Many thanks to all the alumni, family and friends for making this weekend one of the best ever!!  Looking forward to next year.
 
 --McCracken Alumni

Rodeo News:
Miss Rodeo McCracken 2004 was Amy Wilson, Colby.  Horsemanship winner was Danielle Dinges, Ness.  Nikki Brobst, Stockton was named Miss Congeniality.  Second runner-up was Janae Skelton, Larned; first runner-up, Shandra Draper.  Others in attendance were Miss Rodeo McCracken 2003, Jodi Mermis; Miss Rodeo Kansas Princess, Lisa Jones and Miss Rodeo Kansas, Ashley Cooper.  Kathleen Fabrizius, Ogallah, was the coordinator of the event.
 
The trail ride was modified this year due to the Wednesday night storm.  The riders began at the Jack Wilson Mustang Arena and headed west.  After reaching the Van Winkle farmstead, they headed back to the arena.  Riders included Paulette Harp, Bill Shaw, Gene Argo, Jack Wilson, Gerald Walker, Clayton and Kizmin Wilson, Brenda Boese, Roger, Brian and Lisa Legleiter, Mary Lewis, Coleen Kerns, Kris and Kyle Harris, Nyla Henderson, Chris Conrad, Bryan, Treva, Anna and Audra Bergquist, Tracy Wagner, Lisa Wagner, Ted Wagner, Rod Corsair and Ward Corsair.  Tony Rues was the coordinator of the trail ride.
 
29 teams, 116 golfers, played in the nine-hole, four-person scramble golf tournament.  Winners of the Championship flight were Mitchell Conner, Tony Harp, Sean Peters and Jason Showalter.  Second place went to Seth and Silas Albers, Neil Wilson and Todd Schrifid.  In third place was the team of Shelby Burke, Kevin Anderson, Bob Hering and Jaden Jacobs.  Fourth place went to Babe and  Arlene Gilbert, Heath and Michelle Morgan.
First flight winners included first place - Chris Lohrey, John Webster, Courtney Morse, Mike Vernon; second - Richard and Johnny Mac Showalter, Chris Crispin, John Gabel; third - Paul Freidenberger, Terry Peters, Darrell Sunley, Gary Barnes; fourth - Dennis Peters, Ronnie Rein, Robert Rein, Benny McCaskey. 
Second flight included first place winners; Glenn  Ryan, Billy and Todd Arnold, Chad Foust; second - John and Kayla Tacha, Cameron Horesky, Jerry Higgins; third - Mike Kroeger, Holly Gilbert, Dave Albers, Bryan Yohe; fourth - Dale Whittom, Cindy Wierman, Joey Herschback. 
Third flight included first place winners; Frank and Scott Littler, Larry Eisenhour, Terry Herdman; second - Matt, Jordan and Tim Kroeger, Kelley Keller; third - Allan McCloy, Danny Etbauer, Keith Bateman, "Chubbs" Moore; fourth - Les and Chase Rogers, Mike Legleiter, Hayden Buhr. 
Longest putt was by Lonnie Morgan.  The shortest drive, "six inches" was performed by our Rodeo provider, Allan McCloy. 
Other participants were Jason Pavlu, Chad Oberhelim, Ryan Martin, Chris Thom, Scott Foos, Corey Schwien, John Booze, Alex Nichepor, LeeRoy Schuckman, Diz and Wilma Washaliski, Gerald Walker, Furlen "Fuzz" Irvin, Bet, Jeff and Mark McCormick, Randy and Chris Taylor, Bruce Davis, Martin Higgins, Kyle Wherry, Debbie Storeb, Steven and Jolene Morgan, Lonnie and Teresa Morgan, Jay and Cindy Schroeder, Ryan Cornelson, Jerod Sanders, Mitch Keeley, Craig Batchman, Don, Kellye Chris and Chad Irvin, Doug, Tyrel and Dennis Elias, Bob Fear, Ken Sweeney, Jerry Donley, Gary Williams, Dan Stefen, Jeff Hinman, Mike Murphy, Nikki and Jeremy Farber, Pat and Vicki Salisbury, Les Diehl and Tommy Smith. 
 
