In the December 29, 2010 issue

You kept us going another year

     We are very grateful to you – our readers and advertisers and the local artists who contribute photos, stories and poetry – for keeping La Conner Weekly News in business.

     As we head into 2011, we thank you, our community, for helping us through 2010.

     Thank you La Conner. We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

     Sandy and Cindy

A gift of masters and mystics

Photo by M. Sharon Baker

 Museum benefactor Paul Gingrich stands next to “Interior Blue,” a painting by Walter Isaacs.

By M. Sharon Baker

When a museum hosts a significant show or collection, it has become customary for the museum to ask the artist or collector to donate a piece to enhance the museum’s collection.

So when Paul I. Gingrich Jr. agreed to show his collection of Northwest works from prominent artists including Guy Anderson, Morris Graves, Mark Tobey, Richard Gilkey, and many others at the Museum of Northwest Art, he was prepared for the promised gift request.

And he instantly said no.

What he said next surprised MoNA’s Lisa Young, curator of the permanent collection, and Greg Robinson, then executive director.

“I will give you the whole collection,” Gingrich told them.  Read about MoNA's biggest gift in today's paper.

 It was snowing this morning... 

     Writer Sue Phillips missed the December dark and drizzle because she and her husband, Barry, have been vacationing in Hawaii all month. They're due back in time to see the white stuff falling out of the sky. In today's paper, Sue shares a story she heard about Makana Mountain on Kauai.

 Makana Mountain in Hawaii -- Photo by Sue Phillips

Meanwhile, here in town ...

  Photo by Bill Stokes

 The swollen Swinomish Channel submerged the intersection of Conner Way and Sherman Street again on Tuesday. The town was not in danger of sea flooding, though, since the extreme high tide was not accompanied by a storm surge.

In the Police Blotter: Read about the guy who called the cops to see whether he was wanted for burglary ... 

   The paper is in news stands all over town and at the drug store, gas station, book store, produce market and liquor store. Or subscribe and stay out of the snow and have the paper delivered to you.

Weekly La Conner High Sports capsule, Dec. 29, 2010

Braves Raves

By Amylynn Richards

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

The boys took on 3A League Sedro Woolley, which – thanks to the Braves, now have four losses this season.  The Cubs are 2-4 overall, and 1-3 in their league.  The Braves and Cubs were equally matched the first quarter, and then the Braves pulled away to lead entire game, with a half-time score of 39-30, and final score 63-44. 

“The entire team played well defensively,” said Coach Scott Novak, “especially Garrett Wilbur and Kyle McKnight.”

Team highlights: Landy James, 18 points; Sten Mejlaender, 13 points; Spencer Novak, 12 points; Mike Wilbur, 7 assists. 

The Braves are 4-2 overall and 2-0 in league.

The boys will play next on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at Mount Vernon Christian, starting at 7:30 p.m.

WRESTLING

The co-ed wrestling team competed at the Mount Baker invitational on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Sixteen teams from all leagues competed; four of the teams from the larger schools sent their junior varsity teams.

“There were 16 wrestlers in most of the weight brackets,” said Coach Mike Compton.  In smaller leagues such as the Northwest 1A/2B league, it is unusual to not have at least one win by forfeit, which means the other team does not have an athlete to compete in that weight class.

La Conner finished 14^th, and brought home third place in the 285 lbs. division, thanks to junior Cameron Wischhusen. Brandon Drye finished in fifth place in the 215 lb. class; two athletes place seventh: Ben Harper at 119 lbs; and Austin Wischhusen at 189 lbs.; and Amber Drye won her match by pin in the 171 lb. class.

Mike Compton reports, “It was a pretty tough tournament and we had a few wrestlers under the weather, so we’re hoping that the little break at Christmas will see them come back strong.

The Braves have a home match tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the old gym against Mount Vernon High school and on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. at home against Burlington Edison.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

The girls took a break from competition over the school vacation, but will go to Mount Vernon Christian on Tuesday, Jan. 4 to play the Hurricanes at 6 p.m.  On Thursday, Jan. 6, the sophomore team will play Lummi at home at 7 p.m.

Clear your calendar for the big game at home on Friday, Jan. 7 as La Conner takes on the Darrington Loggers at 6 p.m. Dinner is covered, if you buy supper at the concession stand.

ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL

The schedules and rosters for the 3 on 3 elementary league will come home via backpack the first week of January.