Jail plan resurfaces frequently for commissioners

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Monday, 31 December 2007 06:33

MarionTrainSaluteP1010890.jpg The ceremonial steam train carrying Fort Riley soldiers and their families pulls into Marion in September. Locals had the opportunity to thank the soldiers for their service in Iraq and many got a free ride on the classic iron horse.

The prospect of building a new corrections center for Marion County continued to be an ongoing issue behind the scenes in 2007.

It proved to be a year of transitions too, including multiple changes in the leadership of two county departments. Several communities experienced leadership changes and challenges during 2007 as well.

Following are the highlights from across Marion County. January

Larry Larsen told the Marion County Commission that although he’s been on the job as supervisor...

Read more: Jail plan resurfaces frequently for commissioners

Goessel reps assist Lincolnville residents without electricity

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Thursday, 27 December 2007 04:50

The Goessel City Council heard at its Dec. 17 meeting that Councilor Jim Wiens and Public Works Director Karen Dickerson had personally donated supplies and bottled water to the city of Lincolnville to help them deal with the effects of the recent ice storm.

After hearing on the radio that Lincolnville was without electricity for a week, Dickerson called to see what she could do to help. She was told the city of Lincolnville was providing meals to 60 people three times a day. They needed food and disposable tableware. Dickerson delivered the items that Wiens and Dickerson donated.

The Goessel council decided to follow their example and also donate food and supplies. Dickerson was asked to deliver the city’s donation. Dickerson said...

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Bad press is better than no press for college football post-season

Written by Michelle Avis Thursday, 27 December 2007 04:44

The Florence City Council discussed the future of the vacant former nursing home at its Dec. 3 meeting.

A group is considering rehabilitating the nursing home into affordable housing and asked whether a survey could be done to help determine if there would be enough interest in the project.

The survey could also establish whether the housing should be geared toward those 55 and older or toward young families. Florence Economic Develop­ment agreed to spend $360 on the surveys to be inserted in the Free Press.

A cash prize between $50 and $100 was suggested to help ensure as many surveys as possible are returned. Completed surveys will be kept confidential, with identifying information used strictly for the prize drawing and only the...

Read more: Bad press is better than no press for college football post-season

Holt honored by Corps for work with stress management

Written by Malinda Just Wednesday, 19 December 2007 08:54

Holt.Terry-2.jpg Click to buy top photo Terry Holt, at home in his office at Marion Reservoir (left photo) and receiving the de Fleury Medal from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in San Antonio in late October.


In late October, Terry Holt, lead park ranger at Marion Reservoir and co-program manager of the Critical Incident Stress Management program for the U.S. Army Corps of Engin­eers, was in San Antonio, Texas, to give a presentation at an environmental and natural resource conference.

Little did he know that a surprise awaited him.

On Oct. 30, Holt was awarded the bronze order of the de Fleury Medal for his leadership as the director of CISM program implementation for the Corps. The program was first implemented in...

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