30-40 volunteers showed up several times to help the City of Hillsboro relay the historic bricks on the newly paved roads. City Administrator praised them at the city council meeting last week. Karrie Rathbone / Special to the Free Press The Hillsboro City Council met on Tuesday, Aug 6. Mayor Lou Thurston was out of town so the meeting was […]

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 […]

Johsie Reed custom brands a hat for her customer in her shop in Marion. She grew up in Marion County, but she learned the trade in California where she lived for several years. Laura Fowler Paulus/Free Press Kerry and Stacey Bender, from Sacramento, California, came to Marion so Kerry could speak on Sunday at a local church. “We were at […]

Mandy Funk, Goessel, drives a wagon in the parade on Saturday through downtown Goessel during Threshing Days. The horses, Bonny and Dolly were good sports pulling the wagon through the crowd. Darla Funk, Manhattan, drives her grandpa Walden Duerksen’s John Deere tractor in the parade. Dueksen died recently making this a special opportunity for Funk to honor him. This was […]

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 […]

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 […]

Fifteen Marion County landowners are continuing their fight against Expedition Wind, by asking the court not to grant a motion to dismiss the civil action lawsuit filed in mid-May. The lawsuit, according to the legal document filed July 26, stated that it’s too early to dismiss because the expected findings, which will come from discovery, have yet to be entered […]

Marion County residents came out to enjoy the Demolition Derby Saturday night during the 2019 Marion County Fair. The mud and sparks flew as derby cars crashed into each other, all in good fun. Overall rabbit showmanship went to Katelyn Olson of Goessel and Reserve Grand went to Kathrine Rziha of Tampa. There were many animal exhibits at the fair. […]

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 […]

By a vote of 2-1, the Marion County commissioners will have voters decide if using sales tax to finance the transfer station project is the way to go during the July 29 meeting. Commission chairman Kent Becker cast the dissenting vote, opting instead for a lease/purchase agreement. The discussion was prompted by Scott Loyd with Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk and Loyd, […]