<a href="https://www.carlsonfh.net/obituaries/Donna-Mae-Burkholder?obId=21424338#/obituaryInfo">Donna Mae Burkholder Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (carlsonfh.net)</a>

Donna Mae (Pancake) Burkholder of Salina, Kansas passed away on June 12 at the age of 90. Born on January 7, 1931 to Clarence and Ella Pancake, she was the youngest of six children. She grew up on a farm near Enterprise and graduated from Chapman High School. She spent most of her life in her home state of Kansas but also lived in Chicago and Puerto Rico. She was preceded in death by her parents and her five siblings, Viola Grose, Margaret Dolton, Doris McKinney, Verna Jean Skelton, and Gerald Pancake. Donna worked in retail for most of her adult life. Folks shopping at JC Penney, Kline's or Dillard's over the years will remember Donna as a kind soul who was always willing to help others. After retirement, Donna continued to work part time at USD 305 for many years, reinforcing her strong work ethic and desire to stay engaged and active. She liked to stay busy and productive.

In addition to work, Donna enjoyed listening to music, being outdoors, having coffee with friends, reading, going to church and spending time with her family. She raised four daughters and taught them to be kind and compassionate. She also had a wonderfully wry and subtle sense of humor. Donna is survived by her four daughters Elena Goetz of Salina, Linda Moore of Ada, Oklahoma, Colette Scott of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Kelly Woodlock of Crystal Lake, Illinois; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was a strong woman who was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held Friday, June 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Oat Rd. and 2000 Avenue, Enterprise, Kansas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Mae Burkholder, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://carlsongeisendorf-funeral-home-crematory.tributestore.com/?oId=21424338&amp;tag=&amp;otv=Frazer_MScont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">Tribute Store.</a>

<h2>Donna Mae Burkholder</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623943259363.jpeg" alt="Donna Mae Burkholder" />
 <figcaption>Donna Mae Burkholder</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.carlsonfh.net/obituaries/Donna-Mae-Burkholder?obId=21424338#/obituaryInfo">Donna Mae Burkholder Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (carlsonfh.net)</a>January 7, 1931 - June 12, 2021Donna Mae (Pancake) Burkholder of Salina, Kansas passed away on June 12 at the age of 90. Born on January 7, 1931 to Clarence and Ella Pancake, she was the youngest of six children. She grew up on a farm near Enterprise and graduated from Chapman High School. She spent most of her life in her home state of Kansas but also lived in Chicago and Puerto Rico. She was preceded in death by her parents and her five siblings, Viola Grose, Margaret Dolton, Doris McKinney, Verna Jean Skelton, and Gerald Pancake. Donna worked in retail for most of her adult life. Folks shopping at JC Penney, Kline's or Dillard's over the years will remember Donna as a kind soul who was always willing to help others. After retirement, Donna continued to work part time at USD 305 for many years, reinforcing her strong work ethic and desire to stay engaged and active. She liked to stay busy and productive. In addition to work, Donna enjoyed listening to music, being outdoors, having coffee with friends, reading, going to church and spending time with her family. She raised four daughters and taught them to be kind and compassionate. She also had a wonderfully wry and subtle sense of humor. Donna is survived by her four daughters Elena Goetz of Salina, Linda Moore of Ada, Oklahoma, Colette Scott of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Kelly Woodlock of Crystal Lake, Illinois; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was a strong woman who was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held Friday, June 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Oat Rd. and 2000 Avenue, Enterprise, Kansas.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Mae Burkholder, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://carlsongeisendorf-funeral-home-crematory.tributestore.com/?oId=21424338&amp;tag=&amp;otv=Frazer_MScont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">Tribute Store.</a>

Donna Mae Burkholder

The housing market is white hot right now! Home prices are&nbsp;way&nbsp;up over last year, and 50% of homes are selling for more than the asking price—$20,000, $50,000, even $100,000 more in some cases.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-half-of-homes-sell-above-list-price/" target="_blank">[1]</a>&nbsp;That’s causing buyers everywhere to do&nbsp;some insane things to get the houses they want. More than half made an offer last year without seeing the house in person.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/remote-homebuying-surges-to-new-high/" target="_blank">[2]</a>&nbsp;Many are even willing to skip a home inspection if it will get their offer accepted. In case you’re wondering, both are really bad ideas.

There’s nothing mysterious about a hot housing market. It’s what happens when you have more buyers than homes to buy. Demand is high, but the supply is low, and that drives up prices. I’ve heard a lot of people say we’re actually in a housing bubble. That’s when demand causes home prices to jump so high, so fast, that buyers can’t keep up. Homes stop selling, flooding the market and causing prices to drop like a rock. But I don’t think that’s what’s going on.

We have a housing&nbsp;shortage, fueled by a shortage in building supplies—another thing to thank COVID-19 for. With fewer new homes to choose from, buyers are looking at used homes, but not many people are selling right now. Plus, a lot of the buyers are moving to areas with a much lower cost of living, so they have the cash to make these wild offers on the homes that are available. That’s the perfect combination for the feeding frenzy we’re seeing now. And even though I think the frenzy will slow and prices will stabilize, I don’t think home prices will drop significantly any time soon.

What does a hot housing market mean for sellers?

This is great news for sellers! With more motivated buyers than sellers, competition is fierce, and sellers have the advantage. You can sit back, let the offers roll in, and pick the best one. But you shouldn’t make the leap to sell until you’re sure you’re financially&nbsp;and&nbsp;emotionally ready. If you are, the next step is to find a reputable agent and talk over your situation:

●Are you selling&nbsp;and&nbsp;buying?&nbsp;Sell your home before you buy. You’ll likely be able to sell your home before you find a new one, but you never want risk being stuck paying&nbsp;two&nbsp;mortgages.

●Use your advantage in your favor.&nbsp;In a hot housing market, buyers will be more likely to accept&nbsp;your&nbsp;terms. Take advantage of it!

●A multiple-offer game plan is a must.&nbsp;Get on the same page with your agent on price, types of financing, and contingencies you’ll accept so it’s easy to pick the best offer.

●Higher price point homes aren’t moving quite as fast.&nbsp;Houses valued at $500,000 and up may take a little longer to sell, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few more showings to get offers.

What does a hot housing market mean for buyers?&nbsp;

It may be a seller’s market right now. But buyers aren’t completely out of luck. One thing’s for sure: Buyers need a seasoned real estate pro on their side. Between crazy offers and fewer homes to choose from, this is no time for amateur hour.

Here’s some advice for winning in a seller’s market:

●Stick to your budget.&nbsp;Don’t let emotion or a time crunch cause you to make bad money decisions. House fever causes 20% of first-time home buyers to go over budget.<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/first-time-home-buyers-housing-2021/">[3]</a>&nbsp;This is a&nbsp;bad&nbsp;idea.

●Know what it takes to have a competitive offer.&nbsp;If you’re buying with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator">mortgage</a>, get preapproved—not just prequalified—for a&nbsp;conventional loan. I always recommend a 15-year, fixed-rate loan, where the monthly payments are no more than 25% of your take-home pay.

●Make a cash offer if you can.&nbsp;Cash is king, and it’ll set you apart from other buyers in a good way!

●Know when to walk away.&nbsp;Before you blow your budget or settle for a home you don’t really want, stop and let things cool off a bit. Waiting a few months may feel like an eternity, but it can be just enough time to let a hot housing market settle down.

●Be prepared for a longer search.&nbsp;This is especially true if you’re a first-time home buyer.

Most real estate pros agree this seller’s market is here to stay for a while. While home prices have exploded nationwide, every market is different, so be prepared for just about anything. Regardless, play it smart. A new home should be a blessing, not a burden—both emotionally&nbsp;and&nbsp;financially!

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on&nbsp;Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business&nbsp;and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE RAMSEYThe housing market is white hot right now! Home prices are&nbsp;way&nbsp;up over last year, and 50% of homes are selling for more than the asking price—$20,000, $50,000, even $100,000 more in some cases.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-half-of-homes-sell-above-list-price/" target="_blank">[1]</a>&nbsp;That’s causing buyers everywhere to do&nbsp;some insane things to get the houses they want. More than half made an offer last year without seeing the house in person.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/remote-homebuying-surges-to-new-high/" target="_blank">[2]</a>&nbsp;Many are even willing to skip a home inspection if it will get their offer accepted. In case you’re wondering, both are really bad ideas.There’s nothing mysterious about a hot housing market. It’s what happens when you have more buyers than homes to buy. Demand is high, but the supply is low, and that drives up prices. I’ve heard a lot of people say we’re actually in a housing bubble. That’s when demand causes home prices to jump so high, so fast, that buyers can’t keep up. Homes stop selling, flooding the market and causing prices to drop like a rock. But I don’t think that’s what’s going on.We have a housing&nbsp;shortage, fueled by a shortage in building supplies—another thing to thank COVID-19 for. With fewer new homes to choose from, buyers are looking at used homes, but not many people are selling right now. Plus, a lot of the buyers are moving to areas with a much lower cost of living, so they have the cash to make these wild offers on the homes that are available. That’s the perfect combination for the feeding frenzy we’re seeing now. And even though I think the frenzy will slow and prices will stabilize, I don’t think home prices will drop significantly any time soon.What does a hot housing market mean for sellers?This is great news for sellers! With more motivated buyers than sellers, competition is fierce, and sellers have the advantage. You can sit back, let the offers roll in, and pick the best one. But you shouldn’t make the leap to sell until you’re sure you’re financially&nbsp;and&nbsp;emotionally ready. If you are, the next step is to find a reputable agent and talk over your situation:●Are you selling&nbsp;and&nbsp;buying?&nbsp;Sell your home before you buy. You’ll likely be able to sell your home before you find a new one, but you never want risk being stuck paying&nbsp;two&nbsp;mortgages.●Use your advantage in your favor.&nbsp;In a hot housing market, buyers will be more likely to accept&nbsp;your&nbsp;terms. Take advantage of it!●A multiple-offer game plan is a must.&nbsp;Get on the same page with your agent on price, types of financing, and contingencies you’ll accept so it’s easy to pick the best offer.●Higher price point homes aren’t moving quite as fast.&nbsp;Houses valued at $500,000 and up may take a little longer to sell, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few more showings to get offers.What does a hot housing market mean for buyers?&nbsp;It may be a seller’s market right now. But buyers aren’t completely out of luck. One thing’s for sure: Buyers need a seasoned real estate pro on their side. Between crazy offers and fewer homes to choose from, this is no time for amateur hour.Here’s some advice for winning in a seller’s market:●Stick to your budget.&nbsp;Don’t let emotion or a time crunch cause you to make bad money decisions. House fever causes 20% of first-time home buyers to go over budget.<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/first-time-home-buyers-housing-2021/">[3]</a>&nbsp;This is a&nbsp;bad&nbsp;idea.●Know what it takes to have a competitive offer.&nbsp;If you’re buying with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator">mortgage</a>, get preapproved—not just prequalified—for a&nbsp;conventional loan. I always recommend a 15-year, fixed-rate loan, where the monthly payments are no more than 25% of your take-home pay.●Make a cash offer if you can.&nbsp;Cash is king, and it’ll set you apart from other buyers in a good way!●Know when to walk away.&nbsp;Before you blow your budget or settle for a home you don’t really want, stop and let things cool off a bit. Waiting a few months may feel like an eternity, but it can be just enough time to let a hot housing market settle down.●Be prepared for a longer search.&nbsp;This is especially true if you’re a first-time home buyer.Most real estate pros agree this seller’s market is here to stay for a while. While home prices have exploded nationwide, every market is different, so be prepared for just about anything. Regardless, play it smart. A new home should be a blessing, not a burden—both emotionally&nbsp;and&nbsp;financially!Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on&nbsp;Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business&nbsp;and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RAMSEY: Buying and selling in a hot housing market

When firm dates for the 45th-anniversary Smoky Hill River Festival were announced in February, many river festival fans were elated, but none so much as Salina mixed-media artist Julie Cates, who was selected to design the Festival T-shirt for the second year in a row.

