HILLSBORO Star-Journal

HEADLINES

Son's questions lead to identity theft arrest
A son noticing several months of unusual activity on the financial accounts of his elderly mother led to the arrest Saturday of a Hillsboro woman on four counts of identity theft. Additional charges and possibly an additional arrest are likely, assistant police chief Jessey Hiebert said Monday.
Cop vowed to 'smoke' man he shot
Minutes after a Marion police officer shouted that he was going to “smoke him” if a holed-up Lehigh man re-emerged from a workshop, the officer fired five times from an assault rifle, killing 50-year-old Robb Stewart and ending a less-than-half-hour standoff June 20. After months of investigation by Kansas Bureau of Investigation, county attorney Courtney Boehm announced Friday that no charges would be filed against the officer, Lee Vogel, who soon afterward left the force for a police position in Plainville.
Hillsboro steps in to fill economic void
Two new directors are in, three founding directors are out, and Marion County Community Economic Development Corporation has a new interim director because of actions taken at a Monday meeting in Marion. Recurring themes of confused communication and lack of clear leadership that have hampered the group since last summer were targeted in a proposal from Hillsboro city administrator Larry Paine to offer Hillsboro economic development director Anthony Roy’s services as part-time interim director.
Mechanic creates decor from junk
Wondering what to get someone who has everything? How about a unique item made of iron? That’s what Troy Hett, 43, of Tampa does. And he makes it himself.
Icy relationship great for father, son
Bonding over a nice cold drink at a restaurant just isn’t the same as bonding over a thick layer of ice with hungry crappie underneath. Days of single-digit temperatures created perfect conditions last week for avid anglers who use their feet instead of boats to reach fishing hot spots and drill holes through five inches of ice separating them from their prey.
Hillsboro grad pursues acting career
After performing for years in school musicals, Vance Klassen, a 2017 Hillsboro graduate, hpes somdeday to perform on Broadway. Meanwhile, he is enhancing his acting at Oklahoma City University School of Performing Arts. During his first semester this fall, he played Wickersham, one of the Monkey brothers, in a student production of “Seussical.” He also was a member of an ensemble and a featured dancer in the opera, “Marriage of Figaro.”
Mechanic creates decor from junk
Wondering what to get someone who has everything? How about a unique item made of iron? That’s what Troy Hett, 43, of Tampa does. And he makes it himself.

OTHER NEWS

Larsen returns to full-time EMS duty in Hillsboro
Longtime county paramedic Larry Larsen returned to full-time duty the first of this month and is assigned to the Hillsboro ambulance station. Larsen was one of two full-time and one part-time employees hired at the same time, emergency medical service director Ed Debesis said. Another, Jason Nelson from Goddard, also has started work. The third will not begin duties until June.
Yes, Santa, there is a Kaden
Looking through the eyes of a child leaves a possibility that there is hope, positivity, and good still in our presence. Like other county students, third grader Kaden Smith of Marion wrote a letter to Santa Clause in class to be published in the “Dear Santa” section in this paper.
Lake split; county turns to students
Nearly two dozen people jammed into Monday’s county commission meeting as rival groups of lake residents argued over how to manage the lake and its blue-green algae outbreaks. One of them, Jackie Volbrecht, criticized commissioner Randy Dallke.

DEATHS

Elmer Carson Jr.
Services for Elmer Allen Carson Jr., 70, of Emporia, who died Jan. 3, will be 10 a.m. Friday at Charter Funeral Home, 501 W. 6th St., Emporia. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, also at the funeral home.
Twila Lackey
Services for former Peabody resident Twila Lackey, 74, who died Thursday at Via Christi Hospital, St. Francis, were Tuesday at Peabody Christian Church. Survivors include husband Steven Lackey of Hutchinson, daughter Genni Wilson of Hutchinson, son Warren Partridge of Peabody, daughter Angie Harvey of Wichita, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Betty Roth
Services for Betty Darlene Roth, 89, of Navarre, who died Jan. 3, will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Woodbine United Methodist Church. A noon luncheon will precede. She was born July 23, 1928, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Robert M. and Dorothy (England) Wright.
Norma Urbanek
Services for Norma Regina Urbanek, 91, who died Sunday at McPherson Health and Rehabilitation Center will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson, with Rosary preceding Mass. Graveside services and interment will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Newton.
IN MEMORIAM:
Florence Beardmore
IN MEMORIAM:
LaVaughn Klose
IN MEMORIAM:
Cheryl Silhan

