TG_120722

Holiday crafting now; Disney on Ice later

PATHWAYS STUDENTS CREATING HOLIDAY CRAFTS TO HELP PAY FOR DISNEY ON ICE TRIP IN NEW YEAR

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com

Students at Pathways in Tonganoxie are getting crafty this holiday season so they can enjoy Disney on Ice in the new year. Pathways, a cooperative of Tonganoxie and Basehor-Linwood school districts, provides life skills for special needs students.

The students, who learn life skills at the Pathways space at 328 S. Delaware in downtown Tonganoxie, take weekly trips to the grocery store and embark on social trips throughout the area.

Staff members were looking to take the students to Disney on Ice in February at T-Mobile Center, but the adventure is a little beyond the regular trip budget.

Morgan Bahn, special education teacher at Pathways, chatted with paraprofessionals on staff about fundraisers.

The group came up with holiday crafts the students could create and sell to the public.

Thanks to some Pinterest searches, the group came up with various crafts, Bahn said.

Madrigal Feaste returns for 21st year Saturday with 2 shows

Students have made top hats that resemble ones that Frosty might wear, but they’re made out of large coffee cans. Staff and students also use old records or plates to form the rim of the hat and then various Christmas ornaments and swag are then added to the decoration.

In addition, the group created flat decorations out of square pieces of wood that say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” Ornaments and other decorations then are used to created a tree or wreath on the wood display.

Vintage Park assisted living in Tonganoxie gave the group empty coffee cans. Some of the students work there, among other places in the area as part of their education at Pathways. Some of decorations used for the hats and signs were found at Good Shepherd Thrift Shop or discount stores.

Hunter Scott is a student at Pathways. He was creating one of the top hat masterpieces Friday. He didn’t have a certain style when making the crafts. He just goes with the flow.

“For me, I use whatever,” he said, going on to explain

that the hats will help fund their Disney on Ice trip.

“They look good.”

A bit later, Bahn worked with student Melissa Johnson on another top hat.

“Very professional,” Bahn said, describing their creation.

“Yeah, we are good,” Johnson noted.

Each item is $20 and can be purchased through Pathways. Bahn admitted that she wasn’t the craftiest in the bunch.

Instead, she said paraprofessionals Rachel Weston, Erica Colvert and Chris Engel excelled in that department.

“And me,” said Scott, chiming in.

Several students spend a portion of a day each week working on the craft projects. Other students there are Maricio Mendoza, Katherine Cook, Jacob Coffey, Austin Galyean, Sarah Stidham, Kaitlynn Howard and Sarah Funk.

To learn more about the craft items and how to purchase, go to https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_RR

CPMq6XlptHV5Vj9f0x 8iuDjYZUbbOAX1tajzaRHbxAw/viewform to fill out an order form or visit the Pathways Transition Program Facebook page.

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com

Hearye, hear ye, it’s almost time for Tonganoxie’s magnificent Madrigal Feaste.

The 21st annual event will be offered in two shows Saturday at the Tonganoxie Middle School commons area, 824 Washington St., or as it will be known Saturday — the Grand Hall of the Castle on the Grounds of TMS.

The Tonganoxie Vocal Music Department will present the holiday extravaganza with a step back in time.

This year’s lineup of food, carols and a little comedy with a Medival theme in Merrie Olde England will be presented at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday. Tickets are $10. Long-stemmed roses also can be purchased for a small fee, with proceeds to benefit the Tonganoxie Vocal Music Department. The ongoing Tonganoxie holiday tradition has become quite the annual affair. Banners signifying each past Madrigal Feaste are hung in the castle, er, commons area. A boar’s head might make an appearance, and the feast definitely can easily get people into the holiday spirit with a lineup of carols — and a lively rendition of the “12 Days of Christmas.” For more information or to inquire about reservations, email tgifford@ tong464.org.

Student Maricio Mendoza works with para Rachel Weston to paint the backdrop for one of Pathways’ Christmas signs students are selling.

Shawn F. Linenberger/Staff

Pathways teacher Morgan Bahn and student Melissa Johnson are busy putting the finishing touches on a holiday hat Friday.

Shawn F. Linenbeger/Staff

Hunter Scott debates where to place a decoration on the holiday hat he’s making.

Shawn F. Linenbeger/Staff

This is one of the Christmas signs Pathways is selling this holiday season. Contributed photo

MORE INSIDE Check out this week’s holiday planner story for a rundown of yuletide events in the area. For more, see Page 5A.

Tonganoxie students perform a song during the Madrigal Feaste in this photo from 2021.

Shawn F. Linenberger/Staff

This is one of the many banners that hangs in the “castle” rafters at the Madrigal Feaste.

Shawn F. Linenberger/Staff

The Mirror

ESTABLISHED 1882

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THS FFA shines at National Convention

The Tonganoxie FFA chapter recently participated in the 95th annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Mary Caenen was recognized at Convention today for receiving a grant from Farmland to support her service learning supervised agricultural experience project. Emma Aufdemberge also received a Farmland grant to support her beef production SAE project. Only 20 grants were presented to FFA members from the Midwest and Tonganoxie High School members received two of them.

