December 2021

Elizabeth (Liz) Knitter

Elizabeth (Liz) Knitter, 96, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2021, in Salina, KS. She was born November 10, 1925, in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, and graduated from Beloit High School. After attending Emporia State University, Liz remained in Beloit for ten years, teaching in rural schools and working at R. L. Hamilton law firm before moving to San Bernardino, California. Liz worked as a legal secretary for 34 years. The last 18 years of her professional career were with the California State Appellate Courts. Liz joined Beta Sigma Phi sorority while living in Beloit and continued her involvement in California and Downs. She was a lifetime member and active at the local, council, and state levels.

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Doyle Gereth Ekey

MESA, AZ - Doyle Gereth Ekey, 88, Mesa, AZ, died in his sleep December 1, 2021. Doyle was born November 27, 1933 near Codell, Rooks County, Kansas to Emery Stuart and Lura Eva (Overholser) Ekey. He graduated from Codell High School in 1951 as Salutatorian of his class.

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Laverne W. Schumacher

HAYS - Laverne W. Schumacher, age 83, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Hays Medical Center, Hays. He was born February 28, 1938, to Wendelin and Anna (Schmidt) Schumacher in Pfeifer, Kansas. Laverne grew up and attended grade school in Pfeifer, then later graduated from Saint Joseph Military Academy in 1956. Laverne married Janie B. Urban on May 9, 1959, in Loretto, Kansas. They had 4 children, Brian, Steven, Eileen, and Bruce.

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Charles Oscar McIntosh

GREAT BEND - Charles Oscar McIntosh, 88, passed away December 8, 2021, at the University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus. He was born on December 22, 1932, to George and Olivia (Rupp) McIntosh, at Hyacinth, Kan. He married Leona Leiker on October 19, 1953, at Liebenthal. She died January 22, 2020.

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Hooray Ranch gets new owners

A little way from where two dirt roads cross on the Kansas prairie sits a newly-purchased $30 million hunting compound — the Hooray Ranch. This exclusive lodge serves five-star meals three times a day and includes lush accommodations and a more than one-to-one employee to guest ratio.

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30 x 30 frustrates lawmakers

If you’re confused about President Joe Biden’s 30 x 30 initiative, you’re not alone. State legislators, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, research staff and advocacy groups remain largely perplexed and cautious about the federal plan, which aims to protect 30% of U.S.

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NATION & WORLD WATCH

Father, son charged with starting wildfire plead not guilty PLACERVILLE, Calif. – A father and son charged with starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

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Strahan flies in space with Blue Origin

Football star and TV celebrity Michael Strahan caught a ride to space with Jeff Bezos’ rocket-launching company Saturday, sharing the trip with the daughter of America’s first astronaut. Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket blasted off from West Texas, sending the capsule on a 10-minute flight with the two VIP guests and four paying customers.

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