Long-time basketball coach Claude Gene Samson, 76, died Sunday at Village Care Center in Maryville.
Born November 1, 1936, to Francis and Gladys (Bowen) Samson, Claude once held the statewide record for most victories by any high school basketball coach in Missouri.
A 1954 Maryville High School graduate, he held a bachelor’s degree in physical education and industrial arts as well as a master’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University.
A teacher for over 30 years, Claude coached both boys and girls Bluejay basketball teams at Northeast Nodaway High School in Ravenwood for a total of 26 years. In 1990 he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the James Edward Gray American Legion Post #100, Maryville.
His hobbies included golfing, fishing and playing Trivial Pursuit. He enjoyed taking trips out West to visit relatives and was an avid Chiefs fan.
Preceding Claude in death were his parents and brother, Merle Samson.
Claude is survived by his son, Kelly, and Kelly’s wife, Sally, of Bainbridge Island, WA; daughter, Vikki, and her husband, Dick Klanderman, of Hammond, WI; five grandchildren; two sisters, Zella Hall, of Fairbanks, AK, and Shirley Reynolds, of Maryville; two brothers, Hartford Samson, of Maryville, and Jack Samson, of Bremerton, WA; several nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Coralea Samson, of Maryville.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Maryville First Christian Church. Burial will follow in Miriam Cemetery, Maryville.
Memorials may be directed to the Athletic department of Northeast Nodaway R-V School System, Ravenwood, MO 64479.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Obituary -- Betty Fidler 1935-2013
Betty Joan Fidler, 77, Breckenridge, MO, formerly of Maryville, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Hillcrest Manor in Hamilton.
She was born December 8, 1935 in Worth to John Elmer and Cora Elizabeth Yates Richardson.
She married Denzel Donald Fidler April 24th, 1955 in Parnell.
A foster mother of 65 and a homemaker, Betty was a member of the Curry, Richardson, Sparks, Waldeier Post #528 American Legion Auxiliary, Parnell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Denzel Fidler (APril 25, 1995), infant sons David, Donnie, and Ronnie Fidler, great-grandson Hunter Fidler, brothers Harold, Junior, Calvin, Alvin, and Paul Richardson, sisters Wilma and Opal Richardson, Dorothy Ross, Marie McKee, Ruth Dugdale, Geneva Gladman, and Helen Tucker.
Survivors are sons Leroy Fidler of Mobile, AL and Dannie Fidler of St. Joseph, daughter Diane (Tom) Pittman of Breckenridge, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters Alta Adams of Hopkins, Barbara Gladman of Riverton, WY and Patty Brown of Clarinda, two foster sons raised in the home, Robert Campbell and Dennis Neukam, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 23rd from 6-7 at Price Funeral Home in Maryville. Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 24th at 10 in the Athelston Cemetery, Athelston IA.
She was born December 8, 1935 in Worth to John Elmer and Cora Elizabeth Yates Richardson.
She married Denzel Donald Fidler April 24th, 1955 in Parnell.
A foster mother of 65 and a homemaker, Betty was a member of the Curry, Richardson, Sparks, Waldeier Post #528 American Legion Auxiliary, Parnell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Denzel Fidler (APril 25, 1995), infant sons David, Donnie, and Ronnie Fidler, great-grandson Hunter Fidler, brothers Harold, Junior, Calvin, Alvin, and Paul Richardson, sisters Wilma and Opal Richardson, Dorothy Ross, Marie McKee, Ruth Dugdale, Geneva Gladman, and Helen Tucker.
Survivors are sons Leroy Fidler of Mobile, AL and Dannie Fidler of St. Joseph, daughter Diane (Tom) Pittman of Breckenridge, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters Alta Adams of Hopkins, Barbara Gladman of Riverton, WY and Patty Brown of Clarinda, two foster sons raised in the home, Robert Campbell and Dennis Neukam, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 23rd from 6-7 at Price Funeral Home in Maryville. Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 24th at 10 in the Athelston Cemetery, Athelston IA.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Obituary -- Bertha Hawbeck 1908-2013
Bertha Mae Hawbeck, born in Hopkins, MO to Mason Alexander Wilson & Lena Myrtle Wilson on April 7,1908. Bertha slipped peacefully from this earth into the waiting arms of her Savior on Monday July 22, 2013 at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, WA.
