Marion County RECORD

Tampa writer threatened

Not long after the May 9 edition of the Marion County Record was published, contributing writer Jane Vajnar of Tampa received a call from a man who identified himself as Todd Joyce. The caller implied he would have Vajnar beaten up if an article she had written that week wasn’t taken off the

39 graduate from MHS

USD 408 Sports and Aquatics Center took on a festive atmosphere Sunday for the 128th commencement ceremony of Marion High School. Spectators filled the west bleachers of the facility as 39 soon-to-be graduates processed to music performed by the Marion High School band, taking their seats on the gymnasium floor. Special music was performed by the MHS Singers and MHS Concert Band.

Officer resignation stemmed from judgement lapse

After only a couple of months as part of the Marion Police Department, Sarah Alam has resigned from the department. “Her resignation followed the investigation of an off-duty incident,” City Administrator Doug Kjellin wrote in a statement Friday. “Ms. Alam was determined to have committed no crimes, but the incident was a lapse of judgment which, when inevitably magnified by rumor, would have adversely affected Ms. Alam’s effectiveness in our town for some time.”

El Dorado woman killed in rollover

An 18-year-old El Dorado woman died Friday as a result of a one-car rollover accident on U.S. 56/77, four miles north of the K-150 intersection. Brittany Graham was a passenger in a southbound 2001 Chevrolet Impala driven by Matthew Pitzer, 19, also of El Dorado.

Scammers seeking bank information

Many Marion residents received phone calls late last week, saying their debit card had been restricted because of recent activity. The callers requested the card number, expiration date, and PIN to reactivate the card. Marion Assistant Police Chief Clinton Jeffrey was one of the people who received such a call. After seeing the scam for what it was, he contacted his bank and was told that several other people had called about the scam over a brief period, starting May 9.

Painter loves watercolors

Artist Deborah Hanes-Nelson of Leonardville, formerly of Florence, spoke with visitors May 4 at Gallery 101 in Marion about her artwork. Hanes-Nelson only paints in watercolors. As a medium, watercolors are best known for very pale scenes, but they can make paintings that are as vibrant as any oil or acrylic painting, she said.

MHS seniors honored at awards ceremony

USD 408 Performing Arts Center was packed Thursday with families, friends, and well-wishers there to honor the achievements of the Marion High School Class of 2012. Students received recognition for their participation in school activities and academic achievements from MHS sponsors, faculty, and staff. Academic letters were awarded to 35 seniors. Taylor Harms, Beth Nesser, Jessie Taylor, and Annie Whitaker were fourth-year letter recipients.

Carroll Harder

Carroll Lee Harder, 75, died May 11, 2012, at HCA Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Newton to Herbert and Helen (Wuthrich) Harder. He was a master plumber and contractor with Harder Construction. He served on the Peabody Fire Department from the mid-1960s through 1980 and was fire chief from 1975 to 1980.

Perry R. Hudson

Perry R. Hudson, 93, of Herington died May 9, 2012, at Herington Municipal Hospital. He was born Nov. 26, 1918, in Parkerville to Franklin H. Sr. and Mabel M. (Roehrman) Hudson. He was a fuel foreman for the Rock Island Railroad in Herington. He was a member of Kansas Masonic Lodge No. 307, A.F. & A.M.; Kansas Chapter No. 73, R.A.M.; Herington Commandery No. 53 K.T.; ISIS Shrine; Esther Chapter No. 93, O.E.S.; and he held an Unlimited Card in the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Brotherhood of the Maintenance of the Way.

Gene W. Johnson

Augusta —Gene W. Johnson, 75, retired structural engineer, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Visitation with family was Friday, May 11, at Dunsford Funeral Home in Augusta. Funeral service was at the First Christian Church of Augusta, 1600 State Street on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

Roy J. Manka

Roy J. Manka, 81, died May 12, 2012, at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. He was born Aug. 3, 1930, in Peabody to Gilbert Arthur and Gladys (Burton) Manka. He married Betty McAlister on Feb. 14, 2001, in Peabody.

Ruby Pschigoda

Ruby Fern (Bliss) Pschigoda died May 11, 2012, at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. She was born June 14, 1920, near Tampa to Henry L. and Clara (Moot) Bliss. Her family moved around but always stayed in Dickinson and Marion counties. She attended country schools through the eighth grade.

