Marion County RECORD

Artist's home burns

A massive inferno consumed an old wooden two-story house in Aulne on Tuesday as firefighters could do little more than make sure the blaze didn’t spread to neighboring properties. Dispatchers received a call at about 1:20 p.m. from a neighbor across the street that the house at 1412 Pawnee, a block north of Aulne United Methodist Church, was on fire. The caller reported that no one was in the house.

Bowron fix could cost county $1M

Nearly $1 million could be needed to renovate an unused, historic building owned by the county into office space, but even the person who presented that information to county commissioners thought that number was high. Marion economic director Randy Collett told commissioners Monday that a contractor’s estimate to renovate the Bowron Building in downtown Marion was higher than he would expect. Marion County Community Economic Development Corporation commissioned the inspection.

Manchester advocates for children, volunteers sought

When a child’s future hangs in the balance, Marion County District Court will now have someone to call upon to help guide decisions. Hope Manchester was sworn in Monday as a court-appointed special advocate for Marion County. Although Manchester has worked as a CASA volunteer in Morris County for about a year, she has spent most of her adult life working with children’s issues as a child psychologist.

Man dies at Cottonwood Point

Ambulance sirens pierced the calm Tuesday at Marion Reservoir as emergency responders rushed to Cottonwood Point for a man reported to be unresponsive and possibly not breathing. Marion ambulance arrived within minutes, shortly after noon, but discovered the man was dead.

Practicing more than stop, drop and roll

A fire alarm goes off at night — what do you do? Run to the nearest exit? No. Grab pets or video games? Neither.

Wind farm construction traffic to avoid rebuilt 330th

Impending wind farm construction in the northwest corner of the county won’t imperil a newly rebuilt 330th Rd., commissioners learned Monday. Nick Coil, a development manager for Lenexa-based Tradewind Energy Inc., told commissioners that Tradewind will avoid 330th Rd., other than to cross it at intersections. A $2.1 million project to fix the road is scheduled to finish by the end of the year, only a few months before the wind farm plans to start construction.

Development group still in limbo

After 20 months of effort to forge an economic development entity to work for the common good, the two largest towns in the county backed away Tuesday, as did one prospective board member. After a meeting of the interim board at the Historic Elgin Hotel in Marion, Marion County Community Economic Development Corporation’s prospective permanent board is five members short. Four remaining board candidates are split down the middle on whether to commit their time to the board.

Social Security will notch up

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for over 66 million Americans will increase two percent in 2018, the Social Security Administration announced. The cost-of-living adjustment will begin Dec. 29 for SSI beneficiaries and in January for Social Security beneficiaries.

Highway work means delays on US-77

Motorists taking US-56/US-77 north toward Herington will be delayed by a $1.3 million road construction project. Kansas Department of Transportation is resurfacing the road between the Marion/Dickinson county line and the four-way stop on the east side of Herington.

Hernandez tells Kiwanis about investment outlook

Investors should remain optimistic while expecting more market volatility, Edward Jones financial adviser Chris Hernandez said at Marion Kiwanis Club on Tuesday. Hernandez said now, when markets are up, is the time for investors to rebalance their mix of stocks and bonds. He gave examples of John Deere and Koch Industries diversifications that aided their business.

Hillsboro mayor candidates discuss alcohol, downtown

A bearded and long-haired Tabor College student dressed in a plaid shirt, jeans, boots, and an old hat asked the final question Thursday in Hillsboro’s mayoral candidate forum. Both candidates, Lou Thurston and Charlotte Kennedy Takahashi, had expressed a desire for Hillsboro to be more like Lindsborg in channeling cultural heritage into economic gain and a stronger community bond.

A slithery surprise for Friday the 13th

Of all the calls police officers take, none can be more unnerving than one to their own home. Hillsboro officer David Funk got such a call from his wife while he was on duty Friday the 13th, but unnerving? Hardly.

Ralph Dillon

Services for former farmer and stockman Ralph Edwin “Sam” Dillon, formerly of Hope, who died Sept. 29 at Village Manor in Abilene, were Oct. 3 at St. Phillip Catholic Church in Hope. A military committal service followed at Ashton Cemetery of Hope. He was born May 10, 1927, to George F. and Genevieve (Weishaar) Dillon at Hope.

Delora Kaufman

Services for Delora Kaufman, 61, who died Saturday at Hospice House of Reno County, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. She was born Feb. 6, 1956, in Hillsboro to Aaron and Margie (Bartel) Reimer. She married Kim Kaufman on June 12, 1976, in Hillsboro.

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Politics and the city

I have a confession to make. I never look at my Marion utility bill when it comes in the mail. Its monthly arrival is simply a cue to log onto my online account, where I can easily find out what I owe, how it compares with other months, and make my payment. However, that habit keeps me from seeing the city’s monthly newsletter that’s tucked in with the bill.

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'Big Give' lives up to its name

The first ever “Big Give” auction Saturday at Aulne United Methodist Church exceeded all expectations, according to treasurer Kevin Fruechting. At least $10,218 was raised on items donated for sale by church and community members. Roger Hiebert was auctioneer.

Basore goes to national scout conference

Kate Basore has been a member of Girl Scouts since kindergarten. She enjoys spending time with friends and making connections for the future. As a highlight of her Girl Scouts career, the Centre senior was selected to attend the National Girl Scouts conference Oct. 4-8 in Columbus, Ohio.

Boy Scouts to scout for food

Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 106, Lincolnville, will be going door to door in Lincolnville and Tampa on Monday evening to pick up food items for Marion County Food Bank. Rural residents also may contribute by calling a scout or Melissa Stuchlik at (620) 924-5795.

