Marion County RECORD

HEADLINES

Council does not budge on atrazine suit
Richard Meisinger of rural Marion is facing a dilemma. He owns property that adjoins Marion Municipal Airport. The city has asked permission to enter his property June 20-21 during a Heart of America Free Flight Association remote control airplane competition to retrieve errant aircraft.
Photographer donates photo for auction
With wildlife and beautiful landscapes, right outside his door, photographer Ron Beeton has the perfect setting for his subject. The accomplished photographer has generously donated a photograph he took at Marion County Lake for Art at the Elgin Saturday at the Historic Elgin Hotel, downtown Marion.
Memorial Day services announced
Memorial Day services are planned at cemeteries in the area. Mount Calvary, Florence, will have an invocation and address at 9:30 a.m. with Father Hien Nguyen of Holy Family Parish presiding.
Prescription drug abuse on rise among young people
It is illegal to take a drug not prescribed by a doctor, and it is illegal to provide a prescription drug to someone for whom it is not prescribed. Dorothy Jochem of Regional Prevention Center of the Flint Hills presented a program about prescription drug abuse at the Interagency meeting May 8 in Marion.
Marionite has ties to abandoned Oklahoma town
As Thomas Wolfe said, “You can never go home again.” For Marion Police Chief and resident Josh Whitwell and his family, it is true, but pleasant memories remain.
Five-year-old is budding musician
Jaden Slifer plays T-ball, enjoys gymnastics, participates in Daisy Scouts, and is active in her local Awana group — all activities you might expect from a nearly six-year-old girl. She also can play the piano.
Advocate for child-care providers understands challenges
Being a childcare provider sometimes is a tough job but also can be one of the most rewarding jobs a person could have. Taking care of several children all day, five days a week is demanding.

DEATHS

Ava C. Ballew
Ava C. Ballew, 96, formerly of Wichita, died May 11, 2009 at Via Christi-St. Francis Campus, Wichita. She was a resident of Parkside Homes in Hillsboro for the past five years.
Irene Dunkleberger
Irene R. Dunkleberger, 86, died May 13, 2009. Born May 25, 1922, in Lincolnville, she was the daughter of Frank and Emma (Bezdek) Makovec.
Walter C. Lake Jr.
Walter C. Lake Jr., 82, of McPherson, died May 13, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, McPherson. Born Jan. 25, 1927, in Hope, he was the son of Walter C. Sr. and Myrtle (Baker) Lake.
Patricia Linder
Patricia Linder, 76, of Lamar, Colo., died May 11, 2009, at Prowers Medical Center in Lamar. Born April 30, 1933, in Marion, she was the daughter of Ed and Nettie (Rempel) Rittel.
Clara Kelsey
A memorial service for Clara Grimes Kelsey will be at 2 p.m. May 29 at Marion Christian Church, with the Reverend Carl Helm officiating. Burial will be at Marion Cemetery.

DOCKET

GOVERNMENT

New street assessment will be reviewed
The City of Marion will move forward in the bidding process of curb, gutter, and a hard-surface street on South Roosevelt, which currently is gravel. Marion City Council instructed city administrator David Mayfield to begin the bond process, not to exceed $100,000, for construction, the sale of bonds, and financial adviser fees for the project.
Taser among arsenal of Marion Police Department
These days, when law enforcement officers are faced with the decision of apprehending a fleeing suspect, using a gun with bullets is not always the best decision. Using a taser gun with electrical darts may be.
Storm knocks out some 911 capabilities
Marion County dispatchers had limited abilities during the weekend, director Michele Abbott said Monday at Marion County Commission meeting. A power surge during a thunderstorm Friday knocked out 911 phones, as well as other equipment. Dispatch used administrative phones during the weekend, but they did not display extra information from 911 such as address.
Tampa delegation seeks asphalt road
Marion County Commission met Monday with five Tampa businessmen who seek to have an asphalt road into town. Stan Utting, David Mueller, Craig Settle, Chris Costello, and Tampa Mayor Jim Clemmer outlined reasons why 330th Road from Tampa to K-15 should be asphalt. The road currently is gravel.
Marion City Council discusses work sessions
Marion Mayor Mary Olson asked Marion City Council to choose a vice mayor Monday but did not want to do it as it had been done in the past. Instead of making a verbal motion, she wanted council members to write down their choices on pieces of paper, secretly, with the results being read by the city clerk.
Marion City Council considers battery-powered sirens
More information will be forthcoming in the future but it looks like the City of Marion will be able to afford battery operated tornado warning sirens. City administrator David Mayfield reported Monday that five sirens could serve the entire city at a cost of nearly $60,000.

