25 years ago

july 24, 1996

More than 50 concerned business leaders attending the Marion Chamber of Commerce meeting Thursday noon remained for a special session to discuss proposals to improve the community. Diane Hett, Marion’s city facilitator, sponsored the meeting.

The 1993 ambulance, based in Marion, was declared a total loss after it ignited while heading out of Topeka on the Kansas Turnpike after transferring a patient to a hospital there.

One expert said the cause of the fire was a belt fragment breaking a fuel line. Insurance adjuster Alan Every said, “Ford Motor Co. does have a recall on the belt.” Officials from Ford and other companies will inspect the carcass of the vehicle before issuing a formal cause.

Phyllis Melton and members of the Marion Historical Society welcomed a charter bus filled with Topeka residents as they visited Marion Friday. The group toured the museum before visiting the Copper Shed, Kingfisher’s Inn, Hartke’s Music Museum, Kraft Korner, Flint Hills Gold, Clayworks, and Casual Closet.

Kiwanians have donated more picnic tables to be used at Marion Baseball Park. Members shown presenting one of the tables to Mayor Jack Regnier and city facilitator Diane Hett are Kiwanians Gerry Harris, Leland Heidebrecht, Casey Case, and Nick Nickelson.

This week’s entry in the produce derby comes from Robert Silhan of Marion who brought in a “triplet” cucumber grown by his sister, Rita Steiner, at Durham.

MHS student Jason Wheeler has been selected as a player for the West team at the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl football game Aug. 3 in Topeka. Chosen as members of the 180-piece Kansas Masonic All-Star Marching Band are Katie Barta-Moran, James Parmley, and Chris Bowers.