Hillsboro Free Press, December 31, 2014

Daily Life / 2 Opinion / 4 Sports / 6

Rare whooping crane sighting a highlight of the past year.

Schools / 7 Classified / 8 Business Farm / 10 County Wide / 12

COUNTY WIDE / Page 12

Gift Guide / 14

Free Press HILLSBORO

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DECEMBER 31, 2014

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VOL. 16

PAID Hillsboro, KS Permit No. 1 POSTAL CUSTOMER

Dedicated to serving Hillsboro and Greater Marion County, Kansas

M A R I O N C O U N T Y ’ S L A R G E S T D I S T R I B U T I O N N E W S PA P E R W E D N E S D AY

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

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NO. 53

© copyright 2013 Kansas Publishing Ventures

The year in review 2014 supplied its share of surprises

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Many residents across Marion County woke up Wednesday morning, Feb. 5, to see a sundog on the eastern horizon. Becky Steketee of Hillsboro captured this image of the unusual weather phenomenon that followed a foot of snow and single-digit temperatures.

‘Mystery business’ dominated local conversation T 2014 he unsolicited prospect of a Fortune 500 “mystery business” coming to Hillsboro ignited not only monthslong speculation about the identity by concern, but ignited debates once the identity became clear.

In between, city leaders and organizations took on a variety of significant initiatives that were challenging, too, but with far fewer challenges from the public.

January After four years without a review, the Hillsboro City Council increased rates for the city’s four primary utilities. The average residential bill will increase by around 15 percent per month, depending on usage.

HILLSBORO WHAT’S

INSIDE

YEAR IN REVIEW n Economy .........Page 6 n Sports................Page 8 n Schools.............Page 9 n County.............Page 12

February Hillsboro Community Foundation board members presented grant checks totaling nearly $16,000 Feb. 14 to 13 area public-service organizations and causes.

The presentation occurred during halftime of the Hillsboro High School boys’ basketball game against

Hesston.

March The Hillsboro council approved the sale of 3.7 acres in the Hillsboro Heights subdivision March 4 to a holding company looking for development sites for an unidentified Fortune 500 parent company that sells fuel, groceries and pharmaceuticals. The new business likely would employ 20 to 30 people.

A group of youth and adults from Mennonite churches in Hillsboro and Topeka escaped serious injury March 14 when they were involved in a two-vehicle accident on the way to a retreat in Colorado. Five youth and three adult spon-

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Workers with Crossland Construction Co. Inc. were at work Monday, Dec. 8, on the lot in the Hillsboro Heights development where the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market will be located. The construction project began the previous week. Company officials have said the store should open this spring, weather permitting. The way the “mystery business” suddenly surfaced, then disappeared, then resurfaced became a source of speculation n See Hillsboro, Page 5 through the year, not only in Hillsboro but all of Marion County.

Hillsboro council rejects local offer for Heights lot “I think if he wants a piece of property where he wants to display products, he should buy it or pay a monthly rent.”

—SHELBY DIRKS, COUNCIL MEMBER

n Option to buy asks too much of the city.

Reimer Classics to the east.

Under the proposed agreement, Dodd would have 24 months from the signing of

BY DON RATZLAFF The Free Press the agreement to purchase Lot The Hillsboro City Council 3 for the sum of $6,750. made the unusual decision The agreement also would during a Dec. 23 special meet- allow Dodd to use the lot as “a ing to decline a sales option display area for portable buildagreement regarding the pur- ings and other activities not chase of a lot in the cityrequiring a permanent buildowned Hillsboro Heights ing.” addition.

It also stipulated that in the Craig Dodd, owner of event a third party Chisholm Trail Outfitters, had approached the city with a submitted the agreement bona fide offer to purchase the through Clint Seibel, the city’s lot during the 24-month economic development direcperiod, Dodd would have 30 tor, to purchase Lot 3, Block 3, days to buy the lot or to relinwhich is the only unsold lot quish it. between Dodd’s business and If no third-party offer sur-

YOUR CAREER SEARCH ENDS HERE.

faced, Dodd would have the option to negotiate an extension of the 24-month option.

Dodd had submitted a deposit of $500 for the option to purchase the property.

City Administrator Larry Paine said, “What I expect out of this property is...he’s going to want to own this for display purposes, and the way I understand it, he’s not intending to build a building on that lot.”

Councilor Shelby Dirks noted that Dodd’s $500 deposit over 24 months would be equivalent to a monthly rent of $20.83.

“I think if he wants a piece of property where he wants to display products, he should

buy it or pay a monthly rent,” he said.

Councilor Bob Watson added, “We’re sort of setting a precedent that you can tie up a lot for two years—and use it for two years—for $500. I don’t expect that anybody else is probably going to do anything with that lot, but to some extent we tie it up.”

Mayor Delores Dalke agreed, and pointed out that the city still would be responsible to pay the taxes on the property while the option continued.

“I think $20.83 is pretty cheap for a property he apparently needs,” Dalke said. “I’ve never heard of anything being

leased at that price, so I cannot be in favor of this.”

The council briefly considered making a counter proposal that would include a monthly rent of $100 and property taxes.

Asked about the impact of a third-party offer to purchase the lot during the 24-month period, City Attorney Josh Boehm said Dodd would pay the city’s original asking price—not the third-party offer—if he chose to exercise his option.

“If he didn’t want the third party to buy it—even if they offered $20,000—he’d get it for $6,750 if he wanted it,” Boehm said.

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DailyLife

2 Country Stitchers to meet at HMBC

The Country Stitchers Quilt Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, in the Hearth Room at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, 300 Prairie Pointe.

The program will include a visual trunk show from Sisters, Ore., and Paducah, Ky. Those planning to attend are asked to use the south entrance.

Visitors are welcome.

Bible study set for Jan. 8 in Hillsboro A community Bible study will begin Jan. 8 in the Hearth Room at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, 300 Prairie Pointe.

The time of the event will be announced in next week’s issue.

The study is by David Jeremiah, and called “Discovering the Mysteries of Heaven.”

A study guide is available for $11. There is no book, but a Bible is required.

Annual Chamber dinner set Jan. 26

n LILLIAN BEATRICE HARMS, 91, retired tour guide for Prudent Tours, died Dec. 27 at Pine Village Nursing Home, Moundridge.

The service was Dec. 30 at Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church with pastor Brad Burkholder officiating.

Burial was at Hesston City Cemetery.

She was born Nov. 15, 1923, to Fred F. and Susie (Wedel) Just at Boyd, Okla.

On June 2, 1946, she was married to Andrew “Andy” Harms, who predeceased her March 18, 2013.

Survivors include children, Roger and wife Cindy Holman Harms of Edmond, Okla., Larry Harms of Houston, James “Jim” and wife Michelle Harms of Wichita, Margaret and husband Tom Knoll of Chandler, Ariz.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Tabor College Music Signature Campaign or Pine Village Nursing Home, and sent in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, 107 S. Lancaster, Hesston, KS 67062. n OTILLIA M. “TILLIE” HEIN, 106, a homemaker and farm wife of Tampa, died Dec. 25 at Comfort Care Home in Newton.

The service was Dec. 30 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Tampa.

Burial was at Pilsen Cemetery.

She was born Nov. 8,

CARD SHOWERS

Because you care.

The family of Larry (Farmer) Olsen requests a card shower for Larry’s 75th birthday Saturday, Jan. 3.

Cards should be mailed to Larry Olsen, 1915 Quail Creek, Marion KS 668619160.

The Free Press publishes obituaries on our website the same day we receive them so you can be informed in a timely manner of the passing of acquaintances and the services planned in their memory.

Check the “Breaking News” section on our home page, or click on Daily Life and scroll to “Deaths.” hillsborofreepress.com

Lois June (Geiger) Voran

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Dedicated to serving Hillsboro and Greater Marion County, Kansas WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

DEATHS

The annual dinner of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce and Marion Chamber of Commerce is planned for Jan. 26 at Marion.

More details about the event will appear in a later edition.

Cards welcomed for Olsen’s 75th

www.hillsborofreepress.com

ois June (Geiger) Voran, second child of Monroe and Anna Geiger, was born on June 23, 1926, on a farm near Pandora, Ohio. She attended Pandora public school and graduated in 1944. Upon her confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, she was baptized at St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora. In 1949 she graduated from Grace Bible Institute, Omaha, NE. She married Peter Voran on August 5, 1949. Following two years of ministry at the Hopefield Mennonite Church in Moundridge, KS, they went to Japan as missionaries with the Commission on Overseas Missions of the General Conference Mennonite Church. They served 30 years with that work.

They served at the First Mennonite Church in Pretty Prairie for 6 years and also had several interim pastorates since their retirement including Hillsboro First Mennonite Church.

They have resided at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Kansas since July 1991. Lois and Peter were members of the Shalom Mennonite Church.

Lois peacefully passed into the presence of the Lord, Monday, December 15, 2014 with her family at her side. Surviving are her husband, Peter W. Voran, of North Newton, children Dave (Linda), Leawood, KS, Debra Graber (Allen), Newton, KS, Dan (Darryl), Bow,Washington, grandchildren Brandon Voran, Kansas City MO, Joshua Graber (Staci), Fayetteville, Ark, Jill Utecht (Adam), Hillsboro, KS, Nichole Voran, Pittsburg, PA, Chelsea Funk, Pittsburgh, PA, seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Sophia and Claire Utecht, Emeri and Elijah Graber, AJ and Natty Prinkey. Also surviving are two brothers, Wallace Geiger (Wanda) and Mahlon Geiger (Anne) of Pandora, OH, brother-and sister-in-law, Bill and Betty Engle, Pineville, MO and a number of nieces and nephews.

Her parents of Pandora, Ohio, one son, Douglas, Youngwood, PA, parents-in-law, Carl and Martha Voran, Pretty Prairie, KS, sisters Treva Geiger, Bluffton, Ohio, Wava (Harry) Wiens, Mt. Lake, MN, in-laws Mildred Austermiller (John), Topeka, KS, Helen Mitchell (Doc), Hutchinson, KS Mary Hayes (Lee), Castleton, KS preceded her in death.

Friends called at the funeral home Friday, December 19, between 1:00 and 8:00pm.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton.

Graveside services and interment were at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at the First Mennonite Church Cemetery in Pretty Prairie, KS., visitation with the family at the church following.

Memorials can be made to Mennonite Mission Network, Shalom Mennonite Church or Kidron Bethel Village. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 East Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.

n LOIS JUNE (GEIGER) VORAN, 88, of North Newn ELIZABETH R. UNRUH, ton, died Dec. 15.

90, of North Newton, died The service was Dec. 20 Dec. 24 at Kidron Bethel at Shalom Mennonite Healthcare.

Church, Newton.

The service was Dec. 27, Burial was at First Menat First Mennonite Church, nonite Church Cemetery at Newton, with pastor Anita Pretty Prairie.

Kehr officiating.

She was born June 23, Burial will be at a later 1926, to Monroe and Anna date in Haven of Rest Geiger on a farm near Cemetery, Hillsboro.

Pandora, Ohio. On Aug. 5, She was born March 8, 1949, she was married to 1924, to John A. and Justina Peter Voran, who survives. n VERLA DARLENE (Wiebe) Busenitz of Elbing.

Other survivors include REDGER, 87, died Dec. 24 at On Sept. 10, 1947, she was children Dave and wife Parkside Homes in married to Oliver R. Unruh, Linda of Leawood, Debra Hillsboro. who survives. and husband Allen Graber The service was Dec. 29 Other survivors include of Newton, Dan and wife at First Mennonite Church, sons Vern and wife Sherry n ANGEL A. KLEIN, 39, a Darryl of Bow, Wash.; five Unruh of Fayetteville, N.C., homemaker of Weatherford, Hillsboro, with pastor grandchildren; seven greatSusan Jantzen officiating. and Charles and wife Lynn Texas, died Dec. 22 at her grandchildren; brothers She was born Oct. 18, Unruh of Marion; daughresidence.

Wallace and wife Wanda 1927, to Lou and Tina ters Viv and husband Ziad The service will be at 2 (Smith) Redger in northwest Nabhani of Greenville, N.C., Geiger and Mahlon and wife p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Anne Geiger of Pandora, Marion County.

Carol and husband Dave Marion Christian Church, Ohio; brother and sister-inSurvivors include sisterAbrams of Phoenix, Ariz., Marion. law Bill and Betty Engle, in-law Lola Redger of rural and Trish and husband Bob Burial Durham; nephew Ray D. Miller of Goshen, Ind.; bro- Pineville, Mo., and nieces will be at and nephews. and wife Dawn Marie ther Art and wife Carolyn Marion Memorials may be made Redger of Newton and Busenitz of Whitewater; 13 Cemetery. to Mennonite Mission Netniece Lisa Redger of grandchildren and eight She was work, Shalom Mennonite Wichita. great-grandchildren. born to Memorials may be made Memorials may be made Church or Kidron Bethel Stevon and Village and sent in care of to Peace Valley Cemetery to Western District ConferSharon and sent in care of Jost Broadway Colonial Funeral ence Library and sent in (Wiggans) Funeral Home, P.O. Box 266, care of Petersen Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Nelson at Hillsboro, KS 67063.

Newton, KS 67114.

Home, 215 N. Main St., Herington.

Online condolences may Newton, KS 67114.

Condolences may be left In May 1998, she was marbe made to the family via: at broadwaycolonialfh.com. ried to Shane Klein, who survives.

Other survivors include children Cole and Saylor; HILLSBORO SENIOR CENTER gone, and I hope everyone The coffee is always her parents; sister Shannon We hope everyone has a had a wonderful time with ready.

Granzow and Craig of happy New Year, and will friends and family reflecting As always, we are so Herington; parents-in-law take time to come and join on the real reason for the grateful for those who supKaren and Mike Regnier of us for a meal soon. season. port our senior center.

Marion and Ralph and Barb Hat Day is Friday, Jan. 2, Now we are ready to welFor more information or Klein of Marion; sister-inand any hat will work. to volunteer, call 620-947-2304 come in 2015. We here at the law Shannon and Lane Scott Schultz with SS or stop by the senior center, senior center are going to be Massey of Larned; one enjoying Bob and the Boys Concrete Solutions of 212 N. Main St. niece and nephews.

Lehigh will talk about his The center is open from 8 after our midday meal on Memorials may be made business Jan. 6.

New Years Eve day. a.m. to 4 p.m.

Make sure you get your to the Klein Children’s Volunteers are still —Brenda Moss, director reservations in early so we Education Fund or Liberty needed so please let us know WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31 have plenty of pizza.

Park and sent in care of if you can help from 11 a.m.

Chicken noodle soup, ham and January menus are availZeiner Funeral Home, 205 to 1:15 p.m. cheese sandwich, tropical fruit, cookie, milk. able and we encourage Elm, Marion, KS 66861.

Anyone who helps will everyone to get their copy. get their meal free that day. Closed. THURSDAY, Jan. 1 We have activities planned n RICHARD POTTER, 66, a For those who might FRIDAY, Jan. 2 Baked chicken, rice, gravy, mixed veg- throughout the month, so painter of Hillsboro, died have a program they want crumble, roll, milk. get those calendars and plan Dec. 26. to share, let us know, and we etables, fruit MONDAY, Jan. 5 some of your month around The service was Dec. 30 can set up a day. Presenters Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, Jell-O with fruit, the center. We would like at Jost Funeral Home, in get their meal free. oatmeal cookie, roll, milk. others to join us.

Hillsboro.

We enjoy music, trips, TUESDAY, Jan. 6 We wish everyone a He was born April 13, crafts, quilting and other Sweet and sour chicken, steamed rice, happy New Year with blessegg roll, apple crisp, roll, milk.

1948, to Samuel and Inez adventures.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7 ings of prosperity and love.

Liver and onions, beef patty, onions, We also want to thank all mashed potatoes, cabbage, mixed Hillsboro American Legion Post 366 our volunteers and those fruit, roll, milk. who have supported us by MARION SENIOR CENTER attending throughout the Happy New Year to year of 2014. everyone and remember we We are happy to have $6 Single are closed New Year’s Day. people come as often as they $10 Couple During the winter when are able to attend. We just Wednesday, December 31 Marion schools are closed want to let you know how Doors open at 8:30. Band plays 9pm-1am because of the weather, the much you mean to us.

Breakfast served at Midnight senior center is closed, too.

See you in the new year.