"I was overjoyed," Cates said about the festival’s return for 2021. "It felt like the first glimmer of hope that life and celebration could return to Salina. I wanted the 45th-anniversary T-shirt design to reflect that excitement."

Born in Kansas City and raised in Salina, Cates’s love for creating began in Anne Nettleton’s first-grade art class at Hageman Elementary School.

 "I sold my first drawing entitled 'Sam, My Cat' for 50 cents at the counter of my parent’s chicken restaurant at the age of six," she said.

After attending K-State, then the University in Illinois, Cates moved to Warm Springs, Ga., to serve as the director for the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, running sports programs for elite wheelchair athletes.

"When 9/11 happened, I didn’t love not being able to come home, and I missed Kansas," Cates said. "Robin was working in retail and wanted more freedom, so we asked ourselves what we could do that was more creative and closer to home. In December 2001, we came up with a five-year plan, and five months later, we had a building and were open." 

As Cates came back to her life’s calling, she said, "I realized I should have listened to my mother in the first place, and I returned to art."

In 2002, Julie and sister Robin opened On The Pot: A Pottery Playhouse, in downtown Salina. Over the years, they have assumed various roles to lead and encourage other business owners or designers in the pottery industry. In 2015, Cates launched the Good JuJu Art Paper Goods Line, sold in retail locations nationally for three years. In 2016, PYOP Studio Stuff began carrying their silk-screen designs, now sold globally.

In creating the 2021 t-shirt, Cates wanted to highlight the river festival’s vibrancy, togetherness, and fun. 

"The bright, colorful elements springing out of the '2021' are meant to represent Salina and the Smoky Hill River Festival bursting with excitement, as our community looks forward to coming together again," she said.

Inclusion of a spray-paint can, a balloon, musical instruments and other icons represent some of her favorite aspects of the festival.

Cates’ professional relationship with the river festival goes back to 2009, when she first worked as an installation artist. From 2014-2016, she exhibited and sold in the Four Rivers Craft Market, now known as the West Side of the Fine Art and Craft Show. Since 2017 and again for 2021, Cates will work as a demonstration artist, showing and selling her wood mixed-media pieces.

"I can’t think of very many things that unite our city like the festival," Cates said. "I love looking around and seeing the hundreds of volunteers who happily come out and give of themselves, to make sure the park is clean, the artists are taken care of, and that everyone is having a safe, fun time. That’s what keeps the artists, makers, performers and others coming back."

Time spent at the festival guided Cates towards a career in art. 

"One of my earliest memories is making buttons in the children’s tent," she said. "It was the first time my artwork had been turned into something finished- it felt permanent and kind of professional. A couple of years ago, one of the kiddos who purchased one of my First Treasures pieces came to visit my booth and gifted me with a button she had made. I must admit, I cried a bit."

Along with being a festival artist, Cates is one of its biggest fans. 

"The festival brings the arts to the center of our city. It’s the time when our community becomes its very best. The park comes alive with color, music, laughter and reunions, filled with people from every corner of the country with different viewpoints on every subject. For four days, we come together to be treated to a feast of the senses. It’s a celebration of who we can be," Cates said.

Regionally, Cates’ multimedia work has been shown at the Salina Country Club, the Salina Community Theatre, the Five Star Art Festival in Abilene, and is sold at A Store Called Stuff in the Brookside area of Kansas City, Mo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623727322588.png" alt="Julie Cates. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>Julie Cates. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>When firm dates for the 45th-anniversary Smoky Hill River Festival were announced in February, many river festival fans were elated, but none so much as Salina mixed-media artist Julie Cates, who was selected to design the Festival T-shirt for the second year in a row."I was overjoyed," Cates said about the festival’s return for 2021. "It felt like the first glimmer of hope that life and celebration could return to Salina. I wanted the 45th-anniversary T-shirt design to reflect that excitement."Born in Kansas City and raised in Salina, Cates’s love for creating began in Anne Nettleton’s first-grade art class at Hageman Elementary School. "I sold my first drawing entitled 'Sam, My Cat' for 50 cents at the counter of my parent’s chicken restaurant at the age of six," she said.After attending K-State, then the University in Illinois, Cates moved to Warm Springs, Ga., to serve as the director for the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, running sports programs for elite wheelchair athletes."When 9/11 happened, I didn’t love not being able to come home, and I missed Kansas," Cates said. "Robin was working in retail and wanted more freedom, so we asked ourselves what we could do that was more creative and closer to home. In December 2001, we came up with a five-year plan, and five months later, we had a building and were open." As Cates came back to her life’s calling, she said, "I realized I should have listened to my mother in the first place, and I returned to art."In 2002, Julie and sister Robin opened On The Pot: A Pottery Playhouse, in downtown Salina. Over the years, they have assumed various roles to lead and encourage other business owners or designers in the pottery industry. In 2015, Cates launched the Good JuJu Art Paper Goods Line, sold in retail locations nationally for three years. In 2016, PYOP Studio Stuff began carrying their silk-screen designs, now sold globally.In creating the 2021 t-shirt, Cates wanted to highlight the river festival’s vibrancy, togetherness, and fun. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623727386000.png" alt="The design for the 2021 Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirt." />
 <figcaption>The design for the 2021 Smoky Hill River Festival t-shirt.</figcaption>
 </figure>"The bright, colorful elements springing out of the '2021' are meant to represent Salina and the Smoky Hill River Festival bursting with excitement, as our community looks forward to coming together again," she said.Inclusion of a spray-paint can, a balloon, musical instruments and other icons represent some of her favorite aspects of the festival.Cates’ professional relationship with the river festival goes back to 2009, when she first worked as an installation artist. From 2014-2016, she exhibited and sold in the Four Rivers Craft Market, now known as the West Side of the Fine Art and Craft Show. Since 2017 and again for 2021, Cates will work as a demonstration artist, showing and selling her wood mixed-media pieces."I can’t think of very many things that unite our city like the festival," Cates said. "I love looking around and seeing the hundreds of volunteers who happily come out and give of themselves, to make sure the park is clean, the artists are taken care of, and that everyone is having a safe, fun time. That’s what keeps the artists, makers, performers and others coming back."Time spent at the festival guided Cates towards a career in art. "One of my earliest memories is making buttons in the children’s tent," she said. "It was the first time my artwork had been turned into something finished- it felt permanent and kind of professional. A couple of years ago, one of the kiddos who purchased one of my First Treasures pieces came to visit my booth and gifted me with a button she had made. I must admit, I cried a bit."Along with being a festival artist, Cates is one of its biggest fans. "The festival brings the arts to the center of our city. It’s the time when our community becomes its very best. The park comes alive with color, music, laughter and reunions, filled with people from every corner of the country with different viewpoints on every subject. For four days, we come together to be treated to a feast of the senses. It’s a celebration of who we can be," Cates said.Regionally, Cates’ multimedia work has been shown at the Salina Country Club, the Salina Community Theatre, the Five Star Art Festival in Abilene, and is sold at A Store Called Stuff in the Brookside area of Kansas City, Mo.

Local artist creates 45th anniversary river festival t-shirt

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Gross">Obituary for William "Bill" Gross | Ryan Mortuary</a>

January 21, 1947 ~ June 10, 2021 (age 74)

William "Bill" Gross&nbsp;of Salina, KS, passed away on June 10, 2021 at 74 years old after his brave and courageous 17-month battle with relentless pancreatic cancer. In his characteristic "buckle down and do the hard work" spirit, Bill fought for life to the end with his family by his side, showing grace, tenacity, toughness, and good spirit. He will be forever missed as a devoted husband, dad, Pops, pilot and teacher, a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Bill began his inspiring life journey on January 21, 1947. His unmatched work ethic was learned on the family farm. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1965, and married the love of his life on June 17, 1967. Bill and Elaine grew up 1/2 mile down the dirt road from each other in Friend, KS. Elaine first fell in love with his horse, Buck, but quickly was smitten by the tall, dark and handsome cowboy! 

Bill and Elaine moved to Manhattan, KS where Bill attended Kansas State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1970, agriculture education in 1971 and his master’s in agriculture education in 1973. Bill spent two years at KSU in ROTC and then attended U.S. Army Basic Training at Fort Ord, CA with a total of six years serving in the United States military.

While a KSU student, Bill began his illustrious flight career as a student pilot in 1968, earning his certified flight instructor rating in 1970 and working as a CFI for Capital Air. Bill taught agriculture education at Riley County High School 1972-1973. From 1973-1986 he worked for Farmland Industries in animal feed and vet supply sales, getting acquainted with many small towns in the state of Kansas. Bill and Elaine welcomed their children Mikala in 1975 and Guy in 1976. 

In 1979, Bill became a designated flight examiner and spent many nights and weekends facilitating countless check-rides for years to come. He was an insurance sales rep for Farm Bureau 1986-1988. Bill became the chief flight instructor at Kansas Technical Institute in 1987. In 1991, KTI merged with Kansas State University College of Technology and Aviation where Bill remained chief pilot and professor for over 30 years, leading and impacting the lives of thousands of flight students. In 2021 the KSU flight program was renamed to The Bill Gross Professional Pilot Program.

While tirelessly working throughout the years to perfect his knowledge of aircraft, Bill earned a staggering number of ratings in airplanes, jets and helicopters. He had over 31,000 flight hours and earned the elite honor of being a designated master flight instructor nine times, as well as receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which is earned by less than one percent of pilots. For Bill, all of that was just part of the job, and without question. The best part of the profession for him was guiding, teaching, mentoring and sometimes being a stand-in parent for his students. At age 74, Bill barely considered retiring because he still had a job to do - his calling and passion was to serve student pilots, and as he always said, he had the best view out his office window!

Bill’s most important place in life was that of a husband, father, and grandfather. Family was everything to Bill, and he lived that through the end. His greatest joy was being an amazing Pops to his five grandchildren, especially watching them play sports and taking them for rides on the John Deere tractor. Just as much, he loved sitting on the porch with his wife, having dinner with friends, and enjoying the simple things in life.

Bill was a diehard KSU Wildcat fan, holding season tickets for many years, frequently sharing his tickets and sweet tailgate parking spot with students and friends. In his rare downtime, he also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, always supporting the home team.

Beloved for his friendliness, steadfast devotion to family and students, vast aviation knowledge, and love of KSU Wildcats, Bill’s humble spirit and legacy live on through his life-long love and wife of 54 years, Elaine, his children Mikala (Greg January), and Guy (Kate Gross); grandchildren Austyne and Jett January, and Gunnar, Grayton and Kallia Gross; brothers Doug (Kay Gross), and Gene (Connie Gross); and extended family, many friends and students forever impacted by Bill’s goodness and wisdom. Bill’s parents, Ralph and Frances, and sister Susan and infant brother Warren, preceded him in death.

A special thank you to the countless family, friends, nurses, and doctors, for your love and support during this difficult journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. at The Ark Church, 2020 South Ohio, Salina KS 67401. To all who attend this once in a lifetime event honoring this small-town legend, as well as celebrating Bill and Elaine’s 54th wedding anniversary, admission is free! If you are so inclined, please wear purple or your pilot uniform in honor of Bill.

