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Hidden History: Sac and Fox orphan ensures record of tribes’ life in Osage County

Julia Goodell, right, and her adopted daughter Fannie Baker both made their marks on the Sac and Fox tribes’ history in Osage County. By Wendi Bevitt Prior to their removal to Kansas More »

Participants revel in summertime fun during 2017 Osage County Fair parade

Conklin Plumbing was splish-splashing while taking a bath on their first place float in the 2017 Osage County Fair parade. The annual Osage County Fair parade, sponsored by the Osage City Chamber More »

4-H club leads community in “Tiger spirit” with downtown wall project

Lyndon Leaders 4-H Club members and Prayer and Action team members work together to create a small “Tiger spirit” pocket park in downtown Lyndon. Courtesy photo. By Leanne Shoup Club Reporter Despite More »

Forgotten bridge spans the flow of time

By Paul Schmidt The remains of an abandoned Pratt through-truss, five-panel, pin-connected bridge still spans the Dragoon Creek near Burlingame, Kan. Built in 1899 by the Kansas City Bridge Company, only its More »

Filings in the Osage County Courthouse July 17-21, 2017

July 26, 2017   Wayne White

The following information was compiled from records at the Osage County Courthouse July 17 through July 21, 2017.

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Anti violence and abuse bills become law

July 26, 2017   Contributor   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – On July 1, 2017, new domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking-related laws came into effect for Kansas.

Many of these laws have been enacted in other states offering the same or similar protections. One example is the Protection from Stalking or Sexual Assault Act amendment, which adds sexual assault to the definition of abuse and more clearly defines sexual assault for the purpose of getting a protection order. Sexual assault will now be defined as “engaging in any sexual contact or attempted sexual contact with another person without consent or when such person is incapable of giving consent.” Thirty-two states currently offer a protection order for a sexual assault victim, Kansas being the newest addition to this growing list.

“We are really excited this legislature has picked up these issues as being critical safety issues for victims and survivors,” said Joyce Grover, executive director of Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. “They will provide safety all over the state for years to come.”

Other amendment topics include strangulation, discussion of fatalities in closed meetings, mental health compensation, consideration of abuse in custody decisions, parental notification after assault, and infectious disease testing of offenders.

A list of the changes effective on July 1, 2017:

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Boil water advisory rescinded for city of Allen

July 26, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Multiple systems remain subject to boil water advisories

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Allen located in Lyon County. The advisory was issued because of a line break that caused a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Allen indicate no evidence of contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

Boil water advisories remains in effect for the following public water supply systems in Lyon and Coffey counties: City of Admire; Coffey County Rural Water District 2E; city of Hartford; Lyon County Rural Water District 2; Lyon County Rural Water District 3; Lyon County Rural Water District 4; city of Olpe; Park Place Communities Management.

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Osage County Jail Log, July 17 to July 22, 2017

July 25, 2017   Wayne White

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

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Boil water advisories rescinded for Lyon County rural water districts No. 1 and 5

July 25, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Multiple systems remain under boil water advisories

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded boil water advisories for Lyon County Rural Water District 1 and Lyon County RWD 5 located in Lyon County. The advisories were issued because of a line break that caused a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing samples collected from Lyon County RWD 1 and 5 indicated no evidence of contamination, and all other conditions that placed the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

Boil water advisories remains in effect for the following public water supply systems in Lyon and Coffey counties: City of Admire, Lyon County; city of Allen, Lyon County; Coffey County Rural Water District 2E, Coffey County; City of Hartford, Lyon County; Lyon County Rural Water District 2, Lyon County; Lyon County Rural Water District 3, Lyon County; Lyon County Rural Water District 4, Lyon County; City of Olpe, Lyon County; Park Place Communities Management, Lyon County.

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Melvern Lake boating accident sends four to hospital Saturday evening

July 24, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

MELVERN LAKE, Kan. – Four people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries Saturday after a two-boat collision on Melvern Lake.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office reported that at about 7 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017, a 911 call was received reporting a boating accident on Melvern Lake.

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene it was discovered that Stephan Martin, Gardner, Kan., was operating a 2006 Bennington pontoon boat, when it struck an unknown make and model of ski boat, operated by Earl Baker, Eskridge, Kan., pulling a tube with riders.

