Mary Lou Adkins Passes Away

Mary Lou Swager Adkins died peacefully Tuesday June 14, 2022 at Rolling Hills Nursing Home in Topeka, Kansas.

She was born July 29, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas. The daughter of Leon J Swager and Rachel R (Gragg) Swager.  She grew up in the Topeka area and graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1957.

Mary Lou was a member of the Willard Baptist church in Willard, Kansas.  She was a long-standing member of The Order of Eastern Star, Fidelity Chapter #38. She retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas in Topeka, KS and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV.

She was preceded in death by her fiancé Glen Viergever; her brother Leon J Swager Jr; and her daughter Valerie Eastman.

Survivors include her children: Janet Adkins, Barnes, KS; son-in-law Darrell Eastman; Jim Adkins, Topeka, KS and Margaret Shelman, Berryville, AR; grandchildren: Chris Adkins, Barnes, Ks; Michelle Brammer, Barnes, KS; Chance Eastman, Overbrook, KS; Christi Eastman, Michigan Valley, KS; Heather Adkins, Berryville, AR; Jenna Stum, Delia, KS; Shawna Isakson, Topeka, KS, and Shane Shelman, Berryville, AR. and over 20 great grandchildren.

Family will be having a service for Mary Lou at a later date.

 

New Boys BB Coach

From KSNT 6/14/22 

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – Rossville, a “football town” with five state titles in the past seven years, hasn’t had a winning basketball season since 2016.

New head coach Brandon McDonnell plans to change that.

McDonnell comes from Topeka West under the leadership of legendary Charger coach Rick Bloomquist.

“Outside of my dad, Rick Bloomquist is a father figure to me,” McDonnell said.

Bloomquist sees his influence in McDonnell, who spent the past five seasons on his staff.

“I watch him coach, and it reminds me so much of me when I was that age that I have to shake my head and smile,” Bloomquist said. “But I don’t want him to see me smile.”

The Dawgs finished 3-18 this past year, but are already 3-1 in summer league games.

“We also have to have a short-term memory and let that go,” McDonnell said. “I’m not a saving grace by any means, but I do know how to coach.”

McDonnell brought intensity to the court as soon as he walked in the gym. Bloomquist and McDonnell agree that to be a good basketball player, you have to be a good athlete.

“I coach intensity,” McDonnell said. “If that belief in that system is bought into, we’ll be just fine.”

Class of 1972 Reunion

RHS Class of 1972 are having their 50th reunion on Saturday, August 13, 2022. They plan to participate in the Tall Corn Festival Parade followed by a lunch and get-together in the commons area of Rossville High School.  They are wanting to include the following classmates but need their contact information.

Jeanette Kimball

Ray Luety

Michelle Logan Griffith

Donna Duley

Glen Anspaugh

David Coe

Rick Diehl

Jerry Sanders

Kathy Walker

 To provide contact information or for questions,  please email dfairbanks@embarqmail.com; DELIA7@aol.com or jcraven24@outlook.com.

Teresa Miller (50) Passes Away

 Teresa C. Miller, 90, Rossville, passed away Saturday June 11, 2022, at the University of Kansas St. Francis Campus in Topeka.

Teresa was born March 21, 1932, in Rossville the daughter of Oscar H. and Charlotte Hurla Bixby.  She graduated from Rossville High School with the class of 1950.

Teresa was a homemaker and caregiver to her son Timothy.  She was a member of the Delia Presbyterian Church and the Women’s group at the church.  She had been a 4-H leader many years and was a member of the EHU.

On October 21, 1950, Teresa was united in marriage to Lloyd L. Miller in Topeka.  He preceded her in death on December 24, 2008; she was also preceded in death by her son, Timothy, February 3, 2018. A grandson, Bruce Reynolds, July 22, 2020, a great-grandson, Monte Bleakley in 2015, and a sister, Betty Cummings January 13, 2019.

Survivors include three daughters, Terrie Malcom, Callaway, NE, Dora (Robert) Reynolds, Delia and Debe Green, Hiwasse, AR; two sisters, Genevieve Jenssen and Patricia Bixby, both of Rossville; nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys, The family will receive friends from 10:00 until the service.  Interment will be in the Delia Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Terry John Cancer Research Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com

Craig Westhoff Capital Article

 

This TikTok teacher shows the best of Kansas educators. He's meeting students on their ground.

The Capital-Journal

Teaching is a noble profession, but we’re also fully aware that teachers are often asked to be more than scholars who pass along their knowledge to the next generation.

They’re called upon to be coaches, role models, sometimes fill-in parents, protectors among so many other things — on top of teaching.

We’re also fully aware that sometimes the traditional teaching models don’t work for school children the way they used to.

So teachers adapt.

