Sumner County Extra

2 SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Conway Springs Belle Plaine Area Chamber of Commerce

BELLE PLAINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 721 Belle Plaine, KS 67013 Meetings at 12 p.m. first Wednesdays of the month email: [email protected] CALDWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 42 Caldwell, KS 67022 Meetings at noon first Thursday of the month email: [email protected] CONWAY SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 392 Conway Springs, KS 67031 620-456-2478 Meetings at 10 a.m. the third Tuesday of the month with the exception of February, June and September. email: [email protected]

MULVANE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 67 Mulvane, KS 67110 316-777-4850 Meetings at 11:30 a.m. the first Thursday of the month email: mulvanechamber @gmail.com OXFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 841 Oxford, KS 67119 Meetings at noon first Wednesday of the month email: [email protected] WELLINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/CVB 208 N. Washington Ave. Wellington, KS 67152 620-326-7466 Weekly Chamber Coffee at 10 a.m. Thursdays at Daylight Donuts. email: [email protected]

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Argonia

Basinger finishes on top with sheep at County Fair

Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11:15 a.m. JUNIOR MEETING FOR MAGAZINE SALES

Monday, Sept. 4 No School

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 12:35 a.m. EARLY DISMISSAL

Monday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday, Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m. FRESHMAN COLLEGE TRIP TO WICHITA STATE

Tuesday, Sept. 5 VOLLEYBALL Dexter Wednesday, Sept. 6 LIONS CLUB MEETING Thursday, Sept 7 JH FOOTBALL v. Stafford @ Attica Thursday, Sept. 7 JH VOLLEYBALL v. Stafford @ Attica Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL Caldwell Saturday, Sept. 9 VOLLEYBALL Norwich Monday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. JV FOOTBALL Monday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. HILLTOPPERS 4-H MEETING High School Home Ec Room

Thursday, Sept. 14, 11:30 a.m. COWLEY COUNTY COLLEGE REP VISIT Thursday, Sept. 14 JH FOOTBALL Fairfield Thursday, Sept. 14 JH VOLLEYBALL Fairfield Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL Flinthills Saturday, Sept. 16 VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Dexter Saturday, Sept. 16 JV VOLLEYBALL South Barber Tuesday, Sept. 19 VOLLEYBALL Oxford Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING

Monday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING District Office

Wednesday, Sept. 20 LIONS CLUB MEETING

Tuesday, Sept. 12 VOLLEYBALL

Thursday, Sept. 21 JH FOOTBALL

Argonia’s Kamden Basinger walks one of his sheep around the show ring during the Shepherd’s Lead event at the Sumner County Fair in Caldwell. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA

Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra CALDWELL — Seventeen yearold Kamden Basinger completed his 10th year competing in 4-H with his performance at the Sumner County Fair Aug. 3-6. For his efforts Basinger walked away as the Senior Sheep Showmanship Grand Champion, along with multiple awards in the Lamb classes and 4-H projects. In July, Basinger was one of a handful of 4-H members that competed in the Fashion Revue Buymanship program at the Raymond Frye Complex in Wellington. There Basinger finished the day with three Purple Ribbons, two Blue Ribbons

and a Red Ribbon. With 10 years experience, Basinger credits an early lesson to propel him in the ranks of showmanship. “My first year I won reserve champion lamb,” he said. “The next year I didn’t. So, I learned that you don’t expect to win every year. Sure, there are going to be years when you win in something. There are going to be years you don’t. Don’t be upset when you don’t win.” With the hardest lesson learned early, Basinger has used the time to also learn about life and make many friends. Many from other 4-H clubs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

