50 years ago

May 26. 1966

The annual awards assembly at Marion High School Wednesday afternoon recognized Judy Pankratz as valedictorian and Beth Thole as salutatorian. In third place by a mere fraction of a percentage was Toni McElwain. The Balfour award was presented to Pat Warneke.

Approximately 1,000 visitors were present at the grand opening Saturday and Sunday of the T & T Chinchilla Ranch, Inc., Keith Nelson, manager. Mrs. Ruben Rempel of rural Marion won the door prize, a portable TV.

Girl Scout Troop 63 paid for the planting of a fine new tree in the city’s newest park, just west of the municipal swimming pool. The girls planted a bottle among the roots of the tree, sealed with their names, dates, and other interesting information for some future generation to dig up and exclaim over.

Dennis Pankratz, senior student at the University of Kansas and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Pankratz of Marion, was presented with the Chicago Tribune award for exceptional military achievement, scholastic attainment and character at the annual Chancellor’s Review last Friday.

Recognized as a sales leader by International Harvest Company, Lynn Christensen, owner of Lynn’s Truck & Tractor, Marion, this week was the recipient of an expense-paid vacation for two to the Grand Bahamas.