Marion County RECORD

HEADLINES

Buy festival buttons now, save $10
The time is drawing near when advance sale of buttons for Chingawassa Days June 5-7 in Marion will end. Buttons are $25 in advance through Sunday. After that, buttons are $35.
Fallen soldiers honored
The greatest love anyone can show is to give their life to protect others, Jesus told his disciples. American soldiers embody that love whenever they risk their lives, Rev. Josh Wesner said Monday during Memorial Day services at Marion Cemetery. Wesner is pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Marion.
Auction raises money for youth center
Marion Youth Advancement Committee raised The fundraiser included a silent auction of elementary students’ donated artwork in the afternoon and a live auction of other donated pieces in the evening.
Historic Elgin back in business
It took two and one-half years, but Jim Cloutier has reopened the historic Elgin Hotel. Visitors toured the renovated bed and breakfast Saturday during the Art at the Elgin fundraiser for Marion Youth Advancement Committee.
Paraplegic cycles through Marion
On a hot, windy Thursday, Kenny Herriot rode through Marion County on a cross-country trek to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Herriot, a record-holding wheelchair athlete, is riding for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The charity, named after cancer victim Alexandra Scott’s original fundraiser, supports research of childhood cancer.
Large crowd celebrates CHS 50th anniversary
Approximately 400 people attended a banquet Saturday at Centre High School to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary. They were joined by countless others who came earlier to tour facilities and take part in class reunions. CHS is newer than many high schools, but it is unique in the history of the state because it was one of the first new high schools to be built to consolidate students from several rural towns. It opened its doors in the fall of 1958.
Lost Springs alumni celebrate anniversary
While Centre High School was celebrating a 50-year milestone Saturday, Lost Springs High School alumni were holding their tri-annual meeting at Centre Elementary School in Lost Springs. They were commemorating the 51st anniversary of the last graduating class in the spring of 1958. The school year 1957-58 was a transition year from the old to the new. That year, while the CHS facility was being built, the Lost Springs school building housed Joint Rural High School District #11 North and included students from Ramona and Burdick.
Local dairy goat show focuses on youth
Dairy goat shows are common throughout the country, but the annual Pride of the Plains show at Hillsboro is unique because it is geared toward youth. The 2009 show was Saturday in Hillsboro. According to co-coordinator Jennifer Stultz of Hillsboro, the show was established five years ago, but this is the first year it was officially sanctioned by the National Dairy Goat Association (NDGA). She said it is the only sanctioned youth show in Kansas.
Teens carry crosses as sign of faith
It was an unusual site — seeing a group of teens walking along Main Street, two of them carrying large wooden crosses. Passers-by stared, some with their mouths open in wonder.

DEATHS

William Davis
William E. Davis, 85, of Marion, died May 24, 2009, at his residence. Born May 28, 1923, in Keystone, Mo., he was the son of William S. and Ethel M. (McGrew) Davis.
Irene Deason
Irene Fern Deason, 70, of rural Marion, died May 21, 2009, at her residence. Born Feb. 21, 1939, she was the daughter of Lester and Ruby (Warndorf) Libertus.
Donald C. Gillet
Donald C. Gillet, 76, died May 18, 2009, at Legacy Park, Peabody, Born Jan. 8, 1933, in Marion County, he was the son of Roy and Hester (Clark) Gillet.
Johanna Kaiser
Johanna Kaiser, 107, died May 21, 2009, at Medicalodge in Herington. Born Dec. 7, 1901, in Ramona, she was the daughter of G.H. and Eva (Beisel) Brunner.
Del Leeds
Del Leeds, 58, of Florence, died May 21, 2009, at St. Luke Hospital, Marion. Born Jun 19, 1950, in North Platte, Neb., he was the son of John and Ella (Winters) Leeds.
Ida Svitak
Ida Rose Svitak, 92, of Pilsen, died May 19, 2009, at her daughter’s home in Marion. Born Sept. 21, 1916, in Pilsen, she was the daughter of Adolph and Christina (Stika) Rudolph.

