25 YEARS AGO

DECEMBER 4, 1996

Marion County Commissioners toured the courthouse with architect Dan Hall of BG Consultants during the Nov. 27 end-of-the-month meeting to see completed improvements. Hall said the project is
“99 percent done” and should be completed soon.

Don Westerhaus, who was born in Marion, earned a journalism degree at the University of Kansas, and has made a big mark in the world with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, is the first in a planned series of articles about people raised in Marion County, who have gone out in the “world beyond” to achieve success. Others will be recognized as names are recommended and details provided. Suggestions are appreciated.

“Beary Special Babies” born at St. Luke Hospital during the month of November include Trevor Alan Kruse, born Nov. 12; Marty Jay Redger, Nov. 17; Arik Clark Schmidt, Nov. 19; Megan Lee Jirak, Nov. 23; and Nathan Lee Cyr, Nov. 23.

Marion High School cheerleaders for the 1996-67 winter sports are Michelle Wessel, Irene Robles, Leah Arnhold, Courtney Goering, and Molly Hanes.

Groundbreaking ceremonies are set for 1 p.m. Friday at the site of Sunrise Townhomes. The public is invited to the ceremony at the site on Eisenhower Drive next to September Apartments. Sunrise Townhomes will provide 16 duplexes when completed.

About 260 people were served a full turkey dinner Thursday at the annual community Thanksgiving dinner held at Marion Elementary School. The meal raised more than $1,100 for the Marion Ministerial Alliance “helping hands” fund. Volunteers prepared 12 turkeys with all the traditional side dishes, served the meal, and cleaned up afterward.