The THS chapter also

was recognized as a 3 Star Chapter. Members Dalton Regehr and Mary Caenen walked across the stage to be recognized at the convention, which took place at Lucas Oil Stadium. A 3 Star rating is the highest designation the National FFA can give a chapter.

Tonganoxie was represented in several ways at the National Convention, including in the National FFA Chorus.

Tonganoxie’s Graham Foley participated in the choir.

Lastly, Tonganoxie celebrated its American Degree recipients at the convention. This year’s

McLouth teacher earns top music honor

celebration which took place Oct. 26-29.

Tonganoxie High’s American Degree recipients this year were Demi Hull, Ellie Braun and Cadence Dare. All three walked across the stage to receive their Golden Keys at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The National Convention takes place each fall in Indianapolis. The convention took place for many years in Kansas City, Mo., and later alternated between Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis. It now takes place in Indianapolis annually.

A McLouth teacher received an outstanding educator award Saturday in Topeka. Sarah Walker, K-12 vocal instructor at McLouth schools, received the Outstanding Music Educator for the Middle Level Choir for the Kansas Music Educator Association’s Northeast District. The convention took place at Topeka High School.

Walker started teaching at McLouth after graduating from the University of Kansas. She’s been at McLouth since 2011.

Sheriff’s office seizes drugs, paraphernalia

Leavenworth County Sheriff’s officers seized multiple grams of methamphetamine and manufactured THC byproduct of marijuana during the search of a camper trailer Nov. 23 near Tonganoxie.

Officers served a search warrant on a camper trailer in the 18400 block of 234th Street for the distribution of illegal street drugs, according to a release from the sheriff’s office. Several drug paraphernalia items indicative to drug sales, along with personal-use drug paraphernalia also were seized.

During the investigation, authorities determined the resident of the camper, a 31-year-old man, was manufacturing products inside the camper and packaging the product for resale.

TONGANOXIE HIGH FFA MEMBERS Demi Hull, Ellie Braun and Cadence Dare receive their American Degree at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

TONGANOXIE AND LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

Charges will be forwarded to the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office pending Kansas Bureau of Investigation results and certified weights, the release said.

Second Harvest distribution to start around 11 a.m. Thursday

The Second Harvest Mobile Food Truck will in Tonganoxie this Thursday for its monthly mobile food pantry drop-off, but at a later time.

7 TODAY

• 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.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

8 THURSDAY

• Leavenworth County Commission meeting, 9 a.m., Leavenworth County Courthouse Commission Chambers, second floor.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• 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 for residents 60 and older.

9 FRIDAY

• Tonganoxie Business Association meeting, 8 a.m., Village Venue, Fourth and Delaware streets.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Organized dominoes, 1-3 p.m., Tonganoxie Public Library.

Dominoes are played every Friday at the library.

10 SATURDAY

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9

a.m.-5 p.m.

• Madrigal Feaste, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Tonganoxie Middle School commons area. The annual medieval holiday concert, meal and more will have two shows on one day this year. For more information, visit tong464.org.

11 SUNDAY

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 1-5 p.m.

12

MONDAY

• Tonganoxie Public Library, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

• Tonganoxie USD 464 school board meeting, 6 p.m. USD 464

Administrative Center (former THS west campus). Meetings also can be viewed on the district’s YouTube channel.

13 TUESDAY

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

14

WEDNESDAY

• 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.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2,

9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

15 THURSDAY

• Leavenworth County Commission meeting, 9 a.m., Leavenworth County Courthouse Commission Chambers, second floor.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup for residents 60 and older.

16 FRIDAY

• Tonganoxie Business Association meeting, 8 a.m., Village Venue, Fourth and Delaware streets.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Organized dominoes, 1-3 p.m., Tonganoxie Public Library. Dominoes are played every Friday at the library.

17 SATURDAY

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

18 SUNDAY

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 1-5 p.m.

19 MONDAY

• First day of Hanukkah

• Tonganoxie Public Library, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

• Tonganoxie City Council meeting, 7 p.m., council chambers, Third and Bury streets. Meetings are open to the public, and residents also can watch meetings live on the city’s YouTube channel. Meetings also are archived and are available beginning a few days later.

20 TUESDAY

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

21 WEDNESDAY

• 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.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St.

21 THURSDAY

• Leavenworth County Commission meeting, 9 a.m., Leavenworth County Courthouse Commission Chambers, second floor.

• Tonganoxie Public Library open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels lunch at Florence Riford Senior Center, $2, 9:3011:30 a.m. at the center, 530 S. Bury St. Food is available for curbside pickup for residents 60 and older.

The truck will deliver food around 11 a.m. at the Cornerstone Family Worship parking lot, 205 E. U.S. Highway 24-40. Second Harvest delivers food for pickup the second Thursday of each month in Tonganoxie. Normally the truck arrives around 9 a.m., but during the winter months, the distribution will start around 11 a.m.

Visitors should consider arriving before that time, as food distribution can start before 11 a.m. and some items run out depending on demand. Recipients can pick up food for up to three families per vehicle.

