Posted Friday, June 29, 2007
The City of Auburn Police Department has a new ride. Literally! Three Auburn businesses (who wish to remain anonymous) donated the funds to purchase a Trek Police Bicycle. This is the same type of bike used by Topeka and Fort Riley police to patrol streets.
Deputy Chief of Police Dave Gowan is the only rider for now and his goal is to ride 10 miles per night. Gowan said the bike is specially designed to be quiet. He laughed about how many cats he has scared already in his rides around town, as well as teenagers. He also was amazed at how many shortcuts there are through town that are not big enough for a police car. So, in some ways, it is easier to move around on versus the traditional car unit.
Gowan pointed to the fact that the bicycle is much cheaper than buying a second police car and would allow the department the option of patrolling two officers at the same time. It also offers a savings in fuel costs on the nights when he is riding versus driving the police car. He is also excited about the exercise (believe it or not).
The bicycle cost $900. The three businesses contributed $1160. The department has purchased helmet, gloves, and lights with the leftover money.

Posted Friday, June 29, 2007
Auburn Presbyterian Church VBS Goes Into Orbit
The Auburn Presbyterian Church sanctuary became a satellite orbiting the earth as over 60 kids and 30 volunteers joined the fun of Vacation Bible School on June 11 - 15. The theme for the week was SonForce Kids: Special Agents for God.

The Bible verse from Joshua 1:9 was used to remind everyone to 'Be Strong and Courageous'. The missions for each day were: Trust in God's Plans, Unite with God's People, Train for God's Service, Follow in God's Path, and Lead Others to God. Bible lessons, crafts, music and games helped the kids learn how Moses, Esther, Daniel, Jeremiah and Joshua were strong and courageous.

Of course, each day also included a snack of delicious homemade cookies donated by the congregation.

Donations of nonperishable food, paper products and $97.65 were collected for the Topeka Rescue Mission.

The week ended with parents, family and friends attending a closing program on Friday followed by a picnic for everyone.
-Julie Copp, Auburn Presbyterian Church

Auburn 4-H Members Win Awards
Auburn 4-H member Brenna Koch, daughter of Tim and Gina Koch, was awarded the Frank W. and Gwen Romine Jordan Scholarship at the Emerald Circle Banquet in Manhattan. In addition to the state scholarship, she was also chosen as a state project winner in Family Studies.

Andrew Koch, son of Tim and Gina Koch, was chosen as a state project winner in Electric.
Andrew Thomas, son of Walter and Melinda was a state runner up in Forestry.

For winning the state awards, Andrew Thomas and Andrew Koch will represent Kansas at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia in November.

Shawnee County Fair 4-H Deadline is July 2nd
The deadline for the 4-H entries for the Shawnee County Fair is July 2nd. All entry forms can be taken to the Extension office at 1740 SW Western in Topeka. The Open Division is open to the public and pre-entry in only required for Animal dress-up and Scarecrows. A copy of the fair book can be downloaded at www.oznet.ksu.edu/shawnee.

Class of 1986 Where Are You???
The Washburn Rural High School class of 1986 is working on their 21 year reunion and are looking for several classmates including many who grew up in the Auburn area. If you are a member of the Class of 1986 or know someone who is, send an email wrhsclass1986@cox.net for information about the reunion.

HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER EARNS STATE AWARD
Washburn Rural High School math teacher Jolene Ricard was recently named one of three state math finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching are the nation's highest honor for mathematics and science teaching. They are presented to educators who show a high degree of knowledge, innovation, skill and leadership. During a ceremony earlier this month at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, three mathematics educators and three science educators were named state finalists. Each of the finalists receives a $500 award and will go on to compete for a national finalist title. Two educators from each state, one in the area of mathematics and one in science, will be named national finalists next spring. Each of the national finalists will receive an unrestricted award of $10,000.

SUMMER CAMPS PROVIDE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES
Soon incoming kindergartners will have a chance to experience and explore what it's going to be like to be in Kindergarten with a summer Sneak Peek Kindergarten Camp.
Dates are:
July 9-13
July 16-20
July 23-27
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Location: Wanamaker Elementary, 6630 SW 10th Street
Teacher: Janice Black
 
The Shawnee County Recycling Department has placed a recycling bin on the north side of the Auburn Apple Market after removing the bins previously located at the Auburn Community Center. However there is only one bin for newspaper, plastic, & aluminum & tin cans. There are no bins for cardboard or glass as there had been at the Community Center location.
 
 
 
 
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