Front row from left Zaylee Werth, Annaliese Jorgenson, Trudy Hein. Back row from left Grace Hein, Sonareigh Bell, Bailee Gawith. Not pictured Violet Klein, Kenyata Kirkland and Rylie Driggers. The girls participated in a bathroom project to improve morale and encourage middle school girls. Laura Fowler Paulus / Free Press The Marion County Fair Board decided to try some new […]

The Marion County Commission reviewed financing options for transfer station upgrades ranging from general obligation bonds to sales tax and ways that involve a lease finance arrangements at the July 22 meeting. David Arteberry, senior vice-president of George K. Baum and Co., based in Kansas City, Mo., provided the commissioners with a list of six possible options to consider in […]

The City of Hillsboro has been working hard on making trash collection easier for all. They have also implemented a new recycling program that just started on Thursday. In order for all to run smoothly, the city needs the help of the residents. Here are some tips for making the process work effectively. For trash, remember to PLACE IT. Put […]

Retiring staff from Hillsboro schools were recognized July 10 at the school board meeting. Honored were, from left, Judy Penner – 24 years of service; Kathy Carr – 29 years, Mary Loewen – 24 years and Eldon Funk – 20 years. Vickie Huxman was unable to attend and will receive her 12-year plaque at a later date. Five retiring school […]

Residents of all ages showed up on Monday to help with the brick project in Hillsboro. The bricks were pulled up so the road could be leveled. Now volunteers are helping out city worker to put the historic bricks back. Many of the volunteers were middle and high school students who gave up their weight lifting time to help out […]

Complaints about underage drivers or improper permitting on utility vehicles and golf carts at the county lake prompted Marion County Commissioners to speak with the park and lake superintendent at the July 15 meeting. Commission chairman Kent Becker said that because of this problem, law enforcement should have greater enforcement, at least on weekends. “It is an issue,” said Isaac […]

The Marion County Commissioners spoke about the future of wind farms at its July 15 meeting. Commissioner Randy Dallke said he particularly wanted to discuss some of the concerns he had and asked the other commissioners for their input. “With all the steps and procedures we have set up in Marion County, there’s been enough said on the opposite side […]

Hillsboro Mayor Lou Thurston was available to meet with residents on Tuesday, July 2 at the Igloo where guests could enjoy $2 Bigloo sno cones, visiting with him and enjoying fireworks. “Thanks to everyone who came out to see “Big Lou” at the Igloo! We had a great turn-out and it was a great time for our community to come […]

Much of downtowvn Durham was flooded on July 4. Some places reported water as high as four feet in businesses and homes. Photo submitted by Jared Dyck While many were enjoying holiday festivities and preparing for a fourth of July filled with fun and relaxations, Durham residents faced a very different reality. Rainfall over several hours during the night Wednesday […]

About 50 people attended the Marion County Commission meeting on July 8 to hear how the commissioners vote on the wind farm project. The commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of approving the conditional use permit proposed by Expedition Wind. The development plan, which was split out from the CUP, was not approved at this time. Patty Decker/Free Press The Marion […]