Something?s got to change, according to volunteer Marion County fire chiefs after about 70 fires were called in to departments during the first seven days of April. The fire chiefs asked the Marion County Board of Commissioners Monday to enforce rules that could include up to a month in jail and a $500 fine for ranchers who purposely light native-grass […]

County commissioners were informed at the Thurs?day payday meeting that North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging will be requesting an additional $14,000 from Marion County to replace reduced state funding. Gayla Ratzlaff, coordinator for the Department on Aging, said the typical budget allocation for NCFHAA is about $5,000. The agency is asking other counties with which it affiliates […]

There?s a new business deal in the works that?s going to affect every one of us if it happens. Especially that?s likely if you use electricity. It might happen whether you receive electricity for lighting, heating and switching directly from Westar Energy or from an electric cooperative itself under contract for power with Westar. In Mid-March, Westar announced it was […]

Marion County Commis?sioner Dan Holub said Monday that his research has revealed that deep saltwater well disposal into a deep geologic layer by the oil industry is regulated by the Oil and Gas Conserva?tion Department under the Kansas Corporation Com?mission. It is a common practice done on many conventional wells in the area using deep water sources under pressure to […]

Marion County commissioner gave their final approval Monday for Trade Wind Energy, headquartered in Lenexa, to install about a half-dozen temporary test turbines in the Tampa area. The project will measure whether wind speeds justify installing a larger wind turbine farm to generate electricity. Brice Barton, senior development director for Trade Wind, said public interest in the potential development of […]

Emergency Management Director Randy Frank told Marion County commissioners Monday that the county will receive $41,803?80 percent of emergency flooding expenses?for last year from federal transportation funds. This is a reimbursement for money the county already has spent, he said. The commissioners pointed out that since the funds aren?t budgeted, the money may be included in the general fund next […]

The wheat looks good out there. So far, at least. A prolonged season of at least adequate moisture for the top soil in most places, plus the nearly premature warmth of March, has brought on an early lush, green growth. But experienced professionals like Marion County Extension Agent Rickey Roberts know, ?we got a long way to go? before that […]

Emergency Medical Services Interim Director Ed Debesis was named EMS director Monday by the Marion County Commis?sion following a 15-minute executive session. County Commission Chairman Randy Dallke said Debesis has accepted an annual salary of $65,000 plus $2,500 one-time moving allowance. Debesis has been attempting to upgrade and coordinate the county?s services located in diverse communities. Ted David, an EMS […]

Tonya Richards, county director of planning, zoning and environmental health, resigned her post Monday in a Marion County Board of Commissioners meeting after a 10-minute executive session for personnel. The commissioners reluctantly accepted her resignation in a 3-0 vote, and joined in wishing her well. Richards will cease work here March 11, and then move to Topeka to work for […]

A mild February led Jesse Hamm, interim superintendent for Road and Bridges, to talk with Marion County commissioners Monday about moving into work for the 2016 spring season. He said work likely will begin this week on a co-financing road signs with Menno Township in the southwestern part of the county. The commissioners approved higher-priced signs that will be mounted […]