PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin

Holiday Shopping Spree returns

Peabody Main Street Association and community merchants will host the annual holiday shopping spree again this year. “The promotion begins Friday,” said Peabody Main Street Director Shane Marler. “People shopping in Peabody need to remember to have their tickets punched or stamped every time they spend $10 with a participating merchant.”

Warrior band will miss 'Parade of Lights'

Steven Wilson, Peabody-Burns High School instrumental music instructor, has announced the Warrior marching band will not participate Dec. 6 in the annual Christmas Parade at Newton. “There is a pre-season basketball tournament at Marion this year and the students will be participating there,” Wilson said. “We hope to return to the Parade of Lights next year. But it would be great this year if everyone got out to support the Warriors in the tournament.”

Deer collisions increase in county

When Michael Schwendiman of Marion hit a deer with his 1990 Buick several days ago, he was not alone in his frustration at the accident. “I’ve had at least two or more deer accident reports to look at each morning when I come to work for the past few weeks,” said Marion County Sheriff Rob Craft. “This time of year the deer are moving because of rut and they just are not looking out for cars.”

Newspaper seeks donation nominations

Hoch Publishing Company, which publishes the Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal, and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin, will be donating up to $1,000 to one or more Marion County individuals, families, or charitable programs in need of help this Christmas season. With help from The Lumberyard, Great Plains Federal Credit Union, Prairieland Partners, and Smith Chiropractic — and possibly other businesses in the coming weeks — Hoch Publishing Company is seeking nominations, beginning this week.

Arthur L. Garver

Arthur L. Garver, 96, of Herington died Nov. 13, 2012, at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born Dec. 14, 1915, to Edward H. and Olive (Rains) Garver at Caldwell. He moved to Herington in 1943 and was a Rock Island railroad conductor from 1943 to his retirement in 1976.

Richard T. Johnson

MARION — Richard T. Johnson, 84, passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Salem Home of Hillsboro. He was born Jan. 1, 1928, at Vermillion, Kan., in Marshall County. His parents, Joseph and Florence Schuyler Johnson, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters.

Pauline King

There will be a committal service at 1 p.m. Friday at Marion Cemetery for Pauline King, who died Sept. 29 in Newton. She is a former Marion Lake resident.

Robert Ellis Phillips

Robert Ellis Phillips, 89, died Nov. 17 at Hillsboro Community Hospital. He was born Nov. 14, 1923 to Luther Phillips and Gladys (Murell) Phillips.

Bernice M. Sturdy

Bernice M. Sturdy, 89, retired nurse, died Nov. 9. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Anna Conyers; five brothers, Frank, Clarence, Willard, Glen, and Harold; three sisters, Henrietta, Mabel, and Hazel.

Edward W. Svitak

Edward W. Svitak, 95, died Nov. 18, 2012, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion. He was born Nov. 2, 1917 at Pilsen to Rudolph and Josephine Vinduska Svitak. He was a lifelong resident of Pilsen, where he farmed and operated a trucking business.

Accidents reported

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Emergency transports

Hillsboro police

Marion police

Offenses

Peabody municipal court

Peabody police

Traffic cases

Marriage licenses

911 plans move early December

With a conditional use permit for a 45-foot radio tower approved by Marion City Council on Nov. 13, Marion County now has a timetable to move emergency communications to its new home. The tower will be installed the last week of November, and the communications department will move from the old jail to the new jail the first week of December, Sheriff Rob Craft said Monday. There will be no gaps in service with the move, he said.

County accepting herbicides

Marion County Household Hazardous Waste Department Director Rollin Schmidt told Marion County Commission on Monday that the State of Kansas is conducting a statewide sweep to gather up herbicides containing 2,4,5-T, which is now banned and was a major component of Agent Orange. With the statewide sweep, county residents can take herbicides containing 2,4,5-T to the Household Hazardous Waste Department for disposal. It was commonly used in brush killers, Schmidt said.

EMS calls down 13 percent

Ambulance calls in Marion County were 19 percent lower in October compared to 2011, Marion County Emergency Medical Service Director Steve Smith said Monday. Ambulances were called out 75 times, down from 93 in October 2011. That brings the year-to-date total to 881 calls, compared to 1,013 at the same point last year, a decrease of 13 percent. In October, the Marion ambulance responded to 23 calls; Hillsboro, 22; Peabody, 19; Tampa, 6; Florence, 4; and the backup unit, 1. First responders in Lincolnville went on 3 calls; Goessel, 2; Burns, 1; Florence, 1; and Durham, 0.

