Josephine (Barney) (43) Harkness Passes Away

Josephine B. Harkness, 92, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018.

She was born December 18, 1925, in Rossville, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph and Alice (Redmon) Barney. 

She graduated from Rossville High School in 1943 and the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s of Arts in 1949. Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Washburn University.

As an Air Force wife, she and her family lived in Japan from 1954 until 1957, where she served as base librarian. She often spoke of having crossed the Pacific twice.

She was also employed as a school teacher, book editor and researcher throughout her life.

Survivors include two sons, C. Eric Harkness, Topeka and Tom (Cynthia) Harkness, Woodstock, IL and two granddaughters, Anna and Elisa Harkness.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dale and Kenneth Barney.

Josephine enjoyed reading, writing poetry, sewing, cooking and traveling. 

Private graveside services will be held at Rossville Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to NAMI Kansas, P.O. Box 675, Topeka, KS 66601. 

Legion Feast June 15

AMERICAN LEGION POST 31, Rossville: All you can eat Crawfish, Shrimp Boil, Mountain Oysters, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. Meals start at $12.50-$25. (785) 584-6177.

Sports Council Award Nominees

On Thursday the finalists for the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Council high school awards were announced.   The awards will  be announced on June 28.

Awards will be presented to the top senior student athletes for the fall, winter and spring seasons as well as awards for the top overall male and female athletes and the most inspirational male and female athletes.

The nominees announced for the Winter Season included two Rossville atheletes.

Winter male — DeShawn Hanika, Hayden; Angelo Plakio, Highland Park; Isaiah Luellen, Rossville; Zeke Metz, Seaman; Nathan Mercer, Shawnee Heights; Jordan Priddy, Silver Lake; Fischer Carr, Topeka High; Koriyon Carr, Topeka West; Tarrin Fisher, Washburn Rural.

Winter female — Madison Ellis, Hayden; Alijah McCracken, Highland Park; Jalyn Porter, Rossville; Kishno Bell, Seaman; Lydia Ostenson, Shawnee Heights; Morgan Carranza, Shawnee Heights; Makaila Cowdin, Topeka West; Kendall Michalski, Washburn Rural.

All MID-EAST League Softball Team

First team

Rachel Allen, Riley County; Lexi Cobb, Silver Lake; Alexis Hafenstine, Wabaunsee; Josie Harrison, St. Marys; Hallie Hay, Silver Lake; Ellie Hogle, Silver Lake; Peyton Hurla, ST. Marys; Demi Kunkel, Rock Creek; Kelcie Kippes, Rossville; Daryn Lamprecht, Silver Lake; Kinlyn Lundin, Rossville; Abby Pressgrove, Silver Lake; Elisa Princic, Rossville; Gracie Rabe, Rossville; Autymn Schreiner, Wabaunsee.

Honorable mention

Rylee Brecheisen, Rossville; Beth Hogle, Silver Lake; Logan Hurla, St. Marys; Reagan Hurla, St. Marys; Alyssa Lohmeyer, Wabaunsee; Abby Oliver, Wabaunsee; Haley Petty, Rock Creek; Miranda Tegtmeier, Riley County; Saige VanSickle, Riley County.

All MID-EAST League Baseball Team

First team

Cale Adams, sr., Silver Lake; Toby Becker, jr., Rock Creek; Logan Brown, jr., Wabaunsee; Trent Byers, sr., Silver Lake; Cody Dyche, jr., Rossville; Dalton Engle, sr., Riley County; Mitchell Flanagan, sr., St. Marys; Tucker Gehrt, sr., Rock Creek; Josh Grynkiewicz, sr., Riley County; Tyler Halstead, sr., Riley County; Garrett Harmison, so., Riley County; Cameron Minihan, jr., Rock Creek; Ty Nelson, sr., Riley County; Ian Russell, jr., Rock Creek; Derek Shaheen, sr., Rock Creek; Riley Tubbs, sr., Wabaunsee; Carson Zenger, sr., Rock Creek.

