Marion County RECORD

3 teachers take retirement incentives

Three teachers at Marion schools have accepted incentives from the school district, retiring effective at the end of the school year. The school board accepted high school choir teacher Tim Cassidy, industrial arts teacher Roger Schwab, and elementary school Title I teacher Cindy Vinduska’s resignations at a special meeting last week after meeting in closed session for 10 minutes.

Heitschmidt, Adkins, Kline win Marion elections

Todd Heitschmidt won the race for Marion mayor Tuesday, defeating incumbent Mary Olson 329-187. Steve Unruh finished in third place with 29 votes. Chad Adkins was the leading vote-getter for two open council positions with 319. Incumbent Jerry Kline was re-elected with 219 votes, finishing ahead of Melissa Mermis, 178; Duane McCarty, 170; and David Mayfield, 87.

Old Settlers' Day to highlight frontier death

Marion Kiwanis Club revealed the theme for 2014 Old Settlers’ Day on Tuesday: “The Last Ride of Ed Miller.” Casey Case spoke about Miller, who was believed to be the only settler in Marion County to have been killed by Native Americans.

Goal for Historic Elgin sale: To take the next step

When Jim Cloutier and his family bought and restored the Elgin Hotel, his goal was to restore it to its former glory as a way to give back to Marion. “This community has done an awful lot for me and my family,” he said Thursday.

Marion County wind farm applies to for permit to expand

Windborne Energy has applied for a permit to expand the area for its planned wind farm between Aulne, Peabody, and Florence. Rex Savage said the requested expansion is to give more space around planned turbines to protect downwind turbines from wind vortexes caused by turbines upwind. The proposal is not to add to the planned number or size of turbines.

MacGyver ways to get hair curled just right

Sarah Dye went above and beyond to make sure her daughter’s hair was just the way she wanted it for school photos. Dye’s daughter Sophia’s hair does not hold heat curls, so Dye browsed the Internet looking for ideas to help make it curly.

Past council member speaks about budget concerns

Marion City Council voted on a few housekeeping items on the eve before city elections. During public forum, resident and former council member Bill Holdeman spoke about concerns he had about the city’s budget.

Ace owner seeks competition

Although his Ace Hardware store in Marion hasn’t yet opened, Kent Carmichael already is urging the city to find another store to locate out by U.S. 56, although it could mean competition for him. “It’s been our experience that you need some competition,” he said Tuesday.

Unique residents dancing along U.S. 77

Those that drive about three miles south of Florence on U.S. 77 might have noticed some strange things happening on the east shoulder of the road. For the past few months, prairie chickens have been using the flat, short-grassed ditch area and adjoining pasture as their booming grounds. In the early mornings and late evenings, several male prairie chickens can be seen dancing about trying to impress females and prove they are the man of the roost.

Chingawassa announces opening concert

Country music singer-songwriter Lexi Larsen will perform June 7 at Chingawassa Days in Marion. She will be the opening act for headliners Love and Theft. Larsen grew up in Nebraska and is now based in Nashville. She has received her first album, Good Memories. Singles from the album include “You Can Leave,” “He’s on a John Deere,” and “Something About Sunday.”

Spring Fling is April 27

The Florence Labor Day committee met March 30 to discuss plans for the annual Spring Fling and Labor Day celebration. The committee welcomed a new member Bob Gayle. Spring Fling was scheduled for 3 p.m., April 27 in the Florence gym. There will be a new lineup of kids’ games, along with an activity provided by the Marion Cub Scouts.

Marion resident finds headstone in yard

A Marion resident doing some spring yard work stumbled upon a strange yard ornament he had never seen before on March 18. A headstone belonging to a World War II veteran who died in the 60s was found in the resident’s back yard.

Insurance candidate speaks in Marion

Ken Selzer, a candidate in the Republican primary for state insurance commissioner, went around Marion on March 26 speaking to different groups about his candidacy. Selzer said insurance is a very technical topic, and he wants to help Kansans make better buying decisions. He has spent 32 years working in insurance and reinsurance.

Burn ban discussion continues

After changing a stipulation last week in the county’s burn ban policy, commissioners amended those changes Monday. At the previous meeting March 24, commissioners approved to change the policy from calling special meetings to make weeklong burn bans to banning fires for 24 hours whenever wind speeds exceeded 20 mph.

Getting the convertible ready for spring

The weather is finally getting warmer, and that may have some car enthusiasts ready to get their more “summery” vehicles ready for a cruise after being stored during the winter months. County lake resident Peggi Wilson said she loves her red convertible Mazda Miata she calls “Mia” because it is not just cute, but it’s also fun to drive.

Corvettes a joy to drive, help fan relax after a tough day

It was supposed to be a straightforward “car guy” profile when I met with Jim Hefley on Friday. He has always been a good tipster for me to find other car enthusiasts to profile, and I wanted to take him up on an offer he’d made to go for a ride in his Corvette. He enjoyed taking people on their first ride in a Corvette, he said, and I’d never been in one. Friday morning before work, Hefley called me. He wanted to change the arrangement for the story. He wanted me to drive his Corvette.

