Kansas Explorers Invade Effingham

Walt and Darlene McConnell hosted a visit from the Kansas Explorers January 19 in their store in Effingham. Approximately 50 members of the organization stopped by to hear from the McConnells about their experiences of running a grocery store in a small Kansas town. The Explorers are an associated group of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, which is a public non-profit 501(C)(3) organization. The mission of the foundation is to preserve and sustain rural culture by educating Kansans about Kansas and by networking and supporting rural communities. They believe rural culture is the combination of these elements: architecture, art, commerce, cuisine, customs, geography, history, and people. Their motto is “Dare to Do Dirt”

The group gathered at The Barn Bed-and-Breakfast near Valley Falls for the thirteenth annual Retreat for Rural Leaders. The retreat is facilitated by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The main discussion centered around methods that can take an organization, a town, or a business from good to great and will create a culture of success. They boarded their own bus for their interactive field trip to Effingham, Horton, and Whiting. One requirement was to spend $10 in the Effingham Market, as well as in the Electric City Emporium in Horton. The items purchased were then donated to the Horton area ministerial food bank. Pastor Tom Stone explained needs of people in the area. A total of $2,662 was spent in Effingham and Horton. Two additional recipients of these dollars were the post office in Effingham as well as English Leather in Horton. The group also toured Werner Wagon Works in Horton, heard about the Kan Step program at the Whiting community building, and ate a meal served by the Whiting Cafe. Kansas Sampler Foundation director Marci Penner said, “We ask questions of store owners and community advocates and willingly spent money because we know the difference it can make. Our discussions as a group become more meaningful because we have practiced the culture we would like to create in the public mainstream.” The retreat is designed to support efforts, address issues, and increase the pool of resources for the rural leaders. People come from all over the state and include economic developers, community foundation directors, bed-and-breakfast owners, entrepreneurs, historians, tourism coordinators, chamber staff, volunteers, bankers, educators, county commissioners, architectural preservationists, and more. The Horton National Bank and United Bank of Kansas in Whiting helped pay for the evening meal.

Walt and Darlene were very surprised by the amount of support they received from the group. They purchased way more for the food pantry donation than expected. Comments from the travelers were very encouraging to the couple. Mayor Potts was also present to greet the visitors and thank them for making Effingham part of their planned trip.

Marci Penner reported to The Newsleaf that later the evening of their tour they held an auction at The Barn Bed and Breakfast and raised some money. They raised $400 and decided to give it to the CYO youth group at St. Leo's in Horton. We want them to use the money to shop at the Effingham Market and to also hear about what it takes to keep a small store open. Then, their purchases are to be donated to the Horton food bank. Connie Werner in Horton is the contact for this. I'm sure she'll be in contact soon with Walt and Darlene. “Our group felt terrific about this plan.” Marci said. The group wanted to set an example of how members of a community should support local businesses as a way of conserving our culture and community. This editor was impressed with the attitude and good will of this group of folks. If anyone would like to learn more about the Kansas Explorers you can go to their web sites at www.kansassampler.org or www.explorekansas.org. If you wish to write them contact Marci Penner, at 978 Arapaho Road; Inman, KS 67546. Her phone is 620/585-2374 or you can email her at marci@explorekansas.org. See Kansas with new eyes!!!

All Around Us by Alice Johnson

80^TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Ileta Kuykendall celebrated her 80^th birthday with a Birthday Party, January 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Effingham Senior Citizens Center. The party was hosted by her children Leona Steuart, Diana Gearhart, Beverly Gaddis and Keith Kuykendall

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Danny and Mary Kay Barnett enjoyed the company of their son Tim from Iola this past weekend. Kevin, Kerie, Tristen, Kensley and Konner arrived Sunday morning and returned home to Oakley on Monday afternoon.

Due to the cold, icy weather they all traveled to Sabetha on Sunday to help their sister, Dana, and Grandmother Beth Barnett celebrate their birthdays which are January 22nd and 23rd respectively. Tristen will be having a birthday on January 29th. Dana enjoyed seeing her niece and nephews as well as other family members. They shared cake and ice cream with the residents and staff members of Lakeside Terrace, where Dana lives.

Sunday evening Danny and Mary Kay continued the birthday celebrations of Beth and Tristen with Kris and Spider Shell of Atchison, Ron and Mary Lou Bowen, Andrea Rygaard and children Hannah, Sarah and Gene of Holton, and Becky O'Brien of Effingham attending

ATTENDS 50^TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Carl and Laverne Sternsdorff of Effingham attended the 50^th Wedding Anniversary reception of Robert and Julia Page at Gardner, Kansas January 16. The reception was hosted by the couple’s children and families. Julia is a longtime friend of Laverne’s. They were classmates and members of 4-H. They are both graduates of Atchison County Community High School.