On September 17, 1926 Bertha and her then "beau" Ernest Hawbeck had been on their way to a funeral and on the way they decided to go get married instead!! From their union they had 6 children, and raised them on the family farm around Sheridan, MO. After Ernest passed away in October 1959 Bertha continued to live in Missouri until 1966 when she moved to Washington State.
She enjoyed her family and loved playing games with them and always seemed to win!! Bertha also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, reading, visiting with everyone on the internet, working crossword and word find puzzles. She loved her flowers and enjoyed having a garden.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest, her only son Frankie in January 1959, a great-grandson Stephen Card 1970, her daughters Ethel Card in 1975, Phyllis Zook in 1994, Connie Campbell in 2011, granddaughter Alice Austin and great-great granddaughter Daphney Rose Laney in Feb 2012, and her sisters Doris, Georgie and her brother Austin.
She is survived by her daughter Evelyn Jobst (Richard), Independence, MO. Daughter Roberta Card (Jerry), 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Bertha could tell you the birthdates of every family member!! She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
We would like to thank the staff of Columbia Crest for so lovingly caring for our dear Bertha for the past 13 months and also Samaritan Hospital for caring for her during her last days. Services for Bertha will be held at Kaysers Chapel on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 2 PM. All who knew and loved Bertha are welcome to attend.
On September 17, 1926 Bertha and her then "beau" Ernest Hawbeck had been on their way to a funeral and on the way they decided to go get married instead!! From their union they had 6 children, and raised them on the family farm around Sheridan, MO. After Ernest passed away in October 1959 Bertha continued to live in Missouri until 1966 when she moved to Washington State.
She enjoyed her family and loved playing games with them and always seemed to win!! Bertha also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, reading, visiting with everyone on the internet, working crossword and word find puzzles. She loved her flowers and enjoyed having a garden.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest, her only son Frankie in January 1959, a great-grandson Stephen Card 1970, her daughters Ethel Card in 1975, Phyllis Zook in 1994, Connie Campbell in 2011, granddaughter Alice Austin and great-great granddaughter Daphney Rose Laney in Feb 2012, and her sisters Doris, Georgie and her brother Austin.
She is survived by her daughter Evelyn Jobst (Richard), Independence, MO. Daughter Roberta Card (Jerry), 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Bertha could tell you the birthdates of every family member!! She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
We would like to thank the staff of Columbia Crest for so lovingly caring for our dear Bertha for the past 13 months and also Samaritan Hospital for caring for her during her last days. Services for Bertha will be held at Kaysers Chapel on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 2 PM. All who knew and loved Bertha are welcome to attend.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Worth County School Board Hires Two Teachers, Two Other Staff
The Worth County School Board hired two teachers and two other employees to their staff following the open portion of their regular Board of Education Meeting Thursday. The board voted to hire Charlotte McClain as an 8-hour Food Service Employee for the 2013-2014 school year, contingent on approved background check. The board then voted to offer Daniel McCann a Critical Shortage Teacher Contract for the 2013-2014 school year, contingent on approved background check. The board then voted to offer Janice Borey a Critical Shortage Teacher Contract for the 2013-2014 school year. The board then hired Theresa Wilcox as Concession Stand Manager for the 2013-2014 School Year contingent on approved background check. All votes were unanimous.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Worth County Football Camp to be Held
Coach Chris Healy has announced the schedule for football camp as well as the first football practice of the year.
Football camp will be held from July 29th to August 1st from 6-8 p.m. Following the MSHSAA Dead Period, Worth County will have its first football practice on August 12th from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. The camp and practice will be held at the football field.
All athletes wishing to compete in high school sports must pass a physical and have athletic health insurance. Athletes must complete 14 days of conditioning on 14 different days to compete.
Football camp will be held from July 29th to August 1st from 6-8 p.m. Following the MSHSAA Dead Period, Worth County will have its first football practice on August 12th from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. The camp and practice will be held at the football field.
All athletes wishing to compete in high school sports must pass a physical and have athletic health insurance. Athletes must complete 14 days of conditioning on 14 different days to compete.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Old Eddy's Now Open for Business
Old Eddy's of Gentry opened for business for the first time Saturday night as they served drinks to patrons. They will open tomorrow morning at 11 for food for the first time. They are being run by Ed and Cindy Ackley of Grant City. Ed Ackley said that he was pleased at the turnout Saturday night, with people coming from Sheridan, Grant City, the rest of Worth County, Gentry County, and from as far away as King City. For meals, they will serve shrimp, burgers, fries, tenderloins, and chicken among other things. In about a month, Ed said that they planned to start offering homemade pizza.
