Marion County RECORD

Tampa woman dies from injuries

Catherine M. Holub, 54, 3156 Nighthawk Road, Tampa, died Sunday from injuries she sustained in an auto accident Friday afternoon on Remington Road near 290th. According to Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Holub’s 2003 Dodge Neon went into an east ditch, crossed the road and entered a west ditch before crossing the road again and overturning in an east ditch.

Toddler who died in North Newton had Peabody ties

A press release issued by Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday lists charges filed against former Peabody resident Chad D. Carr, 26, in connection with the death of 19-month-old Vincent Hill Saturday in North Newton. Walton filed two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of abuse of a child against Carr. Bond was set at $150,000.

Proposed legislation would slash schools' funds

The Kansas House of Representatives is considering legislation that would be a twofold blow to local school districts. House Bill 2739, introduced March 18 in the House Appropriations Committee, would cut state aid to USDs 397, 398, 408, 410, and 411 by an average of about $94,000, according to information from the Kansas Department of Education. At the same time, the districts would have to increase local property taxes or lose even more money.

Pipeline company may be forced to pay up

There’s a glimmer of hope that Kansas legislators may have an opportunity to bring millions of dollars of tax revenue to the state for 10 years. The question is will they seize the opportunity?

Mayor releases statement regarding investigation

After the Marion County Record announced that the Kansas attorney general’s office has accepted the request made by Marion City Attorney Dan Baldwin to investigate the possible violation of a law by Marion Mayor Mary Olson, Olson released this statement Friday through her attorney, Tim Hodge, of Newton. “After my attorney contacted the attorney general’s office Thursday, March 25, 2010, I have confirmed for myself that their office will be conducting an investigation involving me,” Olson said. “While the investigation is pending, I unfortunately cannot comment on the issues surrounding it.

Two businesses join forces to expand

Tamara Christiansen of rural Marion drove by the former hardware building at Third and Main Street every day on the way to her small Marion Main Street shop. She had always admired the building and thought it was too nice of a building to remain empty. However, she loved her little shop a block away. It was the perfect size three years ago when she first opened her business, PLANTations. But now the building seemed too small, crowded, cramped.

Newell house will be built April 16, 17, 18

Volunteers are needed April 16, 17, and 18 to help build a new home for U.S. Army Sgt. Ryan Newell and his family at 1001 Tanglewood Lane, Marion. Homes for Our Troops’ build brigade needs professional, skilled volunteers to construct an exterior shell. By the end of the third day, the goal is to have the shell of the home in place with interior walls framed, windows installed, doors hung, shingles on the roof, and siding installed.

Marcella Bruce

Former Hillsboro business owner Marcella Frances Martin Bruce, 93, died March 23 at South Wind Hospice Home, Pratt. Born Aug. 12, 1916, in Pino Grande, Calif., to Wallace Perry and Ida Camille (Tripp) Martin, she was a member of Hillsboro United Methodist Church.

Mary G. Franz

Mary G. Franz, 103, of Hillsboro, died March 29, at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. Born Oct 10, 1906, in Henderson, Neb., to Klaas and Susanna (Fast) Wiens, she was a school teacher.

Melinda Gaines

Melinda Gaines, 63, Cassoday, died March 28 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. Born Dec. 8, 1946, in Wichita to Jim and Verla Gardner, she was married May 25, 1974, to Herb Gaines in Peabody.

Clyde Hiebert

Clyde J. Hiebert, 80, died March 28. Born Dec. 26, 1929, to Sarah (Klaassen) and Linden Hiebert in Goessel, he married Betty J. Voran, Dec. 28, 1950, in Kinsley.

Vincent Hill

Vincent James Hill, 19 months, of North Newton, died March 27. He was born Aug. 9, 2008, in Newton, to Richard Dean Hill and Katheryn Nycole Dale.

Catherine Holub

Catherine M. “Cathy” Holub, 54, of Tampa, died March 28, at Via Christi Medical Center-St. Francis Campus, Wichita, as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. Born Sept. 15, 1955, to Gerald and Irmagene (Deines) Franta, she graduated from Centre High School.

Thomas Morgan

Thomas “Earl” Morgan, 84, Great Bend, died March 29 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. Born May 1, 1925, in Three Sands, Okla., to Levi and Netia Morgan, he was married April 22, 1948, to Helen Slaymaker, formerly of Peabody, in Eunice, N.M.

