Champion News

Gratitude has been the theme of this week. Last week our Skyline R2 School students were grateful to the Ava Masonic Lodge for having given new shoes to every student. That was a generous gift from a generous outfit that made all the students and staff smile and say, “Thank you!”

Saturday found Champions with a long list of things for which to be grateful. The Historic Emporium was packed to overflowing with good neighbors, friends and family all gathering for a bounteous pot-luck feast and opportunity to visit and catch up with some who are seldom seen. The official head count was fifty-six, but there may well have been more. The whole thing may have been cooked up by a retired mail carrier and a surgical nurse—the first annual Champion Friendsgiving Day. Thank you. Kaitlyn McConnell and Mike O’Brian made it all the way from Springfield for the occasion, Kaitlyn with her trusty pie basket to add to the feast. Her Champion friends will look forward to the pie recipe book she is compiling from old cookbooks published by area fire departments, churches and neighborhoods.

By the time this is in ink and out into our rural mailboxes, leftovers will be the fare on many tables. A favorite keepsake from one Old Champion’s Mother is a wooden plaque hanging in her kitchen. It says, “Thank God for dirty dishes. They have a tale to tell. While others may go hungry, we’re eating very well. With home and health and happiness, I wouldn’t want to fuss. By this stack of evidence, God’s been very good to us.” While we rejoice in our good fortune, we are mindful of the suffering of many in our own country and all around the world.

These days we hear it said that closeness has not all that much to do with geography. Still, many are on the road and in the air looking for the warm embrace of family. We wish everyone safe travels there and back home. Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Champions are making good progress in recovering from last week’s inundation. Neighbors have helped with projects on the square. The church is being cleaned. Song books are drying out. People have been working hard to get things working again. Steel fences down by Fox Creek are twisted and down and matted with debris. The great power of water is evident in many places in Booger County. Road crews have worked overtime to get us back on the road and their efforts are much appreciated. There is still plenty to do. Champions are resilient.

Unseasonably glorious weather had old gardeners out working to get ready for next year’s growing season. Tenacious vines, both tomato and morning glory, wrapped tight around the woven wire tomato cages, came loose with significant effort. Perhaps some creative person with time on her hands could become a basket maker. There are plenty grasses, vines and roots, willows and oak splits to work with, but time is the scarce commodity. Birthdays slipped by us. Skyline School third graders Elaina Homer and Aiden Strong have their birthdays on November 5th. Sixth grader Owley Sudderth celebrated on the 12th and the 13th was for kindergarten student Aceton Fox. Eighth grader Isabella Jeffrey partied on the 14th. The 27th will be the day for 5th grader Aubrey Lewis to party and the 29th will be the big day for Christopher Boyd who in the 3rd grade.

On November 11th, a dozen veterans attended the Skyline Veterans’ Day celebration that included the Pledge of Allegiance, and a parade of the Military Branch flags and anthems. Mr. Joe Henry Harley shared his experience of going on the Honor Flight and about his time in the Air Force. Ms. McKay said, “The Presentation of Poppies Ceremony was accomplished by David Ball’s ‘Riding with Private Malone.’ This is always a very touching part of the program.” She reported that Mr. Terry Prock, former teacher and coach at Skyline, attended and represented the VFW. Mr. Prock presented the Patriot Pen Awards to Skyline students: Grace Rystad, 8th grade, took 1st; Jersey Hall, 8th grade, took 2nd; and Morgan Johnson, 7th grade, took 3rd. Our Skyline students salute our Veterans as part of the education that will make them good citizens.

The Vanzant Jam enjoyed a good house full of visitors on Thursday, some who have not been there for a while. One such person, all the way from Las Vegas, had the opportunity to learn about reincarnation from her distant cousin who has, over the years, explained the complicated notion to a number of friends and family members. It is generally met with the good humor that goes along with the music that everyone agrees is good for us. Rudy Valley sang, “Keep a little song handy wherever you go, and nothing can ever go wrong.”

