Dog owners in Hillsboro have until March 31 to renew tags for their animals, according to the city office.

Renewal fees became due as of Jan. 1. Any dog owner who misses the March 31 deadline will be assessed a penalty of $1 for every month past due.

When renewing licenses at city hall, owners need to bring proof that their dogs have been vaccinated for rabies.

City elections set for April 5 in Goessel

The city of Goessel will hold elections for two council positions and the position of mayor on Tuesday, April 5.

The deadline to file as a candidate is noon, Jan. 25.

For more information, contact the city clerk at 620-367-8111 or the county clerk's office at 620-382-2185.

MCSEC board to meet Jan. 17

The Marion County Special Education Cooperative Board of Directors will meet for its monthly meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 17, in the MCSEC conference room at 302 W. Eighth in Florence.

Goessel museum meeting on Jan. 16

The Mennonite Heritage Museum of Goessel will hold its annual meeting at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church near Goessel.

Yearly reports and election of board members is on the agenda.

Featured entertainment will be Jerry and Leann Toews, who will tell about their recent trip to Russia and other European countries.

The public is invited to the program and the Faspa that will follow.

Maxwell refuge offers Elk Day Jan. 22

A special Elk Day experience will be offered by Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Jan. 22, at the refuge located six miles north of Canton.

Visitors are invited to enjoy a video, "Wild About Elk," a tour to watch for the elk and buffalo at the refuge and a buffalo lunch.

The population of 50 elk is currently the largest herd in a Kansas refuge. Elk are only viewed in the winter. The refuge is also home to 200 bison.

The Friends of Maxwell offer guided tours to view the elk and bison and invite visitors to board a modern-day covered wagon, called a tram, for a prairie adventure.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 620-628-4455.

United Way to meet Jan. 19 in Marion

United Way in Marion County, an affiliate of Harvey County United Way, will hold its annual meeting at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the basement meeting room of the Marion City Building.

There will be a catered lunch, a short program, and members of the advisory council will be available for questions.

The cost of the meal is $7.

For more information or to make a reservation, call Kelly Krch at 620-924-5285 by Jan. 15 with the number of people planning to attend.

Planning commission schedules meetings

The Hillsboro Planning Commission has called a series of public meetings to gather input from the community to assist in writing the city's Comprehensive Plan.

The public meetings are scheduled as follows:

n 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 17, at city hall.

n 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, at the Scout House, located in Hillsboro Memorial Park.

n 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24, at city hall.

The Comprehensive Plan is constructed to assist in the adequate and proper planning and development of the city for the next several years, according to Steven Garrett, city administrator.

"The public input is important, because it lets us know what subjects are on people's minds," he said. "This includes more than just those things we have now. This input should also include what we would like to do in the future."

When the community was surveyed about two years ago, "quite a bit of information was gathered," Garrett said.

"I'd like to see if the concerns that came out of that survey are still the concerns of the public now."

The forums are open to the public. For more information, call Hillsboro City Hall at 947-3162.

Elbing church hosts

Jan. 22 fund-raiser

Zion Mennonite Church will sponsor a fund-raiser at 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, in the church fellowship hall, 525 N. Main, Elbing.

The women's mission society will serve chili. Free-will donations will be accepted for the supper.

In addition to the supper, there will be entertainment followed by a live auction.

Some of the items in the sale build will include a red and white fan-design quilt, a pink bed cover, a gift basket from the Potwin Cheese Factory, a basket of books from Jackrabbit Hollow of Peabody, two original landscapes, baked items, and collectibles and hand-crafted items made by church members.

Auctioneer will be Van Schmidt.

Proceeds will be used toward purchasing new sanctuary lights for the church.

The public is invited.

Gospel quartet sings

Jan. 23 in Durham

The Calvary Echoes Quartet of Wichita will present a concert at 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 23, at the First Baptist Church of Durham.

The award-winning quartet is celebrating 20 years in the southern-gospel music industry.

"They are committed to spreading the gospel of deliverance and salvation through their music," said pastor Curtis Wiens.

The group is composed of James Solley, first tenor; Greg Smith, lead; Brent Martin, baritone; and Dale McBride, bass.

"Come hear some of the finest four-part harmony around" Wiens said.

A free-will offering will be taken to cover the expenses of the quartet.

The public is invited.