2007 in review years ago
Staff reporter
In 2007, Marion residents experienced their share of highs and lows.
Countywide, residents were alarmed when it appeared that three dogs died after drinking water from Marion Reservoir. Officials scrambled to figure out the cause of the dogs' deaths and water treatment plant operators continued to monitor water quality.
It was clear that treated water posed no danger to consumers.
In the end it appeared that an algae bloom in the area where the dogs drank probably caused their deaths.
Local headlines included:
— Patrons of USD 408 enjoyed the first performance at the new fine arts center in December. The facility, located on the Marion High School/Middle School campus, includes an auditorium, dressing rooms, and a music room.
— MMS students were evacuated in January because a practice grenade was found on school property. The grenade was not activated but the students involved were taken into custody.
— With war and conflict continuing in the Middle East, Ramona resident Simon Makovec joined many other soldiers in the fight. After serving an extended tour, Makovec safely returned home to his family and friends.
— Mary Olson was elected as mayor of Marion and took the helm of the four-member council.
— The city's 50-year-old swimming pool was demolished to make way for a new gymnasium and indoor pool.
— Easter attire this year was winter coats and stocking hats following a spring snowfall.
— Spring weather also made way for torrential rains which caused some flooding.
— After decades in Marion, Prairie View Mental Health Services moved its Marion County office to Hillsboro.
— Newly elected Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison was the guest speaker at the January annual dinner of Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Less than a year later, the attorney general stepped down from office following allegations of improprieties.
— In celebration of Oklahoma's centennial, Union Pacific included Marion and other cities in the county in a tour of old engine No. 844 steam locomotive carrying those soldiers who were wounded in action. The Freedom Train was greeted in September by more than 650 well-wishers in Marion.
— Enrollment continues to decline in all five school districts, partly due to an aging and declining population in the county.
— And last, but certainly not least, centenarian Norma Hannaford enjoyed her 15 minutes of fame when she was interviewed by Larry Hatteberg, Kansas' people person, and appeared on a Wichita television news program.
