Monday, June 18, 2018

Valerie (Adkins) (78) Eastman Passes Away


Valerie Eastman, 58, Quenemo, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018.

Valerie was born March 30, 1960 in Topeka to Lou and Mary Lou (Swager) Adkins. She grew up in the Rossville community and graduated from Rossville High School in 1978.

She married Darrell "Grasshopper" Eastman on October 27, 1978. 

She was a cook in the Rossville community for many years and was a C.N.A. and C.M.A. for over 30 years and had been a firefighter for a few years. She loved to cook and take care of people. She was a fun, loving and caring person. Most of all she loved her kids and grandkids. She helped raise many kids, some still call her mom. She was loved by many and hated by none.

She is survived by her husband Darrell of the home; son, Chance Eastman, Overbrook; daughter, Christi Eastman, Michigan Valley, parents; grandchildren, Trinaty, Gage, Samara, Caydance, Talyn, Jordan, Riley, Emma; brothers, Jim (Misty) Adkins, Topeka; sisters, Margaret Shelman, Berryville, AR, Janet Adkins, Barns, KS; brother-in-laws, Gary (Joyce) Ward, Delia, KS, Garold Ward, Topeka, Bob Ward, Delia, KS; sister-in-laws, Vicki (Dave) Rezac, Delia, KS, Debb Ward, Sue Ward, and Sandy (Darvin) Rogers, all California, MO, Mary Morelan, Poplar Bluffs, MO; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister-in-laws, Helen Ward and Pauletta High; and nephew, Stevie Evers.

A Celebration of Valerie's life will be held at a later date.

Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valerie Eastman Memorial Fund, c/o Kansas State Bank, PO Box 325, Overbrook, KS 66524.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Henry Segura Passes Away

Sgt. Henry Segura USMC Ret. Passed away June 12, 2018 at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City. Henry was born in Topeka, Kansas, on August 6, 1936, son of Juan and Antonia Segura.

He married Theresa Shufeldt on August 2, 1969, where together they had two sons. They later divorced.

Henry married Wilma Viles Dominguez on January 18 in Lawrence, Kansas. Together they raised his two sons, Michael and Richard Segura both of Topeka, Kansas.

He attended Topeka Public Schools and graduated from Topeka High in 1954. He joined the United States Army Reserve on June 8, 1953. After his tour he joined the United States Marine Corps where he retired on July 30, 1970.

He had a very full life. Stationed in Okinawa, Philippines, Hawaii, China, Wake Island, Guam, and North Vietnam. Henry guarded Madam Nu, Climbed Mount Fuji, and from 1962 to 1965 he road shotgun for pilots from I-Core. He guarded President Eisenhower during his trip to Japan and Okinawa. He loved his country and was very proud to serve.

Henry also worked at Ed Marlings T.V. and Small Appliance Repair from 1970-1973, then went on to work at St. Francis Hospital where he was a maintenance electrician from 1973-1995. He was a member of Wanamaker Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the American Legion Post 31 in Rossville. He loved working on electronics and cars and treasured spending time with his family and helping others.

Henry is preceded in death by both of his parents; his brother John Segura Jr. and his sisters Romona S. Alvares and Rita S. Charay.

He is survived by his wife Wilma of 43 years; his two sons Michael (Pam Cross) Segura and Richard Segura; brother Pete T. Segura and his sister Carolina S. Hernandez; and three step grandchildren, Daniel Jackson, Jared Jackson, and Matthew Cross.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Friday, June 15, 2018 at Wanamaker Seventh Day Adventist Church. He will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018. Family will receive friends at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans Association and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. To leave fond memories or condolences visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Rossville Library Events

summer EVENTS at rossvile  library

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

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. 

Sunday, June 10, 2018

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.

Friday, June 8, 2018

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.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

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.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

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.


Sunday, June 3, 2018

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.