Marion County RECORD

City gives copies of atrazine lawsuit info to ag groups

In response to an open meetings and record complaint last week, the cities of Marion and Hillsboro have forwarded copies of documents to the Kansas Corn Growers and Kansas Grain Sorghum producers Associations supplied by a law firm asking them to join a groundwater contamination lawsuit against the manufacturer of the widely used agricultural herbicide atrazine. The associations complained last week that they had asked for but not received the documents, which allege health dangers associated with atrazine and which, the associations say, were reviewed by the two city councils in a join closed session before both cities agreed to join the lawsuit.

Child on bike is hit by pickup

An accident involving a pickup and a Marion Elementary School student occurred at 4:30 p.m. April 15 at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets, Marion. Aaron D. Unruh, 30, 1724 170th, Marion, was westbound on Main Street in a 1985 Ford pickup when Westin S. McFall, 5, 218 N. First, Marion, who was traveling southbound on Fourth Street on his bike, lost control and went into traffic, causing Unruh to strike McFall with his pickup.

Local veteran was squad leader in Vietnam

Henry Shockley spent less than a year as a foot soldier in the tropical jungles of Vietnam, but the experience produced effects that have lasted a lifetime. He was drafted in 1968 and was in Vietnam in 1969-70. He wrote about his experiences in the U.S. Army in a self-published novel titled, “Hearts: The Story of a Reconnaissance Squad Leader.”

Street construction update

Progress continues to be made on North Cedar Street and Eisenhower Drive, as construction crews remove and replace street surfaces. City Street Superintendent Marty Fredrickson reported work is on schedule.

Foundation promotes outdoor experiences, cabins

Even though Kansas Wildscape Foundation is not taking any more applications, of sorts, for new cabins, building cabins at Marion County Park and Lake or Marion Reservoir is not necessarily out of the question. Charlie Black, executive director of the foundation, told Marion Chamber of Commerce members Friday that funding had been raised to pay for 160 cabins around the state on state-owned property. Close locales include El Dorado State Park and Kanopolis State Park in McPherson County, he said.

Jail committee plans first meeting

The committee to create a proposal for a new Marion County law enforcement center will meet for the first time at 7 p.m. Thursday in the St. Luke Hospital basement. Sheriff Rob Craft organized the volunteer committee at the request of Marion County Commission. The committee will be asked to work under the assumption that Marion County needs to do something about the current jail situation, which could include a new facility, and will be tasked with determining the best options.

Marion officials reappointed

Following a 15-minute executive session for personnel, Marion City Council re-appointed city officials Monday as part of the annual designations. Mayor Mary Olson asked city administrator David Mayfield if he intended to retire any time during the year of his appointment. Mayfield responded he intended to serve his term.

Site good choice for demolition landfill

An existing quarry would be a good location for a proposed construction and demolition landfill, an engineer told Marion County Commission Monday. Existing pits at Martin Marietta Quarry, northeast of Marion, would ease Kansas Department of Health and Environment concerns about water, said Jack Chappelle of Engineering Solutions & Design of Overland Park.

Overrides REC board decision: Council allows boys to play on team

Babe Ruth baseball rules were changed a few years ago which resulted in a group of boys not being able to play together. Marion Recreation Commission, a volunteer board that oversees the baseball program, determined the boys should not be given an exception and should play with their appropriate age group. At the end of discussion, Marion City Council agreed the boys should play together and overrode the decision made by the REC board.

Chingawassa 2009: Hog feed popular, sustaining event

Chingawassa is an Osage Indian word that means “Handsome Bird.” Chingawassa should be the word for “community.”

Emma Allen

Emma Allen, 100, of Dodge City, died April 15, 2009. Born Oct. 9, 1908, in Kansas City, Mo., she was the daughter of John Henry and Christina (Hopp) Schimpf.

Dennis Rudolph

Dennis Rudolph, 70, of Peculiar, Mo., died April 17, 2009, at Research Belton Hospital, Belton, Mo. Born Sept. 21, 1938, in Hillsboro, he was the son of Matthew R. and Zella Wylie (Borton) Rudolph.

John Hybsha

John L. Hybsha, 77, of Newton, died April 16, 2009, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita. Born Sept. 28, 1931, in Barber County, he was the son of John and Mary Ellen (Axtell) Hybsha.

Leona Everett

Leona A. Everett, 94, of Hillsboro, died April 15, 2009. Born March 2, 1915, near Aulne, she was the daughter of Bert and Viola (Honn) Fox.

Alton Matz

Alton W. Matz, 81, of Lincolnville, died April 13, 2009, at his home. Born Oct. 15, 1927, in Lyons, he was the son of Ferd and Mabel (Olson) Matz.