DOCKET

GOVERNMENT

School districts handle financial crisis differently
Marion County school board members were faced with difficult decisions when it became apparent Kansas legislators were reducing funding to districts for this school year and the 2009-10 year. Marion USD 408 was the only school district that did not cut back on programs or personnel.
Marion police officers respond to various calls
May 3: Officers worked on reports, a street light list for the industrial park, and a non-injury accident. They responded to an injury accident at Green Acres MX Park, made a DUI arrest, assisted a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy with a traffic stop, and found an open business door. May 4: Officers patrolled school zones, conducted traffic stops, arrested an individual on a warrant, worked on reports, ran radar on North Roosevelt Street and West Main Street, and conducted Vehicle Identification Number inspections.

OPINION

A job well done
What a magnificent building! Those were the first thoughts that ran through my mind Saturday afternoon when I entered the Historic Elgin. I had followed the progress of Jim Cloutier and his team of workers — from shell to showplace.
Readers offer scam solution
There were several readers who called and offered information after the publishing of an editorial last week about a scam. Readers believe the scammers that were mentioned were trying to get e-mail addresses. For those who missed it, the newspaper office had been inundated with calls from bogus advertisers who want to run classifieds for free dogs. They use a stolen credit card number to purchase the ad and then readers are to answer the ads through an e-mail address. My question was, “What does the scammer gain by doing this? The ads cost only a few dollars.”
Random Thoughts: Elgin lives again
No angels and demons for Marion! Well, there are angels. We do have them. We have some wonderful buildings of which to be proud. There is the beautiful auditorium and the wonderful gym and pool. We are mighty proud of them. Now we have the Elgin. It adds to our culture. Those old guys who built the building back in the 1800s or early 1900s, now that must have taken a lot of courage. A few years back it was falling apart. We felt so sad to see it go. Then out of the blue, Van Anderson appeared and took it on. He did a great job in restoring it, making it into some very nice apartments. But wait, that’s not the end. Just out of the blue sky again, here came Jim Cloutier. He had a great dream because he has turned the interior into something beautiful and gorgeous. The furnishings are so attractive and fitting. There is a wonderful staircase. Every part of it is beautiful. There is a bed and breakfast, a beautiful dance floor, and a wonderful dining room.

FARM

Agency offers crop loan program
With the onset of the wheat harvest season, there may be some producers who wish to explore options for obtaining low cost financing needed to pay upcoming expenses. Commodity Credit Corp. (CCC) administers commodity loan program, which is an option that producers may want to seriously consider in their financing plans. This program is a nine-month term loan disbursed to eligible producers for grain quantities that are harvested and stored on the farm or in warehouse elevators. Those producers interested in a farm-stored type loan must agree to comply with specific Kansas farm loan policies. The quality of farm-stored crop loans must be maintained during the entire term of the loan as the producer is held responsible for any value losses due to quality reasons. Producers applying for elevator-stored loans can only receive assistance on those quantities secured by a warehouse receipt.

