Osage County Online | Osage County News – Page 2 – News for Osage County, Kansas, Burlingame, Carbondale, Lyndon, Melvern, Olivet, Osage City, Overbrook, Quenemo, Scranton, Vassar, Pomona Lake, Melvern Lake

Santa Fe Trail High School 2023 graduates travel divergent paths to ‘grown up’ journey

Santa Fe Trail High School class of 2023. Courtesy photo. With 61 graduates, Santa Fe Trail High School had the largest senior class in Osage County in 2023. The More »

Memorial Day: Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club honors those who have served

Photo: MJH 4-H club members hang flags on servicemembers’ graves at the Melvern Cemetery. By Bella Reeser On Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Quenemo Cemetery, and on Friday, More »

Burlingame High School sends off 24 graduates with best wishes for the future

Burlingame High School class of 2023. Photo by Andy Bayless. It was a day of thank yous, goodbyes and well wishes as 24 members of the Burlingame High School More »

2023 OCHS graduates share heartfelt memories of school and community

OCHS class of 2023: Chae Allan Aills, Tomas Manuel Arellano, Owen Michael Potter Bailey, Bryson Thomas Banfield, Alexis Lynne Barrett, Landon Lucas Boss, Breckin Scot Bowin, Braxton Lloyd Bowman, More »

Now Leasing: Apartments in Osage City, Morningside Plaza

Now Leasing! 1 bedroom ground level apartments at Morningside Plaza Apartments, located at 1000 Main St., Osage City. All utilities paid. Central heating. Newer remodeled apartments have central cooling. Older models are window unit air conditioning. Maintenance provided. Laundry on site. Leasing located at Dogwood Glen Apartments at 519 N. 12th St., Osage City. Contact Heather today for an application at 785-528-3626. This establishment is an equal opportunity provider.

James E. Goodyear III, 62, Carbondale: April 5, 1961 – May 16, 2023

CARBONDALE, Kan. – James E. Goodyear III, 62, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at his home near Carbondale, Kan. Jim was born April 5, 1961, in Topeka, Kan., to James Jr. and Carol (Cooper) Goodyear.

He grew up in Overbrook, Kan., and graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School in 1979.

Jim married Sandra Crispin, Jan. 23, 1983.

Jim worked for KP&L and Westar Energy from 1982 to 2015, when he retired. He loved learning about power plant technology, and was always coming home excited to tell Sandy about how the plant ran. After many years of being a certified instrument and controls technician, and obtaining boiler certifications, Jim became the operations trainer for Westar Energy.

A Cowboy’s Faith: Thankful for ‘the help’

A Cowboy's Faith: Click to read more from Frank J. Buchman.“Most jobs require extra workers to get the task completed more efficiently.”

That was proven when the spring going-to-grass crew arrived at dawn.

Ranch yard and country road were overflowing with pickups and trailers. Four handfuls of men, women, and the younger generation had a dozen horses and a half dozen mechanical carts.

Gate to the pasture was opened as workers sifted through, spreading to the west where black cattle speckled the skyline.

Ranch manager’s orders were direct to his helpers gathering a large herd of momma cows with their spring calves. Within a short while, cattle were coming from every direction as the herd started accumulating.

The morning was a bit cool with horses acting frisky, prancing about, and throwing heads into the air. Just when most of the cattle were topping the ridge, one big mare started pitching.

Bets of observing coworkers were on the rider, who gave it all before landing in a heap unhurt. Another rider returned the ornery mount as the worker bounced back in the saddle for the day’s work ahead.

It wasn’t long until the cows and tagalongs went into the barnyard corrals. Fun work was completed with only one mishap as every crew member took their special position.

Babies were separated from mommas and went down the lane through the chute first. Three younger cowboys were in charge of making sure one was always ready when the old timers called for it.

A calf cradle makes work easier than decades earlier when calves were roped, snubbed, and hand thrown to the ground. All calves have been ear tagged upon birth with left ear tag signifying heifer and right a bull.