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Mammogram can be 1st step in cancer screening

The typical first step in discovering breast cancer is a mammogram done at a local hospital. Keri Helmer, mammography and radiology technician at St. Luke Hospital in Marion, said holistic digital mammography has drastically reduced the number of patients who have to be called back for additional testing after an initial mammogram.

Voyage through breast cancer easier with help

Women 60 years old are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women in their 30s. Cynthia Barrett of Marion was a victim of that increased risk when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2013 at 58.

Medicare open enrollment underway

Medicare open enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and help is available for county residents needing to enroll in Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D plans for the first time or find out if their current plan is still best for them. Hillsboro Hometown Pharmacy, Lanning Pharmacy in Marion, and CK Pharmacy in Peabody all offer help comparing Medicare Part D plans.

Breast cancer treatment decisions geared to case

Breast cancer patients who must travel out of the county for treatment are likely to find oncologists who believe getting to know patients is an important part of effective care. Radiation oncologist Claudia Perez-Tamayo, who sees patients in Newton as well as Salina’s Central Care Cancer Center, said the first thing she does is help the patient be calm.

Warriors run over Trojan defense

Marion High School runners averaged nearly 13 yards per carry, racking up video game-like numbers in a first-half blowout and second-half turnover battle Friday with Southeast of Saline. Senior running back Corbin Wheeler scored four touchdowns with 341 yards on 14 attempts to lead the Warriors to a 64-36 win in Marion’s first district game.

Centre football falls to Clifton-Clyde

Clifton-Clyde (5-1) spoiled Centre’s homecoming Friday by defeating the 3-2 Cougars, 46-26. The Eagles scored quickly, leading 8-0 after two minutes. They intercepted the ball and recovered a Centre fumble in following possessions to lead 28-0, but the Cougars kept fighting.

Williams places 9th at league

Marion senior Colin Williams overcame cold and windy conditions to take home a ninth-place medal from the 5K Heart of America league race Oct. 10 at Hutchinson Trinity in 18 minutes, 56 seconds. “He had a very strong start and was in seventh place for half the race,” coach Dmitry Bucklin said. “At about 1.5 miles in he started getting a severe side ache and dropped to 13th. But about a half mile in he kicked it back up and had a very strong finish passing a few other runners.”

Warriors, 3rd in league, set sights on substate crown

A home substate tournament Saturday is the last guaranteed opportunity for Marion’s senior girls to play volleyball, but they won’t be practicing any differently. “The week before substate, girls sometimes start to freak out and panic,” coach Brea Campbell said. “The best thing to do is keep a routine going. If you start talking about substate and how it’s the last time that they really get a chance to play, they’ll start over-thinking everything.”

Marion students to perform fall concerts

Marion Middle and High school students will perform their fall concerts this week. The high school performs at 7 p.m. Thursday and the middle school at 7 p.m. Monday. Both concerts will be in the Performing Arts Center.

Centre school board candidates tell of background, views, priorities

Centre USD 397 is the only school district in the county in which election runoffs will be necessary. Three positions are in contention. Sherri Pankratz, Position 5

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Peter Pan prequel opens run at Tabor

The story of how an orphan named Peter became the legendary Peter Pan will be told on stage at Tabor College as the theater department performs “Peter and The Starcatcher,” a Peter Pan prequel, beginning tonight and running through Saturday in the Chapel Auditorium. Based on the young adult novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, this creative comedy set to music tells the story of how a lonely orphan became the boy who can fly, with a makeshift family and an enchanted island to call home.

Kaw heritage in spotlight Friday

History of the Kaw Nation, and in particular the story of its first woman chief, will be explored at 9:45 a.m. Friday at Parkview Church activity center as part of Tabor College’s Lifelong Learning series. Pauline Sharp, a citizen of Kaw Nation and past vice-president of the Kaw Nation Cultural Committee, will tell about the culture of the Kanza people, from whom Kansas took its name.

Pumpkin carving class offered

A pumpkin carving class will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at Hillsboro City Hall. Each participant will receive a pumpkin carving kit, patterns, and a pumpkin to carve. Pumpkin preservation tips and recipes also will be provided. The event is sponsored by Hillsboro Recreation Commission.

Cosmosphere offers free stargazing Saturday

Those interested in taking a closer look at the wonders of the night sky can do so Saturday at “Starry Night: Astronomy Fest” in Hutchinson. Aspiring astronomers will gather beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park for an evening of astronomy education and night sky viewing.

Business author to speak

What it takes to be a successful entrepreneur will be the subject of a Nachtigall Entrepreneur Lecture series presentation by bestselling author Ben Kubassek at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Tabor College Chapel. Kubassek is best known for his books “Succeed Without Burnout” and “Five F-Words That Will Energize Your Life.” Raised in a religious commune, Kubassek left it at age 21 to become a successful businessman. He refocused his career on helping people achieve balance in work and life, and helping young entrepreneurs succeed.

Campus, Wichita events mark Tabor homecoming

Sports, food, arts events, and more will be part of Tabor College homecoming events Friday and Saturday in Wichita and Hillsboro. A golf tournament at Reflection Ridge Golf Club, 7700 W. Reflection Rd., Wichita, will kick off festivities Friday, with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Treasurer to visit county

Over $470,000 of unclaimed property sits in Marion County bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock shares, mineral royalties, and other valuables. The state Treasurer’s Office is tasked with returning the property to its rightful owners and heirs.

Calendar of events

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