July 13
What a grand party -- as the golf shirt says, "What happens in McCracken stays in McCracken".
 
Ron Casey, husband of Cathy Rues Casey, a multi-modality technologist at the Imaging Center by Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, has been sworn in as 2006-07 president of the Kansas Society of Radiological Technologists.  A state-licensed radiographer, Casey is a longtime team member of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and holds professional registries with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
 
 Weekend guests of Eunice North were Jeff and Karen Showalter, Nicholas and Lexi, Towanda, Ill.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Wally Thornburg of Utica came down to see the Trail Ride off at the starting point at Brenda Boese's. Wally provided the wagon for Jack's funeral.  Mikaela Brackney is the owner of a beautiful paint horse and saddle that Allen McCloy brought up for her.  Water was provided on the trail at the pasture of Red and Velma Legleiter. The morning was cool and a perfect time for the ride.  
 
The Rodeo committee did a first class job on the program books. Also Roger Legleiter showed his expertise in presenting a fitting tribute to Celly Stremel and Jack Wilson at the rodeo.  The signs at the entrance and at the pen area are a permanent reminder of our founders.
 
Radio station Y102's  Mike Holiday and Mom Holiday had a great time at the McCracken Parade and Rodeo and were impressed by the welcome sign for Mom Holiday along the parade route. 
 
Due to the loss by fire to the veterans records in St. Louis many years ago, Lorraine Ryan has sought help to obtain Elmore Ryan's bronze star and military marker.  She is being aided by John Stang and Congressman Jerry Moran.  She is appreciative of their help.
 
 Carolyn Davenport, Dave Davenport, Louise Burnham, Juanita Caviness, Gerald Walker, Al & Judy Hugh, Philena Baus, Tim & Stacy Rues, Barbara Baus, Jim &Carolyn Sekavec, John & Irvin, Louise Otero, John Zeller, Eunice North, Galen Oelkers, Lynn Oelkers, Thayne & Machree Jones, Chris Jones, Maynard Swisher, Katherine Ryan, Susan & Mike Keith & Shannon Keith are new members of the McCracken Jail/Museum.  Memorials were received by Katherine Ryan for Marcel Miles; Eunice North for Albert North; Galen Oelkers for Erman Oelkers, Bert Schuckman, Donna Schuckman, Dave Rogers and Fern Zimmerman; Louise Otero for Floyd Thompson; Arline Rues for Al Rues; Barbara Baus for Dan Conner. Donations from Rich and Linda Conrad, Susan Keith, John Zeller & Maynard Swisher.  There was also a $20.00 and $50.00 donation in our Mason Jar. 
 
Father David Kraus of Ransom said mass at St. Mary Catholic Church on Sunday, July 9, 2006, with permission of Bishop Gilmore.  Arline Rues organized a beautiful choir consisting of Judy Hugh, Blaine Oborny, Michele Moran, David Moran, Nicole Kirk,  Bill Lovitt, Sharon Lovitt, Cathy Casey,  Catherine Casey, Alex Casey, Becky and  Kelly Crowl, Frances Janke and Eleanor Halbleib. Organist was Susan Keith.   Jim Schafer was Sacristan, Phyllis and Roy Conrad arranged for the mass and brought down the gifts,  Taylor Stull was server, DeAnna Bergquist.and Carolyn Thompson, communion cup.  Paul Pavlu, Roy Conrad, Francis Wierman, Bet McCormick took up the collection.
 
The movie poster of Paper Moon is being framed.  While we were arranging for it, they asked if we had the 30th anniversary shirts for Paper Moon.  We didn't, so they sold us some for the museum.  It depicts the same picture as is on the movie poster.
 
