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Data: Jail could need $1 million tax subsidy

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Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 21 October 2008 14:19

Research commissioned by a citizens group opposing the county’s proposal for a 78-bed pay-to-stay jail indicates the operation would need to be subsidized with property taxes to the tune of nearly $1.2 million per year—even with the most optimistic occupancy rates.

The findings were presented at Monday’s public meeting called by the commissioners and their consultants in Hillsboro. Similar meetings were planned for Marion on Tuesday and Peabody on Thursday as a follow-up to initial...

A tale of two jails: Rice & Chase counties

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Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 21 October 2008 14:14

ChaseCountyJailPA160007.jpg This two-story wing of the Chase County was added in 2005. The total facility has 148 beds. “It’s working wll for us,” said Jail Administrator Jay Whitney. But he adds: “It might be a little too late for many wanting to start. We have been at this since 1992.”Patty Decker

A prisoner arrives at the Chase County Jail. Patty Decker

“If you build it, they will come,” might work for pay-to-stay prisoners at the Chase...

Marking 50 Years

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Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 21 October 2008 14:00

PPLHTatumKatePA180004.jpg The Friends of the Hillsboro Museums hosted an anniversary party marking the 50 years since the historic Peter Paul Loewen House was moved from its original location southwest of Hillsboro to the present location at Ash and D streets.

A variety of activities marked the occasion, including tours of the house (formerly known as the Adobe House), the nearby Friesen Windmill, informational presentations and German music. Nearly 100 meals were served during the noon faspa (traditional light...

District, Brandt reach lawsuit settlement

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Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 14 October 2008 13:53

Unified School District 410 reached a settlement last week with plaintiff Raymond Brandt, marking the end of a 16-month litigation process regarding the district’s athletic stadium project in partnership with Tabor College.

Under the agreement, the district will pay Brandt $27,500 in lieu of his legal assurance that he will no longer challenge the bond election or the way the bonds approved by voters can be issued.

The document also commits Brandt to not challenge the interlocal...

Jail 'Plan B' could cost more than initial one

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Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 14 October 2008 13:52

If the $8.65 million sales tax bond for a new jail and communications center doesn’t pass in the Nov. 4 election, Marion County could be faced with a proposal to remodel and add to the existing jail at a cost estimated at $11.48 million.

Those were the figures state in an informational brochure the Marion County Commission considered Monday for distrivtion. The brochure was prepared for the commission by the architectural law firm Law/Kingdon of Wichita, which is the architect for the...