SOUTHERN PREBLE COUNTY — Parents of Preble Shawnee graduate Alec Haker report a nice but short visit with Alec and that the Marine is doing great. Stay safe youngman!

Trivia answers: West Street was renamed Ada Doty St. after long time educator and Sunday School teacher Miss Ada Doty; George Brothers owned and operated what now is CMJs in Camden. This week’s Bicentennial Trivia: What Gratis businessman was The Gratis Park on 122 at Brubaker Rd. named after? What longtime fire chief in Camden also managed Camden Hardware? Answers next time.

Engament: Zach Newton and Katie Cottingim. Congratulations!

Birthdays: Pam Combs, Klay Taylor, Jenn Webb, Clyde Dishman, Mitch Martin, Linda Nickel, Harley McGrill, Gerald “Jerry” Thomas #79!

Fundraisers a success: Camden Somers Fire Associations spaghetti dinner was a success profiting approximately$1,500 and the fish fry held to support the upcoming school levy campaign profited approximately $2,000. Congratulations!

Gratis Bicentennial: Still looking for street vendors,parade participants,memorabilia or history of any kind. Call 937-787-3728 for more info.

Achievement: Lacy Klapper a Preble Shawnee graduate and now Careflight nurse was recently recognized by Premier Health Group for her accomplishments. Lacy started as an EMT with Gratis and worked as an RN in the Emergency Room at Atrium Medical Center before becoming flight nurse on Careflight, she has since got her paramedics and C.E.R.N. certification. Lacy is the daughter of Lisa Ertel and Mark Cope.

Wedding: Jared Mendenhall and Karley Combs entered into holy matrimony Friday at The Mulhauser Barn in West Chester. The couple is planning a summer honeymoon. We wish them the best!

Thought of the week: Wanna give back? Call your local school and offer to pay a child’s lunch bill, a child has more to worry about than whether he can eat that day.

Quote: More money will come your way this week if you worked last week. — Unknown