Honorable mention

Nic Allen, fr., Riley County; Josh Boyd, sr., Silver Lake; Will Boyd, sr., Silver Lake; Jon Brase, sr., St. Marys; Chad Chambers, so., Wabaunsee; Austin DeWeese, sr., Rock Creek; Connor Holle, fr., Riley County; Sean McCann, jr., St. Marys; Jared Morris, sr., Rossville; Chase Nelson, sr., Wabaunsee.

Ruth Cowan Passes Away

Ruth May Cowen, 92, Rossville, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

She was born March 1, 1926, in Hollister, Missouri, the daughter of Houston Duncan and Ida (White) Barker. 

Ruth was employed by Bobo's Drive In, Huntoon location, retiring after 37 years.

She was a member of Rossville Christian Church, Rossville Senior Center, where she served as a past board member. 

Ruth married Earl Cowen on November 10, 1943. He preceded her in death. Other survivors include her children: Shirley Driscoll, Michael (Beatriz) Cowen, all of Rossville and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Jim Barker and brother, Orville Barker.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rossville Senior Center or Rossville Christian Church. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.ParkerPriceFH.com.

Rossville High Alumni Reunion

    The Rossville High School Alumni reunion, dinner and scholarship presentation was held Saturday evening, June 2nd at the Dekat Center in Rossville.  Attending were 110 alumni and guests.  The evening included social time with a catered dinner served at 6:00 p.m.   The program started with several former cheerleaders leading the Rossville High School Song. 

    Guest speaker was Travis VanVleck,  principal of Rossville Grade School.   Travis was a former winner of a Rossville Alumni Scholarship.  

    Kylee Badura, Maura Buhler, Isaiah Luellen and Jalyn Porter were honored as the Alumni Foundation Scholarship winners for 2018.  They were each awarded a $1,500. scholarship to be used for their higher education.  As part of the program, the winners introduced themselves to the guests and told of their accomplishments in school and their goals for the future.  

    Clyde Strimple (class of 1947) was honored for his dedication and support of the Alumni Foundation.  He is stepping down from the Alumni Foundation board after serving for many years. 

    All alumni attending were introduced and asked to stand to be recognized.  The milestone class of 1968 (50 years) had 10 classmates attending and the class of 1958 (60 years) had seven.  Oldest graduates in attendance were Jim Fitzgerald and Juanita Keller Raab.  They were graduates of the class of 1941 - 77 years ago.  After the meeting, class photos were taken.  It was a fun evening for all. 

Scholarship winners.    Left to right    

Isaiah Luellen, Kylee Badura, Maura Buhler and Jalyn Porter.

Class of 1968   left to right    

Rick Dayton, Doug French, Cheryl Mermis Frederick, Rovell Heslet, Cherrie Fairbanks Argabright, 

Joe Simecka, Bill Smith, Jr., Larry Martinek, Calvin Lytle, Dennis Tuller.

Class of 1958   left to right    

Laird French, Ed Lloyd, Linda Hurley Hudson, David Stadler, 

Jane Rogers McClelland, Mary K Dolezilek Funke, Darrel Rezac

Moravan Lodge Table At Topeka Gives

Our Moravan Lodge Table at the TOPEKA GIVES SHOW is all set to be seen by hundreds of people today , 

Tuesday June 5 at the Fairlawn Plaza in Topeka,  Come and see what Diana Dolezilek has done to

exemplify our Lodge and to show it off.  Now we need your support to make a donation to support some of the

Lodge and the Bohemian Hall projects that we have planned.  Now is the time to make that donation.  When 

making your donation you just enhance your donation by the Topeka Foundation of an additional 15% or so.  

Come by our table and say hi.  Doors are open from 7 AM till 6 PM.  Call me for any additional information at 785 633 5564,

Our next Polka Dance will be October 6, 2018. Plan on attending and enjoy some good ole Polka Music, 

Thanks,

Douglas Martinek

Rossville Moravan Lodge

RHS Honor Society Members/Officers

Rossville Jr./Sr. High School inducted 16 new members into the National Honor Society at the Spring Awards Night on May 9, 2018.  Senior Rylee Brecheisen; Juniors Caila Hill and Stacey Keithline; and sophomores Avery Anderson, Kaleb Badura, Danielle Bittner, Kody Davoren, Erika Hatina, Leah Hudson, Kinlyn Lundin, Danielle Moore, Randy Morelli, Taylor Morelli, Michaela Paulsen, Jenna Rodehorst, and Sydney Wonnell lit the candle of honor and recited the pledge as new members.

