PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin

Commission debates clock maintenance

After receiving the final cost Monday for renovations due to the courthouse clock tower, county commissioners debated the clock’s long-term viability. Whether to keep the clock or take it down was even questioned at one point.

The switch to a 'middle school' classification will be gradual

Some parents and school patrons have commented on the use of the term “middle school” appearing in communications from the school district and in reports and sports articles in the news. They have wondered if the district has done away with the name Peabody-Burns Junior High.

Homecoming activities planned

Peabody-Burns students will take part in 2013 homecoming activities this week, culminating with the football game against Canton-Galva on Friday night at Peabody City Park. Candidates for this year’s homecoming king are Xavier Jabary, Enrique Palazon-Dominguez, and Fred Winsor. Queen candidates are Jordan Gibson, Lily Harris, and Alyssa Brooks.

Rehabilitated ball python up for adoption

Cade Moses, doctor of veterinary medicine at Spur Ridge Vet Hospital in Marion, recently rehabilitated a young ball python back to health after it was injured when someone closed a drawer on it, breaking several of its ribs. Now the python is available for adoption. Ball pythons, which originate in sub-Sahara Africa, can grow to 3 or 3½ feet long — relatively short for a python. However, they can grow fairly thick. This one is about 15 inches long so far.

Hunting for the big game

Not many people chose to wake up before 6 a.m. on the weekends after working 40 hours, but Brandon Wyss of Florence does. Wyss lives for this time of year because he is an avid hunter, and bow-hunting season for deer kicked off Sept. 16. “I wouldn’t say waking up that early is pleasing, but it’s nice to get away from everything and enjoy the quiet,” he said.

Alpacas share in arts and crafts festivities

Several alpacas greeted guests of the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair as they parked at Marion County Fairgrounds. They were part of the Kansas Alpaca Association Farm Day. Farms from across the state gathered to share information and products made from their animals’ hair.

Vatican official to conclude probe of Kapaun miracles

Father John Hotze of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita has confirmed an Associated Press report that a Vatican official, Italian lawyer Andrea Ambrosi, will return to Kansas on Saturday to finalize an investigation into possible miracles that may determine whether Chaplain Emil Kapaun will become a saint. The recovery of Avery Gerleman, now a student at Hutchinson Community College, is one case being investigated by the Vatican.

Candlelight vigils to raise domestic violence awareness

The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Center is hoping to raise awareness during October to prevent cases of violence in Marion County. Several candlelight vigils will be held throughout the county. “We are hoping to bring awareness to domestic violence happening in the community and let people who may have been or are victims we are there for them,” said Teresa Loffer, Marion County victim advocate.

Garden helps those in need

The Florence Community Garden across the street from the Harvey House Museum had a fruitful season, donating more than 1,000 lbs. of produce to those in need across the county. This was the most produce the garden had ever donated since its founding three years ago, garden caretaker Phoebe Janzen said. Tomatoes worth $200 were sold to allow her to purchase four cherry trees for the garden. She says the garden is more than just a garden to the community.

First 'barn quilts' go up

The first of what county economic developer Teresa Huffman hopes will be many “barn quilts” went up last week when Bob and Flo Rahn of rural Hillsboro put a 16-square-foot metal quilt block on an outbuilding at their home, 1431 Holly Rd. Meanwhile, Cathleen Fish of rural Hillsboro is waiting for a day when the wind dies down to put up her 36-square-foot block. Huffman said eight other county residents have expressed interest in joining the program. Her goal is to have at least 15 in the county.

Ruby Hefley

Ruby Ann Hefley, 91, died Sunday in Hillsboro. She was born Aug. 3, 1922 to Henry and Matilda (Schmidt) Bartel in Hillsboro. She married Maynard “H.V.” Hefley on Oct. 19, 1947, in Hillsboro.

Richard Pankratz

Richard Dean Pankratz, 73, died Saturday in Topeka. He was born Dec. 31, 1939, in Hillsboro to Harry and Ruth Pankratz. He graduated from Hillsboro High School and Tabor College, then received a master’s degree in history from Emporia State University in 1968.

Donna Seifert

Donna J. Seifert, 79, died Sunday at the Cedars, McPherson. She was born Sept. 13, 1934, in Marion to Milton and Hazel Hawbecker Stenzel. She was a homemaker and had worked for Hannaford Abstract in Marion. She was a member of Strassburg Baptist Church where she played the organ for 50 years.

Doris Sparke

Former Marion County resident Doris Jean Meredith Sparke, 80, died at home Sept. 16, 2013. She received a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and a master’s degree from the University of Kansas; both degrees were in physical education. She taught high school in Sabetha, Haysville, and Olathe and at Friends University in Wichita.

Accidents reported

Civil division cases

County Jail arrests and bookings

Criminal division cases

Deeds recorded

Emergency dispatches

Marriage licenses issued

Offenses reported

Police incident reports

Traffic division cases

Farmers rejoice over potential for 3 good harvests

For the first time in nearly three years, farmers in Marion County are on track to have three successful harvests in one year. After a record-breaking wheat harvest in June, local farmers were quick to replant fields with corn, milo, and soybeans. Those who were able to get fields planted before large rains fell will have the best yields according to local co-ops. Heath Andres was excited his father’s, Larry Andres, cornfield off 100th and Mustang Rds., was looking so good after dismal yields previous years due to drought.

Grain prices down from a year ago

Elevator managers in Marion County report that the price of feed grains is much lower than it was a year ago. Prices have remained steady the past few weeks but are sitting at levels not seen for a while.

Farmers find cereal rye a good cover crop for no-till beans

Planting cover crops on no-till ground is a common practice in other parts of the state and the country. It has been common for years in South America. Several farmers in Marion County are experimenting with it after learning about it at “No-till on the Plains” in Salina for the past several years. They are finding that cereal rye is a good cover crop for soybeans because after beans are harvested, very little residue is left.

