Archer Is Winter Athlete Of Year

From the Capital-Journal:It’s not unusual for wrestlers to face the challenge of trying to cut weight to reach their optimum competition level.

Rossville’s Zach Archer had the opposite problem, and it wasn’t until he piled on a few pounds that he really started piling up wins.

Archer, the Topeka Shawnee County winter male athlete of the year, finished his high school career as a two-time state champion, winning Class 3A-1A state crowns as a junior and senior while topping the 100-win mark for his career.

Archer never did get out of the lower weights, wrestling at 106 pounds as a junior and 113 as a senior, but as he got bigger, so did his accomplishments, with Archer posting an 80-5 record over his final two high school seasons and winning back-to-back titles.

“He wasn’t a bad wrestler as a freshman — he was actually still pretty tough — but he was probably 85 pounds, so he was JV that year,” Rossville coach Courtney Horgan said.

“His sophomore year he was 27-17 (qualifying for state), but he was still about 95 to 97 pounds, so he was still way under-sized. He had a decent year, but anybody that was a full 106 he had trouble with.”

But a slight change in his body type and a big change in his confidence made Archer a star over the remainder of his prep career.

“He wasn’t always winning, but he wrestled hard and then his junior year I think the momentum started rolling and his attitude changed and he just started believing a little bit more and was like, ‘You know what, I am pretty good,’ ” Horgan said.

“By the halfway point in his junior year, me and the other two assistants told him every single day, ‘You’re the best kid in the state.’ Every day we made it a point to tell him that and he just started believing it. It was really neat watching him kind of transform mentally into believing that.”

Archer won by major decisions in the state finals as both a junior and senior, taking an 11-3 win over Osage City’s Connor Collins as a senior to cap a 41-1 season.

“I make all of the wrestlers fill out a goal sheet every year and then they hang them in their locker and they see them every day,″ Horgan said. “Undefeated state champ was his goal for his senior year. He didn’t have any others. That was the one goal that he had and he darn near did it.”

Archer, who is headed to the University of Kansas as a student after compiling a 3.95 grade point average at Rossville, also got the rare opportunity to end his wrestling career with a championship.

Karen Lira (82) Passes Away

    Karen D. Lira, age 55, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020 at her home in Topeka. 
    Karen was born July 26, 1964 in Topeka the daughter of Eugene (60) and Shirley (Bond) Irwin. She was raised by grandparents, Harold and Mildred Irwin. She graduated from Rossville High School in 1982. She attended cosmetology school in Topeka. Karen was a hard worker, helping whoever needed her help. She enjoyed being a beautician and would come to people’s homes to care for them. Karen had attended Fellowship Bible Church in Topeka. Karen enjoyed gardening, baking and crafts, but she enjoyed being with her family as much as she could. 
    She is survived by a son, Philip (Chelsea) Olson of Topeka; four daughters, Tiffany Burns of North Pole, Alaska, Kristen Simpson of Rossville, Kelly (Tyler) Shobney of Delia and Madilyn Lira of Delia; five sisters, Kimberly Dick of Delia, Debbie Irwin of Topeka, Kelly Irwin of Topeka, Angel Day of Rossville and Tracy Woosley of Paris, Kentucky and 14 grandchildren, Israel, Olivia, CiAnna, Kaden, Ireland, Paisley, Faith, Lukas, Aspen, Gavin, Emma, Chloe, Charlotte and Zamira.
    Memorial services are pending with Davidson Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to the Davidson Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. Private inurnment will be at the Rossville Cemetery. davidsonfuneral.com.

Judith (Cowan) Darting Passes Away

Rossville—Judith Dianne Cowan Darting 73, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2020, at her home in Rossville.

 She was born July 24, 1946, the daughter of Reece and Virgie Hoffman Cowan at Ft. Lewis, Washington.  Judy was the daughter of a career Army man and had lived in many cities across the US and overseas.  In the early ’60s, her father retired, and they moved to Topeka.  She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1964.  Judy attended Washburn University.

 Judy worked as an administrative assistant for the State of Kansas for many years.  She lived in the Silver Lake and Rossville communities.  Judy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Silver Lake.  She enjoyed reading and was a member of the Rossville Library Book Club.  She loved her family and her dogs.

Judith Cowan and Gerry Darting were united in marriage in Topeka.  They were married 23 years and divorced, but remained friends and neighbors, he survives in Rossville.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Jack Cowan, and her son, Jeffrey Darnell Darting.

 Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Lee Darting and Sarah Ann (Bryant) Presley, all of Rossville; six grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 4:00 P.M. Monday, July 6, 2020, at the First Baptist Church in Silver Lake.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 5, 2020, from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. at Piper Funeral Home, St. Marys.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Lake First Baptist Church and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Bulldawgs Up For Athlete of Year (updated)

Like virtually everything else in the sports world, the 2020 Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards banquet was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Topeka Capital-Journal made the difficult decision in early May to cancel this year’s event which honors the top senior student-athletes from within the county.  Though the banquet has been pushed back for a few months,  the awards will be announced.

Rossville students nominated for awards are:

Kody Davoren--Fall Male
Davoren, an offensive and defensive lineman, was a two-time All-Mid-East League selection, a two-time All-Class 2A honoree and was selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl after helping lead the Bulldawgs to a 7-3 record and the second round of the 2A playoffs. Davoren finished second in the 3A-1A state wrestling tournament as a senior after finishing third as a junior.

Taylor Morelli--Fall Female
Morelli earned All-East League honors for the Bulldawgs last fall, recording 367 kills, 200 digs, 30 aces and 22 stuff blocks.  She will attend Emporia State.

Zach Archer--Winter Male
Archer was 80-5 in his last two years and was two time 321A State Champ in the 113 pound class.

Kinlyn Lundin--Most inspirational Female
Lundin was a standout throughout her career for Rossville, including being a three-time All-Mid-East League selection in softball. Lundin also earned All-State recognition in 3A for the Bulldawgs during her career. GPA: 3.48.

For more details,  go to:    https://www.cjonline.com/sports/20200627/rick-peterson-local-prep-awards-tradition-too-good-to-stop

Be ALERT

Someone is stealing catalytic converters from cars around Rossville, even in broad daylight. 
Park where your car can be seen.  Report suspicious people lurking around vehicles.

NEW Rossville Football Field

The Bulldawgs will be playing on a new turf football field this fall.  Here is a time lapse video of it construction.
https://www.facebook.com/mammothsportsconstruction/?

Stolen Items

‎Clarysta Hess‎ to Topeka Real Time News

Jaune c1gnrt5urte sSatg po1nm0shdoanrue:o2d9o AMnu

My car was broken into recently over the weekend at echo cliff near Dover ks. If anyone sees any "clarysta Hess" student ID's from Rossville high school or a pretty small all black poetry book (has a broken strap) laying in the ditches around those areas please report them to me immediately! They mean so much to me and they're irreplaceable items worth no cash whatsoever. 😭

Frank Murray Passes Away

Frank Henry Murray, 83, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2020.

Frank was born March 7, 1937, to Frank and Loretta Harden Murray, in Rossville, Kansas. He attended Highland Park High School. Frank married Patricia Torsney in Perry, Kansas, on July 1, 1954. He retired from Goodyear and owned and operated Mid America Painting for over 50 years. Frank was a proud member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation and past member of the Painters Union, Rubber Workers 307, SCABA baseball league. Frank loved spending time with is family and playing bingo.

Survivors include children, Christopher Murray, Sr. (Gayla), Diane Goodson (Steve), Mike Murray, Jeffrey Murray (Lysse); daughter-in-law, Denna Murray; grandchildren, Wendy, Gabriel, Cameron Murray, Dusty Murray, April, Adam Chancellor, Brandi, Danielle Goodson, Travis, Taryn, Chase, Riley Murray; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Clayborn. He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Frank; grandson, Chrisopher, Jr.; siblings, Larry Murray and Sondra Mosher.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 22nd at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23rd at the funeral home, with burial in West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Family requests casual attire. Masks are recommended and social distance is required.

Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to defray expenses. Condolences may be sent online www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Rossville Pool To Open Soon

Shawnee County parks and recreation director Tim Laurent said work should begin this week on a project to repair the Rossville Pool, with the contractors thinking they can complete the job in three weeks.

Taylor Morelli, A Kansas Govenor Scholar

Every year, the Kansas Governor’s Office honors students statewide who have achieved academic excellence.

According to the Kansas State Department of Education, students who have placed in the top 1% of Kansas seniors are honored.   Taylor Morelli from Rossville High is one of those so honored.

