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Commissioners exempt Osage County from governor’s statewide mask mandate

County health department reports 120 active cases LYNDON, Kan. – In a social media post this afternoon, the Osage County Health Department announced that Osage County commissioners had exempted More »

Thanksgiving holiday traffic watch: Choose to arrive safely

For the next week, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas Thanksgiving Safe More »

Sheriff’s office announces promotions, honors employees for longevity

Recognized for promotions and length of service by Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells and undersheriff Scott Brenner were from left, Brett Lewis, Robert Brenner, John Knapp, Brenner, Wells, Derrick More »

Osage City’s Market Street enjoys a ‘Holly Jolly Celebration’

Happy raffle winners gathered for a group photo in front of Osage County Senior Center Saturday. Not pictured, other raffle winners who didn’t need to be present to win More »

RCIL is growing! Now Hiring: 2 full-time Payroll Clerks; part-time Receptionist

November 30, 2020 Sponsor

RCIL is growing! Now Hiring – Two full-time Payroll Clerks and one part-time Receptionist. Applicants must have computer and great customer service skills plus enjoy communicating over the telephone. RCIL processes weekly payroll for over 1,000 homecare workers in a busy work environment where quality is priority. Competitive pay, some flexibility in a daytime M-F work schedule, plus great benefits for full-time positions including, health, dental, vision, exceptional paid time off, ten paid holidays, 401k retirement plan including employer match, paid life insurance, cafeteria plan benefits all in safe work environment with private offices. RCIL values hiring quality team members that are a good fit with our team of long tenured staff. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Email resume including references, or request an application by email to [email protected].

Help Wanted: ORBIS seeks Day and Night Press Operators

November 30, 2020 Sponsor

ORBIS Corporation at Osage City is seeking Press Operators for day and night shifts. Starting pay $14 per hour with $.75 shift differential. Along with a great benefits package and 401(k) match. Please apply at www.orbiscorporation.com, click on the Careers tab.

ORBIS Corporation is the industry leader in returnable packaging with a plant located at 515 S. Fourth St., Osage City, Kan.

Socorro Pate, 76, Overbrook: June 17, 1944 – Nov. 26, 2020

November 30, 2020 Wayne White No comments

OVERBROOK, Kan. – Socorro Limón Pate, 76, of Overbrook, Kan., departed this life on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, in Kansas City, Kan. She was born June 17, 1944, the daughter of Jose Limón and Maria Del Refugio Flores.

Socorro was quite the entrepreneur. She owned and operated four Mexican restaurants as well as an antique shop in Scranton, Kan. Socorro was very driven and dedicated to her work, but her most precious work was being a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Richard Lee Browning, 86, Quenemo: Sept. 20, 1934 – Nov. 27, 2020

November 30, 2020 Wayne White No comments

QUENEMO, Kan. – Richard Lee Browning, 86, passed away on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at his home near Pomona Lake, Quenemo, Kan. He was born on Sept. 20, 1934, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of Carl and Virginia Walker Browning I.

Richard had lived in Topeka, Kan., for many years, and had lived near Pomona Lake for the last 30 years.

Marilynn’s open for dine-in service

November 29, 2020 Sponsor

Marilynn’s will open for dine-in, carryout or curbside service at 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30. We are returning to normal business hours, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Thank you for your patience and support.

Marilynn’s Restaurant is on east Highway 31, 1216 Laing St., in Osage City, Kan.

Join us in the dining room or call
785-528-3769
for carryout or curbside service!

Notice: Burning dates for Osage City, Kansas

November 29, 2020 Sponsor

The City of Osage City will allow the burning of grass, weeds, leaves, small limbs and small branches in waterways, yards, gardens, and fence lines, between the days of Sunday, November 1, 2020, through Thursday, December 31, 2020, provided conditions are favorable; the County does not have a burn ban in place; wind speed is not more than 10 mph; a water hose is securely fastened to an operable water faucet, and the length of the hose available is sufficient to reach the area where the controlled burn is occurring; no fire is left unattended; and no burning is to be performed on or intersect the sidewalks, streets or gutters of City streets. For more information call Osage City Hall at 785-528-3714.

Notice to Bidders: Rehabilitation projects in Emporia, Kan.

