55 years ago

june 9, 1966

A massive storm-line built up across Central Kansas Wednesday afternoon, gathered strength and intensity as it moved eastward across the state, and spawned several destructive tornadoes.

Hardest hit areas were Topeka and Manhattan where deaths were listed as 13 and probably more, the injured in the hundreds, and damages in the millions of dollars.

The wheat harvest in Marion County should begin in earnest next week, weather permitting.

Free coffee and cookies will be served all day Saturday at the Franta Café in Lincolnville. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Franta recently purchased the former Deines Café located at the west end of Main Street. The café is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features regular meals, short orders, and beer.

Herb Hiebert of Hillsboro, Marion county commissioner from the first district, filed June 1 for re-nomination to that office on the Republican ticket

Cadette Girl Scout Troop 61 received the highest award in Cadette Scouting Tuesday afternoon, “Challenge Pins of the Girl Scout Promise,” and their First Class patches during a program at the American Legion hall.

Scouts honored were Janice Jantz, Jan Herrick, Beverly Hoch, Nancy Olsen, Kathy Winter, Susan Vogel, Marla Bingaman, Kathy Weber, Cathy Costello, Susan Hansen, Tammy Case, Marsha Cowan, and Susan Marler.

Violent weather was the order of the day Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Many acres of ripe wheat, ready for harvest, were flattened by hail and severe rain. Storms that gathered and blew did not conform to a general pattern, but were beneficial in spots, devastating in others.

Friends and supporters of the summer recreation and baseball program for kids are asked to give a little time and effort Thursday night in doing a few last minute repair and spruce-up jobs before summer activity begins June 12.