News editor
Marion Economic Development Inc. board members discussed designs for a welcome sign to be placed alongside U.S. 56.
Board member Adam Stewart presented several variations on a design created by the Marion County Record. Board members approved a design with changes to the colors to improve its visibility on a limestone background. The sign will be made from powder-coated, die-cut steel.
The board also discussed the possibility of moving a sign near the junction of U.S. 56, U.S. 77, and K-150, but didn’t vote on a decision. It will be necessary to move the sign when Kansas Department of Transportation constructs a roundabout at the junction.
The board discussed business developments in town, including Ace Hardware, Subway, and three businesses adding soft-serve ice cream — Casey’s General Store, Methvins’ Prairie Oak Alpaca Farm Store, and Wagon Wheel Express.
Board member and St. Luke Hospital CEO Jeremy Armstrong reported the hospital is making arrangements to purchase Marion Family Physicians and recruit new health care providers. If the purchase is finalized, it will be combined with St. Luke Physicians Clinic.
City administrator Roger Holter reported that work on September Apartments and Homestead Affordable Housing duplexes is going well.