’t take very good care of the ball,” Abilene head coach Erik Graefe said.&nbsp; “We also still need to rebound better, but I continue to be impressed with how hard our guys play every night.”

These two squads split their season series in the 2021-22 campaign, with Wamego winning the most recent battle 47-42 last February.

With both teams reloading and looking to make a deep playoff push again this year, games like this will be critical in setting the tone and establishing momentum as each works towards a potential peak in late February.

For the Raiders to remain undefeated in the new year and collect their seventh victory of the season, Wamego must find ways to overcome an Abilene team that loves to cause chaos and utilizes its speed to keep opponents off balance.

“They like to push the tempo, apply pressure in the backcourt and run up and down the floor,” Hemphill said. “They also have very balanced scoring. Cottone is a good guard and has proven he can have big games offensively, overall they are pretty long and athletic.”

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Salina Ortho logo.png" />
 <figcaption>Salina Ortho logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>With a month's worth of action on the hardwood already in the books, two teams, each ranked in Class 4A before the season began, will clash in Abilene as the Cowboys prepare to host white-hot Wamego on Tuesday evening.The Red Raiders will enter this contest at 6-1, having already collected two wins in the new year, after knocking off St. Mary’s 60-55, and Concordia 59-49 last week.“I’ve been impressed with our ability to rebound so far, especially on the offensive glass,” Wamego head coach Troy Hemphill said. “I’ve also been pleased with how we’re taking care of the ball, averaging just eight turnovers per game.”On the other side of the matchup, the Cowboys have stumbled a bit in the new year, dropping their first two January matchups to St. Mary’s Academy and Marysville to fall back to 4-4 coming into this one.“We still don’t take very good care of the ball,” Abilene head coach Erik Graefe said.&nbsp; “We also still need to rebound better, but I continue to be impressed with how hard our guys play every night.”These two squads split their season series in the 2021-22 campaign, with Wamego winning the most recent battle 47-42 last February.With both teams reloading and looking to make a deep playoff push again this year, games like this will be critical in setting the tone and establishing momentum as each works towards a potential peak in late February.For the Raiders to remain undefeated in the new year and collect their seventh victory of the season, Wamego must find ways to overcome an Abilene team that loves to cause chaos and utilizes its speed to keep opponents off balance.“They like to push the tempo, apply pressure in the backcourt and run up and down the floor,” Hemphill said. “They also have very balanced scoring. Cottone is a good guard and has proven he can have big games offensively, overall they are pretty long and athletic.”On the flip side, to ensure they do not start 2023 at 0-3, it will be critical for the Cowboys to overcome the inside strength of a Red Raider team that has had its way with a majority of their opponents this season.“They are strong with good size,” Graefe said. “They are always very well coached, Donahue is a competitor, Hecht can shoot it, and Shea is a monster. We will have to lower our turnovers, and not give our opponents extra chances on the glass.”For the Raiders, this game will be more or less business as usual, as Wamego looks to continue what got them this far, and what they hope will take them even further in the future.“We need to take care of the ball and take good shots,” Hemphill said. “We can't give them extra possessions by turning it over against the pressure of taking hard shots that lead to misses and run-outs on the other end.”Tip-off between the Raiders and Cowboys is set for 7 pm at Abilene High school following the girl’s game at 6:30.For continuing coverage of all four programs all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post, and follow us on Twitter @spostsports.