Friends in deed

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 13 October 2009 13:30

KidsConnectFire197.jpg Members of the Hillsboro Fire Department were at Kids Connection Tuesday, Oct. 6, to talk about fire safety and give tours of the big ladder truck during Fire Prevention Week.

Firefighter Jason Plett makes a new friend at the day care and preschool by letting the youngster try on his hat.

Fire Chief Ben Steketee, Plett and firefighter Jason Rooker (left to right) make the point that no one should be afraid of a firefighter in an emergency, even if he looks scary in all his gear.

The children got an up-close tour of the truck and saw a stream of water shoot from its...

Read more: Friends in deed

Herbel receives two life sentences for child rape

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 13 October 2009 13:24

RandyHerbel607.jpg Herbel

A 43-year-old Hillsboro man was sentenced Tuesday in Marion County District Court to two life terms after being found guilty of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Randy Herbel faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years on each count for raping the 5-year-old child he was baby-sitting Aug. 1-2, 2006, in Hillsboro, according to court documents. He was convicted July 15.

During sentencing, the court also noted some sexual predators can face even more time in a mental facility following prison, if convicted in civil court.

Under Kansas law, Eighth Judicial District Judge Michael Powers of Marion said the state can file a civil case to have someone declared a sexual predator.

“If that...

Read more: Herbel receives two life sentences for child rape

Doubly dedicated:Tabor College dedicates the new Joel H. Wiens Stadium during homecoming

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 13 October 2009 13:22

JoelHWiensatStadiumDedication.jpg Joel H. Wiens addresses the crowd during dedication ceremonies Saturday afternoon for the new stadium named in his honor. Wiens contributed $1 million toward the project.

Unseasonably cold temperatures could not dampen the enthusiasm for Tabor College’s dedication ceremony for the new Joel H. Wiens Stadium and Athletic Center Oct. 10, prior to the Bluejays’ homecoming football game with Ottawa.

The honored guest for the ceremony was Cheyenne, Wyo., businessman Joel H. Wiens, who contributed $1 million toward the project. It is the largest donation in the school’s history.

The 3,000-seat stadium, a joint venture between Tabor College and USD 410, includes new artificial football and soccer turf...

Read more: Doubly dedicated:Tabor College dedicates the new Joel H. Wiens Stadium during homecoming

Hillsboroans can expect fee increases

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 13 October 2009 13:19

Hillsboro residents will likely be paying higher fees for recycling, electric, water and sewer services at the start of the new calendar year.

The Hillsboro City Council reviewed and then tabled separate ordinances that will result in fee increases if passed at its next meeting.

The increase of a nickel to $1.90 per month for the recycling fee is a matter of passing on a five-cent increase to the city by the McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility.

Councilor Bob Watson noted from a recent stint as a volunteer at the recycling center that “a lot of stuff is coming there.”

Mayor Delores Dalke agreed, noting the practice of having local volunteers manage the center “helps a lot” to curb costs and increase use.

Ordinances to increase...

Read more: Hillsboroans can expect fee increases