For more information, 21 to Stop by the Peabody Members & Guests Welcome call 620-382-2942 or stop by Enter Senior Center at 106 N. the center at 309 S. Third St., Walnut to pick up January Marion. menus.

— Janet Bryant, director You may come by or call 620-983-2226 to reserve your WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31 Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, meals. Leave a message if gravy, corn, fruited gelatin, sugar we aren’t here and in the cookie, whole wheat roll, milk. morning we will add your THURSDAY, Jan. 1 name to the list.

Closed.

The meals are delicious Menus for Jan. 2-7 were unavailable. and reasonably priced at $3.15 for those 60 and older PEABODY SENIOR CENTER and $5 for everyone else.

As the new year approaches, Christmas has come and There are not many we’d like to thank all of places you can get a good, our clients for working Join us this Sunday nutritious meal for those with us in 2014. prices. Give us a try. at the Hillsboro We look forward to seeWe wish you and yours much Elementary School ing you. health, happiness and —Ruth Lott, director Grace Community Fellowship 1908, to Peter and Philomena Sramek at Pilsen. She was preceded in death by husbands Frank Srajer and Jake Hein.

Survivors include Donald of Omaha, Neb.; daughter Dolores Scott of Emporia; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four step- great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorials may be made to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at Tampa and sent in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm St., Marion, KS 66861.

(Carson) Potter at Clarinda, Iowa.

Survivors include daughters Christy and husband Guy Potter-Kass of Stockertown, Pa., and Jennifer Potter of Los Angles, Calif.; brother Larry Potter of McPherson and sister Ruth Land of Moundridge.

Condolences may be sent to the family via: www.jostfuneralhome.com.

www.jostfuneralhome.com.

SENIOR SCRIBBLES

New Year’s Eve Party Featuring RANGE FIRE

FINEST NEW YEAR’S WISHES

good fortune in the new year.

Sunday School: 9:15 am Worship Service: 10:30 am

620-947-0202 • Pastor Adam Utecht

120 N. Main • Hillsboro • 620-382-6418 600 E. Main • Goessel • 620-367-2264 100 N. Main • Canton • 620-628-4441

www.thecsb.com

110 N. Main - Hillsboro OFFICE HOURS: Mon: 2:00-4:00pm Tues/Wed/Thurs: 9:30am-3:30pm Closed Friday

adamutecht79@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31 Pizza, salad, fruited gelatin, breadstick, milk.

THURSDAY, Jan. 1 Closed.

FRIDAY, Jan. 2 Ham, scalloped potatoes, spinach, fruit, hot roll, milk.

MONDAY, Jan. 5 Goulash, corn, wheat roll, peaches, milk.

TUESDAY, Jan. 6 Baked pork chop, mashed sweet potatoes, vegetable, brownie, cinnamon applesauce, wheat roll, milk.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7 Birthday dinner: Baked chicken, potatoes with gravy, green beans, fruit, cake, wheat roll, milk.

Jared D. Jost Owner, Funeral Director/Embalmer Willy Ensz, Bob & Betty Seibel, Assistants 401 S. Washington, Hillsboro • 620.947.3622 877.947.3622 • Cell 620.382.5115 jost@jostfuneralhome.com

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

Marion council updated on 2015 visioning project PATTY DECKER

The Free Press

Scholars Bowl places fourth The Hillsboro High School Scholars Bowl team placed fourth among 14 teams at the Council Grove High School Invitational Dec. 15.

The team went 5-1 in pool play, earning wins against Marion, Wamego, Chase County, West Franklin and Emporia, while losing only to Mission Valley.

The team advanced to the finals and placed fourth.

Team members were Reece Berens, Allison Gray, Caleb Halsted, Jonathan Hinerman and Lydia Kliewer.

the restroom project, powerups group development of walking trail and creating fishing on Luta Creek and Wi-Fi connectivity in the park. n Downtown revitalization with necessary actions to make available for development the current empty store fronts, overall plan for targeted development to support marketing plans, infrastructure improvements in Wi-Fi and lighting.

In addition, the revitalization, Holter said, could include private and public incentives for building facades’ upgrades with a consistent aesthetics theme determined by the planning commission. n Recreational activities expanded with a strong desire to achieve better utilization of the Sports and Aquatic Center, ball fields, adult fitness groups, senior fitness programs, expanded offerings into soccer, swimming and other sports.

“Walking and biking have been a consistent message and location not limited to the corporate city limits,” he said.

Hillsboro hospital recognized for participation in project Hillsboro Community Hospital has been recognized by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and the Kansas Hospital Association for its participation in a three-year national Partnership for Patients initiative known as the Hospital Engagement Network.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced Dec. 2 announced that HEN efforts to improve patient safety resulted in a 17 percent decline in hospital-acquired conditions such as adverse

drug events, pressure ulcers, and surgical site infections among others.

HHS had set an ambitious goal of reducing HACs by 40 percent and re-admissions by 20 percent by the end of the 2014.

Hillsboro Community Hospital and 99 other hospitals in Kansas collectively prevented an estimated 3,800 safety events at an estimated cost savings of more than $23.2 million, as calculated by the Health Educational Research Trust.

“Our health care team is

PUBLIC RECORDS HILLSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT Daily log, Dec. 14-27 Dec. 14: Disturbance complaint in the 200 block of South Adams; subject reported a burglary that did not occur; subject appeared to be delusional and was assisted by family members. Traffic complaint in the 100 block of South Birch; subject reported that an individual drove by his house at a high rate of speed and yelled on a frequent basis.

Dec. 15: Assisted with an ongoing domestic situation. Assisted with a disabled semi at U.S. Highway 56 and Goldenrod. Fingerprinted subject for employment.

Runaway juvenile report in the 100 block of South Birch; the juvenile was later located in Peabody and transported to juvenile intake; charges of contributing to the misconduct of a child are pending against another subject for assisting. Report of suspicious activity in the 200 block of West B Street.

Dec. 16: Motorist assist at U.S. Highway 56 and Goldenrod. Commercial alarm in the 800 block of East D Street. Dog complaint in the 400 block of South Birch. Assisted Marion County Sheriff with an unattended death.

Dec. 17: Officers attended safety training at Hillsboro City Hall. Report of Santa Claus riding an all-terrain vehicle on Third Street; officers were unable to catch him. Fingerprinted subject for employment. Assisted the Marion County sheriff with a non-injury accident. Attempted to locate subject in reference to several 911 disconnects from a cell phone.

Dec. 18: Trespass complaint in the 500 block of South Ash. Residential fire in the 200 block of South Jefferson.

Dec. 19: Assisted the fire marshal with an investigation. Dog complaint in the 900 block of East D Street. Traffic complaint in Hillsboro Heights. Assisted Marion Police Department with an investigation.

Dec. 20: Welfare check in the 500 block of South Wilson. Assisted with multiple vehicles stuck in the mud outside of Hillsboro.

Harassment by phone complaint in the 400 block of South Main.

Dec. 21: Traffic complaint at U.S. Highway 56 and Kansas Highway 15. Theft report in the 500 block of South Main; subject reported a tiller stolen from his yard.

Dec. 22: Assisted Kansas Department of Children and Family with an investigation. Report of a suicidal subject in the 300 block of North Ash; an adult male who had cut a wrist was transported to Hillsboro Community Hospital for an evaluation.

Dec. 23: Theft report in the 400 block of North Ash; subject reported the theft of a propane bottle from in front of his apartment.

Dog complaint in the 200 block of Floral Drive.

Dec. 24: Assisted with a reckless driver on U.S. Highway 56. Subject reported two possible wanted persons living in an apartment in the 400 block of North Ash. Assisted the Marion County sheriff with an injury accident.

Dec. 25: Report of suspicious ac-

n Revised workforce development training and opportunities. Concerns were raised over the lack of trained and qualified trades workers in the area.

Agricultural educational opportunities should be expanded to better align with current conditions, Holter stated. n Resource and asset sharing programs between all taxing authorities within the county. This issue deals with duplication of equipment assets held by each organization and seen as wasteful. n Urban renewal and revitalization incentives, a business model overhaul for municipal utilities in the county.

Regarding municipal utilities, Holter said the idea would be in exploring possible consolidation to reduce duplicated costs and increase purchasing power for all residents.

Creation of a countywide board of public utilities might be a needed discussion, according to input received. n Other highlights dealt

tivity in the 100 block of West Grand. Report of an unattended death in the 400 block of North Ash. Dec. 26: Vandalism report in the 300 block of West Third; subject found a broken window in a vacant trailer. Trespass complaint in the 500 block of West Grand. Assisted landlord in the 400 block of North Ash; several unauthorized people

living in an apartment. Issued citations for furnishing alcohol to a minor. Assisted the Marion County sheriff with a domestic disturbance in Lehigh. Assisted with searching for missing items at a fire scene.

Dec. 27: Subject reported being harassed by another motorist while driving a vehicle. Report of a runaway in the 100 block of North Birch.

devoted to safe, high quality care delivery,” said Marion Regier, chief execrative officer of HCH. “We are proud of our collaboration with our peers across the state, our patients, and the impact our work has made to improve patient safety.

“We appreciate the physicians, nurses and other key staff who contributed to this successful initiative,” she added.

action plan.”

It’s time for the governing body to decide what the vision is and then set up some expectations with these boards.

Once the information is gathered and validated, he added, the city needs to get this moving.

“What level and what role are we going to engage and support?” he asked.

“What kind of incentives are we going to create?”

Heitschmidt said he agreed with Holter that some things can start now.

“Don’t envision this being done in three months,” Holter said.

Heitschmidt added: “I think the reason we have these different boards is to provide direction and information back to the council.

“That vision has not been very well explained to any of (these boards).”

In fact, Heitschmidt said that some of the boards they have met with haven’t seen a city staff member, elected official or mayor in years.

LAST WEEK’S WEATHER 120 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 12-22 12-23 12-24 12-25 12-26 12-27 12-28 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 Dat

PRIPITATION

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Low COURTESY OF ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, MARION RESERVOIR

High

with preserving the family values and quaint community atmosphere, consistent collaboration between all charity relief efforts, longterm physical community growth and the creation of a multi-year financial planning cycle.

Adkins said another important issue is think outside the box.

“I don’t want to see taxes raised,” he said, “but the problem with that is if we continue to operate the way we have operated for 50 years, the only way to move forward is to continue to (raise taxes).”

Things will get more expensive, he said, and less money will continue to come into small towns like Marion.

“If we stay inside the box, we will continue to be limited,” Adkins said. “It’s time to look outside the box and stop duplicating services.”

Holter said he believes that community organizations exist to make a “true

TEMPERATURE

lated up addressing conditions of homeowners,” he said.

Marion City Council Two properties, he exmembers received a progress report on the 2015 plained, will have public hearings, while five other visioning project at their properties in town are in Dec. 22 meeting. different stages of being Councilor Chad Adkins condemned or demolished. provided project updates, “A developer is going to along with listening to any concerns or input the rest of take over one of those and look at repurposing the the council might have.

“Something people do get building,” he said. “It is starting those conversations concerned with,” Adkins said, “is when they hear the (that will lead to further action).” word ‘visioning’ and will Mayor Todd say: ‘Oh, (organizers) are at Heitschmidt, who along it again, and they won’t do with Holter, has visited anything with it.’”

He said he hopes the cur- some groups and organizarent visioning project does- tions about the visioning n’t end up going nowhere or plan.

“We have received posiwith nothing implemented. tive feedback and solid sugCity Administrator Roger Holter said that from gestions,” he said.

Some of the items offihis perspective a lot of incials have learned so far information has been gathcluded defining a specific ered and the council might need another work session. marketing message to promote tourism.

One question Holter Other elements learned asked the council is what the local government’s role thus far included: n Redevelopment of the is going to be in the project.

Central Park area which is “There are already conparamount to the city’s suscrete actions occurring, based on conversations and tained success. Priorities appear to be completion of petitions that have perco-

BY

January Bowling!

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Opinion 4

www.hillsborofreepress.com Dedicated to serving Hillsboro and Greater Marion County, Kansas WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

One drop leads to another?

EDITORIALS

Top 10 in 2014 n This was a year when local economics was a common theme in many of our top stories.

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e’ll remember 2014 for a variety of reasons, but the local economy seemed to be what we talked about most. Following is our list of the Top 10 news stories for the year, based on short-term and longterm impact. Whether the events were perceived as helpful or harmful ultimately is up to you to decide.

1. Mystery business. Few people were actually surprised when Wal-Mart announced in mid-September it would be opening a neighborhood market in Hillsboro, ending months of speculation. More than an economicdevelopment concern, the issue opened a debate about community loyalty, challenged the leadership of city government and, in a strange and unprecedented way, united the Hillsboro and Marion business communities. A brave new world lies ahead.

2. Weather. A perennial topic, this year we learned the term “polar vortex” and the effect of deep cold and little moisture on a wheat crop. When warmer temperatures and decent rain finally arrived, farmers’ prayers were answered in the form of a near-record fall harvest.

3. Business losses. Hillsboro absorbed an economic hit with the closing of three cornerstone businesses: Quick Flick/Radio Shack after 28 years, Alco after a 20year run and Heartland Foods as of today, less than a year after acquiring the business run by the Vogt family for 98 years. If you’re discouraged by the closings, keep in mind that two of them were the direct result of corporate bigwigs (Verizon, Alco), not local management practices.

4. Business gains. Corporate America offered better news for Marion in 2014. First, a group of local partners launched a Subway franchise. As the year wound down, it appears a Dollar General store may become reality in 2015.

The relatively recent hirings of City Administrator Roger Holter and Economic Development Director Terry Jones seem to have made a positive impact in the process.

5. Sharing spirit. Beyond the generosity generated through annual events such as the Relay for Life and Toy Run, we were struck by the number of stories and photos we ran in 2014 featuring local families, organizations, churches and businesses involved in projects and fundraisers in support neighbors and strangers alike—whether to address physical challenges or the impact of poverty.

Even in our mixed economy, our communities are rich in generosity and caring.

6. Tabor College fine arts center. Word of a $1 million grant from the Mabee Foundation in early December put the college close enough to its fundraising goals to announce groundbreaking and completion dates for the construction of a new $9 million fine arts center. The building is the cornerstone of the college’s three-year, $16.2 million Signature Campaign, which also includes operational costs. Good news for people of faith as well as those who lacked it: A 30-year vision is within reach.

7. Hillsboro Elementary School playground. What makes this story special is that a group of parents is spearheading the challenge to raise $185,000 to replace an embarrassingly deficient playground at HES. The cause has caught the imagination—and opened the pocketbooks—of the USD 410 community in an inspiring way. It’s quite possible students will be in the swing of things by the start of the 2015-16 school year.

8. Unusual election. The effort to fill the 1st District seat on the Marion County Board of Commissioners was one for the history books. After the incumbent announced on the filing deadline day he would not seek election, leaving no one to fill the void, four residents eventually jumped in as write-ins or petitioners. Election night provided a one vote win by Craig Dodd, which turned into a one-vote win for Lori Lalouette-Crawford after the election results were canvassed by county commissioners. An ensuing recount requested and paid for by Dodd increased the final margin of his opponent’s victory to three votes. Lesson: Every vote really does count.

9. School funding challenges. Once again, our districts had to find ways to do more with less—in some case much less. USD 410 identified more than $408,000 in cuts involving staff and non-staff budgets. Later, district patrons approved a plan to generate about $150,000 in “new funding” through a change in the local option budget formula. Additional cuts are likely in 2015 as the state’s recently re-elected governor holds firm to his tax-cut policies. Perhaps students aren’t the only generation needing to learning basic maths skills.

10. Success in sports. At both the high school and college levels, numerous local teams and athletes—too many to list in this space—reached the highest level of competition in their respective spheres. For our high schools, it was state competition; for Tabor College, it was the smallcollege national stage. But don’t take our word for it.

Check out our “Year in Review” article on Page 6.

May we all reach our highest level of performance in the year ahead. —DR

GENERAL INFORMATION / HOW TO CONTACT US Hillsboro Free Press 116 S. Main Hillsboro, KS 67063

O

Expecting a great year in 2015

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his year certainly has been a blur, and I’m sure 2015 is going to bring many new amazing experiences and intrigue into my life.

Without question, AS I SEE IT 2014 has been one of the most memorable years of Joey Young my 30 years on Earth.

The biggest reason was, back in April, Joel Klaassen entrusted this media company he and Don Ratzlaff built from the ground up to me and my wife, Lindsey.

