Capital Article On Willard Fire

The Capital-Journal had another article about last Friday's fire near Willard and Maple Hill.  You can read it at:    CJ Story on Willard Fire

Baseball Team Loses First Two Games

 The baseball team lost their first two games of the new season.  They were defeated by Anderson Co., 6-1 and 11-8.

 The JV team won their first game of the season 16-1.

Silver Lake Inv Track & Field

Women's Team

100 M         Alexis Bittner    1st

800 M         Amelia Foster    1st

1600 M       Amelia Foster    2nd
                   Julia Streit          3rd
                   Audrie Davis     11th

3200 M      Julia Streit           4th

300 M Int Hur.   Alexis Bittner  3rd

4 x 800 Relay     Rossville         1st

Shot Put      Briar Gillum       1st

Discus         Briat Gillum       2nd

Javelin        Samantha Chancellor 5th

Men's Team

100 M Finals Heat 1        Branndon Hensley   1st
            Finals Heat 1        Eustice Tucker         4th   
            Finals Heat 3        Woodrow Rezac      2nd     

800 M        Hayden Sanders        12th

1600 M      Hayden Sanders         9th

100 M Hur   Hunter Broce           1st

Shot Put       Hunter Broce           1st
                     Aryon Klesath         6th
                     Abe Stillion             8th 

Discus          Abe Stillion             6th

Javelin         Hunter Broce           1st
                    Aryon Klesath          4th
                    Abe Stillion              8th                                         

                       

Fire Near Willard Burns 2200 Acres

 TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - UPDATED 6:45PM: Authorities reopened Carlson Rd. from I-70 north to the town of Willard as firefighters got the upper hand on a wildfire that raced across the area Friday afternoon. They also said residents could now return home. Fire officials say the fire burned at least 2200 acres, but it did not appear any buildings had been damaged.

UPDATED 5:15 PM Town of Willard still under threat. Expanding evacuation and evacuating additional people according to Alan Stahl of Topeka Fire. Carlson Road is closed from I-70 to Willard. Currently evacuating more homes along Carlson Road to west in Wabaunsee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian of Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. They are currently asking those residents to leave. Additionally, they are asking that people stay out of the area so that roads are clear for emergency crews to move quickly.

Stahl of Topeka Fire praised the mutual aid agreements that are in place that are allowing multiple agencies to work together to battle this massive blaze. Correction, it is not Air Tanker 95 as originally reported to us. It is a tanker out of Seneca that is on contract to the Kansas Forestry Service. It looks like a yellow crop duster that is currently assisting to work the fire.

There are several videos that can be seen at:  https://www.wibw.com/2021/04/02/100-200-acre-grass-fire-currently-blazing-in-shawnee-county/

Addditional KSNT video can be viewed at:  

https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/emergency-crews-on-scene-of-grass-fire-near-maple-hill/

Softball Team Wins First Two Games

 The RHS softball won their first two games of the season sweeping Jeff West 8-1 and 16-3

All Shawnee County Girls Basketball

REHS freshman Emma Mitchell was selected to the Third Team All Shawnee County basketball team for 2021.  This included all schools in the county regardless of class.

RHS freshman Kinsey Perine was selected   Honorable Mention to the same team. 

All Mid-East League Basketball

Boys

First team

Fred Criqui, St. Marys; Trey Harmison, Riley County; Avery Holle, Riley County; Connor Holle, Riley County; Keller Hurla, St. Marys; Tyler Lohmeyer, Wabaunsee; Brayden Meseke, Wabaunsee; Caden Vinduska, Rock Creek; Brooks Whaley, Rock Creek; Dawson Zenger, Rock Creek.

Honorable mention

Jaxon Hurla, St. Marys; Kamryn Kaniper, Silver Lake; Charlie Killingsworth, Rock Creek; Danny Moylan, St. Marys; Cade Oliver, Wabaunsee; Andrew Osterhaus, Silver Lake; Kade Perine, Rossville; Dawson Schultz, Wabaunsee; Dawson Wyre, Silver Lake.

