April 18, 2013 News

Birthdays: April 18, Wade Hinman; April 14,Ray Wierman, Laura Rein Bookstore; April 20, Tim Wetzel, Sylvester McCormick, Dyan Suppes, Tyler Schwindt, Jami Albers, Scott Keener; April 21, Rob McGaughey, Amy Sramek; April 22, John Stull; April 23, Ben Thompson; April 24, none.

Anniversaries: April 20, Sylvester and Jeanette McCormick; April 24, Marvin and Katie Wills.

In the April 2013 AARP Bulletin, there is an article about Bernice Ende. Ende, 58, of Trego, Montana, is an adventurer. She has travelled over 18,000 miles on horseback throughout the American and Canadian West. She has with her three mounts, Essie Pearl, Hart and Montana Spirit and her dog Claire. She began riding in 2005 and her ride took her through McCracken, Kansas, once. You can see her picture on page 217 of Volume 111 of the McCracken History. We were privileged to meet her on that trip. She will beginning a “short” 1,000 mile journey through Montana and Idaho beginning early in May. You can follow her travels on endeofthetrail.com.

Congratulations to Patricia Petz on being named to the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame in Dodge City. She will be inducted on June 1. Another from the area is Marcia Giess of Arnold.

Hope and Harley Aufdemberge, 7th graders at TMP helped their school win a regional team title at the Science Olympiad in February. Last weekend they won a silver medal in the State Olympiad in Wichita, in the rotor egg drop competition. The twins also compete in track, Hope in throwing events and Haley is a sprinter and hurdler.

Our sympathy to the family of Mitchel Dean Ummel, 53, Vasser (Lake Pomona), who died April 10, 2013 at his home of cancer. He was born April 2, 1960, at Ransom to Lyle and Mary Lou (Downing) Ummel. He graduated from Ransom High School, Fort Hays State University with science degree in mathematics and computer science and a graduate of the Kauffman Institute. He was an athlete-runner belonging to the Sunflower Striders. He competed in the Chicago Marathon. He worked for Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Westar Energy and founder and president of Ummel Group International a technology company. He is survived by his children Jenna Ummel and Harrison Ummel, friend, Cheryl Haefele, his parents, brothers Mark and Jeb and sister, Kelle Schniepp. Inurnment was in the Ransom Cemetery.

Rosa Wilson, a gifted motivational speaker from LaCrosse, presented a program “You've Got 'Purse-onality'” at the Annual Spring Brunch at the First United Methodist Church at a Saturday morning brunch hosted by the UMW. Her slide program was both spiritual and light hearted. There were out of town guests from McCracken and LaCrosse.


Interesting questions

What does the modern term of ''Once in A Blue Moon refer to?

A second full moon in a calendar year - a rare occurrence.

Why is the middle of Summer called 'dog days'?

It goes back to the Romans, who believed that in the hottest part of the summer, Sirius, the dogstar lent its heat to the sun. The dog days lasted from July 3 to August 11. Overtime, dog days are any expected long streak of heat. Sirius in Greek means scorching. We should call global warming, dog days, I guess.


Kiel Emerson was visiting with John, Melanie and Julia Zeller on Saturday evening. There was recently a large article in the Hays paper about his new book. I enjoyed visiting with him as I have the new Windows 8. I've been seeing that soon Windows XP etc. won't be supported any longer by Microsoft so you will be needing to get your new computers before the cost goes up. I guess I should be glad my computer crashed so I can get a head start. Kiel's new book is called “Beginning Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 2013”. The book has 400 examples which help explain the new features of Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 20113. It will help you walk through tasks and how to use the built in apps in the new operating system. For those of you with smart phones the apps are similar. You can get his book at local books stores in Hays or by ordering at Amazon or checking out his website, www.comparecomputers.net.

The Dream group met at the home of Carol Heiman in Hays on Thursday. She served the most delicious gluten-free fruit pizza.


I am suppose to write an item advocating a minimum interest rate. We have minimum wage, so the time has come for a minimum interest rate for all of us senior citizens who use to depend of a small rate of return. In the old days, I had a passbook where I could put in $10 a month with the hope that someday I could pay the interest on my student loan. That worked. I talked to a banker recently in northeast Kansas and complained about the situation. He said it is all up to the Federal Reserve. No one can explain to me why they want to keep the rate at practically nothing. Not only does the lack of interest hurt senior citizens, but it effects local and state governments, school districts, charitable organizations, museums and libraries. They could put some of their funds in an interest bearing account for future needs. I got a sweet letter from some friends who have young children. They said they were putting the money I sent the children in their savings accounts. I know they do that because they hope it and the interest will be around when their children are ready for further their education. So I am advocating a modest five percent minimum interest rate. Federal Reserve take notice and also all those lawmakers we elect to serve the people. CarolynThompson



Susan Rebel returned home Friday after having double knee surgery. She is one brave lady!