Library’s Angel Tree still has seniors available to sponsor

Tonganoxie Public Library still has angels available to select on its holiday Angel Tree.

Patrons pick an angel and a matching senior they’d like to support by purchasing gifts.

Wrapping paper also can be donated for the drive.

A Linwood man pleads no contest to battery and theft

Richard Brauer, 82, Linwood, gave a no-contest plea to battery and theft Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Leavenworth County District Court.

It was reported on April 5, 2022, that a neighbor called to tell that Brauer allegedly had entered a shop building and took a grinder. The victim arrived to see Brauer allegedly attempting leave with his grinder. The man tried to stop Brauer with his vehicle, according to a release from the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office. That is when Brauer allegedly drove into the victim. When interviewed, Brauer told the sheriff’s department that he felt because the building was on his land he had a right to enter and he thought that the victim took the grinder so he took it back. Brauer then said he struck the victim because the victim wouldn’t let him leave. Sentencing is set for Jan. 6.

“This is a really unfortunate incident,” Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said. “No matter your age, you cannot violate the law or try to take the law into your own hand.”

Sarah Walker

Regents look for ways to minimize degree duplication amid new report

By Chad Lawhorn clawhorn@ljworld.com

If you want to get an undergraduate degree in physics, there is no shortage of options in Kansas.

All six of the state’s public universities offer an undergraduate degree in physics, despite data showing that enrollment in the programs is below average at all six schools, and that few physics graduates end up being employed in Kansas or Missouri. While every university is likely to keep offering some physics classes for the foreseeable future, the new data is raising the question of whether all six of the Regents universities ought to keep offering a full physics degree.

But, as a physicist could tell you, once that ball gets rolling, it likely will keep rolling.

Members of the Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday received a draft report showing that the number of degree programs that are struggling and duplicated at multiple state universities goes far beyond the field of physics.

In all, 177 degree programs fall into a category of needing monitoring and review, a step that could be a precursor to eliminating those programs, a consulting firm hired by the Regents said Thursday.

The RPK Group conducts studies

like this for university systems across the country, but it said the large number of duplicate degree programs in Kansas did stand out when compared to other systems the company has studied.

“The surprise that we had was the level of duplication that we saw in the data,” Mike Daly, a consultant with the RPK Group, told the Regents.

Regents and consultants, though, were quick to say that the new report doesn’t mean hundreds of degree programs are likely to be eliminated at the six Regents schools — the University of Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, Emporia State, Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State.

Elimination of degree programs is often a controversial process on university campuses, and a group of KU employees who are working to form a union for faculty members and instructors cited a lack of faculty input into major decisions about academic programs as one of the reasons organizers are seeking to form a union.

Several KU faculty members in February expressed concern about KU’s process to eliminate approximately 40 degree programs, including several in the arts and humanities. At the time, KU Chancellor Douglas Girod said the cuts were needed, in part, because maintaining programs that “chronically have had very, very

few students in them is not a very efficient way to run a business.”

Faculty leaders at the time countered that such data-driven considerations are important but there are reasons that go beyond economics that dictate why a university should offer certain life-enriching degree programs.

The RPK Group worked with KU as it went through the degree elimination process, and the Board of Regents hired the firm to take a broader look at how the entire Regents system could become more efficient.

On Thursday, Regents heard from several university leaders urging that a large amount of context be considered before Regents start providing direction to scale back the number of degree programs offered in the system.

KU Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer said there are examples where a school like KU may be offering a specialized type of physics degree that may look like a duplication if the issue isn’t carefully studied. She said such specialized degree programs often are critical to research programs, which can bring millions of dollars to the university.

“We may not have the greatest enrollment in that type of program, but we desperately need that program for research,” she said.

Daly, the RPK consultant, said there are a lot of granular details that universities and the Regents would need to

Remember When

dominated the mats as they trounced Gardner, 60-0, in their first league match this season.

75 years ago: Dec. 4, 1947

25 years ago: Dec. 10, 1997

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting was held at the VFW Park on Sunday, December 7, just before the snowstorm that dropped 3-4 inches on the town.

“The Shoemaker and the Elves,” a Christmas play was performed, directed by Peachez Joles and Jeffrey Gibbens. Santa Arrived on fire truck and Mayor Herb Robbins threw the switch on the tree. Hot chocolate and coolkies were served at the VFW Post and the snow started at 7 p.m.

50 years ago: Dec. 7, 1972

Kansas State University student, John Robert Schlup, Tonganoxie, is among 45 students initiated into Sigma Tau. Election to Sigma Tau is the highest honor which K-State engineering students can receive.

A major Kansas Highway

Project for 1973 was announced by the State Highway Commission on bids taken at Garden City. Included is a large job on the north side of the City of Tonganoxie totaling $716,325 on US 24-40. This project consists of increasing the routing from the curve eastward 0.5 miles at a point north of the K-16 and US 24-40 junction at the west side of Tonganoxie to a point east of the County R-5 overpass to four lanes on right-of-way previously purchased but not developed when original new route was built after World War II. Included also is two new bridges at Tonganoxie Creek and the Leavenworth Road overpass, on the north side of current structures which were declared insufficient by federal standards.

