Marion council reviews options on property

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 12 March 2013 14:05

The Marion City Council reviewed its options Monday regarding property at 401 N. Roosevelt and whether to set a public hearing on razing the structure or bringing it up to city codes.

Marty Fredrickson, public safety officer, said a petition was filed against the property, owned by Ray Lindgren, by several surrounding residents.

In the petition it was stated: “(the property) has been a haven for drug activity in the last several years, it is an eyesore and it devalues our property.”

Substantiating claims by neighboring people, Fredrickson provided photographs of the outside of the house, but not the inside because that would require permission from the owner.

“I am aware of the integrity of the water, sewer, gas and electric...

Read more: Marion council reviews options on property

County lake residents discuss issues with commissioner

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 12 March 2013 14:04

Holub A small group of Marion County residents attended a town meeting Saturday at the Marion County Lake hall to talk about concerns, offer suggestions or hear updates from Commissioner Dan Holub.

Several people asked questions regarding the county lake and what the county could do to help with signage, potential dangers at the shoreline and speeders.

One person asked about street signs and why the county can’t help with maintaining them for economic development with respect to tourism.

Lake Superintendent Steve Hudson said Ed Riffel has been volunteering his time to remove the street signs around the lake area and repaint them.

Riffel has also painted the sign posts, he said.

“We have dangerous logs out on the shoreline that are...

Read more: County lake residents discuss issues with commissioner

Snows bring much-needed moisture for crops

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 05 March 2013 14:38

The unusually high moisture content of recent snows may have amounted to more than 2 inches of water added to Marion County soil when it melts, according to both county extension agent Rickey Roberts and the U.S. Weather Service.

The two snowfalls over the county probably averaged 20 inches or more, Roberts said. But he thought it would be difficult to know for sure due to the uneven drifting.

Roberts said the moisture, added to the 1.5-inch rain received over the county earlier in the month, will probably result in the topsoil being well-filled for wheat growth, pasture growth and corn planting.

“It will really help a lot for planting all of the spring crops, and especially help increase wheat yields.”

The main problems...

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Tax help available for senior citizens

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 05 March 2013 14:25

The Marion County Depart­ment on Aging is offering assistance to individuals in the county to file taxes and Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications.

Gayla Ratzlaff, department coordinator, will be available Monday through Friday in Marion to help individuals file for Homestead and Food Sales tax refunds, plus LIEAP assistance applications. To make an appointment, call 620-382-3580.

Barb Smith will be helping individuals file Kansas and federal returns in Marion. For an appointment call 620-382-3580