HILLSBORO Star-Journal

DeLaVerne engine brings history alive at Threshing Days

Jim Wiens of Goessel calls himself a stickler for punishment when it comes to involvement with Threshing Days and the work associated with planning and participating in the three-day Mennonite history celebration in Goessel each year. But there is no doubt that he loves to talk about his favorite engine on the grounds of Mennonite Heritage Agriculture and Engine Museum. “Every year I am so tired after this,” Wiens said. “I know I met myself at least five times coming in and out of the shed.”

Kid quilter finishes in time for fair

Trudy Hein of Hillsboro started working on her first quilt when she was 2-years-old. Now at the ripe old age of 6, she is an accomplished seamstress and the owner of the grand champion open class quilt at the 2012 Marion County Fair. “It was kinda hard to stitch it all together, especially when you have big pieces to work with,” Hein said on Tuesday. “My grandma helped me with the hard parts.”

Food group provides options

Chicken breast fillets, smoked pork chops, sausage links, kiwi fruit, oranges, cauliflower, and queso dippers were just a few of the selections in Christyn Schroeder’s pre-ordered food package last month from Prairie Land Foods. Every third Saturday, a group of 30 to 50 participants meets at the food building on the Marion County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro to unload and distribute food, and socialize a bit while carrying out their volunteer duties.

Barker wins House primary

John Barker defeated Doug Lindahl on Tuesday in the Republican primary to represent the 70th District in the Kansas House of Representatives. The preliminary vote totals across the 70th District were 2,015-1,375 in favor of Barker. The 70th District includes the northern half of Marion County, excluding Hillsboro. Lindahl won in Marion County, 302-224. The race was wide open after two-term incumbent J. Robert Brookens of Marion decided against running for a third term. Neither candidate lived in the 70th District until a redistricting map created by a panel of federal judges put Dickinson County in the district. No Democratic candidates filed for the race. Barker lives in Abilene and Lindahl lives in Enterprise.

Technology transforms parent-school communication

The days when teachers pinned notes for parents to children’s jackets or stuffed them in student backpacks is gone. Today those notes may reach parents before their children ever leave school, as Marion County districts embrace Internet-based tools to make communication with parents better and faster. Districts have scrambled to embrace rapidly-changing technology, weaving together websites, e-mail service, social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, streaming video, and smartphone apps.

Upland corn arrives at elevators

Farmers began harvesting corn in upland fields around the county this week, with test weights below normal, but coming in nonetheless. “We’re pecking around some,” said Cooperative Grain & Supply Marion elevator manager Mike Thomas. “The upper fields are ready, but the test weights are not real good.”

Trees will pull through drought

Don’t start crafting a eulogy for ailing trees just yet. Kansas State University extension agent Rickey Roberts said they will probably survive even if the drought persists. That has not stopped people from worrying. Trees are beginning to shed their leaves way ahead of schedule. Wind row and domestic trees alike have been affected by the hot and dry weather.

Gordon Appleby

Gordon B. Appleby, 88, died Thursday at Green Acres Nursing Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., after several years of kidney disease. He was born Jan. 21, 1924, to Clyde L. and Edna (Bragunier) Appleby in Peabody, where he grew up and graduated from Peabody High School. He operated Gordon’s TV & Appliance from 1959 to 1999 in Oklahoma City.

Mary Cole Budde

Farm wife and homemaker Mary Cole Budde, 102, died July 31at Halstead. She was born Dec. 25, 1909, to Harry and Nellie Cole on their farm at Florence. After jobs as a housekeeper and briefly as a Harvey Girl in Dodge City, she married farmer Fred Budde and resided in rural Peabody from the 1930s. After Fred’s death, she married his widowed brother, Frank, in 1982. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Newton, and its women’s groups into her 90s.

Steve Eskeldson

Steven C. Eskeldson, 83, of Ramona died Saturday at the Medicalodges of Herington. He was born May 4, 1929, at Ramona to Stephen C. and Elizabeth (McRae) Eskeldson. He graduated from Ramona High School in 1947 and was a farmer and stockman. He married Myrna R. Brockmeier on March 27, 1960, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lyons Creek.

