Marion County RECORD

Road by Goessel causes concern

Billowing dust, chuck holes on every corner, slash-and-gash boulders rolling from the high center crown to steep-edged ditches, and washboards of every shape and size strategically aligned so that any driver who dares venture aboard must stay on high alert … it sounds like an expedition of Land Rover on the face of the moon, but it really is the reality that awaits drivers coming and going on the west side of the city of Goessel. One mile of 120th, from Alamo or State Street on the west edge of town to the McPherson County line, is the responsibility of Marion County to maintain, but patrons of the road are sick of traversing the disastrous road.

Man injured in collision

A man was airlifted Thursday to Wesley Medical Center after his tractor was sent rolling into a ditch on U.S. 56 in Hillsboro, when a semitrailer collided with a farm trailer he was towing. Marion County Sheriff Robert Craft identified the victim as David Krause, 64, of rural Marion. Krause was driving a Case International tractor eastbound on U.S. 56 near Vogt’s Hometown Market at 11 a.m., towing a long, empty four-wheel flatbed trailer. Krause was driving partially on the shoulder, Craft said.

Setting a world record isn't easy

Apparently, a lot of thought goes into setting a world record. Marion County Park and Lake Superintendent Steve Hudson outlined his plan for a record breaking marshmallow roast scheduled for March 24 at the Marion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Friday

Files stolen from Aging Department

A laptop computer, flash drive, and paper files were stolen from a vehicle of a Kansas Department on Aging employee in Wichita on Jan. 12. The department is attempting to notify customers of a potential breach to their personal and protected health information.

Esther Fisher

Esther R. Fisher, 88, of Hillsboro died Thursday at Pinnacle Park in Salina. She was born April 28, 1923, to Peter C. Janzen and Susie (Regier) Janzen.

Etta Mae Hartke

Etta Mae Hartke, 92, of Herington died Jan. 18 at the Medicalodges of Herington. She was born March 7, 1919, to Asa Eugene and Jessie Deronda (Lamb) Cheever on the family farm near Burdick. She was a homemaker and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lincolnville. She married Victor H.E. Hartke on Oct. 24, 1937, at her parents’ home. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1996. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ernest Cheever, Roy Cheever, and Harry Cheever; and a sister, Arlene Bragg.

Audrey Kukuk

Audrey Elizabeth Kukuk, 74, of Perry, Okla., died Jan. 13 at Perry Memorial Hospital. She was born May, 24, 1937, in Perry, to Chris and Anna Mae (Neureburg) Schieffer.

Bryson E. Mills

Bryson E. Mills, 75, retired attorney, mediator, municipal court judge, and racecar owner/driver died Jan. 19, 2012, in Wichita. For many years, he held the position of municipal court judge for many Marion County communities.

Weston Pitts

Weston Pitts, 78, died Jan. 21, 2012. He was a retired grocer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlisle and Myrtle Pitts; and a sister, Betty Austin.

Alice Ann Ulsh

Alice Ann Ulsh, 88, died Jan. 19, 2012, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born May 1, 1923, in Marion County to Dietrich and Anna (Schmidt) Klassen. She was a homemaker.

Shirley A. Wendt

Shirley A. Wendt, 77, of Herington died Saturday at her home in Herington. She was born Dec. 21, 1934, at her family’s home in Latimer to Edward F. and Frances E. (Kandt) Koepsel. She was a homemaker and worked as a dental assistant and as a clerk for Minion’s Dress Shop. She was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was an active member of the Ladies Aide and taught Sunday school.

Accidents

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds recorded

Marion police

Offenses reported

Traffic cases

Goat rescue is rewarding for Miller

Linda Miller loves her dairy goats. She loves others’ dairy goats too, and will not hesitate to rescue them, and their owners, from difficult situations, should the need arise. “Dairy goats have such great personalities,” Miller said. “They are so smart, so giving, and so loving. I just think they are the greatest.”

