HILLSBORO Star-Journal

HEADLINES

Van demolished, man unscathed
When Mitchell Unruh jerked awake after his van went into a ditch, what he experienced was worse than any nightmare — his world, his van, was literally spinning out of control. Police said Unruh reportedly fell asleep at the wheel of his 2008 Dodge Caravan at 10:15 p.m. on Dec. l. Driving west on 330th Rd. east of Durham near Tampa, he drifted across the road into the south ditch, struck an embankment, then hit a utility pole, flipped end over end, rolled one time, and landed right side up.
Alco building for sale
The Alco building in Hillsboro is up for sale, but as of Tuesday no buyers have stepped forward, said Hillsboro’s economic development director Clint Seibel. Walmart representatives took a tour of the Alco building recently, but Seibel added, “They decided to build their own building.”
Tabor receives extra million for arts center
The “Hallelujah Chorus” at Tabor College’s Sunday performance of Handel’s “Messiah” was fitting punctuation for the announcement of an upcoming $1 million donation from an Oklahoma foundation for the college’s planned Center for the Arts. Tabor President Jules Glanzer confirmed nearly 1,000 donors have contributed $8 million to the arts center campaign, the amount required to receive $1 million from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Accompanist encourages excellence in life
It doesn’t take long when speaking with Karla Telganova of Hillsboro to realize that she is a strong woman and speaks freely of the things that are nearest and dearest to her heart. Telganova is the accompanist for music students in Marion Middle and Senior High Schools. She also is involved in musicals and other performances requiring a pianist. Audiences take note of how her fingers float lightly and easily over the keys and bring out pleasing melodies from even the most complex pieces.
County's gravel roads swallowed by mud
Residents around the county awoke Monday to find gravel roads swallowed whole by mud pits, and, in many places, only an inch of rain responsible for it. While some took to social media to voice concerns, rural Florence resident John Siebert approached the county commission Monday with concerns regarding the upkeep of Yarrow Rd., where he lives.
Dollar General interested in Marion
Dollar General has expressed interest in opening a store along the south side of US-56 in Marion next year. Economic Development Director Terry Jones announced at Monday’s city council meeting that Dollar General wants to be located at the corner of Industrial Road and US-56.
County to pursue deal to move Health Department
After an executive session “to discuss trade secrets” at Monday’s county commission meeting, commissioners agreed to pursue a deal with St. Luke Hospital to move the Health Department from the historic Bowron Building on Main St. to a clinic adjacent to the hospital. Initially, Dan Holub was on board with pursuing a relocation agreement, while Randy Dallke vehemently disagreed, citing the need for concrete progress toward building another office space in the courthouse square.

OTHER HEADLINES

Tunnel of Lights to glow despite no official date
In what would have been the Tunnel of Light’s tenth annual year at Marion County Lake, no official date will be set for patrons to visit and partake in free holiday refreshments. “This year is a sabbatical,” lake resident and one of the event organizers Margie Schwartz said. “There was just a lot going on in the neighborhood, including two deaths, and we just couldn’t find a date that worked for everyone.”
Disaster loans for small businesses available
Marion County small, nonfarm businesses have until Jan. 7 to apply for federal disaster loans to offset economic losses from the 2014 drought. Low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the U.S. Small Business Administration are for small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations. Loans of up to $2million help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
Huntress, looking for big buck, bags a bobcat
Shawna Johnson couldn’t fight the urges any longer — she had to go out to the blind. Studying nursing at Wichita State, she initially wanted to wait until her finals ended in December to go hunting, but the anticipation proved too much.
TEEN to meet via phone
Technology Excellence in Education Network (TEEN) will hold its December meeting via phone conference at 6 p.m. Dec. 17.The conference call will initiate from the USD 410 central office in Hillsboro. For questions or more information, please call Lena Kleiner at(620) 877-0237.
Democratic Women to meet Friday
Marion County Democratic Women will convene their holiday meeting at noon Friday at Hilltop Manor. Bring soup for Marion County Food Bank and gifts purchased at thrift shops ($5 worth) for a gift exchange.
Businesses sponsor holiday lighting contest
Seven nominations made the list for 2014 Marion County Holiday Lighting Contest. The winner will receive a gift certificate. Readers can cast their vote by filling out the form in the Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal, and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin or vote by calling (620) 382-2165.