2023 OCHS graduates share heartfelt memories of school and community

OCHS class of 2023: Chae Allan Aills, Tomas Manuel Arellano, Owen Michael Potter Bailey, Bryson Thomas Banfield, Alexis Lynne Barrett, Landon Lucas Boss, Breckin Scot Bowin, Braxton Lloyd Bowman, Treyton Kahle Britschge, Braiden Michael-James Burd, Connor David Collins, Greta Lynette Crawford, Austin Brown Crettol, Keaton Hawk Curley, Lyia Lyn Dicker, Weston Allan Dunbar, Kaityn Michelle Gantenbein, Mason Wayne Gibson, Kyle Dean Grandstaff, Tracen James Hartner, Pearl Ann Kautzman, Kaden Thorne Kirkpatrick, Corbin Robert Klofkom, Halen James Lacey, Bryce Simon Linebarger, Nakotah Alexander Lowery, Jacob Adam Alexander McCoy, Trevor James Medlen, Dawsyn Ryan Meek, Kenia Jazzmin Mejia-Cortez, Lillian Jo Mitchell, Jack Delaney Neary, Olivia Winn Phillips, Korey Daniel Roberts, Dalton James Rush, Dalton Jones Schaefer, Ellie Marie Shoemaker, and Jacob Scott Watkins. OCHS photo.

With a community standing behind them, along with a touch of humor, Osage City High School graduates of 2023 followed the class’s motto, and gave 100 percent for the last assignment of their public school years – accepting their diplomas.

A quote from Bill Murray served as the class’s inspiration over the years: “Whatever you do, always give 100 percent. Unless you’re donating blood.”

During the graduation ceremony held Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the high school auditorium, the graduates relived school day memories, thanked those who helped them get through the years of school, and reminded each other to not forget their community that had guided and supported them.

Honor student Landon Boss told the class of 38 graduates that their small class size helped bring them together.

“I believe that our small numbers have brought us closer than any other grade,” Boss said. “We don’t have special cliques or friend groups where others aren’t welcome. Instead we are more of a family, where everyone is friends with everyone.”

Noting OCHS was “an everything school”, Boss talked about the support of the community for all of the sports seasons and related some of his best memories in participation of sports.

“I have made memories in high school that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Boss said. “It is memories and times like these that make this class, school, town, and community so special. Memories like these that will be cherished by many for years to come. Osage City will always be a place that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is the type of school, town, and community that you want your kids to grow up in.”

Honor student Kaityn Gantenbein told of a story she had written to her senior self while in the eighth grade. Reading it as a senior made her realize “most of my heart is this school and this town…”

Reflecting on her four years of high school and 15 years living in Osage City, Gantenbein said, “For so long, I have taken for granted how special this place truly is.”

Gantebein said, “This is where my family lives … This is where my friends are … This is where my class is … This place, Osage City, Kansas, is all that I know.

“Wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always carry a part of this town and each other with us.

Revealing her emotions to her eighth grade self, she said, “To open my heart, this is what you would find – my class, this school, this town …”

Presenting the class for graduation was high school counselor Kathy Camerena, and Kelli Bowin, USD 420 Board of Education, presented diplomas to Chae Allan Aills, Tomas Manuel Arellano, Owen Michael Potter Bailey, Bryson Thomas Banfield, Alexis Lynne Barrett, Landon Lucas Boss, Breckin Scot Bowin, Braxton Lloyd Bowman, Treyton Kahle Britschge, Braiden Michael-James Burd, Connor David Collins, Greta Lynette Crawford, Austin Brown Crettol, Keaton Hawk Curley, Lyia Lyn Dicker, Weston Allan Dunbar, Kaityn Michelle Gantenbein, Mason Wayne Gibson, Kyle Dean Grandstaff, Tracen James Hartner, Pearl Ann Kautzman, Kaden Thorne Kirkpatrick, Corbin Robert Klofkom, Halen James Lacey, Bryce Simon Linebarger, Nakotah Alexander Lowery, Jacob Adam Alexander McCoy, Trevor James Medlen, Dawsyn Ryan Meek, Kenia Jazzmin Mejia-Cortez, Lillian Jo Mitchell, Jack Delaney Neary, Olivia Winn Phillips, Korey Daniel Roberts, Dalton James Rush, Dalton Jones Schaefer, Ellie Marie Shoemaker, and Jacob Scott Watkins.

KDHE places Pomona Lake under blue-green algae warning

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Two Osage County lakes are now under public health advisories due to the presence of blue-green algae. Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a warning advisory for Pomona Lake, May 18, 2023, and Melvern Lake remains under a watch advisory for a second week. The only other Kansas lake currently under an advisory, Big Eleven Lake, in Wyandotte County, was placed on watch status Thursday.

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure, such as direct contact, ingestion, and inhalation, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Anyone or their dogs that come into contact with algae is advised rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or water that is an opaque green should be avoided by humans and dogs should be kept away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

OCPR Update: Swim season is here; Osage City Aquatic Center opens May 28

OCPR-logo-redSummer fun is almost here and the Osage City Aquatic Center opens May 28 for swimmers. In the meantime, signup is underway for Osage City Parks and Recreation swim lessons and swim team, and youth golf  and youth football camps have been scheduled. Note signup dates for each activity.

