Marion County RECORD

6 hurt, 3 seriously injured at K-150 intersection

Three ambulances, firefighters, a rescue squad, and a helicopter were needed Tuesday evening to handle six injuries, three apparently serious, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 56/77 and K-150. Two men driving in a Chevrolet passenger car crossed into the intersection, driving east onto K-150 without stopping at a stop sign on U.S. 56. A Jeep sport utility vehicle driving south on U.S. 56/77 collided with the car.

Festival to sell beer in park

Marion City Council approved an ordinance on Monday allowing beer sales and consumption June 7 and 8 during Chingawassa Days. Chingawassa Days Committee member Dave Crofoot brought the idea of a beer garden to the council. He said the plan for the garden is have a beer drinking area near the shed in the southern section of the park. Participants would not be allowed to take beer cans outside of the area barricaded with a snow fence.

Library plans new addition

Librarian Janet Marler and library board member Pauline Holub brought plans to Marion City Council Monday for a new library building to be placed alongside the existing depot building. The building will be completely separate from the existing library. The building would be 30 x 40 feet about 1,200 square feet. It would include a kitchen, bathroom, meeting area, and Wi-Fi space for people taking online classes.

Swapping more than just merchandise online

Eileen Sieger sold an American flag, Eunice Christensen listed her piano, and Douglas Calam turned Mustang headlights into cash, but the best feature of the Marion County Swap Site on Facebook for Marion area residents is the ISO option. “I just love that you can post that you are looking for something, In Search Of,” Robin Dicks said. “It’s like a big community garage sale without all the hassle of getting things out and ready. Someone always seems to know someone else who might have what you are looking for. I enjoy how people just chime in and are always so helpful.”

Store plans to eliminate clutter

TC’s What-Not Shop has always had antique and nostalgic items for sale on its porch storefront, but that will all change March 30 when owner Theresa Carroll has the items removed. There are currently hundreds of items outside the store. Carroll put a sign in front of her store last week, indicating the items needed to be purchased by the above date or they would be removed from the property.

Country star to perform at Chingawassa

Chart-topping country star Joe Nichols will perform at Chingawassa Days on June 7 in Marion, becoming the second headliner to sign for the 2013 festival, joining early ’90s rockers FireHouse, who will perform June 8. Nichols’ biggest hit was 2005’s “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.” The video for the song has more than 6 million views on YouTube.

New police dog on patrol in Marion

A new officer is on duty with the Marion police force and though she has four legs, a deep growl, and a bit of a shedding problem, she is ready and willing to take up patrol life with her partner, Officer Mike Stone. “Ana is a Czech shepherd,” Stone said. “She is a hard dog, meaning she is genetically bred to work.”

Kathleen Brenzikofer

Kathleen J. (Norton) Brenzikofer, 91 of Burns passed away peacefully at the Kansas Christian Home, Newton, on March 14, 2013. Services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19 at Burns United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family present was being from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado. Burial followed the funeral services in Burns Cemetery.

Sri-Chol Mickey-Brown

Sri-Chol (Sheree) Mickey-Brown, 47, of Hillsboro died Thursday at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She worked at the Social Rehabilitation Services office in Harvey County.

Leslie Marion Ollenburger

SALINA — Leslie Marion Ollenberger, 93, of Salina, completed his journey on Earth March 17, 2013. Les was preceded in death by his sister, Eldena Dunn, and three brothers, Albert, Ron and Billy Ollenberger.

Magdalen Wirtz

Magdalen “Maggie” Wirtz, 79, of Lost Springs died Thursday at the Medicalodges of Herington. She was born July 15, 1933, at Olmitz to Max C. and Mary (Stetler) Axman. She was a registered nurse, having graduated from Great Bend School of Nursing. She began her career at Great Bend High School and retired from Herington Municipal Hospital where she worked the night shift. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church.

Accidents reported

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Emergency dispatches

Hillsboro police

Marion police

Offenses

Traffic cases

No state help with Pilsen road

Marion County received a letter back from Kansas Department of Transportation offering no aid for paving Remington Road between U.S. 56 and 290th Road. Marion County Commission had recently sent a request for any available assistance, along with photos showing how narrow the road is, how steep the ditches are in places, and how dusty the road can be.

