2020 Rossville Football Schedule

Sept. 4   at Centralia 
Sept. 11 Rock Creek 
Sept. 18 St. Marys 
Sept. 25 at McLouth 
Oct.  2    at Oskaloosa 
Oct. 9     at Pleasant Ridge 
Oct. 16    Silver Lake 
Oct. 23   Mission Valley 
Oct. 30   First round of 2A playoffs

Laura Jones Passes Away

Laura Jones has passed away.  When it is available,  her obituary can be viewed at:
https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituary/Laura-Jones

Cornelia Brian Passes Away

    Rossville—Cornelia R. Brian, 97, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2020, at the Rossville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

     She was born on October 5, 1922, in rural Beaver, OK., the daughter of Chris H. and Cora Chappell Winfough,  She graduated from Darrouzett High School, Darrouzett, TX. 

     Cornelia Winfough and James M. Brian were united in marriage in Beaver, OK., on October 8, 1941.  She and Jim owned a grocery store at Capital Hill, OK.  After moving to Kansas in 1948, she became a farmer’s wife for several years, helping her husband.  In 1954, they moved their family to Topeka for a short time, then to Meriden in 1959.  They lived in Meriden until moving to Rossville in 1975.  During her life, she worked at Pelletier’s Store in Topeka and then became a cook at Topeka High School.  Later in life, she became a cook at Meriden Grade School.  She retired from there after several years.  In retirement, she and Jim enjoyed traveling in their campers they restored.  They celebrated 59 years of marriage before his death.

     Cornelia was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church, WSCS, and had been a youth leader at the Methodist church in Meriden.  She was Runner-up for the Jefferson Award for Volunteering at the Rossville Valley Manor for more than ten years.  She also was a United Methodist Church Bible Quiz volunteer.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Calvin, Chester, Wayne, and Otis, her husband James in 2001, and a son-in-law Jim Nettles.

     Survivors include her three children, L. Lanell Nettles, James H. (Grace) Brian and Chris E (Diane) Brian; five grandchildren, Carolyn (Bill) Thompson, Chris (Lesa) Brian, Tom (Linda) Bowen, David (Nicki) Brian and Lori Nettles; 11 great-grandchildren, Jami (Jacob) Auldridge, Briana (Brent) Gould, Zachary Brian, Davik Brian, Elijah Brian, Amilee Brian, Alea Brian, Linnea Brian, Justin Brian Keith, Miranda Bowen, Jeffrey (Megan) Bowen; six great-great-grandchildren, Draven, Harrison, and Oliver Auldridge, Eleanora Gould, Vincent Bowen, George, and Elizabeth Keith.

     Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 4, 2020, at the Rossville Christian Church.  Mrs. Brian will lie in state, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 3, 2020, at the church.  Interment will be in the Havensville Cemetery, Havensville.  Memorial contributions may be made to Interim Hospice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536

CJ Article On Silver Lake Football

Following link is to a good article about this year's  Silver Lake football team.

https://www.cjonline.com/sports/20200829/silver-lake-success-rsquostarts-up-frontrsquo

Kansas 2A Football for 2020

From CatchItKansas

Class 2A Preseason Standings:

1. Rossville

2. Hoisington

3. Silver Lake

4. Nemaha Central

5. Pittsburg Colgan

6. Norton

7. Cimarron

8. Hillsboro

9. Garden Plain

10. Osage City

Notes: On paper, Rossville is the key clear cut No. 1 in what is expected to be likely the most wide-open class. Rossville was top-8 in 2A in scoring offense and defense and returns virtually its entire team. Last year, Nemaha Central and Norton both were surprise entrants into the title game. Hoisington was the preseason No. 1 team last season and reached the state semifinals for the second consecutive fall. The Cardinals have to replace Top 11 all classes Wyatt Pedigo (5,000-plus career rushing yards), but Hoisington has a great QB in Mason Haxton and plenty of backfield weapons, including Cade Mason and Holt Hanzlick. Pedigo’s biggest loss might come on defense, though Joshua Ball (71 tackles, team-high 12 TFLs) returns. Colgan bumps up from 1A.

