Maple Hill News

Police Chief Michael Baker was relieved that what could have been a tragedy was simply an abundance of caution.

Sentencing for a former longtime state fire inspector who pleaded no contest to sexually soliciting a 13-year-old girl in September 2006 has been postponed until Aug.

Fire district proposed budgets came in all over the map, and some departments may have to convince their constituents they need the funds they've requested.

Wabaunsee County Commissioners heard proposals from Fire District Nos. 3-8 Monday, and warned districts proposing levies of five mills or more that the proposal will need to be voted on by residents in the fire district.

County Attorney Norbert Marek explained why.

He said at one point there was a cap of five mills on fire districts and the legislature had lifted that cap. However, a judge ruled last year that fire districts requesting five mills or more still must pose the question to their voters.

ONE TO TWO INCHES OF RAIN HAS ALREADY FALLEN ACROSS THE WARNED AREA...AND AN ADDITIONAL ONE TO TWO INCHES IS POSSIBLE OVER THE NEXT FEW HOURS.

  Tuesday evening, Maple Hill Part-time Police Officer John Caviness met with council members and asked for  direction.

  "What areas need to be better patrolled?  You're around more than I am," Caviness said.

  Caviness told the  council that, since he does serve part-time, he wanted to know if there are certain times of the day or certain areas of the city that need more patrolling.  

  Several council members shared their thoughts concerning routes through Maple Hill that seem to attract speeding drivers, and approximately what time of the day those infractions occur.  

Ministers in the Wabaunsee County Ministerial Alliance conducted a press conference Monday to express interdenominational cohesiveness on the issue of marriage.

The alliance, which is comprised primarily of ministers at churches in the USD 329 area, has been discussing the issue of marriage for a number of years, according to Maple Hill Community Congregational Church Pastor Andrew McHenry.

"This came about several years ago, kind of with the recognition of the divorce epidemic," he said.

“We pray that we can become someday like Michael is today”

A young boy who drowned in the Kansas River last year was honored with a memorial at his school Thursday morning. via WIBW-TV Topeka

The meandering nature of the Kansas River can be deceiving. If you think otherwise, have a chat with the two members of the Topeka Fire Department who on Thursday rescued a 9-year-old boy from the river's ... via The Topeka Capital-Journal

A former, longtime state fire inspector pleaded no contest Friday to sexually soliciting a 13-year-old girl in September 2006. via The Topeka Capital-Journal

  During Monday evening's Maple Hill City Council meeting Council Member Tara Convery discussed improvements for Sunset Street with City Maintenance Supervisor Tom Mayer.  Convery's duty as a council member includes overseeing the city's street department.

   Convery and Mayer discussed the fact that the city's street budget includes $40,000 to be used for street improvements. Mayer indicated he had received a preliminary bid for $34,000 to make improvements to Sunset Street.  It was the consensus of Mayer and Convery, as well as the additional council members, that they do not wish to spend the bulk of the city's street budget on one street.   Read more

“The concerns about gasoline supply in the summer may be overdone.”

Apr 16, 2008 9:01 PM By GILLIAN WONG, AP A truck drives past a gas station along Interstate 70 near Maple Hill, Kan. via Examiner.com

The following animals have been brought to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Road. via The Topeka Capital-Journal

  With all of the election hype concerning the presidential election it is important to remember  there are also state and local positions up for election in 2008.

  Local filings are underway for county, township, and precinct committee member positions.  Deadlines for those filings are 12:00 noon, June 10th.  

  This newspaper will provide updates on those filings as they occur.  We will also share news releases provided by those candidates, featuring "new" candidates, or those that have not previously held office, first.  As time and space permits we will continue by providing back-ground information on the remainder of the major candidates within Wabaunsee County.  As we draw nearer to the August 5th election, additional information about the candidates and their views on various issues will be provided.  Those county positions up for election in 2008 include: sheriff,  attorney, treasurer, clerk, register of deeds and commissioners from districts two and three.   Read more

  Last week Maple Hill City Clerk Lynn Hoobler announced to  council members that the city hall was the recipient of a gift from a local craftsman, Herb Mayer.   Hoobler said Mayer had cut out, constructed, and painted the three-dimensional eagle that now adorns the wall of the Maple Hill City Office.  The red, white and blue eagle has a five-foot wingspan and hangs on the north wall of city hall.  

  The council acknowledged Mayer's generosity and remarked on his fine craftsmanship.  Mayer is the father of city maintenance supervisor Tom Mayer. Read more

“I"  in the equation is for, Improvement is a daily priority.  

  "Be the best that you can be.  Work to get better.  Take your assets and build on them”

  The Wabaunsee County Economic Development Office held  the annual meeting and appreciation dinner Thursday, February 8, in the Mission Valley Commons Area.  Dinner was catered by Bobby D's Lakeside BBQ (Lake Wabaunsee) and Alma Bakery and Sweet Shoppe.  

  Newly appointed Economic Development Director Abby Dechant welcomed those attending and introduced members of her committee.  Members of the Wabaunsee County Economic Development (WCED) Committee include; Commissioner 1st District - Ken Smith and Bud Hund, Commissioner 2nd District - Velda Hodges and Gary Dixon,  Commissioner 3rd District - Larry Holz and Claude Blevins,  City of Alma - Don Frank, City of Alta Vista - Carissa McKenzie, City of Eskridge - vacant, City of Harveyville - JoLeta Weems, City of Maple Hill - Linda Raine, City of McFarland - Lori Senne, City of Paxico - Judy Meinhardt, Lake Wabaunsee - Cindy Manz, Extension Council - Nancy Hier and Linda Craghead, Advisor - Matt Pfeifer. Read more

  Fortunately, members of the Maple Hill City Council were only looking at a possible solution to a problem as opposed to an outstanding bill as council member Jim Foresman filed his departmental report for the sewer and solid waste department.

  Following Foresman's recent return from active duty in Iraq, he researched a repair issue for the city's aging sewer lines.  Foresman told council members he  discovered a process that will guarantee the stability of the city's waste water lines for "50 years or so."  Unfortunately, the cost of the project is approximately $650,000. Read more

A fire completely destroyed two trailer homes early this morning in Willard. Around 2:50 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 206 W. 1st. via KSNT-TV Topeka

  The 2007 Buffer Award goes to Christoph and Nicole Theuerer.  Christoph and Nicole live on a farm south  of Maple Hill.  They have two children, Eva Maria, 3, and Vitus Angelico, 18 months. They are expecting their third child in April.  

  Christoph attended college in Quebec, Canada.  Nicole went to col-lege in California.  They are members of  the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Maple Hill.  They are traditional Catholics who love the Latin Mass.  Christoph is a registered nurse and works at Kansas Dialy-sis Services in Topeka..  He enjoys religion, politics, farm news, gar-dening and being outdoors.  Nicole works at home taking care of the home and their children.  She enjoys crafts, making jewelry, watercolor painting, religion and planting flowers. Read more

  Nearly 150 friends of Wabaunsee County conservation practices gathered last Thursday evening at  Maple Hill Grade School for the district's annual meeting.  What was believed to be the largest crowd ever, recognized several outstanding conservation achievements.

  Board Chairman Glenn Czirr served as Master of Ceremonies as he introduced current and past board members, sponsors for the annual activity, and honored guests.  Maple Hill Community  Congregational Church Minister Andrew McHenry provided the invocation followed by a catered meal by Puffy's Steak & Ice House, Maple Hill. Read more

The following shelters have been opened as a result of the vehicle accidents that have closed I-70 west of Topeka. via KSNT-TV Topeka