Chamber discusses city and upcoming events
Snippet from 'The Wizard of Oz' enchants members
Goings on within the City of Marion, upcoming events, and a snippet from the Marion High School production of "The Wizard of Oz" were all on the agenda Friday during the November Marion Chamber of Commerce meeting.
City of Marion Mayor Eloise Mueller told chamber members about city projects currently underway and/or planned.
Mueller said the city was currently applying for a Rural Development Grant to help fund a mandated update on the city's water system. The grant, if awarded, will be a 45 percent matching grant. The city should find out if they received the grant by April, she said.
A new city website is in the making and city employees are gathering information to be placed on the site, she said. Infinitec, a Hays company, will be in charge of the site.
Also paving was completed on Country Club Heights and two blocks of Kellison.
The city also is pursuing economic development by fostering a positive business environment.
"We'll work with investors," Mueller said. "We're looking at a not-for-profit organization to build buildings and places to house incubator businesses."
Mueller said she and David Mayfield, city administrator, recently attended a rural development meeting which would set up regional areas for economic development. If this comes to fruition, Marion would join with Dickinson, Morris, and Chase counties to provide a regional rural development area.
In other matters, the city is looking at a Main Street enhancement program, finding funding for a new swimming pool or pool improvements, exploring the possibility of a footbridge at Central Park, and rehabilitating the park's walking trail.
Wizard of Oz
Chamber members enjoyed watching the "Jitterbug" scene from the MHS production of "The Wizard of Oz."
The production had more than 100 costumes, 26 scenes, and 87 cast members "which is close to half of our student body," Janet Killough, production director, said.
Killough said judges from Music Theatre of Wichita planned to attend the Friday showing. Last year, the MHS production of "Annie Get your Gun" won several awards.
"This year we hope to be nominated in many categories and hope to double our nominations," Killough said.
"The kids had a great time working on this production and have put in hours and hours and hours," Killough said. "They do it for the community."
In other matters, chamber members:
— Heard from Roger Hannaford III that the chamber was ready for the Farm/City Banquet Nov. 24.
— Thanked Carlsons' Grocery for providing the meal.
— Asked that anyone interested in serving on the chamber board next year contact Margo Yates. Currently, the board has two openings. One is for two years, the second is for three years.
— Heard that the Christmas Magic and Home Tours is set from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
— Heard that Christmas Chamber Gift checks are now available at the chamber office.
— Conducted the monthly retail sales drawing.
