Marion County RECORD

BREAKING NEWS

UPDATED AFTER PRINT DEADLINE

Algae warning at county lake stretches into 10th week
Marion County Lake is under a blue-green algae warning for a 10th consecutive week, and its 12th since June 15. On Thursday, Kansas Department of Health and Environment listed 13 lakes affected by blue-alge warnings or watches, and Hodgeman State Fishing Lake has been closed.

HEADLINES

Fire chief's plea goes unanswered
Two weeks and two meetings after Lincolnville fire chief Lester Kaiser asked for county reserves to help pay for new 800 MHz radios, county officials failed to answer his questions. “When do we order, who’s going to order, how are we going to order, is each department going to order individually or is (Sheriff) Rob (Craft) ordering for everybody, these are the questions that we’re going to have,” Kaiser told commissioners Monday.
City decides on fowl language
Ducks are welcome in Marion after city council passed a much debated and researched fowl ordinance revision at Monday’s meeting. In July, Jason and Tiffany Ivy requested a waiver to the original ordinance, which allowed only chickens to be kept in town. The Ivys have had ducks to provide eggs for Tiffany’s diet. She is allergic to chicken eggs.
Robson targets political social media
Commissioner Dianne Novak’s social media account came under fire from county counselor Susan Robson on Monday. Novak said a confidential memo from Robson in commissioners’ packets addressing social media was aimed at her.
More sunflowers with less definite answers
Take a drive through the county and you are sure to see common sunflowers lining the sides of roads both in and out of the ditches. If you have noticed more of the state flower this year than in years past, you are not alone.
Home for a heifer: Missing 4-H project found 45 days later
When David Oborny went out to his pasture to check on his calving red Angus cows Sunday, he did not expect to see a black heifer living among them. He checks on his cows a few times a week during calving season, but never before had he seen the black Simmental living among them.

OTHER HEADLINES

Music lessons are in, bats are out
The halls will be alive with the sound of music at Marion-Florence schools, but bats are no longer living in the belfry. Superintendent Aaron Homburg told the Marion-Florence school board Monday the Hill Building is now bat-free. The historic limestone building, which is used for Butler Community College classes, had about 500 bats take up residents over the summer in the attic and belfry.
Firefighters sharpen skills at Marion training event
Firefighters from Marion County and a large portion of the state trained over the weekend at Marion. Kansas State Firefighters Association held regional fire school Saturday and Sunday. Training is a mixture of both classroom and hands-on practice.
How short is a minute?
County commission meeting minutes will now be shorter, but not because meetings will finish any faster. Commissioners directed county clerk Tina Spencer to include only official actions and to make minor notes of any extended discussions, in addition to the legally-required who, when, and where.

DEATHS

Lola Augusta Brockmeier
Services for Lola Augusta Brockmeier, who died Sept. 3 at Herington, were Thursday. Burial was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Lincolnville. She was born Jan. 30, 1918 to Rudolph and Ottille (Krause) Albrecht at Lincolnville.
Cody Pankratz
Services for Cody Pankratz, 31, who died Sunday at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, will be at 1 p.m. today at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. He was born Feb. 23, 1986, to Jerel and Serena (Stum) Pankratz in Hillsboro. Survivors include father Jerel Pankratz of Greeley; mother Serena McGinn of Sedgwick; sisters Paula Schwarz of LaCygne; Heather Madison of Ft. Scott; Alec McGinn of Wichita; and Riley McGinn of Sedgwick; grandfather Allen Pankratz of Hillsboro; and grandmother Sandra Stum of Towner, Colorado.
Mary Ann Hoffner
Services for Mary Ann Hoffner, 78, who died Sept. 7 at Salem Home in Hillsboro, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro. She was born March 16, 1939, to Jesse Lee and Ollie Ann (Logue) Julius in St. Elmo, Illinois.
IN MEMORIAM:
Alfred Beneke, Leonard Smith, Suzanne Watt, Virginia Young