In late August or early September, Ed said that they would have a grand opening and bring in live music. They are located where the old Gentry Inn used to be; they have added two new rooms. Starting this Wednesday, they will be selling copies of the Sheridan Express. They will be open at 11 a.m.. Tuesdays through Saturdays and will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. They will have Cindy and five employees running the tavern. "Things are looking really good," said Ed. "Come join in the fun!"
In late August or early September, Ed said that they would have a grand opening and bring in live music. They are located where the old Gentry Inn used to be; they have added two new rooms. Starting this Wednesday, they will be selling copies of the Sheridan Express. They will be open at 11 a.m.. Tuesdays through Saturdays and will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. They will have Cindy and five employees running the tavern. "Things are looking really good," said Ed. "Come join in the fun!"
180 Four Wheeler Race Rescheduled
The 180 Four-Wheeler race sponsored by the Grant City Lions has been rescheduled to July 20th in Allendale. Registration will be from 11-12:30 with the race starting at 1. A food tent will be provided. Admission will be $2 at the gate for non-racers. Entry fee will be $15 for racers for each race. Club 180 rules will apply. For more information, contact Mike Hall at (660) 786-2301 after 5 p.m.
Benefit Jackpot Barrel Race to be Held in Sheridan
The Leslie Wallace Jackpot Barrel Race and Fun Show Benefit will be held July 21st at the Sheridan Arena. Exhibitions will start at 10:00 a.m.; jackpot barrels will immediately follow. There will be 50% payback to division winners. Proceeds from this event will go to pay for the medical expenses of Leslie Wallace.
There will be various fun show classes including barrels, down & back, poles, flag race, keyhole race, combination race, and pick-up race.
Cost will be $20 to ride all day or $5 per class. The event will be for people of all ages. There will be five age divisions starting with kids 5 and under lead-line, 8 and under, 9-13, 14-18, and 19 and over. You m
ay bump up one age group, but not down.
There will be prizes to high point and runner-up in each division. For more information, call Laura Runde at (660) 541-0258.
There will be various fun show classes including barrels, down & back, poles, flag race, keyhole race, combination race, and pick-up race.
Cost will be $20 to ride all day or $5 per class. The event will be for people of all ages. There will be five age divisions starting with kids 5 and under lead-line, 8 and under, 9-13, 14-18, and 19 and over. You m
ay bump up one age group, but not down.
There will be prizes to high point and runner-up in each division. For more information, call Laura Runde at (660) 541-0258.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Kevin Stoll Wins Scholarship at Eight Man All Star Game
There are winners in the game of life as well as on the athletic field, and Kevin Stoll proved himself to be one as he was named one of two athletes who received the Missouri Eight Man Coaches Association Scholarship for 2013. He earned it through his hard work and dedication both on and off the field. He played hard for the Red team until the end as he was a force on the defensive side of the ball and prevented the Blue team from getting meaningful yardage for much of the night. In eight man football, an end can make or break a position; if the runningback gets by the end, there is frequently nobody home behind him. Eli Mullock made a living off using his speed to beat the other team's end around the edges. But Kevin Stoll saw to it that did not happen Saturday night as he helped the Red team to a 44-20 victory at William Jewell Saturday night in front of 400 fans who made the long trip to Liberty.
The other four Tiger athletes who made the trip, Tyler and Ethan Schmitz, Dallas Greenland, and Aaron Patton, also came to play on the other side of the ball. For them, it was a chance to see how other coaches operated and Mound City coach Brian Messer had plenty to teach them. During one bad stretch for the Blue squad, Messer called the whole defensive squad, including Tyler and Ethan and Aaron, over to talk about life lessons. "It's easy to do the right thing when you're putting 70 points on the board; it's a lot harder to do the right thing when you're behind," he told them. Noting that he hated losing with a passion, he said that nonetheless, how you handle yourself in adversity defines you even more than how you handle yourself in victory.
The opportunity to hear someone else's voice for a change helped; Patton, after a talk with Messer on the sideline about pass coverage, went on to break up two long passes that would have made the score even worse. Ethan Schmitz was a force on the defensive line; he had three tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry that led to a Mitchell Minter (Rock Port) pick that set up a touchdown and gave the Blue squad some brief hope. Tyler also rotated into the defensive line regularly, while Dallas provided some strong blocks and scored one of three touchdowns for the Blue squad. Aaron Patton got in on the offensive end and caught two passes while mixing it up with Kevin Stoll.