Martin and three occupants of the pontoon boat were uninjured in the accident, while Baker and three occupants of the ski boat were transported to a local hospital by Osage County EMS and Coffey County EMS. The riders on the towed tube were uninjured in the accident.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism are investigating the accident. Responding at the scene were sheriff’s deputies, KDWPT personnel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rangers, Osage County Fire District No. 3, Osage County EMS and Coffey County EMS.

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James Arthur Hamman, 76, Osage City: Jan. 12, 1941 – July 19, 2017

July 24, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – James Arthur Hamman, 76, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at his home. He was born Jan. 12, 1941, in Emporia, Kan., the son of Marion Hamman and Bernice (Jones) Winter.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School, in Emporia. He had served in the National Guard and worked for the Santa Fe Railroad on the telegraph and switchboard for many years until he retired in 1992.

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A Cowboy’s Faith: Kid remains in cowboy

July 23, 2017   Frank J. Buchman   No comments

A Cowboy's Faith: Click to read more from Frank J. Buchman.“You need to act your age.”

Uncertain exactly how that comment was meant to be interpreted? So, it was taken as a compliment.

Doesn’t really matter, but likely referred to being in every horseshow class could get in.

Even those where most entries were young sprouts, especially compared to wannabe’s maturity.

Expense to get to a competition so great; philosophy is to participate in everything.

It takes a long while for things to soak in a thick head. Mom always encouraged, “ride in pleasure.” Never did, with excuse: “Nellie won’t back.”

Really didn’t even realize horses were supposed to be in a certain “lead”; hardly knew what “gait” was. Thought if horse could walk, trot, canter on command, was doing pretty doggone good.

Story out of school here, hadn’t heard the word “lead” until after first professionally judged horseshow years later. For unknowing, “lead” is “which set of legs, left or right, leads or advances forward when a horse is cantering, the same as loping, or galloping.” The horse has more coordinated balance in the correct lead.

Anyway, now do what Mom said to do: “Ride in every class.” Some shows that’s 25 events.

“All on one horse?” somebody asked. No, two. One for “performance” classes, a misnomer word in itself, and another for “speed” events, self-explanatory.

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Help Wanted: Osage City Public Library seeks Library Associate

July 21, 2017   Sponsor

Osage City Public Library is seeking to fill the position of Library Associate. This is a part-time position with 22-26 hours a week including Saturday hours. Must have a friendly and cheerful personality with a knowledge and love of books. Candidate must be comfortable with technology, including ebooks, smartphone usage, social media, basic computer troubleshooting, and have experience with Microsoft Office. The candidate must enjoy working with all ages. To apply for this position, please send resume and cover letter to Jeanette Stromgren, [email protected]. Position will be open until filled.

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Hidden History: Sac and Fox orphan ensures record of tribes’ life in Osage County

July 21, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Julia Goodell, right, and her adopted daughter Fannie Baker both made their marks on the Sac and Fox tribes’ history in Osage County.

By Wendi Bevitt

Prior to their removal to Kansas around 1845, the Sac (or Sauk) and Fox tribes were located in Iowa. Most often they are mentioned together, but had originally been two distinct groups.

During the 1700s, French attacks on the Foxes (the Fox Wars of 1712 to 1733) in the Great Lakes Region caused the two tribes to join forces and form a close alliance that helped to affect unification.

The Sac and Fox reservation in Kansas was 435,200 acres located at the headwaters of the Osage River, the first agency being in Franklin County. In 1859, the agency was moved into Osage County, at Quenemo, with Perry Fuller (former employer of Frank James) as agent. The agency also employed an interpreter, John Goodell, to assist in government negotiations with the tribe.

John Goodell was of European descent and raised in New York. He became familiar with the language and customs of the Indians, and served as an interpreter for the government in both Iowa and Kansas.

In 1840, Goodell married Julia Mitchell. Julia was a member of the Sac and Fox tribes and was a survivor of the Black Hawk War. This war was an attempt by Sauk leader Black Hawk to lead the Sauk and associated tribes to resettle lands in Illinois that had been ceded by the tribes in an 1804 treaty. Finding a place to call home that was both acceptable to the tribe and the government was something that would plague the tribe continuously, and translating during these negotiations was the main responsibility for John Goodell.

