For the Good of the Order

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.

8th Avenue has Reopened
Good news! 8th Avenue next to the former Methodist Church is open to traffic. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this temporary road closure.

Vote for the Marion Public Works Facility
The Marion Public Works Facility is competing in the Iowa League of Cities People's All-Star Tournament!! But we need YOUR help! The only way we advance to the next level is by receiving the most "likes." Show this post some love to help us advance to the next round!!

Budget Planning for FY27 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2027 continues. The second budget discussion with Marion City Council is happening on Tuesday, Aug. 5, where we’ll be reviewing the City’s 5-year Financial Plan. A series of discussions will occur over the coming months, leading up to our annual budget work session at the end of January. Stay informed by visiting the City’s budget page.

2025 Storm Sewer Project to Begin
On Monday, Aug. 4, Valentine Construction will begin work on Phase 1 of the 2025 Storm Sewer Project. With a goal of improving storm sewer infrastructure, this project includes draintile installation as well as removal and replacement of curb and gutter. Phase 1 includes installation of subdrain on the east and west side of 29th Street, north of 10th Avenue to 12th Avenue. Future phases will include subdrain installation on Valley Park Street south of Grand Avenue, as well as removing and replacing storm sewer near the intersections of 24th Street and 26th Avenue, 24th Street and 21st Avenue and 27th Street and 4th Avenue. Access to driveways and sidewalks will be impacted in these areas. Work is expected to last four weeks, weather permitting.  

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 6th Avenue is complete, with the road reopened to traffic. Additional work on 29th Avenue is scheduled to resume on Monday, Aug. 4 and will include diamond grinding, partial patching and pavement markings. This will require a temporary road closure for one day next week. Additional updates will be provided via the City’s social media channels. 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.

Water Main Road Closure Happening Next Week
Starting Monday, Aug. 4, B.J. Brecke will begin a water main project which will close a portion of Lucore Road just south of the Royal Oak Ridge Drive intersection. They anticipate the road being closed for approximately one week. Questions can be directed to (319) 743-6311.

Youth Entrepreneur Fair at Uptown Marion Market August 9
The Youth Entrepreneur Fair returns to the Uptown Marion Market on Saturday, Aug. 9. Youth age 17 and under are invited to showcase and sell their handcrafted creations in a supportive, high-visibility setting. From hand-sewn crafts and custom artwork to jewelry and creative home décor, we welcome a wide variety of products—as long as they’re handmade. Please, no food items. There is no cost to participate, and applications are open through Aug. 1 or until space fills up. Learn more and apply at marioncc.org/uptown-marion-markets.

2025 Uptown Getdown Series Announced
The annual Uptown Getdown music series hosted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce begins next Thursday. It will be held on Thursdays in August from 6-9 p.m. The event will be held City Square Park, and attendees will enjoy live music, great food and family fun at this free event. The 2025 schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, Aug. 7          Wylde Nept
• Thursday, Aug. 14       New TRICK – Iowa’s Classic Rock Band
• Thursday, Aug. 21       FunkDaddies
• Thursday, Aug. 28       All Natural

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale August 8-10
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening again next weekend. The sale on Friday, Aug. 8, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but memberships will be sold at the door. All are welcome to attend on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 10, from 2-4 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, hardcopy books are $3, paperback books are $2, children’s books are $2 for hardcopy and paperbacks are $1. On Sunday, a bag of books is $5. In addition, puzzles will be available for $3. The event will be in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library and all proceeds will support the Library. Hope to see you then!

Regional Transportation Investments and Priorities Survey
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is requesting the public weigh-in on Iowa’s long-range transportation plan (LRTP). This plan will help guide future transportation funding decisions and build a plan for Iowa roads, bridges, trails, railroads and more. To participate, please complete the online survey. Comments must be received by Aug. 31, 2025. To learn more, visit www.iowadot.gov.  

Kudos to Zach Vislisel, Luke Ellyson, Darin Yauslin and Lori Hockett
It’s always great to hear about our teammates being good Samaritans. Earlier this week, a bulk collection pickup included an unexpected surprise. Zach Vislisel, Luke Ellyson and Darin Yauslin, in our Public Works Department, arrived to pick up a broken washing machine and discovered a load of laundry inside. After an unanswered knock at the door, Lori Hockett reached out to inform the resident her laundry was left on her porch. The resident noted “Please give a big thank you to Lori and the pickup crew for being so thoughtful, professional, and just downright decent human beings. They turned what could have been a slightly embarrassing story about me throwing away my own clothes into a moment that honestly made my week.” Way to reach higher, Team!

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Aug. 4, Julian DeBrower will join the Marion Public Library as a part-time patron services support team member! Julian currently works for Linn-Mar High School. Welcome aboard, Julian!

Susan Bennett will also join the Marion Public Library as a part-time shelving clerk on Aug. 4. She currently works for Linn County. Welcome, Susan.

• What is the timeline for surfacing the CeMar Trail south of Menards?
  This project went to bid through the Iowa Department of Transportation on June 17, and City Council accepted the bid from PCI. There is a late start date of June 1, 2026, with 95 working days for project completion. Once all documents are signed and a pre-construction meeting is held, a final schedule will be shared.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Aug. 1-5, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 10th Avenue, westbound. Between Aug. 8-11, it will be located in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue, westbound.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Aug. 1 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Lost in the Bog – 6-8 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 2 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, Aug. 2 – Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m.– Willowood Park
• Saturday, Aug. 2 – Friends of the Parks showcase Hanna Park – 1-4 p.m. – Hanna Park
• Saturday, Aug. 2 – Summer Rock Series featuring O’Connell Brothers – 7 p.m. – Uptown Artway
• Wednesday, Aug. 6 – Downdogs in Uptown – 6-7 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Thursday, Aug. 7 – Uptown Getdown featuring Wylde Nept – 6-9 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Friday, Aug. 8 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Matt Torronez – 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 IMEG representatives
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Phil High
• Monthly Coffee Talk with City employees
• City Council Meeting
• Meeting with Cedar Rapids Tourism representatives

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