Missing house number could slow response in crisis event

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 09 March 2010 19:28

A routine fire department exercise last week uncovered a problem that could have serious consequences in an emergency: houses and businesses in Hillsboro without visible address numbers.

“There are a lot places that don’t have an address posted on their building,” said Ben Steketee, the city’s fire chief and code-enforcement officer. “Commercial and residential are required to have their address posted.”

Steketee said city code requires that address numbers be visible from the street. Violators would not be fined, he said, but it is a risk to inhabitants in an emergency situation.

“You might think, ‘The postman knows where I’m located,’ and that’s great,” he said. “But when you call the ambulance or the fire...

Read more: Missing house number could slow response in crisis event

2010 Census surveys should arrive March 15

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 March 2010 19:24

The 2010 U.S. Census materials are expected to arrive in residential mailboxes March 15, according to Delores Dalke, Hillsboro mayor.

She urged all residents to fill out the questionnaire, which includes 10 basic questions, and mail it back as soon as possible.

“The results of the census determine funding for Marion County when it comes to programs and projects that support our communities,” she said. “We really need an accurate count.”

Top turnout in trying times

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 02 March 2010 19:29

There weren’t many empty chairs in the east meeting room at city hall as interested citizens gathered to hear from Sen. Jim Barnett (front of the room, left) and Rep. Bob Brookens Saturday morning. The deeper the budget crisis, the bigger the turnout.

Judging from attendance last year and this year, that seems to be the formula for enticing local voters to attend a legislative coffee with their state legislators.

Following a memorably high turnout of about 45 people a year ago, around 60 crowded into the east meeting room of Hillsboro’s city hall early Saturday morning to hear reports from Rep. Bob Brookens and Sen. Jim Barnett.

The news wasn’t good.

Brookens opened the session with word that unofficial figures for the state’s revenue in February fell below predicted estimates by about $70 million.

That means, he said, the current 2010 budget will be underfunded by about $100 million, and that revenue for the 2011...

Read more: Top turnout in trying times

Her wonderful way with wood

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 02 March 2010 19:27

Bessie Bass demonstrates one of her favorite wood creations: a recipe file that flips down from the wall at eye level. “I?don’t think there are many recipe boxes made this way,” she said. When it comes to creating beauty from a piece of wood, the possibilities are endless for Bessie Bass, 93, of Marion, who has spent more than 80 years perfecting her talent.

Local people might know her best for the hundreds of wooden calendars she has made, using interchangeable numbered days of the week and reminders of special dates.

“I have sold so many,” Bass said, “but I cannot remember the exact number.”

Her calendars are on walls or businesses as close as Hillsboro and Marion to as far away as Hawaii, Spain and Canada.

Bass hand-painted each day of the week, adding separate blocks for notable days of the month, such as time changes, Groundhog Day and the first day of winter.

“I also made wooden boxes to store the...

Read more: Her wonderful way with wood