40 years ago

march 22, 1978

Darrold Allen of Wichita and two others from Alaskan Window Company are pictured installing Alcoa insulating windows at St. Luke Hospital to cut utility costs. The project was made possible by the Ryan Trust Fund as a memorial to the late Annie and Nellie Ryan of Florence.

Rex Wilson, track coach at Marion High School, gave a detailed report at the regular meeting to Marion Kiwanis Club members about prospects for the coming track season.

Improvements on west Main Street are becoming evident as the weather improves. A new sidewalk in front of Marion Marble and Granite Works is being built by Bob Kelly. Across the street, the Marion Lumber Company building is getting a facelift and new modern entrance. And, a new fast food café is being constructed at the corner of Main and Walnut.

Debra Kreutzman of Marion won a first prize of $5 for her entry in the Florence Women’s Christian Temperance Union’s junior high essay contest.

A grass fire that began with the burning off of a garden plot at Stone Prairie, former Marion County Poor Farm, could have resulted in considerable loss had it not been for the quick work of the occupants and a neighbor, Orville Hett. They managed to keep putting out spots of fire until the fire department arrived. Not only were the buildings saved, but also the county’s hot mix plant north of Stone Prairie.