Please, give me a break

The reading public just chops my typing fingers off at the knuckles some weeks, you know? Just when I think I have a topic on which to expound, something with great heart and universal appeal, what happens? Nothing. Yup, just nothing. I thought for certain that by the past weekend I would have had a score of names of local men and women in active military service who would appreciate a holiday care package from the Peabody American Legion Auxiliary. Wouldn’t you think that with the holidays approaching, an effort to remember our local soldiers would have struck some kind of note with the folks who know they are not coming home to be with family? Wouldn’t you?

The spirit of giving

Thanksgiving is upon us, and with the way big retailers keep moving up their push for more and more money, we’re already being urged to get in the Christmas spirit by racking up big credit card bills. It can be easy to get caught up in the consumerism, but we all know that isn’t the way to really celebrate the coming of Christ. Christ spent much of His ministry helping the helpless, the sick, and the outcast. So what better way to celebrate Christmas than by helping others? Marion County got off to a good start on that with the Marion County Toy Run, collecting toys to brighten the season for less fortunate children, and there are sure to be more events celebrating the real spirit of Christmas to come.

BALANCING ACT:

DAYS OF YORE:

HOPE IN THE HEARTLAND:

Marion plans live nativity in park

The Marion Community live nativity will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in Central Park. Hot chocolate will be served. All people are invited to the event.

Olde Towne restaurant sold to Wendy's owner

The former Olde Towne Restaurant and Bakery building at 126 N. Main in Hillsboro stands dark and empty, but opportunities swirl for successful bidder Gary Reiman of McPherson. “I don’t have any definite plans to share at this time,” Reiman said on Monday. “We want to be part of this community and there are some opportunities there we want to consider.”

Crop disaster deadline approaching

The deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to accept applications for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for the 2013 crop year is Dec. 1 for all grasses plus alfalfa and a variety of fruit crops from apricots to strawberries. Crops eligible are limited to those not insurable in the county and are produced for food or fiber. Interested producers must visit their local FSA office to complete an application for coverage and pay the service fee. If they suffer a loss on that crop, they must file a notice of loss within 15 days of the disaster or the date the loss becomes apparent. Once the notice of loss is approved and production evidence collected, a producer must file an application for payment.

First Mennonite Church to host hymn sing

The monthly community hymn sing in Hillsboro will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at First Mennonite Church, Ash and Grand streets. The evening will include singing, prayer, and scripture reading. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to select favorite hymns to be sung.

Cyclists raise money for brain research

Imagine traveling around the world on bicycles! That is what two British cyclists are doing. They traveled through Marion County last Wednesday after spending the night in a camper on Brad and Amy Pagenkopf’s farm north of Lincolnville. Matt Andrews, 26, and his friend Anthony “Ant” King, 27, of London, England, are taking a bicycle trip around the world in honor of Matt’s friend, Tony Young, who died at the age of 41 in June 2010, four or five months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

CORRESPONDENTS:

School offers hunter safety course for students

Hunting might not be for everyone, but for sixth graders at Hillsboro Middle School and Peabody-Burns Elementary Schools the offering of an eight-session hunter safety course elective is a popular option. “We have 12 students taking the course this year,” said Evan Yoder, licensed instructor and Hillsboro Elementary School principal. “We meet every two weeks or whenever Hillsboro has their club activities from 2 to 3:30 p.m.”

Traxson, Kaufman named to Big-12 academic team

Courtney Traxson, a junior volleyball player at Kansas State University and daughter of Ron and Patty Traxson, Peabody, was one of eight KSU Wildcats recognized Tuesday as a member of the Academic All-Big 12 Volleyball Team. Traxson, an outside hitter, was named to the first team. She is studying psychology. Dakota Kaufman of Durham joined her, making the second team honors list. Kaufman, a junior outside hitter, is studying elementary education. She is the daughter of Tim and Debra Kaufman of Durham and a graduate of Hillsboro High School.

