The following individuals were booked into the Osage County Jail in connection with charges or warrants as listed by the arresting agency.
OCPR Update: Osage City offers free swim on Fourth of July
Summer is here and Osage City Parks and Recreation is lining up some fun for the season. The Osage City Aquatic Center is open for cooling off or to participate in swim lessons or other activities at the pool. In addition, the aquatic center is offering a Fourth of July swim with free admission 1-5 p.m. on the holiday. Other upcoming activities include youth golf camp and youth football camp.
A Cowboy’s Faith: Rains stop for parade
“The heavy downpour quit just in time for the parade to go on as planned.”
Taking the detour to prevent muddy road mishap, it was an hour drive to the fairgrounds starting location.
Obviously, many others were anticipating parade participation as dozens of horses, floats, and other entries were already waiting in line.
Exactly 2 o’clock, the annual Flint Hills Rodeo parade from Cottonwood Falls to the Strong City rodeo arena was underway.
Not even a sprinkle dropped during the hourlong route, with an enjoyable time for everybody although spectator viewing seemed low.
Quite the contrast to 59 years ago, the first-time riding in that rodeo parade. Then, the rain never did stop, although there were still plenty of parade entrants and spectators too.
Although missing a number of those parades through the decades, other times remain quite memorable. That first one sticks out like it was right now.
First year to own Spot, there was no way to get there until an elderly cowboy offered a ride. It was already pouring down when loading into his truck at the old railroad stockyards.
Same parade starting point as nowadays, lots of horses and dedicated riders participated without complaining. Certainly, an exciting time for the 12-year-old wannabe cowboy in his first rodeo parade. Rain never letdown as the rodeo also went on with ample spectators.
Several different horses have been used for the parade with not everyone remembered.
A raised-ranch gray gelding called The Wonderful Zane pranced high headed all the way through one year. Those riding along insisted, “Don’t hold his head so tight,” but directions were not followed, thus preventing a runaway.
Another year the nice-headed sorrel gelding called Jaguar was most enjoyable to ride. He even received a compliment from Mr. Roberts, who had organized the rodeo years earlier. “That’s a better-looking horse than you usually ride,” he said.
Kansas Forest Service: Community should ready defenses against emerald ash borer
Osage County, prepare for emerald ash borer
Emerald ash borer was confirmed in Osage County in 2022, presenting new challenges for communities and residents as they care for their community forest resources.
The Kansas Forest Service is presenting a seminar 12:30-4 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Carbondale City Building, 234 W. Main St., Carbondale, Kan., focusing on the identification of emerald ash borer and how to prepare for its arrival in the area. An open forum for participant networking will follow the program.
Registration for the free seminar is requested; registration is available through this link: Prepare for EAB.
Derrick Mercer, 52, Burlingame: Sept. 7, 1969 – June 17, 2022
BURLNGAME, Kan. – Derrick Lee Mercer, 52, of Burlingame, Kan., died Friday, June 17, 2022, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kan. He was born Sept. 7, 1969, in Topeka, Kan., the son of Richard Mercer and Debra (Mundy) Mercer.
He was a lifelong member of the Burlingame community, and graduated with the Burlingame High School class of 1988.
Derrick was a roofer for Vincent’s Roofing, Topeka, early in his working life. For the last 20 years he has worked for D.J. Enterprises, installing spectator seating as a field contractor at high schools and colleges. He loved his job and loved the road.
Ronald D. Bickford, 79, Burlingame: Nov. 21, 1942 – June 16, 2022
BURLNGAME, Kan. – Ronald D. Bickford, 79, died Thursday, June 16, 2022, at his home at Burlingame, Kan. He was born Nov. 21, 1942, in Elmo, Kan., the son of Clyde Elmer Bickford and Helen Ruby (Fager) Bickford.
Ron was a lifelong resident of Burlingame, and graduated from Burlingame High School with the class of 1961.
On June 13, 1967, Ron was united in marriage to Elora Marie Smith in Fairview, Kan. They shared more than 51 years of loving marriage prior to Elora’s passing in 2018.
Ron worked as an engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation, focusing on bridge design, from 1968 to 1998. He also worked for Goodyear prior to that. He owned Po’ Boy Sporting Goods.
Debra Ann Rice, 69, Melvern: June 17, 2022
MELVERN, Kan. – Debra Ann Rice, 69, passed away Friday, June 17, 2022, at her home north of Melvern, Kan.
Memorial services and a full obituary will be announced next week for a July 9 service by Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. See www.feltnerfuneralhome.com.
Jason Christopher Parker, 43, Vassar: April 21, 1979 – June 12, 2022
VASSAR, Kan. – Jason Christopher Parker passed away at age 43, Sunday, June 12, 2022, in his home at Vassar, Kan.
