Election Nov 7

    Voters taking part in the Nov 7  general election in Shawnee County will also elect five council members in Willard, three council members in Silver Lake, and a mayor and two council members in Rossville.   

Emporia Gazette Article On Shrine Bowl

Here is an article that discusses Shrine Bowl players headed to Emporia State U.,  such as RHS graduate Dawson Hammes.  
http://www.emporiagazette.com/area_news/article_3042b2be-1f5c-5148-93cc-d89679e5bb42.html

Derick & Dawson Hammes At Shrine Bowl

The annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played in El Dorado at 7:00 PM on Sat., July 29.  Dawson Hammes will be one of the East players,  and his father,  RHS football coach Derick Hammes, will be the coach for the team.

From the Capital Journal:

The last four seasons for Rossville football have been something special as the program captured not only its first state title, but three consecutive.

The stretch had extra meaning for Bulldawg coach Derick Hammes, who was able to share the experience with his son, Dawson — a standout linebacker and running back for all three title teams.

Their time together as coach and player seemingly came to an end when Rossville scored in overtime to beat Hesston 48-42 in Hutchinson in late November. Instead, the two will get one more chance to take the field together in Saturday’s Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Derick Hammes is the head coach for the East, while Dawson will start at linebacker in the 7 p.m. game in El Dorado.

“You wrap all of it together, it’s been pretty neat,” Derick Hammes said. “The last three years what we were able to do as a team, and now this is just the icing on the cake. It’s pretty special. We both realize we’ve been very, very fortunate and we’re going to go out and do it one more time.”

When he accepted the nomination to be the East head coach, Hammes knew there would be a chance he’d get to coach Dawson in the game. But at the same time, Rossville had other worthy candidates, including All-State quarterback Jacob Bradshaw.

Dawson was selected, however, and now follows in his father’s footsteps. Derick played for the East squad in the 1989 Shrine Bowl and the two are rare father-son combos whom have had the chance to each play in the game.

“I never even thought about it like that,” Derick said. “Not a lot of kids get this opportunity and for both of us to experience it, it’s something special. What you learn is it’s a very special cause and being able to help in some way, these kids, is very special and you don’t realize the importance until you play in the game.”

Not only will Dawson follow his father’s path in the Shrine game, but will for his collegiate career as well. After wrapping up his high school career with 338 tackles, Dawson signed with Emporia State.

Derick played for the Hornets from 1989-92.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Dawson said. “He played in (the Shrine Bowl) 20-some years ago and now I am. And I’m going to Emporia State too, following in his footsteps.”

Dawson said signing with Emporia State wasn’t a foregone conclusion when making his college decision. At the same time, however, the program has held a place in his heart for some time.

“For the most part, I was wide open,” he said. “But since he did go to Emporia, it was someplace I wanted to go. It was a pretty easy choice.”

Dawson said playing for his father throughout his career has had its pluses and minuses.

“It’s always tough when your dad’s the coach because it seems he’s harder on you than the other players,” Dawson said. “He expects more out of you because he knows you better. But at the same time, it’s nice. I’ve grown up watching film with him and I’ve learned so much from him, especially defensively. I’ve tried to pick up whatever I can from him.”

While there could be a certain level of expectations placed on Dawson being the son of a former Hornet standout (Derick was third-team All-MIAA in 1991), Dawson said he’ll start his college career the same way he would if his father hadn’t played at ESU.

“I don’t think there’s pressure,” he said. “I’m just going to go up and do my thing and try to earn a spot.”

Both are relishing the chance to have one more game together this weekend.

“It’s just cool and you can’t script stuff like this,” Derick said. “We’ve been lucky — three state championships, you get to do the Shrine Bowl and he gets to go to Emporia State. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have wrote it out like that. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s amazing that it’s worked out like that.”

TCF Pancake Breakfast

Ethan Brown Injured In Accident

Ethan John Brown, 28, of Rossville, failed to slow down as he was driving a GMC Terrain and struck a Toyota Highlander driven by Rick Moody, 61, of Topeka. The Highlander then hit a Ford Fusion driven by David Roger Franzke II, 25, of Topeka.

Brown was taken to Stormont Vail.

Moody, Franzke and a passenger in Franzke’s vehicle weren’t injured.

All of the occupants were wearing their seat belts, according to the log.

http://cjonline.com/news/crime-courts/local/2017-07-25/one-person-taken-hospital-after-monday-morning-rear-end-crash-i

Patricia Linder Passes Away

      Patricia Ann Linder, 76, Topeka, died Friday, July 21, 2017, at Rossville Health and Rehab.
      She was born June 1, 1941, at Holton, the daughter of Kenneth Dean and Audrey Eileen (Baldwin) Scheidegger. Pat graduated from Highland Park High School in 1959. She was a member of the Oakland Presbyterian Church. She was secretary at Eastminster Presbyterian Church for six years.
      She was married to Richard L. Linder, Sr. on March 26, 1959, in Topeka. He survives. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Richard L. Rick Linder, Jr. Surviving in addition to her husband are two children: Ronald Ron Linder (Kendra) and Linda Linder Wright, all of Topeka; siblings: Deanna Fiegener of Topeka, Joyce Kirkner of King, NC, Nancy Bass (Marvin) of Diamond, MO, Pam Finch (George) of Pomona, and Bill Scheidegger (Linda Sue) of Topeka; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
      Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka. Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th, Topeka. Pat will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Monday, at the funeral chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oakland Presbyterian Church, 2810 NE Thomas, Topeka, KS 66616. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

Recent Rossville Marriages

In August of 2016 Shawnee Co. granted a marriage license to Wesley Thompson of Rossville and Nicole Markham of Rossville.
In January of 2017, Shawnee Co. granted a marriage license to Rory Steele of Rossville and Jenifer Ditch of Topeka.
In January of 2017 Shawnee County granted a marriage license to Fray Gibson of Rossville and Denise DeCaro of Rossville.
In February of 2017 Shawnee Co. granted a marriage license to Alex Godfrey of Rossville and Ashley Ruth of Rossville.
In March of 2017, Shawnee Co. granted a marriage license to Mary Pena of Rossville and Harlie Nemachek of Rossville.
In April of 2017, Shawnee Co. granted a marriage license to Dakota McDaniel of Rossville and Margaret Thomas of Rossville.