Mary Baltzer

Mary Baltzer, 87, died March 26 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. She was born Aug. 1, 1926, to Dietrich and Grace (Crist) Eitzen in Hillsboro. She married Jona Baltzer on Oct. 30, 1947, in rural Hillsboro.

Lena Haynes

Lena Maghe Haynes, 90, died Monday at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born Dec. 16, 1923, to Emile and Julia (Brissart) Maghe in Franklin. She is survived by two sons, James Haynes Jr. of Hillsboro and Dennis Haynes of Salina; 3 daughters, Linda Klewicki of Rapid City, S.D., Denise Lopez of Wichita, and Connie Guhr of Hillsboro; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Betty Norman

Betty Norman, 83, of Hillsboro died Friday at Parkside Homes. She was born Sept. 21, 1930, to Harry and Edna (Foth) Gossen in Hillsboro. She married Walter Norman on April 15, 1966, in Wichita.

Walter Utech Jr.

Walter William “Bill” Utech Jr., 87, of rural Herington died Friday at Herington Municipal Hospital. He was born Feb. 13, 1927, on a farm near Herington to Walter W. Sr. and Edna Josephine (Granzow) Utech. He graduated from Herington High School in 1945. He served in the Army Air Corps after high school and served in the European theater for a short time. He received his pilot license for single-engine airplanes. He was a farmer and stockman.

Accidents reported

Civil division cases

County Jail arrests and bookings

Criminal division cases

Deeds recorded

Emergency dispatches

Fish and Game division cases

Marriage licenses issued

Offenses reported

Peabody municipal court

Police incident reports

Traffic division cases

Is there a safe place for retirement money?

Warren Buffett once said, “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” Unlike the stock market, with its ups and downs, there is a way to invest hard-earned savings in an investment plan that guarantees the safety and security of that money.

Governor declares April as Financial Literacy Month

Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation Monday declaring April as Financial Literacy Month, urging Kansans to understand how to manage their money, credit, investments, and debt. “Personal financial literacy among today’s youth will contribute to the financial stability of tomorrow’s workforce and to the growth, success, and prosperity of the Kansas economy,” Brownback said.

Goal-setting, planning are crucial pieces of personal finances

Marion High School family and consumer sciences teacher Myrta Billings teaches students to practice saving money the minute they get a job, so that when they want to purchase an expensive item they will already have developed healthy financial habits. “When we talk about money, we think about values and needs from a consumers point of view,” Billings said Tuesday. “First students have to figure out what their finical goal is and then they can aim for it.”

Stop the perpetual campaigning

City elections are over, the votes are counted, and all that is left is for the county to count provisional ballots and certify the results. Very quickly, city government will roll along like usual. It would be nice to take a break before the next political campaign season begins. Unfortunately, it’s too late for that. Politicians are already out campaigning for the August primary. In particular, the Republican primary campaign for state insurance commissioner seems to be in full swing. At a legislative coffee to start March, candidate Clark Shultz garnered state Rep. John Barker’s endorsement for the primary. And a week ago, Ken Selzer made rounds at least in Marion, stumping for votes and visiting the newspaper.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Leadership group meets

Leadership Marion County members Dainne Cyr, Ashley Friesen, Roger Schroeder, and Karen Williams discussed the importance of servant leadership and effective communities March 6 in Lincolnville. Teresa Huffman taught the class, and on March 20 met with the group and member Kerry Maag at the courthouse for Government Day.

Several celebrate Sam Johnson's birthday

On a warm and windy day, 26 family members and friends of Sam Johnson gathered Sunday to celebrate his 70th birthday. The surprise party was at his nephew’s house in El Dorado. Guests enjoyed a cookout and yard games for kids.

Woman's family history is American history

When Reva Stoner of Marion was growing up at Medicine Lodge, her parents, John and Ethel Ford, owned a farm near the site of the U.S. government’s signing of a peace treaty in 1867 with the five tribes of Plains Native Americans — the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Arapaho, and Cheyenne. Beginning in 1927, Medicine Lodge held historical pageants to commemorate the event. The Fords, along with other Medicine Lodge residents, became involved. Their six horses were used in the pageant. Stoner’s father was the master of a covered-wagon train, and Stoner herself was a “flower girl” dancer. She also was a wagon rider.

Lifelong Learning session features stories from 1920s and 30s

Phyllis Martens will give a presentation entitled “Stories from an Old Town” at 9:45 a.m. April 4 at Wohlgemuth Music Education Center at Tabor College. Martens will share stories from her grandmother, Helena Jungas, life growing up in rural Mountain Lake, Minn., during the 1920s and 1930s, and a book she wrote.

Democratic Women meet for lunch

Marion County Democratic Women met at the Marion Senior Center for lunch Friday. Sue Clough conducted the business meeting. Neysa Eberhard reported on Washington Days in Topeka.

