July 27, 2016 News

Birthdays: July 27, Furlen Irvin, Marge Elias, Whitney Taylor, Katlyn Morgan, Clayton Kershner, Jessica Jones; July 28, Candice Casey, Fred Taylor, Twila Higgins, Rachel Grumbein, Susan Keith, Zach Higgins; July 29, Annette Chestnut, Gerald Walker, Kathy Dugan, Bobby Peters; July 30, Malena Rogers Thyfault; July 31, Brenda Clancy; August 1, Betty Mills, Sandy Oakley; August 2, Katie Casey, Jerry Casey, Cheryl Hinman, Suzanne Azzarella, Thaddeus Albers.

Anniversaries: July 27, Kent and Judy Bible; July 29, Martin and Julie Pfannanestiel, July 30, Daryl and Barbara Casey; July 31, Lee and Debra Oelkers, Clark and Nicole Moran; August 1, Chris and Cindy Petz; August 2, Babe and Arlene Gilbert, Mike and Sharolyn Legleiter.

Our sympathy to the family of Stephen Anderson, 68, who died July 16, 2016 in Ellinwood. He was born September 4, 1947 to Gerald and Emma Mae (Norlin) Anderson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He married Sharon Delburn on January 31, 1985. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and children: Crystal Hovey, Nathan Anderson, Gary Anderson, Shane Anderson, Olivia Anderson , a brother, Norman Anderson and grandchildren. A son Donny Anderson pre-deceased him. He was a 1965 graduate of McCracken High School.

Steve is descendant of McCracken pioneers. His ancestor, John Anderson, is the man who is mentioned in the first page of the McCracken section of the Rush County History Book. He tells about him riding in from the east along the Big Timber. As he came to the south bank (at McCracken) he saw hundreds of tiny fires were burning brightly and in their glow could be seen many wigwams and moving men. This was a temporary camp and the people were passing for a brief time in their wanderings while the braves rode over the surrounding plains for buffalo and antelope. A wood painting of pre-McCracken depicts the event which may be seen at the museum. Later he was a freighter on the old Fort Hays Dodge trail. In 1888 he and his wife Elizabeth Hicks Anderson settled in McCracken.'

Steve was a member of the Ness City American Legion and a volunteer fireman with the McCracken Fire Department. He served on the McCracken Public Library Board and was a mechanic and rancher. Cremation has taken place and burial will be later.

Our sympathy to the family of Betty Fear who died this week. A memorial gathering was held on Saturday afternoon at the McCracken City Building in her honor. She is survived by a son Brian J. Fear, Wichita and in McCracken, a brother, H. L. “Arky” McNair and his wife Diana, and a sister-in-law, Norma McNair. She was cremated and burial will be later.

Sheila Brown and her friend Tate were here to visit Cecilia Gilbert for her birthday.

Be sure and vote on Tuesday, August 2, in the primaries so that your voice will be heard. We wish all those in the county good luck with their campaigns.

My brother, David Dennis, is running for Sedgwick County Commissioner for the 3rd district in Wichita. CT

Mike and Susan Keith returned home on Sunday after a week's trip to Portland, Oregon where they visited friends. They also got to stay at a beach house at Seaview, Washington, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

The McCracken Rodeo Trail Ride was amazing once again. They had fifteen riders. They were up in the open range. There was tall grass and lots of water. They had lunch on the Smoky Hill River. Thanks to Mike Miller and his friends for a wonderful barbecue lunch. They had smoked brisket and smoked pork. They had homemade salads and desserts which everyone enjoyed. John Ficken and Lynn Kochenower thank all who helped and participated. We look forward to next year possibly northwest of McCracken.

Lynn Kochenower wants to thank Norbert and Elsie Urban and Casey and Shannon Shaw for their hospitality while she didn't have AC during this brutal heat spell.