November 29, 2020 Sponsor

Notice to Bidders

The City of Emporia is accepting bids for housing rehabilitation projects in Emporia, Kansas funded with a $300,000 CDBG Grant. Contractors must have RRP lead paint training and be able to obtain a local license. Contact Jeff Lynch at 620-343-4285 or [email protected] for bid information.

A Cowboy’s Faith: Thankfulness in troubled times

November 29, 2020 Frank J. Buchman No comments

“Oh, how can things get any worse?”

The comment has been heard frequently over the past several months.

Yet common opinion seems to be that many considered problems have continued to deteriorate from day to day.

It is true according to folks who closely study history; today’s worldwide dilemmas are the most serious of all time. However that is opinionated evaluation of sorts.

Those who have lost family members during wars or due to incurable disease thought nothing could be more terrible.

Ones with physical body incapacities or loss of comprehension and memory just know there can’t be anything else so bad.

Couples unable to have children, losing a baby during birthing, or death of a child in growing years feel defeated.

Persons going through the 1929 market crash, Great Depression, Dust Bowl wondered how anything could be so merciless.

Agriculturalists stricken by the 1980s high interest, low prices, bankruptcies, loss of generational farms still can’t comprehend that difficult time.

Each era, there has been the question: “How can life get any worse?”

Harold Eugene Hanson, 85, Osage City: Aug. 18, 1935 – Nov. 24, 2020

November 27, 2020 Wayne White No comments

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Harold E. “Butch” Hanson, 85, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at his home. Harold Eugene Hanson was born Aug. 18, 1935, in Ellsworth, Kan., the son of John Adrian and Esther Amelia (Burgenger) Hanson.

He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army.

He was joined in marriage to Christena Schrock on March 29, 1969, in Arthur, Ill.

Janet Ann Higgins, 79, McClouth: Nov. 24, 1940 – Nov. 22, 2020

November 27, 2020 Wayne White No comments

MCCLOUTH, Kan. – Janet Ann Higgins, 79, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, Kan. She was born Nov. 24, 1940, in Rushville, Mo., the daughter of Ermon and Neva Ruble Kelley.

Janet had lived in Topeka, Kan., for many years, and then near Vassar, Kan. Janet was a homemaker and mother most of her life and had worked as a hostess and waitress at Bill and Ellie’s, Lyndon, Kan.

Theodore ‘Ted’ E Sisco, 59, Carbondale: April 14, 1961 – Nov. 24, 2020

November 25, 2020 Wayne White No comments

CARBONDALE, Kan. – Theodore (Ted) E. Sisco, 59 of Carbondale, Kan., passed away Nov. 24, 2020, after a long illness surrounded by his family. Ted was born April 14, 1961, in Osage County.

Ted grew up in Osage County and spent time farming for several years before he began a career in drywall. Ted enjoyed farming and hunting, but his lifelong passion was fishing.

Amy Lucille Benortham, 78, Overbrook: Aug. 2, 1942 – Nov. 21, 2020

November 25, 2020 Wayne White No comments

OVERBROOK, Kan. – Amy Lucille “Lucy” Benortham, 78, went to be with the Lord Nov. 21, 2020, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kan. Lucy was born Aug. 2, 1942, from parents, Lee Tichenor and Lola (Rollin) Tichenor, and grew up near Valley Falls, Kan.

She helped on her parents’ dairy farm and was very active in church work. Her entire family was musical and often spent time together singing hymns and doing special music for their church.

Osage County Jail Log, Nov. 15 – Nov. 21, 2020

November 25, 2020 Wayne White

The following individuals were booked into the Osage County Jail in connection with charges or warrants as listed by the arresting agency.

Free entrance to Kansas state parks Friday

November 25, 2020 Submitted No comments

PRATT – Swap the shopping centers for scenic views this Black Friday, as Kansas state parks will once again waive entrance fees as part of the nationwide #OptOutside initiative. All 28 of Kansas’ state parks are participating in an effort to get families and friends outdoors and enjoying nature.

On Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, state park visitors will have a chance to win a free night’s stay in a Kansas state park cabin of their choice. To enter, visitors must take a selfie within the park and share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the tags #OptOutside and #MyKsStatePark.

Earlier this year, Gov. Laura Kelly encouraged Kansans to head to state parks for healthy recreation and relaxation. As a result, Kansas State Parks director Linda Lanterman said attendance has been exceptionally high.

