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Help House opens Christmas store; sets hours for holiday shopping

November 30, 2021   Submitted   No comments

Help House has set out the Christmas decorations complete with a few Christmas trees and lights. These will be out and available for shoppers to choose from until Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.

The sign-up list for the Christmas shop began Monday, Nov. 15. Christmas shopping days have been set. Children’s shopping day will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4.  Santa’s elves will be there to help kids shop for their parents or guardians. Wrapping and gift tags are available so the gifts are ready to be set under the tree.

Dec. 14-17 will be the opportunity for parents and guardians to shop for children 17 years old and younger, on the following Monday, grandparents will be allowed to shop for children 17 and younger.

Help House and other agencies work together to make the Christmas shopping go as far as we can. Participants will not be able to sign up for the shopping at multiple locations. Please respect this rule as we try to meet the needs of many here in Osage County.

Donations for the Christmas store are requested by Dec. 1.

All of us at Help House are thankful for our communities that we serve for your faithfulness in giving! We wish you a very merry Christmas, too!

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Governor congratulates Carbondale for award of sidewalk improvement funds

November 30, 2021   Submitted   No comments

Project to provide pedestrian access to school, library, downtown  

CARBONDALE, Kan. – Today, Gov. Laura Kelly congratulated the city of Carbondale for receiving $167,287 in cost share funds as administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation. The recently funded project will provide sidewalk improvements near critical public buildings in Carbondale.

“Congratulations to the City of Carbondale for receiving $167,287 in the latest round of Cost Share funding,” Kelly said. “By working with our local partners to invest in our communities, our Cost Share program is improving road safety, mobility, and helping recruit new families and businesses to our state. This project is proof that when we work together to make smart investments in our foundation, all Kansans see results.”

A component of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE, the Cost Share program is designed to help rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. The city of Carbondale was among 20 transportation construction projects selected for the fall 2021 Cost Share recipients.

“This will improve the entrance into the community and the foot traffic, said Carbondale Mayor John Ryan. “We anticipate additional biking and walking, as well as safer access for our students.”

The project will provide sidewalks on Third Street from Carbondale Attendance Center, which serves fourth through eighth grade students, to the Carbondale City Library, and on the north side of Main Street, giving safer pedestrian access to adjacent businesses, including the local grocery store.

“Currently, kids walk in the street,” said Ryan. “This will connect our downtown district to the school and other sidewalks in the area.”

Pedestrians cannot safely access the public library at the northeast corner of Third Street and Main Street in Carbondale, as North Third Street does not currently have a usable sidewalk, nor does the north side of Main Street. There are sections on these streets that have no sidewalk and sections with cobblestone or brick have become overgrown and unusable over time.

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Frontier Extension agents take on new jobs within district

November 30, 2021   Submitted   No comments

The Frontier Extension District has announced three agents have taken over new positions and responsibilities within the district. Ryan Schaub is now serving as the new crop production and farm management Extension agent; Janae McNally is the new adult development and aging and family resource management Extension agent; and Jessica Flory is the new 4-H youth development Extension agent.

Ryan Schaub – Crop Production and Farm Management

Ryan Schaub is now serving as the new crop production and farm management Extension agent for the Frontier Extension District. Schaub officially began his new position Sept. 1, 2021, and has been with the Frontier Extension District for four years.

This position consists of research-based programs for crop production farm management issues, including but not limited to, tillage methods, irrigation, sustainable production techniques, agriculture law issues, land management and ownership, weed and insect control, fertilization practices, and more. For assistance with any of these issues, contact Schaub at the Garnett Extension office at 785-448-6826 or [email protected].

Janae McNally – Adult Development and Aging, Family Resource Management

Frontier Extension District has announced that Janae McNally is the new adult development and aging and family resource management Extension agent. McNally officially began her new position Sept. 1, 2021, and has been with the Frontier District for seven years.

This position will consist of providing primary leadership in the development, dissemination and implementation of research-based educational programs to support successful families and the systems that serve them in communities. Programs include chronic disease management, caregiving, long-term care and end of life issues, family budgeting and more.

To contact McNally at the Lyndon Extension office, call 785-828-4438 or email [email protected].