Cross-Country Schedule For 2020

Sep
3        Mission Valley Inv.        4:30-6:30
12      Wamego Inv.                  9:00-2:00
17      Onaga Inv.                      4:00-6:00
24      Royal Valley Inv.            4:00-6:00
Oct
1        Horton Inv.                      4:00-6:00
8        Osage City Inv.                4:00-6:00
15      MEL Championship        6:00-6:00
24      2A Regional at Alma       4:00-6:00
31      2A State at Wamego       10:00-2:00         

Rossville Tennis Team Outlook

Sophomore Alivia Sherer and senior Peyton Price are the only members of the Rossville tennis team coached by Jesse Sherer.

After playing the regular season in a co-op with Hayden, Sherer became Rossville’s first-ever state qualifier last year when she finished sixth at the Class 3-2-1A regional as a freshman. Sherer went 0-2 at the state tournament, dropping a 7-5, 7-5 first-round decision to eventual fourth-place finisher Hannah Pearce, of Kingman, and finished the season 16-10 overall.

Rossville Girls Golf Outlook for 2020

From the Capital-Journal:

Coach: Eric Anderson

Top returners: Kayla Davis, sr.; Hailey Steele, sr.; Jessica Thompson, so.; Jenna Thompson, so.; Abigail Broughton, so.

Outlook: Dawgs have just five players out.

Rossville Football Outlook For 2020

From the Capital-Journal:

Coach: Derick Hammes (8th year).

Last year’s record: 7-3

Postseason: lost in 2A playoffs second round.

Returning starters: Offense (8), Defense (9).

Top returners: Bryson Balch, C/DE, Sr.; Kris Brown, OG, Sr.; Tyree Sowers, RB, Sr.; Kaiden Brown, RB/LB, Sr.; Bo Reeves, WR/CB, Sr.; Torrey Horak, QB/CB, Jr.; Woodrow Rezac, SB, Sr.; Joe McGrath, OL, Sr.; Jacob Carver, OL, So.; Corey Catron, LB, Jr.; Brody Lietz, DL, Jr.; Layne Hurla, DB, Sr.; Austin Klesath, DB, Sr.; Mshewe Hale, DL, Jr.

Outlook: After reaching 2A quarterfinals in 2018, Bulldawgs were bounced in the second round by eventual state champion Nemaha Central 29-21 in overtime. ... Only other losses came to 2A semifinalist Riley County and arch rival Silver Lake. ... Graduation only claimed handful of seniors, but replacing All-2A lineman Kody Davoren will be challenge. ... Bulk of skill players return led by Horak, who threw for 1,007 yards and 17 TDs and ran for 1,214 yards and 16 TDs as sophomore starting QB. ... Rezac added 828 yards and 10 TDs rushing and Sowers had 636 yards and 7 TDs. ... Reeves led receivers with 26 catches for 512 yards and 8 TDs and Sowers and Kaiden Brown combined for seven TD catches. ... Hurla led team in tackles with 90, while Brown added 77 and Catron had 71. ... Hammes is one win from 100 in his career.

Dawgs Ready For Run At 2A Title

From the Capital-Journal:
Like many young kids in Rossville, Bo Reeves vividly remembers looking up to the Bulldawg football teams that captured three straight Class 3A state championships from 2014-16.

“Those guys were our idols,” Reeves said of a group that included not only Reeves’ older brother, Jackson, but also the likes to two-time All-State quarterback Tucker Horak, Cole Schjmacher, Jacob Bradshaw and Dawson Hammes. “We always talked about how it was something to look forward to when we got up there and it would be our turn. We watched them so closely so that we could do exactly what they did.”

The production and level of success those championship teams enjoyed were staggering. The Horak-led undefeated title teams in 2014 and 2015 averaged 447 and 520 yards per game, respectively, while also putting up 48.4 and 53.1 points a contest.

When Bradshaw took over for Horak at quarterback in 2016, the production hardly diminished with the Bulldawgs averaged 42.9 points and 462 yards per game on a way to a third straight crown. While in the three years since the title run ended, it’s been tough to duplicate those gaudy numbers, this year’s edition of the Bulldawgs could very well come the closest to matching the skill set displayed by the title teams.

