Kezia Huseman, an eighth-grader at Tonganoxie Junior High, was among 25 girls who recently visited Emporia State University for “MASTER IT!” For six days, participants immersed themselves in math and science, two subjects young female students tend to avoid. “MASTER IT!” is an acronym for “Mathematics and Science to Explore Careers: Investigating Together.” It is a free, yearlong program that begins with a one-week summer residential program at ESU, followed by four Saturday activities throughout the school year.

Births: Jack and Christy Angell, Tonganoxie, a daughter, Sydney Ruth, born May 27, 2003; Andrea and Lee Staples, Leavenworth, a son, Henry Alexander, born March 17, 2003; Jay and Amy Thorne, Eudora, a daughter, Lexi Marie, born June 12, 2003; Randy and Amy Schwinn, Easton, a daughter, Emma Nicole, June 25, 2003.

Three years ago, Lana Howe and Kathy Owens never expected to land their business in Tonganoxie. But Howe, who lives in Olathe, and Owens, who lives in Piper, recently opened Vintage Soap & Bath at 626 E. Fourth St., next door to the Mom and Pop Ice Cream Shop (The article continued with the process used to make soap and other products, using goat milk.).

Micah Lee Cornett, Lansing, and Matt K. Krause, Tonganoxie, graduated from Hutchinson Community College.

25 years ago: June 22, 1988

S & S Body Shop, Fourth Street, Tonganoxie, recently completed attractive improvements at its location. A new fence has been erected along with a large addition to their building.

Death: Ralph Sawyer, 75, Tonganoxie, died June 16, 1988.

Birth: Bryan and Jeanne Mahaffie, Olathe, a daughter, Janae Marie, born June 2, 1988.

McLouth News: Kelly Crouse, son of Dan and Kitty Crouse, McLouth, and Eddie Kessinger of Emporia, attended the space camp at Hutchinson this week.

Jarbalo Jottings: Joe Cleavinger was burned while working on a car Sunday afternoon.

The Tonganoxie High School graduating class of 1939 met at the John Whitaker residence on June 20, 1988, in Basehor. Edwin and Doris Whitaker of Fort Myers, Fla., hosted the event for their friends. Edwin Whitaker is a member of that class.

50 years ago: July 11, 1963

Birth: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mattox of Winchester, a daughter, Jeanine Sue, born July 1, 1963.

Deaths: Samuel E. Lancaster, 70, McLouth, drowned Wednesday afternoon while fishing in a farm pond east of McLouth; Mrs. Will Somers received word of the death of her youngest sister, Mrs. Jay Eastman of Longview, Washington; Robert George Reusch, 76, died July 6 at his home in Eudora; Mrs. Cordelia S. Miner, 53, of the Reserve community, died June 30 following a heart attack; Mrs. Clara Aurora Grady, 67, Tonganoxie, died July 5; Albert Hollingsworth, Wyandotte County, died July 4, 1963.

The bell atop the Tonganoxie City Hall pealed forth at noon on July 4, regardless of previously published reports it would not ring because it arrived with a crack in it back in the days of Mayor J.H. Driesbach (somewhere around 1910). In addition, it proved that the $125 originally spent on the bell was not wasted. Anyone in town could hear it sounding on July 4, and there was something about it that made us akin to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where they also have a cracked bell, but one that has been ringing OK for 197 years.

75 years ago: June 16, 1938

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday for Sam Oplinger, who died at the age of 68 on Monday.

Marjory Baer, 5-year-old daughter of Mrs. Margaret Baer, Neodesha, died Saturday following a mastoid operation. Mrs. Perry Walters, aunt of the little girl, was at the home during her illness and death.

Assessor’s figures show Tonganoxie with 961 population, and losses in each of the southern townships. There are some vacant farmhouses, but families are smaller in size. In some rural school districts, there are hardly enough pupils to maintain a school.

Mr. and Mrs. Francis McMett announce the birth of a son, June 13. Mrs. Mett was formerly of this neighborhood and will be remembered as Miss Hazel Allen. — Elmwood.

100 years ago: June 26, 1913

Thos. Chandler has just finished putting in an electric light plant at De Soto, and went down there yesterday to press the button that will light up that city for the first time.

The cornerstone of the new Catholic church at Hoge will be laid next Tuesday. Bishop Ward will conduct the ceremonies, which will begin at 9 a.m.

How things have changed in Leavenworth County. There are now 21 joint-keepers enjoying the hospitality of Sheriff Larkins. Some will depart this week, but some others are ready to take their places.

Ludwig Jensen, brother of David Jensen, died in Clarence, Mo., and was buried near there a week ago Sunday. The deceased lived in Tonganoxie for some years and about 30 years ago was a clerk in the store of Henry Metz.

A freak birth happened in the north part of town Sunday. A cat gave birth to a kitten with two heads and four hind legs and four front legs. The animal did not live.

Charles Kendall and Louis Plant captured the contract to rebuild the Friendship Valley schoolhouse last week, they being the lowest bidders. The contract is for $1,650 and the building is to be competed in 60 days.