40 years ago

february 7, 1979

Groundhog queen candidates rated hearty applause from a good-natured group who came Saturday to enjoy the fun of the Groundhog Weekend festivities. Queen Jeff Brewer is pictured as he receives the first place trophy he earned by audience applause.

Western Alfalfa Corporation is planning to sell its alfalfa mill on the northwest edge of Marion at public auction Feb. 14. The mill began operating in Marion in the early 1940s under the ownership of the W.J. Small Company of Neodesha. An important industry to the Marion community for many years, its closing was announced in the fall of 1977.

Sally Ferguson Helmer and Roger Hannaford III wish to announce their engagement and approaching marriage. A June 2 wedding is being planned.

Queen of the Courts candidates are Janelle Bowers, Annette Nienstedt, and Cindy Bernhardt. The queen will be announced between games Friday in Marion Gymnasium where Marion High School will face Chase County.

Members of Chat ‘n’ Dine Club and Marion Chamber of Commerce are pictured as they joined musicians Jeff and Mary Pritchard of Valley Center Saturday night as they played “Wabash Cannonball at a potluck dinner Saturday night.