Jessica Flory – 4-H Youth Development Agent

Jessica Flory is the new 4-H youth development Extension agent. Flory officially began her new position Nov. 1, 2021, and has been with the Frontier Extension District as the 4-H program assistant/manager for the last 10 years. She has a great passion for youth development and the 4-H program. While attending Kansas State University, she worked at Rock Spring 4-H Camp during summer breaks. Since graduation in 2009, she started working for the Frontier District in May 2011. Jessica took a break from Extension in 2013 to work for her church as preschool, children ministry, and youth director. She returned to Frontier Extension District in 2015.

Her position will consist of leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4-H youth development program for school-aged youth in cooperation with residents and Extension colleagues. Programs include supporting community clubs, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and more. She will work with families and volunteers in Anderson, Franklin and Osage counties’ communities. Contact Flory at the Ottawa Extension office at 785-229-3520 or email [email protected].

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It was a Candyland Christmas at Osage City: Winners of events

November 24, 2021   Submitted   No comments

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce has announced the names of winners of various events and activities during last Saturday’s Christmas on Market Street. The lighted Christmas parade was the finale event of the day, with floats and parade entries celebrating this year’s theme of “Candyland Christmas”. Winners are below:

Christmas on Market Parade Winners

Floats

  • First place, Osage City Nursing Center, $125
  • Second place, Willing Workers 4H Club, $100
  • Third place, Osage City Public Library, $75
  • Fourth place, Branine Chevrolet-Buick, $50

Golf Carts/ATVs

  • First place, Gladys and Boyd Woodyard, $30
  • Second place, April Peet, $20
  • Third place, United Methodist Church-Lyndon, $10

Retail Poker Run, 78 Participants

  • First place, Penny Staufenburg, $20
  • Second place, Karen Hinck, $15
  • Third place, Nettie Jordan,  $10

Window Decorating

  • First place, McCoy’s RadioShack
  • Second place, Ramblin’ Rose
  • Third place, Osage Hardware

Chili Cook-Off – 11 Entries

  • First place, Kim Thompson, $50 Chamber Bucks
  • Second place, Jan Ogleby, $30 Chamber Bucks (Donated to senior center)
  • Third place, Stevie Penn, $20 Chamber Bucks

Business Window Decorating

  • First place, McCoy RadioShack, $50
  • Second place, Ramblin’ Rose, $40
  • Third place, Osage Hardware, $30

Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk

Jenny Wilcoxson won the Best Costume/Sweater – received a $10 Chamber Buck Certificate.

Adult first overall were Chris Wecker (male); Angie Speece (female); they received Michelob coolers. Youth first overall were Tate Smith (male); Jaiton Bosse (female); they received sparkling ice water. Prizes were courtesy of Flint Hills Beverage.

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The road to Santa Fe featured on KTWU

November 20, 2021   Submitted   No comments

Spotlighting the Santa Fe Trail during its bicentennial, The Road to Santa Fe airs at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, on KTWU/Channel 11, in Topeka. Produced by Dave Kendall, a former host of the “Sunflower Journeys” series, the documentary explores the forces that spawned the trail and shaped its development. Jennie Chinn, executive director of the Kansas Historical Society, joins a number of knowledgeable historians who tell the story.

In 1821, a group of traders from Missouri ventured to Santa Fe, then governed by Mexico.Trade soon grew in what became a seasonal movement of covered freight wagons rolling back and forth. In 1846, the “Army of the West” marched down the trail after Congress declared war with Mexico. The Americans took control of Santa Fe, and by war’s end, most of northern Mexico was ceded to the United States.

As the military presence along the trail increased, so did tensions with Native Americans, which eventually led to their forced removal from the plains. Conflicts that escalated into civil war also occurred along the trail beginning in the 1850s. In 1880, when the rails reached Santa Fe, commerce on the trail came to an end, closing a pivotal chapter in American history.

“As our nation continues to grapple with issues surrounding our relationship with Mexico as well as our relations with Native peoples, we might benefit from a better understanding of how these relationships evolved,” said producer Kendall. “Those who seek to clarify our notions of who we are as Americans will find it helpful to place this into an historical context that spotlights the forces and philosophies that guided the westward expansion of the United States.”

