Marion County RECORD

Many new faces join city government

Last week’s city election is set to be the first step of changing faces with the city of Marion. Todd Heitschmidt and Chad Adkins will be in new positions on the council, and Heitschmidt’s election creates a vacancy on the council. There are also new faces in a couple of non-elected positions, with Woodrow Crawshaw Jr. expected to be appointed as city clerk and Terry Jones as economic developer.

Applicant upset by city hiring process

When EJ Pickett read the job requirements for Marion’s city clerk position, she was delighted to find that they matched her skill set. She hadn’t had much optimism in finding a good match so close to her new home in Marion with new husband, Joe. “Wow, that’s right up my alley,” she recalled thinking.

Crowd shows support for downtown plans

If Marion receives a grant from Kansas Department of Transportation for a planned downtown revitalization project, it will have Central Park and all of the events held there to thank for it. KDOT representative Scott Shields reviewed Marion’s grant application Thursday in front of a crowd of about 80 supporters, and he commented that Central Park’s proximity to downtown is a unique and beneficial feature.

Chingawassa adds events

Chingawassa Days participants can expect to see changes to the festival’s schedule of events in June, although many of the changes depend on if the Chingawassa Committee can find more volunteers to help operate festival affairs. “We already have a lot of activities for adults but we are trying to expand events to include more things for kids,” committee member Tamey Ensey said. “What we are hoping is that there are individuals, organizations and sponsors that will step up and help make the expansion possible.”

Patrons bowl to raise funds for charity

About 24 people banded together and raised approximately $2,400 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Friday night at SherBowl Lanes during the annual Bowl for Kids Sake event. “It is the best turnout we have had in about three years,” Donna Funk said Friday. “The kids are having a great time.”

Crash kills Marion resident

Gary J. Alleven of Marion died in a crash Monday morning on U.S. 56 east of Hillsboro. He was 46. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s report, the crash happened at 6:15 a.m. Samuel B. Unruh, 25, of Canton pulled onto the highway westbound from Santa Fe St., approximately 1.2 miles east of Hillsboro in a 2013 Kenworth semi-truck pulling a trailer.

County fair announces carnival, parade move

After not having a carnival in 2013, the Marion County Fair will once again have a carnival this summer. Fun Time Shows, a carnival based out of southeast Missouri, will be at the fair, fair association manager Kelli Savage said last week. According to its website, Fun Time Shows has been operated by the same family since the 1970s.

Centre exchange student is an aspiring artist

When Marie Miklus of Berlin, Germany, was four years old, she already showed signs of being artistic. She was four when the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 happened. When her mother explained what had occurred, she took a sheet of paper and drew two tall, three-dimensional towers with planes flying into them.

County spends $174,350 on graders

More than once Monday, county commissioners spent a few moments silenced while reviewing bid options for a new motor grader in the road and bridge department. Murphy Tractor and Equipment appeared to have the lowest bid at $191,975 for a 2014 John Deere, followed by G.W. Van Keppel Company’s Volvo at $194,350, and a 2014 Caterpillar model for $196,474 from Foley Equipment. Foley Equipment also bid a 2013 model for $191,091.

Santa Fe Trail signs vandalized

A recent inventory of signs posted along the Santa Fe Trail route in Marion County revealed that four signs and signposts have been vandalized or stolen in the past month. Steve Schmidt, president of the Cottonwood Crossing chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association, reported the incidents in an April 1 letter to the sheriff’s department.

Journey tribute band to rock Chingawassa

Revelation, a Journey tribute band, is scheduled to appear June 6 in Central Park for the Friday concert at Chingawassa Days. Revelation started from a ’80s influenced Kansas City rock band called Joker and is made up of five musicians who played the bar scene until lead singer Carl Worden broke off and started a tribute to Journey.

Marion grad diagnosed with cancer

Watching a loved one suffer through cancer is tough for anyone, but it is especially hard on a mother watching her son, who is too young, struggle with cancer. That is what Mary Shipman is going through. Her 27-year-old son, Jimmy Shipman, was diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma in March.