There were plenty of opportunities for athletes who were under the radar last fall to step up and shine and several made the most of it. Jacob Uribe (Southwest Livingston), exhorted by Coach Dan Collins (Stanberry) to come out of his shell, did so by catching a touchdown pass in the closing seconds of the first half from Reid Osborn (Stanberry) that briefly gave Blue some momentum at the half and brought them to within 26-14. Trent Coleman (North Nodaway), despite being told "You're killing me!" by Collins at one point, was all over the field making tackles. Trevor Johnson (Stanberry), the heart and soul of the Bulldogs' state championship squad despite blowing out his knee, came back at full strength, with all of the competitive fire that drove him during his playing days. Dustin Stevens (North Nodaway), who split time with the Schmitz brothers on the defensive line, shot through and blew up an extra point try. Minter, after being inserted late as a runningback, set up the final touchdown for Blue with the kind of hard running that broke Worth County's chances in the playoffs last year. Asked if he ever got tired by one of his teammates, he said, "no." After developing a reputation for eating Snickers bars among his new teammates, he earned their respect with that kind of play.
On the other side, Zachary Officer (North Andrew) showed that he was one of the most elusive backs in eight man football as he broke tackle after tackle on his way to winning offensive MVP honors for the Red squad. He and quarterback Derek Montgomery (Southwest Livingston) formed a one-two punch that could not be stopped by the Blue squad. Teams were fortunate not to have to play against Isaiah King (Cornerstone Joplin); one of the littlest members of either squad, he nonetheless delivered some of the biggest hits on defense while showing some elusive ability on the offensive side. And Tucker Null (North Nodaway) made a perfect one on one tackle that stopped Blue's final drive in the fourth quarter and sealed the win.
The game marked coach Chuck Borey's final duties as head coach for Worth County, assisting head coach Dan Collins with the Blue team. He will retire after winning 157 games for the Tigers, the winningest coach in Worth County football history. He still has passion for the game; he had plenty of opportunities to swap football stories with Dave Fairchild, recently interim superintendent of Worth County, who won three titles and counting at Hamilton. But as assistant principal, Borey will have a chance to make a positive difference in even more lives than he did as a teacher and football coach.
The other four Tiger athletes who made the trip, Tyler and Ethan Schmitz, Dallas Greenland, and Aaron Patton, also came to play on the other side of the ball. For them, it was a chance to see how other coaches operated and Mound City coach Brian Messer had plenty to teach them. During one bad stretch for the Blue squad, Messer called the whole defensive squad, including Tyler and Ethan and Aaron, over to talk about life lessons. "It's easy to do the right thing when you're putting 70 points on the board; it's a lot harder to do the right thing when you're behind," he told them. Noting that he hated losing with a passion, he said that nonetheless, how you handle yourself in adversity defines you even more than how you handle yourself in victory.
The opportunity to hear someone else's voice for a change helped; Patton, after a talk with Messer on the sideline about pass coverage, went on to break up two long passes that would have made the score even worse. Ethan Schmitz was a force on the defensive line; he had three tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry that led to a Mitchell Minter (Rock Port) pick that set up a touchdown and gave the Blue squad some brief hope. Tyler also rotated into the defensive line regularly, while Dallas provided some strong blocks and scored one of three touchdowns for the Blue squad. Aaron Patton got in on the offensive end and caught two passes while mixing it up with Kevin Stoll.
There were plenty of opportunities for athletes who were under the radar last fall to step up and shine and several made the most of it. Jacob Uribe (Southwest Livingston), exhorted by Coach Dan Collins (Stanberry) to come out of his shell, did so by catching a touchdown pass in the closing seconds of the first half from Reid Osborn (Stanberry) that briefly gave Blue some momentum at the half and brought them to within 26-14. Trent Coleman (North Nodaway), despite being told "You're killing me!" by Collins at one point, was all over the field making tackles. Trevor Johnson (Stanberry), the heart and soul of the Bulldogs' state championship squad despite blowing out his knee, came back at full strength, with all of the competitive fire that drove him during his playing days. Dustin Stevens (North Nodaway), who split time with the Schmitz brothers on the defensive line, shot through and blew up an extra point try. Minter, after being inserted late as a runningback, set up the final touchdown for Blue with the kind of hard running that broke Worth County's chances in the playoffs last year. Asked if he ever got tired by one of his teammates, he said, "no." After developing a reputation for eating Snickers bars among his new teammates, he earned their respect with that kind of play.
