Although some forecasts call for increased wildfires this summer, Marion County fire departments won’t change how they prepare. Neighboring Chase and Butler Counties are among the Kansas counties most prone to wildfires. If it has an effect, will be that more emphasis is placed on tactics and preparation, said. “We might ramp up some of our wildland training, discuss some different things with tactics and strategy,” Lincolnville fire chief Les Kaiser said. “We also re-evaluate our trucks in case we need to make any changes in them.” But a big challenge, Peabody fire chief Mark Penner said, is maintaining enough volunteers. [...]

Marion County attorney Courtney Boehm has been appointed district judge for Geary County, which is part of the Eighth Judicial District, according to Eighth Judicial District chief judge Michael Powers. There is no timetable for finding Boehm’s replacement, but there will be after she officially resigns, Marion County Republican Party chairman Bob Brookens said. Gov. Jeff Colyer chose Boehm to replace judge Maritza Segarra, who is retiring Dec. 31. Boehm will be sworn in and take office in late January. She will work in Geary County, hearing a portion of the county’s felony criminal and domestic relations docket, and all child [...]

An outhouse at a lake house has drawn fire from county authorities. Garry and Sharlyn Dunnegan, Wichita, had a house built at 8 Horseshoe Rd. complete with a private well and an outhouse. Garry Dunnegan is developer of Saddle Creek Estates subdivision. The county filed a petition in court Dec. 19 asking a judge to order the outhouse and well removed and the residence be connected to public water and sewer systems, or if not, everything including the residence itself be removed within 90 days. (Read more: Marion County RECORD)

After a $10,247.96 check bounced in December and with two additional months’ unpaid utility bills totaling $18,396.35, Hillsboro Community Hospital is in danger of having utilities shut off Jan. 4 because it is $28,644.31 in arrears. Hillsboro City Council met in special session Thursday to discuss the hospital’s unpaid bills. Council members were told that city attorney Josh Boehm had sent the hospital owners a Dec. 21 letter demanding immediate payment of $18,534.66 in delinquent utility charges and a $9,000 deposit to secure the account. The hospital’s December bill adds $9,280.98 to the amount owed. Boehm’s letter was addressed to Health [...]

Marion assistant police chief Clinton Jeffrey will take over as chief of police effective immediately after Monday’s city council meeting. Jeffrey comes to the position with 11 years’ experience in law enforcement. He comes to the role with support and affirmation of many Marion County law enforcement and judicial communities. Jeffrey was sworn in Monday after a statewide search. An interview panel comprised of community members unanimously recommended his appointment, Mayor Todd Heitschmidt said. (Read more: Marion County RECORD)

A lawyer for former county economic development director Teresa Huffman said Huffman will deposit $46,870.89 with Marion County District Court to be held until a criminal case against her is resolved. Huffman, scheduled for arraignment at 10 a.m. Dec. 12, is charged with misuse of public funds, based on the allegation that she withdrew that amount of money from bank accounts of inactive programs in March 2016 and deposited it into her personal bank account in May 2018. Huffman waived a preliminary hearing on the charges, but Wichita lawyer John Stang said she would deposit the money with the court as [...]

A pair of representatives for Enel Green Power and a pair from Kirkham Michael were asked to appear before county commissioners Monday to discuss concerns about roads surrounding the Diamond Vista wind farm. If the county compiles a list of roads needing work because of the wind farm, Enel’s area construction manager, Steve Williams, and workers can start improvements, Commissioner Becker said. Some of the county’s requests are going to Res America Construction, Inc., which also work swith the wind farm. “I want to make sure the communication comes directly to me,” Williams said. “If you tell Res, ‘Please blade 340th,’ [...]

Florence city council held a 40-minute executive session at Monday’s meeting to discuss the lease regarding Crystal Springs. The council was present, along with mayor Bob Gayle and city attorney Randy Pankratz. Pankratz addressed the audience regarding how much eminent domain would cost, if that were the result. Local business owner Sarah Dawson requested a worst-case scenario from the attorney for the cost of the case. A letter with 60 signatures was presented to show community concerns and support for the DeForests, owners of the land. (Read more: Marion County RECORD)

Former Marion County economic development director Teresa L. Huffman was arrested Monday on a charge of misuse of public funds. Huffman, who posted a $10,000 surety bond and was released from jail four hours after her arrest, was charged in district court Thursday. County clerk Tina Spencer said Huffman allegedly misused $46,870.89 in county money. According to Spencer, Huffman worked for the county from November 2006 through May 2017, serving as county economic development director most of that time. According to the complaint, Huffman knowingly misused public funds “by using, lending or permitting another to use public money in a manner [...]

Liberty Township road and bridge representative Linda Peters appeared at Monday’s county commission to address the county’s road situation. She requested an evening meeting to give township representatives opportunity to raise concerns and communicate with the Road and Bridge Department. “I’m not blaming the graders in this area,” Peters said. “They have a monumental task after months of neglect. I want to apologize in advance for the anger and disgust they see in the eyes of residents, landowners, and taxpayers.” Many residents want to hold another meeting, and wish to do so even without the commission’s blessing, she said. “Others want [...]