Glenda G. Razor

Glenda G. Razor, beloved aunt, friend and teacher to thousands of students in Kansas and Santa Ana, Calif., has passed away. Born Sept. 15, 1936. in Hillsboro, Kan., died May 5, 2012, at home in Laguna Niguel, Calif., after complications of recurring illnesses. Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Lola Razor; sister, Dolores; and nephew, Michael. She will be greatly missed by nieces, Teresa and Sandy; nephew, David; nine great-nieces and nephews; and eight great-great-nieces and nephews. Glenda will also be missed by her many friends, retired colleagues and fellow quilters.

Jon Dale Soyez

Jon Dale Soyez, 74, of Newton died May 7, 2012, at Newton Medical Center. He was born Sept. 21, 1937, in Marion to Emile and Grace (Sampson) Soyez. He was the eighth of eight children.

Accidents reported

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Emergency dispatches

Hillsboro police report

Peabody municipal court

Lincolnville gardener sold on raised beds

Darlene Carlson, 68, of rural Lincolnville has found a way to deal with the heavy clay soils that are common in this area. She has been using raised beds in her garden since she moved there in October 1993. She said 95 percent of the gardening she does is done with raised soil. She said the raised beds allow for better drainage and can be filled with lighter soil.

Klaassen family keeps busy mowing grass

Chances are, if the sun is shining (and even sometimes when it is not); Milford Klaassen of rural Hillsboro is out mowing. With dozens of customers to please, and jobs ranging in size from several acres to a few feet across, the JAMM family mowing company is a busy little business with a 25-year- history of good service in the area. “When we first started this, we had about 20 customers and wondered how we would ever get it all done,” Klaassen said. “Now I am usually going full blast from the first of April to the end of October. I am pretty much gone from dawn to dusk.”

Commssion hears of radio conversion

Narrow banding for Marion County radios was completed this past week, Emergency Management Director Dan D’Albini told Marion County Commission on Monday. First Wireless Inc. reduced the wattage output on nearly 700 radios. Even though the original bid was only slated to cover 491 radios, the contractor did not require more than the projected $6,700 for the job.

Tampa blacktop nearly complete

Road and Bridge Superintendent Randy Crawford reported Monday to Marion County Commission that crews were scheduled to complete asphalt work for 330th Road on Tuesday and that they would begin laying rock for shoulders next week. “The commission would like to thank the men of Road and Bridge Department,” Commissioner Randy Dallke said. “They are taking pride in what they are doing. It’s very noticeable — if we’re not hearing complaining, we know we’re doing a good job.”

Marion council deeds land to CG&S

Marion City Council authorized a quit claim deed Monday to transfer ownership of land east and south of the grain elevator on South Third Street to Cooperative Grain & Supply. “The city still owns it from an original quit claim deed from the railroad. I think everybody in town pretty much figured it was co-op ground anyway,” City Administrator Doug Kjellin said.

Give yourself a refresher on park and lake

Late last week, I received a letter from Helen Beckham of Hesston, along with a fairly hefty packet of information about the history of Marion County Park and Lake, after she read my editorial, “On the subject of names.” Probably the most interesting item Beckham included was a letter dated March 10, 1939. The letter was from James Meisner, who designed and supervised construction of the lake in his role as county engineer, to Jerry Mullikin, the first park and lake superintendent. Meisner — who signed the letter as “Jimmy” Meisner — urged Mullikin to take very good care of his brainchild, not to cut corners in an effort to save a few pennies. He emphasized the importance of developing and keeping a reputation as a great place for families and children to visit.

Reporter reaches weight-loss goal

At my weigh in Thursday, I (just barely) reached my weight-loss goal weight at 180 lbs. Like a rapper at the BET Awards, I’d like to give some shout outs. Props to Lucille Bitner and everyone at Taking Off Pounds Sensibly — you have provided me with a resource of accountability.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

Car seat specialist promotes safety

The National Highway and Transportation Administration, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced new guidelines for parents to follow when strapping their children into car seats. Child passenger safety technician and maternal child care nurse Stephanie Regier spends three days each week training parents in car seat safety. She knows how important using a car seat properly can be. Regier, of rural Goessel, is a registered nurse at Newton Medical Center. A big part of her job is instructing new parents like Matthew Allen and Brittany Long of Hillsboro and Wichita, how to take their new daughter, Claire Pauline Allen, born on Mother’s Day, safely home.