John and Julia Goodell’s home at the Quenemo agency was an asylum for orphans, the sick, and needy. They adopted twins Fannie and Isaac Baker, children of Indian trader Isaac Baker and his Fox wife, who died after their birth. Mr. Baker pursued the fur trade, and eventually became a prominent banker in St. Louis, Mo.

In 1859, the Sac and Fox tribe paid for Fannie and a handful of other young people, including the daughter of the Indian agent, to attend Baker University. Baker University was the first college in Kansas territory having opened in 1858. Perry Fuller, the Sac and Fox Agency representative, was also living in Baldwin City at the time.

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Clarence Dean Criqui, 82, Olivet: Aug. 25, 1934 – July 15, 2017

July 20, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

OLIVET, Kan. – Clarence Dean Criqui, 82, died Friday, July 15, 2017, in Lansing, Kan. Clarence Dean Criqui was born Aug. 25, 1934, in Olivet, Kan., the son to Clarence Fred and Maggie May (Greenfield) Criqui.

He grew up in the Olivet and Melvern areas, then moved to Hutchinson, Kan., after marriage, and had worked as aircraft assembler for Cessna.

Survivors include a daughter, Sandra K. Schroeder, Hutchinson; two sons, William Criqui, of Missouri, and Dennis Criqui, of California; a sister, Dora (Jim) Flowers, Ottawa, Kan., and a brother, Glen Dale Criqui, Emporia, Kan.

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Boil water advisories issued for multiple public water supply systems in Lyon, Coffey counties

July 20, 2017   Wayne White

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued boil water advisories for 12 public water supply systems in Lyon and Coffey Counties. KDHE officials issued the advisories because of a line break in Emporia, resulting in a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The boil water advisory issued for the city of Emporia earlier today remains in effect.

The water systems in Lyon and Coffey counties currently under a boil water advisory are as follows: City of Admire, Lyon County, city of Allen, Lyon County, Coffey County Rural Water District 2E, Coffey County, city of Emporia, Lyon County, city of Hartford, Lyon County, Lyon County Rural Water District 1, Lyon County, Lyon County Rural Water District 2, Lyon County, Lyon County Rural Water District 3, Lyon County, Lyon County Rural Water District 4, Lyon County, Lyon County Rural Water District 5, Lyon County, city of Olpe, Lyon County, Park Place Communities Management, Lyon County.

The advisories took effect on July 20, 2017, and will remain in effect until conditions that place the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved adequately.

  • Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
  • Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water.
  • Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
  • Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
  • Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
  • If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure. Regardless of whether it is the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

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Marvin C. Bartlett, 73, Melvern: June 5, 1944 – July 19, 2017

July 20, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

MELVERN, Kan. – Marvin C. Bartlett, 73, passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital, Topeka, Kan. He was born on June 5, 1944, in Burlington Junction, Mo., the son of Garland and Elizabeth Brandon Bartlett.

Marvin had grown up in northwest Missouri and had lived in Topeka for several years before moving to Melvern, Kan., in 1972. He served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He had worked most of his life as an over the road truck driver.

On Jan. 18, 1964, Marvin married Linda Meyer, in Maryville, Mo.

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Help Wanted: Flint Hills Beverage seeks to fill warehouse position

July 19, 2017   Sponsor

Flint Hills Beverage, Budweiser and full line beverage wholesaler, is now accepting applications for a controlled environment (50-70 degrees) warehouse position. Position involves picking orders and preparing them for delivery as well as going to other wholesalers periodically to get product. Ability to lift 20-50 lbs. repetitively and obtain a CDL permit required. Hours are generally M-F 9:30-6:00 with some seasonal and flexible Sunday hours. Previous warehouse, order picking and/or fork lift experience preferred, but not required. Competitive pay, benefits, bonus and profit sharing offered. Accepting applications, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 132 W. Market St. in Osage City.

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Filings in Osage County Courthouse July 10-14, 2017

July 19, 2017   Wayne White

The following information was compiled from records at the Osage County Courthouse July 10 through July 14, 2017.

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King-Orozco to be digital content assistant for sustainability publication company

July 19, 2017   Contributor   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – Queren King-Orozco, originally of Osage City, has accepted a position with Ogden Publications, Topeka, Kan.,  as a digital content assistant.

