Goessel council searches for purr-fect solutions to cat issues

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:20

The Goessel City Council discussed roaming cats at its June 18 meeting.

One resident had reported that his porch is frequently sprayed by neighbors’ cats. Others noted cats living in abandoned houses and expressed concern about feral cats.

Deputy city clerk Paula Flaming said that some towns have a leash law for cats. She said loose cats could pose a health issue.

Mayor Peggy Jay informed the council, “We’ve been hearing about rabies.”

City Clerk Anita Goertzen suggested the city might need an ordinance to register cats and neuter them. Public works director Karen Dalke suggested cat owners put a collar on their cats.

Roads and streets

Council members discussed the road situation, specifically 120th one mile east of Goessel...

Read more: Goessel council searches for purr-fect solutions to cat issues

Lightning strike ignites wheat-stubble field near Hillsboro, but rain quickly douses flames

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:19

A lightning strike during last Wednesday’s thunderstorm ignited the wheat-stubble field immediately north of Third Street on the northern edge of Hillsboro. Fire Chief Ben Steketee said he and other volunteers were on their way to another lightning-related emergency outside of town then the strike occurred. ”The trucks were already rolling when the homeowner there called dispatch and said there was no fire and we could disregard the call,” Steketee said. “We were glad to hear that because the rain and the lightning were coming down like mad.” While they were returning, volunteer Matt Hein, who was in the tanker truck, reported the strike that started the fire just north of town. Steketee said he redirected the fire trucks to...

Read more: Lightning strike ignites wheat-stubble field near Hillsboro, but rain quickly douses flames

Hillsboro council OKs request for July 3 block party

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:19

The Hillsboro City Council agreed at its June 19 meeting to allow a portion of North Main Street to be barricaded July 3 for a community block party and fireworks show.

Mike Boese, 217 N. Main, asked the city to close roughly the north half of the 200 block from 8 p.m. to about 11 p.m. for the Independence Day celebration.

Police Chief Dan Kinning supported the request through a written response. He stated that a similar event last year generated no significant complaints from the public, and the organizers had done a “good job” of cleaning the streets when it was over.

Kinning added a reminder that alcohol cannot be consumed in the street, even when it is barricaded.

In his request, Boese said party organizers spent about $2,000...

Read more: Hillsboro council OKs request for July 3 block party

Filing deadline results in few competitive races for office

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:15

The only challenged race in Marion County will be for Dan Holub’s commission seat in District 2, according to election clerk Rhonda Toal.

Vying for Holub’s position is Gary Lewis, who filed as an independent candidate, but whose name won’t be on the Aug. 7 primary election ballot because of his unaffiliated filing, Toal explained.

Lewis’ name will, however, be on the general election ballot in November, she said.

Holub is seeking a third four-year term as county commissioner in District 2, having served almost eight years in that position.

The only other contested races in the county involve committee positions.

Other candidates

Following the announcement May 2 that County Clerk Carol Maggard would not seek another term...

Read more: Filing deadline results in few competitive races for office