Marion County RECORD

Winter hits home as propane prices set records across Kansas

Propane prices have risen to record highs, Greg Noll, executive vice president of Propane Marketers Association of Kansas, said. Prices jumped from around $1 per gallon in mid-January to more than $5 last week for marketers, and rose even more for local companies like Cardie Oil and S&S Propane and consumers, Noll said.

Issues arise after city council passes parking ban

Ty Zeiner of Zeiner Funeral Home plans to ask city council members to amend an ordinance passed at last weeks’ meeting that bans parking in front of the funeral home. “I don’t think the ordinance was thought through,” he said.

Mother of missing Andover teen turns to Facebook in search for son

When Nancy Fruechting’s 15-year-old son Zach went missing Monday, she turned for help to the very website that many parents worry their children spend too much unsupervised time on — Facebook. Although authorities have not provided any indication that foul play is suspected, the story of her son’s leaving school in Andover, where the family moved from Marion last spring, and not returning home has spread like wildfire.

Speaker says rural towns need to cultivate young residents

The Marion and Hillsboro chambers of commerce gathered Monday night at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church for their third combined annual banquet. Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation spoke about that organization’s work on its next Kansas guidebook, visiting every incorporated city in the state.

County issues burn ban

Because of dry, windy conditions that have prevailed recently, the county commission voted Friday to ban almost all outdoor fires. A violation of the burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable in court by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

City clerk quickly resigns

Marion’s new city clerk, Sheila Makovec, resigned Monday after deciding it wasn’t the right job for her. “It was just not what I expected the position would be,” she said. “It’s not for me.”

July Fourth button contest kicks off

Peabody July 4th Celebration Society has announced it is seeking entries for the design of artwork on the admission buttons to the 93rd annual July Fourth Celebration. Entries must be submitted by March 1.

Couple hopes to save people a drive with new store

Marion native Jennifer Hojda and David Leithoff have been busy over the last few months remodeling part of a building on Chicago St. in Lost Springs to house their new store. The store will be named Rustic Rocking Horse and feature a four-foot tall rocking horse sign made of pine and constructed by Leithoff. Hojda plans to be open Wednesday through Sunday afternoons beginning tentatively at the end of February.

Crews break ground on wind farm

Crews broke ground Dec. 14 to meet 2013 tax deadlines on the wind farm planned between Marion, Peabody, and Florence. Mortenson Federal Contracting Group workers moved dirt and completed the initial phase of construction for three 10-feet-by-60-feet turbine pads. Rex Savage of Windborne Energy said for now construction is halted until around June while the company finishes preparations.

Peabody resident followed career dreams to Alaska

Peabody native Roxanne VanGundy did not believe after her boss asked, more than four years ago, “What are your career goals,” that in a short time she would be living them. VanGundy, who was an emergency dispatcher in Emporia, and her husband, Brett, a corrections officer, visited Alaska before 2010 to see Amanda Wedel and Calvin Carr, both of Peabody, who were stationed in Alaska.

Scarlet fever case confirmed in Peabody

A single case of scarlet fever was confirmed last week at Peabody-Burns Elementary School. Principal Ken Parry said the case was in preschool. The school sent a note home with students, notifying parents that the illness had been confirmed. He said there had been no additional reports of scarlet fever.

Election workers will get pay raise

Those helping with city elections within the county will receive a pay increase this year, as proposed by County clerk Tina Spencer. Commissioners voted Monday to increase the pay of poll site workers for clerks and judges from $90 to $100 per day, and site workers for supervising judges from $100 to $125 per day.

Vogt's to close Sunday

After 89 years of service in Hillsboro, Vogt’s Hometown Market will close Feb. 2. Manager Todd Vogt said selling the store to Heartland Foods was the right move for all involved.

Residents remember their first cars

Talk to men about their first cars, and their eyes light up with pleasure as the memories come flooding back. Kim Hill, 57, of rural Lehigh was 15 when he got his first car. He bought it from an uncle for $1,600 with money earned through part-time work at the Kerr-McGee service station in Hillsboro.

Fire fighting puts miles on truck, even when parked

According to Marion fire chief Mike Regnier, the 8-cylinder engine of the department’s 2005 International 4,300 city pumper truck is like a regular truck of that model, except for the fact that it also helps power a pump that can disperse 1,250 gallons of water per minute. “When the pump runs during a fire, it’s like putting miles on the truck,” Regnier said. “We stop, put the truck in neutral, and put the pump in gear.”

Car maintenance crucial in winter months

When the temperatures fall below freezing levels like Tuesday morning’s low of 12 degrees, Webster Auto Service owner Barry Allen knows to expect a little more business. “I don’t know if I blew a fuse or what’s going on,” a frenetic customer explained. “But right now it’s freezing out there, I have to make it to work, and I need heat.”

Harold Christner

Harold F. Christner, 78, of Herington died Saturday at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born March 19, 1935, to Simon S. “Pete” and Gertrude I. (Steely) Christner in Lost Springs. He graduated from Lost Springs High School in 1953. After school, he served with the U.S. Army, 5th Armored Division in Frankfurt, Germany. He was an auto mechanic all his life, working in Herington and California.