Curt Berkey (61) Passes Away

Curtis Deane Berkey, 77, Rossville, Kansas, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, Thursday, June 11, 2020, following an heroic battle against pancreatic cancer.

Curt was born January 13, 1943, to the late Don and Mary Jane Nicholson Berkey. A life-long resident of Rossville, Curt graduated from Rossville High School in 1961 and attended Kansas State University. He was drafted by the LA Dodgers farm team as a pitcher, but a combine accident put an end to those dreams.

On October 25, 1989, Curt and JoAnne (Conway) McDonnell were married, enjoying more than 30 years together. For the last 13 years they were pleased to leave Kansas winters behind for the warmth of Mesa, Arizona.

Curt was very proud of farming for almost 58 years. A life-long educator in the farming community, Curt mentored many young farmers. He was old school and proud that his rows were straighter than those being put in by GPS. A very honorable man, Curt loved his family and friends and his presence will be greatly missed.

Grateful to have shared Curt’s life are his wife, JoAnne; children, Keith Berkey (Kim) Rossville, Angela Shriner (Kevin) Cape Coral, Florida, Shannon Frodge, Mobile, Alabama, Brad McDonnell, Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Kalli Shriner (Jav Palomo) Boca Raton, Florida, Kohen Shriner (Lilly Sheridan) Las Cruces, New Mexico, Skyler McDonnell, Florida; great-granddaughter, Molly and her mother, Harlie Nemechek, Rossville; sister, PJ Berkey, Kansas City, Kansas; brother-in-law, Jamie Conway (Gayle) Topeka; and nieces and nephews.

Curt’s family will greet friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. A Celebration of Curt’s Life will be Friday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will be private at Rossville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Shawnee County Fire District #3, Rossville, or to Midland Care Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.

Services For Kratinas

    The family of John and Marjorie Kratina will receive family, friends and community members during visitation on Sunday, July 19th from 1-3 p.m. at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas. Memorial services for John and Marjorie will take place at 10 a.m., Monday, July 20th at Piper Funeral Home, followed by internment at the Czech Moravian Cemetery, near Rossville. The memorial service will be live-streamed at 10:00 A.M. Monday.

    The family sends an invitation to join them for lunch and fellowship at the Citizen Pottawatomie Nation Community Center, 806 Nishnabe Trail, Rossville following internment. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Presbyterian Church or the Czech Moravian Lodge No. 128 and sent in care of the funeral home.
    John's obituary can be viewed at:    https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2020/05/john-kratina-passes-away.html

    Marjorie's obituary can be viewed at:    https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2020/04/marjorie-kratina-passes-away.html

Gerald Pearl Passes Away

Gerald T. “Jerry” Pearl, 88, died June 11, 2020 at his home with his loving family at his bedside. He was born May 14, 1932 on a farm near St. Marys, referred to as the “Sandy Hook” community.  He was the youngest of six children born to Thomas M. and Florence G. Doyle Pearl.  Mr. Pearl attended James Grade School in rural Shawnee County. He graduated from St. Marys High School in 1950.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, in the post Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1962. He was nicknamed, “Muscles “in high school and “Gates” in the military, referring to the ”Pearly Gates.” When he returned from the service, he continued to work on the family farm. Jerry never knew a stranger and gave a helping hand to those in need.  Besides a firm handshake, you would know him from his signature wink and thumbs up. 

Jerry was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; he was a faithful adorer, an Honorary Life Member of Knights of Columbus Council #657 and the Thomas A. McNeive Fourth Degree Assembly. For many years, he served as a member of the Honor Guard for deceased members of both the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. On Memorial Day weekend, he would travel with the American Legion Firing Squad to the area cemeteries to honor the deceased veterans. In 2015 Jerry and other chosen veterans traveled to Washington, DC on the Wamego Honor Flight.

He was a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the CPN Veteran Association.  Jerry and his wife Hildegard would make an annual trip to Shawnee Oklahoma to the festival and also were part of the Trail of Death caravan. They coordinated a naming ceremony for 28 family members to receive their Indian names.  They owned and operated G & H Pearl Farms and Pearl Trucking. He was a member of the Tri-County Drainage board for many years. Jerry also enjoyed his family, farming, ranching, traveling, and woodworking. He was a jack of all trades.

Jerry was an active member of AA for 43 years and was a mentor to many in recovery up until his death.