Warriors boasts seasonal squad

The Marion High School boys’ basketball team features experienced depth as the Warriors prepare for the 2012-13 season. “Things have been going really well early on,” head coach Jeff McMillin said. “We have a lot of guys that have been in the system a while and doing a good job picking up where we left off.”

Lady Warriors have experience

The Marion High School girls’ basketball team is loaded with experience, with five players who started games last year returning for 2012-13. Erin Meierhoff, Katey Ehrlich, Megan Richmond, Kelli Hess, and Kaelyn Thierolf bring a lot of continuity back from the previous season.

Team crucial for Marion wrestlers

Marion High School head wrestling coach Chad Adkins believes his team has probably nine team members who have a good chance to go to state, five or six who can place at state, and two who he thinks can be in the running for state titles. But they won’t get there without teammates who can push them and make them better every day in practice.

Trojan boys have key components

Hillsboro High School head boys’ basketball coach Darrel Knoll said he does not like to compare a current team to past teams. Each team develops an individual personality based on its players. Knoll is looking forward to finding the right rotations and the right plays to allow his 2012-13 squad to play cohesively.

Goal stays the same for HHS girls

It felt strange to spend the first week of practice working on offense, Hillsboro High School head girls’ basketball coach Nathan Hiebert admitted. Hiebert has made some adjustments based on the personnel returning this season. The Trojans are replacing some of the traditional motion elements of the offense used last season and with an emphasis on drives and on-ball screens.

Work ethic high for HHS wrestlers

Sacrifice. Discipline. Hard work. Hillsboro High School head wrestling coach Scott O’Hare said these are the staples of most winning high school wrestlers. Every few years there will be a grappler blessed with incredible physical gifts who can win without an established work ethic … until he meets a talented wrestler with technique. The physical requirements to wrestle are immense. Wrestlers must build cardiovascular and muscle endurance. Hillsboro junior Preston Nelson can speak to the need for endurance. O’Hare said Nelson has the strength, agility, and aggressive nature suited to be a great wrestler. However, he started last season late and never caught up with his conditioning. Starting in the first week this season, O’Hare said Nelson should be ready this season for matches at either 138 or 145 pounds.

Strong defense key for Centre boys

With eight returning letter winners, the Centre High School boys’ basketball team could go far this year. The 2011-12 team finished the season with a record of 9-12. Returning starters are senior Justin Deines, a 5-foot, 10-inch guard, senior James Wyatt, a 6-1 guard and forward, and junior Grant Srajer, a 5-4 guard.

Prospects bright for CHS girls

The Centre High School girls’ basketball team lost just one starter to graduation last year, so prospects look good for another successful year. The team won 10 of its last 12 games in 2011-12, including the substate tournament, and went to the state tournament for the first time in many years.

Four seniors lead PBHS girls

With the loss of only one starter from last year’s team, the core of the Peabody-Burns High School girls’ basketball team returns to the floor for the 2012-13 season. The squad is buoyed by four seniors who have played since they were sophomores. “These four athletes provide great leadership and help to impart their knowledge on the rest of the team,” said head coach Darren Schroeder, now in his 10th season at PBHS.

Starters give PBHS boys scoring depth

The Peabody-Burns High School boys’ basketball team features five seniors and three returning starters. Having played on the varsity squad for two years, the three returning starters give the Warriors the depth to compete early in the season, even though team roles have yet to be defined. The team is hoping to improve its 5-3 Wheat State League record from last season. “Our seniors will have to step up to fill leadership roles, not only during games but at practice as well,” coach Brian Simmonds said. “We want to build on the solid season we had last year but we can only do that with discipline and hard work.”

Seniors lead, underclassmen pushing GHS girls

Three seniors, Jessica Harvey, Johanna Hoffman, and Alex Hiebert, return to lead the Goessel girls’ basketball team this year. All were starters last year, but coach Ryan Hoopes expects to also depend on underclassmen as they get stronger throughout the season. Harvey leads the team from the point guard position again this year, after scoring in double digits eight times last year. She will use her slashing drives to the bucket to generate points from close range or from the free-throw line.

GHS boys deep in key positions

With 27 players reporting to early season basketball practices, Goessel High School boys’ basketball coach Curtis Guhr is happy to see depth and experience in key positions this year. “We have four of the five starters from last year returning for the 2013 season,” he said. “These four seniors will anchor this year’s team and I have a lot of depth waiting to come off the bench.”

