• Recent Comments

  • Free Garage Sale Ads

Rains pester area farmers trying to bring in the sheaves

Two prodigious and plentiful products of Kansas: wheat and beautiful sunsets. This close-up photo of heads of wheat ready for harvest in Osage County was taken by Paul Schmidt right before the More »

Lyndon Methodists ‘rev up’ for sixth annual engine-powered show

Old met older as vintage vehicles parked all around the historic Bailey House at Lyndon City Park last Saturday. By Rebecca Thill Despite the extreme weather and power outages early Saturday morning, the More »

Melvern kicks off Osage County’s fair season with Sunflower Days

June is here and that means fair season is about to heat up in Osage County, with Melvern Sunflower Days 4-H Fair kicking off on June 22, 2017. A family event, Melvern More »

Osage County State Fishing Lake among available bathymetric maps for anglers

PRATT – What’s a bathymetric map, you ask? Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of lake or ocean floors. So, it’s really a topographical map of the lake’s floor, and those maps have traditionally only More »

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Shawnee County

June 16, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer in Shawnee County, Kan.

On June 6, 2017, several emerald ash borer galleries were observed and a live emerald ash borer adult was removed while peeling bark from a tree, after KDA was notified by an arborist. The suspect tree was identified while the arborist was trimming branches for a homeowner in a residential area near Lake Shawnee. KDA sent the specimen to a laboratory with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-APHIS-PPQ) which confirmed KDA’s findings on June 7, 2017.

Emerald ash borer, a pest of ash trees native to Asia, was first discovered in North America near Detroit, Mich., in summer 2002. Since that time, the pest has killed millions of ash trees across the U.S. It was first identified in Kansas in 2012, and has been identified in several counties in northeast Kansas in the last five years. Trees become infested with emerald ash borer when adult beetles lay eggs on the bark, which hatch into larvae that bore tunnels into the tree. emerald ash borer appears to prefer trees under stress, but is capable of killing perfectly healthy trees.

KDA encourages anyone in northeast Kansas to monitor their ash trees for signs of emerald ash borer, and to be vigilant in not transporting any wood or tree materials from ash trees out of your county, including firewood, nursery stock, green lumber, and composted or non-composted chips.

Read More

Veterans, students make their ‘connections’ for trip to nation’s capital

June 16, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Area veterans and their teenage guardians from Lyndon and Central Heights high schools take a moment at the World War II Memorial during their tour last week of Washington memorials as part of Honor Flight 17.

By Cleon Rickel

On Merle Marsh’s last flight to Washington, D.C., he was in the back of a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress.

“I was there once during the war,” Marsh, of Carbondale, Kan., said. “We were the crew of the week, so we got to fly into Washington.”

His return to Washington occurred June 5, when he flew in the front of another Boeing aircraft, this time a commercial 737 jetliner.

Marsh was one of three World War II veterans who were flown to Washington by Honor Flight 17, organized by high school students at Lyndon High School and Central Heights High School.

Marsh’s son-in-law, Don Forbes, also of Carbondale, and a Vietnam-era veteran, accompanied him on the flight.

Marsh went into the U.S. Army Air Force in 1944 and was trained to be a tailgunner in the large four-engine bombers in Florida. The war in Germany ended before he was assigned combat missions.

“We flew four hours every other day,” he recalled.

Being a tailgunner was just a shade less dangerous than being in the ball turret in the belly of the big bombers. To get to the two 50-caliber machines in the tail of the bomber, the tailgunner had to crawl into a tight, cold and drafty space and sit on what amounted to a bicycle-type seat in a kneeling position and leaning forward on his chest parachute.

“It was a little scary but after the first time back there, it isn’t bad,” Marsh said.

The tailgunners had to be alert for fast, nimble enemy airplanes roaring up behind their bombers.

To prepare them for the speedy German Messerschmitt and Focke-Wulf fighters, the tailgunners would train on Jeeps with shotguns attached at the back. As the Jeeps bounced along at 20 miles as hour or so, clay pigeons would be launched at or behind them.

Though it was Marsh’s second trip to Washington, it was the first for his son-in-law Forbes.

“The whole trip is awesome,” Forbes said. “It’s geared for the veterans but it’s nice to see a lot of young people. It’s heartening to see young people take such an interest.”

Read More

Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA officers ‘transform’ at state convention

June 16, 2017   Contributor   No comments

MdCV FFA officers, front, Kathryn Vaught and Alaina Marsh; middle, Chloe Volkman, Brookelyn Janssen, and Josey Weimer; back, Dalton Hook.

