By John Hanna and Andy Tsubasa Field The Associated Press
TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers are eager to cut taxes because Kansas is flush with cash, but the annual legislative session that opened Monday is shadowed by redistricting, election year-politics and COVID-19.
Downtown Drugstore has been working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a community testing partner for COVID-19 since the fall.
In October and early November, the pharmacy was testing about 30 people per week, according to pharmacist Sarah Breuer.
From there, the numbers doubled the two weeks after Thanksgiving and double again before Christmas.
“The days leading up to Christmas saw a lot of people testing just to be cautious before getting together with family,” Breuer said.
And then the calendar turned beyond Christmas — The Downtown Drugstore has been testing 300400 people per week since then.
“And that is with adding limitations,” Breuer said. The pharmacy wasn’t requiring appointments for the curbside testing, but that changed this past week.
“When temperatures dropped last week and the number of people wanting to be tested was growing and growing, we decided to go to appointments starting this week,” Breuer said. As Breuer noted, people were waiting in lines for two hours at one point Thursday morning.
Plus, some of those test requests were coming from
other communities. There were a few from Missouri and several from Shawnee, Lawrence and even Topeka, Breuer said. She said the demand was too much for her small staff, which also was trying to fill prescriptions and administer vaccines as they normally do.
“My technicians have done an amazing job with this new responsibility of testing our community and we are happy to provide this service,” Breuer said.
“Just please be patient with us as we try to accommodate all of the people who want to be tested.”
For updates on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, visit The Downtown Drugstore’s Facebook page.
As the drugstore also notes on its Facebook page, the pharmacy now has COVID testing by appointment 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday Anyone wanting a test can call the pharmacy at 913369-3800 to schedule an appointment. Appointment times to schedule will open 24 hours before the appointment. In addition, for testing, people should pull up curbside in the front of the pharmacy, call when you arrive and have your identification and, if vaccinated, the date of your last vaccine ready. Test results are done in 20 minutes and those taking the tests will receive a text message with a link to sign in and view results.
The Tonganoxie USD 464 will continue with current policy regarding masks in schools.
The board approved, 7-0, to use CDC guidelines as general policy and continue with masking recommendations approved at the board’s December meeting.
Monday’s decision comes after Superintendent Loren Feldkamp reinstated mask requirements this past Friday.
The move away from optional masks will be for two weeks as the district continues to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic amid surging numbers locally
and nationally. As of Monday, the district had 36 positive students, with 18 at Tonganoxie Elementary School, 10 and Tonganoxie Middle School and eight at Tonganoxie High School. There also were five positive adults at TES, two at TMS and six at THS, along with 49 quarantined students at TES, four at TMS and 10 at THS. One adult was quarantined from TES staff, as of the district’s Monday numbers.
Board approves clay shooting club name
Patron Lisa Patterson spoke to the board about starting a clay target shooting team at Tonganoxie High School. As part of the procedure
in getting a team, Patterson asked that the club be able to use the school’s name. She said interest has grown among her son and other THS students while following Piper’s target team the past couple years. She said THS instructor Tony Maurer also would be the team’s coach. Board members approved the request contingent upon review from the Kansas Association of School Boards. The organization is not affiliated with the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Once everything is finalized, THS will be part of the Kansas State High School Clay Target League, which currently has 98 team and more than 1,800 students, Patterson said.
Personnel moves approved
The board approved a contract/work agreement for Jonathan Orndorff as THS girls soccer coach for the spring. It also approved resignations from THS girls soccer assistant coach Mandi Duggan and TES special education paraprofessionals Allison Lentz and Ashley Boor. They also approved the retirement of TES secretary Robin Vaughn.
In addition, the board approved one-year contract extensions after several executive sessions. Feldkamp participated in Monday’s meeting via phone and participated in latter executive sessions. Board member Chris Gratton also participated remotely.
With GOP supermajorities in both chambers, lawmakers expect to debate what public schools should — and should not — teach students about race and the role of racism in U.S. history. They also are likely to consider tightening election laws during their 90 scheduled days in session.
And legislators are likely to discuss legalizing marijuana for medical use. Kelly and other Democrats support the idea, and some Republicans have warmed to at least a highly regulated version.
Here’s a look at a couple key issues: Revenue surplus fuels push for tax cuts this year
Kelly wants to eliminate the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries so that a family buying $200 worth of groceries a week would save $676 a year. Lowering or ending the tax has bipartisan support, but lawmakers might consider alternatives, such as lowering the tax on all consumer goods.
The governor also has proposed giving a one-time $250 rebate to Kansas residents who filed state income tax returns last year. GOP leaders have said they prefer ongoing income tax cuts.
Senate tax committee Chair Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, said other ideas are on the table, too, including lowering taxes on retirees’ Social Security benefits.
Kansas is in strong shape financially, on pace after months of surplus tax collections to end June with about $3 billion in cash reserves.
Critical race theory hot topic
Tyson wants to require teachers to post lesson plans online that list reading materials. She said her goal is to enable parents to research those materials so they have a chance to voice any objections.
She and other Republicans also expect a debate on banning critical race theory in public schools. They say many parents became alarmed when they monitored online classes earlier in the pandemic.
Critical race theory argues that racism is systemic in the U.S. and its institutions maintain white people’s dominance.
However, the term has come to cover broader diversity initiatives that conservatives oppose.
The state school board said last year that critical race theory is not part of Kansas’ academic standards. Kelly has called the issue a “nothing burger” and told The Associated Press it has been “conjured up” by people “who have a track record of being sort of anti-public education.”
Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said he worries that lawmakers would enable “the most racist parents” to harass teachers and administrators.
— For more on the legislative session, look for this story at tonganoxiemirror. com.
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Leavenworth County Health Department has reported the first COVID-19 deaths of 2022.
Three deaths have been reported since the health department’s last report was released Jan. 3. The deaths involved someone in the 45-54 age range, another 65-74 and the third 85 or older. Leavenworth County has now reported a total of 93 COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic started, four of which have been Lansing Correctional Facility inmates. There were 38 deaths in 2020, 52 in 2021 and now three so far in 2022.
