Radio tower at jail would save county significant money

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 24 July 2012 13:35

Emergency Management Director Dan D’Albini told the Marion County Commission Monday that it would cost about one-tenth as much to locate emergency transmission tower at the new jail than at the road and bridge facility south of Marion.

The latter location would require a 400-foot tower at the cost of about $400,000.

At the higher elevation by the new jail, only a 92-foot tower is required and the cost would be $41,000 with delivery in 90 days.

D’Albini said using a single-spire tower rather than the conventional tower would increase the jail location price to $70,000.

Commissioner Randy Dallke confirmed that in the event the tower might be toppled by wind in excess of 200 mph, measurements show it would land at least 6 feet...

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82nd county fair opens today with parade

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 July 2012 13:32

With the theme “At the Hop,” the 82nd annual Marion County Fair promises to deliver old-fashioned fun mixed with new and familiar activities and events July 25 to 28 in Hillsboro.

Festivities officially begin Wednesday with the annual downtown parade at 6:30 p.m. followed by a pedal-tractor pull for kids, watermelon feed, rodeo and a free 1950s “sock hop” dance at the fairgrounds pavilion.

The free pedal-tractor pull is open to children ages 4 through 12. Each contestant will receive a free T-shirt, and the top three finishers in each age group will be eligible to compete at the 2012 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Pre-registration begins at 6 p.m. July 25, with the event starting at 7 p.m.

Kraft Rodeo Co. is returning with a...

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Chapter installs last of trail signage

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 17 July 2012 14:41

The crew placing signs last week included George Schutte and Steve Schmidt, Cottonwood Crossing Chapter members, friends Tom Frankenfield and Dick Toews and Dennis Maggard with Marion County. Cottonwood Crossing Chapter achieved a milestone Tuesday when the last of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail family of signs was installed in Marion County.

According to chapter officials, the final three signs were the Historic Trail Information sign on U.S. Highway56 at the Marion/McPherson county line, the Cottonwood Crossing site entrance sign, and the Lost Spring site entrance sign.

Marking a local tour route was first discussed by the Cottonwood Crossing Chapter about 10 years ago.

It was then decided on April 22, 2003, at the board of directors meeting to proceed with homemade local tour signs and eventually replace them with SFNHT signs.

Steve Schmidt, one of the Cottonwood Crossing Chapter members, said it was through...

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Marion County Fair Board introduces baking contest

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 17 July 2012 14:33

With the absence of a carnival at this year’s Marion County Fair, set for July 25 through 28, organizers are offering some new activities and events fitting for every member of the family, according to Kelli Savage, fair manager.

One of the newest events is a baking contest sponsored by King Arthur Baking Co., the Marion County Fair Associa­tion, Dale’s Supermarket and Vogt’s Hometown Market, both of Hillsboro, Carlson’s Grocery in Marion, Keith’s Foods in Goessel and Peabody Market in Peabody.

“(The flour company) is looking for the best and most delicious dinner rolls in the adult division (ages 18 and older) and fruit muffins in the junior division (ages 10 to 17),” Savage said.

Participants are encouraged to choose...

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