Golden Giants On 4 Game Win Streak

    The Golden Giants Have a 4 game win streak going.  They have outscored the last four opponents 53-21.  They plat at the Junction City Brigade tonight. 

Shannon Saia Arrested After Pursuit

 TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Jackson Co. authorities arrested a Delia man following a pursuit through the southwestern part of the county.

Shanon Saia, 58, fled deputies after an attempted traffic stop after midnight Wednesday near 126th Rd. and US 75. The Sheriff’s Office says they and Kansas Highway Patrol chased Saia for about 25 minutes before losing him.

Then, they found Saia’s residence using his license plate number.. They found him there and placed him under arrest for fleeing a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, and driving under the influence.

Neil McKenzie (59) Passes Away

Neil Duane McKenzie, 80, Willard KS, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021.

Neil was born January 10, 1941, in Valencia KS to Oscar and Vesta Keeton McKenzie. He graduated from Rossville High School in 1959, attended Emporia State University and graduated from Washburn University in 1963 earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Neil served our country in the US Army. On July 3, 1964, Neil and Nancy Lee Shrimplin were united in marriage enjoying just shy of 57 years together.

Neil was an industrial engineer for Goodyear Tire. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Silver Lake KS for more than 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; children, Emily McLamb (Hilton), Alan McKenzie (Christi) and Paul McKenzie; six grandchildren, Jasmine, Monica and Erin McLamb, Jordan, Scott and Nicholas McKenzie; six great-grandchildren, Mia McLamb, Ivan, Josephine, Caroline, Harper and Beau McKenzie; and brothers, Clyde and Ray McKenzie.

Graveside service for Mr. McKenzie will be Tuesday, June 29, 10 a.m. at Valencia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Lake Lodge No. 50 or Shriners Hospitals for Children and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Marcia (Cerney) (52) Terrell Passes Away

 Salina - Marcia (Cerny) Terrell, 87 passed away June 16, 2021 at Salina Regional Hospital. She was born April 12, 1934 at Rossville, Ks. and graduated from Rossville High in 1952.

Survivors include: Her companion, Fred Vidricksen (Salina) and her sister, Edith McClain (Rossville). Memorial services will be held July 1, 2021 at Rossville United Methodist Church. Lunch will follow.

Golden Giants Get 18-4 Win Over Lawrence.

The Golden Giants defeated the Lawrence Travelers 18-4 on June 23. 

Stephen Lewis Passes Away

Stephen Lewis was a former RHS Teacher 

A Celebration of Life was held for Stephen William Lewis on Monday, May 31 at Worden Cornerstone Church, 294 East 900 Road, in rural Douglas County. Friends and neighbors are invited to join his family at 11:00 am for a service of remembrance, comfort, and celebration. Steve was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, co-worker, neighbor, and friend. He died Friday, May 21, 2021 at his home, of cancer. He was 72. He will be sorely missed.

Steve was born on January 20, 1949, in Oak Park, Illinois. He was the second of 10 children born to Robert O’Dell Lewis and Verla Jeanne Schneider Lewis. Steve grew up in Hinsdale, a suburb of Chicago, in a rambling Victorian house full of love, laughter, and lost socks. Steve attended St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, Hinsdale Township High School, and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education in 1971. He married his high school sweetheart, Lorel June Rezek, on January 20, 1970, at Danforth Chapel on the KU campus. He called Lorel “the best birthday present I ever got.” She called him her “best friend.” “Their song” in high school was Happy Together. And after 51 years, they still were.

Steve taught junior and senior high school English and Language Arts for 7 years in Illinois and Kansas, then owned and operated his own business, Soots Me Chimneysweeping, for 10 years. In 1990 he hired on as a dispatcher for Douglas County and the following year was promoted to the rank of Deputy Sheriff. During his 25-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, he served as a Field Training Officer, firearms instructor, training sergeant, transport sergeant, and was a member of the County Jail Transition team, where he wrote job descriptions, policy, and procedures for the new county jail. He was then assigned to the corrections division. He supervised the kitchen and launched the inmate worker program. He moved to the training division and instituted in-house quarterly training for both the Operations and Corrections divisions. In 2008 he was assigned to special projects and served as the Public Information Officer. He also oversaw the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy, worked with the Citizen’s Academy Alumni Group, launched the Sheriff’s Facebook page, organized and initiated Project Lifesaver in Douglas County, developed the Drug Take Back program, promoted Smart 911, edited the Kansas Sheriff’s Association magazine, and represented the Sheriff’s Office in many state and local civic organizations. In 2013 he was reclassified to the rank of Lieutenant. When he retired in June of 2014 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