Earlene Hague

NEWTON — Earlene Hague, 84, formerly of Marion, passed away on Aug. 2, 2012, at Newton Medical Center. She was born April 19, 1928, at Haven, the daughter of Edward and Mildred (Beeton) Nicklaus. She was the former school board clerk and secretary to the superintendent of Marion USD 408. On June 16, 1946, she was united in marriage to Willard Hague, he preceded in her in death. She is lovingly survived by her children: Don and wife Beverly of Gering, Neb.; Dennis and wife Susan of Cedar Point; Roxanne and husband Conlee Mann of Livonia, Mich.; and Douglas and wife Kimberly of Benton; siblings: Edward and wife Rosalyn Nicklaus of Garden City and Delores and husband Robert Haag of Topeka; 10 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Herb Jackson

Retired teacher and pastor Herb L. Jackson, 81, of Marion died Friday at Peabody Care Center. An Air Force veteran, he married Joyce Tucker on Dec. 22, 1978, in Liberty, Mo., and the couple moved to Marion in the early 1990s.

Oliver Unruh

Oliver Unruh, 88, died July 31 at Salem Home, Hillsboro. He was born July 12, 1924, to Henry A. Unruh and Eva (Schmidt) Unruh, rural Durham.

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Hillsboro police

Marriage lisences issued

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County fair results listed

City to provide safe routes

Hillsboro was one of three Kansas schools recently awarded a Walking School Bus grant by the state, and city council members studied maps at their meeting Tuesday that detailed the city’s plan to provide safe walkways for children going to school. “We only got $250,000 from the Safe Routes to School fund so we will spend it where needed most,” Mayor Delores Dalke said. “The school will also fund this project by paying for part of the engineering.”

FSA announces erodible land initiative

A continuous sign-up for highly erodible land started July 23 and will continue until the state target allocation of 28,000 acres is reached or the deadline Sept. 30 is reached, whichever occurs first. The program is part of the conservation reserve program in which landowners receive annual payments to establish long-term, resource conserving cover oneligible farmland.

Nonfarm business loans available

Small, nonfarm businesses in Marion, Butler, and Chase Counties are eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans are intended to offset economic losses caused by drought conditions that began July 17.

Ranchers may apply for water restoration help

Landowners may apply to receive up to $4,000 to defray cost of livestock water projects including on restoration of existing ponds, well development, and spring development. The Kansas State Conservation Commission approved the use of $500,000 of fiscal year 2012 cost-share funding to go toward immediate assistance to livestock producers in drought-affected Kansas.

Stick horse races to be part of Day on the Farm

Stick horse races for jockeys of all ages will be a new event Aug. 18 at Agri-Urban’s 16thannual Day on the Farm fundraising event. Participants in the new Willow Spring Downs Derby are encouraged to bring their own stick horses, but some additional ones will be available on site, at the farm of Carol Duerksen and Maynard Knepp, 1582 Falcon Road, rural Hillsboro.

Free band concert at Kaw Mission

Flint Hills Community Band will present a free concert 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Kaw Mission State Historic Site, 500 N. Mission St., Council Grove. The program will include jazz, blues, marches, and Broadway tunes.

Don't fall for mystery shopper scam

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of a scam “mystery shopper” scheme that uses a fake Kansas return address. Consumers throughout the U.S. are receiving letters in the mail from P. Less Sinclair Corporation, which claims to be located at an existing business, Peerless Corporation, in Fort Scott. Peerless manufactures doors and windows and has no association with P. Less Sinclair Corporation. Those who respond to an initial letter are instructed to take a sizeable check, usually between $1,300 and $1,400, and deposit it in their own bank. Then they are to go to a website, enter the supplied identification and password to get a shopping assignment. The consumers are required to wire the money from Western Union to Spain, then scan the receipt and upload it to the website to complete the assignment.

Paddle boat races scheduled at lake

Legs will be furiously whirling north of the swimming beach at Marion County Lake for the first-ever paddle boat race 10 a.m. Saturday. “Everybody kept saying we should do paddle boat races,” race co-organizer Maggie Nichols said. “I talked to (lake supervisor) Steve Hudson, and he said, ‘You do it; I’ll back you.’”