Leavenworth County jumped up to 522 active community cases as of Monday, along with a return of cases at Lansing Correctional Facility. There are 26 active cases there. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, LCHD announced in its report that it would not be able to update the number of active cases involving vaccinated or unvaccinated people each week.
Three people are being hospitalized, with two being vaccinated and one unvaccinated.
People in the 18-24 and 35-44 age ranges have the most active cases this week in Leavenworth County, according to LCHD statistics.
Both were at 84 current active cases, while the 25-34 range has 83 and 45-54 has 80. Next is the 55-64 with 59 and 10-17 with 47. Youths up to 9 years old were at 41 active cases.
There also were 814 recoveries between Jan. 3 and Monday.
Tonganoxie is the only city with a decrease in reported active cases. Tonganoxie is at 37, down from 41 a week before Leavenworth has the most active cases with 229 (142 a week ago),
while Lansing is with 83 (up from 60) and Basehor now at 65 (up from 52).
The townships of Fairmount, Reno, Sherman, Stranger and Tonganoxie, including the city of Linwood, were at 77, down from 85 active cases. The townships of Alexandria, Easton, High Prairie and Kickapoo townships, including the city of Linwood, were at 31 active cases, up from 26. Of 2,463 tests administered, 1,759 were negative in the past week.
Daily COVID-19 counts for Tonganoxie USD 464 on Monday were 18 positive students at Tonganoxie Elementary School and 10 at Tonganoxie Middle School. There also were eight positive cases at THS. In addition, 13 adults were in quarantine (5 at TES, 2 at TMS and 6 at THS). among adults at TES and one at TMS. As for students and adults in quarantine, 49 TES students were in quarantine and 4 TMS students were in quarantine, along with 10 at THS. One adult was in quarantine at TES.
The health department again is offering its walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic for both children and adults from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday at the health department, 500 Eisenhower St. in Leavenworth.
The Pfizer pediatric dose will be administered in the children’s clinic (ages 5-11), while booster vaccines are available for anyone 16 and older. Parents or legal guardians will need to sign and be present with minors receiving the vaccine.
No appointments are necessary for the walk-in clinics.
For more information, visit leavenworthcounty.org or the Leavenworth County Health Department’s Facebook page.
To submit a calendar item, send an email to editor@tonganoxiemirror.com. Deadline is noon Friday before publication. There is no charge. For future events or more information about listings, see the online calendar at tonganoxiemirror.com/events.
12 TODAY
l Leavenworth County Commission meeting, 9 a.m., Leavenworth County Courthouse Commission Chambers, second floor.
Meetings also are available on the county’s YouTube channel for the public. Meetings also can be viewed at any time after that on the YouTube channel.
l Tonganoxie Public
Library open 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older.
13 THURSDAY
l Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older.
Call the center, 913-8452787, the day before to reserve a meal.
14 FRIDAY
l Tonganoxie Business Association meeting, 8 a.m., Village Venue, Fourth and Delaware streets.
l Tonganoxie Public Library, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Second Harvest will have its next delivery to Tonganoxie this week.
Residents can stop by starting around 10 a.m. Thursday at Cornerstone Family Worship, 205 E. U.S. Highway 24-40.
The pickup is the second Thursday of each month. Produce and other grocery food items are available to all residents at each of the pickups. People can pick up food for up to five families per vehicle.
The dropoff always is scheduled for 10 a.m., but Anyone coming to the food pickup is encouraged to arrive before 10 a.m., as distribution can start before 10 a.m. depending on when the truck arrives.
The next dropoff day after Thursday will be 10 a.m. Feb. 10.
An area student has been named to the fall 2021 dean’s list at Central Methodist University.
Abigail Bree Taylor, Leavenworth, was among nearly 1,000 students to meet the requirements for recognition, including a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester at the Fayette, Mo., university.
Katelynn Lands, a Bradley University student majoring in nursing from Fort Leavenworth, has been named to Bradley’s fall 2021 dean’s list.
To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale at the Peoria, Ill., school.
Tonganoxie Business Association is resuming weekly meetings.
TBA switched from weekly meetings to the first and third Fridays of each month, but the organization returned to weekly meeting frequency Friday.
The group meets at 8 a.m. each Friday at Village Venue at Fourth and Delaware streets in downtown Tonganoxie. Anyone is welcome to attend and information on how to join can be found online at tonganoxiebusinessassociation.com.
Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Bank is in need of a few donation items.
The organization is welcoming canned soups, crackers and eggs.
Good Shepherd is at 423 E. Fourth St. in downtown Tonganoxie.
at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food available for curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older.
l Tonganoxie Business Association meeting, 7 p.m., Village Venue, Fourth and Delaware streets.
Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older.
15
SATURDAY l Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
l Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament begins. Girls quarterfinal games start at 3 p.m., with final game at 7:30 p.m. at THS gymnasium.
l Tonganoxie City Council meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Third and Bury streets.
at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older. People must call the Florence Riford Senior Center, 913-845-2787, the day before to reserve a meal.
l Tonganoxie Public Library, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
l Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament begins. Boys games start at 3 p.m., with final game at 7:30 p.m. at THS gymnasium.
The federal holiday honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is Monday.
Many government offices are closed in observance of the holiday.
SUNDAY l Tonganoxie Public Library open 1-5 p.m.
16
19 WEDNESDAY
21 FRIDAY
Bingo, Bunco and dominoes all are offered on varying days each month at the Tonganoxie Public Library.
17
MONDAY l Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Federal offices and many other government offices closed.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older.
l Tonganoxie Public Library, open 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
l Tonganoxie Invitational
Basketball Tournament begins. Boys quarterfinal games start at 3 p.m., with final game at 7:30 p.m. at THS gymnasium.
18
TUESDAY
l Tonganoxie Public Library, open 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior
l Leavenworth County Commission meeting, 9 a.m., Leavenworth County Courthouse Commission Chambers, second floor. Meetings also are available on the county’s YouTube channel for the public. Meetings also can be viewed at any time after that on the YouTube channel.
l Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic for residents 60 and older. People must call the Florence Riford Senior Center, 913-845-2787, the day before to reserve a meal.