By MdCV FFA Reporter Kathryn Vaught

The 2017-2018 Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA officers were able to “Transform” their skills as leaders while attending the 89th Kansas State FFA Convention May 31-June 2, 2017, at the Kansas State University campus, with over 2,000 members and guests in attendance. This year’s convention theme was “Transform – Purpose to Action”.

MdCV officers Josey Weimer, Dalton Hook, Chloe Volkman, Alaina Marsh, Brookelyn Janssen, and Kathryn Vaught were able to attend workshops and teamwork skills, browse a career expo showing the plentiful amount of jobs throughout agriculture, and even represent their chapter as delegates.

While attending the convention sessions officers also listened to incredible speakers that included Tom Thelen, motivational speaker, and the 2016-17 Kansas state officers and their retiring addresses.

Janssen and Vaught were recognized as they received scholarships to attend the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference in June in Washington, D.C.

Read More

Governor recognizes Home Town Health Care as regional Award of Excellence winner

June 15, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

LYNDON, Kan. – The governor has recognized a southeast Kansas business that serves Osage County for helping to keep the state strong.

Home Town Health Care, which has an office in Lyndon, Kan., was recognized by Governor Brownback as one 68 businesses statewide nominated for the 2017 Governor’s Award of Excellence. Companies are nominated in one of four categories, including manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit.

Home Town Health Care’s home office is at Fredonia, Kan., with locations in Lyndon, Emporia, Sedan, Oswego and Independence, Kan., serving 27 counties. The company is an in-home service provider offering home care, homemaker services, home health services, and hospice services.

The Governor’s Award of Excellence honors Kansas companies that have positively impacted their communities and local workforce, and recognizes that Kansas businesses continue to be the foundation of the economy, communities, and overall quality of life.

Winners are selected by reviewing employee training and retention programs, expansion projects and capital investments, economic development in the state, woman or minority ownership, leadership program participation, and school and community involvement through volunteer efforts and sponsorship.

Home Town Health Care was one of 19 regional winners, representing southeast Kansas along with Coffey Health System and Systech Environmental Corp.

Read More

Filings in Osage County Courthouse June 5 – June 9, 2017

June 15, 2017   Wayne White

The following information was compiled from records at the Osage County Courthouse June 5 through June 9, 2017.

Read More

Hidden History: ‘Kiss the flag’ – Mobs enforce patriotism in Osage County

June 14, 2017   Contributor   1 Comment

By Wendi Bevitt

The Great War may have just ended, but in November of 1918 emotions still ran high in Osage County regarding the duty to one’s country. Osage County made newspaper headlines all over Kansas for patriotism gone wild. The newspaper headlines read, “Osage County No Place for A Pro-German” and “Ben Kissed Old Glory”. Within those articles were the stories of two men that within a week had both been publicly corrected for their believed pro-German sentiment.

The “Ben” of the headlines was Ben Tucker, a farmer living three miles east of Scranton. Tucker was fed up with the government and had become so anti-government as to see no good in any of it. His frustrations led him to spout off to some Carbondale locals that he did not believe the reports of the German atrocities and he “would rather have his children taken care of by Germans than by these sons of … here”.

These men were aware that Tucker had neither participated in the recent Liberty Bond drive, buying war bonds to support the Allied effort, nor had he followed through on his contract to buy a $50 war bond previously, and they were incensed. So after the men parted ways, they resolved to teach Tucker a lesson.

The next time he came to town and the argument arose once again, one of the Carbondale men punched him. The fight was on, but Tucker came out on the losing end. With Ben bloody and battered, the winners encouraged him to retract his former statements and to kneel and kiss the flag. The promise made and the bloody flag as a testament, he was allowed to retreat home with the pledge by the patriots to not press charges against Tucker for disloyalty unless his lesson did not have the desired effect.

Read More

Summer’s here, rev up your fun at Lyndon

June 13, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Lyndon’s Bailey House serves as a backdrop for the Get ‘Rev’d’ Up all motor show.

Next week summer begins but the Lyndon community is declaring summer fun is underway Saturday with something for everyone.

At 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17, the sixth annual Get “Rev’d” Up All Motor Show starts revving up at Lyndon City Park. The Lyndon United Methodist Church hosts the annual show, which this year is welcoming all types of motorized vehicles or contraptions.

“Anything with a motor is welcome,” said co-organizer Greg Thill. He noted that a live band and DJ will provide music all day; there will be Hot Wheel races for kids; and a pin striper will be on hand for anyone needing to add accents to their paint job.

