HILLSBORO Star-Journal

One injury in tractor, semi collision

A man was airlifted Thursday to Wesley Medical Center after his tractor was sent rolling into a ditch on U.S. 56 in Hillsboro, when a semitrailer collided with a farm trailer he was towing. Marion County Sheriff Robert Craft identified the victim as David Krause, 64, of rural Marion. Krause was driving a Case International tractor eastbound on U.S. 56 near Vogt’s Hometown Market at 11 a.m., towing a long, empty four-wheel flatbed trailer. Krause was driving partially on the shoulder, Craft said.

Road by Goessel causes concern

Billowing dust, chuck holes on every corner, slash-and-gash boulders rolling from the high center crown to steep-edged ditches, and washboards of every shape and size strategically aligned so that any driver who dares venture aboard must stay on high alert … it sounds like an expedition of Land Rover on the face of the moon, but it really is the reality that awaits drivers coming and going on the west side of the city of Goessel. One mile of 120th, from Alamo or State Street on the west edge of town to the McPherson County line, is the responsibility of Marion County to maintain, but patrons of the road are sick of traversing the disastrous road.

Council changes zoning ordinance to original intent

Hillsboro City Council members agreed to disagree with a planning commission change to a zoning ordinance in December, at their Tuesday meeting. Ordinance 2016 outlined a property setback rule change that could decrease available building plats by four feet per lot.

Incumbents unopposed

At the filing deadline final at noon Tuesday, Shelby Dirks, Ward 1, and Byron McCarty, Ward 2, had filed for re-election to their positions on Hillsboro City Council. No one else filed. The general election will be April 3.

Esther Fisher

Esther R. Fisher, 88, of Hillsboro died Thursday at Pinnacle Park in Salina. She was born April 28, 1923, to Peter C. Janzen and Susie (Regier) Janzen.

Etta Mae Hartke

Etta Mae Hartke, 92, of Herington died Jan. 18 at the Medicalodges of Herington. She was born March 7, 1919, to Asa Eugene and Jessie Deronda (Lamb) Cheever on the family farm near Burdick. She was a homemaker and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lincolnville. She married Victor H.E. Hartke on Oct. 24, 1937, at her parents’ home. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1996. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ernest Cheever, Roy Cheever, and Harry Cheever; and a sister, Arlene Bragg.

Audrey Kukuk

Audrey Elizabeth Kukuk, 74, of Perry, Okla., died Jan. 13 at Perry Memorial Hospital. She was born May, 24, 1937, in Perry, to Chris and Anna Mae (Neureburg) Schieffer.

Bryson E. Mills

Bryson E. Mills, 75, retired attorney, mediator, municipal court judge, and racecar owner/driver died Jan. 19, 2012, in Wichita. For many years, he held the position of municipal court judge for many Marion County communities.

Weston Pitts

Weston Pitts, 78, died Jan. 21, 2012. He was a retired grocer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlisle and Myrtle Pitts; and a sister, Betty Austin.

Alice Ann Ulsh

Alice Ann Ulsh, 88, died Jan. 19, 2012, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born May 1, 1923, in Marion County to Dietrich and Anna (Schmidt) Klassen. She was a homemaker.

Shirley A. Wendt

Shirley A. Wendt, 77, of Herington died Saturday at her home in Herington. She was born Dec. 21, 1934, at her family’s home in Latimer to Edward F. and Frances E. (Kandt) Koepsel. She was a homemaker and worked as a dental assistant and as a clerk for Minion’s Dress Shop. She was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was an active member of the Ladies Aide and taught Sunday school.

Accidents

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Criminal cases

County jail

Deeds recorded

Hillsboro police

Offenses reported

Traffic cases

Goat rescue is rewarding

Linda Miller loves her dairy goats. She loves others’ dairy goats too, and will not hesitate to rescue them, and their owners, from difficult situations, should the need arise. “Dairy goats have such great personalities,” Miller said. “They are so smart, so giving, and so loving. I just think they are the greatest.”

Buyers find unique Charolais genetics near Hillsboro

Wooden Cross Cattle Company is home to five generations of Schlehuber family members west of Hillsboro, and it is a destination point for buyers from around the country looking for top quality Charolais cattle. “Adversity can bring new opportunity,” said owner and operator Merle Schlehuber. “In the past we have sold a high percentage of our bulls to Texas customers but due to the extreme drought there, we have been challenged to open up new markets for our bulls.”

