Joseph Conley (51) Passes Away

           Joseph M “Joe” Conley passed from life into eternity on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the St. Marys Manor in St. Marys, Kansas.  He was 88 years old.  Joe spent most of his life farming north of Delia in southwest Jackson County.

          Joe was born to James Lewis and Bess (Mercer) Conley on December 21, 1933.  He was their only child.  He grew up in Rossville and on a farm near Sandy Hook along the Kansas River southwest of Rossville where he attended school and graduated in 1951.  He was a 4-H member taking projects to county, state, and the national level.  He attended Kansas State University for two years.  Mr. Conley served in the United States Army for two years being stationed in Germany.

            On March 12, 1958, Joe married Pauline Marie Timmons at Manhattan Christian College Chapel in Manhattan.  After a whirlwind honeymoon, Joe and Pauline settled into farming with his dad north of Delia.  He continued to remain active on the farm into his eighties.  Joe served on several board of directors including St. Marys Farmers Union Coop, Federal Land Bank Association, and Kaw Valley Electric for forty-nine years this led to a position on the Kansas Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees.  Mr. Conley was a member of Rossville United Methodist Church serving as a church trustee and the pastoral relations committee, he started an annual ski trip to Colorado and later built and operated a train as a church fundraiser at various parades and local events.  He was a member of Delia Masonic Lodge, having served in each of the chairs and as Lodge Treasurer for many years.  Through the Masons, Joe became a member of the Topeka Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and the Eastern Star.  He was instrumental in starting the Delia Volunteer Fire District and founding member of the board.  Joe also served on the Cross Creek Watershed board and served as a 4-H project leader in electricity.

            In addition to farming, Mr. Conley was active as a certified electrician and called on to wire new and remodeled homes as well as shops, sheds, and various other projects into his eighties.  Joe wired in his own home and the home of his son on the farm, rewired a few of his children’s homes, and worked on most of the neighbors’ places around the area.   He worked hard to be licensed as an insurance agent for Town & Country Insurance and also sold hail insurance for several years.  Joe had many interests owning antique autos, experimental aircraft, motorcycles, bicycle riding and going coyote hunting on New Year’s Day several times.  Pauline and Joe were able to travel throughout much of their marriage around the nation and to Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, and Ireland.

            Joe Conley is survived by Pauline, his wife of 64 years, his children, Patricia (Dennis) Peterson of Belvue, Kansas, James (Vicki) Conley of Austin, Colorado, and Bill (Tricia) Conley of Delia, Kansas.  Additionally, the family includes nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

            Family visitation is set for Tuesday, July 5 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Services will be held at Rossville United Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 am.  Donations may be given to Rossville United Methodist Church, St. Marys Manor, or to Elara Caring Hospice of Topeka and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.         

The 2022 NE KS High School Sports Awards

The 2022 Northeast Kansas High School Sports Awards weere presented on June 28.  No Bulldawgs were on the list of winners.  The complete lis of winners can be seen at:   https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/06/29/northeast-kansas-high-school-sports-awards-caps-off-2021-22-season-topeka-area/7766969001/

The list of nominees from Rossville can be reviewed at:    https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5791439278755503689/2736732751521967944

Kade Perine Leads RHS Receiving Corp

 

Kade Perine, Rossville 

Last year: 28 catches for 510 yards, 18.2 yards per catch, 1 touchdown 

Rossville has always run the ball well since Derick Hammes took over in 2013, and while the run game has always been a focal point, it's consistently complemented by a good passing game. 

Perine had 510 of the team's 1,876 receiving yards this year and the best yards per catch average on the team of receivers with more than one catch (quarterback Torrey Horak had 1 catch for 21 yards).

That's after having no catches as a sophomore, mainly playing running back with a crowded wide receiver room before stepping into the role this year. 

"The kid's got kind of a mentality that, you know, he doesn't like to lose," Horak said. "Wherever Coach Hammes decides to put him this year, he's gonna go compete and he'll compete at a high level. I'm really excited to watch that."

Tegan Kippes (26) and Perine (28) were the only two receivers on the team with more than 20 catches and Kippes has now graduated.

Why Perine? Next year, a new quarterback will be under center for Rossville. The team will be replacing the majority of its offensive production with the graduation of quarterback Torrey Horak and running back Corey Catron. 

