Marion County RECORD

Wind project could kick off the new year

In a presentation last week at Marion Senior Center Rex Savage of Windborne Energy told patrons that construction on wind turbines south of Marion could begin as quickly as two to three weeks. “We will begin putting rock down on 120th St. within two weeks then we will begin construction pads south of 120th in the next two to three weeks,” Savage said.

Board ponders providing students with computers

A survey of Marion High School juniors taking honors English showed fewer than half had regular computer access at home, Principal Tod Gordon told USD 408 Board of Education on Monday. In the survey, 62.5 percent said they had no access or limited access to a computer outside of school. Middle school Principal Missy Stubenhofer added that not even every teacher has Internet at home.

Mysterious bone falls on driver's windshield

Norma Kline of Marion did not expect things to be falling out of the sky while sitting in her car at Walgreens in Newton. “It was the strangest thing,” she said. “I was sitting in my car waiting for my friend to get what she needed in the store and I heard this bang on my windshield, and then there lay a bone in the windshield gutter.”

County hires appraiser

County commissioners breathed a collective sigh of relief Monday after their four-month long search for a new appraiser ended. “We’re locked down at this point,” Commissioner Dan Holub said. “We need an appraiser to go forward after these tax hearings. It’s crucial.”

Marion 'elves' prepare Community Christmas

Volunteers organized a vast amount of donated food and gift items Monday afternoon at Marion Community Center to donate to 63 families in the Community Christmas program. Chamber of Commerce secretary Margo Yates said that every family was nominated would receive a couple hundred dollars worth of food.

Council plans for development director position

Marion City Council discussed options to filling the economic development director position vacated by Roger Holter after he was hired to be city administrator. “I believe the position needs to be filled so we can continue to move forward with city development,” Holter said. “I’m recommending we advertise and fill the position as soon as possible.”

Sept. 1 Apartments remodel to begin soon

Homestead Affordable Housing closed Dec. 2 on the September 1 Apartments. According to Homestead President and CEO Tom Bishop, residents can expect to see remodel work to begin as soon as he can get mobilized. “We expect things to move very quickly and construction and upkeep for existing duplexes to begin within the next few weeks after closing,” he said. “We’ll start with demolition and removing and replacing things almost immediately.

Police welcome dog, Legion, to the force

The Marion Police Department will have a new addition after German shepherd, Legion, completes training with his partner officer Mike Stone. The 10-month-old puppy will replace Ana as the department’s canine officer.

Insurance mailings have city's blessing

Several residents have been receiving strange mail from with information about water and sewer line coverage plans. A company called Utility Service Partners Private Label and its subsidiary company Service Lines of America sent the mailers, which went to many Marion residents.

Russian delegates wisit Cow Camp Ranch

A group of 16 farm managers and government officials representing the cattle industry in Russia included Cow Camp Ranch, Lost Springs, in its stops in Kansas on Friday. According to manager Mark Brunner, the men spent an hour viewing the cowherd north of Lost Springs and driving through the feed yard at Ramona.

Federal conservation program opens enrollment until Jan. 17

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program for new enrollment until Jan. 17. In the program, farmers and ranchers can receive funding for conservation improvements. Examples include using new nozzles on sprayers to reduce drift of pesticides, modifying water facilities to prevent bats and birds from being trapped, burning patches of land mimicking prairie fires to improve wildlife habitat, and rotating feeding areas and monitoring grazing areas to improve grazing management.

Local businesses sponsor children's coloring contest

Local businesses are sponsoring a Christmas coloring contest for children ages 3-10. Pictures may be colored using crayons, markers, or colored pencils. One winner will be drawn at random from all entries. The winner will receive a Christmas stocking full of Christmas gifts and more. All entries must be received 5 p.m., Dec. 19 at the Marion County Record office. Entries can be hand delivered or mailed to the Marion County Record, PO Box 278, Marion, KS 66861.

Voting begins in the Christmas cookie decorating contest

The public is invited to vote in the Christmas cookie decorating contest today through Dec. 18 at these businesses: Carlsons’ Grocery and Marion County Record in Marion; Vogt’s Hometown Market in Hillsboro; and Don’s Drug Store in Peabody. Votes may be cast for the best-decorated cookie by placing cash donations in the appropriate jars. The winner will be determined by the cookie receiving the most in donations and announced in the Dec. 25 issue of this newspaper.

