David Jacobson (80) Is Engineer Of Year

WICHITA, Kan. (WIBW) -- David Jacobson, of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, has been named the 2019 Engineer of the Year.

“I’m truly very honored by this recognition,” Jacobson said. “Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with many internal and external partners. This award is due to them and the great relationships we’ve developed.”

The Kansas Society of Professional Engineers awarded the KTA Director of Engineering for his work on their decade-long improvement plan. The plan is focused on modernizing the system and enhancing its safety and efficiency.

“Our organization has greatly benefited from David’s leadership and engineering expertise,” Steve Hewitt, KTA’s Chief Executive Officer, said. “He stands at the helm of our modernization efforts and is instrumental in our work to transform tolling in Kansas.”

Improvements from this plan include highway speed electronic lanes, increased vertical bridge clearance, bridge rehabilitation and various guardrail improvements.

Jacobson holds multiple leadership roles, including Board Secretary of the Engineers' Foundation of Kansas.

Donald Stockman (59) Passes Away

    Rossville—Donald H. Stockman, 79, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019 at his Rossville home.
    He was born April 12, 1940 at Wamego, the 10th of 13 children to Francis and Martha Boelens Stockman. He was raised in the Sandy Hook Community, and graduated from Rossville High School in 1959.
    Don worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka. He and his wife Marilene owned and operated Swirly Top and Stockman Mobile Home Park both in Rossville. Don owned Stockman Landscaping. He was member of Lakeside Baptist Church in Silver Lake, and the United Rubber Workers Union. He was a past member of the Rossville Lions Club.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Leo, Tom, Ted, Harold, Pat, Regina and Joe; a son, Randy Stockman and a great-grandson, John Charles Johnson.
    On September 10, 1960 he was united in marriage to Marilene Pendelton in St. Marys. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include a son, Jared (Darci) Stockman, Hoyt; two daughters, Katherine Stockman and Marty (Bobby) Johnson all of Rossville; three brothers, Bob Stockman, Lyndon, Hank Stockman, Emmett and Phil Stockman, Topeka; two sisters, Betty Hazard ,Ozawkie and Frances Carlson, Minnesota; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
    A Memorial visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Monday, July 1, 2019 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To online condolences please go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Marilyn Barnes Passes Away

Marilyn Barnes, 89, of Soldier, KS passed away Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born November 23, 1929 in Soldier, the daughter of Forest and Mary (Wykert) Vanderwall.

Marilyn attended Soldier High School graduating in 1947. She worked for the State of Kansas, Board of Agriculture and Kansas Museum of History for 25 years.

She was a former member of the Soldier Christian Church, Delia Presbyterian Church and Rolling Hills Christian Church

Marilyn married Ronald “Ronnie” Barnes on March 14, 1948 in Soldier, KS. They shared over 57 years of marriage before Ronnie passed away on February 21, 2005.  Ronald preceded her in death on February 21, 2005. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Doris Vanderkolk and 3 brothers, Richard, Wayne and Harold Vanderwall.

Survivors include a daughter, Vicki Lesser (69) (Bill) of Topeka, KS; three sons, Jack Barnes (67) (Darla) of Sabetha, KS, Terry Barnes (71) (Debi) of Topeka, KS and Ray Barnes (72) (Julie) of Topeka, KS. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the funeral home. Memorial may be given to Rolling Hills Christian Church or the Midland Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Marilyn and Ronnie lived in Delia many years and their 4  children graduated from RHS in 1967-1972.

Philomena Peavler Passes Away

Philomena Peavler, age 96, of Silver Lake, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

Philomena will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27 from 12:00-7:00 P.M. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 5:30 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, June 28. Interment will follow at the St. Bernard Cemetery in Wamego, KS. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Philomena's loving memory to Midland Hospice and/or Silver Lake Senior Center. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home. 

