Henryk Zamojski, a government agricultural official from Pawlowic?ski, Poland, made his fourth visit to sister city Goessel, bringing with him gifts to present to city officials: a map of Poland and the von Goessel family crest. Goessel was named for Polish sea captain Kurt Von Goessel, who acted heroically when his ship, Elbe, was rammed by another ship and sank in the English Channel.
The Hillsboro City Council is proposing a $5 per month surcharge for local electrical users as a way to avoid a mill-levy increase to fund the 2004 city budget. The surcharge would raise an estimated $84,000. Covering the shortfall, caused by state funding cuts, with property taxes would have required an increase of about 6.5 mills.
Comments from a local citizen has prompted Martin Rhodes, Hillsboro?s building inspector, to spearhead an effort to improve the grounds at Memorial Park. Playground equipment has already been repaired and painted with new gravel beds constructed around each one to improve safety. Restrooms have been remodeled, new benches have been added and trees have been trimmed. Over the next year or two, Rhodes plans to add flower beds and shrubs, geyser pumps in the city ponds, some native stone walls and rail fences. The most striking addition may be a roughly half-mile-long brick sidewalk made from bricks removed during the Main Street improvement project.
Brian Stucky, Goessel, has released his new book on old gymnasiums in Kansas, titled ?Hallowed Hardwood.? The book includes photos and vignettes from 51 classic gyms in the state.
Collette Burton submitted her resignation as Hillsboro High School volleyball coach and sixth-grade teacher. She compiled a 76-47 record in her four years as head coach, including one trip to the state tournament. She has accepted a teaching position in Argonia.
Lila Unruh retired as post master at Durham. She took over as postmaster in October 1984 and has worked for more than 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service. She will be the last full-time postmaster at the Durham office.
Marion librarian Janet Marler reports that patronage at the library has more than doubled since it was moved into the renovated former train depot one year ago.