DOCKET

EXPLORE

Marion's Art in the Park to see an increase in vendors
Art in the Park is shaping up to be an even bigger event than last year. About 130 vendors will set up shop in the park Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., up from 100 or so last year.
Both new and old at Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair
For the first time in Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair’s 47-year history, the estimated 40,000 shoppers who will attend this year’s fair can buy something new — that is old. In years past, Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Association only allowed vendors to sell original, handcrafted items. These items were new to both the seller and the buyer.
Walls preparing for arts and crafts fair in a new way
As 300 vendors from about 15 states are preparing for 40,000 shoppers anticipated for Hillsboro’s 48th annual Arts and Crafts Fair, one local vendor is preparing for quite a bit more. Brenda Walls, a vendor of about 20 years, is not only preparing to sell hand-crafted trees and ornaments, but she also is organizing the fair, including volunteers, vendor registration, and vehicle loading zones.
Elgin birthday party is Saturday
There’s a 131st birthday celebration Saturday at the Historic Elgin Hotel, and the public is invited to drop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to join in the festivities. “It’s not mine, thankfully,” owner Tammy Ensey said. “Our trusty old Elgin is having a birthday.
Parade announcing is 48-year family tradition
A day celebrating alumni and reminiscing marks a family tradition for Casey Case. Case announces the Old Settlers’ Day parade, which his dad, Alex, did for 30 years, 1969-99. Case stepped into his father’s shoes, or maybe not his father’s shoes, when he took on the role in 2000.
Old Settlers' Day started as a picnic in the park
The following is an account of the first Old Settlers’ Picnic, written by E.W. Hoch, editor, as it appeared in the issue of the Marion Record for Oct. 14, 1912. Old Settlers meet Good Crowd, Good Time and a Permanent County Organization Formed.
Pete the Rhino ready to explore Marion and beyond
Anyone with a taste for having fun and a camera to use can enjoy a new activity in Marion. Marion Parks and Recreation has a new initiative called “Where’s Pete?” that capitalizes on the community’s iconic “Pete the Rhino.”
Combining junk and antiques at Arts and Crafts Fair
With a passion for continuing their family-run business, Clemo Haddox and his brother Michael took over DC’s Juntiques from their parents in 2011 and continue to bridge the gap between junk and antiques. “We combine junk and antiques to come up with juntiques,” Clemo said.
Schaeffler House a peek at early 1900s
The 1909 home of a successful immigrant family in Hillsboro can be toured in its unchanged state. Schaeffler House is a Queen Ann-style home built by successful German immigrants William and Ida Schaeffler, who owned a popular mercantile store. It was a larger-than-average home for its time. A St. Louis architect designed the house.
Tabor College students to perform Peter Pan prequel
Fans of Peter Pan can experience the classic tale’s prequel at Tabor College’s theater production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” during homecoming week, Oct. 18-21. The show tells the story of how Peter became the boy who could fly with an enchanted island he could call home. He meets the Starcatcher, Molly Aster, in training, who then helps him and the orphans protect a trunk filled with magical Starstuff from Black Stache and his crew of pirates.
Lincolnville Octoberfest to celebrate "vintage harvest" with fashion pageant
“Vintage Harvest” will be the theme of Lincolnville Octoberfest on Oct. 7. A vintage fashion pageant on stage at 4 p.m. in the park will feature people wearing clothing commonly worn from the 1850s to 1970s. Pre-registration forms will be available later.
Holiday shopping event coming to Marion
A new Marion event featuring socializing and shopping is planned for the holiday season. Jingle and Mingle will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at Marion Community Center, 203 N. 3rd St.
Artifact ID workshop will be Sept. 23 at Marion library
Have you ever wondered what the story might be behind an arrowhead you picked up, or what in the world is that very old, rusted metal thingamabob you dug up in the yard? Answers to those questions and more may be found at a Kansas Anthropological Association artifact identification workshop coming to Marion City Library on Sept. 23.