To view full obituary, share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Philomena's webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Uniontown History

Some Rossville people probably don't realize that a small city called Uniontown once existed near Willard.  At one time,  it was the largest town in the state, though there weren't many other towns at that time.
You can read about Uniontown at:  https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/uniontown/12228

Jena and Kelby Brown Have A Boy

     Jena and Kelby Brown of Rossville are the proud parents of a new baby boy born June 23, 2019.

Minor flooding possible in Rossville

From the Rossville Police Dept.

Cross Creek MINOR Flooding Possible: The National Weather Service predicts Cross Creek will reach 28.0 feet at approximately 1:00am overnight tonight on Monday June 24th 2019. This is at the top end of the MINOR flood stage and threatens homes off of Walnut Street west of the creek. Local City, Police, Fire, and Emergency Management officials have been monitoring the situation in conjunction with the Topeka National Weather Service. Sand and sandbags have been ordered and will be placed in the Rossville High School Parking Lot and we will update you when they arrive. We encourage you to monitor the National Weather Service page for Cross Creek as well as NWS flood watches and warnings.

Make a plan, prepare now, stay informed, act early, and play it safe.

https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php…

RHS Alumni Dinner 2019

    The Rossville High School Alumni Foundation held the 10^th Annual Reunion, Dinner and Scholarship Presentation on Saturday June 1, 2019 at the Dekat Parish Center.   Social hour began at 4:00 with a catered dinner served at 6:00.  During the program that followed, Garrett Carver, Katie Glotzbach and Jordan Bittner were each awarded $1,500 scholarships given by the Alumni Foundation.   Garrett and Katie introduced themselves during the program.  Jordan was unable to attend.   Victor Miller, milestone class of 1969, spoke to the group about his time in school moving from a one room school to graduating from Rossville High School.    Deceased alumni were honored.   Election of officers was held.   Leaving the Alumni Board were Kathy Dayton Kovar, Bonnie Fauerbach and Virginia Rezac Foster.   Joining the board were Connie Broxterman Fischer (class of 1988), Colleen Ross Gillum (class of 1989) and Abigail McCrory (class of 2018).   There were 80 alumni and guests in attendance.  The evening ended with class photos being taken.  Next year’s party will be June 6, 2020.

Helen Lytle (pres.) with scholarship winners  Garrett Carver and Katie Glotzbach

Clyde Strimple, Helen Spears Miller, Gerald Davis

Bill Ent, Charles Foster, Ken Heiland, Janet Harth Dodge, Laura Stiles Miller

Charlotte Decker Kling, Arletta Sage Nichols, Don Rogers, Jane Zickafoose Davis, Patricia Parr Martinek

Kippes and Lundin Make All-State

    Sports In Kansas has announced their 2A All State Softball team.  Kelcie Kippes made their First Team and Kinlyn Lundin made the Second Team.
http://kansas-sports.com/ks/news/?id=11410&t=2019-sports-in-kansas-2-1a-all-state-softball-team&fbclid=IwAR1iISBVxjUTn1vNf-buuQwuyvJ-ATNFRI1MLvyjf-wsxXk4F4o67vsN4UQ

Janice (Colson) (61) Spiker Passes Away

Janice Marie (Colson) Spiker, 76, of Topeka, passed Saturday, June 15, 2019, peacefully at home surrounded by family, after brave battles with breast and liver cancer. Janice was born May 1, 1943, in Beloit, Kansas, to Alvin and Rose (Simmons) Colson. She grew up in the Iona Kansas area and attended Rossville High School where she graduated in 1961. 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Lonnie and her son, Timothy “Scott” and daughter-in-law June Spiker of Silver Lake. Janice leaves behind a brother, Dennis (wife Kathy) Colson of Ponder, TX and her grandchildren Codi Spiker of Kansas City, MO, Chelsey (husband Tyler) Boxberger of Olathe and Corey of Silver Lake, sister in-laws, Judy Seitz, Topeka, KS Jackie Colson, Idaho, Traci Parkin of Nevada. Other survivors include numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Janice was proceeded in death by her parents Alvin and Rose Colson and siblings, Bill Colson and Dean Colson.

