Marion County RECORD

Marshmallow roast is Saturday

Marion County Park and Lake will try to set a world record for most people simultaneously roasting marshmallows Saturday afternoon and evening. The world-record idea came about as a solution of what to do with a giant pile of tree limbs that were knocked down during a storm that hit the lake and Marion in summer 2011.

Motocross rider injured

The opening race of the 2012 Central Kansas Motocross Series at Green Acres MX track in Marion was marred Sunday by an injury accident. Marion Ambulance was dispatched to the track at 3:20 p.m. for a 19-year-old male motocross rider injured during a race. He was transported to St. Luke Hospital, where he was stabilized and then transported by Lifeteam helicopter to Via Christi-St. Francis in Wichta.

Day-care provider creates memories

With over 22 years of running a day-care, Barb Kaiser’s Lincolnville backyard has transformed into a variety of imaginary landscapes. The centrally located 4-foot tall plastic castle has been the base for medieval battles, where 4-year-old knights try to rescue a toddler damsel in distress.

KDOT studies US-56/77, K-150 junction

Kansas Department of Transportation has made an agreement with engineering and consulting firm Trans System to assist in studying alternatives for the junction of U.S. 56 and 77 northeast of Marion. David Greiser, public affairs manager for KDOT in North Central Kansas, said the department has been paying attention to the high crash rate at the intersection for quite a while.

Officers defuse reservoir situation

A family camping trip turned volatile Sunday at Marion Reservoir, but coordinated efforts by Marion County Sheriff Department, Hillsboro Police Department, and Hillsboro Ambulance personnel resulted in a positive resolution for an out-of-control juvenile. A family from outside Marion County was camping at Hillsboro Cove when things started to get out of hand with their 15-year-old son.

Physician will not join St. Luke

St. Luke Hospital and Living Center announced Thursday that Dr. Joyce Ann Roberts, who agreed in February to come to Marion to continue her practice at St. Luke Physician Clinic, has reversed her decision and will remain with Roosevelt General Hospital Clinic in Portales, N.M. Roberts was reportedly apologetic about the change of heart but said she wouldn’t reconsider.

Mary L. Burke

Mary L. Burke, 82, of Herington died March 11, 2012, at Stormont-Vail Medical Center, Topeka. She was born June 28, 1929, in Alabama to Joseph and Olive Walker. She was a homemaker. She also worked as a waitress and a housekeeper.

Melvin L. Dirks

Melvin L. Dirks, 87, of Moundridge died March 16, 2012. He was born Aug. 1, 1924, to Isaac and Rachel (Koehn) Dirks. He was a member of the Morning Star Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. He was a retired electrician for Hesston Corp.

Marguerite Goertz

Marguerite Goertz, 96, of Hillsboro died March 17, 2012, in Hillsboro. She was born Feb. 27, 1916, in Oketo to Clement and Lydia (Shafer) DeLair. She ran Marguerite’s Mercantile Store.

Myrtle E. Peterson

Myrtle E. Peterson, 94, of Burdick died March 19, 2012, at the Medicalodges of Herington. She was born Nov. 28, 1917, southwest of Burdick to Oscar P. and Anna Marie (Anderson) Carlson. She was a retired school teacher, a member of Burdick United Methodist Church, and many church boards. She was a Conklin Products distributor for many years.

Patricia A. Wetmore

Patricia A. “Pat” Wetmore, 77, of Herington died March 16, 2012, at Marshalltown Medical Center in Marshalltown, Iowa. She was born March 17, 1934, at Herington, to George M. and Gladys E. (Everett) Darner.

Mildred Whitford

Mildred Sophia Whitford, 94, of the Baptist Home in Chillicothe, Mo., died at 12:57 p.m., March 14, 2012. She was born July 3, 1917, in Marion County, to Carl Julius and Vera H. (Overstreet) Swanson. She married Albert Lee Whitford on Jan. 18, 1941, in Cottonwood Falls.

