60 years ago
FEBRUARY 10, 1944
The first death sentence ever given in Marion County was handed down late Monday afternoon by Judge Jas. P. Coleman, of the district court, in the case of The State of Kansas vs. Ernest Hoefgen, who was charged with first degree murder of Bruce Smoll, Wichita youth, as he was hitchhiking home between semesters at Kansas State College September 16. And no defendant more calm, collected, devoid of emotional response, sense of shame or penitence ever faced a court than Hoefgen, as he sat throughout five hours of court testimony and attorney pleas. Hoefgen will die March 10 at Lansing.
We continue to enjoy the nice spring-like weather which has been with us for the past two weeks. While it isn't exactly nice to be skeptical and suspicious about it, most of us seem to think it is being too nice and we will pay later on.
Two young Marion ladies, Mary Jeaneen Williamson and Dianne Herbert, planned a double piano recital, made the invitations and received their guests. The very delightful affair was held last Thursday afternoon and evening at the Broder Williamson apartment. These young ladies in the third grade at school are both unusually talented and are pupils of Miss Viola Thompson.
Word has been received from Harley Heidebrecht, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Heidebrecht, who has been in action in Italy, is now in a hospital in North Africa with after effects of frozen feet.
Mrs. John Wheeler entertained friends Friday evening at a lovely Valentine dinner followed by a delightful social evening, with a group of the guests remaining for a slumber party.
Misses Mary Alice and Anna Belle Rees of Emporia were home over Saturday night and Sunday from the teachers college at Emporia.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Richmond announce the engagement of their daughter, Frances Naomi, to Mr. Harry Helmer of Hillsboro, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Helmer. The wedding will be an event of the near future.