Missing Westview Manor resident found safe

On Dec. 3, Westview Manor staff alerted Peabody Police that a resident, William Jeffery Wilton, had not returned to the care facility and could not been located. When Wilton’s absence was reported, Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke said they investigated Wilton’s disappearance, assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. “Wilton was allowed to sign himself in and out of Westview and frequently used the privilege,” Burke said. “This time he didn’t return to the care facility.”

Siebert cherishes teddy bear collection

A sign on one of the bedroom doors at the home of Rex and Vernolis Siebert of rural Marion reads, “This place is a zoo. Enter at your own risk.” On the other side of the door is a roomful of many sizes of stuffed bears and a variety of bear décor.

Night in the Barn live nativity is Dec. 21-22

Deanna Snyder

Deanna Snyder, 7, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at Olathe Medical Center. She was a student at Marion Elementary School. She was born Sept. 5, 2006, in Wichita to Trinity and Jessica Snyder. She enjoyed church, Awana, Kids for Christ, and Girl Scouts.

Mildred Steinle

Mildred Steinle, 88, of Hillsboro died Dec. 2 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. She was born June 10, 1925, to Jacob and Hulda (May) Dies in Topeka. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin “Dutch” Steinle, in 2007.

IN MEMORIAM:

Accidents reported

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County Jail arrests and bookings

Criminal division cases

Deeds recorded

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Offenses reported

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Traffic division cases

Winter brings its own health issues

Winter weather brings with it a variety of health issues for many people, ranging from illnesses like colds and flus to conditions even more directly related to the cold. “Signs of hypothermia start by simply feeling cold, shivering, and increased heart rate,” said Karen Wheeler, advanced registered nurse practitioner at Marion Family Physicians. “As it worsens, the person feels tired, starts sweating, and has unsteady movements.

Shannon Hoffer hopes to help people relax through yoga

The holidays can be a stressful time for most people. Shannon Hoffer hoped to ease some of this stress by treating guests to a relaxing weekend Nov. 22 and 23 at her annual Country Dreams Yoga Retreat. She said it is important in the stressful holiday season to take time each day to slow down and de-stress. “The theme was to celebrate the season change rather than dread it,” she said. “Coming together and using yoga class, meditation, healthy food, and positive thinking to shift our mindset that winter has to be miserable.”

It's not too late to vaccinate

With flu activity increasing and family and friends gathering for the holidays, Kansas Department of Health and Environment is urging all Kansans to receive a flu vaccine this week. Dec. 8-14 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, KDHE said in a press release. It said the recognition should be a reminder that everyone is responsible for preventing the spread of influenza. Based on data from the Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network, flu activity currently is low in the state. However, flu activity usually increases this time of year before peaking in January or February.

Apples provide good nutrition

Who has not heard the old adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? It may seem unlikely that one fruit could be so effective at maintaining good health, but apples really are a super food. Apples are a member of the Rose family and are related to pears, peaches, apricots and plums. Though considered a fall fruit, apples can be enjoyed year-round thanks to commercial food production and importing.

Mayor says maintaining a healthy weight is hard work

At 5 feet, 7 inches, Marion’s mayor, Mary Olson, has maintained her goal weight of 150 pounds for 13 years. “It’s a new lifestyle,” she said. “If you want to be healthy, you do it. It’s hard. You have to work at it.”

Turn a setback into an opportunity

Times are tough for small-town schools. Enrollment is declining, and every year it seems the state legislature finds a new way to shirk its responsibility to fund schools that will keep Kansas competitive with other states and the rest of the world. Budget cuts are an unfortunate part of this reality. One such cut that has been made this year is Marion High School’s spring play. Director Janet Killough attended Monday’s school board meeting, believing a proposal to restore funding to the play was on the agenda, but it was not. There is no good time to lose student programs, but this year seems an especially poor year to lose the spring play. Anyone who attended the fall musical production of “Footloose” could see for themselves how many students are interested in performing and how talented many of those students are. In fact, this year’s musical set a record for tickets sold. With that in mind, helping stage a play would be the perfect way for the community to get involved with the kids, contributing time, talents, and maybe even a little money to do something special.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

TEEN meeting is Dec. 18

Technology Excellence in Education Network will have its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 in the USD 408 District Office, 101 N. Thorp St., Marion. For more information, contact Lena Kleiner at (620) 877-0237.