A special gift was given by Tim and Stacy Rues, Maddie and Lily, in memory of Al and ‘Moe’ to the Jail/Museum.  Tim also brought a signed copy of the book "Revolutionary Heart, the Life of Clarina Nichols and the Pioneering Crusade for Women's Rights" by Diane Eickhoff.  Diane conducts living history presentations for the Kansas Humanities Council.  She lives in Kansas City, Mo.  Tim has been an inspiration for the museum and we appreciate all he has done.
 
The McCracken paperweights turned out very nice.  They were made at Ellsworth Correction Facility.  Bob Wasinger of Hays brought them from Ellsworth to Hays and Al and Judy Hugh brought them to McCracken.  If you didn't get one, they are available at the museum for $5.00 or can be mailed.   They are made of post rock and say "McCracken Kansas in Gold with a blue Mustang"
 
Maynard Swisher, Purdy, Mo. and Willis Redding, LaCrosse, were here on Saturday.  Willis told about the 50th anniversary of McCracken celebration.  Willis performed on KIUL out of Garden City as a singer.  He was instrumental in bringing Roy Faulkner, singing cowboy from radio station WIBW in Topeka.  During Faulkner's performance he asked Willis to join him in "Tumbling Tumbleweed".  Willis also recalled that the hats like the one J. P. Moran wore at the celebration were purchased at Norlin's Store.  Willis' grandfather, Thomas Redding was a true cowboy going on cattle drives from Mobeetie, Texas to Dodge City.  He operated the Chuckwagon.  It was home to all the drovers each day.  It was their home when they were 40 miles from nowhere.  He always went ahead and dug a pit, had meat, coffee and apple pie ready for the trail hands when they bedded down for the night.  His grandfather lived into his 80's.  He died in Lewis Station, Mo.  His four sons were Herman (Willis' father), Floyd, Lonnie and Earl.  Thomas was a short stocky man with broad shoulders.  Maynard mentioned that the Goodnight family was into trail driving also and many Goodnight relatives are buried in the Goodnight Cemetery near Purdy, Mo.
 
Jim Sekavec of Hoisington brought a small knife shaped like a key that advertised Lubri-Gel for the museum.
 
Rick Nuckolls, general manger of Willowbend Golf Course in Wichita, was the driver of one of the Corvettes in the parade.  He got a McCracken golf shirt because what it said, “Missed the cut at the US Senior Open" was true.  He lost out by one stroke. He thought our shirt was ironic!  That was why he was in McCracken instead of in Hutchinson. On Sunday night he appeared on Channel 10 Sports Show, Shout Out, critiquing the Senior Open. RCNews July 13
 
The MHS alumni committee wishes to thank all alumni for their help in making this weekend such a success.  Without your dues and donations our ‘celebration’ would not have been possible. 
 
Memorials have been given to the McCracken Alumni in memory of Gerald Hinman from Wade and Tonya Mangold Hinman; Don Buster from Joan Buster, Emmett Sloan from Marjorie Davis Sloan; Jack Paul Wilson from Judith Whitis Carver.
 
A birthday party was held for Arline Rues at her home on Wednesday the 5th.  Those attending were Francis & Julia Zeller, Thayne & Machree Jones, Les & Rose Diehl, Ron, Cathy, Alex, Catherine and John Rues, Tony & Tomi Rues, Emma, Kate, Will & Shelby & Shirley Higgins.  They enjoyed eating birthday cake and ‘Happy Trails’ ice cream. 
 
Diane Unrein is in Cypress visiting her relatives.  Husband James is home taking care of the ‘kids’.
 
Those attending story hour on Saturday were Emma & Kate Rues, Stephanie Greenway, Zach Peach, Tessa Jacobs, Lexie Anderson & Lily & Maddie Rues.  They spent the afternoon making bumble bees & singing bumble bee songs. 
 
The posters that decorated the windows ‘downtown’ were made by the children that attended the library summer reading program.
 
Books have been donated to the McCracken Public Library from Laura North Martin, Lynn & Renard Hagerman of Topeka.  He is a nephew of Vera LaFoy of Ark., Bessie Tuzicka, Timken and Gib and Phyllis Borger, Ness City.
 
