By SUSAN BERG

Managing editor

For more than 20 years, Debbie Regier has been caring for children in her rural Marion home.

Earlier this month, she moved her business to Marion at 203 S. Third St., in the former Head Start building.

Even though Regier has enjoyed caring for children on her family farm, she wanted to have some amenities of being located in town and being more centrally located for her customers.

“We’ve been walking to the park and the library on a daily basis,” she said. “There’s not much traffic or visitors on the farm.”

In addition to the new location, she has a new partner — her daughter Bethany Regier who helps on a daily basis, giving children more opportunities for activities.

Regier is particularly excited about mothers stopping by the much more visible daycare center and inquiring about openings.

Kountry Kids Child Care is no different from other daycare providers in the area. There are times when there are openings and other times when there’s a list of children needing daycare services.

Regier is licensed for 12 children, which can be a combination of preschool-aged children and infants. Two adult workers are needed for the care of the dozen children.

“It’s nice to have another adult helping me,” Regier said, who had always operated the daycare on her own. “It’s less stress and we’re able to do more with the kids.”

More improvements at the child-care facility are in the works.

A fence will be constructed and playground equipment will be added.

“It’s been fun,” Regier said, of the new location.

For more information, call Regier at (620) 382-2889.