The Tonganoxie School Board set into motion the process of negotiations with teachers for next year’s contracts. Superintendent Powers represented the board and Phil Lobb represented the teacher’s association.

The Tonganoxie Chieftains opened their basketball season on a winning note by whipping the Lansing Lions 68-33. The opening win was the first time the Chieftains had won their opening game in four years. The Tonganoxie Wrestling Squad

A newly issued Victory Medal is available for any service member who was in the Armed Forces between December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1947. These medals will be presented to all who qualify on December 7, 1947 at the High School. Our local VFW made arrangements for the medals to be obtained. All that you need to present are your honorable discharge papers and a medal will be presented to you. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this ceremony where United States Armed Forces Films will be shown during the program. This is the sixth anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

A report that a farmer on Rural Route 2 in Bonner Springs has a 200-pound hog that stands on its hind legs, drinks milk out of a glass and never spills a drop, dispels the insult that certain people are hogs with no table manners.

Christmas tree light sets are available at Zellner Hardware. These sets make a more enjoyable Christmas, prettier and safer, too.

For Gifts that Please, Dresses that Fit and Zippers that Zip, visit Spoor Variety Store. These are ready made and ready to wear items that will be just the thing for the arrival of 1948.

Musil’s Bakery is offering the famous Christmas Carol Fruit Cakes. Order yours now so you won’t be without this delicious yearly treat.

100 years ago: Dec. 7, 1922

The Franklin Milk Condensery, Tonganoxie, managed by C.E. Todd, Gardner boy, and owner of the Olathe creamery, distributes among the farmers within a radius of seven miles of Tonganoxie for milk and cream an average of $40,000. Per month during the summertime and $20,000. Per month during the winter. The average per gallon for milk runs 20 cents.

The Olathe creamery, of which J.H. Harlan is manager, distributes among our farmers $10,000 per month in the summertime and $5,000 per month during the rest of the year. This has meant much to our

farmers especially in the past two years when crops were short and prices low. It would be a good thing indeed for more of our farmers to keep cows and more cows.

Mr. Graham, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. C.R. Churchill, of the Olathe Register, and the Editor of the Mirror were invited by Mr. J.H. Harlan, manager of the Olathe creamery, to accompany him to Tonganoxie on Sunday to inspect the Condensery where he was for two years foreman of the plant, and to eat one of “Mother” Myers’ Sunday dinners, far famed for variety, good cooking and abundance of eatables from the river north, and from Kansas City to Topeka.

The dinner, highly touted, proved to be fully 60 per cent better in every way than we had anticipated. Mother Myers has conducted a semi-private boarding house in the residence part of town for years, and her reputation as culinary artist has gone beyond the confines of this state.

The food, the appointments the service, was par excellence. By actual count here were 43 different items of food on the table, and all particularly well put up or cooked. We had been admonished not to eat any breakfast but had done so and at the dinner table is where we found that had made a mistake.

[The rest of this article will appear in next week’s column.] 125 years ago: Dec. 9, 1897

While there is a growing scarcity of game useful to mankind, there seems to be no letup in the fecundity of various pests that rob hen roosts and otherwise destroy things of value to the farmers.

Every hunter makes war on game such as quails and prairie chickens in season and out of season, and farmers hereabout are getting greatly incensed at the reckless hunters who kill insect destroying game without regard to the loss of the agriculturalist or the statutes of the state. Farmers are now getting together to prosecute hunters that roam over their premises, and there is a likelihood of a boom in justice court business in the near future.

For more on this story, go to tonganoxiemirror.com.

consider before deciding to eliminate a program. He said that’s one reason why the RPK report is not recommending elimination of specific programs. Instead, he said the report is intended to be “informative and raise awareness.”

On that front, the report does list 73 bachelor’s degree programs that should either be reviewed or optimized because the degrees are offered by at least four Regents universities. Those 73 degree programs were in 13 disciplines: chemistry; drama/theater arts; English and literature; fine/studio arts; earth/geosciences; history; general studies; linguistics; mathematics; music; philosophy; physics; and sociology.

The report also listed 44 master’s degree programs that should either be reviewed or optimized because they are offered by at least four Regents universities. Those degrees were in nine disciplines: biology; chemistry; communication and media studies; English and literature; fine/studio arts; history; mathematics; physics; and nursing.

Regents did not take any action at Thursday’s meeting. Instead, RPK Group is expected to provide a more formal report to the Regents at their December meeting. RPK also will be back for the Regents’ January meeting to present a second part of their research, which looks at possible workload requirements for faculty.

Area Columnists

Library Corner

By Kim Downing

Special firefighter storytime

Our children’s librarian, Ms. Susan, will be welcoming some of our local firefighter friends to a very special storytime.

Starting at 11 a.m. Friday, children will get to visit with our firefighters, and there will also be a read aloud with them. And no storytime would be complete without some songs with Ms. Susan and a craft, too!

Teen holiday decorating party

We’re looking for crafty teens with holiday spirit!

