New storm, new challenges

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 26 February 2013 12:12

The snowstorm forecast for this week was a waiting game for city and county road crews trying to keep streets cleared and, while the additional moisture was needed and a welcome sight.

It was also a mixed blessing.

Marty Fredrickson, streets director for the city of Marion, said the town has been fortunate the last few years in dodging some major storms, but this one ranks with one a few years ago.

“I know we have all been praying for moisture and now we are getting it, just not in the form I wanted it,” Fredrickson said.

The “waiting game” plan, he said, started Sunday with a few city employees preparing the equipment for the next round of snow, which was less than a week after the first snowstorm dumped 12 inches in the...

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Goessel board hears plan to inform public of project

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Tuesday, 19 February 2013 13:41

John Fast, Goessel superintendent and elementary school principal, told the USD 411 school board at the Feb. 11 meeting about community information gatherings in the coming weeks regarding a school remodeling project.

He said an open house is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the high school. A PowerPoint presentation will show the current agricultural education facility and where the proposed new facility will be located. Other proposed improvements will be explained as well.

Fast said information was available at the grade school musical performances Feb. 14.

Information will also be available at the grade school reading night March 12.

Another open house is planned for 6:30 p.m. March 28 at the high school.

Board member Kelly...

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Commissioners support Holub’s protest of Senate bill

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 12 February 2013 12:09

The Marion County Commis­sion Monday voiced support for Commissioner Dan Holub protesting Senate Bill 109, which commissioners contend would effectively stop counties, municipalities, school districts and other such public entities from lobbying the Legislature to make their opinions known.

Holub said the bill would negate the purpose for the existence of such organizations as the Kansas Association of Counties.

The bill would help shield legislators from criticism by counties when authorizing such things as the Keystone Pipeline, which was exempted from 10 years of paying local property taxes, Holub said.

“There is a danger in actually having people in Topeka who think like this,” Holub said.

On another subject, the...

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County approves bids for office remodeling projects

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 05 February 2013 14:03

The Marion County Commis­sion Monday approved bids of $1,860 for zoning department remodeling and $4,485 for health department remodeling, both in the same leased building in downt­own Marion, but not before the commissioners agreed that at some point upgrades will need to stop in favor of building another facility on courthouse grounds.

Commission Chairman Randy Dallke suggested that it may be even better use of resources to locate a temporary building on the new jail grounds east of the courthouse.

Planning, Zoning and Environmental Health Director Tonya Richards said her part of the upgrade by Gillett Construction of Marion will be used to insulate, Sheetrock and install an emergency door.

Health Department Administrator Diedre...

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