Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Kraig Westhoff On TikTok

 

 

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

Rafael Garcia

Topeka Capital-Journal

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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.

Saturday, June 4, 2022

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.

Friday, June 3, 2022

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!

Class of 2022 Plans After Graduation

 Joshua Borcherding       Attending Kansas City Community for Sound Production.
 Hunter Broce                 Entering the Workforce.
 Kaden Brown                Entering an Apprenticeship at Evergy.
 Lance Buskirk               Entering the Workforce. 
 Corey Catron                Attending Bethel College for Nursing. 
 Aaron Chancello           Entering the Workforce. 
 Derek Collins                Entering the Workforce. 
.Raphael Cooney           Attending Fort Hays State  University for Business  
.Tyler Culp                     Attending Southeast C. C. for John Deere Tech and Eqpt. .
.Aulaire Dagenais          Attending Washburn Tech for Electrical. 
.Caylee Douglas            Attending Washburn University for Pre-Pharmacy. 
.Alexis Dugan                Attending Emporia State for Nursing. 
.Tucker Eustice              Entering the Workforce. 
.Aiden Garcia                Attending Fort Hays State University for Accounting. 
.Trent Gentry                 Attending Manhattan Tech for HVAC. 
.Briar Gillum                 Attending Missouri Southern for Elementary Ed... .
.Mattox Hale                 Entering the Workforce. 
.Torrey Horak                Attending Central Missouri for Construction Mgmt 
.Vanesa Hulett-Quinones Attending Corbin U. for Pre-Law. 
 Colby Hurla                 Attending Washburn University for Diesel Technology.
 Tagen Kippes               Attending Pratt Community College for Lineman. 
 Mcgwyre Leathers       Attending Kansas State University for Business. 
 Brody Lietz                  Attending Emporia State for Accounting. 
 Garrett McCrory          Entering an Apprenticeship at Torgeson Electric. 
 Braden Rathbun           Attending Washburn Tech, Auto Collision Repair.  .
.Bronc Reser                 Attending Pratt C. C. for Pre-.Engineering. 
.Elizabeth Schaefer       Attending Emporia State for Accounting. 
.Destiny  Schmidt         Attending Washburn University. 
.Maxine Smith              Attending Washburn University for Psychology. 
.De'Andre  Sowers        Attending Washburn University for Nursing. 
.Samuel Twombly         Entering an Apprenticeship for Lineman. 
.Kaylee Verschelden     Attending Washburn Tech for Elementary Education. 
.Kai Western                  Entering the Workforce. 
.Adam White                 Attending University of Advance Tech. for Video Games . 
.Ryan Willoughby         Entering the Workforce. 
.Skylynn Wohlers          Entering the Workforce.. 
.Alexis Zabala               Attending Kansas University for Chemistry.

Sunday, May 29, 2022

3A Regional Golf (Updated)

Three A Boys Golf Regional at Village Greens 

 Heritage Christian               329
 Nemaha Central                  376
 Jeff West                             378 
 Sabetha                              380
 Rossville                            414
 Marysville                            415
 Silver Lake                          418  

Team members were:

Jonathan Hart                 96
Mattox Hale                  102
Manuel Vanderputten   105
Braden Rathburn          111  

Saturday, May 28, 2022

2022 3A State Championship Tournament

   The Rossville softball team put in a valiant effort on Friday, May 25 at the 2022 State Championship but came up just a little short.  They lost their semi-final game to Prairie View 4-3 in 8 innings.  They then played Santa Fe Trail for third place, but after 11 innings, Rossville came out on the short end of a close 2-1 game.

Friday, May 27, 2022

First Round Of State Softball

The Rossville softball team got off to a great start at the 3A state tournament with a 12-0 shellaacking of Counil Grove.    Rossville will play Prairie View on May 27 which easily handled Scott Community 10-1

Frontenac was a 7-3 victor over Kingman and Santa Fe Trail eliminated Hoisington 4-1

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

3A Regional Track & Field Results

 Women

The womens team finished fifth of 14 teams, just one point behind 4th place Silver Lake.

Best event finishes  include:

100 Meters                  Shayla Rezac                Eighth
200 Meters                  Shayla Rezac                Seventh
400 Meters                  Shayla Rezac                Sixth
    "     "                        Amelia Foster               Second
800 Meters                  Amelia Foster               Second
3200 Meters                Alexis Zabala                Seventh       
300 M Hurdles            Keera Lacock                Sixth
4 x 100 Relay              Rossville                       Tenth
4 x 400 Relay              Rossville                       Fifth
4 x 800 Relay              Rossville                       Sixth                   
High Jump                   Kendra Hurla                Fourth
Triple Jump                 Kerrigan Foster             Eleventh
    "       "                      Brinley Pottorf              Fourteenth 
                 
Shot Put                       Briar Gillum                 First
    "    "                         Kellyn Foster                Fifteenth
Discus                          Briar Gillum                 First 

Men

The RHS mens team finished tied for 13th of the 15 team field.

