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Carbondale Brownies donate $250 to city’s library building fund

Presenting a donation to the Carbondale library building fund were, front from left, Kynlee Ard, Claire Greenfield, Elizabeth Molt; middle, Tyler Shreve, Reese Black, Ainsley Johnson, Olivia Kennedy, Brynna More »

Overbrook Rotarians invite you to sit down, relax and read

Overbrook Rotarians Don Schultz, Vic Robbins and Marian Massoth worked last weekend to install an Overbrook Rotary bench on the northwest side of the Overbrook Public Library. The Overbrook More »

Local artists compete for pizza in Melvern Lake water safety poster contest

Winning posters artists who received their prizes on Aug. 12 were, front from left, Charlie DeMaranville, Faye Carpenter, Zoe Carpenter, Lauryn Raymie; second row, Ethan Kneisler, Allie Kneisler, Emma More »

Building of distinction still graces Burlingame; old school now repository of local history

By Paul Schmidt This distinct brick building built in 1902 served as Burlingame’s grade school for 99 years. Now called the Schuyler Museum, it is a repository of local, More »

A Cowboy’s Faith: Doing what’s most important

August 13, 2017   Frank J. Buchman   No comments

A Cowboy's Faith: Click to read more from Frank J. Buchman.“It’s impossible to be everywhere at the same time.”

Something has to give, and it’s a major decision deciding which that’s going to be. More so, determining the one of many things wanted to do in a day.

What is the most important? Whatever selected means missing out on all of the others. Always in the busy life conflicts arise among opportunities.

It seems to strike harder than ever as calendar schedule overflows the lines. Life was supposed to be simpler in maturity, but opposite it’s become.

Reality of that has definitely moved to forefront in recent days. With a fulltime off-ranch job to assure bills are paid, evenings and weekends are packed with catchup chores.

Add to the complexity, so many “social” activities one desires to partake. Saturday, there were two “important” horse shows that needed to be participated in for valuable yearend points.

After serious deliberation determination made to attend the one with most events, efficiently using horse, rider, dollars, and time. Just “gave the winnings” to the competition at the other show, because couldn’t be there to try to beat them.

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Lyndon Leaders invite sunflower lovers to enjoy the summer bloom

August 12, 2017   Contributor   1 Comment

Photo of last year’s sunflowers by Darlene Bogren.

By Leanne Shoup, Club Reporter

Calling all sunflower lovers! The Lyndon Leaders 4-H Club’s sunflower field is progressing faster than we thought. We think the flowers will be in full bloom by the second weekend in August.

As with the club’s sunflower project last year, everyone is invited to stop by the field and look at the sunflowers in bloom. To reach the field, from the junction of U.S. 56 and U.S. 75 (Four Corners), go four miles south on U.S. 75 to 189th Street; the field is northwest of the intersection. The sunflowers will be easily visible from U.S. 75, but do not park on the highway. Please pull off on the gravel road, 189th Street, and enjoy.

The club decided that all donations from the sunflower field will go to Garrett McCoy, a Lyndon high school senior who recently suffered from a brain aneurism. Club members thank all who support Garrett and the 4-H club.

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Melvern Lake open for business despite blue-green algae warning at outlet ponds

August 11, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Melvern Lake’s Coeur d’Alene swim beach awaits beach lovers even though the lake’s outlet ponds are under algae warning.

A blue-green algae warning continues for two popular ponds adjacent to Melvern Lake. A warning covering Melvern Outlet River Pond and Melvern Outlet Swim Pond was issued last week, along with an announcement of the closure of Outlet Swim Beach.

The presence of blue-green algae was confirmed in the ponds, with the warning based on cyanobacteria/toxin results from Aug. 3 and 8, 2017, testing conducted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

With the swim beach closed, those looking to swim are encouraged to go to Coeur d’Alene swim beach.

