Marion County RECORD

2 McPherson College students charged in death of Tabor student

McPherson Police Department has arrested a second suspect in the death of Tabor College junior and football player Brandon Brown, who died at 10:16 p.m. Saturday of injuries sustained Sept. 16 in McPherson. DeQuinte Oshea Flournoy, 19, of Dallas, Texas, was arrested Wednesday. He and Alton Lamont Franklin, 19, also of Dallas, are both charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second degree. Both suspects are McPherson College students and were listed on the 2011 McPherson College football team roster, although neither is listed on the 2012 roster.

Tabor remembers Brandon Brown

The sanctuary of Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church was filled and overflowing Tuesday with more than 600 Tabor College students and staff, community members, and coaches and athletes from around central Kansas who came together to weave and be wrapped in a blanket of love and comfort as they paid tribute at memorial service for Tabor student-athlete Brandon Brown. Brown, a redshirt junior on the football team who transferred to Tabor from Santa Ana (Calif.) Community College, passed away Saturday from injuries he sustained Sept. 16 in an assault in McPherson.

EnviroFest opens kids' eyes

Students from Marion County schools learned that rings tell the age of a tree, combines cost more than tractors (some even more than a home), bread made from whole-wheat flour is yummy, and erosion can change the direction of a stream, plus many other tidbits of environmental information Tuesday at the 2012 Marion County Fourth Grade EnviroFest in Marion Central Park. “We tailor this to fourth-graders because they are learning about these things in their curriculum at school,” said organizer Peggy Blackman, Marion Reservoir Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) director. “This day just gives them a chance to get some hands-on learning about things that are part of our environment.”

Old Settlers' Day is Saturday

Old Settlers’ Day is Saturday in Marion, and the events will include many Marion High School class reunions. The Marion Country Club Golf Tournament is scheduled to start at noon Friday. Saturday events include the Old Settlers’ Day Run at 8 a.m. at Marion County Park and Lake, the parade at 11 a.m. on Main Street, a picnic and games after the parade in Central Park, school band concerts at 2 p.m. in the park, MHS alumni recognition at 2:30 in the park, and a dance sponsored by the class of 1982 at 8 p.m. at Pier Point Cove at the county lake.

Sign is first on historic trails

A new, large sign was unveiled and dedicated Sunday at the Cottonwood Crossing kiosk on the Santa Fe Trail west of Durham on 285th Road. It designates the Cottonwood Crossing interpretive site as an official stop on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. The Marion County segment of the Santa Fe Trail is the first place where a whole family of signs is linked to guide travelers along the trail route.

Disabled hunters appreciate assistance

Part of the lure of hunting season is the chance to spend time outdoors, living and breathing nature. Driving to a specified hunting spot, walking over logs, through creek beds, and crossing fences to get to a tree-stand or deer blind is something most hunters take for granted. Torey Hett of Marion does not. “I was born with spina bifida,” Hett said. “In elementary school I could get around with braces and a walker, but now that I’ve grown older, it’s just faster with a wheel chair.”

Marlyss M. Brunner

Marlyss M. Brunner, 91, formerly of Ramona, died Thursday at Gardner. She was born Oct. 29, 1920, in rural Hillsboro to Fred W. and Adeline (Bessel) Unruh. She was a homemaker and farm wife, and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ramona.

Gerald D. Kelsey

Gerald D. Kelsey, 69, passed away Sept. 23, 2012. Visitation with family will be held on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 28, 2012, at Marion Christian Church. Interment will be in the Marion Cemetery. Memorial fund established for Our Savior Lutheran Church in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS 66861.

Harold H. Morris Sr.

Harold H. Morris Sr., 89, of Arkansas City died Sept. 14 at Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita. He was born Jan. 14, 1923, in Arkansas City to Charles H. and Georgia Ruth (Drumsgould) Morris. He attended Arkansas City Public Schools and later served in the U.S. Army for 2.5 years during World War II in Normandy and northern France.

Accidents reported

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Emergency dispatches

Hillsboro police

Offenses

Peabody police

Banks feel the squeeze

Media often reports that banks are not lending, but bankers in Marion County beg to differ with that. “Most community banks have ample funds available to good quality lenders,” Marion National Bank President Jim Hefley said. “Banks here in Marion County are eager to loan money, but the regulations aren’t allowing us to grant as many loans as a few years ago.”