Girls

First team

Jessi Brummett, Riley County; Ames Burton, Riley County; Grace Gehl, Rock Creek; Evie GIll, Rock creek; Katelyn Hurla, St. Marys; McKinley Kruger, Silver Lake; Emma Mitchell, Rossville; Kinsey Perine, Rossville; CJ Rignell, Riley County; Lauren Schutter, Wabaunsee.

Honorable mention

Mariah Farmer, Silver Lake; Brooklyn Goehring, Rock Creek; Morgan Hurla, St. Marys; Makenzie McDaniel, Silver Lake; Madisyn Wertzberger, Wabaunsee.

Emma Mitchell All State Honorable Mention

The Topeka Capital=Journal has announced their All Class All State  basketball teams.  Freshman Emma Mitchell  of  Rossville made the 3A Honorable Mention.    The complete list can be seen at: CJ All State Girls Basketball

Gregory Gude Passes Away

Gregory Kent Gude, age 66 of Olsburg, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family, sidekick Tilley, and his FFA quilt keeping him warm.

He was born on October 3, 1954 in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Jerry Leistad and Donna Lee (Rowley) Gude.  He graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton High School where he served as the senior class president, student council president and lettered in four sports with special emphasis on wrestling and catching fast balls by semi professional baseball players. Greg also was the FFA president for two years and won leadership and public speaking awards, a skill he shined bright in his whole life.  During his college years at Northwest Missouri State University and Kansas State University, he received Bachelor Degrees in Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Education and Animal Science.  Greg spoke many stories of his college friends and their many adventures including building the worlds largest weather vane. On February 19, 1983 in Skidmore, Missouri, he married the love of his life, Annette Kay Miller.  She resides at their home of 35 years, the home they brought their two children in to and made a lifetime of memories. Greg was a school teacher in Missouri at Tarkio High School and Craig High School.  He then taught at the Kaw Valley Schools of Rossville and St. Marys High Schools.  He authored four welding manuals that were published by the American Institute of Baking and Manhattan Area Technical College.  He also built custom furniture and cabinets.  After his family, his love was for music, car stereo installation and teaching.  He touched many lives and left a lasting legacy with his students, his 200+ other children.  Greg always joked that he worked harder after he retired.  A true procrastinator, he “finished” his 35 year house remodel and various projects around their small acreage.  He filled their home with laughter, love, beautiful custom wood work, and lasting memories.  His favorite place to be was in his shop where he created jigs and wood working projects.  Greg spent most of his time tearing apart his car and establishing a “professional stereo system”. In addition to his wife, Annette Gude, he is survived by two daughters, Dana Gude and husband Jason Miles of Lawrence and Amber Speer and husband Michael of Clearwater; one brother, Glen Gude and wife Lori of Brighton, Colorado; four sisters, Gaye Mussallem and husband Tom of Littleton, Colorado, Glee Smith and husband Jim of North Platte, Nebraska, Lisa Parker and husband Roger of Arvada, Colorado and Lori Moldenhauer of Wilber, Nebraska; one granddaughter, Ellie Speer and his future grandson.  As well as 21 nieces and nephews who proudly called him “Unc” He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Greg left behind a grand sense of humor and many life lessons for all: 1) Always make sure your handshake is firm and with intention. 2) Don’t take life too seriously.  Laugh a lot and love even more. 3) Love everyone and support all as if they are your immediate family. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at a later date. A memorial has been established for the St. Marys FFA Chapter. A donation may be left online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Gude or left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

David Ronsee Passes Away

 

