In the early 1960s the choral baton passed from Herbert C. Richert, who had served Tabor since 1932, to Paul Wohlgemuth. “Dr. Paul” (pictured) came to Tabor to serve as chair of the music department in fall 1960 and led the choir until 1976. Music students remembered both long hours of practice in preparation for recitals and long bus rides on tours, not only to churches in California and British Columbia but also to eastern states, Romania and Western Europe. In 1974 Kansas Gov. Robert Docking designated Tabor’s choir as the official “Kansas Wheat Centennial Choir,” celebrating the arrival of Turkey Red Winter Wheat with the Mennonites.
The above anecdote is included in “Tabor College: A Century of Transformation 1908-2008,” the history of the college commissioned for this year’s centennial celebration. The book can be purchased for $48.39 (tax included) plus $5 for shipping. Call 620-947-3121 ext. 1212 for information or orders.
Centre FFA competed and experienced success in State Career Development Events May 5-6 in Manhattan.
The Ag Sales team finished first with team members Julie Rziha placing first and Kristine Jirak placing nine individually. Other team members were Nellie Hill and Amy Hajek were also on the team.
The girls will compete at National FFA Convention in October at Indianapolis, Ind.
The Ag Business Management team finished second with Julie Rziha placing third and Andy Carlson placing eighth individually. Kristine Jirak and Nellie Hill were also on the team.
Andy Carlson finished 15th in the Ag Technology event. Brandon Albrecht and Adam Kristek were also on the team.
Other teams included Dairy Foods with team members Brian Burhoop, Tyler Klenda, Casey Kristek, and Adam Matz; the Dairy Cattle with team members Brian Burhoop, Tanner Brunner, Amanda Floyd and Cole Svoboda; and Livestock Judging with team members were Brian Burhoop, Tanner Brunner, and Cole Svoboda.
Members from the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter participated in the National Land Judging Contest last week in Oklahoma City.
Members Brett Billings, Brad Klenda, Mark Kukuk and Justin Herzet spent two days practicing, then competed in the rain-soaked contest on Wednesday, May 7.
The Marion team received 47th place in the National Land Judging Contest and 30th in the National Homesite Evaluation Contest.
More than 170 teams from 35 states competed in the contest.
The idea of a land judging contest was invented by three Oklahoma conservationists in 1942. They decided which soil qualities could be judged and developed score cards to test skills.
The idea caught on and Oklahoma City has been hosting the national contest since 1952.
The 4-H and FFA participating teams qualified for the national event by placing among the top five teams at contests held in their home states.
The teams match skills in judging the adaptability of land for various purposes including farming, range management, and homesite construction.
Creators of “A Century of Transformation, 1908-2008,” stand behind their work, unveiled at the Tabor Centennial Dinner Saturday. Shown from left are the book’s editor, Doug Miller, and the four authors: David Peters, Lynn Jost, Richard Kyle and, Peggy Goertzen. Tabor College photo by Vance Frick
“A Century of Transformation, 1908-2008,” created by the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies to coincide with the Tabor College centennial celebration, made its public debut Saturday at the Tabor Centennial Dinner in the college’s chapel auditorium.
Unified School District 410 Board of Education granted approval Monday evening to purchas upgraded reading curriculum for all grade levels at a cost not to exceed $112,000.
Schools 
