Marion County RECORD

County wants final say in appraisals

Marion County Commission decided Monday to draft a letter to the state insisting that rules regulating appraisal for property taxes be different between large and small counties. The discussion began when commissioner Randy Dallke told County Appraiser Cindy Magill that many properties in Peabody have sold for a fraction of their appraised value, and he wanted to make sure those sales would be reflected in future appraisals of those properties.

Marion council OKs loan app to uprade meters

Marion’s water meters will be brought into the digital age if a $220,000 loan application authorized Monday by the Marion City Council is approved. In a public hearing conducted immediately prior to the regular city council meeting, Rose Mary Saunders presented information regarding a proposed application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a low-interest loan to finance the upgrade of city water meters to electric units capable of being read automatically by handheld units.

Fish clog water intakes

“A fine kettle of fish” is not the way city officials in Marion and Hillsboro described an unusual shad run Monday that resulted in both city water intakes being clogged by thousands of the small silver baitfish. “We are sucking up thousands of shad,” Marion city administrator Doug Kjellin said Monday.

Park may be first step in improving Marion

The Marion PRIDE committee collaborated to write a wish list of Marion projects at its last meeting Sept. 12, using the recommendations from surveys sent out this summer, PRIDE member Pam Bowers said. The first two items on the list dealt with Central Park: new restrooms at the park and a new hiking trail.

Housing complex discussed at chamber

The Marion Chamber of Commerce luncheon was held Friday. Marion National Bank vice president Don Noller led the prayer.

SRS closures add to already heavy caseloads

Families and Communities Together Director Linda Ogden said her office has received four Social and Rehabilitative Service Referrals Thursday. “We rely on local funds for family assistance,” Ogden said. “We’re out of money; we’re scrambling for funds. It’s a big burden on local resources.”

Lincolnville Octoberfest reaches 25 years

The Lincolnville Octoberfest celebration on Oct. 1 will be the 25th annual event. It began in 1987 under the leadership of Kenny Rindt, manager of Tiemeier’s Store, which was celebrating its centennial. In the weekly ad run by the store in the Marion County Record the prior week, the event was billed as an Octoberfest Sidewalk Craft and Bake Sale. About 20 booths lined the Main Street in front of the store. The event included children’s games and prize drawings.

Leland Bernhardt

Leland H. “Lee” Bernhardt, 68, passed away Sept. 15, 2011, at the Herington Municipal Hospital. He was born April 8, 1943, the son of Ezra and Lucille Schick Bernhardt. He was a 1961 graduate of Centre High School and served in the Army Reserves. Lee was a farmer, stockman, and hay broker.

Donald Conrad

Donald E. “Poppa” Conrad died Sept. 14 at his home in Burns. He was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Wapata, Wash. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris F. “Mimi” Conrad.

Shirley Grosse

Shirley Ann Grosse, 57, of Marion, died Friday at St. Luke Hospital in Marion. She was born on Oct. 27, 1953, in Topeka to Bill and Doris (Pletcher) Nonken. She married William Grosse of Marion on Sept. 4, 1975. She was a certified medical aide at St. Living Center.

Darlene Gutsch

Darlene J. Gutsch, 77, of Burdick died Sept. 13, at Herington Municipal Hospital. She was born Dec. 16, 1933, in Marion, the daughter of William and Grace (Nienstedt) Richmond.

Elmer Klassen

Elmer Glen Klassen, 82, died Sept. 19 in Wichita. He was born July 2, 1929, in Hillsboro to David S. and Ann (Friesen) Klassen. He was a publisher.

Agnes Peters

Agnes Peters, 90, died Sept. 13 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. Peters was born to Johann and Gertrude (Epp) Peters March 2, 1921 in Ukraine. She was raised in Hillsboro.

Patricia Ray

Patricia J. “Pat” Davis Ray, 70, of Herington died Sept. 13 at her home. She was born April 8, 1941, in Ramona, the daughter of Godfrey and Olga (Hoeppner) Schneider.

John R. Winkley

John R. “Wink” Winkley, 84, died Sept. 16 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. He was born on Sept. 17, 1926, to Leon and Laura Wait Winkley, in Burns. He worked for Boeing Aircraft Co. for 18 years and was a Reno County warrant officer.

