Sports complex on track

HUMBOLDT — USD 258 Board members Monday night approved a lease-purchase agreement with Community National Bank to pay part of the costs of a new sports complex.
K.B. Criss, superintendent of schools, said lease-purchase proceeds, not to exceed $2 million, would pay for equipment and such things as sports fields, track and fencing. Cash on hand in the district’s capital outlay fund will pay for the buildings, including the stadium.
Construction of the sports arena at the east edge of town is on part of nearly 52 acres given the district by Joe and Jane Works. The Workses own B&W Trailer Hitches and are known for their community activism.
Land not occupied by sports fields will be set aside for later when a school may be built.
In addition to the ball fields, track and field event venues, the complex with have a stadium to seat 750 and a press box. In a 8,000-square-foot building will be concession stand, restrooms, storage and mechanical and electrical areas.
Board members also approved Criss’ recommendation to advertise for seating.
The anticipation is that the complex will be ready for use by the start of the 2013 football season. There is a chance baseball and softball fields may be completed by spring.

KAY BOLT, elementary and middle schools principal, told board members 97 percent of elementary students’ parents attended teacher-parent conferences, a number they found remarkable. At the middle school, attendance was 75 percent.
She also noted that 92 percent of sixth-graders made the honor roll for the first nine weeks. Other percentages were 83 for eighth-graders, 79 for seventh, 68 for fourth, 60 for fifth and 58 for third.
Bolt said 32 boys and 28 girls had signed up for basketball at the middle school, with practice starting this week.
John Johnson, high school principal, reported 56 percent of students’ parents attended parent-teacher conferences and 75 percent of students in his school were on the first nine weeks honor roll.
Basketball practice also started Monday at the high school, with 20 girls reporting for two-a-day sessions this week and 32 boys practicing once a day.
“We had a great crowd, 220, at the sports banquet,” Johnson said, adding that 120 attended a dinner theater production last Thursday.
Criss announced a $26,500 federal Clean Air Grant obtained through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which will pay about one-third of the cost of a new bus. An old high-emission bus will be retired and destroyed as a clean air requirement.

DAVID WELLS said the Recreation Commission, funded district-wide, would spend $1,200 on adult co-ed volleyball this winter, with equipment purchased going to the district at the end of the season.
New lights have been erected on a third baseball/softball field at the southeast corner of town and will be wired soon, well in advance when play starts next year.
In response to parental concerns about playing time in recreation football, Wells said commissioners voted to require each player to participate in at least five plays each half.
“We don’t want to discourage boys from wanting to play football later on,” Wells said.
Youth basketball practice will start in December with games beginning in January, he said.
The recreation group will sponsor Breakfast with Santa Claus at the Methodist Church Dec. 1, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Ellery Robertson will play the role of Santa.
“We think it will be a good time for the kids,” Wells said.