First herb workshop meets, but more sessions planned

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 23 April 2013 12:47

About 10 people came to the first herb workshop Saturday in Florence, but more sessions will continue every third Saturday until September.

Phoebe Janzen, one of the organizers, said the herbs covered for the day were lavender (edible) and calendula.

Karyn Woodward, presenting the information, provided everyone with recipes for lavender lemonade, lavender cookies, lavender hair rinse, calendula salve and oil.

One of the people at the workshop, Trayce Warner, said the focus of each workshop will differ, but it’s her understanding they will all be at Woodward’s “Villa on the Prairie,” 111 W. Sixth St.

As for the herb workshop, Warner said, “it was awesome and, with a lot of good information being presented.”

According to...

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Reservoir cleanup day is Saturday

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 16 April 2013 12:28

 The 11th annual Marion Reservoir Cleanup Day will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20.

Volunteers are needed to pick up trash around the reservoir and all connecting waterways and riparian zones.

Organizers ask those planning to participate should dress accordingly, but gloves, trash bags and refreshments will be provided.

All volunteers will meet at the Corps of Engineers office on the east side of the dam.

For more information or to sign up, call 620-382-2006 or 620-382-2101.

 

 

 

 

 

County gives quail group green light to till up grass to attract wildlife

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 16 April 2013 12:28

Dale Ehlers, representing the county chapter of Quail Forever, received the permission of the Marion County commissioner Monday to till up grass at more than 100 feet from the county landfill southwest of Marion to plant grain crops for wildlife.

The commissioners told Ehlers that for additional crop area, his group could also remove trees that were killed or injured by spraying in the attempt to eradicate a state designated noxious weed, sericea lespedeza.

Ehlers said tillage could help further eliminate the lespedeza.

Commissioner Dan Holub asked Ehlers see if the Quail Forever group would be interested in developing a shooting range for kids at the landfill area to help them learn proper use of shotguns, archery and BB...

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Marion County’s K-9 corps completes transition

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 16 April 2013 12:27

Officer Brad Richards of the Hillsboro Police Department (left) and Marion County deputy Travis Wilson introduce the newest members of the county’s K-9 corps, Remo and Cossta, respectively. Marion County retired two K-9 officers recently, but two new dogs have replaced them—one at the police department in Hillsboro and the other at the sheriff’s office in Marion.

K-9 Deputy Travis Wilson said his new partner, Cossta, 3, is a 52-pound Belgian Malinoise.

Wilson’s former partner, Dax, 7, was retired because of cataracts and arthritis, but he kept him on as part of his family.

“Dax is very social and he loves being around our children,” he said.

Officer/K-9 Unit Brad Richards, said Rico, 13, was also retired because the veterinarian detected arthritis at his recent checkup.

Richards, like Wilson, said he too is keeping his former partner. His is new partner, Remo, is an 80-pound Dutch Shepherd.

As with any new...

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