Commissioners agree to promote single-stream recycling

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 05 March 2013 14:24

The three Marion County commissioners decided at their Feb. 28 payday meeting that they will each talk to city governments in their respective districts about establishing county-wide recycling that would offer single-stream curbside service on alternate days to regular trash service.

The service could result in a separate semi-trailer kept at the transfer station for recyclables, according to Rollin Schmidt, the county’s transfer station director.

Schmidt and the commissioners agreed that such a program probably would save the county money by helping keep county waste assessment close to current level.

Commissioner Roger Fleming said the move may result in a county ban on plastic grocery bags because recyclers won’t accept them...

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County may add outside prisoners

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 26 February 2013 12:13

Another 10 prisoners, especially female prisoners, from other counties could be added to the current average Marion County Jail population of 10 to 12 local prisoners, Sheriff Rob Craft told the Marion County Commission Feb. 19.

In response to questioning led by Commission Chairman Randy Dallke as to whether it might be time to supplement the jail budget, Craft said, “It might help pay some bills. There are more beds available for the female side of the jail because the male side is more full.”

Craft said the one negative influence to the budget resulting from more prisoners might be the necessity to add another night jailer to help the current single deputized jailer.

Although night emergency dispatchers are of some assistance to...

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New storm, new challenges

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 26 February 2013 12:12

The snowstorm forecast for this week was a waiting game for city and county road crews trying to keep streets cleared and, while the additional moisture was needed and a welcome sight.

It was also a mixed blessing.

Marty Fredrickson, streets director for the city of Marion, said the town has been fortunate the last few years in dodging some major storms, but this one ranks with one a few years ago.

“I know we have all been praying for moisture and now we are getting it, just not in the form I wanted it,” Fredrickson said.

The “waiting game” plan, he said, started Sunday with a few city employees preparing the equipment for the next round of snow, which was less than a week after the first snowstorm dumped 12 inches in the...

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Goessel board hears plan to inform public of project

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Tuesday, 19 February 2013 13:41

John Fast, Goessel superintendent and elementary school principal, told the USD 411 school board at the Feb. 11 meeting about community information gatherings in the coming weeks regarding a school remodeling project.

He said an open house is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the high school. A PowerPoint presentation will show the current agricultural education facility and where the proposed new facility will be located. Other proposed improvements will be explained as well.

Fast said information was available at the grade school musical performances Feb. 14.

Information will also be available at the grade school reading night March 12.

Another open house is planned for 6:30 p.m. March 28 at the high school.

Board member Kelly...

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