20 THURSDAY
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
l Tonganoxie Business Association meeting, 8 a.m., Village Venue, Fourth and Delaware streets.
l Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.
l Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
l Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament begins. Boys quarterfinal games start at 3 p.m., with final game at 7:30 p.m. at THS gymnasium.
22 SATURDAY
l Tonganoxie Invitational
Basketball Tournament begins. Final day of games, with matchups starting at 10 a.m. The final game of the tournament will start at 6:30 p.m. with the boys championship game.
23 SUNDAY
l Tonganoxie Public Library open 1-5 p.m.
Patrons can visit the library at 1 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month for Bingo.
Then, from 1-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month the library offers Bunco. Finally, from 1-3 p.m. every Friday, visitors may gather for some organized playing of dominoes.
Tech time is 9:30 a.m. Fridays at Tonganoxie Public Library.
Anyone with technology questions can stop by the library to get assistance.
25 years ago: Jan. 15, 1997
Let Your Fingers Do the Filing. Kansans have an easy, new way to file their 1996 individual income taxes by phone. It’s called Kansas Telefile. It’s fast, and the call is free. Telefile does the math, accurately calculating the tax or refund –free. Telefile replaces the Kansas “short form” or K40S paper return.
She’s the last person you’d expect to crash the door down with a fireman’s axe, pick your dog up, and drag you out of a screaming inferno, but there she is. Lisa Soptick stands a little of over 5 feet 6 inches. A mother of two, she is a valuable asset to the Tonganoxie Township Fire Department and their first the woman firefighter. As a volunteer firefighter (for the record, Tonganoxie Township is all volunteer), Soptick’s gradual involvement with the station represents a transition from an ordinary supportive housewife to a knowledgeable team player.
As I See It, Don Waterman – We never made it to Lawrence this past weekend to see the bald eagles, but those who did attend the special
Leavenworth man sentenced in aggravated assault case
A 31-year-old Leavenworth man was sentenced to more than two years in prison Friday in an aggravated assault case.
Eric W. Noell, 31, was sentenced to 29 months. He was found guilty Dec. 1 following a two-day jury trial of aggravated assault in Leavenworth County District Court.
On Feb. 17, 2020, a woman left University of Saint Mary heading north. As she drove, she noticed a pick-up truck tailgating her. She took several turns, but the truck was still tailgating. She drove toward an area she knew was a dead end and called her boyfriend about being afraid. Her boyfriend drove to her location, getting his vehicle between the two vehicles.
The boyfriend then exited the vehicle to ask Noell why he was following the victim so close down a dead-end county road. The boyfriend’s father arrived shortly after. Noell gave multiple contradicting statements before being told to leave the area. Noell turned his truck around and started to drive away. When he was approximately 60 yards away he shot 3-4 times in the direction of the victim, her boyfriend, and his father.
first celebration of the bald eagle Saturday at the Lawrence Riverfront Factory Outlets surely learned a lot about the birds that come back to Lawrence every January. Apparently, there is a possibility of seeing perhaps a dozen bald eagles, perched in the trees along the Kansas River, and often from the lower level of the Riverfront Factory Outlet.
50 years ago: Jan. 13, 1972
The total bonded debt for the city of Tonganoxie is $210,000 according to City Clerk Harriet Hughes.
Final steps are being taken to provide the Kansas 4-H Foundation with a campground site on Perry Lake. Plans call for about 300 acres of land in the Evans Creek area to be leased to the foundation by the Corps of Engineers.
The Leavenworth County Fair staged its 45th annual fair in August. The 4-H auction topped $22,404. New businesses in Tonganoxie in 1971 included Mrs. Carol Conway’s Hair Fashions, Harold Clark’s Sheet Metal Co. in the former Dale Rawlings Feed Store, two new dentists in the Zoellner Building, and John Cass Lenahan bought the Oakson Hardware which Carl Oakson operated for 23 years.
Mr. & Mrs. Walter
Lee Denholm announced the birth of a son, James Scott, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on January 10, 1972. The Tonganoxie Wrestling team used John Korb’s 1st place setting in the 132 pounds weight class to nail down 3rd place in the Second Annual Tonganoxie Invitational Wrestling Tournament.
75 years ago:
Jan. 9, 1947
Community clubs are reporting an increased number of “wild” animal sightings from surrounding areas. One tale reports a very large monkey appearing on the road from Lawrence. It was supposedly in a very foul mood and chased two local men back into their vehicle. One story tells of a spotted leopard being seen west of the Pleasant Prairie school. Bobcats and coyotes seem to be the focus of several reports as well. Maybe the wild monkey will chase the bobcats, leopard and coyotes off to Topeka. The coldest weather we have seen in a very long time has descended upon us with temperatures sinking to at least ten below zero. A local resident, Nels Quisenberry recalls the winter of 1936 when temperatures were zero and below for thirty days. The ground was frozen to a depth of two feet when workers repaired the broken wa-
“Our victim had serious fear when she was being followed,” said Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. “I can’t imagine what could have happened if it weren’t for her loved ones to assist her.
“I’d ask anyone who feels they are in a situation similar, please call 911, go to a public area or the police station, and protect yourself until you are sure you are safe.”
Man sentenced in interference with law enforcement case
Delshawn Winston, 27, Leavenworth, was sentenced to 14 months in prison on Wednesday, Jan. 5. He pled to interference with law enforcement on Oct. 1.
On Jan. 5, 2019, reports from a Lansing bar that a car with four people in it had brandished a firearm at them. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and Winston was within the vehicle. Winston had warrants for his arrest and lied about his identity. “It’s never advantageous to lie,” Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said. “In this case the truth may have hurt for a little while, but his lie landed him in prison.”
Omaha, Neb., man to be
terlines.
The new Vendo Steam Oven is ready to bring better living to your home and meals. This device brings the advantages of low pressure steam cooking to your kitchen. Valuable minerals and vitamins remain in the food and give a delicious healthy boost to your dishes.