Paul Gaede

Paul Junior Gaede, 82, of Alameda, Calif. died Jan. 20. He was born June 9, 1931, to Henry J. and Elizabeth (Just) Gaede in Felt, Okla. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Aulne, where he attended Aulne Elementary School for a short time until his family moved to Peabody. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1950.

George Svitak

George J. Svitak, 83, died Saturday at Marion Assisted Living. He was born July 3, 1930, to John and Victoria (Franta) Svitak of Pilsen. He was a lifelong Pilsen resident. He was a farmer and worked for Hesston Corp — now AGCO — for 30 years.

Adolphine Tajachman

Adolphine Tajchman, 102, died Jan. 20 at Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire. She was a caretaker and housekeeper. She was born Nov. 25, 1911, in Tampa to Adolph and Anna Prucha Tajchman.

IN MEMORIAM:

Accidents reported

Civil division cases

County Jail arrests and bookings

Criminal division cases

Deeds recorded

Emergency dispatches

Offenses reported

Police incident reports

Traffic division cases

Posting ordinances online doesn't always mean savings for local governments

Kansas’s experiment in allowing municipalities and counties to post new laws on Internet sites they control instead of printing them in independent publications where citizens can actually find them is proving to be as bad an idea as it sounded. In an effort to save $36 last week, the City of Marion refused to publish the full text of a new ordinance about no-parking zones along the west sides of Elm and Locust Sts. between Main and Denver Sts. Instead of spending $84 to print the full ordinance in the same manner as has been done for nearly 150 years, it spent $48 to instead publish an “ordinance summary,” referring local citizens who are fortunate enough to have Internet access to the city’s website, where they supposedly could find the new law.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

Abeldt, Owens engaged

Jennifer Owens and Aaron Abeldt announce their engagement. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Brian and Tambra Owens of Haysville. The prospective groom is the son of Nadine and the late Larry Abeldt of Hope.

Marion native is new Tabor PR director

Marion native Katrina Hancock is the new director of communications for Tabor College. She started work Monday. Hancock graduated from Marion High School in 1995 and spent two years at Wichita State University. She then transferred to Bradley University n Peoria, Ill., on a full basketball scholarship.

PEO votes to donate to new chapter

In honor of the seven founding members of PEO, DB chapter voted to donate the traditional sum of $7 to a new PEO chapter, JW of Manhattan, Jan. 20 at the Presbyterian Church in Marion. A monetary gift will also be donated to the PEO International Peace Scholarship in memory of longtime chapter DB member Pat Jackson.

Tampa Triple T's plan potluck

Tampa Triple T’s 4-H Club met Jan. 12 at Tampa Senior Center at which 13 members, 5 leaders, and 2 parents answered a roll call question of what they did for New Year’s Eve. Host families were the Muellers and the Hamms. “Thank you” notes were also read.

Tai chi classes to be offered at senior center

Kiwanis recruiting new members

Marion Kiwanis met Tuesday with 20 members present. Several committees reported on their activities. Roger Hannaford said there are several potential new members that are being recruited. Al Ash spoke about upcoming opportunities for interclub meetings.

Alpha Omega has January meeting

The Alpha Omega chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International held its January meeting with 16 members in attendance at the Hillsboro city building. Helen Reznicek presented devotions on setting goals for the New Year.

Free child health screening will be Feb. 11

A free health and development screening for children up to the age 5 will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Peabody United Methodist Church. Screenings will include a learning, motor, language, and social skills check. Vision and hearing will also be screened.

MARION SENIOR CENTER:

MEMORIES:

