Woodston News

Strange Sightings

My husband, Steve, explained my strange sightings of lights last Friday night, May 7th, by finding an article about Starlink. This is a project by SpaceX to launch satellites into orbit and beam the internet to Earth. The project began in May of 2019. The satellites are launched in batches of sixty and appear visible because of their reflective surfaces usually after dark or just before dawn.

Spring Clean at Ash Rock Church

After two years of no cleaning at Ash Rock Church, I was not looking forward to the task at hand. However, a capable four-man crew, along with their sergeant from the Stockton Correctional Facility, swiftly and efficiently soon took care of my worries last Thursday morning, May 13th. The church looked spit and polished after just a few hours. The sun warmed up and the crew was able to paint three coats on the entrance and front door after scraping and peeling paint. One of the young men announced, “How good a day is this? We got to eat our lunch in a historic rock church, have some gourmet cookies, and watch a cattle drive.” I had baked chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies and Mark Dix and his helpers along with two dogs, drove the herd by the church—much to the delight of the guys. I only had to provide paint and tools and they did a splendid job. The old church smelled clean and shined. Following their help at the church, the crew had to go on to their most unfavorite task of picking up trash along the roads.

Additional graduates are granddaughter, Hannah Melton, graduating from Hutch JuCo in Certified Nursing and CMA program. Hannah is employed at an assisted living facility in Hutchinson. She is undecided where to pursue her degree in Nursing. Lindsey Baumgart has graduated from Salina Vo-Tech’s dental program. She will be employed at Osborne Dental Clinic. Savannah Baumgart graduated from Colby Community College. MaryAnn Graf has completed the Colby Community College nursing program, graduating last Friday, May 14th.

I think one of my little banty roosters is transgender. He sits in a little nest like he wants to lay an egg. Maybe he’s just trying to keep warm.

I’m so happy to learn the Brookville Hotel will be opening once again at Abilene later this summer. It will now be known as Legacy Kansas. After a century and a half of serving hungry customers from across the U.S. and beyond, 2020 claimed two Kansas staples. After the Brookville Hotel closed last fall because of the pandemic’s impact, in February, there was a fire at Junction City’s Munson’s Prime Steakhouse, forcing a second iconic restaurant to close in less than six months. Now, the two families are working together to open next month at the old Brookville Hotel location. Munson’s Angus Farms started in 1869 and the Brookville Hotel started in 1870. The families who run them have deep roots in Dickinson and Riley counties. Owner Chuck Munson is a Chapman High graduate, although a few years older than my class. I’m looking forward to visiting but sounds like reservations are recommended.

The wild turkeys are numerous along our creek and several pass quietly right near my kitchen window. They seem to know when our dog, Mollie, is napping.

I am saving Nancy’s Becker’s article from last week about family keepsakes and ancestors to read at our next family gathering. I’ve been trying to stress the importance of these forever to disinterested members.

Rainfall has been abundant in our area this past week and is forecast to continue. Our rain gauge read .40 Friday morning, 1.55 Saturday morning, and early Sunday, 1.25. Serious flooding was reported at Natoma.

The Opening Hymn at Cedar Christian Church Sunday, May 16, chosen by by pianist, Peggy Mullen, was, “Oh, How I Love Jesus.” The Prayer Hymn was, “I Need Thee Every Hour.” Kirby Mullen gathered the offering and communion was served by Sharon Kirchhoff and Kirby. Darel Boston served as minister and his message was from the 1st Chapter of Acts. Jesus taught the disciples what to expect in the coming days when the Holy Spirit would descend upon them. Christians resemble the disciples as the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to carry out the Lord’s work. We are given the strength to spread God’s word to others. “Carry Your Bible” was the Closing Hymn. Darel Boston will be with us the next two Sundays. Dale Gager, Plainville, will be our speaker May 30th.

Steve and I had a rainy trip to Walton (five miles east of Newton) on Saturday for lunch and to celebrate grandson, Josiah, graduating from WSU. Dan and Michele Melton prepared lunch and others attending from Norton were Michele’s folks and brother, Gary, Nora and Shawn Kats; Michele’s sister, Shawna Walters, niece Chelsea Walters and their friends of Ellis; and Josiah’s sister, Daniele of Wichita. We saw several rivers and creeks near flooding and fields under water. We came home by way of Beloit on Highway 24 since we made a quick stop at Bennington at Dale and Melva Stillwagons. The highway was blocked east of Plainville on Sunday morning.