Marion County RECORD

U.S.-50 project delayed -- momentarily

Due to a forecast of rain this week, a project that was scheduled to begin Monday to replace deteriorated concrete roadway tying U.S.-50 and U.S.-77 to access points of a roundabout at Florence had been delayed. However, by Tuesday morning, crews were optimistic and the roads were closed, in anticipation of construction. Plans called for construction to be completed within seven days, weather permitting. The project would be under construction 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Burdick girl selected for National Geographic expedition

Nellie Kassebaum, 12, of Burdick, has won the fieldtrip-of-a-lifetime, with National Geographic experts as her guides, as a winner of the National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge. As a member of the fourth annual Kids Expedition team, Nellie will join 14 other children and two teachers from throughout the U.S. on assignment to Peru for a 12-day expedition, May 23-June 3.

Youth anglers: Young but not inexperienced

A lot was on the line Sunday morning as they came to Marion County Lake to fish for bass. These anglers were no ordinary fishermen. They probably could out-fish most experienced anglers four times their ages. Seventeen 11 to 18-year-old anglers were competing for positions on the Kansas championship team to vie for a central division prize. The winners of that tournament would advance to a world championship tournament.

A capella group has Marion ties

At first glance, Six Appeal looks like a typical men’s vocal group, except for one difference. There are seven members instead of six. The group actually started with six members and expanded to include the seventh singer. The group kept its original name because their following knew them by that name and they didn’t want to start from “square one.”

Change of heart?

At the conclusion of Monday’s Marion City Council meeting, councilman Bill Holdeman asked the council to consider a rescission regarding the council’s decision to participate in a lawsuit against an atrazine manufacturer. “Farmers are mad at us,” Holdeman said, “and the lawsuit is making Marion look bad.”

USD 397 school year to end May 15 for students

Most students at Centre USD 397 were ecstatic to learn that May 15 will be the final day of the 2008-09 school year for them. The board of education made the decision to revise the calendar Thursday in a special meeting.

Marion council discusses tornado sirens

Marion city tornado sirens do not work when the electricity is off. Although the occurrence is rare, it happened April 26 when a storm came through the area, breaking power poles, and disrupting electrical service to city residents. At Monday’s Marion City Council meeting, the council sought solutions.

Four new flu cases in Kansas

Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently announced the discovery of four more likely cases of influenza H1N1 (swine flu) in the state. Two adults in Dickinson County were the first confirmed cases in Kansas. Neither person was hospitalized.

Marion police officer fulfilling lifelong dream

Ever since Clinton Jeffrey was a child, he wanted to be in law enforcement. The 2006 Marion High School graduate and Marion resident participated in a “ride along” program beginning in 2000 with local law enforcement.

Road into Tampa is topic of discussion

Marion County Commission discussed options about Limestone Road which accesses Tampa during its meeting Monday. Commissioners have sought state and federal aid to turn the gravel road into asphalt, but to no avail, Commission Chairman Dan Holub said.

Intent of building program supported

Marion City Council will review and make a decision at a future meeting regarding a building permit that would allow an accessory building on a lot without a primary structure. The council heard from Nick Nickelson at Monday’s meeting that Marion Planning Commission did not see a problem with Roy Reynolds, whose residence is at 312 N. First, Marion, to build a 700 square foot garage and storage building across the alley from his primary residence on a vacant lot.

Outbuilding doesn't meet revitalization criteria

An outbuilding constructed by Randy and Debra Fee and Terry L. and Pamela Chizek will not continue in Marion County’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Commissioners voted Thursday to remove the building, saying it didn’t appear to meet the requirement of a $15,000 investment. The outbuilding is located at the intersection of 110th and Pawnee roads.

Marion officials unsure allowing building on lot

Marion City Council will review and make a decision at a future meeting regarding a building permit that would allow an accessory building on a lot without a primary structure. The council heard from Nick Nickelson at Monday’s meeting that Marion Planning Commission did not see a problem with Roy Reynolds, whose residence is at 312 N. First, Marion, to build a 700 square foot garage and storage building across the alley from his primary residence on a vacant lot.

