The Onaga Herald

05/20/2024

The class of 1974 had a great time on Saturday evening. Thanks to all who came! I had a great time visiting with everyone. We'll do it again! Want to know who everyone is? Read it all in The Onaga Herald. Official newspaper of the Class of '74 and USD #322!

05/06/2024

Hoping all of the classmates can make it. Of course, we've lost a few, I'm betting they won't show. Notice the date is NOT Mother's Day weekend.

03/26/2024

Two Vie for Sheriff's Office in Election
Doug Adams
Doug Adams began his career as an intern at K-State where he worked several years as well as being a reserve officer for the county and was hired on part time at first but was soon a full-time deputy for Pottawatomie County.
As time went on Doug was in addition to other responsibilities, the School Resource Officer in the county for approximately 8 years, when hewas involved in investigations and rose to the rank of Sergeant. In 2015 SGT. Adams was promoted to Lieutenant under Greg Riat and was made Supervisor of Investigations. He was promoted again to Captain in 2018 and finally as Under Sheriff for Sheriff Shane Jager, Adams has been the right hand of his boss and friend. The 47 year-old Doug Adams and his wife Michelle have a set of twin children, Ella and Noah, (14). They reside in Wamego. He has spent his entire adult life in the service of his community and county.
Adams said, “As Sheriff, I want to continue to build on our partnerships with our local schools, churches, and businesses to address issues and work to develop solutions tailored to the local needs. Together, we can
build a stronger and safer community. Some areas I would focus on would be expanding the amount of
time our Deputies spend in our local schools, increasing the number of Deputies trained in de-escalation programs like Crisis Intervention Training and hold regular community meetings with the public.

47-year-old Derek Cid, pronounced sid” is originally from the Miami, Dade County area. His family fled Communist Cuba to America. Cid was in the United States Army stationed in Qatar and Iraq, in 269th Armored Div. He had 2 tours of duty there.
After the Army, Cid worked for the Miami, Dade Co. police until he and his wife moved to Saint Marys where he has been the Chief of Police for the past 6 years.
Chief Cid resides in St. Marys, Kansas with his wife Adiana and three daughters, Carmen, Anna and Margo.
Chief said, “I am running for Sheriff because I bring solid conservative values as a Veteran and someone whose parents survived communism. If elected, I am fully prepared to take on the fundamental responsibility of actively preserving our constitutional rights while upholding the law and maintaining public order. As someone who has worked for small and large police agencies for almost fifteen years, I know locally that the requirements of our fast-paced southern corridor are different from our warm and community-centered rural areas.
I want to specifically assign north county officers to patrol and build relationships with our rural residents and small towns within our county, which will not only decrease response times but also help with local-level problem-solving. This will also include designated supervisors who will actively work towards north county community relations and foster better cooperation with the public and small municipal agencies.”
I will work towards recruiting deputies and jailers who have made Pottawatomie County their permanent home. Employees of this type have a far greater stake in their community. As an added benefit, they are far more likely to remain with the agency, which reduces the amount of taxpayer money needed to hire new officers and train them.
I will also improve transparency between the public and the agency. I believe the public should know more about what we do daily and provide resources and services to help prevent crime and increase community trust in their local sheriff’s office.
Overall, I will make many other positive changes besides these.
In closing, I would say that now, more than ever, we need motivated and committed police agency leaders. We need a sheriff who will play a pivotal role in shaping the safety and prosperity of our community, especially in the face of challenging times. If elected as Sheriff of Pottawatomie County, Kansas, I'm fully prepared to undertake this role and look forward to serving our amazing communities.

12/15/2023

JOYCE A. LAMONT DUER

Joyce A. Duer, 88, of Onaga, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, December 12th at the Onaga Health and Rehab Center. Joyce was born March 18, 1935, the youngest child of Charles W. Lamont and Mattie (Cowles) Lamont in Kirwin, Kansas. She attended school in Kirwin and graduated from high school in 1953.

After high school, Joyce attended Fort Hays State College. She met Owen E. Duer on a blind date, and they were married on December 26, 1956. They lived in Manhattan, Kansas, where she taught school until Owen graduated from Kansas State University. When their children were growing up, she was a Sunday School Teacher, Cub Scout Leader, and 4-H Leader. Joyce and Owen lived in Manhattan until 1984, and briefly in Yates Center until they moved to Onaga in 1986.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 55 years, her parents, two older sisters and two older brothers and a daughter in-law.

