Rossville Rustlers At County Fair

From an article in the Capital-Journal:

The 2019 Shawnee County Fair took place July 19-28 at the Stormont Vail Events Center. There were public events, such as a pedal tractor pull, free concert and petting zoo, but perhaps the most excited participants were 4-H and Future Farmers of America members who showed up to show off a variety of projects that demonstrate just how much they learn.

“It’s a big deal,” said Lynette Hudson, co-leader of the Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club. “You work all year — whether it’s a beef project or a swine project.”

Students involved in 4-H clubs — those students can range in age from 7 to 18 years old — might choose to raise and care for livestock, but those aren’t the only types of projects 4-H’ers complete and present at the fair. They can also bring in vegetables they have grown, a welding project they put together, a series of photographs they took, original jewelry they hand crafted — the list goes on.

“A lot of times 4-H gets this misconception that you have to live in the country and have animals to be in 4-H,” said Candis Meerpohl, 4-H youth development agent for Shawnee County. “We have over 800 photography exhibits. Anyone with a camera can participate in the photography project.”

Meerpohl said 4-H’s mission is “developing tomorrow’s leaders.” Project-based learning, she added, is how they accomplish that.

“It’s not just for farmers,” Hudson said.

Hudson’s daughter, Leah Hudson, is also active in 4-H, and as the Hudsons can attest, 4-H is a family affair.

Kayla Vandevelde attended the 4-H fair with her daughter, Kristen Vandevelde. Kristen, age 8, is a third-generation 4-H’er. Kristen, with some help from her mom, cared for two pigs she submitted for judging at the fair. She also baked muffins and created a miniature airplane and airport out of LEGOs, all of which she put on display.

“I absolutely love teaching her and showing her and spending time with her,” Vandevelde said of getting to guide her daughter through the projects. “It’s great to pass on the qualities of leadership and how to take care of animals.”

According to Vandevelde, 4-H is all about cultivating life skills, developing leadership, forming friendships and building community — sentiments echoed by fellow 4-H’ers.

To read the complete article,  go to:   https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190728/4-h-members-display-months-of-hard-work-at-shawnee-county-fair

Karleen (Wild) (49) Kelly Passes Away

Karleen D. Kelly, 88, of Topeka, formerly of Maple Hill, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2019.

She was born November 15, 1930, in St. Marys, Kansas, the daughter of Bill and Blanch (Fauerbach) Wild. She was a 1949 graduate of Rossville High School.

She was a member of Maple Hill United Methodist Church.

Karleen married Bob Kelly. He preceded her in death. Survivors include four children, Denise Taylor, Lebanon, MO, Angela Brokmann, Louisville, KY, Roger (Kim) Brokmann, Steve Brokmann, Kathy Murrow, all of Topeka; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bill (Kay) Wild, St. Mary's, KS. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Karleen enjoyed spending time with family and sewing.

Cremation is planned. A graveside ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Today, July 31, 2019 at Maple Hill Cemetery, Maple Hill, KS. Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.

Robert Stockman Passes Away

Roberet (Bob) Stockman, 93, left this world to join his Lord Jesus Christ, on July 28, 2019 at his home.

He was born April 28, 1926, at his parent's home in Sandy Hook, near St. Marys, Kansas. He was the second of 13 children born to Francis Peter (F.P.) and Martha Boelens Stockman.

Bob grew up on the family farm in Sandy Hook, where he attended country-school in a one-room school house. He was a member of the Tomato Club, which was the precursor to 4-H. He moved into St. Marys and lived with his paternal grandparents and finished his schooling at Immaculate Conception Catholic High School. After high school graduation, he worked in various jobs before moving to New Mexico. There he joined the U. S. Navy. He was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida from 1945 until 1946.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, he worked a variety of jobs before migrating to Cheyenne, WY. There he married his high school sweetheart, Mary T Erbacher on Friday, June 13, 1947, in the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, WY.

After a few years there, they returned to Kansas to farm and raise a family. After brief periods on farms in the Emmett and Rossville areas, they settled near Maple Hill, where they lived and ranched for 43 years. Bob loved raising cattle and farming a great deal. He and T bought cattle in Texas and had them shipped to Kansas on multiple occasions. He was interested in new farming techniques and trying new crops. He was also known for his creativity in solving problems and unique fixes that earned him a nickname of MacGyver.

Bob and T both served on the Maple Hill School Board and were involved with the Maple Hill Hustlers 4-H Club and Wabaunsee County 4-H. He was also a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church parish in St. Marys. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #657 and the Thomas A. McNeive 4^th Degree Assembly and the American Legion Post 130.

In 1996, Bob and T retired and moved to their home on Pomona Lake. He loved the view of the lake and watching the various birds, but especially the eagles. In retirement he became a Master Gardener and he focused his love of raising plants on a large garden. It was his inspiration and passion. He found joy in experimentation with new varieties and sharing from its bounty.

Bob was known for his story telling and his many "Bob-isms" He never met a stranger and enjoyed striking up a good conversation.

After moving, he and T became members of St. Patrick Churches of Osage City and Scranton. They enjoyed their involvement with parish community activities and the Rusty Bucket garden club.

In 2017, Bob and T celebrated their 70^th Wedding Anniversary with a gathering of family and friends. They were named the longest-married couple in Kansas for 2017 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. There was also a proclamation by the Kansas House of Representatives honoring them for their long marriage.

