40 years ago

July 1, 1981

Harvest around the county is about 60 percent over according to Ken Springer, county agriculture agent. Springer says wheat in the western portion of the county is the best. Yields will be between 30 and 36 bushels per acre.

Marion taxpayers are spending $16,000 to paint the water tower near the high school grounds. Vandals who painted on the tower not only took a big physical risk, they also risked legal punishment and cost their parents a bundle of taxes. The tower will get a new coat of paint, inside and out, so the old landmark may continue to serve the community.

The five best scores turned in Sunday at the 10th annual Marion Lake Fishing Derby belonged to Ed Jeffery, Marion, first place; Jim Lehrman, Goessel, second; Claude Herd, Haysville, third; Mark Janzen, Wichita, fourth; and Carrol Joy, Wichita, fifth.

Pictured is Doug Regnier, Marion Senior Babe Ruther as he is called out at first base Saturday night. The out didn’t matter as Marion went on to win the game, 10-6, over Alta Vista.

Alvina Hoffman entered two one-pound potatoes in this week’s Marion County Record Produce Derby. She and her husband, Earl, mulched the plants and watered them twice. She said the tops were so tall they were afraid there would be no bottoms, so they were really surprised at the size.

William Helmer, Rosalie Schmidtberger, and Jo Ann Ottensmeier, all of Marion, will be recognized at Greeley Gas Company’s annual employee award dinner. Helmer has been with the company 14 years, Schmidtberger for seven years, and Ottensmeier, two years.

Swimming lessons at Marion Municipal Pool will begin July 6 and run for two weeks from Monday to Friday. Cost per pupil is $6.

Adv — Dance to “Backwater Band” July 4 at The Antelope Club located north of Marion on Highway 77 to blinker light, then ½ mile east. Members and guests welcome.