Marion County RECORD

Park restrooms elicit opinions

The question of where to put new restrooms in Central Park is splitting the people who care into two camps, and the dividing line is clear: cost vs. beauty. After Gene Winkler told Kiwanis Club members that putting the restrooms in the northwest corner of the park, west of the memorial fountain, could save $12,000 or more, the club voted to send a letter to city council endorsing that location as long as it doesn’t interfere with the park’s beauty.

Terrel prepares for X-Factor tryout

Justin Terrel of Marion has been a singer since early childhood, but this weekend the high school sophomore will take his talent to a new level as he tries out for X-Factor in Denver, Colo. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since I was little,” Terrel said. “I used to want to be on American Idol, but since they changed the judges it is not as good anymore.”

Lab tech knows life is a miracle

Carrie (Richmond) Helmer could just as easily have been born dead as alive if circumstances hadn’t worked to put the right people at the right place at the right time. Now a lab technician at St. Luke Hospital in Marion, Helmer will be celebrating her 30th birthday in July. In a sense, she has two mothers.

Pride motivated co-valedicatorians

Excitement is the word. Marion High School co-valedictorians Ryan Nelson and Elizabeth Goentzel are excited to graduate May 11, excited one phase of their lives is ending and another is beginning.

Graduation ceremonies begin this weekend

Schools in Marion County will have graduation ceremonies this weekend and next. The first ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Marion, as Marion County Home Educators have their graduation ceremony with six graduates.

Sept. Housing residents ask questions

It seemed like the residents of Marion September Housing started their questions with minor items. One woman asked about the possibility of getting a dishwasher — it is a possibility, although the sizes of the existing kitchens in the apartments limit what architect Larry Krier can accomplish.

Post office organizes food collection

The Marion post office will be participating in the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive for the first time — and they want help. “The letter carriers can’t do it all themselves,” postmaster Lori E. Kelsey said. “After all, they walk everywhere. We’re hoping some volunteers step up and help us out. If we have just six or 10, we could cover a lot of ground.”

Thiesen battles brain tumor

A home health nurse came on Friday to draw a vial of Dusty Thiesen’s blood; this is now a daily routine for the 28-year-old. During the session, they started to chat about blood-thinning drugs. Thiesen currently takes Coumadin.

New radiology machines come to St. Luke

St. Luke Hospital is looking to add two upgraded machines two their radiology wing: ultrasound and mammography machines. “What we have now is pretty outdated,” CEO Jeremy Armstrong said. “It’s a dinosaur. We want to be able to give people the best care possible — and, in today’s society, that means we need to have upgraded technology.”

Accidents reported

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Emergency dispatches

Offenses

Peabody police

Traffic cases

Freeze gave farmers reason for concern

Terry Vinduska of Marion was cautious when he reached down to survey the condition of his wheat crops Monday. “You just don’t know how hard the cold, winter weather hits until you get up close and personal with the plants,” he said. “It’s a gamble. Sometimes I wonder why I am a farmer. I don’t have much patience.”

Farmer educates with videos

The Peterson Brothers of Assaria have generated a big following on YouTube with their videos related to agriculture, and Derek Klingenberg, a 32-year-old farmer from Peabody, is following close on their heels. The 2001 Kansas State University graduate works with his brother, Grant, and father, Vernon, in a large, diversified farming operation. He creates music videos whenever he has time.

Scholarship winner gets busy with bees

Bailey Penner of Peabody was ecstatic when he found out he won a $700 scholarship from the Kansas Honey Bee Producers Association earlier this spring. The 13-year-old middle school student did not expect it to be so hard, however, to get his own bee colony going on his family farm just north of Peabody. Penner used his scholarship money to order a swarm of bees from California, but they died en route to Kansas because of truck driver error. The second order Penner placed also met with disaster when the truck hauling his group, along with 16 million other bees, was detained in a blizzard in Wyoming and the bees arrived dead.