Teddy James Adkison, 62, Lyndon: Feb. 2, 1958 – Nov. 20, 2020

November 25, 2020 Wayne White No comments

LYNDON, Kan. – Teddy James Adkison, 62, passed away on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at his home northeast of Lyndon, Kan. He was born Feb. 2, 1958, in Cheyenne, Wyo., the son of Oscar and Maxine Tant Adkison.

Teddy had worked as a locksmith and a salvage man.

Friends of Osage City Library provide easy way to Christmas shop

November 24, 2020 Submitted No comments

The Friends of the Osage City Public Library are selling gift cards again for this holiday season as a fundraising program that works while you shop. How does it work? Participating retailers agree to sell gift cards to the Friends at a discount. Individuals purchase the cards for full face value; redeem them for full face value, and the Friends keep the difference as revenue.

They are the same type of gift cards that you can buy at the store, and gift cards are available from national and local retailers; including restaurants, gas stations and retail and department stores. Gift cards can be used for regular household shopping or can be purchased for gift giving.

For more information, contact the Osage City Library at 785-528-3727. Order forms are available at the library, 515 Main St., Osage City. Orders will be taken until Dec. 4, 2020.

Maurice Russell Gregoire, 80, Lyndon: Nov. 22, 2020

November 24, 2020 Wayne White No comments

LYNDON, Kan. – Maurice Russell Gregoire, 80, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kan.

Maurice is survived by his wife, Martha (Fitts) Gregoire, of the home; his two sons, Michael (Deborah Lee) Gregoire, Roswell, Ga., and Marcus (Deb) Gregoire, Bristow, Va.; his daughter, Michelle Gregoire, Lyndon, Kan.; and seven grandchildren, Andre (Jenna) Gregoire, Alexander Gregoire, Ian Lee Gregoire, Colin Lee Gregoire, Audrey Gregoire, Betty Gregoire and Cavya Gregoire.

Charles Jesse Brecheisen, 92, Topeka: July 9, 1928 – Nov. 22, 2020

November 24, 2020 Wayne White No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – Charles Jesse Brecheisen, 92, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at Plaza West Healthcare, Topeka, Kan. He was born on July 9, 1928, in Vassar, Kan., the son of Clarence and Hallie McCreight Brecheisen.

Charles had lived near Lyndon, Kan., for 56 years, in Ottawa, Kan., for 25 years, and in Topeka for the last 11 years.

Charles worked as a truck driver for Army Air Force Exchange Service, and for Bones Trucking, in Ottawa. He was a plumber and electrician, and he had worked at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant, near DeSoto. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Vassar.

Commissioners exempt Osage County from governor’s statewide mask mandate

November 23, 2020 Wayne White 1 Comment

County health department reports 120 active cases

LYNDON, Kan. – In a social media post this afternoon, the Osage County Health Department announced that Osage County commissioners had exempted the county from Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide emergency order issued last week requiring Kansans to wear face masks in most public situations. Kelly had issued the order due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases statewide, saying Kansas is facing a crisis with recent “worrying” spikes in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, and stretching the healthcare system’s ability to handle the influx of patients.

Kelly’s order noted that “wearing a face covering in public is the easiest and most effective way to protect each other, ease the burden on our overburdened healthcare system, and help keep our businesses open and our economy running …”

Kelly’s order gave county commissioners until this week to decide to comply with the order, adopt their own order, or exempt the county from the order.

In a resolution approved at today’s meeting of the Osage County Commission, and posted on Osage County’s website, county commissioners ordered Osage County exempt from the governor’s order, citing three reasons:

“Enforcement of the governor’s executive order mandating masks would be difficult, if not impossible and would be an unreasonable strain on county resources such as PPE and local law enforcement.

“Broad ranging recommendations on safety precautions to fight the potential spread of COVID-19 better serve the public’s overall interests than governmental mandates.

“Opting out of the governor’s statewide executive order gives Osage County flexibility going forward to make recommendations or mandates, if necessary, that best protect the health and safety of Osage County, Kansas.”

While opting out of the governor’s mask order, the commissioners adopted a mask protocol for the county, signed by Osage County Health Director Jackie Patterson, and Fred Diver, commissioner and county board of health chairman.