The Royal Theatre is showing some wonderful movies this week. “Cuban Pete” with newcomer Desi Arnaz and Joan Fulton will be shown on Sunday and Monday. “The Hoodlum Saint” with William Powell and everyone’s favorite bathing beauty, Esther Williams, will run on Wednesday. Catch them while you can. Grandpa Ivan Angell has been working a week fixing up an old-fashioned cradle, which he secured from Will Botts, in which the Angell, Botts, and possibly other children once had slept. It is dated on the bottom, 1870. Five of the children who once were put in it are now grandparents. The latest addition will be Michael Smoots, Grandpa Ivan’s new grandson. Stanwood – Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Swain celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home near McLouth.
100 years ago: Jan. 12, 1922
F.A. McRill and Sons have opened up a black-
smith and automobile repair shop on their farm five miles southwest of town. Mr. McRill is a first class blacksmith and he and his sons have had several years experience in auto repair work, and they will be pleased to meet their old friends and customers.
Stranger – A skating party given by Miss Thelma Gress and chaperoned by Mrs. Minnie Baldwin furnished amusement for a number of young people Saturday afternoon.
Miss Jessie Rae Taylor came home Sunday evening and visited until the following day when she went to Eudora to appear in one of her splendid programs that evening. Monday evening she appeared at Kansas City.
125 years ago:
Jan. 14, 1897
Jarbalo Jottings – Charlie Trackwell is the champion rabbit slayer.
Ackerland Actions –W.F. Borst butchered the largest hog of the season last week. The animal weighed a little over 700 pounds.
Jarbalo Jottings – If some of the boys don’t stop some of the extra foolishness around town, we wish to observe as a casual friend of theirs, that they will hear something “drop” into the tills of justice from their daddies’ cash coffers. The business people and church goers will not be tolerant much longer.
Vin Needham wants the girls to understand that leap year is past.
The damage case of E.S. Menager against the Kansas City Northwestern Railroad Company has been appealed from the Wyandotte county district court to the supreme court. Menager obtained a verdict for $3,800 damage against the company for crossing his farm. The company claims the lower court erred in its instructions to the jury.
This case has been in the courts a long time. In 1886 Mr. Menager deeded the railroad company certain land of his at Menager Junction, for establishing a station on his farm. The first company kept their agreement, but when the Erb outfit got control, they attempted to hold up Mr. Menager for a lot more land. Erb failed in his attempt and moved the station to Piper. Mr. Menager sued for damages, with the result above mentioned, and the present company will have to pay for Erb’s transactions.
It is expected by railroad men that the present company will sooner or later again establish a station at the Junction, for the present arrangement is a nuisance and an additional expense to the railroad.
sentenced next month in first-degree murder case On Oct. 30, 2020, Leavenworth police were called to do a check the welfare on Joshua Gilson, because he had not reported to work, according to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. Officers arrived at the house to find the wife, Alexandra Gilson, with blood spots on her shirt. She would not let officers in the residence, and told them she felt he may have went to work.
Later that day the brother of Joshua Gilson arrived at the scene to find Jeffery Samulczyk in the master bedroom with blood on the walls, pillows and sheets. Leavenworth police proceeded to interview everyone.
The Leavenworth Police also searched the house, but could not find Joshua Gilson. Officers searched the residence and found blood leading from the house to the car and then to the cellar. When officers entered the cellar they found Joshua Gilson deceased, wrapped in plastic.
They could tell he had been stabbed multiple times.
At the autopsy it was reported he was stabbed
28 times. The stab wounds were to the scalp, face, neck, and chest. They also found wounds to Gilson’s the left hand, indicating he attempted to defend himself.
Initially Alexandra Gilson reported she stabbed her husband only to defend herself. Samulczyk said he was only called by Alexandra Gilson because she had stabbed Gilson while he slept after an argument they had. It was later discovered through text messages that Alexandra Gilson and Jeffery Samulczyk were having an affair and planned to murder Joshua Gilson.
The two had texted back and forth for over a week planning on how they would kill Gilson.
On Oct. 1, 2021, Alexandra Gilson was sentenced to life in prison. She pled to first-degree murder on Aug. 27, 2021.
Jeffery Samulczyk, 37, Omaha, Neb., pled guilty first-degree murder. He faces same sentence as Alexandra Gilson. His sentencing is set for February 9, at 1 pm.
“For the family there is no resolution that will bring their loved one back,” Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said. “What we can do is hold these two accountable.”
James L ( J J ) Henderson Jr 20 of Lawrence Kansas passed away on January 1, 2022 from injuries sustained in a headon collision early New Year s Day J J was a happy person who lovingly embraced his large family He was a kind soul who would volunteer to help anyone in need Jay loved music and gaming with his dad and watching reality shows with his mom A student of both Tonganoxie High School in Tonganoxie, KS, and a student of Free State High School in Lawrence, KS, Jay had a vast network of friends who looked up to him as a positive role model Everyone who met him said the same thing How tall are you? and J J would just smile This wonderful young man at a height of 6 4 was adored by everyone who met or knew him His favorite activity was the Fishing Club at Free State High School and he loved sharing his passion with his dad and friends J J
also enjoyed biking the trails throughout Lawrence J J is survived by his parents James L Henderson Sr and Carrie E Henderson of Lawrence KS; his paternal grandfather Junior R Johnson of Tonganoxie KS; his maternal grandparents Glen and Vicki McMullin of Tonganoxie KS; his paternal aunts Mary Whistler of Tonganoxie KS, Karen HendersonPriest of Tonganoxie KS and Sally A Henderson of Portland, OR; and his maternal aunts and uncles Kathy Litchf ield of Tonganoxie, Keith McMullin of Tonganoxie KS Kevin McMullin of Tonganoxie, KS and Patrick McMullin of Lawrence KS J J also leaves behind 18 treasured cousins ranging in ages from 2 to 35 years old J J was our sweet, gentle giant and his heartbroken family and friends will miss him forever
Arden Rawley Waters, 74, Tonganoxie, KS passed away Jan 3, 2022 Funeral service 1 pm Sat , Jan 8, 2022, at Quisenberry Funeral Home, Tonganoxie Visitation prior starting at 11:30 am
Barriers and fencing are up around the Tonganoxie High School east campus as construction workers continue with the next phase of renovations on the campus — the wellness wing and commons area (new gymnasium). That means fans heading to the tournament will have one fewer access point when coming to the THS campus.