DEATHS

Erna E. Bisby
Erna E. Bisby, 90, of Herington, died Dec. 2 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born March 7, 1924, at Ramona to Reinhart and Emma (Kuether) Beisel.
Merle M. Douglas
Merle M. Douglas, 81, died Saturday at Marion. He was born Jan. 19, 1933, to Dale and Gladys Harmon Douglas at Yates Center. He was married to Emma Coldin on Sept. 14, 1953, at Iola.
Irene V. Kinsey
Irene V. Kinsey, 98, died Sunday at St. Luke Living Center. Viewing will be at noon Friday, with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Zeiner Funeral Home. Interment will be in Marion Cemetery.
Gary A. Riggs
Gary A. Riggs, 63, of Marion died Monday at St. Luke Hospital. He was born July 31, 1951, to Robert E. and Elsie Riggs in Placerville, California. He and his wife, Kim, were married in 2007. He worked in a variety of jobs, and liked rebuilding cars and touring on his motorcycle.

DOCKET

HEALTH

Honey holds health benefits
The healing qualities of honey are well known, and no one knows better than the beekeepers themselves. “I take my share, five spoonfuls every morning,” said Norman Ensz, a beekeeper outside Hillsboro since 1973.
Health professionals work together to provide quality care
Marion County is fortunate to have a group of physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists who are willing to work together to provide the best care they can for patients. They see themselves as complementing each other rather than competing. Health professionals have their own areas of expertise, and often a combination of therapies is needed to obtain optimal results.
It's not too late to vaccinate
Marion County Health Department has provided 120 flu mists, 260-high dose vaccinations, and 312 multi-dose vaccinations so far this season. The vaccines will continue to be available on Wednesdays into the spring. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

PEOPLE

NORTHWEST OF DURHAM:
Thanksgiving dinners abound
'ROUND THE TOWN NEWS:
Thanksgiving celebrations all 'round

SCHOOL

Schools to give Christmas concerts
Choirs and bands of Hillsboro Middle School and Hillsboro High School have Christmas concerts scheduled next week at USD 410 Auditorium. Middle school ensembles will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
USD 410 board tour reveals builsing needs
Recent attention has been focused on safety and equipment improvements for Hillsboro Elementary School’s playground, but on Monday, Superintendent Steve Noble ticked off a long list of additional facilities needs for the board of education. Noble’s presentation summarized about a dozen issues observed by board members on a recent tour of district facilities.
Contractors push to finish USD 411 project by January
During a tour of USD 411’s $2.9 million construction project, contractors told Goessel Board of Education members that they were pushing hard to make sure staff and students can move in by the time classes resume in January. “Though the board is not angry, they are disappointed the project was not completed sooner,” Superintendent John Fast said. “One highlight is that we’re staying on budget. Nothing was cut from the original project idea, and actually, with the extensive revamping of the high school entrance, we are getting more than we expected. It’s just taken much longer than anticipated.”
Goessel Elementary Christmas program is Monday
Kindergarten through fifth grade students of Goessel Elementary School will present a Christmas program at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday in the elementary school gymnasium. Students in kindergarten through third grade will present “Christmas Time Memories,” with songs about snow, toys, food, and the new year.