Rossville returns every key weapon from last year’s 7-3 team that averaged 37.8 points and 417 yards per game. That makes the prospects for the Bulldawgs’ potential in 2020 very tantalizing.

“I think we definitely have what it takes this year,” Reeves said. “We’ve got all the pieces to the puzzle. We’ve just got great chemistry out there. The sky’s the limit for us.”

Rossville coach Derick Hammes agrees with the assessment of his senior standout receiver.

“The similarities we have with some of those teams we had is we have multiple guys that can get things done and the focus of the defense can’t be to take one person away,” Hammes said. “There are some differences. We’ve got a little bit of speed in this group and a little size with what Bo brings to the table. Weve got depth and we’re somewhat interchangeable in some of our spots. That’s what excites me.”

The basis of Rossville’s successful offenses have revolved first and foremost around a playmaker at quarterback and returning starter Torrey Horak showed he was ready to fill that role a year ago. The younger brother of Tucker — who is the only player in state history to rush and throw for 2,000 yards in the same season — expectations have been high for Torrey since Day One and he’s answered the call.

Stepping in as starting quarterback as a sophomore and ran for 1,214 yards and 16 touchdowns and threw for 1,0007 yards and 17 touchdowns.

What the title teams had that its successors have somewhat lacked, however, was playmakers to surround the quarterback and Rossville has those as well.

In rushing for 316 yards per gam last year, Rossville got 828 yards and 10 touchdowns from Woodrow Rezac and another 636 yards and seven TDs from Tyree Sowers. As seniors this year, both are strong backfield complements to Horak.

Reeves, a four-year starter, led the receiving corps with 512 yards and eight touchdowns grabs, but Rezac, Sowers and Kaiden Brown each added more than 100 yards and combined for eight touchdowns as well.

“We just have to get them in position to do what they do well,” Hammes said. “When we have a quarterback in the system for multiple years, there’s so much decision-making that goes into that position for us that it’s more of a mental thing than physical thing. I think that experience bodes well for us to use the strengths we’ve got around him.”

The key to Rossville’s success likely hinges on the development of the guys clearing the way for the many playmakers. Graduation claimed All-2A lineman Kody Davoren, but three starters do return led by seniors Joe McGrath and Kris Brown.

In going 7-3 last year, Rossville opened the season with a 28-8 win over eventual Class 1A state champion Centralia, which didn’t lose again after the loss. After suffering Mid-East League setbacks to rival Silver Lake (14-13) and Riley County (34-15), the Bulldawgs ran off five straight wins before falling 29-21 in overtime in the playoffs to Nemaha Central.

Central went on to win the Class 2A state championship, leaving Rossville with the knowledge it was right on the cusp of perhaps doing the same.

“We were disappointed obviously, not that we were a young team but with a lot of these guys being juniors last year, I saw us getting better as we played,” Hammes said. “That’s what stings the most is I know we were going to get better the longer we went.”

Nemaha Central graduated several key players off its title team, as did runner-up Norton and many of last year’s top Class 2A teams. It’s been a revolving door of title teams in the classification since Rossville’s run and this year appears to be as wide open as any.

With its pieces in place, Rossville feels it has as good of a chance as any.

“When I look back the past few years, the teams that have made the run, at least on our side of the bracket were senior-dominated,” Hammes said. “They had a lot of upperclassmen on their team and that was a strength they had that we didn’t. That’s not an excuse for us any more. We’ve got kids that have playing experience and hopefully the 17-, 18-year-old in their senior year brings the intangible we didn’t have the past few years.”

A Look At The 2020 Bulldawgs

Coach — Derick Hammes, 8th year.

Last year’s record — 7-3

Top offensive returners: OG Kris Brown, sr.; RB Tyree Sowers, sr.; RB Kaiden Brown, sr.; WR Bo Reeves, sr.; QB Torrey Horak, jr.; SB Woodrow Rezac, sr.; OL Joe McGrath, sr.; OL Jacob Carver, so.