Fans must enter the campus from either entrance along U.S. High-
way 24-40, with the west entrance being available for overflow parking.
In addition, fans entering the school for Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament games on the east campus (all but two will be played in the main gymnasium) at the THS will use the Tonganoxie Performing Arts Center entrance as the primary entrance.
The Tonganoxie Invitational starts Jan. 17 with boys quarterfinal games and then girls quarterfinal games Jan. 18. Games will continue Jan. 20-22 with eight-team fields for both boys and girls.
Tonganoxie High boys wrestling held its own at the rugged Larry Wilkey Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Jenks, Okla.
THS finished sixth out 21 teams at the tourney, scoring 120 points. The only other Kansas team at the meet, Newton, placed fifth with 129.
Yokon (Okla.) won the meet with 234.5 points, while Ponca City (Okla.) finished second with 212.5 and Owasso (Okla.) third with 162.5.
Another Oklahoma squad, Westmoore, finished fourth with 154.
Grayson Sonntag won
the 138-pound title after defeating Garett Kernell from Putnam City North (Okla.) by a 9-2 decision.
Tyler Pankey placed third for Tonganoxie at 170 and Braeden Moore placed fourth at 126, while Noah Bailey finished sixth at 132 and Colton Brusven sixth at 160. Gabe Bailey nabbed a fifth-place finish at 182 as one of Tonganoxie’s top finishers.
THS will continue the out-of-state leg of its schedule with a two-day tournament Friday and Saturday in Ida Grove, Iowa. Matches start at 10 a.m. both days.
from the free-throw line.
Girls shine at BVSW
The THS girls competed Saturday at Blue Valley Southwest and turned in some strong performances as well.
Taylor Lux won the 109A title, while Holly Bates won the 126B title. Madison Daniels placed third at 101A, Abigail Starcher was fourth at 109B and Grae Vanderweide was second in the 120B division. Sydney Shephard placed second at 143B and Grace Stern fourth at 170A. Kendall Smart, meanwhile, took third at 170B.
The McLouth Invitational Tournament gets started Jan. 17 and will be an eight-team tournament on the girls side and a seven-team tournament on the boys side.
MHS athletics director
Phillipe McCree said earlier this week that brackets would be released sometime today.
Teams in the girls bracket are Maur HillMount Academy, Maranatha, McLouth, Riverside, Cair Paravel, Pleasant Ridge, Bishop Seabury and Veritas
Christian.
On the boys side, teams set to compete are Pleasant Ridge, Cair Paravel, Maur Hill, Maranatha Christian Academy, Riverside, Veritas and McLouth.
Wrestlers compete at Rossville
McLouth wrestlers had some success Saturday at the Rossville Invitational.
On the girls side, Savannah Dlugopolski placed second at 109. She lost to Oskaloosa’s Holly Thatcher by fall (2:45) and then defeated Hayden’s Elaina Wolff, 14-13, and Wamego’s Victoria Baker by fall (0:43) for second place.
Ra1uel Manthe’ placed third at 143 for the girls, falling to Wellsville’s Lindsay Witt by fall (3:21) and then defeating Wamego’s Kylie Stivers through injury default and Atchison County’s Kayla Brown by fall (2:22). She then lost to Santa Fe Trail’s Alyssa Winsler by fall (3:29).
The Bulldogs’ Leighana Patz also placed for the
MHS girls, taking sixth at 126, but she did so by injury default. She lost the first match to Rossville’s Keera Lacock by fall with a minute left in regulation and then had to forfeit matches the rest of the way due to injury.
On the boys side, Elzy Folsom placed sixth, going 3-3 for the Bulldogs at 126.
Folsom defeated St. Marys’ Layne DeLong by fall (0:44) before losing to Perry-Lecompton’s Mason Bahnmaier by fall (0:21). He bounced back with pins against Riley County’s Aiden Sheep (2:56) and Nemaha Central’s Alan Lambrecht (1:58). He lost in the consolation semifinals to Wellsville’s Koy Randel by fall (2:15) and then lost in the fifth-place match to Krystian Devine by forfeit.
By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com
Both of the Tonganoxie High girls basketball games this week have been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.
It was announced last week that Tuesday’s Piper game would not be played and then more news came Monday that this coming Friday’s game against Spring Hill also was being postponed. Makeup dates will be announced when they are set.
THS will be looking to end a four-game skid after starting the season 2-1.
Tonganoxie got down by as many as 22 to Baldwin on Jan. 4 in the Chieftains’ first game back from winter break, but THS battled back. THS was down, 35-15, heading into the fourth quarter, but made a furious rally, outscoring the Bulldogs, 16-7, in that final quarter. It just wasn’t enough, though, as Baldwin won, 42-31.
Hattie Baldock led THS with a double-double, scoring 14 points on 11 rebounds, including a 10-for-12 performance
Raegan Seba also was in double figures with 10, including a three during the fourth-quarter rally.
Against Ottawa, THS again got behind early, as the Cyclones jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first quarter. The rest of the way, THS played even with Ottawa, cutting a 10-point lead down to five, but it just wasn’t enough as the Cyclones won, 39-33.
Raegan Seba and Cheyenne Aaron both had 11 points in the loss, while Hattie Baldock had took two charges defensively during the game.
As of now, the girls will play next on Tuesday in the Tonganoxie Invitational quarterfinals against undefeated Wamego.
The THS boys, meanwhile, played Tuesday after The Mirror’s deadline against Piper and then will play Spring Hill on Friday at home.
Boys games against Spring Hill will be 4:30 p.m. Friday for junior varsity against Spring Hill, freshmen against the Broncos at 6 p.m. and then varsity at 7:30 p.m.
The THS boys entered
this week on a two-game winning streak after beating Baldwin, 52-35, on Jan. 3 and then overcoming a sluggish first half against Ottawa for a second consecutive Frontier League victory and a 67-52 victory.
THS built a 17-point lead heading into the second half against Baldwin, but the Chieftains went cold in the third, scoring just one basket, but Tonganoxie got back in the groove in the fourth quarter following four points from Isaiah Holthaus and assists from Zane Novotney.
