25 years ago

july 4, 1984

John Kemp, secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation, conducted unofficial hearings in Marion and Hillsboro Wednesday about the future route of U.S.-56 highway through the county. Kemp told the Marion audience that realignment of the federal highway across the county had been confirmed. The decision has been made, he said, to relocate the highway on a route north of both Marion and Hillsboro.

The Bob Smiths hosted their annual Fourth of July picnic for family and friends Saturday evening at their home. A large crowd of all ages was in attendance for the carry-in meal and entertainment for the children.

Marion County Commissioners voted 2-1 Friday morning to let voters decide Aug. 8 whether there will be a 1 percent countywide retail Sales tax. Commissioners also pledged to spend any revenues generated by the tax on road and bridge improvements.

June Jost will hang up his badge after completing the present term as sheriff. June must be a good man, for five candidates are running to replace him. June isn’t available for re-election. He claims to be “running from sheriff on the no-vote ticket.”

Another new business has started in Marion. Western Associates operates a machine, which will be used to imprint ice scrapers and other auto care products manufactured by an Emporia firm.