Movin’ around Leavenworth with this, that...

What on earth is happening at Ables Field? Actually very little!  A lot of dirt was moved into the area to level the field with the idea that the property be put on the market in the future. When it is listed for sale, it will be listed with Coldwell Banker, Reilly and Sons Realtors. Steve Kaaz of Kaaz construction told me that there was a lot of dirt available from Second Street, near the asphalt site. It was simply added to the east part of the football field. There are approximately 14 acres of land there. Not all of it buildable. Steve told me that it is hoped the site when sold will bring a new business with jobs to Leavenworth.

There are NO plans currently to tear down the arch. Hopefully a future buyer will understand the significance of that structure.
The Catholic School System uses the football area on a year-to-year agreement, and will continue to do so until the property is sold. When funds are available to the local Catholic school system, a new footfall complex might be constructed south of the building on Muncie Road.
In my opinion, it made a lot of sense for the Catholic School System to acquire the former Muncie School area. The students there can and do go to the chapel at the University of Saint Mary for Masses. Perhaps in the future, the City of Leavenworth might improve the intersection of Fourth Street Trafficway and Poplar Streets, to facilitate truck movement.
Talking to Steve was very interesting, as the businesses, Kaaz Construction and Lexico have been a major force in the many structures of Leavenworth. For example: Jerry’s Lake at the former County Infirmity. That was built over a weekend.  Other examples are numerous, but that is another column.
Another topic of conversation is what will happen to the area at Fourth and Chestnut where the former high school, and East Junior High stood. The First Methodist Church owns that site. As you most probably know, the demolition is complete. The land has been seeded, and grass is starting to grow. No construction is planned at this time, and most probably nothing will be built for at least a year. The Methodist congregation will select an architect later, and decided just what type of building needs to be constructed. 
The annual Saint Patrick’s Parade was a huge success, lasting over one hour in duration. The committee, headed by Darlene Kenney and her family with volunteers are to be commended.There were few students involved due to the spring break, but a special mention needs to be made in reference the Warren Middle School band. The instructor, Jaye George had her wonderful students in the parade, with a vest rather than a band uniform. They were the only students that I saw in the parade, which is a shame, but because the parade was on a Saturday during spring break, I understand. My hat is off to Ms. George for her efforts.
In 1954, the City of Leavenworth celebrated its 100 birthday, and the parade(s) were held in June. I was a member of the 1954 graduating class, and we marched in that parade. All of us were out of school, and in fact, the seniors had graduated, but we marched in that parade: the Centennial Parade. Our band uniforms had been turned in, so our director, George Berentz suggested that we wear Western garb. We did! Cowboy hats, jeans and Western shirts with bandannas were our uniforms.  For pictures and information reference the  activities, the book by  J. H. Johnston III, Hundred Year Hurrah is available at the Book Barn, and the Corner Pharmacy.
 
Annie Walker Johnston (LHS Class of 1954) is a Leavenworth resident and wife of the late J.H. Johnston III, former Leavenworth Times publisher.
Copyright 2012 Leavenworth Times. Some rights reserved.