Rattler Season Starts June 2

  . Opening Night for the Rossville Rattler's 2016 season is 

Thursday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM! 

Make plans to be at Joe Campbell Stadium as the 

Rattlers take on the Junction City Brigade! 

Alan Jeffers Declared Hero

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – Thursday’s thunderstorms and tornadoes caused a lot of damage throughout the state.

And for those who were caught in the thick of it, it could have been worse.

A Rossville man has been deemed a hero for his quick action by providing shelter.

Alan Jeffers says don’t call him special, he says he was just doing what was right.

High winds up to 70 miles per hour and brief tornado blew through Rossville and Silver Lake along Highway 24 Thursday afternoon.

With some quick thinking, Jeffers took action.

“When the sirens went off, we just kept the doors open for all our customers that was traveling,” said Jeffers.

Jeffers is the manager at the Casey’s General Convenience Store right off of Highway 24 in Rossville. During the storm he provided shelter for about 60 people, including a bus full of children, and a family from Missouri.

That family was Corey Sloan’s wife, his mother-in-law, his daughter and his two grand-children, ages 8 and 3.

“The last words I said to my wife was, ‘Get out of the vehicle’. I could hear the tornado sirens in the background,” said Sloan. “She told my granddaughter to run, and then the phone went dead. My entire life was in that Casey’s in Rossville, Kansas yesterday.”

During that tornado watch, Jeffers brought some of the children and adults to the cooler for shelter. Others found safety in the gas stations bathrooms, and storage rooms.

“It is pretty important to me to know that my family was taken care of by complete strangers,” Sloan says.

“I had no problem doing it. It just shows comfort to other people knowing that if their family is out on the road that they can go to a Casey’s or at least here…They can come and take shelter here,” says Jeffers.

Sloan say’s he personally thanked Jeffers for protecting his family. He even called the Casey’s General Store headquarters to tell them about his new found hero.

You can view KSNT video about Jeffers at:  http://ksnt.com/2016/05/27/small-town-hero-rossville-man-takes-action-during-severe-storms/

Rattler Baseball Clinic July 12

Click on below to enlarge.  Enroll now for the July 12 clinic in Rossville

Baseball Festival & Film

From the Capital-Journal:

Fans of both sports and history will have the opportunity this weekend to learn about baseball when it was spelled base ball and played without gloves or fences.

Six teams, some with players from as far away as Colorado and Minnesota, will compete Saturday and Sunday at the Free State Base Ball Festival on the Felker Soccer Fields, S.W. 25th and Gage Boulevard, in a tournament using the 1860 rules for the game.

The weekend also will include the Topeka debut of “Town Teams: Bigger than Baseball,” a 40-minute documentary on the influence of baseball on small Kansas towns at the turn of 20th century. The movie includes the reenactment of a 1919 game played near El Dorado that was filmed last October at the Joe Campbell Stadium in Rossville.

Members of the Topeka Westerns, the host team of the festival, participated in the game reenactment.

In addition to the Westerns, the games from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday will include the Topeka Shawnees, the Hodgeman Nine from the western Kansas town of Jetmore, the Emporia White Stockings, the Colorado Territorial All-Stars and a Minnesota Union team that includes players from the Rochester (Minn.) Roosters, the Lincoln (Neb.) Olympics and two Wichita players. Spectators can watch the games at no cost.

“Town Teams: Bigger than Baseball” will have its free Topeka screening at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Jayhawk Theatre, 720 S.W. Jackson.

The documentary was written and directed by Kansas City filmmaker Mark Honer, who said the movie “explores the role of baseball in everything from assimilating immigrants, to labor relations, to its function as a powerful tool in the battle between towns for economic supremacy.”

Honer, in a Sept. 29 story in The Topeka Capital-Journal, said he intended to make a documentary about the El Dorado oil field and the 100-year anniversary of the economic boom it created. When he discovered someone else had done such a documentary, he shifted his attention to something he found in his research: the prevalence of small-town baseball teams and the stiff competition among them.

