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Santa Fe School District schedules kids summer meal program

Santa Fe School District is starting its summer meal program on May 30, 2023, served at the schools in the district. Free meals are offered to all children ages 1 to 18; meals must be consumed on site.

Meals will be served at:

  • Carbondale Attendance Center, May 30-Aug 4; breakfast 7:30-8:30 a.m.; lunch 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. No meals July 3-4.
  • Overbrook Attendance Center, May 30-Aug 4; breakfast 7:30-8:30 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. No meals July 3-4.
  • Scranton Attendance Center, May 30-Aug 4; breakfast 8 -9 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m.-12 p.m. No meals July 3-4.
  • Santa Fe Trail High School, May 30-July 27; breakfast only, 7:30-9:30 a.m. No meals July 3-7.

In case of severe weather and the site is closed for meal service, the public will be notified through the district’s social media. For more information, contact Tosha Smith, USD 434 registrar and food service representative, at 800-836-9525 ext. 1126.

Carbondale police to conduct holiday weekend impaired driver check lane

The Carbondale Police Department will conduct a traffic enforcement check lane over Memorial Day weekend. The purpose of the check lane is to educate the public and enforce traffic laws, including driving while impaired.

The check lane will 5 p.m. to midnight, May 26, 2023, at one of three locations: 400 block of North Topeka Avenue, 400 block of South Topeka Avenue, and the 300 block of Main Street.

All efforts will be made to limit any severe interruption of traffic flow.

For more information, contact the Carbondale Police Department, 234 Main St., Carbondale, KS 66414, or call 785-836-7377.

Weiser inducted into national collegiate honor society

Mark Weiser, of Osage City, Kan., has accepted an invitation for lifetime induction into a nationwide collegiate honor society, which recognizes high-achieving first and second-year college students with a minimum of a 3.4 GPA. Weiser is a student at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kan., and is majoring in philosophy.

NSCS is an honors organization that invites less than 10 percent of all eligible students nationwide to join the ranks of its diverse membership each year. A leading interdisciplinary academic honor society, NSCS is made up of scholars from two-year, four-year, and online institutions.

“NSCS members’ deep commitment to service, integrity, and scholarship positively impact their campuses and local communities every day,” said Steve Loflin, the organization’s founder.

Notable NSCS distinguished honorary members include former President Jimmy Carter, U.S. Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders, the late Sen. John McCain, and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala.

“We welcome Mark Weiser to our community of like-minded, high-achieving nationwide scholars,” Loflin said.

With the organization’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service, membership in NSCS provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities, professional development resources, and access to scholarships and grants.

Osage County drivers arrested in weekend impaired driver patrol

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – As part of ongoing efforts to remove impaired drivers from Kansas roadways, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office participated in a grant-funded saturation patrol this past weekend, May 6-7, 2023. The program was funded by Kansas Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Between Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, Osage County Sheriff’s deputies arrested five drivers suspected of driving under the influence.

“Please remember, always designate a sober driver,” Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells said. “To report a suspected impaired driver, call 911.”

Reading School alumni plan 2023 banquet

The annual Reading Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023, in the gymnasium.  Registration and time to mingle with friends and classmates will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the dinner at 6:30. Back by popular demand, The Miracle Cafe will be providing a delicious meal.

Special honored classes are: 1973 (50th), 1963 (60th) and 1948 (75th). Bright orange postcards were mailed to those alumni with addresses on file. Attendees are asked to bring their registration card or contact Reta (Kinslow) Jackson at PO Box 103, Reading, KS 66868, or call Reta at 620-340-5347. Anyone who attended school at Reading or served as staff are encouraged to attend.

The cost of the meal and registration for the night is $18. People are also welcome to pay at the door.

Kansas Tobacco Quitline: 20 years of helping Kansans quit

TOPEKA, Kan. – This year, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is celebrating 20 years of helping Kansans achieve a tobacco-free life. Since 2003, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline has provided free, one-on-one coaching for Kansans ready to quit using any form of tobacco, including vaping. Professional counseling is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in multiple languages.

Participants are matched with tailored programs designed for youth, pregnant women, American Indians, and individuals with behavioral health or substance use conditions. The Quitline can be easily reached by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visiting ksquit.org.