DOCKET

FARM

Family's goal: raising own food
When Evan and Becki Yoder of Peabody were married in 1983, their goal was to live as naturally and healthfully as possible. From the looks of their farm 34 years later, they have accomplished that. It includes a variety of livestock and a large garden, all for food. The Yoders maintain a sheep herd and raise chickens for eggs and meat. They also have a few pigs, cattle, and buffalo for meat. Becki plants a large garden from plants grown from seed in a small greenhouse on the farm. She puts up a lot of produce. Last fall, for example, she canned 30 gallons of tomato sauce.
Boy, show swine build bond
While most teens spent the day after Christmas tinkering with their presents, Landon Roberts, 14, was busy loading up his 388-pound show pig, Lucy, to head out with his family and two other competitors to the Arizona National Livestock Show in Phoenix. Landon acquired Lucy from her breeder immediately after she was weaned. From there began a tight knit relationship between boy and show pig.
New co-op manager has a familiar face
John Ottensmeier, 35, may be the new Cooperative Grain and Supply branch manager at Marion, but he is no stranger to farmers. He took over as manager Jan. 1 but has worked there for 12 years, mainly in the warehouse and feed barns and as elevator supervisor. He also was involved with sales of anhydrous and other products.
Animals need special care in cold
Deep cold, as the county recently experienced, creates special needs for animals. Peabody veterinarian Virginia Skinner recommends owners use heated water dishes and stock tank heaters, and check animals’ water three times a day.

OPINION

Getting back to murky
When I was a kid growing up on the east bank of Mud Creek in Marion (and yes, to the kids it was Mud, not Luta), floods were things of wonder. I would run down the hill behind the house to see rising waters consuming my favorite play space among the trees. I loved tagging along with my dad to the Main St. bridge to watch silted milk-chocolate floodwater make the measuring pole slowly disappear. Seeing rowboats downtown was the best.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Lake chief, Church and state
CORRECTIONS:
Clarifications

PEOPLE

Card showers requested for 90th birthday
The family of Jim Hett of Marion is requesting a card shower for his 90th birthday Monday. Hett was born Jan. 15, 1928, to John and Rena Hett in rural Marion County. He married Carol Oblander on May 25, 1952.
New reporter has deep roots in Marion County
Paige Carr, a 2010 graduate of Peabody-Burns High School, this week joins the staff of the Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal, and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin. No stranger to the papers, she wrote for the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin during her high school days as Paige Barnes and in 2012 interned there while in college, where she was a staff reporter for the Butler newspaper,
Mentalist to perform at Winter Gala
Tickets for Hillsboro’s Winter Community Gala, featuring mentalist Curtis Waltermire, will go on sale Monday at the chamber of commerce office. Tickets to the Feb. 26 event, which includes dinner and a silent auction, cost $25 and may be ordered by calling (620) 947-3506.
Tabor Starbucks opens with bang
It was a humdinger of an opening day Thursday for Starbucks coffee shop in Tabor College’s Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. Manager Emma Roberts said the doors opened at 7 a.m. with an offer of a free cup of coffee to the first 500 customers. She had two assistants.
NORTHWEST OF DURHAM:
Relatives gather for birthday supper
SENIOR CENTER:
Menu

SPORTS AND SCHOOL

Coach Knoll nets 500 wins
In the first home game of 2018, the Hillsboro girls’ basketball team overcame a slow start and first-half deficit Tuesday to down the Hoisington Cardinals, 36-24. Trailing 17-16 at halftime, Hillsboro overtook Hoisington in the second half and hung on to win and lift their record to 6-3.
Brackets set for Trojan Classic
Hillsboro (7-1), ranked No. 7 in the state in the latest Class 2-A poll, will face Sunrise Christian (7-4) at 7 p.m. Monday and Clay Center (1-6) at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 in pool contests for the Trojan Classic basketball tournament next week. Sunrise and Clay Center will face each other at 6 p.m. Tuesday to complete pool play. All games will be at the high school gym.
Trojan grapplers finish 12th at Herington meet Saturday
Despite the Christmas season just ending, the Trojan wrestling team received a late gift—enough competitors to acquire a team score at tournaments. In its first action of 2018, Hillsboro was able to score 44 points and finish 12th out of 15 competitors Saturday at the Herington Invitational.
Turnovers key as Goessel splits with Solomon
With a swarming defense and 25 steals, Goessel’s girls team raced to a 61-20 victory Friday over Solomon. Goessel led by 13 after the first quarter, by 22 at half, and by 34 after the third quarter.
Youth cheerleading clinic planned
Hillsboro High School cheerleaders will conduct a cheerleading clinic for boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade the week of Jan. 28. Sessions are planned in the elementary school gymnasium on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday of that week.
Arts center meets fundraising goal
Tabor College has secured the final $150,000 in donations needed to make the new Shari Flaming Center for the Arts debt-free. At the center’s dedication last month, Tabor president Jules Glanzer said the nearly $13.6 million center, planned for six years, needed that amount in additional donations.
Goessel Honor Rolls
College Degrees and Honors
MENUS:
Goessel and Hillsboro menus

