10 years ago
About 30 families in eastern Marion County will have a happier Christmas because of contributions to the annual Community Christmas program. Volunteers Margo Yates, Kathy Gooding, Jo Helmer, and Linda Ogden are pictured as they sort clothes, toys, household items, and food boxes donated by area residents and businesses. While parents made their selections Saturday at the "Christmas Store" in the Marion VFW post hall, children made crafts at Valley United Methodist Church with the help of Marion High School and Centre High School students.
Christmas lighting contest judges for the annual Marion Chamber of Commerce-sponsored project said determining a winner this year was more difficult than usual. Winners in Marion proper were the Kevin Burkholders on Elm Street, first; second to the Jeff Henrys at the north end of North Third; and third to the Joe Bryants at 311 S. First.
Victor Buckner brought Indian artifacts, clothing, weapons, and other items of interest to Amy Schmidt's third grade class at Marion Elementary School Monday afternoon. Buckner, who is part-Indian, had full attention of the students who were eager to learn.
Bettie Batt presented the program at the December meeting of Coterie Club. Batt's presentation was about her collection of Santas, which she gathered around the world, and the legend of Santa Claus. She closed reading Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
The Rev. Emil Kapaun, a priest of the Wichita Diocese who died as a prisoner during the Korean War, is among the figures depicted on a set of bronze doors installed recently at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Wichita. Three sets of doors were installed at the cathedral in November. They depict scenes from the life of Jesus, as well as various American saints, and others who served God. The doors were cast in Rome and arrived in mid — November.
Marion High School debaters competed this past week at the Andover tournament. Of the 124 speakers, James Meier ranked 24th, Joey Smallwood ranked 49th, and Heather Holub ranked 57th.