We are intensely grateful and will continue to be humbled by that experience. The people of Marion County have been an absolute joy to get to know, and I can’t wait to embark on many journeys with the people this newspaper serves.

2015 is going to bring at least one challenge for Marion County—the arrival of a major big box store in Hillsboro. Yes, I know I have beat this drum before, but stay with me, as this time it’s to a slightly different beat.

In an open letter I put in the Free Press earlier this year, I wrote about my personal disdain for a certain big box store, the reasons why I had those feelings, and a promise that we were going to do something to help.

Some of you may have noticed our

first aid package for our area small businesses. It comes in the form of a program set up by me and area economic development directors in Marion County for Jan. 8.

The program is designed to help our area grocers, pharmacists and retailers adapt to the incoming changing business environment that is coming to Marion County.

Some are upset that the big box is coming, others are happy. But one thing can be certain about its arrival: the Marion County business environment will need to change.

The changes can be minimal and painless with some preparation, and that’s what our program is really designed to do: be the first step in preparing for big box arrival.

There will be more to do after that program, as I am not one to think a job is done after setting up the framework.

This is an ongoing mission for me and this newspaper. We want to see Marion County thrive in this new marketplace and are willing to put our money where our mouth is to make it happen.

Not an area business person? That’s OK; this program isn’t really set up for you, but it does benefit one who hopefully shops in the area.

Also, if you keep an eye on the newspaper (I know you do), you will find n See Young, Page 5

Looking back on a great year

“I

t’s been a great year! Thanks for being a part of it.” If you have a Facebook account, you’ve most likely seen those words followed by a year-in-review post in HORIZONS the past week. This is the time of year when Bailey Kaufman we look back at the things we’ve accomplished, the places we’ve gone and the people we’ve met.

For me, 2014 was full of new accomplishments, new places and new people.

In January, I began my second semester of my freshman year of college with a new major. I added a secondary education major to my journalism major (which I later dropped completely) and began to explore the possibility of being a teacher.

Usually, February is a pretty boring month, but this year it was made exciting through the Valentine’s banquet at Hillsboro MB Church. One of my favorite Christian bands, Citizen Way, was the banquet’s entertainment.

Through helping my aunt cater the event, I got to listen to them perform and met the band members afterward. They even liked and commented on my Instagram picture that I posted that night. I was definitely a little star struck.

March was full of school and basketball. Then in April, I went on my first trip of the year. I traveled to San Diego with a group of Kansas State journalism education students to help run the

National Journalism Conference through Journalism Education Association, which is headquartered at K-State. It was an exhausting, fun and sometimes frustrating learning experience. The last day we got to relax and spend time touring the beautiful city, which made me even more excited about the trip to Europe I would be taking soon.

In May, I finished my first year of college after what turned out to be an interesting, change-filled school year. I was attending a different school and pursuing a different major than I had entered the school year with and was very glad of it.

By this point, my countdown to Europe was in full swing and I could barely contain my excitement. If you want a detailed account of my trip to England, France and Italy in June, check out my previous columns. All I will say here is that my trip to Europe was definitely the highlight of 2014 for me.

The rest of summer passed quickly, with a week spent counseling at Bible camp and the rest of the time spent working.

August brought the beginning of my sophomore year of college and a new place to live. I moved into my first offcampus housing, a duplex with two other girls, and quickly learned the ups and downs of making my own meals and driving to school each day.

In the fall semester, I took two classes that got me really excited about being a n See Kaufman, Page 5

E S TA B L I S H E D 1998

E-mail: don@hillsborofreepress.com Web: www.hillsborofreepress.com JOEY YOUNG, PUBLISHER DON RATZLAFF, EDITOR PATTY DECKER, NEWS & FEATURES JANAE REMPEL, SPORTS & FEATURES JERRY ENGLER, NEWS & FEATURES CYNTHIA GOERZEN, NEWS & FEATURES ALEEN RATZLAFF, NEWS & FEATURES

Office telephone: 620-947-5702 Fax: 620-947-5940 Information line: 620-947-3363 MFCP Circulation Audit by

NICOLE SUDERMAN, OFFICE MANAGER MICHELLE HULETT, ADVERTISING MANAGER SHELLEY PLETT, GRAPHICS & DESIGN NATALIE HOFFMAN, ADVERTISING KEVIN HOWER, PRODUCTION JOEL KLAASSEN, BOOK & PRINTING CONSULTANT The Hillsboro Free Press is published weekly by Kansas Publishing Ventures, LLC, 116 S. Main, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Subscription rates: Free to all towns in Marion County, plus Canton, Cedar Point & Burdick. Elsewhere in Kansas and the United States, $50.00 per year. Outside of U.S. by special quote. National Ad Representative: Kansas Press Service Inc., Box 1773, Topeka, KS 66601. Standard Mail Postage Paid, Permit No. 1, Hillsboro, KS 67063.

HOW TO CONTACT OUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES n President Barack Obama, The White House, Washington, D.C. 20500. n U.S. senators Jerry Moran, 4 Russell Courtyard, Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-2246521. Fax: (202) 228-6966. E-mail: go to moran.senate.gov, click on “Email Senator Moran.”

Pat Roberts, 109 Hart Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510. Phone: 202-224-4774.

Fax: 202-224-3514. E-mail: go to roberts.senate.gov, click on “Email Pat.” n U.S. representatives Tim Huelskamp (Dist. 1), 126 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515-1601. Phone:

(620) 665-6138, Hutchinson office; or 785309-0572, Salina office. E-mail: available through website, huelskamp.house.gov. n Governor Sam Brownback, Capitol 300 SW 10th Ste. 2125, Topeka, KS 66612. Phone: 785296-3232. Fax: 785-368-8788. E-mail: governor.ks.gov (website).

St., Hesston 67062. Phone: 620-327-4427 (home), 1-800-432-3924 (work); E-mail: Don.Schroeder@house. ks.gov.

John Barker (Dist. 70), 109 E. 1st St., Abilene 67410. Phone: 785-263-4704. Email: John.Barker@house.ks. gov. House switchboard (during session): 785-2960111.

n State senator Clark Schultz (Dist. 35), PO Box 731, McPherson, KS 67460. Phone: 620-7553473. E-mail: Clark.Shultz@senate.ks.gov.

Senate switchboard (during session): 785296-0111. Office: 541-E; 785-296-7354.

n County commissioners Roger Fleming (Dist. 1), 1002 Grandview Court, Hillsboro, 67063. Phone: 620947-0184.

Daniel Holub (Dist. 2), 1953 240th, Marion, 66861. Phone: 620-924-5753.

Randy Dallke (Dist. 3), 504 E. 9th, Peabody. Phone: 620-983-2978.

n State representatives Don Schroeder (Dist. 74), 708 Charles

ne thing I have never understood is that when gas prices drop, the stock market also PARTLY drops.

NONSENSE It seems to Joel Klaassen me it should be exactly the opposite, because according to what I have read, when gasoline prices at the pump drop like they have now, folks have about $100 billion more to put back into the economy.

I would think this occurring would have a very positive effect on sales in all categories as petroleum is woven into just about everything that is made and delivered. n And the stock market just hit the 18,000 mark for the first time last week. It is no wonder to me either, as where else can you put any money these days and make a return? Interest on savings amounts to just a bit more than nil.

The thing that works the best is to buy low and sell higher—almost every time. n The end of the year is a great time for me and it is especially great now. It is a time when you can look back and see what you have done and also look forward and plan what you want to do in the coming year. n This past year was a great one for me and very significant for my days ahead.

I made the decision to sell my interest in the Free Press and the entire company to Joey and Lindsey Young. It was eight months ago that I transferred ownership, and I can say I am extremely pleased with my decision.

Steps have been taken all along to transfer some of my duties to others in the company who have shown they are very capable of taking my place. It is gratifying to see this happening.

I see my involvement in the newspaper declining each month. Eventually, I will be writing my column and maybe batting cleanup if there is a need to do so.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. n This may shock you, but I realized only recently that the “f ” and “j” keys on the computer keyboard have little raised knobs on them so when you place your hands to type you will be at the right position. This is really helpful. I presume everyone else in the world already knew this. n It was great talking with our children and grandchildren on Christmas Day via Google Hangouts and cell phone. The Atlanta kids were via video and the Bend, Ore., kids via cell phone. (I guess that was because we had just seen them last month). n I became a Shocker basketball fan for the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic just in time to jinx them into losing the championship game. You start believing they will never lose and then it happens.

I think the lesson here is that no team can win all of its games, even though it is expected.

If you wish to share your comments or ideas, my email address is joel@ hillsborofreepress.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

LETTERS

There’s ‘nuttin’’ better than these squares

they were in the 1950s.” If this is the best they’ve got, it’s time for these commissioners to go. They have not I recently read the artidone their job planning corcle by Jerry Engler write on rectly nor have the previous the roads in Marion County commissioners.

(Dec. 24) issue. I do not get I have been in Marion the chance to attend the County for 10 years. It is county commission meettime the commission does ings, but the excuses protheir job for planning and vided by Mr. Holub are budgeting or it is time for unacceptable and were used them to leave office and let 3-4 years ago when they tore someone who can do the job up 120th by Goessel. to step in.

That excuse was: “The Josh Weiser roads are not the same as Rural Goessel

Road excuses not good enough

Hillsboro n from Page 1A

sors were from Hillsboro.

It took some last-minute hustle and a couple of special meetings, but the city of Hillsboro purchased a used pumper fire truck at a cost of $198,100. The 2004 Pierce four-wheel-drive pumper truck was acquired through Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus in Union Grove, Ala. Fire Chief Ben Steketee said if built new from the ground up, the truck would cost around $600,000.

April Local and state leaders responded with condolences to news of the death of Hillsboro resident and former Kansas House representative Don Dahl, 69, in an ultra-light aircraft accident April 18 just a few miles from his hometown.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran told members and guests at the April 17 Hillsboro Kiwanis Club luncheon that if Congress is going to accomplish anything of significance for the future of the country, members of both parties need to get to know each other as people rather than adversaries.

The Hillsboro council agreed in principle at its April 22 meeting to a proposal that would open the municipal airport as a base for aerial spraying operations. Mike Kleiber, owner of Ag Service Inc., said using the local airport would reduce flying time and the expense for producers who want fungicide applied promptly to area fields.

May The Hillsboro council approved an ordinance at its May 6 meeting prohibiting motor vehicles, or parts of motor vehicles, from being parked on front lawns— except for a temporary reason such as unloading passengers or property.

Vehicles must be parked on an “improved parking space,” as defined by ordinance.

Hillsboro Mayor Delores Dalke confirmed in late May that the city received a letter from the land agent withdrawing the offer to buy land for a Fortune 500 company in Hillsboro Heights.

June Workers with Miller Construction of Newton began $22,000 worth of repairs on the Jacob Friesen Flour Mill in Hillsboro. The mill, a precise replica of the one Jacob Friesen built in 1876 south-

Young n from Page 4

resources coming after the program that might be of interest as well.

If you can’t tell, I am pretty excited about this program and our first big challenge of 2015. I know from my time in Marion County, interacting with the people here, and getting a chance to work closely with the Free Press staff since April, that I made the right choice to plant a flag here and align my future with Marion County’s.

This is one of the neatest places with some of the greatest people I have had an opportunity to be around, so let’s tackle 2015 with gusto. I am looking forward to doing so with you.

west of town, was constructed by Richard Wall with help from Paul Friesen from 1992 to 1994.

The 25th edition of the reality television series “The Amazing Race” featured a team with a Marion County connection. Adam Dirks, who was raised in Durham and attended Hillsboro schools and Tabor College, and wife Bethany Hamilton of Princeville, Hawaii, was one of 11 teams to race around the world in pursuit of $1 million on the series. The couple finished third.

After drawing six participants in its debut a year ago, the 2014 Hillsboro Youth Adventure drew 11 seventhand eighth-graders for the second edition. The event involved students in a variety of hands-on activities related to city services. It was co-sponsored by the city of Hillsboro and Families And Communities Together Inc. as a way to strengthen the bond between youth and their hometown.

July The Hillsboro council accepted the resignation of Councilor Marlene Fast at its July 1 meeting and appointed David Loewen to fill the remainder of Fast’s two-year term as a representative from the East Ward.

Less than two months after withdrawing the option to purchase 3.7 acres of city-owned property in Hillsboro Heights for an unnamed Fortune 500 company, the same land agent submitted an identical purchase agreement for the same property. The council decided at its July 15 meeting to send a modified version of the agreement back to the agent as a counterproposal.

The council approved a contract for $11,000 with EBH & Associates to prepare specifications for repairing the city’s smaller water tower, located near the corner of Ash Street and Grand Avenue. The tower was accepted for the National Historic Register in 2011, making the project eligible for $90,000 in grant funding with the city pick-

M

y kitchen is a place where I’m constantly reminded of the wonderful people I’ve been blessed to know throughout my life.

SPICE UP From my mixer to YOUR LIFE my pie pans to my Lindsey measuring cups, Young memories of friends and family float in every cupboard and even more hover in my recipe box. There are tastes and smells of my childhood and good meals with friends in many of the concoctions I stir up on my countertops.

I believe there’s something special about sharing a meal or a recipe with someone—it’s a connection you’ll remember every time that taste hits your tongue.

This summer, Joey and I were blessed by hospitality with some friends, Dustin and Cheryl, who were kind enough to welcome us into their home for a few days as we traveled to a newspaper conference in Colorado and again on our way back to Kansas.

We shared some great meals and conversations with them, and before we headed home, Cheryl presented

ing up the remaining $46,300.

The Hillsboro council voted 3-2 at a special meeting Tuesday, July 29, to accept a revised contract to purchase 3.7 acres in the Hillsboro Heights commercial development. Land agent Ben Hawkins previously stated he is acquiring the property on behalf of an unnamed Fortune 500 company that intends to establish a business that will sell gasoline, groceries and pharmaceuticals.

Angling for a legal way to keep a Wal-Mart from locating in Hillsboro, a delegation of nine citizens led by five local business owners left the Aug. 19 city council meeting mostly with disappointment and frustration.

August The council approved the 2015 budget with an expenditure budget of $6.87 million. It will require a mill levy of 40.366 on a local property valuation of $16.12 million. That compared to a 2014 budget with an expenditure budget of $6.87 million and a mill levy of 40.299 on a local property valuation of $16.28 million.

Christmas Day arrived Aug. 13 for the Hillsboro Fire Department, as it finally received the 2004 Pierce fire truck it had anticipated for more than five months.

An Aug. 31 storm with significant rain and high winds blew off the steel roof of the 1926 water tower that is listed on Kansas Register of Historic Places. The roof landed on a nearby building

HOMETOWN WORD SEARCH S U M Y S V F Y W H O L E G R A I N S S

M T Q A G K Y R O N O D D O O L B H K I

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2014 Puzzle Topics Review APPLES BIKES BIRTH DEFECTS BLOOD DONOR BOWL CINCO DE MAYO ELECTIONS FLAG DAY GAMES

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IMMUNIZATIONS KANSAS BED AND (Breakfasts) MARCH MADNESS MONTHLY NATIONAL PARKS NATIVE AMERICANS OUTLAWS OF KANSAS SAFE TOYS

SAFETY STATE FISHING LAKES STATE PARKS TAX TIME TYPES OF NUTS WHOLE GRAINS WINTER OLYMPICS

us with some delicious chocolate peanut squares along with the recipe.

I was reminded of that visit when I mixed up those squares to share at a gathering this week, and it made me smile.

This recipe came from “Taste of Home Best Holiday Recipes 2007.” I made the recipe as it was originally printed, but Cheryl said she replaces the semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate ones, so you can substitute those if that’s your preference. *** Chocolate Peanut Squares Ingredients 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup melted butter Topping: 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips 4 1/2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter 1/2 teaspoon butter Directions Line an 8x8- or 9x9-inch square pan with foil. Butter the foil. (Try using the wrapper from the stick of butter you’ll be using and rub it all over the foil. It will save you from getting butter all over your hands, and you’ll use those little leftover traces

of butter off the wrapper).

Set the pan aside.

In a bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter, graham crackers and butter. Stir until well-combined and spread evenly in the foil-lined pan.

Combine the topping ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments until it is melted.

Stir the topping and then spread it evenly over the graham-cracker base.

Refrigerate the pan until everything is nice and cold.