UPCOMING

Senior citizens board to meet
Senior Citizens of Marion County will meet at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at Hillsboro Senior Center. Lunch reservations are being accepted at (620) 947-2304 and (620) 382-3580. Requests for transportation are being accepted until Jan. 18.
County Democrats meet
Marion County Democrats learned at their meeting Jan. 6 that Martin Holler has set up a gubernatorial candidate forum May 5 at the county lake hall. Lunch will be at 11:30 a.m. Jackie Volbrecht and Linda Peterson will arrange details. A Trump cap with an alternative slogan was given as a door prize to Sue Clough.
Technology group to meet
A regular monthly meeting of Technology Excellence in Education Network will be at 6 p.m Jan. 17 at USD 408 District Office, 101 N. Thorp St., Marion.
Blood drive planned at Tabor
Blood donations will be accepted 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the CRC gym at Tabor College. Though not necessary, appointments are being accepted at (800) 733-2767.
Fermented foods class planned
Fermented foods, from classics like sauerkraut to trendy drinks like Kobucha tea, will be the topic of classes at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 at Hillsboro City Hall. Amelia Breugem will offer a sampling of recipes and a 21-day plan for beginners to introduce to their diet more of the beneficial probiotics that fermented foods contain.
Calendar of events

HILLSBORO Star-Journal

A son noticing several months of unusual activity on the financial accounts of his elderly mother led to the arrest Saturday of a Hillsboro woman on four counts of identity theft. Additional charges and possibly an additional arrest are likely, assistant police chief Jessey Hiebert said Monday.

Wondering what to get someone who has everything? How about a unique item made of iron? That’s what Troy Hett, 43, of Tampa does. And he makes it himself.

Wondering what to get someone who has everything? How about a unique item made of iron? That’s what Troy Hett, 43, of Tampa does. And he makes it himself.

Looking through the eyes of a child leaves a possibility that there is hope, positivity, and good still in our presence. Like other county students, third grader Kaden Smith of Marion wrote a letter to Santa Clause in class to be published in the “Dear Santa” section in this paper.

Nearly two dozen people jammed into Monday’s county commission meeting as rival groups of lake residents argued over how to manage the lake and its blue-green algae outbreaks. One of them, Jackie Volbrecht, criticized commissioner Randy Dallke.

Services for Elmer Allen Carson Jr., 70, of Emporia, who died Jan. 3, will be 10 a.m. Friday at Charter Funeral Home, 501 W. 6th St., Emporia. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, also at the funeral home.

Services for Betty Darlene Roth, 89, of Navarre, who died Jan. 3, will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Woodbine United Methodist Church. A noon luncheon will precede. She was born July 23, 1928, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Robert M. and Dorothy (England) Wright.

Services for Norma Regina Urbanek, 91, who died Sunday at McPherson Health and Rehabilitation Center will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson, with Rosary preceding Mass. Graveside services and interment will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Newton.

IN MEMORIAM:

IN MEMORIAM:

IN MEMORIAM:

Deep cold, as the county recently experienced, creates special needs for animals. Peabody veterinarian Virginia Skinner recommends owners use heated water dishes and stock tank heaters, and check animals’ water three times a day.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

CORRECTIONS:

The family of Jim Hett of Marion is requesting a card shower for his 90th birthday Monday. Hett was born Jan. 15, 1928, to John and Rena Hett in rural Marion County. He married Carol Oblander on May 25, 1952.

Tickets for Hillsboro’s Winter Community Gala, featuring mentalist Curtis Waltermire, will go on sale Monday at the chamber of commerce office. Tickets to the Feb. 26 event, which includes dinner and a silent auction, cost $25 and may be ordered by calling (620) 947-3506.

It was a humdinger of an opening day Thursday for Starbucks coffee shop in Tabor College’s Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. Manager Emma Roberts said the doors opened at 7 a.m. with an offer of a free cup of coffee to the first 500 customers. She had two assistants.

NORTHWEST OF DURHAM:

SENIOR CENTER:

In the first home game of 2018, the Hillsboro girls’ basketball team overcame a slow start and first-half deficit Tuesday to down the Hoisington Cardinals, 36-24. Trailing 17-16 at halftime, Hillsboro overtook Hoisington in the second half and hung on to win and lift their record to 6-3.

Despite the Christmas season just ending, the Trojan wrestling team received a late gift—enough competitors to acquire a team score at tournaments. In its first action of 2018, Hillsboro was able to score 44 points and finish 12th out of 15 competitors Saturday at the Herington Invitational.

With a swarming defense and 25 steals, Goessel’s girls team raced to a 61-20 victory Friday over Solomon. Goessel led by 13 after the first quarter, by 22 at half, and by 34 after the third quarter.

Hillsboro High School cheerleaders will conduct a cheerleading clinic for boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade the week of Jan. 28. Sessions are planned in the elementary school gymnasium on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday of that week.

MENUS:

Senior Citizens of Marion County will meet at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at Hillsboro Senior Center. Lunch reservations are being accepted at (620) 947-2304 and (620) 382-3580. Requests for transportation are being accepted until Jan. 18.

A regular monthly meeting of Technology Excellence in Education Network will be at 6 p.m Jan. 17 at USD 408 District Office, 101 N. Thorp St., Marion.

Blood donations will be accepted 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the CRC gym at Tabor College. Though not necessary, appointments are being accepted at (800) 733-2767.