Accidents

Civil cases

County jail

Criminal cases

Deeds

Fish and Game cases

Hillsboro police

Peabody court

Peabody police

Traffic cases

Orchids satisfy woman's soul

In a special room on the north side of Eileen Sieger’s rural Marion home approximately 45 orchid plants in various stages of flower and foliage belie the fact that the species is hard to grow. “Well, the many different varieties are certainly hard to spell,” Sieger said. “And they are a bit tricky to keep going. There are just some certain things you have to know to grow them.”

Daffodils bloom early

With the early warm spring, Marion County blooms with early flowering plants, including many sunny varieties of daffodils. Margaret Harris of Marion knows a few things about daffodils. In a single year, she planted as many as 3,000 bulbs of the flowers. Daffodils are very hardy flowers that thrive here.

Maintain fresh-cut flowers

Fresh flowers serve many purposes. A bouquet of flowers can be a gift on a special holiday or birthday. Some people apologize with flowers, while others use flowers to convey feelings of love or appreciation. Many people like to display fresh-cut flowers in their homes because their beauty can brighten the mood indoors. Others plant rows and rows of flowers in a garden with the express purpose of cutting them and bringing them into the home. While outdoor flowers can remain beautiful and bountiful outside, once they are cut, there is a limited amount of time before they begin to wilt and wither. But there are ways to prolong the life of cut flowers to enjoy their beauty as long as possible.

Riding mowers make life easier

Homeowners love extensive, lush, green lawns. But the elbow grease that goes into tending to the landscape is far less beloved. One task that routinely causes bouts of procrastination is mowing the lawn. But riding mowers can change the way homeowners view mowing the lawn. Traditionally, mowing the lawn has been a task largely handled by homeowners pushing walk-behind mowers. Whether these mowers were powered by gasoline, electricity or simply human power, they were the type of mower that was generally the most popular and most affordable.

Deputy sheriff becomes jailer

Marion County Sheriff Robert Craft announced to Marion County Commission Monday at its meeting that current deputy Jim Philpott will become a jailer at the Marion County Jail starting today. Craft said Philpott will be tasked with knowing the ins and outs of the jail while also handling inmates for transport.

Marion candidate forum scheduled

With city elections just around the corner on April 3, candidates for two seats on Marion City Council will participate in a public forum Sunday. Jerry Dieter, Todd Heitschmidt, incumbent Steven Smith, Richard “Dick” Varenhorst, and Lee Vogel are running for the at-large council positions. All five candidates have said they plan to participate.

Marion debates truck purchase

A plan to purchase a third bucket truck came under intense scrutiny Monday at the Marion City Council meeting, fueled by differences regarding the need for additional equipment. “This was brought about by me asking about what I thought was going to be a trade-in of a truck, which I guess is not going to be,” Mayor Mary Olson said. “So that being said, is there any real need for this third truck?”

Chamber hears Marion developments

Marion City Administrator Doug Kjellin gave a presentation Friday to the Marion Chamber of Commerce. He updated the chamber on the development by Homestead Affordable Housing in the eastern part of town. He displayed a blueprint and said the final plat was going to be presented to the building committee. Homestead Affordable Housing plans to build a low-income, senior living subdivision of duplex properties in the northeast section of town.

City and state split local fines

People who drive too fast, run stop signs, fail to signal turns, and commit any other traffic offense pump thousands of dollars into city and Marion County government budgets each year. A common misperception is that the receipts go directly into law enforcement budgets, when in fact much of the money goes to the state of Kansas. The balance is retained by local governments primarily in their general fund accounts.

Who doesn't like free marshmallows?