The service will also be live-streamed on The Ark Salina Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please pray that the Wildcats have a winning season, or support what Bill loved dearly by sending a memorial contribution, which will be used for the Bill and Elaine Gross Scholarship fund to continue his legacy of supporting the excellent training of future pilots, or to fund our family's mission at The Yard providing financial need-based scholarships for young baseball and softball players. Bill would appreciate either or both.

Venmo @Bill-GrossMemorial (no fees) Checks Payable to: Bill Gross Memorial Fund. Give to family or mail to First Bank Kansas, PO Box 1337, Salina KS 67402-9939 <a href="https://www.kansasyouthsports.org/the-yard" target="_blank">The Yard: https://www.kansasyouthsports.org/the-yard</a> Go Fund Me (will deduct 3% of contribution):&nbsp;<a href="https://gofund.me/cd5460be" target="_blank">https://gofund.me/cd5460be</a>

Following the service, the family encourages listening to old country music and raising a cold beer in celebration of Bill’s remarkable life.

Fly High Captain Bill - - Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Bill" Gross, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Gross/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>William 'Bill' Gross, Salina</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623531602972.jpeg" alt="William 'Bill' Gross" />
 <figcaption>William 'Bill' Gross</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Gross">Obituary for William "Bill" Gross | Ryan Mortuary</a>January 21, 1947 ~ June 10, 2021 (age 74)William "Bill" Gross&nbsp;of Salina, KS, passed away on June 10, 2021 at 74 years old after his brave and courageous 17-month battle with relentless pancreatic cancer. In his characteristic "buckle down and do the hard work" spirit, Bill fought for life to the end with his family by his side, showing grace, tenacity, toughness, and good spirit. He will be forever missed as a devoted husband, dad, Pops, pilot and teacher, a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and friend.Bill began his inspiring life journey on January 21, 1947. His unmatched work ethic was learned on the family farm. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1965, and married the love of his life on June 17, 1967. Bill and Elaine grew up 1/2 mile down the dirt road from each other in Friend, KS. Elaine first fell in love with his horse, Buck, but quickly was smitten by the tall, dark and handsome cowboy! Bill and Elaine moved to Manhattan, KS where Bill attended Kansas State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1970, agriculture education in 1971 and his master’s in agriculture education in 1973. Bill spent two years at KSU in ROTC and then attended U.S. Army Basic Training at Fort Ord, CA with a total of six years serving in the United States military.While a KSU student, Bill began his illustrious flight career as a student pilot in 1968, earning his certified flight instructor rating in 1970 and working as a CFI for Capital Air. Bill taught agriculture education at Riley County High School 1972-1973. From 1973-1986 he worked for Farmland Industries in animal feed and vet supply sales, getting acquainted with many small towns in the state of Kansas. Bill and Elaine welcomed their children Mikala in 1975 and Guy in 1976. In 1979, Bill became a designated flight examiner and spent many nights and weekends facilitating countless check-rides for years to come. He was an insurance sales rep for Farm Bureau 1986-1988. Bill became the chief flight instructor at Kansas Technical Institute in 1987. In 1991, KTI merged with Kansas State University College of Technology and Aviation where Bill remained chief pilot and professor for over 30 years, leading and impacting the lives of thousands of flight students. In 2021 the KSU flight program was renamed to The Bill Gross Professional Pilot Program.While tirelessly working throughout the years to perfect his knowledge of aircraft, Bill earned a staggering number of ratings in airplanes, jets and helicopters. He had over 31,000 flight hours and earned the elite honor of being a designated master flight instructor nine times, as well as receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which is earned by less than one percent of pilots. For Bill, all of that was just part of the job, and without question. The best part of the profession for him was guiding, teaching, mentoring and sometimes being a stand-in parent for his students. At age 74, Bill barely considered retiring because he still had a job to do - his calling and passion was to serve student pilots, and as he always said, he had the best view out his office window!Bill’s most important place in life was that of a husband, father, and grandfather. Family was everything to Bill, and he lived that through the end. His greatest joy was being an amazing Pops to his five grandchildren, especially watching them play sports and taking them for rides on the John Deere tractor. Just as much, he loved sitting on the porch with his wife, having dinner with friends, and enjoying the simple things in life.Bill was a diehard KSU Wildcat fan, holding season tickets for many years, frequently sharing his tickets and sweet tailgate parking spot with students and friends. In his rare downtime, he also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, always supporting the home team.Beloved for his friendliness, steadfast devotion to family and students, vast aviation knowledge, and love of KSU Wildcats, Bill’s humble spirit and legacy live on through his life-long love and wife of 54 years, Elaine, his children Mikala (Greg January), and Guy (Kate Gross); grandchildren Austyne and Jett January, and Gunnar, Grayton and Kallia Gross; brothers Doug (Kay Gross), and Gene (Connie Gross); and extended family, many friends and students forever impacted by Bill’s goodness and wisdom. Bill’s parents, Ralph and Frances, and sister Susan and infant brother Warren, preceded him in death.A special thank you to the countless family, friends, nurses, and doctors, for your love and support during this difficult journey.A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. at The Ark Church, 2020 South Ohio, Salina KS 67401. To all who attend this once in a lifetime event honoring this small-town legend, as well as celebrating Bill and Elaine’s 54th wedding anniversary, admission is free! If you are so inclined, please wear purple or your pilot uniform in honor of Bill.The service will also be live-streamed on The Ark Salina Facebook page.In lieu of flowers, please pray that the Wildcats have a winning season, or support what Bill loved dearly by sending a memorial contribution, which will be used for the Bill and Elaine Gross Scholarship fund to continue his legacy of supporting the excellent training of future pilots, or to fund our family's mission at The Yard providing financial need-based scholarships for young baseball and softball players. Bill would appreciate either or both. Venmo @Bill-GrossMemorial (no fees) Checks Payable to: Bill Gross Memorial Fund. Give to family or mail to First Bank Kansas, PO Box 1337, Salina KS 67402-9939 <a href="https://www.kansasyouthsports.org/the-yard" target="_blank">The Yard: https://www.kansasyouthsports.org/the-yard</a> Go Fund Me (will deduct 3% of contribution):&nbsp;<a href="https://gofund.me/cd5460be" target="_blank">https://gofund.me/cd5460be</a>Following the service, the family encourages listening to old country music and raising a cold beer in celebration of Bill’s remarkable life.Fly High Captain Bill - - Blue Skies and Tailwinds!To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Bill" Gross, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Gross/sympathy">floral store.</a>

William 'Bill' Gross

The American Red Cross wants you to PUMP Up The Volume!

The annual PUMP Up The Volume Salina Community Blood Drive is scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. June 28-29 and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. June 30 at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit Avenue. The blood drive is sponsored by Eagle Radio and its entities: 99 KG, 94.5 Prime FM, KINA, and Salina Post.

Radio listeners are challenged to donate during the three-day drive and vote for their favorite participating radio station. The winning station receives bragging rights and a traveling trophy to display for a year.

Since 2010, the Pump Up the Volume Blood Drive has raised more than 4,125 donations, according to information from the American Red Cross. This year’s goal is 234 donations.

Healthy donors are asked to make an appointment to give at this year’s Pump Up the Volume Blood Drive by using the Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

All who donate June 14-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card by email. Restrictions apply and are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://redcrossblood.org/SummerFullOfLife">RedCrossBlood.org/SummerFullOfLife</a>.

According to the American Red Cross, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges to blood donations and in the care and treatment of cancer patients. The Red Cross continues to feel the ongoing effects of COVID-19 as each month roughly 1,000 drives are canceled, impacting the collection of approximately 30,000 units of lifesaving blood.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society reported that many patient visits and procedures were forced to be delayed or canceled early in the pandemic to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. According to the American Cancer Society, while cancer deaths dropped at the onset of the pandemic, those rates will likely increase in the months and years to come due to delays in diagnosis and treatment

This June, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time. Many cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, will likely have a need for blood products. When donors give blood or platelets to the Red Cross, they’re helping cancer patients receive the care they need.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622771762163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The American Red Cross wants you to PUMP Up The Volume!The annual PUMP Up The Volume Salina Community Blood Drive is scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. June 28-29 and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. June 30 at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit Avenue. The blood drive is sponsored by Eagle Radio and its entities: 99 KG, 94.5 Prime FM, KINA, and Salina Post.Radio listeners are challenged to donate during the three-day drive and vote for their favorite participating radio station. The winning station receives bragging rights and a traveling trophy to display for a year.Since 2010, the Pump Up the Volume Blood Drive has raised more than 4,125 donations, according to information from the American Red Cross. This year’s goal is 234 donations.Healthy donors are asked to make an appointment to give at this year’s Pump Up the Volume Blood Drive by using the Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.All who donate June 14-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card by email. Restrictions apply and are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://redcrossblood.org/SummerFullOfLife">RedCrossBlood.org/SummerFullOfLife</a>.According to the American Red Cross, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges to blood donations and in the care and treatment of cancer patients. The Red Cross continues to feel the ongoing effects of COVID-19 as each month roughly 1,000 drives are canceled, impacting the collection of approximately 30,000 units of lifesaving blood.Additionally, the American Cancer Society reported that many patient visits and procedures were forced to be delayed or canceled early in the pandemic to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. According to the American Cancer Society, while cancer deaths dropped at the onset of the pandemic, those rates will likely increase in the months and years to come due to delays in diagnosis and treatmentThis June, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time. Many cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, will likely have a need for blood products. When donors give blood or platelets to the Red Cross, they’re helping cancer patients receive the care they need.

Have you made your appointment to help PUMP Up The Volume?

<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/obituaries/L-Mccall/">L. Duane McCall Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (gliddenedigerfuneral.com)</a>

