Lisa and Joseph Metzen Have A Girl

Lisa (Olberding) Metzen and husband Joseph Metzen now have three children.  They welcomed Kate Grace at 12:42 pm on June 20.  She weighed 8 lbs, 8 oz, and was 19.5 inches long.

Rattlers Win Fifth Straight

ROSSVILLE — The Rattlers memorialized former coach Brett Cowdin with a 9-3 victory over the Topeka Senators on Friday night.

Tyler Davis, a sophomore at the University of Kansas struck out 10 Senators over five innings of one-hit ball. All told, Rossville pitchers would combine to strike out 17 batters in a combined five-hitter

Rossville (8-4) collected five home runs to provide the offensive punch. Third baseman Derrick McGreevy, a Hayden product, started the home run parade with a solo shot on the first pitch of his at bat in the second inning.

Jonathan Valenzuela-Reece hit his second home run in as many nights in the third inning. Oklahoma State catcher Michael Higgins hit a 2-1 pitch out of the ballpark to produce back-to-back long balls for Rossville.

The Rattlers second baseman and catcher combination would hit back-to-back home runs for a second time in the game in the sixth inning.

Valenzuela-Reece also drove in two runs with a single in the fourth.

“He (Valenzuela-Reece) was just crushing the ball tonight,” Rossville coach Tobi Cowdin said. “He was really feeling it and everybody got involved in the offense. You just really couldn’t ask for more.”

The Rattlers memorialized Brett Cowdin, Tobi’s father, with their second annual ceremony before the game.

Brett Cowdin started the summer program in Rossville, and also coached baseball at Highland Park, Hayden, Topeka West, and Rossville high schools. He passed away in November 2013.

Blake Heston broke up Rossville’s shutout bid with a solo home run in the eighth inning.

With the loss the Senators fall to 6-13 on the season. The two teams will complete the three-game set with a seven-inning game at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“It was a real special night — almost surreal,” Cowdin said. “We’ve won five in a row and have it rolling now. We’re going to try to keep it going and look for the sweep tomorrow.”

RATTLERS 9, SENATORS 3

Senators (6-13)  000 000 030 — 3  5  1

Rattlers (8-4)      012  213   00x — 9 11 1

Woodcock, Correll (6) and Srna. Davis, Hosey (6), Johnson (8),Mah (9), and Higgins. W — Davis. L — Woodcock. 2B — Senators: Clark. Rattlers: Valenzuela-Reece, HR — Senators: Heston. Rattlers: Valenzuela-Reece (2), Higgins (2), McGreevy.

You can see video from the game at:  http://www.wibw.com/sports/headlines/Rattlers-Win-Big-In-Cowdin-Memorial-Game--308587651.html

Rattlers Move Into Second Place

2015 MPL Regular Season Standings

League	GP	W	L	T	W %	RF	RA
Midwest Athletics	13	9	4	0	.692	85	41
Rossville Rattlers	11	7	4	0	.636	65	56
Liberty Monarchs	13	8	5	0	.615	74	62
Junction City Brigade	15	9	6	0	.600	80	45
Topeka Golden Giants	12	5	7	0	.416	75	74
Topeka Senators	17	6	11	0	.353	69	104
Baldwin City Blues	14	4	10	0	.285	63	107

Rattlers Drop Senators 6-2

    The Rossville Rattlers defeated the Topeka Senators 6-2 on June 18 at Joe Campbell Stadium.  The offense was let by catcher Jonathon Valenzuela-Reece with two hits driving in one RBI and scoring once.  Drew Scrimsher pitched four innings allowing six hits and two runs while getting one stirke-out.  Derrrick McGreevy pitched two innings  getting four strike-outs,  but allowing two walks and no hits.    Taylor Mah pitched one inning getting two strike-outs while allowing no hits.

Senators      1   0   0   1   0   0   0      2   6   2
Rossville     1   3   0   0   2   0   -      6   7   2

Mid-Plains League Standings

2015 MPL Regular Season Standings

League	GP	W	L	T	W %	RF	RA
Midwest Athletics	13	9	4	0	.692	85	41
Junction City Brigade	15	9	6	0	.600	80	45
Rossville Rattlers	10	6	4	0	.600	59	54
Liberty Monarchs	12	7	5	0	.583	65	59
Topeka Golden Giants	12	5	7	0	.416	75	74
Topeka Senators	16	6	10	0	.375	67	98
Baldwin City Blues	14	4	10	0	.285	63	107

 

Special Series This Weekend

      The Rossville Rattlers start a 3 game home stand against the Topeka Senators Thursday night at 7 PM at Joe Campbell Stadium. Join us again Friday for game 2 of the series and pick up our $5 Friday meal deal! The series will conclude Saturday with the second annual Brett Cowdin Memorial night.