The show offers awards for the top 20 entries, along with several specialty awards. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 entries. Breakfast and lunch will be available. All proceeds from the show benefit the church’s youth ministries. For more information, contact Thill at 785-828-3526.

While motors might be roaring in the park, across town at the Lyndon Carnegie Library things will be a little quieter. The library will be having a book sale 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. on the lawn at 127 E. Sixth St., Lyndon. Offered for sale will be books, DVDs, audio books and magazines. For more information or to donate, contact the library at 785-828-4520. (Volunteers are welcomed to help set up and tear down.)

And if cars or books aren’t your brand of fun, garage sales and yard sales will be going on all over town on Saturday. There is no map this year, but garage salers are invited to enjoy a tour of Lyndon while they search for the best bargains. For more information, contact Lyndon City Hall at 785-828-3146. Sellers, remember you can post a garage sale ad for free on Osage County News here: County Comment – Garage Sales

Summer’s here, rev up your fun at Lyndon.

Read More

ECKAN sets school supplies application period, June 26-July 7

June 13, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation will begin accepting school supply applications June 26-July 7, 2017, for the 2017-2018 academic year.

The school supplies giveaway is funded by a grant from Jones Trust, Emporia.

Recipients must show proof of residency in Osage County and proof of income for 12 months to show if income is at or below 200 percent of poverty level.

Applications are available at the Osage County ECKAN Center, 530 Holliday St., Osage City. For more information, contact the Osage County ECKAN Center at 785-528-5184.

Read More

West Nile virus arrives early in Kansas

June 13, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has discovered that four Culex species mosquito pools collected from traps in Reno, Shawnee and Johnson counties are positive for West Nile virus in preliminary testing, and that two birds in Shawnee County have tested positive for West Nile virus. In addition, Kansas is reporting the first case of West Nile virus in 2017 in a person from Barton County. These findings may indicate that West Nile virus transmission could occur much earlier in 2017 than in previous years.

The Culex species are known to transmit West Nile virus, but are not known to transmit Zika virus.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person. Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and in rare cases, death. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

KDHE has developed West Nile virus risk levels to help guide prevention efforts for both communities and individuals. These risk level reports will be posted weekly at www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. All three regions of Kansas are currently at the high risk level.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile Virus:

Read More

Rapp School, a legacy of Osage County learning

June 13, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Photo by Paul Schmidt

Rapp School is an Osage County treasure. This brick school house built in 1929 includes original furnishings, curriculum materials, and playground equipment. The solid, brick structure not only served the community well until 1959, but also lives today as an active historical resource and repository of our local educational and social history. Rapp School is located at 10324 U.S. Highway 56, about four miles west of Osage City, Kan.

Read More

Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

June 13, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Harvest season is underway, and the Kansas Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As harvest is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Lieutenant Adam Winters, KHP public information officer. “In Kansas we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds, and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than other vehicles, and is sometimes wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when traveling near an implement on the road. Extra caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on the busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Preliminary numbers indicate that statewide in 2016, there were 110 crashes involving farm equipment. In those 110 crashes, one person was killed, and 29 people were injured. Already this year, preliminary statistics indicate there have been 22 crashes, with seven people injured.

It is important to share the road safely, for the sake of the farmers, and for the motoring public. Tips to keep in mind when sharing Kansas roads with farmers:

Read More

Pomona teen injured in rollover accident on K-68

June 13, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

LYNDON, Kan. – A Pomona teen was transported to the hospital Monday afternoon after a rollover accident on state Highway 68 south of Lyndon, while his passenger escaped with minor injury.

According to a Kansas Highway Patrol report, Wesley R. Ecord, 15, Pomona, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and rounded the corner at K-68 and Adams Road, when the vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason, overturned and came to rest in the east ditch on its passenger side.

Ecord was injured in the accident and transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. A passenger in the truck, Jacob Norris, 15, Lyndon, was reported as having possible injury, but he was not transported by ambulance. Both teens were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

Read More

Osage County Jail Log, June 4 to June 6, 2017

June 12, 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.

Read More

County transportation service can transport you

June 12, 2017   Senior Center   No comments

Osage County General Public Transportation offers rides to any resident in the county. The requested donation per ride is $3 in county and $5 out of county; however no one is refused service for lack of payment. We have standard fixed routes, with stops at popular retail, educational, and service locations throughout the county. In addition, anyone can call to schedule a trip or ride to almost anywhere or any place.

