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Author: Hays Post

Marilyn J. (Davis) Harless

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Marilyn J. (Davis) Harless, 88, passed away on Friday, February 22 at Ness County Hospital, Ness City. She was born on January 28, 1931 in Ness City to Marshall and Jane (Goodfellow) Davis.

She married Hugo “Hooks” A. Haas in 1950 in Perryton, TX. He preceded her in death on October 1, 1980. Her parents preceded her in death as well as her sister, Ruth, and brother, Donald.

She married Don Harless in November 1985. He survives.

Marilyn graduated from Ness City High School in 1949. She loved to play cards, play piano, garden, cook, sew and explore genealogy.

She is also survived by her three daughters from her marriage with Hooks, Jane Riojas of Hutchinson, Luann Frank (Dennis) of Hutchinson, and Wanda Gabel (Alex) of Ness City; seven grandchildren, Talissa Davis (Jonathan) of Kennesaw, GA, Wanda Riojas of Hutchinson, KS, Justin Frank (Crystal) of Inman, KS, Jeremy Frank (Annie) of Nickerson, KS, Calvin Gabel (Kimberly) of Eagle River, AK, Grant Gabel (Jessica) of Roanoke, TX, and Nolan Gabel of Portland, OR and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019, 1:30 p.m. at Ness City Cemetery. Friends my sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Friday, March 1 from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Memorials can be made to the Ness County Bank Building, Ness County Historical Society, or the Ness City Library.

Annunciata Marie (Wildeman) Weber

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Annunciata Marie (Wildeman) Weber, 88, of Park, departed this life on February 26, 2019, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care Unit, in Hoxie.

The oldest child of Daniel and Mary (Ziegler) Wildeman, Ann was born at home, May 29, 1930, east of Park. Ann and her family moved to their new sod house south of Grainfield when she was 5 years old. She had many stories of living in a “soddy.” She attended grade school in rural Grainfield and graduated from Grainfield High School in 1949. Ann worked at the Grainfield grocery store and bank until the love of her life returned from the Korean War. Annunciata was united in marriage to Aloysius Weber on May 18, 1953. To this union were born seven children, Gwendolyn, Dan, Allan, Marita, Stacy, Kevin and Alanna.

Al and Ann began their married life on the Weber farm south of Park. In 1957, they moved to their new home 2 miles north of Park. Ann was proud to work alongside her husband Al on the family farm for over 60 years. They also ran a grocery store in Park in the early 80’s. She was a devoted mother who gave her children a strong faith foundation. She taught them the importance of prayer. Countless blessed candles were burned over the years when she knew of someone’s suffering or needs.

Ann learned to crochet in her mid-forties. Each grandchild received one of Grandma’s afghans as a high school graduation gift and many more were given as wedding gifts.

Al was the gardener, and Ann was the canner of all his produce. No one can dispute how wonderful her cinnamon pickles were, and she would make dill pickles by the crock-full! She also spent hours turning farm fresh eggs into home made noodles. What a treat it was to snitch some of those noodles as they were spread out on the beds to dry! And many of her grandchildren had the experience of cleaning chickens with Grandma Weber. Grandma’s Chicken & Noodles were the best!

In June of 2018, Ann had to leave the home that “her honey had built for her”. The last several months of her life were spent at the Long Term Care in Hoxie. She enjoyed making new friends and playing bingo to win prizes for her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed the weekly Mass when Fr. Kevin could come out from Salina, and Thursday afternoon Rosary group.

Ann was a lifetime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the altar society and the VFW auxiliary.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Al; parents, Dan and Mary Wildeman; step-mother Wanda Wildeman; brothers Pius and Francis; infant sister Caroline, and sisters-in-law, Neyla Kippes and Fran Wildeman.