Firefighters hope to pass on legacy in more ways than one

The Peabody Volunteer Fire Department has put its thinking cap on and has devised a plan it hopes will increase participation within the department. At last week’s city council meeting, a cadet program was proposed by firefighter Jim Philpott and his son, Clayton. Pending approval by the city’s insurance, the program will allow high schoolers to shadow and learn from local firefighters, in hopes they will sign up to volunteer with the department after turning 18.

Peabody Township Library to celebrate centennial

The place to be Saturday morning is the library, open for a special celebration to mark 100 years of service to generations of Peabody families. The facility will open at 9 a.m. and cinnamon rolls and drinks will be available in the Ann Potter room. The family of Orlene Scrivner, an avid reader and library supporter, will bake and serve refreshments in her memory.

Prescription drug drop-off will be April 26

If you have wondered what to do with those expired or no longer needed prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet, the solution will be made easy for you right here in Marion County on April 26. Sponsored by Marion County Substance Abuse Coalition and funded by a grant from the Drug Enforcement Administration, police in Hillsboro, Marion, and Peabody will stage a drug drop-off to take prescription drugs out of cupboards and cabinets across the county.

County to give out carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms

In honor of National Public Health Week the county health department will give away free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to families receiving immunizations today. Immunizations are given from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., then from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Kiwanis plans Easter egg hunt

Marion Kiwanis Club will fill Easter eggs with candy Tuesday for the upcoming Easter egg hunt the club is co-sponsoring April 19 with the Marion County Record. In addition to candy, some eggs will have tokens participants can turn in for larger prizes. The club’s board met Monday and committed to keeping the Old Settlers’ Day theme respectful to Native Americans. The theme is “The Last Ride of Ed Miller,” who was killed during the county’s frontier days.

Senator to speak to Hillsboro Kiwanis

Sen. Jerry Moran will speak at the Hillsboro Kiwanis Club meeting at noon April 17 in the city building. Before his remarks, he will also speak with club members, including business leaders and volunteers. Kiwanis International was founded in 1915. There are clubs across the globe, dedicated to serving children. Kiwanis and related organizations volunteer more than 18 million service hours annually.

Presbyterian Church buys a house

Marion Presbyterian Church went against the norm a few years ago by changing all of its religious classes from Sunday to Wednesday evenings. Since moving the classes, they have grown in size and demand, creating a crowded situation at the church. When a home at 218 N. Elm St., adjacent to church property, was put on the market, the church jumped at the chance to expand its meeting space.

Grant will expand fruit and vegetable production at Centre

Centre school district learned recently that it is one of eight Kansas schools awarded a $12,500 Farm to School pilot grant to expand the availability of fresh, local foods in the school cafeteria and bolster agriculture and nutrition education. Ag teacher Jay Obrien wrote the grant application, with input from his associate, Laura Klenda, and other teachers.

Marian Crofoot

Marian Lucille Crofoot, 86, died Saturday at her home in Marion. She was born March 8, 1928, in Holton to John and Ruth Voekel Hurst. She spent her early years in Holton and Ness City, where she graduated from high school.

Kathleen Hurst

Kathleen K. Hurst, 73, of Marion died Saturday at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born June 29, 1940, in Ness City to John and Ruth Voekel Hurst. She moved to Marion from Holton in 1997. She was a member of Eastmoor United Methodist Church and St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary, both in Marion.

Charlene Parker

Charlene Kaye (Larkin) Parker, 78, died April 1 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. She was born March 1, 1936, in Florence to Charles and Pauline (Lowther) Larkin. She married Marvin Parker on June 8, 1963, at Florence Christian Church. He preceded her in death in 2001. They were longtime members of Northland Christian Church.

Marguerite Regier

Marguerite Ferne Regier, 100, of Olathe, died April 1. She was born Dec. 29, 1913, to Jeremiah and Constance Harris. She is survived by three daughters, Donna DeSantis, Diana Sprecker, and Barbara Springer; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

IN MEMORIAM:

Accidents reported

Civil division cases

County Jail arrests and bookings

Deeds recorded

Emergency dispatches

Police incident reports

Traffic division cases

Cattle deworming has many options, big effects

Prescribed pasture burning isn’t the only step ranchers and stockmen can take this time of year to affect cattle growth while they’re on pastures later in the year, says Jessica Laurin, doctor of veterinary medicine at Animal Health Center of Marion County. Deworming cattle in the spring has the biggest influence on gains, she said. The worm that has the biggest negative impact on cattle is

As corn planting begins, wheat condition varies widely

April showers mean time to plant corn in Kansas has arrived. U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that farmers across the country will plant around 91.7 million acres of corn this year, down from 95.37 million acres last year. In Kansas, the USDA predicts 4.4 million acres will be planted, up 2 percent from the previous year, but it’s too early to tell if that number will hold.

