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Derald Stromgren to celebrate 80th birthday

September 10, 2021 Wayne White

Derald Stromgren, of Osage City, Kan., will celebrate his 80th birthday Sept. 13, 2021.

Derald was born Sep. 13, 1941, in Osage City, the eldest child of Fred and Frances Stromgren.

He grew up in the Osage City area and graduated from Osage City High School. He worked for Osage Products (Hallmark) as a napkin printing supervisor. After his retirement, he opened Stromgren Greenhouse with his wife, Mary Lou. Derald continues to enjoy gardening, and he is involved with the Osage City Meals on Wheels and the Osage City Kiwanis paper pickup.

Derald will celebrate his special day with a family dinner. Cards can be sent to him at 401 Forrest Gragg Dr., Osage City, KS 66523.

Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA officers learn about agriculture, grow leadership skills

August 26, 2021 Submitted No comments

MdCV FFA officers Cole Lace, Lindsey Johnson, Wyatt Lingenfelter, Jace Stucker, Olivia Lacey, and Braden Reed learn about the milling process of different wheat varieties from KSU Milling Instructor Fran Churchill and KSU Instructor Jason Watt. Courtesy photo.

The 2021-22 Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA Chapter officers took advantage of building leadership and personal growth, spending July 6-8, 2021, at Tuttle Creek State Park, Manhattan, Kan., for an officers’ retreat. During the retreat, the officers worked to enhance leadership skills, bonded as a team, enhanced personal growth, and organized the chapter’s program of activities for the year.

Officers spent the first day touring the Kansas State University’s College of Milling and Feed Science, and challenging themselves at Locked Manhattan’s Escape Room. The second day, officers worked on the program of activities, played a round of disc golf, swam, fished, enhanced personal growth around the campfire, and, of course, ate ice cream at KSU Call Hall. The morning of the third day the group traveled to Marysville to tour the new Agriculture Education facility. Thanks to Ms. Ebert and Ms. Siemen for showing us around the incredible complex.

The MdCV FFA officers, Cole Lacey, president, Wyatt Lingenfelter, vice-president, Lindsey Johnson, secretary, Braden Reed, treasurer, Jace Stucker, reporter, Olivia Lacey, sentinel, and Alyssa McCurdy, student council, are excited about getting the year started and have some incredible development activities for the chapter members and community planned for the upcoming year. Some of those activities include the annual organizational luau, SAE member tour, Seitz sales, elementary agriculture presentations, walk-in movie nights, highway cleanup, Ag Awareness Day, and a hunger awareness presentation and activity. Follow the chapter at the Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA website mdcvffa.weebly.com and Facebook/mdcvffa.com for upcoming events.

Hidden History: Young Kansas invites young Americans to settle as agrarians

August 25, 2021 Wendi Bevitt No comments

As Kansas emerged, first as a territory and then a state, early pioneers sought to create towns to entice additional settlers to desirous locations. The town of Young America, in what was later to become Osage County, was one of these locations. Built on the premise that the everyday farmer could find success in selling the produce from his small estate, Young America attempted to draw in settlers to its remote location in the interior of the United States.

The first settlement of the claim later to be known as Young America was by a middle-aged man named Carter B. Griffin. Griffin came with the flood of Missourians in 1854 intent on settling Kansas to make it a slave state. Griffin chose a plot of land on the edge of the Sac and Fox reservation, on what is now the northwestern part of Pomona Lake, to establish his claim.

Settlement by Euro-Americans within Indian reservations was prohibited for individuals without direct ties to the tribes, but Griffin utilized a nearby trail that led from the Indian agency to the Pottawatomie reservation to the northwest to trade with the tribes. The nearest neighbors, Fry McGee and his family, also pro-slavery Missourians, were north of Griffin’s claim by 10 miles, also along 110 Mile Creek.

Griffin’s location, like McGee’s, was partially wooded and offered a good location for hunting and fishing. To improve his claim, Griffin built a log cabin and dug a well. After a little more than a year, Griffin left his claim and returned to property he still held in Missouri.

