10 YEARS AGO

February 20, 2002

Marion County is one of six to qualify for a micro-loan program from Kansas Commerce and Housing Department. The county receives $100,000 to create a revolving fund. Up to $15,000 may be loaned to small businesses with less than five employees. The interest rate cannot be less than four percent below prime.

Jeff Richmond, eighth grader at Marion Middle School, won Wednesday’s countywide spelling bee at Goessel High School by correctly spelling “superlative.” Home school student Greta Kliewer took second, and Cody Blackletter of Jacob’s Ladder Academy took third.

Harold and Janet (Thye) Keazer will observe their 60th wedding anniversary Feb. 28. The family celebrated the event during the Christmas holiday, so no formal celebration is planned for the present time.

Marion High School students Gladys Mukwindidza, Jamie Bernhardt, Stephanie Jensen, and Ivy Eddy served as pages in Topeka Feb. 11 for 35th District Senator Jay Emler.

The Ampride Convenience Store in Marion has received the “Circle of Pride Award” from Cenex, a division of the CHS Cooperatives of St. Paul, Minn. The award is in recognition for exceeding standards related to retail image, cleanliness, and customer service.