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Rail trail group celebrates progress at annual meeting in Overbrook

November 19, 2021   Wayne White   No comments

Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy will be celebrating the past year’s progress on the trails under its cooperation at the group’s annual meeting in Overbrook Saturday. Overbrook is on the Landon Nature Trail, one of the trails under the group’s cooperation.

KRTC members and other trails enthusiasts are invited to attend the meeting, with registration starting at 11 a.m. and lunch for $10 at noon, Nov. 20, 2021, in the community room at the Overbrook Library. Reservations requested for the meal.

Jeff Carroll, owner of Ottawa Bike and Trail, will be the keynote speaker. After learning about the progress the conservancy has made in the past year, members will elect directors to its board.

Nominees for the conservancy’s board include Scott Allen, Council Grove, Scott Averill, Overbrook, Clark Coan, Lawrence, Owen Harbison, Ottawa, Brian Patton, Ottawa, John Payne, Berryton, Linda Schneidewind, Lyndon, and Cheryl Thomas, Lyndon. Other candidates can be nominated at the meeting.

After the meeting, attendees are invited to enjoy the autumn day by walking, riding or biking on the Landon Trail.

For more information about the meeting, or to RSVP for the meal, email [email protected].

In its fall 2021 newsletter, the conservancy reported a new three-mile of the Flint Hills Trail was reopened east of Osage City this summer after improvements. Much of the trail in that area consisted of loose ballast from the railroad bed, and has since been covered with gravel. The Flint Hills Trail has been under development by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks since a few years ago. KRTC reports the trail is mostly completed for about 94 miles, from Osawatomie to Council Grove, except for a two-mile section west of the U.S. Highway 75 bridge and a 2.3 mile section west of Ottawa. Kansas Department of Transportation has awarded KDWP $5.6 million in federal funds to build a bridge over the BNSF railroad west of Ottawa, and also complete the 2.3 mile stretch of trail there. The bridge project is expected to take three years.

The organization also reported new sections of the Landon Trail were to open this year. One stretch is 1.5 miles from 197th Street to Stubbs Road near Michigan Valley. This will make a nearly seven-mile stretch of open trail from Overbrook to Michigan Valley, bringing the trail to only two miles from Pomona Lake. Another section expected to be open by spring is a two-mile section in the Clinton Wildlife Area. The group’s members continue to work on the Landon Trail near Overbrook, and volunteers are welcomed. To volunteer in the Overbrook area, contact Scott Averill at 785-224-3453 or [email protected].

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Community foundation announces 4th quarter deadline for grant applications

November 18, 2021   Submitted   No comments

Click to download an OCCF grant application.Osage County Community Foundation has announced its fourth quarter deadline for grant applications is Dec. 15, 2021. Through its grant making opportunities, the foundation works to bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support nonprofit organizations and others in our community.

Any organization or group based in Osage County can apply for grants, but preference is given to those that are not directly tax supported or agencies that have taxing authority. The foundation is currently in its October to December grant period, and applications will be accepted for this round until Dec. 15.

For more information about the grant application process or donating to the Osage County Community Foundation, contact Perry Thompson at 785-528-3006, or contact one of the foundation’s board members, Joe Humerickhouse, Casey Mussatto, Janet Steinle, Jodi Stark, or Mike Pitts. A grant application is available here. Completed applications should be mailed to the Osage County Community Foundation, PO Box 24, Osage City, KS 66523.

For more information about the Osage County Community Foundation, see Osage County Community Foundation: Your community, your foundation.

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Osage County Senior Center: Learn to make your own Christmas cards

November 18, 2021   Senior Center   No comments

The Osage County Senior Center is working to get a ceramics and painting group started again. We have had a large number of ceramic supplies donated to the center. If interested, contact the center for additional details.

Christmas cards

There will be a Christmas card making class at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 24, in the ceramics room, and we have all the supplies you will need.