Top defensive returners: DE Bryson Balch, sr.; LB Kaiden Brown, Sr.; CB Bo Reeves, sr.; CB Torrey Horak, jr.; LB Corey Catron, jr.; DL Brody Lietz, jr.; DB Layne Hurla, sr.; DB Austin Klesath, sr.; DL Mshewe Hale, jr.

2020 Rossville High Girls Golf Roster

Kayla Davis             12
Hailey Steele           12
Taylor Williams        12
Abigail Broughton    10
Jenna Thompson     10
Jessica Thompson   10

Rossville High 2020 Volleyball Roster

2020 Rossville High Football Roster

Duane Melvin Among Top 125

Duane "Blackie" Melvin,  former Rossville High coach in the late 50s and early 60s and later coach at Seaman High is among the 125 best athletes in Shawnee County per the Capital-Journal.

70. DUANE MELVIN, Seaman

All-around athlete in the 1940s lettered multiple times in three sports at Washburn and played minor league baseball.

Varsity Girls Golf 2020 Schedule

Aug   26     1:00    @ Jeff West Inv.
Sep      2     9:00    @ Jeff West Scramble
          10     3:00    @ Wamego Inv.
          17     3:00    @ Osage City Inv.
          24     3:00    @ Council Grove Inv.
          28     9:00    @ Jeff West Inv.
Oct      5     3:00    @ Silver Lake Inc.
            8     1:00    @ Rossville Inv.
          12                3-2-1 A Refional
          19-20           3-2-1 A State 

2020 Varsity Volleyball Schedule

Aug    29  8:30    @ Prairie View Tournament
Sep       3  5:00    @ Mission Valley Triangular
           17  6:00    Rossville Double Dual
           19  9:00    Rossville Tournament
           22  5:00    @ Riley Co.
           29  5:00    Vs St. Marys

Oct       3  8:00    @ Silver Lake Tournament
             6  5:00    Vs  Wabaunsee
           13  5:00    Vs  Silver Lake
           15  5:00    @Maur Hill Tournament
           17  9:00    @Abilene Tournament
           20  5:00    @ Rock Creek
           24              2A Sub State
           30-31         2A State Tournament at Dodge City

Steve and Shelly Buhler Had Covid-19

From the Capital=Joournal:

Former Rossville High and veteran Washburn Rural football coach Steve Buhler confirmed Wednesday that he and his wife, Hayden president Shelly Buhler, both tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and said both are on the road to recovery.

Steve Buhler said he started experiencing COVID-19 symptoms about Aug. 4-5.

“It was chills, with a fever, cold, sinus, all the things they talk about with the COVID,″ Buhler said. “There were quite a few of them at the beginning.″

Buhler went in to be tested for the coronavirus almost immediately after the symptoms began.

“Part of that was because Shelly had tested positive like the day before,″ Buhler said. “When I woke up that morning with the chills and everything I had a pretty good idea.″

Buhler did experience complications a short time later, but said he is starting to show daily improvement.

“They found a spot of pneumonia and that kind of blossomed into having pneumonia in both lungs,″ he said. “The medical people put me on some medication for the pneumonia and, other than still having a cough, I’m up moving around and I’m working from home right now.

“Most of this week I’ve been doing stuff online for classes, getting ready like everybody else. It was a rough couple of days with the pneumonia part, but I’m hoping that when I have my doctor’s visit (Thursday) everything will be just fine.″

Steve said that Shelly is also recovering and has been working from home.

“She had a pretty mild case of it,″ Steve said. “She’s been up and around taking care of me. Within three days she was up working and back at it again for the most part here at home, doing her isolation stuff that she was supposed to do.″

Steve said that he and his wife have also been trying to do their due diligence as far as following through with proper COVID-19 protocols.

“We’ve been through all the tracing and followed through with the county and all of those kinds of things and we honestly couldn’t tell you where it came from,″ Buhler said.

Mary (Mattan) Cowan Passes Away

Mary was born on May 12, 1923 to Emil and Mary VandeVelde Mattan, She was born at home on the family farm northeast of Delia, Kansas where she was raised. She was the seventh of eight children.