Jason was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Cindy Parker; children, Sydney Parker, Emporia, Kan., and Jaeden Parker; parents, John and Lavon Parker; brother, Scott (Carla) Fisher; sisters, Robyn Parker, Jessica (Isaac) Clark, and Jana (Brandon) Comer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Jason was born to John and Lavon on April 21, 1979, in Hays, Kan. When the family moved to Lyndon, Kan., in the mid-90s, Jason met his wife, Cindy, and they married in 1997. By 2004, Jason and Cindy had welcomed two children into their family.
During much of the time they shared, they made a life full of happy memories that included attending numerous choir and band concerts, football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball games, mental math competitions, scholar’s bowl meets, forensics tournaments, and school and community plays. When they weren’t doing things to support their children, you could find them at concerts of their favorite bands, on road trips to visit family, quietly sitting and listening to their favorite music or watching their favorite movies, and watching their children grow into wonderful adults ready to make the world theirs. With their youngest having graduated in May and planning to attend KU in the fall, Jason and Cindy had begun planning for their next 25 years together.
A Cowboy’s Faith:Following orders for prevention
“Coronavirus remains a worldwide health threat not to be taken lightly.”
One of the most controversial concerns of recent times, coronavirus has had major impact on all phases of human life.
Literally millions of stories, scientific reports and even books have been written about the vast implications including mortality.
Yet, in reality, very little is known about coronavirus other than it truly is definitely serious. That fact hits hardest when close friends die from coronavirus, and several have.
Many people have ignored every warning denying dangers. They would not even follow laws requiring safety measures, insisting, “Nobody’s going to tell me what to do.”
Feeling the need for utmost caution from the beginning, all recommendations for prevention were followed closely.
A mask was worn for protection of coronavirus spread from others. Despite waiting extended times for availability, two inoculations were received without side effects.
Continuing research indicated those immunizations might not be effective. So, the readily available booster shot was taken.
After that, it seemed a public speaker who insisted, “They are just putting water in the syringes,” might be right. He and his family followed the entire preventive procedures, and everyone still contracted coronavirus.
“It was terrible, and we thought we were going to die,” he said. “Fortunately, we are alive, but who knows the aftereffects.”
Although cases of coronavirus are continually being reported, urgency of the news has subsided. Majority of the population has become unconcerned about any coronavirus precautions.
Lyndon gets revved up for citywide garage sales and annual car show
Lyndon’s citywide garage sales will be June 17-18, 2022. The Lyndon Carnegie Library is making a map of sales available. Anyone who would like their sale on the map is asked to call the library at 785-828-4520 by 6 p.m. Thursday. The maps will be at Casey’s and the post office on Friday and at the library Saturday.
Also the library will be holding a book sale 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, and starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Proceeds will help the library meet its goal of $6,000 to purchase a new air conditioner and furnace for the basement.
For more information about the garage sales or book sale, call or stop by the library at 127 E. Sixth St., Lyndon, Kan., or see www.lyndonlibrary.org.
Also Saturday will be the 10th annual Get ‘Rev’d Up’ All Motor Show. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the show runs until 3 p.m., at Lyndon City Park. Registration is open until the day of the show. Free admission for spectators. For more information or to register a vehicle, contact Greg Thill at 785-221-9024 or [email protected].
Help Wanted: Mac Fasteners – openings for Header Operator and Threadroll Operator
Mac Fasteners in Ottawa has immediate openings for Header Operator and Threadroll Operator positions available. Set up and operate various machines for manufacturing precision aircraft quality fasteners. All experience levels welcome to apply! These are full time positions with great benefits. Apply online at www.trsaero.com/careers or in person at 1110 Enterprise Street, Ottawa, KS 66067.
City of Osage City: American and Union Cemeteries Decoration Policy
City of Osage City
American and Union Cemeteries
Decorations placed upon graves will be removed 15 days following Decoration Day of each year. After this date any decorations that remain will be removed by cemetery staff.
Flowers which are placed in urns which are part of a headstone and are embedded in a concrete base may be permitted at all times.
For more information, contact Osage City Hall at 785-528-3714, 201 S. Fifth St., PO Box 250, Osage City, KS 66523.
A Cowboy’s Faith: Those critters demand affection
“Ranch animals want their fair share of attention.”
Uncertain whether it’s Fluffy the big yellow cat or ZaneEtta the yearling gray filly who is most demanding for affection.
Likely Fluffy is the loneliest as she’s the only cat on the place most of the time. Occasionally a strangly stray gray tomcat Lioness shows up and wants to fight with her more than romance. Still, Fluffy isn’t so demanding of human attention when that ornery visitor comes around.
Fluffy has a unique story of her own, coming to the ranch six years ago with a mate Garfield. They lived in the hay mow for a very long time afraid of humans but eventually came to the food pan.
