HEADLINES

  • Game over for sports anchor

    Katrina Hancock was onboard for the rollercoaster season with the Detroit Tigers until the coaster was grounded in a World Series Sweep to San Francisco on Oct. 29. Hancock covered championship hockey with the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup title in 2008. There were championship runners-up with Michigan State in 2010, the Red Wings in 2009, and the Pistons in 2007.

  • Geese invade county

    Whether green wheat fields, ice-free lake water, or good weather conditions attract them, there is no disputing the fact that thousands of Canada geese have made Marion County home this past week. “There are at least 2,000 of them on the lake today,” Brian Thiessen, Marion County Park and Lake assistant manager said on Tuesday. “They like to congregate in pockets on the ice to keep it warm. They like the places where water is flowing.”

  • Carrier has cold job

    Long johns are the bottom layer, covered by a long sleeve button-up shirt, a navy v-neck U.S. Post Office sweater, and finally a lined jacket. It’s important to cover the extremities on a brisk January day with temperatures in the teens. Marion mail carrier Troy Thompson wore black gloves and a black stocking cap on Jan. 2. On his feet were insulated boots over thick socks. Thompson said boots can be a savior in any wet conditions. One of his worst outings he can remember was walking through freezing rain and snow in Peabody with tennis shoes.

  • Rachel Hunter joins staff

    Rachel Hunter of Gouverneur, N.Y. is a new reporter, copy editor, and paginator at Hoch Publishing Company in Marion. She began her employment Monday after making the 1,380-mile trip. The 22-year-old graduated in December from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism, with an emphasis in news editorial.

DEATHS

  • Betty Bowen

    WICHITA — Betty P. Bowen, 82, passed away Jan. 5, 2013, at the Catholic Care Center, Bel Aire. She was born on Oct. 17, 1930, at Chickasha, Okla., the daughter of Chester and Jackie (Holmes) Gowen. She was united in marriage to James T. Bowen. She spent many years in Phoenix, where she taught pre-school. She relocated in 2001 to Wichita.

  • Michael Childs Jr.

    Michael J. Childs Jr., 37, died Jan. 2 at his home in North Newton. He was born April 4, 1975, in Hillsboro, to Michael Jay and Loretta Dee Smith Childs. He graduated from Marion High School and served in the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry Division for six years.

  • Mary Hiebert

    Mary Hiebert, 97, died Friday at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater. She was born July 21, 1915, in rural Marion County to Henry Bernard Sr. and Eva (Hiebert) Schmidt. She attended Goessel schools. She married Jake Hiebert on April 13, 1937, at Tabor Mennonite Church. They farmed near Whitewater and owned a moving business.

  • Blanche Hoopes

    Blanche Mary Hoopes, 98, passed away Dec. 27, 2012, in Canon City, Colo. She was born Feb. 19, 1914, in Harper to William McClellan and Hattie T. (Brown) Nye. Blanche grew up on a farm near Harper and graduated from Harper High School. She was united in marriage to Virgil Hoopes on June 11, 1933, in Attica. He preceded her in death on May 7, 1987.

  • Ruth Lewis

    Ruth M. Lewis, 90, of rural Emporia died Jan. 3 at Emporia Presbyterian Manor. Lewis was born Feb. 7, 1922, to Walter C. and Gladys M. Higgins Kaniper in Youngtown.

DOCKET

FINANCIAL

  • Flint Hills Gold sees steady sales

    Many retail businesses, local and nationwide, reported less than stellar sales to close out 2012, but Beverly Schor and Sandy Loveless at Flint Hills Gold in Marion did not see that trend come to fruition. “Christmas was our busiest time of the year, like always,” Schor said. “But honestly, there hasn’t been much change from year to year; our business has been rock steady.”

