55 years ago

january 13, 1966

Little Miss 1966, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bamberger of Marion, is pictured in her mother’s arms, probably unaware that she was the winner of this year’s first baby contest. She was born at St. Luke Hospital at 12:05 a.m. New Year’s morning. Her father is employed at Dick’s 66 Service in Florence.

An angry inferno of unknown origin swept through the parts department of Marion Equipment Co., 2nd and Water Sts., early Tuesday morning and had a big head start before it was detected. Damage estimates of from $125,000 to $150,000 include both the building and contents and are considered both reasonable and conservative.

George Helmer announced this week that he has sold his station at the east edge of Marion to Hillsboro Co-operative Supply. The Co-Op will take over management of the service station Jan. 15 and it will be known as Farmer’s Co-Op Supply.

Earl Pankratz, Marion County undersheriff and former sheriff, has announced his intention to resign from the office to devote full time to a career as a professional life insurance writer.

Marion High School’s 1966 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow is Cheri Lee Bell, a senior and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bell.

George F. Dillon of Hope received $50 and was the only winner in this week’s Marion Cash Days drawing. Rev. Linn Self, Burrton, missed $10; W.T. Sampson, Strong City, missed $5; Lucille Porter, Peabody, missed $30; and Joe Downing, Marion, missed $15.