Merrick reaches milestone anniversary

Employee MaLia Merrick reached her 25year anniversary with Commerce Bank February 17. On Friday, February 16, Branch Manager Heidi Smortstad presented Merrick with a certificate and congratulated her on achieving this career milestone.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department team at the Polar Plunge.

It was a successful year for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department team at the Polar Plunge. Chero- kee County won an award for the Top Fundraising Team, turning in just over $4,300. The total event raised over $40,000 for local Special Olympics.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies visited

Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies visited with some of the Special Olympics athletes at the recent Polar Plunge event in Pittsburg. Chief Deputy Nate Jones, Sheriff David Groves and Sgt. Detective Jornell Fondren were among those making the leap.

The family and many friends

The family and many friends of Carl Crocker joined him at the Center Christian Church Fellowship Hall for a 75th birthday celebration. Carl, a member of the Columbus High School class of 67, spent 44 years of his life as an over-the-road truck driver.

Daughter’s Christmas gift continues giving

Love to Our daughter Julie’s family celebrated with us Christmas evening. Like in the past, the “littles” could hardly wait to open their gifts. Much to my surprise, I received the biggest gift of all. Tucked inside were twelve books Julie had purchased for me…all historical fiction selections.

Bad weather hampers January museum hours

We never know what to expect here at the museum when we come in. January is always a big month as far as the weather is concerned. We must remember we are in Kansas and anything can and will happen. We made it through the first week just fine. We got most of the Christmas decorations down.

LCS Juniors outdistance Ottawa in music, arts

Columbus Life Christian’s Junior (ages 12 and younger) team easily outdistanced Ottawa’s Bethel Christian, 122-70, recently to capture the Midstates Christian League Music and Arts Championship, repeating last year’s victory and grabbing their fourth title in five years.

Service dog makes appearance at PEO meeting

A special program was presented at the Baxter Springs Chapter BT of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Monday, February 5 at noon in Fellowship Hall of the Baxter Springs United Methodist Church. The program was presented by guest, Kate Kemp and her dog Luna.

Wichita State graduates announced

More than 1,280 students completed a total of 1,380 degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2023.

WSU names Dean’s List students

Wichita State University has announced the names of students who were on the WSU Dean’s Honor Roll for fall 2023. Columbus students named to the list include Sydney Abram, Kendra Cookson, Jeremy Moss, Talyn Perry, Gracie Rolls and Tysie Smith.