Best event finishes  include:

100 Meters                   Pedro Arantes              Second
Discus                          Barret Lietz                 Tenth
Shot Put                        Barrett Lietz                Eleventh
Javelin                          Hunter Broce               Fifth 

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

RHS 3A State Softball Tournament

 The RHS softball team will play Council Grove at 7 PM on May 26 at the Manhattan Twin Oaks Complex.  

 The winner of that game will play the winner of the Scott Community and Prairie View  on May 27.

Friday, May 20, 2022

Baseball Team Loses Semi-final At Regional

 The Dawgs lost to Santa Fe Trail 1-0 in the regional semi-final game to end their very successful 2022 season

Softball Team To State

In the 3A regional softball tournament in Sabetha, the Rossville-Nemaha Central championship game started Tuesday but the rain forced delays. Thursday night they started where they left off, Dawgs up 5-2 in the top of the 4th. The Dawgs get rolling and they are heading to state. They win 9-3.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

"Fred" Coffey (56) Passes Away At 86



John Frederick “Fred” Coffey of Osawatomie Ks left this earth on May 17, 2022 at 5:06pm at the age of 86.

Fred was born on May 4, 1936 in Wellsville, Ks to Joseph Richard Coffey and Marybelle Rousselo. Fred was raised by his Uncle Harry and Aunt Etta Gutshall in Rossville, KS on a 360-acre farm. Fred helped with the planting and cultivation of crops such as corn, wheat, and alfalfa and any other chores that needed to be done to keep the farm going. Fred dearly loved his Aunt Etta and appreciated what she did for him. Fred was a 4H member and a boy scout. He attended and graduated from Rossville High School in 1956 and went on to attend the Kansas State University. Fred joined the Navy in 1953 at the end of the Korean war and was assigned to the USS Shangri La; he was a caterpillar tractor operator. He operated a D-W10 in the construction of roads. He had a mechanic rating; with metal shop, machine shop, wood shop, and agriculture studies experience. Fred was honorably discharged in 1955 due to medical injuries.

Fred was a hard worker throughout his life. He worked for Henry Manufacturing, Del Monte Foods for 10 years, the Rochelle Illinois Power Plant for 10 years, operated the Fontana Tavern when he moved back to Kansas. He worked for the LaCygne Power Plant, the Osawatomie State Hospital, Fickel Furniture, and ended his employment at the Happy Valley Ranch with 19 years of employment, when they closed their doors. Fred was 78 years old when he was forced into retirement. Fred said, “I always started at the bottom and worked my way up.”

When asked what some of his proudest accomplishments were, he stated, “I was in the Who’s Who of America, I won four trips through the Ralston Purina Feed; getting to visit Chicago, Washington DC, Corpus Cristi TX, and to St. Louis.” He stated that he once rode to Mississippi on a paddle boat. Fred taught Sunday school to the younger children at the church he attended in his younger years. His first car was a 1941 Ford Coupe that he bought when he was in the 8th grade with his own money. Fred said he had a lot of fun in the backseat of that car.

Fred and Mary Eagan were married for 25 years and they had three children, Jane, Timothy and Richard. The marriage ended in divorce. Fred then moved back to Kansas where he met and then married Patsy Feighner. Upon this union Fred gained 6 more children; Mike, Kim, Kelly, Chris, Michelle, and Mark. Fred and Pat loved to dance. Fred said that this was where they went on their first date, dancing. Fred always told his children that he got to do more as an adult than he did as a younger man. Attending the circus, going to the Nascar races, to the KC Chiefs and Royals games. Fred loved his sports and politics. He liked to go camping, fishing, and to the car shows. His utmost favorite thing was spending time with the kids and “especially my grandchildren,” he would say.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Patsy Coffey, his parents, siblings: Shirley Kitto, Sheldon Eugene “Gene” Baugher, Mary Lou Hancock, Dickey Coffey, Etta Yvonne, Barbara Jo Coffey, Phyllis Stadler, Gary Lee Coffey, and Patty Coffey. His sons Timothy and Richard Coffey, niece Mary Lois Tyrrell, nephews, Ed & Mike Lewis, Paula Freneir, Patrick Lewis, Michael Crawford, and a grandson Army Sgt. Jeffery Mersman.

He is survived by his daughter Jane (Joe) Redcliff of Rochelle, Illinois, son Mike Ritch of Paola KS, daughter Kim Ritch of Lane KS, son Kelly (Kathy) Feighner of Lane KS, son Chris (Mary) Ritch of LaCygne KS, Michelle (Mike) Chester of Osawatomie KS, son Mark (Jody) Ritch of Paola KS, many nieces and nephews, 20 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Baseball Regional Tournament

 First round games:

Rossville 8
Wellsville 2

Santa Fe Trail        8
Heritage Christion 7

Bishop Ward     4
Pleasant Ridge  3

Perry-Lecomption 8
Silver Lake            1

The semi and final round games will be May 19.  Rossville will play Santa Fe Trail an  Bishop Ward will square off against Perry.  The two winners with then meet for the championship game right after the first game concludes.  

Softball Regional Tournament

Rossville won the first round game against Hiawatha 10-2 on May 16 and the semi-final game 10-0 on May 17.  The championship game was suspended.