On the other side, Zachary Officer (North Andrew) showed that he was one of the most elusive backs in eight man football as he broke tackle after tackle on his way to winning offensive MVP honors for the Red squad. He and quarterback Derek Montgomery (Southwest Livingston) formed a one-two punch that could not be stopped by the Blue squad. Teams were fortunate not to have to play against Isaiah King (Cornerstone Joplin); one of the littlest members of either squad, he nonetheless delivered some of the biggest hits on defense while showing some elusive ability on the offensive side. And Tucker Null (North Nodaway) made a perfect one on one tackle that stopped Blue's final drive in the fourth quarter and sealed the win.
The game marked coach Chuck Borey's final duties as head coach for Worth County, assisting head coach Dan Collins with the Blue team. He will retire after winning 157 games for the Tigers, the winningest coach in Worth County football history. He still has passion for the game; he had plenty of opportunities to swap football stories with Dave Fairchild, recently interim superintendent of Worth County, who won three titles and counting at Hamilton. But as assistant principal, Borey will have a chance to make a positive difference in even more lives than he did as a teacher and football coach.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Allendale 4th of July Marks 50th Anniversary
The Allendale 4th of July Breakfast marked its 50th anniversary last Thursday; it started up in 1963 and has been going strong ever since, drawing hundreds of people every year. J.W. Harding has emceed the event every year since it started; he said that this year would be his last; he said that it was time for someone else to take over. Lowell Houts, pastor of the Denver Baptist Church, opened the gathering in prayer this year while Delbert Jackson and Marshall Ruckman raised the flag. Marvin Harper of the district American Legion read a poem about the passing of a veteran and noted that now, 1500 to 1600 World War II veterans are dying every day. There are no more World War I veterans left.
This year's edition had some guests in the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of American Legion members who ride motorcycles for a good cause. Every year, 5,000 Legion Riders around the country form convoys to go to the national convention; this year, it will be in Houston. Along the way, they raise money to help the children of parents who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year, they raised over $600,000 for the Legacy Fund; that figure is growing annually. Harper noted that the people who protected us over the years signed a blank check to the government to pay whatever price it takes, including the ultimate sacrifice.
The Hardy Family Circle Singers, now three generations strong, performed patriotic songs for the event while the Worth County Community Band performed the fight songs of all the various branches of the military. Around 40 veterans were brought up on stage and recognized for their service to the country.
McKenna Hill, at five weeks, was the youngest baby at five weeks. David Wideman was the youngest boy. Avis Parman was 90 years old and named the oldest woman; however, she is still able to walk without any aid and is still getting around. She went to the New Hampton breakfast before coming to Allendale; New Hampton's people originally came up to Allendale to celebrate with them before starting on their own. Their celebration has run almost as long as Allendale's. Parman's dad was the postmaster for over 30 years at Denver while she, J.W., and Bill Hill went to Dry School. "You were never anywhere unless you were at Dry School," said Harding, who during his last time manning the stage at Allendale, did some reminiscing. Garland Roach, 93, was named the oldest man. Garland has made it to all but one breakfast throughout its 50 years; while Harding will no longer be the man on the stage at Allendale, he said he would continue to come and support the event. Dean Olney of California was the farthest away.
This year's edition had some guests in the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of American Legion members who ride motorcycles for a good cause. Every year, 5,000 Legion Riders around the country form convoys to go to the national convention; this year, it will be in Houston. Along the way, they raise money to help the children of parents who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year, they raised over $600,000 for the Legacy Fund; that figure is growing annually. Harper noted that the people who protected us over the years signed a blank check to the government to pay whatever price it takes, including the ultimate sacrifice.
The Hardy Family Circle Singers, now three generations strong, performed patriotic songs for the event while the Worth County Community Band performed the fight songs of all the various branches of the military. Around 40 veterans were brought up on stage and recognized for their service to the country.
McKenna Hill, at five weeks, was the youngest baby at five weeks. David Wideman was the youngest boy. Avis Parman was 90 years old and named the oldest woman; however, she is still able to walk without any aid and is still getting around. She went to the New Hampton breakfast before coming to Allendale; New Hampton's people originally came up to Allendale to celebrate with them before starting on their own. Their celebration has run almost as long as Allendale's. Parman's dad was the postmaster for over 30 years at Denver while she, J.W., and Bill Hill went to Dry School. "You were never anywhere unless you were at Dry School," said Harding, who during his last time manning the stage at Allendale, did some reminiscing. Garland Roach, 93, was named the oldest man. Garland has made it to all but one breakfast throughout its 50 years; while Harding will no longer be the man on the stage at Allendale, he said he would continue to come and support the event. Dean Olney of California was the farthest away.
