Marion’s Alternative Market gathers $7,000 for charities

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 13 November 2012 15:47

Naomi Morris of Hillsboro donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County in memory of her daughter. Morris said one of her granddaughters had a big sister which was beneficial to her. Seated is Ashley Gann, one of the 40 exhibitors. More than $7,000 was donated to local and worldwide charities during the second annual Alternative Market Saturday at Marion Presbyterian Church.

Jackie Volbrecht, one of the organizers, said Alternative Gifts International, which represents charities worldwide, received $4,088, local charities, $2,564 and the food bank, $380. The overall total for the event came to $7,072.

In its first year, Volbrecht said, AGI received $3,245 and local charities, $1,091 for a total of $4,336.

“Our attendance almost doubled (from last year), too” she said.

At the 2011 market 110 people contributed to the local and worldwide causes. This year the number was about 225.

“I cannot thank the exhibitors enough for participating in the 2012...

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Council OKs service fee schedule

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 06 November 2012 15:49

The Marion City Council at its Oct. 29 meeting approved a resolution by a 4-1 vote outlining a fee schedule for research services provided by city staff.

City Administrator Doug Kjellin was asked at the council’s Oct. 15 meeting to compare Marion’s rates to at least five cities and what each charge for research and copy fees.

“The majority of work that needs to be done on Freedom of Information Act is usually available on my computer,” Kjellin said, adding that it averages between one to two minutes to complete.

The only time researching documents can become time-consuming, he said, is when someone requests older files—but that has only happened once during his stint as city administrator.

Prior to approving the fee...

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Hunters, remember common courtesies of your sport

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 06 November 2012 15:49

This weekend the hills, fields and woods will once again awaken to the sound of booming shotguns as hunters and their dogs swarm the countryside searching for pheasants, quail, ducks and other wildlife.

It goes without saying that Kansas farms and ranches have always been a handy, ready-to-use outlet for many urban dwellers in search of recreational hunting.

On opening day of the upland game season the interstate and U.S. highways will be a steady stream of pickups, SUVs and cars headed for central and western Kansas.

If you’re one of these hunters who plan to hunt on private land, remember one key word when your thoughts turn toward hunting. This word is consideration. Translated, this word means thoughtful and sympathetic...

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Drought lowers expectations as pheasant, quail seasons open

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 06 November 2012 15:44

Hunters will be hoping to bag their limits when pheasant and quail season opens Saturday, but it could be slim pickings for pheasant after another summer of extreme heat and drought conditions.

Mike Miller, chief of information production with the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Department, said pheasant numbers aren’t looking too good this year.

“This is the second year of extreme drought in most of the state and extreme summer temperatures,” he said. “The drought doesn’t allow weeds and bird habitats to grow.”

Adding to that, Miller said, it was also an early wheat harvest, which affected pheasants because these birds next in winter wheat.

“Most of the time (pheasants) hatch before harvest, but this year farmers were...

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