Farmers market vouchers delayed

The Senior Farmers Market vouchers have been delayed until the week of May 21. Eligibility requirements for vouchers are that recipients must be 60-years-old or older and have an income at or below 185 percent of the poverty guideline — individual income of $1,723 a month or $2,333 for a family of two.

Tampa farmers market to start June 6

The Tampa PRIDE farmers market returns this year with a light meal June 6. The market will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday at the Tampa Senior Center through August. Anyone interested in being a vendor at the farmers market can contact Carole Spohn at (785) 965-2639. There is no charge for vendors.

Auxiliary hears about alpacas

The St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary met May 3. Hostesses were Janice Case, Eileen Sieger, Bea Kelsey, Lynn Watts, and Lavonne Hannaford. The program given by Jeff Methvin, St. Luke Hospital Information Technologist, was entitled, “Alpacas! Softer than Cashmere, Warmer Than Wool.” The Methvins have raised Alpacas for several years and are becoming experts.

PEO to meet June 4

PEO Chapter DB met at the home of Lenore Dieter at 1 p.m. May 7 with Joyce Smith and Norma Nickelson serving as co-hostesses. Twenty-four members responded to roll call. Arlene Bowers was welcomed as a new member. Chaplain Janet Marler presented a memorial service. The next meeting will be 6:30 p.m. June 4 at Barkman’s Milk and Honey Bed and Breakfast. Hostesses will be the program committee. Reservations can be made with Judy Powers.

WWI painting to be re-dedicated

At 1 p.m. on May 26, an unusual event will take place at Peabody Township Library. A painting by an obscure and forgotten artist, depicting patriotic images and names of the men who served and died in World War I, will be re-dedicated in a ceremony on the lawn of the library. The painting, which has hung in the library for as long as anyone can remember, is an item of mystery. There does not seem to be any published story about it, no one has heard of the artist, and no one knows why it has long occupied a large section of the library wall.

Disability organization meets Monday

The Board of Directors of the Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disability Organization will hold its regular monthly meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday in the meeting room of its office at 500 N. Main St., Suite 204, in Newton. There will be opportunity for public forum.

New officers installed for NEO club

Neo-Century Club met May 7 at Doyle Creek Mercantile Restaurant for the annual dinner meeting. Sixteen members and spouses were present. Club officers were also installed, led by Theodora Koslowsky. The next meeting will be September 10.

Keesling graduates from basic training

Air Force Airman Jerrad M. Keesling recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Chat and Dine potluck small

Marion County Lake Chat and Dine Club gathered for a potluck Saturday at the lake hall. It was a smaller group than usual, because many regulars were busy with graduations in their families. Jackie Volbrecht of Marion County Circles of Hope was a guest speaker. She told the audience about Circles of Hope’s goals and methods to reduce poverty. She said the organization was preparing to sign a contract Monday, officially enrolling for training and curriculum.

Baxa earns medical degree

Amanda Baxa, M.D., of Tampa graduated Sunday from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita with a medical doctor degree. She will complete her residency training in family medicine there.

Florence alumni banquet set for May 26

The 116th Annual Florence Memorial High School Alumni Banquet will be held 6:30 p.m. May 26 in the Florence Gymnasium. The business meeting for the alumni is at 5:30 p.m. All alumni of Florence and Marion/Florence schools, their guests, teachers, and former classmates are invited to attend. Reservations for the banquet are $17.50 per person. Checks should be made out to the Florence Alumni Association. Reservations should be mailed to the Florence Alumni Association, 6240 W. 155th St., Overland Park, KS 66223.

CORRESPONDENTS:

WEDDING:

MEMORIES:

12 students go to state forensics meet

Jay Dee Schafers and Justin Rahe were the top placers from among the 12 students Marion High School sent to the Class 3A state speech and drama competition May 5 at Wichita East High School, where 10 earned coveted ‘I’ ratings for their performances. Students in the championship division performed three times in preliminary rounds competing for spots in the semifinals, and the highest-rated students advanced to the finals.

Centre patrons support suspended teacher

Between 25 and 30 parents, students, and staff attended the USD 397 Board of Education meeting Monday at Centre High School. During the public forum section of the meeting, four parents and a student spoke in support of an unnamed special education teacher who had been suspended for a week and was under investigation by the Marion County Special Education Cooperative.

