Great Tribute to Veterans at Kensington Saturday

 

The day dawned with sunshine and light breezes which warmed to about 60 degrees by the time for the annual Veterans Day Celebration at Kensington Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007. The crowd gathered early for visiting and reminiscing along the parade route. The flag flew at half-staff and the reviewing stand was in place in front of the Legion Hall with Galen Larson very capably handling the sound system. Tadd Felts and his assistant, Kevin Rippe, were ready to broadcast the festivities on KQMA/KKAN.

 

The Kensington Legion #166, Mt. Surabachi Marine Corps League, and Kensington Legion Auxiliary #166 were in place at precisely 11 a.m. ready for the ceremonies. Sons of the American Legion Commander Jeff Nech welcomed the crowd and introduced Katie Hughes/Griffy, Kensington High School Junior and daughter of Mike and Sue Griffy, as she sang the National Anthem as the flag was raised to full staff. Pastor Becky Saddler of the United Church of Kensington gave the invocation. The Color Guard was ordered to present arms and give the 21-gun salute to honor our fallen heroes. Taps were played by a brass sextet (Robin Billings, Deb and Trent Ferguson, Martin Seemann, and Alyce and Kristi Reneberg).

 

Commander Nech introduced Staff Sgt. Seth Kastle who was the guest speaker for the event. Sgt. Kastle, son of Melanie and Terry Elliott and the late Richard Kastle,

graduated from Kensington High School in 1999. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1998 and did his basic training at Ft. Knox, Ken. and his advanced training at Ft. Sam Houston, Tex. He served in Qatar and Afghanistan n 2002 and served in Iraq in 2003-2004. He was awarded the Bronze Star in 2004.He completed his Airborne training at Ft. Benning, GA. in 2005. He graduated from Ft. Hays State University and is employed by Southwestern College as a student advisor. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Leadership studies. He and his wife, Julia, reside in Wichita.

 

Staff Sgt. Kastle, after thanking  for inviting him to speak, told stated that joining the Army was one of the few good decisions he was able to make from the ages of 15-22. He met some of the finest men and women he will ever hope to know. He challenged other Veterans to make this same comment. He traveled to many countries, attended many schools, and met many people and these experience have had a monumental effect on who he is today. He stated that in Airborne School the care told them "On our descent don't look at the ground. The found will find you, just prepare for it and keep our eyes on the horizon." He gave this a great deal of thought and stated that is became a great analogy for life.

 

Kastle continued to give recognition to local soldiers who have served their country proudly in Iraq, especially Tim Tomkins who is currently on his fourth tour there. "This is where the rubber meets the road and it becomes a reality that we are a nation at war, "Kastle continued. These soldiers are not asking for praise, adulation or even a pat on the back but only your support. The soldier does the job that others are not willing to do and picks up a rifle and fights for the freedom those who protest enjoy. His words brought praise and tears to the audience.

 

He commented on how important Operation SOS (Support our Soldiers) is to soldiers serving abroad. His mother, Melanie Elliott, began this organization which now includes many volunteers from Kensington, Smith County, and the surrounding areas. In his time overseas he knew many soldiers whose only mail received were those packages from Operation SOS. He thanked his mother for showing him that one person can make a difference, and the difference is real.

 

In his final note, he repeated the theme for the day, "Salute Veterans Young and Old", and asked everybody "to take a look to their left and right, find a veteran and shake his/her hand. It is because of their service that you are able to enjoy today with your family."

 

SAL member Justin Chestnut gave recognition to the Sons of the American Legion for rebuilding the smoke shack and serving stand at the school grounds and the Thomas and Rathert Foundations for providing the funds to make it possible and to Orren Bronson and Sky Davis for handling the grant money.
 

Music Club Praise and Thanksgiving Service Sunday Evening

 

The Kensington Music Club is hosting their annual Praise and Thanksgiving Service at St. John Lutheran Church southwest of Athol Sunday evening, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. The program will feature musical selections by groups from the churches in the area, scripture readings, and prayers. A social hour will follow in the church parish hall. Music Club members are asked to bring two dozen cookies.
 

Cheyenne Vocal Concert Monday at Kensington Monday

 

The schools of the Cheyenne Conference will gather Monday noon, Nov. 19, for a clinic in preparation for giving a concert that evening at 7 p.m. in the Kensington High School Gym. The public is encouraged to attend this concert with the same enthusiasm that they would in attending a Cheyenne Conference sports event. The students will be practicing all afternoon with a music clinician. It promises to show talents in music that we often overlook. See you at the concert!
 

Post-Prom has Goldbug Farewell Items

 

The Kensington Post Prom is taking orders for t-shirts and ball caps featuring "Thanks for the Memories" as a farewell to Kensington Goldbugs. Orders will be taken and be available in time for Christmas gifts. Contact Linda Gibson, 476-3207, for further details.
 

