Children plan three-day pioneer event

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 October 2012 14:51

Participants in the three-day pioneer challenge were exposed to a variety of activities, including (from top): Young Aden Schmidt touches a snake under the watchful eye of survivalist Jim Truax of Peabody; Aiden gives Abram Schmidt a drink from a ladle; and Amber Schmidt operates the wheat grinder with Mary Beth Bowers looking on.

Homeschool students Amber Schmidt, 11, who lives near Marion Reservoir, and Abigail Engler, 14, of Harlingen, Texas, organized a three-day pioneer challenge for Oct. 3-6.

The girls hatched the idea six months ago and have been working together on the planning and research long distance ever since. They set the event in part to celebrate Abigail’s 14th birthday. Participants all dressed in period...

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Florence teen auditions for ‘American Idol’ shot

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 09 October 2012 14:31

Angel Funk, with the “American Idol” bus in the background, shows her enthusiasm for her Aug. 25 audition in Dodge City. A 17-year-old Florence youth was one of 600 people attending an “American Idol” audition Aug. 25 at Wright Park in Dodge City.

Angel Funk, a senior at Marion High School, performed “Jesus Take the Wheel,” in front of two of the show’s senior producers, Katie Fennelly and Norm Betts.

Funk said it was the first time she sang without music, and in front of television cameras.

“I was petrified,” she said, “but I am definitely going to try again.”

A capella music is difficult, Funk said.

“Some people had a guitar, and if they knew how to play it they were allowed to use it. But I didn’t know how to play, so for me it was a capella.”

Funk and three other hopefuls were grouped together.

“The judges sat at a...

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County delays decision on equipment

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 09 October 2012 14:30

The Marion County Commission Monday considered whether to spend $202,642—a price discounted after credits—to replace a worn 1980s road and bridge asphalt recycler machine with an updated computerized 2008 model.

But Commissioners Dan Holub and Randy Dallke said they would wait upon the return of Commissioner Roger Fleming before making a decision.

Road and Bridge Director Randy Crawford verified, based on local trial use, the contention of Dave Griffith, Wichita area representative for the Van Keppel Co. of Kansas City, that the newer MPH-362 Recycler can do a better job of melting old asphalt and relaying it than the county’s older Bomag machine.

Griffith said his company is discounting the $340,642 machine to $236,642 for the...

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Walkers from Marion and Hillsboro turn out to raise funds to feed hungry

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 October 2012 14:29

A combined 55 walkers from the Marion and Hillsboro areas begin their route Sunday around Marion County Lake for the annual CROP Walk for Hunger. The total amount of money raised to feed people locally and worldwide is still being tabulated, according to organizers Donna Kreutziger from Marion and Darlene Bartel from Hillsboro. Five Marion churches raised $1,599. “It was a great day for a walk,” Kreutziger said. “Thank-you to all who helped through donations, walking or just giving your physical support.”