Marion County RECORD

HEADLINES

$8 million fraud case linked to Hillsboro
Hillsboro made headlines Tuesday as the last known address for a man indicted on federal charges of committing $8 million in wire fraud. The accused, David K. Lawson, 70, was listed as living at 220 N. Lincoln St. in Hillsboro. However, that property never has been listed in his name and was reported sold last year by former Hillsboro resident Renee Livingston-Lawson, 58, now of Missouri, who was known as Renee Livingston when she purchased it in 2010.
Wichita couple to buy Marion dental practice
Negotiations are underway for a Wichita dental office to purchase the Marion dental clinic. Ty and Terra Reusser, who operate R2 Center for Dentistry in Wichita, are in the process of finalizing the purchase of the practice of longtime Marion dentist Gerald Vinduska.
EMS rates to increase
Rates for six types of service provided by emergency medical services will increase under a plan approved Monday by county commissioners. According to EMS director Ed Debesis, the increases will permit EMS to capture the full amount of payment allowed by Medicare.
Flint Hills Gold to close Saturday
The last remaining jewelry store in Marion County will close its doors Saturday after 30 years. Bev Schorr, owner of Flint Hills Gold in Marion, is retiring and moving to Colorado. “I’ve loved it,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed the variety. In addition to regular diamond rings and wedding sets, we’ve done many unusual things, everything from a gold symbol to fish wedding rings. We made a few elk-tooth rings and pendants.”
County economic development committee delayed
County commissioners at Monday’s meeting reviewed applications for a county-wide economic development committee, then decided to wait another week while they seek someone to work with the committee. County clerk Tina Spencer gave commissioners copies of the applications for their review.
Resident walks away from center
A female resident of Westview Nursing Center left the facility about 4 a.m. Tuesday to smoke a cigarette. When her allotted time was up she walked away from Westview and staff members contacted law enforcement according to Marion County dispatch transmissions. Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke was called and arrived in Peabody at about 4:20 a.m.
Retiring instructors reflect on teaching at USD 408
The first words out of teacher JoAnn Good’s mouth when speaking about retirement were, “I know I’ll miss it, but I have such great kids and I can end my career on a positive note.” Good, a foreign language teacher, and math teacher Don Molleker will retire at the end of the school year.

OTHER HEADLINES

New museum director to start in June
Marion City Museum will get a fresh start with a new director June 2, and she’s a well-known community supporter. Peggy Blackman has lived in Marion 44 years, since her husband, Leo Blackman, moved the family of five here for a job in Hillsboro. Not only were the couple’s three children raised in Marion, so were five grandchildren.
"The Legend" to be unveiled at Concordia's annual orphan train celebration
The National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia plans an unveiling on June 3 of a renovated train car that served for years as the Owl Car Café in Marion. It will be part of the 14th annual celebration of orphan train riders set for June 2 to 4. The train car was one of two cars on a one-engine train that carried passengers to and from Chingawasa Springs on Marion Belt and Chingawasa Railroad in the late 1880s and early 1890s.
Tampa Pride group involves town and county
The Tampa community continues to thrive and to enjoy the benefits of its participation in the Kansas PRIDE program. It started as the Tampa Community Association in 2003 and evolved into a Pride program that is in its sixth year.
Memorial Day observances in Pilsen Monday
Information regarding Memorial Day observances in Pilsen has been released by Pilsen Cemetery Board. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 30 at Pilsen Cemetery. If inclement weather is an issue, it will be at Pilsen Community Center.
Library to host special traveling exhibit in 2017
Marion Public Library will serve as host for a special exhibit in late 2017 in conjunction to a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit. Kansas Humanities Council chose the library to be one of 10 partner sites for exhibits for a Kansas tour of Water/Ways, a Smithsonian traveling exhibit making a six-week tour in the state.
City tackles short list of issues
Marion city council restructured itself at Monday’s meeting. John Wheeler was sworn in as a new council member, replacing Chad Adkins, who resigned at the May 9 meeting.