Rural grants seek to improve county growth

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants designed to promote rural business growth. The USDA has $5.6 million available through the Rural Community Development Initiative program and will center around projects focused on education and business recruitment.

Shields Farms expands forage harvesting

A custom forage harvesting business practiced for many years by the late Fred Shields of Lincolnville continues under the management of his grandson, Heath Shields. Shields, who turned 24 Monday, runs the Claas harvester purchased two years ago by the farm corporation. He is a 2008 Centre High School graduate and spent three years as a certified mechanic at KanEquip in Herington before returning to the farm full-time. His father was the late Carroll Shields, who died in July 2003 from injuries sustained in an all-terrain vehicle accident.

Two things you should know

I think I should give my six regular readers a heads-up about what is going on in the newspaper world as far as high school sports are concerned. Some officials are discouraging media people working from the sidelines of any high school sport to not take photographs while using a flash attachment. I am sure the flash can be distracting to players, especially in a high-stakes play. However, it sure will play havoc with our sports pages from now on. If the media person is using a flash attachment, players can only be photographed entering the field or court, performing pre-game warm-ups, huddled on the sidelines getting instructions from the coach, leaving the field of play, or in any other non-competitive action.

A bit of potpourri

My favorite game show as a child was always Jeopardy, and lately I’ve made a habit of recording it so I can watch it when I get home from the newspaper. It’s impressive how well the same basic formula of answers and questions holds up so many years after its debut. My favorite categories were always “POTPOURRI,” because the clues cover such a wide variety of topics. No issue is dominating discussions right now, so consider this a newspaper dose of potpourri. I always forget how big the crowds get at Art in the Park and Arts & Crafts Fair. The weather this weekend was excellent for shopping outdoors. The foods are always what interest me the most. I went home with some wild sandhill plum jelly, summer sausage, and cheese.

Angel Torres will celebrate 90th birthday

Angel “Ace” Torres will celebrate his 90th birthday with a social hour and dessert bar at 6:45 p.m. October 5, with dancing to follow, at the Newton VFW Post #971. He and his children would like friends, family, and acquaintances to join the celebration.

St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary has first fall meeting

Janet Herzet presided during the first fall meeting of the St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Unit was Sept. 5. The Hostess Committee consisting of Phyllis Hein, Mary Olson, Faye Makovec, Carolyn McFarland, and Judy Dannenfelser provided a back-to-school theme and snacks.

Marion County Democratic Women to meet

Marion County Democratic woman will meet at noon Friday at Marion Senior Center. Those attending are encouraged to bring canned vegetables for the Marion County emergency food bank.

Free development screenings are Oct. 8

Free screenings for children 5 or younger will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 in Marion. The screenings will check for development in learning, motor, language, and social areas. Vision and hearing will also be screened. The screening usually takes at least an hour for a child to complete. All children are welcome, but an appointment is necessary. Call (620) 382-2858 to schedule an appointment.

Bowen family has reunion

A Bowen family reunion was held at the historic Peabody City Park on Sept. 14. Thirty relatives and guests attended.

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Tabor Athletic Center is renamed

A plaque outside the Pendery Athletic, formerly the Tabor College Athletic Center, reads, “Made possible in part by the generosity of Scott and Terese Pendery in honor of their friendship and respect for Kim and Amy Wiens.” The Penderys recently made a significant contribution to Tabor College to honor the Wienses.

Tabor announces new veep for Wichita campus

Tabor College recently announced that Brett Andrews is to be the new executive vice president of Tabor College Wichita; dean of the school of adult and graduate studies; and professor of management. “I am delighted that Dr. Andrews has agreed to answer our call and invitation to serve at Tabor,” college President Jules Glanzer said. “His experience and accomplishments, along with his deep commitment to Christ, make him a perfect fit for Tabor and leading the school of adult and graduate studies.”

Warriors take down Burlingame in another blowout victory

Scoring points came fast and often for the Peabody-Burns Warriors in their first district match-up Friday night. The Warriors trampled Burlingame 52-6 in a contest that ended at halftime. Now 3-0, the team will have a homecoming competition with Canton-Galva. Fred Winsor received the opening Bearcat kickoff and returned the ball 70 yards for the first score of the ballgame. Winsor added the conversion on a pass from Braxton Kyle. PBHS took the 8-0 led with just seconds ticked off the clock.

Junior Warriors fall to 0-3

The Peabody-Burns Junior Warriors were defeated Thursday at home by Goessel, 56-6. The team is now 0-3 for the season. Next they will travel to Wakefield. All of the scoring went to Goessel in the first half. The Bluebirds led 34-0 at halftime.

Volleyball splits matches

Lady Warrior volleyball had a win and a loss Sept. 17 at White City. In the first match of the evening, they lost to Goessel 25-15 and 25-13. PBHS came back to defeat Rural Vista 9-25, 25-18, and 25-14. Stats Kaycy Gonzalez, 7 digs, 2 aces, 8 kills. Andrea Garcia, 1 kill, 7 digs. Katy Benson, 15 assists, 4 digs, 3 aces, 1 block, 11 kills. Alyssa Brooks, 7 digs, 2 aces, 1 kill. Christa Elliott, 1 dig. Brianna Larsen, 4 digs, 2 blocks, 3 kills. Cierra Foth, 3 assists, 3 digs, 6 aces, 3 kills. Jordan Gibson, 1 ace, 3 kills.

Runners race under stormy skies

Despite stormy skies, five Peabody-Burns athletes ran in the home cross-country meet Thursday. For the 5-kilometer junior varsity boys’ competition, Jayden Hutchison placed 19th with a time of 22:27.

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