25 years ago

october 3, 1984

For the first time in several years, guests led the Old Settlers’ Day parade. The 169th Engineers Company of the 69th Engineers regiment of the Kansas National Guard, from Emporia, marched ahead bearing the colors. Following was the military band of the First Infantry Division of the United States Army — stationed at Fort Riley.

A “First Dollar of Profit” plaque was presented this week to Jackie Crofoot and her father-in-law, John Crofoot, who operate Hoppy Line, Inc. Marion Chamber of Commerce ambassadors Rosse Case and Matt Classen presented the plaque.

A little known, yet big scale operation belongs to Wencel Vlk, Marion’s own “Rodent King.” Along with the help of Joe Jirak, Vlk raises hundreds of hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice, all for laboratory research around the country. Vlk has been raising animals for the past 32 years.