While the signal-caller and running back are two key pieces to the type of offense Rossville runs, senior-to-be Perine will be "the guy" when it comes to experience.

"He's always open," Horak said. "He's a really good route runner. He sticks to a lot of details that are big in the route running and he finds ways to get open. When you have that receiver, you know he's going to be where you throw the ball, it makes things really easy.

"We had some pass plays that specifically were looking to find him, maybe not as much as we should have, because everybody kind of saw what he could do with the ball in his hands. He's a special athlete."

Perine led the team with 28 catches and 510 yards last year as a junior. Kippes (26-380), Kaden Brown (18-254), Catron (15-230) and Raphael Cooney (10-184) were the next four receivers in terms of catches and yards and all were seniors. 

Hammes To Captain ESU Football Team

 Redshirt senior Dawson Hammes of Rossville will be one of the captains of the Emporia State football team for the 2022 seaspon.  The 212 pound linebacker is the son of Rossville football coach Derrick Hammes. 

NE Ks Athlete Of Year Nominees

 

NORTHEAST KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AWARDS

The Northeast Kansas High School Sports Awards is a high school athlete recognition program honoring the area’s top-performing athlete, coaches, and teams. The nine-month program culminates in an in-person awards show with a live appearance from a special guest. The June 28 awards show will be free to attend for nominated athletes, thanks to our sponsors. Family, friends and supporters will be able to purchase tickets when they are available. Complete event details will be announced soon with ticket sales.

Nominated athletes from Rossville High are:

Emma Mitchell Soph,  Baskektball

Kinsey Perine Sogh,   Basketball

Briar Gillum, Sr.          Track & Field

Kendra Hurla Soph     Girls Wrestling

Torrey Horak Sr.          Football

Corey and Torrey Go Out On Top

0:24

0:34

From the Capital-Journal

Football games are the place to be on Friday nights in the fall.

Growing up one of the memories that stand out from attending games for senior teammates and best friends Corey Catron and Torrey Horak are the games they would play behind the bleachers.

“Football games got intense behind there with all the other little kids running around,” said Catron.

“It played a part in getting us ready for high school, honestly,” said Horak, with a laugh.

Catron and Horak were two key pieces of this year's undefeated state title winning team that completed its journey Saturday when the Dawgs beat Beloit in the 2A state title game 35-12.

"Those zeroes hit the clock — I look over at Corey, he gives me a hug and it finally set in," said Horak. "This is exactly the way we wanted to go out."

To read the complete article, go to: 

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/11/27/corey-catron-and-torrey-horak-lifelong-friends-go-out-top/8772383002/

Alumni Wrestling Fundraiser For Cody

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – Five years ago, Rossville wrestling coach Cody Lambotte was diagnosed with ALS, commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” ALS has left Lambotte paralyzed from the neck down.

As hospital bills added up, Rossville assistant wrestling coach and Lambotte’s brother-in-law, Chris Graves, decided to help.

Graves reached out to his wrestling family about creating an alumni dual with wrestlers from the area. Graves was hoping to get ten matches. Within two hours, he had 20.

“When [Cody] was diagnosed, you can imagine what we went through as a family, as a wrestling family,” Graves said. “Wrestling as a whole is sort of a family network.”

Wrestlers traveled long distances to participate in the fundraiser, coming from as far as Hoxie and Norton to support Lambotte.

“Cody really embodied what wrestling is all about,” Silver Lake wrestling coach Colt Rogers said. “He wore his emotions on his sleeve. You see how much passion, and love and blood, sweat and tears into it, just by watching it in the corner.”

Lambotte’s mom, Alaina, said she knew how much the support means to Cody.

“He loves it,” Alaina Lambotte said. “[Cody’s] made a huge impact on this community, and for them to keep backing him…he loves it.”

Tickets to enter cost $10 for an individual or $30 for a family. No total count has been reported yet, but the gym was packed Friday night.

“A lot of this money comes out of pocket for certain things, or maybe insurance doesn’t cover,” Graves said. “So we’re just trying to do our part to give back to him.”

You can see video of the event at: https://www.ksnt.com video of alumni wrestling event

Robert Wyer Passes Away

Robert J. Wyer, 79, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022, at his home in St. Marys.

(The obituary on Echovita.com says he died at home in Rossville.)

He was born June 15, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was raised in Miami, OK, the son of Charles O. and Beulah B. Cupp Wyer.  Robert graduated from Miami High School.

