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Aerial mapping program could have multiple users

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Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 22 January 2013 14:05

Marion County Appraiser Cindy Magill says the new Pictometry mapping program the county is acquiring should provide the county, cities and school districts with a variety of useful tools in the areas of electronic mapping and safety. If all goes according to plan, public officials as well as private citizens will have dramatically faster, clearer and more detailed visual access to property parcels in Marion County.

County commissioners were expected to formally sign a contract Tuesday with Pictometry International Corp. to bring the newest generation of aerial oblique photography to the courthouse.

Cindy Magill, county appraiser, said she’s excited about the increased efficiency the upgraded geographic information...

Girls’ tourney title stays home

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Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 22 January 2013 14:01

For the first time in the nine-year history of the girls’ Trojan Classic tournament, the home team claimed the championship. Above, Robert Rempel, Hillsboro High School activities director and tournament coordinator, presents the first-place plaque to the four Trojan seniors: (from left) Tena Loewen, Christina Morris, Maci Schlehuber and Erin Winter. After a first-round win over Thomas More Prep, Hillsboro posted wins against Hesston and Wamego.

Both Class 4A schools were unbeaten, and Wamego was ranked No. 1 in the state. In all, a record five schools, including Hillsboro, were undefeated when the seedings were made, making this year’s tournament one of the toughest in the state. In the photo below, even the adult Trojan fans...

Midseason tournament time

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Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 15 January 2013 14:11

Hillsboro sophomore Micah Allen scores during the Trojans’ 38-30 victory over Nickerson on Friday. This week, area teams will be competing in midseason tournaments.

Three schools will host tournaments: boys’ and girls’ teams will gather for the Trojan Classic in Hillsboro and the Cougar Classic at Centre while Canton-Galva will host a boys-only event. For more about these tournaments and last week’s results, see Sports starting on Page 1B.

Trains through Marion doubling their speed

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Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 15 January 2013 14:11

Trains with Union Pacific doubled their speed through the city of Marion Friday from 25 mph to 49 mph.

The reason for the increased speed is to help move freight fast on the track, an official spokesperson with UP said.

City Administrator Doug Kjellin said it’s very important for farmers around Marion, especially when field work begins in the spring to pay close attention.

“Most intersections outside the city limits are not gated,” Kjellin said. “This one needs to be in people’s minds as drivers try to judge crossing times around Marion.”

Trains were forced to slow down when approaching Marion because of the curve on the south, but UP officials said this has been fixed.

“Before the curve was corrected, there...

City clamps down on curious coyotes

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Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 15 January 2013 14:10

With no new sightings reported in the past week or two, Hillsboro Police Chief Dan Kinning is hoping the case of the curious coyotes has been solved.

Kinning said his office received multiple reports about the presence of coyotes within city limits. He believes the sightings involve more than one coyote.

“Someone said they actually took a picture of one in town,” he said. “We live in a very rural area. They probably do come in (to town) after they’ve gotten a little bolder.”

Most of the sighting have been at night on the west side of town, Kinning said, but one daylight sighting occurred near the Tabor College campus.

“That’s pretty unusual.”

Kinning said his department was concerned enough about the visitors to...