MHS seniors receive scholarships

St. Luke Hospital and St. Luke Auxiliary will award two Marion High School seniors with scholarships at the MHS awards banquet Thursday. Seniors Annie Whitaker and Megan Overton were selected as recipients for the scholarships this year. Scholarship applications were open to residents of Hospital District No. 1 that plan to pursue a career in a health-care setting.

Seifert earns degree at Concordia

Samantha Jo Lee Seifert of Lost Springs and Ashley M. Polston will receive associate degrees from Cloud County Community College on Friday. Seifert will be awarded an associate of arts, and Polston will receive an associate of sciences. The commencement ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Harold M. Clark Stadium, at the corner of 11th and Republican streets, Concordia.

School board approves $90K for tech upgrades

Marion-Florence USD 408 Board of Education responded to a report of the lagging status of district computer equipment Monday by authorizing up to $90,000 for new computer purchases. “Technology is so rapidly changing. It’s exciting, but it’s a continuous expense to the district to keep computers upgraded,” Superintendent Lee Leiker said.

Centre FFA participates in events

Eighteen Centre FFA members traveled to Manhattan on April 30 and May 1 to participate in state career development events. The agriculture communications team of Theo Kassebaum, Kevin Lewis, and Ty Simons placed fifth overall. Carrie Carlson placed 10th in the agribusiness management CDE.

Washburn University lists local graduates

Four local students graduated from Washburn University in Topeka on Saturday. Florence Elisa Gayle, bachelor of business administration-finance and bachelor of arts-mathematics, both cum laude. Hillsboro Caitlin Reimer, bachelor of science in nursing, magna cum laude. Marion Riley Ross, bachelor of science-chemistry. Jessica Vogel, bachelor of music, magna cum laude.

Centre FFA asks for online support

The Centre FFA chapter has developed a video that was entered into a voting contest with eight other FFA chapters in Kansas. The contest runs through Tuesday. Community members can support the chapter by visiting: http://comealiveoutside.com/kansas-ffa-come-alive-outside-challenge-video-documentaries/ to watch the video and vote. Individuals can only vote once and must provide their first and last names, e-mail address, and phone number. Co-sponsored by John Deere and JP Horizons, The Come Alive Outside Challenge was implemented by the Centre FFA chapter as an Earth Day celebration. FFA students sponsored outdoor and learning activities for other Centre students. High school students enjoyed two hours of dodge ball games.

Graduations this week listed

Marion and Goessel high schools have already had their commencement ceremonies for the 2011-12 school year, and this weekend the rest of the high schools in the county will send graduating seniors on their way with best wishes. Centre

Wall to speak at Tabor College commencement

Marlene Wall, Ph.D., a Tabor alumna and associate dean and president of LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania, will give the commencement address Saturday at Tabor College. The ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at the Joel H. Wiens stadium. In case of inclement weather, the event will be in the Tabor College gymnasium.

MHS boys win HOA track championship

The Marion High School boys’ track team claimed its first Heart of America League track championship Friday at Bethel College, holding on against late-meet challenges from Trinity Catholic of Hutchinson and Berean Academy. Marion head coach Grant Thierolf said the championship was a total team effort, with critical points coming from those who finished lower in the standings in numerous events.

Kassebaum leads Centre girls at league

Centre High School senior Theo Kassebaum earned 22 points for the girls’ track team in the Wheat State League track meet Thursday at Goessel, leading them to a third-place finish overall. She finished first in the 100-meter hurdles, improving from a time of 17.3 seconds in the preliminaries to 16.5 in the finals. She had third-place finishes in the 300 low hurdles and long jump.

MHS golf season ends

Marion High School golfers had early season hopes of advancing to the Class 3A state tournament, but they were dashed Monday at the Osage City regional, with no Warriors qualifying for the championship tournament. “The look on their faces as they came off 18 said it all,” Marion coach Thane Schwartz said. “It just wasn’t their season.”

Centre sends two golfers to state

Centre High School golfers Kodey Johnson and Dylan Svitak medaled at the regional golf meet Monday at Herington. The meet was hosted by Centre. Johnson finished seventh with a score of 91. Svitak finished ninth with a score of 96. They qualified to participate in the state golf meet Monday at Hutchinson’s Highland Country Club.

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