Charles Alvin Wells
Dodge City - Charles Alvin Wells, 87, passed peacefully on December 21, 2024 at Reflection Living, Dodge City. He was born on June 13, 1937 at Dodge City, the son of Howard Charles and Dorothy (Bond) Wells.
Charles grew up in Kansas and Washington. He joined the US Air Force and was stationed at Roswell, New Mexico. On October 29, 1960 he married Darlene Beedy at Tribune. After their marriage they moved to Garden City where he was a custodian for the schools. They later moved to Leoti where he worked for the Wichita County Road Department and for Cargill Feeders until his retirement. In January of 2022, they moved to Dodge City. He enjoyed gardening and raising livestock, His church, Jesus, and family were the most important things in his life.
He was a member of the Leoti Abundant Life Church of Leoti.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Darlene Wells of Dodge City; three daughters, Jannifer Reynolds & Joe of Tribune, Shelia Smith and Paul of Dodge City, and Wendy Gifford and Jay of Dodge City; nine grandchildren, Chasity & Dustin Fritzmeier, Brandy & Scott Clevenger, Tyrell & Katy Reynolds, Amber & Jordan, Aaron & Maria Smith, Anna & Corey Bjerken, Kylie & Danny Finder, Jalen Gifford, and Jace Gifford; and 21 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Wanda Parr & Steve of Garden City, Gene Wells & Gail of Shawnee, Teresa Sowers & Randy of Scott City, and Donella Miller & Terry of Olathe.
Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Howard Wells, Jr.
A funeral service was held at Cross Connection Church on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM with Dustin Fritzmeier presiding. Burial followed at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Ft. Dodge with military honors by the US Air Force honor guard.
Memorials are suggested to Senior Benevolence Fund in care of Cross Connection Church, 3500 N. 14th, Dodge City, KS 67801.
OBITUARIES
Fred Hiram Crotinger
Fred Hiram Crotinger, 76, of Tribune, Kansas, passed away on October 23, 2026, leaving behind a family who will deeply miss him and find comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife, Kathy. Fred was born on December 15, 1949, in Tribune to William H. and June Glenn... [More]
Evelyn V. Schneider
Evelyn V. Schneider, 95, passed away on October 22, 2026, at Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune. She was born February 21, 1931, in Hastings, Nebraska, the daughter of Lester and Agnes Walkemeyer Caylor. Evelyn grew up in Axtell and graduated with the class of 1949. She... [More]
Gordon Wesley Gillock
Gordon Wesley Gillock died peacefully at Via Christi St, Joseph on Wednesday October 7, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 80. Gordon was a graduate of Deerfield High School and went on to Oklahoma Panhandle State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in... [More]
Margaret Troutman
A memorial service for longtime Lamar, Colorado resident, Margaret Troutman, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Peacock Family Chapel with Ray Matteson of the Lamar Christian Church officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Fairmount Cemetery in the Veterans... [More]
Ronald L. Koehn
Ronald L. Koehn, age 78, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Greeley County Health Services in Tribune. He was born on November 26, 1947, in Greensburg to Alfred D. & Elma Giesel Koehn. Ron moved his family to Tribune in the late 60s, having moved... [More]
Jerry Lee Huddleston
Jerry Lee Huddleston, age 72, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Greeley County Health Services in Tribune. He was born on February 4, 1954, in Tribune to Howard B. Huddleston and Lillian M. Luekenga Kubo. He was a Journeyman Lineman for Wheatland Electric... [More]
Andrew Duke Stewart
Andrew Duke Stewart, known to many as “Duke” in his younger years and “Andy” thereafter, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Western Prairie Senior Living Center in Ulysses at the age of 86. Andy was... [More]
Mary Josephine Loper
Mary Jo Loper, age 75, passed away on July 28, 2026, at her home in Overland Park, KS. She was born on May 5, 1951 in Great Bend, KS. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Floretta and Marion Otstott in Tribune. Mary Jo married Raymond Morgan in 1969 and divorced in 1979. She... [More]
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- Kenneth L. Beougher
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- Richard “Rick” Phillip Coupland, Jr.
- Thelma I. Carlson
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- Judson P. Price, Sr.
