25 years ago

february 11, 1987

An old house and several trees were cleared Friday from the site of a planned $200,000 addition to Emmanuel Baptist Church on Walnut Street in Marion. The project is a tremendous move of faith for the 85 families who regularly attend the church services, Pastor James Harris said.

The Tampa Centennial Committee has announced the schedule of events for its celebration of the town’s 100th birthday. The event will be held May 23.

A Valentine’s Day charity ball will be held Saturday at the VFW post home. The semi-formal event is being sponsored by St. Luke Boosters.

Cerece Smith was selected “Queen of the Courts” during homecoming ceremonies Friday at Marion High School gym.

Ruth Jo Penner was honored Sunday at a surprise ceremony during worship services at Valley United Methodist Church. Penner was presented with a plaque commemorating the 52 years she has played organ and piano at the church. She is the musician honored in this week’s series of those providing music for various churches in the area.

Obituaries in this issue include that of Harold Mansfield Hauser, 80, better known as “Dutch.” Hauser died Feb. 9 at St. Luke Hospital, having been in failing health for several months.

This issue contains the first part of a history of Peabody written by Sandy Totten, Wichita State University student in Journalism. The story is an assignment given Totten by Professor Les Anderson. Lory Postoak has been assigned to write a similar story on the history of Marion.