CALLAHAN RECOGNIZED

In one of Mike Cavanaugh's last duties, as County Commissioner, he helped recognize Tim Callahan for his 25 Yrs. as a member of the Atchison County Rescue Squad at its annual supper in Lancaster. Tim has performed duties as a storm spotter, EMT-I and team leader for the Lancaster first responders. Tim was involved with obtaining a BEMS Grant in 2003 for the purchase of the Automated External Defibulator.

EFFINGHAM LION NEWS

The Effingham Lions club conducted their regular meeting, January 26, 2005. The club voted to donate $100.00 to the ACCHS after prom committee and $50.00 to Sharon Carr towards her sports trip to Australia this summer. The club will sponsor and serve a “potato bar supper” at the basketball game, Friday, February 11^th in the ACCHS commons room. Also, the club will serve a “soup supper” at the basketball game, Wednesday, February 16^th. On the 23^rd of February, the club will have a special guest night to honor member wives and friends of the lions. Coming up will be the Annual Pancake Supper March 13 at 4-7 PM in the High School Commons. The Lions fund raising events would not run as smooth without this appreciated help. The meal will be provided by the club and served by members. The Effingham Lions Club appreciates the support it receives from the community with it’s fund raising events and in return supports the community with donations.

MAYOR POTTS GIVES BIRTHDAY WISHES

January 19, Mayor Jim Potts delivered an official City proclamation to Bob Barnett, at his home, on the occasion of his birthday declaring that day was to be known as Bob Barnett Day in Effingham. Bob received the certificate and thanked Jim for the gesture. Bob received many cards and calls on that day and was very surprised at the amount of attention given to him on this 80^th anniversary of his birth. A similar proclamation was given to Ileta Kuykendall on the occasion of her birthday. The certificate was given to her by Mayor Potts at the Project Concern Community Center on January 21.

Effingham Library News

The library has available the following new adult books: Katie's Dream by Kelly; The Broker by Grisham; The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs 2005; and the World Almanac 05. New Children’s Books are Tell Me Again About the Night I was born and When I was Little by Jamie Lee Curtis, a Set of four Unique Instructional Baseball Videos, Learn from the Pros age 5 and up (hitting mechanics, defensive drills, offensive drills, baseball fundamentals) Watch for upcoming events such as Story time. Check window and area bulletin boards for notices. The board of trustees meet the first Monday of each month, at 5:30. Anyone in Benton Township or the City of Effingham interested in serving on the library board, please contact the library for more details. This is your library. There are many books on the Give-Away Table. Check us Out.

Wrestling King and Queen are Crowned!!

ACCHS hosted a dual meet Thursday, January 27^th on their home mat. Visiting teams, Holton and Atchison High felt the prowess of the Tigers. The grapplers won both matches with the neighboring schools. During the middle of the evening, the Seniors and families were recognized in the center of the mat. The wrestling King and Queen were also chosen. Chris Pursell and Julie Chalfant were the picked for the honors. Attendants were Cody Sprang, Megan Warriner, Josh Ostertag and Ashley Bomberger.

Local Farmers Hold Onion Meeting

Last week, on Wednesday, a group of local farmers held a meeting at DJ’s to discuss the possibility of raising onions in Atchison County. A report from the Hidalgo County Ag Extension Service was reviewed.

Rural Water District # 5 Receives Award

Gary Smith, Chief of Community and Business Programs, presented the Silver Faucet Award to the local water district. This award is made annually by USDA Rural Development to a utility as recognition of outstanding performance in providing services to rural Kansas. It was noted by Gary that RWD # 5, which began in 1970, has solved problems for local citizens in providing a clean and adequate supply of water for households and farms. Gary said “Atchison RWD # 5 has exhibited the attitude of spirit we think is reflective of the Silver Faucet Award by being a good neighbor, keeping focused on its purpose as a RWD, continuing to solve pending water needs by being helpful and involved, and continuing to serve additional users in the area.” Congratulations to the Board and staff of the water district.

The water district will be holding their Annual Meeting this Feb. 8, 2005 at the Lancaster City Building at 7 PM. The water district will be operating under a new name as a result of the merging with RWD # 4 near Arrington. The new name is Consolidated Rural Water District # 5, Atchison County, Kansas. A report will be made about the connection between the two districts and other business. Patrons are urged to come to the meeting.