Sports fans understand that there is no glory in defeating a weak opponent. The Chiefs were not weak and are still on top in the rankings, but Buffalo came out on top on Sunday. Alas! Meanwhile, the woods are full of hunters and the deer harvest is on. It all started so beautifully then Monday came with gray skies, stiff winds, intermittent drizzle and rain. The General reported in a newsbreak, “From the Vanzant Big Q Channel 88 Eyewitless News Room: Gusty wind today toppled the three foot weather balloon launching tower. On a lighter note, winter is just around the corner.” The report was dated November 18, 2017. He said, “Dey jay view!” Better days are ahead. Youth hunters enjoyed much success last week and hopes are the firearm season will be productive and safe for all those out there in the woods stalking deer. Safety is the watch word for good memories around the deer camp, and good food around the table in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

During World War 1, the fighting ended on November 11, 1918, when an armistice went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Veterans’ Day is a special celebration, but we celebrate and honor our Veterans every day of the year. They make up about six percent of the civilian population currently. Thank you for your service. Active-duty service members now comprise less than one percent of all U.S. adults. Thank them too. Our Skyline School had a lovely Veterans’ Day tribute this morning. Mrs. Barker’s second grade class up in Norwood produced some fine art in celebration of the day and were given a chance to visit with the Master Sargent General himself.

Monday’s torrential rain wreaked havoc on Champion’s beautiful country roads and made creek crossings difficult and dangerous. Fox Creek jumped its banks and rose to the third step of the Recreation of the Historic Emporium and floated the pews in the church. Road crews are busy, but it will take some time to get everything back to normal. People downstream may find treasures though they might be in rough shape. Lawn chairs, picnic tables and barbeque pits among other things like propane tanks and outhouses may be sowing up in unexpected places. Champion neighbors have stepped up to help with the cleanup. We have hopes are that neighbors up and down the flooded areas will have such good neighbors.

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Though the Brushy Knob Church polling place was without electricity on Tuesday, votes were cast, and poll workers reported a good turnout. Some are happy about the results and others not so much, but knowing that it was a free and fair election is a comfort to everyone. The majority rules in America.

Sharry Lovan’s Benefit was a beautiful success. Auctioneer Billy Sexton said it best, “This community never fails to show up for somebody.” Tonight, this community showed up for a very special person. It was an honor to witness the generosity, love, and prayer poured over this woman.”

Saturday found the Manes community up north of Mountain Grove gathering to celebrate the lives of Chuck and Cathy Baldwin who lost their lives in flood waters on their way to work in the election. Family, friends and neighbors filled the Manes School gymnasium to share their stories and memories of the couple who had made their home there for more than fifty years. They will be remembered for their willingness to help anyone in need, for their commitment to the community and for their zest for life—Champions who were looking on the Bright Side.

 

It happens that there are currently 8.2 billion people in the world. Over in Edinburgh, Scotland, 5.43 million people are overnight guests there in a year’s time. 36% of them are domestic local visitors, 64% are international, 52% are repeat visitors, and 15% are taking the trip of a lifetime. The town teams with excitement. Over here in Douglas County we have our share of visitors who come for the family ties, the beauty, the quiet, the nostalgia and the calmness of a bucolic interlude from the hecticness of the world. Welcome. For those of us fortunate to live here, we sing, “There’s no place like home.”

The time has changed. We have fallen back. Just last week Halloween was everywhere. Pictures have emerged of people who were nuns last year and are now witches—tap dancing witches. The Gipsy seemed much the same in her lovely exotic regalia, while The General seemed to have taken on a look more like that of a vaquero. The Whetstoners turned into a Pink Lady, a Motorcycle hoodlum and Ms. Stands with a Fist. Meanwhile, on Halloween, Skyline preschool and kindergarten students enjoyed pumpkin activities. They estimated how many seeds might be in the pumpkin, scooped out the guts, and counted the seeds by putting them into groups of 10. 628 seeds later, they were given to Mrs. Rhonda to roast and enjoy during their party that afternoon!

Counting is important. In order to serve as an election poll worker, one must raise his or her right hand and swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Everyone who has served in that role comes away with confidence that the system works well. It makes for a long day, but it is an excellent experience to participate in democracy. Do it if you have the chance.

The amazing amounts of rain falling Monday night will likely have an effect on voter turnout. We hope everyone gets to exercise their franchise and it will be an interesting week waiting for the results. Another big win for the Kansas City Chiefs helped to keep minds off the election for a few minutes.

As daylight reveals the extent of the flooding and storm damage we hope for the best for our neighbors out here. A favorite Scots sailor says, “Worse things happen at sea!” Optimism is the watchword in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Pictures of the big full Hunters’ moon and the T-Atlas Comet from all over the world remind us that we are all living here together, that closeness has not all that much to do with geography. To quote Monty Python, “Just remember that we’re standing on a planet that’s evolving and revolving at 900 miles an hour!” He goes on to say things about our galaxy and the universe that give us a good perspective on our own tiny little spot in it.

