Staff writer
At the Marion County Interagency meeting Friday in Marion, executive director Linda Ogden, reported that a grant underwriting some of the expenses of Communities in Schools of Marion County will not be renewed for next year. The present grant will expire at the end of the year, but CIS will continue on with “a little carryover,” Ogden said.
Charles Rempel, Ogden’s assistant and also CIS advocate for youth against under-age drinking, will no longer be a CIS employee after the grant runs out.
At least 15 people attended the Friday meeting. Heavy rain reportedly kept some from attending. Among the agencies represented were the Regional Prevention Center of the Flint Hills, Marion County Community Corrections, The Learning Center, Department for the Elderly, Prairie View, Head Start, Parents as Teachers, and Marion County Early Intervention Services.
Ogden reported a balance of $473 in the financial aid fund for people in “dire circumstances.” Another $3,000 has been made available for the next year through Prairie View.
Ogden said at least 49 requests have been submitted so far this year. She encouraged the public to make tax-deductible donations to the Salvation Army, CIS, CROP WALK, and other charitable organizations and events in Marion County.