Susan Marie Rathke of Emporia passed away on March 31, 2023, due to complications from cancer. She was 67.
Susan was born on October 19, 1955, in Kansas City, Kansas to Milton D Merritt and Shirley Marie (Cowgill) Merritt. She was the third of four children. Susan grew up in the KCK area, winning spelling bees, belonging to 4-H, the Camp Fire Girls, the Presbyterian Church and its youth group, and other clubs and groups. She truly enjoyed working on her parents’ Christmas tree farm.
She was a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) for high level swimming skills, gave swim lessons, and was a lifeguard for several pools in the KCK area throughout her high school and college years assisting with many AAU swim events. She was also on the Washington High School girls swim team and was involved in theater productions. Susan was an avid softball player in her early years and continued to play through her twenties and early thirties.
Susan came to Emporia in 1973 to attend KSTC and never left. She graduated from ESU in 1977, being one of the rare students to attend KSTC, EKSC, and ESU. She worked in banking for 16 years, starting at Citizens National Bank and finishing her banking years as the Office and Supply Manager at Columbia Savings. She joined the Emporia Chamber of Commerce office team and enjoyed over 28 years working with the public, eventually retiring as the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director.
Susan was instrumental to many community groups, serving on numerous boards including the Emporia Rec. Commission, ESPI, Twin Rivers Festival, and many more. Susan was often called upon by various organizations due to her knowledge and experience in planning successful activities and events. Some of these include such notable events as the All-Veterans’ Tribute, many disc golf tournaments, and the (DK) Unbound Gravel biking races. Susan will long be remembered for her dedication to making Emporia a great place to visit, live, and play. Susan was also involved with many state and regional groups for tourism including the Travel Industry Association of Kansas and the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, where her opinion was requested, respected, and appreciated.
On June 25, 1977, she was married at the First Presbyterian Church in KCK, to Edward J. Rathke. To this union three children were born, Leslie Ann Seeley, Russell (Rusty) Edward…
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The Randolph Golf Course opened in 1925, and the Star soon editorialized that it was to be “a place where everyone can go and enjoy 480 acres.”
“Picture in your mind a great park, shade trees, stretching green lawns, a park bench in a cool spot, the children enjoying the sunshine out of doors …”
Golf flourished. The “great park?” Not so much.
Randolph became one of America’s busiest municipal golf facilities. In 1958, the city approved a second 18 holes — now known as Dell Urich Golf Course — and by the 1990s Golf Digest magazine reported that the Randolph Golf Complex was No. 2 in America for rounds played per year.
The “park bench in a cool spot” idea was forgotten, overwhelmed by Tucson’s love for golf and its profitability.
Now, almost a century after the Randolph golf course opened, the City of Tucson is three months deep into a campaign to “reinvent and reimagine” the Randolph and Dell Urich golf courses.
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It has hired a landscape architect and an urban planner. It has engaged special-interest groups — birdwatchers, skateboarders, disc golfers — to, among other things, “develop opportunities to create park space within the current golf course boundaries.”
The Big Item: a public walking path smack between the No. 1 hole at Randolph and No. 18 hole at Dell Urich, from Alvernon Way to Hi Corbett Field and Reid Park.
No word on whether hard hats will be sold or rented for the walk. Or whether “Quiet Please!” signs would be posted every 20 yards.
“The next step,” said City Parks and Recreation deputy director Greg Jackson, “is to conduct a more broad community survey online, listen to everybody, and then make our recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.”
The Randolph North and Dell Urich golf courses in midtown…
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Best Place to Snowboard MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK With four separate terrain parks — two for beginners and two advanced parks snaking their way down the entire length of the backside of the mountain — Mt. Spokane is a paradise for snowboarders of all levels. Proximity to Spokane, just an hour drive from downtown, makes Mt. Spokane the most convenient mountain for many riders around the Inland Northwest. Sunset doesn’t mark the end of the day at Mt. Spokane, either, which illuminates 16 runs every Wednesday through Saturday. (WM) 2nd PLACE: 49 Degrees North 3rd PLACE: Schweitzer
The Bike Hub wants you to motivate via two wheels.
