There have been some really hard things going on lately for us as Kansans and for us as citizens of the US. I’m not talking politics here because I already know that I am probably not going to be in agreement with a majority in this county and that is fine. But I do think that all of us can […]

Dani Calder, Hillsboro, created this mural for the community to enjoy on the garage at the southeast corner of C and Ash. “I am kinda artsy so I decided to paint something Hillsboroy.” Calder no longer lives there since she moved to an apartment last week. She won't be able to paint a mural there, but she would love to […]

Over 70 backpacks were filled with supplies and given out to kids kindergarten through eighth grade all over Marion County on Saturday. The backpacks and supplies were donated by individuals and organizations throughout the county. This is the first year of the event, and the committee behind it all plans to continue for future years. Provided Photo Many kids throughout […]

Cinematographer Derek Fisher (of Wichita) frames up while Director Emily Railsback helps to organize Dutch Blitz cards with local actors Aleen Ratzlaff and Katherine Hamm. The scene took place at a potluck and featured Mennonite foods made by Hillsboro resident Brenda Hamm, and the dialogue was largely improvised. Provided Photo Emily Railsback recently returned to Marion County where she had […]

A ceremony dedicating the Sgt. Kevin A. Gilbertson Memorial Bridge will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Arkansas City ­– honoring a U.S. Army soldier who died in the Iraq War. A sign with his name will be unveiled. The ceremony is open to the public. WHO: Sgt. Kevin A. Gilbertson. WHAT: Ceremony naming bridge for Sgt. Gilbertson. The Kansas Department […]

Last week, I went on a family vacation to Galveston, Texas. Days of uninterrupted time with my kids, the beach and ocean, seafood, authentic Mexican food, fun beverages and more, well, needless to say, I struggled to come back. Oh sure. There was the normal, “I can’t wait to get back to my own bed and see the cat” (The […]

Any parent with school-aged children knows that getting kids ready for a new school year is a big feat, especially financially. Now, thanks to a local church in Hillsboro, all of the students who attend Hillsboro Elementary School (USD 410) grades K through fifth grade will have their school supplies paid for and taken to the school. They simply have […]

Members of the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair Committee served Hillsboro residents on Friday night even though it was over 100 degrees outside. The Hillsboro Fire Department showed up and volunteered to cook for all who came out to eat. The meal was put on by the Committee to thank the community for 50 years of supporting the fair. In […]

Carla Hamm helps out some hungry customers during lunch at the new Mama C's business that opened up last week. Laura Fowler Paulus / Free Press Hillsboro has a new option for food for lunch or dinner. Not only is it homemade, but it is affordable and there are many options. Hillsboro resident Carla Hamm opened Mama C’s last week. […]

Front row from left Zaylee Werth, Annaliese Jorgenson, Trudy Hein. Back row from left Grace Hein, Sonareigh Bell, Bailee Gawith. Not pictured Violet Klein, Kenyata Kirkland and Rylie Driggers. The girls participated in a bathroom project to improve morale and encourage middle school girls. Laura Fowler Paulus / Free Press The Marion County Fair Board decided to try some new […]