Joyce is survived by two sons, Keith of Topeka, and Roy and wife Lisa of Onaga; grandchildren, Cassandra, Kara, Krystal, Mitchell, and Shay Duer; one older brother and many nieces and nephews.

Her grandchildren were a highlight of her life and she loved spending time with them. She enjoyed quilting and going to the Senior Center.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 18th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Burial will follow in the Onaga Cemetery. Joyce will lie in state after noon on Sunday at the funeral home, where visitation will be from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Onaga Senior Center and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Onaga, KS 66521. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

12/02/2023

James “Boone” Robert Mayginnes, of Topeka, passed away Monday, November 27, 2023, in Onaga.

He was born September 17, 1952, to Paul and Mildred (Sims) Mayginnes.

He was a graduate of Kansas State University.

He worked as a Millwright for many years before working at Jeffery Energy Center until his retirement.

Boone was an art and music lover. He also loved to follow any activities in which his grandchildren participated.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Mayginnes, on March 5, 2019.

He is survived by his mother, Mildred, his sons, James Robert Mayginnes II (Krystle) and Zac (Becki) Mayginnes. He had 6 grandchildren, Annie (Noah) Wecker, Kylar Schmitt, Morgan Mayginnes, Rilyn Mayginnes, Klaire Barlow and James Robert Mayginnes III. He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.

The funeral will be Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Columbia Missouri at:

Broadway Christian Church, 2601 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203

In lieu of flowers the family suggests you donate to a local art or music program of your choice in his memory.

09/20/2023

Onaga Youth Football Undefeated Behind Dominant Defense
by Brian Matson
The Onaga youth football team has started their season 3-0 (2-0 in league) behind a formidable defense and explosive offense that has shut out their opponents and outscored them 101-0 through the first three games. Their latest game against Rossville, a 35-0 victory, showcased the shutdown ability of the defense and the quick strike offense.

The Buffalos took an early 14-0 lead after Carter Hutfles recovered a fumble on a bad snap and returned it for a touchdown during Rossville’s first offensive series. The next series, Blaine Blaske intercepted a pass on the second play of the drive giving the offense a short field. The offense wasted no time with a two-play touchdown drive capped off by a 27-yard run by Carter Hutfles.

The defense continued its onslaught by forcing another Rossville turnover on their next possession as Justin Wrosch intercepted another pass. Unfortunately, one play later Onaga gave the ball back to Rossville on a fumbled option exchange. The defense held strong, forcing a Bulldog punt, and setting the offense up at midfield.

The Buffalo offense once again showed its quick strike ability with another two-play drive which ended with a 50 yard catch and run for a touchdown by Jovin Matson. Rossville tried to gain momentum heading into halftime with their longest drive of the half of ten plays, but they were unable to break through the defense before time expired.

Coming out of halftime, the Buffalos were set up with a short field to work with on a kick return by Carter Hutfles which put the ball on the Rossville 15-yard line. The offense was unable to gain any traction and stalled out and turned the ball over on downs.

Rossville started driving the ball down the field, but ultimately turned the ball over on downs after a mishandled snap on fourth and short turned into a tackle for loss by the Buffalos. Onaga regained possession and drove the ball down the field on its longest drive of the game of six plays resulting in another touchdown run by Carther Hutfles. A key play on the drive was a 27-yard catch by Peyton Rice.

Rossville’s next drive ended quickly after two plays with Carter Hutfles intercepting another pass on a tipped ball to himself. This set up one final four-play drive for Onaga that ended with a 41-yard touchdown run by Justin Wrosch.

The Buffalo defense was led by Justin Wrosch (7 TKL, 3 Solo, 5 TFL), Jovin Matson (7 TKL, 3 Solo, 2 TFL), Carter Hutfles (6 TKL, 5 Solo, 1 TFL), Caleb Furman (5 TKL, 3 Solo, 1 TFL), and Max Krause (5 TKL, 2 Solo, 1 TFL).

The defense has been the focal point of this team allowing only 91 yards of total offense and 11 first downs while taking the ball away from their opponents 11 times (7 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries). Their hard work and focus at practice has transferred to the football field where they play as a team and only want one thing: a Win!

Onaga will host the next league games this weekend, September 23rd at 9:00am at Rosenfield Sports Complex. The Buffalos will play the other undefeated team in their league, Holton (2-0), with the winner taking sole possession of first place in the league. Breakfast will be available, and a 50/50 raffle will be held. Everyone is encouraged to attend, cheer on this team and witness what this special group is doing.

