Marion council OKs $5.4 million senior housing expansion

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 08 May 2012 15:16

The Marion City Council approved a recommendation made by its planning commission April 30 that will mean $5.4 million in improvements and new construction for elderly housing.

Planning Commission Chairman Chad Gormley said four exceptions were also unanimously recommended prior to bringing the Homestead Victory Plaza Addition preliminary and final plat to the council.

Mayor Mary Olson thanked the commission for its diligence in reviewing all the issues necessary prior to making their recommendations.

The council’s vote to approve the addition was 4-1, with Councilor Jerry Kline absent.

Tree dump changes

The council, by concensus also instructed City Administrator Doug Kjellin to move forward on a plan for the city’s tree dump...

Read more: Marion council OKs $5.4 million senior housing expansion

Commissioners to seek legal advice on lake right-of-ways

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 08 May 2012 15:16

The Marion County Commis­sion decided to seek opinions and action suggestions Monday from County Attorney Susan Robson in regards to Marion County Lake homeowners’ building improvements that are interfering with public road right-of-way around the lake.

Planning and Zoning Director Tonya Richards said the problem is widespread around the lake and she doesn’t always have the time and knowledge to deal with it all herself.

The problems include dirt retaining walls built several feet into right-of-way, homes with one wall on the boundary line of lots and even structures built into the right-of-way, she said.

She, the commissioners and road and bridge department workers have noted the problems that will follow if county crews must...

Read more: Commissioners to seek legal advice on lake right-of-ways

County schools, college prepare for commencements

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 08 May 2012 15:15

More than 150 students from six high schools in the Marion County area will graduate in May. In addition, Tabor College has 127 candidates for degrees from the Hillsboro and Wichita campuses.

Commencement speakers, dates, times and other information regarding graduation was provided by school counselors.

Alumna guest speaker

Commencement exercises at Tabor College begin at 10 a.m. Saturday,?May 19, in the Joel Wiens Stadium, with Tabor alumna Marlene Wall delivering the address. (See details about Wall on page 9A)

In case of inclement weather the event will be held at the Tabor College gymnasium, said Beth Riffel, director of communications.

Mayor to speak at HHS

Hillsboro Mayor Delores Dalke and USD 408 Superin­ten­dent Steve...

Read more: County schools, college prepare for commencements

Organizers deem Florence Spring Fling a success

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 01 May 2012 15:12

Brad Stone, 15, of Florence, attempts to get under the limbo bar without falling, but he couldn’t get quite low enough to make it. Florence City Clerk and volunteer Janet Robinson watches in the foreground during the community’s annual Spring Fling. Attendance was down at Saturday’s annual Spring Fling in Florence, but organizers said they were happy with the turn­out and generosity of those who came.

Trayce Warner, committee secretary, said the financial total weren’t available yet.

“We think we turned a profit, but all income sources won’t be figured until our next meeting,” she said.

The Spring Fling is the first major fundraiser of the year with all proceeds going toward the town’s Labor Day Celebra­tion expenses in September, Warner said.

“Even though the Spring Fling is a fundraiser put together by the Labor Day Committee,” Warner said, “it is also a community event.”

In addition to children’s games in the afternoon, the committee served 75...

Read more: Organizers deem Florence Spring Fling a success