RHS existing members are Seniors Kylee Badura, Breaira Bergstresser, Tronnie Blair, Maura Buhler, Ashley Douglas, Perry Foster, Cory Hadsall, Holden Hurla, Abigail McCrory,

Hannah Miller, and Jalyn Porter and Juniors Jordan Bittner, MaKenzie Decklar, Kaytlin Dohrman, Cheyenne Reese, and Ava Stipp.

NHS officers for the 2017-2018 school year were recently elected and are as follows: President Jordan Bittner, Vice-President Caila Hill, Secretary Taylor Morelli, and Treasurer MaKenzie Decklar.

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.

All Mid-East League Academic Team

Freshmen                    Sophomores                Juniors               Seniors     

Destiny Bergstresser       Zach Archer                    Betsy Beetz           Kylee Badura

Kaiden Brown                Kaleb Badura                 Jordan Bittner     Breaira Bergstresser

Jaycee Fiedler                 Dani Bittner                    Mia Casadevall     Tronnie Blair       

Tatum Gentry                 Kody Davoren                Caila Hill              Rylee Brecheisen 

Madison Horgan             Meagan Huston              Kelcie Kippes       Nick Brummer     

Jordan Quinones            Randy Morelli                Elisa Princic          Maura Buhler      

Parker Kenny                 Taylor Morelli                Berta Stojkovska   Ashley Douglas   

Austin Klesath                Jenna Rodehorst                                          Abigail Escobar   

Breck McCrory               Sydney Wonnell                                          Perry Foster

Peyton Price                                                                                       Cory Hadsall

Gracie Rabe                                                                                       Holden Hurla

William Reeves                                                                                  Meg Kirk

Julia Streit                                                                                         Abigail McCrory 

Chris VanderPutten                                                                           Hannah Miller                                                                                                                 Jalyn Porter

                                                                                                          Kathleen Schuler 

Rossville High Awards

During the annual Spring Awards Night at Rossville Jr./Sr. High School held on May 9, 2018, the following awards were presented:

AMERICAN LEGION AWARDS = Maura Buhler & Perry Foster. 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 = Kylee Badura.  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 = Holden Hurla & Hannah Miller

The Kansas State High School Activities Association 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 = Ashley Douglas

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. 

U.S. ARMY SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS = Presented by Staff Sergeant Ian Sanchez to Isaiah Luellen & Jalyn Porter. Recipients of this award are determined by faculty nominations and must demonstrate commitment to both academics and athletics.

U.S. MARINES OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

Awards are presented in three different categories: The Scholastic Excellence Awards were presented to Isaiah Luellen & Abigail McCrory for their academic achievements. The Semper Fidelis Award was given to Daniel Borcherding for excellence and commitment to the band program.  The Distinguished Athlete Awards were presented to Maura Buhler & Holden Hurla for their accomplishments in sports throughout the school year.

JOHN JOHNSON LEADERSHIP AWARD = Breaira Bergstresser

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 = Isaiah Luellen & Maura Buhler

Isaiah has continually demonstrated an amazing work ethic in many aspects of his life. He has the courage to be himself and is not afraid to let others know his beliefs. He is level headed, insightful, and passionate. His perseverance through injuries and his dedication and desire to overcome obstacles has been an inspiration to his classmates, to younger students, and to the adults around him.  

Maura has been an integral part of her class, her school, and her community for her entire life. She dedicates herself to helping others and makes a genuine effort to not only know everyone in the school, but to support their accomplishments by attending all school events. She is able to maintain her composure in any situation and is an amazing leader, leading by example and making others want to follow. Her integrity and commitment is unquestionable. She volunteers endlessly, organizing many school, church, TASMAD, and Student Council events.

MICHAEL KELLER AWARD = Cory Hadsall

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.