03/25/2023

Chris Flattery a loving husband, father and grandfather's life will be honored and celebrated with the details below.

-Monday March 27th
Visitation-5-7 followed by Rosary 7-8.

-St. Vincent De Paul Church

308 E. 3rd St.
Onaga KS 66521

-Tuesday March 28th Funeral 10am followed by the burial at Fairview Cemetery.

St. Vincent De Paul Church

308 E. 3rd St.
Onaga KS 66521

*Cemetery does not have an address just crossroads at Fairview & Lincoln. Follow family out to the burial site.

-12:00pm gathering at Havensville Rural High School Community Center in the gym where Chris coached for 15 years.

901 Commercial St.
Havensville KS 66432

Lunch, Laughter, Love & of course stories will be provided!

03/20/2023

02/07/2023

06/22/2022

Had a great interview with a pretty intelligent and sassy Miss Pott. , Alyssa Sherwood on Monday. I know she will do great things thru the scholarships she was awarded as Miss Pott. Please help by giving to their scholarship fund.

06/07/2022

Our Dad, Bill Harder published The Onaga Herald from 1954 until 1997 when he passed away. No computers yet when this was taken. Just a typewriter and line-o-type to set up the paper.

12/30/2021

Local farmers and ranchers watched as several central and western Kansas counties, around Russell and Hays caught fire in those extreme winds felt throughout the state a week ago Wednesday, December 15, 2021. The fires in Ellis, Russell, Sheridan, Trego, Osborne and Rooks counties burned everything in their path including home, hay, sheds, fences and livestock. Monday morning, December 27th, ranchers loaded 5 semi-loads and 4 trailers of hay, cornstalks, Hedge posts, lick tubs and other items lost in the fire. The donations to the farmers out west will never be enough but if everyone gives a little it will be a lot. Every local farmer and rancher donating, wanted to be anonymous. The spokesman said they had contacted a county agent to see where they needed it most and that’s where they arranged to take everything to donate. One farmer said even in a dry year and we are most certainly going to be short on hay, ten bales isn’t going make it or break it. “You never know when it’s going to be right here at home when we need help.” We at the Herald think it is a tremendous gesture and gladly buy them all a beer or pop when they get back.

11/05/2021

11/05/2021

Had a great time travelling to Kensington with Monty. Here are some photos from the game.

10/08/2021

09/24/2021

Observations by the Editor
by Joe Harder
The community lost another great asset this past week when Orville L. “Coach” Dodson passed into the great basketball arena beyond. I just know he is sitting on the sideline coaching, because that’s what he was, a teacher and a coach.
Coach Dodson had dementia so was not himself for several years, but up until a couple of years ago, he enjoyed going to basketball, softball and baseball games. He loved talking about it with anyone who could discuss it with enough intelligence to understand what he was saying.
Some 50 years ago he and a little short guy named Duncan coached a bunch of kids to the state basketball tournament several times. I believe they were the coaches when the class of 1970 went to state. They certainly were when Onaga placed 4th at state in 1972, and Orville took the 1977 team to state too. He was no stranger to good basketball. Of course my best buddy, Terry Ottman, brother Bill, Stan Matzke, Big John Wienstroer, Bradley Marten, Kenny Boswell, Dave Johnson, Dan Newman and Roscoe Bahret were there. Orville was the assistant coach, but everyone knows he was pretty important in taking care of a lot of things on that team. Duncan was a great coach, but Orville was very analytical when it came to the hardwoods. He would say if your guy goes one way do this. Going the other way means this. 99% of the time he was right. He wasn’t guessing he had just watched enough basketball to know the game.
He made sure you knew he was your coach and not your friend. Of course he wasn’t unfriendly, but a certain distance had to be maintained to gain the respect of the players.
I do remember, though, we had an unofficial “squirrel club” in one of his classes. He would make some dry sarcastic remark in class, and we had better catch it or we were the squirrel for the day. There was one kid who rarely got them, so he was almost always the designated squirrel.
That class was the best class I took in high school. The reason: it made sense. A math class that makes sense. We learned how to figure pitch on a roof, footings and foundation depth and width; how heavy the roof would be with a certain amount of snow. How often do you get classes like that in high school?
Orville taught us things we could go out and use in the real working world. Of course, many of us never used most of that math, but it was a useful class to show us math is important in everyday life.
I remember dribbling the basketball when we were practicing the fast break. Orville lined me up at the end of the gym and told me to run as fast I could to the other end of the floor. He threw the basketball and of course it got there long before I did. We repeated the exercise a couple more times and he asked, “Do you get that you can’t dribble faster than you can throw a ball?” I did.
We all learned a lot from Orville and will forever be indebted to him because he was first and foremost a husband, father, son and a teacher. Happy Trails old friend, mentor and coach. We will meet again beyond the horizon, in the House of our Lord and Savior.