OPINION

Scammers work overtime
It happens over and over, coming in cycles where we may receive a half a dozen or more calls in one day. It is worse than unwanted telemarketers are because these scammers are using a disability to get their feet in the door.
A day like no other
For just one day, I would like to see and hear no cell phones. Now, I have nothing against cell phones. I have one that I use a few times a day. Many families only have cell phones instead of traditional house phones.
Pat Wick: My people
A friend was telling me the other day, about her adopted granddaughter — a mixed race child — who requested an unusual graduation gift. She asked her parents to find her birthparents so she could meet them. This introduction turned out to be a pleasant event. She was most fortunate, because they don’t always turn out that way. Subsequently, she decided to move to the community of her birthparents. “I’m going back to my people,” she explained. She wasn’t abandoning her parents. She loved them, kept in touch but “my people” supplied something that had been missing in her life.
Random Thoughts: Life is full of mysteries
“I love a mystery.” Remember when that program was on the radio? My son would take his evening supper, go sit right in front of the radio, and go into another world. I guess we all are intrigued with a mystery. Actor Tom Hanks is performing in the movie, “Angels and Demons,” and it has a lot of mystery. A couple of years back there was a similar movie, “The DaVinci Code.” Both have to do with the Catholic church. I read the book and found it very breathtaking. Tom Hanks is probably the leading male actor these days. He’s good in it but not heart breaking handsome like Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart and other male actors of the 1950s.

PEOPLE

VFW auxiliary makes donations
The women’s auxiliary to Ecker-Fulkerson-Slifer VFW 6958 of Marion met May 12 at the post home. There were 12 members in attendance, which was conducted by Donna Kreutizger, president.
Neo-Century Club selects project
Neo-Century Club met for its annual end-of-the-year dinner with spouses May 4 at Hilltop Manor. It was a catered meal. After the meal, spouses were dismissed and vice president Shirley Carlson led a business meeting. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. A treasurer’s report was presented.
Sunshine Preschool celebrates school year
Students of Sunshine Country Preschool ended their school year with two celebrations. A musical program was presented by students who will return next year to the preschool May 12 at Central Park. Following the program, certificates were presented and a picnic.
ENGAGEMENTS:
Thies-Penrod
CORRESPONDENTS:
Senior Center, Tampa
MEMORIES:
10, 25, 35, 50, 60, 100 years ago

