Don Hagedorn Passes Away

    Don T. Hagedorn, age 93, of Silver Lake, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at his home.
    He was born December 1, 1919 in Brunswick, NE the son of Thomas and Mable Hagedorn.
    Don graduated from Plainview High School in 1937. He was a veteran of the US Army during WWII, served in 5 different military theatres, and was the recipient of the American Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and Bronze Star Medal.
    He had resided in Rossville prior to moving to Silver Lake in 2008. Don worked for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 37 years in many capacities until his retirement as Production Superintendent in 1980. He was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church, the VFW, and the Goodyear Leisure Club.
    Don married Myra K. Hagedorn on June 5, 1943 at Columbus, IN. She preceded him in death on February 19, 2004. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, one brother, and one granddaughter.
    Survivors include one daughter, Donna (Rodney) Lasswell of Silver Lake, one son, James Hagedorn of Topeka, four grandchildren, Christiana (Mike) Redmon, Brandi Hagedorn, Traci Hagedorn, Joshua Hagedorn and five great-grandchildren.
    Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Don will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Rossville United Methodist Church, PO Box 586, Rossville, Kansas 66533. To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

Rossville Elections on April 2

From CJ Online:

The April 2 general election is being held for the offices of Topeka mayor and Topeka City Council Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9; city offices for Auburn, Rossville, Silver Lake and Willard; and school district board of education members.

Voters may begin casting advance ballots in person Monday at the Shawnee County Election Office, 911 S.W. 37th, election commissioner Andrew Howell said in a news release Wednesday.

Howell said advance voting in that office for the April 2 general election begins at 8 a.m. Monday and ends at noon Monday, April 1.

The election office between Monday and Friday of next week will be open for extended hours — from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — to accommodate voters wishing to cast advance ballots. The election office isn’t open on Saturdays or Sundays.

Voters also may ask that an advance ballot be mailed to them.

They may acquire applications for advance ballots by calling the election office at (785) 266-0285 and asking that an application be mailed to them; or downloading an application athttp://www.snco.us/election/document/av1_advance_application)2013.pdf.

Completed applications for advance ballots may be hand-delivered to the election office; faxed to its fax number at (785) 266-0299; or mailed to it at 911 S.W. 37th, Topeka, Kan. 66611-2378.

The last day the election office may mail advance ballots to prospective voters is Friday, March 29. Advance ballots must be returned to the election office by 7 p.m. on April 2.

Voters can view their sample ballot for this election at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/.

A listing of all races and candidates in Shawnee County may be found on the election office website athttp://www.snco.us/election/document/sync/VT7J515_CAND_RACE_LST_PRI.PDF.

Rattlers Add 4 From Barton Co. CC

The Rossville Rattlers are pleased to announce the signing of four players from the Barton County Community College baseball team. Cougars Head Coach Mike Warren once again will send some of his top JUCO talent.

 

Blaine Hill, RHP (Manhattan, KS): Hill is a freshman this season at Barton County. He's pitched 2 innings, giving up no runs, no hits and no earned runs. Hill struck out two batters and picked up the victory for the Cougars in his one appearance.

 

Pete Ruiz, OF/RHP (Junction City, KS): 2011 All-Centennial League Honorable Mention and 2012 All-Centennial League Second Team selection. Played for Junction City High school and is a Freshman this year at Barton County. This season he's currently batting .316 with 5 hits, 6 runs and 4 RBI in 9 games for the Cougars. Pete has also pitched 1 inning giving up 3 hits, 1 run and no runs earned.

 

Erik Benson, 2B (Overland Park, KS): At Barton County this season, Eric is hitting .281 with 12 hits, 9 runs and 3 RBI in 11 games. Benson is 2012 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Benson enters this season as a Freshman at Barton County.

 

Dylan Turpin, 1B (Grantville, KS): 2011 All-Area Baseball Team by the Lawrence Journal-World as a Senoir at Perry-Lecompton High school. This season he's batting .268 with 9 hits, 11 runs and 8 RBI in 15 games for Barton County. Turpin is a Sophomore this season at Barton County.