Osage City Swim Team

A swimmers age is their age on or before June 17, 2023. A swimmer cannot be 19 before the age date.

Parent Meeting, May 20, 11 a.m. at OCAC. Mandatory for BOTH swimmers and parents. Swim suit sizes and shirt/tank top sizes will be taken. Parents and swimmers NOT attending, MUST meet with Madison prior to the first practice. Late sign ups may not be accepted.

Swim team pre-requisite: MUST be able to swim the length of the OCAC Pool WITHOUT assistance. MUST have completed Level 3 Red Cross swim lessons.

  • Swim team practice starts the week of May 30.
  • Meet season, June 10, 17, 24, July 1, July 8, Overbrook, Lyndon, Lebo, Burlington, and Osage City.
  • Cost, $60 per swimmer
  • Practice swimmers only, $30 per swimmer.

For additional information, contact Madison Jennings, 913-202-2267, or madison2004og@gmail.com

Filings in the Osage County Courthouse, May 5 – May 12, 2023

The following information was compiled May 5 to May 11, 2023, from records at the Osage County Courthouse, Lyndon, Kan.

Cynthia J. “Cindy” Lindsay, 67, Osage City: April 12, 1956 – May 12, 2023

OSAGE CITY, KAN. – Cynthia J. “Cindy” Lindsay, 67, peacefully passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at Osage City Nursing Center, Osage City, Kan., surrounded by her loving family. Cynthia Jo Lang was born April 12, 1956, in Junction City, Kan., the daughter of Paul E. and Nancy I. (Blanton) Lang.

She graduated from Burlingame High School, Burlingame, Kan., in 1974.

She was joined in marriage to Patrick Duane Lindsay on July 20, 1974, in Burlingame. To this union two children were born, Nate and Jenny.

Cindy worked for a short time at Hallmark Cards, and then worked for Citizens State Bank in Osage City for 25 years. She later worked for Ogden Publications, Topeka, Kan., for nine years before retiring.

She was a member of the Burlingame Saddle Club, and became the club’s first woman president. She was a rodeo queen and held various positions with the club. Cindy was a very active 4-H leader, leading her kids to be very active members. She was very active in the 4-H livestock sale for many years. She was in the Osage County leadership class of 1993. Cindy was also involved in many medical studies, trying to find her a cure for Huntington’s disease.

William I. Allen, 76, Vassar: Oct. 21, 1946 – May 12, 2023

VASSAR, Kan. – William I. Allen, 76, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home near Vassar, Kan. He was born Oct. 21, 1946, in Peabody, Kan., the son of Irving and Marjorie (Seibel) Allen.

Bill had lived in Lyndon, Kan., for many years, and had lived near Vassar for the last 20 years.

Bill graduated from Lyndon High School in 1964. He then served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. Bill had worked as a welder and truck driver for most of his life. He was a member of the Lyndon American Legion Post 125 and the NRA.

Osage County Jail Log, May 8 – May 15, 2023

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

Albert G. Wamser Jr., 81, Osage City: March 28, 1942 – May 10, 2023

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Albert G. Wamser Jr., 81, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at his home in Osage City, Kan. Albert George Wamser Jr. was born March 28, 1942, in Emporia, Kan., the son of Albert George “Bert” and Hazel (Finn) Wamser.

He graduated in 1960 from Reading High School, Reading, Kan.

He was a cowboy and lived and worked on farms in and around Reading, and Sturgis, Ky. While in Kentucky, he was a member of the Sturgis General Baptist Church. Albert was currently attending the Burlington Baptist Bible Church. He was strong in his faith and loved sharing it with others.

Carl F. Meyer, 95, Osage City: Feb. 18, 1928 – May 6, 2023

OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Carl F. Meyer, 95, passed away May 6, 2023, at Peterson’s Assisted Living, Osage City, Kan. Carl Frederick Meyer was born Feb. 18, 1928, on a farm outside of Osage City, to Charles Frederick and Laura I. (Thompson) Meyer.

He graduated from Osage City High School in 1946.