Mary attended grade school at Adrian Public School District 65, a one-room schoolhouse two miles west of the family farm home. She was a 1941 graduate of Delia High school. In 1942 Mary moved to Topeka, Kansas and worked at Capper’s Weekly Publication in the advertising and subscription department. While in Topeka she was courted by Kenneth Vincent Cowan and they were married February 12, 1943 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Delia, Kansas.  

Six days after their wedding Kenneth joined the U.S. Army and was sent to Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania for training. Mary traveled by train from Topeka, Kansas to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in May 1943 to visit him. She stayed on base and in Jonestown, Pennsylvania for one month until Kenneth was sent to California for deployment to New Guinea. After which Mary returned home to stay with her parent’s and in-law’s until Kenneth returned in February 1946.

After Kenneth returned from World War II they settled in Rossville, Kansas where they lived until 1984. There they raised four children – Diana born in 1947, Vicki born in 1950, Denise born in 1956 and Mark born in 1959. In 1984 Kenneth and Mary moved to Silver Lake, Kansas. Kenneth passed away in 2003. In 2017 Mary moved to The Healthcare Resort of Topeka.

Mary was a member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church (Rossville) since 1947 and a former member of the church council, lay minister and lecture. She was a member of the Silver Lake Senior Citizens and a former board member. Mary was also a former member of the Silver Lake Community and XYZ clubs.

In addition to being a wife, mother and homemaker Mary provided childcare for several years.  Throughout her life she enjoyed dancing, card playing, gardening, and tending her flowers. Mary was a lady and the ultimate housewife, yet she could paint, refinish, upholster, ride a horse bareback, drive a team of horses, milk cows, feed livestock and perform many a household and farm chore.  

Most important to Mary was family and faith. She was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, sister, and niece.

Survivors include her children, Diana Elevier and Denise (Tom) Denton, Silver Lake, Vicki (Michael) Wilson, Holton, and Mark (Jackie) Cowan, Kansas City, Missouri; 5 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and husband; brothers, Remi, August, Albert and Henry Mattan; sisters, Ann Tholl, Elizabeth Tholl and Louise VanDeWoestyne; and son-in-law, Fred Elevier.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice or St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, everyone attending will need to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Services are pending.

Mark Jontra Passes Away

Willard - Mark Aaron Jontra passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020, at the Rossville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Rossville, Kansas. He was 91 years of age.  He was born in Frankfort, Kansas, on May 2, 1929, the son of Arley Ernest Jontra and Violet Theresa (Fagan) Jontra.

He grew up in the area of Emmett, Kansas, and attended school there. When he was young he worked on the family farm. He served in the Korean War, in the Army Infantry, and was honorably discharged in 1953.  Mark was a charter member of Jimmie Lillard Post No. 31 of the American Legion at Rossville.

He was married to Kay Ann Sheets on May 7, 1960. They were married for 40 years. She preceded him in death on October 26, 2000. They had one child, a daughter, Carole.

He worked for many years as a Division Lineman in the Communications Department of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. He preferred to be outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and boating when he was younger and was an avid fisherman. He also liked to keep a large garden and did so for many years.

He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife, Kay, and his brother, Melvin Jontra.

Survivors include his daughter, Carole Jontra; two brothers, Marlin Jontra and Larry Van Horn; a sister, Millie Dravo; a sister-in-law, Mary Kay Jontra; two stepsisters, Sue Adams and Kay Williams; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A public visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536, (785) 437-2222. A private graveside service with military honors will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rossville American Legion Post No. 31 of Rossville, Kansas, may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home. To leave online remembrances and condolences to the family please visit www.piperfuneralhome.com.

All-State Dawg XCountry Runners.

Sports in Kansas 

Returning Girls All-State Cross Country Runners from 2019 season

12. Julia Streit (sr)

17. Amelia Foster  (soph)

Bo Reeves In Sports In Kansas

From Sports In Kansas

Bo Reeves #10.  Photo by Shari Gentry

The Rossville High School football team has high expectations this football season, for that matter every football season. The Dawgs, now in Class 2A, won three consecutive 3A state titles from 2014-2016 and are hungry to get back to that level. Several key pieces are back this year that could make Rossville and head coach  Derick Hammes a major contender.