 

Luella Sage Passes Away

    Luella M. (Olson) Sage, 92, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013 at her home.
    Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Dover Cemetery, Dover, Kansas. Mrs. Sage will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Piper Funeral Chapel in Rossville. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., Ste. 100, Topeka, KS. 66614.
    Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Duane Zlatnik at KU Pro Day

    KU offensive guard Duane Zlatnik is graduating this year and is hoping for employment in the National football League.  He participated in the KU Pro Day on March 15 with good results.  To see the results and read his history,  you can read his bio at:

http://www.agencyathlete.com/clients/dzlatnik

Paul Frank Matyak Passes Away

    Paul Frank Matyak, 93, formerly of Delia, KS, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Clare Bridge in Topeka. 
    He was born March 18, 1919 on the family farm near Carter, SD, the son of Paul and Marie Lucy (Dolezilek) Matyak. He graduated from Curlew School in South Dakota. After school he worked on the family farm until 1937 when he moved to Delia, KS.
    When he arrived in Delia at the age of 18, he started work as the manager of the Farmers Elevator, which was owned by his uncle, Frank Matyak. In 1939, after moving the rest of the family from South Dakota, Paul s dad purchased the Delia Lumber Co., next to the elevator. Paul became the manager of the lumber yard, working in both of these positions until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 20, 1942.
    His military career took him from Fort Leavenworth, KS to Camp Hood, Texas, to Fort Leonard Wood, MO before he was shipped overseas. His unit embarked to England on September 13, 1944 having served in the European Theater, which took him to Holland and then on to Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge towards the end of the war in 1945. He journeyed back across the ocean on the Queen Mary and arrived in New York City on July 2, 1945, returning to Delia, KS on July 11, 1945 (which was just two weeks before his wedding). Paul was honorably discharged from the Army at San Luis Obispo, CA on October 21, 1945. His military awards included the American Service Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart.
    Paul married Genevieve C. Grace on July 26, 1945 in Delia, KS. In that same year, Paul and Genevieve bought their first home and a building on Main Street in Delia, where he started his business, Matyak s Garage . Paul and Genevieve were married 51 years and raised six children: Paul J., Edward, Dorothy, Roxann, Richard, and Monica.
    He retired from Matyak s Garage in 1990 after 45 years in the business. Paul was a man of the upmost integrity and stuck to his moral grounds no matter the subject. He was not afraid to voice his opinion. Many friends and customers will remember stopping by Matyak s Garage and discussing the news topics of the day. There are many memories of Paul helping neighbors or friends in need, anytime day or night. Paul and Genevieve shared many wonderful memories with friends including dances at the Bohemian Hall, where often their dancing would make others stop and stand back to watch. Paul and Genevieve appreciated their many great memories with their friends of so many years.
    Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve and son, Paul J. in August 1996; his parents; two brothers, Frank and Joe Matyak. He is survived by five children, Ed (Kathy) Matyak, and Dorothy (Eldon) Fastrup of Topeka, Roxie (David) Fath of Tecumseh, Rick (Melody) Matyak of Delia, Monica (Jay) Steiner of Olathe; eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Lydia Anderson of Topeka; and many nieces and nephews.
    Paul will lie in state from 3-8 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 4:30-6:00 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2013 at Czech-Moravian Cemetery, North of Rossville, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Czech-Moravian Cemetery Association, 14721 NW 86th, Rossville, KS 66533. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. 

Jason Broaddus Is New Football Coach

By Brent Maycock

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Once Jason Broaddus fell into coaching football, he fell in love with it.

“Immediately,” Broaddus said. “I always kind of liked being around school as a student, so it was just kind of a natural fit for me.”

Once he found his calling, It only seemed natural that some day Broaddus would return to coach at his alma mater, Rossville, where he earned All-State honors in 1992. Indeed, after coaching stops at three other schools, Broaddus joined the Bulldogs staff five years ago.

Now he’ll get a shot at leading the program. On Wednesday, Broaddus was named Rossville’s head coach, filling the void left when Steve Buhler accepted the Washburn Rural job last month.

“It was something I always had in the back of my mind, but wasn’t necessarily a set goal,” Broaddus said of returning to coach at Rossville. “It’s a place I love and if the opportunity was right, I wasn’t going to hesitate to come back home. When I came back, I had it in my mind that I wanted to be the head coach here sometime down the road. I’m pumped up, I’m overwhelmed and just honored and proud to be the next football coach at Rossville.”

Despite not having head football coaching experience, Rossville athletic director Derek Dick said Broaddus also was a natural fit for the job.