E-Community loans help Hillsboro

In the past three years, Hillsboro E-Community loans helped six businesses get started in Hillsboro. Now the entrepreneurial board is working to jump-start three more hometown projects, Hillsboro Economic Development Director Clint Seibel told City Council members last week. “This money we use to help these businesses does not come from tax money and it is not from our mill levy,” Seibel said. “We are using credit money.”

Yields weaken effect of prices

Wheat is selling for $8.49 a bushel, milo is $6.94, corn is $7.28, and soybeans $16.29 per bushel on the worldwide commodities market, Grain Coordinator Dick Tippin of Hillsboro Cooperative and Grain supply reported Thursday. Tippin said these are good prices driven by a continuing demand. There were drought conditions worldwide with the Russian and Ukraine wheat production being affected. He expects prices will continue to stay high unless the economy of China and other large countries falters.

County scales down radio tower plans

Marion County Commission went back to square one Monday for an emergency communications tower, approving an alternative design to be submitted to Marion planning and zoning officials. “We still need a tower by the jail, that’s not going away,” Marion County Commission Dan Holub said. “We’ve been looking at other options.”

Bad news and a little bit of good

I sat down last week with students at Marion and Peabody-Burns schools to talk about my experiences in journalism. One student commented about being frustrated by political news, and then she said something a bit upsetting. Because I was the one being interviewed I wasn’t taking notes, so I can only paraphrase what she said: She is glad she won’t turn 18 until after the election, because she doesn’t want to have to help choose who is going to screw up the country for the next four years. Four things stand out about what she said; three upset me, and one is cause for optimism.

A plan to fight poverty

Something very exciting happened this last week! Not many people witnessed it, but a few of us did. The first meeting of the guiding coalition for Circles of Marion County happened last Thursday. A couple years ago a group met in the balcony of Marion Presbyterian Church to read and study Richard Stearns’ “The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World.” We met for a few months to talk about this book and at the end of that study a few of the people in the group said, “What do we do now?” From there began a search for how we can address poverty in Marion County.

Now I know what being in shape means

I’m now down 60 pounds since I started with Taking Off Pounds Sensibly in January. That means since I reached my original goal of 180 pounds I’ve only lost 12 more pounds in the last three months. Weight loss has not really been the goal though.

I can't, I'm going to Winfield

The Walnut Valley Festival, located in Winfield, Kansas, is famous for it’s acoustic style music, world renowned performers, campground jams, and all around fun for family and friends. This was the 41st annual festival and yes, I was there once again. There are no words to describe it in its entirety.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

ONE WOMAN'S VIEW:

CASA grant provides advocates

Children in Marion County who wind up in the court system from abuse or neglect will soon have voices to speak for them. The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Eighth Judicial District has been awarded a $22,985 grant from the Kansas Attorney General to train volunteers in Marion and Dickinson counties to serve as child advocates in court proceedings.

Museum to feature coopering

A cooper will demonstrate his craft from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum, Goessel. Coopering refers to making wooden items such as buckets and butter churns. Jim Gaster is a full-time cooper who lives near Indianola, Neb. His clients include the Smithsonian Institution, White House Visitor Center, Disneyland, Ordsall Hall Museum in Salford, England, and Hutchinson House Museum in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in several movies, including “The Alamo,” “Seabiscuit,” “The Legend of Zorro,” and “The Assassination of Jesse James.”

Storytime starts Oct. 12

Fall storytime at Marion City Library will be 10 to 10:30 a.m. each Friday starting Oct. 12 and continuing through Nov. 16. Storytime is for children ages 3 through 5. Each session will include a story, craft project, and snack.

PEO gathers for salad supper

P.E.O. Chapter DB met Sept. 17 at the home of Marion Crofoot for a taco salad supper meeting. Cindy Riedel, Diane Richmond, and Jackie Crofoot were co-hostesses. There were 25 members and one guest present. Changes to bylaws and standing rules were proposed, a candidate was chosen for the Star Scholarship, and Jackie Volbrecht gave a presentation about Marion County Circles of Hope.