Marion farmer donates eggs to food bank

The 40 hens on John Dvorak’s farm, two miles southwest of Marion, provide more than enough eggs for him and his wife, Carol. They give the excess production to Marion County Food Bank in Marion. Carol Dvorak said they deliver a dozen cartons of the eggs whenever they have extras, which can be as often as every other week or once a month. The chickens have an outside cage but range free for several hours every day. A light bulb in the chicken barn provides eight to 10 hours of light during winter months to extend production.

County kitchen proposal dropped

County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman told county commissioners that she felt like the time wasn’t right for her idea of the county opening a certified commercial kitchen for business incubation and cooking classes. Her decision came after a meeting where some county residents raised questions about how the kitchen would be operated. Commission Chairman Randy Dallke told her not to let the idea die completely. He said he is OK with the county investing some money in a project like that to see if it takes off. Commissioner Dan Holub also said he liked the concept.

Lincolnville to maintain recycling bin

Lincolnville City Council members agreed Monday to continue to provide recycling to city residents, even if the city has to deliver the items to the transfer station itself. Council members were upset that the county commission did not give them official notice of the cutoff date before the recycling program stopped. The council found out when it received a two-month bill of $274 from the recycling company.

Political poker over a royal flush

In Congress, ultra-conservatives are battling ultra-liberals. In Marion, emotions and battle lines are just as strong, but the issue is where to locate needed restrooms in Central Park. On one side are administrator Doug Kjellin and current and former council members Todd Heitschmidt and Gene Winkler, both wanting to put new concrete restrooms up front and quite visible, near the main fountain in the park.

Fighting drug use is community responsibility

These past two weeks have shed a light on a dark, if not hidden, aspect of our community: the drug culture. I am very thankful for the work of our city police department and our county sheriff’s department. Both offices worked very hard to make it clear that the use and sell of illicit drugs will not be tolerated within our community. Drugs have stolen the lives of countless individuals over the years and everything we can do to prevent their use is of benefit to all of us.

BALANCING ACT:

Part 4 of serialization

Msgr. Arthur Tonne, a prolific author, came to St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen to write this 1954 biography of Father Emil Kapaun, who last week posthumously won the Congressional Medal of Honor and is under consideration for sainthood. Excerpts from “

A seminarian becomes a priest

After Mass, the celebrant and his classmates, Father Preisner and Father Vesecky, gave their priestly blessing to the entire congregation. A banquet was served at noon and in the evening to more than 1,200 guests. In the evening, the parish presented a short program in honor of its first priest.

Unborn doesn't mean unliving

Unborn doesn’t mean unliving To the editor: I read with interest Pat Wick’s views on what constitutes human life. When human life begins has always been of interest to me. I look to two places — science and religion.

Rains raise lake levels

After spending all winter and most of spring with water levels several feet lower than usual, Marion County Lake got closer to its normal water level on Thursday. Park and Lake Superintendent Steve Hudson estimated the lake had been four or five feet below normal as recently as May 1. But runoff from rain and snow brought the water level to within two feet of normal by the end of Thursday.

Auxiliary shop move delayed

For the past four months, St. Luke Hospital auxiliary shop volunteers have been waiting for one thing: the promised keys to their new location. “It’s taken longer than we expected,” Elora Robinson said. “But we want to make sure everything is legal. Now that the appraiser’s been in, all that’s left is making sure all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.”

Prayer breakfast brings community together

Despite dismal weather conditions, community leaders and concerned citizens of Hillsboro gathered at 7 a.m. Thursday for the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Grace Community Church offices. “There was rain and ice and a little bit of snow but we still had a good turnout and a really good service,” Pastor Adam Utecht of Grace Community Church said. “People came in and enjoyed rolls, muffins, coffee, and fruit. We all sat at little round tables, and then the mayor and five or six pastors led us in prayer.”

Veteran services van in Marion May 20

The Kansas Enhanced Veteran Services van will visit the Marion Senior Center noon to 6 p.m. May 20. The program provides paperwork and information to veterans and families looking to apply for benefits from the U.S. Government. These services include everything from applying for educational opportunities to a burial plot in a military cemetery.

