25 years ago

august 24, 1988

John Crofoot, Marion business entrepreneur and civic leader, died Tuesday at St. Joseph Medical Center, Wichita. Crofoot became ill about noon Saturday while shopping in downtown Marion. His untimely death came as a shock to his many friends.

Two students received scholarships Friday from Marion Veterans of Foreign Wars. Diann Stuchlik, Lost Springs, received the first-place award of $600. T.J. Johnson, Florence, received a second-place scholarship of $250.

Barbara O’Dell, wife of Florence Police Chief Delano O’Dell, has been hired by Sheriff Ed Davies as secretary.

Juanita Silhan and Delores Stika are pictured hard at work Tuesday preparing lunch for students at Marion Elementary School. To make the first day of school a bit easier for the children, pizza was served.

At least 40 regional artists have reserved spaces at Marion’s 10th annual Art in the Park set for Sept. 3. Even more may register by deadline. As an added attraction, there will be free entertainment. Those scheduled to perform so far are Bennie Holtsclaw, Corky Siebert, Janet Post, and Doreen Thiessen.

Several new events have been added to the agenda for the annual Labor Day celebration at Florence. Plans call for a skydivers’ exhibition, a fun horse show, a little king and queen contest, and an arts and craft show plus the annual parade and an antique and classic car show.