35 years ago

December 3, 1980

Police Chief Ken Hoffman presented budget figures to the city commissioners Monday evening and requested another full time officer of the local police force. At the present time, there are two full time officers, Bob Hoffman and Bob Soyez, plus the chief. The addition will bring the force to three full time men plus the chief of police.

Ed Wheeler assumed the rank of champion pancake flipper Saturday morning at the Marion Kiwanis Pancake Day held at the Senior Center. Wheeler spent seven hours slaving over the hot grill while other Kiwanians assisted with coffee eggs and sausage.

Florence State Bank will celebrate its 75th anniversary by holding an open house Friday and Saturday.

Motorists on East Main Street can spot an eight-foot Christmas tree constructed over the summer by 13-year-old Jerry Stika. Eighty-five gallon cans, painted green, are arranged in neat rows that narrow to the top and fasten to a green plywood back. A hole is punched through the bottom of the cans allowing a series of flashing lights to reflect inside each shiny cylinder. A smaller triangle of 15 red cans forms its base.