USD-238 Site Council Plans Building

 

The USD-238 Site Council met Nov. 5 with 11 members present. The progression of a building project to house memorabilia of USD-238 and possibly Kensington historical items was discussed. Building dimensions and plans will be discussed with representatives from the HOME Foundation, the SITE Council and other interested organizations. Bobbi Struckhoff and Denise Miller volunteered to represent the SITE Council.

 

Struckhoff reported  the results of the state assessment tests given during the 2006-2007 school term. Standard of Excellence was met in reading and math at several grade levels. The new name, mascot and colors chosen for the consolidated district USD #110 were announced by Superintendent Yoxall. The name chosen by the students of Eastern Heights and Kensington is Thunder Ridge, the mascot is Longhorns, and the colors are blue and silver.
 

USD-238 School Calendar and Menus

 

Thursday, Nov. 14--FFA District Entomology Meet in Hays, Leave 2 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 15--Intramural Scholars Bowl, 3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 19--Cheyenne Conference Vocal Clinic at Kensington, 1 p.m.

                       Jump for Heart in Elementary School, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

                       Jr. High basketball @ Agra, 4 p.m.

                       Cheyenne Conference Vocal Concert @ Kensington Gym, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 20--Dismissal for Thanksgiving break, 12:15 p.m.  (Classes resume on Nov. 26)

 

Menus

Monday, Nov. 19--Hamburger pizza, lettuce salad, crackers, creamed corn, 1/2 banana

Tuesday, Nov. 20--Corndogs, ranch cut potatoes, vegetable relishes, spicy pears, chocolate chip cookie
 

Notes from the Senior Center

 

November birthdays will be celebrated Thursday noon. The meal on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, will be brunch at 11 a.m. The Center will be closed on Thanksgiving and the Friday following. Pinochle will be played Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.

 

A group enjoyed the Kansas State Singers at the Huck Boyd Center in Phillipsburg last Sunday afternoon sponsored by the Phillipsburg Arts Council. Evelyn Norden and Norma Larson furnished the transportation. A number of retirees enjoyed the lunch of sandwiches, beans and pie at the Senior Center last Saturday.

 

Menus

Monday, Nov. 19--Smothered steak, scalloped potatoes, beets, bread, apricots

Tuesday, Nov. 20--Chili w/beans, orange/pineapple salad, crackers, cinnamon roll

Wednesday, Nov. 21--(Brunch at 11 a.m.) Sausage potato bake, California blend veg's, applesauce, bread, coffee cake.
 

Kensington Students Salutes Veterans Last Wednesday

 

A large group of Veterans and friends gathered at the Kensington School Gym Wednesday afternoon as Kindergarten thru Grade 12 students presented a patriotic program honoring all Veterans. Mrs. Kristi Reneberg directed and arranged the program, and Katie Larson was the accompanist. Don Wiens set up the equipment and the sixth grade boys prepared the gym for the program.  

 

The program began with the audience and students the "National Anthem."  Erin Ferguson introduced the reading "What Is a Veteran?" with responses read by Dani Riley, Wysteria Corbett, Britt Bauman, Zach Wallgren, Althea Esteller, and Brayden Brenneman. Kindergarteners through Grade Six responded by singing, "Proud of Our Veterans."

 

The High School Show Choir (Melissa Nonamaker, Erin Ferguson, Emi Fuentes, Sammi Schirm, Katie Larson, Katie Hughes, Ryanne Rahjes, and Rachelle Bose) sang

"Candle for Peace" while each lit a candle. Kindergarteners thru Grade 3 sang "Proud to Be an American" and Grades 4 thru 6 sang "Heart of America." The reading, "We Still Have Heroes", was given by Heidi Larson, Nathan Larson, Katie Sarr, Aleah Seemann, and Wyatt Baumann.

 

The insignia of the US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard, and US Navy were displayed in front of the audience. The song of each branch of the United States Military was enthusiastically sung by the Kindergarten thru Grade 6 classes and, after each presentation, the Veterans of each branch were asked to stand. At the conclusion of this part of the program, the audience and students with a standing ovation and thunderous applause showed the Veterans appreciation for their service to our beloved country.

 

The song, "Let Freedom Sing", by the Jr. High and "Shine on America" by the High School Choruses concluded the program before the students were dismissed to return to their classrooms to end the school day. Pictures were taken of the Veterans in attendance after the performance.
 

