Kathy Goering, owner of Kathy’s Floral Designs, 107 E. Grand Ave., Hillsboro, had a special ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 6 sponsored by the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. For more information, stop by or call her at 620-877-4299. Kevin Hower/Free Press A new flower shop opened Dec. 6 in Hillsboro, and owner Kathy Goering said she’s committed to creating unique arrangements […]

At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Marion County Commission approved hiring a county administrator, made strides with the five-member district map and accepted a bid for the first phase of the transfer station renovations. Commission chairwoman Dianne Novak proposed a county administrator after talking to consti­tuents and others throughout the county. “It is absolutely necessary to take the initiative to […]

The Hillsboro City Council discussed the property at 312 W. Grand Ave., and a request was made for a two-week delay because legal counsel for the owners couldn’t attend the Dec. 3 meeting. City administrator Larry Paine said the property has not been brought back to the condition outlined by Ben Steketee, code enforcement officer, and Josh Boehm, city attorney. […]

When one of our long-time commissioners told a fellow commissioner during a public session to “shut up,” it was not only unacceptable, but it left me wondering what has happened to us. In fairness, it’s not just a Marion County problem, but rather it’s a problem throughout the country. Yet this type of bitterness, mean-spirit and lack of respect for […]

A report about county roads took center stage at the Marion County Commission meeting Monday. Commissioner Kent Becker requested that Jesse Hamm, Road and Bridge superintendent, review the road report by Norm Bowers, local road engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties. “I would like to see policy-wise if this is something (the road and bridge department) can work with […]

The Marion County Commissioners reviewed property getting ready to be sold at the next tax sale in mid-December at its meeting Nov. 19. County clerk Tina Spen­cer talked about the sale to include two areas in Florence, one on the east side of Main, and the other where the former Florence High School stood. Other properties scheduled for the tax […]

Tom Richards, water department employee, looks on as Glenda Stoppel, deputy city clerk, smiles at receiving a gift and recognition for 35 years of service with the city of Hillsboro. Richards had 10 years of service, and Mike Duerksen, superintendent of electric and sewer department, not pictured, also was honored for 30 years service. Patty Decker / Free Press Three […]

Hillsboro city officials are releasing a survey to determine the community expectations regarding Internet services. This survey, said Larry Paine, city administrator, was designed using information from other community studies. Results from this survey, he said, will guide the development of future Internet services and speeds. In addition, the survey is important to the community because some companies dealing with […]

by Patty Decker The Free Press With the addition of a new automated trash/recycling truck arriving in March, the City of Hillsboro Sanitation Department is conducting a survey. The reason is to help sanitation officials in determining what size cart would best serve residential trash and recycling needs, a sanitation official said. The three sizes being considered include a 50-gallon, […]

The Marion County Commission heard from Bruce Schultz, group enrollment representative, who provided a nine-month report of employee health activities at the Nov. 13 regular meeting. Based on the calculated premium of $744,027, and the total plan paid of $684,000, the loss ratio is at 92 percent, which could mean a 9 percent or thereabout increase in 2019, he said. […]