The Melvern outlet ponds are among five lakes in the state under warning for blue-green algae, including Central Park Lake, Shawnee County, Marion County Lake, Marion County, and Webster Lake, Rooks County.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a warning, but contact with the water should be avoided. It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as the fish is rinsed with clean water. Only the fillet portion should be consumed, and all other parts should be discarded. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a warning.

Another Osage County lake, Overbrook City Lake, remains under a blue-green algae watch. Also under watches are Milford Reservoir in all zones in Geary, Dickinson and Clay counties; Sam’s Pond, Syracuse, Hamilton County; South Lake, Johnson County and Villa High Lake, Thomas County.

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Rip roarin’ fair fun at Overbrook

August 11, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Photo by Tod Bevitt

An excited crowd enjoyed fire-breathing and smoke-bellowing farm implements during Thursday night’s tractor pull at the Overbrook Osage County Fair. The fair continues Friday and Saturday. Arena entertainment includes Friday night’s ATV races and Saturday night’s UTV races and demolition derby theatre. The fair parade, with the theme “Country Pride County Wide” begins at 6 p.m. Saturday in downtown Overbrook; lineup by 5:30 p.m. See the full schedule here.

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SOS announces Osage County “SOS Strong” men

August 09, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

While most men are not violent in their relationships, SOS believes a single aggressor is one too many. With this in mind, “SOS Strong” was established to build lasting relationships and improve community awareness.  “SOS Strong” is a team of 20 men dedicated to helping SOS stop domestic violence and child abuse by raising $1,000 each to support each of our four SOS programs.

Nominated as “SOS Strong” members for Osage County were Darrel Finch and Jeff King, who will strive to reach a $1,000 fundraising goal between now and August 24, 2017.

This all-male fundraiser was founded to highlight positive role models and to remind our youth men are far more than stereotypical abusers, controllers and runaway fathers. Because most learned behaviors are acquired during our most formative years, children need reassurance and guidance from compassionate, caring men. The community as a whole needs to see that abuse is not just a woman’s problem, it’s everyone’s problem.

Each “SOS Strong” member took a pledge to lead by example, to never blame victims, to be a positive up-stander rather than a willing bystander, to not engage in any acts of violence, to stand-up for someone in need, and to always use his voice to speak up for what is right. When men are strong in character and lead by conviction, so are our families, schools and streets. 

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Overbrook Overlook: It’s county fair time at Overbrook

August 09, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Update: Dog swim day has been cancelled due to a sudden change in water chemistry leading to discoloration. The pool is officially closed as of Aug. 11.

*****

It’s fair time! The Overbrook Osage County Fair begins today, Wednesday, Aug. 9, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 12. The fair parade will be on Main Street at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Fire station open house

Osage County Fire District No. 4 will host an open house with games, food, fun and a blood drive 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.

Dog and animal control ordinance update

After discussion by the city council discussion in July, it was decided to review similar ordinances from other cities with the possibility of creating a new ordinance that includes humane treatment and animal husbandry conditions along with the number of dogs allowed per residence. More discussion will be held at the August city council meeting.

2018 city budget

The 2018 budget has been drafted and will be presented to Overbrook residents at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, before the monthly council meeting.

Overbrook swimming pool

Update: Pool closed Aug. 11. The swimming pool closes for the season Saturday, Aug. 12, with a free swim day. Then, it’s “Dog Day at the Pool” noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, for a dogs only swim; no humans allowed.

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Filings in Osage County Courthouse July 31 – Aug. 4, 2017

August 08, 2017   Wayne White

The following information was compiled from records at the Osage County Courthouse July 31 through Aug. 4, 2017.

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Osage County Jail Log, Aug. 1 – Aug. 5, 2017

August 08, 2017   Wayne White

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

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OCPR Update: Cool off at the aquatic center until Labor Day

August 08, 2017   Sponsor

OCPR-logo-redSummer activities are winding down for Osage City Parks and Recreation, but the Osage City Aquatic Center remains open on weekends through Labor Day, and signup for fall activities is underway. Check out upcoming opportunities to participate in youth soccer, youth flag football, cheerleader camp, volleyball camp, and a countywide volleyball league.