Buyers find unique Charolais genetics near Hillsboro

Wooden Cross Cattle Company is home to five generations of Schlehuber family members west of Hillsboro, and it is a destination point for buyers from around the country looking for top quality Charolais cattle. “Adversity can bring new opportunity,” said owner and operator Merle Schlehuber. “In the past we have sold a high percentage of our bulls to Texas customers but due to the extreme drought there, we have been challenged to open up new markets for our bulls.”

Hett's grandson keeps ranch going

The W.J. Hett Ranch, LLC, has existed for more than 60 years, ever since Walter and Jackie Hett were married in 1946. When Walter died in 1998, Jackie and their son, Steve, kept the ranch going. They worked side by side to manage the 300-head herd. “I couldn’t have done it without Steve,” Jackie Hett said.

County youths attend National Western Stock Show

Almost a dozen Marion County youths traveled to Denver, Colo., to exhibit animals and participate in a variety of agricultural contests at the National Western Stock Show in Denver last week. After months of preparation, Lisa and Lauren Geis, Bryce and SaRae Roberts, and Darren Mueller from the Hillsboro area went west to show sheep on the national stage.

Women's farm conference coming up

The annual ag conference for women will be Feb. 10 and 11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. Attendees may choose from more than 25 concurrent sessions exploring topics such as sustainable agriculture, business planning, financial management, markets, animal welfare, crops, water, weather, operating a home-based business, social media, and others.

Disaster loan deadline nears

The expiration date for filing applications for emergency disaster loans by farmers and ranchers in Marion County is Feb. 23. Those needing farm credit because of drought, excessive heat, and high winds from Jan. 1, 2011 through Feb. 23, 2012 and who think they are eligible for Farm Service Agency assistance, should make their applications at the FSA county office, 3020 W. 18th Ave. Suite A, Emporia.

Enrollment open for farm programs

Adrian Polansky, state executive director of the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Kansas, reminds producers that enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program and the Average Crop Revenue Election program began Monday and will continue through June 1. DCP payments are calculated using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Eligible producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute regardless of market prices. The 2008 Farm Bill states that no advanced payments will be issued for 2012. The entire DCP payment will be issued after Oct. 1.

4-H record books go to state competition

Several Marion County 4-H club members recently earned the honor of advancing to state competition with record books for projects completed in 2011. Bryce Roberts of the South Cottonwood club advanced with his sheep records, Karl Riffel of the Tampa Triple T’s in meat goats, and Ethan Oborny, Tampa Triple T’s in electricity. Jacob Dailey of the Goessel Goal Getters’ club moved on with two record book achievements in rabbits and photography.

Peabody couple loves bees

Noel and Debbie McSweeney like to grow things naturally on their six-acre farm near Peabody. They also pay attention to environmental issues and their impact on local agriculture. All of this, combined with an intense interest in bees and the production of quality honey, led the couple to pursue and gain “Bee Friendly” status with a statewide organization of beekeepers this January.

Tampa road project awarded

The final agenda item was the top priority Monday as bids from five contractors for the Tampa road project were opened at the Marion County Commission meeting. Lafarge Construction of Wichita submitted the low bid of $1,935,239 for asphalt overlay of 330th Road between Tampa and K-15.

City council approves power deal

Marion City Council approved a 20-year contract with Kansas Power Pool on Monday after a presentation by KPP operations manager Larry Holloway. Marion City Administrator Doug Kjellin said the agreement with KPP would save the city $18,000 a year compared to a short term contract.

6 file for election seats

Six applicants filed for two open Marion City Council positions before the filing deadline Tuesday. Steve Smith and Bill Holdeman currently hold the positions. Smith filed for the election.

Development director attends retreat

Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman attended the 20th Annual Retreat for Rural Leaders at the Barn Bed-and-Breakfast Inn near Valley Falls. The retreat was attended by 18 civic leaders statewide and was organized and facilitated by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The retreat was designed to rejuvenate individual spirit, expand peer networking, and discuss common rural issues.

County terminates demolition subsidy

A Marion County program to assist with costs for demolition disposal was terminated Monday by the Marion County Commission, over concerns the program was not meeting its original intent. The Marion County Waste Reduction Plan was intended to provide incentive for demolition of dilapidated properties by subsidizing removal of demolition waste.