In the spring of 1856, the Griffin claim was assumed by a Mississippian by the name of Smith, who built an additional three log cabins at the site for himself and a number of enslaved individuals he had brought with him. Smith used his labor force to break out 45 acres of prairie land. When the tide within the territory began shifting as 1856 wore on, Smith left, selling his human property in Missouri and returning to Mississippi.

Lyndon Lions: Serving up a new school year

August 24, 2021 Submitted

Lions Club servers at Lyndon Schools included, from left, Barb Schattak, Carol Roush, Alyssa Morford, Lori Neilson, Tory Neilson and Pam Bilyeu. Courtesy photo.

On Aug. 16, 2021, the Lyndon Lions Club served lunch to 48 teachers and staff members of USD 421 Lyndon, in the Lyndon school cafeteria. Everyone enjoyed pulled pork, potato salad, pasta salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and cookies.

The Lions’ efforts provided a big “shout out” to teachers and staff who work to educate local students.

Lyndon Leaders relax at pool party after busy summer

August 20, 2021 Submitted No comments

Lyndon Leaders 4-H Club members at the Osage County Fair. Courtesy photo.

By Morgan Young, Club Reporter

The Lyndon Leaders 4-H Club has had a busy summer! For the meeting in June, the club had a farm tour, where they visited five different members’ farms to see and learn about their livestock projects, including goats, hogs, sheep and beef. The tour ended with a brief meeting and potluck dinner.

July 3, 2021, the club joined in on the Independence Day festivities in Lyndon by participating in the parade and serving BBQ at the park.

The following week, club members were busy preparing for the Osage County Fair, in Osage City. Lyndon Leaders had a bunch of members participate in livestock and projects in the building. It was a successful fair for the club; many ribbons and awards were received.

The club celebrated the completion of the first county fair of the year at a swim party on July 21.

Lyndon Leaders are looking forward to selling mums again this year. If you would like to buy some, please contact a member as soon as possible. Orders are due by Aug. 20.

Sheriff presents awards, commendations to law officers for lifesaving efforts

August 13, 2021 Wayne White No comments

Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells, left, and Undersheriff Scott Brenner, right, recognized deputies Blake Reker, Megan Osladil, Chris Ericson, Michael Rooks, and Cory Hamilton for their lifesaving efforts in two incidents that occurred earlier this year. Not pictured is honoree Burlingame Police Chief Mathew Baker.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office recognized six local law enforcement officers Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, for their lifesaving efforts in two incidents that occurred in Osage County earlier this year.

At the regular Monday meeting of the Osage County Commission, Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells first recognized Deputy Cory Hamilton and Burlingame Police Chief Mathew Baker for their efforts that occurred May 14, 2021. At approximately 9:28 p.m. that day, the sheriff’s office received a report of an apartment fire in Burlingame, Kan. Sheriff’s deputies, Burlingame Police, Osage County EMS, and Osage County Fire Districts 1, 2, and 6 were dispatched to the incident address.

Hamilton and Baker were the first to arrive, and Hamilton forced the apartment door open and entered the residence in an attempt to rescue an adult female trapped inside. Baker assisted in pulling Hamilton and the woman out of the apartment.

“The quick response and immediate actions by Deputy Hamilton and Police Chief Baker resulted in the selfless act with attempting to save a human life,” Wells said. He designated sheriff’s commendation awards for Hamilton and Baker, who was not present for the ceremony.

For their lifesaving efforts in an incident involving an unresponsive infant, Wells recognized deputies Blake Reker, Megan Osladil, Chris Ericson, and Michael Rooks.

Around 11 a.m. July 3, 2021, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an unresponsive child at a residence in Lyndon, Kan. Deputies, EMS, and Osage County Fire District No. 5 first responders were dispatched to the scene. Deputies Reker and Osladil were the first to arrive on scene and took over providing CPR that was already in progress. A short time later a heartbeat was detected and the child started to breathe. Rooks carried the child to the ambulance and Ericson drove the ambulance to an area hospital allowing the EMS crew to provide patient care while en route to the hospital.