Recent Willard Bridge Photos

Parker Monhollon Passes Away

    Parker LeAnn Monhollon, 9, of Silver Lake, passed away on July 10, 2017 in Monterrey, Nuevo Le n, Mexico, following an 18 month battle with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a form of brain cancer.     A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 in the Sunflower Ballroom at the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka. The family will greet friends and family during a reception from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017 at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at any Silver Lake Bank location, via PayPal info@parkerloveslife.com, or www.ParkerLovesLife.com. To view the complete obituary, and to leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

    An article about Parker and a benefit for her at Rossville is at:
https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2016/02/support-for-parker-monhollon.html

    A news article about Parker was in the KC Star in 2016.  It can be read at:
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article58186198.html

    A recent article about Parker in the KC Star is at:
http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/article161974193.html

    A facebook page about Parker and family can be viewed at:
https://www.facebook.com/ParkerLovesLife/posts/1884561631796816

John & Peg Wehner To Celebrate 50th

      John and Peg Wehner will celebrate their 50th anniversary on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Mikey's Bar and Grill, Hwy 24 in Rossville. All family, friends, and neighbors are invited to join us for a night of fun at 7 p.m., followed by karaoke with Daren & Randy starting at 8 p.m. Food and drinks will not be provided, but Mikey's kitchen and bar will be open.
      No gifts please. If you cannot attend, cards may be sent to 1105 N. 6th, St. Marys, KS 66536.
      John L. Wehner and Margaret (Peg) J. (McGrath) were united in marriage on Saturday, July 22, 1967, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Emmett, KS. Their children are: John P. (Vickie) Wehner, Topeka; Cindy (Mike) Schmersey, Rossville; Kate (Zac) Miller, McPherson; and Jodi Wehner, St. Marys. Granddaughters: Jordan Maree Wehner, Topeka; Jenna Wehner and fianc Joshua Parnell, Rossville. Great-grandsons: Jordayne Chayse and Aspen John Parnell, Rossville.

Taylor Kirk (15) Graduates From JCCC

Taylor Kirk has graduated from Johnson County Community College with an associates degree in liberal arts this spring. 

She was on the Distinguished Honor Roll (3.5-3.80 gpa)

Taylor also received numerous honors as a result of her softball play for JCCC

She was selected as the 2017 Johnson County Softball Team Captain

Her team finished 5th nationally amongst The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II where they upset then undefeated number 1 ranked Jones County in bracket play. 

She received :

1st team All Conference Div II (KJCCC) 3rd baseman

1st team NJCAA Region VI All District D Div II 

Top 5 KJCCC (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference) Homeruns Leaderboard (15) 

Top 15 NJCAA Div II Homeruns Leaderboard

Participant of the. 2017  NJCAA Div II homeruns derby (finished 4th) 

4th NJCAA Div II ranked in sacrifice flies 

Taylor Kirk during NJCCC Home Run Derby competition

Taylor will continue to pursue her business/ mathematics degrees at Washburn University in the fall where she will also be an active member of the Ichabod softball team. 

Taylor  has spent her summer working with a local 14U fastpitch summer team,  Team Kansas Brown, that consists of college prospects and recruits.  

Taylor Kirk with 14U softball Team Kansas Brown

Mid-Plains League 2017 Final Standings

Cowdin Cup Playoffs

Cowdin Cup Playoffs Schedule:

7/15/17 - Midwest A's 11 Junction City Brigade 4 Final (MWA leads 1-0)

7/16/17 - Midwest A's @ Junction City Brigade 7:00 PM

7/17/17 - Junction City Brigade @ Midwest A's 5:00 PM* 

7/16/17 - Topeka Golden Giants @ Liberty Monarchs 4:00 PM

7/17/17 - Liberty Monarchs @ Topeka Golden Giants 6:00 PM

7/18/17 - Liberty Monarchs @ Topeka Golden Giants 6:00 PM*

Cowdin Cup Finals

7/20/17 - Game One

7/21/17 - Game Two

7/22/17 - Game Three*

* If Necessary

Richard F. Keys Passes Away

From the Piper Funeral Home:
Richard F. Keyes Jr., passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.

He was born January 23, 1948 at Wauseon, OH., the son of Richard F. Keyes Sr. and Phyllis M. Hanson Keyes.  He grew up in Oaktown, Indiana.  Richard served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Richard and his family moved to the St. Marys community in 1979.  He was a circuit engineer for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Topeka.  Richard was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Maple Hill, the Knights of Columbus and was a forth degree member of the Thomas A. McNeive Assembly.  He had been a member of the St. Marys Fire Department for many years and had served as a reserve officer for the St. Marys Police Department.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard F. Keyes Sr.

On August 19, 1972 he was united in marriage to Judy Fryzelka at Traverse City, MI.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his mother, Phyllis Keyes; his children, Richard Keyes III, Michael Keyes, Thomas Keyes, Robert Keyes, Monica Kazda and Anna Bayer; three brothers, Steve, Kurt and Rob Keyes; 13 grandchildren.

Requiem Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Maple Hill. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Mr. Keyes will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Keyes name and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.