OPINION

Frogs endure
In case you hadn’t noticed, we haven’t had any rain for a while. A little field runoff stream where I like to go to shoot frogs and dragonflies (with my camera, of course) was flowing and green with duckweed a month ago. Frogs sitting at stream’s edge were easy shots with a telephoto lens, but would dive under the water when apparently dangerous me tried to get closer.
ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:
For love of licorice
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Economic concerns

PEOPLE

Classes to hold Old Settlers' Day reunions
Marion High School classes of 1947, 1952, 1972, and 2002 have planned reunion activities for Old Settlers’ Day weekend. Class of 1947
Democrats meet
Led by county chair Eileen Sieger, Marion County Democrats met Saturday at Willie J’s Bar and Grill in Marion. Sieger and Jackie Volbrecht volunteered to serve at the Democratic Party booth last Sunday at the state fair.
SENIOR CENTER:
Hoping for produce, Menu
MEMORIES:
10, 25, 35, 50, 60, 100, 125 years ago

SPORTS AND SCHOOLS

Warriors win 64-13, have 'plethora' to work on
The Marion High School Warriors scored their first of what was to be many touchdowns three plays into the game and never looked back in a 64-13 blowout of Inman on Friday. Running back Corbin Wheeler took the ball 29 yards for the game’s first touchdown on a key block by wide receiver Zachary Stuchlik 54 seconds into the quarter.
Centre Cougars defeat Goessel, 66-20
Centre didn’t need a full game to dominate Goessel on Friday, as the contest ended when the Cougars scored their ninth touchdown early in the fourth quarter, winning 66-20. The Cougars showed their strength right out the gate and took advantage of several Goessel errors.
Centre volleyball finishes 4th in home invitational
After being seeded sixth in its own invitational tournament Saturday, Centre was pleased to finish fourth. The team was surprised to face a weak Berean Academy in the first match, defeating them handily in two games, 25-12 and 25-13.
SCHOOL MENUS:
Centre, Marion

UPCOMING

TEEN to meet Sept. 20
The Technology Excellence in Education Network will hold its monthly meeting at 6p.m. Sept. 20 at the USD 408 District Office at For questions or more information, call Lena Kleiner at 620-877-0237.
Free cancer screenings are Saturday
Free cancer screenings are available at the Eastmoor United Methodist Church at 105 Eastmoor St. in Marion Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Centre Masonic Lodge sponsored the screenings.
Calendar of events

MORE…

HOVER OVER IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT

Oblivious to his Hillsboro competitor, Marion's Jerry Hess intently studies the line of an upcoming putt Sunday during the annual two-day cross-county Bruce-Crofoot Challenge Cup at Marion Country Club, pitting golfers of both towns against each other in Ryder Cup-style competition. Marion held a narrow 31-23 lead after Saturday's matches, but won for a third consecutive year by a comfortable 68-40 margin.

Pizza Hut supported first responders with free pizzas in honor of September 11, 2001, said Pizza Hut's assistant manager Nikki VanWart. "It's a special day and it's nice that they took the time and the effort to thank not only us, but all of our emergency services," said Sheriff Robert Craft.

Running back Corbin Wheeler runs 69 yards for his second touchdown of the game against Inman on Friday. Wheeler scored three times on six touches for 157 yards.

Pete the Rhino gets advice from defense attorney Susan Robson before his first appearance in Marion County District Court. He was arrested for grazing alfalfa in a farmer's field after getting hungry during an excursion.

Marion County RECORD

BREAKING NEWS

Marion County Lake is under a blue-green algae warning for a 10th consecutive week, and its 12th since June 15. On Thursday, Kansas Department of Health and Environment listed 13 lakes affected by blue-alge warnings or watches, and Hodgeman State Fishing Lake has been closed.

Commissioner Dianne Novak’s social media account came under fire from county counselor Susan Robson on Monday. Novak said a confidential memo from Robson in commissioners’ packets addressing social media was aimed at her.

Take a drive through the county and you are sure to see common sunflowers lining the sides of roads both in and out of the ditches. If you have noticed more of the state flower this year than in years past, you are not alone.