One such teacher, Kraig Westhoff, who teaches social studies in Roseville, is using the platform TikTok to get people excited about social studies. 

The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Rafael Garcia reports Westhoff has gained notoriety for his TikTok posts about the origins of Kansas county names. 

"I sat there and thought, 'I could do this,'" the teacher said. "I could make these videos, and I could make them about what I was teaching."

His educational TikTok videos are popular. They’re also short. And you come away from them learning something new about the social sciences.

We love this creativity. It’s certainly innovative. It’s also brilliantly meeting students where they are at. Though Westhoff jokingly denies he has an account to his students.

"They know I have (a TikTok), but I just keep denying it because it's something I have to do to keep me entertained," Westhoff told The Capital-Journal. "Just the fact that these kids are watching it and getting on, they're seeing me in a different light. They're seeing that other people are also watching these videos, and they know I know my stuff."

Kudos to Mr. Westhoff on a job well done. We know there are plenty of others across our state who have also put their creativity into teaching students. Please keep up the good work. 

We know the past few years have been especially hard on teachers trying to creatively reach students. 

Now that we’ve reached summer vacation, we hope you find an opportunity to recharge and relax. Refresh and relearn.

Margaret Kasprzak Passes Away

We celebrate the life and mourn the death of our beloved Margaret B. Kasprzak, who passed away Monday, June 6, 2022 at the age of 86.

She was born June 26, 1935, in Boston, MA; the daughter of Albert and Agnes (Sargent) Kenney.  Margaret lived in Boston for 40 years before moving to Maine at great personal sacrifice for the love and benefit of her children in 1976. Margie and her husband Adam raised their family and built their legacy of love on Sunset Hill in tiny Palmyra, Maine for the next 45 years.  Margaret tirelessly labored daily in the raising of 8 children. Kissing every booboo, washing every dirty sock, and putting every ounce of herself into raising them into the incredible, beautiful, parents they would all become. 

Margaret and Adam Nicholas Kasprzak were united in marriage in Roxbury, MA on June 19, 1955 and would spend the next 55 years deeply in love until his untimely death on July 9, 2009. Margaret is also preceded in death by her daughter Margie, her grandson Dennis, great granddaughter Katherine, and daughter in law Tracy. 

Margaret went by many names. To her husband she was Marge, to her children she was Ma (insert Boston accent), to her grandchildren she was known affectionately as Nana. No matter what the relationship however, no matter how you knew her, you loved her and you liked her. Marge was a storyteller. She would share her wealth of wisdom with enthusiastic flair. Her laugh was utterly infectious and her angry glare would stop you in your tracks and turn you to stone. She lived as a devout Catholic. She prayed faithfully for every member of her unbelievably large family every single day; 8 children, 43 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She had an immeasurable affection for her faith. She woke and walked in the light of Christ. She battled demons that would make a hardened criminal cry. 

Margaret had many talents and skills but her math was on another level. She enjoyed it and made use of this passion once her children had grown. She worked for many years for "Lovley Investments" and was a critical asset whom they deeply appreciated.

By the Grace of God, she died Catholic in the embrace of Holy Mother Church and with her final benediction. As such we have good reason to hope for the salvation of her soul. Be that as it may, please please continue to pray for the repose of her soul as was her practice and her wish. 

She is survived by her children, Julie & Brian, Adam & Susan, Laure & David, Michael & Cindy, Thomas & Gaye, James & Jennifer, Paul & Karen and the aforementioned 127 children of lineage who all miss her desperately already.

We would like to make a very special mention of gratitude for Brian & Julie McCann with whom Margaret spent her final years. Their tender care and unshakeable perseverance in the care of Nana in their home was a true effort of selfless love that is appreciated by everyone. 

Requiem mass will be at 11:15 A.M., Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Assumption Chapel.  A Rosary will be recited at 5:20 P.M. Monday, June 13, 2022 at the chapel.  Interment will be in Palmyra Village Cemetery, Palmyra, ME.  In lieu of flowers, Margaret wanted Masses offered up for the repose of her soul.  Piper Funeral Home is in charge of Kansas arrangements. To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.  Crosby & Neal Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements in Maine. 

Susie Miller Passes Away

 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Susie Miller (Rossville, Kansas), who passed away on June 7, 2022, at the age of 74,  She was born Sept 29, 1947.

Child Dies In Rossville Accident (updated)

 

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday evening that a child has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash in the 3900 block of NW Carlson Road.

According to Shawnee County Sheriff Brian Hill, shortly before 7:30 p.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls regarding a single-vehicle rollover accident.

Sheriff Hill said a blue Jeep Wrangler was northbound on NW Carlson Road went the vehicle left the road, hit a culvert, and flipped.

Despite lifesaving measures, the juvenile passenger in the back seat died, according to Sheriff Hill.    The 40 year old driver refused medical attention.

