Plans coming together for Chingawassa Days festival

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:53

The musical lineup for this year’s Chingawassa Days concerts on Saturday evening is (from top to bottom) featured band Starship, Last Child (an Aerosmith tribute band) and 7 Bridges Road (a Eagles tribute band).

Another top performing band, two tribute bands, the debut of Tug-O-War tournament and a special speaker for the community church service are only some of the new games and activities planned for this weekend’s Chingawassa Days festival in Marion.

Headlining Saturday’s entertainment is rock band Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, who was the main vocalist for Jefferson Starship in the early 1980s. Some of Thomas and the bands chart-topping songs included “We Built This City,” and “Jane.”

According to...

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Goessel council decides to buy new warning sirens

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:51

The Goessel City Council, after considerable discussion, decided at its May 17 meeting to buy new warning sirens for the community.

In response to a question about the need for a new siren, Karen Dalke, public works director, said, “If we lose power, we have no siren.”

Councilor Jim Wiens added, “Then we rely on fire trucks to drive around and alert the town.”

Wiens and Councilor Larry Schmidt said the city has a responsibility to protect the residents, even though it is not required to provide siren protection.

The council had heard a siren demonstration at the previous council meeting but decided not to buy that siren. The sound of that mobile unit is generated by compressed air and uses a gasoline-powered compressor to...

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County prepares for Memorial Day events

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:46

Memorial Day 2012 is rapidly approaching and several towns in Marion County are planning Monday events to honor local veterans who died in service to their country.

Ceremonies are planned in Hillsboro, Marion, Florence, Peabody, Pilsen, Lincolnville and other locations.

Hillsboro

Former Kansas Rep. Don Dahl will be speaker at the Hillsboro Memorial Day observance starting at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Memorial Park, said Dick Carr, commander of American Legion Post 366.

The ceremony will begin with the Color Guard advancing colors and the Sons of the Ameri­can Legion raising the American flag.

Carr said he will ask those in attendance to pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. Kathy Carr...

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At 94, Wesley Fenske will answer Memorial Day call to arms

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:44

Wesley and Pauline Fenske enjoy each other’s company in their farm home near Lincolnville. Wesley Fenske, 94, has led the Memorial Day rifle salute at Lin­colnville Cemetery for almost two decades.

A member of the Gilbert Poppe American Legion Post 347, Fenske said he volunteers because, “it’s something that needs to be done.”

Roy Houdyshell of Lincoln­ville, and a member of the VFW post, said he believes Fenske is the oldest person in Marion County to participate at Memorial Day services. He could even be one, if not the oldest, in Kansas, he said.

Born in 1918, Fenske said he grew up east of Lincolnville, and when he was about 23 years old he decided to join the military.

“I went in on the draft because it was a matter of being a low number,” he said.

“They were going to get me pretty quick and, at that...

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