Holiday Shopping Spree returns

Peabody Main Street Association and community merchants will host the annual holiday shopping spree again this year. “The promotion begins Friday,” said Peabody Main Street Director Shane Marler. “People shopping in Peabody need to remember to have their tickets punched or stamped every time they spend $10 with a participating merchant.”

Warrior band will miss 'Parade of Lights'

Steven Wilson, Peabody-Burns High School instrumental music instructor, has announced the Warrior marching band will not participate Dec. 6 in the annual Christmas Parade at Newton. “There is a pre-season basketball tournament at Marion this year and the students will be participating there,” Wilson said. “We hope to return to the Parade of Lights next year. But it would be great this year if everyone got out to support the Warriors in the tournament.”

Deer collisions increase in county

When Michael Schwendiman of Marion hit a deer with his 1990 Buick several days ago, he was not alone in his frustration at the accident. “I’ve had at least two or more deer accident reports to look at each morning when I come to work for the past few weeks,” said Marion County Sheriff Rob Craft. “This time of year the deer are moving because of rut and they just are not looking out for cars.”

Newspaper seeks donation nominations

Hoch Publishing Company, which publishes the Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal, and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin, will be donating up to $1,000 to one or more Marion County individuals, families, or charitable programs in need of help this Christmas season. With help from The Lumberyard, Great Plains Federal Credit Union, Prairieland Partners, and Smith Chiropractic — and possibly other businesses in the coming weeks — Hoch Publishing Company is seeking nominations, beginning this week.

Arthur L. Garver

Arthur L. Garver, 96, of Herington died Nov. 13, 2012, at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born Dec. 14, 1915, to Edward H. and Olive (Rains) Garver at Caldwell. He moved to Herington in 1943 and was a Rock Island railroad conductor from 1943 to his retirement in 1976.

Richard T. Johnson

MARION — Richard T. Johnson, 84, passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Salem Home of Hillsboro. He was born Jan. 1, 1928, at Vermillion, Kan., in Marshall County. His parents, Joseph and Florence Schuyler Johnson, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters.

Pauline King

There will be a committal service at 1 p.m. Friday at Marion Cemetery for Pauline King, who died Sept. 29 in Newton. She is a former Marion Lake resident.

Robert Ellis Phillips

Robert Ellis Phillips, 89, died Nov. 17 at Hillsboro Community Hospital. He was born Nov. 14, 1923 to Luther Phillips and Gladys (Murell) Phillips.

Bernice M. Sturdy

Bernice M. Sturdy, 89, retired nurse, died Nov. 9. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Anna Conyers; five brothers, Frank, Clarence, Willard, Glen, and Harold; three sisters, Henrietta, Mabel, and Hazel.

Edward W. Svitak

Edward W. Svitak, 95, died Nov. 18, 2012, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion. He was born Nov. 2, 1917 at Pilsen to Rudolph and Josephine Vinduska Svitak. He was a lifelong resident of Pilsen, where he farmed and operated a trucking business.

Accidents reported

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Emergency transports

Hillsboro police

Marion police

Offenses

Peabody municipal court

Peabody police

Traffic cases

Marriage licenses

911 plans move early December

With a conditional use permit for a 45-foot radio tower approved by Marion City Council on Nov. 13, Marion County now has a timetable to move emergency communications to its new home. The tower will be installed the last week of November, and the communications department will move from the old jail to the new jail the first week of December, Sheriff Rob Craft said Monday. There will be no gaps in service with the move, he said.

County accepting herbicides

Marion County Household Hazardous Waste Department Director Rollin Schmidt told Marion County Commission on Monday that the State of Kansas is conducting a statewide sweep to gather up herbicides containing 2,4,5-T, which is now banned and was a major component of Agent Orange. With the statewide sweep, county residents can take herbicides containing 2,4,5-T to the Household Hazardous Waste Department for disposal. It was commonly used in brush killers, Schmidt said.

EMS calls down 13 percent

Ambulance calls in Marion County were 19 percent lower in October compared to 2011, Marion County Emergency Medical Service Director Steve Smith said Monday. Ambulances were called out 75 times, down from 93 in October 2011. That brings the year-to-date total to 881 calls, compared to 1,013 at the same point last year, a decrease of 13 percent. In October, the Marion ambulance responded to 23 calls; Hillsboro, 22; Peabody, 19; Tampa, 6; Florence, 4; and the backup unit, 1. First responders in Lincolnville went on 3 calls; Goessel, 2; Burns, 1; Florence, 1; and Durham, 0.

