The Marion County Commission unanimously approved giving the Marion Merchants’ Association about two-thirds of its request for money from the transient guest tax at the Monday regular meeting. Tammy Ensey, owner of the Elgin Hotel and spokesperson for the association, asked the commission for $15,375 to market specifically the city of Marion using television advertising, highway signage and a brochure. […]

Marion County taxpayers should know about potential pitfalls with respect to the county’s spending habits, policies, pay plan based on performance and other procedures that happened in the recent past. In addition, what action is being taken to either correct or explain to the public what the commissioner’s reasoning is in resolving these issues? One major concern is the spending […]

The Marion County Commission unanimously approved adding a second part-time employee to the planning and zoning department at its meeting May 6. Commission chairman Kent Becker said Sharon Omstead, director of planning and zoning, who was hired in mid-October of 2018, is experiencing additional work from the wind farm people in the south-central part of the county, as she continues […]

A majority of the constituents at the April 29 Marion County Commission meeting oppose the wind turbine project and asked the commissioner for a moratorium. Patty Decker / Free Press The Marion County Commission met with opposition from landowners who asked for another week to review a newly proposed resolution on road rights-of-way by Expedition Natural Renewal Solutions that was […]

Marion County commissioners heard from local firefighters at Monday’s meeting and how their task force scored high marks as part of a burn project at Quivira Boy Scout Ranch in Sedan. Lester Kaiser, Lincolnville fire chief, said as volunteers they were graded on their performance with the highest marks given for attitude. In addition, Erik Johnson, whose home unit is […]

Concerns about the Marion County Park and Lake’s planning and zoning regulations, and the lack of enforcement, took center stage at Monday’s commission meeting. Donna Kaiser, a lake resident, said: “We have homes at the lake and recently some lots were sold to the west of us to three different gentlemen. “One building is already up and not in compliance […]

The Marion County Transfer station and recycling program were discussed during the commission meeting Monday with the approval of a change order to the original contract of $297,002 to the new contract price of $317,592 based on an adjustment of $24,060 when excavation was needed. “The building is expected to go up sometime this week,” said Bud Druse, director of […]

The Marion City Council had a discussion about city-wide security cameras, a signage request by Marion High School FFA, and other topics in their March 25 meeting. Police Chief Clinton Jeffrey talked about the possibility of installing city-wide security cameras placed strategically over town. Jeffrey said the cameras could help with investigations and other illegal activities when the police wouldn’t […]

Travis Parmley, EMS Director, holds up a blue and white polo shirt that will be the newest addition to the service. Patty Decker / Free Press The Marion County Commission approved the EMS department’s request for new uniform shirts at a cost of $26 each at its meeting Monday. Travis Parmley, EMS director, said the blue and white polo shirt […]

Concerns regarding a proposed cell tower dominated the Marion City Council meeting March 25 in the lower level conference center of city hall. Autumn Hansen, a Marion resident, who lives in the vicinity of the proposed cell tower, talked to the council about the public health and safety concerns, the vague legal description stating it’s a “wireless communications facility,” the […]