For the Good of the Order

Jeremy Sprague Introduced as Marion’s Next Chief of Police
The City of Marion is pleased to introduce Jeremy Sprague as its new chief of police. Sprague comes to the City of Marion with more than 25 years of experience, including 19 years with the Des Moines Police Department. Jeremy has served as a patrol officer, detective, hostage/crisis negotiator, sergeant and lieutenant over the course of his career. He is a strong advocate for the well-being of first responders, having developed Iowa’s first public safety peer support program. Marion City Council is expected to formally approve Jeremy’s appointment at its next meeting, which would then result in his first day on the job being Aug. 21, 2025. We look forward to welcoming Jeremy and his family to Marion!

Ashley Osborn Named Reach Higher! Award Recipient
The Reach Higher! Awards recognize City employees who exemplify excellence and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to service. Ashley Osborn, marketing and special events manager for the library, has been named the recipient of the Spring 2025 Reach Higher! Award. Since joining the City of Marion, Ashley Osborn has been a team player. This year, as vacancies were being filled, Ashley stepped up in a big way to help coordinate some of Marion's signature events. She scheduled the performers in the Pop-Up Acts in the Artway series, took photos during the Central Plaza ribbon-cutting and assisted with the logistical aspects of the State of the City event. She managed these responsibilities while continuing to tend to her normal duties and preparing for a busy Summer Library Program. Ashley brings positive energy and attention to detail to every task before her. Thank you for reaching higher, Ashley!

Construction to Begin on Broad & Main on 6th
DCI Group is expected to break ground on the Broad & Main on 6th project later this summer. This is the second phase of the Broad & Main development on 6th and 7th Avenue in Uptown Marion and includes a four-story building with residential and commercial space. Once completed, the building will feature 42 residential units, 3,000 square feet of commercial space and a ground level parking garage. Work is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Last Call: Aquatics Park Survey Closes July 28
As the City of Marion continues to develop plans for a new aquatic center, City leaders want to understand how much of an investment, if any, taxpayers are willing to make. In partnership with Community Perceptions, every Marion household should have received a survey in the mail recently. Any Marion resident over the age of 18 can complete a survey. To obtain a unique code or copy of the survey, call the Parks and Recreation office at 319-447-3580. The results will help inform the City Council as they determine whether or not to pursue a referendum in November. The survey will close on July 28. Additional information about the proposed aquatics park is available at www.cityofmarion.org/aquaticspark.  

Road Construction Update
Three high-traffic road segments in Marion recently closed as part of the 2025 Pavement Patching Project. Full-depth pavement patching on 29th Avenue is complete, with the road reopened to traffic. Additional work on 29th Avenue is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 4 and will include diamond grinding, partial patching and pavement markings. This will require additional temporary closures and additional updates will be provided. Work continues on 6th Avenue from 8th Street to 15th Street. Patchwork occurred this week and final cleanup and pavement markings remain. Sixth Avenue is expected to reopen to traffic by next Wednesday, weather permitting. Boyson Road remains closed from the Marion city limits to Alburnett Road, with local residential access only. Detour signs are posted using Alburnett Road, Tower Terrace Road and C Avenue. This phase is expected to last another 2-3 weeks, weather permitting. We appreciate your patience as these improvements happen.

Help Keep Motorized Vehicles Off Marion’s Trails
Marion's pedestrian and recreational trail systems are designed for non-motorized use including walking, jogging, running and bicycling. Motorized scooters, dirt bikes, mini-bikes and other motorized vehicles are not permitted. These types of vehicles pose a serious safety risk to other trail users and can cause damage to the trail surface. Assisted pedal E-bikes are allowed. If you witness someone operating a motorized vehicle on a City trail, please report the violation to the Marion Police Department's non-emergency line at (319) 377-1511. This will help keep our trails safe, enjoyable and accessible. Thank you for doing your part! 

Linn County Urban Ag Field Day Open House
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach and the Linn County Master Gardeners are hosting a field day open house at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street. The event will be held on Thursday, July 31, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore the Linn County Master Gardeners’ urban gardens and learn techniques for your own neighborhood garden. The community is invited to explore the gardens at their own pace or join a scheduled presentation of the individual garden locations. Learn more on the ISU Extension and Outreach website.

Marion to Celebrate National Night Out on August 5
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year, National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The Marion Police Department is partnering with several City departments to organize a community-wide event from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas Park, 343 Marion Blvd. Enjoy K9 demonstrations, equipment on display, games, giveaways and more. Come early to enjoy hotdogs, chips and water. Each year, millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states in the U.S.

We’re Hiring
If you’re looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community – look no further. Current full-time openings include planning division manager, police officer, human resources generalist and equipment operator. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between July 26-30, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2800 block of 1st Avenue, westbound. Between Aug. 1-5, it will be located in the 2100 of 10th Avenue, westbound.

• Why are the lights at the intersection of 10th Street and 6th, 7th and 8th Avenues flashing red?
  The lights have been placed in flashing red mode due to the road closures on 8th Avenue and 6th Avenue funneling all traffic to 7th Avenue and 10th Street. The intent is to keep traffic moving with a four-way stop. Given the amount of traffic in this area, keeping the lights functioning as normal would have resulted in excessive wait times.  

Upcoming Events

Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:

• Friday, July 25 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Sugar and Spice – 6-8 p.m.
• Friday, July 25 – Movies on the Move featuring Twisters – 8:30 p.m. – Thomas Park
• Saturday, July 26 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, July 26 – Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m.– Willowood Park
• Saturday, July 26 – Summer Rock Series featuring DJ Commando – 7 p.m. – Uptown Artway
• Friday, Aug. 1 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Lost in the Bog – 6-8 p.m.

Here’s an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with The Esco Group representatives
• Meeting with Katie Curtis

Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting www.cityofmarion.org/enotify.