Osage County Public Transportation

Osage County General Public Transportation has moved to the senior center, 604 Market St., Osage City. The phone number is still the same, 785-528-4906. Anyone needing a ride can call; rides provided on first come first serve basis and door to door. We currently have a two stop limit. If additional stops are needed, dispatch needs to know and we’ll see what can be done with scheduling. We transport riders to medical appointments, work, shopping, etc. On a regular basis OCGPT goes to Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Ottawa, and the Kansas City area.

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Willing Workers celebrate 4-H by encouraging friends to join up

November 18, 2021   Contributor   No comments

By Avery Thielen, Club Reporter

Showing support for 4-H, talking to other students about the opportunities that 4-H provides, and supporting the community was the highlight for the Willing Workers 4-H Club at the beginning of October.

Willing Worker Reece Wilcoxson works on a poster supporting 4-H.

To celebrate 4-H week the club members made posters to hang in the walls of the Osage City schools. Each member was able to show how important 4-H was to them as they designed their posters. These posters allowed the members to start conversations with their friends, inviting them to the first meeting of the 4-H year, which was on October 13.

“Making posters was important so other people could know what was going on,” said Reece Wilcoxson, 4-H member.

To celebrate the national event, 24 hours of 4-H, the members made cookies and put together cookie baskets to give to heath care workers in Osage City.

“We wanted to take cookies to the health care workers because COVID has been going on and they work very hard,” said Lena Stucky, 4-H member.

Students can still enroll in 4-H. Willing Workers 4-H Club meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Osage City Community Building. Everyone is welcome anytime.

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Willing Workers recognized at 4-H Achievement Night

November 18, 2021   Contributor   No comments

Willing Workers 4-H Club celebrate their achievements: front, Clara Thielen, Kassie Thielen and Ruby Stucky; middle, Paige Thielen, Hadley Bosse, Avery Thielen, Lena Stucky and Jaiton Bosse; back Cole Thompson, Kevin Whitmer, Josie Thompson, Brody Thompson, Kaiden Bosse and Grace Croucher.

By Avery Thielen, Club Reporter

On Nov. 3, 2021, Willing Workers 4-H Club members attended the county 4-H achievement night at the Lyndon school. Many of the club members were present and received recognition for their year of hard work.

Members who completed their record book received a membership pin. Members receiving their membership pin were: Paige Thielen, 1st year, Lena Stucky, 3rd year, Kaiden Bosse, 4th year, Avery Thielen, 4th year, Kevin Whitmer, 5th year, Jaiton Bosse, 6th year, Brody Thompson, 6th year, Cole Thompson, 8th year, Grace Croucher, 8th year, Kayden Barrett, Cloverbud, Hadley Bosse, Cloverbud, Ruby Stucky, Cloverbud, Clara Thielen, Cloverbud, Kassie Thielen, Cloverbud, Leila Wilcoxson, Cloverbud.

Leaders receiving their membership pin were Dustin Stucky, 2nd year, Pam Whitmer, 3rd year, Josie Bosse, 6th year, Amanda and Chris Croucher, 8th year, Kara Thompson, 10th year) and Bruce Schoepflin, 14th year.

That night one member from the county was recognized for their project record report. Kevin Whitmer received the project award for foods, plant science and poultry. Lena Stucky received the project award for clothing and textiles, communications, stem and visual arts. Reece Wilcoxson received the rabbit project award. Two officers were recognized for their officer books. Brody Thompson received the historian award and Trista Anderson received the secretary award.

Kara Thompson was named the 4-H Alumni Award winner. She has spent 14 years serving the 4-H community and currently serves as one of the Willing Workers 4-H Club leaders.

“4-H brings kids together to help their community,” said Kara, who believes so strongly in the organization. As a former member from her youth, the Willing Workers were excited to see her receive this award.

The Whitmer family was named 4-H Family of the Year. Pam, Jeff and Kevin Whitmer are a very active 4-H family in the county. Pam serves as one of the Willing Workers 4-H Club leaders and their family goes above and beyond helping keep the club active in the community. Pam grew up in a family that was very involved in 4-H.

“4-H keeps us together as a family,” said Pam Whitmer. The Whitmers are very deserving of this award for their continued dedication to the organization.

