HILLSBORO Star-Journal

HEADLINES

Economic developer seeks personal and professional balance in Hillsboro mystery store debate
Two Hillsboro businessmen opposed to the mystery business to be built in Hillsboro Industrial Park praised Marion Economic Development Director Terry Jones Thursday for assistance they said he had provided in their battle. However, Jones denied giving any guidance to Eric Driggers or Jon Hefley, although he acknowledged accepting an invitation from them to attend Tuesday’s meeting of Hillsboro City Council where the mystery business was discussed.
Sonic resumes operations after bathroom fire
There was a small fire at the Sonic in Hillsboro on Saturday in the early afternoon. The fire was contained to a wall of the women’s restroom. “We feel very fortunate that the damage was not more severe,” store owner Jason Sjorlund said.
Trojan football players wield machetes for good
Summer weightlifting and conditioning sessions are staples of Kansas high school football. Machetes, however, are not. When Hillsboro High School head coach Lance Sawyer told the team one morning during weightlifting they were going to be slashing volunteer corn out of a soybean field, Trojans seniors Justus Hilliard, Jakob Hanschu, and David Dick weren’t quite sure what to think.
Couple receives anniversary surprise from 12-year-old
Harlow and Edith Warneke knew almost everyone who sent 130 cards for their 70th wedding anniversary. They were perplexed, however, by one small, white envelope from an unfamiliar rural Hillsboro address. Inside, they found an intricate drawing of horses and a handmade card.
County considers state bridge assistance
County commissioners approved a $23.3 million budget for 2015 Monday, increasing budget authority while holding the line on taxes as a result of increased property valuations. Proposed departmental budgets were scrutinized at several prior meetings, but commissioner Randy Dallke wanted answers to some questions before the vote was cast.
Cameras keep officers, residents in check
In wake of the Ferguson, Missouri police shooting, several large police departments across the country are looking at supplying officers with body cameras to debunk any questions after a confrontation, but Marion Police Department is ahead of the curve. For the past year, every officer on the department except Chief Tyler Mermis, because he isn’t often on active duty, has been required to use the cameras while on duty. After talking with other departments across the state, Mermis believes Marion is the smallest department in the state using the cameras since the department purchased four cameras from TASER last April for around $2,500.
Labor Day weekend festival starts Saturday in Florence
The 77th annual Florence Labor Day celebration begins 8 a.m. Saturday with citywide garage sales, bake sales, Market on Main, soap box derby, and more. Events featured include a scavenger hunt for a Labor Day medallion hidden on public property within the city of Florence. The first clue is available at the information booth Saturday morning. The winner receives $77.00.
Livestock "more acclimated," but heat still dangerous
Joyce Olsen of Aulne has seen her fair share of hot summers, and this year has not been one of the hottest. Nonetheless, 100 degrees is 100 degrees, and her hogs need protection from the conditions. “Heat like this will kill a sow or a hog,” she said, “because they don’t sweat.”
Janzen battles cancer with support of wife
Many things have changed for Steve and Phoebe Janzen since Steve was diagnosed with stage IV terminal pancreatic cancer just after Christmas. For the last few months, it has been hard for Steve to even complete normal daily activities.

