January 20, 2016 News

Birthdays: January 20, Stacey Steinert, Lee Oelkers; January 21, Don Schuckman, Doris Thompson; January 22, Marty Mills, Jake Tomlinson; January 23, Jessica Shapiro; January 24, Paula North, Carolyn Oller; January 25, Dana Irvin, Marlene Funk, Arlene Gilbert, Tom McCormick, Paulette Harp; January 26, Teresa Wetzel, Jerilyn Stull, Nicholas Moran, Breonna North.

Anniversary: January 24, Neal and Amy Jacobs.

Recently we have lost the following people connected to McCracken, Brian Kent Yost , Hays, Bob Miller, Brookville, Ruthetta R. Irvin, LaCrosse and Shannon Alan McKinney, Denmark, Kansas.

Brian Yost 70, a 1963 graduate of Alexander High School, was the son of Leo and Rose McCormick Yost. The McCormick family were pioneers of Ness County and his cousins still live in the McCracken. The Yost family came to Alexander after the turn of the century, see the Rush County History Book on page 121. Brian was so pleased to see Terry Rowe undertake the re-furbishing of the Alexander Grade and High School. He visited and showed Terry where things were located. We hope other alumni of Alexander will help continue this project.

Robert “Bob” Miller, 73, and the late Adella Miller, were the parents of a daughter, Tina Mills, and her husband Martin of McCracken, grandchildren Bobby and Rashell. He was a United States Army veteran.

Ruthetta R. Brack Irvin, 91, was the wife of Chester E. “Chet” Irvin. She was a teacher for more than 50 years and a life member of Order of the Eastern Star. One of the activities she enjoyed so much was attending the Concert Series at Fort Hays State University. We spent lots of fun traveling with her on the transportation bus to Hays. She was so proud of her four boys, Dennis, Galen, Don and Kellye and their families. Attending sporting events was a highlight of her life watching her husband, sons and grandchildren.

Shannon McKinney, 54, retired Sergeant Major, U. S. Army, was the son of William and Barbara McKinney, The family came to McCracken from Solomon when Bill got a job teaching high school history and coaching. Shannon is survived by his wife, Donna, his mother, Barbara, brother Shawn, sister, Kelly and niece, Alexandra. After graduating from McCracken High School in 1979, he played football at both Garden City Juco and Fort Hays State University. Following graduation he entered the military, serving all over the world. He remarked once that if you gave him a few weeks he could speak any language. It served him well. In many parts of the world he dressed as a native. Services were at Lincoln on Wednesday with inurnment in McCracken City Cemetery beside his dad at a later date. Shannon had an infectious laugh and made everyone around him happy. His friends were fiercely loyal. He treated the young and old alike with great respect. Our lives are brighter by having known him.

Seven month old Jaden Dale Collazo, son of Carly Derr and Joshua Collazo, was baptized Sunday morning by Father Henry in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ness City. Godparents were Austin McGaughey and Erica Collazo. After the services they all had lunch at the Mexican Restaurant with cake following the meal.

History Notes

1974 McCracken Businesses in 1974: Meyer Hardware; Fred’s AG;, McCracken Coin Shop and Barber Shop, Jim Schafer; Rush County Elevator; Farmers Union Coop; McCracken Insurance; Citizens State Bank; J & J Carrier, Alvin Janke; McCracken Hotel; Phyllis Beauty Salon; Francis Wierman Contractor; Mills Country Store; Whitis Tavern; Davis Café; Lyle Davenport; Carolyn’s House of Curl and Conrad Liquor Store. $5.30 for a bushel of wheat became a record. Alicia Rues achieved scholastic honors at Kansas State for the fall semester. Ray Wiierman has been named the1973-74 Betty Crocker Family Leader of Tomorrow. This is the 2nd year that it has included senior boys. MHS scholarship team: Steve Foreman, Jerry Higgins, John Elmore, Gary Schuckman, Greg Hinman, Kirk Wells, Ray Wierman, Dave Derr, Don Casey, Fritz Foster, Pam Seltman, Sally Irvin, Roberta Halbleib, Jane Moran, Mike Conner, Leslie Rogers, Gerald Rourke, Brenda Rogers, Rosemary Rues, Carla Taylor, Lynette Legleiter, Marsha and Paulette Healy, Kim McCormick, Nancy Higgins, Sally Buster. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Derr; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Loren Wright left from Wichita where they flew by plane for a weekend trip to Jamaica. The official seal of the Rush County Centennial Corporation was designed by Terry Scheuerman and drawn by a Hays artist. The centennial will be celebrated May 28-31. LeeRoy Schuckman announced that there were 40 students absent from school because of the flu. Marie House, Mildred Anderson, Lillian Irvin, Carrie North, Lucille Crotinger, Rev. and Mrs. Leonard Goosen attended a sub-district meeting of the Methodist women in Ransom. MHS students preparing for the league speech and drama festival at Healy are: extemp., Gary Schuckman, John Elmore; informative speech, Jerry Higgins, Fritz Foster; original oration, Debi Baus and Bill Battaglia; duet act, Debi Baus, Rosemary Rues, Glen Ryan and Dan Conner; dramatic interpretation, Marsha and Paulette Healy, Sally Irvin and Lynette Legleiter; oral interpretation of prose, Cheryl Davis and Carla Taylor. Carolyn Thompson was elected regent; Joan Buster, secretary and Joy Black, Chaplin of Jonathan Gilbert Chapter NSDAR. The chapter will hold a garage sale and the benefits will go to the Rush County History book. Lorrie Morgan is a member of the Sterling College band which will go on tour March 5-7.