PEOPLE

Collett family gathers for annual camp-out
Descendents of Henry and Ethel Collett gathered at the family farm for the 16th annual camp-out. Family members began arriving Thursday for camping and enjoying the beautiful farm nestled at the foot of the Flint Hills. Many camped in tents or campers, joined in hot dog roasts, and spent time playing in the creek. More family members arrived on Sunday in time for a potluck dinner of grilled hamburgers and five gallons of homemade ice cream.
Reception planned for Hamm anniversary
Gus and Mildred Hamm of Tampa will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary June 7 at the First Baptist Church, Durham. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a reception that will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Durham.
Mehlingers to celebrate 50th anniversary
Robert (Bob) and DeLoris Mehlinger of Kansas City, Mo., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary June 7. DeLoris Reed and Bob Mehlinger were married June 7, 1959, at Valley United Methodist Church of Marion.
Cases to celebrate 60th anniversary
The family of Rosse and Janice Case of Marion requests a card shower in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary. Rosse B. Case and Janice M. Socolofsky were married June 12, 1949, at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion. The couple has resided in Marion during their married lives.
Rhodes, Smith exchange vows
Molly Ann Rhodes and Tyler James Smith, both of Marion, were married at 5 p.m. Dec. 20, 2008, at Eastmoor United Methodist Church of Marion with Pastor Michael W. Eurit officiating. The church was decorated with red and white poinsettias, greenery, and candlelight.
ENGAGEMENTS:
Montgomerys announce daughter's engagement
CORRESPONDENTS:
Living center news: Everyone enjoys cookies, Sassy Senior Moments: Flowers enjoyed by non-green thumbs, Burdick news: Commencements abound
MEMORIES:
10, 25, 35, 50, 60, 100 years ago

SCHOOL

Centre schools release honor rolls
Centre High School and Junior High School recently released honor rolls for the second semester of the 2008-09 school year. CENTRE HIGH SCHOOL HIGHEST HONORS Seniors: Kirsten Johnson. Juniors: Ksenyia Vynohradova. Sophmores: Brian Burhoop, Jacob Jirak, and Allison Shields. Freshmen: Theo Kassebaum. HONOR ROLL Seniors: Kacey Hanschu, Savik Howard, Adam Kristek, Joshua Leach, Selia Makovec, Leann Pankratz, Matthew Ryff, and Danielle Tajchman. Juniors: Shelby Deines, Benedikt Seemann, and Carlye Simons. Sophomores: Amanda Floyd, Ripley Howard, Tyler Klenda, and Cole Svoboda. Freshmen: Shane Methvin. HONORABLE MENTION Seniors: Nathan Barney, Konley Harding, Nichole Potocnik, and James Weber. Juniors: Zachariah Antoszyk, Derek Calvert, Alex Hajek, Jacob Jennings, Josie Peterson, Samantha Seifert, Seth Stroda, Trevor Troutt, and Quentin Wacker. Sophomores: Tanner Brunner Casey Kristek, Adam Matz, Katie Remy, Victoria Schill, Diadra Turner, and Benjamin Wirtz. Freshmen: Max Kemble. CENTRE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL HIGHEST HONORS Eighth graders: Carrie Carlson, Justin Delnes, and Jerami Slayden. Seventh graders: Makenzie Deines, Amy Makovec, Chad Mueller, Ty Simons, Grant Srajer, Bryanna Svoboda Terren Thompson, and Timothy Vinduska. HONOR ROLL Eighth graders: Rebekah Basore, Kylie Beeler, Oaklan Jenkins, Kodey Johnson, Ellie Miller, Thomas Oborny, Genesis Rudolph, Houston Svoboda, Anna Weber, and James Wyatt. Seventh graders: Mickey Brubaker, Kyle Methvin, Braden Pagenkopf, Karlton Riffel, Nicholas Salamone, and Cacey Simons. HONORABLE MENTION Eighth graders: Mikayla Antoszyk, Cory Brunzell, Dylan Svitak, and Dallen Thompson. Seventh graders: Yvonne Calvert, Kristy Laing, Molly Mercer, Kaylenn Miller, and Tanner Peterson.
Marion-Florence FFA hosts Ag Awareness Day
Marion/Florence FFA Chapter held its 10th annual FFA Ag Awareness Day May 11 at the Marion transportation department. The chapter invited third graders from Marion and Hillsboro elementary schools. Approximately 100 students participated in the activity.