She is survived by her children, Gwen (Kevin) Offutt, of Healy, Dan (Vickie) Weber, of Park, Allan (Connie) Weber, of Quinter, Marty (Herb) Cressler, of Hoxie, Stacy (Jerry) Wagoner, of Haxtun, CO, Fr. Kevin Weber, of Salina and Alanna (Laura) Woodward-Weber, of Healy; 18 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren; brother Vernard Wildeman; sister-in-law Doreen Wildeman, and brother-in-law Gene Kippes.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 4, 2019, also at the church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Diocese of Salina Vocations Education Fund, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Paula Rae (Razak) Peterson

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Paula Rae (Razak) Peterson, passed away February 21, 2019, in Abilene, Kansas. She was born February 21, 1949 in Quinter, Kansas.

Paula dedicated 35 years teaching English and related courses at a variety of levels, finding enjoyment and fulfillment in her career.

Paula attained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fort Hays State University in 1971. She married Scott Stein in 1971, they later divorced. Paula further attained her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University in 1984, and a certification in TESL from Kansas University in 1993. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in USD 435 Abilene in 1991 and an outstanding community Education Award from Cloud County Community College a few years later. After her retirement in 2010, Paula taught as a part-time instructor for five years at the college level in Salina.

Paula served on many committees at USD 435 Abilene, co-chaired a state middle school conference, and as a member of the Abilene-NEA, she was a state representative two years at the NEA (National Education Association) convention. Additionally, she attended numerous educational conferences, conventions and workshops at the state and national level. Paula also presented at educational conferences.

Paula found joy in traveling, especially in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Mexico. She taught English for one year in Abilene’s sister city, Minori (later renamed Omitama), Japan, and was the first of many Dickinson County residents to do the same. She continued to be active in the sister city program, hosting Japanese guests in her home and organizing the delegation trips for several years. Having a love of art, after her retirement Paula enjoyed volunteering as a Picture Person for the Arts Council of Dickinson County for six years. Paula was a life-long Kansas City Royals fan. She was affiliated with the Methodist church throughout her life and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Abilene since 1980.

Survivors include her husband of 21 years, Kenneth Lynn Peterson, of Abilene, her sister Lenna Lea Wiebe of Shawnee, Kansas, her children, Phillip (Ashley) Stein and Mark (Emily) Stein, her stepchildren, Andrea (Kyle) McCook and Bethany (Karl) Franz, and her beloved grandchildren, Lanie, Halee, Alyssa, and Victoria Stein, and Kilynne, Myah and Asher McCook.

Preceding Paula in death were her parents, Lee and Myrtle (Lynd) Razak.
The funeral service will begin at 10:30am Friday, March 1, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, 610 N. Cedar Street Abilene KS, followed by a private graveside service at Abilene Cemetery. Family visitation will be Friday, March 1, 2019 from 9:15am to 10:15am before the service. A lunch will follow the service at the church in Wright Hall.

Expressions of sympathy and memorials may be sent to the family c/o Lynn Peterson, 1700 Beekman Place Abilene KS 67410. Suggested memorials are First United Methodist Church, Hospice of Dickinson County or Alzheimer’s Association Heartland of America Chapter.

Police arrest suspect for fatal shooting in Kan. health club parking lot

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SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

Mora -photo Sedgwick Co.

Just after 8:30p.m. February 6, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the Genesis Health Club parking lot in the 3700 Block of East 13th Street North, according to officer Paul Cruz.

A citizen discovered an injured victim and provided aid until EMS arrived. EMS pronounced the victim dead just before 9p.m., according to Cruz.

Investigators determined the victim identified as 22-year-old Lorenzo Wade of Wichita died from several gunshot wounds

Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

On Tuesday night, police arrested 25-year-old Tanner Mora on a charge of first-degree , according to police captain Brent Allred.  Authorities are expected to interview others in connection with the shooting as they continue their investigation, according to Allred.

James ‘Jim’ Harrell Morelock

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James “Jim” Harrell Morelock was born to Cecil and Ruby Morelock on November 6, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas and died on February 20, 2019 at Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, Kansas.

Jim and Ruth (Gayle) Morelock were married for 37 years before her death. Through this union, the couple had 3 children; Tim, Tom and Traci.

