Marion County RECORD

Cheers and jeers for new prom dress code

Parents of students in one county school have a distinctly rigorous homework assignment for this year’s prom. Marion High School expanded its prom dress code to define what is suitably formal, and the move seemed to cause a stir among some students and parents.

County lake debate sours

Commissioner Dianne Novak unwittingly hit a hot button Monday when she suggested a county lake cleanup week. Novak showed photos of other lakes in the region, beautifully tended and inviting. Then she passed around photos of Marion County Park and Lake, showing red cedar trees too close to shore and large, dead-appearing trees along the bank. The photos also showed rotted benches and piles of limbs in a picnic area.

Rain, rain, go away

Mud rules in the county after more than three inches of rain last week and additional showers since Sunday, but for the most part, rural drivers appear to be taking it in stride. Road and bridge superintendent Jesse Hamm said his office hasn’t received an “overabundance” of complaints.

Chiropractor defines what faith-based business means to him

Much like his faith journey, realizing that his business was a faith-based business was a voyage of self-discovery for Lane Smith, owner of Smith Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Marion. “When I started this office I never set out for it to be a faith-based business,” Smith said. “I was just doing what God laid on my heart.”

Tinkering with an alternate future

Marion Community Center was an indoor field of dreams Thursday as about 30 county residents shared ideas about desired improvements with county planning and zoning commissioners. The meeting was the first step in developing a comprehensive plan for the county to replace one developed in 2003.

Another day, another Dollar General to be built in the county

The first week of August is the projected date for the opening of a Dollar General store in Peabody. Peabody city council met in a quick session Tuesday evening to decide on rezoning a parcel of property owned by Gilbert Loewen from agricultural use to business use. The request arose from the intended sale of the property to Dollar General, which wants to build a store at Peabody.

Area ranch wife is advocate for abused children

In her role as a child advocate, Lisa Donahue of rural Lincolnville hears firsthand the stories of children who have been abused either physically, sexually, emotionally, or in neglect. “I’ve spent most of my adult life in service-oriented jobs,” Donahue said. “I think sometimes my job affects me when I don’t realize it, like when something emotional happens on a personal level, and I feel the tears starting.”

County administrative position revisited

County commissioners took a tentative step toward possibly hiring a county administrator Monday. Commissioner Kent Becker at Monday’s meeting broached a subject being much-discussed by many county residents.

Up from the ground they'll arise

Fast named museum coordinator

Hillsboro resident Steve Fast was recently named museum coordinator by Larry Paine and an interview committee that included museum board members. Fast heard about the position from a museum board member.

Paying fines with food

Those with fines who love helping others will love Hillsboro Public Library’s “Food 4 Fines” program, which allows patrons to pay off up to $20 in fines by bringing in food items to be donated to the local food bank. “We’ve had some people who’ve said they like paying their fines this way,” library director Jeanie Bartel said.

Raylene Maloun

Raylene Jean Maloun, 74, died Saturday at Newton Medical Center. Born Oct. 29, 1942, to Kenneth and Jessie (Tucker) Smith in Peoria, Illinois, Maloun grew up and attended school in Kansas.

Jack Lucas

Jack V. Lucas, 65, died Monday, in Wichita. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, April 10, at Marion Cemetery.

IN MEMORIAM:

IN MEMORIAM:

IN MEMORIAM:

Accidents reported

Civil division

Criminal division

County jail

Deeds reported

Emergency dispatches

Marriage licenses

Offenses reported

Police reports

Traffic division

Identity theft is a big headache, don't let it happen to you

A Marion County woman got the shock of her life in February 2016 when she received a W-2 form that showed earnings of $15,000, on which she reportedly owed taxes. “I wish that was my money that I had earned,” she thought.

Settling accounts takes time and patience after spouse's death

Losing a spouse is something no happily married person wants to think about, but when it happens, the sense of loss is accompanied by the need to prepare for a single life. Some things need to be taken care of right away, while other big decisions can be put off until the person has adjusted to the new situation.

Putting the gold in the golden years: tips for picking a retirement account

Retirement might seem far away when a worker is in their 20s or 30s, but failing to plan for retirement can be an invitation for disaster. A large number of people never tuck money back for their retirement years, yet the sooner a savings account is begun, the more time it has to grow.