“He’s obviously familiar with the kids, the community and the league,” Dick said. “We had a couple other really good interview candidates as well, but we just felt like with him being an in-house guy, he was ready. The only thing we felt he lacked was head coaching experience and you have to get that at some point. He’s paid his dues ... and we felt he’s definitely got the knowledge and just needed a shot.”

Broaddus happened upon coaching almost by accident. After two years playing at Hutchinson Community College, Broaddus was set to spend his final two playing years at Missouri-Rolla. After two weeks at the school, he left and enrolled at Emporia State.

While there, he reunited with his former Rossville coach, Mark Luedtke, who was head coach at Emporia High School. Broaddus spent three years as an assistant for the Spartans before taking an assistant job at Baldwin.

Broaddus spent six years at Baldwin, serving as both offensive and defensive coordinator at different times. He then moved to Shawnee Heights for three years before returning home to Rossville.

While serving as an assistant for the football team, the past two years as offensive coordinator, Broaddus also was head track coach. He led Rossville’s girls to three straight Class 3A state titles and that experience groomed him for the football job he’s ready to tackle.

“Experience in terms of organizing and being in charge is a benefit, no matter what the sport is,” Broaddus said. “There’s a lot more pressure that goes along with being the head coach at Rossville, and that’s to be expected. The pressure wasn’t really on track, so that aspect will be different.

“But I’ve been influenced by a long line of good coaches at Rossville, going all the way back to playing for Hal Taliaferro and Mark Luedtke and Tony Trimble, who was an assistant. Then I coached for Luedtke and more recently with Coach Buhler. That’s every head coach at Rossville since 1978 that I’ve learned something from and taken something from.”

The pressure Broaddus alluded to centers around one big one — beating Silver Lake. The War on 24 rivalry is one of the best in the state and for the better part of the past two decades, the Eagles have held the upper hand.

Broaddus acknowledged the challenge.

“That is certainly the judging factor,” Broaddus said. “Competing for and winning league and state titles, that’s our goal and Silver Lake’s an obstacle for winning both. Not only are they our rival — if we were both 0-9, it would still be an important game — but we’re both good teams and they’re an obstacle for us to win championships. It’s our highest priority to work towards and achieve that goal.”

Berniece French Passes Away

Berniece L. French passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at her home near Rossville. She was born May 15, 1914 in Delia the daughter of Vera and Robert Kirby.

On November 20, 1933 she was united in marriage to Howard Robert French in Lawrence. They had three sons, Gary DeVere, Laird Leslie and Howard Douglas. Berniece and Howard started a trucking business hauling cattle from the Rossville area to the KC Stockyards. Later they became farmers in the Kaw River Valley. Berniece became postmaster in Rossville in 1967 and held that post for 17 years. She enjoyed traveling and visited many different countries during her lifetime. Berniece especially enjoyed visiting family and friends in California and Colorado. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church.

Berniece was preceded in death by Howard, her husband of 37 years; her parents, Vera & Robert Kirby, sisters Donice DeYoung and Roberta Larson; brothers Robert (Bud) and Neal Kirby.

She is survived by her sons, Gary (K) French and Laird (Sharon) French all of Topeka and Doug French, Rossville; a sister, Doris Gross, Danville, CA; a brother, Jim Kirby, Valyermo, CA; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Rossville United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Mrs. French will lie in state at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, March 14, 2013 where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Rossville United Methodist Church or Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home.

To leave condolences or to make a memorial contribution,  go to:  http://piperfuneralhome.com

New Emergency Communication Tower Planned

     The Shawnee County Commissioners are considering the purchase of two tracts of land to build emergency communication towers.    One tower would be built on 4.59 acres  in southeast Shawnee County and the  second on a tract of 4.74 acres north of Rossville.  This latter tract would be purchased for $17,440 from William and Carolyn Badura. 

Ronald Pressgrove Passes Away

Ronald Le Roy Pressgrove, 66, of Topeka, passed away at his home under the care of Midland Hospice on Feb. 6, 2013. He was born to Le Roy and Josephine Olejnik Pressgrove on April 10, 1946 at Rossville, Kansas. He grew up in Rossville and graduated from Rossville High School. 

He served in the US Army from 1969 through 1971 and was stationed in Vietnam. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. Ronald was employed by Washburn University as a member of the grounds crew. He retired in 2010. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. 