SPORTS

Trojans win double-overtime thriller
Hillsboro trailed by 9 late in the third quarter Friday against Nickerson, and Micah Allen, the lone returning starter from last season, was slowed by a second-quarter ankle twist. Hanging in for a respectable finish seemed the Trojans’ best hope. But Hillsboro gradually closed the gap in the final quarter, and when a streaking David Dick scored off a pass from Allen to tie the game at 50, the Trojans had new life in overtime.
Hillsboro girls roll over Nickerson
The Hillsboro Trojans girls basketball team started fast and finished strong Friday, defeating Nickerson 61-35 at Brown Gymnasium. The Trojans shackled the Panthers early with strong defense that turned into fast-break opportunities. With Alex Ratzlaff scoring the last 5 points of the first period on two layups and a free throw, Hillsboro had a commanding 19-4 lead.
Slow start dooms Goessel boys
Inman jumped out to a 12-0 lead against Goessel on Friday and coasted to a 66-48 win in Goessel. Lawton and Rhett Makovec each scored in the last four minutes of the first quarter to cut the deficit to 16-7 by the break.
Goessel girls defeat Inman
The Goessel Bluebirds relied on frontcourt and transition scoring to overcome Inman 44-35 Friday in Goessel. Alicen Meysing, Goessel’s 6-foot junior, scored the first 5 points from close range for the Bluebirds.

HILLSBORO Star-Journal

The Alco building in Hillsboro is up for sale, but as of Tuesday no buyers have stepped forward, said Hillsboro’s economic development director Clint Seibel. Walmart representatives took a tour of the Alco building recently, but Seibel added, “They decided to build their own building.”

Dollar General has expressed interest in opening a store along the south side of US-56 in Marion next year. Economic Development Director Terry Jones announced at Monday’s city council meeting that Dollar General wants to be located at the corner of Industrial Road and US-56.

Shawna Johnson couldn’t fight the urges any longer — she had to go out to the blind. Studying nursing at Wichita State, she initially wanted to wait until her finals ended in December to go hunting, but the anticipation proved too much.

Technology Excellence in Education Network (TEEN) will hold its December meeting via phone conference at 6 p.m. Dec. 17.The conference call will initiate from the USD 410 central office in Hillsboro. For questions or more information, please call Lena Kleiner at(620) 877-0237.

Marion County Democratic Women will convene their holiday meeting at noon Friday at Hilltop Manor. Bring soup for Marion County Food Bank and gifts purchased at thrift shops ($5 worth) for a gift exchange.

Seven nominations made the list for 2014 Marion County Holiday Lighting Contest. The winner will receive a gift certificate. Readers can cast their vote by filling out the form in the Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal, and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin or vote by calling (620) 382-2165.

Erna E. Bisby, 90, of Herington, died Dec. 2 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born March 7, 1924, at Ramona to Reinhart and Emma (Kuether) Beisel.

Merle M. Douglas, 81, died Saturday at Marion. He was born Jan. 19, 1933, to Dale and Gladys Harmon Douglas at Yates Center. He was married to Emma Coldin on Sept. 14, 1953, at Iola.

Irene V. Kinsey, 98, died Sunday at St. Luke Living Center. Viewing will be at noon Friday, with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Zeiner Funeral Home. Interment will be in Marion Cemetery.

Gary A. Riggs, 63, of Marion died Monday at St. Luke Hospital. He was born July 31, 1951, to Robert E. and Elsie Riggs in Placerville, California. He and his wife, Kim, were married in 2007. He worked in a variety of jobs, and liked rebuilding cars and touring on his motorcycle.

The healing qualities of honey are well known, and no one knows better than the beekeepers themselves. “I take my share, five spoonfuls every morning,” said Norman Ensz, a beekeeper outside Hillsboro since 1973.

Marion County Health Department has provided 120 flu mists, 260-high dose vaccinations, and 312 multi-dose vaccinations so far this season. The vaccines will continue to be available on Wednesdays into the spring. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

NORTHWEST OF DURHAM:

'ROUND THE TOWN NEWS:

Choirs and bands of Hillsboro Middle School and Hillsboro High School have Christmas concerts scheduled next week at USD 410 Auditorium. Middle school ensembles will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Inman jumped out to a 12-0 lead against Goessel on Friday and coasted to a 66-48 win in Goessel. Lawton and Rhett Makovec each scored in the last four minutes of the first quarter to cut the deficit to 16-7 by the break.

The Goessel Bluebirds relied on frontcourt and transition scoring to overcome Inman 44-35 Friday in Goessel. Alicen Meysing, Goessel’s 6-foot junior, scored the first 5 points from close range for the Bluebirds.