The child has been identified as Bella Conway,  11, of Topeka

Kraig Westhoff On TikTok

 

 

Social media was lacking educational content, so this Rossville teacher turned to TikTok

Rafael Garcia

Topeka Capital-Journal

View Comments

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1:29

ROSSVILLE — Kraig Westhoff is not on TikTok.

No, sir — no chance you'd ever catch the Rossville eighth-grade social studies teacher on that social media platform.

That guy with the same name, face, classroom and even students? Couldn't be Westhoff. The kids must be mistaken after they watch the TikTok videos and insist that some doppelganger is actually him.

No way that their small-town teacher is THAT Westhoff, the one who makes popular daily, bite-size videos about Kansas history and social studies. Even Westhoff's own wife thinks it's a bit far-fetched that anyone, let alone hundreds of thousands of TikTok users, would find her husband that interesting.

It's just not possible.

Virginia Sumner (33) Passes Away

 

    Virginia Lee Houck Sumner was born near Delia, Kansas. She attended High Prairie Country School through the 8th grade and graduated from high school in Rossville, Kansas in 1933. She attended nurses training at the Topeka, Kansas hospital. She married Melvin (Ted) Sumner August 3, 1933. After the birth of her son, Teddy in 1936, the small family moved off the family farm near Delia, Kansas, to Topeka, Kansas where daughter, Phyllis was born in 1940. Following World War Two, the family relocated to Hereford, Texas and began a custom harvesting business, working in the wheat harvest until 1986.
    Virginia was very active in the Hereford community as a 4-H, Cub Scout, Brownie, and Girl Scout leader. She was also very active in her church as a Sunday School teacher. Member of Kingswood Methodist Church, Amarillo and former member of First Christian Church, Hereford.
    She was a 50-year member of the Cultural Extension Club. She was named Deaf Smith County Club Woman of the Year in 2002. Virginia also volunteered at the Senior Citizens, serving, and delivering meals to the community.
    Virginia and her husband, Ted, moved to Amarillo in 1995 to be closer to family. She continued to be active and volunteered with her daughter at Sundown Lane Elementary School as a reading recovery tutor. She crocheted lap blankets for seniors and the homeless. Staying active, she attended Silver Sneakers classes at Gold's Gym where she held the title of oldest exerciser.
    Virginia "Nanie" Sumner was an incredibly lovely person inside and out. She adapted to each new generation with love and acceptance and will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know and love her. Memorials can be made in her honor to Ceta Canyon Retreat Center.
    Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Howard, and Elizabeth Houck, husband, Melvin (Ted) Sumner, son, Ted Sumner, daughter-in-law, Jeri Sumner and son-in-law, Larry Boston.    Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Phyllis Boston, Amarillo, brothers: Wendell and wife, Lana Houck, Leroy Houck and John and wife, Marjorie Houck, all living in California. Grandchildren: Paul Boston and wife Cristie, OKC, Lori Grimes and husband Tim, Amarillo, Calvin Boston and wife Tammy, Amarillo, Lance Sumner, Springfield, Virginia and Tracey Sumner, Amarillo. Great grandchildren: Taylor Boston, Maddison Freas, Michael Tracy, Elizabeth Tracy, Joshua Sumner, and Rochelle Sumner and a great, great, grandchild Ellie Tracy.

ROSSVILLE HIGH SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Rossville High School held its annual Spring Awards Night on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 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.   If anyone in the community has a scholarship opportunity, please call Rossville Jr/Sr High School with those details.  Your dedication to our students is greatly appreciated.

 

The following Awards were presented: 

The United States Marine Corps Awards for Scholastic Excellence are given to two seniors that have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership by being a role model for other students and this year's winner is Brody Lietz

The United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Awards for Musical Excellence are given to two seniors recognized as both outstanding performers and young citizens and I am pleased to announce this year's winner is Elizabeth Schaefer

The United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Awards are given to two senior athletes who are exemplary young citizens, role models for other students, and best exhibit the personal traits of courage, poise, self-confidence and leadership and this year’s winner is Corey Catron

 

The American Legion awards 2 males and two females, each year from Rossville High with certificates.  The students are chosen by the faculty based on the criteria of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.  Those students chosen by the faculty are

Corey Catron, Colby Hurla, Briar Gillum and Caylee Douglas

Rossville Jr/Sr High School has 4 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 Math, 3 years of Science, 3 years of Social Studies, and 2 years of Foreign Language.  The students who met these criteria are Eustice Tucker, Vanesa Hulett-Quinones. Kaylee Verschelden and Adam White

These students were recognized by Shawnee County Honor Scholars for being the top 10 of their class. These students were Caylee Douglas, Briar Gillum. Vanesa Hulett-Quinones, Torry Horak, Colby Hurla, Brody Lietz, Elizabeth Schaefer, Samuel Twombly, Kaylee Verschelden and Adam White.

