By Jack Bowen

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. While Americans fought for democracy overseas, a team of Kansas farm boys from the Lyndon area, who would soon join that fight, was finishing an amazing run at the old football field on the north side of Lyndon High School.

The Lyndon team had back-to-back perfect seasons in 1943 and 1944. The only surviving member of that Lyndon Tigers team is 95-year-old Raymond Goldsmith, who now lives on his farm halfway between Lyndon and Quenemo.

“I never knew what it was to lose. Can you imagine?” said Goldsmith recently during an interview at his home.

Raymond played left tackle next to his brother, Curtis, who played guard, both on offense and defense. He said teams learned to never runs plays on the Goldsmith side of the line.

“They didn’t go through our side. If they tried it, they didn’t get very far.”

It wasn’t just the daily practice under school principal and football coach R.B. Wellborn that made them tough as nails. It was also the daily regimen of farm work that started every morning at 5 a.m. for the sons of Clyde and Laura Goldsmith on their farm on the east side of Lyndon. They worked hard and played hard when there was time.

In 2021, Raymond enjoys winning at retired life on his farm east of Lyndon. Courtesy photo.

Goldsmith pointed to a hill there, saying “That’s where me and Curtis and our brother Gerald would use a large grain shovel to sled down the hill when there was snow.”

Who was the toughest team the Lyndon Tigers beat during those two undefeated seasons?

“Oh, Burlingame up here was pretty tough, but they played pretty dirty,” the veteran Tiger said. “That’s the one that knocked the wind out of me – Dad ran out on the field. He thought I was gonna die or whatever.”

Goldsmith said this was back in the days when local teams played only against teams in the county. There was no long distance travel to faraway games. The downside was that teams were often matched against much bigger schools, not only in the number of athletes available, but also in physical size.

“Osage City was a lot bigger than Lyndon, but we beat Osage, and boy, they couldn’t take it,” he remembered.

Goldsmith missed the first part of his last game as a Tiger in 1944. He’d volunteered to join the U.S. Army. Uncle Sam required him to take a physical exam in Leavenworth on the day of that game. He arrived back in Lyndon by bus that afternoon, then walked to get to the field in the fourth quarter.

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, Dec. 5, 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 President Braelyn McNally. The club began their 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 is your favorite gift you gave someone?” There were 13 members and eight 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 historian report, Historian Allie Reeser shared “History of 4-H”.

In leader’s report, Lisa Reser reminded members to enroll in the new 4-H year, and it’s never too early to start thinking about District Club Days.

In new business, it was moved and seconded to adopt a family, and send care packages to soldiers.

In program and songs, the club went caroling to six local houses in Melvern. Nathan Ferris led the club in singing “Frosty the Snowman”.

At 5:27 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 Jan. 9, 2022, at Melvern Community Center.

Club members enjoyed caroling for recreation and refreshments provided by the McNally and Reeser families.

Junior high students at MdCV Middle School promote contributions to their penny collection, during a recent school competition. Courtesy photo.

Recently, students at Marais des Cygnes Valley Junior High and Senior High schools competed against each other in a junior high versus high school competition, Penny Wars, to spread their holiday cheer.

Students brought in loose change in hopes of collecting the most money for their class. The contest awarded each class points for pennies and bills for each cent donated, but “silver” coins, such as nickels, dimes, and quarters took points away. The classes were allowed to sabotage their opponents by throwing silver coins into their opponent’s buckets.

MdCV High School students help spread Christmas cheer with a friendly change collection competition.

The total amount of money collected was $1,114.19, which was to be donated to a charity of the winning class’ choosing. The junior high class came up with $455.24, and donated their portion to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office’s toy drive. The high school class, collecting $658.95, decided to divide their collection between Special Olympics and the local Mayes House, each receiving $329.47.

Students also demonstrated their holiday spirit throughout the week by decorating classroom doors, participating in holiday trivia contests, and dressing up for Spirit Days.

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.

Marais des Cygnes Valley school groups worked together to pick up trash along state Highway 31 south of Melvern. Helping were, front from left, Chaz Simpson, Kelsey Rice, Alyssa McCurdy, Emma Marsh, Olivia Lacey, Care Hockett, Destiny Moore, and Allie Reeser; back, Domonic Knight, Jaxson Dorr, Cole Lacey, Max Davis, Jake Weimer, Kyler Anschutz, Braden Reed, Jacob McGowin, Wyatt Lingenfelter, Lindsey Johnson, Montana McCurdy, Justin Brinkley, Hannah Foxworthy, Dylon Haines, Dalton Bechtle, Avary Simmons, Haylea Bethell, and Ed Mora. Courtesy photo.

By MdCV FFA Reporter Jace Stucker

On Sept. 29, 2021, the Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA, FCCLA, and FBLA chapters participated in the annual highway cleanup. Twenty-six members cleaned the highway from the Interstate 35 exit towards Melvern. After cleanup the members met back up at the school and enjoyed pizza!

FFA Drive-In Movie Night was Sept. 17, 2021, following the football game against Crest. We had approximately 20 FFA members enjoy the movie San Andreas. We viewed the movie on the ag shop garage door.

At the East Central District Greenhand Leadership Conference, we had 17 MdCV FFA and agri-science students participate. More than 600 ECD Greenhands attended. There were several workshops, including goal setting, official dress, teamwork/problem solving, first impressions, and agriculture career choices.