55 years ago

December 1, 1966

One of this area’s most historic landmarks, the Chase County Courthouse at Cottonwood Falls, could easily have been destroyed by fire early Saturday evening but for the quick action of fire fighters.

Fire and smoke coming from the cupola of the almost 100-year-old structure was seen and reported before the fire gained much headway. Immediate response by the Cottonwood Falls and Strong City volunteer departments doused the fire. No public documents were damaged.

Two store break-ins in Hillsboro and an attempted one at Goessel occurred in Marion County Saturday night or Sunday. The break-ins were at Vogt’s IGA Store and Paul’s Auto Supply, and the attempted break-in was at Lee’s Highway Service.

Among the unbelievable stories coming out of the war in Viet Nam is one concerning jet pilot Lt. Orville (Milford) Hett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Hett of Route 1, Marion.

Milford talked with his mother via short wave radio and telephone for some ten minutes Friday morning while he was making a night flight over Viet Nam.

Pictured on the front page is the second group of winners at the weekly prize drawing for boys and girls held each Thursday evening during the holiday season.

First place winner of the bicycle was Robin Hill, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Hill. Second place winner was Kathy Kelsey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Kelsey. Third prize went to Eddie Griffith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Griffith, and fourth prize was won by Betty Jo Finke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. D. Finke.

Owen McCarty, former Marion boy, is getting a big break next week when he has been asked by Ernest Tubb to appear in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is the Mecca of county western entertainers. Many Marion friends will be wishing Owen a lot of success.