HILLSBORO Star-Journal

HEADLINES

County may add IT position
Commissioners did not take any action at the regular county meeting Monday, instead having a work session to meet with the head of each county department. Most meetings centered on the status of each department and what they may need going forward.
Planning board Oks wind farm expansion
With the approval by the county planning commission to allow expansion of Windborne Energy’s planned wind farm between Aulne, Peabody, and Florence, there was opposition Thursday. Those in opposition still voiced their opinion against the wind farm as a whole.
USDA food commodities available next week
Commodities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will arrive at county senior centers May 7, with distribution beginning May 8. Sites may not distribute commodities on the same day. Patrons are encouraged to contact their local site for scheduling.
St. Luke CEO taking job in Mitchell County
St. Luke Hospital and Living Center CEO Jeremy Armstrong has accepted a job as CEO of Mitchell County Hospital and Health Systems in Beloit. He said the move is to get closer to his wife, Tammy’s, parents so the Armstrongs and their children can visit more often. His last day at St. Luke will be June 6, and he will start June 16 in Beloit.
Garage sales are Saturday
Marion and Peabody will have citywide garage sales Saturday, with 22 planned in Marion and 16 planned in Peabody. Summaries and maps of the sales can be found on page 11 of this newspaper. Free maps will be available Friday at local businesses.
Film maker returns to Florence
Residents of Florence can expect to see Steve Lerner once again wandering the streets with his camera. Lerner is creating another documentary of the area, but this time focusing on water sources in the area. “Talkin’ About Water” will center around Florence, Marion County, and Chase County and their water sources. It will be his second documentary to feature the area. The first was created in 2012, titled “Florence, Kansas.”
Group may be last to graduate from current Butler building
It was a bittersweet moment for Amy Kjellin, director of Butler Community College of Marion, as she handed certificates and tokens of appreciation to three students graduating this semester. For future students, Butler of Marion might have a different look, but will still offer the same services, Kjellin said.
Planning board Oks wind farm expansion
With the approval by the county planning commission to allow expansion of Windborne Energy’s planned wind farm between Aulne, Peabody, and Florence, there was opposition Thursday. Those in opposition still voiced their opinion against the wind farm as a whole.
Drunk driver's family suffered, too
Jared Estes had every right to be angry after a drunk driver, 45-year-old Louis Kebert, driving a Porsche on Kellogg Ave. in Wichita, rammed into the back of his car, killing his wife of six months, Paige. The car exploded upon impact, leaving Estes with severe burns on his upper body and head after a stranger pulled him from the burning vehicle. Two other women in the car also were severely injured. The accident happened in March 2005, and in June 2006, Kebert, who had two previous DUI convictions, was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
County may add IT position
Commissioners did not take any action at the regular county meeting Monday, instead having a work session to meet with the head of each county department. Most meetings centered on the status of each department and what they may need going forward.
Lifeguard classes will be offered in May
An American Red Cross lifeguarding class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 26 through May 29 at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center in Marion. Those attending will learn first aid, CPR /AED, teamwork, rescue and surveillance techniques, as well as other skills necessary to become a lifeguard.
Film maker returns to Florence
Residents of Florence can expect to see Steve Lerner once again wandering the streets with his camera. Lerner is creating another documentary of the area, but this time focusing on water sources in the area. “Talkin’ About Water” will center around Florence, Marion County, and Chase County and their water sources. It will be his second documentary to feature the area. The first was created in 2012, titled “Florence, Kansas.”

AUTOMOTIVE

Volkswagen has been in family for 3 decades
You could say their marriage began in a Beetle. When Brad and Jeannie Wildin married, they drove away from the church in Brad’s 1971 Beetle. “My father drove a VW bus for work in the 60s and it was where I first learned how to drive,” Brad said. “So in 1973 I found the 71 and got it. I enjoyed it, it was the best vehicle I’ve ever had in the snow.”
Local agents add dependability to car insurance
Car owners are bombarded continually by radio and TV commercials, mail circulars, Internet advertisements, and other means, from companies that claim to offer cheap car insurance. It may be cheaper, but cheaper isn’t necessarily better. Why? Because when a person has a claim, there’s no agent to help with the process.
Car shows start in summer
Marion County will be the place for car enthusiasts to be early this summer with a pair of car shows. The Burns car show will be all day May 24 in downtown Burns. No other information was available before deadline.

