Commissioners discuss how to find tax money for jail

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 02 July 2008 10:18

The Marion County Commission decided Monday to vote in a week on howit would generate tax funds to support bonds for a new jail.

The question on whether to approve this tax for bonds on a new $8.5million community corrections center will come before the countywidevote­­ in the Nov. 4 general election.

In discussions with Tony Rangel and Dennis Smith, architects withLaw/Kingdon Inc. of Wichita, the commissioners seemed to be leaningtoward a 1 percent county sales tax that bond counsel projected wouldgenerate $960,000 annually with $251,113 surplus to meet a $708,887annual bond payment.

David K. Arteberry, the bond counsel with George K. Baum & Co. of Kansas City, said the surplus would be required by the state to be kept in a...

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Kjellin selected as Marion's new economic development director

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 02 July 2008 10:15

Doug Kjellin was unanimously named the new economic development director Monday by the Marion City Council after 25 minutes in executive session.

Kjellin’s selection was the result of a lengthy process by committee and interview to find a successor for Jami Williams.

He is a Marion native, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kjellin, both now deceased, who farmed east of Marion. He said he and his family are living in the city temporarily, but expect to move to the family farm after some home remodeling.

Mayor Mary Olson said Kjellin’s salary will be $46,000 annually, and he was to begin work Tuesday morning.

Marty Fredrickson, building inspector, planning and zoning director, and street superintendent, said a permit for a 1,600...

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Fire marshal offers tips for fireworks safety

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 02 July 2008 10:12

Fireworks2.jpg Halie Schraeder holds the sack for Peggy Horner (facing camera) to fill with fireworks purchased by Ben Reiswig (left) Monday evening from the stand sponsored by the Supporters of Troup 129 in Hillsboro. Ezra Schaeder, a member of the troup, watches Horner at work. Aleen Ratzlaff / Free Press


With the Fourth of July only two days away, the Kansas State Fire Marshal offers these safety tips:

 

Always purchase high-quality fireworks from a reliable legitimate source.

Never give fireworks to small children.

Adults should always supervise use of fireworks by older children.

Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.

Ignite only outdoors and make sure the area...

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Tampa fire district earns safety grant

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 25 June 2008 06:31

Marion County Fire District 7, based in Tampa, has received state approval of a Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant this year.

The grant funding is $842, which is about half the cost of the $1,685 that will be used to purchase radio and pagers and light bar to improve safety during the fires and other emergencies, according to Fire Chief Ronald Mueller.

The other half of the funding will come from the department itself.

The grant is made available through the Federal Cooperative Forestry Assistant Act. The money comes from the USDA Forest Service, who then awards a statewide grant of $274,000 to the Kansas Forestry Service, which administers the program and approves the grants for local fire departments.