The anticipation has been building for months, ever since Marion County Park and Lake Superintendent Steve Hudson announced it in January. Finally, the payoff is this Saturday. Marion County Park and Lake will have a free marshmallow giveaway. What do you mean I’m missing the point? Oh, right. The real point is attempting to set a world record for most people roasting marshmallows simultaneously and attract some publicity for a lake that is seriously underrated.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

BALANCING ACT:

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

LETTERS:

USDA warns of financial scam

United States Department of Agriculture officials learned late Friday that fraudulent letters are being sent by FAX to individuals and businesses in at least four states. The letters purportedly come from a USDA procurement officer and seek personal information. These letters are false, and in no case should a recipient respond with personal and financial information.

KDHE issues burn safety tips

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reminds Kansans that mid-March through the end of April is the time when large areas of Flint Hills rangeland are burned. Well-planned and managed periodic burns can minimize fire safety danger and are an inexpensive tool for managing rangeland. One outcome of prescribed burning is the release of a large amount of particulate matter that can be carried long distances to more populated areas if meterological conditions do not disperse the smoke.

Disaster seminars offered

The North Central Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will provide disaster response seminars starting Monday in McPherson. Classes include “Disaster Services: An Overview” 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday at McPherson County Fire Department, 312 E. Kansas, McPherson; “Disaster Action Team Workshop” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at McPherson County Fire Department; “Shelter Operations” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on March 29 at First Christian Church, 101 S. Walnut, McPherson; and “Shelter Simulation” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 30 at First Christian Church.

Women in ag conference planned

“Estate Planning — Family and the Farm” is the topic for the Women in Ag Conference on April 19 in Salina. The conference begins at 6:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 743 Magnolia, Salina. Shon Robben, attorney with Arthur-Green will present information on what to consider when making an estate plan for a farm operation. He will also discuss how cost of long-term care can affect a farm estate plan.

Florence hosts monthly skates

Roller skating returns to Florence in April and will continue through October. Skating will be the fourth weekend of each month from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The cost is $3. One change will be the option for people to bring their own skates, reducing the admission fee to $1 if the skates are inspected and approved. Free skate nights are scheduled for students from county schools. They are Marion/Florence, April 27 and 28 and Aug. 24 and 25; Goessel and Centre, May 25 and 26 and Sept. 21 and 22; Hillsboro, June 22 and 23 and Oct. 26 and 27; and Peabody-Burns, July 27 and 28 and Sept. 21 and 22.

Justin Barr named Eagle Scout

Justin Barr of Boy Scouts Troop 102 of Marion passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on March 13, completing the requirements to earn the Eagle Scout award, the highest award in Boy Scouts. The review was an interview conducted by St. Luke Hospital and Living Center CEO Jeremy Armstrong, Hillsboro Boy Scouts Troop 129 Scoutmaster Todd Jost, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6958 Quartermaster Bill Keith, Troop 102 Advancement Chairman Melissa Stuchlik, High Plains District Commissioner John Eastburn, and Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge Michael F. Powers.

Pianist to play at opera house

Pianist Philip Fortenberry will return to the McPherson Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a solo performance of “Broadway My Way.” Fortenberry began playing piano at age 4 and by age 7, was the accompanist at his church. In his career, he has played a huge variety of genres, including accompanying famed singers Frederica Von State, Harry Connick Jr., and Eartha Kitt. He was also pianist for the Roundabout Theater’s Broadway revue of music by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, and he toured with concert performances of “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.”

Food is focus of next Learning in Retirement session

Award-winning food writer Jane Marshall of Manhattan will present a program Friday in Tabor College’s Learning in Retirement lecture series titled “Biscuits and Bison: Exploring Kansas Food Heritage.” Marshall teaches food writing and development of American cuisine in Kansas State University’s Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics. She holds a degree in home economics and journalism from K-State. She also is working on a food history and recipe book to celebrate K-State’s sesquicentennial.

Bookkeeper has local roots

Since Monday morning, a somewhat familiar face has occupied the front office of Hoch Publishing Company. Tena Maggard Lundgren will be the new bookkeeper for the newspaper publisher. “I was born here, grew up in the community, and graduated from Marion High School in 1980,” she said. She married Jim Reid and the couple had two daughters, Johsie and Nikki.