TOBY MCCULLOUGH AWARD=Jalyn Porter

This award is presented to honor the leadership and service to RHS by Mr. Toby McCullough. Mr. McCullough has been an educator in USD 321 for 34 years and in education for 37 years. The recipient of this award must be punctual; have excellent attendance; enjoy and/or participate in sports; be intelligent, have a strong work ethic, sense of humor, and leadership qualities; and be dedicated to volunteering and in giving back to the community.

RONALD REAGAN STUDENT LEADER AWARDS = Jalyn Porter, Maura Buhler, Ashley Douglas, & Perry Foster (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.

KANSAS GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR=Kathleen Schuler

Each high school in Kansas nominates one student as their top scholar to receive this award. The criteria includes GPA, ACT, class rank, and strength of schedule.

ACT SCHOLARS=Cory Hadsall & Kathleen Schuler (receiving a Rossville Academic Excellence patch) Awarded to students at Rossville High School that receive a score of 30 or higher on their ACT.

KANSAS ACT SCHOLARS=Kathleen Schuler

Given to students that score a 32 or above on their ACT. Kathleen scored a 33 out of a possible 36 on her ACT.

U.S. YOUTH SENATE AWARD=Maura Buhler

Every high school in Kansas nominates one student to represent their school in a competition in which the outcome is based entirely on a test. The test consists of multiple choice, true/false, and essay questions over the government, the Constitution, and the current and former leaders of our country.

KANSAS HONOR SCHOLARS=Kylee Badura, Ashley Douglas, Cory Hadsall, Hannah Miller, & Kathleen Schuler (receiving certificate and medallion to wear at graduation) The Kansas Honor Scholar Program sponsored by KU Endowment and Alumni Associations recognizes and awards high school seniors for their academic achievements.  Recipients rank in the top ten percent of their class based on academic records through the end of their junior year.

2018 Scholarships For RHS Graduates

Rossville High School held its annual Spring Awards Night on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 to bestow awards and scholarships to deserving students.  The counselor, administration, and faculty would like to thank all of the scholarship contributors and presenters for their donations and interest in the students of Rossville.  Your dedication to our students is greatly appreciated.

The following scholarships were presented:

Custom Wood Products Scholarship: ($1000 renewable)

Presented to Ashley Douglas. The scholarship was established by Donald and Pamela Lake to further Custom Wood’s commitment to the communities of Rossville and St. Marys.

Rossville Booster Club Scholarship: ($200)

Presented by Laurie Glotzbach to Melinda Kirk. The award began in 2012 and the recipient must have participated in a KSHSAA activity throughout high school.

Bryan Lindstrom Inspirational Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Kathleen Schuler. This scholarship is a tribute to Bryan, who was an inspiration to others and lost his life to cancer in 2013.

Rossville High School Alumni Association: ($1500)

Presented by Kathy Kovar to Kylee Badura, Maura Buhler, Jalyn Porter, & Isaiah Luellen. The Association was founded in 1998 and has awarded over $28,500 to deserving students in this 21-year period. The award’s recipient must meet high standards set out by the association and be a good representative of RHS as they move on through college and begin their career. 

Rossville United Methodist Church: ($2000 renewable scholarship)

Presented by Tom Lacock to Kathleen Schuler.

The award is given to seniors that are members of the church.

Shawnee County Farm Bureau Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Leroy Russell to Perry Foster & Kylee Badura. Recipients must have a parent or grandparent that is a member of Shawnee County Farm Bureau.

Bank of the Flint Hills Employee Donor Advised Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Joe Fanning to Hannah Miller. This fund combines the generous gifts of bank employees to provide scholarships to area seniors.

Kaw Valley Education Association Scholarship: ($250)

Presented to Isaiah Luellen. KVEA annually raises money and presents scholarships to an RHS and SMHS student planning to pursue a career in education.

Doug Perine Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Hannah Miller. The scholarship was established in 2012 to honor Doug, a longtime community figure, and is given to an RHS student planning to continue their education.

