Managing editor
After a successful Old Settlers’ Day weekend, it causes us to ponder about our community.
Current economic times have made economic development a challenge but the city of Marion continues to position itself for the future.
After much anticipation and planning, Eisenhower Drive and North Cedar Street from Main to U.S. 56 have been reconstructed.
Funding for the projects was provided by a federal stimulus program that gave tax dollars to communities that applied.
Another success for the city and Straub International is the completion of a lease agreement.
The original agreement was drafted in August 1995 as an incentive for the business to locate in Marion. Balloon payments were scheduled after five years. Straub refinanced in 2000 and 2004, paying off the debt this year.
“This is a success story of private business and the city working together,” Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin said.
Marion’s Industrial Park continues to expand with its newest tenant being Spur Ridge Vet Hospital. Brendan Kraus opened his business this month in an impressive, state-of-the-art small and large animal treatment facility. (See complete story elsewhere in this edition.)
MYAC
Plans for Marion Youth Advancement Committee include securing a building for youth activities by October. Organizers have worked diligently to raise more than $20,000 in their endeavor to purchase a building for youth.
Safe Routes to School
Another youth-related project is the Safe Routes to School program. With money from Kansas Department of Transportation, new sidewalks will be constructed and existing sidewalks enhanced for students to use while traveling to Marion Elementary School.
Elgin Hotel
The historic Elgin Hotel opened in May as a bed and breakfast and conference center.
Jim Cloutier, owner of Shawmar Oil & Gas of Marion, purchased and renovated the historic limestone building, which previously housed apartments.
The ground floor is a conference and reception facility. The second floor is the bed and breakfast. The Cloutiers live on the third floor.
Also there is an area for a full-service restaurant on the ground floor, which Cloutier would like to lease.
Central Park
Electrical improvements and upgrades are planned at Central Park, thanks to the generosity of Paul Brooker. Brooker’s estate gave the City $50,000 to be used for park improvements.
Other milestones
When Golden Living Center closed its doors last year, many wondered what would become of the building. The City of Marion purchased the building and then sold it to Marion County Special Education Cooperative.
The cooperative was located in Florence with facilities that were older and inadequate. Renovations have transformed the former nursing home facility to classrooms and offices.
The City of Marion applied for and received $100,000 through an E-Community program that provides low or no interest loans to start-up businesses or existing businesses for expansion.
St. Luke Hospital is planning a $5.2 million renovation and expansion project. (See related story elsewhere in this edition.)
Heart of America Free Flight, an organization of hobbyists who fly model aircraft, had a competition at Marion Municipal Airport in June. Members were so impressed with the community and City officials, they have decided to return this summer.
Marion youths have been successful
Marion Swim Team captured the league title this summer.
Cottonwood Valley League 13-year-old Babe Ruth team won the state championship and competed in regional championships.
Marion High School volleyball team swept the Centre volleyball tournament Sept. 12, winning all games and matches.