As a young man, Jim attended Kansas State University on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Washburn University to finish his Bachelor’s Degree. After school, Jim, a reservist in the Army, served as a tank driver and Sergeant First Class during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his military stint, Jim worked in the insurance industry for 36 years, with most of his service spent as a Regional Sales and Marketing Manager. His agents expressed respect for his honest and fair practices.

Jim and Lois met, after the death of their spouses, and were married on January 1, 1995. They spent the next 24 years enjoying time with family, traveling to various parts of the country and overseas. Jim was particularly fond of his visit to Normandy with his 2 sons and granddaughter, Megan. Jim also enjoyed time spent fishing, reading and discussing history. Those who knew him best can recount the wide array of stories he could bring to any conversation.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents; his first wife Ruth, and brothers Charles and Paul. Surviving him is his wife Lois Johnson-Morelock, of McDonald; sisters Mary Sylvis, of Riverview, FL and Shirley Woods, of Overbrook; son, Tim Morelock, of Topeka and daughters, Megan (Tyler) Pfannenstiel, of Hays and Madalyn Morelock, of Manhattan; son, Tom (Kristi) Morelock, of Kansas City, MO; daughter Traci Coulson, of Larned and daughter Kala (Steven) Schroer, of Larned; daughter Brooke Coulson, of Larned, son Trevor Coulson, of Larned and son Logan Coulson, of Larned; step-daughter Patti (Dexter) Leach, of Bird City, and daughter Kandi (Michael) Moore, of Fountain, CO, daughter Kalisa (Patrick) Buell, of Centennial, CO and daughter Leann (Phillip) DeLong, of Stillwater, OK; step-son Ray Dean (Edie) Johnson, of Cimarron and son Scott (Brittany) Johnson, of Craig, CO and daughter Laura Johnson, of Dodge City; step-daughter Peggy (Wayne) Sager, of Salina and son Garrett Sager, of Houston, TX, daughter Courtney (Jordan) Huggans, of Salina and son Kyler Sager, of Salina; and step-son Gary (Lisa) Johnson, of Goddard and daughter Jordann (Tom) Sewell, of Mayetta and son Jon (Jess) Johnson, of Colwich. Also surviving are 11 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at the McDonald Federated Church on Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00am. Interment to follow at the McDonald Grace Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the McDonald Legion Hall through Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Melissa Joan Therese (Morgan) Conaway

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Melissa Joan Therese (Morgan) Conaway, 39, of Athol, Kansas, was born in Aurora, Colorado to Daniel and Denise (Lyon) Mannion. Departed from this life to the next, February 23rd, 2019 in her home in Athol, Kansas.

Melissa attended Smith Center High School in Smith Center, Kansas. On January 10, 1998, she was blessed with a daughter, Taylor Rain Morgan (Massey). Short five years later in 2003, she was blessed with another daughter, Bayleigh Blaise Morgan. While raising two young daughters, she worked and cared for her Uncle Melvin Lyon and his wife, Lois.

On March 17, 2006, Melissa married the love of her life, Gregory Paul Conaway. To this union two children (twins) were born January 15, 2007, MacKenna Loren and Cort Kean Conaway. Melissa marrying Greg also brought two other children to the family, Brody Paul Conaway and Brandi Jo Conaway; making the family complete.

Melissa is preceded in death by, Grandfather, Elvin (Jiggs) Lyon; Aunt, Linda Lyon; Grandmother, Joan Mannion; and Uncle Shannon Mannion; and numerous other loved ones.

Melissa is survived by: her loving husband, Gregory; Children: Bayleigh Morgan, MacKenna Conaway, and Cort Conaway of the home. Daughter Taylor Massey and husband Clifford, of Phillipsburg, KS; Brody and Lauren, children Addison and Lily, of Hays, KS; Brandi and Neil, children Ian and baby Ella Mae, of Fort Scott, KS; Parents Daniel and Denise Mannion of Kensington, KS. Siblings, Jesse Morgan, John (Jennifer)Morgan, Gina (John) Long all of Smith Center Ks. and Jake and wife, Alexis Mannion, of Wichita, KS. And many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Melissa was a loving mother, wife, sister and daughter. She will be greatly missed by many. One of her greatest accomplishments was being a mother. She loved each and every one of her kids with a great passion.