OTHER HEADLINES

Computer company seized over taxes
A yellow seizure sign appeared Tuesday morning on the door of Great Plains Computer and Networking at 324 E. Main St. in Marion. The business, owned by Lloyd Davies, owes the state $24,010.55 in unpaid taxes dating back to 2005. Tuesday the Kansas Department of Revenue and Marion County Sheriff seized all business assets, inventory, and personal property of Davies, which will be sold at a public auction to pay taxes owed.
State fire marshal warns of fire challenge
Social media’s latest viral fad is literally just teens setting themselves on fire. State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen sent out a release Thursday urging Kansans not to take part in the “fire challenge.”
Commission approves county budget
County commissioners approved a $23.3 million budget for 2015 Monday, increasing budget authority while holding the line on taxes as a result of increased property valuations. Proposed departmental budgets were scrutinized at several prior meetings, but commissioner Randy Dallke wanted answers to some questions before the vote was cast.
Bridge collision kills Gypsum man
A Gypsum man died Aug. 20 when his car collided with a concrete bridge railing on 290th Rd. between Nighthawk and Mustang Rds. Undersheriff David Huntley said Richard G. Hoye, 73, was westbound on the Lincolnville-Durham road at approximately noon when the car crossed the road and the driver’s side tires went onto the south shoulder. The car struck the railing head-on and fell into the creek bed, coming to rest on the west bank south of the bridge.
State fire marshal warns of fire challenge
Social media’s latest viral fad is literally just teens setting themselves on fire. State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen sent out a release Thursday urging Kansans not to take part in the “fire challenge.”
Disk golf is a laid back walk in the park
It’s been something of a dull summer, with there being no tournaments and all; but Jacob Bruntz is still winging discs around Peabody City Park, taking part in a sport that’s become a statewide fad. Bruntz plays disc golf with a few of the dozen or so course regulars, he said, three or four times a week. Some of them he actually met on the disc golf course.
Putting the labor in labor day
With Labor Day on the horizon, recreation area workers are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of their summer season. “It’s gonna be full out here, or probably pretty close to it,” Marion Reservoir office administrator Torey Hett said.
Shelters out of room for stray pets
Marion veterinarian Jessica Laurin recently has run into the problem of too many found stray animals, and nowhere to house them. A few residents have brought found cats and dogs to Animal Health Center trying to find some place to take them. Unable to house unowned animals, AHC’s policy is to send the animals to humane societies in Newton or McPherson. However, both are full.

DEATHS

Kenneth L. Pigorsch
Kenneth L. Pigorsch, 81, a lifelong resident of Herington, died Aug. 16 at Herington Municipal Hospital. Funeral services were Aug. 19 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was buried in Sunset Hill Cemetery with military honors. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Harold Pschigoda
Hillsboro resident Harold Pschigoda, 90, died Aug. 19 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. He was born May 26, 1924 to Chris and Ernestine (Pjeskie) Pschigoda in Hope.

DOCKET

HOME AND GARDEN

"Garden fairy" spreads magic colors
Her main supervisor couldn’t remember her last name. To the ladies of Main Street Ministries in Hillsboro, she is known as, simply, “Terry the Garden Fairy.” Terry Shewey said that six or seven years ago, the MSM director at the time, Lillian Bookless, asked her to help with a garden they were planning for the corner of W. D St. and Main St. Bookless knew Shewey from church, and knew she had an interest in and talent for gardening.
House gets makeover after 40 years
The farmhouse southwest of Marion being renovated from top to bottom is not just another house to its new owners, Neal and Christine Hett. It’s the home in which Neal and his three older brothers and sister grew up, and it’s where they and their children gathered to hear Willard Hett’s stories and play together. Willard built the house in 1974. Neal and Christine inherited the house after Willard died in February. For them, renovating the house is a labor of love and a means of preserving it for future generations.
Couple restoring house to restore selves
John Branson is looking for ways to give back to a town that has given him so much. After a friend’s passing, John and his wife, Trisha, bought a house in Florence to remodel and use as a getaway from their hectic lives in Wichita. John, a pastor, said that after a long week it is good for his soul to get away to a town less busy.
Architectural salvage spans county
Twenty years ago, rotten floors and wayward customers turned prospective antique dealers Marion Ogden and Dennis Maggard into architectural salvage entrepreneurs. Before opening Bearly Makin’ It Antiques, the pair needed to replace rotted sections of the floor in the former Beaston Market building on Marion’s Main Street.

OPINION

Don't rain on my bucket
“No good deed goes unpunished,” so the old saying goes, and the newest example of that is the ice-bucket challenge for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Marion County has its fair share of folks who have been swept up in the social media craze that’s raised more than $70 million for the ALS Association, an organization that provides services and funds research. By comparison, the association raised $2 million during the same time last year.