Janice was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, she very seldom missed her grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. Janice was employed at Goodyear for 37 years. She was a Creative Memories consultant for several years, she always loved crafting. She also belonged to the Red Hat society. She and Lonnie were very active in the Arab Shrine community. 

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions in her memory may be made to: KMF, Cancer Research, 5835 SW 29th St.,Topeka, KS 66614.

To leave condolences,  go to:  https://www.parkerpricefh.com/Obituary/172983/Janice-Spiker/Topeka-KS

Carver, Kipps, Hill Honored

    The Topeka/Shawnee Co. Sports Awards committee announced its nominees for high school awards  for 2019.    Garrett Carver was nominated for Male Fall Sports.  Kelcie Kipps was nominated for Female Spring Sports.  Caila Hill was nominated for Female Winter Sports.

All Mid-East League Baseball Team

First team

Toby Becker, Rock Creek; Logan Brown, Wabaunsee; Karter Carlson, Rock Creek; Garrett Harmison, Riley County; Avery Holle, Riley County; Connor Holle, Riley County; Will Homan, St. Marys; Tristan Kulp, Riley County; McGwyre Leathers, Rossville; Aidan Lee, Rock Creek; Jake Lindstrom, Silver Lake; Bo Reeves, Rossville; Mason Sturdy, Rock Creek; Brooks Whaley, Rock Creek; Nate Williams, Rock Creek.

Honorable mention

Nic Allen, Riley County; Dillon Byrne, Silver Lake; Chad Chambers, Wabaunsee; Jackson Frank, Wabaunsee; Aiden Garcia, Rossville; Trey Harmison, Riley County; Isiah Holz, St. Marys; Cameron Minihan, Rock Creek; Connor Pruyser, Silver Lake; Trent Reamer, Silver Lake; Reid Walker, Silver Lake.

All Mid-East League Softball Team

First team

Rachel Allen, Riley County; Lexi Cobb, Silver Lake; Alexis Hafenstine, Wabaunsee; Josie Harrison, St. Marys; Sophia Haverkamp, Rock Creek; Ellie Hogle, Silver Lake; Kelcie Kippes, Rossville; Daryn Lamprecht, Silver Lake; Alyssa Lohmeyer, Wabaunsee; Kinlyn Lundin, Rossville; McKenna Mayhew, St. Marys; Brenna Mulligan, St. Marys; Abby Pressgrove, Silver Lake; Autymn Schreiner, Wabaunsee; Laney Scott, Rock Creek.

Honorable mention

Emma Bohnenblust, Riley County; Taylor Burkhardt, Silver Lake; Layne Cole, St. Marys; Hallie Hay, Silver Lake; Caila Hill, Rossville; Reagan Hurla, St. Marys; McKenzie Kruse, Riley County; Jaydn McClellan, Riley County; Kierra Mosby, Rock Creek; Abby Oliver, Wabaunsee.

Bergstresser & Gentry Attend HSLA

From the Capital Journal:
Rossville High was among eight Shawnee County schools that participated this week in the third annual High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) at Washburn University.

HSLA is hosted by the Washburn University Leadership Institute, and is created and implemented by current Washburn University students. A three-year grant from the Topeka Community Foundation provided funding to launch this program.

The mission of HSLA is to develop leadership skills in high school students and create a greater awareness about ways they, personally, can influence positive change in their communities. Student participants lived on campus for the week and were guided through a comprehensive program introducing concepts from the Kansas Leadership Center, including awareness and application of the four competencies of Diagnosing the Situation, Managing Self, Energizing Others and Intervening Skillfully.

The students from Rossville that participated were Destiny Bergstresser and Tatum Gentry

To read the rest of the article,  go to:  https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190616/area-students-participate-in-wu-leadership-academy

Rossville Legion Team Loses To Hays

From the Hays Dailey News:

    The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion baseball team picked up a 12-3 win on Saturday in Rossville. 

