PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin

HEADLINES

Tragedy spawns outpouring of love
No one was more shocked and saddened by Alycia Decker’s tragic death in a recent car accident than her mother-in-law, Laurie Jones. However, after an overwhelming outpouring of community support, no one is more thankful to be living in Peabody. “It’s made it as easy as it could possibly get,” Jones said. “Anyplace else, it wouldn’t be the same.”
Shed, camper burn in grass fire
What was first called in as a grass fire Monday turned into a shed and camper burning in the 500 block of 2nd St. in Peabody. Peabody firefighters were paged by dispatchers at 3:22 p.m. Peabody fire volunteer Clayton Philpott was first on the scene, but Peabody quickly called for assistance.
County has spate of rollover wrecks
Two Friday rollover accidents in the east portion of the county were followed by a Monday rollover on the west edge, with three occupants being taken to area hospitals. According to sheriff’s reports, a 2006 Pontiac Torrent driven by Aaron Leann Moore, 34, Burns, was westbound on 20th Rd. Friday morning when Moore lost control of the vehicle on a gravel road just east of Xavier Rd. The SUV veered into the eastbound lane before veering back into the north ditch, overturning and coming to rest on its roof.
New fire regulation already under fire
A new burn resolution proposed less than a month ago has already prompted a complaint to county commissioners. Nathan Brunner, co-owner of Fire For Hire, a controlled burn service, told commissioners Monday he’d already run into issues with the way dispatchers responded when he called in to report a planned burn.
Officer is godsend to stranded woman
Stranded in a disabled Chevy Trailblazer near the US-56/77/K-150 roundabout, more than 700 miles from home, in the darkest hours before dawn on a chilly, snowy February Sunday morning, Lushani Seneviratne’s composure was not the measure of her resume. The accomplished 31-year-old native of Sri Lanka, a small island country southeast of India, came to the United States in 2006. She earned a general studies degree at the University of Oklahoma, a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of North Dakota, and after a stint with a start-up oil company, was back at UND working on a postgraduate degree, also in petroleum engineering.
Domestic violence agency to open office in county
Local victims of domestic violence won’t have to look elsewhere for help after Safehope, a domestic violence agency based out of Newton opens its new office in Marion county. Jan Jones, executive director of Safehope, based in Harvey county and serving Marion and McPherson counties, told commissioners Monday what services they will provide for Marion county victims.

OTHER HEADLINES

St. Luke Hospital unveils major campaign gift
A large donation from a family foundation was the highlight of a Thursday reception at the Historic Elgin Hotel for St. Luke Hospital’s ongoing capital campaign. A donation from the Navrat Family Charitable Foundation added $100,000 to a St. Luke Living Center and St. Luke Medical Clinic renovation fund.
New rocker with classic edge inked for Chingawassa Days
Echoes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and blues rocker Joe Bonamassa will flood Marion’s Central Park when Scotty Bratcher warms up a concert crowd June 3 for Chingawassa Days. Bratcher, whose style reflects classic 70s influences with a contemporary edge, will precede headline act The Charlie Daniels Band.
Harvey County under burn ban
A burn ban has been imposed in Harvey County through Monday. All burning is prohibited, including agricultural, open burns, and recreational fires, and includes all cities and towns in the county.

DEATHS

Gary Carroll
Former Florence resident Gary G. Carroll, 78, died Monday at the Kansas Masonic Home, Wichita. A visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence.
Monte Fisher
Former engineer Monte Wayne Fisher, 83, died Feb. 27 at his home in Whitewater. He was born June 18, 1934, to Lewis Fisher and Alice (Kimberlin) Fisher in Colorado Springs.
Evelyn Jewett
Evelyn Jewett, 90, died Monday at Marion Assisted Living. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home in Marion. Burial will follow in the Grant Township Cemetery.
Wayne Albert Johnston
Wayne Albert Johnston, 75, died March 2 at his daughter’s home in Hillsboro. He was born Aug. 10, 1941 to Harold and Mildred Johnston in Marion.
Donald Longhofer
Donald Leroy Longhofer died Feb. 18 at his home in Brenham, Texas. Born Sept. 23, 1937, to Theodore and Bertha (Ehrlich) Longhofer in Marion, he graduated Marion High School and attended LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
Archie M. Riggs
Archie M Riggs, 75, Peabody, died March 6 at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita. He was born Feb. 20, 1942 to Archie and Virginia Coons in Hoisington.
IN MEMORIAM:
Bessie Michaelis
IN MEMORIAM:
William Sears

DOCKET

FARM

Farm truck long part of the family
David Leith’s newest baby is older than he is. The 1930 Ford Model AA truck he’s owned since 2015 has nevertheless been part of his family since 1930. “My great-granddad bought this truck in 1930,” Leith said.
Class reunion spurs barn makeover
Bruce Schmidt, 68, spent a lot of time, labor, and money to rejuvenate a large barn on his farmstead northwest of Goessel. Thanks to his efforts, the stately 1926 structure has been preserved for future generations. The barn had horse stalls, milk cow stanchions, and feed bins, along with a huge hayloft, all made with hard yellow pine. The haymow still contains a basketball goal, indicating many a scrimmage took place up there years before the Schmidts took it over.
Rancher is bullish on future
Chalk it up to the exuberance of youth or just plain old business sense, but Bryant Gutsch of Lincolnville is looking to expand his herd of beef cows despite lower beef prices. He has 125 head and would like to expand to 200. “I’m going for it,” he said. “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll try something else.”
State Board of Agriculture to meet March 21
Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Board of Agriculture will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. March 21 in suite 404 of the Landon State office building in Topeka. More information is available and special accommodations for people who need them can be arranged by contacting KDA assistant secretary Susan Metzger at Susan.Metzger@ks.gov.
Ag innovation grants available
Entrepreneurs with new ideas for agriculture products and services could qualify for a financial boost through the JumpStart Kansas Entrepreneur program. Individuals and companies with new business concepts or ideas, including company growth opportunities or start-ups, can apply for $10,000 to support development and implementation of the business. Products or services must be innovations, solutions for a new and better ideas, devices, methods, or applications.