      St. Marys—David A. “Dave” Ronsse, 69, passed away late Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Stormont Vail Hospital.
      He was born October 24, 1951, at Wamego, the son of Joseph Raymond and Mary Kathleen Ahearn Ronsse.  Dave graduated from St. Marys High School with the class of 1970.  He joined the United States Navy in 1971 and served until 1975, and served aboard the USS American 66, and was stationed in Viet Nam.
      After being honorably discharged from the Navy he worked for Poppelreiter Farms and later for the utility department for the City of St. Marys retiring in 2014.  Dave was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  He was the Commander of Aubert-Walls VFW Post No. 7796 in St. Marys.  Dave enjoyed woodworking and making toys, he also enjoyed camping and traveling.  He loved family time and get-togethers.  Dave was a great Kansas State University fan and was the grandson of the late Michael F. Ahearn whom the Ahearn Fieldhouse was named for.     He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Marie Crawshaw.
     On February 25, 1984, he was united in marriage to Christy Pearl in St. Marys.  She survives of the home.    Other survivors include two sons, Ryan (Andrea) Ronsse, St. Marys and Adam Ronsse, Alma; his brother, Michael (Nancy) Ronsse, Springfield; two sisters, Kate Brehn and Maggi Ronsse, both of Topeka; five grandchildren, Carter, Ryder, Emma, Ella, and Everett.
    Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  Dave will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Aubert-Walls VFW No. 7796 for the avenue of flags or the St. Marys Food Pantry and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

 

Tamara Vardys (92) Dies In Accident

Tamara “Tammy” Vardys, 47, and Anthony “Tony” Vardys, 46, both of Topeka, earned their wings March 20, 2021 doing what they loved, riding their motorcycle.

Tammy was born January 29, 1974 in Topeka. Daughter of William B. Griffiths and Carol D. Shell Haynes.

Tammy graduated from Rossville High School in 1993.

She was the CEO of Cocky Bastards Customs LLC.

Tony was born on January 27, 1975 in Somerville, New Jersey. Son of William B. Griffiths and Jackie Williamson Griffiths.

Tony graduated from Topeka Technical College in 1998.

He was an Electronic/ IT Technology Specialist with Hills Pet Nutrition, and was also the Owner/Operator of Cocky Bastards Customs LLC.

Tammy and Tony loved each other and their family more than anything. They enjoyed spending time with them any chance they could. Together they cherished their grandchildren. They were motorcycle enthusiasts and enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and snowboarding/skiing.

Together, with their son, they were founders of Midwest Brotherhood Motorcycle Club. Through MWB they gave back to the community graciously with, benefit rides, adopting families during the holiday seasons, they started Blake’s Big Wheel Bash that assisted the family with finances. They also were a part of numerous memorial rides that would give back to families in need.

Tammy and Tony were the most generous and caring people you were to ever meet. There was no Tammy without Tony and no Tony without Tammy. They loved unconditionally and lived their life to the fullest.

They are survived by their parents; two children, Hallie (Chris) Vardys and Dillon (Courtney) Vardys; their siblings, Michaela (Patrick) Griffiths, George (Nikki) Vardys; grandchildren, Bentley, Sawyer, Cambree, Anthony, and Austin.

They are preceded in death by Tammy’s mother Theresa Griffiths, her grandparents, Melvin and Esther Shell, and Tony’s grandparents, Jim and Betty Dawson.

Memorial visitation will be Monday, March 29, at Parker Price Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.  Condolences can be left at their web site.

Celebration of Life will be posted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anthony and Tammy Vardys Memorial Account in care of Silver Lake Bank.

WIBW Video Of Walk/Run For Cody

Video of Color Walk/run for Cody

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -It was a colorful day in Rossville as over 200 runners showed up in white shirts ready to get showered with color.

“This is a color run or walk whatever people want to do--it’s a fundraiser to help support Cody Lambotte, Cody was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) back in 2017 and he has been a really big support and really a community icon and he really touched a lot of lives and we are trying to give back the best we can,” said event organizer, Kyle Hammer.

Cody’s parents say he’s truly left his mark on the community-

“Cody has been a big part of this community and many others for a long time he has helped coach kids wrestling and junior high wrestling and leader at the catholic church he was a P.E teacher at the grade school and he has made an impact on a lot of peoples lives and this is an amazing community,” said Alaina Lambotte.

A.L.S is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease--it’s a progressive nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord---which leads to loss of muscle control.

“Cody went from being one of the most active people there is to basically being paralyzed from the neck down and he has to have full total care and it changes everybody’s life, he’s still though has got to be one of the most amazing and inspirational people that I have ever known,” she said.

Cody was diagnosed four years ago---and the support for him is still “dawg” strong--

The fundraiser didn’t stop there, the color run was followed by a silent auction and all proceeds will be going to Cody’s family.

