Marion County RECORD

HEADLINES

Family adjusts to Noonan's Syndrome
Troy and Eileen Schmidt’s living room seems normal for a family with small children. Toys were the primary decorations on the carpeted floor, including die-cast semitrailers and fluffy stuffed animals. The family kitchen table reveals a different story. Standing erect on the table is a 10-inch mirror. The mirror is a tool for their 2-year-old daughter Ruby.
Mayor brings food to elderly
Vicki Melcher’s eyes lit up when she saw Mayor Mary Olson carrying her lunch. “Yesterday’s meal was out of this world,” she said as Olson opened the elderly woman’s container of milk.
Business sparks interest in burns
Nathan Brunner of Tampa is all business when it comes to providing controlled burns for landowners. He and his uncle, Leonard Jirak of Hartford, are operators of Fire 4 Hire, an official contractor with the Kansas Forestry Service and the Natural Resources and Conservation Service. They are authorized to work throughout the state. Jirak is the burn boss and Brunner is the fire technician.
Kiwanians help at ball fields
Several Marion Kiwanis Club members helped the Marion baseball team install a new scoreboard at the baseball field recently, Casey Case told the club Tuesday. The new scoreboard, foul poles, and other improvements should all be ready for the team’s rescheduled season-opener at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
New physician to join St. Luke
Paige Hatcher, M.D., is excited to be joining the Marion community this fall. Her hometown, Haven, is only 67 miles away and she is looking forward to bringing her husband and her love of people to the area. Dr. Hatcher will join the medical staff at St. Luke Hospital in October. She practices full-scope family medicine, including: pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, injury care, management of chronic disease, preventative medicine and geriatrics.

AUTOMOTIVE

Family loves old Chevys
During his school days, Kim Abrahams would forgo listening to his teachers and would draw cars in the margins of his notebooks. Abrahams has dedicated his life to automotive pursuits. He painted cars for a living. He is currently an employee at Carquest Auto Parts in Hillsboro. He spends a portion of his spare time promoting the Route 56 Classic Cruisers auto show, this year on June 8.
Pontiac GTO is police chief's dream car
Hillsboro Chief of Police Dan Kinning keeps a busy schedule. Between patrolling city streets, staying on top of police vehicle maintenance, tracking down child molesters, and routine meetings with city leaders, he does not have time to waste. If one mentions the Pontiac GTO in his garage at home however, Chief Kinning finds time for a conversation. “I’ve always been a motor-head,” Kinning said. “Ever since high school I’ve loved cars, especially the older ones. They’re getting hard to find these days.”
Plans made for Hillsboro car show
Some car show vehicles go from trailer to parking lot, never to be driven. One past participant in the Route 56 Classic Cruisers car show put about $100,000 into his vehicle. He believed that earned him a first place victory. Taking the loss sourly, he has not been back to the Hillsboro show again.
Passion a must in midget car racing
In a race of wits and skill, the Unruh brothers are going to stop at nothing to win. “It gets pretty dicey by the last race,” Chris Unruh, 34, said. “The thing I love about this class is that it is a bunch of people who are like family off the track. They’ll do anything to help each other out in the pit, but on the track, especially during the last heat, it’s a different story.”
Resident struggles to find restoration parts
Curtis Hancock of Marion has the front of a 1953 Dodge B4B truck setting out in front of the Country Inn Motel so he can work on it when he gets a chance. “I’m not fortunate enough to have a garage to work in,” the 30-year-old said. “I have taken it all apart. Now, I just have to figure out how to put it together again.”

DEATHS

Bernice Bartel
Bernice Bartel, 96, of Hillsboro died March 23 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. She was born Aug. 26, 1916, north of Hillsboro to Benjamin A. and Mary (Dirks) Unruh. She was a homemaker. She married Walter J. Bartel on Sept. 9, 1938, at Johannestal Mennonite Church, rural Hillsboro.
Alvin Hiebert
Alvin Hiebert, 97, died Saturday in Walnut Hill, Fla. He was born to Frank and Agnes Hoepnner Hiebert on June 22, 1915 in Hillsboro. He was a farmer.
Kevin L. Hoffer
MARION — Kevin L. Hoffer, 61, passed away March 24, 2013, at St. Luke Hospital, Marion. He was born June 27, 1951, in Newton, the son of Leonard and Lois (Adams) Hoffer. After high school graduation, he proudly served his country with the United States Navy, serving on the USS Francis Hammond during the Vietnam Conflict.
Leona V. Loney
Leona V. Loney of Lawrence, Kan., and formerly from Pilsen, Kan., died March 24, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence. She was diagnosed with lymphoma several years ago and died from effects of this illness. Services will be at St. John Nepomucence Church of Holy Family Parish in Pilsen on Monday, April 1, 2013, with a rosary starting at 10 a.m. immediately followed by Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at Pilsen Cemetery.
Judith Malin
Judith Malin, 66, died Nov. 22 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born May 18, 1946, in Hampton, Iowa to the Rev. Arthur W. and Helen Betty (Jost) Malin. She was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Malin, and her parents.
Jeffrey Stiles
Jeffrey D. Stiles, 47, of Olathe died March 17 at the Chanute Health Care Center. He was born Oct. 5, 1965, at Herington, the son of Max D. and Carol Jean (Kohls) Stiles. Stiles was project manager with Sprint Telecommunication in Kansas City.