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Civil division

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Deeds records

Domestic division

Hillsboro police report

Marriage licenses

Peabody police report

Sheriff incident reports

Small Claims division

Traffic division

Holub calls press conference

Wanting to draw attention to the Marion County pipeline exemption issue, Dan Holub of Marion called a press conference with the local and areas newspapers and a Wichita television station. Stating he was doing this as a private citizen, he told reporter Stephanie Diffin of KAKE-TV, he had no qualms with TransCanada and the Keystone Pipeline project but was concerned with legislators unwillingness to review and pass a Senate bill that would require the pipeline company to make payments of $36 million per year for the next 10 years to Marion County and similar payments to the other five Kansas counties this would affect.

District court will be closed 4 days in April, May

The Eighth Judicial District Court, along with all other Kansas district courts, will be closed April 9, 16, 23, and May 7 as a money-saving measure, giving five employees unpaid furloughs. “This year’s crisis occurred basically because of a mistake,” Chief Judge Michael F. Powers said.

Legislators need to hear from us

There’s an opportunity for state legislators to make a decision that could have a profoundly positive effect on their constituents. A Senate bill was written in committee to require TransCanada (Keystone Pipeline System) to make payments to the counties — including Marion County — where the pipeline will be constructed in lieu of paying property tax which the company was exempt from in 2006.

Stop the madness -- get out and vote!

Things have been strange on the city front for some time and they’re getting stranger all the time. There was a verbal altercation between a city council member and a Marion resident after the special council meeting March 12 but further investigation indicated the event had nothing to do with city business, so we didn’t pursue it any farther.

More explanation offered on exemption

In reply to Mr. Bennett’s somewhat vitriolic last letter I will present more facts concerning SB303 and the Keystone-TransCanada pipeline controversy. At the time of the “legislative coffee” that Mr. Bennett is so concerned about, I was not aware of SB303 since it had not been introduced or debated in the House. If I had known that it would come through Kansas and Marion County I would have proudly taken some credit for it.

Random Thoughts

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote a daily article for the newspaper called, “My Day.” This is my day.

Hope in the Heartland

(Editor’s note: This is the twelfth in a series leading to Easter.) By LARRY TIMM Pastor of Peabody Bible Church Early the next morning, the soldier approached the sealed tomb.

Our voice in Topeka

This past week we expected to review and work the House budget bill crafted by the House Appropriations Committee. Instead, it was put off until this week. Time will tell when we tackle it. We are slated to be here through Thursday and then go home and stay home until the veto session. The veto session begins April 28 and continues until we finish. A seasoned House veteran said on the House floor March 24 that our House budget bill cuts education another $172 million, and that it cannot garner enough votes to pass. He asserted to all House members we cannot leave Topeka without a tax increase to balance the budget. Therefore, he proposed a ¼-cent sales tax increase and a 20-cent cigarette tax increase, stating those would raise the $172 million needed for kindergarten through 12th grade education funding, and school boards would know their funding is secure before their May 1 teacher notification date.

LETTERS:

Big Labor hinders exports to Colombia, Vinduska says

Terry Vinduska of Marion recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean as an officer of the U.S. Grains Council. He and five other members visited the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Panama. In Colombia, they visited with grain industry officials about the need for American grain imports. Under current U.S. law, grain exports to Colombia are restricted by high tariffs.

Former correspondent celebrates 95th birthday

Evelyn Strecker of rural Lost Springs turned 95 on March 10. She celebrated her birthday with family members at the home of her son Doug of Hesston. She became a country correspondent for the Lost Springs/Ramona area in 1970. She said neighbors were needing someone to report special events and keep them informed about the activities of their friends and neighbors.

Physical therapy assistant loves to help

Helping people return to functioning normally after an injury or surgery is physical therapy assistant Bobbi Dodge’s mission. “I enjoy helping people get back to doing the things they like, whether that’s golfing, gardening, or playing with grandkids,” she said.

Family was instrumental to guitarist's love of song

Bob Delk, 1302 Mustang Road, Marion, was introduced to music at an early age by his parents, John and Lydia. “My dad played guitar and violin to some degree,” he said.

Hillsboro resident prepares for Boston Marathon

Tom Leihy of Hillsboro was never much of an athlete growing up. So completing something as demanding as a marathon has been rewarding, he said. He didn’t really get into running until he was on vacation in 2007. His family cajoled him into running a 5-kilometer race. He had done occasional 2-mile fun runs with his family before, so he gave it a try.