Carl is survived by his children, Laura DeBaun (Tom), Osage City, Karen Oliver (William), Shawnee, Kan., and Carl Meyer Jr. (Shera), Oskaloosa, Kan.; six grandchildren, Alex DeBaun (Tammi), Valley Center, Kan., Loren DeBaun (Letisha), Osage City, Kathryn Boss (Lucas), Osage City, Maureen Baraban (Brian), Overland Park, Kan., Will Oliver, Shawnee, and Owen Meyer, Oskaloosa; two step-grandchildren, Kelli George (Manoj), Olathe, Kan., and Jill Rogers (Gary), Tonganoxie, Kan.; and 12 great-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren.

Milton L. Gilliland, 68, Topeka: Aug. 3, 1954 – Dec. 11, 2022

TOPEKA, Kan. – Milton L. Gilliland, 68, of Topeka, Kan., passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at University of Kansas Health System-St. Francis Campus, Topeka. He was born Aug. 3, 1954, the son of Frank Donald and Ina Lucille (Parker) Gilliland.

Milton grew up on a farm near Overbrook, Kan. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas and MBA from Baker University.

While attending KU, he met and married Rebecca “Becky” Eddy. They married on Nov. 10, 1979, in Merriam, Kan. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage.

Milton was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and bicycling. He was an avid animal lover and KU fan. Milton worked for St. Francis Hospital, and retired from human resources for the Veterans Administration.

Zion Lutheran confirms local youths at Vassar

Receiving confirmation into the Zion Lutheran Church are, from left, Wyatt Whitten, Reed Silver, Bella Reeser, and Calliope Monthey, with Pastor Joshua Woelmer. Lisa Reeser photo.

On Sunday, April 30, 2023, four young parishioners were confirmed into the Zion Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Vassar, Kan. These four youths have attended confirmation classes for the past four years, and had their questioning April 29, at the Vassar church.


A Cowboy’s Faith: Cows give motherly love

A Cowboy's Faith: Click to read more from Frank J. Buchman.Mothering instinct of cows is important to profitability in the cattle business.

That point has always been known and previously been elaborated. Reminder about significance of a cow taking care of her calf was brought to attention again by a reader.

Awareness of just how natural mothering ability varies among different cows became apparent when a cow gave birth to twins. The subject of twinning cattle is quite complex, yet it does generally reveal a cow’s dedication for her newborn.

Most cows are very good mothers. When they give birth, immediate attention is given to caring for her little one.

With motherly nuzzling, the baby is brought to alertness and before long just naturally finds its point of nourishment. Momma knows exactly where her calf is and what it’s doing such the cow manager must keep a distance.

As calves grow, there is more freedom, but momma still knows where her calf is supposed to be. When it’s mealtime, they automatically get together and if the baby isn’t where last known there is alarm.

A cow will go searching for her young, which does create an issue when an owner weans the calf. It’s several days before a good momma gives up searching for her missing young.

Cows that don’t possess natural mothering ability are costly to a cattleman and are soon marketed.

Melvern Lake blue-green algae health warning downgraded to watch status

Melvern Lake remains the only lake in the state this week under a Kansas Department of Health and Environment blue-green algae watch. The Osage County lake was put under a public health advisory last week, with that warning downgraded to a watch on March 11.

A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected, and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation, and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During a watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans or animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people or pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

Anyone who observes a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, is advised to avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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.

Girl Scouts enjoy springtime with learning and fishing outings

Area Girl Scouts have some springtime activities coming up, beginning with a STEM camp June 10-11, and a fishing outing on June 24, 2023.

The STEM Camp will be 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11 at Camp Double E, near Emporia.

During the weekend, girls will have learn how citizen scientists make observations, collect data, and work with others to receive feedback on their research. The Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey is designed to help explore participants’ interests, gain new skills and make a difference in their communities with citizen science. There will also be games, time outside and picture taking. Scouts will be able to earn the Think Like a Citizen Scientist badge, which will be provided.

This event is for girls kindergarten age to fifth grade. Register by June 10. Camp Double E, is at 794 Road 200, Emporia, Kan.

During the “Me and My Buddy Fishing” event, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 24, girls will reel in their buddies, grab a chair and pole, and cast a line at Council Grove City Lake. The family event is a fishing and water safety awareness experience. The local Corps of Engineers officers will educate Girl Scouts and their families on water safety while fishing and how to have a great outdoor experience at the beautiful lake. A game warden will also be there to talk and teach about local wildlife. Poles will be available to use at this catch and release event. Participants must comply with Kansas fishing regulations and obtain a fishing license prior to the event for anyone age 16 to 74.

For more information or to register for either outing, contact Paula Roper at paularoper@att.net.

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