SEPTEMBER 2017 From Page 6

He was making life long friends in and out of the ring every year. As with any competition you silently cheer on your friends, while hoping to top them according to Basinger. ““You are happy, for them, that they won,” he said. “But, then you are kind of mad cause you want to beat them at the same time. It’s not like you are going to beat them up if they win, and you are not going to brag about it if you win. It’s just a courtesy — Good job you won.” Over the years, Basinger has relied on the support of family. They have helped him with his many projects including writing a script this year for his entry in the Shepherd’s Lead contest. Contestants who enter this competition are required to dress in outfits made with wool, while showing off their sheep. The sheep also has to have an appropriate accessory in the form of a scarf made of wool or ribbon. As the pair walks in the announcer reads their prepared script for the judges sitting in the ring. “Every year I always have a hard time, so I had my aunt and mom

help me,” Basinger said. “I’m not very good at making up scripts. It’s what they came up with, so it worked for me.” Basinger admitted that over the summer, other activities and events took priority. “During the summer, through most of July, I might have touched my lambs maybe two or three times. The rest, my mom had to do most of it. Family is definitely important — 100-percent important. Though uncertain to which path he will take in life and post-secondary education, he credits 4-H. “4-H is a good club to get into,” he said. “It teaches you things that you will keep for the rest of your life. There will be times that 4-H could be the deciding factor in getting a job or getting to go somewhere. There have been several stories, that I have been told, that 4-H played a pivotal role in whether someone got a job or was able to go where they wanted to go. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and to get involved with different things. Overall, 4-H is just a good experience that I think everyone should have.”

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Belle Plaine

Skaggs sisters close Fair with Showmanship Rosettes

Events Calendar

Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL @ Conway Springs

Monday, Sept. 11, 5 p.m. FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL Conway Springs

Sunday, Sept. 3, 1:30 p.m. FARM & ART MARKET Community Center

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. V/JV VOLLEYBALL Attica

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m. H.S. FALL INDIVIDUAL PICTURES

Thursday, Sept. 14, 4 p.m. V/JV VOLLEYBALL Kingman

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. BUCCANEERS 4-H CLUB Community Center Large Meeting Room Wednesday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Community Center Thursday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. WOMAN'S CLUB Community Center Multi,Purpose Room Thursday, Sept. 7, 5 p.m. V/JV VOLLEYBALL Thursday, Sept. 7, 7 p.m. CITY COUNCIL City Hall Meeting Room Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Ark City Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m. V/JV CROSS COUNTRY Wellington

Thursday, Sept. 14, 4 p.m. V/JV CROSS COUNTRY Chaparral Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL Chaparral Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Chaparral Monday, Sept. 18 - Friday, Sept. 22 HOMECOMING WEEK Monday, Sept. 18, 4:30 p.m. FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL W. Trinity Monday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m. JV FOOTBALL Thursday, Sept 21, 4:30 p.m. V/JV CROSS COUNTRY Oxford Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. CITY COUNCIL City Hall Meeting Room

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m. SCRABBLE CLUB Community Center Multi,Purpose Room

Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME

Monday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Community Center

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. SCRABBLE CLUB Community Center Multi,Purpose Room

Alyson Skaggs, 15, watches the judge during the goat show on Friday, Aug, 4, at the Sumner County Fair in Caldwell. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA

Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra CALDWELL — The Skaggs girls, Alyson and Addison, showcased their talents with goats at the Sumner County Fair Aug. 3-6. Addison, 9, finished as the Junior Showmanship Reserve Champion while older sister Aly, 15, took the Grand Champion Rosette in the Senior Showmanship division. The duo likely will not be returning next year to the ring as they recently moved into town and can no longer have them at their house. “We raised our goats, and now it’s hard to sell them all,” Aly said. “But, it’s what we got to do. It’s hard every

year, but you’ve got to know that next year you will have better ones.” Both girls are very active in 4-H, besides for the showmanship categories, each of the girls showed a Doe with each receiving a Blue Ribbon, and a market meat goat in the 92-110 pound class. Again both girls received a Blue Ribbon. The two competed in the Fashion Revue held in July at the Raymond Frye Complex in Wellington, where both received Purple Ribbons in the Buymanship competition. Addison did get the ribbon count advantage with three Purple Ribbons in the Clothing Construction classes. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

SEPTEMBER 2017

Addison Skaggs, 9, smiles as the judge looks over the contestants in her class at the goat show. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA From Page 6

