February 22, 2007
Brenda Prosser slipped into a ditch in her car due to the ice and snow.  Both the car and Brenda are O.K.  She is especially appreciative of G. T. and Signe Barnes for giving her a ride home and for Scott Littler and Steve Stremel who helped get the car out of the ditch.
 
Doug Higgins had three more stents placed in his arteries of his heart on Thursday.  He continues to do well.
 
James Carpenter overturned his pickup in the ditch enroute to LaCrosse.  He and the pickup were not hurt or damaged.
 
Wilfrid and Twila Higgins attended the 89th birthday party for Viola Higgins at the Ness County Long Term care on Saturday, February 17.
 
 Richard E. Moses, 79, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, died February 13, 2007.  He was born June 1, 1927 in McCracken, Kansas.  He was a sales and leasing agent for the Business Credit Leasing Co. in Oklahoma City.  He served in the US Navy as a Ship’s Cook during WWII, 1945-1946.  Survivors include his wife, Vida I. Moses, Oklahoma City; two daughters, Cheryl Konzem, Salina and Janet Moody, Mesa, Arizona; a sister Maxine Jellison, Salina; five grandchildren; three great grandchildrem.  One son, Rick S. Moses preceded him in death in 2001.  Funeral services were February 19, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, Salina, Kansas with burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.
 
Congratulations to Jessica Casey, daughter of Pat and Jackie Casey, on being selected as Western Plains High School basketball queen.  Other royalty were Matthew Casey, son of Pat and Jackie Casey and William Greenway, son of Bill and Paula Greenway
 
Stella Hugh died Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Good Samaritan in Hays.  Stella was born in Pueblo, Colorado, to Fred and Mary Breedlove Trent on October 12, 1913.  She married Albert S. Hugh on April 22, 1933 in Walsenburg, Colo.  He preceded her in death on January 28, 1981. Survivors include her son, Albert T. Hugh and his wife Judy of Hays, grandchildren, Michael Hugh and his wife Gay, Buda, Texas,  Stacey Hugh Milam and her husband Michael, Houston, Texas; and grandchildren, T. J. Milam, Valree Milam, Joannah Milam and  Christopher Hugh. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held later in Hays and Pueblo. Her ashes and that of her husband will be scattered in Colorado.
 
 Bob Holopirek died February 11, 2007 at LaCrosse.  He was born March 21, 1930 to Ralph and Blanche Smrcka Holopirek.  His niece, Marge Moran lives in McCracken.
 
The final program at Lecompton for February is scheduled for Sunday the 25th.  It is entitled “From Buckeye to Jay-Hawker:  A Journey Through Bleeding Kansas”.  It is a first person portrayal of Lot Pugh Patty, physician and legislator by Rex Patty.
 
Story Hour will be held at McCracken Public Library at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, February 24, March 3, 10, 24, 31, April 14, 21, 28.  Plan to attend.
 
Maurine Higgins Walker, St. John, will be honored on her 90th birthday at the United Methodist Church in St. John on Sunday, March 4, from 2:00 – 4:00.  The church is located just off Highway 281 on 1st Street.  The celebration will be hosted by her sons, Maurice and Steve Higgins.  Cards may be sent to her at 608 North Main Street, St. John, Kansas  67576.
 
Robert Tilford in his research found the following:  It is from the Selected papers of Governor John Carlin and the Education cabinet Meeting Notes of January 4, 1984.  “Assistant Commissioner of Education Dale Dennis reported on the school closing in McCracken.  The school board in LaCrosse made a tentative decision to change the usage of the high school in McCracken to an elementary school.  A public meeting will be held in January regarding this decision.  He indicated that there appears to be some heat on this matter”.
 
Dean Gilbert fell on the ice at his home last week and broke his arm.  Several have broken bones due to falls.  We wish them a speedy recovery.
 
 A week ago Friday, Gladys and Wendell Hinman met Laura and Ray Wierman, Jill and Joey Herschback in Salina for lunch then traveled on the Kansas City to spend time with Larry and Ellen Hinman, Cheryl and Sarah and Wade and Tonya Hinman and Zaccary.  They attended Sarah’s basketball game and an indoor soccer game.  Cheryl’s dance team performed at the half time of the Shawnee West basketball game.  Saturday, they attended Zaccary’s basketball game.  Coach Wade’s team placed third in the Turner Rec. League.  They stopped in Manhattan Monday on their way home and visited Cody Hinman and enjoyed lunch with her.
 
Ben Anderson suffered a heart attack Sunday the 27th.  The doctor put in a stent and at this time he is doing well.
 
You know it is cold when the water tower at Ransom freezes.
 
I thank everyone who sent flowers, cards, phone calls, visits and prayers while I was CKMC in Great Bend this past week.
 
