A Chuckle and a Successful Reunion

     Thanks to Boone native, Ross Hanson, BHS-74, for my chuckle of the week.
     Ross, who's sister Nikki Mullins, BHS-86, and her husband, Tim, are Kelley neighbors, wrote, "I'm here in the Phoenix area  now, moved here a few months ago. No more snow. Congratulations on a milestone you weren't aware of.......it took me longer to read the Korner than the BNR this week. Keep it up."
     Ross moved to Arizona from Wisconsin but he and his wife have been known to spend time in the Far East where they've had business connections. He added, "we're living on the south edge of Phoenix in a gated community with access to four clubhouses and golf courses. Its very safe. The Sheriff's office is at our front gate. We're leaving here in a couple weeks for the South Pacific for some R and R for a couple months. Weather here is a bit warm, but no humidity.....about 10 percent. Ross's dad, Mel Hanson, BHS-48, lives about two minutes away from us and is doing pretty good. Take care. Love reading the Korner."
K-----K
     The BHS class of 1953, the Kornerman's class, had a three-year reunion over the weekend and it was very enjoyable. Out of a class of 120, we've lost 53 classmates. A dozen of us were excited to have a tour of the new BHS facility on Saturday afternoon and a reunion meal Saturday night.
     I don't know why, but I missed the original open house of the new high school facility so this was my first opportunity. WOW! WOW! WOW! It is stunning.......beautiful and seems to be so efficient and forward thinking. I can't get out of my head how impressed I was. Thanks to the taxpayers of Boone, the school board and administration and any others vitally involved in the construction of this facility. You've done a tremendous service to this community and our young people.
     And, those of you who have never taken the opportunity to take a visit, I urge you to do so.
     We had the honor of being hosted by Principal Kris Byam and, he alone, was such an inspiration. He was so anxious, with great pride, to show us the various sections of the building with an explanation of what went on and where. It was obvious he is highly motivated and goal centered. In some ways the facility is already viewed, statewide, as a "model" to be followed and in many other ways, Principal Byam and the staff is working hard to achieve even higher standards.
     Back to the reunion and some of the 40 or so in attendance. From a longer distance there was Roma Achenbach from Washington D.C., Larry Brower from Arizona, Dick Longworth from Chicago and Sharon Stark from Arkansas. Myron Stolte and Marlyn Wiemer came from the Twin Cities area, Don Taylor from Colorado and Waterloo, Des Moines, Nevada, Ames and Perry were other areas with representatives.
     Everyone seemed to have a great time and it was decided to have another reunion in two years, which will be our 65th anniversary.
     Get over to that school........contact Kris Byam. He is very interested to show that facility off to anyone who will tour and listen.
K-----K
     Our KWBG friend, Sports Director Ryan Wendt, is attempting a project........researching Ogden High football. The OHS graduate wanted us to publish the fact he is looking for former Bulldog football players from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Ryan's web site is.....kwbgsports@kwbg.com.
     The Kornerman has a long history of covering/following Ogden and Madrid sports, although our main focus was always Toreador events.
     I did recall to Ryan that I remembered a couple of names of standout Bulldog gridders, Bob Carpenter was a small but mighty lineman and Reggie Muench was a bigger guy who also excelled. The OHS coaches I remember covering were Bob Norris (now deceased) and Tom Newell.
     If any of our viewers remember OHS players from those years, Ryan would like to hear from you.
K-----K
     Also, recently, a couple of people have asked me if I knew anything about the whereabouts of Jacques (Jock) Welin, BHS-46. The Kornerman does know that Jock's wife, Marilyn Lister Welin, BHS-46, passed away in March of 2004. Marilyn's dad was a minister here. In the back of my mind, the Kornerman associates Jock with Oklahoma and the oil industry? Unfortunately, I don't know anything else. Anybody out there in Kornerland that can help?
K-----K
     Boone Connected Deaths: Fern Fincham, 97. Jordan HS-38. Born in Boone County near Napier. After farming, Fern and her husband, Waldo, did custodial work at ISU prior to retirement.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/support.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.