Lucinda Mitchell Passes Away

    Lucinda "Cindy" Mitchell, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
    She was born October 8, 1957, in Topeka, KS, to Jesus and Mary Barranco. She was a graduate of Seaman High School. Cindy married the love of her life, Christopher "Chris" Mitchell on March 17, 1982. She was an avid reader and had a one of a kind sense of humor that left everyone wanting to sit just a few minutes longer around the kitchen table. She loved music, going to concerts and getting dressed up. From the moment she met Chris, they were inseparable. They never spent much time apart and it was a rare sighting to see one without the other. In addition to being a devoted wife, Cindy was also a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved her children and grandchildren fiercely.
    She is survived by her husband, Chris; Daughters, Tara James (Ray), Jade Mitchell (Valerie Owens), Kimber Graf (Kenny); Grandchildren, Kylie, Kenneth "Turbo" and Karter Graf; Brother, Al Barranco. To the friends we love and she treated as her own, Jerrica Barber, Trevor Wehner, Trent Fiedler, Travis Richie and Olivia Phinney, no matter the length of time that had passed, she always asked about you.
    Services will be held on March 27, 2021, 10:00am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 703 Main St., Rossville, KS 66533.

William Harris Passes Away

     Rossville---William "Bill" Leon Harris, 82, passed away at his rural Rossville home on March 16, 2021.

     Bill was born on February 2, 1939, in Girard, Kansas, to Bud Leon and Florence Ellen (Westhoff) Harris and lived most of his childhood in Hepler, Kansas, except for a few years when his family moved to Weiser, Idaho. He returned to Hepler from Weiser in 1951 to help his grandparents on the family farm. He graduated from Hepler High School and Pittsburg State University. Bill served in the US Army after graduating college in 1961.

     On December 30, 1961, Bill married Patricia Ann Hazen in Walnut, Kansas. To this union the couple was blessed with five children.

     During his lifetime, Bill was a valued employee for several companies, including Phillips Petroleum, Kansas City, MO; McNally Manufacturing, Pittsburg, KS; Sinclair Oil Co., Independence, KS; The Capper Foundation, Topeka; owner of Mercury Messengers, Topeka, and for over 60 years was the owner of Harris Accounting & Tax Service, previously in Carbondale, KS and most recently in Rossville, KS.

     Bill was very civic-minded. He served: on the Carbondale Housing Authority; as a board member of the Topeka Daycare Association; on the Carbondale Athletic Association; as an elected Carbondale city council member; and was a Hunter Safety instructor. Bill was a member of the Carbondale Chapter of Lions Club International and had been honored with a lifetime membership and awarded with the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated Humanitarian Services.  

     Always active, Bill, enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball into his 40's, camping, fishing, and was an avid hunter making numerous trips to Wisconsin over the years to deer hunt with his brother, Don. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, gardening, and was always quick to teach something new to anyone who would listen. Luckily, his only son Ron is following in his footsteps with his willingness to share his knowledge, but he does have large shoes to fill.

     Bill was preceded in death by his parents; niece Danielle Harris; sister Elaine O'Brien; brother-in-law Charlie Bird; and brother Donald Harris. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of the home. Other survivors include his children: Robin Harris, Topeka; Stacy (Sheri) Harris, Waterloo, IA; Terri (Dan) Hostetler, Salina; Ronald (Kari) Harris, Topeka; and Debra (Russ) Miller, Rossville. Also surviving are siblings: Sandra Bird, Gladstone, MO; Larry (Lois) Harris, Duncan, OK; Jean Nichols (special friend Ron Gates), Girard; sister-in-law Penny Harris, Neillsville, WI; and brother-in-law Bernard (Beverly) O'Brien, Hepler; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

     Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon on Friday, March 26, 2021, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Rossville. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 25 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Mary's, Kansas, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Lions Club International - Carbondale Chapter, Midland Hospice, or Joseph A. Cates Pulmonary Fibrosis Research--University of Kansas Medical Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St, St. Mary's, KS 66536.

     To view Bill's full obituary and leave a message for the family online, please visit www.piperfuneralhome.com.