Settlers arrived in 1850s

So far as is known, the first settler in what is now Marion County, was a man by the name of Smith. He settled and put up a little building at the point of the crossing of the Old Santa Fe Trail with the Cottonwood river. The town of Durham is now situated about 1.5 miles southeast of the location of this little log building which was used as a ranch for the parties using the old trail as freighters and travelers.

Missing soldier remembered by family

Ronald Schultz of Hillsboro was 22 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He lived in Hillsboro, graduated from Hillsboro High School, and after a year at Tabor College, he decided to follow duty’s call. He never came home, and years later, his family still misses their very own POW/MIA brother. “He felt very strongly that he wanted to serve his country,” said Schultz’ sister, Ruth Funk of Hillsboro. “He actually wanted to go in and be a Green Beret, but football injuries changed that. He went into medic training instead.”

Opera house to tribute Roger Miller

John Mueller’s Roger Miller tribute show “King of the Road” will be at the McPherson Opera House at 7 p.m. Saturday. Miller, who died in 1992, won 11 Grammy Awards for songs such as “Dang Me,” “Chug-a-Lug,” and “King of the Road.” Mueller is a Wichita native who has lived in California for a number of years. He has brought his “Winter Dance Party” show, a rock ‘n’ roll revue, to Kansas a number of times.

Randy's Music Jam at Octoberfest

Lincolnville will be celebrating its 140th anniversary Oct. 6 at its annual Octoberfest celebration. Marion County Economic Development is sponsoring the appearance of Randy’s Music Jam at 4 p.m. onstage in the park.

World Rabies Day is Friday

World Rabies Day is Friday. More than 55,000 people die from rabies worldwide every year, a rate of one person every 10 minutes. Rabies in humans is 100 percent preventable. Most of these cases are transmitted by dogs. World Rabies Day events have been held in 150 countries, and have vaccinated 7.7 million dogs to date.

Kline is turning 90

Nadine Hoch Kline of Arlington, Texas, is turning 90, and her family will have a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at 3 Lakeshore Drive at Marion County Park and Lake. There will be cake at the fountain in Central Park after the Old Settlers’ Day parade, as well. People who can’t visit the reception or at the park may send cards to her at Town Village 3216, 1250 Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013.

Democratic Women select officers

Marion County Democratic Women met for lunch Sept. 21. Carolan McFarland was a guest. A partial slate of officers was elected: Sue Clough, president; Janet Bryant, secretary, and Eileen Sieger, treasurer. A vice president will be confirmed by the October meeting.

Hillsboro family named K-State 'Family of the Year'

A local family full of Kansas State University alumni was recognized during Family Day at the university’s football game Sept. 15 against the University of North Texas. Quentin and Shari Morford and their children, Lindsey, Katie, and Matthew – all K-State graduates – of Hillsboro joined relatives from St. John and Stafford as the “Family of the Year.” The family’s K-State connections began with Lolene Morrison Hildebrand of Stafford in 1947. Family members Kent Hildebrand of St. John and Shari Morford of Hillsboro nominated the family for consideration. Family members have been involved with the university in many ways, including serving as Willie the Wildcat at a bowl game, student ambassadors, on the equestrian team, writing for the K-State

Jonas James Carr

Jonas James Carr Tim and Tera Carr announce the birth of a son, Jonas James, born at 7:20 p.m. Aug. 23 in Dodge City. Jonas weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long at birth.

Marion Senior Center

The Marion Senior Center Craft Corner quilters are ready to accept work as hand quilters. Many people from the center attended the 2012 Senior Fair on Sept. 18 at the Bicentennial Center in Salina. Wilma Gilmer was honored as Marion County’s senior pioneer, but she was unable to be there in person.

Annual senior meeting is Oct. 18

The Senior Citizens of Marion County Inc. Board invites the public to attend its 52nd annual meeting Oct. 18 at Hillsboro Senior Center. The cost to attend the meeting and meal is $5. Those interested can pay for their registration at the local senior center or by contacting the Marion County Department on Aging at (620) 382-3580.

Tampa

All the businesses in the new downtown Tampa are now open. Jim’s Salon, the beauty shop operated by Cassandra Clemmer, opened Sept. 18. Trail Stop, the community grocery store, opened Saturday. The Tampa Fitness Center has been open since Aug. 1, and the meeting room has been used frequently. Ramona Beisel and Ruth Moses accompanied Tom and Dee Duggan to the Senior Fair on Sept. 18 in Salina.