James Corpening Passes Away

James H. Corpening, 83, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2015 at the Rossville Healthcare and Rehab Center. He was born January 17, 1932 in Allen, KS, the son of Jess and Bertha Thomas Corpening.

He was married to Opal Tyson. She preceded him in death October 23, 1954. He married Norma Edmiston on February 25, 1955 and later divorced. He married Jessie Claypole-Webb December 7, 1963 and they were together 50 plus years until her passing February 19, 2014.

James is survived by his and Jessie’s children, John (Phyllis) Webb, Topeka; Don (Sandy) Webb, Berryton; Ron (Theresa) Webb, Topeka; Debbie (Greg) Stadler, Topeka; Debbie Pitts Osage City; Jim A. (Cheri) Corpening, Lawrence; Rita (Larry) Berry, Tecumseh; Pam (Wade) Handley, Burlington; Jim W. (Wendy) Corpening, Rossville, along with 33 grandkids, 64 great-grandkids and 9 great-great grandkids. He is also survived by his siblings, Freda Venning, Allen, KS, Lester Corpening, Kinsley, KS, Donald Corpening, Wichita, KS, Gerald Corpening, Liberty, MO, Victor Corpening Emporia, KS, along with many nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sons, Kenneth and Keith; siblings, Edna Bush, William ‘Bill’ Corpening, Laura Dains Fenton, Marvin Corpening, Bernice Pickens; one grandchild and four great-great grandchildren.

James served in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Frankfort, Germany, receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army Reserve in November, 1959.

He enjoyed bingo, bowling, fishing/hunting, cards, gardening, camping and family gatherings. They traveled all over and set up at fairs and ran several flea markets.

James worked for Meadow Gold and the Flour Mill in Topeka before becoming the owner of a Clark Oil Station, and he also managed other stations within Topeka.

James made many new friends at his final home in Rossville and will be deeply missed by his large family and many friends.

Memorial services will be held Monday, June 22, 2015 at Burlington United Methodist Church, 207 S. 6th Street, Burlington, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Rossville Healthcare & Rehab Center, 600 Perry St. Rossville, KS 66533.

Rossville Safe Streets Luncheon

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW)- A group of Rossville residents celebrated their hard work educating the community Tuesday.

It was part of the Rossville Safe Streets first annual Luncheon at Dekat Hall. Rossville Safe Streets was formed in 2011 with the goal of building a stronger community one healthy choice at a time. The group consists of representative from government, schools, health, business, youth, community and parents sectors.

At the meeting the group updated on their efforts from the past year including PSA’s, poster, and tobacco ads that Rossville High School students worked on.

“It’s been great,” said Codi Manning, Rossville Safe Streets director. “We’ve just really exploded through grant funding, through partnerships. We’ve just been able to accomplish a lot making our streets a better place to live and really empowering our high school students to make the best choices that they can.”

Rossville Safe Streets partners with Safe Streets Topeka and Prevention Recovery Services.

The luncheon closed with the presentation of three Rossville Community Champion awards. Awards went to Doug's Pharmacy for business. The youth award went to Adrienne Olejnik. The volunteer award went to Christi McKenzie. 

A video of the event can be seen at:
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Rossville-Celebrates-Building-A-Stronger-Community-With-Safer-Streets-307648971.html

Mary A. Sharp Passes Away

      Mary A. Sharp, 91, passed away Monday, June 15, 2015 at her home.
      She was born March 18/19, 1924 at Okmulgee,, OK, the daughter of Elmore and Nina Bell Patterson Blackburn.  She an her husband operated a service station in St. Marys for 33 years.
      Funeral services will be at 3:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2015 at the St. Marys United Methodist Church.  Private family interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, St. Marys.  Mrs. Sharp will lie in state after 5:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys where family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M.  Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys United Methodist Church or Grace Hospice.             Online condolences may be left at her complete obituarty which is at:  http://piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mary-a-sharp/

Mary Ann (Bushey) Taylor Passes Away

      Mary Ann  (Bushey) Taylor, 72, passed away at her home in Topeka Monday June 15, 2015.
      She was born August 14, 1942 at Topeka the daughter of Frank and Mary Cunningham Bushey.  Mary Ann grew up in St. Marys and graduated from St. Marys High School in 1960.
      A  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  Mary Ann will lie in state after 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Piper Funeral Home where there will be a wake service at 7:00 P.M.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  Online condolences may be left at her complete obituary which can be read at:http://piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mary-ann-taylor/

