The Kansas Department of Health and Environment downgraded its blue-green algae alert for Marion Reservoir from “warning” to “watch” on June 23. Both alerts mean hazardous conditions may exist. A “watch” means water activities such as boating and fishing are safe; however, use caution when in contact with lake water and wash with clean water afterward. A public health “warning” […]

For the second week in a row, Marion Reservoir is under a toxic blue-green algae bloom warning by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Thursday. The only other lake in Kansas under an algae-bloom warning is Cheney Lake. The local warning applies to the reservoir, not Marion County Lake. Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses […]

LaborDaySunset310 Marion Reservoir has been strangely absent of late from the state?s list of high-profile lakes and reservoirs. But the park rangers who carry on the day-to-day functions and services at the lake couldn?t be happier. For the past several summers, Marion Reservoir has been a regular on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment?s list of state reservoirs and […]

LaborDaySunset310 This lone boater heads back to the loading ramps at the Cottonwood Point camping area as the sun sets the sky on fire as it slowly slips toward the western horizon. Activity at the reservoir seemed high this year, judging by the number of campsites still occupied with the weekend winding down, including the relatively new camping area addition […]

It is a lot harder to find owners for homeless cats, like the one pictured, than kittens?but black cats are even harder to be placed, according to some experts. Patty Decker / Free Press Most communities in Marion County report they haven?t seen a lot of abandoned animals, but that doesn?t mean all animals have good homes or owners. One […]

The Marion County Conservation District reported highlights from 2014 during its 69th dinner and meeting Saturday at Eastmoor United Methodist Church in Marion. In 2014, the conservation award winners included Joel and Dawn Suderman of Marion for the Continuation Conservation award. The Sudermans were recognized for the soil building and erosion control work they have done to their 700 acres […]