Accidents

County jail

Deeds recorded

Hillsboro police

Marion police

Peabody police

Traffic division

City of Lost Springs buys school for $1

The Centre USD board of education took action Monday to sell the former Centre Elementary school building in Lost Springs to the City of Lost Springs. Mayor Tish Keesling said the building would be used for city meetings and a community center.

Bravo, Commissioner Quixote

Once there was a silly old ram Thought he’d punch a hole in a dam

Welcome back old settlers!

George Griffith and Jack Costello would be amazed. What to them was little more than the tree-shaded site of a babbling spring, feeding a backwater of a much more meandering Luta Creek, has become the center of Marion’s universe this month, hosting thousands for Art in the Park last weekend and thousands more for Old Settlers’ Day this weekend. Griffith, who 151 years ago built the first permanent shanty in Marion County, near the current Marion Public Library, probably had not even a glimmer of hope that his homestead here would lead to the formation of a city, even though decades before him, bands of native peoples had congregated just a mile or two north, in numbers rivaling those of present day Wichita,

Marion County Record begins 143rd year

With the next issue of the Marion County Record, we begin our 143rd year of bringing news to the readers of “the ol’ thing.” During these years, the name has changed several times. The various titles are listed below along with the list of editors and years served.

Another Day in the Country

This morning when I was supposed to be writing my column, I was listening to the Rachel Ray Show and her guest, our former President Bill Clinton. They were talking about the fact that this is childhood obesity month and what Rachel and Bill are attempting to do — getting meals in schools improved. Bill was talking about the fact that he’d had a stent put in place some years ago (as many adults our age have done) and a well known doctor, a friend of his, had called and said, “You know, you did this to yourself. How could you be so stupid?”

LETTERS:

Patsy Kline joins newspaper staff

Although she has worked at Hoch Publishing Company only a little more than a week, Patsy Kline of Marion said she feels like she has found the right niche for her as bookkeeper. “I love working with numbers and problem-solving,” she said.

Chance meeting leads to writing children's book

Former Marion resident and author Mary Alice Parmley has numerous unpublished children’s books, but as a result of a chance meeting, one of them will be published and available from booksellers in late September. “Traveler: A Story of Trust, Faith, and Hope Encircled by Love,” tells the story of the nativity from the perspective of a lost beagle named Traveler who is taken in by an innkeeper and becomes a witness to the birth of Jesus.

Fish fry will raise money for infant's surgery

Liam Baliel was born Aug. 9 to Mark and Michelle Baliel of Wichita at Wesley Medical Center. Liam was born with Down syndrome, and doctors soon found he has a hole in his heart, although they said it would probably heal without surgery, Liam’s grandmother, Phyllis Landis of rural Marion, said Friday.

Blood drive a success

The Sept. 12 Marion Community Blood Drive exceeded expectations. At least 60 units of blood were donated, providing almost half again as many as the goal of 41. Corey Ann Shields was a first-time donor. Marion Kiwanis members unloaded equipment and, later, Marion Boy Scouts put the equipment back on the Red Cross truck.

Tampa awaits county action

On behalf of Sunflower Senior Citizens, Tom and Dee Duggan presented a $500 check to the city of Tampa at the council meeting Sept. 12, for part of the cost of a new refrigerator for the senior center. Mayor Tim Svoboda said contributions had also been received from the PRIDE committee and Tampa Triple T’s 4-H Club. Mel Epling attended the meeting to inquire about the status of lots 39 and 40 in the Hackler Addition, which are owned by Marion County. He said he had been told at the courthouse that he could assume ownership of the lots, which adjoin his property, but they would have to be ceded to the city first.

Fred Harvey named 'notable Kansan'

Restaurant and hotel pioneer Fred Harvey has been named as one of 25 Notable Kansans as part of the celebration of 150 years of statehood, announced by Gov. Sam Brownback on Aug. 25. Harvey is notable for creating the first restaurant chain in the U.S., known as Harvey Houses. The Clifton Hotel in Florence was the first restaurant he opened after making an agreement with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad to have restaurants along the length of the railroad. The Clifton Hotel is now the Harvey House Museum in Florence.