Duane McCall, 85, of McPherson, passed away at 10:20 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2021 while in the company of his wife at McPherson Hospital. Duane was born in Woodston, Kansas on November 1, 1935, a son of Hattie Rose (Covey) and Leland William McCall. Duane attended the Woodston Grade School, and graduated from Woodston High School, Woodston, Kansas. He then attended an electronics trade school in Topeka, Kansas for a year. He was a member of Harmony Christian Church McPherson, where he was baptized. Duane McCall was united in marriage to Roberta May Shields on September 23, 1960 at St. Francis, Kansas. The couple established their first home together in Glade, Kansas. They were blessed with six children -&nbsp; four sons and two daughters, Rick, Coral, Tim, Mitch, Terry, and Randy. The couple moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1981 and lived their until 1986 when the couple moved to McPherson, Kansas. Duane has always been a truck driver, starting out by working for his father hauling livestock. He had his own trucking business called McCall Trucking for many years before going to work for Farmland and later worked for Cenex in which he retired from. It was while he was driving for Farmland, his fellow truckers gave him the nick name "Pokey." After retirement he drove for Ryan Reiff hauling grain until he was 80 years old. Duane enjoyed driving a truck, reading, watching western shows on TV, listening to country music, especially the Diamond W. Wranglers, traveling and going on cruises, rescuing Boston Terriers, visiting and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 60 years, Roberta McCall, of McPherson, Kansas; his children Rick McCall, of Culver, Kansas; Coral McCall, of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Timothy McCall and wife Karen of Derby, Kansas; Mitch McCall of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Terry Plunkett and husband Alan of Carlton, Kansas; and Randy McCall of Grove, Oklahoma; his 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; other relatives and a host of friends Duane was preceded in death by his parents Hattie and Leland McCall; and his sisters Delores McCall and Darlene LeFort. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson. The funeral service will be held at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, with Pastor Robert H. Park officiating. Burial will be in the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boston Terrier Rescue of Omaha and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid, McPherson, Kansas.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of L. Duane McCall,&nbsp; please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>L. Duane McCall, McPherson</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623450135241.jpeg" alt="L. Duane McCall" />
 <figcaption>L. Duane McCall</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/obituaries/L-Mccall/">L. Duane McCall Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (gliddenedigerfuneral.com)</a>November 1, 1935 - June 9, 2021Duane McCall, 85, of McPherson, passed away at 10:20 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2021 while in the company of his wife at McPherson Hospital. Duane was born in Woodston, Kansas on November 1, 1935, a son of Hattie Rose (Covey) and Leland William McCall. Duane attended the Woodston Grade School, and graduated from Woodston High School, Woodston, Kansas. He then attended an electronics trade school in Topeka, Kansas for a year. He was a member of Harmony Christian Church McPherson, where he was baptized. Duane McCall was united in marriage to Roberta May Shields on September 23, 1960 at St. Francis, Kansas. The couple established their first home together in Glade, Kansas. They were blessed with six children -&nbsp; four sons and two daughters, Rick, Coral, Tim, Mitch, Terry, and Randy. The couple moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1981 and lived their until 1986 when the couple moved to McPherson, Kansas. Duane has always been a truck driver, starting out by working for his father hauling livestock. He had his own trucking business called McCall Trucking for many years before going to work for Farmland and later worked for Cenex in which he retired from. It was while he was driving for Farmland, his fellow truckers gave him the nick name "Pokey." After retirement he drove for Ryan Reiff hauling grain until he was 80 years old. Duane enjoyed driving a truck, reading, watching western shows on TV, listening to country music, especially the Diamond W. Wranglers, traveling and going on cruises, rescuing Boston Terriers, visiting and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 60 years, Roberta McCall, of McPherson, Kansas; his children Rick McCall, of Culver, Kansas; Coral McCall, of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Timothy McCall and wife Karen of Derby, Kansas; Mitch McCall of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Terry Plunkett and husband Alan of Carlton, Kansas; and Randy McCall of Grove, Oklahoma; his 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; other relatives and a host of friends Duane was preceded in death by his parents Hattie and Leland McCall; and his sisters Delores McCall and Darlene LeFort. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson. The funeral service will be held at Glidden - Ediger Chapel, McPherson, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, with Pastor Robert H. Park officiating. Burial will be in the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boston Terrier Rescue of Omaha and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid, McPherson, Kansas. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of L. Duane McCall,&nbsp; please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gliddenedigerfuneral.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

L. Duane McCall

I’m on Baby Step 2, and I’m working hard to get out of debt. My last two debts are $6,000 on a credit card, and $10,000 on a car loan. I’ll be receiving a $6,000 bonus at work in a couple of weeks, and I was wondering what to do with the money. I’m single, and I make about $45,000 a year, so should I sell the car and get rid of some debt that way, or use the extra money to completely pay off the credit card debt?

Just remember the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">debt snowball</a>—pay off your smallest to largest. In your case, that means knocking out the credit card debt completely, and&nbsp;then&nbsp;attack the car loan with a vengeance. It will be a lot easier once you’re rid of that credit card debt. A $10,000 car with a $45,000 income isn’t unreasonable, but don’t mess around and let that note hang around longer than absolutely necessary.

My rule of thumb when it comes to things with motors, wheels—I’m talking about big toys, here—is when they’re all added together, they shouldn’t equal more than half your annual income. You don’t want that much money wrapped up in things that are going down in value. You’re in no danger of that here, but at this point you’re so close to being debt-free you can practically taste it.

Follow the plan, Aaron. And stay focused and intense about becoming debt-free. You’re almost there!

Recently, I made a claim on my homeowner’s insurance for hail damage. It was my first claim ever. Since I’m retired and completely debt-free—including my home—and have over $1 million in the bank, is homeowner’s insurance still a good idea? The house is insured for $250,000, with a $5,000 deductible, and the insurance is about $1,200 a year.

You’re obviously in good financial shape, but I’d still recommend you have an up-to-date homeowner’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/coverage-checkup" target="_blank">insurance</a>&nbsp;policy. If something happened to my home or one of my rental properties, I could write a check and replace any of them. But I still have homeowner’s insurance on every single one.

It’s just good risk management to transfer the chances of a fire, tornado, or other catastrophic events to homeowner’s insurance. If something disastrous happened, you could write a check to cover the deductible with no problem. But writing a check for $250,000? You’d feel that one. Keep the policy, Mary!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Smallest to largest</h2>Dear Dave,I’m on Baby Step 2, and I’m working hard to get out of debt. My last two debts are $6,000 on a credit card, and $10,000 on a car loan. I’ll be receiving a $6,000 bonus at work in a couple of weeks, and I was wondering what to do with the money. I’m single, and I make about $45,000 a year, so should I sell the car and get rid of some debt that way, or use the extra money to completely pay off the credit card debt?AaronDear Aaron,Just remember the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">debt snowball</a>—pay off your smallest to largest. In your case, that means knocking out the credit card debt completely, and&nbsp;then&nbsp;attack the car loan with a vengeance. It will be a lot easier once you’re rid of that credit card debt. A $10,000 car with a $45,000 income isn’t unreasonable, but don’t mess around and let that note hang around longer than absolutely necessary.My rule of thumb when it comes to things with motors, wheels—I’m talking about big toys, here—is when they’re all added together, they shouldn’t equal more than half your annual income. You don’t want that much money wrapped up in things that are going down in value. You’re in no danger of that here, but at this point you’re so close to being debt-free you can practically taste it.Follow the plan, Aaron. And stay focused and intense about becoming debt-free. You’re almost there!Dave<h2>Keep the homeowner’s insurance</h2>Dear Dave,Recently, I made a claim on my homeowner’s insurance for hail damage. It was my first claim ever. Since I’m retired and completely debt-free—including my home—and have over $1 million in the bank, is homeowner’s insurance still a good idea? The house is insured for $250,000, with a $5,000 deductible, and the insurance is about $1,200 a year.MaryDear Mary,You’re obviously in good financial shape, but I’d still recommend you have an up-to-date homeowner’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/coverage-checkup" target="_blank">insurance</a>&nbsp;policy. If something happened to my home or one of my rental properties, I could write a check and replace any of them. But I still have homeowner’s insurance on every single one.It’s just good risk management to transfer the chances of a fire, tornado, or other catastrophic events to homeowner’s insurance. If something disastrous happened, you could write a check to cover the deductible with no problem. But writing a check for $250,000? You’d feel that one. Keep the policy, Mary!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions

DAVE SAYS: Smallest to largest; Keep homeowner’s insurance

By&nbsp;NOAH TABORDA Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — Veterans, family and friends attended a memorial ceremony for fallen service members Wednesday just one day after an airman of the Kansas National Guard died in a military vehicle training accident.

Airmen of the 184th Air Support Operations Squadron were training 10 miles west of Salina when their vehicle overturned, according to the National Guard. All three people on board were injured, one found unresponsive.

The unresponsive airman died on the way to the hospital via helicopter. The other two airmen are being treated in Salina.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/f4aac6e0-82f9-4268-a166-c98715df7a60">UPDATE: Humvee rolls; Salina man killed, two others injured</a>

“I am hoping the two injured airmen a speedy recovery and share my condolences with the family, loved ones and fellow guardsmen of the service member who tragically lost his life,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement following the ceremony, where she also spoke. “His commitment to our state will not be forgotten.”

The cause of the accident is not yet known and is under investigation.

The governor attended the opening ceremony of a traveling memorial honoring veterans who have died since 9/11. The “Remembering Our Fallen” memorial is on display outside the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka.

The memorial features more than 30 towers with thousands of photographs of deceased veterans. The exhibit will be on display until 6 p.m. Monday.

Kelly said the airman who lost his life in the accident is the reason these types of memorials are important.

“These are folks who really did sacrifice their lives in service to our country,” Kelly said. “They were in training exercises … because you know, much like firefighters, you train, train and train for that one moment and you might be actually required to put it into place.”

The ceremony was attended by dozens of soldiers, active and retired, their families and two Gold Star mothers, whose children died in service to the country.

Justin Gordon, an Army veteran and museum board member, reflected upon his own fallen comrades to help ensure their memories live on. Gordon told the story of Sgt.t 1st Class Paul Smith, who served in the same battalion as him for several years. Smith died in April 2003 outside Baghdad International Airport after defending his fellow soldiers in an ambush.

In 2005, Smith’s family was invited to the White House, where he was honored as the first recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Iraq War.

“I myself have eight towers that I need to visit while the memorial is out here,” Gordon said. “These were my West Point classmates. They were my fellow soldiers, and they were my friends.”

Col. Dan Skoda, commander of the Kansas National Guard’s 190th Air Refueling Wing, paid tribute to three Topeka natives killed in action&nbsp;—&nbsp;Pfc. Richard Dewater, Pfc. Jeremy Drexler and Spc. Kyle Thomas

Skoda invited those in attendance to share their stories with him and others so that their loved ones would also live on in memory.

“Tell your story with us and the legacy they left behind,” Skoda said. “We will listen and are here to share in your pride and in your sorrow. …By attending today’s event, you honor those who sacrifice everything, and you ensure their brave actions are not forgotten.”

The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623329861882.jpeg" alt="The traveling “Remembering Our Fallen” memorial on display outside the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka opened Wednesday. It honors those military service members who passed away after 9/11. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The traveling “Remembering Our Fallen” memorial on display outside the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka opened Wednesday. It honors those military service members who passed away after 9/11. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;NOAH TABORDA Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — Veterans, family and friends attended a memorial ceremony for fallen service members Wednesday just one day after an airman of the Kansas National Guard died in a military vehicle training accident.Airmen of the 184th Air Support Operations Squadron were training 10 miles west of Salina when their vehicle overturned, according to the National Guard. All three people on board were injured, one found unresponsive.The unresponsive airman died on the way to the hospital via helicopter. The other two airmen are being treated in Salina.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/f4aac6e0-82f9-4268-a166-c98715df7a60">UPDATE: Humvee rolls; Salina man killed, two others injured</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623329956535.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly in a moment of prayer at the opening ceremony of the traveling memorial Wednesday. Kelly expressed her condolences for the airmen who died Tuesday and said this loss was an example of the value in these memorials. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly in a moment of prayer at the opening ceremony of the traveling memorial Wednesday. Kelly expressed her condolences for the airmen who died Tuesday and said this loss was an example of the value in these memorials. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I am hoping the two injured airmen a speedy recovery and share my condolences with the family, loved ones and fellow guardsmen of the service member who tragically lost his life,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement following the ceremony, where she also spoke. “His commitment to our state will not be forgotten.”The cause of the accident is not yet known and is under investigation.The governor attended the opening ceremony of a traveling memorial honoring veterans who have died since 9/11. The “Remembering Our Fallen” memorial is on display outside the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka.The memorial features more than 30 towers with thousands of photographs of deceased veterans. The exhibit will be on display until 6 p.m. Monday.Kelly said the airman who lost his life in the accident is the reason these types of memorials are important.“These are folks who really did sacrifice their lives in service to our country,” Kelly said. “They were in training exercises … because you know, much like firefighters, you train, train and train for that one moment and you might be actually required to put it into place.”The ceremony was attended by dozens of soldiers, active and retired, their families and two Gold Star mothers, whose children died in service to the country.Justin Gordon, an Army veteran and museum board member, reflected upon his own fallen comrades to help ensure their memories live on. Gordon told the story of Sgt.t 1st Class Paul Smith, who served in the same battalion as him for several years. Smith died in April 2003 outside Baghdad International Airport after defending his fellow soldiers in an ambush.In 2005, Smith’s family was invited to the White House, where he was honored as the first recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Iraq War.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623330030302.jpeg" alt="A veteran performs “Taps” on his trumpet during the opening ceremony. Speakers there shared stories of those they’ve known and lost. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A veteran performs “Taps” on his trumpet during the opening ceremony. Speakers there shared stories of those they’ve known and lost. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I myself have eight towers that I need to visit while the memorial is out here,” Gordon said. “These were my West Point classmates. They were my fellow soldiers, and they were my friends.”Col. Dan Skoda, commander of the Kansas National Guard’s 190th Air Refueling Wing, paid tribute to three Topeka natives killed in action&nbsp;—&nbsp;Pfc. Richard Dewater, Pfc. Jeremy Drexler and Spc. Kyle ThomasSkoda invited those in attendance to share their stories with him and others so that their loved ones would also live on in memory.“Tell your story with us and the legacy they left behind,” Skoda said. “We will listen and are here to share in your pride and in your sorrow. …By attending today’s event, you honor those who sacrifice everything, and you ensure their brave actions are not forgotten.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623330066738.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

Traveling memorial honors fallen service members day after KS airman dies

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/hA0wFqpEWiouj2QAgfiHo-V8E_Z5-2GnMSRuvmm9Q3Q" target="_blank">8th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will convene by telephone conference at 12:30 p.m. Friday to discuss the nomination process to fill two district judge vacancies.

