Marion County RECORD

5 challengers file for Crofoot's seat

Two county commissioners will have no opposition on the ballot this year, but a third will face four other Republicans in August, and the winner will face a Democrat in November. No one met Monday’s noon to file against Kent Becker or Jonah Gehring in districts that include Durham, Goessel, Hillsboro, and Lehigh along with Durham Park, Lehigh, Menno, Moore, Risley, and West Branch Townships.

Text about pope is 1st salvo in campaign

It’s more than two months until the Aug. 4 primary, but the race for 70th state legislator is already heating up. In a text message sent to Republican voters throughout the 70th District, which includes Marion and the northern and eastern halves of the county, candidate Brandon Rein is accusing opponent Greg Wilson of disrespecting the late Pope Francis.

Equity of food truck rules doubted

A Marion food truck owner questioned Monday whether the city’s food truck ordinance treats similar businesses differently. Anita Seacat, owner of Poncho’s Food Truck, told council members she had been buying $10 daily permits to operate Mondays and Saturdays at 616 E. Main St., property she owns with her husband.

Plan for historic merry-go-round broke down

Marion’s century-old Central Park merry-go-round will not be ready for Chingawassa Days despite city officials saying a month ago that repairs were expected to be completed before festival setup began. City Administrator Brian Wells told council members May 5 that materials had been ordered. Work was expected to begin once repairs to the ride’s center pole were completed, and the goal was to have the attraction ready before Chingawassa setup. At the time, Wells said repairs were expected to cost about $2,500.

School board deadlocks on coaching decision

Marion-Florence school board members deadlocked 3-3 at their most recent meeting on a resolution involving boys basketball coaching positions, leaving the matter unresolved. “3-3 just means that the resolution to hire the boys basketball coach positions failed, but it’s a 3-3 lock,” Superintendent Justin Wasmuth said.

Marion's clean audit carries familiar warning

A recommendation auditors made last year, that Marion seek higher returns on idle cash balances, resurfaced Monday despite the city receiving a clean audit for 2025. Christina Henson of the Loyd Group told council members the city could earn significantly more interest on money not needed for immediate expenses by using certificates of deposit, money market accounts, or the Kansas Municipal Investment Pool.

Surplus utility vehicles heading to auction block

Marion will auction two surplus electric department vehicles after receiving a new bucket truck. Proceeds are expected to be applied toward principal on the loan used to purchase the replacement vehicle. Council members voted unanimously Monday to sell a 1999 International High Ranger truck and a 2007 Ford F-550 bucket truck through Purple Wave auction.

County accepts wildfire response vehicle

Marion County commissioners Monday accepted a John Deere M-Gator utility vehicle from the Kansas Forest Service for wildland firefighting. The county’s expected cost to outfit the vehicle with firefighting equipment is about $5,750, emergency manager Marcy Hostetler said. A comparable vehicle would cost an estimated $27,500 to $35,000 total.

County eyes accessible parking

Plans to expand handicap-accessible parking at the Marion County Courthouse moved a step closer Friday as county commissioners inspected the site and began narrowing options . Commissioners generally agreed that commissioner Clarke Dirks would develop a more defined scope of work for consideration June 8. The proposal would reconfigure current parking to add one or two handicap-accessible spaces, create a loading and unloading zone, and potentially include sidewalk improvements before being put out for bids.

Hillsboro weighs utility rates

Hillsboro City Council discussed utility rates, spending, and long-term finances Tuesday after a review showed city reserve balances below policy targets. Interim administrator Michael Webb told council members the city was not facing a financial crisis but should address declining reserves before they become a larger issue.

Pilgrims to march to Pilsen

An annual walk to Pilsen to honor and promote the canonization of Pilsen native Father Emil Kapaun will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the priest’s sacrificial death May 23, 1951, in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea. Scott Carter of the Wichita Diocese said 400 walkers — the maximum allowed — had registered within 24 hours after registration became available earlier this spring.

Alcohol case sent to prosecutor

Marion police have forwarded a case alleging that alcohol or cereal malt beverage was furnished to a minor to County Attorney Michelle Brown. According to an offense report, the alleged offense occurred May 20 at 218 N. 4th St.