Marion-Florence freshmen take fourth at contest
A team of freshmen agriculture education students from Marion High School placed fourth May 13 at the South Central District FFA Freshman Ag Mechanics contest at Chaparral High School. Colten Johnson placed fifth and Jared Vondenkamp placed eighth at the contest.
CHS Junior Josie Peterson qualifieds for state
Centre High School junior Josie Peterson was the lone track team member to qualify for the state tournament this weekend. Peterson placed fourth in shot put at the 1A regional at Madison, with a throw of 28 feet, 11 inches.
Cassie Bolton graduates from KSU School of Veterinary
Virgil and Anita Weber of Marion attended the graduation ceremony of their granddaughter, Cassie Bolton, May 15 from Kansas State University School of Veterinary. Previously Cassie received an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida at Miami in marine biology.
Caitlin O'Dell graduates with honors
Norman and Vivian Mueller of Hillsboro attended the pinning and graduation ceremonies of their granddaughter, Caitlin O’Dell, May 16 at Research College of Nursing, Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. The Marion High School graduate graduated with honors, summa cum laude, and is the daughter of Jo O’Dell and Mike O’Dell, both of Marion, and granddaughter of Delano and Barbara O’Dell of Florence.
Hannaford earns degree
Marion High School graduate Jill Hannaford graduated from Kansas State University during commencement ceremonies May 16 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing. Those attending her graduation were her parents, Roger and Sally Hannaford, Jim and Judy Versch and Jordan, Bud and Lavonne Hannaford, all of Marion, Scott Hannaford and Karen Spalding of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Joel Versch of Manhattan, and Teresa Ferguson of Lawrence.
Bridget Lundy chosen to attend Girls State
Bridget Lundy of Marion recently was chosen by Unit #22 of American Legion Auxiliary to attend the 67th annual session of Sunflower Girls State June 7-12 on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus. Joining approximately 325 other young women who have just completed their junior year of high school, Lundy will “Learn by Doing” the political system involved in the government of Kansas. Beginning at the city level, advancing to county and the state, the girls will register to vote, file nomination papers, conduct political campaigns, and prepare and present speeches.
Students earn degrees from ESU
Emporia State University conferred degrees during the 142nd commencement May 16, including Marion County students. Florence: Krista J. Zogelman, a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Hillsboro: Kelli Meritt, master of science degree. Marion: Angela Allen, master of science degree.
Stan Wiles contemplates new career
While Stan Wiles was attending Emporia State University as a young college student, he earned money by working at a grocery store, a job he enjoyed. He worked in almost all facets of the business. Now that the 56-year-old man has retired from teaching after 31 years, including 28 at Centre USD 397, he is considering returning to the grocery business.
Bethel names honor students
Bethel College students recently were recognized for academic achievements. Among those students were Marion County residents. Tyler Schroeder of Goessel received a scholar athlete award for maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA. He participated in track and field.
Johnson selected as scholar
At the invitation of the Governor, Kirsten Johnson of Burdick was selected to attend the 26th annual Governor’s Scholar Awards Program May 3 in Topeka. A recognition ceremony honored the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars were selected from accredited public and private schools in the state.
Stahleckers earn college degrees
Two Lincolnville residents were among graduates May 9 of Concordia University, Concordia, Neb. Brianne Stahlecker earned a bachelor of science degree in education.