  • Advisers offer solutions

    Hillsboro financial adviser Robert Wall is not sure why a financial New Year’s resolution has not been en vogue. To him, the exercise of writing down every expense is just as valuable as doing curls and crunches in a gym. To those interested in instituting personal financial changes, Wall recommends balancing checkbooks on a regular basis and sticking to a budget. For some people, budgeting involves setting up smaller cash funds or giving themselves reminding e-mails. Wall added that every act should relate to a financial goal.

GOVERNMENT

  • City may boost rates

    Marion City Council is considering raising electrical rates for the city. City Administrator Doug Kjellin said an increase would be necessary because Kansas Power Pool is increasing their charges — up 10 percent on transmission cost and 5 percent on energy costs. Kjellin said if rates were not raised the city would have to make up the decreased income.

  • County eyes mapping system

    Marion County is considering spending $116,000 to update aerial photography of the county, which Sheriff Rob Craft said would make law enforcement’s job easier and safer. Pictometry International Corp. proposes taking new aerial photos of the county, including high-resolution photos of each city, as well as at the county lake and Marion Reservoir.

  • Fracking well approved

    The first oil well in Marion County to use hydraulic fracturing — “fracking” — has been approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission Oil & Gas Conservation Division. A notice of intent to drill by Zenergy Operating Company LLC of Tulsa, Okla., was approved Dec. 14 for a lease on land in Section 30, Township 19, Range 2 near the intersection of U.S. 56 and Goldenrod Road northwest of Hillsboro. Kevin Jost owns the land. Zenergy Operating said in the notice that it expected to begin drilling Dec. 20.

  • County to reroute 180th Road

    Marion County Commission agreed with Union Pacific Railroad Dec. 31 to reroute a portion of 180th Road at its intersection with Remington Road to reduce the number of railroad crossings from two to one. Union Pacific agreed to purchase land and pay the county $50,000 to shift a stretch of 180th Road east of Remington Road a bit to the south. The county will be responsible for maintaining the rerouted road. Commissioner Roger Fleming said the change will make the intersection safer.

  • Cities may lose county recycling

    The prospects of Marion County continuing to pay for recycling bins in the county’s smaller towns sounded dim during a discussion Monday. Transfer Station Director Rollin Schmidt told county commissioners that Waste Connections has increased the price per recycling bin 10 percent to $138 per month. With the county’s cost to send trash to Butler County Landfill averaging about $40 per ton, it would take more than three tons per month recycled for a single bin to pay for itself.

  • Appointment decision reversed

    Marion City Council voted 3-2 to appoint Diana Holub to the Planning Commission Monday. Council members Todd Heitschmidt and Chris Meierhoff voted against Holub. The council originally denied the appointment by Mayor Mary Olson on Nov. 26. Council members gave the reasoning that Holub would be serving on both the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. However, Holub’s seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals expired at the end of 2012.

  • City employees get raise

    Marion City Council voted Monday to give nine employees a two percent pay increase for 2013. Those employees had not received a pay adjustment between 2010 through 2012. The total for those increases was $5,952.

OPINION

  • A powerful but hidden tax

    Exxon Mobil, BP Amoco, OPEC, and the City of Marion — all profit massively from rising energy prices while average consumers are left to foot an ever-increasing bill. While it’s true that Marion’s proposed four percent increase in electric rates would reflect higher costs and keep its rates more or less in line with the state average, what most people don’t know is that the city makes nearly 100 percent profit on electricity it sells.

  • Righting a serious wrong

    Mayor Mary Olson may not be the slickest politician Marion has known, but she deftly maneuvered the City Council into at least partially righting a serious wrong Monday while simultaneously exposing a schism that often runs as an undercurrent within council meetings. Nearly two months ago, she nominated Diana Holub, who had been instrumental in overturning City Administrator Doug Kjellin’s unilateral approval of a twice-as-tall radio tower at the county jail, to serve on the city’s Planning Commission.