Roundabout paths lead to Chingawassa stage

Jared Barney was just a fan in the front row, beaming up at the nationally recognized bands on stage at last year’s Chingawassa Days. This year, the industrial mechanic — whose Tampa family and friends didn’t even know he could sing, let alone compose his own lyrics and music — is an act on the Marion stage.

Festival to include range of sounds

Chingawassa Days will showcase a wide range of sounds in Marion’s Central Park with Friday night and Saturday night built around homegrown talent and rising national talent. From a local opener and double headliners on Friday to a full Saturday bill, capped by the Eli Young Band, organizers are aiming at something for just about every kind of country and rock listener.

Drink wagon returns to its point of origin

A year ago, Kathleen Peterson and her family arrived at Chingawassa Days with a new business, a tent, and little idea what to expect. After a baptism through rain, they left convinced they had something worth building.

Old favorite dish returns

For one morning, a favorite breakfast dish from Marion’s former Stone City Café will return to local menus. Debbie Cook, who owned and operated the restaurant from 1988 until 2007, will prepare the café’s popular hash browns and white gravy Saturday morning at Poncho’s Food Truck during Chingawassa Days.

Modern apothecary to have its debut

A new herbal wellness business will make its debut this weekend at Chingawassa Days. Jamie Thompson of Lindsborg will launch Lotus and Willow Garden at the festival.

Connie Fisher

Services for Constance “Connie” Lou Fisher, 81, who died May 26 at St. Luke Living Center, will be 2:30 p.m. June 10 at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion. Visitation will be half an hour before the service. Burial will follow at Marion Cemetery. Refreshments will be served at the church after burial.

Max Jackson Jr.

Max Guy Jackson Jr., 79, died Saturday. A complete obituary is planned for next week’s newspaper.

IN MEMORIAM:

Accidents reported

County jail arrests and bookings

Deeds recorded

Emergency dispatches

Offenses reported

Police activity reports

Traffic Division cases

Let the mudslinging begin!

The first mud to be slung locally this year came a few days early, even before the deadline for candidates to file. Abilene mayor Brandon Rein was the harbinger. And the mud he slung actually had some substance to it.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

AMERICA AT 250:

Deputy switches to Marion police force

Belief in community policing and helping residents through difficult moments prompted Jesse Raney’s move from the sheriff’s office to Marion police. “It just seemed like a better fit for me,” Raney said.

Librarian closes book on 52-year career

For 52 years, generations of adults and children could rely on one thing when they walked into Marion City Library — a smile from librarian Janet Marler. “I have been fortunate to have a job I loved for so many years,” Marler said. “And, I enjoyed coming to work. But, there comes a time for change and slowing down a bit.”

Grant to help spiff up Goessel library

Improved seating and an improved area for kids to read and play will be among the projects financed in part by a $2,500 grant awarded to Goessel City Library by Goessel Community Foundation. Librarian Gretchen Bookout said the library wants to become a hub for the community, encouraging literacy by offering an inviting space.

Senior Center menus

MEMORIES:

Area FFA students win awards

A Hillsboro student received a $1,000 scholarship and four Centre and three Marion students received state degrees at last week’s Kansas FFA Convention in Manhattan. Colby Suderman, Hillsboro, received one of 31 Built Ford Tough scholarships based on agricultural and leadership experience.

College degrees and honors

County athletes win in 3 events at state

Goessel’s Eli Gaeddert won two races and Marion’s Dylan Krause won one to lead Marion County athletes at the state track and field meet over the weekend in Wichita. Goessel

Cougar golfer 3rd in state

Centre’s lone golfer, Easton Glessner, capped off his season tying for 3rd place at the boys’ 1A state tournament last week on the Turkey Creek golf course. Glessner tied with Kenley Gugleman from Hill City.

2 Trojans selected to all-league first team

Central Kansas League selected Hillsboro’s Jaeten Loewen for the Heart of America baseball’s all-league second team. Abby Beavers, Hillsboro softball, was selected for the first team.

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