There are still some nifty golf T-shirts that are available at Smokey Hill Traders, McCracken.
 
Thirty people honored a cancer survivor or victim by walking in the Cancer Benefit Walk-Run.  Those participating were Paulette Harp, Carolyn Davenport, Lenora Stremel, Michelle Yohe, Marilyn Seidel, Nita  Caviness, Brandon and Logan North, Kathleen Stremel, Carolyn Thompson, Scott Irvin, Kim Jay, Joanne Micheli, Tomi Rues, Rose Diehl, Tom Rues, Norma Leiker, Deb Rogers, Shirley Higgins, Mary Beth Peach and Brendon, Louise Otero and Raquel, Valerie Rogers, Lexi and Zoe, Brenda Legleiter, Lisa and Brian, Linda Dale, Audra and Evan, Shawna North and Clay, Laura Martin, Sarah and Aiden, Susan Keith and Shannon, Cheryl and Matt Larsen, Tanner and Alyssa.  The walk was held in memory and honor of Grandpa Kyle Martin, great-grandmother Icis Eisenhour, Jacob Cox, Sue Rein, Maree Mills, Janel Weigel, Floyd Thompson, Judy Dennis, Arlene Keith, Karen Walker Clark, Jack Wilson, Dixie McMullen Allen, Liz Conner, Donna Davis Schuckman, Peggy Lashbrook, Tony Harp, Duane Brackney, Earl and Mary Prather, Sharon Lovitt and  Arlene Rues.  Over $200 was raised for the American Cancer Society.
 
The Jail/Museum featured a teapot display.  Those with teapots on display were Machree Jones, Lorraine Ryan, Mary Margaret McCormick, Shirley Higgins, Janice Stull, Roberta Wierman, Philena Baus, Sandra Jacobs, Teresa Moran, Stella Hugh, Judy Hugh, Ruth Yawger and the late Ruby Thompson, Pearl Yawger, Grace Lovitt, Margaret Hair, Dorothy Weltmer and Olive Kittle.  A new addition to the Museum yard is a metal sculpture of a prickly pear cactus made by Pat Istas of Lecompton.
 
Two hundred eighty persons gathered for lunch "Under the Big Top", sponsored by the Alumni, and were served a meal catered by Golden Corral of Hays.  Those with winning numbers under their chairs won prizes.  Rose Diehl donated all the prizes including tapes and tee shirts.
 
The Variety Show folled the meal with Jan North as Mistress of Ceremonies.  Laura North Martin helped write the script for the program; Elaine Littler had the difficult job of taking tickets for the meal; Sandra Jacobs contributed outstanding work in getting the City Park ready; Arlene Gilbert was the bell ringer to honor all those alumni and teachers who died in the last year.  Starting the show was a skit that presented the trends in sports uniforms and cheerleading skirt lengths throughout the years at McCracken High.  Alumni held up pieces of art work by McCracken artists Paulette Harp and Robert Foster.  "Judge Judy" (Brenda Legleiter) was also up to her usual antics, exposing the past dirty deeds of alumni.
 
The Alumni band, led by Arlene Gilbert, presented a concert from the Park's gazebo.  Those playing were Gloria and Spring Blackwell, Brooke Deines, Sheryl and Kelsee Rogers, Sharon Irvin, Matt and Jessica Casey, Michael Greenway, Ellen Kershner and son Clinton.
 
Professional re-enactor, Kirk Shapland, Dighton, presented a one man show on "Buffalo Bill Cody".  He has also portrayed  Buffalo Bill on the History Channel.
 
Twelve of the sixteen class members of the class of 1974 met under the Big Top at the meal.  Those attending were Cheryl  Davis Werth, Roxene Fletcher Kaltenbaugh, John Elmore, Dave Derr, Ivan Janke, Roger Legleiter, Joy Rixon Petz, Brenda Rogers Keener, Steve Swartz, Randy Taylor, Kirk Wells, Ray Wierman.  Those not able to attend were Dan Conner, Carla Taylor Stroback, Jeff and Pam Seltman. 
 