BIRTH:

CORRESPONDENTS:

MEMORIES:

Three to go to Girls State

James William Meisse American Legion Auxiliary Post 22, with the help of Central National Bank, Tampa State Bank, and the Kiwanis Club of Marion, and Scully Partners LP of Hillsboro will send three high school girls to Sunflower Girls State in June in Lawrence. Elizabeth Goentzel, daughter of John and Marlene Goentzel, Jennifer Fruechting, daughter of Mike and Nancy Fruechting, and Sarah Eurit, daughter of Michael and Joyce Eurit, all of Marion, have been selected to attend the gathering.

Scholarship offered by senior citizens

Senior Citizens of Marion County, Inc., Board will award a $400 scholarship to a 2012 Marion County high school senior. The award is to encourage young people who are interested in pursuing a degree in an aging-related field such as medicine, nursing, social work, gerontology, and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Applications are available from high school counselors and the Marion County Department on Aging, 309 S. Third St., Marion. Applications must be returned to SCMC by April 6 at SCMC, 309 S. Third St., Marion, KS 66861.

Centre and Hillsboro win sportsmanship awards

Following state basketball tournaments March 8 to 10, the Centre and Hillsboro school districts and their communities received sportsmanship awards from the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Centre received a Certificate of Sportsmanship in the Class 1A Division 1 Girls’ Division. Hillsboro cheerleaders received medals, and the school received a sportsmanship plaque in the Class 3A Girls’ Division.

Free classes offered by Butler of Marion

March 31 is Free Class Day at Butler Community College of Marion. Free Class Day is an opportunity for members of the community to take several non-credit classes on a variety of subjects. Schedule highlights are as follows:

Softball team finds focus

Marion High School softball head coach Chad Adkins has 16 players to work with, including six returning letter-winners, as the Lady Warriors open the 2012 campaign. Adkins takes over the reins of the team from Jill Hudson, who is still there to provide continuity as assistant coach. He has plenty of youth to work with as he assembles the varsity squad, but the number of players creates competition not only for positions, but for playing time.

Golf has new coach

High school golf tournaments feature a two-man team competition, but Marion High School has taken that concept to a new level with a two-man coaching team for the 2012 golf season. Lucas King and Thane Schwarz are sharing head coaching responsibilities. Two sets of eyes will be beneficial for a team of 15 skewed heavily toward younger players with developing skills.

Gordon named first team in basketball

Marion High School senior Whitney Gordon has been named to the Heart of America League girls’ basketball all-league first team. Gordon’s selection came as no surprise to Marion coach Randy Savage. “It was a no-brainer,” Savage said. “She deserved to be there. She was the only girl in the league that averaged a double-double.”

Ball team shows experience

Countless sports teams have been described as “young and inexperienced.” The Marion High School baseball team, with 10 sophomores and three freshmen among the 17 players on the roster, is definitely young. But don’t try to tell Warriors’ head coach Roger Schroeder they’re inexperienced. “We have a lot of experience for a team in general, but for such a young team, we have a lot of experience,” Schroeder said. “We bring back all but one major contributor. We lose Matt Sprowls behind the plate from last year, but other than that we bring back everybody.”

Girls track return solid squad

The Marion High School girls’ track team had an unusually familiar feel for head coach Grant Thierolf on the first day of practice for 2012. “We didn’t graduate anybody from last year,” Thierolf said. “There’s not many of them, only 14, but we think the 14 will be pretty solid for us.”

Boys track show potential

The Marion High School boys’ track team features 10 returning lettermen, including three state meet qualifiers. While head coach Grant Thierolf still has some work to do rounding out his slate of competitors for the upcoming season, he was upbeat in his overall assessment of the team. “We’re awfully excited. We think we can be pretty solid as a team,” Thierolf said.

CENTRE:

GOESSEL:

HILLSBORO:

PEABODY-BURNS:

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