Easter bunny visits Lincolnville

Children from the Lincolnville community converged on the city park Saturday for the annual Easter egg hunt. They were greeted by the Easter bunny, played by Mikayla Kaiser, who offered them sweet treats. Rain had been forecast to fall that day but didn’t materialize, so the event proceeded as planned.

Hopes are high for preservation of Florence depot

According to Bob Rusk of Wichita, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has agreed to donate the former Santa Fe Depot in Florence to the Florence Historical Society. He said the timing of the transfer is uncertain. Judy Mills, president of FHS, said the organization attempted to obtain the building a number of years ago but the requirements that came with it were overwhelming, and the idea was abandoned.

BIRTHS:

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

Hett and Zeiner stand out among all-stars

Lindsay Hett was the MVP of the Mid-Central Activities Association and Heart of America basketball all-star game, scoring 15 points. She played the post most of the game “It just further solidifies that she is the best all-around point guard in 3A,” Marion Head Basketball Coach Randy Savage said.

Marion boys lift their way to 9th

The Marion High School boys powerlifting team finished ninth out of 24 teams that participated in the 3A Kansas State Powerlifting Championships Saturday in Marion. Eric Regnier finished sixth in the 114-pound weight class with a squat of 175 pounds, a bench press of 100 pounds, and a clean and jerk of 130 pounds.

With their eyes on the state prize

This will be a unique season for Marion County high school track athletes with all five schools returning state contenders. Adding another twist to the competition, Goessel will now compete in class 2A, making their performances even more important than before.

Warriors lose double-header, but are working their way to the top

The Marion High School baseball team lost both home games of a doubleheader to Sacred Heart 9-6 Friday afternoon and 10-3 under the lights. “I think what the deal is after you don’t play baseball for a year, you just have to work some bugs out,” Manager Tyler Mermis said.

Speed is king on the diamond

Marion Head Baseball Coach Tyler Mermis expects the team to run early and often throughout the spring sports season. He said that the team’s lineup will be based on hitting for average. When the Marion players get on base, the team will bunt, hit-and-run, and steal their way home. “We will be expecting a lot of steals,” Head Baseball Coach Tyler Mermis said. “We will be pretty unpredictable in a good way.”

Marion softball team looks to senior experience

The Marion softball team finished 2-18 last season, but that team was filled with inexperience, lacking a single senior. The left side of the Warrior infield should be secure with seniors Brooke Johnson and Tiffany Christensen at shortstop and third base respectively.

Hett, Leiker lead MHS golf

The Marion High School golf team has a roster of 28 golfers. Senior Lindsay Hett, juniors Tim Costello, Landon Leiker and Jordan Versch, and sophomores Scott Jones, Adam Moelleker, and Jared Vondenkamp are the returning letter-winners.

Two state champions return to MHS track team

The Marion High School track and field team features one of the most decorated groups of returning seniors in Marion sports history. As a team, the 2009 track and field Warriors boys finished first and girls second in the Mid-Central Activities Association, third at regionals, and fifth for boys and seventh for girls at the 3A state meet.

Flamethrower Edwards hopes to take team to state

Pitching looks to be the strong suit of a Trojan baseball team that won its regional last year. Hillsboro will have a starting staff of four pitchers — seniors Jacob Edwards and Tyler Ediger and juniors Jacob Fish and Dylan Delk.

Jack-of-all-trades Gottsch leads Lady Trojans

The Hillsboro Trojan softball team should be a balanced team looking to improve on a 10-10 2009 campaign. The Trojans won their regional last year and lost in the first round of the state tournament. The Trojans boast a lineup of talented hitters — three Hillsboro batters posted an average over .350. Franny Gotsch hit .463, Amy Bartel .373, and Taylor Nikkel .372.

Kunantaev, golfers look forward to strong season

Hillsboro High School golf returns with four seniors and two sophomores with varsity experience. “We have a fairly solid core of four golfers that were in the varsity lineup for every meet last year,” Head Golf Coach Scott O’Hare said. “I believe there are as many as three to four others that could challenge for the other two varsity spots.”

Kaufman leads young Trojan track squad

Three state qualifying athletes return to the Hillsboro High School Track and Field team this spring. Dakota Kaufman was the second-place finisher in the triple jump and the third-place finisher in the long jump at the state championships in 2009.