DEATHS

Amanda Ewert
Amanda Ewert, 96, died May 17 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. June 27 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
Doris Ewert
Doris E. Ewert, 98, died Thursday at Marion Assisted Living Center. She was born Jan. 4, 1918, to Glenn and Lucy (Pierce) Kline in Marion. She was a 1936 graduate of Marion High School.
LaVern Loewens
LaVern Loewens of Hesston died April 19, just three days shy of his 96th birthday. A memorial service was held Sunday at Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church. Loewens was pastor of Marion Mennonite Brethren Church in 1965 and 1966, then was administrator of Parkside Homes in Hillsboro for nine years.
Rolland Peterson
Rolland O. Peterson, 83, Burdick, died May 16 at Herington Municipal Hospital. A funeral service was Monday at Hebron Lutheran Church, Burdick, with military committal following at the church cemetery.

DOCKET

AUTO

Car club gives subtle recognition to former member
In the flyer being used to promote the 18th edition of its annual car show June 11 in Hillsboro, those in the know will find tributes from Route 56 Classic Cruisers to one of its former beloved members. The first is obvious — a picture of the former Vickers gas station on D. St. has the name Ray Abrahams written in the upper right corner.
Considering an AC recharge?
Although it may seem to save time and money, do-it-yourselfers might want to reconsider the seemingly easy process of recharging a vehicle’s air conditioning system on their own. Bob Williamson, store manager at CARQUEST Auto Parts in Hillsboro, said some basic AC recharge kits cost $30 to $45, and come with a coupler, refrigerant, and a rudimentary pressure gauge.

OPINION

Backing into development
“It is clear that business and community development are also important to our citizens. It is our intention to form a citizen group to research different options for us to consider.” — Marion County Commissioners, in a March 28 letter to Jim Hefley
Memorial Day
Time, they say, passes more quickly the older you get, and I’m certainly getting older. Memorial Day has come around again much sooner than expected. We had a steady stream of older men, undoubtedly veterans, coming into the office this past week to give us details about county Memorial Day observances, which you’ll find elsewhere in the paper.
ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:
Putting Up With Static!

PEOPLE

Heerey/Davis to be married
Doug and Lori Heerey announce the engagement of their daughter, Kayley Jean Heerey, to Justin Keith Davis, both of Lawrence. The bride-to-be is a graduate of Marion High School and has a bachelor’s degree in social work and criminal justice from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. She received a master’s degree in social work in May from Kansas State University.
Friendship day celebrated at Eastmoor Church
May Friendship Day was celebrated with Tea at Three on May 6 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church with Donna Kreutziger as hostess. Sue Clough was song leader, with Lydia Gates as pianist. Mary Ford read scripture, and Margaret Wilson and Janet Bryant did a choral reading.
20th Century Club installs officers
Seventeen 20th Century Club members met May 9 at Marion City Library. Hostesses were Becky Summerville, Vicky Hoffer, Mary Ann Conyers, and Joni Crofoot. A meal was catered by Marissa Makovec Tables were decorated with salvia plants that were favors for members. Officers installed for 2016-17 were: Betty Sanders, president; Becky Summerville, vice president; Margaret Pickering, recording secretary; Sally Hannaford, treasurer; and Carol Laue, corresponding secretary. Outgoing officers received pink carnations and gifts from Sanders.
Topham to have card shower for 90th
Long time Peabody resident John Topham is having a card shower for his 90th birthday. Topham was born May 30, 1926, and now resides in Iowa with his wife Ruth and son Jeff.
Stika having card shower for 90th
The family of Louis Stika, Jr. is requesting a card shower in celebration of his 90th birthday June 1. Stika has been a life-long resident of Marion. Cards may be sent to 1990 Yarrow Rd., Marion KS 66861.
Donors participate in blood drive
Forty-one donors participated in the American Red Cross blood drive May 16 at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Thrivent Financial provided a meal and Action Team assisted with the drive.
Elgin owners speak to Kiwanis
Kiwanis met Tuesday with 24 in attendance at its regular luncheon meeting at Cazadores. Tammy and Jeremy Ensey, new owners of the Historic Elgin Hotel were guest speakers.
MEMORIES:
10, 25, 35, 50, 60, 100, 125 years ago
SENIOR CENTER:
Ensz displays cookie cutters, Senior menu