The report is that it was a beautiful day at Vera Cruz for the celebration of the life of Chris Tharp—a sunny warm day with many old friends sharing good memories of a good friend. Among his many talents was storytelling and a gathering at the creek was just the place for it. A friend writes, “Through the fog this morning the forest below the glades just seems to be a bit empty.”

The Skyline VFD and the Eastern Douglas County VFD caution against burning. They say chances for showers are on the horizon and we hope they materialize. Today in Edinburgh we had 53 degrees with a sustained wind of 20 miles an hour with gusts up to 60 miles an hour with intermittent rain and sunshine, often simultaneously. We hear the wind is strong in Booger County too and we hope everyone is being prudent. The woods are full of fuel from our wonderfully wet spring.

Felix the Farmer is getting postcards from Scotland and reading them to his old grandfather. He has probably been busy doing those garden chores that make it a productive patch year-round. If his energy could be harnessed and duplicated to share with old folks, the way he is willing to share his beautiful garlic, their gardens might be as beautiful as his.

There will be an auction, supper and concert at the Sharry Lovan Benefit at the First General Baptist church in Willow Springs on November 9th. Sharry has her hand in about every good work around, including bringing HOBA bluegrass to Cheyenne McIntosh’s great guitar classes at Skyline. Someday those kids will be in the circle at the Vanzant Jam. The therapeutic value of music cannot be overstated, particularly in these extraordinarily stressful times. Cheyenne and Sharry are keeping it going for future generations.

Brad Oglesby and Shala Clark have birthdays on the 26th of October. That is also the day we remember Champion Harley Krider. Skyline 4th grader and prekindergarten student John Sudderth both celebrate on the 28th. Addison Burns is an 8th grader at Skyline. His birthday is the 30th, also the big day for Connie Lansdown. It is a day when we remember Royce Henson who often made the ‘Walk of Ages’ to the Champion School Reunion.

Every year, the Missouri Division of Tourism recognizes one of the state’s media outlets with its Navigator Media award. According to its website, the award is “presented to a media outlet that promotes tourism in Missouri and its importance to the state’s economy.” This year, Kaitlyn McConnell and Ozarks Alive were chosen for this honor. Kaitlyn is a frequent welcome visitor down at the Historic Emporium on the wide, wooly banks of Auld Fox Creek, often bringing a pie, and always shining a bright light on Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

It has been an eventful week all over the northern hemisphere. The aurora borealis wowed about half of the world. It was spectacular here in Edinburgh, Scotland. For those of us who had never seen it, all expectations were beautifully met. Then Saturday found an enormous comet making its closest pass by Earth. They say it should be visible through the end of the month clear skies permitting, a fuzzy circle with a long tail streaming behind it. Somebody on the news will tell us where to look.

Plans had been to send postcards from Scotland to many friends and family, but we find that a postcard costs $.44, but it costs $3.67 to mail it to the US, so they might get hand delivered or mailed from home. The Royal Mail has been privatized over here, which has made it less efficient and more expensive. We hope that never happens to our great USPS. Thank your rural carrier and leave a treat in the mailbox every now and then.

Darcy Upshaw Cecil, down from Boise, Idaho, looked up to see Trevor Richardson in his paraglider coming in for a landing at the Vanzant Jam on Thursday. The General reported that flight time is 42 minutes from Norwood to the Vanzant Air Strip. While in the neighborhood Darcy took a drive up County Road 153 for some sightseeing. The Quarter Mile Racetrack is up that way, commemorating her Alsup ancestors. Meanwhile, the whole Alsup, Ousley, Livingston gang, numbering fourteen, were together for another family reunion, this year sadly missing, Karen Fae Upshaw Krider who passed away on October 6th. Her place in the Champion community can never be filled. She was a kind, gracious good soul, mother of a big loving family and dear friend to many.

The second wave of linemen from our wonderful White River Valley Electric Cooperative that were sent to assist in restoration efforts from Helene are still hard at work. Crews are still facing many hours of work because many of the repairs that remain are individualized; crews may work for hours on one repair and that repair may only bring power back to one member. The White River folks say, “As they face these challenges, we can’t help but think back to the summer storms of 2023 when our members were without power for several days. By day four, it seemed like eons they had been in the dark. These Cooperative members are on day 17 of now power due to the destruction. We ask our members to keep all these Cooperative family members in their thoughts as they deal with the reality that is their situation.”