“Individuals who use any form of tobacco, including vaping, often try to quit multiple times before succeeding, but proven treatments, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, are available to improve your chances to quit for good,” said Matthew Schrock, cessation coordinator. “Quitline participants can choose a lozenge, gum, or patch that will be mailed directly to their home at no cost to help combat nicotine cravings. The Quitline will distribute the nicotine replacement therapy in two-week doses after completion of the first and second phone coaching calls.”

The Quitline’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Program offers participants a $30 Mastercard gift card for every phone coaching call completed. This program offers up to five coaching sessions during pregnancy and four sessions postpartum with the same female coach each time. Participants can also receive free text message support.

The Quitline is a proven treatment option to help Kansans stay tobacco-free. The Kansas Tobacco Quitline is available anytime and can be accessed by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visiting https://kansas.quitlogix.org/. For more resources and information about tobacco use in Kansas, see kdhe.ks.gov/823.

Willing Workers show talents at District Club 4-H Days

By Avery Thielen
Club Reporter

Lena Stucky received a purple on her piano solo.

Lena Stucky received a purple on her piano solo. Courtesy photo.

On Saturday, March 26, 2023, at Wheatridge Middle School, Gardner, Kan., nine Willing Workers 4-H Club members competed at Regional 4-H Club Days. These members had to compete and be selected at District Club 4-H Days to compete at the regional level.

Clara Thielen performed a junior instrumental solo. Mason Newman performed a dance solo, and gave a junior demonstrative talk and junior project talk. Claire Newman performed a dance solo and intermediate instrumental solo, and gave an intermediate project talk.

Clara Thielen received a purple on her instrumental solo.

Clara Thielen received a purple on her instrumental solo. Courtesy photo.

Lena Stucky performed an intermediate piano solo and gave a demonstrative talk. Ruby Stucky performed a junior instrumental solo and gave a demonstrative talk. Paige Thielen gave a junior demonstrative talk. Avery Thielen gave an intermediate project talk. Kassie Thielen gave a junior illustrative talk. Jaiton Bosse competed in senior public speaking. Congratulations to all.

Claire Newman received a purple on her dance solo performance.

Claire Newman received a purple on her dance solo performance. Courtesy photo.


Easter Bunny hops into Melvern for annual 4-H club egg hunt

On April 8, 2023, Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club hosted its annual Melvern Easter Egg Hunt, at the Melvern City Park. Club members who helped hide eggs were, from left, Bella Reeser, Landon Roy, Gradey McNally, Paden McNally, Braelyn McNally-Easter Bunny, Gentry McNally, Allie Reeser, Levi Arb, and Khloe Rice. Submitted by Lisa Reeser.


MdCV FFA celebrates a year’s worth of accomplishments at annual banquet

MdCV FFA ’23-’24 officers, from left, Haylea Bethell, Ella Reed, Akrya Traver, Kate Patterson, and Olivia Lacey, and not pictured, Taytum Gellhaus. Courtesy photo.

By Ella Reed
MdCV FFA Reporter 

On Friday, April 14, 2023, the Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA Chapter hosted its annual banquet at the Melvern Community Center. Chapter President Lindsey Johnson opened the banquet with the invocation, which was then followed by the potluck dinner. Lindsey spoke for the chapter in welcoming everyone to dinner and for a year full of fun activities. Lindsey then introduced some of the members to speak about their memories and moments this year.

Chapter advisor Danny Rice recognized the personal achievements of chapter members. Every year several scholarships are awarded to senior members. Lindsey Johnson and Alyssa McCurdy received the Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA scholarship. The Jill Casten Downing “Legacy of Leadership” scholarship was awarded to Kyla Vogler. Sophomore Montana McCurdy was awarded the Lehning Washington Leadership Conference Scholarship from Emily and Jeremy Lehning.

Overbrook Rural High School plans annual reunion; former students, teachers, staff invited

An Overbrook Rural High School All-School Reunion will be 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Overbrook Public Library. All former students, teachers, and staff members are invited.

The informal gathering is casual and will be a time to visit and reminisce. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ORHS Annuals and other memorabilia of high school days. Light refreshments will be served.

