KDOT grants two safety wishes for Hillsboro leaders

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 04 September 2012 13:44

Cooperation between local public entities is being credited as a key reason Hillsboro city leaders received word last week that the Kansas Depart­ment of Transportation has awarded the community two grants totaling almost $900,000 that should enhance the safety of residents.

A grant of $627,400 will go toward the construction of deceleration and acceleration lanes off U.S. Highway 56 onto Adams Street, and a grant of $250,000 will go toward the construction of better sidewalks for children through KDOT’s Safe Routes to School program.

Construction on both project should begin in spring or summer 2013, according to Larry Paine, city administrator, who credited the city’s partnership with USD 410 staff for making both grants...

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Old-time pastime comes alive

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 04 September 2012 13:30

The Florence hurler delivers his pitch underhanded, as was the style back in the earliest days of baseball. The 75th annual Labor Day Celebration in Florence this past weekend had something for everyone, including an 1860s vintage baseball game pitting the local talent of the Harvey Boys against the Chase County Preservationists.

It was a close game, according to Nancy Boyce, public education director of the Lyon County Historical Society, who provided the Florence team with vintage uniforms from that era.

“Vintage baseball is a neat way to teach and learn history,” she said.

Boyce said she enjoys “sitting back” and watching the spectators having a good time with it.

“If you can get the cranks (fans) going, it makes for a lot of fun,” she said.

Another good thing about the vintage games, Boyce said, is that in this day and...

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Tampa celebrates 125 years

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 28 August 2012 12:51

Justin Deines, throwing a horseshoe, didn’t appear phased by the torrential rains during the tournament Saturday as part of Tampa’s 125th celebration. Twenty teams took part in the competition. Rains slowed but didn’t deter residents or out-of-town visitors in Tampa Saturday as they celebrated the town’s 125th birthday.

The theme, “125 Years on the Trail,” brought hundreds of people to take part in the festivities.

The day started early with the Tampa Rut Run and 2-mile run/walk at the city ball diamonds.

Spectators and participants alike were not hindered by the light rain that fell during the parade down Main Street.

More than 100 people watched the Wedding Dress Review in the Senior Center with about a dozen women modeling older and newer dresses worn by Tampa brides.

Carole Spohn, one of the committee members, said the wedding dress review was considered a success from what she heard.

Featured dresses in the...

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Relay raises nearly $30,000 in the fight against cancer

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 28 August 2012 12:50

Cancer survivors carry a banner on behalf of others during the survivors’ lap where cancer survivors and their caregivers took a victory lap around the track at the Marion Sports Aquatic Center. Almost $30,000 was raised at the 18th annual Marion County Relay for Life event Saturday with proceeds going to benefit the American Cancer Society.

This year’s event was held inside the Marion Sports Aquatic Center with walkers circling the foyer area.

It was the first year the event was at the facility. With persistent rain showers throughout the evening, many walkers said it was a good alternative.

The total money raised in Marion County since 1997, including Saturday’s total, is $449,813 with 47 registered survivors, according to Melissa Easterberg, community manager, High Plains Division in Wichita.

During the closing ceremony, Easterberg talked about how donations have helped Kansans.

“I also spoke with Nova Bruner so...

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