Documentary on the Civil War to premier in McPherson

A documentary telling the story of the Kansas-Missouri border during the Civil War will have its premier at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at McPherson Opera House. “The Road to Valhalla” will feature photographs, interviews, and reenactment footage to illustrate events that describes everything from large battles to guerilla actions along the Kansas-Missouri border.

BIRTHS:

MEMORIES:

Centre kindergarten screenings are April 14

Kindergarten screenings for prospective kindergartners attending Centre Elementary School are April 14. The screenings are for children who will be 5 years old before Aug. 31.

Kirkpatrick named librarian of the month

Lori Kirkpatrick recently won the “Librarian of the Month” award from KAKE TV and was featured on the Thursday evening news for her work helping promote the importance of reading among Marion students. “When Mr. Wasmuth told me that I had won the award, I was very honored and humbled,” Kirkpatrick said.

FFA members know insects

Marion/Florence FFA members competed at the South Central District entomology event March 26 at Buhler High School. The team placed third after completing a written test over insect characteristics, life cycles, habitats, food preferences, control, and economic significances, and identified 50 specimens.

Seniors offering scholarship

Senior Citizens of Marion County Inc. is offering a $500 scholarship to one 2014 high school senior. Seniors pursuing a degree in an aging related field, including medicine, nursing, social work, therapies, or gerontology are eligible.

Robot teaches perseverance

It took the students in Marion High School’s robotics class nearly two months to prepare their robot for competition, but the education did not stop once building was complete. “Every competition, there’s always little things that can be changed and that’s where it’s kind of a work in progress,” senior Clint Kroupa said. “At competitions you can look at other robots and get ideas.”

Centre business students qualify for nationals

Of the 21 members of Centre Future Business Leaders of America who attended the state leadership conference March 25 and 26 in Topeka, 15 qualified for national competition by placing in the top three. Allison Basore was selected as the new state FBLA parliamentarian. She qualified for the position by scoring the highest on the parliamentary procedures test. She will begin her duties on April 11. Rick and Angela Basore of Burdick are her parents.

Centre FFA students learn about commercial horticulture

Centre FFA members participated in the South Central District entomology career development event March 24 at Buhler. Members took a knowledge test and identified 40 specimens of insects. The A team of Shania Svitak, Hannah Peterson, and James Spohn placed fifth overall. The greenhand team of Raeanne Bryant, Karoline Chizek, Valerie Craney, Katie Marler, and Rebecca Reneau placed fourth.

Community service project a hit with seniors

Centre seniors Makenzie Deines and Bryanna Svoboda met Friday with senior citizens at the Hilltop Community Center in Herington to help them learn how to use computers and iPads. The meeting was part of an ongoing weekly community service project called “Senior Savvy” that the girls developed as members of Future Business Leaders of America. The project received second place at the state convention earlier in the week at Topeka and will be submitted in national competition in June.

Butler offers ways for students to save

High school students who enroll in Butler Community College classes after graduation and have taken classes while in high school may find their tuition costs to be cheaper. Butler is offering a Start Smart program that reimburses tuition students paid for classes taken while in high school if they enroll full time at Butler within a year of graduating. Any classes taken during any fall, spring, or summer semesters prior to graduation are eligible.

Artists make final preparations for show

Eighteen Marion High School art students have been busy semester creating and perfecting entries for the league art festival today in Inman. Senior Alicia Maloney finished glazing a foot-tall ceramic totem pole she made to re-fire in a kiln over the weekend. She said the project took about two weeks to complete. She said she’s pleased with the way it came out and hopes it fairs well at league.

Marion baseball team picks up where it left off

The Marion baseball team opened its season Tuesday in dominating fashion against Herington High School, winning 22-2 and 16-0. The Warriors hit the ball nearly at will during both games, scoring 22 runs by the fifth inning in the first game. Pitcher Luke Steele shut out the Railers in four innings before giving way to Dylan Pippin in the fifth.

Lady Warriors split opener

After a shaky start, the Marion softball team came together in the second game of its doubleheader against Herington, holding on for a win. The Warriors struggled offensively in the first game, while the Railers loaded the bases in the first inning. Pitcher Megan Richmond battled with batters through the count, but a double scored two runs for Herington.

Warriors place at state powerlifting

Weightlifters from across the state packed the Marion Middle School gym Saturday for the state powerlifting meet. Four Marion lifters placed in the meet. On the girls’ side, Kaelyn Thierolf placed third in her weight class in bench press at 135 lbs., second in cleans at 165 lbs., and second overall with combined lifts of 525 lbs. Shelby Felvus placed third in her weight class in cleans at 120 lbs.

Several players named to basketball all-state team

Several Marion County basketball players were named to all-state teams. Ty Simons of Centre was named to the 1A third team. Christian Ratzlaff of Hillsboro was named to the 2A first team and Brett Weinbrenner was named to the second team 2A.

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