For the Good of the Order

By Press release submission

Sep 26, 2022

Library Board Sets Soft Opening Date for Library

The Library Board of Trustees met in a special session on Sept. 22, 2022, to discuss plans for opening the new Marion Public Library facility. Based on the progress contractors have made in the last 10 days, and contingent on the completion of the fourth critical item, the Library Board voted to set a soft opening for the new library on or before Nov. 15 and schedule an official grand opening event at a later date. This will allow time for the arrival and installation of hardware and software, training for staff, and the relocation of the collection currently in use at the Uptown Branch location.

Last Chance to Order Right-of-Way Trees

Today is your last chance to request up to three, free right-of-way trees as part of the City’s partnership with Monarch Research. Complete this form before 5 p.m. today to request the native Iowa trees. The trees will be available for distribution in October.

Dr. Doug Tallamy Speaking at Prairie High School on October 7

Monarch Research is pleased to bring nationally-recognized author and ecologist Dr. Doug Tallamy to Iowa. He will be speaking at the Prairie High School Concert Hall on Friday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. Tallamy is considered one of the nation’s foremost environmentalists and will discuss simple steps that each of us can and must take to reverse declining bio-diversity and explain why we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope. Register online at www.monarchresearch.org/events.

Two Marion Projects Awarded Workforce Housing Tax Credits

On Wednesday, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced $35 million in workforce housing tax credits to develop new housing across Iowa. The awards were made to support the construction of 57 housing projects in 30 counties statewide. Two Marion projects were among those awarded funding through this highly competitive process. Broad & Main on 6th was awarded $939,055 and Green Park Apartment Living was awarded $1 million. Congratulations to the developers of both projects.

Cedar Rapids Projects to Impact Commuting Traffic near C Avenue and Blairs Ferry Road

Upcoming road closures along C Avenue NE and Blairs Ferry Road will be necessary to allow the contractor to continue work, but will likely impact commuting traffic. Starting at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, traffic on C Avenue NE will not be able to cross through the intersection of Blairs Ferry Road. Traffic on Blairs Ferry Road NE will not be able to turn onto C Avenue. The closure is needed so crews can install new sidewalks and ADA ramps, traffic signals and water main across C Avenue. A signed detour route will be in place, directing traffic to use Collins Road NE, Council Street NE and Boyson Road NE to navigate around the closure. This work is scheduled to be completed by 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 3.

Marion Police Department asks Residents & Businesses to Update Security Camera Registry

The Marion Police Department has re-launched its surveillance camera registry, which allows local businesses and residents to register the location of their exterior video surveillance cameras. Anyone with outdoor security cameras is invited to complete the form at www.cityofmarion.org/CameraRegistration. The database only provides investigators with basic information about the location, owner and length of time the video is maintained. Those who registered a camera with Marion PD in the past should re-register to help ensure the most accurate data.

Marion Fire Department Participates in Hands-on Training

Training and continuing education are daily practices for members of the Marion Fire Department. Earlier this week they had an opportunity to participate in hands-on training with Simulation in Motion - Iowa (SIM-IA). The organization offers a mobile education program designed to bring high-quality clinical education to Iowa’s healthcare providers using state-of-the-art human patient simulators to educate on scenarios ranging from cardiac arrest to anaphylaxis and more.

Kwik Star Opens its Third Marion Store, Presents $1,000 Gift to Parks & Recreation

We were excited to congratulate and help celebrate the opening of the newest Kwik Star location in Marion on Thursday. As part of their opening, they gifted Marion Parks & Recreation with a $1,000 contribution which will be used to support the department’s financial assistance program and help ensure that all children have an opportunity to participate in our programs. Congratulations Kwik Star - and thank you for your generosity!!

Healthiest State Walk Happening in Marion on October 5

Join friends and community members for the Marion Healthiest State Walk beginning at Marion City Hall at noon on Oct. 5, 2022. Walkers will venture east on 6th Avenue for 30 minutes. At the end of the walk, visit the booth in City Square Park to be entered in a drawing for a prize. Register using this link to let us know you’re coming: https://forms.gle/VZSxoHXu51tdye5D6. Companies that bring multiple employees are eligible for a second drawing. There will also be free popcorn and giveaways, plus an optional tour of Uptown progress. A second Healthiest State Walk in Marion will depart from the Marion YMCA and Rec Center at noon.

Firefighter Zach Brunscheen Honored by Peer Support Foundation

Earlier today, Marion firefighter Zach Brunscheen was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Peer Support Foundation’s Meritorious Recognition Award. Zach has spent countless hours developing a peer support group for members of the Marion Fire Department and has shared that knowledge by hosting a class for external agencies, as well. Congratulations, Zach - way to be a leader and work proactively to address the stressors that impact our first responders!

Daubs works his 100th Iowa Game at Kinnick Stadium

Last Saturday, Officer Tom Daubs was recognized for working his 100th football game at Kinnick Stadium. And what a game it was! One hundred games equate to more than 14 seasons (and a pretty cool milestone). The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety presented Tom with the teamwork award in appreciation of his service and to thank him for his assistance in making game day safe and fun for everyone. We’ll call that a win!

Marion Represented on University of Iowa School of Planning and Public Affairs Policy Board

As an Iowa alum, I was honored to be invited to join the MPA Advisory Board recently. This is a great opportunity to help shape the future of the profession and also shine a light on the progress and momentum we are experiencing in Marion.

New Faces in New Places

Please join in welcoming Tom Fagan to Team Marion. Tom will be joining us on Friday, Sept. 30 as our fire chief. He’s coming to Marion from the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department in Kansas where he served as the division chief of administration. Congrats, Tom - we’re excited for you to join the team!

Word on the Street

This feature provides answers to some of the questions our City Council members are hearing:

Now that UTVs are allowed on City streets, is there a map that shows restricted roads or speed limits that I can reference?

Yes! UTVs are permitted on any city roadway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, but may not be operated on Business 151/10th Avenue east of 35th Street or East Post Road south of Oak Brook Drive. Police Chief Kitsmiller and GIS Data Analyst Rachael Murtaugh developed this map to provide operators with an easy visual of the routes that are permitted within Marion city limits.

Upcoming Events

Fall into Marion this weekend and enjoy a full line-up of free, family-friendly outdoor activities. Here's a look at the printable list.

Friday, Sept. 23

Dueling Pianos – 6-8 p.m. – Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park

Saturday, Sept. 24

Pancake Breakfast – 7:30-11:30 a.m. – Depot Pavilion at City Square Park

Fall Marion Market – 8 a.m.-noon – 7th Avenue and City Square Park

Dog Fashion Show – 10 a.m. – Uptown Artway

Tailgate in the Park – 11 a.m.-9 p.m. – Lowe Park

Sunday, Sept. 25

Classic Car Show & Shine – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Thomas Park

Future Project Updates