Vol. 115, No. 27 $1 THETHE NORTONNORTON TTELEGRAMELEGRAM WEBSITE: nwkansas.com 10 PAGES Wednesday Tribute to a coaching legend July 1, 2020 By: SCOTT SANSOM In 1951, Jake enlisted into the Unit- of men in college, asking about trouble fell in love with Norton almost im- [email protected] ed States Army. He served his country with the wrestling team. He explained mediately after they arrived, and never During any conversation about the in the Korean War in 1953 and was a to her that there had been some rule- had a desire to leave. No matter what Briefly wrestling program at Norton Com- proud member of the Kansas Nation- breaking in the “pigpen”, the nickname happened, Norton was truly Jake’s munity High School, it is inevitable al Guard and Army Reserves for 27 for the dormitories where scholarship home and he was not afraid to show the name Jake Durham will come up. years. Durham wrestled in college and students lived. Naturally, she won- that. Over his 34-year career at NCHS, Adobe House tours With a coaching career eclipsing three earned an individual national champi- dered if Jake had been in the middle of Durham brought home six state titles decades, Durham became a legend onship under the legendary wrestling it, but the dean assured her that Dur- and numerous second or third place set for July 4 known not only to all Bluejay sports coach Harold Nichols, when Nichols ham was the voice of reason among his state trophies. Over a 27-year span fans, but nationwide. Those who had began the wrestling program at Arkan- fellow athletes and was only hoping for (1958 to 1984), he coached 24 teams Prairie Dog State Park would like the privilege to know Jake quickly saw sas State. Years ago, Jake noted “I not details of their shenanigans. She notes to a place in the top ten. Along with to invite the public to tour the Adobe that he was a strong leader with a huge only had the privilege of being a mem- how much this story described Jake, this, his wrestlers won 40 individual House located in the park. Open heart who loved his family, his com- ber of his wrestling team, I also had the because he was always trying to help state championships and 35 individual visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to munity, and his country more than any- distinction of being his first wrestler. those around him improve themselves. runner-ups. His profound successes 6 p.m. On July 4 for those that would thing. From Durham alone, one would There has never been a greater coach In the fall of 1955, Durham moved earned him a place in both the Kansas like to take a step back in history. never know the extent of his great and a finer gentleman in the world ofto Norton, Kan. with his loving wife, Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of successes in his coaching career, nor athletics.” His wife, Ruth, remembers Ruth, and their infant son in tow. In Fame and the national wrestling coach- would they understand the legend sur- how Jake was always willing to help the beginning of his career as the head es’ Hall of Fame. Though he did have a rounding him. Jake was a humble man his coach with anything that needed wrestling coach, Durham struggled to previous teaching job, Norton was the Hospital announces who spoke less of himself and his suc- done, and how if someone needed a bring home a win for Norton. How- only place J.R. coached wrestling and cesses, and instead was more interested job done, they would always ask him ever, his love and passion for the sport his family would like to express deep holiday hours in discussing those he cared about, as because he would follow through and of wrestling, as well as his new home gratitude to the community for allow- well as his immense love for the com- get the job done right. Ruth also fondly were steadfast, and he was never dis- Norton County Hospital business and munity he called home. remembers getting a call from the dean couraged. Ruth remembers how Jake (Tribute - Continued on Page 5) administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, and the Norton Medical Clinic will be open until 12 p.m. Also, the Norton Medical Clinic will not have Fourth local COVID-19 case announced its regular Saturday morning clinic on July 4. By LISA HERMAN on May 2, and the third confirmed caseto prevent the spread of COVID-19: needs. [email protected] was announced on June 10. All three avoid non-essential trips and stay home Norton County residents can stay On Sunday evening, June 28, the residents are now considered to be re- except for essential travel; wash hands informed by visiting www.norton- Telegram office to Norton County Health Department an- covered. Recovered cases are those in frequently with soap and running wa- countyhealthdept.org, www.kdheks. nounced the fourth case of COVID-19 which confirmed-positive COVID-19 ter for at least 20 seconds; and if you gov/coronavirus, or http://www.cdc. be closed Friday in a Norton County resident. The patients have completed isolation, have do need to go out in public, ensure you gov/coronavirus. For general informa- Health Department is in the process had significant improvement of symp - maintain a distance of six feet from tion, contact the KDHE phone bank at The Norton Telegram office will be of contacting any close contacts of the toms, and have gone 72 hours fever- other people. If you are experiencing 1-866-534-3463 or email COVID-19@ closed Friday, July 3 to celebrate the free with no fever reducing medication. symptoms such as a cough, fever, or ks.gov. You may also contact the Nor- Independence Day holiday weekend. positive case. The definition of a close contact is being within six feet for 10 As of 1 p.m. on June 24, 122 peo- other respiratory problems, call your ton County Health Department at 785- Come visit us at our new office down minutes or longer. ple have been tested for COVID-19 in healthcare provider first to determine877-5745 or email leslie@nortoncoun- the hall from the old office. The Health Department announced Norton County. if testing is needed. If symptoms are tyks.gov. the first case of COVID-19 in a- Nor The Norton County Health Officer mild, do not go to the emergency room ton County resident on April 30. The and Norton County Health Department as this resource needs to remain avail- Markets second confirmed case was announced are still recommending the following able for those with the most critical Monday, June 29, 2020 Wheat . .$3.80 Milo .......................$3.16 Norcatur Methodists disaffiliate from the local church Soybeans ...................$7.45 Corn ......................$3.01 By CAROLYN KELLEY-PLOTTS meeting, passed a resolution that would funds. The only other requirements from Markets Courtesy of Norton Ag Valley Co-Op [email protected] allow churches to leave the denomina- • Norcatur is a changing community. the leaving churches are to return any Since 1885, there has been a Meth- tion and keep their property. There is a mixture of different faiths, fees due the conference and to remove odist Church in Norcatur. However, Mr. Strevey said when that resolu- backgrounds and cultures. It seemed any signage or symbols associated with citing doctrinal differences and a heavy tion passed, it opened the door for Nor- important to become a non-denomina- the United Methodist Church. Weather bureaucracy, church members hope to catur to seriously consider leaving the tional church. A new charter is being drawn up and Wednesday - Sunny with a high near 93. disaffiliate from the United Method- conference, but that was not a decision • In the last five years, the number a mission statement has been created. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday ist Church conference and become the made lightly. of children in the area has risen to 40 It reads: “We will be the people of God Night - Mostly clear with a low around Norcatur Community Church. “I’ve been a Methodist all my life,” or 50. Young families have moved in. doing Christ’s work in the Norcatur 63. Thursday - Mostly sunny and hot with Ten years ago, when Pastor Ed he said, “and I grew up in this church. The community needs a church for the area.” a high near 98. Thursday Night - Partly Woods assumed leadership of the Nor- But the bureaucracy and red tape had future. Pastor Woods will remain serving cloudy with a low around 65. Friday - catur church, he also ministered at the gotten so bad, everything had to go • The need to address the homosex- the Clayton and Jennings churches. His Sunny with a high near 95. Friday Night Almena and Clayton United Methodist through a committee.” uality issue. It’s been divisive and a last sermon at the Norcatur church was - A 20 percent chance of showers and churches. Since then, his duties have A congregation meeting was held distraction. The church leadership has Sunday. thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy evolved and now his churches include May 17 at the church, conducted by been dealing with this issue for the last “This is a great group of people,” he with a low around 64. Saturday - Mostly Norcatur, Clayton and Jennings. Don Hasty, district superintendent for two years. It’s more what’s been left said. “I have enjoyed my entire time sunny with a high near 93.