Wells noted the quick response and immediate actions by the deputies helped to save the child’s life.

“A failure to act or action after delay could have led to a tragic outcome,” Well said. The sheriff presented a life saving award to each of the deputies.

4-H Reports: Melvern Jr. Highline meets for summer activities

August 11, 2021 Contributor

Melvern Jr. Highline July 4-H Meeting

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, July 11, 2021, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly club meeting at the Melvern Community Center. At 5:06 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Historian Allie Reeser. The club began their meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge, led by Leader Caleb McNally. Reporter Bella Reeser called roll, members and parents were to answer with ‘What is your favorite season?’ There were six members and two adults present.

Reporter Bella Reeser read the minutes from the last meeting; they were approved as read. Recreational Leader Gradey McNally read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read. Bella stated she submitted three articles to the newspaper.

In historian report, Allie shared 4-H memories from Allie Rice, former MJH member.

In leader’s report, Lisa Reeser reminded members to read over the meeting notes sheet, reminded members that fair season is quickly approaching.

In program, members shared their projects they showed at the Osage County Fair and how they did.

In songs, Anna Arb led the club in singing “Baby Bumble Bee”.

At 5:24 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, Aug. 8, 2021, at Melvern Community Center. Club members then enjoyed a game of tag as recreation.

Song leader Anna Arb leads the club in singing “Baby Bumble Bee”.

Overbrook baseball team finishes season in top 4 of Kansas

August 05, 2021 Wayne White

The Overbrook Bombers and coaches prepare for their semi-finals game Saturday in the Kansas Junior Legion State Tournament, at the Dean Evans Stadium, Salina, Kan. Courtesy photo.

The Overbrook American Legion Baseball Team, the Overbrook Bombers, made an impact at the 2021 Kansas Junior Legion State Tournament, placing among the top four junior league teams in the state.

The Overbrook team battled through the pool play to score a win against Junction City in the opening game of the tournament July 28; the Bombers beat the Blues 5-4 in that game. The next day at Dean Evans Stadium, Salina, Kan., the Salina Hawks knocked down the Bombers with 16 runs to Overbrook’s 5. Salina’s win helped propel them to the runner-up spot in the finals on Saturday.

Friday, Overbrook took off on another run, taking down Central-Burden, 9-4. That win sent the Bombers to the semi-finals on Saturday, where they faced McPherson’s destructive campaign, and lost after seven innings 11-1. Bomber Trenton Sleichter made Overbrook’s only run in the game in the first inning, batted in by Kyle Strother’s double to left field. McPherson later claimed the tournament title in the championship game against Salina.

“Top 4 in the state was a pretty good run for the Bombers this year,” said Patrick Graham, one of the team’s coaches. “The team battled through pool play to qualify for the semi-finals but fell to McPherson in that round. Then McPherson went on and won the state final game.

“The Bombers’ only losses at the state tournament were to the state champs and the runner-ups,” Graham said.

Graham said after the tournament, the team was notified it was the recipient of Floyd J. Rogers Sportsmanship Award 2021, Junior Division, which is presented by Kansas American Legion Baseball and determined by umpires of the tournament.

Graham said the team was notified of the Sportsman Award by the Legion director.

“He said the award is voted on by the umpires and they thought the boys were class act kids,” Graham said. The team was presented a plaque designating the honor.

The team includes Talan Long, Luke Edwards, Chad Robert, Bryce Torkelson, Colton Warthen, Jalen Smith, Kyle Strother, Trent Sleichter, Drake Graham, Theron Berckefeldt, Brodie Gleason, and Breylan Gleason; and coaches, Head Coach Quinton Sleichter, Coach Patrick Graham, Coach Jason Long, and Coach Daniel Robert.

Lions spotted along Osage County highway

August 03, 2021 Submitted No comments

Lyndon Lions Club highway pickup crew included, from left, Rudy Rottler, Danny Roush, Barb Schattak, Gary Schattak, Lori Neilson, Tory Neilson, Pam Bilyeu and Jerry Bilyeu. Photo by Carol Roush.