Boat inspections available

Officers with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism will be conducting courtesy boat safety inspections between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday at Marion Reservoir. A wearable, properly fitting, personal flotation device in good condition is required for each person onboard.

Chess club meeting is May 18

Florence Chess Club will meet May 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at 726 Marion Street, Florence. All ages and skill levels are welcome and there is no cost.

Fire strikes Shiplet home

A house fire April 29 in Newton ruined about 90 percent of the belongings of Dustin Shiplet and family, formerly of Marion. The family has received some assistance from the Red Cross, and a fund has been set up for donations at Tampa State Bank.

Diabetic clinics and shoes fill niche

Jeanne Rziha’s genetic history predisposes her to diabetes, but she has set her personal life goal on beating that prediction. She shares her diet and exercise experiences with others through Greenhaw Wellness Clinic diabetic workshops. “My grandfather was diabetic and I have many other close relatives that are diabetic,” Rhiza said. “But I am determined not to become a diabetic. There are things you can do to prevent it.”

Flaming's Inc. receives award

Flaming’s Inc. received a sales award as one of the top GeoComfort dealers in an eight-state category April 24 in Dubuque Iowa. They offer the complete line of GeoComfort geothermal equipment for heating and cooling.

Shared experience knits friends together

As country neighbors, Myrna Hamm and Jeanne Rziha of rural Durham, have shared many experiences. With almost a dozen children between them, husbands that farm, the same home church, and jobs that overlap at Greenhaw Pharmacy downtown Hillsboro, Hamm and Rziha have a lot to discuss when they get together. As Hamm was re-teaching Rziha how to cast-on knitting needles while picking up medical folders, they had a chance to reminisce about an experience they shared 25 years ago that changed their lives forever.

Moennich celebrates 90th birthday

Gertrude Moennich of Hope will celebrate her 90th birthday on Tuesday. Moennich was born in Marion County to John and Christena (Jirak) Bezdek on May 14, 1923. She married Walter Moennich May 25, 1946 in Lincolnville.

Chat and Dine cancels potluck

The Marion County Lake Chat and Dine Club monthly potluck dinner that was scheduled for Saturday has been canceled because of scheduling conflicts. The next club potluck will be June 8.

Toews to lead brass concert

McPherson Community Brass Choir, directed by Jerry Toews of Goessel, will perform 4 p.m. Mother’s Day, at the McPherson Church of the Brethren. The concert will feature two guest soloists, world-renowned euphonium player Timothy Shade and organist Steven Gustafson.

Comedic opera coming to McPherson

Wichita Grand Opera will present Gaetano Donizetti’s comedic opera “Don Pasquale” on May 17 at the McPherson Opera House. “As far as is known, this is the first time that a full-scale opera has been presented at the McPherson Opera House, despite its name,” executive director John Holecek said.

20th Century Club meets

Seventeen members of the 20th Century Club met Saturday at Doyle Creek Corral in Florence. Hostesses were Jean Case, Mary Kay Classen, Lavonne Hannaford, and Mary Costello. A brunch was served by Sara Lou Dawson.

Circles graduates first class

The fellowship hall at Marion Presbyterian Church was decorated in royal blue Thursday as graduates of the first Circles of Marion County leader class were joined by families and many other supporters for an evening meal and cake and punch. Clusters of blue balloons, blue tablecloths with tableware to match, and a fireplace decorated with blue graduation caps and stars provided a festive atmosphere.

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Centre senior to attend medical forum

Centre High School senior Anna Weber will attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine July 21 through 30 in Houston, Texas. She will join other high school students showing academic excellence, leadership potential, and interest in a career in medicine. Centre teacher Cindy Reidel nominated Weber.