Cut into 1-inch pieces, and store in the refrigerator. (To cut it easily, I inverted the pan onto my cutting board, peeled off the foil, and cut it upside down.) *** These are a bit reminiscent of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, so if that’s a candy you enjoy, you’ll like these, too.

And if you make this, share some (and the recipe) with someone you care about. It’ll make a nice memory for you both.

When not helping husband Joey with newspaper work, Lindsey teaches speech, debate and forensics at Haven High School. She can be reached at lindseyclarion@gmail.com.

group submitting the contract was identified as United Partners, with local businessman Jon Hefley serving as the signer for the group.

October Two Hillsboro residents who have been active locally in resisting the arrival of a Wal-Mart store in Hillsboro, challenged city council members and city officials during the Oct. 7 meeting regarding their handling of the situation. Mark Pankratz and Jon Hefley, a coowner of The Lumberyard, addressed the council.

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the council received an apology from one of the two residents who took the council to task at its Oct. 7 meeting.

Hefley said he was sorry for the way his co-presenter shared information during that meeting.

November The Hillsboro City Council approved resolutions during its Nov. 4 meeting that called for a public hearing to receive input from citizens whether four private properties in town should be razed because of “dangerous building conditions.”

The Environmental Protection Agency announced that the city of Hillsboro is among a handful of cities that will receive training and technical assistance to help water utilities bolster their climate-change resilience and readiness.

Hillsboro was the only community in Kansas to be

selected, and one of only two cities in EPA’s four-state Region 7 chosen to receive up to $30,000 in professional assistance.

Olde Towne, one of the more historic buildings in Hillsboro’s downtown business district, is getting a new lease on life, thanks to efforts of two business owners. Marie Kessler, owner of Kessler Kreations, and Gary Reimann of McPherson, owner of the building, want to rent Olde Towne as a venue for parties, meetings, rehearsal dinners, special events and other public events.

December Workers with Crossland Construction Co. Inc. began work on the lot in the Hillsboro Heights development where the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market will be located. Company officials have said the store should open this spring, weather permitting.

Hillsboro council members took the first step toward developing a cash reserve policy for the city’s four utilities by agreeing unanimously at the Dec. 16 meeting that having such a policy is important. At an earlier meeting, City Administrator Larry Paine made the case that having sufficient cash in reserve was a sound business practice in the event of a natural or mechanical emergency.

The reserve funds could be used to continue basic city services: electricity, water, sewer and refuse removal.

me more excited about having a classroom of my own some day. n from Page 4 These past four months teacher. In my Foundations went by super fast. I kept of Education class and busy with school, my new Literature for Adolescents job as a student writer for Kclass, I had two very inspira- State Global Campus and tional teachers. Their dedi- coming home to watch my cation and enthusiasm sister’s volleyball games. made the classes, which While this is a good time already involved interesting to reflect on my year, it’s and fun content, pretty life also a time to look forward changing. I also got to spend to the new things, places time observing a classroom and people of 2015. I’ve been this semester, which made involved with the campus

ministry Cru since my freshman year and I’ve recently been accepted to go on their summer mission at Disney World. I’ll write more about that when I get more information in January, but I am so excited about the opportunity.

In 2014, I traveled the world and learned from inspiring teachers. I can’t wait to see what I’ll do, where I’ll go and who I’ll meet in 2015. Happy New Year!

owned by The Lumberyard, causing damage there as well.

September Standard & Poor’s Financial Service notified the city of Hillsboro last week that it had upgraded the city’s bond rating from an A- to an “A with a stable outlook.” A city’s bond rating affects the interest rate it must pay when it takes out bonds for capital improvement projects.

The board of directors of Hillsboro Community Foundation launched a fall fundraising campaign with the goal of celebrating its 10th year of operation by increasing total endowment funds to $2 million. With just over $1.61 million in endowed funds currently, the “10 and 2: Driving Into the Future” campaign would need about $390,000 to achieve its goal.

Predictions of rain were the biggest concern as the 45th annual Arts & Crafts Fair in Hillsboro drew closer. As it turned out, local law enforcement estimated that between 40,000 and 45,000 people turned out for the day when abundant sunshine and temperatures creeping into the 90s proved to be the biggest challenge.

The Hillsboro council tabled action at its Sept. 23 special meeting regarding a contract it received to purchase property in Hillsboro Heights that is already under contract for the construction of a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market. The

Kaufman

We wish you and yours a season full of fun, joy and celebration! Our staff looks forward to providing continued local news, sports and advertising coverage to our community in 2015.

HOLIDAY HOURS Open Wednesday, Dec. 31 Closed Jan. 1 and 2

It’s hard to believe 2014 is coming to an end. This week’s puzzle will have you find topics that were covered in the weekly puzzle. Have a Happy New Year. Puzzle created by Gary Ewert. Solution: Page: 12

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

Area teams, athletes compete at highest levels 2014 A rea high school teams and athletes again made their presence known in a variety of state sports and settings during 2014, while Tabor College’s basketball teams enjoyed a brief double-dip in the NAIA tournament, and its baseball team made its deepest run yet in the NAIA World Series.

January Two Marion High School track and field coaches, Rex Wilson and Jerry Smith, were recognized as Assistant Coaches of the Year by the Kansas Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association Jan. 11. The pair have more than a combined 90 years of track and field coaching experience.

February The Hillsboro High School Booster Club accepted a check for $7,520 from Hillsboro Ford owners Terry Hagen and Randy Hagen during halftime of the Trojan boys’ basketball game against Smoky Valley Feb. 11. The money was raised fall of 2013 during the Drive 4UR School fundraiser.

junior earned All-American honors by placing seventh in the finals of the men’s SPORTS 1,000-meter run in 2:31.92.

The Marion wrestling YEAR IN REVIEW team earned two medals at the Class 3-2-1A state tourMarch The Tabor College men’s nament at Hays: Kyle Palic placed second at 220 pounds and women’s basketball and Adam Janzen finished team won their respective sixth at 170 pounds. Also Kansas Collegiate Athletic competing for Marion were Conference tournaments Jarrett Johnson (106), Noah March 2. The men defeated Albin (113), Bryce Shults Sterling in overtime, 97-90, (129), Ezra Darnall (126), while the women defeated Remington Putter (145), top-seeded Southwestern, Luke Steele (160) and Zac 85-51. The wins qualified Lewman (182). both teams for the NAIA Hillsboro’s four stateDiv. 2 national tournament. qualifying wrestlers comThe Tabor men’s and bined for a 1-8 record at the women’s basketball teams lost their first-round games Class 3-2-1A tournament. at their respective national Jon Carey went 1-2 at 126 tournaments. The men lost pounds, Cody Delk 0-2 at 152, Preston Nelson 0-2 at 160 to third-ranked Indiana University Southeast, 77-75, and Levi Mendoza 0-2 at 182.

The Hillsboro boys’ and while the eighth-seeded Bluejay women lost 63-62 to girls’ basketball teams qualtop-seeded Northwestern ified for the Class 2A state (Iowa). tournament by winning Tabor College senior their respective sub-state Nikki Lewis was named a tournaments at Berean third-team All-American for Academy. In the title games, NAIA Division II basketball. the girls defeated MoundGarrett Daugherty led ridge, 53-36, and the boys the Tabor College effort at defeated Berean, 54-30. the NAIA Indoor Track and An untimely bout of cold Field Championships. The shooting ended the Trojan boys’ outstanding season with a 59-42 loss to Olpe in Manhattan. The Trojan girls lost their state opener in a 53-50 heart-breaker the previous day. The boys finished the season 21-3 and the girls were 18-6.

April Tabor College announced that former athletic director, coach and player Don Brubacher would be inducted into the Tabor College Athletic Hall of Fame in May. May The Tabor College baseball team earned a trip to the Avista-NAIA Baseball World Series after winning the NAIA Opening Round tournament in Hutchinson with a 5-1 victory over Viterbo (Wis.). Tabor was a perfect 3-0 in the tournament.

The Hillsboro softball FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO team earned a berth in the Marion’s Marissa Jacobson shows the form that won her a Class 2-1A state softball tournament with a 7-0 win gold medal in triple jump at the state track meet. She over Inman in the regional competed in four events, including the gold-medal-winfinals. Junior Julie Sinclair ning 4x400 relay.

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Tabor College shortstop Gadiel Baez takes his turn at bat during the Avista NAIA World Series. The Bluejays made their deepest run in history, going 2-2 on the national stage. allowed only one hit while striking out a school-record 17 batters in the title game.

The Marion baseball team earned a berth in the Class 3A state tournament for the second consecutive year after defeating Wichita Independent, 3-2, in the Marion Class 3A regional.

Twelve Marion Warriors qualified for the state track and field meet in Wichita by finishing among the topfour in their respective events at the Phillipsburg

regional meet. Marissa Jacobson qualified in four events: triple jump, long jump, 400 meters and the 4x400 relay along with Katey Ehrlich, Kelli Hess and Marshelle Mermis.

Battling lightning and rain as well as top competitors from 15 other schools, the Hillsboro track and field team qualified six athletes in a total of 10 events for the state meet. The state qualifiers were Emily Sechrist, Grant Knoll, Marah Franz,

Avery Franz, Taylor Vogt and Tara Proffitt.

June The Hillsboro softball team finished as the runnerup at the Class 2-1A softball tournament in Great Bend with a 5-1 loss to undefeated Chase County in the finals.

The Trojans ended the season with a 23-3 record.

The Marion baseball team made a premature exit from the Class 3A tournament in Topeka, losing in n See Trophy, Page 7

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Hillsboro seniors celebrate the team’s sub-state championship plaque that qualified the Trojans for their seventh consecutive state appearance in fall. The team finished as the Class 3A runner-up after winning two 3A and one 2A state title the previous three years.

Every important game needs its own trophy, right?

C

Jost sent his equipollege footment manager to a ball provides local hardware store an endless to buy a five-gallon supply of enterjug and fill it with tainment, and I’m water for the team. not just talking Minnesota won an about the games. upset victory, and in No, I’m referring to SIDELINE the confusion or some of the bizarre SLANTS humiliation, the trophies attached Wolverines hustled to games played in Joe the regular season.

Kleinsasser off the field, leaving the jug behind. When The University of Minnesota may have the the Minnesota equipment best stories associated with manager found it the next day, he asked his coach what its three, now four, trophy he should do with it. The games. I only know this because I have a cousin who reply was a classic Scandinavian-tinged reply: is a retired archivist from “If Yost wants his yug back, the U of M. he’ll have to win it.”

The Little Brown Jug Up until the World War II started with a game in the era, Minnesota and early 1900s when Michigan Wisconsin played for somecame west for the game. thing called the Slab of Because they didn’t trust the water supply at the field, Bacon. Minnesota dominated the series to the point Michigan coach Fielding

the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy. You can’t make this stuff up. Give an assist to the Internet for making it happen.

Minnesota mascot Goldy Gopher wanted to make a wager with Nebraska, and as a Twitter user, went to Nebraska’s most prominent Twitter figure @FauxPelini.

Goldy tweeted “how about a friendly wager for this weekend’s game? Team that gets the most points get a conference win? Seem fair?”

The fake Bo Pelini tweeted back “OK how about if we win you give me $5, if you win I get to smash a wooden chair over your back.”

To which Goldy replied, “Just as long as we can turn that $5 or bits of broken chair into a trophy for next year’s game.”

The exchange continued Jim Wyatt.

The Tampa State Bank until someone put together Doubles and singles combowling team from Marion something appearing to recently was informed that petition was organized by have invested the $5 on a it finished in second place at age categories in five-year can of gold spray paint and increments. Woodward the Kansas State Senior claimed third place in his Bowling Tournament in singles division. His threeJunction City during Octogame scratch series ber.

Tabor College has been included a high game score Members of the team selected as a five-star NAIA of 234 and a total handicap were Barry Allen, Doug Champions of Character Marler, Mike Woodward and score of 724. award winner.

Each school earned points in five categories: character training, conduct 705 East Randall – Hesston, Kansas in competition, academic Dr. Mark S. Hall, MD • Dr. Joseph Aiyenowo, MD • Jay Wedel, PA-C focus, character recognition Marcy Brubacher, PA-C • Susan Krehbiel, APRN • Maureen Entz, APRN and character promotion.

8 am to 7 pm FAMILY PRACTICE Call Points were also given Monday-Thursday 620-327-2440 Internal Medicine 8 am to 5 pm - Fri. for student-athlete grade Pediatrics point averages and for not For Appointment (Hospital based in Newton) 8 am to 12 pm - Sat. having any ejections during that when Wisconsin finally won a game and took possession of the trophy, the next year they failed to produce it when Minnesota won and wanted it back, claiming it had been lost or stolen.

It was replaced by Paul Bunyan’s axe, which the winning team now traditionally uses to pretend to chop down the loser’s goal post at the end of the game.

Needless to say, Wisconsin’s goal posts have not needed security guards for many years now.

Floyd of Rosedale, the bronze pig that goes to the Minnesota-Iowa winner, dates back to the 1930s.

There was some bad blood

between the two schools/states, owing to an allegation that Minnesota players had targeted Iowa’s star, African-American running back Ozzie Simmons.

Heated verbal threats suggested the possibility of a lynch mob at the next year’s game in Iowa City.

Eventually, Minnesota Gov. Floyd Olson proposed to his Iowa counterpart that they wager a prize-winning hog on the outcome. The Gophers won, and received a hog from Rosedale Farms.

A year or two later they created a bronze pig named Floyd of Rosedale.

This leads to an amusing story of how Minnesota and Nebraska came to play for

Marion bowling team 3rd at state

a tube of super glue. Thus the Bits of Broken Chair Trophy was born. You have to see it to believe it.

Almost immediately, the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy had two things that none of the other new Big Ten Trophies had—a story beyond “a regional business gave us money to come up with a trophy,” and acceptance, particularly from Nebraska fans. A poll on the Daily Gopher found that 94 percent of fans wanted the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy. Even fans from other teams showed support.

It was probably important that Minnesota—the only team with a semi-official representing the trophy idea and the school actually built the trophy—won, as Nebraska might have ignored it. So, the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy Game is now a thing, and as the late Paul Harvey, now you know the rest of the story.

NAIA gives TC character five stars

MID KANSAS FAMILY PRACTICE, P.A.

competition.

Tabor earned 61 points and is one of eight KCAC five-star award winners.

Tabor will be recognized for the honor at the 74th annual NAIA National Convention in April.

The NAIA Champions of Character program emphasizes five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

Schools

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7

Finances a key agenda for local schools, college 2014 N ew configurations and classifications, as well as ongoing budget challenges and compromises, were among the changes that occurred in area schools in 2014 as staff found new ways to prepare their students for an everchanging world.

January The USD 410 Board of Education approved the reconfiguration of the middle and high schools into one building for grades six to 12 to be called Hillsboro Middle/High School. The decision was made in response to declining enrollment in the district.

Twenty-five Hillsboro High School alums—19 in person and six via electronic means—shared with Hillsboro Middle School students their path to career success and fulfillment during the first-ever day-long Kansas Day College and Career Readiness at the school.

February Hillsboro High became one of few high schools in the state to offer threedimensional printing, thanks to the MakerBot Replicator 2 in the technology center. Now, students can see, feel and hold their projects as three-dimensional plastic models.

When she spelled “supplement” correctly, Hillsboro fifth-grader Jessi Dalke claimed the title of best speller in Marion County at the annual bee for elementary and middle school students. Twenty students—two from each of the 10 elementary and middle schools in the county—competed in the bee.

They may have lacked the fancy uniforms, national flags and large fan

Trophy

the opening-round loss to Silver Lake, 9-8. The Warriors finished the sean from Page 6 son with a 21-2 record.

Three state-champion performances highlighted a busy weekend for Marion track and field. The girls’ 4x400 team of Marissa Jacobson, Katey Ehrlich, Kelli Hess and Marshelle Mermis crossed the finish line first in a school-record time of 4:06.27. Jacobson won the triple jump with a leap of 35-10. Alicia Maloney won the pole vault by clearing 10-6.

Hillsboro’s Emily Sechrist and Marah Franz won silver medals at the state meet. Sechrist was the runner-up in the 3,200 with a time of 11:43.19; she also claimed third place in the 1,600 in 5:24.18. Franz cleared a personal-best 10 feet in the pole vault for her

base experienced at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, but students at Marion Elementary School generated enough energy and fun at their own indoor Olympics to almost make up for it. Nicki Case, physical education teacher, organized the two-day event by adapting seven Olympic events.

