25 years ago

February 19, 1997

Hillsboro mayor Bob Hein was nominated Tuesday for the position of first district Marion County commissioner by district Republican precinct committee members. Hein replaces the late Leon Suderman and will complete an unexpired term that will end in January, 1999.

Marion High School Queen of Courts candidates are Katie Barta-Moran, Jenny Maggard, and Melanie Cleeton. Escorts are James Grady, Joe Box, and Nick Thornbro. Crowning will be Friday during halftime at the boys’ varsity game. A dance in Marion Municipal Building basement follows the game.

The series on Marion County youth, who grew up locally and went out into the world beyond to carve successful careers, continues this week with John Sandwell, who is an executive at an Evansville, Ind., TV station.

John grew up in Marion where his parents, Ed and Philomena Sandwell, owned and operated Sanitary Market.

Don and Della Rittgers are February “Residents of the Month” at Hilltop Manor. They have lived there since 1992.

Twentieth Century Club met Feb. 3 at the home of Bettie Batt for a program presented by Mrs. Batt about her collection of Hummel figurines and on the life of M.I. Hummel. The program was introduced by the club’s “Harmonicats,” who sang “Hummel, Sweet Hummel.” The singing group is comprised of Vivian Conyers, Rosie Plenert, and Janice Case.

Florence Middle School girls’ basketball team earned a second-place medal Saturday at the Cottonwood Valley League tournament. Team members are Katie Rogers, Randi Barnett, Melissa Moffitt, Erin Slattery, VanDee Allison, Heather Tajchman, Sara Zogelman, Amanda Fruechting, Tiffany Tajchman, Nikki Rogers, Sarah Versch, and Amanda Ewert.