Les Hallmark Memorial Scholarship: ($400)

Presented to Ashley Douglas. The scholarship was established by Dorothy Hallmark and is awarded annually in memory of her husband Les who was an Art teacher at Rossville High School for many years.

Laurel Stone Jackson Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Laurel Jackson to Maura Buhler

This is the 3^rd year for the scholarship established by Mrs. Jackson following her retirement as the school librarian. Applicants are required to write an essay over a book they have read.

Cecile Zlatnik Memorial Scholarship: ($200)

Presented to Maura Buhler & Jalyn Porter. The scholarship is presented annually in memory of Cecile to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding character, service, and leadership.

Cole Arnold Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Toby and Ann McCullough to Hannah Miller.

The award is presented annually in memory of their son Cole who died in a car accident the summer before his Senior year.

Rossville Community Development Committee (RCDC) Scholarship: ($300)

Presented by Morgan Hansen & Casey Graves to Hannah Miller. The scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.

Rossville Rustlers 4-H Scholarship: ($250)

Presented by Laurie Glotzbach to Dawson Schaefer, Perry Foster, & Kathleen Schuler. Recipients must be members of Rossville Rustlers 4-H and have made a significant contribution to the group.

P.E.O. Scholarship: ($300)

Presented by Lynette Hudson to Jalyn Porter. This scholarship is awarded annually to young ladies from each of the area high schools.

Pete Darting Memorial Scholarship: ($150)

Presented by Dennis Darting to Perry Foster. The award was established in 2008 by the Darting family to honor Mr. Darting, an avid supporter of the Rossville Dawgs.

RHS Opportunity Scholarship:

This is the 6^th year for the award, which is provided by anonymous donors. Recipients are chosen based on GPA, ACT, resume, strength of schedule, and an essay over an experience that made an impact in their life. Students must plan to pursue a career in Engineering, Science, Medicine, Math, or a related field. $200 scholarships were awarded to Jalyn Porter & Perry Foster. $300 scholarships were awarded to Ashley Douglas & Kylee Badura. $500 scholarships were awarded to Hannah Miller & Kathleen Schuler.

Ron Monhollon Memorial Scholarship:

Presented by Ronda Monhollon to Holden Hurla. The award is given to a student planning to continue their education in a vocational program.

Duane Parr Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Abigail Escobar. This award is made possible by donations from family and friends as an endowment to honor Mr. Parr, who passed away in January of 2006.  The recipient must have participated in high school band.

Washburn Tech Certification:

Rossville High School would like to recognize the following students for completing their programs of study at Washburn Tech:

Mary Stillion—CNA certification

MaKayla Lane—CNA certification

Kody Hurla—Automotive Service Technician certification

Stephen Cooney—Electical Technology certification

Sean Rewerts—EMT certification

Tanner Renner—Welding certification

Isiah Daughty—Welding certification

Highland Community College Certification:

Rossville High School would like to recognize the following student for completing her program of study at Highland Community College:

Jessica Sowers—CNA certification

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

RHS Curriculum Completers

Rossville Jr./Sr. High School had 7 seniors this year who completed the required curriculum as set forth by the Kansas Board of Regents and earned the designation of State of Kansas Curriculum Completer.  In order to earn this distinction, students must have completed 4 years of English, 4 years of Math, 3 years of Science, 3 years of Social Studies, and 2 years of Foreign Language. The students who met these criteria were Kylee Badura, Abigail McCrory, Hannah Miller, Reed Miller, Jalyn Porter, Kathleen Schuler, and Ariel Sherer.

All Curriculum Completers are then eligible to be considered for an additional award.  The Kansas Board of Regents on behalf of the Kansas Legislature ranks these Curriculum Completers based on their GPA and ACT scores. Kylee Badura, Hannah Miller, & Kathleen Schuler were designated as 2018 Kansas State Scholars.

Roduner (17) On Golden Giants Team

    Christian Roduner,  who played for Emporia State U. this year,  is on the Topeka Golden Giants roster for this summer.
    On Tue evening in the sixth inning,  Christian hit a double to knock in a run to break a tie.
    The team's website, including 2018 schedule, is at:
https://www.topekagoldengiantsbaseball.com/