Judge Steven Hornbaker, who served in Geary County, retired June 1. Chief Judge Michael Powers will retire Aug. 20. His position is based in Marion County.

The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.

The meeting is open to the public. To listen,&nbsp;call 1-877-400-9499 and&nbsp; enter conference code 2199381974.

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible:

ADA Coordinator <a href="mailto:ADA@kscourts.org" target="_blank">ADA@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 TTY at 711

A nominee for district judge must be:&nbsp;

●a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and

●a resident of the judicial district at the time of taking office and while holding office.

The nominating commission seeks nominations, then convenes to interview nominees. Interviews are open to the public. &nbsp;

The nominating commission will select from three to five people whose names will be submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.

If there are not three nominees who reside in the judicial district who are deemed qualified by the commission, the commission may consider nominees who reside outside the district.

After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; Kevin Harris and Douglas Thompson, Abilene; Ashley Iverson, Council Grove; Darrell Miller, Dwight; Keith Henry, Junction City; Daryl Enos&nbsp;and Edwin Wheeler Jr., Marion; and Eric Coffman, Milford.

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/hA0wFqpEWiouj2QAgfiHo-V8E_Z5-2GnMSRuvmm9Q3Q" target="_blank">8th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will convene by telephone conference at 12:30 p.m. Friday to discuss the nomination process to fill two district judge vacancies.Judge Steven Hornbaker, who served in Geary County, retired June 1. Chief Judge Michael Powers will retire Aug. 20. His position is based in Marion County.The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.The meeting is open to the public. To listen,&nbsp;call 1-877-400-9499 and&nbsp; enter conference code 2199381974.Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible:ADA Coordinator <a href="mailto:ADA@kscourts.org" target="_blank">ADA@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 TTY at 711Eligibility requirementsA nominee for district judge must be:&nbsp;●at least 30 years old;●a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and●a resident of the judicial district at the time of taking office and while holding office.The nominating commission seeks nominations, then convenes to interview nominees. Interviews are open to the public. &nbsp;Nominees to governorThe nominating commission will select from three to five people whose names will be submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.If there are not three nominees who reside in the judicial district who are deemed qualified by the commission, the commission may consider nominees who reside outside the district.Term of officeAfter serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.Nominating commissionThe 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; Kevin Harris and Douglas Thompson, Abilene; Ashley Iverson, Council Grove; Darrell Miller, Dwight; Keith Henry, Junction City; Daryl Enos&nbsp;and Edwin Wheeler Jr., Marion; and Eric Coffman, Milford.

8th Judicial District nominating commission to convene

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described whether U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner and Rep. Ron Estes had used earmarks. Estes opposed the return to using earmarks, and a spokesman for LaTurner previously said he did not participate, but both have made multiple earmark requests to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-06-07/earmarks-pose-tricky-question-for-kansas-republicans-miss-out-on-money-or-keep-your-reputation">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Eleven years ago, in a navy-and-wood-paneled Topeka TV studio, then U.S. Reps. Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?294388-1/kansas-senate-republican-primary-debate" target="_blank">argued</a> ahead of the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.

Looking
 directly into the camera, Moran told viewers he backed a moratorium on 
earmarks, but “Congressman Tiahrt led the effort to keep the earmarks 
process in place.”

“Well, when
 you listen to Congressman Moran, you’d think that I’m the only one in 
Washington or from Kansas that does earmarks,” Tiahrt said.

“In fact, just last year,” Tiahrt said, “Moran supported and requested more than $250 million dollars in earmarks.”

Earmarks
 give Congress a tool to tie money from a spending bill to a specific 
project without going through all of the hoops of a normal funding 
request.

They’d become a favorite target for Republicans, glaring 
examples of the soft corruption of incumbents that wasted money on 
things like a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-alaska-bridge/alaskas-bridge-to-nowhere-plan-finally-scrapped-idUSKCN0SI00120151024" target="_blank">bridge to nowwhere.</a> And when the budget hawks of the Tea Party swept into the U.S. House, earmarks got swept away.

Tiahrt’s
 seat on the powerful appropriations committee and his desire to reform 
earmarks, rather than ditch them entirely, put a target on his back. He 
lost to Moran, who’s since become a senator.

This year, Democrats 
in Congress brought earmarks back, and they’ve invited Republicans to 
join in snagging money for special projects in their districts. Some 
Republicans are cashing in. But earmarks pose a double-edged sword for 
members of a party that has long stood for less spending and lower 
taxes. If they don’t play the earmark game, they leave money in 
Washington that could’ve come back to their districts — and won them 
votes.

In 2010, before Jerry Moran became a senator, gone were the days of touting the $142, 500 dollars he had secured to help <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/state/2010-07-02/earmarks_tricky_business" target="_blank">pay for </a>the McPherson Opera House, or the earmark requests he’d made to help a community college build a biotech center.

Shortly
 after the 2010 elections, the earmarks that helped build coalitions, 
pass big spending bills, and generally greased the wheels of Capitol 
Hill <a href="https://www.rollcall.com/2010/11/04/boehner-house-will-have-earmark-moratorium/" target="_blank">went away</a> when House Speaker John Boehner banned them.

Giving
 up earmarks also meant surrendering up a way to control some of the 
Republican Party’s most fiscally conservative firebrands. There weren’t 
as many incentives like campaign donations or spending money for special
 projects to bring people to middle ground.

“What else do you 
have? Well, you could really go nuclear, if someone is a real thorn in 
your side, and remove them from a committee,” said Laura Blessing, who 
studied earmarks as a senior fellow at the Georgetown Government Affairs
 Institute. “It's just too strong of a tool. That's a sledgehammer.”

Then-U.S.Rep.
 Tim Huelskamp felt that hammer’s blow. He’d had a stormy relationship 
with Boehner. The speaker booted the congressman from western Kansas, 
and leader of the House Freedom Caucus, off the House Agriculture 
Committee. And for the first time in 150 years, Kansas no longer had a 
player sitting at the table when farm policy got hashed out.

When he ran for reelection in 2016, attack ads blasted the Republican for losing that Ag seat.

Michael Smith, a political science professor at Emporia State University, said Huelskamp effectively <a href="https://www.npr.org/2016/08/03/488568404/tea-party-rep-tim-huelskamp-defeated-in-kansas-primary" target="_blank">lost re-election</a> when he lost his spot on the committee.

“When
 Roger Marshall challenged him in the primaries, he didn’t specifically 
run on earmarks. Earmarks are kind of politically touchy,” Smith said. 
But “he hammered Huelskamp on the idea (that) he is not the most 
effective of bringing home resources to this district. And earmarks are a
 part of that.”

Yet when asked about earmarks recently, now-Sen. Marshall<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/05/senate-republicans-earmarks-485373" target="_blank"> told Politico</a>, “I’m gonna do everything I can to blow up the process so that no one does earmarks.”

Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican from Salina, said in a <a href="https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tracey-manns-statement-earmarks-117th-congress" target="_blank">statement</a>,
 “I did not run for office so I could be the caretaker in the slow 
demise of our great nation” noting he was worried a return to earmarks 
in the House, “will once again spiral out of control and lead to more 
government spending.”

U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Wichita Republican, 
agreed. A statement from his office said the earmarks process “detracts 
from focusing on how to reduce spending."

Smith said if 
Republicans continue to pass on earmarks, that’s leaving federal money 
that could benefit their districts on the table.

“Are they going 
to bring over that conservative ideology argument, no more big 
government?” he said. “Or are they going to go back to the more 
traditional kind of Bob Dole type politics of talking small government, 
but still making sure that their districts get their fair share of the 
pie?”

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids is the lone Kansas Democrat in Congress. She supports earmarks to help <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article250974644.html" target="_blank">revamp a Kansas City highway</a> and buy more electric busses for her district. Davids has requested<a href="https://davids.house.gov/approps" target="_blank"> millions</a> of dollars in earmarks for a myriad of projects ranging from $43 million for a<a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/davids.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Energy%20and%20Water%20Development%20CPF%20Requests%20-%20FY22.pdf" target="_blank"> levee and flood wall system</a> in Merriam to an <a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/davids.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/LaborHHS%20Ed%20CPF%20Requests%20-%20FY22.pdf" target="_blank">imaging machine</a> at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

So far, the three Republicans who represent Kansas in the U.S. House have not requested<a href="https://appropriations.house.gov/transparency" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://appropriations.house.gov/transparency" target="_blank">many earmarks</a>.

Estes
 opposed the return to using earmarks, and a spokesman for U.S. Rep. 
Jake LaTurner previously said he did not participate in requests this 
year. But the two congressmen have made<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/issue/member-designated-projects" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/issue/member-designated-projects" target="_blank">multiple</a> requests to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

A
 spokesperson for LaTurner’s office said the congressman “stuck to his 
word” and didn’t request earmarks during the appropriations process this
 winter.

“(But) as Congress moved on to the transportation plan we
 had additional time and chose to submit office and state-vetted, 
approved, and sponsored transportation projects previously qualified to 
receive federal funds,” his office said in a statement. “Representative 
LaTurner is proud to utilize his Constitutionally derived authority to 
facilitate interstate commerce by seeking funds for critical 
infrastructure projects in eastern Kansas.”

The only member of the Kansas delegation who hasn’t decided on whether to participate yet is Moran.

When Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/05/senate-republicans-earmarks-485373" target="_blank">polled senators</a>
 in early May, Moran was one of more than a dozen who were undecided if 
they would participate in earmarks this year. His office didn’t respond 
to multiple requests for comment.

Jim Slattery is a former 
Democratic member of Congress from Topeka. He said he thinks the Kansas 
delegation should request earmarks. If Congress doesn’t choose where to 
spend the money, he said, the president will. That cash could end up 
going to swing states that are more politically useful to the president.
 Not Kansas.

“Why,” he said, “would they not aggressively pursue 
the money that is being appropriated to build highways and build 
infrastructure to improve the internet and broadband capability in 
Kansas?”

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky (at) kcur (dot) org.

