Commissioners approve budget with 1 mill increase

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 21 August 2012 13:23

The Marion County Commis­sion Monday approved the 2013 budget and its one mill increase.

Commissioner Roger Fleming explained that the increase gives the commissioners flexibility in having funds available for such things as road improvements in the future.

Commissioner Randy Dallke said, “Just because we have it in the budget doesn’t mean we have to spend it.”

But, he said, it does mean commissioners will have the funds available for road upgrades and maintenance.

Fleming noted that “we’ve done all we can do” in regard to locating a tall communications tower at the new county jail.

Emergency Management Director Dan D’Albini said Darvin Markley filed an appeal on the proposed tower location at the new county jail as...

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‘Circles’ members train to address poverty issues

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 21 August 2012 13:20

It might be an ambitious goal, but a group of Marion County residents believes taking steps to end poverty is worth the time and energy.

The initiative is called Circles Marion County. Director Jackie Volbrecht said the premise behind the initiative is to involve the entire community in breaking down barriers so families who want a better life are empowered to achieve it.

Recently, Volbrecht and Jeremiah Lange, both of Marion, and Keith Harder of Hillsboro attended four days of hands-on training in Hesston. They listened to people who live in poverty but are working to improve their situation.

For some people, poverty is situational—events occur that create a severe economic impact. For others, it means overcoming a generational...

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Lehigh man wins prize from Cenex for doing good deeds

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 14 August 2012 13:14

Robert Landis of Lehigh recently was selected to receive $50 worth of free fuel from Tanks of Thanks, a Cenex program that rewards people who do good deeds.

The program encourages people to nominate friends, family and neighbors for free fuel as a way to say thank-you for doing good in the community.

Each month, 100 nominees are randomly selected to receive free fuel. Landis was nominated for always taking the time to care for those around him, including his five stepchildren.

The $50 Tanks of Thanks gift card is redeemable at any Cenex location.

“There are people doing good things in every local community, and these acts of kindness do not go unnoticed or unappreciated,”said Kayte Haaland, fuels brand marketing manager for CHS...

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Commissioners updated on oil drilling activity

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 14 August 2012 13:11

It wasn’t the anticipated horizontal oil-well drilling predicted by companies, but the Marion County Commission Monday did learn of new efforts with wells in the county.

Tonya Richards, director of planning, zoning and environmental health, said she was present last week for drilling on an existing well in the county on Scully Estates land to observe a new process.

She said the workers were expanding the diameter of the well in an attempt to increase its production.

Other zoning issues

While discussing with Richards a request to leave a 1983 modular home that is not in compliance with current zoning requirements in place for a family, Commis­sioner Randy Dallke said the discussion focused a different issue.

Dallke said the county...

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