Services are private. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family of Melissa Joan Conaway.

Update Police: Reported attempted Kansas child abduction fabricated

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POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have investigated a report of an attempted child abduction with a firearm within the city of Saint Mary’s. Kansas.

On Monday, Saint Marys Police investigated a reported child abduction which was said to have occurred in the area of US Highway 24 and Grand Ave. Given apparently credible information at the time, and airing on the side of caution, the police department immediately issued a statement with the information given by the child victim.

The subsequent investigation involved several neighborhood sweeps by officers who thoroughly searched the area the child was reported to have been taken. It also involved interviews with neighbors in that area, and the review of hours of video surveillance from local businesses.

Several tips were also followed up upon and evidence processed in an effort to identify a potential suspect or corroborate the victim’s report.

Neighbors who lived and worked in the area of the reported abduction, who would have been present to witness the incident, did not see the reported incident take place.

This was further corroborated by video surveillance footage from local businesses. As the canvass continued, it was also apparent the crime scene as reported by the child did not match his report of the incident.

Saint Mary’s Police met with the family of the child and presented their findings. The family spoke with their child at which point the child admitted the incident had been fabricated. The child had not been in any danger by an armed suspect nor was any attempt made at abducting him. The child is safe. Authorities have not identified the child.

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POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a report of an attempted child abduction with a firearm within the city of Saint Mary’s. Kansas.

The incident is reported to have occurred between 3:40 and 4:40 p.m. Monday in the area of Highway 24 and Grand Avenue, according to a social media report from Saint Mary’s Police.

Photo is reference only and not the actual vehicle, according to St. Mary’s Police

The victim reported he was approached by a possible red 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, lower tan trim, Dent on driver’s side rear door, and Scratches down the driver’s side.

The driver and only occupant of the vehicle; a Black Male, approx 40-50 years old, 5-foot-4,  Medium Build, Long hair, Devil/Demon tattoo on right forearm, Black coat, Black pants, No facial hair and Red Bandanna around his neck, reportedly brandished a handgun and ordered the victim into his vehicle. The suspect then drove the vehicle and parked in the area south of the city of St. Mary’s.

The victim managed to escape from the suspect, ran to a nearby home for assistance and is safe. Officers immediately canvassed the area but were unable to locate the unknown suspect who fled the area in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information about this incident is encourage to contact the Saint Mary’s Police Department or the Pottawatomie Sheriffs Office.

 

 

O’Loughlin educator named 2019 Kansas Master Teacher

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Gaughan

Emporia State University

Talented. Phenomenal. One in a million. These are the words used by the people who work and learn from the seven teachers chosen as the 2019 Kansas Master Teachers, announced today:

• Paula Barr, Second-Grade Teacher at Quail Run Elementary School in USD 497 Lawrence;
• Dedra Braxmeyer, Mathematics Teacher at Manhattan High School in USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden;
• Laura Gaughan, Elementary Reading Specialist at O’Loughlin Elementary School in USD 489 Hays;
• Michelle Hilliard, Mathematics Teacher at Complete High School in USD 266 Maize;
• Lisa Jarvis, English Language Arts Teacher at Council Grove Junior-Senior High School in USD 417 Morris County;
• Carolynn Phalen, First-Grade Teacher at Grace E. Stewart Elementary School in USD 305 Salina
• Linda Vena, Elementary Reading Specialist at Mission Trail Elementary School in USD 229 Blue Valley.

The 2019 master teachers represent 180 years of classroom experience.

Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each Master Teacher will be presented with a check for $1000.

The recipients were selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals, Kansas Parent Teacher Organization, Kansas National Education Association, ESU’s Kappa Delta Pi student organization, and representatives of the 2018 Kansas Master Teacher class.

The 2019 Master Teachers will be honored on Master Teacher Day to be held Wednesday, April 3 at Emporia State University. On that day, as part of several recognition activities, the teachers will present a seminar at 2:30 p.m. in the W.S. and E.C. Jones Conference Center in Visser Hall. The teachers will then be honored during a social hour at 5:45 p.m. in Webb Hall Lobby of Emporia State’s Memorial Union followed by the banquet and award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Webb Hall.