Listen to the rhythms

Overcast rainy days send me spinning back to the days of my rather awkward adolescence, when I’d often be found sprawled across my bed looking out my Elm St. second-story bedroom window toward Mud Creek. There was no better place to watch lightning-filled fronts roll in from the west while vinyl records fought with wind-whipped tree branches for sonic superiority. I was 4 years old when the Cascades came out with “Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain,” a doleful tune that a decade later seemed to define my minimal teen forays into romance with its signature line, “The only girl I ever loved has gone away ….” Funny how that worked; each one seemed to be the only one. But it was the perfect platter to spin in the storms while wallowing as only adolescents can do in the throes of agony over lost love.

ANOTHER DAY IN THE COUNTRY:

British invasion at Elgin Hotel

David Exline’s weekend trip to Marion meant touching base with his family history in more than one way. Visiting Salina and Marion from Aliso Viejo, California, Exline celebrated the 85th birthday of his father, Bob Exline, at Salina, then came to Marion for high noon tea at the Historic Elgin Hotel, a building his grandmother, longtime Marion County Record columnist Norma Hannaford, fought to save.

Chat and Dine to decide future

A social fixture at Marion County Lake for decades, Chat and Dine Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Marion County Lake Hall to decide if the meeting will be its last. Participation has declined in recent years, and attendees will be given an opportunity to weigh in on whether to continue or disband the club.

Card shower requested for Kreutziger's 50th

Ralph and Phyllis (Stenzel) Kreutziger will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary April 15. They were married in 1967 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church in Marion.

Lunch n' Learn to meet April 12

Ward Upham, an Extension master gardener from Manhattan, will give a program entitled “A Gathering of Gardeners” at Marion City Library’s next lunch ‘n’ learn session. The program will be from noon to 1 p.m. April 12 at the library. Cost is $5.

Meyerhoff, Spencer speak to Kiwanis

Matt Meyerhoff, supervisory district conservationist, and Dough Spencer, rangeland management specialist with USDA National Resources Conservation Service, spoke at a luncheon meeting of Marion Kiwanis on Tuesday. Meyerhoff talked about damage to 190th Rd. west of Marion.

MEMORIES:

SENIOR CENTER:

Centre play led by student director

No staff member took on the supplemental assignment of play director at Centre High School for the 2016-17 school year, so that meant no play. However, Raeanne Bryant could not imagine not being part of a play production her senior year. At the beginning of the year, Raeanne approached English teacher Jennifer Montgomery, a veteran director, about the possibility of putting on a play.

Lincolnville 4-H Wide Awake

Lincolnville 4-H Wide Awake The March meeting was called to order by Becca Casey. Roll call was, “Name something green.” Ten members, one leader, and five parents attended the meeting.

Tabor team to offer swim lessons

Second time is a charm for Centre FBLA student

After losing a campaign for a state Future Business Leader of America office last year, Centre junior Kate Basore won her bid this year for state public relations officer. She was elected Friday at the state FBLA leadership conference in Topeka. Running on the theme, “Achieve S’more with Kate Basore!,,” she operated a booth and handed out ribbons convention goers could attach to their nametags.

Scholarship golf tourney registration open

Registration is open for the 15th annual Marion High School Coaches Scholarship Program four-person scramble golf tournament May 6 at Marion County Club. Established in memory of former football coach LeRoy Dreier, proceeds from the tournament go to student scholarships recognizing MHS coaches past and present.

Area school menu

Calendar of events

Library 'Beauty and the Beast' party April 17

Children ages 5-8 are invited to “be our guest” at Marion City Library’s “Beauty and the Beast” themed party, which will be from 2 to 3 p.m. April 17 at the library. The event will include reading the story, crafts, activities, and refreshments.

Four blood drives in April

County residents will have four opportunities during April to donate blood to the American Red Cross. The first will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at Centre schools. The next will be 1 to 6 p.m. April 17 at Trinity Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro.A third drive will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at Goessel Mennonite Church, while the fourth will be 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 28 at Tabor College.

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