The Goessel school board recognized three people at its Feb. 10 meeting for certificates they received from the Kansas Association of School Boards: John Fast, superintendent and elementary school principal; Denise Nickel, elementary school secretary; and board member James Wiens.

The campaign to build a new center for the arts on the Tabor College campus entered the public phase Feb. 21. The public phase is intended to raise the final $6.25 million of the $16.2 million needed to build and endow the new facility, meet the college’s annual fund needs and provide other campus enhancements.

March The USD 410 Board of Education reviewed a list of budget cuts totaling $137,550 for 2014-15. Adding that to the $270,977 designated for personnel cuts, the total budget reduction is $408,527.

Hillsboro High School presented its spring play, “The Curious Savage,” the last weekend of March.

Director Bob Woelk described the play as “a thinking person’s comedy.”

An influenza outbreak in late March among students

and faculty at Tabor College seems to have vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. Katrina Hancock, director of communications, said between 30 and 50 students and staff were sick the week after spring break.

April Second-graders at Marion Elementary School got first-hand exposure to the world of inventors and inventions. As part of a twoweek unit on that topic, two inventors from Wichita visited the class and showed them several creations. The two men, Richard Freidenberger and Gary Stecklein, both are members of the Inventors Association of South Central Kansas.

USD 410 Superintendent Steve Noble proposed a plan that would use a new law to enhance the overall financial impact for the district— while still enabling patrons to see a property-tax decrease. The plan enables a school district to increase its LOB taxing authority, most of which would be matched with statewide tax revenue. The plan, which must be approved by USD 410 patrons, would raise about $156,816.

The USD 410 board approved the concept of allday kindergarten for 2014-15 at its April 14 meeting. The proposal brought a contingency of parents to the meeting, with most favoring staying with half-day kindergarten. Hillsboro Elementary School principal Evan Yoder reported more than 80 percent of families represented at kindergarten screening requested a preference for the full-day option.

May Tabor College presented

diplomas to 137 traditional undergraduates during its 104th commencement May 17 at Joel H. Wiens Stadium in Hillsboro.

Thirty-seven seniors received diplomas May 17 at the 108th commencement for Hillsboro High School.

The class produced four valedictorians with a 4.0 grade-point average: Danae Bina, Morganne Hamm, Erin Wiebe and Molly Wiebe.

Almost half of the Marion High School Class of 2014 graduated with honors May 17 at the USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center.

Nine students had a 4.0 GPA: Katey Ehrlich, Kelli Hess, Alicia Maloney, Caitlyn Maloney, Lauren McLinden, Nick Meyer, Zach Robson Amanda Stuchlik and Katelyn Thierolf.

The Canton-Galva High School yearbook and magazine staffs brought home the Kansas Scholastic Press Association 2A State Sweepstakes Championship for the second time in three years.

Three members of the Marion-Florence FFA Chapter were recognized May 29 for having one of the best career development programs in the state at the 86th Kansas FFA Convention. Nicholas Meyer (Poultry), Clint Croupa (Crop Production) and Alicia Maloney (Small Animal Production and Care) earned state Proficiency Awards.

June The Kansas State High School Activities Association ruled that the eightschool Central Kansas League for middle school activities will be expanded to 11 schools with the appointment of Hoisington,

silver medal.

Danae Bina, a senior at Hillsboro High School, was one of 24 seniors who competed at the 29th annual Kansas Volleyball Association All Star Match at Washburn University.

The Tabor College baseball team’s historic run in the program’s first NAIA World Series appearance ended with a heartbreaking 10-9 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 12 innings. The Bluejays went 2-2 in the tournament and finished with a 51-13 record.

Three members of the Tabor baseball team earned all-America honors from the NAIA-Baseball Coaches Association. Pitcher Junior Mustain was named to the second team, while Kirk Rocha and Jacob Webb received honorable mention in the outfield.

Tabor pitcher Jacob Webb became just the second Bluejay in school history to be selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He was chosen by the Atlanta Braves in the 18th round as the 553rd overall selection.

July Hillsboro High School’s Addie Lackey scored 11 points during the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game for girls Saturday in Salina. Her Blue team won, 82-75, over the White team.

Rusty Allen of Tabor College was named KCAC Athletic Director of the Year for 2013-14. He was formally recognized at the KCAC Sport Management Conference in Sterling. This is the second time in three years that Allen has won the award; the first time was

2011-12.

Tabor baseball head coach Mark Standiford was named the 2014 American Baseball Coaches Association’s Diamond Coach of the Year for the Plains Region.

August The USD 410 board of education approved a cooperative sponsorship with Canton-Galva High School in wrestling for 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.

October Hillsboro senior Emily Sechrist capped her high school cross-country career with a second-place finish in the Class 3A race at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence.

Sechrist covered the 4-kilometer course in 15 minutes, 33.1 seconds.

Allison Weber capped an outstanding tennis career at Hillsboro High School with a third-place finish at the

SCHOOLS YEAR IN REVIEW

miles S

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

The construction project at Goessel schools made major headways during 2014. Here a crew pours a concrete floor at the high school in late April.

Larned and Pratt as members starting in 2014-15.

Hillsboro is a member of the CKL. With about 11 percent of eligible voters in USD 410 participating, district patrons voted June 17 to increase the district’s local option budget percentage from 30 percent to 31 percent by a vote of 218-56. The favorable vote gives the school board the authority to raise the percentage to 33 percent, which will generate around $153,000 in extra funds for local schools— most of it coming from matching state funds.

After placing in the top two at the state level in

April, 16-year-old Kalen Moss of Hillsboro took her display depicting the story of Lewis Wickes Hine to the 2014 Kenneth E. Behring National History Contest June 15-19 at the University of Maryland in College Park. Hine was commissioned by the National Child Labor Committee in 1908 to photograph and document child laborers.

July Hillsboro High School’s Technology Student Association was the only chapter from Kansas to receive a trophy at the National TSA Conference, June 26 to July 1 in Washington, D.C. Three

Class 3-2-1A tournament in Dodge City. The senior, a four-time state qualifier who had placed among the top six each year, improved upon her previous-best fifthplace finish in 2012.

The Hillsboro volleyball team qualified for state for the seventh consecutive year by winning the substate title on their home court. The Trojans competed in a gymnasium where temperatures approached triple digits— thanks to outdoor temperatures in the 90s.

The Hillsboro volleyball team took home the runnerup trophy at the Class 3A tournament in Emporia after losing a tough battle against Silver Lake, the No. 1 ranked team in the state.

The Goessel volleyball team finished as the Class 1A, Division I state runner-

up after a three-set loss to Centralia in the championship game at Hays. It was the Bluebirds’ only loss of the season.

November Marion football team’s playoff run ended with a 6140 loss to visiting Lyndon Friday in their Class 2-1A regional game. With the loss, Marion concluded the season with a 6-4 record.

The Peabody-Burns football season ended with a 6644 loss to Osborne in a Class 8-man, Division I bi-district playoff game. PeabodyBurns concluded the season with a 9-1 record.

Three senior athletes represented Tabor College at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence: Joel Allen, Garrett Daugherty and Hannah Holmes.

n See Schools, Page 8

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Schools n from Page 7

competitors—Erich Herbel, Carson Herbel and Matthew Denholm—qualified to attend the national conference by placing at the Kansas TSA conference earlier in the year.

Tabor College was awarded $190,000 in tax credits by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Tabor will use them to help fund the new center for the arts on the main campus.

A record four members of the Centre chapter of Future Business Leaders of America earned awards at the organization’s national competition June 28 to July 3 in Nashville, Tenn. Ally Basore placed first in Parliamentary Procedures, Nellie Kassebaum placed third in Electronic Career Portfolio; Bryanna Svoboda and Makenzie Deines, both senior graduates, finished seventh for their community service project—a technology tutoring program at the Herington Hilltop.

Mary Leihy, who will be a junior this fall at Hillsboro High School, received a silver medal for her STAR Events project during the FCCLA National Leadership Conference July 6-10 in San Antonio, Texas. Leihy’s project was in the Recycle

and Redesign category.

August Tabor College announced it is partnering with Hesston College to provide HC students with the opportunity to continue their education after receiving a two-year degree. The agreement will allow eligible students graduating with an associate of arts degree or an associate of science degree from Hesston College to enter Tabor College as juniors.

Shin-hee Chin, Tabor College associate professor of art and design, was featured in the summer edition of “Surface Design,� a leading international publication in the field of design, fiber and textile arts.

A group of parents are trying to raise funds to rebuild the Hillsboro Elementary School playground. With the addition of a preschool program a couple of years ago, the playground designated for kindergartners and firstgraders is undersized.

Children play on a surface of loose rock, and their sand-pile area gets washed out by drainage water after heavy rains.

Daniel Kunantaev, a 2010 graduate of Hillsboro High School, worked as an intern in Sen. Pat Roberts’ Washington, D.C., office from July 7 through Aug. 9.

Kunantaev is a secondsemester junior at Texas Christian University.

Rod Hamm, an alumnus of Tabor College from Hillsboro, has been named the college’s director of alumni relations.

Miriam Kliewer is the new coordinator for the Lifelong Learning program at Tabor. She succeeds Connie Isaac, who retired in May after serving in the position for 20 years.

September More than 400 people attended this year’s “Big Truck Night� at Hillsboro Elementary School. Lori Soo Hoo, director of Marion County Parents as Teachers, said the turnout represented about 119 family units, which was a higher turnout than last year.

The Goessel school board heard at its Sept. 8 meeting that the district has a head count of 287 students for this school year, an increase of 31 students since 2009.

Superintendent John Fast said Goessel has seen steady growth the past five years.

Tabor College student enrollment for the 2014 fall semester has increased overall by 4 percent with 766 students enrolled now, compared to 736 in 2013, according to the registrar’s office.

Newsweek named Marion High School as one of the top 500 schools in the

country. Newsweek said the purpose of the rankings is to identify public high schools in the U.S. that do the best job of preparing students for college and overcoming the obstacles posed by socioeconomic inequality.

Hillsboro High School is back in Class 3A following the announcement from the Kansas State High School Activities Association of the classification rosters for 2014-15.

October Kimberly Krull, Butler Community College president, was on site to congratulate Amy Kjellin, BCC Marion site director, on the new campus location at the Hill Building, Marion High School, 701 E. Main St. Hillsboro Community Foundation announced it will award a grant of $25,750 toward the HES playground project.

Goessel-USD 411 is one of four districts across the state to receive a Bronze Award and $1,000 from the Kansas State Department of Education for increasing participation in its breakfast program over the past school year.

Centre Superintendent Brian Smith said 129 students in grades five through 12 participated in the district’s first community service day Oct. 8. Students took

on projects in Tampa, Pilsen, Ramona, Burton and Lost Springs.

Goessel High School received a $3,000 grant Oct. 21 from the Westar Energy Foundation to help fund a robotics program titled “Photovores: Light-Eating Robots.� The grant was the largest awarded to a Kansas high school for the foundation’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program.

November Marion-Florence FFA members placed eighth at the National Agriculture Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development Event while at the 87th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. The members were Nicholas Meyer, Clint Kroupa, Raleigh Kroupa and Bret Voth.

The USD 410 board authorized $55,000 from the capital outlay fund at its Nov. 10 regular meeting toward the playground renovation project at Hillsboro Elementary School. The board also approved Athco of Lenexa as the builder and a project budget of $185,000.

The Goessel school board honored Lois Janzen during its Nov. 10 meeting. Janzen is retiring after 46 years of driving a school bus for the district. The board pre-

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Please contact Marci Heidebrecht, HR, at (620) 947-2301 or marcih@parksideks.org for an application. Criminal background checks run at the time of job offer. Parkside is proud to be a drug-free, EOE workplace.

Sales/Service Mechanic Position We have a position open to sell as well as service, repair and rebuild small engine equipment for our Outdoor Power Equipment business including Hustler Turf Equipment, Husqvarna Power Products and others. Must be experienced in small engine work, working with computers for parts look-up, invoicing, inventory.

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Determining the value of the service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstances should you send money in advance or give the client your checking account, license ID, or credit 1 Employment card numbers. Also beware of ads that Drivers - F/T & P/T Layover work. Excellent claim to guarantee loans regardless of wages. Home weekly. Union Benefits for F/T. Retirees for P/T Welcome. CDL - A credit and note that if a credit repair com3YRS EXP + Hazmat Endorsement. 785- pany does business only over the phone 493-4291 EOE. 53-2tc it is illegal to request any money before delivering its services. All funds are based 2 Services in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.KCAN CLASSIWanted

Marion County is accepting applications for a part time position at the transfer station.

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6 Automotive 7 Farm & Ranch 8 Real Estate 9 For Rent 10 Too Late To Classify

MCN

1 Employment

It’s a good time to try something new!

sented Janzen with a plaque.

Hillsboro High School students used the last halfday of school prior to their Thanksgiving break to serve the community by raking for residents. In about two hours, students cleared 60 residential yards, according to Jakob Hanschu, student body president.

December Tabor College’s Signature Campaign received a major boost to its fundraising efforts with confirmation that the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation in Tulsa, Okla., will donate a $1 million gift to the school for the Center for the Arts. Nearly 1,000 donors have contributed to the $8 million needed to receive the Mabee Foundation gift.

The initiative to develop a school farm behind Hillsboro Elementary School met with strong resistance from several residents and landowners from the neighborhood during a meeting of the Hillsboro Planning Commission. Around 20 people crowded into the meeting room either to present the project, object to it, or observe the interaction.

By the end of the 21â „2-hour meeting, the commission tabled the issue with the intent of having a second public hearing Jan. 29.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

9

Marion council issues guidelines for curbside recycling BY

PATTY DECKER

The Free Press

Curbside recycling begins the first week of 2015 in the city of Marion, and in an effort to kick-start the program, businesses wanting a second Dumpster can lease one at half price.

The discount was unanimously approved at the Dec. 22 Marion City Council meeting.

City Administrator Roger Holter said the idea came from requests by business owners interested in recycling.

Citing an example, Holter said Casey’s General Store is a large producer of refuge, and a lot is recyclable.

“Currently, they pay $28.50 for their container,” he said. “We would like to offer them $14.25 in addition to their first one.”

The recycling program goes into effect Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 8 and 9, Holter said.

Residents will have their normal household waste picked up Monday or Tuesdays like normal.

“On Thursdays and Fridays,” Holter added, “residents can place recycling materials out for pickup.

Recycling materials should be placed in the same location they normally place their refuse out.”

For instance, if someone’s trash pickup is on Monday and Thursday, then beginning Jan. 8, their trash will be picked up on Monday’s only and recycling will be on Thursdays only.

Margaret Wilson, a Marion resident, inquired about recycling materials being put in black plastic bags.

Holter explained that even if recycling material is bagged, it will not be picked up as part of recy-

cling because there could be other things in that bag.

“It will go to the El Dorado landfill,” he said.

Wilson asked if there was a way to mandate people use clear pastic bags.

Residents get one free roll each year, he said, and after that, additional purchases are up to them.

“We cannot mandate (clear bags),” he said.

The city is wanting to move a lot out of the refuse stream and get it into the recycling stream, Holter added.

“We do not want to interfere with local businesses,” he said. “This is strictly for larger Dumpsters not generally purchased but on a lease program.”

Councilor Chad Adkins said a lot of cardboard comes out of convenience stores and would be good for recycling.

Commercial businesses will have no change in their refuse pick-up schedule, Holter said.

“If they have a Dumpster that is emptied on Mondays and Thursdays, (the city) will still empty them on Monday and Thursday, the same for Monday, Wednesday and Friday pickups,” he said.

Recycling guidelines According to information provided by the city of Marion, the following are guidelines for recycling: n Recycling does not need to be separated into separate containers. All recycling can go in one box or container. No recyclable material may be bagged. It all has to be loose in the box or container. All separating is done at the recycling center. n Materials that can be recyclable include paper products, such as newspapers, magazines, catalogs, office paper, file folders,

books (hardback or paperback), paper napkins, newspaper inserts, junk mail and paper bags. n Cardboard boxes, except for those used to place recycling out for pickup.

Boxes must be broken down or flattened. n Glass to include jars and bottles, automotive windshields, automotive window glass and household window glass are not permitted.

