Sheriff’s department preparing for Jack’s retirement from duty

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 19 September 2007 09:01

Sheriff Lee Becker told the Marion County Commission Monday he has a female officer named Jack that may soon be laid off for early retirement. But even in retirement, Becker said, Jack might be used a time or two to assist her successor.

If you’re beginning to think sex and age discrimination, don’t be concerned. The officer to whom Becker was referring is Jack, the county’s police dog handled by Officer Jeff Soyez.

Becker said most likely as infirmities overtake her, Jack will go to finish her life living with Soyez as her handler. Becker said he will seek her replacement from a private police dog production agency at Manhattan.

He said Jack, originally a $6,000 fully trained purchase, has been invaluable to the department in...

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Citizens voice concerns about road and bridge issues

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 12 September 2007 09:32

Members of the public brought issues before the Marion County Commission Monday that commissioners attributed primarily to poor communications on the part of the road and bridge department personnel.

The commissioners apologized to both sets of patrons involved, and promised corrections.

Aaron and Angela Allen told commissioners they were only given a 30-day notice by the road and bridge department that they would be required to sell land for a new bridge on 140th, just west of U.S. Highway 77.

They said they felt pressured to sell, and with large trees that will be removed, including a black walnut in front of a house where the bridge is, they don’t want to sell.

They asked the commissioners to stop the project.

Instead...

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Florence council hears report on old school buildings

Written by Michelle Avis Wednesday, 12 September 2007 09:30

The Florence City Council heard from Bobbie Strait of the Marion County Health Department at their Sept. 4 meeting about the process of appointing someone as the city inspector for building-code violations under the new zoning ordinance.

Strait presented sample ordinances from nearby towns and said the county wouldn’t have jurisdiction unless there is an imminent health or safety danger to the community.

Two public hearings must be held before a property could be condemned, but fines and fees can be assessed without legal council. If the landowner files suit and loses the case, the city’s attorney fees could be recovered.

Strait then discussed her findings on the 1885 Hill School and the brick former high school buildings. One...

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Marion council OKs downtown Christmas parade for Nov. 25

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 12 September 2007 09:28

Melissa Parmley received approval from the Marion City Council Monday for a Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. Nov. 25 between First and Fifth streets on Main.

Along with it, she was reminded to call the Kansas Department of Transportation for approval to close Main as a state highway.

Public Works Director Harvey Sanders said the Santa House associated with the event couldn’t be set up in Liberty Park because a truck backed in on grass and sprinkler heads. Instead, celebrants at the parade will gather at the gazebo in Central Park.

Michelle Abbot-Becker thanked the council for responding in time with information for Unified School District 408 to receive approval for $330,000 in federal funding to build a school shelter...

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