Capital Likes Buhler Choice

    CJonline.com has an editorial applauding the governor's choice of Shelley Buhler as a new regent fore Washburn University.
    You can read the editorial at:
https://www.cjonline.com/opinion/20190614/editorial-buhler-strong-pick-for-washburn-regents
 

Class Of 59 60th Reunion

    The RHS Class of 1959 will have a 60th reunion during the weekend of the Tall Corn Festival.  They will participate in the parade and then meet after the parade for lunch and socializing at the American Legion.  Plans for a Saturday night dinner are in the works.    If you have not been contacted and wish to attend,  send an e-mail to frank.ruff@juno.com., or contact Linda, Geri, Jerry or Sue.   

All-State Softball Team

CLASS 2-1A All-State Softball Team

First team

Pitcher — Kaitlin Crossland, Colgan; Jordan Galiher, Hutchinson Trinity; Ellie Stember, Oskaloosa. Catcher — Alyssa Lohmeyer, Wabaunsee; Sophia Rockhold, Oskaloosa. Infield — Natalie Bevan, Bluestem; Regan Curry, Oskaloosa; Alexis Hafenstine, Wabaunsee; Emilie Nations, Jayhawk-Linn; Autymn Schreiner, Wabaunsee. Outfield — Kelcie Kippes, Rossville; Madison Loos, Udall; Ashley Marietta, Colgan; Brylee Potter, Chase County. Utility/DP — Kimi Patterson, McLouth.

Second team

Pitcher — Delaney Blakesley, Bluestem; Madelynn Collins, Yates Center; Emma Enderud, Udall. Catcher — Olivia Mitchell, Lebo-Waverly; Laken Vandegrift, Chase County. Infield — Reece Curry, Oskaloosa; Makenzie Higgs, Chase County; Paige Lowe, Oskaloosa; Erica Naccarato, Hutchinson Trinity; Sophia Piccini, Colgan. Outfield — Allison Marietta, Colgan; Morgan Mauk, Humboldt; Lanie Patterson, Lebo-Waverly; Jaycee Patton, Medicine Lodge. Utility/DP — Kinlyn Lundin, Rossville.

Margie Teeter Passes Away

Rossville:    Margie Ellen Teeter, 84, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Oakley Place at Rossville.
She was born March 3, 1935 at Benkelman, NE. the daughter of Marvin M. and Velma Miller Hansen. Ellen graduated from Parks High School, Parks, NE.
Ellen worked for Hallmark Cards in Topeka for 29 years. She was a member of the Rossville Christian Church.

She was united in Marriage to Delbert Eugene “Gene” Teeter on June 25, 1955 in Colorado Springs, CO. They shared over 55 years of marriage until his death on April 8, 2011. Ellen was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Wilford and Lyle Hansen.
Those left to cherish her memory are, three daughters, Peggy (Rick) Gentry, Rossville, Sheryl Nix, Belvue, and Janet (Randy) Leffel, Rossville; a brother, Duane Hansen, Wichita; a sister, Elaine Damrow, Lincoln: NE; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Rossville Christian Church. Inurnment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Christian Church or Midland Hospice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

"Meg" Kirk (18) Receives Awards

Melinda Kirk (“Meg”) is in her freshman year at Allen Community College.  She received The KJCCC All Conference Honorable Mention as a catcher and designated hitter. She was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in March. She is a member of the President’s Honor Roll and was just designated an NFCA All American Scholar Athlete.  Melinda desires to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. She will continue her final year at Allen in the Fall of 2019. 

 

 

Taylor Kirk (15) Receives Awards

Taylor Kirk  received 2019 MIAA conference 1^st team selection at Shortstop for Washburn University. She celebrated her senior day in April at Washburn capping off by being crowned the 2019 MIAA Conference Homerun leader. She was also selected as the 2019 Washburn University Softball Team MVP (at the annual Golden Bod Awards) and 2 time Clutch hitter award winner.  She is a 2 time NFCA All American Scholar Athlete for Washburn. She is a 2 time Dean’s List honoree and recently received recognition for the induction into Lambda Pi Eta (National Communication Association’s undergraduate honor society). Taylor will also be joining the 2019-2020 Washburn University Softball program coaching staff while she concludes her work towards her dual Bachelor degrees in Communications and Science this year. 