Robert lived in Miami for many years, moving to Missouri and then to St. Marys several years ago.  He was a butcher most of his life, working in grocery stores and small locker plants.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Charles W. Wyer, and his wife, Carol.

Survivors include his son, Robert A. (Laura) Wyer; his daughter, Melissa Davis; his sister, Jane (Dan) Turley, brother Marvin (Tina) Wyer; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Valley View Cemetery.  Mr. Wyer will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Friday June 24, 2022, at Piper Funeral Home.

Rossville Code Enforccement

The Rossville Police Department is starting to do code enforcement. They will be doing this for the rest of June and through the end of July. They will be checking for code violations including old tires, low hanging limbs, cars in yards, inoperable vehicles, trash, grass and weeds higher than 12 inches, swimming pools with no fences. If you have questions about code enforcement, please contact the Rossville Police Department.

Leonard Devader Passes Away

 

Leonard Jules DeVader, 90, of Topeka, passed away June 15, 2022.  He was born November 10, 1931, in Delia, Kansas.  He was the seventh of ten children of Edward, Sr. and Marie (DeWilde) DeVader and grew up in Emmet/Delia area.  Leonard was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Air Force. After discharge, he worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber until retirement. Pursuing his love of flying, Leonard obtained multiple pilot’s licenses, ending with twin-engine certification.  In his retirement years, Leonard was the proprietor of a local fireworks stand, Crazy Carl’s Fireworks, on Goodyear Road. You always knew there was a “cold one in the fridge.” He loved day trips to St. Mary’s and play pitch with his brother Hank. Leonard thoroughly enjoyed time spent with family, especially the great-grandchildren, the littles. All in all, a “life well lived and loved.”

 Mr. DeVader married Geraldine Vap in January 1957 and together they had four children, Diana, Bruce, Cindy and Curt. They later divorced. In 1977, Leonard married Joyce (Feyh) Bahner.  In recent months, he was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church.  Leonard was preceded in death by his son, Bruce, his parents, three brothers, Edward, Jr., Joe, and Ray, and four sisters, Anna, Helen, Mary Kay and Theresa.  He is survived by his children, Diana/David Murray, Show Low, AZ; Cindy/Greg Sleeper, Topeka, KS; and Curt DeVader, Port St. Lucie, FL and stepchildren, Tammy/Keith Karlan, Topeka, KS; Delbert “Del”/Denise Bahner, Overbrook, KS, and Jere/Leslie Bahner, Lone Jack, MO. Grandpa Leonard will be deeply missed by grandchildren, Christopher, Stacey, Tyler, Morgan, Ashley, Candace, Curt, Zach, Shanda, Waylon, Caleb, Jessie and Danny plus 14ish great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Henry “Hank” DeVader of St. Marys, KS and Donald “Butch” DeVader, Burlington, CO along with many nieces/nephews and father-in-law Harold Feyh, Topeka, KS., And last, but not least, Buddy, his faithful canine companion.

 The family invites relatives/friends to Mr. DeVader’s services at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka, KS. Visitation, 10:00 A.M. followed by a Rosary and Mass of Resurrection will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the DeVader family requests memorial contributions to Ascend Hospice, 5020 Bob Billings Parkway, Suite D1, Lawrence, KS 66049. We are grateful for Ascend’s staff and support.

Mary Lou Adkins Passes Away

Mary Lou Swager Adkins died peacefully Tuesday June 14, 2022 at Rolling Hills Nursing Home in Topeka, Kansas.

She was born July 29, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas. The daughter of Leon J Swager and Rachel R (Gragg) Swager.  She grew up in the Topeka area and graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1957.

Mary Lou was a member of the Willard Baptist church in Willard, Kansas.  She was a long-standing member of The Order of Eastern Star, Fidelity Chapter #38. She retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas in Topeka, KS and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV.

She was preceded in death by her fiancé Glen Viergever; her brother Leon J Swager Jr; and her daughter Valerie Eastman.

Survivors include her children: Janet Adkins, Barnes, KS; son-in-law Darrell Eastman; Jim Adkins, Topeka, KS and Margaret Shelman, Berryville, AR; grandchildren: Chris Adkins, Barnes, Ks; Michelle Brammer, Barnes, KS; Chance Eastman, Overbrook, KS; Christi Eastman, Michigan Valley, KS; Heather Adkins, Berryville, AR; Jenna Stum, Delia, KS; Shawna Isakson, Topeka, KS, and Shane Shelman, Berryville, AR. and over 20 great grandchildren.