Rossville returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense from a squad that went 7-3 one year ago. We’ve talked about Torrey Horak earlier this season headlining that group but it’s by far not just Horak. Another name that kept coming up to us this summer was 6-foot-5, 215-pound, senior, receiver and defensive back, Bo Reeves. Reeves may be one of the most under-the-radar players in 2A, for that matter maybe Kansas.

Reeves, is a big bodied target, that is looking to be a big-time playmaker this year in Kansas. The four-year starter has been an all-state honorable mention pick in each of the last two seasons. He had 515 receiving yards last season and will look to be one of the best players in 2A for 2020.

He's not just a tall kid either, he’s very athletic. Reeves is a first team all-state baseball player as a sophomore, missing his junior year to COVID. He’s also an all-state caliber jumper in track and field, going 22’4” as a sophomore, missing state track due to state baseball. He also missed track this year due to COVID-19. Reeves is also on the 4x100 team in track. He’s one of those players you should know a lot about but has missed some opportunities as you can see that have been uncontrollable. He may just be one of the most under the radar players in all of Kansas with his speed and versatility.

Reeves is also very explosive with a 4.6 40-yard dash time and 275 clean. He is also a 4.0 GPA student at RHS.

Reeves and teammates are looking for a huge season this fall. We caught up with the potential all-state pick below in the latest Q&A edition of Faces in Kansas.

--

Capital Journal Top 125 In County

The Capital=Journal has just published a list of the top 125 athletes from Shawnee County.  Among them are:

102. BENNIE SIMECKA, Rossville

Prep All-American and All-Stater became a three-year starting lineman and honorable mention All-Big Eight player for Kansas.

109. TUCKER HORAK, Rossville

Horak became the state’s first QB to rush and throw for more than 2,000 yards in a season before becoming a standout at Pittsburg State.

112. TAGEN LAMBOTTE, Rossville

Lambotte captured four straight wrestling state championships for the Bulldawgs before continuing his career at Iowa.

121. DUANE ZLATNIK, Rossville

An All-Stater in football and three-time state wrestling champion at Rossville, Zlatnik went on to start 31 games for KU football.

Dawgs Are 2A Pre-season Favorites

   According to CatchItKansas, Rossville is the likely preseason 2A favorite.  The Dawgs return four of its top-five receivers  who had 26 catches for 512 yards and eight scores. The Dawg receivers were led by Bo Reeves with 24 grabs for 381 yards and four TDs.   Rossville was sixth in 3A at 37.8 points per game with a run based offense led by QB Torrey Horak who is a senior this year.

Grade School Reopening Plan

http://www.kawvalley.k12.ks.us/schools/rgs/reopening-base-plan.html

Willard Water Advisory

    The Kansas Dept. of Health has issued an advisory  to boil water in the area around Willard, KS.
For  details,  go to:
https://www.wibw.com/2020/08/10/kdhe-issues-boil-water-advisory-monday-for-portions-of-shawnee-and-wabaunsee-counties/

Glenda Lasswell Passes Away

Glenda Lasswell of Emmett passed away Aug. 8, 2020.  Her obit can be read at:   https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituary/Glenda-Lasswell

John Failer Passes Away

    Rossville—John L. Failer, 79, passed away Friday, August 7, 2020, at the Rossville Health and Rehab Center.
    He was born May 26, 1941, at Rossville, the son of John E. Jr. and Frances Brayman Failer. John attended Rossville schools.    John was a welder for C&D in Emmett many years and later was a custodian for the Washburn Rural School District.
    John was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dale, a sister, Marjorie, and a granddaughter.  Survivors include two sons, Marc (Cheryl) Failer, Paxico, and Michael Failer, Emmett; two daughters, Penny Jenkins and Crystal Lamb, both of Topeka; two brothers, Richard Failer, Topeka, and Jim Failer, Grantville; a sister, Kathy Maus, Emmett; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
    A memorial visitation will be from 10:00 until noon Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Piper Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in John's name and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. Online condolences can be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

John Gentry Assists Small Businesses

Kansas City, KS, Aug. 2020] — Josh Gentry has a vision to assist small businesses and young entrepreneurs to succeed. As an entrepreneur himself, he knows how tough it can be to launch successfully in today’s world. Born and raised in Rossville, Kansas, Josh has been in tune with the issues facing the communities of eastern Kansas for decades.

