VITAL STATISTICS

Banta

Floyd ‘Sergeant Easy’ Banta, of Seguin Texas, took his final breath with his loving children by his side, on March 17, 2023, and took his first steps in Heaven a moment later. He passed at the age of 74 years and is survived by his daughters Dollene Banta and Sara [Kevin] Banta, Sons Stephen [Monica] Banta and Bill [Rehn] Bohnas; Grandchildren Jaclyn, Ryan, Autumn, Macey, Jadelynn, Damian, Kambrie, Hailey, Paisley, Katy & 5 Great-grandchildren; His loving friends; Ronnie, Ruth, Linda, Jay & Bonnie, Kevin & Elisabeth, Butch, and lastly, his faithful dog Pax.

Floyd is preceded in death by his mother Brownie Banta, father Jack Banta, brother Stan Banta, and stepdaughter Malissa West.

Floyd will always be remembered by his family and friends as a jovial storyteller of an eventful life; from his time as a young man hunting and fishing his family’s ranch, to rough work in the oil field, being a trucker on the road and tales of his time serving the Army in Vietnam and Germany. His later years in life he was dedicated to his bible studies and spreading the word of Christ. While Floyd will be greatly missed by his friends and family, they all know that he is in Heaven “catching more fish than you can shake a stick at.” A memorial service will be set for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Ste 300, Arlington, VA 22201.

West

Malissa Lynn West of Seguin Texas passed away March 10, 2023 at the age of 52 years young. She leaves behind her life partner & best friend Jason, daughter Macey Berryhill, son Nolan Berryhill, mother and stepfather Bonnie and Jay Forshage, father Tommy West, sister Sara Banta, brothers Stephen Banta and Bill Bohnas, grand mother Patsy Forshage, nieces; Autumn, Jadelynn, Kambrie, Hailey, Paisley, Katy, nephew Damian. Malissa joins in heaven, her son, Noble Berryhill.

Malissa had been battling breast cancer for many, many years, yet she never let trials and tribulations break her spirit. She loved Minnie Mouse, crocheting, & spending time with her dogs Tootie & Dozey. She was quick witted to crack a joke with her family and friends to try and put a smile on their face, even in times of her own suffering. She was passionate about spending time with her family, especially her daughter Macey, her love Jason, nieces, friends and loved ones.

Norovirus Sickens Hundreds Of Students At NY High School (Babylon, NY) -- Norovirus is blamed for a stomach bug outbreak that’s ripped through a New York high school. It began with 80 kids getting sick after an assembly and dance on March 17th at Babylon Junior Senior High School on Long Island. By Monday, more than 250 students out of 700 at the school were out sick with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott [[ puh-GO ]] says norovirus can spread like wildfire, but usually goes away after a day or two. He says the key to avoiding it is to wash your hands a lot since norovirus spreads on the skin and you can pick it up from doorknobs and staircase railings.

KY Governor Vetoes Transgender Bill (Frankfort, KY) -- Kentucky’s governor is vetoing a bill in his state addressing a number of transgender issues. Democrat Andy Beshear says the bill “allows too much government interference in personal healthcare” and puts educators in a position where they’ll be investigators. The bill directs teachers to use the pronoun that matches a student’s birth gender, prohibits gender change procedures for people under 18, and would require schools to create a trans bathroom plan. Despite the veto, the Republican supermajority in the state legislature could overturn his decision.

KY Governor Vetoes Transgender Bill (Frankfort, KY) -- Kentucky’s governor is vetoing a bill in his state addressing a number of transgender issues. Democrat Andy Beshear says the bill “allows too much government interference in personal healthcare” and puts educators in a position where they’ll be investigators. The bill directs teachers to use the pronoun that matches a student’s birth gender, prohibits gender change procedures for people under 18, and would require schools to create a trans bathroom plan. Despite the veto, the Republican supermajority in the state legislature could overturn his decision.

US TB Cases Returning To Pre-Pandemic Highs

(Atlanta, GA) -- Today is World Tuberculosis Day. T-B cases in the U.S are climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report from the C-D-C. The bureau’s numbers show a 20-percent drop in cases in 2020, but national numbers have rebounded over the last two years. Worldwide, some one-point-five million people die of tuberculosis annually.