Family will be having a service for Mary Lou at a later date.

 

New Boys BB Coach

From KSNT 6/14/22 

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – Rossville, a “football town” with five state titles in the past seven years, hasn’t had a winning basketball season since 2016.

New head coach Brandon McDonnell plans to change that.

McDonnell comes from Topeka West under the leadership of legendary Charger coach Rick Bloomquist.

“Outside of my dad, Rick Bloomquist is a father figure to me,” McDonnell said.

Bloomquist sees his influence in McDonnell, who spent the past five seasons on his staff.

“I watch him coach, and it reminds me so much of me when I was that age that I have to shake my head and smile,” Bloomquist said. “But I don’t want him to see me smile.”

The Dawgs finished 3-18 this past year, but are already 3-1 in summer league games.

“We also have to have a short-term memory and let that go,” McDonnell said. “I’m not a saving grace by any means, but I do know how to coach.”

McDonnell brought intensity to the court as soon as he walked in the gym. Bloomquist and McDonnell agree that to be a good basketball player, you have to be a good athlete.

“I coach intensity,” McDonnell said. “If that belief in that system is bought into, we’ll be just fine.”

Class of 1972 Reunion

RHS Class of 1972 are having their 50th reunion on Saturday, August 13, 2022. They plan to participate in the Tall Corn Festival Parade followed by a lunch and get-together in the commons area of Rossville High School.  They are wanting to include the following classmates but need their contact information.

Jeanette Kimball

Ray Luety

Michelle Logan Griffith

Donna Duley

Glen Anspaugh

David Coe

Rick Diehl

Jerry Sanders

Kathy Walker

 To provide contact information or for questions,  please email dfairbanks@embarqmail.com; DELIA7@aol.com or jcraven24@outlook.com.

Teresa Miller (50) Passes Away

 Teresa C. Miller, 90, Rossville, passed away Saturday June 11, 2022, at the University of Kansas St. Francis Campus in Topeka.

Teresa was born March 21, 1932, in Rossville the daughter of Oscar H. and Charlotte Hurla Bixby.  She graduated from Rossville High School with the class of 1950.

Teresa was a homemaker and caregiver to her son Timothy.  She was a member of the Delia Presbyterian Church and the Women’s group at the church.  She had been a 4-H leader many years and was a member of the EHU.

On October 21, 1950, Teresa was united in marriage to Lloyd L. Miller in Topeka.  He preceded her in death on December 24, 2008; she was also preceded in death by her son, Timothy, February 3, 2018. A grandson, Bruce Reynolds, July 22, 2020, a great-grandson, Monte Bleakley in 2015, and a sister, Betty Cummings January 13, 2019.

Survivors include three daughters, Terrie Malcom, Callaway, NE, Dora (Robert) Reynolds, Delia and Debe Green, Hiwasse, AR; two sisters, Genevieve Jenssen and Patricia Bixby, both of Rossville; nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys, The family will receive friends from 10:00 until the service.  Interment will be in the Delia Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Terry John Cancer Research Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com

Craig Westhoff Capital Article

 

This TikTok teacher shows the best of Kansas educators. He's meeting students on their ground.

The Capital-Journal

Teaching is a noble profession, but we’re also fully aware that teachers are often asked to be more than scholars who pass along their knowledge to the next generation.

They’re called upon to be coaches, role models, sometimes fill-in parents, protectors among so many other things — on top of teaching.

We’re also fully aware that sometimes the traditional teaching models don’t work for school children the way they used to.

So teachers adapt.

One such teacher, Kraig Westhoff, who teaches social studies in Roseville, is using the platform TikTok to get people excited about social studies. 

The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Rafael Garcia reports Westhoff has gained notoriety for his TikTok posts about the origins of Kansas county names. 

"I sat there and thought, 'I could do this,'" the teacher said. "I could make these videos, and I could make them about what I was teaching."

His educational TikTok videos are popular. They’re also short. And you come away from them learning something new about the social sciences.

We love this creativity. It’s certainly innovative. It’s also brilliantly meeting students where they are at. Though Westhoff jokingly denies he has an account to his students.

