County to leave fireworks decisions to local fire depts.

Written by Jerry Engler Monday, 02 July 2012 21:09

Rather than impose a ban on Fourth of July fireworks during the current hot and dry weather, Marion County commissioners asked during Friday’s payday meeting that local fire departments and the public use “common sense” in considering the variable moisture levels in each area for fire safety.

In a related decision, all three commissioners said they didn’t want to discourage young people from training with volunteer fire departments, but they couldn’t accept the liability of persons 14 and under helping to fight fires.

They voted 3-0 to have County Attorney Susan Robson write a cease and desist letter to fire departments in the county about allowing juveniles to participate in fighting fires.

Commis­sioners approved payday...

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State leaders respond to Supreme Court ruling

Written by Mike Shields Monday, 02 July 2012 21:08

U.S. Supreme Court justices Thursday upheld the controversial federal health reform law passed in 2010.

They said the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that all people who can afford it purchase health insurance or pay a penalty, could remain intact as a tax. Many court observers had expected that provision to be struck down.

Kansas was among the 26 states that challenged the law’s constitutionality, saying the individual mandate was overreaching and that the law’s provisions expanding Medicaid coverage were coercive to states.

State options for Medicaid

The court ruling, according to early analysis, limited the Medicaid expansion provisions but did not invalidate them.

According to an analysis of the decision released by the...

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Residents prepare for ‘Redneck’ July 4

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:24

In addition to the annual Redneck in Ramona festivities July 4, residents will also be commemorating the town’s 125th birthday, according to Jessica Gilbert, city clerk.

In an effort to make these two celebrations even more special, organizers are seeking entries for the antique tractor and vintage car parade scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Gilbert said there will be three categories with $100 awarded to each first place.

The three groups include a patriotic red-white-blue classification, historical, because it’s Ramona’s 125th birthday, and a humorous class in keeping with the Redneck in Ramona theme.

Activities begin early Wednesday morning with a 10K and two-mile fun run, followed by a country breakfast at the Ramona City Hall...

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Fire damages home at Marion County Lake

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:23

Damage is evident from an early morning fire in a home at 14 Back Bay Court at Marion County Lake Friday. According to Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier, the cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Regnier said the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office was called to investigate the blaze Monday, but because officials were unable to get permission from the homeowner, they rescheduled. The fire was reported at 3:15 a.m. from a neighboring resident and firefighters were at the scene until about 5:30 a.m. The owner of the home lives in Wichita, but no further details were available at press time.