25 years ago

march 19, 1997

Ern Hett is shown as he creates magic from bits of metal for a group of travel agents and tour operators. The Copper Shed at Aulne was a highlight of the tour, which was arranged by Prairie People, a tour development group.

Marion Chamber of Commerce tourism committee members hosted the visit to the community so the travel agents could see what Marion has to offer their clients.

Pictured on the front page is a group of Berlin students and their Marion hosts, Roger and Lavonne Hannaford, Gerald and Sharon Kelsey, Doug and Lavonne Sharp, Marian Crofoot, Doug and Joy Vogel, Bruce and Belinda Skiles, Gale and Nanette Lowry, Ken and Teri Arnhold, and Kym Smith, as the group gathered March 11 for a get-acquainted party in the Marion Christian Church.

This is the 13th year the Germans have visited Marion. Students often enjoy their stay so much they become repeat visitors.

Melanie Cleeton of Marion High School was named to the Cottonwood Valley League girls’ basketball first team. She was the only MHS basketball player named to the team.

Alex Stuchlik’s polka band was featured during the Smoked Sausage Festival held Saturday at Hillsboro. As part of the Made-in-Kansas Market, which was part of the festivities, L.Dena Goertz of Marion exhibited for sale some of her caned chairs and foot stools.

Marion High School students will perform the classic musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie” Friday and Saturday in Marion Auditorium. Those playing leading roles are Andy Methvin, Courtney Goering, Gabrielle Longhofer, Dusty Sharp, Chris Bowers, Katie Barta-Moran, Josh Powers, Molly Hanes, Eliza Bennett, and Jesse Versch.

Members of the Marion County Genealogy Society met Feb. 24 in Marion to hear Dale Johnston, sexton of Marion Cemetery. speak on preserving gravestones. Johnston made an interesting and informative talk. Marion Cemetery has many unique engravings on gravestones. He said they should be preserved.