While the duo concentrated a lot on their goats this year, Aly stated that her younger sister was able to get first pick of the kids this year. “I was at softball, so she got first pick,” Aly said. “I was gone for a week.” After the kid is weaned off its mother it is time to begin training. “I start working with them right after they get off their momma,” Skaggs said. “I do about five to 15 minutes a day for the first two months. Then I do about 15-25 minutes from then until the fair. You just don’t want to wear them out, cause they will get to be where they are obnoxious.” After having success with previous goats, Aly stated that she does the same training routine for the new goat, though there can be a difference in opinion on when the goat wants trained. “I try to teach it the same as I did the year before,” she said. “I liked my goat last year better than I did this year. He was really ornery.” Aly stated that she tries to pass on knowledge to her sister to help her

get better with her projects. “I’ve tried to give her a lot of advice,” Aly said. “But, she thinks she knows it all. She listens, but she’s doing good. She is on her second year.” Mostly the advice she has passed along is getting to the ring before her class is called so she can watch the judge and see what they are looking for, and to get advice from the other showers as they exit the ring. This year the sisters had to do a last minute change prior to entering the show ring. Aly’s goat was a little lighter than Addison’s, so it was decided that Addison would take the lighter goat into the show ring. Aly said it was easy for her to transition over to the new goat, but she thought it might have been rougher on her sister. “It was harder for her to transition from her goat to my goat,” she said. “My goat had a lot more work in, so she had to work with it a lot more.” Though the two have moved into the city, Aly stated that hopefully they will locate a place where they can raise their goats and return to the show ring in a couple of years.

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Caldwell Strnad dresses to the nines for Fashion Revue Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra The Sumner County Fair took place Aug. 3-6, in Caldwell with several events taking place before throughout the county. Caldwell’s Sammie Strnad, Trailblazers 4-H Club, was one of a handful of 4-H members showcasing their sewing and outfit style composition at the 4-H Fashion Revue at the Raymond Frye Complex, Wellington, on Friday, July 28. Strnad competed in three of the four events on the night — Construction and two sections of Buymanship. In the Construction event, the 4H members are judged on the finer details that make the project complete. The judge looks at the sewing stitch, how well the pattern lines up around the item and of the proper color thread was used. While the event can be stressful for the 4-H member, the judge always gives positive feedback on how to improve to make the member successful in the future. For Strnad, this event is one of the hard events, though she has competed in it for nine years. “Just getting everything the way Sammie Strnad shows off her fashionable the judge wants it,” she said. “It style at the Fashion Revue at the Raymond may look good, but that doesn’t Frye Complex in Wellington. WILL RAVENmean it’s made right.” STEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA In the buymanship portion of of it. the evening, Strnad and other memEverything was shown from t-shirts bers showed their buying prowess. and shorts to a formal dress. They purchased items to make a Strnad showed a denim off the shoulcomplete outfit. They were quizzed on der shirt with white jeans and a floral what material was used to make it, how dress. to properly clean the garments and “I like buymanship, it gives you an how many wears they could expect out excuse to shop for things,” she said. “I

Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL

Monday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. GRANDPARENTS LUNCHEON WEEK 1st Grade

Saturday, Sept. 2 BORDER QUEEN CRUISER’S 30TH ANNUAL ALL WHEELS SUPER SATURDAY CAR SHOW

Monday, Sept. 11, 4 p.m. MS VOLLEYBALL Norwich

Monday, Sept. 4 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. K-12 HEARING SCREENINGS

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m. FALL PICTURE DAY

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. GRANDPARENTS LUNCHEON WEEK 2nd Grade

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m. VOLLEYBALL Pretty Prairie Wednesday, Sept. 6 JOINT SITE COUNCIL Thursday, Sept 7, 9 a.m. YEARBOOK AD SALES TO ARK CITY Thursday, Sept 7, 3:30 p.m. MS VBFB Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL Saturday, Sept. 9 ACT DATES Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. MSHS CROSS COUNTRY Wellington