Hett's grandson keeps ranch going

The W.J. Hett Ranch, LLC, has existed for more than 60 years, ever since Walter and Jackie Hett were married in 1946. When Walter died in 1998, Jackie and their son, Steve, kept the ranch going. They worked side by side to manage the 300-head herd. “I couldn’t have done it without Steve,” Jackie Hett said.

Peabody couple loves bees

Noel and Debbie McSweeney like to grow things naturally on their six-acre farm near Peabody. They also pay attention to environmental issues and their impact on local agriculture. All of this, combined with an intense interest in bees and the production of quality honey, led the couple to pursue and gain “Bee Friendly” status with a statewide organization of beekeepers this January.

Marion County youths attend National Western Stock Show

Almost a dozen Marion County youths traveled to Denver, Colo., to exhibit animals and participate in a variety of agricultural contests at the National Western Stock Show in Denver last week. After months of preparation, Lisa and Lauren Geis, Bryce and SaRae Roberts, and Darren Mueller from the Hillsboro area went west to show sheep on the national stage.

4-H record books go to state competition

Several Marion County 4-H club members recently earned the honor of advancing to state competition with record books for projects completed in 2011. Bryce Roberts of the South Cottonwood club advanced with his sheep records, Karl Riffel of the Tampa Triple T’s in meat goats, and Ethan Oborny, Tampa Triple T’s in electricity. Jacob Dailey of the Goessel Goal Getters’ club moved on with two record book achievements in rabbits and photography.

Enrollment open for farm programs

Adrian Polansky, state executive director of the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Kansas, reminds producers that enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program and the Average Crop Revenue Election program began Monday and will continue through June 1. DCP payments are calculated using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Eligible producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute regardless of market prices. The 2008 Farm Bill states that no advanced payments will be issued for 2012. The entire DCP payment will be issued after Oct. 1.

Women's farm conference coming

The annual ag conference for women will be Feb. 10 and 11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. Attendees may choose from more than 25 concurrent sessions exploring topics such as sustainable agriculture, business planning, financial management, markets, animal welfare, crops, water, weather, operating a home-based business, social media, and others.

Tampa road project awarded

The final agenda item was the top priority Monday as bids from five contractors for the Tampa road project were opened at the Marion County Commission meeting. Lafarge Construction of Wichita submitted the low bid of $1,935,239 for asphalt overlay of 330th Road between Tampa and K-15.

Setting a world record isn't easy

Apparently, a lot of thought goes into setting a world record. Marion County Park and Lake Superintendent Steve Hudson outlined his plan for a record breaking marshmallow roast scheduled for March 24 at the Marion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Friday

Files stolen from aging department

A laptop computer, flash drive, and paper files were stolen from a vehicle of a Kansas Department on Aging employee in Wichita on Jan. 12. The department is attempting to notify customers of a potential breach to their personal and protected health information.

County demolition subsidy terminated

A Marion County program to assist with costs for demolition disposal was terminated Monday by the Marion County Commission, over concerns the program was not meeting its original intent. The Marion County Waste Reduction Plan was intended to provide incentive for demolition of dilapidated properties by subsidizing removal of demolition waste.

Economic director attends retreat

Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman attended the 20th Annual Retreat for Rural Leaders at the Barn Bed-and-Breakfast Inn near Valley Falls. The retreat was attended by 18 civic leaders statewide and was organized and facilitated by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The retreat was designed to rejuvenate individual spirit, expand peer networking, and discuss common rural issues.

Silver linings, cooperation

A recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows Marion County residents are among the lowest paid workers in Kansas, which is itself below the national average in wages. With average weekly earnings of $507, Marion County is 91st out of 105 counties and trails all neighboring counties except Chase County. The state average is $754 per week, very nearly 1.5 times what Marion County’s average is. The national average is $891 per week.

Plett applauds agriculture

Agricultural producers are repeatedly told that consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. However, the real question is, do consumers realize how much they need farmers? As the exodus from the farm to towns and cities continues, more and more people are dependent on farmers for their sustenance.