Silver linings, cooperation

A recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows Marion County residents are among the lowest paid workers in Kansas, which is itself below the national average in wages. With average weekly earnings of $507, Marion County is 91st out of 105 counties and trails all neighboring counties except Chase County. The state average is $754 per week, very nearly 1.5 times what Marion County’s average is. The national average is $891 per week.

Improve the world

The other morning I brushed my left hand on my right arm, just below where it bends, and I noticed some slight pain. As I looked at my arm I noticed there was a bruise there. Instantly I knew what had caused the injury. A week earlier I had donated blood at the most recent blood drive here in Marion. I have been donating fairly regularly since I was a senior in high school. Oh sure I’ve missed a couple times, like when I got both my ears pierced in college, and then again for an entire year after I had the worst donation experience ever. (That’s a tale for a different kind of publication.) But over the years I have been fairly regular.

Timing

Sometimes timing is everything. My cousin Gail and I met only once in our lives when we were about 10. Later, as an adult, she began writing to me occasionally. Although I am the world’s worst correspondent, we kept in touch after a fashion. A few years ago, when she moved from California to Oregon, Gail obtained a phone plan with unlimited long distance minutes to keep track of old friends. After that, she called to chat now and then.

Brookens sorts opinions

During the second week of the legislative session, life seemed dominated by the tax matters before us. While Gov. Sam Brownback, in his State of the State address, also spoke about his school funding plan, state debt reduction, modifying the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, Medicaid, and water rights, most of us spent our time making sense of the facts surrounding his tax plan. We’ll likely get more information on the other matters in time. Conceptually, Brownback advocates reducing income taxes, not reducing sales or property tax, and he advocates permitting schools to substantially raise property taxes, district by district. The devil, however, is always in the details. We now have more facts about the governor’s tax plan but it is still not complete; however, there is no shortage of newspaper articles analyzing the significance of all the known parts of the plan. You can read the analysis of others in the Jan. 18 edition of the Topeka Capital-Journal online and other editions, and in the Wichita Eagle, including Sunday’s paper.

Customer service for cell phones lacking

When I went to Wichita recently to rectify the situation of a malfunctioning cell phone, the best-case scenario I envisioned went something like this: “Oh, Mr. Kleine, the screen of your Palm Pixi has stopped working. I see you have insurance. Let me get you a new phone. Actually, would you like an iPhone? We’ll give you the upgrade for free because of this inconvenience.”

Another Day in the Country

It was a perfectly innocent question. An inquiry. My daughter was interested, curious, wondering. She’d be leaving for California in a few days. Let’s look toward the future, plan our next outing, write on the calendar some doable date to make this parting-of-the- ways seem trivial. “Do you have any plans for your 75th birthday?” she asked. “Anything special?” I looked at her inquiringly.

Plett applauds agriculture

Agricultural producers are repeatedly told that consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. However, the real question is, do consumers realize how much they need farmers? As the exodus from the farm to towns and cities continues, more and more people are dependent on farmers for their sustenance.

Church plans annual Kansas Day celebration

The 12th Annual Kansas Day Celebration will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. A pioneer-style noon meal will be served by Eastmoor United Methodist Women. The menu consists of beef stew, homemade bread, tossed salad, and peach of apricot pie. Ann Birney of “Ride into History” will portray Julia Archibald Holmes, a Kansas who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. She was the first white woman to climb to the top of Pikes Peak. She wore bloomers for the ascent.

Marion piano students compete

Nicholas Davies, a piano student of Anita Hancock, and Nicholas Meyer, a piano student of Wanda Williams, will compete Feb. 4 at the regional piano festival at Bethany College in Lindsborg. Both students are from Marion.

Volunteer presenters needed

Butler Community College will be offering free classes on March 31 in Marion. If anyone would like to volunteer to present on a topic, share a skill, or teach a one-hour session, contact Butler of Marion at (620) 382-2183 as soon as possible to get on the schedule for the day.

Havlik celebrates 95 years

Laddie Havlik of Kanopolis will celebrate his 95th birthday on Sunday. He was born Jan. 29, 1917, near Bison, Okla., to Anton and Leopolda Havlik. Over his many years, he worked on ranches in Colorado, helped construct the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, and served in both the U.S. Army Engineers and Army Air Force before and during World War II.

