February 2022

Wright Funeral Home opened in 1947 when Harold B.Wright and Elisabeth Wright purchased the Rusk Funeral Home, which had originated in Brookfield in 1888. Harold had begun working for Rusk Funeral Home in 1934.

On Feb. 22, Brookfield Police Officer Michael Martin (left) was awarded a Clinical Save Award. Brookfield Police Chief Joel Dixon (right) said he was told by a member of the Linn County Ambulance District this is only the third time this award has been given out in this area in the last 30 years. “Officer Martin received this award for his life saving efforts earlier this year when he assisted on a medical call. Officer Martin and former Brookfield Officer Austin Lucky were able to keep a young lady alive long enough before the ambulance arrived to provide the female with necessary medical care she needed,” Dixon said. “I am very proud of this young man for his continued dedication to the City of Brookfield and the Brookfield Police Department.”

Last week, Governor Mike Parson visited Grand River Welding Institute (GRWI) and the Linn County Area Career and Technical Center (LCACTC). Staff and students at GEWI spoke with the Governor and students demonstrated some of the key skills they learn. Parson spoke to those in attendance about jobs, workforce demands and education funding for skilled trades. On the afternoon of Feb. 15, Parson joined LCACTC Director Carey Smith, staff and students for a tour of facilities and he spoke to them about the importance of skilled trades and noted that the early childhood program is the first high school level facility he has toured in the state. Parson noted that he would like to see more schools across the state offering skills training to prepare high school-aged students for many high-demand jobs including child care, welding, health sciences, building trades and more.

In certainly a rarity and possibly a historic first, two Linn County high school wrestlers squared off against each other to decide an individual state-tournament championship last Saturday evening. The duel between seniors Jaden Abongo of Brookfield High (back to camera) and Mason Barnett of Marceline High to see who would be Class 1 170-pounds state champ not only was historic in nature, but classic in compoetition, as well. After Barnett took a 1-point lead with less than 10 seconds remaining in the final period, Abongo's efforts to escape prompted a penalty point assessment, sending the action into overtime, tied 4-4. In the final 15 seconds of the 1-minute, "sudden-victory"-format first overtime segment, Abongo eluded Barnett's attempt at a takedown and, quickly spinning around him, grabbed the MHS wrestler from behind while Barnett was still on the mat, giving the BHS grappler control and credit for a state-title-winning takedown and 6-4 triumph. (Martin Cupp/LCL PHOTO)