Registrations are due by May 16; registration is $5 per person, payable at the event. To register, call or text Mary Ann (Vanderslice) Leslie at 214-773-5246 (include name and the number attending), or register by email at mavleslie48@yahoo.com.

Lyndon Library plant sale continues this week

Community garden at Melvern, Kan. File photo.

Lyndon Carnegie Library’s second annual plant sale has been continued this week, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the library, 127 E. Sixth St., Lyndon, Kan.

Offered in the sale are multiple flowering plants, vegetable and herb plants, and hanging baskets. There are still lots of vegetables and flowers available. The plant sale will continue until all are gone.

This year’s plant sale is to raise funds to remodel the library’s upstairs flooring.

Chamber Chatter: Dates set for Osage County Fair and Osage City fireworks

Note: Chamber After Hours

ECKAN will be hosting a Chamber After Hours 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023. The office is located at 528 Market St., Osage City. Chamber members and the public are invited to come and join the staff in enjoying refreshments and visiting with fellow community members. ECKAN employees will be available to visit about services the organization provides for the community.

Osage County Fair and Parade

July 19-22, 2023, will be the dates for the Osage County Fair, in Osage City. The theme for the fair and the parade will be determined soon. The parade will be 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023.

Adam Burnett, parade chairman is in the process of creating some new and innovative concepts for the parade for this year. Adam will provide information regarding the parade, and a parade form will be available soon to submit an entry for the parade. The Chamber will be offering cash prizes for float entries and golf cart and ATV entries. Contact Adam, at 785-760-0621 for questions or comments about the event.

Community Fireworks Celebration

The date for the annual community fireworks show hosted by the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be Friday, July 21, 2023. A committee will be selected and start working on plans for the celebration.

Support your hometown, stay at home and shop locally

Osage City is a strong, versatile community with businesses that offer the reasons you should commit to shopping locally. Just think about it and consider a few reasons that you should shop in your home town.

  • Don’t have to travel far.
  • Don’t have to stand in long lines.
  • Purchase locally produced foods which in turn supports local agriculture.
  • Find quirky, amazing and unique gifts.
  • Sales tax paid supports the community and county in vital services such as police and fire protection, street and road repairs, maintaining recreational facilities, etc.
  • Business owners are more personal and willing to help with your shopping needs.
  • Local owners of business in your small town are informed about their products, they know their customers; therefore, they adjust inventories to include goods and services that local people want to buy.
  • Shopping locally is the best way to show pride in your town and help to protect the businesses that make your town unique.

Chamber banquet recognizes industrious and benevolent community members

Osage City Chamber of Commerce 2023 award winners are, from left, Non-Profit of the Year, ECAT President Kathy Lincoln; Employee of the Year, Gregg Croucher, city of Osage City; and Business of the Year, Becky, Craig and Cameron Siljenberg, of Osage Garden & Produce. Chamber photo.

Friday, March 31, 2023, marked the first Osage City Chamber of Commerce awards banquet in recent years, which was held at St. Brigid Hall. There were approximately 100 in attendance at the evening event filled with a variety of entertainment, good food, and visiting with friends from the community.

C.J. Adkins, with Flinthills Catering, catered a delicious meal topped off with a cheesecake dessert that melted in your mouth. The Catholic Church Youth Group were greatly appreciated as they assisted with bussing the tables. Gavin Robert, a talented junior at Osage City High School, provided a nice medley of soft dinner music on his keyboard and guitar.

Following the meal, the first segment of the evening program included two OCHS forensics students presenting their award winning presentations. Dustin Stucky, forensics instructor, introduced Gavin Ericson and Emily Whalen. Both students gave very entertaining presentations and kept the attention of everyone.

Following the students was guest speaker, Jeff Bender, region supervisor of the Parks Division of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Osage City Manager Rod Willi. They gave a detailed and informative speech on the Flint Hills Trail, which will be going through the north part of Osage City.

Highlighting the remainder of the program was the presentation of awards for three categories. Nominations were submitted to the Chamber throughout February and March.

Business of the Year recipient went to Osage Garden and Produce, owners Becky, Craig and Cameron Siljenberg. They purchased the business from Derald and the late Marylou Stromgren in the early months of 2020. They worked their way through the pandemic and have created a successful business in a short amount of time.