SCHOOL

Preschool students graduate
Sunshine Country Preschool celebrated the end of the school year with two separate ceremonies. The first featured students performing to their chosen songs with actions and instruments May 17, with certificates awarded after.
Hague graduates from Hesston
Jared Daniel Hague of Marion graduated May 8 from Hesston College with an associate of science degree. 166 other students graduated at the ceremony.
Wade and Christensen graduate Butler nursing school
Rebecca Wade of Cedar Point and Whitney Christensen of Marion each received pins May 12 from Butler Community College’s nursing school. Butler’s nursing program, which began in 1965, had 63 graduates this spring.
Svoboda receives award
Centre graduate Abigail Svoboda has received the Dale M. Dennis Excellence in Education Award. United School Administrators of Kansas is the sponsor. Centre principal SusanBeeson selected Svoboda for her display of citizenship, community and schools service, scholarship, and strong self-awareness that makes her a quality individual.
Stuchlik's grandson is governor's scholar
Peter Stuchlik, son of Terry and Grace Stuchlik of Emporia, was honored by Governor Sam Brownback May 1 at Topeka as a Governor’s Scholar. Peter is a grandson of Francis Stuchlik of Marion, a former rural Lost Springs resident.
Tampa Triple T's report
For the May 8 meeting, Tampa Triple T members answered roll call by telling what their mother’s favorite flowers. Cecelia Rziha gave a talk on American sign language, and Isabelle Rziha led members in a game of fruit basket upset. Refreshments were served by the Rziha families.
Centre Honor Roll
College Honor Rolls

SPORTS

MHS sends 10 Warriors to state track
Friday’s 3A regional track and field meet in Lyons had plenty of good news for the Marion Warriors, with athletes qualifying for state competition in 11 events. Marissa Jacobsen will be the busiest among the Marion contingent, having qualified individually by placing second in long jump and fourth in triple jump, and collectively with Sam Richmond, Sam Kelsey, and Marshelle Conley on the fourth-place 4x400 meters relay.
Smith and Basore qualify for state track
Centre’s Kate Basore and Barrett Smith finished in the top four in events at the regional track meet Friday at Frankfort, qualifying them to compete this week at the state meet in Wichita. Basore finished third in javelin with a throw of 132 feet, four inches in her final attempt, setting a new personal record by more than five feet.
Bina helps lead Butler to national title
Sophomore third baseman Danae Bina of Marion scored the first of three runs in a go-ahead rally and fielded the final out to help lead Butler Community College to its first national junior college softball championship Saturday. Bina singled with one on and Butler trailing defending national champion Chipola College of Marianna, Florida, 2-1, in the bottom of the fifth.

UPCOMING

Calendar of Events
Homeschooling group to hold end of year showcase
Marion County Home Educators are asking the public to bring donations for Main Street Ministries’ food bank to its end of the year showcase, which will be at 3:30 p.m. June 5 at Hillsboro High School auditorium. Certificates for food also can be purchased at Dale’s Supermarket and brought to the program.
Weekend at WillowSpring to be June 11-12
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale and Mennonite Central Committee will hold a weekend at WillowSprings Downs June 11-12. Fun on the Farm, which will be from 1 to 5 p.m. June 11, will feature interaction with animals, relays, snacks, games, nature scavenger hunts, obstacle course, stick horse race, rides, and crafts for children of all ages.
Kansas Leopold Conservation award program seeks nominees
Sand County Foundation, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, and Ranchland Trust of Kansas are accepting applications for the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award until May 30. Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recognizes conservation of natural resources, and Kansans are encouraged to submit nominations.
Registration for genealogy conference open until June 1
Registration for the 42nd annual KCGS genealogy conference is open through June 1. The conference, which will be on June 11 in Hays, will feature speaker Annette Burke Lyttle, owner of Heritage Detective, and will feature sessions titled “What is Social History and Why Should a Genealogist Care?”, “A Path To Your Next Research Steps: Using Timelines,” “Use Lots More Apples: Vintage Cookbooks as Genealogical Resources,” “Prospecting for Family in Unexpected Places,” and “Turn Family History into Stories You Can Share.”
Eggs to be graded at workshop
Kansas Department of Agriculture will sponsor an egg grading workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Sedgwick County extension office in Wichita. Workshops will provide training on egg grading and other important information for poultry producers.

Marion County RECORD

Negotiations are underway for a Wichita dental office to purchase the Marion dental clinic. Ty and Terra Reusser, who operate R2 Center for Dentistry in Wichita, are in the process of finalizing the purchase of the practice of longtime Marion dentist Gerald Vinduska.