On Friday, Ottawa came into Tonganoxie with an 0-4 record, but the Cyclones have played a strong schedule early on and it showed. Ottawa led most of the first half and went into halftime with a 35-27 advantage. This time around, Tonganoxie had an answer in the third quarter.
THS scored 20 in that third stanza, finding its groove on the Chieftains’ way to a 67-52 victory.
Tonganoxie improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in Frontier League play after last week’s games.
Jon Orndorff will be coaching another season at Tonganoxie.
Tonganoxie school board members approved a recommendation to hire Orndorff as THS girls soccer coach for the spring season. Orndorff, who coached four seasons as the boys head coach, resigned last
year with a family move to Nebraska.
Michael Barnes coached the girls team this past spring and started as the boys head coach this past fall. But he resigned with a few matches left in the regular season and Orndorff filled in to coach with first-year assistant Mandi Duggan.
Tonganoxie eventually finished the season with a third-place state finish. Duggan, who teaches at Tonganoxie Elementary School, had been hired as an assistant for both boys and girls teams, but the board also accepted her resignation as a girls assistant coach at Monday’s meeting.
After each high school sports season, the Journal-World takes nominations from coaches in the coverage area and selects a group of the top players in several sports. Here is a look at the 2021 All-Area boys soccer team.
Jon Orndorff, Tonganoxie Orndorff helped lead the Chieftains on a wild ride all the way to the Class 4A state semifinals, where they finished 1-1 to bring home a third-place trophy. The Chieftains undoubtedly played their best soccer at the end of the season, entering the postseason with a record of 9-6-1 and finishing at 13-7-1.
The seventh-seeded THS squad knocked off Chanute, 4-1, in Round 1 and then upset secondseeded Baldwin in Round 2, 1-0.
The run continued with a 2-0 win over Eudora in the next round and a 3-2, double-overtime win over top-seeded Augusta in the third-place match.
Beck Oldridge, Bishop Seabury Academy
After a strong sophomore season in 2020, the junior striker took his game to an even higher level in 2021, despite playing with nine new starting teammates. Oldridge scored 26 goals in 15 matches, which smashed the school’s all-time scoring record for boys and girls. He also added four assists and found a way to deliver despite being the constant target of opposing defenses. He scored from every angle and in seemingly every situation, with both feet, with his head and while being double covered. A team captain, a model student and a quality leader on and off the field, Oldridge is drawing interest from several college programs.
Lukas Parizek, Tonganoxie Parizek was selected first-team all-league this year and his team’s top scorer. Known by his teammates and opponents as one of the most clutch players in the area,
Parizek created just as many opportunities for others as he did for himself by simply being a presence in the attacking area of the field. The THS senior finished with 23 goals and five assists.
Brenan Kuzmic, Tonganoxie
Described by Orndorff as “the heartbeat of our team in the midfield,” the junior midfielder recorded six goals and 14 assists this season for THS. A second-team allleague selection, Kuzmic hardly ever came out of the game and used his passion and composure to keep the Chieftains on track in good times and bad. Kuzmic also served as a team captain this season.
Jackson McWilliams, Tonganoxie
The sophomore goalkeeper who Orndorff said made the spectacular save look routine, McWilliams finished with 271 saves and a 1.48 goalsagainst average. He also added seven shutouts and one penalty-kick save. At his best when the stakes were highest, the young THS goalie made some massive saves in the semifinal and third-place
game to keep the Chieftains alive.
Enzo Karam, Bishop Seabury
Karam set a school record with 24 assists this season, adding five goals to his point total, as well. Described by his coach as “the connective tissue” between Seabury’s defense and offense, the junior midfielder’s leadership, ball skills, precision passing and high IQ helped keep the young Seahawks comfortable in nearly any situation.
Colin Sandefur, Lawrence High
The LHS sophomore led the Lions in goals (12) and was the recipient of the Mr. Offense and Coach Platt Teammate Awards, selected by his peers. He earned first-team all-Sunflower League honors and used his physicality and teamfirst mentality — he also had five assists — to give the Lions a chance in every game they played.
Joon Chun, Free State
A first-team all-state and all-Sunflower League selection, Chun also earned the program’s “Most Valuable Midfielder” distinction. The
senior finished the season with 11 goals and six assists and had what FSHS coach Joe Waldron described as great creativity, physicality and vision. Chun also served as a captain for the Firebirds, who made it to the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs.
Andrew Henderson, Free State
A second-team all-state and all-Sunflower League selection, Henderson is best known for his consistency and relentless work ethic. Described by his coach as the heart and soul of the program, Henderson utilized elite size, speed, strength and tactical understanding to tally six goals and 10 assists for the Firebirds this season.
Devin Prather, Baldwin
Voted as the top defender in the Frontier League, Prather served as the anchor for the BHS defense and a team captain this season. He earned first-team allFrontier League honors this season and was also a 4A all-state selection. In addition to his dominance on defense, especially in 1-on-1 situations, Prather added eight goals and eight assists to the
BHS offense.
Daniel Stone, Eudora
Back with the Cardinals after two years at another school, Stone finished his senior season with nine goals and 10 assists. The center midfielder and cocaptain excelled in the air on 50/50 balls and was terrific at knowing when to take the shot or set up a teammate near the net.
Parker Hurla, Eudora
The junior midfielder put up eye-popping numbers this season. Hurla led the team with 21 goals and 12 assists, both singleseason school records. At his best in front of the net, Hurla had a knack for knowing when to try to finish and when to operate as a decoy to create chances for his teammates. Hurla earned firstteam all-league honors.
Truman Hill, Bishop Seabury; Levi Hinson, Lawrence; Aaron Neff, Free State; Cale Scott, Lawrence; Camden Ridinger, Eudora; Nate Steinlage, Eudora; Daniel Zesati, Tonganoxie, Caleb Carr, Baldwin; Utah Hester, Baldwin.
Jayme Savage, Free State
With the help of a strong group of seniors, Savage led the Firebirds to the Class 6A state tournament for a schoolrecord third consecutive season. Her blend of intensity, love of the sport and passion for her players helped consistently bring out the best in all of her players.