SPORTS

From the sideline
It should be a fun weekend in Wichita for Marion track and field fans and participants. Nineteen Marion High School athletes will compete Friday and Saturday in 15 events on both the boys and girls’ sides for a chance to make some noise at the state meet.
Marion regional track and field results

Marion County RECORD

The time is drawing near when advance sale of buttons for Chingawassa Days June 5-7 in Marion will end. Buttons are $25 in advance through Sunday. After that, buttons are $35.

Marion Youth Advancement Committee raised The fundraiser included a silent auction of elementary students’ donated artwork in the afternoon and a live auction of other donated pieces in the evening.

It took two and one-half years, but Jim Cloutier has reopened the historic Elgin Hotel. Visitors toured the renovated bed and breakfast Saturday during the Art at the Elgin fundraiser for Marion Youth Advancement Committee.

It was an unusual site — seeing a group of teens walking along Main Street, two of them carrying large wooden crosses. Passers-by stared, some with their mouths open in wonder.

William E. Davis, 85, of Marion, died May 24, 2009, at his residence. Born May 28, 1923, in Keystone, Mo., he was the son of William S. and Ethel M. (McGrew) Davis.

Irene Fern Deason, 70, of rural Marion, died May 21, 2009, at her residence. Born Feb. 21, 1939, she was the daughter of Lester and Ruby (Warndorf) Libertus.

Donald C. Gillet, 76, died May 18, 2009, at Legacy Park, Peabody, Born Jan. 8, 1933, in Marion County, he was the son of Roy and Hester (Clark) Gillet.

Johanna Kaiser, 107, died May 21, 2009, at Medicalodge in Herington. Born Dec. 7, 1901, in Ramona, she was the daughter of G.H. and Eva (Beisel) Brunner.

Del Leeds, 58, of Florence, died May 21, 2009, at St. Luke Hospital, Marion. Born Jun 19, 1950, in North Platte, Neb., he was the son of John and Ella (Winters) Leeds.

Ida Rose Svitak, 92, of Pilsen, died May 19, 2009, at her daughter’s home in Marion. Born Sept. 21, 1916, in Pilsen, she was the daughter of Adolph and Christina (Stika) Rudolph.

Marion County school board members were faced with difficult decisions when it became apparent Kansas legislators were reducing funding to districts for this school year and the 2009-10 year. Marion USD 408 was the only school district that did not cut back on programs or personnel.

What a magnificent building! Those were the first thoughts that ran through my mind Saturday afternoon when I entered the Historic Elgin. I had followed the progress of Jim Cloutier and his team of workers — from shell to showplace.

Gus and Mildred Hamm of Tampa will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary June 7 at the First Baptist Church, Durham. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a reception that will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Durham.

Robert (Bob) and DeLoris Mehlinger of Kansas City, Mo., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary June 7. DeLoris Reed and Bob Mehlinger were married June 7, 1959, at Valley United Methodist Church of Marion.

The family of Rosse and Janice Case of Marion requests a card shower in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary. Rosse B. Case and Janice M. Socolofsky were married June 12, 1949, at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion. The couple has resided in Marion during their married lives.

Molly Ann Rhodes and Tyler James Smith, both of Marion, were married at 5 p.m. Dec. 20, 2008, at Eastmoor United Methodist Church of Marion with Pastor Michael W. Eurit officiating. The church was decorated with red and white poinsettias, greenery, and candlelight.

ENGAGEMENTS:

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

Marion/Florence FFA Chapter held its 10th annual FFA Ag Awareness Day May 11 at the Marion transportation department. The chapter invited third graders from Marion and Hillsboro elementary schools. Approximately 100 students participated in the activity.

A team of freshmen agriculture education students from Marion High School placed fourth May 13 at the South Central District FFA Freshman Ag Mechanics contest at Chaparral High School. Colten Johnson placed fifth and Jared Vondenkamp placed eighth at the contest.

Centre High School junior Josie Peterson was the lone track team member to qualify for the state tournament this weekend. Peterson placed fourth in shot put at the 1A regional at Madison, with a throw of 28 feet, 11 inches.

Virgil and Anita Weber of Marion attended the graduation ceremony of their granddaughter, Cassie Bolton, May 15 from Kansas State University School of Veterinary. Previously Cassie received an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida at Miami in marine biology.

Bethel College students recently were recognized for academic achievements. Among those students were Marion County residents. Tyler Schroeder of Goessel received a scholar athlete award for maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA. He participated in track and field.

Two Lincolnville residents were among graduates May 9 of Concordia University, Concordia, Neb. Brianne Stahlecker earned a bachelor of science degree in education.

It should be a fun weekend in Wichita for Marion track and field fans and participants. Nineteen Marion High School athletes will compete Friday and Saturday in 15 events on both the boys and girls’ sides for a chance to make some noise at the state meet.