Peabody death ruled suicide

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 12 March 2013 13:52

Marion County law enforcement officials on March 7 discovered the body of James William Muzyka, 57, who died from a single gunshot.

Sheriff Rob Craft said Muzyka died of an apparent suicide at his residence in rural Peabody.

“The investigation concluded that during the night (March 6) Muzyka used a handgun to take his own life,” he said.

Craft said officers from his office responded to a call in the late afternoon on March 7 of a possible suicide.

The Marion County coroner was called to the scene, he said, and pronounced Muzyka dead at 4:45 p.m.

“The family was notified and he was taken to Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro,” Craft said.

A graveside service is planned at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Kansas Veterans'...

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State identifies 10 bridges needing structural attention

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 12 March 2013 13:51

Ten Marion County bridges may need rebuilding or replacing, according to a state report presented Monday to the Marion County Commission.

The 10 bridges, varying in length from 22 to 60 feet, are rated “fracture critical” in a required report to the State of Kansas prepared for Marion County by the engineering firm Cooke, Flatt & Strobel.

Ken Blair said in some cases part of the bridges may continue to meet state specifications if their load limits are lowered.

He and Randy Crawford, county road and bridge director, agreed that some projects could be funded through 80 percent grants through the Kansas Department of Transportation, provided the county is able to provide the remaining 20 percent.

Commissioner Dan Holub said the...

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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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