Now as Senior Vice President at Financial Independence Group, Josh has created The Small Business, Big Deal Podcast. Each week he features a different Kansas entrepreneur who then deconstructs their businesses, and piece by piece, tells the story of how they were made.

To read the complete article,  go to:    http://newssourcedouglascounty.com/2020/08/kansas-business-owner-highlights-surrounding-small-businesses/

"Matt" Floersch Passes Away

Mathias H. “Matt” Floersch, age 97, of Highland, Kansas, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Monday, August 3, 2020, at Two Timbers Alternative Living.

Family will meet with friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m.

Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the United States Navy.

Mathias was born February 19, 1923, in St. Mary’s, Kansas, the son of Mathias and Rosa (Baumchen) Floersch.

He grew up in St. Mary’s, moving to Delia, Kansas, and in 1959 to Ottawa, Kansas. In 2014, Matt moved to Highland, Kansas, where he made his home until his death.

Matt served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater from March 1944 to May 1946.

Matt was united in marriage to Jean Marie McGrath June 5, 1952, at Delia, Kansas. They were happily married nearly 51 years and had six children, Jim, Matt, Bernice, Frances, Jean, and Janice.

He was a lifelong farmer/stockman.

Matt was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ottawa.

Matt’s life centered around farming and spending time with family and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, Dominos and Pitch. Matt and his wife Jean wanted to serve the poorest of the poor. In his later years, he became a strong supporter of the Immaculate Heart School in India and it was a source of great joy for him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, August 19, 2003; son Jim Floersch; grandson Matthew Floersch; his parents and 8 siblings, Rosemary McCoy, Gene Floersch, Margaret Glick, Regina Storck, Louise Ronsee, Joe Floersch, and 1 sister and 1 brother that died in childhood.

Survivors include five children, Bernice (Craig) Altenhofen of Junction City, Kansas, Francie (John) Falk of Leona, Kansas, Jean (Steve) Frank of Colony, Kansas, Janice (Richard) McPherson of Clarksburg, Maryland, and Matt (Elizabeth) Floersch of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Sandy Floersch-Toothman of Osawatomie, Kansas; twenty-three grandchildren and thirty-five great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Immaculate Heart Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

Recent KSU graduates

The  following people have recently graduated from Kansas State University: Rachel Day, BS in Education; Danielle Glotzbach, BS in Agriculture; Stephen Goldade, BS in Applied Business and Technology; Nola Miller, Master of Science; Spencer Rieschick, BS in Mechanical Engineering; Shana Woods, Master of Arts in Teaching.

Bruce Reynolds (01) Passes Away

Bruce Reynolds, who graduated from Rossville High in 2001, has been reported as passing away in July.  He was the son of Robert and Dora Miller Reynolds of Delia.  No other info is available.

Makalyn Aubert Passes Away

Rossville- Makalyn Isabelle Aubert, 7, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She was born March 4th, 2013 in St. Louis, the daughter of Kenneth M. and Melissa A. Marple Aubert. Makalyn was diagnosed before she was born with Congenital Heart Defects. Her heart was backwards, on the right side of her chest and had only one pumping chamber. Makalyn was recently at SLCH for her 3rd heart surgery, the Fontan.

Makalyn just completed First grade at Rossville Grade School.  Purple and turquoise are her two favorite colors.  Makalyn’s favorite food is queso!  Her favorite movies are “Wonder” and “The Greatest Showman”. Makalyn loved spending time with friends, playing T-Ball, eating at Qudoba and Texas Roadhouse, camping, going swimming, and making bracelets for others. She loved school, especially her teachers.  Makalyn enjoyed playing Uno, riding her go-cart, watching Paw Patrol, reading Junie B. Jones books, texting, FaceTime, calling people, riding her bike, and delivering May Day baskets.  Makalyn especially loved dressing as a twin with Klaire, fishing with Kelby, Rossville cheerleaders and Jr. Dawg cheer camps, and cooking treats to take to the neighbors.  Her best buds were Milo, her Boston terrier, and Otis and Boomer, her two cats.  Makalyn had a special way of attracting people to her and always Marched Fourth (March 4th) to whatever life dealt her.  Our little Hummingbird will truly be missed.