Richmond, Reagan

Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Richmond announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Denae Richmond, of Marion, to Corbin Nelson Reagan, son of Chris and Jana Reagan of Lee’s Summit, Mo. The bride-to-be received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Pittsburg State University and is now attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City dental hygiene program.

Wells, Hanschu

David and Susan Wells of Overland Park and Steven and Beth Hanschu of Emporia announced the engagement of their children, Amanda Grace Wells of Overland Park and Matthew Steven Hanschu of Lenexa. Grandparents of the bride-to-be are Dorothy Krehbiel and the late Walter Krehbiel of Inman. Grandparents of the prospective bridegroom are Aileen Hanschu of Marion and the late Ted Hanschu.

MEMORIES:

Candidates make case for vacancy

Marion-Florence USD 408 Board of Education interviewed three candidates Monday for a vacant seat on the board, but put off a decision on whether to fill the spot until its next regular meeting. Dick Varenhorst, 202 E. Santa Fe, Brenda Odgers, 229 N. Cedar, and Jana Nordquist, 128 N. Lincoln, all of Marion, applied to fill the seat left vacant by Keith Collett when he resigned from the board in June. Prospective candidates had to live within the same geographic district as Collett.

MHS choir concert is Oct.6

The Marion High School Vocal Music Department will present the annual fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. The concert will be held at USD 408 Performing Arts Center. The Marion Singers will present their rendition of “All for the Best” from “Godspell”, the KMEA-bound Boys’ Ensemble will present two pieces that will be presented in February, and the Girls’ Ensemble will sing “How Can I Keep from Singing”.

Online BSN program boosts Tabor enrollment

Paige Booten of rural Goessel enrolled at Tabor College this year because she really liked the community feel of the campus when she visited prior to her making her college choice. The people she met convinced her Tabor was the place for her. “All the people I met here were so friendly,” she said. “They made me feel like I was more than just a number. They cared about who I was as a person and wanted to help me grow.”

Students earn advanced degrees

Two students from Hillsboro completed master’s degrees from Wichita State University during the summer. Stephanie A. Collins completed her master of science in nursing, and Jessica M. Hughbanks completed her master of physician assistant. Laura Deane Vinduska of Lincolnville completed her master of science degree from Kansas State University as a summer graduate.

Warriors falter against Inman

The Marion High School Warriors found out Friday they can’t give up almost 400 yards rushing and expect to win. Inman’s Josh Miller had 281 yards on 35 carries to lift the Teutons past the visiting Warriors. It was a tight contest at halftime, with the Warriors ahead 14-13, but the Teutons took advantage of Marion miscues to open up a lead they never relinquished.

Volleyball team splits matches

Berean Academy has become an all-too-familiar foe for the Marion High School Lady Warriors, as they faced off Sept. 18 at Berean for the third time in less than two weeks. Berean won the first meeting Sept. 8 at Centre, 25-12 and 25-23. The teams met again Sept. 15 in the Marion Spikefest, with the Lady Warriors winning on their home floor, 25-12 and 25-18.

Cross country boys grab 2nd

The Marion High School boys’ cross country team secured 2nd place Thursday in Marion Invitational by having four runners place in the top 20. “They did really well. I was hoping to place in the top three,” Marion head coach Rebecca Hofer said. “They ran a solid race as a group.”

Cougars defeat Burlingame

The Centre High School football team got its second victory of the season Friday in a home game against the Burlingame Bearcats. The 64-22 victory improved the Cougars’ record to 2-2.

Centre volleyball team wins 3, loses 2

After defeating Wakefield and Peabody-Burns on Sept. 18 in a league volleyball triangular at Peabody and defeating White City in the Herington Invitational Tournament Saturday, the Centre Lady Cougars have a record of 10-10. They were defeated by non-league schools Sacred Heart and Council Grove. The Lady Cougars scored easy victories over their league rivals. They defeated Wakefield, 25-9 and 25-13; Peabody-Burns, 25-15 and 25-12; and White City, 25-20 and 25-15.

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