Marion County RECORD

Community mourns Schmidt after campus shooting

The Peabody community was rocked Monday morning as the name of a victim in a shooting on campus at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, became known as former Peabody resident Ethan Schmidt. A 1994 graduate of Peabody High School, Schmidt had been shot and killed as he sat in his office at the university. Fellow Delta State professor Shannon Lamb was identified early as a suspect in Schmidt’s death.

Volunteers step in for ailing Puttroff

Good volunteers can be hard to find, and by all accounts, Fred Puttroff of Marion has been a good one, serving in various roles for his church, Eastmoor United Methodist, Marion Senior Center, and the county department on aging. “He’s really the kind of guy that would just help out with anything,” Lanell Hett said.

Man forges weapons of zombie destruction

Any respectable zombie aficionado knows there is one true way to kill a zombie. Destroy its brain.

Team spirit too pricey?

To swag or not to swag? USD 408 officials will wrestle with the question after a parent complained about the pressures that go along with purchasing clothing tabbed as “optional.” Melissa Parmley voiced three different complaints to the board of education at its Monday meeting. She preceded her gripe with the disclaimer that the apparel issue wasn’t about the money, as much as it was about the principle.

Speed limits near hospital to be dropped to 20 mph

In response to concerns expressed months ago by a group of citizens, Marion City Council adopted an ordinance Monday to lower speed limits in a small section of town near St. Luke Hospital. The streets include those contained within the rectangle formed within Welch St. and Maple St. from Roosevelt St. to Coble St., as well as the streets surrounding St. Luke Hospital.

Man arrested on multiple charges

Jesse Marshall, 35, of Marion was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend at 1:30 a.m. Sept. 4 in the 200 block of N. 2nd St. Marion officer Mike Stone investigated the case.

Boyfriend allegedly assaults girlfriend, both arrested

A battered woman, who Marion police said was allegedly beaten “nearly unrecognizable” by her boyfriend, was one of three parties arrested after a violent conflict erupted in the 500 block of N. Cedar St. early Saturday morning. Officer Mike Stone said it was not exactly clear what triggered the violence between Marion live-in couple Jason Anderson, 41, and Melissa Fisher, 37. The official offense report indicated the person charged with aggravated battery against Fisher was suspected of using alcohol and drugs.

City may revamp airport runway

Marion’s vision for the future may include NASCAR drivers. A grant application presented at Monday’s city council meeting could land a new runway at Marion airport. The main goal of this would be to allow for Eagle Med airplanes to use the airport, but council members discussed other possible benefits.

Commissioners question relevance of program

With commission chairman Dan Holub out sick, commissioners Randy Dallke and Lori Lalouette got straight to business at Monday’s meeting, including a discussion about the relevance of the neighborhood revitalization program. “My serious thoughts are doing away with the program, period,” Dallke said. “I think (Holub) is looking into it businesswise to help business.”

MHS class of 1945 had Native nicknames

As old classmates gather to board floats for the Old Settlers’ Day parade Sept. 26, the sound of friends calling out enthusiastic greetings to each other will fill the air. But one set of greetings is bound to sound stranger than the rest. Marion High School class of 1945 alumni may just be the only students in school history where all the graduates had Native American nicknames.

Art in the Park vendors provide global experience

When patrons of Marion’s Art in the Park festival purchase a meal, they may not realize that in exchange for their food, they’re providing a souvenir from Italy, or a bottle of Gatorade for that extra push in the fourth quarter of a football game. However, thanks to local fundraising organizations, that’s just what patrons are doing.

Arts and crafts fair brings big stage to small town

Every year on the third Saturday in September, the city of Hillsboro turns into a zoo of activity as tens of thousands of people flock from near and far to partake in the renowned Arts and Crafts fair. “There are some organizations and towns that don’t know how to do a craft show,” vendor Brenda Walls said. “Hillsboro knows how.”

Study says Marion County is 9th healthiest in state

A recent analysis of the health status of U.S. states and counties had good news for Marion County, which was rated as the ninth healthiest county in Kansas. The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program, sponsored jointly by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, collects and analyzes data for 35 diverse measures related to healthy communities.

Pilsen church to celebrate century mark

St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Holy Family Parish, in Pilsen likely will be packed Sept. 27 as the congregation gathers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the church edifice with a Mass of Celebration and catered noon meal. Terry Klenda, a member of the planning committee, said they decided not to make it a big thing, as they did when they celebrated the congregation’s centennial in 1988.

Cars will 'show and shine' at Lincolnville Octoberfest

A new item on this year’s Lincolnville Octoberfest schedule will be a Show and Shine Car Show. Mayor Barb Kaiser said there would be no judging, but cars may drive through the 11 a.m. parade.

Couple cares for one-room county lake CCC museum

When Larry and Marilyn Hamler of McPherson bought a house at Marion County Park and Lake about 15 years ago, it was to be primarily for weekend retreats and vacations. “We never thought we were going to come out and get involved with neighbors,” Marilyn said. “We were just looking for a getaway.”

Chili, cars, and cornhole pitching happen at Marion County Lake

A trio of annual events that include chili, cars, and corn hole pitching will occur Oct. 3 at Marion County Park and Lake. In its ninth year, the Marion County Lake Chili Cook-off will ladle up bowls from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Monarch migration starts

A trio of annual events that include chili, cars, and corn hole pitching will occur Oct. 3 at Marion County Park and Lake. In its ninth year, the Marion County Lake Chili Cook-off will ladle up bowls from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Father Kapaun museum draws worldwide audience

The story of Father Emil Kapaun of Pilsen has long held interest for Catholics in other countries, and many are finding their way to Kansas and the Kapaun Museum in Pilsen. “We’ve had someone just recently from Columbia, South America,” volunteer Harriet Bina said. “We had the bishop from South Korea come over a year ago.”