SCHOOL

'Grease' earns four nominations for MHS
Marion High School drama department was honored Wednesday for its production of “Grease” with four nominations for the Jester Awards, presented by Music Theatre of Wichita. The musical earned a nomination for outstanding production number for “Born to Hand Jive.”
Classroom rewarded with Hope Floats
Imagine numerous quart jars with change. Now imagine $650.41 of coins in those jars. For two weeks, Marion Elementary School students were given the challenge of filling the jars with coins as part of Marion County Relay for Life fundraiser.
History comes to life at MES
It has been a part of the Marion Elementary School curriculum of second graders for many years, studying North American heroes and U.S. symbols. Second grade teachers Shannon Cooper and Susan Hall matched students, and their personalities and interests, with famous heroes including former presidents, first ladies, astronauts, aviators, athletes, and writers.
Hodson chosen for summer engineering institute
Marion High School sophomore Patrick Hodson recently was selected to participate in the Kansas State University College of Engineering Science and Summer Institute (ESSI), June 1-5. The program is for high school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year and have a strong background in math and science.
Marion Lions Club awards scholarships
Marion Lions Club Community Service Award is awarded annually to two MHS seniors who plan to further their education in college or vocational institutions. The criteria for the award is based on the amount of service the recipients provided to the community. Recipients are Colleen Tajchman and Matt Thierolf.
USD 408 sets dates for 2009-10 school year
Marion/Florence USD 408 students will begin school Aug. 18. The first break for students will be Nov. 25-27 for Thanksgiving.
MHS students honored
Marion High School students were recognized May 13 and Sunday at commencement exercises. The following scholarships and special awards were acknowledged. Calvin Ray Hett Memorial Scholarship: Brad Klenda. FFA Alumni Awards: Brad Klenda and Mark Kukuk. J.L. and Ada Fruechting Memorial Scholarships: Colleen Tajchman and Camille Christensen. Tampa State Bank Scholarship: D.J. Gore and Colleen Tajchman. Corey Darrow Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Thierolf. Marion Lions Club Community Service Awards: Matthew Thierolf and Colleen Tajchman. PEO Chapter DB Scholarship: Camille Christensen. St. Luke Hospital Scholarship: Camille Christensen and Colleen Tajchman. Chris Hauser and Sons Performing Arts Awards: Lucy Collett and Matthew Fine. Dean Pippin Memorial Scholarship: D.J. Gore. Marion High School Endowed Scholarship: Adam Regnier. Stephen Bowers Memorial Scholarship: Hector Cardenas. Doug Regier Memorial Scholarship: Mitchell Leppke. Kansas Farm Bureau Scholarships: Adam Regnier and Mitchell Leppke. Butler Community College: Amanda Richmond. Hillsboro American Legion: Amanda Richmond and D.J. Gore. Kansas State University at Salina: Adam Svoboda and Levi Anderson. Citizenship Award for Senior Male and Female: Mitchell Leppke and Lucy Collett. Dale M. Dennis Excellence in Education Award: Mitchell Leppke. Art Awards: Emma Hett, Matt Fine, and Kathy Goering. Photo Awards: Brooke Johnson, Kayla Nickelson, and Emily Rogers. MHS Scholar’s Bowl: Matt Thierolf, Sam Ehrlich, Eric Vogel, Derek Stuchlik, E.J. Obermeyer, and Patrick Hodson. FCCLA Awards: Kayla Williams, creed, District 6, STAR event, silver medal; Tori Schmidt and Tristen Snelling, District 6, STAR event, “Promote and Publicize,” silver medal and gold medal for state STAR event. FCCLA Officer Awards: Schmidt, president; Bea Holub, vice president; D.J. Gore, secretary; Kristen Geis, treasurer; Katie Maag, public relations; certificate of excellence: Heather Fine and Snelling; certificate of participation: Kayla Nickelson, Jack Crayton, Mary Britton, Shayna Britton, Royce Ross, Colleen Tajchman, Chassidy Carlson, Macy Hess, and Emily Rogers. 2009 Letter-winners: Seniors, Katie Maag and Lucy Collett. Juniors, Brady Hudson, Brooke Johnson, Kristen Geis, and Alex Eurit. Sophomores: Tim Costello, Tristen Snelling, Landon Leiker, Sarah Guetersloh, Emily Hett, Michael Kirkpatrick, and Derek Stuchlik. Freshmen: Annie Whitaker, Beth Nesser, and Caroline Collett.

SPORTS

Warrior boys run away with league track championship
Marion High School track and field athletes could be dealing with sore necks after Friday’s performance. A league championship for the boys and second-place finish for the girls at Sterling High School brought some heavy hardware their way.
Warriors fall to Beloit in second round
They sure did make him sweat it out. When the ball finally landed in shortstop Corey Seacat’s glove, Marion High School head baseball coach Shaun Craft had his first regional victory and the team’s first since 2005.
Gordon, Warriors are regional golf champs
Winning has become the norm for Marion’s Luke Gordon this season. The senior won four tournaments this year, but the biggest so far in his career came Monday with a regional championship.
CHS place second at 1A regional golf tourney
In a repeat of last year’s performance, Centre High School golf team was runner-up in the 1A regional golf meet Monday at Marion. Centre hosted the event. Led by junior Heath Hill, five of the six team members finished in the top 15 among 31 competitors. Hill scored 81 in 18 holes, behind Tommy Smith of Hartford, who shot 79.
MHS softball season comes to an end
Chassidy Carlson gave Marion a 2-0 lead Monday with a two-run single in the bottom of the first inning, but it was all the offense the team could muster. Hillsboro freshmen Courtney Weber and Franny Gottsch shut down the Warrior bats the rest of the way, en route to a 12-2 first-round regional victory at Marion.
Track and field results

OUTDOORS

Marion County is the place to be for fun
This weekend, Peabody is the place to be to memorialize those who gave their lives serving our country. Operation Celebration: The 1940s, sponsored by Peabody Main Street Association, will have displays, demonstrations, parade, and farmer’s market beginning Saturday, downtown Peabody. Go to www.peabodymainstreet.com for more information.
Lakes make improvements in offseason
Staff at lakes in Marion County were busy in the offseason making facility improvements in preparation for upcoming events. Marion County Park and Lake During the winter and spring, Marion County Park and Lake made several improvements.