  • Making a difference

    What a joy it is to point with pride to someone like 1995 Marion High School alumna Katrina Hancock. “A” grades in the classroom and polished abilities on the court led her to a Division I scholarship, two bachelor’s degrees (one seemingly pre-med) and a lucrative career as a journalist in one of the nation’s biggest and most competitive television markets.

  • ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

    Who is asking the questions?
  • BALANCING ACT:

    Family succumbs to stomach flu

OTHER NEWS

  • Chess club to meet Saturday

    Florence Chess Club will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at 726 Marion St., Florence — the old Catholic school. All ages and skill levels are welcome. For more information, call (316) 305-1780.

  • 4-H'ers head to national contest

    Nick Meyer, Bryce Roberts, Lauren Geis, and Karl Riffel hit the road Thursday to test their livestock judging skills at a higher level at the National Western Stock Show in Fort Collins, Colo. The Marion County 4-Hers qualified for the national competition by placing fourth at the state contest last fall in Manhattan. Typically, the top three teams represent the state at the national competition, but when one of the other teams became ineligible, Marion County was glad to fill the void.

  • MEDI has 2 positions open

    Marion Economic Development Inc. will have its annual meeting and election of directors at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at Marion Community Center, 203 N. 3rd St. MEDI has two open, at-large positions on its board of directors. Individuals interested in filling one of the open positions should contact Todd Heitschmidt at (620) 382-5600 or theitschmidt@yahoo.com prior to the annual meeting.

  • Commodities available

    U.S. Department of Agriculture surplus commodities will be distributed from 2-5:30 p.m. Thursday at the home of Brian and Denise Klein, 219 Adams St., Lincolnville.

  • Hospital auxiliary to meet Jan. 17

    St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary will have its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. Hospital CEO Jeremy Armstrong will give an update and discuss expected federal budget cuts. There also will be a style show. Reservations cost $12.50 and are due Jan. 14. Call Eileen Sieger at (620) 382-2032.

  • P.E.O. chapter meets

    P.E.O. Chapter DB met Monday at Marion Presbyterian Church and had vegetable soup, raw vegetables, and brownies, served by Elora Robinson, Jean Case, and Janet Marler. There were 21 members present. The next meeting will be 10:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at the home of Lenore Dieter for “Coffee Time.” Beth Collett and Marlene Utech will be co-hostesses with Dieter.

  • McPherson plans Buddy Holly tribute

    Billy McGuigan and his band present a Buddy Holly tribute show at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at McPherson Opera House. Tickets are available at www.mcphersonoperahouse.org, (620) 241-1952, or at 219 S. Main St. in McPherson.

  • TEEN meeting is Jan. 16

    Technology Excellence in Education Network will have its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the USD 408 district office, 101 N. Thorp St., Marion. For more information, contact Brandi Hendrix at (620) 877-0237.

PEOPLE

  • Meal prices increase for seniors

    As of Jan. 2, the suggested donation for meals at senior centers for patrons 60 and older increased from $2.75 to $3.15, an increase of 14.5 percent. North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging increased the price because of increases in workers’ compensation, food, and transportation costs. The agency also increased the price for anyone younger than 60 to eat from $4.50 to $5, an 11.1 percent increase.

  • Aaron Bura celebrates 90th birthday

    Aaron Bura of Emporia celebrated his 90th birthday Tuesday with an open house at Messiah Lutheran Church in Emporia. He grew up and went to school in Ramona.

  • Wiens family gathers for Christmas

    The family of MaryAnn Wiens gathered for a Christmas celebration Dec. 29 in Marion. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were present. Those in attendance from Marion were MaryAnn Wiens, Gerald and Jan Wiens, Jennifer, Emily, Jack and Ben Schneider, Jim and Joni Crofoot, Don and Janice Hodson, Jeff, Erica and Noah Richmond, Lindsey Richmond and Bryan and Jace Groce, Jerry and Loreen and Eli Hett.

