Marion County RECORD

Ag Services hires aerial crop sprayer

The Marion County economy has been getting a boost in recent days from an aerial agricultural spraying operation arranged by Ag Services of Hillsboro and based at Marion City Airport. Tyree Ag of Kinsley has been using the airport as its base of operations for two airplanes that have been spraying fungicides on wheat fields for Ag Services customers in Marion, Chase, McPherson, Harvey, Butler, and Morris counties.

Youth center needs volunteers

On March 24, over 1,200 people roasted marshmallows at the reservoir. Some families were not from around Marion. Some might have had children interested in checking out the Central Station Youth Center on the east side of Main Street. The center was not open that night because there were no adult volunteers willing to supervise activity that night.

Prom season begins Saturday

The season for high school students to look their fashionable best is ready to begin this weekend. Marion, Hillsboro, and Goessel high schools will have their annual formal promenades Saturday evening. Centre and Peabody-Burns high schools have proms scheduled for April 21. Marion

Funding forces court furloughs

The Kansas Supreme Court announced five days of court closures and involuntary unpaid leave for court employees April 4. The closures are the combined result of a shortfall in case filing fees and a delay in supplemental funds from the state legislature. All district and appellate courts in Kansas, including the 8th District Court that serves Marion County, will be closed Friday, April 27, May 11 and 25, and June 8.

Election results finalized

James Scott, Angie Brenzikofer, and Ryan Johnson were elected to Burns City Council in the write-in election April 3. Provisional ballots, 11, and seven other ballots were added to the totals Monday at the beginning of the Marion County Commission meeting. Scott led the way with 29 votes, while Brenzikofer collected 28, and Ryan Johnson had 21.

Painter selling art for Haiti

There are lasting images and events Rebecca Hofer holds after her first trip to Haiti in the summer of 2010. They have influenced her decision to return to the island nation this May. She arrived in Port-Au-Prince nearly six months after an earthquake devastated the city. With as poor as the nation was and continue to be, the circumstances for Haitians had not improved much in that time.

Citizens raise concerns with Huelskamp

Kansas First District U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp was in Hillsboro for a town hall meeting Tuesday, hammering home two of his greatest concerns: the growing federal deficit and overregulation by government agencies. “Frankly, your nation is essentially broke. It is bad now, and unless we make some serious changes it’s likely to get worse,” Huelscamp said. “Even folks at the Joint Chiefs of Staff say the single biggest threat to our security is our debt.”

Golden Guernseys fit McSweeney's style

Debbie McSweeney of Peabody started her journey into the dairy goat industry a few years ago with three mixed-breed does. It was not until she purchased two rare Golden Guernsey goats in March, however, that she knew she found the love of her life, outside her other family members, of course. “I’ve always loved all my goats,” McSweeney said. “But now that I have Sunshine and Falcon, I know I have found my favorites.”

Corinne Dennis

Corinne Dennis, 64, of Hope died April 5, 2012, at Salina Regional Health Center. She was born July 17, 1947, in Herington to Evan G. and Winifred “Winnie” (Kloepfer) Engle. She married Clifford A. Brown on July 17, 1965. He preceded her in death in 1989. She is also preceded in death by two sisters and her mother.

Beverly J. Helmer

Beverly J. Helmer, 69, passed away at her residence on April 9, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was born April 15, 1942, at Hillsboro, the daughter of Eugene and Pearl Rockey Cook.

Clara Virgia Jones

Clara Virgia Jones died Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 at St. Luke Living Center at Marion, where she had resided less than a week. Virgia was born in Dexter in 1910, the daughter of John and Florence Radcliff. She was married to Emory Jones in 1930. To this union were born two children, Gary and Rosalie.

Frances Marcella Marcy Meador

Frances Marcella “Marcy” Meador, 91, died April 5, 2012, at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital in Medicine Lodge. She was born Sept. 25, 1920, in Harper to George and Effie (Phillips) Vancyoc.

