The Centennial Committee of the Philip Chamber of Commerce is moving ahead with ideas and gathering manpower for the 2007 Philip Centennial.

“Where the sun kisses the earth” will be the theme for the long weekend in June of 2007. The committee will be helping with the planning and will be overseeing many different projects, though other organizations and individuals will actually be responsible for each activity.

More ideas and volunteers are sought.

Once again, the Angel Tree displayed in the courthouse is being sponsored by the Philip FCCLA.

The small angel ornaments have a note reading, “Take this angel and hang it on your tree. Leave an unwrapped gift – perhaps a toy, a stuffed animal or a new article of clothing – for any age of child under this tree by Friday, December 17.”

Last year, around 70 such gifts were left under the tree for children of all ages up to 14 years. Local church leaders, teachers and others distribute the gifts to families who may need the extra cheer during Christmas.

Katrina Gartner, E4 Specialist of the 92nd Engineer - Combat Heavy, spoke to Philip students on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 23 and 24.

Gartner will be returning to Iraq in late January or early February. Her new base will be in the northern part of Baghdad (the U.S. troops have renamed the sprawling city Camp Liberty). Gartner has been told to mentally prepare to stay for 18 months. Her job will be to drive a 4-door Humvee.