25 years ago

december 18, 1996

Winners in this year’s annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas lighting contest are: In Marion — First place, Kevin Burkholders; second, Jeff Henrys; and third, Joe Bryants. At Marion County Lake — First place, Gordon Pendergrafts; second, Bill Kaempfries; and third, Kevin Hoffers.

Victor Buckner brought Indian artifacts, clothing, weapons, and other items of interest to Amy Schmidt’s third grade class at Marion Elementary School Monday afternoon. Buckner, who is part Indian, had full attention of the students who were eager to learn.

An attractive and informational book on Santa Fe freight trains has been published by Stephen Priest and Thomas Chenoweth. Priest is the son of pastors Bob and Judith Priest.

Old Christmas trees, those to be discarded, will be collected prior to Jan. 3 by members of the Marion/Florence FFA chapter based at Marion High School. The trees will be taken to area lakes to improve fish habitat.

Gavin Peters, Wichita, son of Deanna Klenda, has received numerous honors as a commercial photographer and has been named head staff photographer for The Wichita Register magazine. Gerald Wiens, formerly of Marion, has been a photographer for one of the cover shots of the magazine.

About 30 families in eastern Marion County will have a happier Christmas because of contributions to the annual Community Christmas program.

Volunteers Kathy Goodin, Jo Helmer, Margo Yates, and Linda Ogden are shown as they sort the clothes, toys, household items, and food boxes donated by area residents and businesses.

While parents made their selections Saturday at the Christmas store in the Marion VFW post hall, children made crafts at Valley United Methodist Church with the help of Marion and Centre High School students.