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4 p.m. VOLLEYBALL Flinthills Wednesday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m. HS BAND TO STATE FAIR Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. GRANDPARENTS LUNCHEON WEEK 3rd Grade Wednesday, Sept. 13, 1:30 p.m. CES SPELLING BEE Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2:30 p.m. CMS SPELLING BEE Thursday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. GRANDPARENTS LUNCHEON WEEK 4th Grade

Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. VOLLEYBALL

Thursday, Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m. HSMS CROSS COUNTRY Central

didn’t actually shop for buymanship this year, I just picked things out of my closet that I haven’t worn a lot. It’s fun, one of my favorite events.” Strnad received Purple ribbons for both of her outfits, taking When questioned on advice to the younger 4-H members that were present and others who might be looking into the event she stated patience is key.” “Just show your style, keep with

your style,” she said. “Find clothes that you think are comfortable, are nice and within your budget. It may take a while, but it will be worth it in the end.” At the Sumner County Fair Strnad participated in other events that kept the 16-year-old hopping all weekend. Strand competed in the foods, photo and arts and crafts displays that were set up. She was also busy in the show ring showing her steers.

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Conway Springs Events Calendar Boyles does not kid around when in the show ring Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra CALDWELL — Conway Springs High School junior, Cooper Boyles, participated in the Sumner County Fair Aug. 36, at the fairgrounds in Caldwell. While he prefers to work with his hands doing the woodworking projects, Boyles stated that he just did not get around to doing it this year. “I’m pretty good at it,” he said with a smile. “I’ve build coat racks, chests. I mainly build furniture and household items.” Though not competing in the wood categories this year, Boyles was busy maintaining his goats to close out the goat show with a Blue Ribbon in the Senior Goat Showmanship portion and a Red with his Market Goat (92-110 pound class). “I use to do bucket calves, but now I just do goats,” Boyles said. “This was my fifth year showing them. They are fun to have and to have a round.” Completing his seventh year as a 4-H member he has come to realize that though tame they do have a personality. “They are stubborn and don’t Cooper Boyles, Cardinals 4-H Club, watches the like to walk all the time,” he said. judge during his class of the goat show at the He started walking his goats Sumner County Fair. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA once a day, as soon as he could, to get them use to being on the their projects to judges hope to leave lead and handled. In the two months leading up to the fair, Boyles stated he with a Grand or Reserve Champion Rosette, each show has made Boyles began working with the goats more to better. He looks at other showman get the final preparations in. and how they are presenting their aniThe soft spoken 16-year-old was mal. He also takes notes on how the quick to state that there is a lot of other goats look. He gathers all that competition, even with his friends, information in his head and when he once he enters the ring. prepares a new goat, he utilizes that “I think there is a lot of competition knowledge to improve himself and his between all the people,” he said. “It’s a project. want to have fun type of competition.” He admitted that goats, like all projThough all 4-H members showing


Tuesday, Sept. 12, 3 p.m. VARSITY TENNIS

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3 p.m. JV TENNIS Anthony

Tuesday, Sept. 12 CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall Council Chambers

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3 p.m. VARSITY TENNIS Valley Center

Thursday, Sept. 14, 1 p.m. VARSITY TENNIS Newton

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. V/JV/FR/SO VOLLEYBALL

Thursday, Sept. 14, 3 p.m. JV TENNIS Maize

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. JV FOOTBALL Chaparral Wednesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. CPL MEETING Thursday, Sept. 7, 5 p.m. V/JV VOLLEYBALL Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL Independent Saturday, Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m. JV VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Monday, Sept. 11, 5 p.m. FR/SO VOLLEYBALL Monday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. JV FOOTBALL Tuesday, Sept 12, 3 p.m. JV Tennis Winfield ects, take a lot of work and a lot of time. According to Boyles, the fair is what keeps him in 4-H every year. That and the opportunity to help other people and animals. On Saturday, Aug. 5, Boyles was the comedian in a group of 4-H members as they passed a lull in activities. One of the 4-H parents was asked to bring her llama to the fair for a petting zoo that was setup. Boyles, on a fun dare, climbed into the makeshift

Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL Douglass Saturday, Sept 16, 9 a.m. FR/SO VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Garden Plain Saturday, Sept 16, 9 a.m. JV TENNIS Pratt Saturday, Sept 16, 9 a.m. VARSITY TENNIS Kingman Saturday, Sept 16, 9 a.m. VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Chaparral Monday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. FR/SO VOLLEYBALL Kingman Monday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. V/JV VOLLEYBALL pen for the llama and the two hit it off. The llama tried to lift Boyles up with his neck. Later, before climbing out, Boyles posed with the llama while holding it as if he was showing him to a judge. As the 4-H members packed up their animals and projects, Boyles also pack what he earned over at the static displays. He packed up two Purple Ribbons and one Blue Ribbon for other 4-H projects that he submitted this year as well.


Mulvane Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 1 NO SCHOOL Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. LITTLE CHEER CHICKS Perform during halftime Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL Monday, Sept. 4 NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 8:55 a.m. MPS LATE START Wednesday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m. BOOSTER CLUB MEETING Thursday, Sept 7, 1 p.m. VARSITY GOLF Winfield Thursday, Sept 7, 3:30 p.m. MHS CHEER PRACTICE

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3 p.m. JV GOLF Derby

Thursday, Sept 7, 4 p.m. MHS VICTORY VITTLES

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. CHEER PRACTICE

Thursday, Sept 7, 5 p.m. VOLLEYBALL

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m. MS CROSS COUNTRY Valley Center

Thursday, Sept 7, 5 p.m. MMS FOOTBALL

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. FOOTBALL El Dorado Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. V/JV VOLLEYBALL Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5:15 p.m. CROSS COUNTRY Valley Center Tuesday, Sept. 5 VARSITY SOCCER Ark City Tournament

Thursday, Sept 7, 5 p.m. MMS VOLLEYBALL Thursday, Sept 7 VARSITY SOCCER Ark City Tournament Thursday, Sept 7, 7 p.m. PTO MEETING MPS Library Friday, Sept. 8 MHS JR CLASS MAGAZINE SALES END Friday, Sept. 8 MGS TOP CAT LUNCH

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. JV FOOTBALL El Dorado

Friday, Sept. 8, 2:35 p.m. MHS PEP ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 8:45 a.m. MHS LATE START

Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL

Williams, Ester recognized for service to community Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra Mulvane’s Old Settlers Day was a celebration of the towns heritage held over the weekend of Aug. 18-20. A large crowd gathered in Main Street Park as summer returned, soaking the day in bright and hot sunlight. After two bands and talent showcase the Mulvane Optimist Club presented two awards in recognition of service to the community. Mulvane Police Chief Dave Williams, was the first to receive a plaque from President Don Williams and Vice President Terry Lane. Chief Williams will be retiring in March of 2018 after a 43 year career in law enforcement. Williams first joined the Wichita Police Department in 1971, where he continued to work until 1995. In 1995, Williams was hired in Mulvane. Over the course of his 28 years of service in Mulvane, Williams oversees the Police Department, EMS and Fire Rescue as the Public Safety Director. While receiving the award Williams Mulvane Public Safety Director receives a thanked the Optimist Club for their plaque for his service from Mulvane Optimist recognition. “Thanks Don and thanks to the Opti- Club President Don Williams Saturday, during Old Settlers Day. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY mist Club,” he said. “It will be 43 years EXTRA when I retire in March. If it was not for the support and cooperation of the peoout.” ple, the job would have been a lot more difAs for his plans upon retiring, Williams is ficult. You make my job easy. It’s been my moving to the Ozarks to fish and “kill every pleasure.” bass I can.” Fire Captain Lowell Ester was also recogCaptain Ester also expressed his apprecinized by the duo for his efforts during the ation for the recognition, stating that it flooding last year. takes more than himself to keep the com“Last year during the flood, he coordinat- munity safe. ed everything,” Don Williams said. “He did “I appreciate that the Optimist Club takes a super job, they even had someone on the time to reward people for their work,” Ester east end of town. If it wasn’t for them it said. “I like to say that I’m one person and I would have been severe. He joined Mulvane couldn’t do it without the 38 volunteers that Fire and Rescue in 1978 as a volunteer and work for me. My job is to get them the rewas one of the youngest people in the state sources they need to do what they do.” to be a EMT.” He praised his group of volunteers, statEster thanked the Optimist Club as well, ing that their sense of community and drive but rain had caused the sound system to to keep people safe is what keeps them temporarily stop working. around. After the ceremony chief Williams again “So far I’ve had a really good turnout, they stated that he appreciated the recognition like to come,” Ester said. “The big thing is, in front of the community. especially with volunteers in a small com“(It’s) Not what I expected,” Williams munity, is that they want to serve their comsaid. “I’m the last person that would want munity. It’s their hometown. They are takthis in public. I’m a pretty private person. I ing care of their family and friends. When do appreciate their recognition. It hasn’t you get into a big city you don’t see that.” been easy, it’s been tough. Forty-three-andEster is looking forward to working with a half years of being a cop will wear you the new chief and his group of volunteers.

