15 YEARS AGO

Jan. 2, 2008

The weather outside was more than a little frightful Dec. 22 when a strong north wind caused near white-out conditions in Marion County. Snowplows and motor graders were out full force Dec. 23 to clear highways, county roads, and streets. More snow is forecast in the coming days.

Congressman Jerry Moran is pictured on the front page as he congratulates his nominee, Marion High School senior Hank Collett, on his acceptance as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The public is invited to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday Jan. 8 at Marion Senior Center. Marc Baker, teenage Elvis impersonator from Wichita, will perform at 6 p.m.

A pictorial display of events for 2007 shows Prairie View, after decades in Marion, moving its offices to Hillsboro. Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison is guest speaker at the annual chamber dinner. Marion Middle School students are evacuated after a practice grenade is found on campus. Mary Olson is elected mayor of Marion. A Freedom Train, traveling through Marion County, attracts a crowd of more than 600 when it stops in Marion. Centenarian Norma Hannaford appears on a segment of “Hatteberg’s People.” The Marion school district opens the doors on the new fine arts center. After more than 50 years, Marion’s pool is demolished to make way for a new fitness center and gymnasium.