Marion County RECORD

Richard Meisinger of rural Marion is facing a dilemma. He owns property that adjoins Marion Municipal Airport. The city has asked permission to enter his property June 20-21 during a Heart of America Free Flight Association remote control airplane competition to retrieve errant aircraft.

Memorial Day services are planned at cemeteries in the area. Mount Calvary, Florence, will have an invocation and address at 9:30 a.m. with Father Hien Nguyen of Holy Family Parish presiding.

As Thomas Wolfe said, “You can never go home again.” For Marion Police Chief and resident Josh Whitwell and his family, it is true, but pleasant memories remain.

Jaden Slifer plays T-ball, enjoys gymnastics, participates in Daisy Scouts, and is active in her local Awana group — all activities you might expect from a nearly six-year-old girl. She also can play the piano.

Being a childcare provider sometimes is a tough job but also can be one of the most rewarding jobs a person could have. Taking care of several children all day, five days a week is demanding.

Ava C. Ballew, 96, formerly of Wichita, died May 11, 2009 at Via Christi-St. Francis Campus, Wichita. She was a resident of Parkside Homes in Hillsboro for the past five years.

Irene R. Dunkleberger, 86, died May 13, 2009. Born May 25, 1922, in Lincolnville, she was the daughter of Frank and Emma (Bezdek) Makovec.

Walter C. Lake Jr., 82, of McPherson, died May 13, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, McPherson. Born Jan. 25, 1927, in Hope, he was the son of Walter C. Sr. and Myrtle (Baker) Lake.

Patricia Linder, 76, of Lamar, Colo., died May 11, 2009, at Prowers Medical Center in Lamar. Born April 30, 1933, in Marion, she was the daughter of Ed and Nettie (Rempel) Rittel.

A memorial service for Clara Grimes Kelsey will be at 2 p.m. May 29 at Marion Christian Church, with the Reverend Carl Helm officiating. Burial will be at Marion Cemetery.

These days, when law enforcement officers are faced with the decision of apprehending a fleeing suspect, using a gun with bullets is not always the best decision. Using a taser gun with electrical darts may be.

Marion County Commission met Monday with five Tampa businessmen who seek to have an asphalt road into town. Stan Utting, David Mueller, Craig Settle, Chris Costello, and Tampa Mayor Jim Clemmer outlined reasons why 330th Road from Tampa to K-15 should be asphalt. The road currently is gravel.

More information will be forthcoming in the future but it looks like the City of Marion will be able to afford battery operated tornado warning sirens. City administrator David Mayfield reported Monday that five sirens could serve the entire city at a cost of nearly $60,000.

It happens over and over, coming in cycles where we may receive a half a dozen or more calls in one day. It is worse than unwanted telemarketers are because these scammers are using a disability to get their feet in the door.

For just one day, I would like to see and hear no cell phones. Now, I have nothing against cell phones. I have one that I use a few times a day. Many families only have cell phones instead of traditional house phones.

The women’s auxiliary to Ecker-Fulkerson-Slifer VFW 6958 of Marion met May 12 at the post home. There were 12 members in attendance, which was conducted by Donna Kreutizger, president.

Students of Sunshine Country Preschool ended their school year with two celebrations. A musical program was presented by students who will return next year to the preschool May 12 at Central Park. Following the program, certificates were presented and a picnic.

ENGAGEMENTS:

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

Marion High School drama department was honored Wednesday for its production of “Grease” with four nominations for the Jester Awards, presented by Music Theatre of Wichita. The musical earned a nomination for outstanding production number for “Born to Hand Jive.”

Imagine numerous quart jars with change. Now imagine $650.41 of coins in those jars. For two weeks, Marion Elementary School students were given the challenge of filling the jars with coins as part of Marion County Relay for Life fundraiser.

Marion/Florence USD 408 students will begin school Aug. 18. The first break for students will be Nov. 25-27 for Thanksgiving.

Marion High School track and field athletes could be dealing with sore necks after Friday’s performance. A league championship for the boys and second-place finish for the girls at Sterling High School brought some heavy hardware their way.

They sure did make him sweat it out. When the ball finally landed in shortstop Corey Seacat’s glove, Marion High School head baseball coach Shaun Craft had his first regional victory and the team’s first since 2005.

Winning has become the norm for Marion’s Luke Gordon this season. The senior won four tournaments this year, but the biggest so far in his career came Monday with a regional championship.

Staff at lakes in Marion County were busy in the offseason making facility improvements in preparation for upcoming events. Marion County Park and Lake During the winter and spring, Marion County Park and Lake made several improvements.