- Becky Lynn Keller
- Celebration of Life for Derek Justin Smith
SPORTS
Jackrabbits are statebound in cross county, volleyball
Photo caption: The Greeley County Girls’ Cross Country team qualified for this Saturday’s state meet in Wamego after placing first at Saturday’s substate Region B race in Tribune. Pictured from left to right are Jailyn Brandl, Scarlett Shafer, Jeryn Stewart,... [More]
Lady Jackrabbits are state bound for third straight year
Photo caption: The Lady Jackrabbits posed with a few of their devoted fans after Saturday’s substate championship win. In the back row, from left to right, are Tenley Stewart, Scarlett Shafer, Ellie Schneider, Brooklyn Clevenger, Kamri Myers, Tylee Cavenee, and Briana Martinez.... [More]
Lady Jackrabbits’ team plus Mangan, Schmidt are state bound
Photo caption: Jailyn Brandl ran her second race of the year after facing some health challenges and placed sixth, qualifying for state. Photo by Sheryl Crotinger. Greeley County Schools hosted forty schools Saturday, October 24, for two regions of 1A substate cross country... [More]
Junior High A and B volleyball teams are league champions
Photo caption: The A team girls were undefeated this season. They won last Thursday’s NWKL tournament. Pictured from left to right are Kendrix Mangan, Ayda Mangan, Tenley Stewart, Brielle Harkness, Yaresli Labra, Reagan Hahn, and Head Coach Holly Steele. Courtesy photo.... [More]
Jackrabbits fall to St. Francis Indians
Photo caption: Jeff Heine, #50, and Rowdy Grubb work together to take down a St. Francis Indian during Friday night’s road game. The boys’ last game is scheduled for this Thursday, October 29, at home against Stockton. The Jackrabbits battled injuries during their... [More]
Mia Reynolds competes at state tennis
Photo caption: Mia Reynolds played four matches at Friday’s 3-2-1A State Tennis tournament in Topeka. Reynolds defeated her first and third opponents and lost to her second and fourth competitors. Mia Reynolds competed at the 3-2-1A State Tennis Tournament in Topeka,... [More]
High School Cheerleaders
The High School Cheerleaders were bundled up due to Friday night’s cooler temperatures. Cheerleaders are (left to right) Gracelyn Graham, Britney Helpingstine, Annaleigh Long, and Lorilai Zerr. Photo by Sheryl Crotinger.
Cross country team competes at Hoxie Invitational
Photo caption: Scarlett Shafer placed 18th at last Thursday’s Hoxie Invitational Cross Country Meet. Photo by Trista Shafer. The Greeley County High School Cross Country runners made the trip to Hoxie on Thursday, October 15, to compete in the Hoxie Invitational... [More]
More Sports
- Jackrabbits fall to Indians in final junior high football game of the year
- Junior High Volleyball team has successful last week of regular season play
- Jackrabbits lose tough one to Ness City Eagles
- Reynolds qualifies for state tournament in Topeka
- Jackrabbits face defeat at Quinter
- Running Rabbits compete in league meet, Lakin Invitational
- Lady Jackrabbits are runners-up at Saturday’s NWKL Tournament
- Junior High A, B girls continue winning ways; C team battles it out
NEWS
Sales tax question will appear on Nov. 3 Tribune voters’ ballots
City of Tribune/Unified Greeley County Municipal Services District voters will have the opportunity to vote in favor or against the addition of a 1% sales tax on the November 3 ballot. The measure, if approved, would levy a Tribune city retailers’ sales tax in... [More]
Early voting began October 27
Early voting began on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during regular business hours in the Greeley County Courthouse. Hours are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Early voting will close at 12 noon on Monday, November 2, 2026. Please bring your ID to vote. Voters can preview their... [More]
Soup supper tonight
The soup supper at the Methodist Church is tonight from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Take out and delivery are available. Call 620-376-4867 after 4pm to make arrangements. The menu includes chicken and noodles, chili, ham and beans, potato, beef vegetable, and taco soup. This is a... [More]
Halloween events
Fall Fest The Greeley County Library will host a Fall Fest this Saturday, October 31, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Pumpkin Patch located south of the library. Pumpkin painting, yard games, and a family photo station will be set up for all to enjoy. They also plan to have... [More]
October is National Farm to School Month