The library is going to provide tabletop Christmas trees plus tons of ornament making supplies. All we need is a little creative teen spirit. The party will be 5-7 p.m. Friday. Everything to participate will be supplied, and the party is free.

Plus, there’ll be snacks, too!

Holiday bingo event

We’re spreading a little holiday cheer at the library with a rousing game of holiday bingo! Participants will be treated to seasonally themed games and prizes. Game play is open to adults and anyone 12 years of age and older.

It’s free to attend, but those interested will need to pre-register by calling the library at 913-845-3281.

Frozen pancakes and pajamas event for kiddos

Dec. 17 is our day for the library to go “Frozen!”

Starting at 8 a.m., youths can come down for a tasty

warm pancake breakfast and cocoa in their jammies (adults can, too!). Anna and Kristoff from “Frozen” will be here to visit from 8-9:30 a.m. plus there will be games, stories and more. Who needs Santa when you’ve got Frozen?

— Kim Downing is circulation coordinator at Tonganoxie Public Library.

McLouth Happenings

By Beverly Muzzy

Laughing Lunch is Dec. 15

Class of 1967 McLouth High School classmates and friends will meet for our Laughing Lunch at 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at 1866 Bar and Grill, 416 E. Fourth St. in downtown Tonganoxie. Organizers will need a headcount, so those interested should RSVP by Tuesday: Beverly, 913-7966935 or mclouthhappenings@gmail.com.

Wreaths Across America planned for national cemeteries

Wreaths Across America ceremonies, Remembering and Honoring Fallen Heroes, will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 17 at both Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, 395 Biddle Blvd., Fort Leavenworth, and Leavenworth National Cemetery, 105 Muncie Road.

The public is welcome to participate in the laying of wreaths.

— Please submit McLouth community information, announcements and upcoming events to Beverly Muzzy: mclouthhappenings@gmail.com or 913-796-6935.

Compiled by Janet Burnett, Sarah Kettler, Connie Putthoff, Kris Roberts and Billie Aye

Light shows again shining in Tonganoxie neighborhoods

Holiday light shows have grown in popularity and scope in recent years.

Those aspiring Griswolds can be found in Tonganoxie this holiday season.

Often times the light show is set to music, which motorists can enjoy from the warmth of their vehicle interiors by tuning their radios to a frequency the light-show creators have selected.

There are four options in Tonganoxie for evening holiday lights shows: The George family display at 943 N. Oak Terr., the Masur family display at 904 N. Oak Terr., the Purge family display at 121 Rawlings Drive and the Sparks family display at 109 S. Village Terr. Are there more shows we need to add? Email us at slinenberger@tonganoxiemirror.com and we’ll update the list.

Team Tongie 12 Days of Christmas fundraiser continues

A local nonprofit organization is conducting an online fundraiser this holiday season.

The Team Tongie 12 Days of Christmas event started Thursday on the organization’s Facebook page. A different item or items is up for bid each day. Bidders can post their bids on the Team Tongie Facebook page each day. To join in the bidding, go to the Team Tongie Facebook page for more information.

Holiday market at Deer Ridge Estate

The 3rd annual Tinsel and Treasure Holiday Market will be

this weekend at Deer Ridge Estate north of Tonganoxie.

The event will be noon-4 p.m. at the venue, 21107 Donahoo Road, Tonganoxie.

Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and decorate sugar cookies.

The venue’s three spaces also will be open for tours: The Grand (main venue), the farmhouse and the Vista (on the hill next to the farmhouse.

Madrigal Feaste is Saturday

The tradition continues in Tonganoxie with the 21st annual Madrigal Feaste.

This year’s feaste will be 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tonganoxie Middle School commons area. To see whether tickets still remain, email tgifford@ tong464.org. For more about the popular holiday event, see the feature story on page 1A.

Tonganoxie Lions Club pecan/nut sale

The Tonganoxie Lions Club is having a pecan and nut sale this holiday season.

All proceeds will go back into the Tonganoxie community.

The club is selling 16 oz. bags for $11 each and has a variety of options: pecan halves, white chocolate covered pecans, dark chocolate covered pecans, milk chocolate pecans, honey roasted pecans, chocolate covered peanuts, whole cashews and deluxe mixed nuts.

For more information, contact Lions Club member Margy Sundstrom at 940-390-7430.

Unsavory Santa visiting the adults Saturday at Ryan’s Public House Santa Claus’ distant cousin Unsavory Santa is visiting Tonganoxie on Saturday night.

He will be at Ryan’s Public House in downtown Tonganoxie that night and will be available for photos with the adults.

Because he is mischievous and unkempt be forewarned. He might smell bad and curse. Bring a friend to take your photo with this memorable character. It will be a fun and silly time.

RPH will have warm drink specials and will be looking for helpers as the public house decorates for the holidays.

Again, this particular Santa is for adults, so call a babysitter and leave the children at home.

Lawrence Lights open through Dec. 28

A drive-thru holiday light tour has returned for the second season, having doubled its offerings from its inaugural season last year.