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Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club: Members enjoy fall as they get ready for Christmas

November 18, 2021   Contributor   No comments

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly club meeting at the Melvern City Park. At 5:14 p.m., the meeting was called to order by President Braelyn McNally. The club began the meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge, led by Braelyn.

Secretary Amelia Arb called roll, members and parents were to answer with “What are you thankful for?” There were 11 members and six adults present. Amelia read the minutes from the last meeting; they were approved as read.

Treasurer Gradey McNally read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read. Reporter Bella Reeser stated she submitted two articles to the newspaper. In the historian report, Historian Allie Reeser shared “The Story Behind the 4-H Clover”.

In leader’s report, leader Lisa Reeser reminded members to enroll in the new 4-H year, and congratulations to everyone at Achievement Night.

In new business, it was moved and seconded at the December meeting to go Christmas caroling at three or four houses in Melvern, Adopt-A-Family, and send care packages to soldiers.

In program, the club tie-dyed their new club shirt.

In songs, Nathan Ferris, led they club in singing “God Bless America”.

At 5:40 p.m., it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Melvern Community Center.

Club members then enjoyed playing at the park for recreation.

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Burlingame Library: Rescue grant provides materials fund for community patio

November 12, 2021   Submitted   No comments

Workers prepare the site for the Burlingame Library’s new community patio. Burlingame Library photo.

The Burlingame Community Library was recently awarded a $25,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant for the construction of a community patio. This project was made possible by the State Library of Kansas and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The patio, to be located to the west of the library, will be completed this fall. The rules of the grant do not allow for funds to pay for construction or labor so the library is looking for volunteers to help with pavers and pergolas. Anyone interested in helping out is asked to call the library at 785-654-3400.

The Burlingame Friends of the Library will host a community patio fundraiser –  bingo and soup supper with dessert bar is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at the Schuyler Community Building. The soup bar opens at 5:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 6. Choice of soup, dessert, drink and two bingo cards will be offered for a $10 donation. Mascot pecans will be available for purchase. The Friends will also have their annual cookie and baked goods sale, beginning at 10 a.m., Dec. 4, during Burlingame’s Country Christmas. This year Christmas crafts will also be added.

The Burlingame Library has also been selected as one of 100 libraries to participate in round three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities. This competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library with their Longest Table event planned for the spring of 2022.

The library has also added several items to the Library of Things, so be sure and stop in the library and check out what’s available. Following the library’s Facebook page, Burlingame Community Library, is also a great way to see new items that have been added to the collection.

For more information, stop by the library at 122 W. Santa Fe Ave., Burlingame, Kan., or call 785-654-3400.

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Christmas on Market Street 2021: Osage City celebrates Candyland Christmas

November 10, 2021   Wayne White   No comments

Osage City is planning a Candyland Christmas this Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, for its annual Christmas on Market Street season opener, with activities and events scheduled around town from 7 a.m. until the lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. The Osage City Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event, which includes visits with Santa Claus, ping pong ball drops, retail poker, chili cookoff and feed, and the popular raffle drawing for many prizes.

