Weekly News

Pictured: The Original Griggs Cemetery on Phelps Ditch Road, east of Beardstown, has come back from brush and weeds, to be visible from the road. Local residents who made the project a reality were: landowners Butch Hobrock and Dick Spears; Nick Brasel, Steve Weishaar, George Buck, Tom Brown, Myron Thompson, Kim and Matt Logsdon, and Logsdon Tug employees—Tom Spears, Tim Meyers, Bill Farmer, Ryan Logsdon. (l-r) Lovekamp, Treadway, and Thompson mix cement to build foundations for fallen stones. Marla Blair/Star-Gazette

Old Grigg Cemetery restored

By Marla Blair / Star-Gazette editor ... It started as a search and find mission, to see what was lying beneath the weeds and scrubby brush. It turned into a labor of love, and a very visible display of respect for those who have come before us. The specific site is on Phelps Ditch Road, and is referred to as Original Grigg Cemetery, in books documenting old cemeteries in Cass County.

But, for over a year-and-a-half, the men who cleared the brush, repaired and re-enforced the footings, and oversaw the 19th century graveyard referred to it as “Treadway”—because the majority of the tombstones mark the final resting place of members of that family. Other names include Dunn, Bell, Bath, and Brown.

For a long time landowners Edwin “Butch” Hobrock and Dick Shear, who farm the ground around the old cemetery, knew there was something different about the untamed plot which thrived on the edge of the cornfield.

The tail end of an irrigation unit had inadvertently watered a patch of tangled weeds and short trees on the side of a field for years. They decided to clear the spot and utilize the space. Their inclination was correct. When brush was moved, they found a collection of forgotten stones that filled a gap in a local family’s records.

In January 2008, this reporter visited the cemetery with Dale Lovekamp, and saw the emerging stones. Carlos Treadway was also involved, and joined Lovekamp as an advocate for the site’s care.

Treadway’s great-grandfather and other ancestors are buried there, and he has a family newsletter which talks about the family reunion being held at the site. But, somehow attachment to the cemetery was lost as time passed.

It took several men, lots of equipment, and twenty- three 80 lb. bags of cement to rid the site of unsightly growth, upright the fallen stones, and create a visible final resting place for almost two dozen people from the past.

As Dale Lovekamp stated, “It would be sacrilege if you knew it was here, and did not do something to make it right.”

Cargill recognizes truckers for animal care

Cargill recognizes truck drivers for their dedication to animal well-being as they transport hogs from producers to Cargill Pork harvest facilities. Rewarding truck drivers for proper animal handling is one of the eight animal well-being initiatives the company announced earlier this year. Over 100 trucks arrive daily at the Beardstown site.

Decreasing the total number of fatigued animals that arrive at Cargill’s plants is something processors like Cargill, and producers strive to do. Carriers are a vital link between producer and processor. By maintaining and preparing their trailers properly, and overseeing the loading of the hogs at farms, carriers can have a positive impact on the animals’ welfare.

To recognize individual truckers, Cargill Pork created the Trucker Buck program. Trucker Bucks resemble dollar bills, but have a truck and trailer on the front, and come in various colors. Trucker Bucks are accumulated for redemption to obtain items available in a catalog.

To further recognize livestock carriers for superior performance, Cargill developed the “Trucker Challenge.” The Trucker Challenge is a program that monitors truckers at each plant to determine what carriers have the lowest instances of non-ambulatory animals. The carriers are separated into four volume categories based on the number of hogs they deliver per year. The ratings of the top carriers are posted once per quarter, and carriers are recognized twice per year during Trucker Recognition Days. Monetary awards are given to the top carriers in each category.

As a result of these programs and others, Cargill Pork’s harvest facilities have noticed a marked difference in the dedication of all involved, resulting in continued improvement in animal well-being.

Cargill acknowledged and celebrated the success of these programs with a Trucker Appreciation Day on June 17 in Beardstown. By working together to improve the well-being of animals in their care, employees and livestock carriers are making a difference.

...With liberty and justice for ALL

By Richard Middaugh / For the Star-Gazette ... When I think of the flag of the United States of America, my country, and Independence Day, I think of my creator, maker of heaven and earth. I thank him for my forefathers, for giving me this great land.

...“With liberty and justice for all,” I think of those who have fallen, those who answered the call.

...“One nation, under God, my country ‘tis of thee,” for without my creator, freedom would not be free.

I would never assume anything or take anything for granted. Our forefathers had a dream. They created a nation that we would all be united. They had a great cause, and the seeds have been planted.

For this great nation stands on its own and takes nothing for granted. As we celebrate July 4th, let us remember those still fighting to this very day.

Freedom’s here! Freedom’s there! Freedom’s everywhere!

~Richard Middaugh, a life-long resident of Beardstown, is a poet who contributes material with special regard to patriotism, veterans and remembrances.

Local community celebrations for 4th of July
Beardstown Roy Roberts Park
All events, contests, and activity will take place at the park

9 a.m. - Girls T-Ball (Rice Field).