Exciting excursions are planned for the month of June.  Please note that all transportation rides are on a first come first serve basis. For more information, stop by the Osage County Senior Center at 604 Market St., Osage City, or call 785-528-4906.

Upcoming:

  • Thursday, June 15: Art and painting 9 a.m.
  • Friday, June 16: Bingo 10 a.m.; cribbage 12:15 p.m.
  • Monday, June 19: Sewing 8 a.m. armchair exercise 10:30 a.m.; cribbage 12:15 p.m.
  • Tuesday, June 20: Ceramics 9 a.m.; Mexican Train games 1 p.m.; bus leaves the center for Lawrence and Prairie Park Nature Center at 10 a.m.
  • Wednesday, June 21: Sewing 8 a.m.; armchair exercise 11 a.m.; cribbage 12:15 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 22: Art and painting 9 a.m.
  • Friday, June 23: Bingo 10 a.m.; cribbage 12:15 p.m.
Read More

Jones Trust donates $100,000 toward new Carbondale library

June 12, 2017   Contributor   No comments
Cramped Carbondale Library.

With the current Carbondale library providing cramped space for patrons, citizens have set out to raise funds for a larger facility.

By Sue Anderson

CARBONDALE, Kans. – The efforts to raise funds to build a new library in Carbondale recently received a big boost.  The Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, has awarded a $100,000 grant to the “Let’s Raise the Roof for a New Library” campaign. The funds will be used exclusively to help with building costs for the new downtown facility.

Alice Smith, Carbondale Library director, was excited about the good news. “Receiving the grant from the Jones trust fund is a significant step to help us reach our goal of $1.6 million,” Smith said.

Smith pointed out the library’s current space of 425 square feet does not allow for efficient, effective, modern library services.

Kandy Hinck, who serves as chair of the steering committee, said the projected budget for constructing the new library includes foundation and government grants and private contributions from the community.

“On behalf of the ‘Let’s Raise the Roof’ steering committee, I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the W.S. and E.C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee for its generosity,” Hinck said. “This gift brings us closer to the amount of funding needed for a much-needed larger library in Carbondale.”

Hinck said matching private donations are a requirement for some grants. She said the committee is also in the process of seeking a community development block grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Read More

Help Wanted: Carbondale City Library seeks Library Associate

June 12, 2017   Sponsor

Carbondale City Library is seeking to fill the position of Library Associate. This is a part-time position with 15-20 hours a week including Saturday hours. Must have a friendly and cheerful personality with a knowledge and love of books. The candidate must be comfortable with technology, including ebooks, smartphone usage, social media, basic computer troubleshooting, and have experience with Microsoft Office. The candidate must be enjoy working with children. To apply for this position, please send resume and cover letter to Alice Smith, asmith@carbondalecitylibrary.org. Position will be open until filled.

Read More

Storm Damage Recovery: Let 4R Construction Company help you

June 12, 2017   Sponsor

Let us assist you with repairing the damage done to your home by the severe storms we have experienced this spring.

The 4R Construction Company LLC understands your concerns for getting any and all storm damaged roofs, gutters, siding, windows, doors, garage doors, repaired or replaced professionally, consequently, we are experienced working in cooperation with homeowner insurance companies.

We are licensed, insured, Kansas registered professional contractors with a solid reputation for exceeding our customer’s expectations. Our workmanship is guaranteed.

We will gladly meet with you, assess damages, and provide for you an estimate. Give our office a call now at 785-260-7988.

Competitive prices with the highest quality of standards and materials. Don’t be taken advantage of by out-of-state unlicensed scammers! We are honest, reliable, and will do you right the first time.

“We look forward to being of service to you!”

Read More

A Cowboy’s Faith: Primping is big deal

June 11, 2017   Frank J. Buchman   No comments

A Cowboy's Faith: Click to read more from Frank J. Buchman.“Show stall area is a beauty shop.”

That’s certainly a fact when one is getting horses ready to compete. Thick red lipstick, heavy powder, rouge and eye shadow are common nowadays for young cowgirls competing at horseshows.

It’d never influenced placings on judging cards days gone by. However, now realize getting the cowgirls all decked out is a major ordeal. No less than a half-dozen cowgirls were seated in chairs strewn down three alleyways of the stall barn.

Seemed to be mommas mostly as the beauticians or cosmetologists, whatever they’d be. Each had small tightly-packed makeup cases with the necessities, and portable working tables at side.

Never heard any “sit still,” or “quit fidgeting,” but raised chins and squinting eyes seemed common pose for the primping rigmarole.