PEOPLE

Tabor College news to be topic at chamber luncheon Sept. 9
The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce will have a luncheon noon Sept. 9 at the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center lobby of Tabor College. The advancement office will provide complimentary lunch, and news about Tabor College will be discussed.
Last Tampa market Wednesday
The final Tampa Farmers Market for the season will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at Tampa Senior Center. Centre Future Business Leaders of America members will serve a meal.
Hog, turkey to roast in tandem with Hope festival
Hope Lions Club will have their annual Hog and Turkey roast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the First National Bank annex and community center in Hope. Adults can eat for $9, children ages 10 and under can eat for $5.
Democratic women meet
Bill Ballard of Emporia told about the happenings of Lyon County Democrats at the Aug. 22 meeting of the Marion County Democratic Women. Sue Clough conducted the business meeting.
ROUND THE TOWN:
Clara Toews tours the Black Hills

SCHOOL AND SPORTS

Goessel sports preview is Friday
Goessel High School will host its 21st annual fall sports preview night on Friday. The preview will include a hamburger fry, football and volleyball scrimmages, and introductions of all fall sports teams. A grilled hamburger supper begins at 5:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Patrons should use the east entrance.
FFA members attend leadership conference
Hillsboro FFA members joined 280 members from across the state to develop their leadership skills during the State Conference for Chapter Leaders at Rock Springs near Junction City. Chapter leaders attending were Hanna Bartel, vice president; Lisa Geis, treasurer; Kyle Unruh, reporter; Valerie Klassen, sentinel; Brandon Klassen; Jesse Meier, president; and Sonya Roberts, adviser.
Dairy receives grant
Jason Wiebe Dairy of Durham was awarded a $120,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to expand their production of cheeses. The dairy was one of seven agriculture operations across the state to receive grant money to help expand family operations.

HILLSBORO Star-Journal

There was a small fire at the Sonic in Hillsboro on Saturday in the early afternoon. The fire was contained to a wall of the women’s restroom. “We feel very fortunate that the damage was not more severe,” store owner Jason Sjorlund said.

Harlow and Edith Warneke knew almost everyone who sent 130 cards for their 70th wedding anniversary. They were perplexed, however, by one small, white envelope from an unfamiliar rural Hillsboro address. Inside, they found an intricate drawing of horses and a handmade card.

Joyce Olsen of Aulne has seen her fair share of hot summers, and this year has not been one of the hottest. Nonetheless, 100 degrees is 100 degrees, and her hogs need protection from the conditions. “Heat like this will kill a sow or a hog,” she said, “because they don’t sweat.”

Many things have changed for Steve and Phoebe Janzen since Steve was diagnosed with stage IV terminal pancreatic cancer just after Christmas. For the last few months, it has been hard for Steve to even complete normal daily activities.

Social media’s latest viral fad is literally just teens setting themselves on fire. State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen sent out a release Thursday urging Kansans not to take part in the “fire challenge.”

Social media’s latest viral fad is literally just teens setting themselves on fire. State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen sent out a release Thursday urging Kansans not to take part in the “fire challenge.”

With Labor Day on the horizon, recreation area workers are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of their summer season. “It’s gonna be full out here, or probably pretty close to it,” Marion Reservoir office administrator Torey Hett said.

Kenneth L. Pigorsch, 81, a lifelong resident of Herington, died Aug. 16 at Herington Municipal Hospital. Funeral services were Aug. 19 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was buried in Sunset Hill Cemetery with military honors. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Hillsboro resident Harold Pschigoda, 90, died Aug. 19 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. He was born May 26, 1924 to Chris and Ernestine (Pjeskie) Pschigoda in Hope.

The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce will have a luncheon noon Sept. 9 at the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center lobby of Tabor College. The advancement office will provide complimentary lunch, and news about Tabor College will be discussed.

The final Tampa Farmers Market for the season will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at Tampa Senior Center. Centre Future Business Leaders of America members will serve a meal.

Hope Lions Club will have their annual Hog and Turkey roast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the First National Bank annex and community center in Hope. Adults can eat for $9, children ages 10 and under can eat for $5.

Bill Ballard of Emporia told about the happenings of Lyon County Democrats at the Aug. 22 meeting of the Marion County Democratic Women. Sue Clough conducted the business meeting.

ROUND THE TOWN:

Jason Wiebe Dairy of Durham was awarded a $120,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to expand their production of cheeses. The dairy was one of seven agriculture operations across the state to receive grant money to help expand family operations.