Best Bike Store THE BIKE HUB When I got in a car accident earlier this year — my fault for driving — I returned home to find that my primary mode of transportation had a flat tire. But I didn’t despair. I picked up my bike and lugged it back to the place where I bought it — the place where I’ve purchased most of my bicycles (and bike lights and water bottles) over my years in Spokane — the Bike Hub. They popped on a new tire within minutes. The location isn’t only convenient, the amount of free not-gonna-charge-you labor their staff has given me over the years has earned my undying loyalty. (DW) 2nd PLACE: North Division Bicycle 3rd PLACE: Wheel Sport NORTH IDAHO’S BEST (tie): CDA Bike Co., Vertical Earth
DuBOIS — Based on their performances at the state championships, two DuBois Area High School teams have qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championships which will take place in Dallas, Texas, April 25-27.
This achievement was announced at last week’s DuBois Area School Board work session by Superintendent Wendy Benton and high school physics teacher Jen Keith, who is also one of the advisors for the robotics teams.
Keith, explaining the road which led to the World Championships, said four teams from DAHS recently competed in the Western PA State VEX Robotics Championships at the PennWest Clarion campus. Fifty-eight teams qualified for the state championships and competed in the VEX Robotics game, Spin Up, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation. Spin Up, she said, requires students to design, build, and code a robot to gather and toss foam disks into an elevated goal (similar to disc golf). They must also turn rollers on the field to specific colors and then expand to cover as much of the field as possible in the last 10 seconds of each 2-minute round.
“The Mad Scientists” team of Jack Stringer (grade nine), Aiden Via (grade nine), and Derrick Weber (grade eight) was undefeated in the preliminary rounds and went into the elimination rounds in second place. “Unfortunately, they lost in the quarterfinals but still qualified for the World Championships by winning the Innovate Award for their approach to their robot design,” said Keith.
The team of Tyler Baughman (grade 11), Madison DeLarme (grade 12), Justin Rake (grade 10), and CJ Mowrey (grade 10), nicknamed “99 Problems,” qualified for the World Championships based on their skills’ score. Keith said skills are when the team is on a game field by themselves and has 60 seconds to score as many points as possible. Keith said they must complete a 60-second round with a driver controlling the robot and a 60-second round of the robot running autonomously. With the highest autonomous score at the state competition, team 99 Problems finished third overall in skills. Because other teams double-qualified by winning an award and reaching the finals match, 99 Problems was invited to the World Championships.
“It was very shocking but also very exciting,” said Keith. “I definitely would like to commend the students for what they did these…
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More changes are coming to Dynamic Discs, with the exit of longtime events coodinator Doug Bjerkaas.
Bjerkaas announced in a blog post to Dynamic Discs’ web site Wednesday that he will be taking a “director-level” position with the PDGA beginning April 1.
“It is with bittersweet emotions that I am announcing my run with Dynamic Discs is coming to an end,” he wrote. “On April 1st, I have the privilege and honor of working for the PDGA. Working for the sanctioning body of the sport I love is an exciting opportunity. The Director-level position I will be assuming will allow me to work with the outstanding team of PDGA employees, the PDGA Board of Directors, and many of my fellow PDGA members, to help shape the future of major PDGA events. This collaborative effort will further the growth of disc golf and continue to increase professionalism in our events. In addition, this new position provides me with the perfect platform to grow the sport of disc golf in an area I have been very close to; competitive disc golf.”
Bjerkaas said he first met Dynamic Discs founder Jeremy Rusco at the 23rd annual Frontier Open in Hays in Sept. 2007. He lauded their budding friendship and Rusco’s primary sponsorship of a small women’s event Bjerkaas started, which grew over time.
“In the fall of 2015, Jeremy sought someone to be the Tournament Director for the Dynamic Discs events hosted in Emporia,” he said. “Again, I was fortunate that he called me. After a few phone calls with Jeremy and the ability to continue my primary job remotely, my wife and I relocated to Emporia. I became the part-time Events Coordinator at Dynamic Discs in January 2016.”
Bjerkaas said his time with Dynamic Discs has been a “rollercoaster ride” where the “excitement never really slowed down.”
“From running the annual PDGA National Tour Glass Blown Opens, a few DGPT editions of the Dynamic Discs Open, three PDGA Junior Disc Golf World Championships, two PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships, and countless other events, my experience as a tournament director grew,” he said. “Dynamic Discs also grew rapidly, creating an opportunity to add to my responsibilities. Over the last seven-plus years, my position evolved into a full-time role that included the duties of community relations, special projects, and human resources. In the fall of 2021, I was named the…
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Logansport residents running in city elections this year are gearing up for the May primary election with a candidate forum at 6 p.m. Tuesday at McHale Performing Arts Center.
