One of the biggest stories at Tabor College in 2019 was the opening of a new location for the School for Graduate studies, and additional online opportunities. Those two programs are now occupying the former Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Foundation building at 315 S. Lincoln. And Tabor College president Jules Glanzer reviewed the school’s efforts in the area of graduate studies. […]

The local general election in Marion County is less than one week away, and some voters have already cast advanced ballots at the courthouse in Marion. Tina Spencer, Marion County clerk and election officer, said early, in-person voting at the courthouse has been “somewhat slow.” “As of Monday,” she said, “we have had 159 early voters. We have sent out […]

The Marion County Commissioners heard more about the road maintenance agreement involving the Diamond Vista wind farm project, approved a class for responders and more at the Oct. 21 regular meeting. Brice Goebel, county engineer, said the ongoing road maintenance agreement involving Enel Green Power, which acquired the Diamond Vista wind farm, wasn’t going as well as planned. Goebel and […]

The Hillsboro Free Press reached out to the three Marion County commission candidates vying for the newly created District 4 position. The candidates, David Crofoot, Amy Soyez and Trayce Warner, were all asked the same questions with a request for them to be as brief as possible. In addition, each candidate was asked to include some personal information about themselves. […]

The Marion County Commissioners were cautiously optimistic when the county engineer provided updates on Enel Green Power, owners of the Diamond Vista wind farm project at its meeting Oct. 7. Brice Goebel, the county engineer, said at a recent meeting with representatives from Diamond Vista, both Tanner Yost with Kirkham Michael, and Jesse Hamm, county road and bridge, indicated they […]

The Marion County Commission talked about road issues associated with the Diamond Vista wind turbine project at its meeting on Sept. 30. But, by a unanimous vote, a possible solution was hammered out which would entail dividing the road project, drainage concerns and reclamation into phases. Brice Goebel, county engineer, provided information on road maintenance issues in the northern part […]

Delinquent taxes, a lease-purchase idea to pay for transfer station renovations, and buying furniture were the focus of the Sept. 23 commission meeting. In an effort not to deplete the county’s cash reserves in renovating the transfer station, Commissioner Randy Dallke said he wants clarification on the sales tax from the state legislature. Commissioner Dianne Novak said her mission between […]

Isaac Hett, superintendent at Marion County Park and Lake, sits next to Stone Arch Cove where the grass-eating carp were released. In just two months since the carp were released the moss and algae have cleared substantially. Patty Decker/Free Press Residents at Marion County Park and Lake’s Stone Arch Cove called in some real “gluttons” to save their inlet from […]

The Marion County Commission learned the heated dock at the county lake was a total loss following a recent storm at its meeting Sept. 16. Isaac Hett, superintendent of Marion County Park and Lake, said the dock is closed and will remain closed while KCAMP, the county’s insurance pool, is provided with a total of three quotes from contractors. The […]

Hundreds of spectators lined both sides of Main Street in Florence on Monday to watch the 82nd annual parade, which is part of the Florence Labor Day celebration. This year’s parade theme was, “99.96 Percent Pure Fun.” Patty Decker / Free Press The annual Florence Labor Day celebration was deemed a success, according to organizers. Melanie Grimmett, one of the […]