Grant City Christian Church Volunteers Doing God's Work in Belize
14 members and friends of the Grant City Christian Church went on a mission trip to Belize recently and did God's work. Grant City Christian Church has adopted a sister church, Living Waters Fellowship, a non-denominational church there that attracts 150-200 worshipers every Sunday. Pastor Dirk Buffington and wife Janelle have taken regular mission trips down there and the pastor there is a long-time friend. They and several members of the team which went gave a talk about their recent trip Sunday night at the church.
Many of the things we take for granted here in the US are not guaranteed in Belize. For instance, after the 8th grade; education is no longer free; students are normally prepared to transition into a vocational field after that and only a select few get to go on to high school. Freedom of movement is not always a guarantee there either; in some parts of Belize City, gang activity is so widespread that certain parts of that city are walled off to prevent it from spreading. And public support of roads and bridges, something else we take for granted, is not there either; potholes are huge there. In fact, the people from Grant City Christian Church had to fix up the potholes so that they could transport people to and from the women's retreat that they organized.
Pastor Dirk Buffington said that the support for the trip was great and that they had a lot more funds than they expected. One person who went, Teresa Staton, had her hair braided by one of the women there. The church was filled for worship services. There was a 50 year age difference between the people who went, with Linda Phipps, the oldest person who went, well able to keep up with the younger folks. Among other things they did was put on a dinner for the graduation from the school that Living Waters runs, put up mosquito netting on the windows, and organize and lead a women's fellowship and transport people from nearby Valley of Peace Refugee Camp, which houses women refugees from neighboring El Salvador. Transporting people eight miles, the distance from Sheridan to Parnell, is something we take for granted here. However, it was a job getting the women transported given the roads and the fact that there were not a lot of vehicles there. Many people use bikes for transportation; in fact, each of the boys who graduated from the Living Waters School got a bike as a graduation gift. Dallas Monticue and Cole Buffington were on the crew that repaired the roads; they had to borrow wheel barrows in order to complete the task.
Graduation is at least as big of a community event at Living Waters as it is here. At Worth County and Northeast Nodaway, the annual graduation ceremony for seniors brings several hundred people to the school. At Living Waters, which graduated 10 boys from their school this year, they planned on feeding 200 people at the graduation dinner. Around 300 people showed up; however, Janelle Buffington said that they were able to feed everyone.
While there was a lot of work to be done, there was plenty of time for fun as well. Swimming, basketball, and arm wrestling were among some of the more popular things that were done during the mission trip. Dallas Monticue served as one of the pranksters, putting a lizard in Cole Buffington's bed. But he learned a lot as well. "I learned that we can live without a lot of things that we have here," he said. Internet is pretty rare in Belize; only a very few people had it at Living Waters. There was also the time when Linda Phipps found a snake in her room and Will Buffington, who is an expert on reptiles, came and took it out and killed it. It was a common rat snake. They had time to go to the beach and a banana resort. And Cole had the time to mimic everyone he came in contact with, something he is really good at.
While school is free, it is not a guarantee in Belize. At Living Waters, they have 45 applicants this year and they have to weed them down. Students take three years of classes there; the purpose of the school is to prepare them for vo-tech careers. Students have to pass a test in order to get a chance at placement; they can only take it twice. They are solely funded by outside sources and the people grow their own food there. By their third year, they are placed with someone so that they can learn their profession on the job. The school gets political pressure to accept reform students; however, they would have to totally change the way that they teach in order to take them.
The people have a lot of things going for them. They have a strong work ethic; for instance, they make bread three times a day and grow their own food and raise their own animals. They are very generous; for instance, Rhonda Richards recounted that she admired the beautiful skirts that the women wore and that one of the women gave her a skirt. Richards said that one woman makes handmade bags so that she can put her daughter through college so that she can have a better life. For Dirk and Janelle Buffington, who have been there many times, the people are like family. One guest who went on the trip, Alexis Goff, said that she had never seen Pastor Dirk smile so much.
