45 YEARS AGO

september 24, 1980

Residences and business properties in the valley portion of Marion will be getting new water mains, and Uncle Sam will foot the bill.

The city’s project will be funded by a $300,000 federal grant administered by Flint Hills Regional Council.

Construction will start in four to six weeks.

Installation of a Quadrabell carillon unit at Valley United Methodist Church was completed Monday.

Included are four large speakers that will amplify music outdoors.

The unit is a memorial to the late Mrs. A.L. Richardson, long-time member of the congregation and one of Marion’s best loved citizens.

This week’s produce derby entry comes from John and Jim Jirak, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Jirak of rural Tampa.

Their “Crimson Sweet” watermelons weigh 46 and 47 pounds. Normal weight is around 30 pounds.

The melons were grown by the boys’ uncles, the Jirak Brothers, four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jirak.

Douglas Westerhaus of Marion recently received notification that he has been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

A graduate of Marion High School, the University of Kansas, and the KU Law School, Westerhaus is associated with his father, Edwin G Westerhaus, in the practice of law in Marion.

He also is the Republican candidate for county attorney.

Rose Kristek of Tampa and Cindy Novak of Lost Springs are flag girls for “The Pride of Wildcat Land” marching band at Kansas State University.

The band will be host for 80 high school bands this Saturday at K-State’s annual band day.