Commissioner objects to county kitchen

In discussion with Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman, County Commissioner Roger Fleming said he was concerned about plans to open a certified commercial kitchen in the county lake hall. Fleming said he doesn’t want the project to subsidize businesses when other businesses in the county have invested in their own kitchens and equipment.

Paved with good intentions

Chingawassa needs more money? Let’s do in Marion’s family-friendly Central Park what isn’t done in New York City’s less friendly park of the same name: sell beer a few feet from where kids are playing. The historic and architecturally beautiful Marion Public Library, already with a nice meeting room, needs more space? Let’s put up one of those “attractive” metal outbuildings. Who knows? It might even match the “attractive” metal shed the county wants to build, in full view of visitors to Central Park, just across the now-deforested river.

Winners and losers

Daylight saving time notwithstanding, it’s always darkest before the dawn — an adage that proved true once again this week in our offices. Last week, we twice published correct dates to make up for an error the week before in which we listed the original rather than rescheduled week for a high school play.

Holub objects to tax exemption

The House Taxation Committee voted March 8 to go forward with HB 2285 to remove certain types of business fixtures from the tax rolls. Under the pretext of clarifying a law that has existed for more than 100 years, the bill redefines fixtures on behalf of two companies. This bill was introduced after being requested by two companies (registered in Delaware, which has no corporate taxes, but doing business in Kansas) whose 10-year property tax abatements had expired.

Barker also opposes exemption

State Rep. John Barker (R-Abilene), who represents northern Marion County, also opposes the legislation. “I think it’s a mess,” he said Monday in between hearings in Topeka. “I’m not for it at this point in the process, but I understand there may be an attempt to make a lot of amendments. Nothing’s over until it’s over.”

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

BALANCING ACT:

LETTERS:

Repainted road markers show community spirit

Beatrice Schnell of Wichita drove around the Marion County Park and Lake for an hour last year, while trying to find her relatives’ residence. “It was difficult to find anyone; the road signs were hard to see,” the 76-year-old said. “But this year, when I visited them, the signs really popped out. It made it much easier to locate them.”

Marion business developments on hold

Marion Economic Development Inc.’s quests to attract a hardware store and a variety store to town are both in a holding pattern. After a deal to bring a Family Dollar store to town to fill the void left by Duckwall’s closure fell through, the trail has gone cold on the variety store front, Todd Heitschmidt said.

Quilt show ongoing at library

Marion City Library will have its annual Quilt Show Monday through March 30 during regular hours. More than 25 quilts and wall hangings will be displayed from quilters from Marion County. For more information, call the library at (620) 382-2442.

Revival set for April 7 to 9

Eastmoor United Methodist Church will offer its seasonal “Three Days for God” revival services, featuring the Rev. Matt Henson, April 7 to 9. Henson, an evangelist, specializes in young adult ministry, evangelistic preaching, and mission experiences. He is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and is ordained in the United Methodist Church.

P.E.O. Chapter elects officers

Twenty-six members of P.E.O. Chapter DB elected and installed officers at their March 11 meeting at the home of Jona Neufeld. Co-hostesses were Deanna Thierolf, Susan Robson, and Patty McLinden. Ginger Becker was welcomed as a new member.

Burdick responds to help businessman

Jim Peterson was trimming his trees in preparation for the Burdick Labor Day Parade last year. He took pride in his town and wanted it to be in tiptop shape for any visitors. Plus, he was planning to ride one of the lawn mowers he sells in the parade later that week. “He’s the type of person who always contributes so much to the community,” Burdick resident Tom Nelson said.

Transfers boost ambulance demands

Peabody had the busiest ambulance unit in Marion County for February with 29 calls, but more than one-third of those calls were transfers from Hillsboro Community Hospital, Emergency Medical Service Director Steve Smith told the County Commission on Monday. The reason Peabody ambulance made those transfers is because it is the only unit that has regular volunteers qualified to make advanced life support transfers. Smith said that in recent months, HCH has started requesting advanced life support transfers whenever there is a chance that it will be needed.

