The Marion County Community Economic Development Corp. unani­mously voted to dissolve at its Dec. 11 meeting. The only at-large member of the organization, Darin Neufeld, said: “It’s not for lack of hard work from those who came before us or lack of effort from those currently here or for those who have served.” The handwriting seemed to be on the […]

Hillsboro Community Hospital has recently struggled to pay their employees. Several weeks ago, employees received their paychecks one day late. Their latest check came eight days late. “Everybody did get paid on Friday. It was just a little bit late,” said Chief Nursing Officer Jessi Workman. Workman has been serving as the highest administrative official for the hospital. Former CEO […]

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 […]

Janet Whisenhunt, Sharon Jost and Gayla Ratzlaff pose for a moment in the midst of helping prepare food. Courtesy Photo On Saturday morning, a local Hillsboro group called 2nd Saturday 2 Serve, provided free breakfast for the public. Pancakes and Dale’s Sausage were prepared by volunteers from 8-11 a.m. in the lunch room at Hillsboro Elementary School. The meal was […]

Marion County Lake held their Annual Tunnel of Lights Drive Thru Sunday night. Guests of all ages drove through a decked out section of the lake to see all the lights that residents had put up. Some homes had music playing as well. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on site to hand out candy canes to all who wanted one. […]

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 […]

Caleb Cassidy poses with Santa during a recent visit to Hillsboro. About 150 people came through on Friday night to get their picture taken with Santa. Many volunteers made the night a success. Studio 23 thanked the following for their help: Tim Cassidy for singing carols, Renae Plett for her professional photos, Hillsboro Ford for loaning the red truck for […]

Tabor College hosted an information night to explain the worldwide Dressember Campaign. Sarah Paulus shared about middle and high school students participating while Chloe Lind and Danielle Armstrong shared about their participation as college students. Laura Fowler Paulus / Free Press Around a dozen middle and high school students, over a dozen college students, a few elementary kids and several […]

Frank Johnson, a member of the Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Christian Church in Hillsboro, tells the story of St Nicklaus to children who attended Down Home Christmas. Children received a small prize of a chocolate gold coin. Grace Community Church Praise band lead the community in singing Silent Night before the tree was lit. Pictured are Holly Nickel, Dave Funk, Jody […]

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 […]