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Ross Gray, 91, Topeka: March 21, 1926 – Aug. 7, 2017

August 08, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – Ross Gray, 91, passed away on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017, at the Veteran’s Home in Winfield, Kan. He was born on March 21, 1926, in Lyndon, Kan., the son of Wayne and Ruth Rankin Gray.

Ross grew up in Lyndon, where he graduated from Lyndon High School in 1943. He had lived in Hiawatha, Kan., for a time before moving to Topeka, Kan.

Ross served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater. He and his ship, the U.S.S. Chevalier, were in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrender was signed. He came home to Lyndon and farmed with his dad and brother, Tom, for several years. He then joined the Kansas Highway Patrol and served as a trooper and then pilot, serving for 28 years.  He was a member of the American Legion, the Troopers Association, the Kansas Peace Officers Association, the Susana Wesley United Methodist Church, the Optimist Club, and Moose Lodge.

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Inez Marguerite Tasker, 94, Topeka: Feb. 10, 1923 – Aug. 5, 2017

August 08, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

TOPEKA, Kan. – Inez Marguerite (Mahin) Tasker passed away peacefully in her home Aug. 5, 2017. Inez, known to all as Marguerite, daughter of Rev. Ross Leonard and Rev. Fern Amanda (Haines) Mahin, was born Feb. 10, 1923, on the family farm on Cedar Creek, Smith County, near Cedar, Kan.

She and her siblings, Leila, Franklin, and Duane daily walked the 1 1/2 mile to the Cedar grade school. Later the family moved to Nebraska to pastor the Victor Wesleyan Church where Marguerite attended North Branch Quaker Academy. Graduating at 17 from Red Cloud High School, she attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College, taking the Normal Training course to become an elementary school teacher.

In 1942, Marguerite interviewed with the Delphos School Board and was subsequently hired as the new schoolteacher at Locust Hill, later teaching in other Ottawa County schools, including Delphos for eight years.

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A Cowboy’s Faith: Demand despite industry changes

August 06, 2017   Frank J. Buchman   No comments

A Cowboy's Faith: Click to read more from Frank J. Buchman.“Hogs are mortgage lifters for farmers.”

That philosophy commonplace in agriculture for decades has changed. The fact came to mind during a hog show at the county fair.

Most farming operations included hog production for many years. It was because hogs generally earned some profit when other aspects of agriculture were losing money.

Nearly every farm had hogs, chickens and milk cows in the first half of the previous century. While poultry and dairy became specialized quicker, hogs remained on many farms longer. Now they’re much fewer and farther between.

Even if there weren’t larger numbers, many farmers kept a few sows to raise pigs. They’d either sell them as feeders or finish to market weight. Others specialized in buying and growing the pigs, perhaps considered easier than farrowing.

Hog enterprises appeared so enhancive in the final quarter of the previous century that many farmers built elaborate facilities. Some reaped good profits for several years. Others soon found demands to produce pigs’ profitability far less glamorous than those selling buildings claimed.

The industry’s changed completely. Vast majority of pork today is produced by “corporate hog factories.” Similarities to any other workplace except caring for live animals from mating through dinner plate. Well almost, as processing is still separate entity for most hog production.

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Overbrook Osage County Fair presents finale to county fair season

August 04, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

Summer is speeding by and Osage County’s last county fair of the season officially starts next Wednesday. The 2017 Overbrook Osage County Fair runs Aug. 9 to 12 at the Overbrook fairgrounds, along with a carnival and a variety of motor shows for evening entertainment.

While the fair and exhibit entry open on Wednesday, the associated horse show begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at the fairgrounds arena. Here is the complete fair schedule:

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Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA members attend Washington Leadership Conference

August 04, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Kathryn Vaught and Brookelyn Janssen visit Washington D.C.

