HILLSBORO Star-Journal

HEADLINES

Hillsboro business community blossoms
The economic climate in Hillsboro is more akin to the weather in San Francisco — never too hot, never too cold — than the arctic conditions some small towns are facing. Two businesses in Hillsboro decided to expand in 2009.
Forethought prepared schools for state cuts
Despite dramatic cuts in state aid, school districts in Marion County will be able to weather the 2009-10 school year, according to superintendents. They credited school boards for taking action to prevent a funding crisis. However, unless the state legislature reverses course on school funding, local school boards may have to make difficult choices in coming years.
Hard times inspire people to give
People in Marion County didn’t let bad news about the economy ruin their Christmas spirit. In fact, some people took the recession as a challenge to give. Several charities in Marion County saw more people donate than in previous years. Marion County Emergency Food Bank Director Janet Bryant said economic troubles have hit close to home for many people in 2009.
County grants variance to pipeline trucks
Marion County Commission voted Monday to grant a variance for weight limits on county roads to TransCanada for construction of the Keystone Pipeline. Trucks hauling segments of pipe are expected to weigh about 80,000 pounds when loaded, but the weight limit for trucks on county roads is 65,000 pounds.
H1N1 vaccine now available
At long last, the H1N1 vaccine is available to anyone who wants to receive it. Marion County Health Department, 230 E. Main St., Marion, will have walk-in clinics from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning Jan. 6 for the H1N1 vaccine.
Attorney General candidate runs on experience
Ralph De Zago, of Herington, makes a distinction between two types of elected offices: one depends more on political philosophy, while the other demands specific skills. Representatives, senators, and governors are more philosophical officials, he said Monday. Attorneys general, secretaries of state, and registers of deeds should be able to accomplish the specific tasks of their offices.

DECADE REVIEW

Memories of this decade, hopes for the next decade
“The World Trade Center, when that happened, then my mom passed away the 18th of that month.” “My hope for the next decade is that my health gets better, because I had a scare.” Brenda Moss, Senior center director, Hillsboro

DOCKET

DEATHS

Joel Hanneman
Joel Hanneman, 94, died Dec. 22 in Hillsboro. Born Oct. 12, 1915, in Peabody to Peter J. and Mary (Penner) Hanneman, he was married Jan. 24, 1940, to Dorothy Burgat in Newton.
Maureen Martens
Maurine Martens, 94, died Dec. 29 at Salem Home, Hillsboro. Born May 9, 1915, northwest of Lehigh to Peter and Marie (Loewen) Stubby, she was married Nov. 23, 1936, to George Martens in Abilene.

OPINION

Back to the future on economic development
Sparks are flying yet again over composition of the group charged with fostering economic development in Marion County. Marion’s mayor may not completely understand what’s being asked of city officials who have been given a chance to name representatives to the panel.

PEOPLE

'Round the Town: Holiday brings visitors
The Durham Baptist Kings Daughters met Dec. 10 for their Christmas meeting in the fellowship hall. Twenty-three members and two guests, Beverly Elliott of Hillsboro and Willabeth Gonselez of Newton, were present. The program committee was in charge of the presentation, which was “From the Cradle to the Cross.” Refreshments were served and the group had a gift exchange. Hosts were Donna Diener, Valera Hamm, Eleanor Herbel, and Dorene Joy. Duane and Shirley Hamm helped Andrew Christenson, their grandson, of Wichita celebrate his birthday Dec. 10 in Wichita. Albert Christenson and Sarah joined them.
NW Durham: Families gather for Christmas
The Cottonwood Grove School board met for supper Dec. 17 near Galva. Members and guests present were Larry and Wanda Koehn, Calvin and Janene Wiebe, Jarold and Rhonda Koehn, Darrin and Meri Kay Rhodes, Sarah Peachy, Katie Stutzman, Beth Koehn, Charla Nightingale, Clayton and Betty Wiebe, and Merlin and Karletta Wiebe. Overnight guests of Ransom and Lillian Wiebe Dec. 18 through 20 were Russell and Crystal Koehn of Orval, Calif., and Craig and Deanna Becker of Dalhart, Texas. Kristi Koehn who teaches in western Kansas was an overnight guest of Anthony and Beth Wiebe. Kristi and Deanna are daughters of the Russell Koehns and granddaughters of the Wiebes. They were supper guests Dec. 19 of the Wiebes. On Dec. 18, Ransom and Lillian attended the viewing and supper for Dessie Koehn, 92, in Moundridge. They attended services Dec. 19 at the Lone Tree Church.

SCHOOL

Special education board to meet
Marion County Special Education Cooperative Board of Directors will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 in the Marion County Special Education Cooperative conference room at 1500 E. Lawrence, Marion.

HILLSBORO Star-Journal

The economic climate in Hillsboro is more akin to the weather in San Francisco — never too hot, never too cold — than the arctic conditions some small towns are facing. Two businesses in Hillsboro decided to expand in 2009.

At long last, the H1N1 vaccine is available to anyone who wants to receive it. Marion County Health Department, 230 E. Main St., Marion, will have walk-in clinics from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning Jan. 6 for the H1N1 vaccine.

“The World Trade Center, when that happened, then my mom passed away the 18th of that month.” “My hope for the next decade is that my health gets better, because I had a scare.” Brenda Moss, Senior center director, Hillsboro

Joel Hanneman, 94, died Dec. 22 in Hillsboro. Born Oct. 12, 1915, in Peabody to Peter J. and Mary (Penner) Hanneman, he was married Jan. 24, 1940, to Dorothy Burgat in Newton.

Maurine Martens, 94, died Dec. 29 at Salem Home, Hillsboro. Born May 9, 1915, northwest of Lehigh to Peter and Marie (Loewen) Stubby, she was married Nov. 23, 1936, to George Martens in Abilene.

Sparks are flying yet again over composition of the group charged with fostering economic development in Marion County. Marion’s mayor may not completely understand what’s being asked of city officials who have been given a chance to name representatives to the panel.

Marion County Special Education Cooperative Board of Directors will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 in the Marion County Special Education Cooperative conference room at 1500 E. Lawrence, Marion.