News

Marquette Riverview Estate veterans Don McCoy, Gene Benner, John Reese and Jeff Kennedy received quilts as a thank you for their service to our country and its people. The quilts were made by The GALS (Gently Aged Ladies) of the War and Peace Quilters. Presenting the quilts were Marilyn Hendrix and Judy Nickel.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

Only someone outside Ellsworth would be unfamiliar with Ann Jones’ name, but recently more roots were tied to the area, when her greatgrandchild, Caroline Ann Swender, joined the extended family.

Swender’s arrival on April 5, however, was only one element in a series of noteworthy births.

Caroline, daughter to H.J. and Rebecca (Manes) Swender of Garden City, also has a first cousin born on the same day: Beau Curtis Manes, born to Ryan and Kaitlyn Manes in Kansas City.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

Lorraine mayor Dennis Boyer slowly drove down the road, peering through the raindrops at the cluster of figures. After his third pass, he ventured closer, turning onto Mohlman Street. At first, it was unclear if they’d block traffic, but the group parted. So far, these were law-abiding zombies.

The mayor, speaking in measured tones, did not betray any relief as he noted the low attendance, probably due to weather. He’d been told his town’s population, 165, might double that day. His only complaint was the lack of a formal approach by organizers.

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Ellsworth high school students pose for pictures with family, friends and guests, following the formal prom presentation in the Performing Arts Center. Following the PAC’s standing-room only portion of the evening, students attended the dance in the gym, decked out with wicker arches, fountains and glowing blue lights. Parents and others were given an opportunity to peek inside at the decorations before the dance got underway.

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By the I-R staff

Terry Kepka, chairman of the Ellsworth Kiwanis Club splash pad project, recently announced the receipt of almost $16,000 from the Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation.

The gift brings the total amount of money-in-hand to $81,000. That leaves the Kiwanis Club with $50,000 more to raise for the splash pad, Kepka said.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

After taking a year off, the Ranch Rodeo and Ranch Horse Competition is back for its 10th annual event, organized by the El-Kan Western Riders. Last year’s scheduled event was cancelled, due to scheduling conflicts. This year it will be Saturday, April 28, in the El-Kan rodeo arena.

Some people are more familiar with the summer rodeo put on by the El-Kan Western Riders, held in conjunction with Cowtown Days in late August. That event, filled with bucking broncos and other action-packed scenes, tends to be more elaborate. It’s based on spectacle, with bulls and horses bred specifically for the activity.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

During a recent senior class trip to Topeka, Riann Pruitt, Ellsworth High senior, became frustrated by hearing others talk about her peers. Members of the state House of Representatives were discussing medical marijuana.

“One of the main arguments against it,” she said, “was, ’it’s going to get in the hands of teenagers — we have to protect the teenagers.”

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Petunias were among the plants available at the annual Future Farmers of America greenhouse sale, which opened Friday. The greenhouse is open from 3 to 5:30 p.m. every Friday through May 11.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

Hovering in the air Friday, like the helium balloons in the lobby, were a few changes amidst a larger backdrop of evolution.

The big picture was plainly visible; at Ellsworth County Medical Center, passers-by were enticed towards the building to help celebrate ECMC’s 120 years. Lunch, served just outside the lobby, provided a chance to linger and trade stories about the hospital’s role in family events. Inside, a 25-foot long display case served as a threedimensional timeline, illustrating the growth of ECMC as new doctors and staff came aboard.

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By Judi Brown
Marquette Tribune

The 50 special memorial bricks, joining the 100 or so that were already in place, have been added to Marquette’s Veteran’s Memorial.

The original bricks, honoring men and women of Marquette who served their country in the military, were placed over 30 years ago as part of a project organized by late Marquette furniture store owner LaRue Olson.

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