Rising trash rates may prompt county recycling

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 27 November 2007 17:57

Rapidly rising trash disposal rates, driven by fuel prices, readily brought agreement by the Marion County Commission Monday with Transfer Station Director Rollin Schmidt that it’s time to look at serious recycling and shorter transport distances.

Schmidt said the Hamm landfill east of Topeka at Perry will want a $6,000 fuel surcharge from the county after the first of the year plus annual 3 percent municipal solid waste disposal rate increase from $19.14 to $19.72 a ton. And, the county hasn’t heard yet from its hauler regarding a fuel increase charge.

Schmidt said it’s time the county looks at alternatives to the distance solid waste is hauled and at recycling as a cost effective way to reduce tonnage.

Commission Chairman...

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Goessel City Council OKs acquisition of old church cemetery

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Tuesday, 27 November 2007 17:42

The Goessel City Council agreed at its Nov. 19 meeting that the city will assume ownership of the Mennonite Brethren cemetery within the boundaries of the town.

Lowell Hofer, representing the Southern District Stewardship Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Church, met with the council to discuss the small Mennonite Brethren cemetery located across the street from the city building.

Hofer said many years had passed since the Mennonite Brethren church in Goessel closed its doors and responsibility for the care of the cemetery had become unclear.

The Mennonite Brethren commission had been under the impression that they were paying someone to mow the cemetery, but there was no follow-up. Apparently, the commission sometimes paid for...

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Florence council considers partnership with Mid Kansas CAP

Written by Michelle Avis Tuesday, 27 November 2007 17:30

The Florence City Council tabled a request at its Nov. 19 meeting for city involvement in a housing project presented by Les Littlejohn of the Mid Kansas Community Action Program.

Littlejohn said he’d like to re-apply for a grant to build two houses to offer through an affordable housing program.

A first-time homebuyer program would allow income eligible applicants with good rental history and acceptable credit to buy the houses. Much of the loan could even be forgiven if the buyer lives in the house for 10 years.

Littlejohn said although the grant program had changed since the last application was made, still only a 25 percent funding match was required of the city.

The donation of the land at 6th and Barker, as well as city...

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Agri-tourism businesses bring more residents to the county

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 21 November 2007 08:27

Rural entrepreneurs may require more public funding for roads and signs.

The agri-tourism business is attracting more Marion County residents, Economic Develop­ment Director Teresa Huffman reported to the Marion County Commission Nov. 13.

She said two more businesses may be locating close to an existing agri-tourism business, Wee Little Acres, at 300th and Falcon.

That business needs more gravel on the road for the traffic it is bringing in, she said.

Huffman said the state is changing from a policy of allowing signs only for properties zoned commercial or industrial to letting agri-tourism businesses post signs for property zoned agricultural. She had to get special permission for Wee Little Acres to have a sign.

Huffman said...

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