The Mustang Relay For Life team will have a sloppy joe/nacho night on Friday, April 19 in the Community Building starting at 6:00 p.m. Menu will be sloppy joes, nachos or taco salad and desserts. Bingo will follow about 7:00 p.m.

Congratulations to Herb Schwartzkopf on his retirement as an official of sporting events. According to son Jerry, Herb has been officiating for over 30 years. I know you have attended games where he has been an official. We wish him well.

The McCracken Country Club held their first meeting Saturday, April 13 at the golf course. Those present were: Kenny Foster, Les and Rose Diehl, Bruce Davis, Arky and Diana McNair, Pat Derr, Chad Oberhelman, Scott Foos, Johnny Mac and Richard Showalter, and Norma McNair. Officers elected were Les Diehl president; Bruce Davis vice-president, and he is also in charge of maintenance work; Norma McNair secretary/treasurer. A decision was made to allow ONLY golf carts on the course unless it is a work day and/or maintenance people doing their job. If anything else is on the course other than specified the police will be called. Tournaments have been set for this summer and extra sheets will be at the post office on the bulletin board or in the sign up box at the Club house. The golf club needs to have everyone pay their dues as soon as possible. A family membership is $100 yearly and single membership $50. You may send your dues to Norma McNair, Box 242, McCracken, Kansas 67556.There will be an ALL DAY work day scheduled for Saturday, April 27 beginning at 9 a.m. Everyone is asked to come and help. If you are unable to work all day any amount of time will be appreciated. We think this is going to be a bright future for the McCracken Country Club. Norma knows that Roger is very excited at what is taking place, everyone working together. The club has also created an out of area/friend of the golf course membership for $25/year. The purpose is to give those people who live out of area a way to help financially and be able to golf when in town. It also allows those who live locally and don't play golf, but enjoy walking the course. I would like you to add that we have also created an out of area/friend of the golf course membership for $25/year. The purpose is to give those people who live out of area a way to help financially and be able to golf when in town. It also allows those who live locally and don't play golf, but enjoy walking the course, a way to help. Also, if you enjoy walking a dog on the course, please be sure to always pick up after your dog. We intend to email information, pictures, tournament updates etc to anyone who is interested. Please send an email address to ldiehl@amhomelife.com if you would like to receive these emails. Also watch for information on our Facebook page. Thanking you in advance, Les, Bruce and Norma.

Please, no dumping of concrete on the golf course.

BEAUTY BUCKS: Children can earn beauty bucks for community services performed in McCracken. Beauty Bucks will be redeemable at the Fall Festival on October 26, 2013 for prizes. Projects consist of helping residents with gardening, yard work etc. Working either inside or outside of the home. Beauty Bucks will run from April 15 through October 15. Work sheets need to be turned into the McCracken

Library on October 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to collect Beauty Bucks. Any questions you may call Deb Schuckman at 316-734-1756 or Ali Ault 394-1113.


Susan Rebel returned home Friday after having double knee surgery. She is one brave lady!


April 1983

A rental housing complex is being planned for LaCrosse consisting of 16 one and two bedroom apartments.

Robert Hamilton defeated write-in candidate Barbara Baus for position #7 on the USD #395 school board election.

Verlene Wilson received honorable mention on the honor roll at North Central Kansas Vo-Tech.

Rush County Historical Museum will be dedicated Sunday with guest speaker Dr. Leo Oliva.

A daughter, Sara Grace, was born April 6 to Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Wills.

Merle Grumbein died last Thursday at Vinita, Oklahoma with burial at Cleora, Oklahoma.

McCracken Public Library will sponsor a Quilt Show in connection with National Library Week.

USD #395 accepted the resignation of LaCrosse High School teacher, Jerry Higgins. A 2 year Superintendent's contract was offered to Michael Killian.

A housing tour will feature the new earth home of Sheryl and Leslie Rogers northeast of McCracken.

Charlotte Fluharty, gave a book review on “Dust Bowl” by R. Douglas Hurt for Athenian Club.

Shelly Jean Oelkers and Kelvin Joseph Suppes announce their engagement

Tacy Hanson and Marie House did missionary work in Rio Clara, Costa Rica.

Ray L. Nickel died April 6 at St. Luke's Hospital in Wellington.

An open house was held for Francis Zeller, retired postal mail carrier, at the Davis Café.

Rhonda Conrad has been named the recipient of an endowment award at Barton County College.

McCracken Junior High was host to a track meet which they won with 136 points, Healy next 104.

McCracken Jr. High Colts, Thomas Hayes, Kelly Petz, Bruce Barnes, Michael Hayes and Kim Cao, Scott Wittman and Stacy Brackney set five school track records.

A new blood pressure machine and two pop corn poppers were donated to the RCNursing Home by 2nd Chance thrift shop.

A girl, Melissa Dawn was born April 28 to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Schuckman in Hays.