10 a.m. Smile Bike Race -Contact Dennis Reiley 323-9747, for men and women, helmets required.

11 a.m. - Boys T-Ball (Rice Field); Water fights - coordinated by Beardstown Fire Department.
1:30 -3:30 p.m. - Kid's games (free). Prizes for all; Guitar Hero Contests (9 - 12 yrs.), (13 and above); Obstacle Course (10 & over); Greased Pig contests.

2-4 p.m. - Bucket Brigade.

3 p.m. - Children's Tricycle Race 4 & under; 16-20" Bike races 5-7 yrs. & 8- l0 yrs. Winners receive tricycle or bike. Helmet required . 3:30 p.m. - Celebrity giant tricycle races.

4 p.m. - Billy Goat Bingo.

4:30 p.m. - Cutest Baby Girl & Cutest Baby Boy (1 & under); Cutest Toddler Girl & Cutest Toddler Boy (2 & 3 yrs.); Little Miss Liberty (ages 4 to 6); Little Mister Firecracker (ages 4 to 6). Registration from 3 to 4 p.m. Contact Christi Paul, 323-9492.

5:30 p.m. Patriotic Pet Contest. Division 1–Dogs. Division 2–All other pets. Registration for pet contests will be 4:30 to 5 p.m. Children’s and animal contests partially on patriotic costume. 6 p.m. Talent Contest. Division 1–12 yrs. and under; Division 2–13 to 18 yrs.; Division 3–Adults. Prizes per division: First $50, Second $25, Third $10. For information on these contests, contact Grace Hermetet, 323-5332; Lisa Evenson, 323-4081.

7:30 p.m. Abraham Lincoln Look-A-Like Contest. To enter, call Dennis at 323-9747 or Toni at 323-9476.

8 p.m. Boots and Lace country music.

9:30 p.m. Scouts flag raising, National Anthem, Elks fireworks.

For additional information on activities, or to set up a stand or booth, contact Toni Weller, 323-9747; Jerry Brown, 323-5211.

Pleasant Plains—Chicken dinner ($7) or hot dog meal ($3), 5 to 8 p.m., at the firehouse. Fireworks at the high school.

Triopia football field—Annual fireworks display at dark.

Cass County Fair schedule for July 13-18

The Cass County Fair is around the corner. Fair books are available at local businesses, including the Cass County Extension Office, 651 S. Job, Virginia.

Monday, July 13

8-9:30a.m.: 4-H and Jr. Home Economics Check-in. 9 a.m.: Dog Obedience Show (show ring); Cloverbud Circletime (stage). 10:15a.m.: 4-H Conference Judging (by club): River Valley-10:15a.m.; Lucky Charms-10:30 a.m.; Clover Clan-10:45 a.m.; Indian Creek-11:15 a.m.; Ashland 4-H and Circleville-11:30 a.m.; Union Corner-11:45 a.m.; Virginia Ag-12 Noon; Philadelphia-12 Noon.

Jr. Home Economics judging resumes after lunch.

Tuesday, July 14

7 a.m.: All breeding swine, sheep and goats to be in place.
8 a.m.: Horse Show Registration; Weigh Sheep, Poultry exhibits to be in place.
8:30 a.m.: Weigh breeding swine.
9 a.m.: Poultry Show. All Cattle to be in place.
9:30 a.m.: Horse Show, followed by Heartland Saddle Club Show.
10 a.m.: Weigh Steers. Sheep Breeding Show, followed by Wethers and Goats.
5-8 p.m.: Market Pen and Fryer Rabbits in place.
6:30 p.m.: Little Miss Cass County Fair Contest.
8 p.m.: Cass County Fair Queen Contest and Cass 4-H Royalty.

Wednesday, July 15

7:30 a.m.: All other rabbits in place.
8 a.m.: Rabbit Show, Breeding Swine Show.
2 p.m.: Livestock Judging Contest (follows Swine Show).
6 p.m.: Pedal Pull, followed by Pool Party at the Virginia pool (FREE and open to the public).
9 p.m.: Family Movie Night (FREE).

Thursday, July 16

7 a.m.: All Market Swine in place. Scan sheep and steers for Carcuss Class.
7:30 a.m.: Weigh market swine.
10 a.m.: Beef Breeding Show, followed by Steer Show
6 p.m.: Kids Games (Greased pigs/bale bucking).

Friday, July 17

8 a.m.: Swine Showmanship Contests, followed by Market Swine and Barrow Show.
Noon: Projects released from Home Economics Building.
5 p.m.: Cass County Idol Contest.
7 p.m.: Idol Finals.

Saturday July 18

8:30 a.m.: Livestock Plaque Presentation.
9 a.m.: Sale of 4-H Livestock.
11 a.m.: Livestock Buyers Appreciation Dinner.
7 p.m.: Demolition Derby in the arena ($8-13 yrs. & older; $5 for 3-12 yrs.)

There is no admission charged to enter the fairgrounds.

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Updated 7/1/09

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