  • Jackie Hett family celebrates

    Family members of Jackie Hett met Dec. 28 in Wichita for their annual Christmas celebration. Those attending were Travis and Kelley Schafers, Trevor, and Emily, Jeff and Laura Ensey and Zeke, Steve Hett, and Jackie Hett, all of Marion; Melissa and Tim O’Sullivan and Maddie of Tulsa, Okla.; Ryan O’Sullivan of Oklahoma City; Erica DeMeritt, Kai, Ari, and Indi of Rosewell, Ga.; Emily and Noah Carter of Houston; Tim and Lauren Hartland, Melinda and Ken Helmer of Wichita; Leslie Helmer of Leawood; Melanie and Larry Ensey, Jeremy and Tammy Ensey, Peyton, Paige, and Abree of Valley Center; Jared and Kathy Ensey, Julie, and Aaron of Kechi; and Joel Ensey of Liberal.

  • VanBuren turns 80

    Ronald VanBuren will have his 80th birthday Jan. 22, and his family requests a card shower. He grew up in the Florence and Wonsevu area and retired from the El Dorado Texaco Refinery after a 37-year career. His winter address is 1320 W. Frontage Road, Lot F13,
    Alamo, TX 78516.

  • Preacher rediscovers calling

    Jeff Lee learned he had a heart for ministry when, at age 22, he became the youth leader in a small Wesleyan church in Lansing, Mich. The church was in a rough neighborhood. Lee and his wife, Dawn, reached out and opened their home to area youth. In time, the youth group grew from four to 40. When the church meeting room filled, meetings spread to the church lawn.

  • ANNIVERSARY:

    Paul and Kathy Swan
  • BIRTHS:

    Kelsey Vogel, Trent Wesley Summervill
  • CORRESPONDENTS:

    Marion Senior Center, Tampa
  • MEMORIES:

    10, 25, 35, 50, 60, 100, 125 years ago

SCHOOL

  • K-State corrects scholarship information

    Kansas State University provided incorrect information about scholarship winners in an announcement that was published Dec. 12. Students whose scholarships were listed incorrectly are listed here with corrected information: Marion — Hillsboro — Peabody — Lincolnville —

SPORTS

  • Junior wrestlers compete

    Marion Junior Wrestlers competed Sunday in the Herington Open Tournament. Ages 6 and younger — Landon Dye, first; Trevor Schafers, first; Caleb Lollar, fourth; and Quenton Taylor, fourth. 8 and younger — Michael Hendricks, second; Chance Shults, third; Nathan Hoffner, third; Tristen Dye, fourth; and Caulin James, fourth. 10 and younger — Todd Palic, first; and Burton Harshman, fourth. 12 and younger —Braydin Sippel, first; Garrett Hoffner, third; Payton Harms, fourth; and Corbin Wheeler, fourth. 14 and younger — Bryce Shults,second.

  • Centre girls hang on for win

    The Centre High School girls’ basketball team had an explosive start Friday in a home game against White City. Centre led 20-5 after Cacey Simons made four treys, Bryanna Svoboda and Shelby Makovec made one each, and Mekenzie Deines made a layup.

  • Centre boys lose heartbreaker

    The Centre boys’ basketball team fought a close contest Friday with White City, losing at home in overtime, 60-56. The Cougars maintained a slight lead in the first half. Justin Deines scored three treys, a 2-pointer, and two free throws. Cory Brunzell made two treys, Kyle Methvin made three field goals and one free throw, and Dakota Stimpson added two points. Centre led, 28-24, at halftime.

  • Marion boys defeat Sedgwick, girls lose

    The Marion High School boys’ basketball team defeated Sedgwick, 59-33, Tuesday in Marion. Marion forward Jacob Harper led all scorers with 19 points. He recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds.

  • Marion boys lose at Moundridge

    The Marion Warriors boys’ basketball team lost its first game of the year Friday at Moundridge, but head coach Jeff McMillin was more disappointed by the way his team played than by the loss. He said the Warriors were lackadaisical in passing and movement.

MORE…

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