Water tower gains permanent status

In October, the Hillsboro water tower No. 2 received special recognition from the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) as one of six nominations for National Register status. In December, the federal organization of the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places in Washington, D.C. deemed it worthy of a permanent place on the National Register. The National Register of Historic Places is part of the National Park Service. This program coordinates and supports public and private efforts to preserve America’s history.

Caller scam hits Medicare recipients

A new identity theft scam aimed at Medicare recipients has alerted the Better Business Bureau. In this latest fraud attempt, consumers on Medicare are contacted by phone. Callers sate they want to send the consumer a “new Medicare card.” They then go over the consumer’s personal information and eventually ask for a checking account number.

Northwest of Durham

Invited dinner guests of Ransom and Lillian Wiebe on Jan. 15 were Clayton and Betty Wiebe, Tim Davis, and John Steiner. Larry and Wanda Koehn hosted Bryan and Rebecca Thomas and Christina; Mike and Mich Rhodes and family; Darrel and Donita Rhodes; Charla Nightingale and Chelsea Koehn on Jan. 15.

Round the town

Karen Haug of Jetmore spent the weekend of Jan. 14 with her mother, Marcella Mohn. Arlene Pankratz was an additional supper guest on Jan. 13. Durham Baptist Kings Daughters met Jan. 12 at the church fellowship hall with 24 members present. Valera Hamm presented the lesson entitled, “Are You Satisfied.” Hostesses were Anita Schmidt and Velma Withnow.

Tabor College hires vice president for advancement

Ron Braun of North Newton is the new vice president for advancement at Tabor College. President Jules Glanzer made the announcement Friday. Braun’s first day was Monday. “We are pleased that Ron is willing to assume greater leadership responsibilities for the benefit of Tabor College,” Glanzer said. “His genuine love for his alma mater is evident, and I look forward to working alongside him as the next chapter in the Tabor story is written.”

Bartel happy she switched to teaching

Hillsboro Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher Darlene Bartel did clinical lab and x-ray work in Hillsboro for 13 years before she became a teacher, but even then she often found herself teaching in a way. “I realized while I was working at the clinic that I was looking to tell the patients what I was doing and what the tests might show,” she said Thursday.

Jost makes Dean's list

Meghan Jost of Hillsboro made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Newman University in Wichita. To qualify for this achievement, she had to complete at least 12 credit hours and attained a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

Students compete in geography bee

The annual Hillsboro Middle School geography bee was Jan. 12. The 10 contestants were Zac Ghahremanzadeh, Trace Jost, Franklin Jost, Kiersten Kalua, Hannah Funk, Jonathan Hinerman, Sonja Jost,
Shannon Heiser, Kyle Unruh, and Jacob Funk. Hinerman won the event. He will complete a written test to try to qualify for the state geography bee in Abilene on March 30.

Frick saw life beyond the court

When Tabor College volleyball coach Amy Ratzlaff talks about star middle hitter Tina Frick, she does not just describe her as an exceptional volleyball player, although she could. “She’s an amazing woman,” Ratzlaff said of Frick.

Goessel boys double in tournament

The Goessel High School Bluebirds boys’ basketball team went 1-2 in the Burrton Tournament with a first-round loss to Burrton, a second-round victory over Central Christian, and a third-round loss to Inman. Even in the losses, the Bluebirds were competitive on their way to a sixth-place finish.

Trojan boys' team wins Classic tourney

With a 57-44 win over Hesston on Saturday, the Hillsboro High School boys basketball team won its home tournament. “I’ve never felt this before,” starting point guard Brett Weinbrenner said of the tournament win. “I want to feel this again.”

Riley County defeats Hillsboro girls

It was a matchup of the two top teams in the tournament and in class 3A. Riley County showed why it is the top-ranked girls team in the state. The Falcons defeated Hillsboro 47-29 on Saturday to win the Trojan Classic Tournament.

Mueller wrestles strong in Eureka

Hillsboro High School wrestler Bret Mueller finished fourth in the 138-lb weight class at the Eureka Invitational Tournament. Mueller lost his first match to eventually champion, and the top-ranked wrestler at 138 in 4A, Austin Hughey of El Dorado. Mueller then put together a stretch of four consecutive victories.

Junior wrestling tournament is Saturday

The Marion Junior Wrestling Rhino Rumble Novice Tournament is Sunday. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and should go into the mid-afternoon at the USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center.

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