The second category was Non-Profit of the Year. Ecumenical Christian Action Team was the recipient of this award. ECAT has been in operation locally since 1987. The staff consists of 21 part-time volunteers. The mission statement is “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” In the last year, ECAT’s food pantry served approximately 7,400 meals. They also provide clothing, bedding, kitchen ware and dishes either free or they accept free will donations. They also assist with rent and gas vouchers.

Gregg Croucher, employee of the city of Osage City, was recipient of the final category, which was Employee of the Year. Gregg has been reliable, dedicated, adaptive and committed to his work as he has been employed with the city for approximately 16 years. He encourages his crew to be very conscientious about their work. The crew, through his instruction, do small favors for townspeople, especially the elderly. Some of the greatest examples of Gregg’s leadership and excellent customer service is displayed through the exhausting heat of summer and the troublesome snow and ice of winter. Gregg leads his crew to get the job done which is exemplary of a loyal employee.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H: Qualifying members compete at Regional Club Days

MJH 4-H Club members at Regional Club Days, from left, Braelyn McNally, Bella Reeser, Allie Reeser, and Frontier Extension Agent Jessica Flory. Lisa Reeser photo.

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Gardner Middle School, Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club members attended Regional Club Days. The Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club was represented by three members. Braelyn McNally gave a speech on Sustainability in the Beef Industry; she received a purple. Allie Reeser presented a multimedia presentation on Anti-Heroes; she received a blue. Bella Reeser preformed a solo dance to the song ‘Shake the Room’; she received a blue. To qualify to attend Regional Club Days, members must have received a top-purple at District Club Days, which was held at Central Heights High School, Feb. 18, 2023.


Vassar schedules summertime farmers and vendors market

A farmers and vendors market has been scheduled for the Vassar community for over the summer. The market will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. once a month on these dates: June 17, July 15, August 19, and Sept. 16, at the Vassar Community Center, 23165 S. Croco Road, Vassar, KS 66543

Anyone who would like to set up a booth is asked to email vassarfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Carbondale Library hosts presentations, exhibit on Kansans’ involvement in World War I

The Carbondale City Library will have two presentations as part of a traveling museum exhibit, “Life in the Trenches”. The exhibit, on loan from the Smoky Hill Museum, Salina, Kan., features stories and personalized accounts of Kansas soldiers and their life in the trenches during World War I.

The first presentation will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the library. Gaylord Anderson, of Carbondale, whose uncle served in World War I, will present “From the Farm to the Front Lines of WWI”. Anderson will give a history of the bravery in battle shown by young Kansas farm boys and the critical role they had in winning WWI.

The next presentation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, and will feature brothers Bobby Hug and Ed Hug, of Scranton, who will show a display of artifacts and pictures related to Osage County residents who had a role in World War I.

The traveling exhibit is sponsored by the Friends of the Carbondale Library, and will be at the library, 302 Main St., Carbondale, Kan., until April 27.

Overbrook to host 15th annual Steve Cross Memorial Children’s Fishing Derby Saturday

The 15th annual Steve Cross Memorial Children’s Fishing Derby will be 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Bob Klinger Children’s Fishing Pond, Jones Park, Overbrook, Kan. The derby is open to ages 16 and under and registration is free.

For children grades 3 and younger, registration begins at 8 a.m. This group will fish from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

For grades 4 through age 16 registration begins at 9:30 a.m. This group will fish from 10-11:30 a.m.

Prizes will be distributed immediately following the conclusion of each session.

There will also be a pancake and sausage feed. For more information see www.overbrookks.com. The derby is co-sponsored by Overbrook Parks and Recreation, Overbrook Rotary Club, and Overbrook Pride.

Local art and handicrafts featured at North Lyon County Arts Festival

Area artists and handcrafters will be featured 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the North Lyon County Arts Festival. The event will be located at the Admire Community Center, 100 E. Third St., Admire, Kan. Admission to the arts and crafts show is free. Children’s activities are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Breakfast will be available 7-9 a.m. and a potato bar and sandwiches, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., both available by freewill donations.

The North Lyon County Arts Festival is sponsored by the Admire United Methodist Church, Admire Community PRIDE, and North Lyon County Museum. For more information, contact Carol at 620-481-0326.

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