Free State winter formal set for 8 p.m. today

Free State High School plans to put the formal back in its winter formal.

The annual event, set for 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the high school, has been more casual in the past.

“It’s time to turn this dance around,” said Lexie Schmidt, Free State junior.

Fabric will be draped from the ceiling to create the ambiance of a dance floor; the circle tables will have centerpieces; and a winter world will be developed with hanging snowflakes, sparkling garland, lights, trees, and two snowmen to greet students at the doors.

When gliding up the walk, couples will be welcomed by the waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr. Throughout the night, couples will hear rap, pop, alternative, rock, jazz, country and slow songs.

“We want to meet the interests of everybody by providing a variety,” said Laura Picicci, Free State junior.

There will be a long-stemmed red rose raffle at the dance.

Students can buy tickets in advance for $4 and at the door for $5.

Lawrence High had its winter formal last Saturday.

Officer 43rd Fort Riley soldier killed in Iraq

Fort Riley — An officer from Fort Riley was killed Tuesday by small arms fire as he patrolled the streets of Baghdad, the Army said.

Capt. Mark N. Stubenhofer, 30, of Springfield, Va., was commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry, 1st Armored Division. He is the 43rd soldier from Fort Riley to be killed in Iraq since the start of the war.

This was his second tour of duty in Iraq. The regiment returned to Iraq in June after spending six months in Iraq in 2003.

Stubenhofer was commissioned in the Army in May 1996 and had been stationed at Fort Riley since March 2001.

There are approximately 1,100 soldiers from Fort Riley deployed in Iraq.

Community

Donations needed for holiday dinner

Kent Ely says he needs 35 turkeys, 25 canned hams and a few pies for this year’s Community Holiday Dinner.

“We’ve got the rest of the food taken care of,” said Ely, a spokesman for the committee that’s planning the big meal.

“Last year, we served 798 people,” he said. “We’re planning on 850 this year.”

Open to all in need, the meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25 in the First United Methodist Church basement, 946 Vt.

Donors are asked to call Ely, 760-2943.

“We prefer the food itself,” Ely said, noting donors will be asked to take their frozen turkeys, canned hams and baked pies to the church.

“If that’s a problem and they want to give money instead, they can give money to the church — just let them know it’s for the Community Holiday Dinner,” he said.

Bigg’s Bar & Grill, 2429 Iowa, and Maceli’s Catering, 1031 N.H., are donating their food-preparation services for this year’s meal.