Jerry was united in marriage to Hildegard J. Taphorn, on April 12, 1958 at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville, Kansas. They met through the CYO and loved to dance. Hildegard preceded him in death in 2014.  Mr. Pearl was also preceded in death by their infant son, Johnny, his brother, J.B. Pearl, his sisters Marjorie Guerich, Maureen Harris and his great-granddaughter, Parker Monhollon. 

He is survived by his eight daughters he called his “String of Pearls”.  Colleen Monhollon, (Jim Meyer), Rossville, Cathy Pearl, Manhattan, Christy (Dave) Ronsse, Gerry Lou (Dan) Marstall, St. Marys, Mary (James) Wurtz, Ginger (Jerry) Flach, Paxico, Angie Leuthold (John Burns) Wamego, and Michelle (Ryan) Martin, St. Marys, his brother, Bob Pearl of Parma Heights, OH, his sister, Sr. Virginia Pearl, CSJ, of Concordia, his sister-in-law, Eileen Pearl, formerly of St. Marys, and the entire Taphorn family.  Mr. Pearl has 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many great friends. Jerry’s fiancé, Betty Narolis, Topeka, her daughters, Laura McVay, and Georgianne Crow.  He loved to joke and tell stories and was very ornery with all. His smile was his greatest feature. He loved his pie first, followed by his cheeseburger, and shared these meals with his grandchildren.

Mass of the Christian Burial 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Church in St. Marys, Internment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  Mr. Pearl will lie in state Tuesday, June 16th from 4-7 P.M. at the Immaculate Conception Church, where there will be a rosary recited at 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Midland Hospice, Immaculate Conception Church Food Bank, the St. Marys Historical Society or charity of choice.

Dustin Dick Leaves Education

From the Capital-Journal:

The timing and opportunity both needed to be right to lure Topeka West principal and USD 501 lead principal Dustin Dick out of education.

The chance to join the family insurance business in Rossville, after helping West and 501 navigate through an unprecedented spring, convinced Dick that now was the time to make that move.

“We’ve talked about this for a long time,” Dick said. “In fact, if I go back to my first year teaching in 2002, my dad (Randy) kind of talked about it and I almost gave up teaching and joined the business, but I decided it wasn’t the right time.

“It came up all the time. Dad would say, ‘Hey, some day I want you to come.’ He kind of always wanted to have all his kids there, and now this just kind of seemed like maybe the time was right to do something a little different.”

Dick said that having the spring completely disrupted by COVID-19 played into his decision.

“I think not seeing kids every day and teachers every day here through the spring maybe made it a little easier to decide to walk away,” he said. “When you’re a high school principal, you always have something to be at and somewhere to go and something you can do and it just consumes everything you do. That’s just who you are.

“That just kind of stopped for the spring and the spring’s usually really busy, so I had a lot of time to think about it and thought, ‘You know, maybe it’s time.’ It just kind of seemed like the time was right.”

Dick, 41, will join his father, brother Derek, sister Melissa Horagan and stepmom Karen in the family’s multi-faceted insurance business.

“It’s kind of an all-in-one employee benefit kind of thing, health insurance and benefits,” Dick said.

But while Dick is excited about the future, he knows he’ll miss his career in education, which has included stints at Highland Park as a teacher, assistant principal and associate principal as well as time at St. Marys, Eisenhower Middle School and Seaman.

Dick has been principal at West for six years and USD 501′s lead principal for three years, in addition to being in charge of district athletics.

“I like what I do,” he said. “I’ve got a good job, I’ve got a good place to work. It’s just kind of worked out all the way. There’s been jobs that I thought I wanted that I didn’t get and jobs that I got that I wasn’t completely sure I wanted and everything has worked out really well for me.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better career in education. I’ve been blessed. It’s been a really good career and Topeka’s been great.”

Dick’s final day at West will be June 30, and associate principal Colin Cathey has been named interim principal.

Although education is going through an extremely tough time because of the coronavirus pandemic, Dick knows it will survive and thrive.

“Whether it’s something with the budget or the legislature, it seems like there’s always something in education that’s challenging, but one way or another it all works out really well,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for almost 20 years and every time we thought, ‘Oh, this will be the worst thing ever,’ it all works out.

“This year we had something happen to us that nobody had ever experienced before and all the administrators and the teachers came together and figured things out and made learning happen for kids. We pulled it off and kids learned and they finished classes and they earned credits and we still graduated kids. Everybody finds a way and we make it work.”