The forum will feature candidates running for city council, clerk-treasurer, and mayor. The mayor race, which currently has seven candidates running between the Democrat and Republican parties, is of particular interest because of the number of people vying for the position. The Cass County League of Women Voters is working in conjunction with the Logansport Chamber of Commerce, Iron Horse Broadcasting, the Pharos-Tribune and Cass County Online to host the event.
The Indiana primary election is Tuesday, May 2.
Mayor’s race
The Republican candidates for mayor include James McKeever, Johnny Quinones, and incumbent Chris Martin. The Democrat candidates for mayor include Larry Hood, Dave Kitchell, Terry Doran, and Jacob LeDonne.
Chris Martin
Photo provided
Mayor Chris Martin
Martin said his team faced difficulties after he was sworn into office because some plans were delayed for nearly two years due to the pandemic, but he believes his administration was still able to accomplish a lot. During a second term, he hopes to continue building the industrial park, addressing environmental concerns on the west side of the city so it is ready for redevelopment, creating housing at places like Chase and Davis roads, and seeking federal grants for infrastructure improvements like those planned for city sidewalks around local elementary schools.
“We want to continue…
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The Emporia State disc golf team is preparing for its first post-season showing this weekend, after a stellar inaugural season.
The Meid Collegiate Regional Championships are set for March 18 – 19 at Quail Valley farm in Winfield and Knebler Pond in Arkansas City.
“It’s pretty surreal, honestly,” said head coach Eric McCabe. “We put the team together and had really no expectations in the beginning, but then we won our first event.”
Since then, ESU has just kept winning. Today, the men’s team is ranked No. 1 in national rankings and the women are No. 13.
For the men Alex Chaparro is ranked No. 5 in the nation. He won the Collegiate Conference Kickoff in Emporia to open the season and also captured the individual championship at the MidSouth Regional Qualifier. Justin Farrell is ranked No. 63 nationally. He was tenth in singles at the Collegiate Conference Kickoff. Cade Kohlmeier and Grant Yoder are the other members of the Hornets’ D1 team entered at the Regional. Quentin Riggs, Ross Ehrsam, Tyson Potts and Zach Dyer make up Emporia State’s D2 team this weekend.
For the women Shelby Ebert is ranked No. 13 in the nation. She finished third in the MidSouth Regional Qualifier and teamed with Rebekah Thompson, who is ranked No. 26 nationally, to place first in the team category at the MidSouth.
“We showed up, we played, we won,” McCabe said. “At that point, we kind of knew we had something special.”
ESU has played the course at Winfield before. McCabe said the team did well at that tournament and are feeling positive heading into this weekend.
“We’re really positive — but not too positive that we just expect to win at this point,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to tell the guys that, ‘Hey, you’ve won every event. That doesn’t mean a loss isn’t coming.’ But you have to stay positive, you have to stay in your own mindset.”
At the end of the day, McCabe said they’re really just excited to be playing the post-season, and to be continuing to grow disc golf right here in Emporia.
“It’s obviously an honor for me, since I’ve lived in Emporia my whole life,” he said. “I’ve always known we had something special for disc golf in the community, with the big events that were potentially able to happy here.”
He credited the City of Emporia, as well as ESU and Dynamic Discs for helping the…
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Every decade or so I like to get out of my comfort zone and try something new.
About 15 years ago I was at a job where my work friends formed a kickball team to participate in a league and they asked me if I wanted to play. For two seasons once a week I felt like I was back in school P.E. playing a kids game. It was quite fun, but I eventually realized that as a guy in his 40s trying to physically compete with 20- and 30-year-olds, it was a lot of work. Near the end of the second season there was an incident where I was playing in the field and the ball was kicked up high in the air. As I went to catch it, I tripped and fell and rolled. I was laughing before I even got up, and blamed the base for tripping me, even though I personally thought the foul line itself reached up and tripped me up. After that, I figuratively hung up my cleats and searched for less physical pursuits.