Blosser excited about Elvis

Nothing puts more of a sparkle into Norma Blosser’s eyes than to talk about Elvis Presley. The 72-year-old Marion woman was born on Jan. 9, 1949, one day after Elvis’ fifth birthday. He died in 1977. Blosser grew up in Marysville and was 13 years old when Elvis produced his first record. Along with Pat Boone, he became her teenage idol.

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

WEDDINGS:

Tabor College hires vice president for advancement

Ron Braun of North Newton is the new vice president for advancement at Tabor College. President Jules Glanzer made the announcement Friday. Braun’s first day was Monday. “We are pleased that Ron is willing to assume greater leadership responsibilities for the benefit of Tabor College,” Glanzer said. “His genuine love for his alma mater is evident, and I look forward to working alongside him as the next chapter in the Tabor story is written.”

Local students make Cloud County honor roll

Taylor Nikkel of Hillsboro and Madison Chamberland of Marion have made the Fall 2011 Academic Honor Roll at Cloud County Community College in Concordia. To qualify, they had to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours of college coursework and achieve a minimum 3.6 grade point average.

Scholars compete in league meet

Marion High School varsity and junior varsity scholars bowl teams participated in the Heart of America league meet Jan. 18 at Moundridge. The varsity team struggled to a 1-7 record, with its lone win coming against Bennington, 40-30.

MES, MMS select spelling bee competitors

Marion Elementary School sixth-grader Colin Williams outlasted and outspelled 17 other students Thursday to win first place in the school’s qualifying round for the Marion County round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades were eligible to compete. Classes held competitions to determine who would participate in the spelling bee.

Students participate in Model U.N.

Five students from Marion High School stepped onto the world stage Friday as delegates to the Model United Nations conference at Wichita State University. The Wichita Area Model U.N. is a simulation in which high school students take on the role of international diplomats serving on U.N. committees. Students draft and debate resolutions on global problems from the perspective of countries they have chosen to represent.

Maloney selected for all-state band

Alicia Maloney, daughter of Brett and Mary Maloney of Florence, was selected as the contrabass clarinet player for the Kansas Music Education Association All-State Band. The KMEA All-State Band consists of the finest high school musicians from the state of Kansas.

Richmond named valedictorian

Lindsey Richmond of Marion was named valedictorian of the Esthetics class at Eric Fisher Academy. She participated in the Runway Show and Commencement ceremony Jan. 19th where she styled hair, makeup, and costumes for the show entitled, “Musee.”

Boys' team wins tournament

Three games, three wins, two by double digits, and the Marion Warriors convincingly laid claim Saturday to the championship of the Cougar Classic tournament at Centre. The Warriors faced off in the tournament final against Hope, which entered the game as the state’s top-ranked team in Class 1A-Division 2.

Lady Cougars defeat Hope

The Hope Lady Lions’ hope for an undefeated season ended Friday when the Centre Lady Cougars defeated them, 52-46, in the semi-finals of the CHS Cougar Classic. Going into the tournament, Hope had a record of 9-0 and was the top seed. Centre had a record of 3-6, and was seeded fourth.

Marion girls topple White City for first win

For the first time this season, the Marion High School Lady Warriors matched their will to win with on-court execution Saturday, and it paid off with a solid victory over White City, 36-29, in the Cougar Classic tournament at Centre. “It’s a whole lot happier locker room,” Marion head coach Randy Savage said. “None of them like to lose, and several take it very hard all the time.”

Centre boys finish sixth in tournament

The Centre High School Cougars won one game and lost two in the CHS mid-season invitational basketball tournament, finishing in sixth place. They had their best game Friday against Elyria Christian, winning 53-42. Ty Simons led the way with 21 points, followed by Justin Deines with 19.

Junior wrestling meet is Saturday in Marion

The Marion Junior Wrestling Rhino Rumble Novice Tournament is Sunday. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and should go into the mid-afternoon at the USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center.

Classifieds

Photos / top stories