The pair did become more accustomed to ranch life and moved into the barnyard. Staying in the hay shed mostly, it took several months before they would accept human touch.
Garfield never became overly friendly, but Fluffy was completely heartbroken when her mate was run over by a ranch pickup.
Extensive human attention is now demanded by Fluffy, who beds down in various ranch locations. Whenever the house door opens, she bounds to it and wraps herself around whoever’s legs they are. It’s impossible to walk without stepping on her. While relaxing on the step or swinging, Fluffy is nuzzling in the lap wanting petted.
Now, ZaneEtta – the intensely ranch-bred filly was a bit ornery at first. She learned to lead, tie, and have her feet picked up quite readily.
Yet, ZaneEtta had a sour attitude, for a while rolling her eyes and laying her ears back. She only tried to nip once and just lifted her hind leg up to kick another time.
Closing high school chapter, Osage City graduates begin next installment of life
OSAGE CITY, Kan. – In front of family, friends, classmates and well-wishers, the Osage City High School class of 2022 closed one chapter of their lives and opened the next on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
The class’s two honor students, Hannah Jones and Bryson Murphy each described their sadness and fears about the end of their Osage City school years, but encouraged their classmates to not forget the good times and relive the happy moments.
“When I think about my time here at Osage I remember the good times,” Murphy said. Reviewing some of the good memories of his high school years, “It was everything to me,” he said. But as the class was making memories, they were also preparing for the next chapter, Murphy said he realized recently.
“I am ready for college,” he said. “I am ready for what’s next to come in life. But I am not ready to leave this. Leave family. Leave this home.”
He urged his friends to see how much they’ve grown, but to continue to grow.
“Let’s all take a deep breathe together,” he said. “It is time for us to begin our next chapter – not alone and afraid, but together and afraid.”
Jones thanked those who helped the graduates get to the final pages of their high school chapter. “Each of us have helped us get to this day,” she said.
Jones reviewed the class’s four years at Osage City High School, noting their junior year presented unexpected challenges.
“The school year began with temperature checks, masks and social distancing,” she said. Subsequently, the students learned about contact tracing and quarantining, all of which led to online learning.
“As the school year progressed, this became the new normal,” Jones said.
Jones thanked Osage City High School Principal Tony Heward for choosing the 2022 class as his last at the school, as he was there for all of the class’s high school years.
“Four years goes by quickly,” Jones said, noting one important lesson she learned was “how important it is to live in the moment. Don’t rush or wish time away. Because it goes by plenty fast by itself.”
But she urged her friends to notice, “Even though it doesn’t seem like it now, high school is just a tiny part of our lives.”
“Our time has come to move onto the next chapter in our lives,” she said.
Frontier Extension District enlists interns for summer programs
The Frontier Extension District has been awarded three summer interns through a K-State Research and Extension grant to help combat COVID and promote learning within local communities.
With health and wellness frames in mind, the Extension district created Bicycle SPIN (Special Interest) Clubs partnering with local libraries. With interns’ assistance, youth will be able explore nature, food and nutrition, exercise, and much more. The SPIN clubs will provide a safe space where kids feel welcomed.
Welcome these Frontier Extension interns for the summer. Here they tell you a little bit about themselves.
Josie Thompson
Hello, my name is Josie Thompson. I am from Osage County and was a member of the Willing Workers 4-H Club for 12 years. I was involved in many projects over the years, but my favorites were livestock and food and nutrition. I am so excited to be a 4-H intern and make many connections with 4-H members.
As an intern, I plan to make the kids we work with feel included and as if they belong. I believe there is something for everyone in 4-H. Youth should be able to find their passion, whether it be cooking, Legos, showing livestock, or even fashion. I can foresee how much fun this internship will be this summer!
Hailey Gillespie
My name is Hailey Gillespie, and I am the 4-H Youth Development summer intern in Anderson County this summer. Over the last several years, I have been an active member of the Seekers Not Slackers 4-H Club and Anderson County FFA. In 4-H, I was involved in numerous projects, but the sheep project was always my favorite.
Currently, I am a Fort Scott Community College Livestock Judging Team member while I work towards my associate degree. After Fort Scott, I plan to transfer to Kansas State University. I am so excited to be working with youth over the summer!
Ethan Hatfield
Hi, my name is Ethan Hatfield and I am the 4-H Youth Development intern for Franklin County. I was born and raised in Pomona, Kan., where our family runs a small Hereford cattle operation. Throughout 4-H, I have been involved in numerous projects and events, but the one I enjoyed the most was showing cattle.
I am currently attending Kansas State University with a biomedical engineering degree on the pre-med track. My future career goal is to work as a family physician in a rural area. I’m looking forward to all the fun and great experience we have planned this summer.”
For more information about the Bicycle SPIN program, contact the Frontier Extension office at Ottawa, 785-229-3520, or inquire at a local library.