A group of the Lyndon Lions met Saturday morning, July 31, 2021, to begin a club environmental project, cleaning up along state Highway 268 from U.S. Highway 75 to California Road. The group picked up litter along one side of the highway for 1.5 miles before the weather became too hot to bear. The group plans to be out again when it is not so hot to finish the clean-up. The group was encouraged by a sweet lady who brought cold bottles of water and kind words and honks from passing cars.

For more information about the Lyndon Lions Club or to become a member, contact Barb Schattak, the club’s first vice president, at 785-221-7994, or talk to any club member, who will be happy to visit about Lions and what they do.

Osage County Fair livestock exhibition results, July 7-10, 2021

July 28, 2021 Wayne White

The Osage County Fair Association has released the results of this year’s Osage County Fair livestock exhibitions and judging for 4-H and open classes. The fair was held July 7 to July 10, 2021, at Osage City, Kan. Participants’ 4-H clubs abbreviation key is below.

Overbrook Bombers set sights on state tournament

July 28, 2021 Submitted 4 Comments

Overbrook Bombers, front from left, Brodie Gleason, Breylan Gleason, Talan Long, Luke Edwards, Chad Robert, Bryce Torkelson, back, Coach Patrick Graham, Coach Jason Long, Colton Warthen, Jalen Smith, Kyle Strother, Trent Sleichter, Head Coach Quinton Sleichter, Drake Graham; not pictured, Theron Berckefeldt and Coach Daniel Robert. Courtesy photo.

The Overbrook American Legion Baseball Team finished in second place in the American Legion Zone Tournament hosted July 18-23, in Chanute, Kan., to qualify to compete in the 2021 Kansas Junior Legion State Tournament, which begins today, July 28, at Salina, Kan.

The Overbrook American Legion Baseball Team, the Overbrook Bombers, is made up of players who attend Santa Fe Trail High School.

The team is scheduled to play the opening game of the Kansas Junior Legion State Tournament against the Junction City Blues at 1 p.m. today; and 8:30 p.m. July 29 against the Salina Hawks; and 12:30 p.m. July 30 against Central-Burton. The top two teams in each pool will advance to a single elimination tournament, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. The tournament will be played at Dean Evans Stadium, 841 Markley Rd., Salina.

The Overbrook Bombers are sponsored by Overbrook American Legion Post 239.

Happy birthday! LoRee Williams to celebrate 90th birthday

July 25, 2021 Submitted No comments

LoRee Williams, of Lyndon, Kan., will celebrate her 90th birthday on Aug. 10, 2021.

LoRee and her husband, Neil, raised four children, Gary, Bruce, Kent, and Kim, in Lyndon and Osage City, before retiring to the Vassar, Kan., area at Pomona Lake.

They celebrated 62 years of marriage until Neil passed away in 2013. They have eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

LoRee’s family and friends are invited to help celebrate her birthday with a card shower. Birthday cards can reach her at 225 W. 14th St., Lyndon, KS 66451. No gifts are requested, please.

Round Robin Showmanship results, Osage County Fair, July 10, 2021

July 23, 2021 Submitted

Round robin showman competition participants are presented awards by show sponsors. Osage County Fair Association photo.

The Osage County Fair’s final day, July 10, 2021, featured some of Osage County’s best livestock showmen competing in the round robin showman event. The Osage County Fair Association has announced the results of the competition as follows:

Senior division winners

Sheep, Addyson Easter, Lyndon Leaders
Goat, Ethan Kneisler, Lyndon Leaders
Beef, Grace Croucher, Willing Workers
Swine, Kinsley Garrison, North Osage

Champion senior division showman was Grace Croucher, and reserve senior division showman was Ethan Kneisler.

Intermediate Division Winners

Horse, Katie Lowry, Burlingame
Sheep, Chloe Cannon, North Osage
Goat, Allie Kneisler, Lyndon Leaders
Beef, Braelyn McNally, Melvern Jr. Highline
Swine, Jaiton Bosse, Willing Workers

Champion intermediate division showman was Allie Kneisler; reserve intermediate division showman was Braelyn McNally.