Forrest L. Smith

Forrest Lee Smith was born Feb. 15, 1926, at Hereford, Texas. He attended Kansas State College in Manhattan one semester, enrolled in agriculture before joining the U.S. Army in November 1944. He was discharged from the Army at Fort Sheridan, Ill, in August 1946.

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Expert predicts good wheat crop

There are always a number of unknown factors that could change any farm finance picture in an instant, but Cooperative Grain and Supply grain coordinator Dick Tippin is confident in saying this could be a good year for wheat. “There are still a lot of things that could happen,” Tippin said. “It might freeze out yet, or we could get hail, but we could be cutting by the end of May. That’s what the farmers are saying.”

Consultant helps save money

Dean Claycamp is constantly thinking of ways to save money. He looks at a business plan or financial projections and his mind whirs to life picking out costs to cut and envisioning marketing plans to bring in more clients to a business and increase profitability.

Commission discusses insubordination

Marion County Road and Bridge supervisor Jesse Hamm brought up disciplinary options for insubordinate employees Monday at the Marion County Commission meeting. He asked for clarification from commissioners of whether he could fire, demote, or reduce the pay of the employee without giving a verbal and written reprimand first.

Democratic caucuses on Saturday

The Kansas Democratic Party will have presidential caucuses Saturday to apportion the states delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Eligible voters may register at the caucus. Voters in the Kansas Senate 17th District — representing all but the westernmost portion of the county — will vote at the Lyon County Courthouse, 402 Commercial St., Emporia.

Commission to increase county camping fees

Marion County Commission approved increasing camping fees at Marion County Park and Lake on Monday. The daily fees increase by one dollar to $8 for tent camping and $14 to camp with electric and water hookups.

County keeps insurance plan

Marion County Commission decided to renew the county’s health insurance policy with Blue Cross/Blue Shield on Monday. Commissioners stated that not much was gained in terms of cost with other plans and that more was lost in benefits.

County may reduce recycling pickup

Marion County Transfer Station Director Rollin Schmidt asked Marion County Commission about changes to the recycling bin program established in the county. Schmidt said northern cities in the county — Pilsen, Lost Springs, Tampa, Durham, and Lincolnville — are not using the bins enough to warrant the $110 monthly fee paid by the county to Waste Connection by the county for each bin. The cities that have bins do not pay anything to the county or Waste Connection.

Court closures are legislative failure

Law and order isn’t just a television series; it is —or should be — a serious priority for every level of government. But for the second time in three years, the Kansas Legislature is letting budget games disrupt the work of courts that are a vital part of maintaining law and order. Starting Friday and continuing every other Friday through June 8, courts throughout the state will be closed because of shortages of funds. That adds up to five days, the equivalent of a full work week, that the justice system will be set back. Maybe there are courts elsewhere in Kansas that are completely able to absorb the lost time, but the Eighth District Court that serves Marion County has its hands full even without unwelcome closures.

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Marion Legion needs items

American Legion Post 22, Marion, is asking the community to help collect items for care packages to be sent to troops overseas. The postage is accounted for but there is still a need of items. Care packages mostly include snacks, toiletries, gum, lip balm, books, videos, an area newspaper, food items, socks, blankets, and seasonal items.

NC minister to speak at Tabor

Terry Hunt, district minister of the North Carolina Mennonite Brethren Conference, will give the keynote address for the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies annual spring dinner meeting, 6:30 p.m. May 5 in the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center lobby. Hunt’s address will highlight the history of the Mennonite Brethren in the eastern United States and cast a vision for the future.

Poor communication led to dispute

Former Florence Recreation Director Holly Pereilo said that a lack of communication between the Florence City Council and herself led to roller skating nights at the Florence gym being postponed and end of her appointment. Pereilo said that she asked City Clerk Janet Robinson, council member and Spring Fling organizer Trayce Warner, and Mayor Mary Shipman what events needed to be scheduled for spring in February. Without a date set for Spring Fling, Pereilo scheduled skating nights for April 28 and May 26.