“When I started researching the film, I fell in love with the players,” Honer said. “Most of them put in 70 hours a week at their jobs. But when the weekend came, they put on these heavy, wool uniforms and played baseball in the scorching hot sun. Now that’s loving the game.”

The game recreated for “Town Teams” was one between two towns, Midian and Oil Hill, which no longer exist. Joe Campbell Stadium was selected because it is the region’s oldest wood stadium.

The movie also includes Bill Hesse, a former town team player from Rossville, as he watches film of himself playing ball some 70 years earlier.

Also in “Town Teams” is rarely seen footage of the “Silver Ball” trophy that was awarded to the first Kansas state baseball champion in 1867. The first recipient was the Kaw Valley team from Lawrence.

Cultural context is provided by an all-star cast of baseball authors and historians.

“The amateur baseball players reflect the real America,” said Dorothy Seymour Mills, who co-authored the first scholarly history of the game. Her three-volume history, “Baseball: The Early Years” (1960), “The Golden Age” (1971) and “The People’s Game” (1990), still stands as the benchmark against which other baseball history books are measured. Honer also interviews state and local baseball historians, like Steve Dodson, a history professor at Allen County Community College in Iola.

“Town Teams” is produced and distributed by Destination Hope, which does business as DHTV Digital, a film and video production company in Shawnee.

Looking For Hosts For Rattler Players

Free Kids Lunches This Summer

      The St Stanislaus Catholic Church & Harvesters Community Food Network are sponsoring lunch to all kids 0-18 years of age from 12:30 to 1:00 every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from June 2 to August 11 at the Rossville Park Shelter House. Lunch is free to all kids.  

3A State Golf Tournament

    The Rossville High golf team did not go to the 3A State tournament played on May 23 at the Salina Municipal Golf Course,  but three team members did qualify at the Regional.    Gabe Marney fnished the state meet in the 49th spot with an 88.  Andrew Hudson was 60th with a 91 and Kole Davoren was 98th with a 109.
   

RHS National Honor Society

RHS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS

Rossville Jr./Sr. High School inducted 19 new members into the National Honor Society at the Spring Awards Night on May 4, 2016. Senior Ashley Broxterman; Juniors Paul Borcherding, Ryan Ehrlich, Bryce Gfeller, Malcolm Gillum, Andrew Hudson, Samantha Murray, Mitchell Porter, and Alyssa Thompson; and sophomores Kylee Badura, Breaira Bergstresser, Tronnie Blair, Maura Buhler, Perry Foster, Cory Hadsall, Abigail McCrory, Hannah Miller, Jalyn Porter, and Ashley Zemek lit the candle of honor and recited the pledge as new members.

RHS existing members are Seniors Katie Conley, Kole Davoren, Rachel Day, Britnee Douglas, Eric Ebert, Riley Falk, Zach Jensen, Chris Johnston, Justin Logan, Kyle Parr, Lauren Steckel, and Willow Stipp and Juniors Taylor Bittner, Morgan Foster, Laura Gillum, Amanda Hill, Ashley Rietcheck, Lora Shinn, Sara Shinn, Sierra Streit, and Emily Woodcock.

NHS officers for the 2016-2017 school year were recently elected and are as follows: President Taylor Bittner, Vice-President Mitchell Porter, Secretary Paul Borcherding, and Treasurer Laura Gillum.

Membership in the National Honor Society is based on a student’s performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. In order to be eligible, students must first have a grade point average of at least 3.2 and have made significant contributions to their school and community, as well as maintain strong moral character.

                                                                                            Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

Alumni Dinner Reservations Due Now

7^th Annual All School 

Reunion & Dinner

Saturday, June 4^th 

Dekat Parish Center

Social Hour 4:00 p.m. 

 Catered Dinner 6:00 p.m.

I plan to attend the Celebration (list number attending)_________

_____ @ $22.50 = ____________ Add’l Donation(optional)_________

Total enclosed is __________________

Registration deadline is May 27th. 

Checks are made payable to RHS Alumni Foundation

Mail registration to: RHS Alumni Foundation, PO Box 803, Rossville KS 66533.