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614817353591.png" alt="GOP members of the Kansas congressional delegation pose with Democrat Representative Sharice Davids during a January meeting- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>GOP members of the Kansas congressional delegation pose with Democrat Representative Sharice Davids during a January meeting- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described whether U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner and Rep. Ron Estes had used earmarks. Estes opposed the return to using earmarks, and a spokesman for LaTurner previously said he did not participate, but both have made multiple earmark requests to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-06-07/earmarks-pose-tricky-question-for-kansas-republicans-miss-out-on-money-or-keep-your-reputation">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Eleven years ago, in a navy-and-wood-paneled Topeka TV studio, then U.S. Reps. Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?294388-1/kansas-senate-republican-primary-debate" target="_blank">argued</a> ahead of the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.Looking
 directly into the camera, Moran told viewers he backed a moratorium on 
earmarks, but “Congressman Tiahrt led the effort to keep the earmarks 
process in place.”Tiahrt framed it differently.“Well, when
 you listen to Congressman Moran, you’d think that I’m the only one in 
Washington or from Kansas that does earmarks,” Tiahrt said.But, he said, everyone was using them.“In fact, just last year,” Tiahrt said, “Moran supported and requested more than $250 million dollars in earmarks.”Earmarks
 give Congress a tool to tie money from a spending bill to a specific 
project without going through all of the hoops of a normal funding 
request.They’d become a favorite target for Republicans, glaring 
examples of the soft corruption of incumbents that wasted money on 
things like a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-alaska-bridge/alaskas-bridge-to-nowhere-plan-finally-scrapped-idUSKCN0SI00120151024" target="_blank">bridge to nowwhere.</a> And when the budget hawks of the Tea Party swept into the U.S. House, earmarks got swept away.Tiahrt’s
 seat on the powerful appropriations committee and his desire to reform 
earmarks, rather than ditch them entirely, put a target on his back. He 
lost to Moran, who’s since become a senator.This year, Democrats 
in Congress brought earmarks back, and they’ve invited Republicans to 
join in snagging money for special projects in their districts. Some 
Republicans are cashing in. But earmarks pose a double-edged sword for 
members of a party that has long stood for less spending and lower 
taxes. If they don’t play the earmark game, they leave money in 
Washington that could’ve come back to their districts — and won them 
votes.A moratoriumIn 2010, before Jerry Moran became a senator, gone were the days of touting the $142, 500 dollars he had secured to help <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/state/2010-07-02/earmarks_tricky_business" target="_blank">pay for </a>the McPherson Opera House, or the earmark requests he’d made to help a community college build a biotech center.Shortly
 after the 2010 elections, the earmarks that helped build coalitions, 
pass big spending bills, and generally greased the wheels of Capitol 
Hill <a href="https://www.rollcall.com/2010/11/04/boehner-house-will-have-earmark-moratorium/" target="_blank">went away</a> when House Speaker John Boehner banned them.Giving
 up earmarks also meant surrendering up a way to control some of the 
Republican Party’s most fiscally conservative firebrands. There weren’t 
as many incentives like campaign donations or spending money for special
 projects to bring people to middle ground.“What else do you 
have? Well, you could really go nuclear, if someone is a real thorn in 
your side, and remove them from a committee,” said Laura Blessing, who 
studied earmarks as a senior fellow at the Georgetown Government Affairs
 Institute. “It's just too strong of a tool. That's a sledgehammer.”Then-U.S.Rep.
 Tim Huelskamp felt that hammer’s blow. He’d had a stormy relationship 
with Boehner. The speaker booted the congressman from western Kansas, 
and leader of the House Freedom Caucus, off the House Agriculture 
Committee. And for the first time in 150 years, Kansas no longer had a 
player sitting at the table when farm policy got hashed out.When he ran for reelection in 2016, attack ads blasted the Republican for losing that Ag seat.Michael Smith, a political science professor at Emporia State University, said Huelskamp effectively <a href="https://www.npr.org/2016/08/03/488568404/tea-party-rep-tim-huelskamp-defeated-in-kansas-primary" target="_blank">lost re-election</a> when he lost his spot on the committee.“When
 Roger Marshall challenged him in the primaries, he didn’t specifically 
run on earmarks. Earmarks are kind of politically touchy,” Smith said. 
But “he hammered Huelskamp on the idea (that) he is not the most 
effective of bringing home resources to this district. And earmarks are a
 part of that.”Play or notYet when asked about earmarks recently, now-Sen. Marshall<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/05/senate-republicans-earmarks-485373" target="_blank"> told Politico</a>, “I’m gonna do everything I can to blow up the process so that no one does earmarks.”Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican from Salina, said in a <a href="https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tracey-manns-statement-earmarks-117th-congress" target="_blank">statement</a>,
 “I did not run for office so I could be the caretaker in the slow 
demise of our great nation” noting he was worried a return to earmarks 
in the House, “will once again spiral out of control and lead to more 
government spending.”U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Wichita Republican, 
agreed. A statement from his office said the earmarks process “detracts 
from focusing on how to reduce spending."Smith said if 
Republicans continue to pass on earmarks, that’s leaving federal money 
that could benefit their districts on the table.“Are they going 
to bring over that conservative ideology argument, no more big 
government?” he said. “Or are they going to go back to the more 
traditional kind of Bob Dole type politics of talking small government, 
but still making sure that their districts get their fair share of the 
pie?”U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids is the lone Kansas Democrat in Congress. She supports earmarks to help <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article250974644.html" target="_blank">revamp a Kansas City highway</a> and buy more electric busses for her district. Davids has requested<a href="https://davids.house.gov/approps" target="_blank"> millions</a> of dollars in earmarks for a myriad of projects ranging from $43 million for a<a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/davids.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Energy%20and%20Water%20Development%20CPF%20Requests%20-%20FY22.pdf" target="_blank"> levee and flood wall system</a> in Merriam to an <a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/davids.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/LaborHHS%20Ed%20CPF%20Requests%20-%20FY22.pdf" target="_blank">imaging machine</a> at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.So far, the three Republicans who represent Kansas in the U.S. House have not requested<a href="https://appropriations.house.gov/transparency" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://appropriations.house.gov/transparency" target="_blank">many earmarks</a>.Estes
 opposed the return to using earmarks, and a spokesman for U.S. Rep. 
Jake LaTurner previously said he did not participate in requests this 
year. But the two congressmen have made<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/issue/member-designated-projects" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/issue/member-designated-projects" target="_blank">multiple</a> requests to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.A
 spokesperson for LaTurner’s office said the congressman “stuck to his 
word” and didn’t request earmarks during the appropriations process this
 winter.“(But) as Congress moved on to the transportation plan we
 had additional time and chose to submit office and state-vetted, 
approved, and sponsored transportation projects previously qualified to 
receive federal funds,” his office said in a statement. “Representative 
LaTurner is proud to utilize his Constitutionally derived authority to 
facilitate interstate commerce by seeking funds for critical 
infrastructure projects in eastern Kansas.”The only member of the Kansas delegation who hasn’t decided on whether to participate yet is Moran.When Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/05/senate-republicans-earmarks-485373" target="_blank">polled senators</a>
 in early May, Moran was one of more than a dozen who were undecided if 
they would participate in earmarks this year. His office didn’t respond 
to multiple requests for comment.Jim Slattery is a former 
Democratic member of Congress from Topeka. He said he thinks the Kansas 
delegation should request earmarks. If Congress doesn’t choose where to 
spend the money, he said, the president will. That cash could end up 
going to swing states that are more politically useful to the president.
 Not Kansas.“Why,” he said, “would they not aggressively pursue 
the money that is being appropriated to build highways and build 
infrastructure to improve the internet and broadband capability in 
Kansas?”Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky (at) kcur (dot) org.Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

Earmarks pose tricky question for Kansas Republicans

<a href="https://www.ymzfh.com/obituary/Roger-Boelling">Obituary for Roger Glenn Boelling | Yazel-Megli Funeral Homes (ymzfh.com)</a>

February 27, 1942 ~ June 5, 2021 (age 79)

Roger Glenn Boelling completed his earthly journey on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Herington Municipal Hospital. He had suffered from several illnesses since January 2021 and was finally overwhelmed by a month-long bout of aggressive cancer. He joins a heavenly band of KU fan family members who have gone before.

Roger was born in Abilene, Kansas but lived in Herington almost his entire life except for moves to Prairie Village, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA to follow his dad’s railroad career before returning to finish high school in Herington. He worked for a short time in Hutchinson after college, fortunately that was just long enough to meet his future wife. They met at a singles dance and, as Roger said: “I think she knew I was the one and she convinced me!” He married Helene Missildine July 20, 1968 in Hutchinson before moving back to Herington. They were married for 50 years until her death on September 8, 2018.

Flowers, music, reading, and walking were some of Roger’s hobbies.&nbsp; His interest in music was first demonstrated at just six years old when the Feb 27, 1948 Council Grove Republican reported that the annual 4-H achievement banquet show “was stolen by tiny tap-dancing Barbara Granzow and Roger Boelling, who appeared in colorful costumes” before the 300 in attendance.&nbsp; He regretted quitting his piano lessons after 5th grade, but music continued to be important in his life.&nbsp; Roger served for four-years as drum major of the University of Kansas Marching Band under Band Director Russell Wiley from 1962 to 1965. &nbsp;Therein began his lifelong support of University of Kansas athletics.&nbsp; He was an avid reader his entire life and participated for many years with the Herington Book Club.

Life was relaxed while he was growing up with lots of time for playing and learning.&nbsp; Holidays were important as were birthdays. He played with the neighborhood kids, rode bikes, played with his pets, and even made a scooter out of an orange crate and roller skate wheels. In high school, he tried to do well in the classroom, be involved in school activities and clubs. He served on Student Council, high school productions and was a basketball starter in high school.&nbsp;

While in high school, he worked as a soda-jerk in Gaylord “Red” Edwards’ Rexall pharmacy. There he became interested in pharmacy as a career. Fortunately for us, he graduated with a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Kansas in 1966. He first worked as a pharmacist at Coberly Drug in Hutchinson Kansas. He moved back to Herington in 1968, this time as a pharmacist for “Red”.&nbsp; In July 1970, he purchased the pharmacy and continued to operate Boelling Pharmacy at 7 North Broadway until April 1981 when he moved and expanded it into the former Duckwall’s store at the corner of Main and Broadway. In 2014 he sold the Pharmacy. He retired in 2019 after a 53-year career as a pharmacist.

During his years as a pharmacy owner, he returned Edwards’s favor by providing many, many Herington students their first job as a soda-jerk at one of the few remaining soda fountains in Kansas.&nbsp; Many other area folks can attest to his kindness and personal attention when he would make after-hours trips to the store to fill/deliver prescriptions to those in need.&nbsp; He also had a “flexible” extended payment plan when prescription costs sometimes exceeded folks’ budgets. He was a compassionate, behind-the-scenes helper who did many things in the background to help Herington area residents. &nbsp;

Throughout his life he continued his love of sports by watching and sometimes coaching local sports. Many hours were spent in the pharmacy listening to games on the radio. His KU affiliation brought him great joy as a hard-core Kansas Jayhawk fan, crimson and blue through and through. Although he was known on occasion to reluctantly root for the team from Manhattan. In fact, after losing a game wager, he reportedly drove around Herington with a large purple sign in the back of his truck. Over his career, he endured several other purple events, but they were all to show his sport and willingness to poke fun at himself. Besides enjoying professional and college sports, when he could get away from the pharmacy, he supported and attended many local games to watch family and friends compete. &nbsp;He so loved watching his children and grandchildren perform in sports or music that he seldom missed an event and was known to drive four hours one way just so he could watch in person. &nbsp;

Roger was a lifetime Herington advocate.&nbsp; He always supported ALL of Herington. Over his years he served (often several times) on the Herington Hospital Board, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Herington Lions Club, Herington Library Board, Herington Recreation Commission and several Herington United Methodist Church boards and committees. He actively participated in the planning committee for the successful 1987 Herington Centennial. Most local groups and clubs knew he could always be counted on to donate time and money to support their efforts.