Sawyer assumes leadership role at Marion Assisted Living

Bonnie Sawyer’s new job as director of Marion Assisted Living has resulted in not getting to spend as much time working with the residents, but she makes an effort to spend some time with them, she said Thursday. Sawyer, who previously was a CMA and activities director for the facility, succeeded Janet Blue as director on Sept. 7.

Stages to celebrate 50th anniversary

Jerry and Bonnie Stage were married Sept. 22, 1961, in Salinas, Calif. They both grew up in Marion. They have three children, Lori Stage of Olathe, Joni Kissee of Parkville, Mo., and Cory Stage of Olathe. They also have three grandchildren.

Bredemeiers plans reunion

A reunion of the Bredemeier family is planned for 12:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Marion City Building basement. Those planning to attend should bring a basket dinner and their own table service. Drinks will be provided.

Chat and Dine to host potluck

The Marion County Lake Chat and Dine Club will have a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the lake hall. This is the annual bingo night. Members are asked to bring a “white elephant” gift for prizes, along with some guests, for good food and a fun evening.

Neo-Century meets

Neo-Century Club met Sept. 12 at Hilltop Manor in Marion for the opening meeting of the 2011-12 club year. Brown-bag suppers were brought by 20 members, and officers provided drinks and dessert.

Batterton, ARNP, joins St. Luke Physician Clinic

Advanced registered nurse practitioner Melissa Batterton will soon join the staff of St. Luke Physician Clinic. She comes from the Via Christi family practice clinic in Hillsboro. Batterton will provide care at the clinic four days a week, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Burdick correspondent dies

With the death of Darlene Gutsch Sept. 13, the Marion County Record has lost another faithful country correspondent. Gutsch took over the task of collecting and reporting Burdick community news in February 2005. She replaced Richard Forsberg.

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

Big truck night is Sept. 29

Marion County Parents as teachers will host its annual Big Truck night 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Hillsboro Elementary School. Activities at the free event are intended for children 5 years old and younger, including car safety, Ident-a-Kid fingerprinting, toy trucks and sand, and toddler-riding trucks.

Cast announced for 'Oliver'

Director Judy Harder and vocal coach and orchestra director Brad Vogel present Tabor College’s production of “Oliver!” running Oct. 13 through 16 and four times during Tabor’s homecoming weekend Oct. 14 through 16. The musical, written by Lionel Bart, is based on the book by Charles Dickens about an orphan boy.

MHS to present 'Cinderella'

Marion High School’s fall musical will be “Cinderella.” “I chose this musical because it is a family show,” director Janet Killough said. “It has great music, and Marion High School has never done it. It will be a challenge for us.”

Senior housing project starts Sept. 23

Marion City Administrator Doug Kjellin said Marion High School construction teacher Lucas King is planning to pour the foundation for the first unit of a senior living housing complex west of Warrior Stadium on North Eisenhower. Homestead Affordable Housing purchased four acres of land off Eisenhower from Ralph Popp last summer and plans to put in 10 duplexes intended for residents 55 years of age and older.

FCCLA chapters meet for lock-in

The Goessel, Hillsboro, and Marion chapters of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America gathered for a lock-in Saturday night at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center in Marion. Following a swim, the members saw a presentation by state FCCLA officer Ryan Haxton and participated in various activities.

MHS leadership having good influence on MMS band

Since the school year started, the Marion High School and Marion Middle School bands have been practicing marching together a couple of times per week to prepare for the Old Settlers’ Day Parade. The interaction between the high school and middle school students has really improved the middle school students’ focus, band director Shanna Jolliff said recently.

Marion county most represented county at livestock show

In the Kansas Junior Livestock Show, 713 4-H and FFA members have entered 1,456 animals in the competition Sept. 23 through 26 at the Kansas Pavilions in Wichita. Marion County is sending 31 exhibitors, the most of any county in the state. Separate from the selection of species champions, a showmanship contest will be held. The top showman in the junior and senior division will receive a silver belt buckle.

Bud Hannaford is 2011 OSD grand marshal

Old Settlers’ Day grand marshal Roger “Bud” Hannaford has long been a mainstay of the Marion community, but there was a stretch in his life when he strayed from home. During the Korean War, he spent three years serving in the armed forces. He also spent three years studying at Emporia State University, and five years teaching in El Dorado before returning to Marion to work in the family business.

MHS class announce reunion plans

Class of 1946 The class of 1946 will celebrate its 65th class reunion.