Please, give me a break

The reading public just chops my typing fingers off at the knuckles some weeks, you know? Just when I think I have a topic on which to expound, something with great heart and universal appeal, what happens? Nothing. Yup, just nothing. I thought for certain that by the past weekend I would have had a score of names of local men and women in active military service who would appreciate a holiday care package from the Peabody American Legion Auxiliary. Wouldn’t you think that with the holidays approaching, an effort to remember our local soldiers would have struck some kind of note with the folks who know they are not coming home to be with family? Wouldn’t you?

The spirit of giving

Thanksgiving is upon us, and with the way big retailers keep moving up their push for more and more money, we’re already being urged to get in the Christmas spirit by racking up big credit card bills. It can be easy to get caught up in the consumerism, but we all know that isn’t the way to really celebrate the coming of Christ. Christ spent much of His ministry helping the helpless, the sick, and the outcast. So what better way to celebrate Christmas than by helping others? Marion County got off to a good start on that with the Marion County Toy Run, collecting toys to brighten the season for less fortunate children, and there are sure to be more events celebrating the real spirit of Christmas to come.

BALANCING ACT:

DAYS OF YORE:

HOPE IN THE HEARTLAND:

Marion plans live nativity in park

The Marion Community live nativity will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in Central Park. Hot chocolate will be served. All people are invited to the event.

Olde Towne restaurant sold to Wendy's owner

The former Olde Towne Restaurant and Bakery building at 126 N. Main in Hillsboro stands dark and empty, but opportunities swirl for successful bidder Gary Reiman of McPherson. “I don’t have any definite plans to share at this time,” Reiman said on Monday. “We want to be part of this community and there are some opportunities there we want to consider.”

Crop disaster deadline approaching

The deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to accept applications for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for the 2013 crop year is Dec. 1 for all grasses plus alfalfa and a variety of fruit crops from apricots to strawberries. Crops eligible are limited to those not insurable in the county and are produced for food or fiber. Interested producers must visit their local FSA office to complete an application for coverage and pay the service fee. If they suffer a loss on that crop, they must file a notice of loss within 15 days of the disaster or the date the loss becomes apparent. Once the notice of loss is approved and production evidence collected, a producer must file an application for payment.

First Mennonite Church to host hymn sing

The monthly community hymn sing in Hillsboro will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at First Mennonite Church, Ash and Grand streets. The evening will include singing, prayer, and scripture reading. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to select favorite hymns to be sung.

Cyclists raise money for brain research

Imagine traveling around the world on bicycles! That is what two British cyclists are doing. They traveled through Marion County last Wednesday after spending the night in a camper on Brad and Amy Pagenkopf’s farm north of Lincolnville. Matt Andrews, 26, and his friend Anthony “Ant” King, 27, of London, England, are taking a bicycle trip around the world in honor of Matt’s friend, Tony Young, who died at the age of 41 in June 2010, four or five months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

CORRESPONDENTS:

School offers hunter safety course for students

Hunting might not be for everyone, but for sixth graders at Hillsboro Middle School and Peabody-Burns Elementary Schools the offering of an eight-session hunter safety course elective is a popular option. “We have 12 students taking the course this year,” said Evan Yoder, licensed instructor and Hillsboro Elementary School principal. “We meet every two weeks or whenever Hillsboro has their club activities from 2 to 3:30 p.m.”

Traxson, Kaufman named to Big-12 academic team

Courtney Traxson, a junior volleyball player at Kansas State University and daughter of Ron and Patty Traxson, Peabody, was one of eight KSU Wildcats recognized Tuesday as a member of the Academic All-Big 12 Volleyball Team. Traxson, an outside hitter, was named to the first team. She is studying psychology. Dakota Kaufman of Durham joined her, making the second team honors list. Kaufman, a junior outside hitter, is studying elementary education. She is the daughter of Tim and Debra Kaufman of Durham and a graduate of Hillsboro High School.