DOCKET

GOVERNMENT

Low income energy assistance deadline is Friday
The Kansas Department for Children and Families will continue to accept applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program through Friday. LIEAP is an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Individuals with disabilities, elderly persons and families with children are the primary groups assisted. The program will provide an average benefit of $386 to the 46,250 individuals whose applications have been received so far this season.
Groups are cleaning highways in April
Numerous sections of highway are available in the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Adopt-A-Highway groups are participating in the annual Cleanup Kansas Campaign in April, clearing litter away from highways. Motorists are asked to use caution, as people with bright orange vests will be working next to highways. Youth groups with members at least 11 years old and adequate adult supervision are eligible. KDOT provides each group safety training, trash bags, orange vests, and signs for their adopted stretch of highway.

OPINION

Planning is crucial 1st step
Mark Felvus wants students to enter Marion High School with a plan for what comes after high school. Whether someone wants to go to a four-year university, a two-year college, trade school, or enter the work force, if they know it when they enter high school and plan for it, they’ll have a much easier time accomplishing their goals. With that in mind, Felvus is working with current eighth graders and their parents, encouraging them to start planning before enrolling as freshmen. Felvus understands that it is easier to qualify for admission to a Kansas Board of Regents school, complete the Kansas Scholars curriculum, or become eligible to compete in NCAA sports if a student starts working toward those goals early.
ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:
Having second thoughts
ONE WOMAN'S VIEW:
Local elections matter

OTHER NEWS

Blood drive needs more donations
The American Red Cross community blood drive held on March 11 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church had a goal of 70 units and collected 43. Kiwanis Club members unloaded equipment and Marion Boy Scouts reloaded after the drive was over.
Tampa farmer donates money for camera
Tampa farmer Dalton Wiebe won $2,500 donation from Monsanto. Wiebe donated the money to Marion County Fire District No. 7. The fire department will use the money to buy a new thermo-image camera.
TEEN meeting is April 4
The Technology Excellence in Education Network will hold a special board meeting at 6 p.m. April 4. The meeting will be held at the Marion District office, 101 N. Thorp St., Marion. For questions or information, call Brandi Hendrix at (620) 877-0237.
Art Guild members paint portraits
Bluestem Art Guild members painted self-portraits and displayed them at the March meeting. They also discussed ideas for a logo. Member Linda Shoults announced that the Council Grove Community Arts Council will present an oil painting workshop with Montana artist Howard Friedland as the visiting instructor. The workshop will be June 3-7 at the Rendezvous in Council Grove. Eleanor Phillips drew “a pencil drawing” from the art project jar. Members will show their drawings at 10:30 a.m. April 12 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan.
Youths earn regional club day awards
More than 30 youth represented Marion County at Regional 4-H Club Day March 16 in El Dorado. Top Blue awards went to Kara Riffel for her reading, Reece Berens for his reading, Charlie Peters for his project talk, Addie Berens and Kelli Dyck for their instrumental ensemble, and The Stage Kids from Goessel Goal Getters for their skit.
Easter egg hunt is Saturday at park
A community Easter egg hunt will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Central Park in Marion. The hunt will be divided into three age groups: 2- and 3-year-olds will begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp; 4- and 5-year-olds will begin at 10:36 a.m. sharp; and 6- through 8-year-olds will begin at 10:46 a.m. sharp.
St. Luke egg hunt is Friday
St. Luke Living Center will host an Easter egg hunt at 2:30 p.m. Friday for all children kindergarten age and younger. It will take place at 504 S. Roosevelt, Marion.