Ramona resident wants pit bull ban

If Norma Bird-Wright has her way, Ramona will be the next city in Marion County to restrict ownership of certain breeds of dogs, specifically pit bulls and similar breeds. She is concerned about safety, especially for children in Ramona.

Blood donations fall

Three blood drives in Marion County will attempt to address what the American Red Cross describes as an emergency need for donations because of inhospitable weather. Donors 16 and older, who weigh at least 110 pounds, may schedule appointments for these drives by calling (800) 733-2767 or visiting http://redcrossblood.org:

Art in Barn entries due Sept. 30

Artists are invited to participate in Art in the Barn, a juried art show this fall at Pioneer Bluffs, Matfield Green. Richard Kooyman, an award-winning Chicago artist, will headline the jury.

Birth certificates visible online

Parents who need birth certificates or immunization records to prepare children for school may obtain them online or in person. Birth certificates are available at www.kheks.gov/vital/birth.html and in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 120, Topeka. There is a $15 fee for each certified copy of a Kansas birth certificate.

Tabor hires director of development

Larry Boettcher of Newton is Tabor College’s new director of development. He started the job Aug. 1. “We are very fortunate to have Larry Boettcher join the Tabor advancement team,” said Tabor College President Jules Glanzer. “He has a passion for Christian higher education, experience in development, and seeks to further the Tabor mission. His strong faith and time spent in ministry coupled with an understanding of Christian stewardship is a perfect Tabor fit.”

Hadleys host vistors from California

Guests this week of Pearl and Velma Hadley are Brian and Rachel Hadley of Poway, Calif. Velma vacationed last week in Vail and Salida, Colo., with Brian, Theresa, and Rachel Hadley of Poway and Dan and Jan Schmidt of Salida, Colo.

Highway sign holder has tedious job

Roberto Gonzalez made sure he brandished the bright orange “SLOW” sign well above his head on Tuesday as the American-made truck barreled east toward the construction zone on K-150 near the Marion County line. He was lucky because this vehicle was slowing down. Some drivers won’t apply the brakes until they are 10 feet from Gonzalez and his sign. He cautiously walked out from the shoulder of the road to the yellow line separating the lanes. Usually the only reaction he gets from commuters is a glare from an impatient driver, or maybe a wayward cursing rant.

Hodge named law firm partner

The Newton law firm of Adrian & Pankratz has recently named Tim Hodge a partner and shareholder. Hodge, a graduate of Hillsboro High School, Tabor College, and Washburn University School of Law, has practiced with Adrian & Pankratz since 2003.

CORRESPONDENTS:

McPherson College lists county honorees

Four students from Marion County were among the 155 students McPherson College listed on its honor roll for spring. Evan Hiebert, a sophomore from Goessel; Kory Hiebert, a senior from Goessel; Karis Janzen, a sophomore from Hillsboro; and Ashley Evans, a junior from Marion, all recorded a grade-point average of 3.55 or better.

Butler collecting school supplies for USD 408

Donations of supplies for classroom use in USD 408 schools are being accepted Monday through Friday at Butler Community College, 412 N. 2nd St., the Marion Chamber of Commerce Office in the city building, Carlsons’ Grocery, Marion Health Mart and Pharmacy, and Marion Presbyterian Church until Aug. 15. Crayons, pencils, washable markers, glue sticks, scissors, and notebook paper are suggested.

Tabor football players earn pre-season awards

Two Tabor College football players were among 32 athletes listed on the 2012 KCAC preseason all-conference team. Andy Curtis, a senior offensive lineman, from Altus, Okla., and Chris Sanborn, a senior defensive lineman from Pinellas Park, Fla., were included on the list chosen by KCAC head football coaches.

Noller wins women's scramble

Judy Noller of Marion and Kathy Kopfman of Burlington won a two-woman, nine-hole scramble Thursday at Marion Country Club. Noller and Kopfman scored 33 to lead the championship flight. Judy Patton and Laverne Soetebier of Emporia were second with 40. Vicki Manuel and Rita Brennan of Hillsboro were third with 41.

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