OPINION

Bird dog bonanza
Growing up as a young hunter, it would’ve been impossible for me not to know about bird dogs. Dad didn’t have one, but that didn’t matter; plenty of guys in the circle we hunted with did. My hands-down favorite was Liz, a blond Lab owned by longtime family friend John Brose.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS:
Lehigh depot

PEOPLE

County democrats receive guest
Marion County Democrats welcomed guest Lauren Helmer to their Saturday meeting at Valley United Methodist Church in Marion. Helmer was once a winner of the Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship that state Democrat Women present.
Robinson to celebrate 80th birthday
The family of rural Florence resident Edna Mae Robinson will celebrate her 80th birthday with a reception from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion building in Florence. Her husband, Bill, his children: Mark Robinson of Marion, Cheryl and Don Doty of Emporia, and Linda and Greg Carlson of Marion and their children will host the event.
World Day of Prayer
Members from five different churches attended World Day of Prayer Friday at Marion Presbyterian Church. A writing called “Am I Being Unfair to You?” was the theme of the event.
Senior center menu

SCHOOL AND SPORTS

Students to perform "Godspell, Jr."
Peabody-Burns High School students will “prepare ye, the way of the Lord” this weekend as they perform their spring musical “Godspell, Jr.” The musical, which is based on teachings and parables found in the Gospel of Matthew, features characters who team up with Jesus to teach his lessons through stories and songs.
Area school menus

UPCOMING EVENTS

Calendar of events
Illusionist to perform at McPherson Opera House
Reza, a renowned touring illusionist, will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 25 at the McPherson Opera House. He began the art in his mid-teens after seeing a magic show in his hometown of Brookings, South Dakota as a child. He has performed at Branson and many other communities.
Celiac disease victim to present clean eating tips
Tabor College instructor Carisa Funk will present information about clean eating at a special class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 17 at Hillsboro City Hall. Funk became intensely interested in nutrition and lifestyle six years ago, after she was diagnosed with celiac disease.
Statewide food drive is this month
In recognition of March as Kansas Agriculture Month, Kansas Department of Agriculture is collaborating with various food providers and food banks across the state to raise 85,000 meals for Kansas families. Kansans can contribute to the campaign at various community locations across the state or online at http://ksn2n.harvestersvfd.org.
Tabor to sponsor youth soccer academy
TEEN to meet March 15
Technology Excellence in Education Network will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. March 15 at USD 408 district office, 101 N. Thorp St. in Marion. For more information, call Lena Kleiner at(

PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin

What was first called in as a grass fire Monday turned into a shed and camper burning in the 500 block of 2nd St. in Peabody. Peabody firefighters were paged by dispatchers at 3:22 p.m. Peabody fire volunteer Clayton Philpott was first on the scene, but Peabody quickly called for assistance.

A burn ban has been imposed in Harvey County through Monday. All burning is prohibited, including agricultural, open burns, and recreational fires, and includes all cities and towns in the county.

Former Florence resident Gary G. Carroll, 78, died Monday at the Kansas Masonic Home, Wichita. A visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence.

Former engineer Monte Wayne Fisher, 83, died Feb. 27 at his home in Whitewater. He was born June 18, 1934, to Lewis Fisher and Alice (Kimberlin) Fisher in Colorado Springs.

Evelyn Jewett, 90, died Monday at Marion Assisted Living. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home in Marion. Burial will follow in the Grant Township Cemetery.

Wayne Albert Johnston, 75, died March 2 at his daughter’s home in Hillsboro. He was born Aug. 10, 1941 to Harold and Mildred Johnston in Marion.

Donald Leroy Longhofer died Feb. 18 at his home in Brenham, Texas. Born Sept. 23, 1937, to Theodore and Bertha (Ehrlich) Longhofer in Marion, he graduated Marion High School and attended LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.

Archie M Riggs, 75, Peabody, died March 6 at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita. He was born Feb. 20, 1942 to Archie and Virginia Coons in Hoisington.

IN MEMORIAM:

IN MEMORIAM:

David Leith’s newest baby is older than he is. The 1930 Ford Model AA truck he’s owned since 2015 has nevertheless been part of his family since 1930. “My great-granddad bought this truck in 1930,” Leith said.

Growing up as a young hunter, it would’ve been impossible for me not to know about bird dogs. Dad didn’t have one, but that didn’t matter; plenty of guys in the circle we hunted with did. My hands-down favorite was Liz, a blond Lab owned by longtime family friend John Brose.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS:

Marion County Democrats welcomed guest Lauren Helmer to their Saturday meeting at Valley United Methodist Church in Marion. Helmer was once a winner of the Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship that state Democrat Women present.

Members from five different churches attended World Day of Prayer Friday at Marion Presbyterian Church. A writing called “Am I Being Unfair to You?” was the theme of the event.

Reza, a renowned touring illusionist, will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 25 at the McPherson Opera House. He began the art in his mid-teens after seeing a magic show in his hometown of Brookings, South Dakota as a child. He has performed at Branson and many other communities.

Tabor College instructor Carisa Funk will present information about clean eating at a special class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 17 at Hillsboro City Hall. Funk became intensely interested in nutrition and lifestyle six years ago, after she was diagnosed with celiac disease.

Technology Excellence in Education Network will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. March 15 at USD 408 district office, 101 N. Thorp St. in Marion. For more information, call Lena Kleiner at(