Oxford Family tradition of showing sheep at county fairs

SEPTEMBER 2017 11

Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL South Haven Tuesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Building Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. VOLLLEYBALL Wednesday, Sept. 6, Noon CHAMBER MEETING Oxford City Building Thursday, Sept 7, 4:30 p.m. JH FB/VB Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL West Elk

Cassidy Chase, 13, sets her sheep into position as the judge prepares to check it out Friday, Aug. 4, at the Sumner County Fair. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA

Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra CALDWELL — Oxford eighth grader, Cassidy Chase, continued a family tradition at the Sumner County Fair Aug. 3-8. Chase, who has been a 4-H member for six years, followed in her mother, Linda, and brother, Colton, footsteps as she entered the show ring with her sheep. The 13-year-old closed out the sheep show with a Reserve Grand Champion Rosette for her Spring Ewe, Reserve Grand Champion Intermediate Sheep Showmanship, two Blue Ribbons for her Market Meat Lambs

(110-116 pounds, and 123-135 pounds) and a Red Ribbon for her Commercial Spring Ewe. Though officially a member for the last six years, Chase stated that she would often attend meetings with Colton when she was younger. Linda, who showed off a picture of herself showing sheep at 15 or 16years-old, grew up on a large commercial sheep farm and was proud to see her kids move to showing sheep as well. “She (Cassidy) started out and did some goats and pigs, but she just decided that she likes the sheep and working with them,” Linda said. “She

has decided that she wants to start her own flock. That’s kind of a big deal right now, working to get her own flock started. So she can start raising her own show lambs.” Linda who is the FFA advisor at Wellington High School, was also excited that she was able to get some alone time with her daughter this year at the fair. “It’s a good bonding time,” Linda said. “With no kids in FFA showing this year, it really is the first year that I can be mom and dedicate my time to just her. In previous years it’s been, I will help her during the sheep show but I may have to go do something.” Like any animal breeding program, having a flock allows the student to alter the genetics of the lambs. When you introduce either a new ram or ewe into the flock that brings a different set of traits to be passed along to the next set. If done properly Linda stated one could get the best of both parents and have a great show animal. But, that is not always the case. “If you want to focus a little more on a thicker shoulder, thicker leg or thicker loin, you change the ram up or bring in some new ewes,” Linda said. “To get a variety, the more ewes you have and the one ram you get some lambs and see what their body type is. You never know. You can get a really

Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. OXFORD LIONS CLUB WATERMELON FEED FESTIVAL Napawalla Park Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. CROSS COUNTRY Wellington Monday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. JV FOOTBALL Monday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Monday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. WHEAT WHACKERS 4-H St. Mary’s Catholic Church Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m. VOLLEYBALL Flinthills high dollar ram that is built and get something that is great in the hind quarters but maybe they fall down on the front end.” Like any breeding process there are many ways the off spring could turn out. As a mom, Linda stated that she is not worried about seeing her daughter in the ring with the animals. While docile to a point, the sheep are not tamed animals. They are naturally pray animals, and with that instincts that cause them to be jumpy. Cassidy, while playing shy, admitted that she had not spent as much time with all her animals as she should have to get them ready for the fair. According to Linda, she spent the time they needed while doing her chores on the farm. Of Cassidy’s favorite 4-H memories, she shared, she smiled as she remembered when she was named Grand Champion two years ago in Showmanship. While at the fair this year, Cassidy asked one of her friends if she wanted to spend the day together. Of course the friends quickly said yes, but was unaware that Cassidy and Linda were signed up to run the 4-H concession stand for several hours on Saturday. The two teens seem to make the best of their time together, laughing and working, well mostly laughing.


South Haven

Family tradition of showing sheep at county fairs

Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 1, 3:15 p.m. JH VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. VOLLEYBALL

Friday, Sept. 1, 3:30 p.m. THUNDERBIRDS PRACTICE

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 3:15 p.m. JH VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 3:30 p.m. THUNDERBIRDS PRACTICE


Thursday, Sept 7, 8 a.m. FALL PORTRAITS

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3:15 p.m. JH VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

Thursday, Sept 7, 3:30 p.m. JH VB and FB Caldwell

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. THUNDERBIRDS PRACTICE

Friday, Sept. 8, 3:15 p.m. JH VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

Cassidy Chase, 13, sets her sheep into position as the judge prepares to check it out Friday, Aug. 4, at the Sumner County Fair. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA

Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra CALDWELL — South Haven’s Lucas Kuchar, 14, finished the swine show at the 2017 Sumner County Fair as Grand Champion in the Breeding Gilt class, Reserve Champion in Senior Swine Showmanship and with a Blue Ribbon in Market Hogs, 273-281 pound class. Kuchar claimed that they were a swine family. With all the accolades presented to him, he remained level headed when the final awards were handed out after the Friday morning competitions. “It’s really exciting,” Kuchar said. “I’ve work hard all year. We went to a

series of shows throughout the state to work up to this day. This is the big day, and we have a lot of people that we compete against. We want to do our best to beat them, but be fair.” Kuchar’s dad, Lewis, was outside the ring watching his son perform with his projects while his mom and little brothers were watching from farther away. “It is exciting,” Lewis said. “It’s fun to watch, we have kids out there from 3-years-old to Lucas’ age. It’s fun to watch them mature and become the showmen that become.” Kuchar has been actively showing pigs for the last four years. Starting out in Cowley County, the family CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

SEPTEMBER 2017 13 From Page 11

moved to South Haven and built his animals what he referred to as a proper living arrangements. “We had a mud hole pen, Lucas said of their first location. “We learned over the years. It’s better to have them on cement and proper things. Last year we spent some extra money and my dad built a proper pig facility with a cement floor, insulated walls and running water. This year we got electricity, so we have fans going. They can get baths whenever they need too. They are never dirty and it makes this a much easier event. We don’t have to deal with them as much as if they were dirty.” Lewis admitted that raising animals, especially pigs, is not easy for Lucas and his brothers. In order for the two to work together well, they have to spend time together walking around the property. Lucas also needs to learn about the pigs temperament and how they react to different conditions as they prepare for the show rings. “They walk them twice a day,” Lewis said. “They will spend an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. So two hours a day, they are pretty much

working and exercising them. They are paying attention to the skin and hair.” Lucas stated as it gets closer to the fair, he will work on small things he has noticed at other shows he competed in. “Up to about the week of the fair, if there is something that I just haven’t been able to successfully do, during the summer, and I still want to get it down I will come down and give it one last go,” he said. “(I) focus on the problem and how to fix it. So, when we come to a show like this, the problem will be resolved.” Lewis summed up best about the Kuchar family approach to showing pigs. “We look at this event, or any of the other shows we participated in, as it’s just a life event,” he said. “We want all the exhibitors do well. Is it good when we win — It’s a wonderful feeling. But, it’s all about growth and all these kids are growing from these projects. And, that’s what it’s all about.” Lucas will showcase his animals again at the South Haven City Fair at the end of August as he prepares to take his gilt to Hutchinson for the Kansas Junior Livestock Show Sept. 29 - Oct. 1.