King-Orozco will work across Ogden’s brands, managing social media accounts, creating e-newsletters and updating websites.

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Sen. Moran’s decision blocks vote on Senate healthcare bill

July 19, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Statement by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on his opposition to the Better Care Reconciliation Act:

On Monday evening I announced my opposition to the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) the Senate healthcare bill. This and an earlier version of the BCRA missed the mark for Kansans. The BCRA neither adequately repealed or replaced Obamacare. It was drafted behind closed doors and without committee hearings.

After my decision, the Majority Leader set aside the BCRA and announced his plan to have the Senate vote on a bill that repeals the Affordable Care Act, effective in two years.

If the bill is adopted it would establish an expiration date for Obamacare and set the stage for a full legislative process expert witnesses, public hearings, amendments and votes by all one hundred senators.

I would work to craft healthcare policy that provides less government involvement in healthcare decisions, greater personal choice, protection for pre-existing conditions, increased access and lower costs. I recognize that decisions made regarding healthcare have real consequences for Kansans and their families. We need a thoughtful and less political process. 

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Sarah Anne Russell, 73, Topeka: June 4, 1944 – July 16, 2017

July 18, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – Sarah Anne Russell, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Aldersgate Village, Topeka, Kan. She was born on June 4, 1944, in Topeka, the only child of John and Dorothea “Dot” Roberts Lane.

Sarah had lived most of her life in the Topeka community. She graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1962, and she had worked as a teacher’s aide in USD 501, and then was a clerk with the Kansas State Supreme Court. Sarah was a member of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the Active Prime Timers. She had also been a member of 4-H, Job’s Daughter’s, was active in the Republican Party, and a member of the P.T.O.

On May 1, 1965, Sarah was married to Jereld Hays, in Topeka. They divorced in 1981. Sarah married Ronald Russell on Nov. 30, 1996, in Topeka. Ron preceded her in death on July 18, 2003.

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Help House will be your fan if you donate a fan

July 18, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Summer heat is here, help someone stay cool

By Raylene Quaney

There has been more than 30 households sign up to receive fans, however donations have been down this summer and we have only been able to give out 22 to date. There is a lot of hot weather left during July and August, so if you can donate either a new fan or make cash donations to purchase a fan for someone, please mail your donation to Help House, PO Box 356, Lyndon KS 66451; please note “Fan Club” in memo.

United Way donations can help locally

Jamie Reever, with United Way, attended the Help House board meeting on July 11. Last year’s United Way campaign raised $582,000. They will begin this year’s campaign in two weeks. The United Way of the Flint Hills serves eight counties. Help House is blessed to be a recipient of United Way funds that can be used to purchase food for the food pantry as well as other emergency services.

Did you know that if you work in Shawnee County and contribute to the United Way through your employer that you may mark on your contribution slip that you want the contribution to go to Help House in Osage County? It will then process through the United Way of the Flint Hills and back to Help House. The employer matching funds will remain in Shawnee County, but your part will come back to Osage County to help out locally.

Fill the barrel, summer food drive

A countywide food drive through Harvester’s is being held July 15-July 22. Look for the large blue barrels at each of the three Thriftway grocery stores, in Carbondale, Overbrook and Osage City, during the week. While you are shopping if you could pick up just one or two non-perishable food items and drop them in the barrel on your way out, your neighbor in need would be most grateful. All donations will go to the Help House food pantry.

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Warren Lee Wideman, 68, Carbondale: July 26, 1948 – July 16, 2017

July 18, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

CARBONDALE, Kan. – Warren Lee Wideman, 68, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. He was born on July 26, 1948, in Emporia, Kan., the son of August and Alberta Lee Wideman.

Warren grew up on a farm outside Olpe, Kan. He attended Maydale Catholic School and the public schools in Olpe, until he graduated from Olpe High School in 1966. After a few years, he moved to Topeka where he met his future wife.

On Feb. 3, 1975, Warren was married to Pamela Ferry, in Topeka. The couple lived in Topeka and Wichita, Kan., until finally settling down in Carbondale, Kan., in 1979.

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Osage County Jail Log, July 9 to July 16, 2017

July 18, 2017   Wayne White

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

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Contact us: Osage County News | P.O. Box 62, Lyndon, KS 66451 | [email protected] | 785-828-4994 | Powered by Osage County, Kansas