Hairdos were included, too, with hint of old-fashioned-ism, as typically long styles were pulled tightly into buns bottom back of necks. Evidently doing that’s so hair didn’t fly wild with rough horse gaits. Sure took special knack too, so hats would fit over the hair yet look appealing.

Hats are another tale for sure, but today’s show participants better understand importance of well-shaped, proper-fitting head cover to the overall picture.

That’s different than decades ago when cowgirls, and definitely cowboys, often seemed to be competing in the “ugly hat contest.” Ill-shaped, dusty, sometimes looking like they been slept in, used as a cushion, or stored under the pickup seat.

Read More

Kansas man charged with hate crime in shooting of three men at Olathe bar

June 09, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the indictment of Adam W. Purinton, 52, of Olathe, Kan. Purinton was indicted by a federal grand jury on hate crime and firearm charges for shooting three men – including two Indian nationals – at an Olathe bar on Feb. 22, 2017.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Wheeler, II, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and United States Attorney Thomas E. Beall of the District of Kansas.

Today’s indictment accuses Purinton of shooting and killing Srinivas Kuchibhotla because of Kuchibhotla’s actual and perceived race, color, religion and national origin. The indictment also accuses Purinton of attempting to kill Alok Madasani because of his actual and perceived race, color, religion and national origin.

A third count in the indictment charges Purinton with violating a federal firearms statute by discharging a firearm at Kuchibhotla, Madasani, and the third man, Ian Grillot, during those crimes of violence.

The indictment alleges that Purinton committed the offenses after substantial planning and premeditation, attempted to kill more than one person in a single criminal episode, and knowingly created a grave risk of death to others on the scene.

Read More

Maxine Miller, 92, Topeka: Dec. 1, 1924 – June 7, 2017

June 09, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – Maxine Miller, 92, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Lexington Park care facility in Topeka, Kan.  She was born Ruth Maxine Brecheisen on Dec. 1, 1924, near Lyndon, Kan., the daughter of Clarence and Hallie McCreight Brecheisen.

Maxine had lived all of her life near Lyndon until moving to Topeka in 2006.

Maxine was a homemaker all of her life and also drove the school bus for the Vassar, Kan., grade school, hauled water, and was an Avon representative. She was a graduate of Washburn University, studying history. She was a member of the Vassar United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the United Methodist Women.  She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies at Atria Hearthstone, in Topeka.

On Dec. 27, 1957, Maxine was married to Robert O. Miller, in Vassar.

Read More

Shirley Ellen Simmons, 80, Overbrook: Feb. 6, 1937 – June 7, 2017

June 09, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

OVERBROOK, Kan. – Shirley Ellen Simmons, age 80, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kan., with her daughter, Vicky, and son, Doc, by her side. She was born on Feb. 6, 1937, in Bear Creek, Mo., in Cedar County. She was the daughter of Dewey and Gladys King, of Stockton, Mo.

She was a graduate of Stockton High School, where she was named the outstanding girl athlete. Shirley thoroughly enjoyed athletics, square dancing, gardening, people, and spending time on her farm north of Overbrook. She was a huge Cardinal baseball fan, loved the KU Jayhawks, and supported her kids’ sports teams.

In 1954, Shirley was united in marriage to Ulen Simmons. They had a daughter, Vicky Simmons. They separated after a few years. Later Shirley married Charles Simmons and they had three sons, Eddy, Steve and Terry “Doc”, and a daughter, Mary Simmons. She eventually separated from him.

Raising her five kids remained the most important part of her life. Family, friends, and serving the community were Shirley’s passion and delight. Her greatest love was spending time with all her grandkids and attending their sports events.

In the late 50s, Shirley owned and operated the Corner Café in Stockton. She later lived in Iowa and Lawrence, Kan., where she worked at Boyd’s Grill and Hallmark. In 1962, she opened Shirley’s Café in Overbrook, a self- supporting and fantastic place to eat. Shirley became an iconic woman in Overbrook. She had great people skills and her constant joking with customers was almost as good as a “Shirley’s Special Hamburger.” Shirley sincerely loved people and enjoyed teasing them. She was an excellent cook and prepared home-cooked meals for her family and friends. Her staff consisted of her five children, grandchildren, and many local people, including high school students in Overbrook. She retired after 50 years.

Read More
« Older posts
Newer posts »

  • County Calendar

Contact us: Osage County News | P.O. Box 62, Lyndon, KS 66451 | news@osagecountyonline.com | 785-828-4994 | Powered by Osage County, Kansas