Beef show is April 20

Marion County will have its spring beef show April 20, starting with weigh-in at 8 a.m. The breeding heifer, showmanship, and market classes follow at 10 a.m. The show is open to all Kansas 4-H and FFA members, but registration is required. For more information, visit: http://www.marion.ksu.edu or contact K-State extension agent Ricky Roberts at (620) 382-2325.

Songwriter to perform in McPherson

Singer songwriter Jimmy Webb is appearing in a solo show at the McPherson Opera House at 7 p.m. March 23. Webb wrote “Wichita Lineman,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” and “Galveston” for Glen Campbell. Each song won a Grammy. He also wrote “Up, Up, and Away” for Fifth Dimension and “MacArthur Park” for Richard Harris. For more information, call John Holecek at (316) 648-5010.

Travis to celebrate 98 years

Mary Travis will celebrate her 98th birthday April 1. Cards may be sent to her at St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, 535 S. Freeborn, Room 507, Marion, KS 66861.

Christian Church hosts potato bar

The fellowship committee of the Marion Christian Church hosted a potato bar after their Sunday church services. The congregation provided salads and desserts for the meal. The fellowship hall was decorated in a St. Patrick’s Day theme.

Democratic women to meet Friday

Marion County Democratic Women will meet at noon on Friday at the Marion Senior Center. A business meeting will follow lunch.

Red Cross volunteers talk to Chamber

American Red Cross volunteers Ralph and Phyllis Kreutziger spoke to Marion Chamber of Commerce on Friday about their volunteer efforts with the organization. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, the Kreutzigers took a donation to the Red Cross facility in McPherson and asked if there was anything more they could do to help, Phyllis said. That question quickly led to their recruitment as volunteers. They trained for disaster response.

Kiwanis support scouts

Marion Kiwanis Club voted Tuesday that it was likely to remain the charter organization for local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts regardless of whether the Boy Scouts of America organization votes to begin allowing gay members and leaders. The Quivira Council of Boy Scouts sent a survey to every charter organization in its area, asking whether the organization was likely, not likely, or neutral about continuing to support local groups if the Boy Scouts end a ban on gay members and leaders.

Student draws awareness to human sex trafficking

Jess Harvey, a senior at Goessel High School normally wears jeans and T-shirts, sweats, or basketball shoes, but for the month of March, she has donned a simple black and white dress. She plans to wear the dress for the entire month hoping to draw attention to human sex trafficking, the topic of her school I-search project. “It’s getting a lot of attention,” she said. “People who know me notice right away. Everybody reacts about the same way: ‘What? You are wearing the same dress every day for a month?’”

Cousins go fishing

Several teenagers discovered that going fishing was a great way for cousins to spend time together during spring break. Jeremy Hett of Marion and Lane Ehlers of Formoso spent the day Tuesday fishing from a boat on a farm pond owned by Jeremy’s parents, Don and Dawn Hett. Lane and his sister, Makenzie, were visiting his grandparents, Dale and Betty Ehlers of Marion, for a few days.

BIRTH:

CORRESPONDENTS:

ENGAGEMENT:

MEMORIES:

5 students inducted into honor society

Five Marion High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society at a dessert reception last week at Valley United Methodist Church. Nicholas Davies, Jared Hague, Kaylie Waner, Jacob Baldwin, and Samantha Davies were chosen on the basis of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Teachers love full-day kindergarten

When Lana Stevenson and Katie Rahe began teaching kindergarten in Marion, each more than a decade ago, the expectations of what a kindergartner should be capable of at the end of the school year were lighter than now. When they started teaching, the expectations were that kindergartners have the basics of letters and sounds, but now they are expected to be able to read and write sentences by the end of the year, Stevenson said.

Centre FFA attends conference

Centre FFA members participated in the Kansas FFA Leader Lab Conference on Friday and Saturday in Junction City. Members learned aspects of authentic leadership, teamwork, techniques to improve public speaking, and networked with 170 other FFA members from around the state.

Marion students dominate welding contest

Marion High School dominated a metal inert gas welding competition Friday at North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit. Aaron Molleker, Clint Kroupa and Patrick McCarty swept first through third places respectively, and the overall team won first place in the invitational, sponsored by the Kansas Welding Institute.