Twelve Students Attend Math Relays
 

On November 8, 2007 Kensington High School was represented at the Math Relays by a group of volunteering students: Jessica Adams, Wyatt Baumann, Lakota Bohl, Erin Ferguson, Lindsey Grauerholz, Kathie Henderson, Kellie Henderson, Rachelle Henderson, JayDee Hudson, Aubrey Hunter, Melissa Nonamaker, and Alia Rice. 

 

It was a beautiful fall day to be on the Fort Hays State University campus.  Several schools attended and it seemed everyone had fun solving very challenging problems.  Each student participated in 4 of the 6 events.  While on the campus, students had the pleasure of seeing Faryn Beam, Michala Krueger, and Rene’ Nonamaker, as well as friends from other schools.  Mrs. Sukraw and Mrs. Miles co-sponsored the event.
 

Ron McMurdo Back From Iraq

 

The following announcement was received from Jenifer (Hohner) McMurdo concerning her husband's return from Iraq. Jenifer and their two children, John and Emily have lived at Fort Drum, N.Y., during his deployment. (Jenifer is the daughter of Rod and Linda Hohner and Ron grew up in the Smith Center community).

 

"We are happy to report that Ron has made it home safely from his 15 month tour in Iraq.  He arrived in New York on Tuesday morning at 9:30 and we picked him up and took him home at 1:30 that afternoon.  He is happy to be home and at this time he should be here with us for over a year before he will deploy again.  We want to thank everyone who prayed for his safety while he was away and all who sent packages and letters also.  He really enjoyed hearing from the church members.  We still expect to be here at Fort Drum, NY for awhile.  Our family is doing well here and the kids love the winter snow and mild summers.  Thanks again for everything you have done for Ron in prayer and message."
 

Death of Otalee (Lee) Beckmann

 

Mrs. Otalee Elizabeth Koch-Greer-Beckmann was born the fifth child of six children to Joseph and Melzine (Turner) Francis on August 10, 1918, at Hunter, Hansas. She departed this life Tuesday evening, Nov. 6, 2007, at the Prairie Haven Nursing Home in Kensington. Her age was 89 years, two months and 26 days.

 

She attended grade schools at Hunter and Cawker City. At the age of eight years she moved with her parents to Smithfield, Neb., where she completed her education and graduated from high school with the class of 1936 at the age of 17.

 

On September 23, 1936, Otalee Elizabeth Francis was united in marriage to Erwin Koch at Eustis, Neb. To this union two children were born: Terry Eugene and Margo Elizabeth. Erwin was killed on June 8, 1944, in San Diego, Calif., and Otalee and her children moved to Holdrege Nebraska.

 

On August 25, 1947, she was united in marriage to William Greer, Jr., at Kearney, Neb. They resided on a farm southwest of Ragan, Neb. Bill preceded her in death on June 16, 1980. She moved to their new home in north Alma, Neb., after Bill's death.

 

On June 8, 1985, Otalee was united in marriage to Leonard Henry Beckmann at St. John Lutheran Church in Kensington. They resided in Kensington until their move to Prairie Haven on Nov. 11, 2004.

 

She was a housewife as well as was employed by Becton Dickinson in Holdrege, Neb., during the 1970's. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church at Kensington having transferred her membership from Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege.

 

In addition to her two husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Marcellus and his wife Letha Francis, and Verle and his wife Naomi Francis; three sisters, Merle Withers and her husband Harold, Vernita Digman and her husband Boyd, and Almina Heftle and her husband Earl; and two daughters, an infant daughter in June of 1944, and Marge Wolf in September, 2007.

 

Se leaves to mourn her passing her husband Leonard Beckmann of Prairie Haven Nursing Home in Kensington; a son, Terry Koch and his wife Betty of El Paso, Tex.; a son-in-law, Dennis Wolf of Eustis, Neb; eleven grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; nine great, great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

 

The funeral was Saturday morning at St. John Lutheran Church of Kensington with the Rev. Patsy Koeneke officiating. Burial was in the Alma, Nebraska, city cemetery.
 

Around the Community

 

Sympathy is extended to Bob and Brenda (Deibert) Artz on the death of Bob's father, Loren Artz, 64, of Phillipsburg. Mr. Artz was an over-the-road truck driver and died suddenly in Montana while on a truck run Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. The funeral was Saturday at Olliff-Boeve Chapel in Phillipsburg with burial in Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

 

Sympathy is also expressed to Wendy Jackson, Jasmin and Jamil on the death of Wendy's grandmother in North Carolina last week.

 

Connie Ellenberger spent the weekend in the hospital for insulin and medication adjustment.

