February 16, 2006 News
Ben S. McCaskey, 88, died February 8, 2006 at Hutchinson.  Ben was born in Columbus, Mont. to Walter Earl and Harriet Hicks McCaskey.  He graduated from McCracken High School in 1938.  He was a self-employed salesman.  He married Loreen Schutte on April 9, 1939 in McCracken.  She survives.  Other survivors include a son, Benny, Great Bend; two daughters, Geraldine Brown, Spivey and Sharon Eisler, Hutchinson; sister, Virginia Barnes, Colorado Springs, Colo., seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.  Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held later.  His sister-in-law, Jean Schutte, lives in McCracken
 
Another house has been torn down in the re-vitalization project.  It is just west of the Catholic Church.  Dorothy Smith was a resident of the home and was known for many years as the T. O. Anderson home. 
 
Gayle Hamblin, daughter of Sam & Dorothy (Crotinger) Graham and granddaughter of Lucille Crotinger, of Kingman will travel to New York City at the end of February to participate in a "real life red carpet tour" for NutriSystem.  It will be the latest of several activities she has been involved with since she was chosen to be part of a NutriSystem television commercial in 2005.  Hamblin lost 80 pounds using the NutriSystem plan and she is one of several clients that appeared in commercials that aired nationally. 
 
Congratulations to Ben and Nancy Anderson on the birth of a new great granddaughter, Lilah Louise Scott.
 
It is NOT too early to be thinking about your entry for the parade to be held in McCracken, July 8, 2006.  The weekend is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the McCracken Rodeo.  Please make plans to attend!!
 
Pete and Lola Rixon have finished building their new home and have moved to Gransbury, TX.
 
Mary Ann Higgins accompanied her sister Anita Boatright to the Needle-arts Market this past weekend in Nashville, TN. for designs and products that will be for sale in her shop ‘The Sunflower Seed Cross Stitch Shop’ in Topeka.  It is located at the corner of Huntoon St. and Gage Blvd.
 
Michael and William Greenway are members of the Ransom High School basketball team. 
 
McCracken History Notes
February 1906
The Moonshine Social Club will give a dance in the opera house this evening.  The "Moonshiners" are composed of a lot of good men around town who enjoy an occasion like this. The affair will be strictly by invitation.
 
February 1936
Leonard Dugan, senior at the University of Wichita, has been awarded the university honor sweater for the 1935 season.  It is Dugan's fourth letter.  For the second consecutive year Leonard rated unanimous all-Kansas and all-Central Conference honors at his center position.
 
February 1946
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Tanck of Ness City on the birth of a daughter, Judith Ann, Thursday at the hospital at Ransom.
 
AH OZONE!  Kansas had a dust storm last week which gave everyone a few bad hours of worrying, but in this section at least, was nothing like the worst of the storms of ten years ago.  (Isn't it interesting that they were concerned with Ozone in 1946).
 
An exhibit of 150 large reproductions of both old and modern masters will be held at the McCracken Grade School auditorium today.  The exhibit is sponsored by the Athenian club.  Funds will be used to purchase pictures for the school.
 
A special election was held to choose new school board members.  Elected were Lester Ramsey, director, Glenn Gordon, clerk, and Lloyd Conner, treasurer.
 
February 1956
Malcolm Washaliski is attending Junior College in Hutchinson.
 
The Bison Buffaloes 1st and 2nd teams captured all the honors in the REN league tournament.
 
February 1966
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Showalter and family moved last week into the Mary Higgins property.
 
February 1976
The Mustangs rolled over highly ranked Hanston Friday night, Feb. 6 by a score of 62-29.  Leading the scoring were Steve Foreman with 18, followed by Mark McCormick with 14 and Jim Casey 10.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Conner went to Lyons Tuesday where they met Mr. and Mrs. Gene Keady to attend the Goddard-Lyons basketball game.  Their grandson, Ricky, plays on the Goddard team.
 
February 1986
Scott Littler and Sean Peters are members of the FFA at LaCrosse High School.
 
February 1996
Michael Harp was recently inducted into the National Honor Society at Hays High School.
 
Elmore and Lorraine Ryan attended the Count Bassie concert in Manhattan last week.