Bridging the gap

Rural Goessel farmer Milton Duerksen, 83, has worked hard all his life and dealt with adversity on many occasions. But when severe back pain and resulting surgery in August 2012 made it impossible for him to carry on as usual, the cattle and crops farmer thought he might just have to give up his independent way of life.

Gutsch gives care, receives love, for 30 years

Sue Gutsch of rural Lincolnville recently retired after spending the past 30 years caring for those in need of long-term care. After seven years at Marion Manor, she spent the past 23 years at St. Luke Living Center as a nurse aid and assistant activities director. Gutsch worked at other part-time jobs, such as postmaster relief at Lincolnville and waitressing, before becoming a nurse aid. She was amazed to discover the satisfaction that caring for others brought to her life.

Vincent to headline Lifelong session

Steve Vincent of Hillsboro will sing and share piano and handbell talents with Lifelong Learning participants at 9:45 a.m. Friday at the Tabor College Wohlgemuth Music Education Center. The Vincent session was rescheduled from Feb. 22 because of snow cancellations.

County athletes named to all-state teams

Hillsboro High School forward Tena Loewen was named to the Wichita Eagle’s All-State basketball third team. The all-state teams are not divided by classes. She was also a first team selection for the all-class 3A team. Hillsboro’s Addie Lackey was a second team selection. Danae Bina was an honorable mention. Shaq Thiessen and Brett Weinbrenner were both honorable mention selections for the all-class team.

Bluejays sweep baseball awards

Tabor College junior Kirk Rocha of Modesto, Calif. has been awarded KCAC Player of the Week and senior Josh Stone of Ft. Worth, Texas was awarded the KCAC Pitcher of the Week for student-athlete performances March 11 to 17 by votes from KCAC sports information directors. Rocha hit 0.533 and slugged 1.033 during an 8-1 week for the Tabor College Bluejays. In a two-game series against Briar Cliff (Iowa), Rocha went 5-7 at the plate with four runs scored and four RBI’s. Against McPherson College, in the opening of KCAC play, he went 3-for-3 at the plate with two home runs and four RBI’s in game one. Rocha ended the four-game McPherson series 8-of-13 at the plate, with 10 runs scored and six RBIs. He finished the week with 16 hits, 15 runs, 11 RBIs, five walks, three home runs, three stolen bases, two doubles, and two triples.

PBHS gets four on all-league teams

Four Peabody-Burns seniors were selected for Wheat State League basketball honors. Rayna Barnes, Christian Gard, and Austin Savage were first-team picks, and Brandee Burnett was selected for honorable mention.

Bowling results

Eight state competitors return to Marion track team

The Marion Warriors track and field team has 47 members this year, 30 boys and 17 girls. Of those 47, more than one-sixth competed at the state track meet last season. The returning state qualifiers are Brody Carroll, 1,600-meter relay; Spencer Fugitt, discus and javelin; Jordan Hett, 1,600- and 3,200-meter run; James Jones, long jump and 1,600-meter relay; Alicia Maloney, pole vault; Patrick McCarty, 1,600-meter relay; Nicholas Meyer, shot-put; and Corey Shields, shot-put.

Pitching, defense define Warrior's identity

The Marion Warriors baseball team returns to action this spring with all but two players from a team that came within three outs of winning the 2012 regional championship and advancing to state. Cole Lewman and David Helmer are the only players who departed. With 18 players on the team, head coach Roger Schroeder said he expects 12 or 13 players to contribute a lot.

Familiar faces back for Warrior softball

The Marion Warriors softball team will have five seniors returning from last year’s team. Seniors Chelsea Voth, Jay Dee Schafers, Montana Percell, Balee Shiplet, and Andrea Nordquist give the team an experienced core. Pitcher Megan Richmond, a junior, further adds experience to the team.

Marion golf team shows promise

Although Marion High School has a smaller golf team this year, co-coach Thane Schwartz “It’s an important life skill to have,” the second-year coach said. “Golf gives them a chance to practice it.”