Tickets for the dinner cost $20, and reservations are required by Friday, March 22. For more information, see www.emporia.edu/teach/master/reservationform.html.

Emporia State established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. The awards are presented annually to teachers who have served the profession long and well, who also typify the outstanding qualities of earnest and conscientious teachers. Information on the 65 years of educators named Kansas Master Teachers is available at www.emporia.edu/teach/master/past.html.

Since 1980, Bank of America has pledged more than $100,000 to permanently endow the Kansas Master Teacher awards. In 1984, the Black family of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, established an endowed chair for Kansas Master Teachers. The fund provides a stipend to bring two Master Teachers to Emporia State for several days. During this time, the teachers present to classes of education students.

Kansas man sentenced for the murder of his girlfriend

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday for the November 2017 murder of his girlfriend.

Suiter -photo Sedgwick Co.

According to a statement from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office, 34-year-old Aaron Ray Suiter will spend the next 226 months in prison for the death of 25-year-old Bryena Mcqitty.

On a Sunday morning in November of 2017, police responded to an unknown call for EMS at a residence in the 800 block of north Litchfield in Wichita, according to Lt. Todd Ojile.

Upon arrival officers located Mcqitty, a resident of the home who was unresponsive.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators did find trauma on the victim, according to Ojile.

Police on the scene of Sunday homicide investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

Investigators interviewed the Mcquitty’s boyfriend identified as Aaron Suiter and her roommate.

The investigation revealed the Mcqitty and Suiter had come home early Sunday and had a loud, verbal argument, according to Ojile.  “At some point during or just after the argument the woman was struck and killed.”

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Melvin Herman Aufdemberge

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Melvin Herman Aufdemberge, 89, of Lincoln, KS, passed away Monday, February 18, 2019, in Hays. He was born August 25, 1929, in Lincoln, KS, to Ernest W. and Leona (Achterberg) Aufdemberge.

Left to celebrate his life include: sons Alan Aufdemberge, of Lincoln, Michael (Laurie) Aufdemberge, of Bennington, Gary (Karen) Aufdemberge, of Wamego; brother, C.T. (Mary) Aufdemberge, of Flagstaff, AZ; sister, Bernita Krumbach, of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Beverly Aufdemberge, of North Hills, CA; 8 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, Barbara J. Feldt, brother, Orval Aufdemberge, and daughter-in-law, Vicki Aufdemberge.

Visitation: 1-7:00 P.M. Friday, March 1, at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, with family receiving friends 5-7:00 P.M.

Service: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 2, at St. John Lutheran Church, Lincoln, with interment following in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

La Crosse man wins $20,000 playing Kansas Lottery

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Philip Likens

Winning ticket sold at Great Bend Casey’s

Kansas Lottery

Philip Likens of La Crosse has a particular strategy when buying instant tickets, and this time his plan paid off with a $20,000 win when he played the $2 Double Bonus Crossword!

“I always buy two of whatever tickets I’m getting,” said Likens. “This time I bought $18 worth of tickets, but only two of each kind. When we get home with the tickets, I’ll take one and my wife will take the other, and then we’ll scratch the tickets together.”

Likens explained he miscounted the number of words on his crossword ticket at first and his wife, Gretchen, figured out how much they had actually won.

“I only counted eight words at first, and I was pretty excited for $500! She’s the one who recounted and figured out how many words we had, and how much the ticket was worth. I still don’t believe it,” he said.

The Likens family was already planning a vacation, so their big win comes at the perfect time.

“We were planning a cruise for us and our daughters for this year. We will probably use some of the winnings to pay for the trip, and put the rest into savings for now,” said Likens.

The winning ticket was sold at Casey’s General Store 1905 at 1315 10th Street in Great Bend. There are still six $20,000 top prizes left in the $2 Double Bonus Crossword instant scratch game, as well as thousands in other cash prizes.

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