Name ___________________________________ RHS Graduate? Y___ N___ 

Year__________

Name ___________________________________ RHS Graduate? Y___ N___ Year__________

Address__________________________________City________________State-ZIP_________

E-mail Address_______________________________________

For Information call 785-584-6335 or 584-6080 or e-mail meburg@embarqmail.com

ROSSVILLE HIGH AWARDS

During the annual Spring Awards Night at Rossville Jr./Sr. High School 

held on May 4, 2016, the following awards were presented:

KSU OUTSTANDING MATH & SCIENCE AWARD = Eric Ebert

Each year, in conjunction with Kansas State University’s College of Engineering, Rossville High School’s math and science teachers are asked to nominate one individual they believe is the best student in each of these two subjects.

AMERICAN LEGION AWARDS (presented by Derek Froning) = Kyle Parr & Britnee Douglas. The American Legion Jimmy Lillard Post 31 awards two students each year with a certificate and medal. The students are chosen by the faculty based on the criteria of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.

TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL ALL STATE ACADEMIC AWARD = Eric Ebert

This award is sponsored by the Topeka Capital-Journal. Every Kansas high school selects one individual to represent their school based on academic and extracurricular performances. (Topeka Capital-Journal Honorable Mention All-State Academic Team)

KSHSAA CITIZENSHIP AWARDS = Lorenzo Mason & Rachel Day

The Kansas State High School Activities Association each year awards one male and one female student from each high school with a citizenship award. Individuals receiving this award must demonstrate respect for fellow students, the citizens of the community, adults, and their country. They must also show respect and tolerance for others, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship.

DALE DENNIS AWARD = Eric Ebert

The Dale Dennis Excellence in Education Award was established in 1996 by Kansas administrators to honor the long and valuable service that Dale Dennis gave to Kansas education. It is based on Citizenship, Service, Scholarship, and Common Sense.

BENNY STACH AWARD = Zach JensenBenny Stach was a Rossville student who lost his life in an auto accident during his Senior year. His classmates and family began the award in Benny’s memory.  It is awarded to an RHS student who displays many of the qualities Benny possessed. Nominations and the final selection are made by the faculty based on several qualities, including friendliness, helpfulness, understanding, and warmth for others.

U.S. ARMY SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS = Tucker Horak & Britnee Douglas

Recipients of this award are determined by faculty nominations and must demonstrate commitment to both academics and athletics.

U.S. MARINES OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

SSgt. Samuel Wallace of the U.S. Marine Corps presented awards in three different categories. The Scholastic Excellence Awards were presented to Chris Johnston and Riley Falk for their academic achievements. The Semper Fidelis Award was given to Rachel Day for excellence and commitment to the band program. The Distinguished Athlete Awards were presented to Isaac Luellen and Heidi Nitsch for their accomplishments in sports throughout the school year.

JOHN JOHNSON LEADERSHIP AWARD = Kole Davoren

The John Johnson Leadership Award was created to honor Mr. Johnson for his years of dedication to the students of Rossville High School. The award began in 2007 and is presented annually to the student who demonstrates quiet leadership and service.

SENIOR INSPIRATION AWARD = Ashley Broxterman and Alex Cavanaugh.

Ashley always maintains a positive outlook on life. She places others above herself and is always ready to volunteer no matter what is asked.

Alex meets challenges head on with spunk, perseverance, determination, and an amazing work ethic. He doesn’t take others support for granted and shows his appreciation and respect for others by his actions in daily life.

MICHAEL KELLER AWARD = Justin Logan

The Michael Keller Award is presented to honor the long and dedicated service provided to RHS by Mr. Michael Keller. Mr. Keller began his teaching career in 1978 and dispensed his wisdom, sense of humor, and discipline to countless students over this 35-year period. The recipient of this award must display strong citizenship, respect for others, attention to details, and have excellent attendance and punctuality.

RONALD REAGAN STUDENT LEADER AWARDS = Britnee Douglas, Eric Ebert, Justin Logan, and Kyle Parr (receiving a certificate and silver coin)

Students selected must exemplify the meaning of student leadership to honor Pres. Reagan’s legacy of leadership and service. Students were chosen for their participation in extracurricular activities and pursuit of leadership roles that make a positive difference in their school and community. Recipients must value education, have an affinity for discovery and lifelong learning, and display drive, integrity, and good citizenship.