Not recyclable Materials that cannot be recycled and will be left until the next normal refuse pick-up day include: n Plastic shopping bags, Styrofoam, electronics, but

they can be delivered to the trash. call the city office at 620-382transfer station where they For more information, 3703. are placed in a separate location from normal recycling. n Ceramics and dishes, food products, motor oil containers, household hazardous waste, which can be 128 North Main, Hillsboro, Kansas taken to Marion County’s Real Estate sells first at 9am!!

Hazardous Waste facility north of Main on Coble.

2 Downtown Commercial Business Buildings n Light bulbs, yard waste TRACT 1: 130 N. Main, Hillsboro, KS: Corner location brick buildsuch as grass, limbs and ing divided into 2 individual business spaces, each with separate leaves. Automotive windutilities & HVAC systems. This large building offers Main street office & retail space along with enclosed and open warehouse storage. shield glass and automotive window glass, household TRACT 2: 128 N. Main, Hillsboro, KS: Downtown row building with window glass.

Main street parking to front retail or office area. Warehouse/shop & But with the exception of work space in the rear with alley access. This is an excellent business location. hazardous waste and yard waste, the above items can ***Buildings can be seen by appointment*** be placed with normal

PUBLIC AUCTION

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 • 9 am

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO BE SOLD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SALE OF REAL ESTATE:

PUBLIC AUCTION Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 • 10 am **** 156 Acres Marion County Land **** Sale to be held in the Hillsboro Scout House (located at the East side of Marion County Fair Grounds) LAND LOCATION: From Lehigh, Kansas, 2 1⁄2 miles West on 210th (in McPherson Co.), 3 miles East on Hwy 56, then 1⁄2 mile East on 210th to Junction 210th (in Marion County).

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: SE/4 19-19-1, Marion County, Kansas, less a tract that excepts the home located at 2121 Alamo Road.

LAND DESCRIPTION: Approximately 119 Acres cultivated cropland which is all currently soybean stubble and available for spring planting. Approximately 14 Acres is cropland sown to brome grass. Approximately 8.5 Acres is a spring fed draw that connects to the brome field and offers a year round live water source. The balance of approximately 14 Acres is waterway.

POSSESSION: Possession is immediate upon closing and payment in full.

AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Here is a nice tract of terraced upland cropland with a small hay field and spring fed draw that would allow seasonal grazing on the cropland acreage OR with the high demand for grassland and grazing acres this farm would provide year round grazing if you desire to plant crops suitable for that. Having good access on good gravel roads this farm has potential for diverse uses in diverse seasons.

TAXES: 2014 Taxes were $1123.16

See www.leppke.com for maps, terms & details!!

Sellers: Reginald V. Boothe and Nancy J. Boothe Charitable Remainder Unitrust, Dated November 6, 2014 Mennonite Brethren Foundation, Trustee

501 S. Main, Hillsboro, KS • 620-947-3995

501 S. Main, Hillsboro, KS • 620-947-3995

REALTY & AUCTION

LYLE LEPPKE, Broker & Auctioneer ~ 620-382-5204 ROGER HIEBERT, Sales Assoc. & Auctioneer ~ 620-382-2963

Make Your Business Visible in Marion County’s Largest Distribution Newspaper 620-947-5702

• BUCKET & WINCH TRUCK •

DUTTON

1-620-382-2188

TREE SERVICE

Bill Dutton 620-983-2606 979 East 90th Peabody, KS 66861

601 W. Main – Marion, KS

GUTTERING 18 colors • 5 different leaf guards 5” & 6” Gutter

QUALITY PRODUCTS! Over 100% Stronger than the competition

SIDING & REMODELING.INC.

1140 190th • Hillsboro JAKE WIEBE, OWNER

620-947-5468 or 1-800-207-7513

NEW CONSTRUCTION/ REMODEL WORK

MILLER-OTT FUNERAL HOME & MONUMENTS 327-2685 Hesston

367-8181 Goessel

Sincere Sympathetic Service

HEAT & COOL with Dirt Still qualifies for

• Custom Homes • Room Additions • Siding • Decks & Pergolas

TIM KOEHN • Burns, KS

620-382-6563

WIEBE

CONSTRUCTION • • • • • • • •

30% TAX CREDIT!

– Service with Integrity – 113 S. 2nd • Marion (620)382-2181

COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

Spray Foam Insulation New Homes General Construction Metal Frame Buildings Post Frame Buildings Additions Concrete Work – Decks Siding, Doors & Windows

PEABODY DENTISTRY, LLC

TAMPA, KS

504 N. Poplar St. • Peabody

Kendall Merlin

620-654-2608 620-654-2667

Accepting New Patients Emergencies Welcome

620-983-2285

Fleming’s Mini Stor-All Hillsboro Locations, 405 ORCHARD DRIVE, 224 SANTA FE and Marion, 1798 UPLAND ROAD FOR AVAILABLE SIZES CALL 620-947-0184 Roger & Cynthia Fleming

Be sure to keep cool this summer!

We’ll do a complete check up

on your air conditioning system.

Both R-12 and R-134A style freon.

WEBSTER AUTO SERVICE

mission of the Free Press is Tto heHillsboro contribute to a stronger

and more vibrant community by practicing and promoting the highest standards of journalism for the benefit of our readers and advertisers.

Marion County’s Home Comfort Specialists

SCHMIDT AUCTION for all your auction needs Real Estate • Farm • Household

VAN SCHMIDT Auctioneer/Real Estate 7833 N. Spencer Rd., Newton, KS

620-367-3800 Schmidt Clerks & Cashiers

NEED CONCRETE?

Licensed & Certified

Sardou Carpentry Call Rick (620) 382-3228 or (620) 382-6667

SAVE GAS!

Hang Your Shingle Store your RV Here with us! forNOW asAVAILABLE: low as Mini Storage Sheds $15.00 / week

MILLERS STORAGE

(That’s less than .02¢ / North of Marion off Hwy. 56 household!

620-947-2238

“Taking care of Life’s Little Breaks” Most major insurers will waive deductible Mobile Repair Service

STULTZ MECHANICAL HEAT & AIR SERVICE • New Construction • Replacement • Repairs

Ron Koehn

Radon Testing and Mitigation Services

Cell 620-382-4099

HVAC All kinds of Concrete Work

620-382-2980

James Thomas

620-947-2271 Hillsboro, KS

York • Carrier • Armstrong

HEATING COOLING PLUMBING 1911 170th • Marion

121 N. Ash • Hillsboro, KS 620-947-5762 or 1-888-333-5762 OPEN: 7:30-5 M-F, 7:30-NOON SAT. Serving the professional contractor and the weekend handyman with friendly service at competitive prices!

Barry Allen 106 W. Main Marion, KS 66861

(620) 382-2108

HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

Appliances

Jost Plumbing, Seller LEPPKE

REALTY & AUCTION

Guide Get rid of those troublesome stumps.

Tree Removal & Trimming

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS/REPAIR Americast Right Hand Tub – Almond (new) • Mickey Mouse Child’s Lavatory (new) • 24”Pedestal Lavatory (new) • Loren Cook GC 140 Exhaust Fan (new) • Galvenized & Black Steel Pipe • Copper Pipe, 1” & 1 ½” • Schedule 40 PVC, 1 ½” – 6” • 1 ¼” – 2” Black Roll Pipe • Copper Tubing Rolls • Pex Pipe Rolls • Service Pex • Vent Piping • 3” Oval Vent Pipe • Misc Insulated Flex Duct • Pipe Insulation • 1 1/8”, 1 3/8”, 1 5/8” ArmFlex Pipe Insulation • Furnace Pumps/Motors • Circulating Pump Parts • Hot Water Heater Parts • Furnace Parts • Capacitors • Gas Controls • Fan Center • Chrome Shut Off Valves • Supply Washers & Nuts • Toilet Gaskets • Ball Cocks • Misc Copper Fittings • Assorted Furnace Filters • Supply & Return Grills/Registers • Therma Couplers • Misc Faucets • Faucet Repair Parts • Toilet Seats • Roof Flashing • Pump Wire • Galvanized Plumbing Parts (nipples, unions, etc) • PVC, ABS Fittings, T’s, etc • Schedule 40 Fittings • CPVC • Hot Water Expansion Tanks • Display Faucets

LEPPKE

BUSINESS & SERVICE

STUMP GRINDING

TOOLS/SHOP EQUIPMENT Oster Pipe Master Threader/Cutter, 1 ½” – 2” dies • Universal Equipment 8’ Break • Pexto Shower Model 137-K, 37” • Flagler Seam Maker, 24 gauge • 30” Sheet Metal Roller • 34” Seam Maker • Crimper • Pipe Threader, 3” – 5+” • Milwaukee 12v Copper Tubing Cutter • Copper Tubing Bender • Pipe Vise with Stand • Oster Power Pony • Rigid Hand Threader, 3/8” – 1” • Numerous Squirrel Cage Fan • Louisville 20’ Extension Ladder • 8’ Step Ladder • 2) 6’ Step Ladders • Shop Vac • Misc Hand Tools • Chain Hoist • Log Chains • 7’ Wooden Work Bench with Wood Vise • Wheel Horse 4 Speed Riding Mower • Several Push Mowers • Metal Store Shelving

WWW.LEPPKE.COM

WWW.LEPPKE.COM

LYLE LEPPKE, Broker & Auctioneer ~ 620-382-5204 ROGER HIEBERT, Sales Assoc. & Auctioneer ~ 620-382-2963

FOR SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATION OF

ANTIQUE/COLLECTIBLES Large Old Wooden Front Counter (former Hardware Store Nail Bin) • 2 Large Wooden Bolt Bins, 12’x10’tall & 16’x10’tall sections • Wooden Bolt Bin Cabinet with Bins on both sides, 8’x8’tall • 2) Sliding Glass Display Cases • Old National Cash Register • Security Safe Service Fire Proof Safe • Platform Scale with Weights • Old Wiping Lead, Old Tools & Materials • Cast Iron Melting Pots • Wooden Tool Box

(620) 726-5578 16833 N.W. Boyer Rd. Burns, KS 66840 40-13x

BURDICK Gary E. Hageberg “Your Meat’s Best Friend” • Slaughtering on Wednesdays • Processing • Curing 785-983-4818 or Toll Free 888-337-8379 Emergency Slaughtering call Dan at 785-983-4388 WE SELL SWEDISH FOODS!

Kelsey’s Painting Services n Interior / Exterior Painting n Deck Staining FREE n Weather Proofing ESTIMATES!

CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.

316-217-2875

Serving The Area Since 1957

HILLSBORO–620-947-5921 MARION–620-382-3311

Mike Stultz, Owner Hillsboro

Quality Used LALOUETTE LLC Appliances LAW, A Full-Service

• Service • Repair • Installation • 35 Years Experience

Neufeld Appliance Repair

Law Firm

Providing Individualized Attention

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H: 620-382-2458 • C: 620-386-4158 Marion, Kansas Create the Home Dreams Are Made Of! • Gray-Seal Paints • Windows • Interior & Exterior Doors • Glass & Screen Repairs Free estimates on your building projects-no obligation

Richard W. Kelsey, Owner 408 Pawnee Rd. • Peabody, Kansas RWKelsey@hughes.net

Masters License since 1986

Nickelson Fisher, LLC 108 W. 2nd • Galva, KS • 620-654-3650

Lori L. Lalouette

Marion County Native 111 S. Main St. Hillsboro, KS 67063

620-947-0261 877-651-4916 (toll free) www.lalouettelaw.com lori@lalouettelaw.com

Trees Invading Your Pasture?

will get the job done.

Clear trees out of your pasture with a Turbo Saw - flush to the ground (no stumps) 12 Years Side trimming

Experience

SIEBERT’S TREE SERVICE Call John • 620-878-4488 Cell 620-382-4235

• Non-residential • Free Estimates • References Available

Business/Farm 10

www.hillsborofreepress.com Dedicated to serving Hillsboro and Greater Marion County, Kansas

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

Fall harvest surpasses wheat harvest for many F

rom smaller wheat harvests and larger fall harvests, to businesses opening, closing and coming, 2014 proved to be an eventful economic year for Marion County.

January Officials with Mid Kansas Cooperative Association said the year-long project to build a high-speed loading facility west of Canton along U.S. Highway 56 could be completed by the end of August. The grain shuttle will be able to load 110-car trains in less than 12 hours, said MKC officials.

After several months of public speculation about the future of Vogts HomeTown Market in Hillsboro, a spokesperson for Heartland Foods said its purchase of the store would become official Feb. 3. The Vogt family owned and operated the local grocery business for 89 years.

Marci Penner, executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, was guest speaker at the third annual Hillsboro and Marion joint chambers of commerce dinner meeting Jan. 27. More than 150 people attended.

February A Subway restaurant will open in Marion this spring, according to Greg Carlson, one of the partners. The other partners are Jessica Laurin, Mitch Carlson and Linda Carlson.

Mitch’s son, Chase, will be the restaurant manager.

Physician Greg Erb began seeing patients at Hillsboro Community Hospital Feb. 10, filling the hole created by the departure of physician Shauna Kern a few days earlier.

March Rickey Roberts, Marion County Extension agent,

2014 ECONOMY YEAR IN REVIEW said the harsh sub-zero arctic fronts that came through this winter may have killed some patches of wheat, or at least have taken a toll on potential yield.

More than 40 people attended the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce luncheon March 11 to recognize the Vogt family for 89 years of service in the grocery business, and to welcome the new owners of the store in Hillsboro Heights.

April The Hillsboro Free Press, and the company that publishes it, had a new majority owner as of April 1. Joey and Lindsey Young, owners and publishers of newspapers that serve the Andale area and Maize, acquired the portion of Kansas Publishing Ventures owned by founding publisher Joel Klaassen. The purchase agreement has Klaassen continuing with the business as an employee for three years before his planned retirement.

May MB Foundation, based in Hillsboro, finished the 2013 fiscal year with an increase in several financial categories. Total assets increased by 10 percent to a 2013 total of $153.4 million.

Ten years ago, total assets were $47.3 million, representing growth of more than 220 percent during that time.

Marion County moved closer to a major economic development with the unanimous approval by county commissioners May 12 to issue a conditional-use per-

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Standing in a thin stand of wheat at the Cooperative Grain & Supply test plot east of Hillsboro, Kansas State University agronomist Gary Shoup told producers who came to the annual wheat tour what they already knew: No bumper crop this year because of drought. Rain in late May did increase yields in some parts of the county. mit for a wind turbines electrical generation farm. Rex, Carolyn and Randy Savage were on hand for the landowners’ Windborn Energy company.

Jost Welding, a fixture at 118 S. Main St. since 1919, is finding a new niche through its business relationship with the AGCO manufacturing plant in Hesston. The Hillsboro business has been building iron racks, dollies and carts that are being used for parts storage at the Hesston plant. “It’s been a real godsend,” owner Todd Jost said.

Marion County commissioners gave the goahead for Lyle Leppke, Hillsboro auctioneer, to proceed with a July 8 auction of the vacant motel along U.S. Highway 56 near Florence.

The motel is regarded by the

county to be in a state of partial deterioration, but restorable.

Around 60 wheat producers turned out for Cooperative Grain & Supply’s annual wheat plot tour May 15. Gary Shoup, Kansas State University agronomist, told producers what they already knew: No bumper crop this year because of the drought.

Roger Schroeder, marketing director at St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, announced that St. Luke Physician Clinic and Marion Family Physicians will be merging June 2.

June The outlook for Marion County crops this year after two weeks of abundant rains is looking much better, according to extension agent Rickey Roberts. He

added that fall crops—corn, soybeans and milo—are showing potential for unexpected abundance.

As of June 10, Jessica and Scott Winter are the new owners of Hillsboro Animal Clinic, the veterinary operation launched by Norman “Doc” and Connie Galle 40 years earlier.

Winter said she’s not planning major changes at the clinic, but hopes to expand in the area of small-animal medicine.

The 2014 wheat harvest was in high gear with most local producers entering their fields June 17 and 18.

Dick Tippin, grain coordinator at Cooperative Grain & Supply, estimated the harvest was “probably a little over half ” compete when the rain hit. Tippin characterized the harvest as

“pretty fair,” with yield reports ranging from 15 bushels an acre to as high as 50 bushels.