But Steve’s priority and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Lorel, and his daughters Molly (Jonathan) Glauner of Lawrence, Kansas, and Elizabeth (John) Rulifson of Shawnee, Kansas. He adored his grandchildren: Emma Rodgers, Lorel Rodgers, Kristina Rasmussen, Jack Rasmussen, Ray Rulifson, and Rose Rulifson. He also lovingly leaves behind his amazing brothers and sisters: Greg Lewis of Lawrence, Kansas; Jim Lewis (Nancy O’Connor) of Lawrence, Kansas; Connie Culbertson (Roy) of Belleville, Illinois; Nancy (Dan) Ward of Weaverville, North Carolina; David (Mona) Lewis of Livingston, Montana; Tim Lewis of Littleton, Colorado; Marsha (Jeff) Sebek of Chicago, Illinois; Andy (Juda) Lewis of Lawrence, Kansas; and Matt (Maggie Carpenter) Lewis of New Paltz, New York, as well as 20 beloved nieces and nephews. Steve loved, guided, and protected us all. As one neighbor wrote of him, “although my guardian angel is no longer with us in the flesh, I know he’ll still be watching over me. However, I will miss his side of the conversation when we talk.” Our sentiments exactly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Family Promise of Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Tracy Paine (83) Passes Away

 Tracy Paine passed peacefully at her apartment on May 18, 2021.

Tracy was the youngest of five children who spent their childhood years in Rossville, Kansas. Later in life she moved to Topeka where she spent the rest of her life. She was a member of the RHS class of 1983.

Tracy was an avid junker who loved to find bargains at auctions and garage sales. She bought and sold many fantastic antiques in her years of collecting.

Tracy was also a collector of animals. She loved and cared for many pets through her life, beginning as a child.

Tracy is preceded in death by her parents Eddie and Darlene Paine as well as an older brother Terry Paine. Survivors are three brothers Ed Paine of Topeka, Jon Paine of Maple Hill and Mark Paine of Topeka.

No service will be held. The family will gather this summer to celebrate Tracy’s life.

Nicole (Garrettson)(08) Holm Passes Away

Nicole “Nikki” Garretson Holm passed away June 14, 2021; wife, daughter, sister, and loyal friend. Nicole was born May 3, 1990, in Topeka to two loving parents, Brian and Cathy Garretson. Nicole was her dad’s girl and is preceded in death by her loving father, David Brian Garretson.  She was a member of the RHS ckass if 2008.

Nicole was united in marriage to Jeremy Holm on June 28, 2014, he survives. Other survivors include her mother, Cathy Garretson (Michael Plumberg); three sisters, Cassie Garretson-Dunkel (Greg) of Los Angeles, CA and Natalie Garretson, also of Los Angeles. Michelle Bregel (Matt) of De Soto, KS; brother, Steve Manfield of Overland Park, KS; aunts, uncles and many cousins who loved her so much. Nicole is also survived by her loving husband Jeremy Holm of Topeka; his parents, Ed and Linda Holm of Topeka; his brother, Kristoffer and Katie Holm and their children Milo and Zoey of Topeka.

Nicole was a member of Westside Christian Church and attended Rossville Christian Church growing up. Nicole enjoyed music, was a Master Archer, she enjoyed snow skiing and working on wood projects with her father while growing up. She had great wood working skills and loved the outdoors. Nicole would light up any room she entered. To have known Nicole was to love her. She had an infectious smile, kind heart, bubbly personality, and she was truly beautiful inside and out.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, 202, at Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave, Topeka KS 66606.

 A very nice memorial video can be viewed at:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/82XQ3F3JJ54LQXZR

Arlene (Thompson) Looker Passes Away

 

     Topeka—Arlene Thompson Looker passed away on April 13, 2021, at the University of Kansas Hospital, St. Francis Campus in Topeka.  She was born October 22, 1930, in Delia to Eleanor (Simecka) Thompson and Curtis Thompson.  She graduated from Delia High School in 1948. She spent two years teaching in a rural one-room schoolhouse.

     Arlene was a member of West Side Christian Church.  She held several positions: Chairperson for Delia Alumni High School Reunion, supervisor judge for Shawnee County elections, member of ABWA, served Stonecraft Ministry for years.  She enjoyed Civic Theater as a hostess for fund-raising events.  Arlene was a member of the YWCA therapeutic exercise group for 20 years.  Her greatest joy was serving the Lord as a caregiver for relatives and church shut-ins.  Arlene was Mrs. Santa Claus at Christmas for 30 years in Colorado and later for nursing homes in Rossville and St. Marys and the Presbyterian Manor.

