40 years ago

august 6, 1980

Fanned by 34-mile-per-hour winds, a raging grassfire destroyed 500 acres of pasture east of Marion on Wednesday causing an estimated $20,000 damage. Officials said an 11-year-old boy admitted starting the fire near Marion County Lake.

An employee of Ray Martin Painting of Wichita is pictured as he sandblasts the limestone trim on the high school building. After the sandblasting is finished, painters will put on a coat of clear sealant to protect the stone.

The annual Produce Derby has discovered many prize-winning specimens this season in spite of dry weather and hot climate. This week Mrs. Nathen Bailey of Ramona entered a 7¼ pound cabbage from her husband’s garden.

Mr. and Mrs. Les Byer, owners of Flint Hills Clay Works, are pictured with their son, Eric, as they accept a plaque containing their first dollar of clear profit from Rosse Case and Barbara Longhofer, representatives of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.