Stay alert: Tornado season is here

Written by John Schlageck Friday, 29 March 2013 14:19

If you’ve ever heard the stampeding sound of a tornado or been close enough to see fence posts, the side of a building or the steel of a grain bin twisting furiously as the dreaded black monster gobbles up the countryside, you’ll remember it always.

Kansas ranks third in the nation in the number of tornadoes with an average of 61 per year since 1950, according to figures by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Topeka. The most tornadoes occurred in 2008 when more than 180 tornadoes ravaged the Sunflower State. The fewest recorded were 14 in 1976.

Severe weather generally begins sometime after the first week of March in Kansas. Last year the tornado season began Feb. 28. Unfortunately, one of the eight tornadoes occurring that day...

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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

 

Geis on Kansas 4-H judging team at NCBA event

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 19 February 2013 13:42

Big checks, plaques and national recognition were part of the celebration for this team of Kansas kids for their efforts competing in the NCBA Youth events in Tampa, Fla. Feb. 6-8. The team received awards in the area of public speaking, team marketing and livestock judging. The team, pictured with representatives from Farm Credit, included Callahan Grund, Lauren Geis (third from left), Taylor Ohlde and Grace Hammer.  



Lauren Geis, Durham, was among four Kansas 4-H members who represented the state in the youth events held Feb. 6-8 in conjunction with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Tampa, Fla.

Geis, daughter of Wayne and Debbie Geis, joined with Grace Hammer of Wallace, Callahan Grund of Sharon Springs and Taylor Ohlde of Easton to bring home several thousand dollars in prize money and awards.

The team took part in livestock judging, team marketing, public speaking and quiz bowl contests. The team was first overall in the livestock judging contest and received a $1,000 cash prize and plaque for their effort. Individually, Geis placed sixth overall.

For team marketing, the group made sales presentations to groups of seasoned...

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Huelskamp hears concerns about Medicare cuts

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 15 January 2013 14:23

Jeremy Armstrong, St. Luke Hospital administrator, leads Rep. Tim Huelskamp on a tour of the newly remodeled facilities during the congressman’s Jan. 9 stop in Marion. Kansas First District Con­gressman Tim Huelskamp stopped at St. Luke Hospital in Marion Wednesday to hear from and talk about the $700 billion over the next 10 years in Medicare cuts.

Jeremy Armstrong, hospital administrator and chief executive officer, along with other providers and board members, talked about Medicare, Medicaid, ObamaCare and the overall economic situation in Washington, D.C. as it impacts rural hospitals.

Armstrong said he wanted to make sure when Huelskamp returned to Washington, D.C., he remember “a face” at SLH in light of the billions and trillions of dollars being cut and how those cuts will impact Medicare beneficiaries here.

“Maybe we need to have a frank conversation,” Armstrong said to...

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