BREAKING NEWS
UPDATED AFTER PRINT DEADLINE
Sarah J. Hopkins, 28, Newton, a preschool parent advocate for USD 410 Lehigh-Hillsboro-Durham, was charged in federal court Friday with knowingly supplying an assault rifle and handgun to convicted felon Cedric Ford, the gunman who killed three people and injured 14 in a shooting rampage Thursday in Hesston.
U.S. Attorney for Kansas Barry Grissom’s office announced Friday afternoon one charge of knowingly transferring a firearm to a convicted felon had been filed against Hopkins.
A controlled burn at the Don Rosine residence just north and east of Watchorn Corner on 60th Rd. east of Peabody began as it should have Saturday, under sunny skies with barely a hint of a breeze.
However, the wind picked up shortly after the fire was started. Before long fire fighters from three communities were converging on the area to fight a good-sized pasture fire that threatened to jump several county roads and keep on moving.
Marion County has acquired yet another empty building to add to its collection of tax-delinquent properties, and it’s a big one.
An auction for the abandoned Florence Memorial High School building took place Tuesday, lasting not even one minute.
Longstanding animosities between cities and with the county were in the crosshairs at an economic development meeting Thursday as attendees emphasized that working together is the path to prosperity.
About 50 business people and local and county officials attended the county-sponsored meeting at Marion Community Center.
Kansas military retirees are being warned to protect their assets against financial predators.
Financial exploitation of seniors is a growing problem, according to Kansas Securities Commissioner Josh Ney. Ney warns that military retirees in particular are being targeted by con artists pushing fraudulent investment schemes.
County Republicans and Democrats will weigh in with their preferences for presidential candidates at party caucuses March 5, but will do so in markedly different fashion.
Of the two, the Democratic caucus is the most unusual, and perhaps the most fun, district vice-chair Shelley Dunham said.
Elma Warkentin, 96, died Feb. 17 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro.
Services were Saturday at First Mennonite Church, Hillsboro.
IN MEMORIAM:
Sarah StikaIN MEMORIAM:
James SlaterIN MEMORIAM:
Robert Sextro
With spring right around the corner, gardeners can begin planning for successful harvest.
Rickey Roberts, agriculture and natural resources extension agent for Marion County, said the first step in planning is to give thought to the garden’s layout.
County residents are investing in more homegrown fruits, vegetables, and chickens, according to three local business officials.
Jon Hefley of The Lumberyard in Hillsboro has noticed more people have started to grow potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and other common foodstuffs instead of purchasing them at grocery stores.
Above-average temperatures for this time of year have some gardeners itching to get a head start on spring planting. An early spring may be on the way, and lettuce, peas, and other early crops soon can be planted.
According to weather.com, long-range forecast models are “unusually consistent” in their message for spring and early summer.
Don’s Heating and Air will open in Hillsboro on Tuesday, located at 603 N. Ash St.
Owner Tom Storrer said he has always loved Hillsboro and the surrounding area and has wanted to set up business here for several years.
Hey, guess what? My tulips are inching their way out of the ground. Yes, it is true. I noticed them Saturday morning. I love living where the snow and frigid temperatures are scarce. A little rain would be nice, I will admit, but I am ready for spring.
One of my six regular readers told me Monday that he figured warm weather and mowing season are just around the corner. He reminded me that it soon will be time to brush off my annual opinion column about not blowing grass clippings into the street when we mow our lawns. I have been trying to figure out whether there is a hidden message in his statement. Is it a hint to just can the column and not say it one more time? Or does he really get a kick out of me telling the populace what I think they should be doing? What’s more, should I even care?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Government and EcoDevoCORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS:
Menu items,
Gas
It took only a few seconds for Fred Puttroff’s life to be changed forever.
Riding a bike down US 77 last August, Puttroff didn’t even see it coming when a car traveling south in the same lane swiped his recumbent bike, causing him serious injuries. The road to recovery has been arduous.
Before Monday, Wanda Daniel of Marion had never clearly seen the face of her friend and roommate Phyllis Zorn.
Following cataract removal in one eye, she exalted in her newfound eyesight after being almost totally blind for seven years.
BURNS:
Carolee Koehn visits from UtahDAYS OF YORE:
10,
25,
50,
100,
125 years ago
Peabody-Burns High School’s vocal and choreography group “Voices” will present a dinner theater production, “Dancing Through the Decades,” at 6 p.m. March 5 in PBHS Brown Gymnasium. Students will perform vocal numbers from the past accentuated with dance styles and steps of the times.
A dinner will accompany the program. Admission is by advance ticket sales only for both reserved and general admission. Tickets are available from any Voices member or by contacting PBHS at (620) 983-2196 by Tuesday.
Peabody-Burns Warriors boys team took a beating in their homecoming game Friday, both on the scoreboard, 61-18, and physically.
Cody Partridge was chasing after a loose ball along with a Moundridge player when he fell and hit his head.
At any given sporting event, there’s usually at least one person who feels compelled to heckle officials with blunt queries like “Hey, ref! What are you, blind?” or “Hey, ref! How much is the other team paying you for that hatchet job?” or “Hey, ref! [Insert a preferred unsportsmanlike comment here].”
The list goes on.
Three different Kansas legislative representatives will be visiting Marion County on Saturday to discuss what issues are important to the community.
District 74 Representative Don Schroeder will be visiting Hillsboro at 9 a.m. Saturday in the city building east room. Doughnuts and coffee will be provided.
Community churches will observe World Prayer Day at 7 p.m. March 4 at Valley United Methodist Church.
The theme, “Receive Children, Receive Me,” was written by a woman from Cuba.
Stiefel Theatre recently announced two shows coming to the theatre in the next few months.
Ron “Tater Salad” White will be performing at 7 p.m. May 6. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a tour stop at 7 p.m. June 2.