10 YEARS AGO

november 16, 2011

Marion Chamber of Commerce will have its annual Farm/City Appreciation Banquet Monday at Marion City Building. It is estimated the tradition stretches back 40 or more years.

More than 220 persons attended a Veterans’ Day Mass at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen. Pictured is an honor guard from McConnell Air Force Base as they march past the statue of Army chaplain Father Emil Kapaun aiding a wounded soldier.

Marion High School senior Colten Johnson was the only Heart of America League player to be a four-time first team all league selection in 2011. Johnson was recognized as an offensive back, kick returner, linebacker, and punter.

Marci Penner, writer of “8 Wonders of Kansas” will speak at Marion City Library Nov. 29. A reception and book signing will follow at Gallery 101 of the Flint Hills.

Country Lakes Café in Marion is preparing for its first murder mystery dinner, “Mystery on the Titanic.” The dinners are intended to capitalize on and further enhance Marion’s growing status as a destination. With multiple antique shops, an art gallery, and a historic hotel in town and two lakes nearby, Marion is getting more out-of-town visitors than in the recent past, restaurant co-owner Barbara Smith said.

Strassburg Baptist Church, 2249 Pawnee Rd., Marion, recently celebrated a century-long presence in the rural Marion area. The area around the church was settled in the 1870s by German immigrants via Russia.

A collection of turkey-shaped soup tureens belonging to Jeanice Thomas of Marion is on display at the Marion City Library. Thomas said she has two larger turkey-shaped tureens. She has tureens shaped like a pumpkin, tomato, seashell, fish, pheasant, duck, pig, cow, leopard, rhinoceros, and turtle.