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Sertoma

Club of Lawrence and the Lawrence Board of Realtors Community Foundation, is presenting the second annual Lawrence Lights event, according to a city news release. The drive-thru tour of synchronized light displays is open 6-9 p.m. daily at the Youth Sports Complex, 4911 West 27th St. The display, which had its debut Friday, will be open through Dec. 28.

The first event last year took motorists through the west Lawrence sports complex to see nearly 20 holiday displays that were synchronized to music, as the Journal-World reported. The Lawrence Lights website states the size of the light show has been doubled for this year.

Tickets are $20 per car, and those who would like to attend but are not able to pay can send a fee waiver request with their name and email address to info@lawrence-lights. com, with “Lawrence Lights Scholarship Request” in the email subject line.

Reservations are not required, but tours can be booked online at the Lawrence Lights website. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales

will benefit the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department Wee Folks Scholarship Fund, which provides youth the opportunity to participate in parks and recreation programs and activities.

Knights of Lights continues on weekends

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival grounds in Bonner Springs again is being transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Visitors can enjoy twinkling lights, beautiful music, a visit with Santa and more as organizers transform Canterbury for the holidays with this year’s Knights of Lights.

Knights of Lights started this past Friday. It’s

available 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 18 plus Dec. 21-24 and Dec. 30-31.

Dogs also can participate with their human families. They’ll just need to be registered at the site.

In addition, Feast of Lights is being offered this year and features two adult tickets to Knights of Lights, dinner, dessert and a bottle of wine for $150. It includes a gourmet Italian meal in a heated igloo.

There also will be a New Year’s Eve parry from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31.

Fro more information, go to kcrenfest. com/2022-knights-oflights/.

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW is back this holiday season at the Sparks home on South Village Terrace. It’s one of a handful of homes sharing light shows in Tonganoxie this holiday season

Jan. 16. An open house celebration commemorating the new space also will take place that night.

Tonganoxie to celebrate new THS athletics wing Jan. 16 with open house

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com

Tonganoxie USD 464 will be celebrating its new athletic wing on the Tonganoxie High School campus with an open house Jan. 16.

Festivities will start at 4:30 p.m. that day. The open house coincides with the first day of the Tonganoxie Invitational Basketball tournament.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and then youths can get photos with mascots starting at 5 p.m.

The THS pep band also will begin performing starting at 5 p.m.

At 5:15 p.m. the girls basketball team will begin warmups and then will play at 5:30 p.m. against Holton in the opening round of the tournament.

The THS cheerleaders will perform at halftime of the THS-Holton girls game. About 5 minutes after the conclusion of the girls basketball game, a ceremony will begin. THS principal Cody Witte will give welcome remarks and then USD 464 Superintendent Loren Feldkamp will give remarks and introductions. He will introduce various representatives of district’s building team such as McCownGordon, DLR Group, Eskie and Associates, KCAV, Trane and more.

About 7:05 p.m. school board president Jim Bothwell give his remarks and then at 7:10 p.m. there will be photo opportunities with construction VIPs, school board and administration on the gymnasium floor.

Tonganoxie High students will then participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony in the final activity before the boys basketball game between THS and Holton. The teams will warm up about 7:35 p.m. and then player introductions will begin at 7:50 p.m.

At 7:55 p.m., the THS choir and alumni choir will perform the National Anthem, with the game to start shortly after that performance. THS vocal instructor Tom Gifford has invited alumni back to perform on that open house night.

Then at halftime of the boys game, there will be a raffle drawing and a

performance from the Chieftains Stars, the THS dance team that recently placed fourth at state in Class 4A.

There also will be special promotions the day of the open house. Anyone wearing Tonganoxie gear will receive free admittance to the games. In addition, the first 1,000 Tonganoxie students, staff and patrons will receive a free Tonganoxie stocking cap.

THS student council members will hand out free bottled water, while Tonganoxie FFA chapter students will hand out free popcorn.

There also will be open houses for the new THS choir room and the media room and training room.

KC Wolf is expected to be at the event, while Willie the Wildcat and Big Jay also possibly will be at the event.

Crews have been working on painting and wall graphics in recent weeks, with flooring, millwork and toilet accessory installation. Crews also have been working on gymnasium floor finishing.

As winter break approaches, crews will be working on final cleaning, painting, flooring and exterior signage.

The gymnasium is the final phase of a campus overhaul made possible through a $54.1 million bond issue that passed in September 2019. The bond issue passed by 93 votes (1,759-1,666) and has funded the two-story academic learning center, renovation of the west campus that now is home to the USD 464 Administrative Center, a new THS wrestling room and in the new year, Tonganoxie Recreation Commission offices.

The new gymnasium is just east of the existing gymnasium on the THS campus.

NEW PARKING LOT OPEN SELECT TIMES

• The new parking lot east of the gymnasium will be open select times and dates.

• It will be available for visitors starting at 4 p.m. Friday and after 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 16.

• It also will be available all day Dec. 17 and Dec. 18.

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Council approves curb replacement for just under $24K for Church Street Stormwater Improvement project

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com

The Tonganoxie City Council approved funding for concrete approach and curb replacement services for the Church Street Stormwater Improvement Project.