He is survived by his children, Crystal Pressgrove, Curtis Pressgrove, Coral had her husband Chad Quasebarth, Cristeen and her husband Randy Young, Craig Tyska, and Corey Pressgrove; his mother, Josephine Pressgrove; his sister, Shirley Rosser; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Le Roy Pressgrove and his sister, Karen Figge.

A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date. 

Rattlers Pick Up Four More Players

The Rossville Rattlers are pleased to announce the signing of three players from the Washburn University baseball team. Ichabods Head Coach Steve Anson once again will send some of his top MIAA talent.

 

Drew Ridley, LHP (Topeka, KS): A 2012 graduate of Johnson County Community College where he played baseball in 2012. He went 4-0 his freshman year with a 2.55 ERA as his team was Jayhawk East regular season champion with a 40-18 record. Drew took a redshirt in 2011 after graduating Washburn Rural High School (2010) where he lettered in baseball his final two years for the Junior Blues.

 

Dan Gabler, RHP (Dardenne Prairie, MO): A 2012 graduate of Fort Zumwalt West High School where he lettered his final three years for the Jaguars. Dan earned all-district his final year while helping his team to a conference championship. Gabler went 4-2 on the mound in 11 appearances that year as he had a 0.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 45 innings. He went 4-3 as a junior in eight games with a 4.52 ERA and went 4-1 as a sophomore with a 1.22 ERA and had 101 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings pitched.

 

Mark Biesma, RHP (Shawnee, KS): Mark appeared in 12 games with nine starts on the mound and went 2-4 overall and 1-4 as a starter last season for the Ichabods. He earned a win against Southwest Baptist on March 25 after giving up three runs on seven hits with six strikeouts. He finished the year with 29 strikeouts and pitched 1/3 inning of relief against Missouri Southern on April 7 to get a win as Washburn won in walk-off fashion the next half inning. A 2011 graduate of Mill Valley High School where he lettered in baseball all four years, he earned first team all-league and second team all-state his senior year. Biesma also earned first team all-league as a junior.

 

The Rattlers are also please to announce the signing of a player from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska.

 

Nick McIntee, C/3B (Randolph, MN): Graduate of Randolph High School in Randolph, Minnesota where he was a four year starter in baseball. He was an All-Gopher Conference selection in baseball for three seasons and was Honorable Mention All-Conference in football as a senior. In 2011 season led team to conference title while hitting .495 with three homers, 13 doubles and 36 RBI. He helped the 2010 team set school record for wins in a season.

 

The Rossville Rattlers play at historic Joe Campbell Memorial Stadium in Rossville, KS and are the 2012 National Baseball Congress Summer Nationals Runner-Up. The 2013 season swings into action on May 30th at home against the Midwest Bruins. Like us on Facebook or Twitter (@RvilleRattlers) to get the latest news and updates. Please contact rossvillerattlers@gmail.com for more information on the team

Lucille Sage Passes Away

   Lucille M. Leach Sage, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at her home near Dover.
    She was born August 31, 1923 at rural Osborne County Kansas, the daughter of Albert William and Margaret Dona Wineland Hackerott.
    Lucille grew up in the Osborne community and graduated from Osborne High School. She graduated from Kansas State University. Lucille was an Extension Agent for Osborne County for nearly 10 years. She lived in Osborne for many years and later in Belleville and Lawrence before moving to Dover.
    She was united in marriage to Robert Leach on March 24, 1946 at Osborne. He died November 3, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Albert Hackerott Jr., a son, Daniel Leach and a granddaughter Nicole Shriwise.
    On April 14, 2001 she was united in marriage to Robert Sage at Dover. He survives of the home.
    Other survivors include a daughter, Mary Anne Shriwise, Topeka; two sons, Charles (Donna) Leach, Gettysburg, PA. and Jim (Rhonda) Leach, Hague, VA: two step-daughters, Janet Sage Bruce and Beverly (Terry) Webber Cobb all of Topeka; two step-sons, Roger (Brenda) Sage and Rob (Denise) Sage all of Dover; grandchildren, Cindy, Scott, Julie, Eric, Robbie and Andrew; step-grandchildren, Amos, Lacey, Jessie, Lindsay, Ross, Hallie, Reed and Raven; great-grandchildren, Austin, Natalie, Alyssa, Bryce, Chase and Lily.
    Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Dover Federated Church. Inurnment will be at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Osborne Cemetery, Osborn, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care or to the Dover Community Foundation and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Rattlers Add Four Players From ESU

The Rossville Rattlers are pleased to announce the signing of four players from the Emporia State University baseball team. Hornets Head Coach Bob Fornelli once again will send some of his top MIAA talent.