Taylor Damme, Perry-Lecompton and Fisayo Afonja, Baldwin
An all-Big Seven League first teamer, Damme, a PLHS sophomore, finished first in the league in blocks (120), second in kills (362), third in aces (33) and third in hitting efficiency.
Afonja’s 2021 statistics put her on par with Damme, and her play helped earn her a spot on the Class 4A state alltournament team.
Aubrey Duncan, Free State
Duncan’s athleticism — particularly at the net — made her a hand-
ful for opponents to deal with this season, and her final stats showed why. She finished 15th in the Sunflower League in kills, with 221, and also managed 44 total blocks. The Free State junior’s play landed her on the 202122 American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Phenom Watch List.
Rylee Unruh, Free State
Unruh finished third in the Sunflower League in assists (645), fourth in aces (44) and added 162 digs while helping lead the Firebirds to the Class 6A state tournament. The FSHS junior also earned a spot on the AVCA’s 202122 Phenom Watch List.
Sawyer Thomsen, Free State
A force for the Firebirds at the net, Thomsen finished 14th in the Sunflower League in total blocks, with 65, and added 175 kills to the stat sheet. The FSHS was more than just a dominant front-row player, however. She also finished second in the league with 48 aces and, like her teammates, landed on the 2021-22 AVCA Phenom Watch List.
Emily Silvers, Lawrence High
The LHS co-captain and three-year varsity
starter was second in the Sunflower League in digs this season, with a whopping 446.
Gianna Cooper, Lawrence High
A second-team all-Sunflower League selection, Cooper finished the season with 263 kills on 690 attempts, good for sixth in the league.
Harper Schreiner, Eudora Voted the team’s defensive player of the year in both 2021 and 2020, as well as the Most Valuable Player in 2021, Schreiner led the team in kills (323) and digs (398) this season while earning a nod as a MOKAN All-Star.
Shea Hanna, Bishop Seabury
One of the Seahawks’ top servers in terms of percentage and total aces, Hanna was sensational behind the service line throughout her prep career. The Seabury senior also finished her career as one of the program’s top defensive players — ranking among the school’s all-time leader in digs.
Elena Weber, Bishop Seabury
One of just three Seabury players to compete in every match this
Linenberger
EDITOR
slinenberger@tonganoxiemir ror.com
season, Weber was described as “the heart and soul” of the BSA squad. The Seabury senior was instrumental in leading Seabury to a third-place finish in league play and a No. 3 seed at the Class 2A sub-state tournament.
Chaney Barth, Baldwin
A junior outside hitter for the Bulldogs, Barth appeared in 96 sets and used her precision and vision to finish the season with 343 kills on .244 hitting.
Kenzie Marcum, Free State; Aubrey Duncan, Free State; Brenna Schwada, Lawrence; Allyson Baker, Perry-Lecompton; Sophie Baker, Baldwin; Alyssa Reichard, Baldwin; Ella Scoby, Baldwin; Emma Durr, Eudora; Sophia Ewy, Eudora; Vivian Hill, Bishop Seabury.
Shawn has been a staple in the Tonganoxie community for many year s, as he'll be celebrating 20 year s with the newspaper later this year He's also been invested in the community through volunteerism, having ser ved on the Leader ship Souther n Leavenwor th County board for 14 year s and helped organize the Tonganoxie Sesquicentennial and Tonganoxie Days festivals. Oh, and he por trays a cer tain jolly character around the holidays for Tonganoxie
Dec. 16 at Ottawa (double dual vs. OHS, Santa Fe Trail) Ottawa, W, 48-27; Santa Fe Trail, W, 51-30 (4-0, 2-0)
Dec. 18 TONGANOXIE INVITATIONAL (THS placed first out of 10 teams)
Notice is hereby given that the Tonganoxie City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 in the Council Chambers at 303 S. Bury St, Tonganoxie, Kansas. As part of their official agenda, the Commission will consider a request to rezone property from “MF-2-P”-(Multi-Family II District with Development Plan).
to “MF-2-P”-(Multi-Family II District with a revised Development Plan).
The proposed change in zoning applies to the following described property:
All of Lot 1, Final Plat Schoolyard Lofts, a replat of Block 7 Railroad Addition and part of vacated
You are hereby notified that on December 10, 2021 a Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary was filed in this Court by David J. Trower and Brenda S. Salsbury, heirs, devisees and/or legatees, and co-executors named in the
creditors of the decedent are notified to exhibit their demands against the Estate within the latter of four (4) months from the date of the first publication of notice under K.S.A. 59-2236 and amendments thereto, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, thirty (30) days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred.
David J. Trower and Brenda S. Salsbury,
Records and rankings indicate that this year’s Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament could be a doozy in both the girls and boys brackets.
Both boys and girls brackets have two ranked teams in the field, with the Wamego girls No. 2 and the Eudora girls No. 4 in Class 4A. The Eudora boys are No. 2 and the Tonganoxie boys No. 5 in 4A as well.
In addition, the boys bracket has seven of eight teams with winning records as of Friday.
First-round boys games start Jan. 17, while girls games start with firstround action Jan. 18. The invitational is the second-oldest in the state, dating back to 1956.
It’s second to only Dodge City’s annual tournament, which, interestingly enough, Tonganoxie went to in 1966 while still hosting its own tourney without fielding a team.
Boys bracket games start with quarterfinal games Jan. 17.
In the boys bracket, Eudora (5-1) takes on Jeff West (0-7) at 3 p.m. Jan. 17. Wamego (5-2) meets De Soto (4-2) at 4:30 p.m. and Metro Academy (153) takes on Holton at 6 p.m. Tonganoxie (6-2)
then takes on Bonner Springs (4-3) at 7:30 p.m.
On Jan. 18, the girls quarterfinals are as follows: De Soto (3-3) vs. Bishop Ward (1-3) at 3 p.m., Eudora (6-1) vs. Blue Valley West (3-4) at 4:30 p.m., Bonner Springs (34) vs. Holton (3-4) at 6 p.m. and Wamego (7-0) vs. Tonganoxie at 7:30 p.m.
Winners of the four quarterfinal boys games will advance in the championship bracket and play
at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20, while the losers of the quarterfinal games will play at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Winners of the four girls quarterfinal games will play at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, while the losers of those games will play in consolation bracket matchups at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. that day.
