35 years ago

march 22, 1978

An epidemic of head lice that has invaded the area the past several weeks finally hit Marion schools last week. The first day of checking at the high school, more than half the students were sent home. Grace Utting, county health nurse, describes the problem as “widespread,” but that they are on top of the problem.

Improvements on West Main Street are becoming evident as the weather improves. A new sidewalk is being built in front of Marion Marble and Granite Works and across the street, the Marion Lumber Company building is getting a facelift and modern entrance, and a new fast food café is being constructed at the corner of Main and Walnut.

Debra Kreutzman of Marion won a first prize of $5 for her entry in Florence Women’s Christian Temperance Union’s junior high essay contest. Her essay was entitled “Abstinence—An Aid to Safety.”

The Pilsen Polka Pals spent from March 4 to 12 on a tour of Hawaii. Twenty people were in the group.

The top award at the South Central Kansas Future Farmers of America district gathering Saturday at Haven went to Jerry Winkley, president of the Marion-Florence chapter of FFA. Winkley was named District Star Farmer. For this, he received an impressive plaque and cash award. In addition, Winkley and Tom Richmond were selected to receive the State Farmer Degree at the state convention in June.