The annual round robin showman event is sponsored by Edward Jones Investments-Robyn Williams, and the buckle awards are sponsored by Black Crest Cattle, The Corwine Family.

Lyndon Methodist Church celebrates 150th anniversary by getting all ‘Rev’d Up’

July 19, 2021 Submitted No comments

Lyndon United Methodist Church’s ninth annual Get Rev’d Up All Motor Show, held June 19, 2021, also served as a celebration for the church’s 150th anniversary, which was observed a year late due to the pandemic.

This year’s event, Lyndon resident Gene Hirt handed out 172 American Flags as the cars, trucks and motorcycles entered the city park in Lyndon, which was filled to the brim with cars as the show got underway.

The church served homemade biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and cinnamon rolls inside the shelter house, and later homemade ice cream and lunch. The American Legion came around 9:30 a.m. and Michael Kaufman, Lyndon High School band teacher, played the Star Spangled Banner solo on the saxophone. Music played throughout the morning with DJ Pat Reyle, Rock Star Entertainment, and Mike Cline and the Constant Praise Band, from Atchison, and who have performed at the car show since its beginning.

At the awards ceremony in the afternoon, 32 prizes were awarded, with a special guest, David Wolfe from the Street Rodding American Style PBS program, who presented a “PIZZAZZ” award to Bruce Mishler,of Lyndon. Show participants also were presented door prizes and monetary awards, which were made possible with donations from local businesses and organizations.

LUMC’s memorial picks for 2021 were (award honoree, motor vehicle, owner name):

Hidden History: Fostoria musician goes to Nashville, becomes a country ‘Starr’

July 15, 2021 Wendi Bevitt No comments

Burlingame area native Kenny Starr, center, sings with Loretta Lynn during a 1970s era performance. Photographer unknown.

Osage County has long been the home to a strong working class responsible for building the industry in the county. These hard workers and small-town life are the inspiration for the themes of many country music songs. Kenny Trebbe, Osage County native, used his blue-collar roots and his love of music to become a shining “Starr” of the Country Western scene.

Kenny Trebbe grew up in what had been the little mining community of Fostoria, two miles east of Burlingame. His father, William, was a coal miner, construction worker, and vegetable farmer before a back injury limited him to cutting wood for his family.

Kenny got his start in music in elementary school, singing 1950s rock and soul at local venues for nickels and dimes. Some of his first bands were Kenny and the Rebels and later Kenny and the Imperials. His songs were so well received that on one New Year’s Day, he made $13.

His parents, fans of Guy Lombardo’s big band style were not as interested in Kenny’s earliest choice of music but appreciated his switch to country music when he reached his teens. By that time, he had chosen the stage name of Kenny Starr – surname borrowed from a Texas cousin – and created the band Kenny Starr and the Country Showmen.

In 1971, a 17-year-old Kenny entered a talent contest sponsored by a Wichita Radio Station. Ninety-eight contestants participated, but Kenny’s rendition of Ray Price’s “I Won’t Mention It Again” stole the show. His performance caught the eye of Harry “Hap” Peebles, a local promoter. Peebles was able to get him an audience with Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, who were in town for a show. Kenny was then invited to perform with Lynn and Twitty in both Wichita and Kansas City. Loretta Lynn took a personal interest in the young singer and told him to look her up if he ever got to Nashville, and she would help him get started.

As soon as Kenny got home, he and his mother, Kathleen, prepared to leave immediately to pursue his dreams. A neighbor drove them to Nashville because the Trebbe’s car would not have made the trip, and the group arrived two days later, beating Loretta Lynn home.

Loretta Lynn, true to her word, helped establish Kenny in the country music business. Lynn gave him the opportunity to tour with her band the Coal Miners. When they weren’t touring, she let him live in her mansion. After four and a half years of learning his way in country music, Kenny struck out on his own.

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