Rates for six types of service provided by emergency medical services will increase under a plan approved Monday by county commissioners. According to EMS director Ed Debesis, the increases will permit EMS to capture the full amount of payment allowed by Medicare.

County commissioners at Monday’s meeting reviewed applications for a county-wide economic development committee, then decided to wait another week while they seek someone to work with the committee. County clerk Tina Spencer gave commissioners copies of the applications for their review.

The first words out of teacher JoAnn Good’s mouth when speaking about retirement were, “I know I’ll miss it, but I have such great kids and I can end my career on a positive note.” Good, a foreign language teacher, and math teacher Don Molleker will retire at the end of the school year.

The Tampa community continues to thrive and to enjoy the benefits of its participation in the Kansas PRIDE program. It started as the Tampa Community Association in 2003 and evolved into a Pride program that is in its sixth year.

Information regarding Memorial Day observances in Pilsen has been released by Pilsen Cemetery Board. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 30 at Pilsen Cemetery. If inclement weather is an issue, it will be at Pilsen Community Center.

Marion city council restructured itself at Monday’s meeting. John Wheeler was sworn in as a new council member, replacing Chad Adkins, who resigned at the May 9 meeting.

Amanda Ewert, 96, died May 17 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. June 27 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.

Doris E. Ewert, 98, died Thursday at Marion Assisted Living Center. She was born Jan. 4, 1918, to Glenn and Lucy (Pierce) Kline in Marion. She was a 1936 graduate of Marion High School.

LaVern Loewens of Hesston died April 19, just three days shy of his 96th birthday. A memorial service was held Sunday at Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church. Loewens was pastor of Marion Mennonite Brethren Church in 1965 and 1966, then was administrator of Parkside Homes in Hillsboro for nine years.

Rolland O. Peterson, 83, Burdick, died May 16 at Herington Municipal Hospital. A funeral service was Monday at Hebron Lutheran Church, Burdick, with military committal following at the church cemetery.

“It is clear that business and community development are also important to our citizens. It is our intention to form a citizen group to research different options for us to consider.” — Marion County Commissioners, in a March 28 letter to Jim Hefley

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

May Friendship Day was celebrated with Tea at Three on May 6 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church with Donna Kreutziger as hostess. Sue Clough was song leader, with Lydia Gates as pianist. Mary Ford read scripture, and Margaret Wilson and Janet Bryant did a choral reading.

Long time Peabody resident John Topham is having a card shower for his 90th birthday. Topham was born May 30, 1926, and now resides in Iowa with his wife Ruth and son Jeff.

The family of Louis Stika, Jr. is requesting a card shower in celebration of his 90th birthday June 1. Stika has been a life-long resident of Marion. Cards may be sent to 1990 Yarrow Rd., Marion KS 66861.

Forty-one donors participated in the American Red Cross blood drive May 16 at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Thrivent Financial provided a meal and Action Team assisted with the drive.

Kiwanis met Tuesday with 24 in attendance at its regular luncheon meeting at Cazadores. Tammy and Jeremy Ensey, new owners of the Historic Elgin Hotel were guest speakers.

MEMORIES:

SENIOR CENTER:

Sunshine Country Preschool celebrated the end of the school year with two separate ceremonies. The first featured students performing to their chosen songs with actions and instruments May 17, with certificates awarded after.

Jared Daniel Hague of Marion graduated May 8 from Hesston College with an associate of science degree. 166 other students graduated at the ceremony.

Rebecca Wade of Cedar Point and Whitney Christensen of Marion each received pins May 12 from Butler Community College’s nursing school. Butler’s nursing program, which began in 1965, had 63 graduates this spring.

Peter Stuchlik, son of Terry and Grace Stuchlik of Emporia, was honored by Governor Sam Brownback May 1 at Topeka as a Governor’s Scholar. Peter is a grandson of Francis Stuchlik of Marion, a former rural Lost Springs resident.

For the May 8 meeting, Tampa Triple T members answered roll call by telling what their mother’s favorite flowers. Cecelia Rziha gave a talk on American sign language, and Isabelle Rziha led members in a game of fruit basket upset. Refreshments were served by the Rziha families.

Kansas Department of Agriculture will sponsor an egg grading workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Sedgwick County extension office in Wichita. Workshops will provide training on egg grading and other important information for poultry producers.