Tanner Elias, Colby, son of Travis and Tina Elias, won the wooden glider swing raffled off by the Alumni Association.
 
Ruth Akers Yawger, class of 1928, and the oldest graduate of McCracken High School in the area, displayed her crafts and cookies at the City Park.  She was featured in the Rush County News the week after the Roder.
 
Those signing the book at the 50s basketball booth were Curly Juvenal, LeeRoy Schuckman, Wendell Hinman, Orville Durand,  Wayne Zimmerman, Chuck Auston, Elaine Pfannenstiel Fulkerson, Arlyn Scheuerman, Bob Fear, Dennis Peters, Daryl North, Al Hugh, Allan Thompson, Marlene Pfannenstiel Bronish and Floyd Thompson.
 
The only two living principals of MHS were here - - LeeRoy Schuckman and R. B. Hayes.
 
The class of 1984 (the last class to graduate from MHS) were together for the rodeo - - they were Gary Barnes, Michele Mays, Shawn McKinney, Sarena Higgins and Chad Herdman.  Not able to attend were Kenny Hughes, Jeff Scheuerman, Tony Mangold Hinman and Richard Wittman.
 
Those winning prizes Saturday night at the rodeo were Taylor Stull, DIRT KING tricycle; Georgia Lytle, DVD player; Caitlyn Murray, 13 inch TV/VCR; John Walker $50 gift certificate to Charlie's Service; Chris Zimmerman, $100 beef bundle from South Fork; John Desch, tapestry throw and pillows; Joe Gabel, $25 gift certificate Mustang Cafe; Steve Kerns, McCracken Rodeo tag; Debi Rogers and Wilfrid Higgins, Stickney T-Shirts; Dan Zeller and  Gary Boese, coffee mugs; Stan Light, Brooks and Dunn cap; Joel Fitzgerald and Benny Enslinger, caps; McCracken Rodeo T-shirts, Brenda Dinges, Laura Wierman, Roger Peacock, Bill Shaw, Clay Henderson, Bruce Davis; Coozies, Lynn Pelton, Amy Grabbe, Nita Caviness, Darin Wittman, Jack Mendenhall and Arkie McNair.
 
The clown for the Rodeo was Jeff "Slim" Garner of Fredonia.  He has been clowning since he was 17.  He is the second generation clown and bull fighter. 
 
Marv Pierce, Wister, OK, served once again as the announcer of the Rodeo and the music was supplied by Marilyn Roth of Larned.  McCloy Rodeo Company provided the stock.
 
Winners in the events were David Browder, bareback bronc riding; Chance Harmon, saddle bronc winner; tie down winner, Travis Goad; Steer wrestling, Ryan Swayze; breakaway winner, Heidi Householder; barrel race, Sarah Zybach; 40/40 team roping, Donnie Schneider and Joe Matile; open team roping, Shane Goad and Lyndon Morrow; bull riding, Stacy Pipes; best all around Cowboy, Travis Goad.  Over $24,500 was paid out during the event.  Chance Harmon won the saddle bronc event on PAPER MOON.
 
Jack Wilson was featured on the front page of the Hays Daily News on Sunday, July 11.  He gave credit to all those on the Rodeo committee and volunteers who made the event a success.  Jack told us that we have God to thank for the perfect weather.
 
Those attending the Rodeo meeting following the Rodeo were Treva and Bryan Bergquist, Jack Wilson, Tyrel Elias, Pat and Jackie Casey, Jerilyn Stull, Pat Derr, Deb Rogers, Kerri Morgan, Roger Legleiter, Gary Barnes, Coleen Burns, Bet McCormick, Bill Greenway and Mark Brackney.  They discussed ways to improve the Rodeo for 2005. Plans are to have a monthly meeting.