Hornseth
A while ago we had some new neighbors move onto the street, and over the course of time in chatting with said neighbors, found out the husband was a passionate disc golfer. I had never known anyone who was really into this sport, so it was an ongoing topic of discussion between us over several months. I was invited to go play, and we set a day.
Now, I am familiar with regular golf, and squeeze in a round or three each year, so I understand most of the basic rules of golf. Disc golf follows many of the same rules and structure, and a bonus: It’s a lot less expensive, especially if one gets to use your neighbor’s extra equipment.
Back during the first term of the Reagan presidency I was in college, and this is around the time someone, probably bored, broke and drunk, invented Frisbee golf. The fad eventually found its way to the little towns in Iowa, and I played my share of this sport. The rules…
More than $1.2 million in state grants have been award to municipalities and municipal authorities around Crawford County to support public interest projects.
Funding came through the Commonwealth Financing Authority via the Local Share Account grant program. That program is funded by the state’s gambling revenue and is used for projects in the public interest. The grants were announced by Republican state Sen. Michele Brooks and GOP state Rep. Brad Roae, whose districts include Crawford County.
The borough of Springboro received $680,940 for a water filtration replacement project. It will replace the existing potable water filtration pressure vessels, interior plumbing and various treatment equipment components and add a third potable water filtration pressure vessel.
The borough of Conneaut Lake was awarded $200,000 toward a sanitary sewer rehabilitation along Sixth Street.
North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority received $150,000 to aid in extending public sanitary sewer lines along First Street in North Shenango Township.
The Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County received $150,000 to help complete water infrastructure improvements, including replacement of a 3,600-foot waterline at the Keystone Regional Industrial Park in Greenwood Township.
Blooming Valley Borough received $30,000 to purchase snow removal equipment. The borough has contracted for the service and the grant will eliminate that cost.
Pine Township received $100,000 to purchase a new tractor and boom mower.
The city of Meadville received $50,000 to assist in the continued renovation of Huidekoper Park. The project will create a 0.65-mile walking trail to include a small stream crossing bridge, interpretive nature signs, exercise areas, a dog park, a nine-hole disc golf course, a multipurpose field, and a new basketball court with an improved drainage system and lighting. A horseshoe court, cornhole courts, a barbecue pit and parking area will also be added.
Titusville Redevelopment Authority received $58,744 for upgrades to Titusville Opportunity Park, including making the restrooms more handicap accessible.
To receive funding from the Commonwealth Finance Agency, it takes a majority vote of the CFA board and a unanimous vote of the four members appointed by the legislative caucuses.
It means…
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Because this section is free of charge, community events are subject to run based on available space. Religion items are published on the Saturday church page. Email events to [email protected].
TODAY, MARCH 16
ADULT ARTS AND CRAFTS: Let creativity shine to create a cute craft or inspiring art piece from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ruby B. Archie Library auditorium. Ages 18 and up. No fee. Registration is required by calling, 434-799-5195.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
FAMILY GAME NIGHTS: Relax with family and come out for a fun night of board games, sports and outdoor games at Coates Recreation Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. No fee. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5150. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 18
CARS & COFFEE: Old Dominion Classic Sports Car Club will hold Cars & Coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. at Crema & Vine, 1009 Main St. For more information, call 434-548-9862.
JAPANESE CULTURAL EVENT: George Washington High School Japanese class and club will host the third annual Japan Day free event in the GW auditorium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be Kendo, Taiko Drumming, a tea ceremony, prizes and more. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/yse2tj2z.
CLASSIC MOVIE CLUB: Enjoy a classic movie with discussion following at the Ruby B. Archie Library auditorium from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “The Adventure of Robin Hood” (1938) for ages 18 and up. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5195. No fee.
ARCHERY 101 WORKSHOP: Learn the basic safety, anchor points, draw and release, care of equipment and essential safety skills with a USA Archery certified instructor for ages 5 to 17 at Coates Recreation Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $12. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5150.
HOMESTEADING 101: Learn from local homesteaders Ben and Amber Martin at Glenwood Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon. No fee. For ages 5 and up; registration is required a week prior.
MONDAY, MARCH 20
PRESSURE CANNER LID TESTING: Virginia Cooperative Extensive Office, 19783 U.S. 29 South, Suite C, Chatham, will check pressure cooker lid and gauge used for canning at no cost from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 434-432-7770.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21
THE WRITE…
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