The project runs generally parallel along Church Street between Fourth and Seventh streets.

So that the project can be completed in a timely fashion with the onset of winter weather approaching, the city requested bids for the concrete approach and curb replacement services.

City officials received bids from Crookham Construction for $23,900 and Stean Contracting for 25,560.

The council approved the bid from Crookham Construction by a 4-0 vote, with Council Member Jake Dale absent. Mayor David Frese also was absent.

Council Member Chris Donnelly voiced appreciation for a local company having the low bid and being awarded the project, as Crookham Construction is a Tonganoxie company.

City recognizes THS

standout runner

Council Pro Tem

Loralee Stevens recognized Tonganoxie High senior Eli Gilmore during Monday’s meeting.

Gilmore won the boys Class 4A state title in cross country earlier this fall in Wamego. Stevens rattled off Gilmore’s

many accomplishments, including being the only THS runner so far in program history to finish in the Top 5 all four years of high school.

Staff reflects on Mayor’s Tree Lighting event

Tonganoxie Assistant

City Manager Dan Porter updated the council on this year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting festivities, which took place Nov. 19.

The parade took place for the second time, but went east to west along Fourth Street instead of west to east because the tree and visits with Santa took place at the library this year instead of at the pocket park and former council chambers near Fourth and Delaware.

There also once again was the food drive among students at Tonganoxie Elementary School, Tonganoxie Middle School and Genesis Christian Schools.

In total, students collected some 5,500 food items that accounted for about 3.5 tons in weight.

Porter said the transporting of food from the schools to Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Bank is a neat group effort from the city standpoint because representatives from the city’s various departments pitch in to help move the food from Paint A to Point B.

The remainder of the event included a lighting

ceremony, brief remarks by Mayor Frese, food offerings such as waffleson-a-stick, hot chocolate and the ever-popular early opportunity for children of all ages to speak personally with Santa and deliver a list of their wishes for the upcoming holiday season.

Tonganoxie High School singers also offered some caroling by the tree outside the library, inside the library and across the street at 304 Venue. The THS band, cheer squad and Chieftain Stars also participated in the parade.

The event appeared to be well-attended, with many people complimented the decorations

and arrangements prepared by volunteers, Porter said.

The assistant city manager also praised the local volunteer committee for its hours of commitment to getting ready for the event.

Volunteers in that group include Diane Bretthauer, Vicki Starcher, Betty Langston Kirby, Char Crain, Jerry Bretthauer and John Bretthauer.

Stevens praised the committee, with many of them being on hand at Monday’s meeting.

“I think it’s a treasured event in this community,” Stevens said as she addressed volunteers at the meeting. “It’s a great

testament to your commitment to town.”

In addition, many city and library staff members contributed to the success of the event, according to Porter’s report. That list includes but is not limited to: Mayor Frese, Jami Burke, Moe McCutchen, Alvin Cain, Fire Chief Zimbelman, Tammie McCutchen, Joe Byrne and entirety of the Tonganoxie City Fire Department, police Chief Greg Lawson, library Director Max Wirestone, Rhonda McReynolds, Susan Ibarra and Kim Downing.

Council Member Matthew Partridge joked about planning to grab some Hamburger Helper

out of the cupboard recently, but not boxed meal was to be found. His daughter had donated the food to the drive.

“I was very happy it went to the cause,” he said. “She is really happy her class won a pajama party out of it.” Work session takes place before regular meeting

Tonganoxie City Council members had a one-hour work session before their regular meeting Monday to hear from Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, about a Legislative update and what to expect in the upcoming session. Holland’s district includes Tonganoxie.

Dan Porter/City of Tonganoxie

TONGANOXIE HIGH SENIOR Eli Gilmore receives a certificate from City Council President Loralee Stevens during Monday’s regular meeting. Gilmore won a Class 4A state cross country title earlier this fall. Looking on, from left, are Council Members Matthew Partridge, Jennifer McCutchen and Chris Donnelly

Back on the Court

Coming next week: THS basketball teams continue busy schedule before winter break

THS girls wrestling wins first-ever dual

GIRLS ALSO TAKE 3RD AT SPRING HILL; BOYS TOP KANSAS TEAM AT GEHS

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror. com

TheTonganoxie High girls wrestling team earned its first dual victory in school history Wednesday in its season opener.

THS outlasted Bonner Springs, which is ranked No. 9 in the girls large school division. THS girls wrestling is in its fourth year as a varsity sport.

The THS boys team also won its first competition since winning a state title this past February.

THS won the girls dual against Bonner Springs, a squad that is ranked No. 8 in girls’ large division.

Tonganoxie, ranked No. 6 in Class 4A in the early Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association poll, defeated Bonner, 70-9.

Andale is the top-ranked team in 4A in the early going. Augusta is No. 2, Rose Hill No. 3 and Paola No. 4.

Both THS teams have a Thursday dual at Pittsburg. The girls have a tournament Friday at Santa Fe Trail and then both squads are at home next Wednesday, Dec. 14, for a home triangular against Ottawa and SFT.