During their conversation at the Rodeo, Ellen Davis Kershner, Cheryl Foreman Larsen, Kerri Derr Morgan, Tammy Higgins Irvin, Sandy Foreman Irvin, Laura Unrein Beck and Kayla Higgins Tacha came up with a lot of  "Judge Judy" episodes to be used  next year.
 
Laura and Russ Linsey, Cathy and Ron Casey and Sandra Jacobs sold snowcones at the park during the alumni luncheon -- the proceeds made were used for the swimming pool fund.

Facts:
McCracken Swimming Pool opened Saturday, May 28, 1977. 
 
Weddings:
Jill Wierman and Joey Herschback were married in Salina on Saturday, June 19, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Jill is the daughter of Ray and Laura Hinman Wierman, granddaughter of Wendell and Gladys Hinman, Francis and Roberta Wierman. 
 
Nicole Moran and Clark Kirk were married Saturday, July 31, 2004 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Hutchinson.  They will be home in Burrton.  Nicole is the daughter of Bill and Marge Moran.
 
Births:
Carson David North was born June 23, 2004, at Hays Medical Center.  He is the 3rd son for Heath and Paula North.  He was 10 lbs 3 oz and 22 inches long.  He joins brothers Brandon and Logan.  His McCracken grandparents are Arlyn and Jan North, great-grandmothers Eunice North and Icis Eisenhour. 
 
Terren Marlyn, is the new son of Amanda Showalter, born May 20, 2004.
 
Congratulations to Ricky and Dolly Self on the birth of a daughter, Emily Grace, born July 16, 2004.  She is the great-granddaughter of Reba Davenport Baker.
 
Birthdays:
Clay North celebrated his first birthday with a party at the home of his parents, Ted and Shawna North. 
 
Tessa Jacobs celebrated her 11th birthday with a party at the swimming pool.
 
A birthday dinner was hosted by Don and DeAnna Bergquist for Dana Bergquist Strickland of Abilene.
 
A 21st birthday get-to-gather was held for Mitchell Conner at the McCracken City Park.
 
Travis Elias celebrated his 31st birthday in the City Park during Rodeo weekend.  Guests were his wife Tina, Katie and  Tanner Elias, Marge Elias, Doug Elias, Lenora Stremel, Kathleen Stremel, Lanette Stremel Mathews, David Kaster, Dave and Carolyn Davenport.  Ty celebrated with him in the evening.  Travis and Clayton Wilson met up with an old classmate, Lee Unrein and his family at the Rodeo.
 
Lyle Davenport was 92 on August 6.  He would still enjoy your cards.  Send them to 912 West 1st, Hutchinson, KS 67501.  Lyle was a McCracken businessman before retiring.
 
Ruth Akers Yawger celebrated her 94th birthday on July 20, 2004.  She is a 1928 graduate of McCracken High School.
 
Anniversaries:
Ervin and Helen Koerner, Ness City, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a family gathering on July 19, 2004 at the Koerner family farm.   The family also honored Ervin on his 75th birthday and Father's Day.  Ervin and Helen Haas Koerner were married May 12, 1949 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays.  The couple farm in Ness county.  Ervin was a former resident of McCracken. 
 
Deaths:
Joe Klee, 76, died July 5, 2004 at Hays.  He was born November 20, 1927 in Ness county to Patrick and Louise Kroecker Klee and was a 1945 graduate of McCracken High School.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran.  On November 18, 1950, he married Joan Ryan in LaCrosse.  He is survived by his wife, son Jack, two brothers Francis and Maurice and sister, Adelaide Mills.  Burial was in Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays. 
 
Isabel Moran, 82, died July 23, 2004, at Hargrave.  She was born September 14, 1921 near Chase, Kansas, to Matthew and Mary "Mame" Barry Malone.  She married James C. "Jim" Moran, December 5, 1942 at Fort Pickett, VA.  He died July 12, 2001.  Survivors include Roslyn Bethke, Marla Williams, Gail Moran, Nancy Ong, daughter-in-law, Nancy Moran, brother Eugene, sister Loretta Foreshee, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Her brother-in-law is Bill Moran and sisters-in-law, Jean Moran  and Rita Pumilia.  Her son James E. Moran pre-deceased her.  Burial was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, McCracken.
 