Tampa cleanup is April 23

At its April 3 meeting, Tampa City Council scheduled a community cleanup day for April 23. Residents with extra trash such as worn out appliances or other things too large for their trash bins can place them at the curb before that date and Waste Connections will pick them up. Mayor Tim Svoboda said culverts behind Jason Backhus’ house and David Mueller’s downtown building need to be replaced.

Attorney general warns of new scams

The Better Business Bureau of Kansas and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt released warnings April 4 about a pair of recently popular scams. ‘Smishing’

Defensive driving course offered

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) plans to offer a defensive driving course for all ages from 1 to 5 p.m. April 30 and May 1 at the Hillsboro Senior Center The class, which will be taught by Richard and Marilyn Riemer of Hillsboro, is for all drivers of all ages and allows any licensed driver who completes both four-hour sessions to qualify for a premium insurance policy reduction.

Zimbabwe subject of next learning program

“Zimbabwe: The Country and its People” will be the subject of Friday’s Learning in Retirement program at Tabor College. Bob Priest, Marion, will share stories and photos from his 2011 trip to the African country. Priest is retired after serving 43 years with the United Methodist Church. The trip to Zimbabwe was in support of the greater mission of the United Methodist Church, including the development of a Skills Training Center near the city of Mutare.

Youth group to collect old cell phones

Marion Christian Church Youth is partnering with GRC Wireless Recycling to collect used cellular phones as a fundraising campaign. Marion Christian Church Youth will receive some money for every phone donated regardless of age or condition, up to $30 per cellular phone and $100 per smartphone.

P.E.O. members learn about orchids

P.E.O. Chapter DB met April 2 at the home of Eileen Sieger with 22 members present. Beth Collett and Marlene Utech were co-hostesses. Sieger presented the program, “Orchidelirium.” She grows many varieties of orchids in her home.

Auxiliary finds out about fitness

St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary members met Thursday. Hostesses were Gloria Ash, Judy Reno, Feebie Holdeman, Lois Johnson, Norine Holtsclaw, and Lenore Dieter. The program featured Karen Williams, a personal and group trainer who leads fitness classes four days a week. She said exercise should be fun and a privilege. As part of her program, she demonstrated exercises that can be done at home while standing and sitting.

Ramona couple provides Easter dinner

Warren and Paula Fike of Ramona hosted an Easter dinner Sunday at the Trinity Lutheran Church parish hall. After dinner, an Easter egg hunt was held at the family farm. Those attending were Duane and Ruthita Fike of Redlands, Calif., Toby and Allison Fike of Arvada, Colo., Rodney and Krista Peterson, Warren and Jeanne Leinen, Todd and Sarah Leinen, Peyton, Kelsey, and Danielle of Valley Center, Dan and Linda Peterson of Burdick, Tom and Susie Omli, Tate, Toby, Sesely, and Sydney of Brookville,

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Marion FFA takes first

A team of Marion-Florence FFA students placed first overall in South Central District agriculture technology management contests April 4 in Hutchinson. Aaron Molleker, Nick Meyer Clark Kroupa, and Jacob Cope comprised the Marion foursome that captured the team title. Molleker was the individual champion of the event, with Meyer finishing fourth and Kroupa fifth.

Spohn receives scholarship

Danielle Spohn of Centre High School was one of five high school seniors who received scholarships at the annual meeting of the Tri-County Telephone Association on March 27 at Herington. Daniel and Barbara Spohn of Tampa are her parents. More than 260 voting members attended the meeting, which marked the company’s 49th year of service.