Rural park was home to bridge on national registry

The little community of Antelope, northeast of Marion, once had a beautiful park nestled under shade trees along Clear Creek. Located one-half mile west of US-56/77 on 257th St., the now-abandoned spot was a gathering place for Fourth of July celebrations, picnics, and other events for many years. Henry Wight, a large cattle rancher, created the park and named it in 1921 in honor of his wife, Amelia.

Helen Coffelt

Former Hillsboro resident Helen Elizabeth Coffelt, 96, died Sept. 9 at the Homestead Assisted Living Center, Topeka. Funeral services were Monday at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, Horton, and burial was at the Horton Cemetery.

Michelle Williams

Michelle A. Williams, 41, died Sept. 12 at St. Luke Hospital, Marion. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Marion Christian Church.

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Accidents reported

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Police reports

Random redux

Not so long ago, someone asked me if I might have attention deficit disorder, based on the way I seem to stick so many different irons in the fire and oft get burned while trying to juggle them. I got so busy with other things I forgot to answer them. Hmmmm.

When tragedy strikes

Our community has been shaken this week by the murder of one of our own. Ethan Schmidt, a hometown kid, born and raised in Peabody, was shot and killed Monday morning in his office at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. As I type this, the motive is unclear, the suspected killer has taken his own life, and Ethan is dead. His parents are by now in Cleveland to comfort their daughter-in-law and three grandchildren and to make arrangements for their son’s burial. Here in Peabody, our stunned grief, sorrow, and confusion is boundless. What a tragic end to a bright and promising career for an educator. What a sad day for our community and for Ethan’s family and many friends.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

Nightengales to celebrate anniversary with card shower

Don and Twylah Nightengale, Newton, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Sept. 20. and their children are requesting a card shower for the occasion. Don and Twylah were married, Sept. 20, 1955, at the First Mennonite Church in Burns. Don is a retired rancher and farmer and oil field pumper. Twylah retired from Florence Health Center as the Food Service Director.

Basore receives Ft. Riley award

When a contingent of Ft. Riley soldiers visited Centre on Thursday, their leader, Captain David Ferreira, presented an Outstanding Leadership award to senior Ally Basore as part of the unit’s ongoing partnership with the district. Her name is the first to appear on a wall plaque that will record future award winners.

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Marion

Warriors stomp Celtics 28-8

Marion claimed Hutchinson Trinity for its own Friday, as the Warriors spoiled the Celtics’ homecoming with a 28-8 win to improve to 2-0. Coach Grant Thierolf saw a lot of development from his team in a game in which he said his players grew up.

Marion takes Centre invitational

It was easy for the Marion Warriors on Saturday — until it wasn’t. After cruising through the opening matches of the Cougar Classic invitational at Centre High School, Marion found itself losing its first set of the day when it needed it most: in the championship match.

Centre improves in loss to Little River

Despite numerous penalties and three turnovers, the Centre Cougars had a respectable showing Friday in their first home game of the season against Little River. They were defeated, 38-26, a distinct improvement over the blowout they suffered a week earlier at Solomon. “I was curious to see how we would respond after the letdown of the first week,” head coach Tye Remy said. “After a shaky start, I was glad to see the intensity pick up. We started playing football.”

Cougars place 4th at home tournament

The Centre Lady Cougars emerged from pool play Saturday at their own invitational after defeating Rural Vista 25-9, 25-14, and losing to Marion 25-6, 25-14, during opening matches. Centre played Herington for a chance at the championship game, winning the first set, 25-23, but losing 25-17 and 25-18 in the final sets.

Runners trod well at Hesston

Both Marion High School cross-country teams finished in the top half of schools competing Thursday at Hesston. The girls’ team placed eighth of 22 teams and the boys’ team came in 12th of 24 teams.

Calendar of events

Woodfest symphony scheduled for Sept. 26

Symphony in the Flint Hills will host Woodfest Sept. 26 at Camp Wood YMCA, Elmdale. The event includes a Sunset Concert, and will close with the Sunrise Concert on Sept. 27. Professional musicians, including Grammy-award winner Eugene Friesen and recording artists Richard Crowson, Kenny White, and Robin Macy will teach players of all ages, instruments, and experiences in dozens of music workshops.

P.E.O. to sell mums Saturday

Marion Chapter DB of P.E.O. will be selling mums, a type of flower, 9-4 p.m. Saturday on the office lawn at the corner of Main and Elm Sts. Various colors will be available and will be priced at $10 per plant or 3 for $25. P.E.O. met Aug. 17 at the Marion Library to pick up their program booklets for the 2015-2016 year.

Senior Citizens of Marion County to meet Friday

Senior Citizens of Marion County will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Peabody Senior Center. The group will discuss tax requests, 2016 board meeting schedule, and quilters nominations approvals.

Legion fish fry is Sunday

Marion American Legion will be holding its fifth annual fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Marion County Lake hall. All proceeds will benefit youth and veterans programs. The suggested donation is $10, while kids 12 and under are $5.

Disability organization to meet Monday

The board of directors of the Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disability Organization will hold its regular monthly meeting 4 p.m. Monday in the meeting room at 500 N. Main St., Suite 204, Newton. A public forum is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting.

Artifact workshop scheduled

The Mud Creek chapter of the Kansas Anthropological Association will hold its annual artifacts collectors workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 in the lobby of the Old Mill Museum, Goessel. Admission is free. Visitors may come and go as is convenient for them. Light refreshments will be served.

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