     The name “General” was given to Arlene by volunteering for community service in Denver.  She had over 80 men and women in her group volunteering in charity events in Denver and Boulder. Cancer drives, Kops & Kids. Cherry Creek Sneak, autism, and the Denver Symphony for over 10 years are a few of the charities she helped with.  Before retiring from Colorado Blue Cross & Blue Shield with 25 years of perfect attendance, she received a special large salad bowl engraved with “Outstanding Community Service,” 1989-1990 from the Colorado Lt. Governor.

     She married Otis Holcomb on April 19, 1950, they divorced.  She married Clayton Pusch on November 27, 1971, they divorced.  She married Jim Looker in 1977, they divorced.

     Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marvin Thompson, a sister, Neysa Porter, her son, Dennis Holcomb, in March of 1996, and a daughter-in-law, Linda Holcomb.

     Survivors include two sons, Don (Barbara) Holcomb, Topeka, and Dan Holcomb, Denver, CO; one sister, Vivian Bartello, Morro Bay, CA; a brother, Nels (Shari) Thompson, Topeka; grandchildren, Eric Holcomb, Lawrence, Mark (Hillary) Holcomb, Phoenix, AZ., and Kristie Adam, Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Graham, Bryce, Ellie, Katlin, and Jacob.

     A Celebration Of Life Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Friday, July 9, 2021, at the funeral home.  Inurnment was private at Adrian Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka-Shawnee County Library and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Charles Thompson (56) Passes Away

 Charles E. (Ed) Thompson, 83, passed away Friday June 18, 2021, at a Topeka hospital.

Ed was born at home in rural Shawnee County on February 7, 1938, to his late parents Charley & Alta Briggs Thompson.  Ed was a 1956 graduate of Rossville High School.

He worked in partnership with his dad and his brother, Bill, for their family company, Thompson Construction. building ponds and terraces.  He then worked for the City of Topeka Street Department and retired from Dover Township after many years of service.

Ed loved country western music and formed the band “Ed Thompson and the Rovin Ramblers” with his brother Bill and backup musicians. They performed in most of the dance halls and clubs in the local area for years. He later formed the “Ed Thompson Band”.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Lori Jean Thompson Davis, granddaughter Janelle Barber and great granddaughter Grace Long.      He is survived by his wife Carolyn Jeannine Thompson of the home.

Other survivors include a brother, William “Bill” Thompson (Dorothy); his son Bernard “Bernie” Thompson, a daughter Tangela Thompson; his stepchildren, Donola Fairbanks (Doug); Debra Sebring (Aaron), Doug Crow (Dusty), and Denise Hersh (Tim); Ed is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending

Giants Have Big Night For 12-7 Win

 The Golden Giants unleashed their bats Monday night and had a 17 hit night resulting in a 12-6 victory at Joe Campbell Stadium.   S. Marquis led the way with 5 hits.

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H
LDW	2	0	0	1	1	0	2	1	0	7	13	4
TPKG	0	0	0	3	3	0	4	2	-	12	17	2

 

Giants Get 8-5 Victory

The Golden Giants overcame an early Baldwin City lead to win 8-5 on Sunday evening at Rossville.

S. Marquis led the hitting in the 6 1/2 inning contest with 3 hits.

Andy Burdett (76) Passes Away

 

    Andrew Lee Burdett, 63, of Portsmouth, VA, passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. 
    He was the son of the late Walter Lee Burdett, Jr and Dorothy Marie Kisner Burdett.  Andy is survived by his daughter, Tabitha Burdett; son, Michael Burdett (Desiree); sister, Stephanie Burdett; brother, Chuck Burdett (Kim); his for-ever soulmate, Karen Burdett: several grandchildren; one great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
    He retired after 21 years of service in the US Navy, following his retirement he worked in the Naval Shipyard for 20 years performing nuclear quality assurance on submarines.  He enjoyed hunting, especially with his lifelong best friend, Bob Flick, and was member of South Norfolk Hunt Club and Claremont Hunt Club.
    A memorial service with Military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 2 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.

    Andrew was a member of the RHS Class of 1976.

Shawnee Co. Sports Awards

The nominees have been announced for the 16th annual Topeka Shawnee Country High School Sports Awards, the ceremony being held June 30 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel's Maner Conference Center Sunflower Ballroom.

This year's program will be presented by TopSports.news, in conjunction with Envista Credit Union and A-1 Lock and Key. Awards will be made for the top female and male athletes in the fall, winter and spring sports seasons, as well as overall female and male athletes of the year. 

Among those nominated are Bo Reeves, Fall Sports; Alex Sherer, Spring Sports;  Gracie Rabe, Spring Sports; and Kaiden Brown, Most Inspirational Male.