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 […]

The Marion County Commission approved flu shots for both full and part-time employees, received construction plans for the transfer station by Kaw Valley Engineering and heard about courthouse security at its meeting Sept. 9. Diedre Serene, the county health department administrator, discussed a flu shot proposal for county employees that would be different than in previous years when the county […]

My parents used to talk about the importance of remembering not to shoot the messenger before hearing the message. In my 60-plus years of life experiences, nine out of 10 times, I try to remember how important it is to listen to others whether I like them or not. Chances are they may not have anything I want to hear […]

Proponents of a wind farm project in the south-central part of Marion County received a favorable nod from the district court on its motion to dismiss a civil suit filed in mid-May. Patrick Pelstring, president of Expedition Wind LLC, said the company, and the more than 100 landowners involved in the project, were pleased with the ruling on Aug 23 […]

The Marion County Commission discussed what security measures can be taken to keep people safe in the courtroom and throughout the courthouse at its Monday, Aug. 26 meeting. Commission chairman Kent Becker asked that the issue of security be added to the agenda because he believes the board needs to provide a safe environment in the courtroom and courthouse. Sheriff […]

340th from Bison to Chisholm. One of the many roads the Marion County Commission discussed in their meeting. Patty Decker / Free Press The Marion County Commission took action at its meeting on Aug 19 in order to get the attention of the contractor responsible for road maintenance and repairs on the Diamond Vista wind farm project. By a unanimous […]

The Marion County Commission heard good news from officials with the South Central Kansas Economic Development District talking about a new program that will benefit residents at the Aug. 12 meeting. Steven Wilkinson, executive director of SCKEDD, introduced Bill Lampe, program director, who talked about a weatherization program aimed at improving homes in Marion County. “Marion County has been underserved […]

The Marion County Commission will not raise or lower the mill levy from the previous year, and on Aug 7, the proposed budget for 2020 will be available for the public to review. The public hearing is planned for Aug 19. Citizens of the county are encouraged to voice concerns or make comments at that time prior to the commission […]