Addie Mills was at Thursday afternoon visitor of Joan Klee and son Jack.  Joan recently spent ten days in the Hays Medical Center.
 
Cameron Horesky, Chuck and Zach Higgins attended the Oklahoma State – Missouri basketball game in Still water Saturday afternoon.  They were also treated to a tour of the campus. 
 
Tanner Higgins basketball team, the Hutch Warriors, won their 6th grade division tournament at Salina South High School this past week-end.  On Saturday they defeated teams from Salina and McPherson, on Sunday they beat teams from Chapman, Hays and in the championship game a team from Abilene 43 – 28.  Tanner scored 15 points in that game, making three three pointers.
 
Pvt. Andrew Strange is home on leave from Iraq.  He flew into Denver on Saturday and was met by his wife, Cassie Karlin-Strange, who flew in from Oahu, Hawaii.  They will spend two weeks in the Colby-Hays area.  They were Thursday evening supper guests of Cassie’s grandmother, Addie Mills in Hays.  Joining them at Applebee’s were Andrew’s cousin, Janie and friends, Tyson and Jennifer.  They had lunch with Norbert, Teresa and Mike Karlin and other members of the Karlin family.  They also plan visits with Marty, Tina and Rashell Mills and Andy Hansen on Friday.
 
 McCracken History Notes
February 1907
Elmer Ramsey is constructing a new house, 36 x 40 on his place.  Cash Stock will do the work.  He is one of the early settlers here.
 
February 1937
The Glantz and Sons Implement Company from LaCrosse are remodeling the G. W. Havlovitz building and putting in a large stock of McCormick-Deering tractors and implements.  The Anderson Brothers, Harlon and Gerald, bought the Schertz Motor and Machine Shop this week.  They will move the shop this week to the Percy Grumbein building on north Main as soon as it is ready.
 
J. E. and R. V. Scheideman McCracken Implement Company, John Deere dealership held their grand opening yesterday.
 
The McCormick Hat Shop in LaCrosse is having a 15 percent sale on new spring dresses over $10.75.
 
February 1947
Miss Dorothy Elmore of McCracken was among a group of students from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. who went to St. Louis last week to attend a performance of “Hamlet”, staring Maurice Evans, well-known Shakesperian actor.
 
Jack Cheney left Wednesday for Chicago to enter Chicago University.  After completing his work there, he will go to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, where he will be associated with the U. S. Weather Bureau.
 
Cecil Brackney, who is employed as a meat cutter by Del Klema at McCracken, received a badly cut index finger on his left hand while on the job Tuesday.
 
 February 1957
 
Richard Gordon arrived home Wednesday from Korea where he had served as a mechanic for the past nine months.
 
Miss Betty Davis and Raynard Dykes were married in the Assembly of God Church Sunday afternoon.  Barbara Davis was maid of honor, Carl Davis was a bridesmaid.  Her nieces Norma Sloan and Donna Davis were carriers of the ‘train’, Ruth Sloan was a flower girl.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Hinman entertained at their home Sunday afternoon honoring the 4th birthday of their daughter, Lynn.  Guests were her grandparents, aunts and uncles.
 
Mr. and Mrs. LaVern Fletcher and Roxene, Mrs. Mae Schutte and Mrs. Lucy Fletcher left Thursday for Albuquerque, N .M.
 
February 1967
Cadette Scouts have been working on the “Chef” badge.  Members are Donna Davis, Alicia Rues, Patty Littler, Roxie Rogers, Beverly Barker, Debbie Derr and leader Irene Gumm.
 
Members of St. Mary’s Altar Society attended the Dodge City Council of Catholic Women at Jetmore on Monday.  Those attending were Charlotte Norlin , Irma Wegher, Mary Ann Moran, Florentine Schuckman and Lucy Unrein.  Bishop Forst spoke to the women.
 
February 1977
The Pride committee welcomed “Cameo Beauty Shop” owned by Caroline Durand, to the community.
 
Those helping with the Brownie-Junior songfest for District l Sunflower Girl Scout Council which was held at the grade school auditorium Saturday were Tracy Kuntzch, Trina Zinn, Annette Davis, Elaine Littler, Jan North, Gail Vanderbeek, Debbie Smith, Carol Pfeiffer and Linda Collins.
 
February 1987
A mantle chime clock will be raffled off at the McCracken Centennial.
 
The McCracken Middle School eighth grade boys A-team won the Qua-Valley League title defeating Otis-Bison 42-27. 
 
Michele Moran and John Moran were named to the Dean’s Honor roll at Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City.
 
February 1997
Frances Janke and Inez Manos attended the EHU at LaCrosse on Monday.  They ate supper together and attended the freshman basketball game.