High school education is a right that each child has in the US. However, that is not the case in Belize, where students have to pay tuition and transportation to high schools. Out of around 12-15 students who graduate from schools like Living Waters, around two move on to high school.
Teresa Staton, who taught at the women's conference, said that there was a real hunger for the gospel among the women that she taught. There were around 20 when the conference started; by the time that they finished, there were almost 50 coming every night despite the extreme heat. Indoor temperatures were as high as 124 degrees. The theme for the conference was learning how to pray and give problems over to God. Many of the women there had been exposed to Christian teaching; however, a church that had served the refugee camp closed several years ago. Everyone insisted on going forward with the conference even with the extreme weather. The refugees from Valley of Peace have no water source; they live on ground corn and tortillas every day. They are very small, around 4'7".
Living Waters was founded in 1984. In 2010, they became independent but are now totally dependent on outside funding for their needs. Pastor Dirk said that even though they were very poor, they never ask for anything from their sister church in Grant City. However, he said that the needs of Living Waters are growing. He said that among the other needs, the church was falling into disrepair, the ceilings need painting, the chairs are rusty and need sanding and painting, one of the basketball goals on the court is in need of repair, the cement on the court is also starting to wear out, the fans are broken, toilets are not bolted down, and the pastor works without pay.
Many of the things we take for granted here in the US are not guaranteed in Belize. For instance, after the 8th grade; education is no longer free; students are normally prepared to transition into a vocational field after that and only a select few get to go on to high school. Freedom of movement is not always a guarantee there either; in some parts of Belize City, gang activity is so widespread that certain parts of that city are walled off to prevent it from spreading. And public support of roads and bridges, something else we take for granted, is not there either; potholes are huge there. In fact, the people from Grant City Christian Church had to fix up the potholes so that they could transport people to and from the women's retreat that they organized.
Pastor Dirk Buffington said that the support for the trip was great and that they had a lot more funds than they expected. One person who went, Teresa Staton, had her hair braided by one of the women there. The church was filled for worship services. There was a 50 year age difference between the people who went, with Linda Phipps, the oldest person who went, well able to keep up with the younger folks. Among other things they did was put on a dinner for the graduation from the school that Living Waters runs, put up mosquito netting on the windows, and organize and lead a women's fellowship and transport people from nearby Valley of Peace Refugee Camp, which houses women refugees from neighboring El Salvador. Transporting people eight miles, the distance from Sheridan to Parnell, is something we take for granted here. However, it was a job getting the women transported given the roads and the fact that there were not a lot of vehicles there. Many people use bikes for transportation; in fact, each of the boys who graduated from the Living Waters School got a bike as a graduation gift. Dallas Monticue and Cole Buffington were on the crew that repaired the roads; they had to borrow wheel barrows in order to complete the task.
Graduation is at least as big of a community event at Living Waters as it is here. At Worth County and Northeast Nodaway, the annual graduation ceremony for seniors brings several hundred people to the school. At Living Waters, which graduated 10 boys from their school this year, they planned on feeding 200 people at the graduation dinner. Around 300 people showed up; however, Janelle Buffington said that they were able to feed everyone.
While there was a lot of work to be done, there was plenty of time for fun as well. Swimming, basketball, and arm wrestling were among some of the more popular things that were done during the mission trip. Dallas Monticue served as one of the pranksters, putting a lizard in Cole Buffington's bed. But he learned a lot as well. "I learned that we can live without a lot of things that we have here," he said. Internet is pretty rare in Belize; only a very few people had it at Living Waters. There was also the time when Linda Phipps found a snake in her room and Will Buffington, who is an expert on reptiles, came and took it out and killed it. It was a common rat snake. They had time to go to the beach and a banana resort. And Cole had the time to mimic everyone he came in contact with, something he is really good at.
While school is free, it is not a guarantee in Belize. At Living Waters, they have 45 applicants this year and they have to weed them down. Students take three years of classes there; the purpose of the school is to prepare them for vo-tech careers. Students have to pass a test in order to get a chance at placement; they can only take it twice. They are solely funded by outside sources and the people grow their own food there. By their third year, they are placed with someone so that they can learn their profession on the job. The school gets political pressure to accept reform students; however, they would have to totally change the way that they teach in order to take them.