                                                                                By Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

Baseball Documentary Premiere May 28

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY CELEBRATES TOWN TEAM BASEBALL

AND ITS IMPACT ON EARLY KANSAS

TOPEKA, KS – A new documentary film premiering in Topeka, KS May 28^th captures both the heart and the historical importance of town team baseball on early life in Kansas. “Town Teams: Bigger than Baseball” examines baseball at the turn of the 20^th century, when hundreds of small Kansas towns formed teams to play for pride and love of the game.

That passion, and the fierce competitiveness of the players and fans, became part of the culture that helped build Kansas. “Town Teams” explores the role baseball played in everything from assimilating immigrants, to labor relations, to its function as a powerful tool in the battle between towns for economic supremacy.

The documentary short (40 minutes) was written and directed by Kansas City filmmaker Mark Honer.

Honer portrays the heart of the game when cameras capture Bill Hesse, a former town team player from Rossville, as he watches film of himself playing ball from some 70 years earlier.

“When I started researching the film, I fell in love with the players,” said Honer. “Most of them put in 70 hours a week at their jobs. But when the weekend came, they put on these heavy, wool uniforms and played baseball in the scorching hot sun. Now that’s loving the game.”

The film brings the drama of a long-forgotten era back to life, with photos that reach back over 100 years, and a reenactment of a 1919 baseball game played near El Dorado. It features footage of the Topeka Westerns vintage baseball team, and rarely seen film of the ‘Silver Ball’ trophy that was awarded to the first Kansas state baseball champion in 1867. It was the Kaw Valley team from Lawrence.

Cultural context is provided by an all star cast of baseball authors and historians. “The amateur baseball players reflect the real America”, says Dorothy Seymour Mills, who co-authored the first scholarly history of the game. Her three-volume history, Baseball: The Early Years (1960), The Golden Age (1971), and The People’s Game (1990), still stands as the benchmark against which other baseball history books are measured. Honer also interviews state and local baseball historians, like Steve Dodson, a history professor at Allen County Community College in Iola.

Town Teams: Bigger than Baseball is produced and distributed by Destination Hope LLC, d.b.a DHTV Digital, a film and video production company in Shawnee, KS. It premieres at 7 p.m., May 28 at the Jayhawk Theater in Topeka, KS. Admission is free with a panel discussion following the film. Additional screenings are scheduled in El Dorado, Shawnee, and Wichita. 

Tom Stockman (62) Passes Away

      Thomas E. "Tom" Stockman, 71, of Topeka, passed away May 15, 2016.
      He was born December 11, 1944 to Francis and Martha Stockman. Tom grew up in the Rossville and St. Mary s area, graduating from Rossville High in 1962,  before moving to Topeka. Tom served in the US Army in the Vietnam War. He worked at a flour mill and for many years for Midwest Health.
      He is survived by his wife, Dixie Payne Stockman. They were married in 2002. He is also survived by four brothers: Bob (Mary T.), Don (Marilene), Henry (Delores) and Phil (Lana) Stockman; two sisters: Betty (Bob) Hazzard and Frances Carlson; sisters-in-law: Judy Stockman, and Charla (Jerry) Webb; brother-in-law Jay Payne; step- father-in-law Bob Cotter; step-children: Terri, Ron and David Reasner. He was preceded in death by his step-son Noah Akers, sisters Regina and Patricia; four brothers Harold, Leo, Ted and Joe; and his mother-in-law Bernadean MeMa Cotter.
      A private service will be held. Condolences may be left at www.dovecremation.com

Rossville Loses Championship Game

    The Lady Dawgs lost the championship game of the Regional 3A softball tournament 2-4.

Lady Dawgs Thrash Eagles 11-1

    The Lady Dawgs won their Regional semi-final match against Silver Lake 11-1.
    The Championship game was scheduled for Thur evening against the winner of the Marysville-Council Grove game but was rescheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday.  The results of that game against Council Grove will be posted when available.