Four animals from Rolling Hills Wildlife refuge near Salina are coming to visit the McCracken Library on Friday, July 14, at 1:30.  All children are invited to attend.
 
Les Diehl, Tim Rues, John & Alex Casey and Ron Casey were busy Saturday morning putting flags along Main Street. 
 
Thank you to all those who make the annual alumni sponsored golf tournament such a huge success.  Winners this year!! Championship flight 1st place, Rich Showalter, John Gable, Darrin Murray; 2nd place, Chris, Chad, Don & Kellye Irvin; 3rd place, Les & Chase Rogers, Mike Legleiter & Hayden Buhr;  1st flight 1st place, ‘Spanky’ McGaughey, Leslie Heidrick, Ron Humburg, Jeff Molloy; 2nd place Shelby Burk, Scott Randa, Bob Heiring, Randy    ?    ; 3rd place, Bet & Jeanette McCormick, Mark McCormick, Fuzz Irvin; 2nd flight 1st place, LeRoy & Robin Schuckman, Bill Jennison, Taylor Whitaker; 2nd place Bill Jacobs, Ron Halligan, Zach Fox, Bob Swindler, 3rd place Larry Eisenhour, Frank & Scott Littler, Dana Jay; 3rd place Dennis Peters, Benny McCaskey, Robert & Ronnie Rein, Allen McCloy, 2nd place Dennis & Tyrel Elias, Bob Fear & Brian    ?     ; 3rd place Bryan & Treva Bergquist, Clayton & Kizmin Wilson; Brett & Holly Gilbert, Bryan & Michelle Yohe, Heath & Michelle Morgan, Babe & Arlene Gilbert, Amber Schwanke, Amber Irvin, Lashell Peters, Pee Wee Reifschneider, George Sommers, Cindy Wierman, Shane Brethour, Jason Flax, Mark Baus, Diz & Wilma Washaliski, Mike Keith, Martin & Joe Higgins, Tracey Higgins, Kenneth Foster, Mitch Conner, Chris Lohrey, Allen & Michael Morgan, Sean Peters, Neal & Jaden Jacobs, Gary Barnes, Jason Showalter, Tony Harp, Roger McNair, Bill Harp, Jerry & Tammy Gourd, Arkie & Bryan McNair, Jason Pavlu, Chad Oberhelman, Brian Martin, Curtis Albers, Cory Schwein, Scott Foos, John Boo, Alexis Nichepor, Jeff Hinman, Casey Grimme, Dale Wittom, Logan Owens, Brad Lunchbaugh, Carl & Richard Brandt, Frank Foster, Steven & Jolene Morgan, Lyle Wherry & Debi Wherry, Lonnie & Theresa Morgan, George & Marilyn Joy, Glenn Ryan, Gordon Harms, Chad Foust, Mike Harms, Todd Arnold Jay Ebeling, Rick McMillian, Jay    ? 
Men’s longest drive was made by Neal Jacobs, women Michelle Yohe; closest to the pin Robin Schuckman; longest putt Ronnie Rein & highest score Lonnie Morgan.  Congrats!!
 
We appreciate Wal-Mart of Hays for furnishing donuts for the golf tournament; Bailey Venture for organizing the kid’s games at the City Park; Pat Petz for contacting the craft vendors; Mary Beth Peach for making the signs for our ‘special’ alumni that rode in the parade, for the cancellation stamp and for organizing the fun/run walk; to Alex Casey for collecting 130 lbs of aluminum cans that he donates the $$to the swimming pool. We thank everyone else connected in some way to make the 20th rodeo reunion  ‘one of the greatest’.
 
If you were not asked to volunteer for work during the rodeo this year and would like to help in some way, please contact Jerilyn Stull or Brenda Legleiter before next July!!!!!!!!!!
 
