WaKeeney News

Nov. 1 is a day Dr. Bill Benkelman always will remember. It's the day he purchased his optometry practice, and 42 years later, it's the same day he opted to retire and turn his business over to somebody else.

Putting up the tree every year always gets Darrell Hladek in the Christmas spirit.

Power D. "Denny" Custer Jr. of Okemos, Mich., was researching Custer family history when he came across memoirs written by a distant relative, 72-year-old Raymond E. Custer in 1963.

A native son of western Kansas is the new leader of the Green Party of Ontario, with a shot -- albeit a long one -- of becoming a future premier in the Canadian province.

The Prairie Faith Youth Ministry was hunting for a fundraiser. Hunters always are looking for a good hearty breakfast on the opening day of pheasant season, Curt Fabrizius told his niece, Olivia Fabrizius.

"America, America! God shed His grace on thee." Though he walked with a cane, 94-year-old Henry Deines stood up tall as he belted out a medley of "America the Beautiful" and the national anthem.

Frances Graton, Hays, and Frank and Dawn Graton, Otis, Colo., announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Harlea Ann Graton, to Travis Stephen Elder, son of Steve and Janet Durheim, Ellis, and Steve and Teri Elder, Jefferson City, Mo.

Amy Nimz and Ross Benisch were married Aug. 8, 2009, at Celebration Community Church, Hays, with Pastor Kyle Ermoian officiating.

Sometimes you miss the set-up badly, making for a long night for any racer. But when you hit the set-up perfectly, it can make for a happy night.

Erin Locke and Aaron Nilhas were married June 6, 2009, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Lawrence, with Father Donald F. Pfannenstiel, officiating.

Lindsay Schweitzer and Tyson Flax were married July 18, 2009, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney, with Father Don Pfannenstiel, officiating.

David and Wendy Glassman, Oakley, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with family and friends Oct.

The United Rebel Sprint Series has added two dates to their 2009 Schedule, as the Rebels will be a part of the George "Pappy" Parsons Fall Nationals.

Competition in the "Being an American" essay contest now is open. The contest, sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute, has proven beneficial for local and area students since its inception three years ago.

Senne Co., founded in Topeka in 1914, is expanding into the tricycle manufacturing business and extending its operations to northwest Kansas.

Two northwest Kansas crown jewels are the focal point for two of 24 customs that are among the finalists in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs campaign.

Even in an uncertain economy, a superior product is more than enough to make a deal work.

Kerry and Kathy Basinger, Hays, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Lindsey Beth, to Jeff Minar, son of Jeff Minar Sr., Wichita, and Sheryl Hawks, Ridgway, Colo.

It would have been easy to choose Donny Schatz or Steve Kinser. Even Kenny Wallace could have been tops.

The United Rebel Sprint Series 305 sprint cars will make their final trip to Hays on Friday night for the 2009 season.