15 YEARS AGO

Nov. 21, 2007

Bids are in, and it’s official: A new jail would be a better investment than renovating and adding to the existing jail. The approximate cost of a new 78-bed jail and office space for the sheriff’s department and dispatchers at Marion’s industrial park would be $7.5 million.

Henry “Hank” Collett, a senior at Marion High School, was nominated this past week by Senator Pat Roberts to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Marion VFW Post and its women’s auxiliary have announced winners of an annual Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Gwendolyn Olivia Young, eighth grade, and Monica Spachek, seventh grade, will receive $100 U.S. savings bonds. Finishing second were Jessie Taylor, eighth grade, and Dylan Goebel, seventh grade. They will receive $50 savings bonds.

The Marion-Florence school district’s new performing arts center is scheduled to be completed Dec. 10.

The Sugar Plum Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday on Main St. and run from Walnut St. to 5th St. After the parade, Santa will be at his house until 4 p.m. A pet parade will take place at Liberty Park. Drawings will determine winners of a fund-raiser quilt and baby afghan and a $100 cash prize. Marion Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event.