For Your Consideration…

This item was shared with the editor recently by Jack Albright. Bill Gates High School Address:" Bill Gates recently (Spring of 2004) gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair . . . get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Nancy Dunn recently received a long awaited lung transplant in Colorado on Jan. 14. She was told the lung came from a 14 year old boy from Texas. Nancy said the new lung has to be fitted into place. They won’t grow to fill the space. “It really breathes good” she said. Nancy is presently staying in an apartment in Littleton, Co. so she can be near her doctors. Her sister is helping her at this time. It is necessary for her to check in with them twice a week to see if the medications are staying in balance. She will need to be careful for up to 18 months afterwards to protect the lung from infections. Last Wednesday she had a setback and had to have her new lung cleaned out three times. The doctors checked for a rejection but have found none so far. She was released last Saturday. She said she enjoys hearing from her friends and neighbors. She wanted everyone to know that she appreciated the concerns and the prayers and hoped they will continue to pray for her during this dangerous period. Her address is 4560 W. Mineral Dr., Apt. 1615; Littleton, Co. 80128.

Steve Smart is still recovering from a surgical procedure at his home at 404 Davidson; Midwest City, OK 73130.

Our sympathies go out to Frances Tuley and her family at their loss of her son, husband and father, Charles Tuley who died Feb. 23, 2005.

Bill & Pauline Wiedmaier of Effingham will be celebrating their 50^th Anniversary, Sunday Feb. 20^th. They were married Feb. 19, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Church in Atchison with Fr. Matthew Hall OSB officiating. They are parents of two sons, Gary deceased and Tim. They have four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Tim and Sharon, Debbie and Don Falk and grandchildren will host a family dinner. A reception for friends and relatives will be held Feb. 20 from 2-4 PM at the Effingham Town & Country Senior Center. The couple requests no presents, just your presence.

OLD TIME MUSIC LIVES ON

Every month music lovers meet at various locations around the state to play, listen to and just celebrate “old time music”. One such local organization is the Northeast chapter of the “Kansas Old-time Fiddlers, Pickers & Singers” (KOFP&S) which meets in Valley Falls on the second Sunday of every month. Attending these meetings are from 35 to 50 members and guests, some bringing their instruments to perform and others just to listen and enjoy. There is no admission charge and guests are invited to sign up to play a set or just sit in and play in the background while others perform.

Several of Curt Childress’ students from the Effingham Strings program have played at some of these meetings and some have even become members and attend on a regular basis. In the last two months Jaclyn Scherer, Haylea August and Karleigh August have all performed individually as well as together, playing fiddles, piano, harp and singing. Jaclyn said she enjoys entertaining the people, while Haylea likes being able “to play for people who really seem to enjoy it and that makes it fun.” “It’s a great place to come, play and get stage experience,” Karleigh says. “It’s a low stress environment where you can just play and have fun without worrying about criticism.” Karleigh and Haylea’s dad, David August, also enjoys performing his original songs and learning the old time classics. “This is the same music people have been playing in parlors and on back porches for over a century,” he says. “You sometimes feel like a part of history playing old country songs or fiddle reels and jigs.”

The purpose of the KOFP&S, as stated in their bylaws is “to promote, encourage, educate and preserve the enjoyment by the general public of that form of entertainment known as old time music.” David who was elected as the 2005 president of the NE chapter is trying to find ways to do just that. “I’m hoping that we can encourage more people of all ages to become involved on some level. It really is a good experience for the kids and many of the older members look forward to and attend every meeting regardless of the weather.” He says he is working on organizing several different events and promoting other related events, such as festivals, fiddle contests and concerts.

The next chapter meeting will be Sunday, Feb. 13^th at 1:30, Delaware Township Hall on Broadway in Valley Falls. There is no admission fee and all are welcome to come listen and play if they like.

HELP WANTED:

Needed: a person to replace Susie at the lumberyard. She has had it and decided to retire. See Horsty at the yard or call 913-833-5735. Job includes acting as a retail sales associate and bookkeeping. Experience is not a requirement.

Text Box: BASKETBALL NEWS

The ACCHS boys and girls basketball teams just completed two weeks in tournament play, signaling the end of the first half of the basketball season. The boys team grabbed 2^nd place at the McLouth Invitational Tournament, losing to Perry-Lecompton in the championship game. Seniors Lance Cormode and Derek Todd were named to the All-Tournament team. The Lady Tigers defeated Oskaloosa in the consolation game for a 3^rd place finish in the Jefferson County North Tournament last Saturday. Senior Amy Hale and Junior Stacie Westermann represented ACCHS on the All-Tournament team. The second half of the season gets underway Feb. 1 at Holton.

Do you know the folks in the pictures? Let us know your best guess. If you have a picture to share, bring it by and we will scan it in to the computer and show our readers. Last issue’s personalities were: Bob & Rosemary Barnett, Hal & Katie Carlson, Charlie & Katie Shifflet, Wayne & Georgian Ukena, Bob & Marj Dean and Dorothy Clinton. John held the camera.