Marion Police Department

April 5: An injury accident was investigated. Officers worked on reports. Response was given to a 911 hang-up. Supervision of community service workers was provided. Traffic stops were made. A civil standby was provided. April 6: School zones were patrolled. Traffic stops were made. Marion County Sheriff’s Department received assistance with a DUI. Officers worked on reports. A complaint of a door-to-door salesman was checked. Vehicle Identification Number inspections were provided. A non-injury accident was investigated. Officers worked on reports.

Accidents

Civil division

Criminal division

Deeds recorded

Domestic division

Jail bookings

Small claims

Traffic

Making education, recreation a part of sustainable agriculture

Educating herself and others about sustainable agriculture is one of the goals of Cara Martin’s grant-funded project, “Little Horses/Big World Sustainable Agriculture.” The Marion Middle School eighth grader recently received one of the first youth grants provided through the Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education (SARE) program sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Alfalfa weevils, pea aphids are moving in on crops

Area farmers are beginning to spray alfalfa fields to kill weevils and aphids that attack plants and destroy crops if not controlled. The alfalfa weevil was introduced into the U.S. from southern Europe. First discovered in 1904 in Utah, it now is present in all 48 mainland states.

Nothing personal

This community newspaper tries to do the right thing even though it may not be popular or much fun. We have to balance being the bearer of good news with all of the wonderful things that come to our communities and the bearer of the not so good news when there are problems.

Volunteers deserve thanks

This past weekend I went home so I could be there when my former scoutmaster, Rick Dean, received a national award from Boy Scouts of America. It was important to me to be there, because Rick was one of the most influential people in my life growing up. He took the reins as scoutmaster in my second year as a Boy Scout. Since then, he has given countless hours to provide a good program for the boys in Washington. Rick has continued to lead the scouts even after his sons lost interest.

Our voice in Topeka

Next week, legislature will re-convene for the wrap-up session (also referred to as the omnibus session or veto session). The one looming aspect for wrapping up — and revamping — will be the budget. In my first columns, I talked a lot about the budget, and it is still the biggest issue of the day. The consensus revenue reports came in last Friday, and we now know that revenue receipts received by April 15th (our taxes coming in) are down about $350 million more than previously predicted in November, and it appears we will have less than a $20 million cushion to start the new fiscal year in July. The governor planned on substantially more than that. We have to find $330 million in new money (translate that to raised taxes), or find $330 million more in cuts (spending reductions), or some mix of the two.

Random Thoughts

Do you know who Jim Lehr is? He probably is internationally known. The other night I turned on KPTS and there he was on Charlie Rose’s program. Besides being a well-known TV personality, he has written 20 or so books. Years ago, he attended the third grade here in Marion. In fact, he was a member of the same class as my daughter, Mary, and others. He and his family lived in the valley in an apartment. His father drove a bus from Wichita to Emporia. He picked up passengers at Marion Pharmacy, which was located on the bank corner. The bus was sort of a broken-down machine. They did not live here long and then moved to Wichita. I think he eventually attended Wichita West. Now you can see him any evening on national news on KPTS. He is well acquainted with many politicians and worldly people. His special hobby is writing novels. They are sometimes humorous and of ordinary people. His first book tells of living in Marion as a young boy.

CORRESPONDENTS:

ENGAGEMENTS:

MEMORIES:

MHS musicians get mixed reaction at state

Marion High School band and choir competed at State Music Festival for large groups April 15 at Bethany College in Lindsborg. Concert Choir received a II — “excellent” — rating from each of three judges, vocal director David Clark said. Judges said the choir members need to improve their facial expression and tone quality to move into the superior I rating.

Junior finishes off Panthers on mound for first victory

Wil Case found himself in some trouble. He had pitched 1.2 scoreless innings with his team leading 8-6. Now, the bases were loaded with only one out.

Junior becomes first female Warrior to win gold at KU Relays

Last week she set a school record on her home track. Now, she has done it in Lawrence. Marion High School junior Julia Zeiner’s triple jump this past weekend at the KU Relays in Lawrence wasn’t a school record, but she became the first female athlete from MHS to take first place at the relays.

Vondenkamp wins JV golf tournament

Marion High School golf team was in Herington April 9 and left with four medals. Freshman Jared Vondenkamp tied for first at the meet, while classmate Adam Molleker took third.

MHS softball duo coming through at the plate

Shelby Percell and Brooke Johnson know how to hit. Period.

From the Sidelines

The list of sporting events I have not attended is short. From the big three (baseball, basketball, and football) to the obscure (frisbee golf), I have seen a lot.

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