The people have a lot of things going for them. They have a strong work ethic; for instance, they make bread three times a day and grow their own food and raise their own animals. They are very generous; for instance, Rhonda Richards recounted that she admired the beautiful skirts that the women wore and that one of the women gave her a skirt. Richards said that one woman makes handmade bags so that she can put her daughter through college so that she can have a better life. For Dirk and Janelle Buffington, who have been there many times, the people are like family. One guest who went on the trip, Alexis Goff, said that she had never seen Pastor Dirk smile so much.
High school education is a right that each child has in the US. However, that is not the case in Belize, where students have to pay tuition and transportation to high schools. Out of around 12-15 students who graduate from schools like Living Waters, around two move on to high school.
Teresa Staton, who taught at the women's conference, said that there was a real hunger for the gospel among the women that she taught. There were around 20 when the conference started; by the time that they finished, there were almost 50 coming every night despite the extreme heat. Indoor temperatures were as high as 124 degrees. The theme for the conference was learning how to pray and give problems over to God. Many of the women there had been exposed to Christian teaching; however, a church that had served the refugee camp closed several years ago. Everyone insisted on going forward with the conference even with the extreme weather. The refugees from Valley of Peace have no water source; they live on ground corn and tortillas every day. They are very small, around 4'7".
Living Waters was founded in 1984. In 2010, they became independent but are now totally dependent on outside funding for their needs. Pastor Dirk said that even though they were very poor, they never ask for anything from their sister church in Grant City. However, he said that the needs of Living Waters are growing. He said that among the other needs, the church was falling into disrepair, the ceilings need painting, the chairs are rusty and need sanding and painting, one of the basketball goals on the court is in need of repair, the cement on the court is also starting to wear out, the fans are broken, toilets are not bolted down, and the pastor works without pay.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Obituary -- Carl E. "Whizzo" Andrews 1951-2013
Carl Edward Andrews (Whizzo), age 62, went home to be with his Savior on July 5, 2013 at his residence in Treynor, IA. He was born in Columbia, MO on March 18, 1951 to the late Howard and Josephine Andrews Sherer.
He graduated from Worth County High School in 1970. He worked for the railroad and Rival Manufacturing in Albany. He lived and worked in the Corning area for six years.
He was united in marriage to Mary Daughenbaugh on June 28, 1980 at Carl, IA. In 1986, they moved to Treynor and lived for 10 years, when they moved to Council Bluffs, IA. He was employed by Sapp Brothers in Council Bluffs until the fall of 2012 and was on medical leave until the time of his death.
Carl is preceded by an infant son, Carl Jr., parents Clarence and Josephine Sherer, and his father, Howard Andrews.
He is survived by sons Kenneth Daughenbaugh and wife Jackie of Phoenix, AZ and Kelly Daughenbaugh and wife Paige of Beebeetown, IA; grandchildren Amber Marie, Jade Alexis, Brooke Anne, and Kane Daughenbaugh; sister Bonnie Steinman of Sheridan; brother-in-law Jim Smith and wife Gerri of Ellston, IA; uncle Leon and Dorothy Skaggs of Harrisburg, MO, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his ex-wife Mary and husband Jim Chambers.
Carl had a love for his motorcycle and thoroughly enjoyed taking off on the bike on Saturday morning after work. He also liked square dancing.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10th at 2 p.m. at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 prior to the service. Interment will be in the Grant City Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.
He graduated from Worth County High School in 1970. He worked for the railroad and Rival Manufacturing in Albany. He lived and worked in the Corning area for six years.
He was united in marriage to Mary Daughenbaugh on June 28, 1980 at Carl, IA. In 1986, they moved to Treynor and lived for 10 years, when they moved to Council Bluffs, IA. He was employed by Sapp Brothers in Council Bluffs until the fall of 2012 and was on medical leave until the time of his death.
Carl is preceded by an infant son, Carl Jr., parents Clarence and Josephine Sherer, and his father, Howard Andrews.
He is survived by sons Kenneth Daughenbaugh and wife Jackie of Phoenix, AZ and Kelly Daughenbaugh and wife Paige of Beebeetown, IA; grandchildren Amber Marie, Jade Alexis, Brooke Anne, and Kane Daughenbaugh; sister Bonnie Steinman of Sheridan; brother-in-law Jim Smith and wife Gerri of Ellston, IA; uncle Leon and Dorothy Skaggs of Harrisburg, MO, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his ex-wife Mary and husband Jim Chambers.
Carl had a love for his motorcycle and thoroughly enjoyed taking off on the bike on Saturday morning after work. He also liked square dancing.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10th at 2 p.m. at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 prior to the service. Interment will be in the Grant City Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.
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