Bob was preceded in death by T as well as their daughter, Beverly Jean Stockman Harris. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pat Banks and Regina Stockman, and six brothers Ted, Harold, Leo, Joe, Don and Tom. He is survived by his sons and daughters; Barbara (Larry) Schulte of Leawood; Bruce (Pat) Stockman of Prior Lake, MN; Brian (Michele) Stockman of Parker, CO; Brenda (Kevin) Selman of Columbia, MO. He has 12 grandchildren: Aimee, Justin, Andy, Ryan, Lauren, Adam, Heather, Lina, Zac, Kyle, Paige and Amanda, and 8 great grandchildren: Erika, Grant, Sophia, Hadley, Hudson, Grace, Thomas, and Ida. A niece Marian Hartung and two nephews John Hartung and David Fay who lived with the Stockman Family in Maple Hill. Many of his nephews were able to experience the farm/ranch life along Mill Creek near Maple Hill. (Two of those nephews found their way to the ranch without their parents' permission!) He is also survived by many other loving extended family members, neighbors, and caregivers.

Two visitations will be held for friends and family to gather. The first will be at Piper Funeral Home, St. Marys, Friday, August 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m. concluding with a vigil liturgy and sharing of memories. The second will be at St. Patrick Catholic Church (St Brigid's Hall) in Osage City, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 24, A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the church. A luncheon will follow. Interment will be at 2 p.m. at the Maple Hill Cemetery. A coffee gathering will be held at the Senior Center in Maple Hill immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund for St. Patrick Church of Scranton, C/O Parishes of St. Patrick, 309 S 6th St, Osage City, KS 66523 or the Wabaunsee Co. 4-H Grensing Memorial Scholarship Fund for 4-Hers C/O Wabaunsee County, PO Box 278, Alma, KS 66401.

RHS Band Concert Aug 9

Rossville High School Band Concert

Friday, August 9, 2019 at 5:15 PM – 6 PM CDT

Car Show Aug. 9 At Rossville

Darlene Berry Passes Away.

Darlene was born on January 23, 1927 and passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019.

Darlene was a resident of Rossville, Kansas at the time of passing.

She graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville. Interment will follow in Rossville Cemetery. Darlene's family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. following the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Darlene was the widow of Leo Berry who died in 2013.   Family info not in this obit can be found in Leo's obit at:   https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/search?q=Berry

Police Arrest Trespasser

July 22nd, 2019 near US 24 Highway and Carter Road just east of Rossville. The on-duty Rossville Officer was called to the area for an individual who was reported to be on the railroad tracks when a train came by. The suspect was found to be on the side of road after having jumped from the tracks just in time. He stated he was walking from Texas to Colorado. During the investigation of the incident, methamphetamine and intravenous drug paraphernalia was found. The suspect, who had a long criminal history, was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Jail where he was booked in on the felony drug charges, misdemeanor paraphernalia charges, and misdemeanor trespassing on railroad property charge.

Police Arrest Felon In Rossville

July 28nd, 2019 just after midnight near US 24 Highway and Pearl in Rossville. The on-duty Rossville Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at a local convenience store. The driver had a suspended license and a warrant out of Douglas County. Further investigation revealed the driver to be in possession of a .380 semi-automatic handgun stolen out of Topeka. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Jail where he was booked in on Felony Theft (possession of a stolen firearm), Driving While Suspended 3rd Offense, Driving While a Habitual Violator, and No Proof of Liability Insurance. The Rossville Police Department wishes to thank the Silver Lake Police Department as well as the on-call District Attorney for their assistance with this incident.

Janet Martinek Passes Away

    Janet Martinek of Silver Lake passed away at 83 years on July 26.  She and husband Orville had been married 64 years.  Her complete obituary can be read at:
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cjonline/obituary.aspx?n=janet-l-martinek&pid=193500875&fhid=25018

Fri. Evening TCF In City Park

We invite you to listen to a live band play beautiful music in the park during our Friday night activities. Enjoy the sounds of The Kyle Austin Band and enjoy bounce houses, corn eating, corn spitting, ice cream, RHS Band, food trucks, fireworks and more! 

Crafters: 

 Aunt Nancy's FaceArt -

The Barn on Auburn Rd -

Dream Prospecting-   

Pampered Chef -

Paparazzi -

Evarts Fashions -

Just Jewelry -

Pruvit-   

Tastefully Simple -

The Purse Lady-   

Diplicious-

Rossville Dental-   

Homebound Gypsies -

TLC Things-

Snapp Jewelry-

Sew Useful Studios LLC-

Scentsy-doTERRA-

Pure Hawaiian Hempwok-

Blingiton

Slow Pitch Softball At TCF

The slow pitch tournament will start on Friday night at 7;00 pm and end Sunday afternoon. The cost is $200 per team. Please contact DeAnna Hill at hilld@kawvalley.k12.ks.us for rules and regulations and to sign your team up!

5 K Race AT TCF

Click On Image To Enlarge

Brooke Fairbanks Weds Kasey Biddle

    Brooke Ann Fairbanks was married to Kasey Clark Biddle on July 4 in Boulder, CO  Brooke is from Rossville and attended Fort Hays State University.   Kasey is from Atlanta, KS, and studied Biology/Environmental Studies at Sterling College.

Rossville Family Starts Bookstore

Andrew Howard, along with his mother, father and brother, Donna Schultz, Scott Howard and Rain Schultz, officially opened Round Table Bookstore, 826 N. Kansas Ave., on July 5 for the First Friday Art Walk.

The Howards and Schultzes live in Rossville, and all work full-time jobs in addition to opening the new business, which was another reason Andrew Howard said NOTO was the ideal location. Currently their hours are nights and weekends, which allow the family to operate the store around their regular schedules.

The Round Table’s hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Howard said they are open to adjusting the times based on customers’ needs.

For more info,  click on  CJ On Line Article About Bookstore