35 years ago

january 19, 1977

Daniel Conrad “Connie” Kent and his wife Verneva, both 74, were killed sometime Monday evening at their home at 101 N. Fourth in Florence. Mark Nelson and Randy Case, grandson of the Kents, were sought by officers as prime suspects and were apprehended after midnight at Emporia driving the Kents’ 1960 Chevrolet.

James F. Smith, son of A.F. “Lonnie” and Irene Smith, is the subject of this week’s Personality Profile by Ruth Meyer.

Marion High School students will present the play, “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward Feb. 4 and 5. Jim McPheeters, MHS speech and drama teacher, announces the cast of the play is comprised of Doug Francis, Cindy Harris, Gary Boyle, Betty Jo Helmer, Carol Colburn, David Bryant, and Sandy Bridges.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence C. Smith of Florence was destroyed by fire Thursday morning in a blaze that took the life of Mrs. Smith and nearly all the couple’s belongings.

Lisa Hanschu, 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Hanschu Jr. of Shawnee Mission and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry LeMoine of Lincolnville, will be attending school in Sweden for the next six months.

Claire Fruechting of Marion has been named to the Emporia Kansas State College president’s honor roll. Bernadine Groves of Marion was named among the top ten in the senior class.

Who says small town life is boring? The wet T-shirt contest at a local tavern Saturday night was as exciting as anything you’ll see in the big city.