Commissioners address ‘wish list’

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 08 January 2013 15:44

The Marion County Commis­sion’s Monday meeting turned into a “someday over the rainbow” session for proposals people would like to see happen that the county doesn’t have funding to support.

For instance, Cecil Aska overseeing needs for the Kansas Eighth Judicial District, which includes Marion County, said there is a need for more secured access to the courthouse not only for the judicial offices but for places like the clerk’s office, treasurer’s office and the appraiser’s office—places where irate citizens can become threatening to county personnel.

Suggestions for such a safety measure varied all the way from a sheriff’s deputy on hand in the courthouse halls to an airport security-type booth for courthouse...

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Marion council lowers fee for underground electric lines

Written by Patty Decker Monday, 31 December 2012 12:01

Hoping for a favorable response by residents and business owners, the Marion City Council, at its Dec. 26 meeting, dropped the charge for burying overhead electrical lines by $300.

City Administrator Doug Kjellin said the reducing the current cost of $750 to $450 would be voluntary for landowners.

“We want to encourage a more reliable electrical service by not having overhead lines,” Kjellin said of the rationale.

The reduced cost covers the city’s expenses, but also aids the city crews.

Kjellin said a cost study determined that $450 covers the first 150 feet and anything over that costs $3 per foot.

By keeping costs low, it is hoped the city can encourage landowners to bury these lines, which should reduce expense to service...

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McPherson ReUse It Center receives $1,000 grant from Everence Financial

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Monday, 31 December 2012 11:53

The ReUse It Center, 1060 W. Kansas Ave. in McPherson, recently received a $1,000 grant to improve its facilities from the Everence Sharing Fund through the Central Kansas Everence Chapter.

The ReUse It Center is a nonprofit organization that collects new and used building materials, appliances and other goods and sells them to the community, serving those in need and saving the earth’s resources.

Everence Financial, headquartered in Goshen, Ind., with offices in Hesston, Hillsboro, Hutchinson and North Newton, annually contributes nearly $1 million to individuals and community organizations through its mutual aid Sharing Fund grant program.

County completes long process to construct a new jail

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Monday, 24 December 2012 15:09

The aerial view shows the March 24 world record attempt under way to have the most people roasting marshmallows simultaneously at the same location. It took a few months to verify that the 1,282 people who participated was in fact a world record. The year 2012 brought the completion of the new Marion County Jail after a long process of debate, planning and execution. Commissioners were pleased with the way the project turned out, but looked warily to the future in the light of potential reductions in tax revenue because of state policy initiatives.

Meanwhile, communities across the county experienced a variety of challenges and achievements over the past 12 months.

JANUARY

State Rep. Bob Brookens defended county treasurer Jeanine Bateman against accusations in Topeka that county treasurers receive compensations from the state in addition to their county salary. Brookens called the accusation a political ploy by a few legislators looking to cut another state expense.

The 5...

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