 

Lois Hrabe returned home Thursday with Lee and Melinda Mazzarella of Colorado Springs where she had spent the past five weeks enjoying many special evnets. They visited Victor and Vince Mazzarella in Golen, Colo., where the boys are sophomores at the Colorado School of Mines. The boys are on the Mines rugby team that was rated fourth in the nation. Attending several football games at the Air Force Academy were enjoyed, especially the Air Force-Army game when Duke and Kathy Hrabe of Tempe, Ariz., joined the family for the weekend. Attending the Colorado Springs Philhamonic Concert with renowned guest pianist, Norman Krieger, was a special highlight.

 

This past weekend, other family members joining them at the Hrabe home for Veterans' Day, hunting and celebrating Lois' birthday were Mike and Diann Hrabe of Canton; Shane and Matthew Hrabe of McPherson; Dan, Trina, Raini and Owen Hrabe of Great Bend; and Joel, Kindra, Blane and Benten Hrabe of Kensington.

 

Ricky and Staci Kearn welcomed a baby girl into their family with the birth of Lyndzie LeeAnn on Nov. 8. She weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. She has two brothers, Spencer, 3 1/2, and Tyler, 2 1/2, to help spoil her. Grandparents are Steve and JoAnn Rice of Kensington and Danny and Deb Kearn of Concordia. Great-grandparents are Francis and Ada Gaines and Bill and Venita Rice, all of Kensington.

 

Eulonda Hagman spent several days last week in Buehler with Rod and Anita Hagman while having a physical checkup. She reports having dinner with Gerald Fraser of McPherson, a former manager of Kensington Co-op. He sends greetings to his many Kensington friends.  

 

There were many visitors in the community over the Veterans' Day weekend. Pheasant hunters were also scouting the fields.  It would be impossible to name all so unless they were especially reported, we will not include them. The churches had very special and meaningful recognitions of our veterans and current service personnel in their worship services Sunday morning.

 

The Lions' Club pancake feed Sunday at the Legion was well attended giving another opportunity for visiting and reminiscing. The pancakes, sausage, and eggs were delicious. Proceeds will be used for the Kansas Sight Foundation.

 

Another event last Friday night was the "whole hog roast" at the Kensington Legion with 161 persons attending.

 

Your correspondent, Ruth Bienhoff, would like to thank everyone for bringing the program information, parade results, and raffle winners to her so promptly. She also  appreciates Seth Kastle giving a copy of his speech  to her for her to glean highlights from it. (Her only regret is that she didn't ask for permission to print the entire speech.) It is a real privilege to report such a highly successful tribute to our veterans to our readers.
 

Birthdays Celebrated at Prairie Haven

 

Each morning begins with greetings, fun and fitness exercises and one-one sessions. The beauty shop was open Monday and manicures were given. Facts of peanut butter were presented Monday afternoon. Bingo was played Tuesday afternoon. Farm jokes were shared Wednesday afternoon. Mary VanderGiesen and Mandy Warner came to sing and entertain in the afternoon. Pastor Patsy Koeneke of St. John Lutheran Church had the Thursday morning Bible study followed by social time. Sandwich facts were shared in the afternoon.

 

The local news was read Friday morning. The November birthdays were celebrated in the afternoon. Betty Kuhlmann is the only resident with a November birthday (11-24). Staff with November birthdays are Christi Shockley, Jim Struckhoff, Shelly Threlkel, Angela Kuhlmann, and Vicki Lehmann. Saturday and evening entertainment included puzzles, cards, movies, and the Lawrence Welk Show.

 

Pastor Koeneke had the Sunday afternoon worship service. Steve and Linda Miller assisted with communion and Ruth Bienhoff was pianist.

 

Sympathy is extended to Jean Boyd and family, Angela Reese and family and Brice Boyd on the death of Reba Brower.

 

Sympathy is also extended to resident Leonard Beckmann, Terry Koch of Texas, and Denis Wolf of Nebraska on the death of Lee Beckmann. Both of these women will be missed by residents and staff.

 

Guests signing the register were Margaret Burian of Cedar with Travis Summers; Sherry S? with Doris Kuhlmann; Marlene Kuhlmann, Esther Norden, Maria Seemann with friends; JoAnn Johnson with Neva Jensen and friends; Leora Smith of Salina with Lorraine Grauerholz; Gilbert Kuhlmann, JoLinn Rogers and MaKayla Bellesine from Minneola with Betty Kuhlmann; Mike and Amy Rose and Ken and Janice Rose with Jack Rose and Pearl Ratliff; Doug and Crystal Roberts of Ashland and Kelly Smith with Vada and Irene Smith; Anita Hagman and Dianna Kuhlmann with Dorine Kuhlmann; Don and Pat Bienhoff with Douglas and Mae Donovan and Montra and Mary Jones; Raymond Jones of Hutchinson with Montra and Mary Jones; Lorena Stephens with Jesse Godsey; Ada Gaines with Francis Gaines.