The county’s mask protocol does not mandate the use of masks, “but recognizes the significance of utilizing them in order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in the population. Therefore, masks are not mandated, but are strongly recommended in Osage County whenever in any public space indoors, or outside when at least six feet social distancing cannot be maintained.”

The Osage County Board of Health’s protocol also echoes the commissioners’ reluctance to enforce a mask mandate. “While we recognize the significance of face coverings in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19, we find a mandate inherently unenforceable at the county level,” the health board protocol says.

Filings in the Osage County Courthouse, Nov. 9 – Nov. 13, 2020

November 23, 2020 Wayne White

The following information was compiled from records at the Osage County Courthouse, Nov. 9 to Nov. 13, 2020. Note: The district court transitioned to a new system at the beginning of November and recently got all the filings up to date on the new system. Some cases included here are from the beginning of November.

Harold Gilmore, 106, Overbrook: March 28, 1914 – Nov. 16, 2020

November 23, 2020 Wayne White No comments

OVERBROOK, Kan. – Harold Gilmore, the fifth of seven sons of Thomas W. and Ardelle (Orchard) Gilmore, was born March 28, 1914, in the family home five miles south of Overbrook, Kan., in the Valley Brook community. He died Nov. 16, 2020, at Brookside Manor, Overbrook, at the amazing age of 106 years.

After Harold graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1934, he began an 86-year period of living and working in all parts of the United States, before returning “home” to Overbrook in August 2020.

Top News
- Friends of Osage City Library provide easy way to Christmas shop
  
  The Friends of the Osage City Public Library are selling gift cards again for this holiday season Read More »
- Commissioners exempt Osage County from governor’s statewide mask mandate
  
  County health department reports 120 active cases LYNDON, Kan. – In a social media post this afternoon, Read More »
- Help House News: Osage County ministry welcomes new director
  
  Scott Perkins has become the new director of the Help House Inc. Perkins follows Pam Bilyeu, who Read More »
- Holiday response: Operation Christmas for Osage County kids
  
  Emergency responders in Osage County are partnering up to collect new and unwrapped toys for Osage County Read More »
- Thanksgiving holiday traffic watch: Choose to arrive safely
  
  For the next week, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office will join many other law enforcement agencies across Read More »
- Railroad crossing repair to close K-68 west of Ottawa for several days
  
  Next week, the BNSF Railway plans to close and repair its crossing on state Highway 68, about Read More »
- Osage County issues burn ban; county under fire weather watch
  
  Update: This burn ban expired at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. —– Osage County Emergency Management Read More »
- Sheriff’s office announces promotions, honors employees for longevity
  
  Recognized for promotions and length of service by Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells and undersheriff Scott Brenner Read More »

Explore Osage
- Osage County Places: Vassar schoolhouse, still serving as center of its community
  
  In 1913, the town of Vassar moved ahead with its plans for a new school and requests Read More »
- Hidden History: Vassar schoolhouse stands as monument to one-room education
  
  Student photo of Vassar School 1939-40. Wendi Bevitt collection. Throughout the countryside, remnants of schools of a Read More »
- Chamber installs billboards, invites highway travelers to drive 7 minutes to Osage City
  
  Osage City Chamber of Commerce sign committee members gathered at a new billboard Sept. 21, 2020, to Read More »
- Hidden History: Burlingame veteran’s fight for honor continued in civilian life
  
  Burlingame Cemetery holds more than 250 veterans of the Civil War. Approximately 10 of those soldiers served Read More »
- Hidden History: Young doctor’s ‘upward’ attitude brings hospital to Osage City
  
  The Star Block, at 520 Market Street, Osage City, center of photo, was once an early day Read More »

Osage County News
5 days ago
Notice to Bidders: Rehabilitation projects in Emporia, Kan.

Notice to Bidders

The City of Emporia is accepting bids for housing rehabilitation projects in Emporia, Kansas funded with a $300,000 CDBG Grant. Contractors must have RRP lead paint training and be able to obtain a local license. Contact Jeff Lynch at 620-343-4285 or [email protected] for bid information.
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Osage County News
7 days ago
LYNDON, Kan. – In a social media post this afternoon, the Osage County Health Department announced that Osage County commissioners had exempted the county from Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide emergency order issued last week requiring Kansans to wear face masks in most public situations. Kelly had issued the order due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases statewide, saying Kansas is facing a crisis with recent “worrying” spikes in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, and stretching the healthcare system’s ability to handle the influx of patients.

