February 3, 2016 News

Birthdays: February 3, Don Irvin, Elaine Albright; February 4,Earl Brenner, Darian Rogers, Everett Legleiter; February 5, Haily Gilbert, Rhonda Allen, Austin Pfannenstiel; February 6, Reba Baker; February 7, Jill Wierman, Pat Derr, Adam North, Mamie Rogers, Owen Keener; February 9, Austin Goddard.

No anniversaries.

Abraham Lincoln reenactor, Steve Burns, of Russell will be in McCracken on Saturday evening February 6 for his portrayal of Lincoln from childhood to Gettysburg. The public is invited to a soup supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the McCracken City Building prior to the 7:00 p.m. presentation. There will be a free will donation.

Kevin D. Anderson, 47, Great Bend, formerly of Hays, died January 28, 2016 from brief illness at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. He was the son of Richard G. and Judy Irene (Gaschler) Anderson. His grandparents were Henry and Winifred Gaschler. The Gaschlers lived for many years in McCracken. He was a welder at RANS in Hays and was a machinist and toolmaker at Kansas Machine Works in Great Bend. He is survived by his parents, two daughters Brooke Gilkerson and Tatum Anderson, a son Keelon Anderson.

20th Annual Bleeding Kansas 2016 event on Sunday, February 7 is entitled “Firebrand: The Amazing Story of Bleeding Kansas Fighter August Bondi: by “Firebrand” author Aaron Barnhart with the book signing to follow at Constitution Hall State Historic Site in Historic Lecompton.

We recently celebrated the 155th anniversary of our State of Kansas. We will do some tidbits about Kansas for the next few weeks.

The Indian tribe that gave Kansas its name was the Kansa Indians. Our state insect is the honey bee designated in 1976 by a campaign by Kansas school children. It was chosen for its industriousness. The trader who opened the Santa Fe Trail was William Becknell. The two explorers who followed the Missouri River west and navigated the northeast corner of Kansas were Lewis and Clark. The President of the United States when the territory containing present-day Kansas was purchased was Thomas Jefferson.

Roy Langdon and his friends, Clarence Morris, Doug, Bob Whistle and John Brown, Columbia, Missouri were long weekend visitors at his home in McCracken. Also visiting their home in McCracken were Gary Stark, his grandson Garrett and friends from Kansas City and Clinton Swan and friends also from Kansas City.

Last weekend Bob and Marlene Funk, Babe and Arlene Gilbert, Jeff and Anita Butler, Kelly and Mike Weber and Shari Funk celebrated the birthdays of Arlene and Marlene at a nice restaurant in Ness City.

Central Kansas Volleyball team with members from LaCrosse High School, Ness City High School and Otis- Bison High School attended a tournament in Lawrence on Saturday. Coach Jon, Erica Gilbert, Emma Rues, Olivia Baus, Lacey Mitchell, Taylor Regan, Jaycie Richardson, Addie Kershner and Coach Ashley took home GOLD medals for their first place finish! Sunday the team added Morgan West to their roster and attended a tournament in Hoisington. After some hard fought battles, the Central Kansas team won 1st place and they each received a trophy for their efforts. Nineteen hours of volleyball and two first place finishes later the team deserved some well needed rest!! Congratulations.

Saturday I went with Tammy Irvin, Kyra Horesky, her friends Darcy, Brooke and Maggie to shop for a wedding dress for Kyra. It was a fun day.

Neil G. Allen, father of Neil and Rhonda Allen, died January 25. He is survived by his wife and son Neil. Burial was at Maize Park Cemetery.

1974 History Notes Rush Countians are asked to wear Centennial clothing each Friday and Saturday through the month of May. MHS girls placed second in the triangle meet held this past week. Brenda Rogers had a 1st in shot- put; Donna Greenway was third and Terri Rogers fourth. Diane McFarren was second in hurdles; Roberta Halbleib was third in the mile; Rosemary Rues second in the 800; Kim McCormick second in the 220 and Nancy Higgins fourth in discus. MHS baseball team members: Gary Schuckman, Glen Ryan, Dan and Mike Conner, Scott Kershner, Steve Foreman, Bruce Davis, Jerry and Chuck Higgins, Les Rogers, Robin Schuckman. They won a double header from Pawnee Heights 6-2 and 13-5. Dan Conner and Jerry Higgins were the pitchers each striking out 5, Glen Ryan had 3 hits. The 8th grade boys won the junior high triangular meet March 21. Layne Morgan 1st in the discus and shot put; Tom Rues 2nd in the long jump; Mark Baus 1st in pole vault; Danny Halbleib 2nd in the 440; Freddy Taylor 1st in shot-put and discus for 7th grade; Craig Rixon 1st in 100 yd low hurdles; Shannon McKinney 1st in 100 and 200 yd dash; Craig Stull 1st in 75 yard dash; James Webs 1st in pole vault and Mike Conner 1st in triple jump. Mr. and Mrs. Wilfrid Higgins celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a gathering at their home. Richard Higgins is student teaching at Ellis High School in PE and Drivers Education; David Davenport in Ness City teaching Physical Education. Carolyn Thompson is coordinating material for the Rush County Centennial History Book. Mr. and Mrs. Chet Rogers left for a trip to Hawaii with the Isis Shrine. Avery Norlin is a member of the Post Rock Four barbershop quartet. Alexander grades will present an operetta entitled “Story Land”. Tony Rues will be featured as “Professor Owl”. Duane Williams will present a vocal musical recital at Colby Community College. The kindergarten class went on a field trip to Great Bend where they visited the park, fire station and a theatre presentation at the high school. After their trip they wrote letters and drew pictures for their classmate, Kevin Rixon, who is in the hospital with a broken leg. A location agreement was signed with the Rush County Commissioners to have the TV series “Paper Moon” filmed in the area. The series will star Jody Foster and Chris Connelly with Jackie Cooper as director.