Roger served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He entered service in Fort Polk, LA on June 25, 1966. He was discharged as a captain in Hutchinson, KS on June 24, 1972, after six years of reserve service as a pharmacist. He received a sharpshooter medal.

There was another side of Roger. Besides all the public and community support he gave, he gave more to his faith and family. &nbsp;Faith, family, and fun were Roger’s priorities in life. &nbsp;&nbsp;His five most memorable moments of his life were 1) his infant baptism, 2) his confirmation, 3) graduating college, 4) adopting their two daughters and 5) having grandchildren.&nbsp; His proudest accomplishment was helping raise two daughters and having the opportunity to be a loving grandparent. His message to his remaining family is “I have loved being a spouse, a dad and a grandparent. Enjoy as many of these moments as you can. They go by way too fast. I am thankful for the life I have had as I look around and see so many others with many more problems than I have experienced. I am so thankful for our adoption of two beautiful and talented daughters.”&nbsp;

Roger attended St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Herington. He previously was a long-time member of the Herington United Methodist Church until it closed and also attended the First Christian Church in Herington.

Roger Glenn Boelling is survived by his children Allison Jean Braun (Chris) of Kansas City, KS. and Elizabeth Leigh Krause (Matt) of Solomon, KS; grandsons Logan Matthew Krause of Ottawa, KS and Spencer Paul Krause of Solomon, KS; brother Ross Kent Boelling (Lynnette) of rural Junction City, KS; brother-in-law John Missildine of Highland View, MO; sister-in-law Jackie Caldwell of Olathe, KS; sister-in-law Lisa Gartner (Dave) of Andover, KS; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Helene (Missildine) (2018), parents Ralph Charles Boelling (1973) and Betty Jean (Young) Boelling (2007) of Herington, sister Jarolyn Jean Schlesener (2011) (Mike) of Dalhart, TX and by his maternal grandparents Glenn Young (1939) and Marion Georgia (Flynn) Young (1969) of Herington as well as his paternal grandparents Fred J Boelling (1961) and Bertha O. (McCormick) Boelling (1945) of Herington.

Roger strove to be a good example for others to follow, a person who tried to find the good in everyone and as someone who loved music. His goal at work was to be fair with people. His favorite part of his career was working with and talking with people and his customers. Throughout his life he did so much for so many in the Herington area. His friendship, compassion, love, and humor will be missed by all who knew him.&nbsp;

A public remembrance gathering will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with a celebration of life service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at the Herington Community Building, Herington KS. The family asks that you wear casual collegiate attire, preferably colored crimson and blue. A private inurnment will be held later.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Herington Public Library, Herington Municipal Hospital, or the Helene Boelling Educational Fund, in care of Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038. &nbsp;

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"&nbsp; Matthew 25:21 ESV.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Glenn Boelling, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ymzfh.com/obituary/Roger-Boelling/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>Roger Glenn Boelling, Herington</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623084066843.jpeg" alt="Roger Boelling" />
 <figcaption>Roger Boelling</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ymzfh.com/obituary/Roger-Boelling">Obituary for Roger Glenn Boelling | Yazel-Megli Funeral Homes (ymzfh.com)</a>February 27, 1942 ~ June 5, 2021 (age 79)Roger Glenn Boelling completed his earthly journey on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Herington Municipal Hospital. He had suffered from several illnesses since January 2021 and was finally overwhelmed by a month-long bout of aggressive cancer. He joins a heavenly band of KU fan family members who have gone before.Roger was born in Abilene, Kansas but lived in Herington almost his entire life except for moves to Prairie Village, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA to follow his dad’s railroad career before returning to finish high school in Herington. He worked for a short time in Hutchinson after college, fortunately that was just long enough to meet his future wife. They met at a singles dance and, as Roger said: “I think she knew I was the one and she convinced me!” He married Helene Missildine July 20, 1968 in Hutchinson before moving back to Herington. They were married for 50 years until her death on September 8, 2018.Flowers, music, reading, and walking were some of Roger’s hobbies.&nbsp; His interest in music was first demonstrated at just six years old when the Feb 27, 1948 Council Grove Republican reported that the annual 4-H achievement banquet show “was stolen by tiny tap-dancing Barbara Granzow and Roger Boelling, who appeared in colorful costumes” before the 300 in attendance.&nbsp; He regretted quitting his piano lessons after 5th grade, but music continued to be important in his life.&nbsp; Roger served for four-years as drum major of the University of Kansas Marching Band under Band Director Russell Wiley from 1962 to 1965. &nbsp;Therein began his lifelong support of University of Kansas athletics.&nbsp; He was an avid reader his entire life and participated for many years with the Herington Book Club.Life was relaxed while he was growing up with lots of time for playing and learning.&nbsp; Holidays were important as were birthdays. He played with the neighborhood kids, rode bikes, played with his pets, and even made a scooter out of an orange crate and roller skate wheels. In high school, he tried to do well in the classroom, be involved in school activities and clubs. He served on Student Council, high school productions and was a basketball starter in high school.&nbsp;While in high school, he worked as a soda-jerk in Gaylord “Red” Edwards’ Rexall pharmacy. There he became interested in pharmacy as a career. Fortunately for us, he graduated with a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Kansas in 1966. He first worked as a pharmacist at Coberly Drug in Hutchinson Kansas. He moved back to Herington in 1968, this time as a pharmacist for “Red”.&nbsp; In July 1970, he purchased the pharmacy and continued to operate Boelling Pharmacy at 7 North Broadway until April 1981 when he moved and expanded it into the former Duckwall’s store at the corner of Main and Broadway. In 2014 he sold the Pharmacy. He retired in 2019 after a 53-year career as a pharmacist.During his years as a pharmacy owner, he returned Edwards’s favor by providing many, many Herington students their first job as a soda-jerk at one of the few remaining soda fountains in Kansas.&nbsp; Many other area folks can attest to his kindness and personal attention when he would make after-hours trips to the store to fill/deliver prescriptions to those in need.&nbsp; He also had a “flexible” extended payment plan when prescription costs sometimes exceeded folks’ budgets. He was a compassionate, behind-the-scenes helper who did many things in the background to help Herington area residents. &nbsp;Throughout his life he continued his love of sports by watching and sometimes coaching local sports. Many hours were spent in the pharmacy listening to games on the radio. His KU affiliation brought him great joy as a hard-core Kansas Jayhawk fan, crimson and blue through and through. Although he was known on occasion to reluctantly root for the team from Manhattan. In fact, after losing a game wager, he reportedly drove around Herington with a large purple sign in the back of his truck. Over his career, he endured several other purple events, but they were all to show his sport and willingness to poke fun at himself. Besides enjoying professional and college sports, when he could get away from the pharmacy, he supported and attended many local games to watch family and friends compete. &nbsp;He so loved watching his children and grandchildren perform in sports or music that he seldom missed an event and was known to drive four hours one way just so he could watch in person. &nbsp;Roger was a lifetime Herington advocate.&nbsp; He always supported ALL of Herington. Over his years he served (often several times) on the Herington Hospital Board, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Herington Lions Club, Herington Library Board, Herington Recreation Commission and several Herington United Methodist Church boards and committees. He actively participated in the planning committee for the successful 1987 Herington Centennial. Most local groups and clubs knew he could always be counted on to donate time and money to support their efforts.Roger served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He entered service in Fort Polk, LA on June 25, 1966. He was discharged as a captain in Hutchinson, KS on June 24, 1972, after six years of reserve service as a pharmacist. He received a sharpshooter medal.There was another side of Roger. Besides all the public and community support he gave, he gave more to his faith and family. &nbsp;Faith, family, and fun were Roger’s priorities in life. &nbsp;&nbsp;His five most memorable moments of his life were 1) his infant baptism, 2) his confirmation, 3) graduating college, 4) adopting their two daughters and 5) having grandchildren.&nbsp; His proudest accomplishment was helping raise two daughters and having the opportunity to be a loving grandparent. His message to his remaining family is “I have loved being a spouse, a dad and a grandparent. Enjoy as many of these moments as you can. They go by way too fast. I am thankful for the life I have had as I look around and see so many others with many more problems than I have experienced. I am so thankful for our adoption of two beautiful and talented daughters.”&nbsp;Roger attended St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Herington. He previously was a long-time member of the Herington United Methodist Church until it closed and also attended the First Christian Church in Herington.Roger Glenn Boelling is survived by his children Allison Jean Braun (Chris) of Kansas City, KS. and Elizabeth Leigh Krause (Matt) of Solomon, KS; grandsons Logan Matthew Krause of Ottawa, KS and Spencer Paul Krause of Solomon, KS; brother Ross Kent Boelling (Lynnette) of rural Junction City, KS; brother-in-law John Missildine of Highland View, MO; sister-in-law Jackie Caldwell of Olathe, KS; sister-in-law Lisa Gartner (Dave) of Andover, KS; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Helene (Missildine) (2018), parents Ralph Charles Boelling (1973) and Betty Jean (Young) Boelling (2007) of Herington, sister Jarolyn Jean Schlesener (2011) (Mike) of Dalhart, TX and by his maternal grandparents Glenn Young (1939) and Marion Georgia (Flynn) Young (1969) of Herington as well as his paternal grandparents Fred J Boelling (1961) and Bertha O. (McCormick) Boelling (1945) of Herington.Roger strove to be a good example for others to follow, a person who tried to find the good in everyone and as someone who loved music. His goal at work was to be fair with people. His favorite part of his career was working with and talking with people and his customers. Throughout his life he did so much for so many in the Herington area. His friendship, compassion, love, and humor will be missed by all who knew him.&nbsp;A public remembrance gathering will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with a celebration of life service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at the Herington Community Building, Herington KS. The family asks that you wear casual collegiate attire, preferably colored crimson and blue. A private inurnment will be held later.The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Herington Public Library, Herington Municipal Hospital, or the Helene Boelling Educational Fund, in care of Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038. &nbsp;“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"&nbsp; Matthew 25:21 ESV.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Glenn Boelling, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ymzfh.com/obituary/Roger-Boelling/sympathy">floral store.</a>

Roger Glenn Boelling

<a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/Donna-Brown-31/#!/Obituary">Donna L. Brown Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (stockhamfamily.com)</a>

