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CHAMPION—December 3, 2007

        When Champions rally for a good cause it is always a splendid occasion.  So it was on Saturday the first of December when people gathered from surrounding communities for the benefit of Skyline teacher, Lannie Hinote.  It was a very entertaining evening and by the time it was over event organizer, Sharon Woods, had transformed herself into a first class auctioneer.  With lines like, “It’s only money,” and “You know he’s going to bid again,” she was able to draw top dollar for the many items on the block.  Those things included a great number of pies and cakes donated by Lannies host of friends, her family, and so many members of the community who just recognize her contribution to the future and understand the difficulties she is facing.  Additionally merchants from Champion to Cabool, including Ava, Norwood, and Mountain Grove, contributed goods and services that Sharon deftly parleyed into money.

        Young Doug Dobbs, a Skyline fifth grader, was the lucky ticket holder who won the pony donated by Buzz Woods.  Arlene Petty who lives down the hill over on the Bryant donated a beautiful patriotic quilt which was also disposed of in a drawing.  There were door prizes on top of a hearty bowl of chili—an all around good deal.  Lannie was surrounded all evening by well wishers, friends and family.

        During an intermission in the auction, the popular bluegrass group, The Kellys, from Norwood entertained.  They have all know Lannie and the Hinotes for years.  (That sounds like another singing group!)  They did a variety of tunes including some favorite sacred songs, some hot standard bluegrass, and some original pieces like “Whooptee Do!” written and performed by Bridget (Kelly) Lawson.  When Clayton called from the stage for bids to see him dance with Robert Upshaw, the auction was closed in a matter of a few short minutes!  Robert barely had time to get his boots off and his pink and white crochet hat on before the capers started!  All attempted photos came out a blur!  They are spectacular photos, however, and available for view by request at Champion News.

        There is a Champion who wants to know who donated the pink portable sewing machine to the silent auction.  It is quite a substantial piece of machinery and the new owner is interested in its history.  Please e-mail or drop a note to Champion Items, Box 367, Norwood 65717 with any information about it.  Anyone wishing to participate in this wonderful benefit after the fact can contact Helen at Skyline at 683-4874 or at Skyline School, Rt. 2, B ox 486, Norwood, MO 65717.

        On Sunday afternoon young Foster handed his Granddad a stick and said, “Let’s go hunting, Granddad.”  His Granddad said “OK,” and asked what they would be hunting.  “Deer and moose!”  So off they went and Foster called out “Goodbye, everybody!  We’re going hunting!”  Soon they were way out in the Pretend Woods and Foster saw a big one!  “Pow Pow!” he shot.  His Granddad said, “Well, now that you’ve killed it, how are we going to get it out of these woods?”  Pretty soon they sat down on some pretend logs to think about it and decided to sing a song instead.  It was quite a successful hunting trip anyway you look at it.  Some Champions looked at it through the moist eyes of sentimental grandparents.  So sweet!

        Friday and Saturday the 1^st of December, the Skyline VFD hosted a class on Vehicle Fire Fighting.  It was quite a big deal and drew firefighters from all around.  It turns out that one of the Ozark Firefighters who came over for the class has a Champion connection!  His cousin is Charlee Smith.  He was ‘wowed’ to hear of her hunting exploits, but was not surprised.  Champion observers were ‘wowed’ by the scope and quality of the class presented by a professional firefighter out of Jefferson City.  Saturday was a cold, windy day and the volunteers might well have enjoyed being inside watching football.  In stead they endured the conditions to take advantage of the situation to gain the knowledge necessary to keep the community safe.  They are all Champions!

        Another Champion is Specialist Kyle Reece, 24, who died in a vehicle damaged by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.  His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachutist’s Badge.  He is survived by parents, a wife and two children.  They are all Champions and have the Love and Gratitude of their Nation.

        It was with no small sense of chagrin that certain Champions realized that the ‘time capsule’ that was put together by the Douglas County Sesquicentennial group over in Ava for the Bicentennial Celebration to be held there in 2057, had found its way into the ground with no article representative of the Champion Spirit!  Alas!  Busy Champions say that the philanthropic fervor of citizenry obscured the calendar and allowed that ship to sail without them.  The CPC (Champion Parade Committee a.k.a. Champion Planning Commission) has been called upon to take the matter under advisement toward the end of a possible Champion Time Capsule.  Champions are urged to voice opinions on the matter, or to offer suggestions  by the US Postal Service or by e-mail.  They can be dropped off or spouted off at Henson’s Store on the North Side of the Square where refugees from Spotted Hog or Homesteaders are welcome anytime to watch civic zeal in its purest form.  Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!