The tournament will wrap up Jan. 22 with seventh-place games at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., re-
Tonganoxie Invitational dates back to 1950s, but THS didn’t play in own tourney one year so team could play in Dodge City Tournament of Champions
By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@tonganoxiemirror.comThe Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament is steeped in history.
By all accounts it is the second longestrunning high school tournament in the state of Kansas, runner-up lo only Dodge City’s tournament.
But a calendar change and the Tonganoxie team’s one-year hiatus might have led to some confusion.
The tournament is known as the 63rd annual tournament in most circles but it could be argued that it’s technically the 64th annual tournament.
spectively, for the girls and boys at the west gymnasium and fifth-place games 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively, for the girls and boys at the east gymnasium. The third-place and championship games for this year’s tournaments will be in the east gymnasium: 1 p.m. (girls thirdplace game), 2:30 p.m. (boys third-place game), 5 p.m. (girls championship) and 6:30 p.m. (boys championship).
Editor’s note: Local sports historian Jeff Hughes continues to compile all-time results from area teams and leagues. He started with football and has continued with boys basketball. Here are boys capsules thanks to his research, along with a rundown of girls championship scores since the girls tournament started in 2005.
Bonner Springs Braves
First appearance: 1970
Overall appearance: 37th
Overall record: (73-35)
Number of titles overall: 11
Last tournament title: 2019
Oh by the way: Bonner has the most tournament appearances by one school and most overall titles for one school (11) and last won it back in 2019
De Soto Wildcats
First appearance: 1962 (18th appearance 28-21 overall record) 4 championships, last was 2021
Though Holton has never won the Tonganoxie Invitational, the Wildcats were runnner-up twice, in 2011 and 2021.
Jeff West Tigers First appearance: 1986
21st
Last tournament title: The Tigers haven’t won a title, but finished second in 2006.
Metro Academy Mavericks
First appearance: 2004
Overall appearance: eighth
Overall record: (9-12)
Number of titles overall: 0
Last tournament title: The Mavericks have no Tonganoxie tourney titles, but they did play in the 2020 finals.
Tonganoxie Chieftains
First appearance: 1956
Overall appearance: 63rd
Overall record: 95-86
Number of titles overall: 7
Last tournament title: 1994. THS last played in the finals of its own tournament in 2010.
Wamego Red Raiders
First appearance: 1964
Overall appearance: 24th
Overall record: 47-23
Number of titles overall: 5
Last tournament title: 1976
Tonganoxie won the first girls Tonganoxie Invitational in 2005. Silver Lake has the most tournament titles with five. Here’s a look back at title games:
Championship games
2021
Wamego 36, De Soto 35
2020 Eudora 57. Sumner Academy 40
2019
Wamego 42, De Soto 39
2018 De Soto 42, Jeff West 27
2017 De Soto 46, Silver Lake 37
2016 Silver Lake 48, De Soto 42
2015
Wamego 48, Chanute 34
2014
Silver Lake 46, Tonganoxie 28
2013 Chanute 39, De Soto 32
2012 Silver Lake 60, Tonganoxie 52
2011 Silver Lake 44, De Soto 39
2010 Lansing 50, Chanute 42
2009 Lansing 47, Eudora 37
2008
Tonganoxie 51, Eudora 36
2007
Tonganoxie 50, Lansing 37
2006 Silver Lake 61, THS 56 (OT)
2005 Tonganoxie 34, Silver Lake 33
Jeff Hughes, a Tonganoxie High School graduate who’s become a bit of a local sports historian as a hobby has so far researched area leagues for high school football and boys basketball. He’s utilized the Tonganoxie Public Library and Tonganoxie Community Historical Society archives, along with newspaper archives from The Mirror, The Lawrence Journal-World and the Kansas City Star among others to compile data such as scores and records, tournament appearances and so on. Hughes has researched THS yearbooks and newspapers.com and newspaperarchives.com as well.
Tonganoxie’s tournament was like many others in the earlier years — the tournament was a holiday invitational around Christmas. It was an early tradition at the collegiate level as well. When Kansas and Kansas State were in the Big 8 Conference (and Big 7 and Big 6 before that), the conference tournament also was of the winter break variety instead of a postseason tournament as it is today. Eight teams played in the holiday tournament, complete with consolation rounds as is done in the Tonganoxie Invitational currently. The format guarantees that all teams get to play three games. It also served as bookmark between nonconference and league schedules. Before the Big 8 (now Big 12) had fewer than eight teams, the conference invited other schools to round out the field up to eight. Southern Methodist, Arkansas, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota Princeton, Cornell, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, California and Washington were other teams that participated through the years.
The Big 6 Tournament started in 1946, a decade before the Tonganoxie Invitational.
Through his research, Hughes thinks there is some confusion about the number of tournaments played due to a change in the earlier years.
“The first nine tournaments were held over Christmas break and it was called the Tonganoxie Holiday Tournament,” Hughes THS principal Tom Beatty, who also coached football, basketball and track, wanted something for the student body to do during the Christmas break “to keep everyone engaged,” Hughes said of his findings from a January 1959 excerpt in The Mirror recapping the tournament.
The 1966 tournament (ninth overall) was the last one that took place in December. During the next school year, it moved to the second semester after winter break in January.
“So technically the calendar year of 1967 did not have a tournament but the school year did,” Hughes said.
He contends that there also could be some confusion because THS didn’t actually participate in their own tournament in 1965. The Tonganoxie Invitational still took place, but the Chieftains took the long trip west that year to compete in the Dodge City Tournament of Champions where THS finished in last place. After a one-year hiatus, THS was back participating in its own tournament.
The Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball Tournament is one of many that will be taking place next week across the state. Some attract teams from varying conferences, such as Tonganoxie’s tournament, while others are midseason league tournaments.
This year’s Tonganoxie Invitational is Jan. 17-22, with boys games starting Jan. 17 and girls games beginning Jan. 18.
Semifinal games and consolation bracket games will be played Jan. 20 and 21 and then the championship game and contests to decide third, fifth and seventh places will be played Jan. 22.