News From Lowell Township

On January 30, the Sunflower Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is improving the health of Kansans, hosted a Trail Appreciation Day on the second floor of the Capitol Rotunda in Topeka. Approximately twenty-five recreational trail organizations set up exhibits highlighting their trails, sharing ideas with their elected officials. It was an impressive and beautiful setting.

Angela Bates, Nicodemus Historical Society, and Dan Cox, National Park Service, set up an exhibit showcasing the Nicodemus Township History Trail, a 33-mile driving\\ biking route through the townsite of Nicodemus and three areas where homesteaders, a cemetery, a church, and school were located around Nicodemus. The Sunflower Foundation provided a grant for signs at the various stops along the trail. The exhibit provided information about the Nicodemus Baseball teams as well. Angela had invited Bonita Oliva to accompany her to Topeka. Bonita appreciated the invitation as she was celebrating her 80th birthday.

Bret Greenwood, executive director of Prairie Frontier Trails Association, Plainville, and Cynthia Steeples, Palco, had an exhibit about the three all-purpose trails planned in and around Plainville, including improvements on the trail at the Plainville Township Lake.

There were several exhibitors from various segments of the Flint Hills Trail State Park, a rail-totrail path stretching for 118 miles in east central Kansas. Osawatomie claims to be mile zero of the trail at the eastern end. However, the city of Herrington is seeking grants to extend the trail from Council Grove on the west end. The Flint Hills Trail State Park is America's eighth-longest recreational trail.

Lt. Governor David Toland and Mike Passo, Executive Director of American Trails, were keynote speakers. Mike, an avid outdoorsman, had broken his back in a bicycling accident and was in a wheelchair. He began his talk by saying he was excited to come to Kansas as he had heard about Kansas's promotion of public health through trail building. A luncheon was served. Representative Ken Rahjes joined Angela's table.

Bonita enjoyed visiting with various exhibitors, several of whom she knew. However, her biggest surprise was when a young man walked up to her and said 'I bet you don't know who I am.' It was Dan Holloway from Woodston with a shaved head! Dan's brothers were in the same classes as Bonita's kids, Dan and Dana Pabst. Dan is an engineer working for the company that rebuilt the Flint Hills Trail State Park railbed. They are currently designing bridges for the trail. Bonita and Dan spent some time catching up. Apparently, Dan had been in the hospital, and when a nurse learned Dan was from Woodston, she said she knew Bonita Oliva from bicycle rides. Bonita is still trying to figure out who the nurse is.

February is Lamb Lovers Month. Commercial and seed stock producers promote delicious lamb and recipes.

If you’re having trouble remembering passwords, change to “incorrect.” Then, every time you forget, you will be reminded your password is “incorrect.”

I was in Hill City Friday evening, February 17, for the memorial visitation of our daughter-inlaw’s great-aunt, Pauline Goeken, of Lenora. Pauline was a classy lady of 107 years. Last year, she was awarded the honor of Grand Marshall of the Norton Parade. In earlier years, after moving from the farm, Pauline owned a coffee shop in Lenora. And although she had become blind, that did not stop her from crocheting. Dan Melton came Saturday morning to attend funeral services at Lenora. Then, Saturday afternoon, he went for a short visit and helped move corral panels.

Dwight and Marilyn Miller, and Steve and I were in Alton for a Sweetheart Dinner at “The Front Porch” Saturday evening, February 18. We were treated to punch and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a steak and shrimp dinner and delicious layered carrot cake. The ladies received carnations, and entertainment was enjoyed listening to the Camerons, members of the Kill Creek Rising Band.

Chapman High School senior wrestler Brayden Lexow, my great-nephew, took first place in 215pound weight class at Regionals in McPherson Saturday.

This is only of interest to farmers and ranchers, but since bull sales are in full swing, I found an amusing statement from Colorado producer Kit Pharo. He wrote an article titled “Sex Is Not Work For A Bull.” Regarding the bullto- cow ratio during the breeding season, Pharo doesn’t believe bulls can be overworked. Reducing the bull-to-cow ratio after 21 days will help to minimize injury to bulls.

In 1971, my folks presented us with an excellent book to read at Christmas titled, “Sod And Stubble,” by John Ise, written in 1936. The book is an account of the pioneer Ise family, their adventures, and adversities homesteading in the 1870s near Downs, Kansas. This area has a selfguided tour with actual sites beginning northwest of Downs and ending at the Downs City Cemetery. Recently, I learned a feature/ TV film is to be produced based on the “Sod And Stubble” book. Production is to begin in the fall by Fall River Productions of Andover. Among the executive producers are local people, Don and Linda Miller of Downs, and Von Rothenberger, Lucas. In reading the history of Steve’s great-grandfather, A. L. (Abraham Lincoln) Bonebrake, born in 1861 and died in 1940, I discovered he had a very active role in the building and upkeep of the Liberty School, the church, and the merger of Liberty with the Woodston Church. In addition, his children had donated the Dossal curtains for the sanctuary in their parent’s memory early in 1950’s to the Woodston United Brethren Church.

A. L. Bonebrake donated the bell at the Ash Rock Church in 1935. The country Liberty Church was erected in 1904 on ground donated by Edward Gravenhorst. Steve’s grandfather, Joe (Josiah) A. Bonebrake, using a team of horses and drag, led the basement excavation for the Liberty Memorial Chapel in 1939 to extend the size of the church.

Two elderly farm women decided to visit the city to see the sites. Awed by one of the towering buildings, they walked into a lobby and found themselves before a large set of metal doors. The doors opened and outwalked an elderly lady. A few minutes later, the doors opened and a beautiful young woman walked out. The farm women looked at each other and one said, “Next time those doors open, I’m gettin’ on!”