Honors:
Carla Kay McCarrell, student at East Central University at Ada, OK, has been inducted into EUC'S chapter of Alpha Chi, a national honor society.  She is the granddaughter of Carl and Velma Legleiter. 
 
Vacations:
Diz and Wilma Washaliski were in Bentonville, AR, to visit the Eric Washaliski family. 
 
Thayne and Machree Jones headed back to Branson, MO, last weekend.  Thayne and Gerald Washburn, Golden Belt Telephone Manager, attended the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association 2004 Regional meeting held at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake in Branson.  Machree stayed in Pierce City with her niece Cathy and husband Steve Crawford.
 
Mark and Ann Baus and daughters and Dan and  Elaine Johnson attended a wedding in Vermont.  Enroute they visited Ann's sister in Chicago, explored Niagara Falls, traveled through Canada enroute to Vermont, visited Maine and went out on the ocean, braved the subway in Boston to attend a Red Sox game, drove through Pennsylvania and saw the Arch in St. Louis.
 
Jerry, Jodi, Tanner and Jenna Higgins and Shirley Higgins returned home Wednesday after spending several days in Utah and Nevada.
 
Mike, Susan and Shannon Keith, Floyd and Carolyn Thompson returned home from a trip to New York City.  They also went to Gettysburg, Hershey, PA, Cooperstown, Corning, Niagara Falls, Brandford, NY, Modoc, Indiana and a baseball game in St. Louis, the Cardinals vs. the Giants.
 
News of alumni and family:
Megan Conrad, daughter of Randy and Robin Conrad, Hays, returned home from Saltello, Mexico, where she was with a group called "Teens for Christ". 
 
Leila and  Gary Wolfe, Krissi and Ben are moving from Carlsbad, NM to Mesa, AZ.  Leila is the daughter of Pete and Lola Rixon.
 
Austin and Ashley McGaughey are the owners of two new Quarter horses named Gus and Clover.
 
Todd Barber, grandson of Lucy Vogle and son of Rick and Tina Barber, is the lead propulsion engineer on the Cassini spacecraft which went into orbit around Saturn.  Todd has spent the last seven years working on Cassini.  He was the voice of Mission Control on the live NASA television.
 
Brett Gilbert had back surgery at Hays Medical Center.
 
Museum News:
Gifts to the Jail/Museum.  Knitting needles belonging to Cathie Ryan Shapiro'[s great-great grandmother, Ratoria Crawford Anderson, used in 1904 for knitting socks and small mittens. 
 
A picture post card of the first McCracken school, addressed to Mrs. L.A. Davis in LaCrosse by Diana Hart.
 
A red McCracken Centennial toothpick holder from Frances Janke.
 
Mustang cup belonging to Kim Cao.
 
Four postcards of McCracken scenes, including the stockyards, Main Street, train station, Bank of McCracken, school building, United Brethren Church and Methodist Church.
 
Collector penny from Merle O'Loughlin Chevrolet.
 
Small crow bar from Basil Ryan Grain and peeler from Dixon Cafe from Jim Sekavec.
 
Jennings pictures of Elizabeth Ann Knight Jennings, Wilma Jennings Myers, Pat Jennings in union in 1952, Fay, Joe, Pat, Ted Edward Jennings from Joe Jennings.
 
Autographed picture of Ashley Cooper, Miss Rodeo Kansas.
 
Service Men and Women:
Sean Miller is in the Reserves and has been called up.  He will leave this month for 18 months in Iraq as a truck driver. 
 
Former Teachers:
Patsy Snyder and her daughter Amy, visited The Mustang Cafe and the Rodeo.  She was a former business teacher at McCracken High School in 1974. 
 
Activities:
Tayler Stull placed 1st in the high jump at the Missouri Valley Track Meet held in Kansas City.  He is the son of Mike and Jerilyn Stull.  Also participating were Whitney Taylor and Marcus Moeder.  Whitney is the daughter of Rodney and Bernadette Taylor.  Tayler advances to the track meet in Joplin, MO. 
 
