10 YEARS AGO

october 26, 2011

A dark-complected man attempted to abduct a 12-year-old girl at the Ramona Park Sunday around 5 p.m. by telling her mother had sent him for her. When she asked him her mother’s name and he didn’t know it, she ran home. Police officers were contacted but had no success in finding the man.

After two years of planning and thousands of volunteer hours, the Marion Youth Activities Center is only a few minor pieces of work away from opening. A snack bar, complete with cabinets, pool table, air hockey table, computers, and two large television sets are already in the revitalized gas station.

Lucille Bitner, leader of TOPS KS 1075, Marion, is pictured displaying a centerpiece that won second place at the “Tater Mania” TOPS Fun Day in Hutchinson Oct 15. Her chapter won first place for the most pounds lost from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31.

Thirty Marion Merchants will sponsor “Night of the Rhino” on Halloween, Oct. 31. Participating businesses will offer trick or treats from 4 to 5 p.m., a costume contest in Liberty Park at 5:30, followed by free hot dogs sponsored by the Marion Police Department.

The 18th annual Marion County Toy Run will leave from Willy J’s 9th Lane in Marion at 1 p.m. Nov. 5. The event is sponsored by Sons of the American Legion Post 366, ABATE of Kansas District 9, and Route 56 Classic Cruisers. Each participant is asked to donate one new toy as their entry fee.

Marion County knitters and crocheters have made about 300 purple caps for newborn babies in an effort to raise awareness of shaken baby syndrome. Walter Norman is pictured as he loads a box full of caps at Down on the Corner in Marion. He and his wife, Betty Norman, delivered the caps to Kansas Children’s Service League in Wichita.