Two Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA members, Kathryn Vaught and Brookelyn Janssen, along with other FFA members from throughout the country, converged on Washington, D.C., this past summer to analyze their personal skills and interests, develop leadership skills and create a meaningful community service plan that will make a difference in their home communities.

More than 2,100 students participated in the 2017 Washington Leadership Conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year. June 13-18, 2017, Vaught and Janssen and other FFA members spent a week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff members. In workshops, seminars and small groups, FFA members focused on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters.

Students also analyzed the needs of their communities back home, developed a wide-range and high-impact community service initiatives, and implemented their plan with the help of their FFA chapter upon return home.

During their time in D.C., Vaught and Janssen also experienced the history of the nation’s capital, touring landmarks including the Washington Monument, War Memorial, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others.

When asked about their most memorable experience during the trip, Vaught said, “The WLC staff taught us how we can use everybody’s differences to work together and they also helped us set personal goals by teaching us how to set an achievable one.”

“Going to WLC was such a life changer,” Janssen said. “I definitely came back with an open mind and a better plan to make not just my school a better place but my community too! Seeing so many others that enjoy the same association as I do was amazing. I love meeting new people and watching how their eyes lit up when they talked about something they loved.”

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Corps closes swimming beach and issues public health warning for Melvern Lake Outlet Ponds

August 04, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

MELVERN, Kan. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the existence of a blue-green algae bloom at the Outlet Campground River Pond and Outlet Swim Beach/Fish Rearing Pond downstream of Melvern Lake, in Osage County, Kan.

These ponds are currently under a warning based on cyanobacteria and toxin results from Aug. 3, 2017, testing conducted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. As a result, the swim beach at Outlet Swim Beach/Fish Rearing Pond is closed until further notice.  All other facilities in Outlet Park and Melvern Lake remain open.

The present algae bloom is isolated to the Outlet Campground River Pond and Outlet Swim Beach/Fish Rearing Pond below Melvern Lake Dam. Lake visitors can still use the Coeur d’ Alene swim beach on the main lake. Boat ramps and main lake activities are not affected. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms.

Hot and sunny weather conditions combined with high nutrient levels create ideal conditions for harmful algae bloom growth. Blue-green algae blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float or drift around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid all water contact and keep pets away.

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Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA officers work to serve wildfire-affected family

August 04, 2017   Contributor   No comments

MdCV FFA members help cleanup after a wildfire, loading fire damaged posts onto a trailer.

The Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA officers worked on their leadership skills, organized the year of events, and assisted a family affected by recent wildfires during their annual officer retreat held July 5-7, 2017.

This year’s retreat began early Wednesday morning as officers Josey Weimer, Dalton Hook, Chloe Volkman, Kali Holt, Kathryn Vaught, Alaina Marsh, Brookelyn Janssen and Destiny Massey headed towards Wichita to tour Cargill Innovation Center, where they met with Kassie Curran, Cargill program director and past Kansas FFA officer, who spoke to the group about opportunities and the business at Cargill. This was followed by a tour of the facility.

The officers then spent the afternoon visiting the Sedwick County Zoo enjoying the various zoo animals. Afterwards they headed to Greensburg, where they visited the changes in the city in the 10 years following a devastating tornado. That evening the officers sat down to look deep inside themselves to reflect on personal growth and team unity as well as the importance of being positive role models at the school.

The next day, the officers headed to the Giles Ranch, located between Bucklin and Ashland, where the destructive wildfires destroyed thousands of acres, livestock, and the homes of the Giles daughters and their families.

The MdCV FFA officers spent the next two days helping out by picking up fire damaged fence posts after crews that were rebuilding over 200 miles of fence on the ranch. Members also helped reorganize a storage container of donated items for distribution.