County students awarded Kansas State scholarships

Several students from Marion County were awarded various scholarships from Kansas State University for the 2013-2014 school year totaling more than $1,000 per student. Overall KSU has awarded more than $19.2 million in scholarships for this academic year. Florence Jaclyn Deforest, Phebe Bissell Memorial Scholarship in Human Ecology, Rose Straka Fowler and William M. Fowler Fund, and Anna L. Steckelberg Memorial Scholarship in Dietetics and Nutrition. Goessel Hannah Franzen, John T. Fairman Success in Marketing Scholarship. Hillsboro Kale Arnold, Grain Science Centennial Initiative Fund; Ethan Frantz, Mac Harris Memorial Scholarship; Candace Jost, Transfer Achievement Award; Bailey Kaufman, Putnam Scholarship, and R. Ray and Marian E. Carothers Scholarships; Aaron Klassen, June Roberts Scholarship; Taylor Nikkel, Agricultural Enhancement Fund, and Transfer Achievement Award; and Chance Reece, Mudge-Thompson Geology Scholarship. LEHIGH Neal Kaiser, Agricultural Enhancement Fund; and John Clark Slentz, Award for Excellence in Agriculture and John T. Whetzel Scholarship. Lincolnville Carrie Carlson, Agricultural Enhancement Fund, First in Class Scholarship, R. Ray and Marian E. Carothers Scholarships, and Stephen Vesecky Scholarship; Taylor Harms, K-State Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship, Achievement Award, Jim Buchanan Scholarship, CHS University Scholarship, Genny and Lowell Brandner Scholarship, Rod Turnbull Scholarship Fund; and Carlye Simons, Martin Family Senior Award in Agriculture. Marion Raelene Allen, Ted and Helene Varney Business Administration Award; Samuel Ehrlich, Engineering Scholarships, and Hosler Family Scholarship; Patrick Hodson, Memorial Scholarship and Engineering Scholarships, and Elmer A. Taylor Memorial Scholarship; Tonya Hodson, Memorial Scholarship; Louis Holt, Herman T. Luthi Memorial Scholarship in Forestry and Pied Piper Pet and Wildlife Inc. Agriculture Scholarship; Andrew Kjellin, Mila and William R. Kimel Music Scholarship; Landon Leiker, Civic Leadership — Renewal; Drew Maddox, Gary L. Millenbruch Finance; Tristen Snelling, K-State Transfer Academic Award, Lynn and Hazel Russell Memorial Scholarship, and Colonel and Mrs. Pearl M. Shaffer Memorial Home Economics Scholarship; Derek Stuchlik, Garmin Electrical and Computer Engineering Scholarship; Eric Vogel, Finance Advisory Board Scholarship, and Dennis and Sally Von Waaden Business Scholarship; Brandee Burnett, R. Ray and Marian E. Carothers Scholarship, and George and Mary Gephart Scholarship; Emily Harris, Memorial Scholarship; Broderick Kyle, Achievement Award, A.W. Michael and William Michael Scholarship, and Norvin and Barbara Stunkel Scholarship in Animal Science and Industry; Ashley Weems, Activity Scholarship, and Charles W. and Lois H. Nauheim Freshman Scholarship; Matthew Klenda, Transfer Achievement Award; and Nathan Unruh, Robert W. Janzen Scholarship. PEABODY Joshua Klarmann, A&S Undergrad Research Scholarship, Memorial Scholarship, Elvon G. and Lydia E Skeen Education Fund, Tomorrow’s Teacher Scholarship, and Nancy Glover Craig Education Scholarship.

Washburn students earn transition awards

Meghan Leihy of Hillsboro, a nursing student, and Jenevieve Corona of Marion, undeclared, have been named First Year Experience Scholars at Washburn University. They and 547 other students received the honor by earning a grade point average of 3.0 or higher their first semester.

McPherson College students' art on display

Artistic works of Evan Hiebert of Goessel and Maci Schlehuber of Hillsboro will be on display through Feb. 23 at the VAAM Gallery in the McPherson Opera House. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A public closing reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 23.

Centre homecoming will recognize past sports teams

In addition to crowning a king and queen Feb. 7, Centre High School will recognize two special teams from the past. During the varsity girls’ halftime, the 1984 girls’ state championship track team, along with coaches Doug Sidener, Stan Wiles, and Deb Wiles, will be honored.

Centre boys place 2nd at Cougar Classic

After defeating Wakefield Jan. 21 and Flint Hills Job Corps Friday, the second-seed Centre boys were defeated Saturday in the championship game against first-seed Rural Vista to finish second in the tournament. The Cougars played a much better first half this time against the Heat than they did earlier when the two teams met in regular season play. They battled hard against a taller, stronger team.

Junior high league tournament is at Centre

Centre High School will host the Wheat State League Junior High School Tournament this week. Games will be on Thursday and Saturday. Centre boys (4-3) are the third seed after beating Rural Vista (4-3) and Solomon (4-3) head-to-head. Goessel boys (2-5) are the sixth seed, and Peabody-Burns (0-7) is the eighth seed.

Centre girls defeat Marion to win Cougar Classic

The Centre girls’ basketball team was the top seed in last week’s Cougar Classic, and they finished on top by defeating Flint Hills Job Corps in the first round Jan. 21, Elyria Christian on Thursday, and Marion on Saturday in the championship game. Other teams were Peabody-Burns, Wakefield, Solomon, and Rural Vista. Centre and Marion started the final game matching basket for basket, but two free throws by Makenzie Deines gave Centre a 6-4 lead. At the end of the first quarter, Centre had a slim 12-9 lead.

Lady Warriors fall to Centre girls in tournament finals

The Marion Lady Warriors made it to a tournament championship game for the second time this season, but again could not place first Saturday at the Centre Cougar Classic. After defeating Wakefield Jan. 21, the girls won Friday against Rural Vista, then lost Saturday to Centre.

Wrestlers take 4th at Eureka despite illness

Even missing a couple team members because of illness, Marion wrestlers placed 4th out of 23 teams with 144 team points Saturday at Eureka. “We have had some kids get the flu so I hope we can avoid as much of that as possible,” coach Chad Adkins said. “Kyle Palic is on the mend from being sick, and we were without Luke Steele because of the flu.”

Warriors place 3rd at Centre tournament

After cruising to a 20-point win in its first game of the Centre Cougar Classic Jan. 21, the Marion boys’ basketball team battled to the last minute in its final two games. “Our goal for this week was 3-0,” coach Jeff McMillin said after a third-place victory. “We didn’t get that, but what we got in exchange was a tough, hard-fought win.”

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