RCNews April 2

Birthdays: April 2, Chris Irvin; April 3, Karen Borger, Billie Slemp, Gunner Wilson; April 5, Sarah Emerson, Melodie Casey, Brian Fear, Nicholas Petz; April 6, Pat Petz, Chelsea Petz, Sarah Wills, Norman McNair, Al Hugh, Tyron Steinert; April 7, Randy Mills; April 8, Mitchell Pfannenstiel, Elaine Fulkerson, Kim Moran.

Anniversaries: April 4, Gerald and Signe Barnes, Sam and Dorothy Graham, Ty and Tina Elias.

On Tuesday Debra Bratt, Lindon, Utah, Melody Rogers, Eagle Mountain, Utah and Micah Rogers, Las Vegas, Nevada were here researching the West family. Her dad Eugene Ryan and Betty Ryan accompanied them. Shirley met with them at the Jail/Museum. Debra was interested in purchasing the book More Ryan Roots and the McCracken History Book Volume 1.

If you want a copy of the McCracken History Books, contact Shirley or Carolyn.

Roger Pratt, Colorado Springs, visited at the McCracken Public Library on Wednesday, March 25, researching his grandfather Herman Pratt. . Herman and Luella Bomber Pratt met at a square dance. When they first came they lived at the now Jay Pfeifer place on Highway 4 east of McCracken. They had two children - Derrill, born March 13, 1915 (Roger was celebrating his father's 100th birthday on this trip) and Iona Pratt Westphall who died in 1996. . Derrill was the first boy born in St. Anthony Hospital. Herman and Luella moved to Hays in 1930 and lived on the Vine Ranch. In Hays, Herman Pratt and Pete Brackney operated P and B. Packing. Herman was an umpire and they didn't have masks in those days. He was umpiring a game and the ball hit him in the mouth and broke out his teeth. Roger purchased the re-printed McCracken History Book Volume 1.

Stephanie Greenway, Ellis High School, and Brianna Casey, Plainville High School, daughter of Jerry and Karen Casey, played in the All-Star Basketball game on March 21 at Smith Center. Stephanie and Brianna were on the same team.

When you drive past the home of our book leader on Highway 4, check out the new additions.

Thanks to EMT's, 911 Dispatcher, ER staff and Susan for taking care of me early Wednesday morning. Ct

Shannon Keith, Ellsworth High, got a 1 on her trombone at Regionals in Larned on Saturday.

Arline Rues, Rose Diehl and Susan Davis attended Palm Sunday services in Lindsborg Saturday.

My name has been last on the list of those who entered the GBT March madness contest. Darn.

A fish fry will be held at the McCracken American Legion, Friday, April 3 beginning 6:30 – 7:00. Desserts will be furnished by Mustangs Relay for Life.

We welcome Marlene Kellogg and Roger Lang to our community. They have purchased the former home of Michael and Sarah Priddy on West Maple.

Mary and Martin Higgins spent last week ‘cruising’ the Caribbean on the new Princess "Regal" ship. We stopped at the private Princess Cay, then on to St. Thomas and St. Maarten. We had a fabulous week. This ship is the newest of the Princess fleet and is fabulously beautiful. The stateroom with balcony was very cozy and roomy. Mary and Martin have been on two other cruises and each time it just gets better and better. They said they can hardly wait until they can go again. Both of the islands they visited were absolutely beautiful. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in August so this is the first of several trips they have planned this year. The next trip will be to Ireland in August. They will actually be spending their real anniversary date (Aug. 12) in Belfast. They'll spend a couple of days on their own then join up with a tour group to visit many other wonderful places there. They know it will be wonderful because their daughter, Carrie and her friend, Jamie, spent 10 days there last June. One of Carrie's favorite things was the many sheep and lambs roaming around free. After Ireland, there will be a trip to Minnesota for the Lowrey Organ Festival the end of September, then a trip to San Antonio for the reunion of the "Old Salts" from the USS Richard E. Byrd, the guided missile destroyer that Martin served on. After that Mary thinks it will be time to go home and rest."

I was looking at Facebook Saturday and I think Carter Morgan received a new puppy for his birthday. Looks like a black lab!! Good choice.

Congratulations to Harper McCormick who celebrated her 1st birthday in Rush County with family and friends. She is a cutie.

If you didn’t make it to the Mission held at St. Michael’s Church in LaCrosse to hear Robert Rogers tell his story, “Have No Regrets” you may watch him on UTube. It was ‘amazing’, sorry you missed it.

Allen and Janice McCloy attended a rodeo in Graham, Texas this weekend; one of the contestants was ‘sporting’ a McCracken Rodeo belt buckle. Awesome!!

"Cyndi Higgins, Mary and Martin's daughter-in-law had back surgery on the 25th of this month. She's had problems with her back for years due to an on-the-job accident about 20 years ago. So far this will be her 3rd lumbar surgery. Seems like once you hurt your back it is just never right again. Any prayers sent her way will be greatly appreciated. Bless you all!"

Kathy Hurd and Audra, Sharon Lovitt, Teresa Lovitt and Jennifer Lovitt were Sunday afternoon guests of Shirley Higgins. Kathy and Audra were on spring break from school in Minneapolis.

1972 History notes McCracken Grade School basketball team beat Bison at Bison Thursday evening. Team members are Scott Kershner, Jim Casey, Chuck Higgins, Tim Rues, Stave Foreman, Bruce Davis, Ricky Boese, Robin Schuckman and Gene Schlegel. 7th grade members are Danny Halbleib, Larry Buster, Mike Conner, Leslie Rogers, Jimmy Dome, Layne Morgan, Don Phillips, Mark Baus and Tom Rues. Coach is Ron Goats.

Debbie Derr has been named the 1972 Betty Crocker Homemaker of tomorrow.

Alicia Rues and Myron Schuckman were named Basketball homecoming queen and king on Friday night. Attendants were Mark Derr, Patty Littler, Janice North and Dave Rogers. Crown bearer was Jeff Scheuerman and Lori Brown flower girl.

MHS defeated Moscow, Ensign and Minneola for the 1-A Regional Tournament.

Patty Littler and Mike Legleiter are attending the spring seminar in Washington, D.C. and the United Nations in New York City.

“McCracken Mustangs Take First in State Tournament”!! They defeated Little River 57-49 to capture the State Crown. To reach the finals they won from Lebo, and Bogue.

Myron Schuckman announced his intentions to enroll at the University Of Notre Dame.

Those receiving 1’s at the grade music festival were Roberta Halbleib, Marsha and Paulette Healy, Lynnette Legleiter, Kim McCormick and Sally Irvin.

McCracken Troop 47 made a trip to Topeka to complete “My Government Badge”. They toured the capitol, were introduced to the Senate and went through the museum. Those attending were Roberta Halbleib, Nancy Higgins, Marsha and Paulette Healy, Terri Rogers, Lynnette Legleiter, Rosemary Rues, Diane McFarren and Sally Buster.