Bob Fear has a life-time job selling rodeo programs at the east Rodeo gate.
 
The McCracken Alumni thanks ten of our community service ‘kids’ for making the raising and taking down the picnic tent at the McCracken Park such easy work for the rest of the helpers. A job well done!!!
 
Guests of Roy and Phyllis Conrad were Neil, Rhonda, Chandler and Ashleigh Allen.
 
Guests of Norma and Roger McNair were Rodney & Tracy Umbent, Taylor, Tyler & Michael; Jeffrey & Mandy Malloy, Lexie & Colton, Topeka; Bryan McNair; Tammy & Jeremy Gourd, little Tammy, Brook & Zane and Kay McNair, Denver.
 
Sonny & Betty Dykes spent the weekend in their ‘summer camper’ in McCracken.
 
Rich & Linda Conrad, Andrew & Michael, St. Louis are spending the week at the home of Sylvester Conrad.  Joining them for the rodeo weekend was Hannah Kennedy, Garden City.
 
A couple from North Carolina purchased tickets at the west gate from Roy & Phyllis Conrad on Saturday evening . . they had read about our McCracken Rodeo on the internet!! 
 
There was also a saddle bronc rider that drove 14 hours from Racine, Wis. to attend the rodeo. 
 
Those that participated in the fun run/walk event held Saturday morning were:
Ron & Cathy Casey, Tom Rues, Stacy Rues, Celeste Davis, Cat Stremel, David Kaster, Lanette Mathews, Rich & Linda Conrad, Richard Dorzweiler, Russell King, Dustin Schuler, Ben King, Clay McIntosh, Carolyn Davenport, Carolyn Thompson, Valerie Rogers, Susan Keith, Kayla Tacha, Hannah Kennedy, Michael Conrad, Shannon Keith, Lexi & Rylan Anderson.
 
Daryl and Linda North hosted the 1966 MHS graduating class reunion at their farm home near Hays on Saturday. Those attending were Susan Reinhardt, Wichita, Mel & Karen Norlin Simmerman & son, Stilwell; Ron & Janice Rein, LaCrosse; Howard & Ruth Ann Sissel, Ponca City; Dan & Carolyn Mason Slavin, Coffeyville; Donnie & Kathleen Rourke Kazmaier, Larned.  Those who sent greetings but could not attend were:  Maddy Rein Petz, Buhler; Pete & Marvee Huxol Mink, Littleton, Co; Jim & Jo Faye Gaschler Bechtel, Brookville; Fred & Rosemary Moran Kopp, Fairview; Ken & Valerie Mills, Great Bend; David & Joyce Towns, Overland Park.  The class didn’t receive a reply from Luann Grumbein. 
 
Those attending the 1976 MHS class reunion held at the Golden Agers Senior Center on Saturday were Bruce and Sue Skillett Davis, Grand Island; Robin & Dottie Schuckman and Dakota, Alma; Rich and Rosemarie Grumbein Schwindt, LaCrosse; Donna Greenway & Allan Hill, Victoria; Marsha Healy, Paulette Healy Thompson, Wichita; Mark McCormick, Merrian; Tim & Stacy Rues, Topeka; Hayden and Lynette Legleiter Buhr, Pauls Valley.  Invited but unable to attend were James Casey, Hanston; Steve Foreman, Haysville; Chuck Higgins, Hutchinson; Sally Irvin, McCracken; Ruth Johnston, address unknown; Scott Kershner, Rush Center; Kenneth Higdon, LaCrosse; Roberta Halbleib Williams, Wichita.
 
 Les wishes Machree would read instructions before playing Mexican dominoes.
 
The McCracken Alumni has purchased two new refrigerators, one for the McCracken Community Building and one for the Rodeo Concession Stand.
 
The parade entries and results will be in the RC News next week.
 
Rodeo meeting Monday at the rodeo grounds Monday, July 17 beginning at 8:00 p.m.