55 years ago

may 26, 1966

Marion County’s new “hot mix” plant for making bituminous road materials went into operation last week and is fast proving itself to be big help in the county’s plans for better roads. It is providing better quality road materials faster and cheaper than before.

Marion area boys and girls, ages 7 through 12, are in for a lot of fun this summer with their friend and favorite leader, Lowell Ensey, once again the summer recreation program director. Lowell advises that he is planning to have the summer sign-up Saturday with practice starting June 13.

The Marion High School valedictorian and salutatorian were named Tuesday evening at commencement exercises, Judy Pankratz was named valedictorian, followed by Beth Thole as salutatorian. In third place by a mere fraction of a percentage was Toni McElwain. The Balfour award was presented to Pat Warneke.

Pictured are members of Girl Scout Troop No. 63 as they plant a Golden Rain tree in the city’s newest park just west of the municipal swimming pool. The girls planted a sealed bottle containing their names and other information in the tree’s roots for some future generation to dig up and exclaim over.

Lynn Christensen, owner of Lynn’s Truck & Tractor, Marion, is the recipient of an expense-paid vacation for two to the Grand Bahama Island in recognition of his record achievement in a recent sales campaign.

Forty-four students graduated from the eighth grade at Marion Elementary School in exercises at Marion Gymnasium Monday evening. Class officers this year were Roger Jackson, president; Robert McElwain, vice president; Patricia Wood, secretary; and Vickie Boese, treasurer.