Eskridge News

In an emotional ceremony the Catholic Church in Eskridge turned its building over to the community for a new use.

The word "bittersweet" came up frequently in the ceremony that signified the official and final closing of the church, but gave birth to new life in the community.

"I want to thank everyone who has made this a glad and sad occasion right now," Gateway to the Flint Hills Coalition PRIDE Boosters President Sandy Williams said. "Because having the church gone is hard."

State Senator Laura Kelly was present at the ceremony and summarized the events that day in terms of her own faith.

The three Republican candidates for the Kansas Senate's 18th district remained generally positive and issue-oriented Monday during a joint appearance on "Jim Cates @ CJOnline" netcast.

The Eskridge City Council took no action Wednesday on a previous request from Bill Ridinger, owner of Bilbilt Construction, who had asked about changing dock restrictions.

At a previous meeting, Ridinger asked the council to consider raising the maximum dock height from 12 feet to 14 feet to accommodate all the necessary elements for docking boats as well as a proper pitch on the roof and the potential for a deck on top.

He said the current regulations of 12 feet allow for a short railing, but not enough to have a truly safe setup.

ONE TO TWO INCHES OF RAIN HAS ALREADY FALLEN ACROSS THE WARNED AREA...AND AN ADDITIONAL ONE TO TWO INCHES IS POSSIBLE OVER THE NEXT FEW HOURS.

Gerald W. Hartman Jr., 44, of Eskridge, was arrested in connection with sexual exploitation of a child and endangering a child, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

It's been called two different things - Memorial Day and Decoration Day - and has been held on different days of the week, but Memorial Day has been drawing residents of Topeka and surrounding communities to ...

Published Friday, May 9, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. CDT Funding for community projects in Riley, Wabaunsee and Jefferson counties is included in a distribution of federal grants through the Community Development Block ... via Topeka Capital-Journal

R&B-folkie Jason Eskridge will play Lovenoise at The Place this Sunday. Eskridge won't spend much time at home this summer otherwise, as he'll be flanking the country with blues phenom Jonny Lang . via The Tennessean

“We're anxious about it and scared at the same time”

A fractured Eskridge City Council had members on opposite sides of several issues at Wednesday's meeting.

Concern over keeping zebra mussels out of Lake Wabaunsee led to the council approving a resolution charging a fee of $30 per household for any floating device or a $5 surcharge for one-day access to the lake, but then split the council as they discussed nighttime fishing opportunities.

Council Member Stephen Bostwick suggested that the caretaker could check out keys to the gate at the boat dock in order to allow fishers to take their boats on the lake at night and/or come off the lake during the night when they are through fishing. Read more

“The depression of the 1930s also adversely affected the town, and many citizens eventually left during that decade.”

Originally published 01:19 p.m., March 18, 2008 Updated 01:19 p.m., March 18, 2008 It felt great to be out on the open road again. via Emporia Gazette

Arrest made in shoplifting case At about 6 p.m. Saturday, someone tried to shoplift $770 worth of items at Dillards, 2259 S. Ninth, according to a police report. via Salina Journal

“Effective after a 15-day period where she has the opportunity to ask for a hearing with the board of education and with appropriate legal council in her defense.”

When officials arrived at Mission Valley High School near Eskridge to investigate a theft, it could have been a student. via KSNT-TV Topeka

“I"  in the equation is for, Improvement is a daily priority.  

  "Be the best that you can be.  Work to get better.  Take your assets and build on them”

  The Wabaunsee County Economic Development Office held  the annual meeting and appreciation dinner Thursday, February 8, in the Mission Valley Commons Area.  Dinner was catered by Bobby D's Lakeside BBQ (Lake Wabaunsee) and Alma Bakery and Sweet Shoppe.  

  Newly appointed Economic Development Director Abby Dechant welcomed those attending and introduced members of her committee.  Members of the Wabaunsee County Economic Development (WCED) Committee include; Commissioner 1st District - Ken Smith and Bud Hund, Commissioner 2nd District - Velda Hodges and Gary Dixon,  Commissioner 3rd District - Larry Holz and Claude Blevins,  City of Alma - Don Frank, City of Alta Vista - Carissa McKenzie, City of Eskridge - vacant, City of Harveyville - JoLeta Weems, City of Maple Hill - Linda Raine, City of McFarland - Lori Senne, City of Paxico - Judy Meinhardt, Lake Wabaunsee - Cindy Manz, Extension Council - Nancy Hier and Linda Craghead, Advisor - Matt Pfeifer. Read more

“We've got a group of young men right now who've started to act up”

A proposal for the city to purchase a pick-up truck for its patrol officers met with questions from residents.

During patron's concerns Dolly Mercer asked about the truck proposal, as well as the city's policies when scheduling patrols.

"I was concerned about the hours we were having with patrolling," she said. "I asked about downtown hours and about scheduling. I've been out here a lot and I haven't seen very much."

"We're up here until 8 every night and we don't see them," she added. Read more

“That disaster has been closed now”

The transfer of ownership on a building in downtown Alma is from the Alma Co-op to Wabaunsee County is almost complete, and commissioners now are looking at plans for remodeling.

Many departments, including AMR, sheriff and county health, will be sharing the space and commissioners advised having the department heads discuss the most efficient plans for remodeling.

As they were discussing, AMR Operations Manager Ken Keller arrived at the meeting and advised commissioners that, once plans are decided, some of the AMR employees could do the majority of the remodeling work. Read more

“We're real excited to have her here”

Wabaunsee County Zoning Administrator David Stuewe reported Monday he had inquiries into the potential of new towers in the county following December's ice and snow storms.

Stuewe said communication difficulties during the power outages had at least one company looking into the possibility of putting up a new tower outside of Eskridge.

Commissioners indicated they could see residents voicing concerns regarding towers, but added new towers could have new benefits for the county.

County Clerk Jennifer Savage said the county currently pays $671 each month to rent space for repeaters and communication equipment on an existing tower. Read more

K4 highway at Eskridge is nearly impassable. Many vehicles are attempting to bypass I70 by taking K4. via KSNT-TV Topeka

The following animals have been brought to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Road. via The Topeka Capital-Journal

Members of the Gateway  to the Flint Hills Coalition PRIDE Boosters from the Eskridge and Lake Wabaunsee area provided another inspirational program Sat-urday as they sponsored the 9th Annual Veteran's Day Salute.

  Participants gathered at the Golden Living Center, formerly  Heritage Village, for a flag raising ceremony conducted by the United States Army Jr. ROTC from Topeka West High School.

  At the conclusion of the flag raising ceremony a parade formed and traveled to the opposite end of town that concluded at the Eskridge City Park.    After as-sembling at the park Congressman Jerry Moran served as the master of ceremonies and introduced vet-erans from the various wars and conflicts.   Read more

Members of the Flint Hills Coalition PRIDE Boosters are extending an invitation to attend their 9th annual Veteran's Day activities in Eskridge, this Saturday, November 10.  

  A complimentary breakfast will be offered at Golden Living Center (formerly Heritage Village) at 8:30 a.m.  Parade registration will follow at  9:30.  At 10:00 a.m. a flag raising ceremony will be held at Golden Living Center, followed by a parade through Eskridge.

  After arriving at the Eskridge City Park a formal flag raising ceremony will be held.  Congressman Jerry Moran  will serve as the master of ceremonies and will introduce several dignitaries who will share remarks.  A flag retirement ceremony will also be held in the park. Read more