PEOPLE

New staff coming to hospital
St. Luke Hospital CEO Jeremy Armstrong told St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary on March 7 that a new physician will start at St. Luke Clinic on Oct. 1, and a second physical therapist is being added to the physical therapy department. Jenna Dalke, owner of Serenity Gardens, presented a program about container gardening.
Schmersey to celebrate 90 years
Doris Lucas Schmersey will celebrate her 90th birthday April 7. Cards may be sent to her at 540 N. Pershing St., Wichita KS 67208. Schmersey grew up in Marion.
Democratic Women apply for grant
Marion County Democratic Women met Friday at Marion Senior Center. Former members Jane Vajnar and Madonna Schafers were guests. Sue Clough conducted the business meeting. The organization will apply for a Kathleen Sebelius Community Service Project Grant for its work with Marion County Emergency Food Bank.
Meyer wins camp trip
Nick Meyer, a junior at Marion High School, has been selected by Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative to attend a four-state Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. It will be held in July at Steamboat Springs, Colo.
CORRESPONDENTS:
Marion Senior Center, Tampa
ENGAGEMENT:
Mergen, Barlow
MEMORIES:
10, 25, 35, 50, 60, 100, 125 years ago

SCHOOL

Planning for the future
Too often, Marion High School Principal Tod Gordon sees a student choose what classes to take based on what buddies are taking, which can hinder everybody involved. Taking a class just because friends are in it can hinder those friends, other students, and the teacher through distractions, Gordon said.

SPORTS

Young bowler wins scholarship
Luke Steele won a $150 scholarship Sunday at the Junction City Bowl Scholarship Tournament. He was one of four bowlers from youth league bowling at SherBowl Lanes in Marion who went to the tournament.

Marion County RECORD

Vicki Melcher’s eyes lit up when she saw Mayor Mary Olson carrying her lunch. “Yesterday’s meal was out of this world,” she said as Olson opened the elderly woman’s container of milk.

Several Marion Kiwanis Club members helped the Marion baseball team install a new scoreboard at the baseball field recently, Casey Case told the club Tuesday. The new scoreboard, foul poles, and other improvements should all be ready for the team’s rescheduled season-opener at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Some car show vehicles go from trailer to parking lot, never to be driven. One past participant in the Route 56 Classic Cruisers car show put about $100,000 into his vehicle. He believed that earned him a first place victory. Taking the loss sourly, he has not been back to the Hillsboro show again.

Bernice Bartel, 96, of Hillsboro died March 23 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. She was born Aug. 26, 1916, north of Hillsboro to Benjamin A. and Mary (Dirks) Unruh. She was a homemaker. She married Walter J. Bartel on Sept. 9, 1938, at Johannestal Mennonite Church, rural Hillsboro.

Alvin Hiebert, 97, died Saturday in Walnut Hill, Fla. He was born to Frank and Agnes Hoepnner Hiebert on June 22, 1915 in Hillsboro. He was a farmer.

Judith Malin, 66, died Nov. 22 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born May 18, 1946, in Hampton, Iowa to the Rev. Arthur W. and Helen Betty (Jost) Malin. She was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Malin, and her parents.

Jeffrey D. Stiles, 47, of Olathe died March 17 at the Chanute Health Care Center. He was born Oct. 5, 1965, at Herington, the son of Max D. and Carol Jean (Kohls) Stiles. Stiles was project manager with Sprint Telecommunication in Kansas City.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

ONE WOMAN'S VIEW:

The American Red Cross community blood drive held on March 11 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church had a goal of 70 units and collected 43. Kiwanis Club members unloaded equipment and Marion Boy Scouts reloaded after the drive was over.

Tampa farmer Dalton Wiebe won $2,500 donation from Monsanto. Wiebe donated the money to Marion County Fire District No. 7. The fire department will use the money to buy a new thermo-image camera.

The Technology Excellence in Education Network will hold a special board meeting at 6 p.m. April 4. The meeting will be held at the Marion District office, 101 N. Thorp St., Marion. For questions or information, call Brandi Hendrix at (620) 877-0237.

A community Easter egg hunt will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Central Park in Marion. The hunt will be divided into three age groups: 2- and 3-year-olds will begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp; 4- and 5-year-olds will begin at 10:36 a.m. sharp; and 6- through 8-year-olds will begin at 10:46 a.m. sharp.

St. Luke Living Center will host an Easter egg hunt at 2:30 p.m. Friday for all children kindergarten age and younger. It will take place at 504 S. Roosevelt, Marion.

Doris Lucas Schmersey will celebrate her 90th birthday April 7. Cards may be sent to her at 540 N. Pershing St., Wichita KS 67208. Schmersey grew up in Marion.

Nick Meyer, a junior at Marion High School, has been selected by Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative to attend a four-state Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. It will be held in July at Steamboat Springs, Colo.

CORRESPONDENTS:

ENGAGEMENT:

MEMORIES:

Luke Steele won a $150 scholarship Sunday at the Junction City Bowl Scholarship Tournament. He was one of four bowlers from youth league bowling at SherBowl Lanes in Marion who went to the tournament.