Timm gets nursing degree

Jordan Timm of Marion has completed the requirements to receive his bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Washburn Univeristy in Topeka. Commencement ceremonies will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Lee Arena in Topeka.

New Bible study starts Jan. 9

A new community Bible study will begin Jan. 9 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. The topic of the Bible study is “Forever in Love with Jesus.” DVD lessons by Kathy Trocolli and Dee Brestin will be from the books of John and Hosea. Bible studies will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Hearth Room of the church.

Hoffer tells Kiwanis about yoga

Shannon Hoffer told Marion Kiwanis Club on Tuesday about yoga classes she offers. Hoffer is a 1999 graduate of Marion High School, and she moved back to Marion earlier this year. Hoffer said the ideas that yoga is all about flexibility and that it is only for women are common misconceptions. Yoga is largely about breathing, Hoffer said, and her classes include many men. There is no level of fitness required to start yoga.

Ferne Regier turning 100

Ferne Regier, formerly of Marion, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Dec. 29. She was born Dec. 29, 1913, in Agricola. She graduated from Marion High School and worked as a telephone operator before marrying Leo Regier, now deceased, on Nov. 24, 1940, in Marion.

Neo-Century has music, gift exchange

Neo-Century Club met Dec. 2 at Hilltop Manor. Hostesses for the meeting were Shirley Carlson, Donna Fruechting, Arlene Bowers, Mary Almaguer, and Marge Christensen. The Marion High School Singers gave a musical program. Christmas tea followed, served by the hostesses. Heart-sister Christmas gifts were exchanged. The next meeting will be Jan. 6 for movie night.

Groneman turning 100

The children of Esther Groneman of Lincolnville are requesting a card shower for her in honor of her 100th birthday Dec. 18. Cards may be sent to her at 2872 Banner Rd., Lincolnville, KS 66858. Family members will gather at the farm on Saturday to celebrate the occasion. They include four children: Lois, her caregiver, Arthur W. and wife, Kandi, of Lincolnville, Nancy Groneman-Hite of Emporia, and Vida Gianakon and husband, Paul, of Hutchinson; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

CDDO meets Monday

The board of directors of Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disability Organization will meet at 4 p.m. Monday at 500 N. Main St., Suite 204, Newton. There will be opportunity for public forum.

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Marion wrestlers place 5th in 1st tournament

Marion High School Warriors wrestlers placed fifth out of fourteen teams in their first tournament of the year Saturday at Mission Valley. “The weekend went really well,” head wrestling coach Chad Adkins said Monday. “We wrestled much better than I expected the first week out.”

Warriors fall behind early, drop opener

After a shaky start Friday, the Marion High School girls’ basketball team rebounded, threatening to tie the game multiple times before losing 42-28 to Southeast of Saline. “Early we started a little rough,” coach Kelly Robson said. “Last year we had turnover issues, and we set a goal to limit them this year. We got close to it at halftime.”

Warriors lose season opener to 10th-ranked Trojans

The Marion High School boys’ basketball team never led its 71-53 loss to Southeast of Saline Friday night, but coach Jeff McMillin did not blame the players’ effort. “They were about as lights out as I’ve seen coaching against,” he said. “I thought we played hard, but there’s a difference between playing hard and playing with intensity.”

FFA goes to leadership school

Centre FFA members traveled Friday to Arkansas City to participate in South Central District Leadership School and public speaking career development events. Kevin Lewis placed second in extemporaneous public speaking, qualifying for state. Karl Riffel placed sixth. Nellie Kassebaum placed 10th in the senior division, and Cassidy Hill placed eighth in the junior division.

Centre looking to expand leadership pathways

Superintendent Brian Smith told Centre school board members Monday that efforts are being made to expand the number of career pathways available to students. Centre currently has several career and technical education pathway programs in agriculture and business. Smith said he and several staff members are visiting area schools to see their programs. Lisa Beye, Laura Klenda, and Jay O’Brien are engaged in the application process for new programs.

Kennedy Fahey wins Marion geography bee

Do you know which Asian country includes the Taklimakan Desert, home to the Uyghur people, located north of the Kunlun Mountains? Marion Elementary School sixth-grader Kennedy Fahey wasn’t sure, either, but she realized that China is one of the largest countries in Asia, with a lot going on, so she made an educated guess. She got it right, and won the MES geography bee Friday afternoon.

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