"They know I have (a TikTok), but I just keep denying it because it's something I have to do to keep me entertained," Westhoff told The Capital-Journal. "Just the fact that these kids are watching it and getting on, they're seeing me in a different light. They're seeing that other people are also watching these videos, and they know I know my stuff."

Kudos to Mr. Westhoff on a job well done. We know there are plenty of others across our state who have also put their creativity into teaching students. Please keep up the good work. 

We know the past few years have been especially hard on teachers trying to creatively reach students. 

Now that we’ve reached summer vacation, we hope you find an opportunity to recharge and relax. Refresh and relearn.

Margaret Kasprzak Passes Away

We celebrate the life and mourn the death of our beloved Margaret B. Kasprzak, who passed away Monday, June 6, 2022 at the age of 86.

She was born June 26, 1935, in Boston, MA; the daughter of Albert and Agnes (Sargent) Kenney.  Margaret lived in Boston for 40 years before moving to Maine at great personal sacrifice for the love and benefit of her children in 1976. Margie and her husband Adam raised their family and built their legacy of love on Sunset Hill in tiny Palmyra, Maine for the next 45 years.  Margaret tirelessly labored daily in the raising of 8 children. Kissing every booboo, washing every dirty sock, and putting every ounce of herself into raising them into the incredible, beautiful, parents they would all become. 

Margaret and Adam Nicholas Kasprzak were united in marriage in Roxbury, MA on June 19, 1955 and would spend the next 55 years deeply in love until his untimely death on July 9, 2009. Margaret is also preceded in death by her daughter Margie, her grandson Dennis, great granddaughter Katherine, and daughter in law Tracy. 

Margaret went by many names. To her husband she was Marge, to her children she was Ma (insert Boston accent), to her grandchildren she was known affectionately as Nana. No matter what the relationship however, no matter how you knew her, you loved her and you liked her. Marge was a storyteller. She would share her wealth of wisdom with enthusiastic flair. Her laugh was utterly infectious and her angry glare would stop you in your tracks and turn you to stone. She lived as a devout Catholic. She prayed faithfully for every member of her unbelievably large family every single day; 8 children, 43 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She had an immeasurable affection for her faith. She woke and walked in the light of Christ. She battled demons that would make a hardened criminal cry. 

Margaret had many talents and skills but her math was on another level. She enjoyed it and made use of this passion once her children had grown. She worked for many years for "Lovley Investments" and was a critical asset whom they deeply appreciated.

By the Grace of God, she died Catholic in the embrace of Holy Mother Church and with her final benediction. As such we have good reason to hope for the salvation of her soul. Be that as it may, please please continue to pray for the repose of her soul as was her practice and her wish. 

She is survived by her children, Julie & Brian, Adam & Susan, Laure & David, Michael & Cindy, Thomas & Gaye, James & Jennifer, Paul & Karen and the aforementioned 127 children of lineage who all miss her desperately already.

We would like to make a very special mention of gratitude for Brian & Julie McCann with whom Margaret spent her final years. Their tender care and unshakeable perseverance in the care of Nana in their home was a true effort of selfless love that is appreciated by everyone. 

Requiem mass will be at 11:15 A.M., Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Assumption Chapel.  A Rosary will be recited at 5:20 P.M. Monday, June 13, 2022 at the chapel.  Interment will be in Palmyra Village Cemetery, Palmyra, ME.  In lieu of flowers, Margaret wanted Masses offered up for the repose of her soul.  Piper Funeral Home is in charge of Kansas arrangements. To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.  Crosby & Neal Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements in Maine. 

Susie Miller Passes Away

 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Susie Miller (Rossville, Kansas), who passed away on June 7, 2022, at the age of 74,  She was born Sept 29, 1947.

Child Dies In Rossville Accident (updated)

 

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday evening that a child has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash in the 3900 block of NW Carlson Road.

According to Shawnee County Sheriff Brian Hill, shortly before 7:30 p.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls regarding a single-vehicle rollover accident.

Sheriff Hill said a blue Jeep Wrangler was northbound on NW Carlson Road went the vehicle left the road, hit a culvert, and flipped.

Despite lifesaving measures, the juvenile passenger in the back seat died, according to Sheriff Hill.    The 40 year old driver refused medical attention.

The child has been identified as Bella Conway,  11, of Topeka