Marion through the years

1860s 1860 — The first settlers arrived at the Marion site from Indiana in June. They were George and Betsy Griffith and three children; William and Charity Shreve and seven children; William and Keziah Billings and three children; John and Edward Griffith, Benjamin Frazier, and Henry Blanchard.

Apron contest brings out creativity

Mary Olson’s apron, the first entry in the contest to take place Old Settlers’ Day, has examples of Faith, Hope, and Heritage. Hope is represented with a patch of baby’s hand wrapped around an adult index finger. Faith is a patch with a pair of hands clenched in prayer.

Rube Band seeks musicians

The Rube Band will meet at 10:40 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Main and Walnut streets outside of Sew What Quilt Shop to practice before playing in the Old Settlers’ Day Parade at 11 a.m. All musicians are welcome to join the band in the parade. Anyone who needs music can call Bob Brookens at (620) 382-2133 during normal business hours. He will also have music at the pre-parade practice. The band will play “Show Boy,” he said.

History of Old Settlers' Day

Old Settlers’ Day is as rich in tradition and as filled with constant change and progress as the years past which it honors. Indeed, it is the careful blending of tradition with innovation that makes Old Settlers’ Day one of the best annual celebrations in Central Kansas. Always county-oriented, Old Settlers’ Day began Jan. 7, 1881, with a reunion for all people who settled in Marion County in the 1860s. The old settlers gathered for a basket dinner and reminiscing in Marion.

5K OSD run is Saturday

The 2011 Old Settlers’ Day Run starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the lake hall at Marion County Park and Lake. The race is 5 kilometers, or a little more than 3 miles, running around the county lake, organizer Margo Yates said.

Marion Historical Museum celebrates 50 years

MHS hosts Spikefest

The Marion High School Lady Warriors went 0-3 in pool play Saturday, but gave eventual tournament champion Sedgwick a scare before bowing out of the fifth annual Marion Spikefest volleyball tournament. The Lady Warriors, second-place finishers at the Centre tournament the week before, were seeded seventh going into the eight-team tournament. As a result, they faced a difficult draw in pool play that included second-seed Halstead and eventual champion Sedgwick.

Warriors tame Bulldogs, 40-0

The Marion High School Warriors had an answer for every new wrinkle tossed at them Friday night by Bennington, using strong defense, offense, and special teams play to overwhelm the Bulldogs 40-0 at Bennington. “They didn’t run any of the formations they showed on film – they came out in completely different formations,” Marion assistant coach Jerry Smith said. “Everything we practiced against all week they weren’t doing.”

Jordan Hett comes in first in Peabody race

When the pack of 46 competitors crested the opening hill in the varsity boys 5K cross- country race Thursday at Peabody, Marion High School Warrior runner Jordan Hett had already established himself as the leader. Teammate Patrick McCarty was only a few steps behind. Hett never relinquished his lead, winning the event with a season-best time of 17 minutes, 6 seconds, 17 seconds faster than runner-up Hayden Bates of Clearwater. McCarty maintained his fast start as well, covering the course in 17:39 to finish third. It was McCarty’s fastest time this year as well.

Youth participate in 'Punt, Pass, and Kick'

Boys and girls ages 6 through 15 gathered at the Marion High School football stadium Sunday afternoon for the local Punt, Pass, and Kick competition. Competitors receive points for the distance they punt, pass, or kick the ball, but points are deducted for attempts that are to the sides of the line they are trying to send the ball down. In this way, the competition measures both distance and accuracy.

Lady Cougars play out of their league

Facing 2A Berean and 3A Eureka and Lyons, the young 1A Centre High School volleyball team had a rough day Saturday at the Marion Spikefest. They lost all three matches in pool play. Centre did have one victory in the match with Berean, winning the second game, 25-18. After a 3-3 tie, the Lady Cougars took the lead and maintained it throughout the game, although Berean got within 1 point several times.

Cougars defeated by Lions, 50-12

The Centre High School Cougars experienced another tough night Friday in a home game against Hope. The Lions sprung to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter before the Cougars were able to move the ball down the field and score a touchdown in the second quarter. Shane Methvin carried the ball 27 yards for the score. The conversion attempt failed, making the score, 20-6.

Return to current issue