Talent, experience to benefit Trojan netters

Several of the athletic programs at Hillsboro High School are under the microscope — the district is looking for programs that can be cut to save school costs. At the top of the list is the Trojans’ tennis program, and boys coach Stuart Holmes and his team could be embarking on what may be Hillsboro’s final tennis season.

Experience and determination should pay off for CHS golf team

The Centre High School golf team is hoping for a third trip to the 1A state meet this year. They finished in fifth place in 2009 after their first trip to state in 2008. The entire 2009 season was a good one. The team finished first in the Marion Invitational. At Hillsboro, a four-man team finished first and the team finished third overall. They finished second at Council Grove and El Dorado and third at Junction City and Emporia.

CHS track team has more members, bigger expectations

The Centre High School track team was reduced to eight members by the end of the 2009 season. This year, with 18 students out for track, Head Coach Alan Stahlecker is expecting bigger results. That is not to say that the 2009 season didn’t have its successes. As a junior, Josie Peterson represented Centre at the state track meet. She competed in shot put.

Goessel team returns 3 players with state experience

Fourteen golfers reported for practice this season and Head Golf Coach Justin Coup is hoping that some of those new to golf will improve their skills and be pushing for some varsity time by the end of the season. Tyler Schmidt returns for his senior season. He has competed at state for three years and has a good shot at going again. Hayden Goerzen remembers, “The first four holes at state last year were some of my worst and from that point on I probably played the best golf ever.” He hopes to return to state his senior year. Neal Brubaker is a junior with state experience and is expected to help the team in scoring. Two other seniors, Aaron Reimer and Austin Cooper, should see some varsity time. Juniors Jake Smucker and Kent Duerksen have made improvements over the previous two years and are in the hunt for the varsity team.

GHS returns strong track team

The Goessel boys finished second at the state track meet last year in the 1A class and most teams would find it a daunting task to finish among the leaders for a second year in a row. However, the Bluebird boys squad will be returning seven of the athletes who participated at the state meet last year. This year, the team will compete in the 2A class, which may make the success at state more of a challenge, but scoring points from several events can make for an interesting meet. Weston Hiebert, Cameron Stultz, and John Berkholz used their sprinter speed to gather in points last year and also participated in the state champion 4x100 relay team. Hiebert also ran the hurdle races and Stultz and Berkholz will be expected to have success in the 100- and 400-meter races respectively. Evan Hiebert was competitive in the high jump event but was disappointed in his performance at state last year and is determined to do better. Laird Goertzen qualified in the 3200 meter race and, along with Derek Kruger and Jared Reimer, hope to pick up points in the two longest races in the high school events. Corey Buller returns as a team member from last year’s 4x800 relay. Jared Reimer picked up points a year ago in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter races.

GHS youth athletes blended with experience should help

Three of the four relay team members in the 4x800 relay return for the Bluebirds for this season. The 2009 team set a school record and the returners are ready to test that mark again in 2010. Goessel’s three seniors who participated at state last year — Aspen Frey, Karina Harvey, and Kristen Hoffman — remember the state meet and hope to return in different events. Hoffman qualified last year in the 3200-meter run. Frey competed individually in the 1600-meter run and Harvey ran two laps at state in the 800-meter race. Kendra Flaming qualified in the 400-meter race and Frey, Harvey, and Flaming set a school record at state last year in the 4x800 relay. “It was fun to be on the podium getting a medal …amazing,” said Harvey. Jennifer Van Horn was an alternate to the relay team and just missed making it to state in the 200-meter dash. Shanna Klassen also lettered last year and went to state as an alternate relay runner.

Letter-winners to lead PBHS golf

Golf at PBHS will be different this season with the team competing on grass greens instead of sand. The squad travels to Newton for practice and has three returning letter-winners from this past season. Jason Wingert, Trevor Foth, and Jacob Gillet are all juniors at PBHS and all received letters for their 2008-09 performances.

State qualifiers lead smaller PBHS track team

PBHS track may have fewer athletes to compete than in years past but, they do have several strong individuals who return to the team with regional and state experience. The team includes a senior core group of seven athletes including state qualifying distance runners Aaron Topham and Josh Klarmann and Isaac Burnett in the discus. Also in the senior contingent are Chris Loucks, discus; Curtis Frederick, hurdles; Steffen Pospiech, sprints and 800-meter run; and Beatrice Caldarella.

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