Traveling exhibit tells story of Osage County’s county seats
Ann Rogers and Lynsay Flory show the historical exhibit “Individuals of Influence,” which is on display now at the Lyndon Library.
The Osage County Historical Society has a new, civics-minded exhibit. “Individuals of Influence,” led by an Osage County archivist, Ann Rogers, gives current Osage County citizens a connection with those who came before them.
The display contains photos and artifacts related to the county seat at Lyndon, but it is important to note the county had several county seats prior to when Lyndon became county seat. Rogers and Lynsay Flory, OCHS director, have written a short history tracing the county seats, and it is available in a free pamphlet at the display. The exhibit is currently on display at the Lyndon Carnegie Library, 127 E. Sixth St., Lyndon, Kan.
“The society would welcome donations of artifacts directly relating to the past county seats,” Rogers said.
Flory noted the exhibit highlights the important history of citizen involvement in local government.
“As we approach a two-year election year, it can be tempting to neglect local and county concerns,” Flory said, “but our exhibit demonstrates the value citizens place on county affairs. To Osage County residents past and present, local and county issues are important.”
The historical society plans to move the exhibit around the county, enabling more people to see it.
Floyd E. ‘Eddie’ Trout, 83, Overbrook: Sept. 2, 1938 – June 8, 2022
OVERBROOK, Kan. – Floyd E. “Eddie” Trout, 83, Overbrook, Kan., passed away June 8, 2022, at Midland Care Hospice House. He was born Sept. 2, 1938, on the family farm in Douglas County by Twin Mound, the son of Floyd E. Trout Sr. and Mary Alice (Shurmur) Trout.
Eddie was a lifelong resident of rural Overbrook, Kan., attending Twin Mound Elementary School and Overbrook High School.
Eddie proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years, and then eight years in the Army Reserves. After his military service, Eddie began working at Sears Department Store, in Topeka, Kan., eventually becoming a mechanic in the auto service department from 1958 to his retirement in 2003.
On Oct. 30, 1962, Eddie was united in marriage to Kay Kistner, at Topeka. They celebrated 59 years of loving marriage together.
Eddie was a family man. He loved his wife and kids, and of course he loved to spoil his grandkids. Some of his favorite times were going fishing with the grandsons and his son to the pond, creek or lake on Sundays. He enjoyed raising cattle on his farm and gardening and keeping his yard neat and full of beautiful flowers, so he had flowers for his wife, Kay. Eddie loved to spend time with family, but his great granddaughters always could win his heart. They were always happy to see their “Papa.”
Burlingame’s 2022 graduates look back at paths taken, look forward to new journeys
BURLINGAME, Kan. – During the May 14, 2022, graduation ceremony, the graduates of Burlingame High School faced a reality – a long journey had ended and a new journey was beginning. With 22 students in the 2022 BHS graduating class, four were named as valedictorians, each sharing remembrances of the paths they had taken to get there and ideas about the direction they were heading.
Valedictorian Kenna Masters told her classmates, “Here we are at this very moment that marks the beginning of our next journey.”
On behalf of the graduates, she recognized those who had helped the class reach this point. To the teachers, “we appreciate all of the support you have given us throughout our years of school,” Masters said. To the coaches, noting the girls volleyball, basketball and softball teams had made school history during this class’s school years, “Thank you for preparing us and guiding us to achieve our goals. And to parents and family members, she said those who cared for the students “have created a solid foundation for [our] future.”
Daelyn Winters, valedictorian and 2022 senior class president, said the class had worked together on their journey “walking as one. We’ve done this all together, but today that ends. The path we have been sharing together is about to split into 22 different paths. Every single one of those paths will have challenges.”
She encouraged her classmates to “meet the challenges head on and not shy away,” and offered a farewell good wish, “Wherever the future takes you, let it take you somewhere you are happy with.”
Valedictorian Brooke Lewis lamented that “although school days seemed to drag on … the years went by so quickly.” But through their years at Burlingame schools, “We learned how to deal with adversity and push through difficult times.”
Congratulating her classmates for reaching this point in their school years journey, Lewis said, “You made it to this day for a reason. You are capable of so much, so set your goals high. Life is short, so go out there and follow your dreams.”
Valedictorian McKrae Masters had tallied up her journey as “2,487 days of conversation, of giggling and making jokes, and creating friendships, of loving one another … 2,487 days of figuring out who we truly want to be…”
“Well it’s here and we are grown,” she said, “but no I no longer want to be.”
Masters said though she hadn’t “enjoyed every minute of it” she enjoyed the “memories that were made, the laughter that was created, and the life lessons that we learned.”
“So as we leave here today, my only wish is that all the memories and the laughter and the lessons stay with us, and with all of you, forever,” she said.
In addition to the four valedictorians, Emma Tyson was named as the 2022 class salutatorian.