Kelly’s order noted that “wearing a face covering in public is the easiest and most effective way to protect each other, ease the burden on our overburdened healthcare system, and help keep our businesses open and our economy running …”

Kelly’s order gave county commissioners until this week to decide to comply with the order, adopt their own order, or exempt the county from the order.

In a resolution approved at today’s meeting of the Osage County Commission, and posted on Osage County’s website, county commissioners ordered Osage County exempt from the governor’s order, citing three reasons:

“Enforcement of the governor’s executive order mandating masks would be difficult, if not impossible and would be an unreasonable strain on county resources such as PPE and local law enforcement.

“Broad ranging recommendations on safety precautions to fight the potential spread of COVID-19 better serve the public’s overall interests than governmental mandates.

“Opting out of the governor’s statewide executive order gives Osage County flexibility going forward to make recommendations or mandates, if necessary, that best protect the health and safety of Osage County, Kansas.”

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Osage County News is feeling thankful.
1 week ago
RCIL is growing! Now Hiring – Two full-time Payroll Clerks and one part-time Receptionist. Applicants must have computer and great customer service skills plus enjoy communicating over the telephone. RCIL processes weekly payroll for over 1,000 homecare workers in a busy work environment where quality is priority. Competitive pay, some flexibility in a daytime M-F work schedule, plus great benefits for full-time positions including, health, dental, vision, exceptional paid time off, ten paid holidays, 401k retirement plan including employer match, paid life insurance, cafeteria plan benefits all in safe work environment with private offices. RCIL values hiring quality team members that are a good fit with our team of long tenured staff. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Email resume including references, or request an application by email to [email protected]
www.osagecountyonline.com/archives/38292
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Osage County News
2 weeks ago
Update: This burn ban expired at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.
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Osage County Emergency Management has issued a burn ban for the entire county, as the National Weather Service in Topeka has implemented a fire weather watch in effect this afternoon, Nov. 17, 2020, through Wednesday afternoon for most of northeast Kansas.

Osage County’s burn ban went into effect at 1:20 p.m. today and is in place until 8 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 18, but may be extended. During the burn ban, no outside burning is allowed and all county burn permits are suspended.

The ban was put in place due to very high fire danger this afternoon. Very high fire danger and a possible red flag warning are forecast for tomorrow.

NWS’s fire weather watch was implemented at 2:32 p.m. today and will be in effect through Wednesday afternoon due to strong winds and critical fuels. The fire weather watch covers Osage, Republic, Washington, Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Cloud, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Jefferson, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Morris, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas, Lyon, Franklin, Coffey and Anderson counties.

South winds sustained at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are forecast for tomorrow, with relative humidity values in the 25 to 35 percent range. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Most vegetation has transitioned into a dormant state and is extremely susceptible to rapid fire spread.

A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Citizens are advised that issuance of red flag warnings is possible Wednesday.

For more information about the burn ban, contact Osage County Emergency Management at 785-828-3323 or the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121.
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Osage County News
2 weeks ago
COVID-19 infects 100 in Osage County in one week

Around 100 new cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Osage County in the last week, as Kansas reports record numbers of confirmed cases daily across the state.

As reported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment today, Nov. 13, 2020, Osage County now has had 306 confirmed cases since the pandemic began. The Osage County Health Department confirmed that five people in Osage County have died from the virus as of Nov. 5, and that day marked 182 cases tallied in the county, including 25 active positive cases and 157 recovered cases. KDHE reported Osage County’s total cases at 206 on Nov. 5, with 100 new cases diagnosed in the last week.

OCHD reported Nov. 10 that the department would not be issuing case counts for the county this week due to being “very busy and short staffed,” while KDHE reported 25 new cases that day – the highest number of diagnosed cases in one day for the county since the pandemic began in March. Last month, the most new cases recorded in a day were six on Oct. 17; the record was broken on Nov. 3 with seven cases recorded; then Nov. 5, 10 cases; Nov. 10, 25 cases; Nov. 11, 16 cases; and yesterday recorded a dozen more.

Osage County is under no health orders regarding COVID-19, as the Osage County commissioners took action in July to reject Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to mandate mask wearing in public spaces statewide and other measures.

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