Makalyn could not be an organ donor, but the family encourages everyone to consider becoming one.

Makalyn was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Butch and Beth Marple, Art Dawson, Hermina and Dave Hawley, James Aubert, and Leonard and Minnie Kuehler.

Survivors include her parents Kenneth and Melissa Aubert, siblings Kelby and Klaire of Rossville, grandparents Ben and Carol Marple, Wakarusa, Marvin and Betty Aubert, St. Marys, great grand-mother Henrietta Aubert, St. Marys, Uncle Keith (Jenna) Aubert; Aunt Molly (David) Drimmel; Uncle Jay Marple; cousins Bailey, Isaac, and Keira Aubert, and Carter, Ruby, and Mabel Drimmel.

Although Mass of Christian Burial will be private it will be live-streamed and recorded and will be available on Makalyn’s page on the Piper Funeral Home’s Website on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 10:30 A.M.  Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects to Makalyn and her family by driving through St. Stanislaus Catholic Church parking lot after 12:00 P.M on Monday (please enter the North drive and exit the far South drive). The family also encourages you to visit the Simmerwell Family Cemetery (located east of 5524 SW 85th Street), where there will be Makalyn signs marking the drive to pay your respects in the weeks to come.  Memorial Contributions may be made to The Coopers Cause Foundation (a foundation that has helped the family with Makalyn’s medical bills) or in Makalyn’s name for a piece of playground equipment for the Rossville Grade School and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, KS 66536. To leave online condolences, please go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Torrey Horak--A Player To Watch

Below  from Sports In Kansas

Rossville High School football has had a lot of success, most of that coming since the 2014 season where they went on a run in which they won three 3A titles in a row under then brand new head coach Derick Hammes. Tucker Horak, Thatcher Horak, Jacob Bradshaw, Cole Schumacher, Dawson Hammes, the list goes on and on of the talented players that helped turn Rossville into a powerhouse in recent memory.

Rossville also had a ton of success prior to the titles under head coach Steve Buhler with several all-state players that went on to play college football. Rossville has had multiple Top 11 players from the states major newspapers over the years that include Bennie Simecka (1979), Charles Nez (1990), Jason Broaddus (1992), Duane Zlatnik (2007) and Tucker Horak (2014-2015). Other all-state players certainly shined whether that was Matt Heslet, Jason Perine, Derek Dick or Mitch Buhler. Football is huge in Rossville, Kansas, whether that's talking about it year-round at the local businesses and all their good teams or the huge rivalry that gets all the fame statewide with C.J. Hamilton and Silver Lake, which is called the War-On-24. The War on 24 is arguably the states biggest rivalry game as the two schools are about five miles apart. 

To read the full article, go to:  http://kansas-sports.com/ks/news/?id=12215&t=

2020-21 Dawg Booster Membership Form

To join the Booster club,  

provide your name (like you want it on the program),

e-mail address,

 and check made out to RHS Booster Club

and Mail to Booster Club,  PO Box 274, Rossville, KS, 66533 

Kody Davoren Shrine Bowl Ad

RHS Graduation

The graduation ceremony at RHS can be viewed at:
http://www.kawvalley.k12.ks.us/schools/rjshs/dawgfeed.html

Michael Whitmore Passes Away

Michael J. Whitmore, 50, of Tecumseh, passed away at Rossville Health Center with his parents at his side on July 31, 2020. Michael was born on Feb. 13, 1970, the son of Elmer and Gloria Whitmore. He is survived by his parents and a son, Michael A. Whitmore. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kelly in February 2019. Chapel Oaks is in charge of arrangements. Cremation is planned with private family services. Special thanks to the staff at Stormont-Vail Hospital and Rossville Health Center for their care and support of Michael. Donations may be made to Stormont-Vail Foundation.