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Good job, city council

Here we go again with the accessory building issue. I got on my soapbox a few months ago when the city adopted a resolution that allowed even larger than before garages and accessory buildings to be constructed. And now, here I am again.

Our voice in Topeka

We just finished what was to have been the one and only week of the wrap-up session. I predict we will wind it up, perhaps in the wee hours of Mother’s Day Sunday; I hope not that late. We have no budget reconciliation bill, and we need one. The revenue estimates are low — way low. Last week Governor Sebelius was appointed U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. That led to Mark Parkinson being sworn in as our new governor. One of the week’s highlights was Parkinson’s address Thursday to the joint session of the House and Senate. I suggest you find his speech online and watch it, or write me. I can send you a copy.

Random Thoughts

I’ll bet you cannot think of a thing softer and smoother than a horse’s nose. Oh, maybe a kitten or puppy. The nose of a horse is so soft, you just want to snuggle it or kiss it. I just saw a big man do that. It is no wonder. The horse just won him more than $1 million. The horse was nice looking but not gorgeous. If a horse is gorgeous for me, it has to be black, coal black, and shiny, and have that soft nose. “Mine That Bird.” Isn’t that a strange name? I guess any name is OK at the Kentucky Derby. I watched the 2009 version. I wasn’t wearing a big, beautiful hat or holding a glass of “Dixie juice” in my hand, just watched a horse race on TV. I never saw a horse creep up in a race like that. He was clear at the back of the pack and then before I knew it, he was way ahead. I have stood on that track, not during a race. Some of my family and I had been to Tennessee for Thanksgiving dinner. The big surprise there was that my newlywed granddaughter had fixed those little individual hens (the ones Victor Borge made famous) just perfect. On the way home, we stopped to see Churchill Downs where we walked on the track. That was a real thrill.

ENGAGEMENTS:

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

Potter farm remains in family after 138 years

Sitting high on a hill southeast of Peabody is a stately two-story wood-frame house. It dates back to 1877 and was constructed for Thomas M. Potter and his wife. As inscribed on the gatepost at the entrance to the driveway, the original property with its stone house was named Hillcrest. The Potters purchased the 320-acre farm in 1871, paying $2,720 to William Endicott Jr. of Boston, Mass.

Activities help residents stay young at heart

What do an 8-year-old and a 92-year-old have in common? Would you believe the love of a video game? It is true.

Nursing homes in county receive high ratings

National Nursing Home Week is Monday through May 16. There are five nursing homes in Marion County and all have been rated four or five stars, with five stars being the highest rating.

Two high fives equal 10-run victory: Warrior baseball team takes two during week

They couldn’t put them away. Leading 13-4 in the bottom of the fifth inning Friday, the Marion baseball team needed just one run to end the game because of a 10-run rule and earn its second victory of the season.

Oh boy, this girl is good: Hett proving she belongs on course with male competitors

As the tiny white ball whizzes toward the green, a male teammate of Lindsay Hett shakes his head, realizing his shot will not look anything as nice as hers just did. It’s not that it really matters. Everyone on the Marion High School golf team knows she is good, but Hett said male teammates and opponents still like to give her a hard time.

Season starting to turn turn for Warrior softball team

Marion High School softball coach Sandy Black has preached it all season: “Attitude is everything.” After a week that saw the Warriors win their first two games of the season, Black said there has been a change in attitude.

Discus-throwers Peterson and Troutt lead Centre at Marion track meet

Juniors Trevor Troutt and Josie Peterson of Centre High School had first-place finishes April 28 in discus throws at Marion’s invitational track meet. Peterson won the girls’ discus with a throw of 85 feet, three feet more than second-place Dominique Chew of Hesston. Peterson placed second, behind Chew, in girls’ shot put with a throw of 27-08. She also placed second in girls’ javelin, with a throw of 86-01, behind Dakota Kaufman of Hillsboro.

From the Sidelines

In just one week the Marion High School spring sports season is starting to turn around — for the better. The golf and track and field teams have been successful all year, but the softball and baseball teams were slow to get out of the gates.

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