Gladys (Davis) Ryan Passes Away

     Gladys Davis Ryan, 105, Topeka died Monday, June 15, 2015, at Topeka Presbyterian Manor.
     She was born April 3, 1910, at Rossville. Gladys graduated from Christ Hospital School of Nursing in 1933.
     She married Gerald Ryan in 1936. They lived in Wyoming for 50 years. Surviving are a sister: Eva Graves of Topeka; two nieces; and a nephew.
     Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Jellison Chapel, Presbyterian Manor. Interment in Rossville Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Manor, 4712 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66606. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

Chad Stafstall Saves Woman In River

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- A man's love of fish likely saved a young woman's life early Monday afternoon.

Chad Stafstall of Wolf Construction was headed to a job site in Tecumseh when we pulled into the boat ramp off NE Seward Ave. to check the Kansas River level to see if it would be good for fishing.

When he got out of his truck, Shafstall heard a woman screaming for help. He found her clinging to a tree branch with water up to her shoulders.

The Shawnee Co. Sheriff's Office said the woman, 28 year-old Jennifer Webb, had called 911 moments earlier, saying she was in the water and couldn't swim. Shafstall also called 911, then went into the water and grabbed her, using the trees and bank to work their way back to shore.

"She couldn't have gotten any luckier with me or anyone in my company," Shafstall said. "I spent my life in Rossville, swimming in the river and then in the Coast Guard, so some additional training."

"She was scared which bothered me more than anything," he added.

Both Shafstall and Webb came out the incident muddy - but safe.

You can see video of this at:

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Clinging-To-Branch-Woman-Saved-From-Kansas-River-307428401.html

Robert Marney (48) Passes Away

Robert H. “Bob” Marney joined his beautiful wife and our Lord in Heaven on June 14, 2015. Bob was born June 9, 1930, in Mayetta, Kansas, to James I. “Ivan” Marney, Sr., and Mamie F. Belcher Marney. He grew up in the Rossville area and graduated from Rossville High School in 1948. He went to work for the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Rail Road immediately following graduation and worked there until his retirement June 10, 1991. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve on February 23, 1949, and transferred to the United States Marine Corps on January 20, 1951. He was a member of the General Supply Battalion, First Combat Service Group, serving in the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged on January 19, 1954. He married Teresa G. Besta on May 14, 1955, in Rossville, Kansas. They resided in Topeka until 1965, when they moved to Delia. They moved to Holton in 2004, where Bob resided until March of 2015 when he moved to Atria Hearthstone in Topeka.

His parents, a sister, Toria Ann Marney, a brother, James I. “Jim” Marney, Jr., and his wife of 52 years preceded Bob in death. He is survived by his three children: Sandy (Scott) Allen and Gary (Karen Lira) Marney, Holton, and Kim (Mark) Davis, Topeka; eight grandchildren: Lannie (Jared Johnson) Thomes, Taylor (RaeAnn Pinkerton) Allen, Joshua (Erica Lembke) Marney, Torri (Travis Christian) Marney, Heather Marney, Erin (Joe) Miller, Ethan Davis, and Sean (Sydney Chambers) Davis; four great-grandchildren: Peyton Thomes, Fallon, Aubrey and Eliza Miller; one sister, Elzora (Jim “Red”) Homan; one brother, Ben (Letha) Marney; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Besta and Terri Kerwin; three brothers-in-law, Bennie Besta, Bob J. (Susan) Kerwin, and Ron Cowan; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was very active in Lions Club International, where he served as Past District Governor for District 17AW. He was also a member of Jimmy Lillard American Legion Post #31, Masonic Lodge #393, Scottish Rite Valley Lodge, V.F.W. Post #1367, the Jackson County Fair Board, and Jackson County Zoning Appeals Commission. He was active in Boy Scouts, Little League and Pony League Baseball, girls’ softball, and Jackson County 4-H, in many capacities. He was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton, where he was active in the SEEKERS Sunday School Class and JCMA Christmas Store.

Services will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends following the service at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17th at the Rossville Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Senior Center c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Semper Fi

Oakley Place Photos

        For photos of Oakley Place,  go to:
http://rossvilleksphotos.blogspot.com/2015/06/oakley-place-in-rossville.html