Photo caption: Some students thought the purple potatoes grown in the school garden looked like ice cream. Photo by Christina Marquardt. Greeley County Schools Food Service Director Christina Marquardt, FACS teacher Melissa Zerr, and the fourth and fifth grade summer school... [More]
Board of Supervisors meeting notes
Monday, October 26, 2026, 1 p.m. Notes by Sheryl Crotinger Supervisors present: Chairman Stephen Mangan, Monty Moritz, Scott Steele, Stan Shafer and Alan Waggoner Others present: Unified County Clerk Jerri Young, Unified Administrator Jeff Crockett, Unified County Treasurer... [More]
New record set for October precipitation
Photo caption: Several trees around town are changing colors dramatically. Joyce Weaver shared this photo of one of the trees in the Orchard. Varied temperatures and conditions slowed progress on fall harvest towards the end of last week. Highs for the... [More]
In a year, scientists plan to be digging up bones
Photo caption: Graduate student Issac Nelson, center, takes soil samples from the side of an 18-inch trench dug as a shallow burial site for animals as part of a USDA-grant funded research project. Last Wednesday, October 14, a new experiment broke ground at the Southwest... [More]
More News
- Household Hazardous Waste Fall Cleanup scheduled
- Early voting begins October 27
- Soup Supper on October 28
- Greeley County Schools to host Cross Country Regional Saturday
- Motorists encouraged to lookout for deer
- Fall like weather for planting, harvest
- Melven O. Kuder Senior Center receives $50,000 grant for kitchen expansion and renovation
- Body Ventures learning experience at Greeley County Schools
OPINIONS
Letter to the Editor – Get out and vote
In 2026, 62% of American adults identify as Christian, a relatively stable figure since 2019, after decades of decline. America’s Muslim population has grown from roughly 0.9% in 2014 to 1.6% in 2026, driven largely by open borders, and high birth rates. (Source: Wikipedia,... [More]
Letter to the Community
To: Greeley County citizens in this voting season in our democracy From: Terry Woodbury, Kansas City American Oversight — a nonpartisan watchdog that protects our democracy by helping citizens gain access to government documents — recently obtained... [More]
Vote NO to keep Kansas courts independent
On August 4, Kansans will decide whether to amend our Constitution and fundamentally change how justices of the Kansas Supreme Court are selected. Whatever one thinks about particular court decisions or individual justices, this vote is about something much larger: whether we... [More]
Open letter to the community: Tilt-A-Whirl plans go sideways
We’re sad and sorry to report that we will not have a Tilt-A-Whirl by the 2026 Greeley County Fair. The seller, a ride company out of Arizona, recently informed the Greeley County Amusement Association board that he would be breaking our contract and not selling the ride... [More]
From the Editor’s iPhone, at the corner of Kiowa County’s Road J and 76
No, there’s not a true intersection there, just a county road, a trail, and a corner post marking the field lines. But there are some free-range yaks - maybe just out of their pen - within a couple of miles. You never know what you’re going to see during harvest…or... [More]
From the editor's desk
Change isn’t my favorite. Though I like to think I’m open-minded and forward-looking, I can become rooted in patterns, comfortable in the way things are done. If I can navigate the mental maze of getting from point A to point Z several times, then just follow... [More]
Letter to the Community: We need lifeguards
How lucky are we to have a small-town swimming pool? Honestly–very. It’s more than just a place to cool off. It’s where summers happen. Kids learn to swim, teens hang out, families relax, and the whole community comes together in one spot. In a small... [More]
In Pursuit: Lesson #1 – From George Washington
Editor’s Note: The Kansas Press Association and Kansas Humanities have partnered to provide access to a series of essays honoring the 250th Anniversary of our nation. There is so much we can learn from the lessons of our past. In Pursuit is a new initiative from... [More]
More Opinions
- FFA isn’t all sows, plows, and cows
- Letter to the Editor: Passing the Rotor Act is Plane Common Sense
- Letter to the Editor
- Letter to the Editor: Trump promises handouts to farmers. Politicians promise development benefits. We pay for it all.
- Letter to the Editor
- Right to repair
- Letter to the Editor
- Letter to the Editor
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