Warriors boasts seasonal squad

The Marion High School boys’ basketball team features experienced depth as the Warriors prepare for the 2012-13 season. “Things have been going really well early on,” head coach Jeff McMillin said. “We have a lot of guys that have been in the system a while and doing a good job picking up where we left off.”

Lady Warriors have experience

The Marion High School girls’ basketball team is loaded with experience, with five players who started games last year returning for 2012-13. Erin Meierhoff, Katey Ehrlich, Megan Richmond, Kelli Hess, and Kaelyn Thierolf bring a lot of continuity back from the previous season.

Team crucial for Marion wrestlers

Marion High School head wrestling coach Chad Adkins believes his team has probably nine team members who have a good chance to go to state, five or six who can place at state, and two who he thinks can be in the running for state titles. But they won’t get there without teammates who can push them and make them better every day in practice.

Trojan boys have key components

Hillsboro High School head boys’ basketball coach Darrel Knoll said he does not like to compare a current team to past teams. Each team develops an individual personality based on its players. Knoll is looking forward to finding the right rotations and the right plays to allow his 2012-13 squad to play cohesively.

Goal stays the same for HHS girls

It felt strange to spend the first week of practice working on offense, Hillsboro High School head girls’ basketball coach Nathan Hiebert admitted. Hiebert has made some adjustments based on the personnel returning this season. The Trojans are replacing some of the traditional motion elements of the offense used last season and with an emphasis on drives and on-ball screens.

Work ethic high for HHS wrestlers

Sacrifice. Discipline. Hard work. Hillsboro High School head wrestling coach Scott O’Hare said these are the staples of most winning high school wrestlers. Every few years there will be a grappler blessed with incredible physical gifts who can win without an established work ethic … until he meets a talented wrestler with technique. The physical requirements to wrestle are immense. Wrestlers must build cardiovascular and muscle endurance. Hillsboro junior Preston Nelson can speak to the need for endurance. O’Hare said Nelson has the strength, agility, and aggressive nature suited to be a great wrestler. However, he started last season late and never caught up with his conditioning. Starting in the first week this season, O’Hare said Nelson should be ready this season for matches at either 138 or 145 pounds.

Strong defense key for Centre boys

With eight returning letter winners, the Centre High School boys’ basketball team could go far this year. The 2011-12 team finished the season with a record of 9-12. Returning starters are senior Justin Deines, a 5-foot, 10-inch guard, senior James Wyatt, a 6-1 guard and forward, and junior Grant Srajer, a 5-4 guard.

Prospects bright for CHS girls

The Centre High School girls’ basketball team lost just one starter to graduation last year, so prospects look good for another successful year. The team won 10 of its last 12 games in 2011-12, including the substate tournament, and went to the state tournament for the first time in many years.

Four seniors lead PBHS girls

With the loss of only one starter from last year’s team, the core of the Peabody-Burns High School girls’ basketball team returns to the floor for the 2012-13 season. The squad is buoyed by four seniors who have played since they were sophomores. “These four athletes provide great leadership and help to impart their knowledge on the rest of the team,” said head coach Darren Schroeder, now in his 10th season at PBHS.

Starters give PBHS boys scoring depth

The Peabody-Burns High School boys’ basketball team features five seniors and three returning starters. Having played on the varsity squad for two years, the three returning starters give the Warriors the depth to compete early in the season, even though team roles have yet to be defined. The team is hoping to improve its 5-3 Wheat State League record from last season. “Our seniors will have to step up to fill leadership roles, not only during games but at practice as well,” coach Brian Simmonds said. “We want to build on the solid season we had last year but we can only do that with discipline and hard work.”

Seniors lead, underclassmen pushing GHS girls

Three seniors, Jessica Harvey, Johanna Hoffman, and Alex Hiebert, return to lead the Goessel girls’ basketball team this year. All were starters last year, but coach Ryan Hoopes expects to also depend on underclassmen as they get stronger throughout the season. Harvey leads the team from the point guard position again this year, after scoring in double digits eight times last year. She will use her slashing drives to the bucket to generate points from close range or from the free-throw line.

GHS boys deep in key positions

With 27 players reporting to early season basketball practices, Goessel High School boys’ basketball coach Curtis Guhr is happy to see depth and experience in key positions this year. “We have four of the five starters from last year returning for the 2013 season,” he said. “These four seniors will anchor this year’s team and I have a lot of depth waiting to come off the bench.”

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