Funding issue won’t stop algae research

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 07 May 2013 14:31

Philip Barnes of Kansas State University said at Mon­day’s Marion County Com­mission meeting that he will continue with his research to help slow fertilizer pollution and blue-green algae growth in Marion Reservoir despite the commissioners’ problem in finding a way to pay him for 2012 work because of budgeting rules.

Randy Dallke, commission chairman, said somehow over several years of funding the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy program, under which Barnes coordinates his work, the commission’s budgeting process got off-track.

Dallke said the program is being paid out of the following year’s budget when it hadn’t been budgeted. The county’s budget consultants have informed the commission that this can’t...

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Peabody native sworn in as Sedgwick County judge

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 30 April 2013 12:01

Maughan Faith Maughan, a native of Peabody, was sworn in Monday as a new Sedgwick County District Court judge.

A graduate of the Washburn University School of Law, Maughan began her legal career as a prosecutor for the city of Wichita before becoming an associate attorney for Smith, Shay, Farmer and Wetta.

She then was appointed assistant district attorney with the Reno County District Attorney’s office. She has been a partner in a family-owned law firm, Maughan and Maughan LC, which has offices in Wichita and Lenexa.

In addition to her private practice, Maughan served as a judge for the city of Colwich and as a city prosecutor for the cities of Maize and Park City.

Maughan succeeds Judge Anthony J. Powell, who was appointed to the state...

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MCTV launches new show to promote community

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 30 April 2013 12:00

Gene Winkler tapes a Marion City Council meeting for MCTV Channel 20. The Marion-based station launched a new show of community interest last month called “The Corner,” which will promote the community, its businesses and events. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were introduced April 19 to MCTV’s (Marion County Television) newest program, “The Corner,” airing on cable channel 20 every other Wednesday, Saturday and on Sunday.

The program is a joint project of the Chamber and the television station, according to Gene Winkler with MCTV.

“April was the first program we did, and has something that we hope is of interest to the community,” Winkler said.

The first show in the series featured anchorman Mike Powers, who, when he isn’t on television, serves as the chief judge for the 8th Judicial District in Marion County.

Winkler said Powers wrote the script and recorded all the segments before the show was even put together.

Initial...

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Florence Spring Fling raises funds for Labor Day event

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 30 April 2013 12:00

Katelynn Schmidt (left), 8, of Florence, strokes a duck at the petting zoo that was part of this past weekend’s Spring Fling in Florence. Holding the bird is Ashley Griggs, daughter of Jason Griggs, who provided the petting zoo through his business, Portable Pets, based in Leon. The Spring Fling in Florence is a fundraising event to benefit the city’s Labor Day weekend activities, according to organizers.

Trayce Warner, secretary, said this year’s event on Sunday also provided everyone with an opportunity to enjoy food, fun and fellowship.

“Any profits from Spring Fling go toward Labor Day,” she said. “This just adds a little bit more of a cushion for the events on Labor Day.”

Other than Spring Fling, the only way money is raised for Labor Day is by selling buttons, T-shirts, advertising and sponsorships, she said.

“Most of the entertainment (on Labor Day weekend) will cost between $600 and $1,000,” Warner said. “Some more than that, but none of the acts are seldom under $6,000.

New...

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