Nelson, Schafers win state IDA

Marion High School seniors JayDee Schafers and Ryan Nelson won a forensics state championship in improvised duet acting Saturday at Wichita East High School. Isaac Baldwin competed in the semifinals, placing in the top 12, in prose and poetry.

Schafers receives Girl Scouts scholarship

Jay Dee Schafers, a Marion High School senior, has been awarded the Jayne S. and George W. Smith Girl Scouts scholarship of $3,000. A gift from the estate of the former executive director created this scholarship several years ago.

Three students elected district FFA positions

Nick Meyer of Marion and Kevin Lewis and Karl Riffel of Centre were elected to as South Central District FFA officers for 2013-14 on April 22. Meyer was elected as secretary, Lewis as treasurer, and Riffel as sentinel. Centre FFA members Justin Deines, Kyle Methvin, Chad Mueller, Tom Oborny, Tanner Peterson, Riffel, and Ty Simons will be recognized at the State FFA Convention on May 31 for completing their State FFA Degrees.

Six homeschool students graduate

Marion County Home Educators will have a graduation ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Marion. Austin Calam, Madison Dicks, Kolton Krispense, Hunter Thurston, Naomi Walker, and Peter Walker will graduate. Additionally, Klayton Krispense, Lewis Plank, and Caleb Schafer will be promoted from eighth grade.

Centre banquet is Tuesday

The Centre High School academic and athletic banquet and awards night will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the high school gymnasium. A potluck supper will be served. Persons with last names beginning with A to M will bring a meat dish and dessert. Those with last names beginning with N to Z will bring a meat dish and salad.

CENTRE PROM:

Warriorss sweep Canton-Galva softball

The Marion softball team had a slow start Friday at Canton-Galva but won both games of a doubleheader against the Eagles, 10-2 and 13-1. Megan Richmond and Chelsea Voth were the starting pitchers for the Warriors. Coach Jennifer Felvus said the team pitched to contact and counted on good defense to win the games.

Big hits not enough for baseball team

Starting pitcher Grif Case hit a three-run homer to take an early lead and Taylor Heidebrecht drove in two runs to retake the lead in the seventh inning, but it wasn’t enough for the Marion Warriors to sweep the Inman Teutons on Monday. With Marion leading 9-7 in the seventh inning of game two the Teutons loaded the bases before tying the game on a two-run single. With the bases loaded again, Inman won with a walk-off steal of home plate. The runner at third base started sprinting for home plate as soon as relief pitcher Jacob Harper started his pitching motion. Catcher Caleb Williams didn’t have time to tag the runner as he reached home. It was the Warriors’ third loss of the season.

Centre track competes with prom

The Steve Herrmann Invitational track meet scheduled for Thursday at Herington was postponed until Saturday because of the weather. However, Centre prom and state forensics competition also were that day, so a limited number of athletes from Centre were able to participate, and some of those who did had to leave before completing all of their events. Boys results Grant Srajer: 2. Long jump, 17, feet11.5 inches. 4x100-meter relay (Srajer, Justin Deines, Conner Montgomery, and Houston Svoboda): 2. 49.9 seconds. Ty Simons: 4. 110 high hurdles, 17.4. Svoboda: 6. 100, 11.9. Girls results Cacey Simons: 5. High jump, 4-6. Cassidy Hill: 6. Javelin, 71-5.

Golf program accepting applications

Registration for the 2013 First Tee of Salina Junior Golf Program is open. Youths from 4 to 14 years are eligible to take golf lessons and learn life skills in this course. Cost is $20 per child. Enroll by calling (785) 826-7450.

Marion boys win Hesston track meet

The Marion boys’ track and field team dominated the Hesston Invitational track meet Friday, winning first place with 156 points; Hesston was second with 85 points. James Jones won the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 9 inches, and triple jump, 44-3¾. Quinton Hett placed sixth in triple jump, 36-3½. Zach Hammond won high jump, 5-6, and placed second in pole vault, 13-7. Nicholas Stuchlik placed third in high jump, 5-4, and Seth Snelling placed third in pole vault, 10-7.

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