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Primary election whittles Burlingame school board candidates to 3

August 02, 2017   Wayne White   No comments

The only primary election in Osage County on Aug. 1, 2017, determined three candidates for a seat on the USD 454 Board of Education in the November general election.

In Tuesday’s election, four candidates, Jackie Diver, Bruce W. Love, Kylee Simmons and Donna Young, vied for a majority of votes to be on the general election ballot.

Unofficial results of this week’s election were released by the Osage County election office last night as follows: Young, 60; Diver, 44; Love, 21; and Simmons, 17.

The names of Young, Diver, and Love will be on the Nov. 7, 2017, general election ballot, in a race for the USD 454 Board of Education position No. 7.

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Osage County Emergency Management schedules annual planning workshop

August 01, 2017   Wayne White

Osage County Emergency Management and Local Emergency Planning Committee will host a training and exercise planning workshop at 7 p.m. Aug. 24, 2017, at the Meyer Conference Room, Osage County Sheriff’s Department, 141 W. 14th St., Lyndon, Kan.

The focus of the workshop will be to provide participants the opportunity to develop a coordinated and comprehensive exercise and training calendar using the capabilities-based planning process to support the priorities and needs of all response partners within Osage County.

The workshop is designed to assess capabilities and preparedness levels of participating agencies, identify a cycle of exercises that increase in complexity to improve capabilities, and prepare a multi-year training and exercise calendar for 2018, 2019 and 2020. A multi-year training and exercise calendar uses a combination of exercises to accomplish program goals and objectives.

The workshop’s goal is to gain a clear picture of local agencies’ capabilities, resources, and level of training. The workshop will help each agency and the county identify training and exercise needs for the upcoming three years.

Participating agencies should notify Bryce Romine, Osage County emergency management director, of the number of expected participants by Aug. 22, 2017. For more information, contact Romine at 785-828-3323.

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Filings in the Osage County Courthouse July 24-28, 2017

August 01, 2017   Wayne White

The following information was compiled from records at the Osage County Courthouse July 24 through July 28, 2017.

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Schaub to serve as Frontier Extension District horticulture agent

August 01, 2017   Contributor   No comments

Ryan Schaub

Ryan Schaub will begin serving as the Frontier Extension District’s horticulture extension agent, effective Aug. 6, 2017. Working out of the district’s office in Garnett, Schaub will provide leadership for programing in Anderson, Franklin and Osage counties. Horticulture agents develop and deliver educational programs such as horticulture crop production, marketing and economics related to the horticulture industry, landscape design maintenance and improvement, conservation of natural resources and pest management.

Schaub earned a Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences and Industry from Kansas State University, and has most recently been serving as the agriculture and natural resources extension agent at Eureka, Kan., in Greenwood County. He grew up on a small farm in Franklin County and was active in the 4-H and youth development program.

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Kansas Forest Service to host emerald ash borer workshops in Topeka

August 01, 2017   Wayne White

TOPEKA, Kan. – Properly caring for Kansas trees has become an increasingly difficult task for our state’s foresters, city and county staff, tree boards, and other tree care professionals with the invasion of the emerald ash borer in northeast Kansas.

The Kansas Forest Service, Shawnee County Extension, and Shawnee County Parks and Recreation are hosting two free workshops on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017, to address the emerald ash borer. The insect, which has been detected in Shawnee and seven other Kansas counties, is a serious threat bringing larger challenges than ever to the state.

The afternoon seminar will be 1-4:30 p.m. in the Preston Hale Room of the Ward Meade Historic Site, in Topeka. It will focus on the identification of the pest, details of the quarantine in place, and the impact to community forests and governmental budgets. An open forum for participant networking will follow the program.

The general public is encouraged to attend the evening session at 6:30 p.m. at the Shawnee County K-State Research and Extension office to learn about the emerald ash borer, how to identify the insect, detect signs of damage, and management options. Homeowners, landowners, and concerned citizens are invited to attend this informational event.

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