Man restores antique tractors to benefit charity

Since a young age, Jerry Toews of Goessel has loved figuring out how mechanical things work. “When I was a kid what I did for fun was find things people would throw away, such as clocks, radios, and such and take them apart,” he said. “I wanted to know how they were put together.”

Extended conservation signup available

A new sign-up period for water resources and non-point source cost share practices is available from the Marion County Conservation District. Residents can now sign up from Monday through April 25 for funding available in July. Water resources provide monetary assistance to landowners constructing terraces, diversions, grass waterways, grass seedings, and livestock water supply systems.

Group promotes cooking with soybeans

April is national soy food month, and members of Kansas Soybean Association encourage people to explore ways to incorporate soy food into their diet. Soy can be found in baked goods, breakfast cereals, pastas, meats, and beverages.

"Newspaper office, this is Jean"

For the better part of three decades, a singularly pleasant voice belonging to a singularly remarkable lady has graced tens of thousands of calls with a greeting that always was much more than just a courteous “hello.” To many if not most of those dialing our number — from subscribers changing their addresses to readers announcing births, deaths and everything in between — Jean Stuchlik was the newspaper office — the human face, voice and soul of the inanimate pile of newsprint they invited into their homes each week. Next week, the person who so deftly has handled every inquiry imaginable since 1985 will finally write “ — 30 — ” on her career as receptionist, then circulation manager, and most recently business manager and member of the board of directors of Hoch Publishing Co. Well beyond even the most advanced of standard retirement ages — precisely how well beyond, we aren’t about to say — Jean will log her last legal notice, renew her last subscription and find her last obscure typewriter ribbon for our customers. Having gradually reduced her work week from four days to three and then two, she will at long last give up her dusty drives from Lost Springs to Marion and officially retire.

Unintended consequences

The state legislature showed this weekend, on a Sunday night no less, how important it was to them to get school funding in compliance with the state Supreme Court’s ruling as quickly as possible. They did what they needed to do — add funding to make the playing field for large and small schools closer to level — and so much more. The biggest piece of the legislation was also the biggest surprise, repealing due process guarantees for teachers, librarians, and counselors. That change, if the bill is signed by the governor, will set off ripples of unintended consequences.

The elephant on Main St.

Often times when people around town ask what brought me to Marion, I always feel there may be more inquiries behind the original question, but most don’t feel comfortable asking. It’s a little difficult to write about, but it is an abnormal situation. I’m a single, African American, 23-year-old, college graduate living in a city that, largely, is not my demographic. Most people I’ve come across here are either 10 years older and married or a few years younger and in a very different place in their lives.

Now the real work begins

The first week of April has been an exciting one in Marion. It started off with a better voter turnout than we’ve had in recent years and then on Thursday the community center ballroom was filled with people supporting the downtown revitalization project. A big thanks goes to the Pride committee for its hard work to bring us to this point and to Roger Holter and Margo Yates for getting the word out to be at the meeting. Marion does not have to be a diminishing community, and I believe this past week we made some clear statements that we refuse to be one.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

Benefit dinner will be Monday

A benefit meal to assist Brian “Pete” Schultz of Herington with major medical expenses will be at 5 p.m. Monday in the Herington Community Building. Schultz has been battling ulcerative colitis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and a rare life-threatening disease that can damage vital organs, such as the kidneys, called atypical hemolytic-uremis syndrome.

Circles graduation is April 24

Circles of Hope of Marion County will have a spring graduation April 24. The evening will begin with a supper at 6 p.m. in the Marion Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. Graduation certificates will be awarded in the sanctuary to five people who have completed the training that began about six months ago. The evening will conclude with a reception in the fellowship hall.