Todd Heitschmidt, president of Central National Bank in Marion, presented a check for $5,000 to kickstart a new micro-loan program that benefits participants in Marion County Circles, a program for people seeking to move out of poverty. CNB developed the loan program and will maintain it under the umbrella of Family And Communities Together Inc. Two Hillsboro businesses were recognized for their economic and civic contributions to the community during the July Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Wheatbelt Inc., owned by Roger Hofer, and the Real n See Harvest, Page 11

K-State researchers develop heat-tolerant wheat gene

ALL MARION COUNTY OFFICES including the Transfer Station will be CLOSED Thursday, January 1

for New Year’s By order of the Marion County Commission

As we wrap up another year, we’d like to send our very best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015. Your support and goodwill in 2014 have meant a lot to us, and we look forward to serving you again in the new year.

Lyle Ediger

MARKETS

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is even more heat stable and still demonstrates a 25 to 35 percent yield increase.

This gene shows the best yield increase at temperatures of 29.5 to 32.3 degrees Celsius (85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

With patents filed for these traits, Trick and Fritz are now working to cross this thermo-tolerance into elite wheat varieties that have their own heat tolerance potential. The goal is to amplify the synergistic effect of doubling down on heat tolerance.

Because no genetically modified wheat is currently in the U.S. supply chain, this heat tolerant wheat will eventually need a sponsor that can take it through the strenuous and extensive regulatory process before it can be commercialized and be planted by Kansas farmers.

“We want the technology in hand and validated so when genetically modified wheat is allowed to be grown, the product is there for companies who see its value,” Trick said.

In the meantime, Trick’s team will continue to gather as much data as possible on traits like heat tol-

PRICE

75 to 85 percent of the grain’s dry weight, making it an important part of farmer’s final test weight.

That starch is converted from sucrose by the enzyme soluble starch synthase (SSS).

Trick said this enzyme appears to be particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures. At warm temperatures, the protein starts to denature, which causes a shriveled kernel.

Trick and his team sought a way to increase the wheat plant’s tolerance to these higher than optimal temperatures. They started with rice, a tropical plant grown at higher temperatures that also has grain that fills. They found a single SSS gene that provides more thermo-tolerance when added into the genome.

This genetic addition acts as a backup generator for grain fill, taking over starch conversion only when the original wheat protein has maxed out. The result is a steady 30 to 35 percent yield increase.

The team is finding even more durable genes in other plant species, including a gene from grapes that

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PUBLIC NOTICE

pathologist at Kansas State University, and Allan Fritz, KSU wheat breeder, are working on a transgenic wheat that would tolerate warmer temperatures during this plant development stage.

Their research is funded

by Kansas wheat farmers.

With just a single added gene to boost thermo-tolerance, this wheat could increase yields by up to 35 percent.

Wheat has an optimum temperature range during the grain filling stage of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius (59 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Trick said that for every one degree Celsius rise in temperature above that level, 3 to 4 percent of yield could be lost. That is a problem for Kansas, where temperatures often reach 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) during this mid-May to mid-June period.

As the grain begins to fill, it accumulates starch.

This starch will account for

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During this critical grain filling stage, extreme temIf temperatures are too peratures can lead to shrivhot in May and June, farm- eled kernels and yield loss. ers could lose more than layOne gene may be the ers. answer. Harold Trick, plant

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Kansas Wheat

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BY JULIA

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erance as well as finding even better genes to help boost production for Kansas wheat farmers.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

Harvest

Business seminar aims to help businesses compete

n from Page 10

Estate Center, owned by Delores Dalke, each received a Merit Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce as part of its “Business Appreciation Month.”

July Final reports indicated wide variation in Marion County wheat yields this summer. In the north, where rainfall was sparse, the harvest was described by Stan Utting of Agri Producers Inc. in Tampa, as “pretty bad, yields very poor, less than half of normal.”

Toward the center of the county, with more rain, the situation was better. Dick Tippin of CG&S said the yield was about 60 percent of normal with weight at 60 pounds per bushel, then 56 to 58 pounds following a period of rain.

In a recent assessment conducted by Kansas State University and Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services, Salem Home in Hillsboro consistently exceeded state averages in the effort to create a quality living experience for its residents.

The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce members hosted a ribbon-cutting at the new production home for Grannie’s Mustard, located at 301 N. Birch.

Lydia Hein and her late husband, Emice, began the business on the family farm north of Hillsboro in 1990.

Son Eugene took over in 2010, assisted by wife Rita.

The company has grown to produce eight flavors of mustard.

August A recent study conducted by the Kansas Independent

11

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Hillsboro Development Corp. and the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce presented general manager Cora Friesen and her family a plaque recognizing the business’s 28 years of “outstanding service to the Hillsboro community” through Quick Flick/Radio Shack, which closed in fall because of a decision by Verizon to sell phone service through its corporate store.

College Association found that Tabor College generated $7.5 million in income to the Marion County economy during the 2012-13 fiscal year. The revenue equaled about 2.8 percent of the county’s gross regional product.

As the corn harvest began, observers said Marion County may have a record corn crop for modern times this year. Or it may be a non-record, but still a very good corn crop.

Hillsboro Ford Inc. celebrated 50 years of ownership under the Hagen family this year. The local dealership received the 50th Year Continual Family Owned Dealership award from Ford Motor Co. in July.

St. Luke Hospital and Living Center was designated as a Level IV trauma center by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Hospitals

that achieve Level IV trauma center designation have demonstrated a commitment to providing optimal care for those who have been seriously injured.

September The corporate announcement Sept. 11 that Wal-Mart plans to build a Neighborhood Market in Hillsboro generated continuing conversation via traditional and social media. The 12,000-foot store, to be located at 605 Orchard Drive in Hillsboro Heights, is expected to open in spring 2015 and will sell primarily groceries and pharmaceuticals.

October A new 40-feet by 40-feet concrete dry fertilizer bin will add 650 tons of storage to an existing building complex at Cooperative Grain & Supply’s site in the Hillsboro Industrial Park.

The project should be com-

pleted in mid-November.

Hillsboro Development Corp. and the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce presented general manager Cora Friesen and her family a plaque recognizing the business’s 28 years of “outstanding service to the Hillsboro community” through Quick Flick/Radio Shack, which closed in fall.

Central National Bank President Mike Padgett presented a $20,000 donation to representatives from Tabor College Monday in the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center on campus. “We look forward to the completion of the Center for the Arts,” Padgett said. “It will be a great venue for both the school and the larger community.”

November Alco headquarters announced that all of its stores, including the one in Hillsboro and 21 other com-

“Thinking Outside of the Big Box,” a free program designed to enhance small businesses in Marion County, will be offered Thursday, Jan. 8 in the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center on the Tabor College campus.

The afternoon program will begin at 4 p.m. with a presentation by Marion City Administrator Roger Holter focusing on prepping businesses for the incoming big box competition.

Holter is an experienced leader and administrator who has been involved in the retail industry for more than 40 years.

Following a brief break, during which Holter will be available for questions, the evening portion of the program will begin. Finger food will be served starting at 5 p.m.

At 5:15 p.m., Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation director and co-founder, will provide eight must-do’s for business success in a small town.

Founded in 1992, the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture.

Following Penner’s presentation, Tim Smith, president of Tim Smith Consulting, will deliver the keynote address at 6 p.m., which will focus on delivering superior customer service.

Smith has been in the training field for more than 27 years. Some of his clients include: Executive Office of Former President Bill Clinton; The Pentagon; New Balance Footwear; Commerce Bank; and The United States Tennis Association to name a few.

Tim Smith Consulting is a management and workplace training organization in Allentown, Pa. The free program, which is open to the public, is sponsored by Marion County Economic Development and the Hillsboro Free Press.

munities across Kansas, will be closing. Alco opened its store in Hillsboro in 1994. The closing date was not announced.

About one year after opening the Medical Plaza of Hillsboro, Newton Medical Center will close its satellite clinic at 122 N. Main St. Steve Kelly, NMC chief executive officer, said NMC decided in 2013 to open a clinic in Hillsboro not to compete with Hillsboro Community Hospital, but to be in a position to provide medical services to the community if HCH could not continue operating.

An hour after Laura Lachman stepped into her office as the new chief executive officer at Salem Home in Hillsboro, a team of state surveyors stepped in, too. “I knew Salem Home was in the survey window for state surveyors,” said an upbeat Lachman, who started Nov. 3. “They don’t announce when they’re coming, they just walk in the door.”

December Cooperative Grain & Supply and the Ampride stores in Hillsboro and Marion distributed checks

Friday totaling $5,444 to four food banks in the CG&S service area.

December rains have given Marion County and area wheat producers a shot at a more abundant winter wheat crop next summer. After dry weather stressed crops with consequently lowered yields in recent years, there is a greatly improved chance of a good wheat crop harvest next summer.

Less than a year after acquiring the former Vogts HomeTown Market in Hillsboro, Heartland Foods co-owner Paul Barnes confirmed the store will close its doors Dec. 31.

Co-sponsors Marion County Economic Development and the Hillsboro Free Press announced details of a “Thinking Outside the Big Box” free program intended to help local businesses “enhance your small-business and compete with the 800-pound gorilla.” The Jan. 8 event will feature both an afternoon program and an evening program in the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center on the Tabor College campus.

BASKETBALL PLA Y B Y PLAY! BROADCAST FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

When this photo was taken in October, Cooperative Grain & Supply was making progress on a new 40-feet by 40-feet concrete dry fertilizer bin that will add 650 tons of storage to an existing CG&S building complex in the Hillsboro Industrial Park. The project was to be completed in mid-November.

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Jan. 2 - Culver-Stockton @ Tabor Jan. 3 - Missouri Valley College @ Tabor Jan. 6 - Lyons @ Hillsboro LIVE ON THE AD ASTRA SPORTS NETWORK!

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www.hillsborofreepress.com Dedicated to serving Hillsboro and Greater Marion County, Kansas

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

Odd election finish capped a challenging year A

year that began with arctic temperatures ended with complaints about deteriorating gravel roads in Marion County. During the months in between, county residents and leaders experienced a variety of highlights and challenges— including a most unusual election.

January The major front of arctic air that enveloped much of the upper U.S. brought snow and plummeting temperatures to Marion County at the start of the year. The cold bottomed out at minus4 degrees in some places.

The six school districts in the Free Press distribution area, except for Marion, extended winter break vacation by at least one or two hours; Centre closed for the entire day. The storm brought 2-3 inches of snow.

The Marion County Board of Commissioners heard County Clerk Tina Spencer report at the Dec. 31 payday meeting that the monthly sales tax receipts in the county were the largest on record for the decade.

Gov. Sam Brownback announced the nomination of Sen. Jay Emler to the Kansas Corporation Commission. Since 2001, Emler represented Senate District 35, which currently includes Marion County.

For almost three hours Hometown Word Search S + M + S + + + W H O L E G R A I N S +

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2014 COUNTY YEAR IN REVIEW Jan. 16, the entire city of Peabody lost electrical power because of high winds. A spokesman with Westar Energy said 561 customers were without power for 168 minutes.

The deadline to sign up for the April 1 local election ended Jan. 25. The only contested races were in the city of Marion with a three-way race for mayor, and five candidates vying for two council seats. Challenging incumbent Mayor Mary Olson are Todd Heitschmidt, a city council member, and Steve Unruh, who described himself as a concerned citizen interested in city government.

February Marion County was covered with a blanket of snow last week that ranged from 12.5 inches in the northern part of the county to 9 inches at the southern end.

Single-digit temperatures kept the snow amounts almost intact for nearly a week. The snow began falling Monday night, Feb. 3, and continued through Tuesday. All six school districts in the Free Press distribution area canceled classes Tuesday and Wednesday; some resumed classes Thursday with a delayed start to the day.

Six months after breaking ground, the Marion City Library opened its new 30foot by 30-foot addition. A come-and-go reception was set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 20.

March More than 40 people attended the March 3 candidate forum at the Marion

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Nine whooping cranes were feeding on farm ground about a mile east of Aulne in Marion County in late March. Mark Miller of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks estimates 250 cranes are migrating through Kansas this spring.

Community Center as candidates squared off for mayor and city council seats.

Rollin Schmidt, transfer station and recycling director, told commissioners that 71.7 tons of recyclables had been disposed of since beginning the effort in late 2013; 45.38 tons have been disposed of this year.

Schmidt said money received for the materials covers the fuel “and a little extra.”

For the first time in recorded history, whooping cranes were sighted in Marion County on their migration journey north.

Mike Miller with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, said an estimated 250 wild whooping cranes were migrating through Kansas.

Marion’s Chingawassa Committee announced that

Love and Theft would be the main act for the Saturday night feature concert at this year’s Chingawassa Days festival in Marion, June 6-8.

Residential and business customers in Marion will see higher electric rates when they get their bills May 1, based on action taken March 24 by the Marion City Council. City Administrator Roger Holter said the rate increase is tied to consumer consumption.

Seventy-four people who called in were denied permits by county offices for burning grass pastures and Conservation Reserve Program acres Saturday during calm wind conditions. The following Monday, Emergency Management Director Randy Frank told the Marion County Commission that county firefighters were called to put out eight different range-

land fires.

More than 125 people registered to take part in the Marion County Health Fair March 2 in the Marion Sports and Aquatic Center.

Fifty vendors, representing a variety of health and wellness organizations, offered myriad services and discounts to fairgoers.

April Marion has a new mayor after Todd Heitschmidt received 329 votes to win the April 1 local election. Incumbent Mary Olson received 187 votes and Steve Unruh 29. Heitschmidt will relinquish his seat on the council April 14 and take his place as mayor.

Anita Goertzen resigned as Goessel city clerk effective June 30 after 18 years in that position. She and her husband will be moving away. The council authorized Goertzen to place ads in area newspapers for the full-

time clerk position.

May May 4’s 100-degree temperature shattered the former record-high of 85 degrees in 2012, according to Marion County Park and Lake officials.

The Goessel City Council welcomed Jennifer Whitehead as the new city clerk “in training.” Her first day was May 19; her hours increased to full-time in July.

June Roger Fleming, the 1st District representative on the Marion County Board of Commissioners, said he will not seek relection in November, citing personal reasons.

No other candidates filed for the position before the June 2 deadline.

Attendance at the 18th annual Chingawassa Days June 6-8 was down slightly, but organizers said it was still a successful weekend.

To Promote the Benefits of Shopping Locally, the Free Press Announces in cooperation with the Chambers of Commerce of Marion and Hillsboro

1st

500

$

In Free Press Bucks

2nd

$ $

0 0 3 s Pres e e r In F Bucks

3rd

200

In Free Pr Bucks ess

SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS!

A Christmas shopping promotion! All purchases must be made at Marion County retail merchants

Here’s how it works: Save your receipts on purchases you make from Marion County retail merchants between Nov. 26 and Dec. 31 and be rewarded with a chance to win $500, $300 and $200 in Free Press Bucks that can be spent like cash at Marion County businesses listed on bucks. You will receive 1 ticket for every $50 in receipts you can show from multiple or single purchases you have made A single receipt can be worth no more than 10 tickets total. To obtain the tickets, simply go to the Marion Chamber of Commerce (203 N. Third, Marion) or Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce (111 W. Grand, Hillsboro) offices to exchange your original receipts for tickets. The receipts will not be returned. The prize winners will be announced in the Wednesday, Jan. 7 Free Press by the three numbers drawn for First, Second and Third Places. Just bring in your matching ticket with the winning number to claim your prize.

Merchants: There is nothing for you to do but say thank you and give great customer service. The Free Press bucks you accept from the winners are good on your account at the Free Press. If the amount is larger than your invoice, the difference will be paid back to you in cash.

Your receipts from Marion County businesses may be exchanged for tickets per the rules below to be included in the drawing. Purchases are reqested but no purchase is required to participate. If a ticket is requested one will be given without evidence of receipts.

1. Entries of receipts entrants have collected from purchases made from Marion County merchants are due at the Hillsboro or Marion Chamber of Commerce offices no later than Dec. 31, 2014. Marion Chamber is located at 203 N. Third and Hillsboro Chamber is located at 111 West Grand. Receipts must be from purchases made on or after Nov. 26, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2014. Entrants are responsible for making copies of receipts, as original receipts must be submitted. Receipts must contain dates from Nov. 26, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2014.

2. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter.

3. Contest begins Nov. 26, 2014. Entrants will receive one ticket per $50.00 of receipts turned in. Maximum number of tickets per single receipt is ten (example:

vehicle, farm equipment, major appliance). There is no limit to the number of receipts each person can bring in to exchange for tickets. Dual tickets will be provided, one retained by the shopper and one retained by the chamber to be placed in the drawing.