Birthdays to celebrate include those of Darlene Connor and Champion grandson Carson Cline on the 18th. We remember Anna Henson on the 21st. The 22nd is for Donna Moskaly and for Skyline first grader London Coon. His lovely Aunt Eva Clark had her big day back on the 14th. Another Champion grandchild, Esther Grace Ogelsby, has her big day on the 23rd. The 24th is for Skyline fourth grader Grant Strong and for Champion Breauna Krider. We always celebrate songwriter Roger Miller on the 25th. He was born in 1936 and passed away in 1992. He gave us a lot of good music. Another great musician we have been remembering is John Prine, who lived from October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020. He was known for his signature blend of humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, often with elements of social commentary and satire, as well as sweet songs and melancholy ballads. Then we think of Waylon Jennings who said, “I’m just a man, no more or no less. Bad as the worst, good as the best.”

Sarah Harden shared photographs of the Champion Trail Ride, while we do not have the names of the riders and their horses or where they hail from, we know they had a great time in and out of Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

 

Travelers to distant places are blessed with the option of not being engaged with the rancorous politics of their homeland, having their minds made up already. Yet, the tragedies unfolding in the wake of the terrible hurricanes cannot be ignored. We will learn of heroic efforts of ordinary people and of the heartbreaking loss of so many. Loss comes with life. We have all experienced loss to some degree. Champions are feeling it now with the passing of a dear friend and neighbor.

Champions in Skyline R-2 School’s 5K Run/Walk were Kash Hurt, Ava Hurt, and Elaina Homer in first, second and third place in the 11 and under division. In the 12-17 division Ray Hurt took first and Evan Homer second. Rowdy Woods was first place in the adult division. Rowdy, a Skyline alumnus, during his first year of high school attended the Fun Run and was overheard offering encouragement to eighth graders saying they were going to love high school. Encouragement is a gift! Thanks, Rowdy. More fun will happen at Skyline’s Fall Carnival happening Friday October 11th. It will start with dinner at 5:00 and activities at 6:00 with food, games a bounce house and prizes. Come support one of the two little rural schools left in Douglas County. This sterling little outfit is preparing the leaders of tomorrow—those people who will be running the government, the banks, the hospitals and all the important things that make America tick!

Bud Hutchison’s Memorial Trail Ride happens Wednesday, heading up in Champion about 10:00 a.m. They will make a wide loop and return to the wide veranda in the afternoon for refreshment and good stories. Perhaps someone will recall the one about Bud backing his mare up to the church building and flanking her. She kicked the building with both hid feet during the church service. There are many stories about that good man. Those of us who only wish we could saddle up and ride look forward to the report and hope that it is a joyful amble with no bad dogs and plenty of water for the hot, dry trail.

Visiting Texans were delighted with the Pioneer Heritage Festival saying, “The jam session was delightful and the lunch fare delicious. Vendors were sharing demonstrations of their craft and wares for purchase at each stall. Who doesn’t need a pretty shawl made right while you watch the maker create other things? And the brooms – I want one of each!” We will challenge those Texans or anyone to answer this riddle: “If Hanna’s daughter is my daughter’s mother, what am I to Hanna?” Send your answer to The Champion News, Rt. 72 Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 and expect a prize for the earliest post marked correct answer. Not that we know what it is. That is why we are asking you. The prize will be some little treasure from Scotland to be awarded sometime in November.

Bluegrass promoter, Timothy Tamburino and his faithful companion, Sarah, passed through Champion last week, pausing for a little while to hear the Sometime Porch band. They were on their way to an adventure that has taken them all the way to New Mexico. The General reports that Thursday’s jam at Vanzant was great. He said there were listeners from Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. Meanwhile, over here in Scotland jams happen often. Many music venues in Edinburg have ‘open sessions’ where patrons are welcomed and encouraged to share a song or a poem. Many have house instruments, guitars and pianos, just for the use of any aspiring musician or one who used to be or one who is away from home. Music seems to be the universal language. We remember the great Kris Kristofferson who said, “Tell the truth. Sing with passion. Work with laughter. Love with heart. ‘Cause that’s all that matters in the end.” In the truest sense a Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!