60 years ago

may 26, 1966

Marion County’s new hot mix plant for making bituminous road materials went into operation last week and is fast proving itself to be big help in the county’s plans for better roads. It is providing better quality road materials faster and cheaper than before.

Marion-area boys and girls ages 7 through 12 are in for a lot of fun this summer with their friend and favorite leader, Lowell Ensey, once again the summer recreation program director. Lowell advises that he is planning to have summer sign-up Saturday with practice starting June 13.

Judy Pankratz was named valedictorian, and Beth Thole salutatorian at Marion High School’s commencement Tuesday evening. In third place by a mere fraction of a percentage point was Toni McElwain. The Balfour award was presented to Pat Warneke.

Pictured are members of Girl Scout Troop 63 as they plant a Golden Rain tree in the city’s newest park, just west of the municipal swimming pool.

The girls also planted a sealed bottle containing their names and other information in the tree’s roots for some future generation to dig up and exclaim over.

Lynn Christensen, owner of Lynn’s Truck and Tractor, Marion, is recipient of an expense-paid vacation for two to Grand Bahama in recognition of his record achievement in a recent sales campaign.

Forty-four students graduated from eighth grade Monday at Marion Elementary School. Class officers were Roger Jackson, president; Robert McElwain, vice president; Patricia Wood, secretary; and Vickie Boese, treasurer.

Nearly 1,000 visitors were present Saturday and Sunday at the grand opening of T&T Chinchilla Ranch, Keith Nelson, manager. Mrs. Ruben Rempel of rural Marion won the door prize, a portable TV.

Dennis Pankratz, a senior student at the University of Kansas and son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Pankratz of Marion, won the Chicago Tribune award for exceptional military achievement, scholastic attainment, and character at the annual Chancellor’s Review last Friday.