DEATHS

Arnold Regier
Arnold W. Regier, 83, died Friday at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. He was born Oct. 8, 1930, to Henry and Tena (Rempel) Regier in Hillsboro. He married Edith Vogt on Aug. 2, 1957, in Enid, Okla.
Kenneth Schmidt
Kenneth W. Schmidt, 79, died April 22 at his home in Newton. He was born Oct. 14, 1934, to Henry B. Jr. and Esther (Klassen) Schmidt in Newton. He married Elsie Flamming on May 6, 1960, in Goessel.
IN MEMORIAM:
Karen Conyers, Charles Cowan, Marvin Porter

DOCKET

OPINION

A steady hand and clear vision
When I recently heard a rumor that St. Luke CEO Jeremy Armstrong was going to leave the hospital, I hoped it was exactly that, a rumor that could be dismissed as soon as I could ask Armstrong about the situation. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a rumor; it was accurate, and Marion will be losing an excellent community member in June. The past eight years have been a tumultuous time for the health care field, especially for rural hospitals. Add into that the worst recession since the 1930s and for a rural hospital just to keep its head above water would be an accomplishment. What St. Luke got instead was a monumental building project, expansion, and renovation that improved the hospital while also bringing it more in line with the realities of modern medicine where fewer inpatients are staying in rural hospitals but more rehabilitation services are sought.

PEOPLE

P.E.O. elects officers
Officers were voted on during P.E.O.’s meeting April 21 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. A president’s gavel was presented to Belinda Skiles, who was elected chapter president.
Smart driving class offered
Smart driving classes, which allow drivers to receive an insurance premium reduction, will be available at the Marion Senior Center May 12 and 13. Classes will be from 1 to 5 p.m. each day. No actual driving is required, but participants are required to attend both sessions in order to receive the discount.
Tabor concert is Sunday
The Tabor College Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings will perform a home concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church at 300 Prairie Pointe. The theme of the concert is “Bright Shining as the Sun,” based on lyrics from “Amazing Grace.”
Dinner will help with adoption
There will be a dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Marion Christian Church to assist Doug and Sarah Spencer with the international adoption of their son, Grant. Friends of the Spencers are organizing the meal, which will include sloppy joes, side dishes, and desserts.
Democratic Women honor past member
Marion County Democratic Women gave a gift to the Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Betty Norman at their meeting Friday at Marion Senior Center. Plans were finalized for the group to host the First District Democratic Women’s meeting on May 26.
Disaster volunteers needed
Marion County Emergency Management Department is looking for volunteers to assist during times of emergency. Volunteers will receive training though the Federal Emergency Management Agency to perform specific tasks during a disaster, emergency director Randy Frank said.
HILLSBORO SENIOR CENTER:
Bring items for show-and-tell
NORTHWEST OF DURHAM:
Community mourns Muriel Christiansen
COOKING WITH...:
Morel mushrooms good fried, grilled, or sauteed

SCHOOL AND SPORTS

Trojan baseball team thumps Eagles
The Trojans handled Canton-Galva Friday, allowing one run in two games while winning twice on a 10-run mercy rule. Head coach Doug Dick said pitchers Austin Cross and Dylan Nelson threw well, backed up by a good defense.
Tennis competes at home
Leo Sontag took third place in the No. 2 singles bracket at the Trojan Invitational tennis tournament April 22 in Hillsboro. He went 1-1 in pool play, defeating a player from Wichita Independent 8-3 and losing to a player from Hesston 8-2.
Lady Trojans remain undefeated
It took the Hillsboro softball team the equivalent of one full game to sweep Canton-Galva Friday, as the team improved to 12-0 on the season. In the first game, Hillsboro only led 2-0 at the end of the first inning on a two-RBI double by Bradli Nowak, but the Trojans blew the game open in the second.
Becky Yoder wins division in 5K race
Becky Yoder of Peabody won the 50-54 age division in the Emma Creek Classic 5-kilometer race Saturday in Hesston. She ran the race in 23 minutes, 15 seconds, a pace of 7:29 per mile. Donna Spoonemore of Hillsboro was second in the division with a time of 24:15 for a pace of 7:49 per mile.
Tabor baseball team wins third consecutive title
With a sweep of the McPherson Bulldogs this past weekend, the Tabor College baseball team won its third KCAC regular season title in as many years. Friday the Bluejays defeated the Bulldogs 23-5 and 8-5 in McPherson, then won 17-3 and 13-7 Saturday in Hillsboro.
Hillsboro names students of the month
Every month the faculty and staff of Hillsboro High School recognize one boy and one girl as students of the month. The students of the month for April are Jared Dyck and Molly Wiebe. Dyck is active in FFA, Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Youth, and South Cottonwood 4-H Club. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and trapping. He works during harvest, driving a grain cart.
Musicians receive high ratings
At the 2A State Music Festival Saturday in Salina, multiple Hillsboro musicians earned high ratings. On a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being outstanding, Kennedy Klein earned a “1” for her flute solo, as did the Mixed Trio of Marah Franz, Allison Gray, and Klein. Gray received a “2” rating for her French horn solo.
Tabor concert is Sunday
The Tabor College Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings will perform a home concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church at 300 Prairie Pointe. The theme of the concert is “Bright Shining as the Sun,” based on lyrics from “Amazing Grace.”
Morganne Hamm gets leadership scholarship
Hillsboro High School senior Morganne Hamm was awarded a Kansas State University Leadership Scholarship on Feb. 24. Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, presented the award. During the university’s annual scholarship day, students and their parents were guests at a banquet. Throughout the day, they attended meetings with academic deans and student life officials.

HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Commissioners did not take any action at the regular county meeting Monday, instead having a work session to meet with the head of each county department. Most meetings centered on the status of each department and what they may need going forward.

With the approval by the county planning commission to allow expansion of Windborne Energy’s planned wind farm between Aulne, Peabody, and Florence, there was opposition Thursday. Those in opposition still voiced their opinion against the wind farm as a whole.

Commodities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will arrive at county senior centers May 7, with distribution beginning May 8. Sites may not distribute commodities on the same day. Patrons are encouraged to contact their local site for scheduling.

Marion and Peabody will have citywide garage sales Saturday, with 22 planned in Marion and 16 planned in Peabody. Summaries and maps of the sales can be found on page 11 of this newspaper. Free maps will be available Friday at local businesses.

With the approval by the county planning commission to allow expansion of Windborne Energy’s planned wind farm between Aulne, Peabody, and Florence, there was opposition Thursday. Those in opposition still voiced their opinion against the wind farm as a whole.

Commissioners did not take any action at the regular county meeting Monday, instead having a work session to meet with the head of each county department. Most meetings centered on the status of each department and what they may need going forward.

An American Red Cross lifeguarding class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 26 through May 29 at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center in Marion. Those attending will learn first aid, CPR /AED, teamwork, rescue and surveillance techniques, as well as other skills necessary to become a lifeguard.

Marion County will be the place for car enthusiasts to be early this summer with a pair of car shows. The Burns car show will be all day May 24 in downtown Burns. No other information was available before deadline.

Arnold W. Regier, 83, died Friday at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. He was born Oct. 8, 1930, to Henry and Tena (Rempel) Regier in Hillsboro. He married Edith Vogt on Aug. 2, 1957, in Enid, Okla.

Kenneth W. Schmidt, 79, died April 22 at his home in Newton. He was born Oct. 14, 1934, to Henry B. Jr. and Esther (Klassen) Schmidt in Newton. He married Elsie Flamming on May 6, 1960, in Goessel.

IN MEMORIAM:

Officers were voted on during P.E.O.’s meeting April 21 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. A president’s gavel was presented to Belinda Skiles, who was elected chapter president.

The Tabor College Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings will perform a home concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church at 300 Prairie Pointe. The theme of the concert is “Bright Shining as the Sun,” based on lyrics from “Amazing Grace.”

There will be a dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Marion Christian Church to assist Doug and Sarah Spencer with the international adoption of their son, Grant. Friends of the Spencers are organizing the meal, which will include sloppy joes, side dishes, and desserts.

Marion County Democratic Women gave a gift to the Robert B. Docking Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Betty Norman at their meeting Friday at Marion Senior Center. Plans were finalized for the group to host the First District Democratic Women’s meeting on May 26.

Marion County Emergency Management Department is looking for volunteers to assist during times of emergency. Volunteers will receive training though the Federal Emergency Management Agency to perform specific tasks during a disaster, emergency director Randy Frank said.

HILLSBORO SENIOR CENTER:

NORTHWEST OF DURHAM:

COOKING WITH...:

The Trojans handled Canton-Galva Friday, allowing one run in two games while winning twice on a 10-run mercy rule. Head coach Doug Dick said pitchers Austin Cross and Dylan Nelson threw well, backed up by a good defense.

Leo Sontag took third place in the No. 2 singles bracket at the Trojan Invitational tennis tournament April 22 in Hillsboro. He went 1-1 in pool play, defeating a player from Wichita Independent 8-3 and losing to a player from Hesston 8-2.

Becky Yoder of Peabody won the 50-54 age division in the Emma Creek Classic 5-kilometer race Saturday in Hesston. She ran the race in 23 minutes, 15 seconds, a pace of 7:29 per mile. Donna Spoonemore of Hillsboro was second in the division with a time of 24:15 for a pace of 7:49 per mile.

With a sweep of the McPherson Bulldogs this past weekend, the Tabor College baseball team won its third KCAC regular season title in as many years. Friday the Bluejays defeated the Bulldogs 23-5 and 8-5 in McPherson, then won 17-3 and 13-7 Saturday in Hillsboro.

The Tabor College Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings will perform a home concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church at 300 Prairie Pointe. The theme of the concert is “Bright Shining as the Sun,” based on lyrics from “Amazing Grace.”