Donna LaVerne (Sims) Brown, 89, of Winfield, KS, died January 3, 2021. Donna was born on January 5, 1931 to Carrie Leona Anderson Sims and Ward Peter Sims in Minneola, Kansas. Donna was a “girly” girl who loved wearing pretty dresses, many made from flour sacks that were designed with flowers or cute patterns. She loved music which included playing the piano and then the trombone later on, spending time with her best friends Nannette Pitman and Betty Lou Sandidge, listening to her mother read stories in the evening, and teasing her older brothers. During Easter break of her sophomore year at Southwestern College, Donna married her sweetheart, Clinton Brown, whom she had met at the “Toot N’ Tell’m” drive-in at Dodge City in the summer of 1949. Clinton was a basketball star at Pittsburg State Teacher’s College and after their marriage they remained inseparable for the next 64 years until his death in 2015, except for the year he spent serving his country in the Koren War. After Clinton returned home, they moved to Iowa City, Iowa, before returning to Donna’s hometown where he began a career in education and they started a family. Over the next 35 years, they lived in Lincoln and McPherson as well as Minneola where Donna worked for Lincoln School and then accepted a job with People Bank &amp; Trust in McPherson, KS, where she worked until 2001 as Loan Officer and the Board Secretary while he continued teaching and coaching. Donna and Clinton were both active members of the First Christian Church in McPherson, teaching the Young Thinkers Sunday School class, serving as elders in the church, and working with the weekly church youth programs. Once they were both retired in 2001, they moved to Sublette to be near to three of their grandchildren and following them as they crossed the state with stops at Columbus, Yates Center, and Colby. In May, 2015, Donna and Clinton moved to Derby where he was admitted to Westview Senior Living Center and she rented an apartment at the Greens, right on the Derby Country Club golf course. When Clinton died on July 15, 2015, Donna continued living there until she moved in with her son Kevin, and daughter-in-law Pam, at Winfield in December of 2019. She enjoyed living in Winfield, but the effects of kidney failure and years of dialysis were hard on Donna and she passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning January 3, 2021. The most important things in Donna’s life were her family, friends, and faith in God. She stayed active with women’s group through the Woodlawn Methodist Church in Derby, two book clubs as well as reading many other books, eating out with friends, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and promoting Camp Hope, the camp for kids with cancer that she started with the American Cancer Society in honor of her two children who died of cancer. “Ma Donna” was the director of Camp Hope for its first 18 years and has remained involved through the last 18 years as one of three members emeritus. Survivors include two children, Kevin Brown (Pam) of Winfield, KS; Lori Nelzen of Hesston, KS; grandchildren John Nelzen (Elizabeth) of Tallahassee, FL; Melissa Brown (Jenny Smith), Wichita, KS; Kyle Brown, Joplin, MO, Cameron Brown, Joplin, MO; great-grandchildren, Soren Nelzen Tallahassee, FL; Bridget Nelzen, Tallahassee, FL; step-children Blake Zimmerman (Samantha) Burlington, KS; Ryan Walt (Blaine) Collyer, KS; and Shay Howell (Cody) Manhattan, KS; step-grandchildren Brock Zimmerman, Avery Zimmerman, Jordi Walt, Bowen Walt, and Kace Howell; numerous special nieces and nephews; and, Deanna Hodges, Tony Nelzen, Donald Brown, and Stephan Lane. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clinton; son Kyle; daughter Melani; and brothers Joe Sims and Ward Sims. Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at McPherson Cemetery. A memorial and celebration of Donna’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, McPherson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made in Donna’s name to KyMel, Inc., P.O. Box 1529, Great Bend, KS 67530, or in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna L. Brown, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Donna L. Brown, Winfield</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622995422906.jpeg" alt="Donna L. Brown" />
 <figcaption>Donna L. Brown</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/Donna-Brown-31/#!/Obituary">Donna L. Brown Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (stockhamfamily.com)</a>January 5, 1931 - January 3, 2021Donna LaVerne (Sims) Brown, 89, of Winfield, KS, died January 3, 2021. Donna was born on January 5, 1931 to Carrie Leona Anderson Sims and Ward Peter Sims in Minneola, Kansas. Donna was a “girly” girl who loved wearing pretty dresses, many made from flour sacks that were designed with flowers or cute patterns. She loved music which included playing the piano and then the trombone later on, spending time with her best friends Nannette Pitman and Betty Lou Sandidge, listening to her mother read stories in the evening, and teasing her older brothers. During Easter break of her sophomore year at Southwestern College, Donna married her sweetheart, Clinton Brown, whom she had met at the “Toot N’ Tell’m” drive-in at Dodge City in the summer of 1949. Clinton was a basketball star at Pittsburg State Teacher’s College and after their marriage they remained inseparable for the next 64 years until his death in 2015, except for the year he spent serving his country in the Koren War. After Clinton returned home, they moved to Iowa City, Iowa, before returning to Donna’s hometown where he began a career in education and they started a family. Over the next 35 years, they lived in Lincoln and McPherson as well as Minneola where Donna worked for Lincoln School and then accepted a job with People Bank &amp; Trust in McPherson, KS, where she worked until 2001 as Loan Officer and the Board Secretary while he continued teaching and coaching. Donna and Clinton were both active members of the First Christian Church in McPherson, teaching the Young Thinkers Sunday School class, serving as elders in the church, and working with the weekly church youth programs. Once they were both retired in 2001, they moved to Sublette to be near to three of their grandchildren and following them as they crossed the state with stops at Columbus, Yates Center, and Colby. In May, 2015, Donna and Clinton moved to Derby where he was admitted to Westview Senior Living Center and she rented an apartment at the Greens, right on the Derby Country Club golf course. When Clinton died on July 15, 2015, Donna continued living there until she moved in with her son Kevin, and daughter-in-law Pam, at Winfield in December of 2019. She enjoyed living in Winfield, but the effects of kidney failure and years of dialysis were hard on Donna and she passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning January 3, 2021. The most important things in Donna’s life were her family, friends, and faith in God. She stayed active with women’s group through the Woodlawn Methodist Church in Derby, two book clubs as well as reading many other books, eating out with friends, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and promoting Camp Hope, the camp for kids with cancer that she started with the American Cancer Society in honor of her two children who died of cancer. “Ma Donna” was the director of Camp Hope for its first 18 years and has remained involved through the last 18 years as one of three members emeritus. Survivors include two children, Kevin Brown (Pam) of Winfield, KS; Lori Nelzen of Hesston, KS; grandchildren John Nelzen (Elizabeth) of Tallahassee, FL; Melissa Brown (Jenny Smith), Wichita, KS; Kyle Brown, Joplin, MO, Cameron Brown, Joplin, MO; great-grandchildren, Soren Nelzen Tallahassee, FL; Bridget Nelzen, Tallahassee, FL; step-children Blake Zimmerman (Samantha) Burlington, KS; Ryan Walt (Blaine) Collyer, KS; and Shay Howell (Cody) Manhattan, KS; step-grandchildren Brock Zimmerman, Avery Zimmerman, Jordi Walt, Bowen Walt, and Kace Howell; numerous special nieces and nephews; and, Deanna Hodges, Tony Nelzen, Donald Brown, and Stephan Lane. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clinton; son Kyle; daughter Melani; and brothers Joe Sims and Ward Sims. Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at McPherson Cemetery. A memorial and celebration of Donna’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, McPherson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made in Donna’s name to KyMel, Inc., P.O. Box 1529, Great Bend, KS 67530, or in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna L. Brown, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

Donna L. Brown

Today is Saturday, June 5, the 156th day of 2021. There are 209 days left in the year. 

On June 5, 1967, war erupted in the Middle East as Israel, anticipating a possible attack by its Arab neighbors, launched a series of pre-emptive airfield strikes that destroyed nearly the entire Egyptian air force; Syria, Jordan and Iraq immediately entered the conflict. 

In 1794, Congress passed the Neutrality Act, which prohibited Americans from taking part in any military action against a country that was at peace with the United States. 

In 1912, U.S. Marines landed in Cuba at the order of President William Howard Taft to ensure order and protect U.S. interests. 

In 1917, about 10 million American men between the ages of 21 and 31 began registering for the draft in World War I.

In 1950, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Henderson v. United States, struck down racially segregated railroad dining cars. 

In 1964, The Rolling Stones performed the first concert of their first U.S. tour at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, California.

<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 Saturday, June 5, the 156th day of 2021. There are 209 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On June 5, 1967, war erupted in the Middle East as Israel, anticipating a possible attack by its Arab neighbors, launched a series of pre-emptive airfield strikes that destroyed nearly the entire Egyptian air force; Syria, Jordan and Iraq immediately entered the conflict. On this date: In 1794, Congress passed the Neutrality Act, which prohibited Americans from taking part in any military action against a country that was at peace with the United States. In 1912, U.S. Marines landed in Cuba at the order of President William Howard Taft to ensure order and protect U.S. interests. In 1917, about 10 million American men between the ages of 21 and 31 began registering for the draft in World War I.In 1950, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Henderson v. United States, struck down racially segregated railroad dining cars. In 1964, The Rolling Stones performed the first concert of their first U.S. tour at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, California.In 1968, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was shot and mortally wounded after claiming victory in California's Democratic presidential primary at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles; assassin Sirhan Bishara Sirhan was arrested at the scene.In 1981, the Centers for Disease Control reported that five homosexuals in Los Angeles had come down with a rare kind of pneumonia; they were the first recognized cases of what later became known as AIDS. In 1999, jazz and pop singer Mel Torme died in Los Angeles at age 73. In 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her Salt Lake City home. (Smart was found alive by police in a Salt Lake suburb in March 2003. One kidnapper, Brian David Mitchell, is serving a prison sentence; the other, Wanda Barzee, was released in September, 2018.) In 2004, Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, died in Los Angeles at age 93 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. In 2006, more than 50 National Guardsmen from Utah became the first unit to work along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of President George W. Bush's crackdown on illegal immigration. In 2013, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, accused of killing 16 Afghan civilians, many of them sleeping women and children, pleaded guilty to murder at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to avoid the death penalty; he was sentenced to life in prison. Ten years ago: Israeli troops battled hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters who tried to burst across Syria's frontier with the Golan Heights, killing a reported 20 people. Rafael Nadal won his record-equaling sixth French Open title, beating Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1.Five years ago: Hillary Clinton overwhelmed Bernie Sanders in Puerto Rico's Democratic presidential primary, putting her within striking distance of capturing her party's nomination. David Gilkey, a veteran news photographer and video editor for National Public Radio, and an Afghan journalist, Zabihullah Tamanna, were killed in an insurgent ambush while on assignment. Novak Djokovic became the first man in nearly a half-century to win four consecutive major championships and finally earned an elusive French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, beating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. One year ago: Minneapolis banned chokeholds by police, the first of many changes in police practices to be announced in the aftermath of George Floyd's death; officers would also now be required to intervene any time they saw unauthorized force by another officer. An op-ed in The Washington Post, signed by 89 former defense officials, accused President Donald Trump of using the U.S. military to undermine the rights of Americans protesting police brutality. City workers and volunteers painted "Black Lives Matter" in enormous yellow letters for two blocks on the street leading to the White House in a sign of local leaders' embrace of the protest movement. The World Health Organization broadened its recommendations for the use of masks during the pandemic. With results tabulated from several primaries earlier in the week, Joe Biden formally clinched the Democratic presidential nomination. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league had been wrong for not listening to players fighting for racial equality.Today's Birthdays: Actor-singer Bill Hayes is 96. Broadcast journalist Bill Moyers is 87. Former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark is 82. Author Dame Margaret Drabble is 82. Country singer Don Reid (The Statler Brothers) is 76. Rock musician Freddie Stone (AKA Freddie Stewart) (Sly and the Family Stone) is 74. Rock singer Laurie Anderson is 74. Country singer Gail Davies is 73. Author Ken Follett is 72. Financial guru Suze Orman is 70. Rock musician Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) is 69. Jazz musician Peter Erskine is 67. Jazz musician Kenny G is 65. Rock singer Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) is 65. Actor Beth Hall is 63. Actor Jeff Garlin is 59. Actor Karen Sillas is 58. Actor Ron Livingston is 54. Singer Brian McKnight is 52. Rock musician Claus Norreen (Aqua) is 51. Actor Mark Wahlberg is 50. Actor Chad Allen is 47. Rock musician P-Nut (311) is 47. Actor Navi Rawat is 44. Actor Liza Weil is 44. Rock musician Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) is 42. Rock musician Seb Lefebvre (Simple Plan) is 40. Actor Chelsey Crisp is 38. Actor Amanda Crew is 35. Electronic musician Harrison Mills (Odesza) is 32. Musician/songwriter/producer DJ Mustard is 31. Actor Sophie Lowe is 31. Actor Hank Greenspan is 11.