Unbeknownst to most, Taylor has been employed with State Farm (2 years) as a State of Kansas licensed insurance agent in the Topeka area while attending classes, playing softball and coaching summer programs.

Dr. Rusty Monhollon (77) Named Commission Pres.

Dr. Rusty L. Monhollon has been named president and executive director of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). Monhollon’s appointment was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the commissioners at a called meeting on May 31. Monhollon, who serves as assistant commissioner for academic affairs at the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is expected to begin work in mid-July.

On behalf of the Search Committee, Committee Chair Charles Dalton (Greenville) recommended Monhollon’s appointment from an excellent pool of candidates “only after careful study and deliberation including the consideration of comments from public colleges and universities, CHE staff and the general public.”

Commission chair and former State Senator Wes Hayes (Rock Hill) said that “Rusty Monhollon has the academic and management experience and a post-secondary vision that will serve South Carolina’s colleges and universities, student and families, and business and industry through the challenging years ahead.”

Monhollon earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from the University of Kansas while working as a full-time welder and machinist to support his family. He has taught at the University of Kansas, Washburn University (Kansas), Rockhurst University (Missouri), the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Hood College (Maryland).

The extensive experience that Monhollon gained in the classroom prepared him for a move into higher education administration with the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE), the state’s coordinating body for 13 public universities and 14 community and technical colleges. As the Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs at MDHE, Monhollon is a key member of the Missouri Commissioner’s senior staff and is involved in all department functions, including budgeting, performance funding, personnel policies and decisions, financial aid, and government relations. He also provides leadership for statewide policymaking, strategic planning, and institutional mission review.

The author of "This is America?: The Sixties in Lawrence, Kan." Monhollon is a frequent contributor to professional journals, book chapters and book reviews. He is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the State Higher Education Executive Officers organization.

Mike LeFever, former president and CEO of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities until his retirement in 2018, has served as CHE’s interim president and executive director since January.

Chairman Hayes observed that “Mike stepped in at a crucial time to steer the transition to new Commission leadership and improved relations with lawmakers and the higher education community. His dedication to higher education and the citizens of South Carolina is an inspiration as the Commission moves forward. We are grateful that Mike helped pave the way for Monhollon’s appointment, and therefore, the Commission’s future success.”

Buhler To WU Board Of Regents

    Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday appointed Hayden High School president Shelly Buhler to the Washburn University Board of Regents.Gov.   Buhler is a former Rossville mayor and served 12 years as a Shawnee County commissioner 

Schnakenberg & Hanna Have A Boy

    Shelby Schnakenberg and Cody Hanna of  Rossville are the proud parents of a new baby  boy born June 4, 2019 at Stormont-Vail.

Mshewe Hale At 2A State Golf

     RHS freshman Mshewe Hale had an excellent score of 102 at the 2A State Golf tournament.    He did not qualify for a medal,  but it was certainly an impressive showing for someone with very little tournament experience.

Marguerite Bond Passes Away

Marguerite V. Bond, 96, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at the St. Marys Manor in St. Marys.

She was born January 19, 1923 at Emmett the daughter of James and Justina Coon Clark. She grew up in the Emmett community.

Mrs. Bond was a homemaker and a farm wife. She lived in the Delia community many years.

On November 21, 1946 she was united in marriage to Oren R. Bond at Holton. He preceded her in death on January 13, 1991. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas, Francis and George Clark; two sisters, Monica Doll and Agnes Stein.

Those left to cherish her memory are two sons, Robert Bond, Kingsville, MO. and Ronald Bond, Topeka; her daughter, Shirley Voight, Memphis, TN; a brother, John Clark, Emporia; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2019 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Interment will be in St. Clere Cemetery, Emmett. Mrs. Bond will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 12:30 until service time Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave online condolences please go to www.piperfuneralhome.com