Seven qualifiers return at Centre

At least 24 students have joined the track team at Centre High School. Of the nine returning letter-winners, seven competed in the 2012 state track meet, including a 4x100-meter relay team of Justin Deines, Houston Svoboda, Grant Srajer, and Conner Montgomery. Deines, a senior this year, will compete in the 200 and javelin. Svoboda, also a senior, will compete in the 100 and 200. Srajer, a junior, will compete in the 100, long jump, and triple jump. Montgomery, a junior, will compete in the 100 and 200.

Faber leads Hillsboro tennis

Senior Harry Faber is back to lead the Hillsboro High School tennis team featuring five returning letter-winners. Faber qualified for the state tournament last season and placed ninth in singles. He went 23-15 last season in his first season as a singles player. Faber established an identity last season, aggressively attacking the net. This will be Faber’s first season as a No. 1 singles player, with graduate and fellow state qualifier Grant Shewey filling that role last season.

Centre golf team has six new members

The Centre High School golf team is rebuilding this year, with six new members. They are junior exchange student Sualeha Mustafa, sophomore Courtney Hett, and freshmen Trevor Williams, Nathaniel Engler, Jacob Matz, and Tyler Bentz. Three returning members are junior Karl Riffel and senior letter-winners Kodey Johnson and Dylan Svitak.

Trojans build on power

Baseball is different from other sports; its practices feature a unique cadence. Among the thwack of balls landing in leather gloves and light ping of a bat connecting for grounders, there were plenty of juvenile jokes flying through the air at the Hillsboro High School baseball practice on Thursday.

Softball team returns solid core

The Hillsboro High School softball team probably will not look at the 2013 season as a title defense. The Trojans lost their entire outfield and the right side of the infield to graduation. But Hillsboro still has plenty of returning players with plenty of talent.

Hillsboro returns four state track qualifiers

With the exception of relays, track and field is an individual sport. That individuality applies to athlete training and expectations. “The way we train Emily Sechrist and Shaq Thiessen may be different than the young kids trying to get points early,” head coach Dennis Boldt said.

Golf team is as green as the course

With an inexperienced golf team, Hillsboro coach Scott O’Hare plans to get his players on the green as much as possible so they can practice before the first meet. “It’s difficult with spring break,” O’Hare said. “But I told them to practice as much as they could, even if they have to pay green fees.”

Peabody-Burns track features 3 seniors

Peabody-Burns track and field head coach Brian Lightner is taking a patient, cautious approach in his third season at the helm for the Warriors. For instance, the most important meet for him is the Wheat State League meet May 9 in Goessel.

Morris leads Warrior golf

Peabody golf coach Jim Pohlman believes the four returning letter winners for the Warriors can compete with anyone. Senior Tommy Morris placed 65th with a score of 97 last year at the state tournament at Seneca. Morris and graduate Matt Hiebert both qualified for the state tournament with top 20 placements at the regional tournament in Ellinwood and helped the Warriors place fourth in the tournament.

Five letter-winners return at Goessel

The Bluebirds did not have any boys qualify for the 1A state track meet last year, but five returning letter-winners will provide leadership and experience for this year’s team. Coach Curtis Guhr said he expects seniors Grant Flaming, distance runner, and Davis Cook, sprinter, to lead the Bluebirds in point production this year. Juniors Heath Goertzen and Nathan Czarnowsky will likely add points in distance events, while Brian Hiebert returns to throwing events.

Numbers increase for Bluebird girls

Last year’s 1A state track meet qualifiers Tia Goertzen and Ali Buller return to the Goessel High School squad for the 2013 season, bolstered by increased numbers from the freshmen class. Goertzen, hampered by an injury in the first part of the season last year, still qualified for state in the two hurdling events by the end of the season. She finished 10th in the 100-meter hurdles and 11th in the 300- meter hurdles.

Goessel golfers strive for state

Goessel High School golfers placed fifth out of twelve teams at a tough Highlands Golf Course last year in the 1A state tournament. Goessel seniors Trey Schmidt, Dan Smucker, and Tyler Schulz return to lead the Bluebirds on a quest for a return to state this season. Last year, Schmidt earned 15th place at state out of 87 players. Other letter-winners from last season are junior Reece Hiebert and sophomore Lucas Hiebert. Additional seniors are Garrett Woelk, Johanna Hoffman, and exchange student Martina Filippi.

Return to current issue