30 YEARS AGO

Sept. 11, 1996

Workers scrambling across a steep roof at Marion County Courthouse provided an awesome show for spectators this week.

The roof courthouse is being replaced as part of a renovation project to bring the stalwart old stone building into the 21st century.

Retired Marion County highway department supervisor Sherwin Ammeter died Tuesday when a grain truck he was driving was hit by a Union Pacific freight train three miles south and 1½ miles west of Peabody on the Walton blacktop road.

Centre High School senior Nikki Bina has been invited to play on the Kansas all-star basketball team in the Down Under Hoops Classic next summer in Australia.

Edith Helmer has retired from the staff of Social and Rehabilitation Service in Marion after a career with an enviable record as a long-term care worker. Her official retirement took place Aug. 22.

Fruechting Farms has been named 1996 Marion County Farm Bureau farm family of the year.

Fawn Hett is pictured presenting the company’s plaque to Don Fruechting, Mike and Nancy Fruechting and children Jennifer and Josh, and Don’s father, J.L. Fruechting.

The rural Aulne farm of 2,500 acres includes wheat, corn, milo, soybeans, and alfalfa. The family also operates a small feedlot.

Violet Richmond and other Marion Chamber of Commerce ambassadors presented a first dollar of profit plaque to Cottonwood Valley Tan and Tone owners Connie and Tony Pascal.

The business, offering tanning booths, exercise equipment, massage therapy, and reflexology, is at 330 E. Main St. in Marion.