Christmas on Market Street
Candyland Christmas
Saturday, Nov. 13

  • 7-10 a.m. – Kiwanis breakfast; biscuits and gravy (free will donation); American Legion Post 198, 115 N. Sixth.
  • 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. – Marilynn’s Restaurant – order from the menu; enjoy a home cooked meal. 1216 Laing St.
  • 8 a.m.-3 p.m. – The Osage County Senior Center “Sewing Chicks”; tour their sewing facility and view some of their sewing projects on display.
  • 8 a.m.-3 p.m. – Osage Garden and Produce – Local crafters and metal art display; 1048 Laing Street; kids, help feed the birds and make a bird seed craft. Supply costs: $1-$2.
  • 8:30 a.m. – Jingle Bell 5K Run; elementary school parking lot; contact Shanda Koett, 620-560-5132, or Will Kern, 785-633-6716.
  • 9 a.m. – Ridge Iron Grill, breakfast burritos, coffee, cocoa, cider and Bloody Mary bar ; 611 Market St.
    9-11 a.m. – Landmark National Bank, 102 S. Sixth St.; stop by the drive -through window for a craft goodie bag.
  • 9 a.m.-noon – Barn quilt ornament, Osage County Fair Association; north end of Santa Fe Depot; paint your own small barn quilt ornament  for $9 or purchase pre-painted ornaments.
  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Craft show; contact Janet Bosworth to register, 785-554-5039, senior center.
    9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Retail Poker: Five card stud; try to get the best hand for cash prizes; senior center. Visit participating businesses to pick up a free envelope with card.
  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Market Street bake sale, Willing Workers 4-H Club and Osage County Fair Association (in front of old Duckwalls).
  • 9:30 a.m. – Santa arrival on fire truck Sixth and Market; wave at him and welcome him to Osage City.
  • 10 a.m.-noon – Santa visit at senior center. Stop in and have a virtual visit with Santa, and tell him what is on your Christmas wish list.
    10 a.m.-noon – McCoy’s RadioShack, 521 Market St.; Toy expo featuring this season’s hot toys and electronics; demos and giveaways.
  • 10 a.m.-noon – Face painting; Osage City High School Cheerleaders Fundraiser; senior center.
  • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Furniture Loft, 523 Market St.; register for a chance to win an accent chair.
  • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Axe Throwing-featuring Manhachet from Manhattan; Osage Hardware Garden Center; try your skills throwing an axe at a target in an enclosed area; charge: $10 for 12 throws; enter the drawing for a chance to win a 65″ TV.
  • 10 a.m.- Ramblin’ Rose; stop by and purchase a 50-cent children’s grab bag; 629 Market St.
    11 a.m.-l p.m. – Subway; kids enjoy a cookie; 104 W. Market St.
    11 a.m.-l p.m. – Photo booth; Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation; in front of the Santa Fe Depot; free photo booth set up for you to take a photo.
  • 11 a.m. – Emeline Fuller Art; pet and people portraits; have your portrait drawn; senior center.
    11 a.m. – Outside dining court; Sixth Street between Market and Holliday; food vendors.
  • 12 p.m. – Corn Hole Tournament – $20 per Team; 50/50 pot, Osage City Recreation Center; contact Tricia Gundy, 785-219-9727, or Jeff Lohmeyer, 785-528-3885.
  • 12 p.m.-l p.m. – Emergency services showcase, Sixth and Main. Visit and thank our local emergency services personnel.
  • 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. – Fire truck rides; ride on one of the fire trucks, Sixth and Main.
  • 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m. – Ping pong ball drops; 12 and under, and teens and up; Sixth Street between Market and Main. Get a ball with a number on it and visit the corresponding store to collect your gift.
  • 1:30-2 p.m. – Story time at the Osage City Public Library, 515 Main St. Listen to a story and make a Christmas tree ornament.
  • 2-4 p.m. – Santa visit at senior center. Stop in and have a virtual visit with Santa, and tell him what is on your Christmas wish list.
  • 2-4 p.m. – Gingerbread house building; American Legion Post 198, 115 W. Sixth St. Make a gingerbread house at this free event sponsored by Osage City PTA.
  • 2:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – Raffle drawing; winners do not need to be present to win; Sixth and Market. Contact Jeanette Swarts, 785-249-5451, for details. Purchase tickets at participating businesses or at the senior center on Saturday.
  • 3-4 p.m. – Quarter bingo; winner takes the pot; senior center.
  • 4-4:30 p.m. – Chili cook off judging; to register contact Shanda Koett, 620-560-5132; senior center.
  • 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Chili feed; free will donation; senior center.
  • 4:30-5:45 p.m. – KC Chiefs Wolf Mascot; meet and get a picture and autograph. KC Wolf will also participate in parade; downtown.
  • 5-5:30 p.m. – Parade float judging and line up; west end of Market Street.
  • 5-5:30 p.m. – Topeka High Drumline; performance and participate in parade, downtown.
  • 5:45 p.m. – Downtown holiday lighting.
  • 6 p.m. – Christmas lighted parade, Market Street.
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Shots fired at law enforcement responding to 911 call near Burlingame

November 08, 2021   Wayne White

Sheriff seeks public’s assistance to identify early morning shooter

Early Sunday morning, several local law enforcement officers were met with gunfire when responding to an emergency call about gunshots northwest of Burlingame, but a suspect was not located after the incident.