Tai Chi class will be offered

Marion County Department on Aging will offer a six-week tai chi class from starting April 21. The class will meet from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Marion Senior Center. Participants will receive instruction in 12 basic moves. Cost is $6. Call (620) 382-3580 by Sunday to register.

Olson to be recognized at meeting

As part of the upcoming Marion City Council meeting, at 4:30 p.m. Monday, there will be cookies, punch, and recognition of outgoing Mayor Mary Olson for her years of service and contributions to the city.

Chat and Dine will have potluck

Marion County Park and Lake Chat and Dine Club will have its first potluck dinner of the year at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the lake hall. Steve Hudson will discuss upcoming activities and talk about things happening at the lake. Everyone is encouraged to bring a guest and a side item to share.

P.E.O. financials in order

P.E.O. Chapter DB had its regular meeting March 29 at the home of Lenore Dieter. Dieter and co-hostesses Anita Brookens and Eileen Sieger served fruit parfaits to 18 members in attendance. President Pam Bowers presided over the meeting. Elora Robinson reported that her audit of the chapter’s bank statements and treasurer’s records found everything in order and accurate.

Reception for retiring Stuchlik is April 16

A retirement reception for Marion County Record circulation and office manager Jean Stuchlik will be from 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 at the newspaper office. Refreshments will be served. Stuchlik joined the newspaper as a receptionist in 1985 and eventually became a member of Hoch Publishing Co.’s board of directors. She is retiring to spend more time with her family, including her husband of 51 years, Alex.

Patrons can experience Broadway by request

Sounds of Broadway will take over the McPherson Opera House on Saturday. Broadway singer-actress Teri Hansen and music director-pianist Ryan Shirar will take the stage at 7 p.m. to sing some of the audience’s favorite Broadway melodies.

Recital will be Saturday

Students of Anita Hancock will be performing in a voice and piano recital at 3 p.m. Saturday at USD 408 Performing Arts Center. Those performing are Madison Arocha, Cooper Bailey, Abi Bernhardt, Calli and Chloe Burkholder, Aubrey Craig, Nicholas Davies, Emily Hake, Cade Harms, Shyla Harris, Grace Hett, Emily Hutchison, Samantha Kelsey, Jack Lanning, Jaden Slifer, Jayden and Mia Spencer, Chisholm Waner, and Abby Wesner.

Barn Alliance elects Huffman

The Kansas Barn Alliance elected their officers at their annual meeting at the home of Jim and Dollie Mathes in Harper. Teresa Huffman was elected president.

Residents attend book signing

Janet Marler, Vickie Kraus, Marge Summervill, Neva Kreutziger, Betty Stenzel, Teresa Huffman, Sandy Heyman, and Mary Almaguer attended a book signing by Suzi Parron April 15 in Manhattan. Parron is the author of “Barn Quilts & The American Quilt Trail Movement” and presented a slide show presentation on how the quilt movement began.

Centre students win ribbons at league art show

Several Centre High School students submitted entries April 2 in the Wheat State League art show at Elyria. Kristin Vinduska received three first-place ribbons for color and black-and-white photography; Hannah Peterson received a third-place ribbon for a color photo; and Marie Miklus received a merit ribbon for a black-and-white pencil drawing.

MARION SENIOR CENTER:

MEMORIES:

Marion prom is Saturday

Marion High School’s junior/senior formal prom will be Saturday. Events begin with the promenade itself at 6 p.m. outside Eastmoor United Methodist Church. After the promenade, students will have their banquet.

Warriors golf first meet as combined team

Marion and Peabody-Burns High Schools competed in their first meet as a combined team Tuesday at Herington. Although the team place ninth out of 10 teams, coach Jim Pohlman was proud of how his team competed. “I have always dreaded the first tournament,” Pohlman said. “The kids were a little disappointed but I see a lot of potential.”

Tabor has raised 78% of funds for arts center

City council members had no issue agreeing to send a letter of support to the Kansas Department of Commerce Tuesday on behalf of Tabor College’s campaign for a proposed center for the arts. The school has already raised $7 million of $9 million needed to begin construction — which will take approximately two years, according to Tabor President Jules Glanzer. Tabor estimates the building will attract around 20,000 visitors to Hillsboro per year.

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