Tonganoxie boys place 4th at loaded Gardner-Edgerton Invitational

Tonganoxie High boys wrestling finished as the top Kansas team at Saturday’s Gardner-Edgerton invitational.

THS placed fourth overall with 125 points, just ahead of St. Thomas Aquinas. The Saints tallied 124.5.

Allen (Texas) won the meet with 272 points. Southeast Polk (Iowa) finished second and Broken Arrow (Okla.) third.

Braeden Moore won an individual title at 132 for Tonganoxie, while Noah Bailey placed second at 150 and Colton Brusven and Hunter Benedict both fourth at 165 and 215, respectively. TEAM RESULTS

1. Allen (Texas), 272; 2. Southeast Polk (Iowa), 205.5; 3. Broken Arrow (Okla.), 191; 4. Tonganoxie, 125; 5. St. Thomas Aquinas, 124.5, 6. Mill Valley, 99; 7. Goddard, 98; 8. Cascia Hall (Okla.), 89.5; 9. Olathe North, 84.5; 10. Dodge City, 79; 11. Manhattan, 75.5; 12. GardnerEdgerton, 54; 13. (Tie) Salina Central and Salina South, 43; 15. St. James Academy, 25.

TOP INDIVIDUAL THS

PLACERS

Tonganoxie

basketball teams open with losses to Louisburg

132

1. Braeden Moore 144

5. Brady Martin

150

2. Noah Bailey

165

4. Colton Brusven

175

6. Wyatt Harris

190

7. Rocco Gehring

215

4. Hunter Benedict Girls 3rd at Bronco Invite

The Tonganoxie High girls wrestling team placed third at the Bronco Invitational on Saturday at Spring Hill.

THS scored 171 points, with Gardner-Edgerton winning the meet with 223 points. Spring Hill finished second at 176.

THS had several team members place, including four firstplace finishes: Stella Bradley at 125B, Mackenzie Colgrove at 140B, Sydney Shephard at 145B and Holly Colvert at 190.

TEAM SCORES

1. Gardner-Edgerton, 223; 2. Spring Hill, 176; 3. Tonganoxie, 171; 4. Olathe Northwest, 167; 5. Basehor-Linwood, 123; 6. Paola, 119; 7. Blue Valley Southwest, 108; 8. Rossville, 103.5; 9. Holton, 103; 10. Blue valley West, 64; 11. Shawnee Mission Northwest, 62; 12. Shawnee Mission West, 59; 13. Ottawa, 43; 14. Blue Valley North, 29; 15. Blue Valley, Central Heights and Shawnee Mission South, 0. INDIVIDUAL THS PLACERS 100-105

2. Autumn Wilson

4.

By Shawn F. Linenberger slinenberger@ tonganoxiemirror.com

It was a tough start to the 202223 campaign for the Tonganoxie High boys and girls basketball teams. The Louisburg girls got out to a big lead and never looked back. LHS handed the Tonganoxie girls their first loss with a 55-11 advantage.

In the boys game, the Wildcats again jumped out to a big lead, as LHS had an 11-0 lead when THS scored its first points with a 3-pointer with 2:20 left in the first quarter.

Louisburg led by as many as 20, but Tonganoxie clawed back in the second half. They trimmed that lead down to single digits and had some chances in the fourth quarter to rally even more, but Louisburg eventually pulled away with a 46-32 victory.

Both Tonganoxie teams fell to 0-1 on the season.

The squads headed Tuesday to Atchison for a non-conference doubleheader against the Phoenix.

The game took place after The Mirror’s print deadline. The AHS boys entered the game at

1-0 after defeating Rossville, 76-37, at home. The Atchison girls opened the season with a 58-30 loss to Rossville.

Tonganoxie teams are back home Friday against Wamego. The WHS boys are 1-0 after defeating Topeka High, 62-47, at home. The Wamego girls also opened the season with a victory against THS, 57-52.

On the boys side, there are two more games before winter break: Dec. 15 at Eudora and Dec. 20 at Baldwin. Eudora is 1-0 after beating Spring Hill, 38-23, while Baldwin also is 1-0 after dropping Paola, 54-36, in the season opener. On the girls side, THS will face Eudora (01), which opened the season with a 38-26 loss to Spring Hill, and Baldwin, which defeated Paola, 43-36.

The Wamego girls were ranked No. 2, while the Eudora girls No. 6 in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association preseason poll. The Eudora boys are preseason No. 1, while Wamego is No. 8.

Landon Cory/Special to The Mirror

GARRETT KELLY takes on a Bonner Springs wrestler in a dual Wednesday, Nov. 30, at THS. Tonganoxie won the dual, 70-9.

Contributed photo THS GIRLS WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS celebrate a third-place finish Saturday at the Bronco Invitational at Spring Hill.

Landon Cory/Special to The Mirror TONGANOXIE HIGH’S CALEB CLARK goes up for a shot in the home opener Friday against Louisburg. THS fell, 46-32, to the Wildcats at home.

William Weatherford, MD Jason Foster, MD

Lorelei Sunderland, APRN-BC

Kimberly Todd, PA-C