When David Oborny went out to his pasture to check on his calving red Angus cows Sunday, he did not expect to see a black heifer living among them. He checks on his cows a few times a week during calving season, but never before had he seen the black Simmental living among them.

Firefighters from Marion County and a large portion of the state trained over the weekend at Marion. Kansas State Firefighters Association held regional fire school Saturday and Sunday. Training is a mixture of both classroom and hands-on practice.

County commission meeting minutes will now be shorter, but not because meetings will finish any faster. Commissioners directed county clerk Tina Spencer to include only official actions and to make minor notes of any extended discussions, in addition to the legally-required who, when, and where.

Services for Lola Augusta Brockmeier, who died Sept. 3 at Herington, were Thursday. Burial was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Lincolnville. She was born Jan. 30, 1918 to Rudolph and Ottille (Krause) Albrecht at Lincolnville.

Services for Mary Ann Hoffner, 78, who died Sept. 7 at Salem Home in Hillsboro, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro. She was born March 16, 1939, to Jesse Lee and Ollie Ann (Logue) Julius in St. Elmo, Illinois.

IN MEMORIAM:

Art in the Park is shaping up to be an even bigger event than last year. About 130 vendors will set up shop in the park Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., up from 100 or so last year.

There’s a 131st birthday celebration Saturday at the Historic Elgin Hotel, and the public is invited to drop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to join in the festivities. “It’s not mine, thankfully,” owner Tammy Ensey said. “Our trusty old Elgin is having a birthday.

A day celebrating alumni and reminiscing marks a family tradition for Casey Case. Case announces the Old Settlers’ Day parade, which his dad, Alex, did for 30 years, 1969-99. Case stepped into his father’s shoes, or maybe not his father’s shoes, when he took on the role in 2000.

The following is an account of the first Old Settlers’ Picnic, written by E.W. Hoch, editor, as it appeared in the issue of the Marion Record for Oct. 14, 1912. Old Settlers meet Good Crowd, Good Time and a Permanent County Organization Formed.

Anyone with a taste for having fun and a camera to use can enjoy a new activity in Marion. Marion Parks and Recreation has a new initiative called “Where’s Pete?” that capitalizes on the community’s iconic “Pete the Rhino.”

With a passion for continuing their family-run business, Clemo Haddox and his brother Michael took over DC’s Juntiques from their parents in 2011 and continue to bridge the gap between junk and antiques. “We combine junk and antiques to come up with juntiques,” Clemo said.

“Vintage Harvest” will be the theme of Lincolnville Octoberfest on Oct. 7. A vintage fashion pageant on stage at 4 p.m. in the park will feature people wearing clothing commonly worn from the 1850s to 1970s. Pre-registration forms will be available later.

A new Marion event featuring socializing and shopping is planned for the holiday season. Jingle and Mingle will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at Marion Community Center, 203 N. 3rd St.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Marion High School classes of 1947, 1952, 1972, and 2002 have planned reunion activities for Old Settlers’ Day weekend. Class of 1947

Led by county chair Eileen Sieger, Marion County Democrats met Saturday at Willie J’s Bar and Grill in Marion. Sieger and Jackie Volbrecht volunteered to serve at the Democratic Party booth last Sunday at the state fair.

SENIOR CENTER:

MEMORIES:

Centre didn’t need a full game to dominate Goessel on Friday, as the contest ended when the Cougars scored their ninth touchdown early in the fourth quarter, winning 66-20. The Cougars showed their strength right out the gate and took advantage of several Goessel errors.

After being seeded sixth in its own invitational tournament Saturday, Centre was pleased to finish fourth. The team was surprised to face a weak Berean Academy in the first match, defeating them handily in two games, 25-12 and 25-13.

SCHOOL MENUS:

The Technology Excellence in Education Network will hold its monthly meeting at 6p.m. Sept. 20 at the USD 408 District Office at For questions or more information, call Lena Kleiner at 620-877-0237.

Free cancer screenings are available at the Eastmoor United Methodist Church at 105 Eastmoor St. in Marion Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Centre Masonic Lodge sponsored the screenings.