The Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee members narrowed their options to two during their June 16 meeting.

Either build a new complex to house 911 dispatch, emergency preparedness and a 26-bed jail, or build a four- to six-bed transfer station to hold prisoners until other arrangements are made.

The latter option does not take into consideration the two other public safety departments, which are currently in the old jail complex next to the Marion County Courthouse.

A half dozen residents in Marion attended a special meeting Monday, June 22, to explore options with the city council on drainage problems in their neighborhoods.

The major areas affected with flooding include the first block north of Main Street on Lincoln, Locust and Cedar streets.

Martin and Anita Hooper live on North Cedar; Jean Case on North Lincoln; Jack and Glenda Taylor on Eastmoor and Kay and Leland Heidebrecht, also residents, spoke about the latest rainfall and drainage troubles.

The problem, according to residents, is the water comes off Cedar Street and the storm drain dumps into the alley and across two smaller culverts at Cedar.

Goessel City Council set fireworks requirements at its June 22 meeting. Residents must have a permit for fireworks. Permits are available at the city office and must be returned to the city office by the 3 p.m. July 2 deadline.

With a permit, fireworks are allowed for a 48-hour period, from midnight Thursday, July 2, through midnight Saturday, July 4. Fireworks are allowed on private property only, none on public or city-owned property.

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The memory of a longtime Hillsboro optometrist is being honored by his son-in-law on the Bethel College campus in North Newton.

Norman Epp, a Denver-area sculptor, created a limestone bench, the placement of which he directed June 4 in Memorial Grove on the Bethel campus.

Four city of Marion appointees to the Marion County Economic Development Council resigned, prompting discussion by the city council at its Monday meeting.

Todd Heitschmidt, Margo Yates, Jackie Crofoot and Don Noller submitted letters of resignation on Wednesday, June 17, to the city council.

“What seems to be the problem?” asked Councilor Gene Winkler. “Evidently, there’s a big one.”

Mayor Mary Olson said it was her understanding that the city representatives didn’t think they could work things out with the economic director.

The Goessel school board recognized board chairman Lynel Unrau for his 24 years of service during its June 16 meeting.

Unrau chose not to run for election again. Since this was the last meeting of the fiscal year, it was Unrau’s last meeting. He served on the board with five superintendents: Sam Ulsaker, Bob Van Arsdale, Carl Thiessen, Chet Roberts and John Fast.

Unrau expressed appreciation to the community, school district and school board. He also thanked his family, wife, parents and siblings.

“My brothers are busy harvesting wheat south of here without me,” he said.