WSU grad students get grants

Wichita State University master’s degree students Kelley Schafers and Stacie Marsden recently had their grants fully funded. One of the requirements for their master’s programs was to write one grant each year of the two-year program. Marsden’s grant was an Early Learners Grant. She received a network site license of the Tool Factory Beep computer program. Her grant was funded by Digital Wish based on her technology lesson plan “Communicating with E-Pals in Kindergarten to Learn About Cultural Diversity.” She teaches kindergarten at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Newton.

Collett to study in Europe

Washburn University student Louisa Collett of Marion will spend the 2012-13 academic year studying at Mikkeli University of Applied Studies in Savonlinna, Finland, and the University of Szeged, Hungary. She will be participating in the Trans-Atlantic Dual Degree Program, a student-exchange program supported by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education.

Centre FBLA takes state

Twenty members of the Centre High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter participated in the state FBLA contest March 29 and 30 at Topeka. The Centre parlaw team of Carrie Carlson, Theo Kassebaum, Makenzie Deines, Bryanna Svoboda, and Ty Simons finished in first place. Deines finished second in public speaking. The parlaw team and Deines will compete in the national contest in June in San Antonio, Texas.

MHS artists earn honors

Eight artists from Marion High School participated in the Heart of America league art festival April 4 at Trinity Catholic of Hutchinson, and seven came home with awards. “It’s an annual showing of the best artists,” MHS art teacher Jim Versch said. “Each school brings a limited number of works and artists.”

Marion board restores PAT funding

Families with infants and toddlers in the Marion-Florence USD 408 school district will have increased access to the Marion County Parents as Teachers program after the Board of Education took action Monday to restore funding that was cut last year. All five Marion County school districts participate in the PAT program, and a percentage of the total slots available is allotted to each based on overall district enrollment. Districts pay an assessment to PAT to provide services. USD 408 decreased funding for PAT by $700 last year as part of their budget-cutting measures.

CHS forensics team wins

The Centre High School forensics team is the Wheat State League champion. The team won first place at the league meet in Little River on April 2, competing against Solomon, Goessel, Peabody-Burns, Elyria Christian, White City, and Chase County. Ten of the 12 members who attended broke into the final round and qualified for state championships.

MHS second at HOA forensics meet

The Marion High School forensics team took second place in the Heart of America league meet April 2 in Bennington. Marion swept the top three places in poetry, with Issac Baldwin claiming top honors, followed by Caroline Collett and Andrew Kjellin.

Hett named to all-state team

Marion High School junior Jordan Hett was selected to the Class 3A basketball all-state second-team announced Monday by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Hett was one of three Heart of America League players that were among the 21 athletes honored by KBAC. Trey Unrau of Moundridge was named to the first team, and Caleb Cherryholmes of Remington was selected to the third team.

Warriors win Marion Relays

The Marion Relays boys’ track meet Thursday was won by the Marion High School Warriors in classic fashion, with dominating performances in the field events and a blazing victory in the 4x400-meter relay. The event featured a group of teams such as El Dorado and McPherson that the Warriors don’t typically face off against, Marion head coach Grant Thierolf said.

Softball team picks up wins

Marion High School head softball coach Chad Adkins had an air of satisfaction as he leaned against the dugout wall Thursday following 5-2 and 13-2 victories over visiting Ellinwood. “We look like a softball team — it’s kinda cool,” a smiling Adkins said.

Girls lead Centre quint

Centre High School senior Theo Kassebaum and freshman Shelby Makovec earned first-place finishes at the Central Kansas Track League meet hosted by CHS April 3 at Marion. Kassebaum won the 100-meter high hurdles with a time of 16.4 seconds. She placed second in the 300 low hurdles at 56.4. A leap of 14 feet, 11.75 inches in the long jump gave her a fourth-place finish.

Gordon collects more honors

Marion High School senior Whitney Gordon put the wraps on her high school basketball career with an all-star game appearance Sunday, and received additional postseason honors from Kansas coaches and media. Gordon was one of 17 Kansas high school seniors who suited up Sunday for the 34th annual Kansas All-Star Classic basketball game in Hutchinson.

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