Haily Gilbert and her softball team members, ages 9-14, won their 3rd tournament game in Ness City.  They are coached by Al Urban and assisted by Brett Gilbert.  Courtney and Erica Gilbert also play on a team.  They are the daughters of Brett and Holly Gilbert.
 
Those attending the Summer Reading program at the McCracken Library were Ben Derr, Anna and Audra Bergquist, Stephanie Greenway, Sierra Jones, Haily, Courtney and Erica Gilbert, Emma and Kate Rues.  They made maps, necklaces and bracelets and enjoyed juice and cookies provided by Joanne Micheli and Audra Dale.
 
Red Cross swimming lessons started at the McCracken Pool on July 19.  Lessons were given by Trina Lutters, helpers were Dustin Casey, Maribeth Casey and Jackie Casey.  Participating in the lessons were:  Level 5, Lisa Legleiter, Garret McCormick; Level 4, Cody Burns; Level 3, Brian Legleiter, Shelby Bowers; Level 1, Emma Rues, Zach Peach, Garrison and Clayton Herdman, Erica and Courtney Gilbert; Mommy and Me level, Kate Rues and  Brendon Peach.
 
The Lewis and Clark project at the McCracken Public Library included a trail event.  The children left the library and followed a map and signs along the trail.  It ended at the Elmore Ryan residence for homemade ice cream and cookies thanks to Lorraine, Moe, Glenn and Nicole Ryan.  The children who took the trail were William, Michael and Stephanie Greenway, Kayla and Scott Irvin, Audra and Anna Bergquist, Ben Derr, Sierra Jones, Antone Foust, Carly Derr, Austin McGaughey, Tomi, Emma, Kate and Will Rues.
 
Those enjoying Ladies Day Golf at McCracken were Pat Derr, Billie North, Twila Higgins, Wilma Washaliski, Gladys Hinman and Arlene Gilbert.  Joanne Micheli joined them for lunch.
 
Rodeo planners for the last minute before Rodeo were Tyrel Elias, Roger Legleiter, Bet McCormick, Mike and Jerilyn Stull, G.T. and Signe Barnes, Gary Barnes, L. Pat and Jackie Casey, Tom Prosser, Wendell and Gladys Hinman, Kerri Morgan and Tony Rues.
 
City Park:
A new swing set for children was built by Tony Harp, Sandra Jacobs, Sean Peters, Dave Derr, Mitchell Jacobs, Laura and Russ Linsey, Tyrel Elias, Jason Showalter, Dan Zeller, Glenn Pfannenstiel and Brad.  Ken Foster provided the entertainment.  The crew also built a new picnic table for under the Park shelter and gave new life to the old one.   The swing set has 3 swings for our "little" ones, Clifford the Dog, A Bumblebee and a Glider. 
 
New Businesses:  Chuck Higgins, Hutchinson, has retired from teaching.  On July 1, 2004, he and a former teacher, Connie Kleinherenbrink opened a scrapbooking store at 1517 North Lorraine in Hutchinson.  The store is called "Scribbles Scraps".  Chuck has taught for 23 years, most recently in the Middle School at Hutchinson Trinity.
 
Dave Libberton of Engine Powered Products, appeared on the evening news from Hays, telling about his business.  Also shown were Bob House, Wendell Hinman, Ben Thompson and Francis Zeller telling why they were glad the school building was purchased by Dave.
 
Dorothy Crotinger Graham has published a new cookbook called "Fuss Free Favorites".  It is mostly quick and easy recipes with few ingredients for easy fast meals.  You may order one by e-mailing her at doc-sam@copper.net or write her at 510 W. Kansas Street, Kingman, KS 67068.
 
Eddie Blackwell was featured on the front page of the Hays Daily News regarding the closing of Sykes.  He was one of the original 150 workers at Sykes seven years ago.  He is the husband of Gloria Baus Blackwell.