Wellington Area canines take over Wellington Family Aquatic Center at Doggie Dive

Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 1 NO SCHOOL Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL Clearwater Saturday, Sept. 2, 3 p.m. YOUNG WRITER’S Library Saturday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m. JV TENNIS Conway Springs Monday, Sept. 4 NO SCHOOL

Dogs chill out on the little island that separates parts of the shallow end of the Family Aquatic Center during the Doggie Dive Monday, Aug. 14. GoPro was attached to Oliver, a 3-year-old Black Lab Weimaraner mix owned by Sumner County Extra Editor Will Ravenstein. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY EXTRA Will Ravenstein Sumner County Extra

Monday evening, Aug. 14, the final event was held at the Family Aquatic Center as the Wellington Humane Society serving Sumner County in conjunction with the Wellington Recreation Commission hosted the annual Doggie Dive. The event allowed dog owners the chance to let their furry friend run loose and swim while playing with other dogs in the community. Each visitor was charged five dollars with the proceeds benefitting the humane society according to current president, Debbie

Woodrow. Woodrow explained how the money raised at the event is spent. “A lot goes to spaying and neutering,” she said. “We send vouchers to low income households. Some of it will go into our building fund, we are hoping to get that started. Hopefully end of the year, first of next year. So, we are really concentrating on that.” Seventy-five dogs of all sizes attended the event, with the smaller dogs offered the kiddie pool area if they were too scared to swim in the large pool. Billy and Sadie Black were among CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 4:30 p.m. CRAZY 8S Library Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL Mulvane Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m. SIT N STITCH Library Thursday, Sept. 7 , 6:30 p.m. WRITER’S GROUP Library Friday, Sept. 8, 2:30 p.m. PEP ASSEMBLY

Monday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m. TECH TIME Library

Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. VARSITY FOOTBALL

Monday, Sept. 4, 5 p.m. FRESHMAN FOOTBALL

Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. REC VOLLEYBALL GAMES

Monday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m. REC VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. VARSITY TENNIS Pratt

Monday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m. JV FOOTBALL Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. GIRLS VARSITY GOLF Winfield Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3 p.m. GIRL JV TENNIS Winfield Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3 p.m. VARSITY TENNIS Circle

Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m. V/JV CROSS COUNTRY Ark City Monday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m. TECH TIME Library Monday, Sept. 11, 3 p.m. VARSITY GOLF Monday, Sept. 11, 5 p.m. FRESHMAN FOOTBALL

SEPTEMBER 2017 15 From Page 14

the visitors along with their sevenyear-old Black Lab, Missy. They stated that they have been attending for several years and enjoy their time watching Missy play. “It’s a great experience,” Billy said. “She looks forward to it every year,” Sadie said. The first year that Sadie attended she was crowned Miss Congeniality according to Billy. “She was checking everyone out,” he said. Sara Stowers’ 2-year-old English Bulldog, Smiles could be seen on every- Paisley was dressed up for the Doggie one participating, with cell Dive Aug. 14. WILL RAVENSTEIN|SUMNER COUNTY phones out taking pictures and EXTRA short videos. Both were quickly event. “This is wonderful and is a uploaded onto Social Media and great benefit for the humane socishared by the humane society. ety as well. We love all the owners Wellington Recreation Commisout here and all their friends who sion’s Marcine Goodrum, was present to watch the activity going don’t have any dogs out here watching them play in the water.” on. She laughed as she watched The pool will now be drained several of the dogs jumping and prepped for the off season as around in the shallow end of the staff members leave for college or pool. “This is fantastic,” she said of the return to high school next week.

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