You need not fill out your name and address on the tickets as the winning numbers will be printed in the Free Press in the Jan. 7, 2015 issue which is how the winning numbers will be claimed.

4. Receipts must be from a Marion County retail business during the designated dates to qualify. Must be for durable goods.

5. Winning numbers will be announced in the Free Press on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. Decisions made by the Free Press are final. Winners may claim their prizes by bringing the winning tickets to the Hillsboro Free Press, 116 S. Main, Hillsboro, KS 67063.

6. Employees of Kansas Publishing Ventures, LLC and their immediate families are not eligible to win.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS Committee member Tammy Ensey said, “We had beautiful weather, a great crowd of people and two awesome concerts.”

City officials met with representatives with the Kansas Department of Transportation to discuss plans for a roundabout at First and Main streets in downtown Marion.

“There’s a lot of opinion, but with very little facts,” City Administrator Roger Holter said about the project.

Craig Dodd, owner of Chisholm Trail Outfitters in Hillsboro, observed the June 9 county commission meeting as the only declared write-in candidate to succeed Commissioner Roger Fleming.

About 53 youth between the ages of 7 and 16 turned out May 31 for the first Scott O’ Dell Memorial Youth Day at the wildlife area at Marion Reservoir’s French Creek Cove. The event was sponsored by Marion County Quail Forever, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

Lori Lalouette-Crawford, an attorney and business owner from Hillsboro, announced via email that she will seek write-in votes as a Republican in the Aug. 5 primary election.

After learning Butler Community College plans to vacate the Bown-Corby building Aug. 1, the Marion City Council at its meeting June 9 started exploring options of how the property can continue to be used.

The Bown-Corby building at 412 N. Second St., once served as the elementary school.

Justin Terrel, 17, of Marion, cleared the first hurdle to his dream of winning “The Voice,” the nationally televised singing contest, by receiving a red card during his first audition in Denver, Colo.

Terry Jones, Marion’s new economic development director, said he sees exciting future possibilities for the city. Jones was appointed to the position by the city council in late April. He said he wants to see Marion continue to grow while reflecting the values and goals of its residents and business stakeholders.

Former Emergency Medical Services Director JoAnn Knak was appointed by the Marion County Commission to be interim EMS director after the commissioners “relieved” the current director, Steve Smith, from the position, effective at noon, June 30.

July Two adults and one child volunteered to repaint the American flag mural at Liberty Park in Marion. Joy Waldbauer of Durham and Skye Young of Hillsboro and her granddaughter, Alyssa Young, started the project July 11 and finished it within a week.

Marion County Lake and Park Superintendent Steve Hudson told the Marion County Commission that dogs running loose at lake residences were causing enough problems for campers across the street in the park areas that commissioners may have to change leash laws. Dogs were fighting each other in camping areas and one potentially vicious dog had threatened campers, he said.

Former Republican Sen. Bob Dole was in Marion July 14 as part of his 105county gratitude tour. At 90 years old, Dole said he PATTY DECKER PHOTOS looked forward to meeting Three Marion County volunteers—Joy Waldbaurer on scaffolding and Skye Young (walking) and Alyssa Young on the the more than 40 people ground—repainted the huge American Flag mural at Liberty Park in Marion during July. who attended the event at the Marion Community business” made its way into Highway 56 at Hillsboro. during the Aug. 5 primary didates, Lori Lalouette Center. Dole was a U.S. the Sept. 2 Marion City According to a written Crawford, a Hillsboro attor- election. Lalouette prevailed Senator from 1969 to 1996. opinion issued by a Kansas Council meeting when one ney, and Donald Ewert, a re- over Ewert, 191 to 118. She A total of 2,429 maricouncil member requested tired farmer-stockman from will face Craig Dodd on the Association of Counties juana plants were discovinformation about these attorney, Board of County November ballot. the Durham area, were ered in the southern half of write-in options on the Re“big box” retailers. CounMarion County Road and Commissioners candidate Marion County in mid-July, publican ballot. cilor Jerry Dieter said he Lori Lalouette-Crawford Bridge Director Randy but because of the circumCrawford told commission- would face only limited con- heard a lot of gloom and August stances, no arrests are exflict-of-interest issues if she doom from acquaintances By a unanimous vote, the ers at their Aug. 29 payday pected. The Marion County Marion City Council aparound town. were to be elected to the meeting to take a “hard sheriff ’s office was conWith more than 260 peoposition Nov. 4. Her huslook” at converting some proved a 6.2 mill increase tacted about the plants by ple taking advantage of the for its 2015 budget. City Ad- bridges on dirt roads to low- band is Randy Crawford, property owners in the opportunity, organizers said road and bridge director; water bridges using steel ministrator Roger Holter area, said Sheriff Rob Craft. said the main expense is the railroad cars in place of her brother-in-law is Sheriff the first Marion County Brightly colored wagon Preparedness Fair was a building high-dollar bridges Rob Craft. debt service, which is wheels, sunflowers, stars success. “We’re very happy County commissioners under state requirements. slightly more than $5 miland other objects were part lion. with how things went, we’ve sought input from the pubSeptember of a “Barn Quilt 101” class lic on whether to stay with a already started planning for Two women, including Registered voters in July 12 with 19 participants Marion County exceeded Jean E. Case, 85, of Marion, volunteer Emergency Medi- next year,” said Randy signed up. Teresa Huffman, Secretary of State Kris died as a result of a two-ve- cal Services staff or change Frank, director of the Marion County Economic county’s Emergency Manto a full-time paid staff.

Kobach’s prediction of a 22 hicle collision at the juncDevelopment director, said n See County, Page 14 Hillsboro’s “mystery tion of Ash Street and U.S. percent statewide turnout this was the first class for local artists, adding that it won’t be the last.

Benefiting from a couple of breaks in the summer heat, plus a roster of new activities on Saturday, the organizer-in-chief of last week’s Marion County Fair said he is initially pleased with the attendance and participation at the fourday event. “As a whole, the fair went very well,” said FREE PROGRAM to help you learn how to:Enhance your small business Myron Regier, who is in his and compete with the 800 lb. gorilla first year as fair board president.

Since Fleming’s decision not to seek re-election, three people announced In the Tabor College Rehearsal Hall their intention to be writein candidates. Craig Dodd, owner of Chisholm Trail Outfitters in Hillsboro, Parking Near Jefferson and B Streets won’t be involved in the Aug. 5 primary election because he is not affiliated with either the Republican Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated or Democratic parties. InSun Tzu warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

4:00-4:30 – Roger Holter stead, Dodd would be required to file by petition. with PREPARE – A guide to prepping your business for the incoming big box competition Roger Holter is an experienced leader and administrator in the fields of market developThe other two write-in canment, retail operations and governmental operations committed to organizational growth through creativity, visioning and engagement of all associates and business partners.

He has been privileged to have the opportunity to be involved in the retail industry for more than 40 years. Positions include a broad range from the principal in four small businesses to a Regional Manager for National Retailers including Sears and Lowes Home Improvements.

Accomplishments include participation in the launch of the Sears Roebuck and Company Small Market Initiative and with the Lowes Home Improvement Company the brand launch campaign in the Minnesota Market. He has enjoyed company recognitions for revenue growth in the regional assignments achieving over $250 million in annual revenues and the good fora tune of leading a store team achieving over $50 million in revenues and highest percentage growth in the Midwestern region.

Now, enjoying the amazing quality of life only available in the wholesome family environment of Marion County, Kansas with the desire to contribute to the community in a small way for the future success. Truly living and enjoying the “Rural by Choice” decisions.

Dec. 31: Closing at 3 pm BREAK – Set up for Evening Program – Roger available for Q&A during the break Closed New Year’s Day Closed Saturday, Jan. 3 Finger Food will be served beginning at 5 p.m. through the evening.

THINKING OUTSIDE OF

Thurs., Jan. 8 WOHLGEMUTH MUSIC EDUCATION CENTER

Afternoon Program

! r a e Y w e N y p p a H

Wishing you

Marion

217 E. Main, Marion 620-382-2135 Toll Free: 800-310-2135

With warm wishes at Christmas.

Evening Program 5:15-5:45 – Marci Penner Want business success in a small town?

Here are 8-Must-do's Marci Penner is director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation that she co-founded with her father, Mil Penner, in 1992. The mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture. Marci and assistant WenDee LaPlant are currently going to every town in the state to research for the next Kansas guidebook. They intentionally observe and collect issues and solutions in rural communities.

6:00-7:30 – Tim Smith Delivering Superior Customer Service Tim Smith is the President of Tim Smith Consulting, which is a management and workplace training organization located in Allentown, PA. Tim has been in the training field for over 27 years.

Some of his clients include: Executive Office of Former President Bill Clinton; The Pentagon; New Balance Footwear; Commerce Bank; Lehigh Carbon Community College; CrozerChester Medical Center; The United States Tennis Association; Herr Foods; The Home Depot; Lehigh Valley Hospital Network; The Independent Free Papers of America; and High Steel Industries just to name a few.

Here’s hoping your holiday is blessed with the perfect combination of peace, harmony and joy.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Rick Griffin, Auctioneer/Broker Cell: 620-343-0473

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Presented by:

Office: 305 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, Ks. 66845 Phone: 620-273-6421 • Toll Free: 866-273-6421 In office: Nancy Griffin Heidi Maggard

Chuck Maggard Auctioneer/Sales Cell: 620-794-8824 griffin123r@gmail.com

www.griffinrealestateauction.com

Scan this barcode with your smartphone and go straight to our website to view the auction info and photos.

MARION COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and

Keynote Speaker Tim Smith

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 n HILLSBORO FREE PRESS

County n from Page 13

agement office. The fair was from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marion County Fairgrounds.

The potential for an oil drilling boom in Marion County seems to have dried up. A couple of years ago, county commissioners were speculating that the county would not have enough housing for the number of people who might be working on drilling. Now the topic rarely surfaces.

October The Marion County Health Department investigated an increased number of whooping cough cases in the county.

This year’s 20th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Marion County raised almost $28,000 Saturday in the fight to eliminate the dreaded disease. According to Bryn Mecum, ACS staff partner, 12 teams and 142 people took part in the event at Warrior Stadium in Marion .

County commissioners

announced the appointment of Brandy McCarty as the county’s Emergency Medical Services director Oct. 20. McCarty succeeds interim director JoAnn Knak.

Marion is considering a new outdoor marketing campaign by replacing old signage with a more consistent, simpler message.

November The “Republican avalanche� declared by national pundits after the Nov. 4 midterm election was little more than a normal day at the voting booth in Marion County. Marion County voters declared support for Republican candidates in even greater percentages than voters statewide.

In the race for the 1st District county commission seat, Craig Dodd led Lori Lalouette-Crawford at the end of a long election night by a mere two votes, 670-668.

But with 17 provisional ballots for the race and five ballots that could not be read by the machine, Spencer declared the official result to be “too close to call.�

The outcome reversed after commissioners canvassed the ballots the following Friday. Lalouette led Dodd, 676-675. A week later, a five-hour hand count of ballots confirmed that Lalouette-Crawford will be the new Marion County commissioner for District 1, 678-675. Craig Dodd had asked for the recount at his personal expense. Write-in candidate Donna Klose received 113 votes. The results became official and final after commissioners canvassed the recount the following Monday.

The Marion City Council unanimously approved a 15year water-tank maintenance contract at its Nov. 11 meeting. Marty Fredrickson, building inspector, said the maintenance contract is important because the city hasn’t had a consistent or defined program for years.

Rex Savage of Florence, who has spearheaded Windbourne Energy, received final approval to seek expansion of leases and construction for the project during the Nov. 10 Marion County Commission meet-

Eileen Sieger checks signals with Anita Brookens during the recounting of ballots for the 1st District county commission seat.

Joining them on the three-person team was Ruth Lange. The recount found that Lori LalouetteCrawford defeated Craig Dodd by three votes.

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

ing by a 2-1 vote.

The first same-sex marriage license was issued in Marion County for Kaci Miller and Amanda Horacek Nov. 13, the same day the 8th Judicial District and 19th Judicial District signed an administrative order allowing it. Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial District Michael Powers of Marion said the judges have an obligation to follow the law.

December Representatives from the organizations that spon-

sored the annual Marion County Toy Run in early November distributed more than 100 toys, 27 bicycles, two tricycles as well as $14,000 in donations raised at an auction and chili feed among ministerial and charitable organizations from four communities.

District 2 resident John Siebert addressed commissioners about the condition of Yarrow Road following the weekend’s soaking rain.

Siebert said the base of the road is “disappearing in a

sea of water and mud.�

In response to additional complaints, Commissioner Dan Holub said a declining population in the county is making it increasingly harder to generate sufficient tax revenue to maintain the county’s expanse of rural roads.

Andy Pitts of Treanor Architects in Lawrence began planning, with the commissioners, for a proposed multi-purpose county building to be located south of the county jail in Marion.

Need something special this year?

Give a

________ _______________ _______________ Presented to: ___ _ _______________ ___ ___ ___ ___ _________ From: _________ oro ____

______ Valid: _________

____

___ Value: $________

New Year’s Cookies!

Available at the Hillsboro Chamber Office!

Hillsb

Arts & s ft Cra Fair

____________

______ Authorized by____

Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair Gift Certificate

Taking Special Orders...

Call Today!

111 W. Grand 947-3506

& CRAFTS HILLSBORO ARTSIATI FAIR ASSOC ON

hillsborochamber@ hillsboro-kansas.com

Hillsboro, Kansas

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NOREL FARMS BAKERY

207 N. Main • Hillsboro • 620-947-2343 norelfarmsks@yahoo.com

Holiday Specials

Open Monday-Saturday • 5:30 am-4:00 pm

Small Appliances Marion

217 E. Main, Marion 620-382-2135 • 800-310-2135

hristmas loseout

Limited to Quantities in Stock

Odds ‘N Ends Boutique

%

50 OFF

• Decorations • Lights •Gift Wrap • Bows •Christmas Trees

209 S. Main, Hillsboro • 620-947-2361 Mon thru Sat 10-6 • Sun. in Nov/Dec: 1-4:30

December Weekly Specials Buy any 2 like items & Get the 3rd one Free!

Through Jan. 3! (of equal or lesser value)

Have a Great 2015!

Thank you to all our customers for your business in 2014.

We look forward to serving you in 2015.

Hillsboro Hardware, Inc. 125 North Main – Hillsboro 620-947-2575

111 E. Grand Ave, Hillsboro 620-947-3401 Open Mon.-Sat.

Open Dec. 31 Closed Jan. 1

Open Monday-Friday 8-6; Saturday 8-5 ww3.truevalue.com/hillsboro

CLOSED December 31 and January 1

Look for weekly specials!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our contractors & customers!

We wish you a prosperous 2015!

OPEN TIL 3PM NEW YEAR’S EVE CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5 pm • Sat 7:30 am-NOON

121 N. Ash, Hillsboro

620-947-5762

Thank you for your business during 2014.

WINTER CLEARANCE coming in January!

TOLL FREE: 1-888-333-5762 Where Personal Service Is Always In Style

Choose...Blend...

Enjoy!

101 N. Main – Hillsboro

620-947-3362

!"

!"

!" "

Regular hours Dec. 31 Closed Jan. 1 Regular hours Jan. 2 & 3

Et Cetera Shop 109 North Main Hillsboro, Kansas 620-947-3817

Watch for details!

F A S H I O N S

Different merchandise arriving daily!

9-5:30 Tuesday-Friday Thursday Open ’til 7 9-5 Saturday

A program of Mennonite Central Committee

HOURS: M-F 9:00-5:00; SAT 9:00-12:00

Proceeds go to help MCC and Main Street Ministries

Find us on Facebook

*Milkshakes *Smoothies *Frozen Cappuccino

Be Winter Weather Ready! • Snowblowers • Snow Shovels • Sleds • Scarves • Hats • Gloves • Mattress and Box Springs • NOW CARRYING Firm Mattresses • Small Kitchen Appliances • Tools • Toys • And Much More!

HRK 1225 E. Main

MARION 382-3269

512 E. “D� Street

HILLSBORO 947-3400

109 N. Roosevelt, Marion 620-382-2430 Hours: Fri./Sat. 9am-6pm • Sun. 9am-5pm