  

Ryan Huth, 1B, (Emporia, KS): Ryan will redshirt for Emporia State this season. In High School Ryan played baseball, football, and basketball. He lettered 4 years in baseball, 4 years in basketball, and 3 years in football. In football he was a First Team All-Area selection his senior year, along with being a second-team all-league selection in baseball.

Bryce Dakin, SS, (Emporia, KS): Bryce will redshirt this season for Emporia State as a Freshman. Dakin played baseball at Emporia High School last season.

Tyler Beebe, C, (Ottawa, KS): Tyler hit .169 in 89 at-bats for Coffeyville Community College. He was nominated to the honorable mention all-league team in 2012 and was a NJCAA Academic All-American. He lettered three years in baseball for the Cardinals of Eudora High School.

Casey Atchison, RHP, (Emporia, KS): Atchison was first-team All-Flint Hills League last year at Northern Heights High School. Atchison looks to get playing time this spring for the Hornets. Casey pitched 1.1 innings in Emporia State's 14-3 loss to Incarnate Word on February 1st. He gave up two hits, two walks, struck out two and gave up no runs.

The Rossville Rattlers play at historic Joe Campbell Memorial Stadium in Rossville, KS and are the 2012 National Baseball Congress Summer Nationals Runner-Up. The 2013 season swings into action on May 30th at home against the Midwest Bruins. Like us on Facebook or Twitter (@RvilleRattlers) to get the latest news and updates. Please contact rossvillerattlers@gmail.com for more information on the team

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Rossville Rattlers

Summer Collegiate Baseball

2012 NBC Summer Nationals Runner-Up

http://www.leaguelineup.com/rossvillerattlers

Rattlers Add 3 Players From U. of Nebraska

 The Rossville Rattlers are pleased to announce the signing of three players from the University of Nebraska-Omaha baseball team. Mavericks Head Coach Bob Herold will send some of his young promising Division-I talent to Rossville this summer.

  

Collin Leif, C, (Bemidji, MN): Collin lettered four years for Bemidji High School. Leif was a class 3A all-state and all-section pick as a senior, when he batted .420 with 29 RBI. He was named to the 3A state all-tournament team and a Lions Northern All-Star Tournament participant. Last season he helped Bemidji win a section championship and went on to the 3A state championship game at Target Field. As a junior, he was honored on the all-section team and was an all-state honorable mention selection. He hit .450 with 30 RBI and helped Bemidji to a state tournament appearance.

Cole Gruber, OF, (Papillion, NE): Gruber lettered three years for Papillion-LaVista High School. He was a three-time all-state honorable mention (2009-11). As a senior, led the state with a .497 batting average. In his junior season, he posted the fourth-best batting average in the state at .492. He's also a member of the National Honor Society and the honor roll.

Brett Sasse, RHP, (Nebraska City, NE): Attended Lourdes Central Catholic but played baseball for Nebraska City High School's program and lettered four years. He was a first-team all-state selection as a senior. Sasse was a two-time first-team all-conference pick and as a senior, he led the state in the regular season with 85 strikeouts and went 3-4 on the mound with a 1.24 ERA. In his junior season, he went 1-4 with a 2.34 ERA, finishing third in Class B for strikeouts. He helped Nebraska City to back-to-back state tournament appearances. Brett went 4-1 on the mound as a sophomore and posted a win at the state tournament.

The addition of these three players bring the Rattlers total of Division-I athletes to eight for the 2013 season (5 Kansas State, 3 Nebraska-Omaha). We are excited to welcome in these athletes and thank Coach Herold for building a new relationship that will last for years to come.

 
The Rossville Rattlers play at historic Joe Campbell Memorial Stadium in Rossville, KS and are the 2012 National Baseball Congress Summer Nationals Runner-Up. The 2013 season swings into action on May 30th at home against the Midwest Bruins. Like us on Facebook or Twitter (@RvilleRattlers) to get the latest news and updates. Please contact rossvillerattlers@gmail.com for more information on the team.