Sheriff Chris Wells issued a press release Sunday calling for the public’s assistance in the incident that occurred early Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, and in which no suspect had been identified. The report said the Osage County communications center had received a 911 call around 1:03 a.m. reporting shots had been fired at a vehicle that had stopped at 165th Street and South Osage Road, northwest of Burlingame.

Sheriff’s deputies and a Burlingame police officer responded to the scene. While searching the area, several more shots were fired toward law enforcement. A Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter and an Osage County K-9 unit responded to the scene to assist. After an extensive search, whoever was responsible for the gunfire was not located.

The sheriff asks anyone with information about this incident or other crimes to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121 or [email protected], or to remain anonymous, contact Osage County Crime Stoppers at 877-OSCRIME.

Sheriff’s arrest reports

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office has reported a recent arrest resulting from an ongoing investigation of online solicitation of a child by an adult. On Oct. 26, 2021, Osage County investigators and Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie, Kan., on an Osage County arrest warrant. Smith was transported to the Osage County Jail, where he was held on the warrant that alleged charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

At 2:08 p.m. Nov. 1, 2021, an Osage County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of North Fifth Street, Quenemo, Kan., for a traffic violation. During the stop, narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Michael E. Traver, 42, Quenemo, was arrested on charges of suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and booked into the Osage County Jail.

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Unofficial results of the Nov. 2, 2021, school elections in Osage County

November 02, 2021   Wayne White

The following are the unofficial results of the Nov. 2, 2021, school elections in Osage County. Write-in votes are not included in this report. Results will not be official until canvassed.

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Unofficial results of Nov. 2, 2021, municipal elections in Osage County

November 02, 2021   Wayne White

The following are unofficial results of local municipal races in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election in Osage County. Results will not be official until canvassed, and write-in results have not been counted at the time of this report.

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KBI issues statewide Silver Alert for missing Wichita woman

November 02, 2021   Wayne White   No comments

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. – The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita woman who was last believed to be near Kinkaid, Kan.

The whereabouts of Patricia Knafla, 70, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Last contact with Knafla occurred at approximately 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 150 lbs., with gray hair, and green eyes. She wears glasses. Additionally, she was scheduled to work Monday but never arrived, and may be having a mental health crisis and in the need of assistance.

She is traveling in a gold 2000 Ford Taurus with Kansas tag 418 CDM. Investigators learned she was in the Kinkaid area at approximately 10:50 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Knafla, or anyone who sees her, is asked to call 911 immediately.

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Kansas range managers confront tenacious old world bluestem

November 01, 2021   Submitted   No comments

Frontier Extension District will host an informational meeting on old world bluestem, 7 p.m. Nov. 29, 2021, at the Osage City Community Building, 307 S. First St., Osage City, Kan.

Old world bluestem includes cultivars of Caucasian and Yellow bluestem, species first introduced into the United States for conservation purposes and as forage that could be hayed or grazed. Though called bluestems, they are not closely related to native species of big and little bluestem. Old world bluestems are an invasive species in Kansas. They can be controlled, but control becomes progressively more difficult and expensive the longer the grass is allowed to grow and spread.

During the meeting, Dr. Walt Fick, KSU range management specialist, will discuss old world bluestems, where they come from, why they were introduced, how they can be identified, and grazing animal performance. Fick will also talk about studies he has conducted to reduce or kill old world bluestems in native grass pastures.

Also speaking will be Scott Marsh, Kansas Department of Agriculture noxious weed director, who will explain the state’s views on old world bluestem and the requirements of a county option noxious weed law. He will also discuss how a county option noxious weed would affect local producers.

Rod Schaub, Frontier Extension District agent, and Bruno Pedreira, KSU forage specialist, will share the first year’s results of their herbicide application study. This study will continue the next couple of years under a grant received by the Osage County Conservation District.

For more information, contact Schaub at 785-828-4438, [email protected], or Frontier Extension District, 128 W. 15th St., Lyndon, Kan.

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