 

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 from 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.  The year’s awards have been given to Brody Lietz and Caylee Douglas.

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.  This year's award has been presented to Maxine Smith.

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.  This year’s recipient is Brody Lietz. 

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.   This year’s recipient is Brody Lietz.

The Senior Inspirational Award is given to one student each year.  This award is determined by the faculty at Rossville High School. To earn this award, the student must work all four years of their high school career encouraging and inspiring others through their actions.  This year's award goes to Corey Catron.

Mid-East League All-Academic Awards are given to students who participate in at least three activities sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.  The seniors being awarded this award are Kaden Brown, Briar Gillum, Vanessa Hulett-Quinones, Brody Lietz, Elizabeth Schaefer, Caylee Zemek and Alexis Zabala. 

This award is presented to honor the leadership and service to RHS by Mr. Toby McCullough.  Mr. McCullough began teaching in 1980 and joined us in 1983 and was able to retire after serving as principal until 2017.  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. This year the faculty has given this award to Torrey Horak.

The following scholarships were presented:

Coach Lance Leonard Inspirational Scholarship: ($718)

This scholarship is to honor the volunteering with youth sports Mr. Leonard did over his lifetime.  His tireless efforts to instruct the youth of his community was inspiring to many.  Each year, the scholarship organizers gather funds by hosting a walk/run in honor of Coach Lance Leonard.  This year's winner is Torrey Horak.

 

Custom Wood Products Scholarship: ($1000 renewable)

The scholarship was established by Donald and Pamela Lake to further Custom Wood’s commitment to the communities of Rossville and St. Marys. The Rossville High School winner is Caylee Douglas.

 

Rossville Booster Club Scholarship: ($500)

The award began in 2012 and the recipient must have participated in a KSHSAA activity throughout high school. This year's winner is Elizbeth Schafer. 

 

Bryan Lindstrom Inspirational Scholarship: ($1000)

Presented to Vanesa Hulett-Quinones. 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)

The Association was founded in 1998 and has awarded over $33,000 to deserving students in this 22-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. This year's winners are Corey Catron, Briar Gillum and Tyler Culp.

 

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

This fund combines the generous gifts of bank employees to provide scholarships to area seniors. The 2022 Rossville winner is Caylee Douglas.  

 

Doug Perine Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

This scholarship was presented to Maxine Smith. 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.

 

Cole Arnold Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

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

 

Rossville Community Development Committee (RCDC) Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Taylor Morelli to Bronc Reser and Elizabeth Schafer. The scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.

 

RHS Opportunity Scholarship: ($500)

This is the 8th year for the award, which is provided by an anonymous donor. 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. $500 scholarships were awarded to Caylee Douglas, Adam White and Corey Catron.

 

Rossville Community Foundation ($1000)

This scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.  This scholarship was presented to Adam White.  

 

Laborers 1290 Scholarship ($1500)

The Laborers 1290 Scholarship which is a scholarship awarded in the amount of $1500.00 per semester.  In order to be eligible for a scholarship, an applicant must be the son, daughter, or legally adopted child or dependent of a Local 1290 member in good standing. The scholarship is presented to Alexis Dugan.

The Philanthropic Educational Organization ($2500)

The members of P.E.O.are committed to helping women pursue higher education. Scholarships are awarded to exceptional high school graduating women to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year.  The P.E.O. recipient is Elizabeth Schafer. 

 

Mary N. Fix Natural Science Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is awarded to select incoming freshmen whose primary course of study is within the sciences (physics, biology, or chemistry), and may be used for tuition, fees, books, and/or living expenses. Students who are interested in teaching science at the secondary level are also eligible. This scholarship was awarded to Caylee Douglas.  

Discovery Scholarship ($1000)

This scholarship is given to students who are planning to attend the University of Advancing Technology.   The University of Advancing Technology is a private university in Tempe, Arizona. Founded in 1983, it focuses on integrating technology into its general education requirements. Rossville student Adam White has been awarded this scholarship.  

Laura Stone Jackson Scholarship ($500)

This scholarship has been established by Mrs. Jackson following her retirement as the school librarian. Applicants are required to write an essay over a book they have read. This year's winners are Brody Lietz and Briar Gillum.  

Rossville Band Alumni Scholarships

Rossville band alumni would like to honor three students this year.  These three students have shown dedication to the musical department for their entire high school career.  These three students are Elizabeth Schafer, Alexis Zabala and Joshua Dugan.

Kaw Valley Education Association

This scholarship is available for Rossville students planning to major in education.  The recipient this year is Briar Gillum. 

Congratulations on your accomplishments!