07/09/2021

Observations by
the Editor
by Joe Harder
Doctor Eugene Walsh got his start in the little town of Herndon, Kansas. After medical school, the military, and being married, he moved to Onaga, following a three-week help period for Dr. Fleckenstein’s vacation time.
Doc Eugene and Agnes had four children, Julia, Tom, Tim and Mary Jane. All four are graduates of Onaga High School, with Tom, the first born son, heading immediately to Notre Dame University.
I remember Tom playing baseball one summer. As he slid into second base, his foot caught on the base, snapping his leg or ankle. I don’t remember ever seeing him play baseball again. I do remember him playing football, but also remember attending a practice just to watch the big boys play, and Tom Walsh and his buddy, Big Al McKinsey were on the sidelines with injuries. They loved cracking jokes and trying to get me to ask my sister dumb questions. I never did.
There was never any doubt that Tom and Al were pretty good buddies and still are. Alan even named is first born son, Thomas after his friend. If that’s not a true friend I don’t know what is.
After Notre Dame, Tom Walsh attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he became affectionately known as “Doctor Tom”.
Doc Eugene and Tom were like clones, except I don’t think Tom ever smoked a cigar while examining a patient. The two guys had the bedside manner of Red Skelton, Johnny Carson, and Rich Little or could be totally serious as the case needed to be and handle the situation with kid gloves. They were and still are perfect for Onaga and its people.
Doc Tom came to Onaga with his new bride, Marcia Stewart Walsh. Marcia, a beautiful, young girl; quiet, hard-working and willing to do whatever it took to make her mate happy and successful. Marcia admitted it was hard for her, moving to little town USA. She was a long way from her hometown of Kansas City, where there were movies, her girlfriends, parents and former life.
Marcia, an accomplished Registered Nurse soon found her way into the administration aspect of the hospital system under the direction of Joe Engelken, and that is a story for another day.
The Walshes have three children, David, Matthew and Molly.
Doc Tom saw Dr. Fleckenstein retire; his mom, Agnes got sick and passed away. His dad followed not long after, and he was the only doctor left in Onaga.
Tom saw to it that Onaga was never without a doctor. He worked without aid from other doctors for a very long time, with the exception of short breaks for a week or two away from the 24-7 service he provided at the clinic and hospital.
Eventually other doctors were hired to take over the legacy of what Dr. Fleckenstein, Dr. EA Walsh and Dr. Tom Walsh began and carried on for so many years.
Doctors spend their high school years preparing to get to college and then medical school to help people. Whether patients come to them in an emergency situation, a routine checkup, or anywhere in between they are there to help. Doctors sometimes get to see people in the best of situations, like bringing a new life into the world, saving a life in the operating room or just diagnosing what is going on, to move the patient to the right care as quickly as possible.
Doctors also see people who just want to complain, and they also see them when they just need to talk. No, it’s not their job, but that’s what Tom and good doctors do on a regular basis because they want to help in any way they can. Many times, a doctor has to see families in the worst situations, to inform them of a loss of life or an unwanted diagnosis.
Tom has served the community as city councilman, and Marcia was on the USD #322 Board of Education for several years and in several other capacities. She served the hospital as COO for many years. She stepped down from that position a couple of years ago to take a less active roll and now has become a full-time grandmother and wife.
As time stands still for no man, Dr. Tom is considering slowing down and retiring from seeing patients at or near the end of the year. It is the hope of the community that he and Marcia can enjoy some down time, their grandchildren and a slower pace of life. It has certainly been a most dedicated life the pair has given to a very, very grateful community.
Tom and Marcia have always been special to me and my family as friends, neighbors and caregivers. Thank you for dedicating your lives to helping others and trying to make sure Onaga and the surrounding communities have the best medical care possible. Our admiration for you two is only topped by the love of our own family and the love of Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy a long and carefree retirement when you decide it’s time to call it a wrap.