News

By LINDA MOWERY-DENNING
Ellsworth County I-R

The hearts of Rene and Edie Pennington are so filled with Christmas spirit, it spills over from their home to the yards of two neighbors in their Washington Street neighborhood.

The Penningtons’ yard at 602 Washington is filled with balloon figures, all of them bathed in light and inflated for public display from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

Should one ever tire of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and holiday promotions invented by car manufacturers, look no further than Dixie Jones.

Although she may be hard to pin down in person, she leaves a wake of Christmas cheer wherever she goes. It’s not tinsel or an evergreen scent, exactly, but a kind of infectious optimism that counters the dwindling daylight.

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Zander and Sarah Florian of Ellsworth visit with Santa as Alisha Ptacek of Salina, the 2017 Miss Kansas Czech-Slovak Queen, left, looks on.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

As the state of Kansas implements its Real ID program, residents are finding that reaching the service counter with the right documents is like hitting bingo. There are only certain winning combinations. But some don’t know it’s optional.

Although they may not have much influence on the decisions from the state of Kansas, officials in Ellsworth and Rice counties don’t want you to panic about renewing your driver’s license. Their message is simple: you have almost two years to track down the documents you might need, and they may be able to help.

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

The Christmas holiday often focuses on the return of light and salvation, but one tradition in Ellsworth provides sanctuary for those who don’t feel an increase in joy. Now in its third year, the “Blue Christmas” service is offered by the Ellsworth County Ministerial Alliance. It takes place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at Hoeger Chapel.

The service recognizes the holiday but tones it down, said Pastor Amy Jo Hawley, mediator of the alliance. “We miss our loved ones and grieve in different ways,” she said. “It’s for those not feeling so holly and jolly.”

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By Vince Hancock
Ellsworth County I-R

A burn ban is in effect for Ellsworth County. The ban, enacted Monday during the Ellsworth County Commission meeting, prohibits the careless use of smoking materials, building open fires or campfires and prescribed burning.

The only exception is for rural residents burning household trash in containers less than 55 gallons in capacity. A violation is considered a misdemeanor.

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By Judi Brown
Marquette Tribune

The Marquette Fitness Center has received a $5,000 grant from the McPherson County Community Foundation. The money was used to purchase a new treadmill.

The fitness center is a joint venture between the Marquette United Methodist Church and the City of Marquette. Located at 206 N. Washington, the center is available for use 24 hours a day. Membership fees are $10 for a single membership, $15 for a couple and $20 for a family, plus tax.

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    Update: Kanopolis Mayor Russell "Rusty" Bunch said the city crew discovered a water main break. They are in the process of repairing the break. Bunch said the Drinking Water Warning leaflets will be distributed around Kanopolis Wednesday afternoon.

Karlie Christiansen, age 6, confides her Christmas wishes to Santa Claus Saturday, inside the Fort Harker Commanding Officer’s Quarters.

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