News from the City of Marion

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that in observance of the Veterans Day holiday, many City of Marion departments will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020; however, some departments will operate on a regular schedule for the day.  The following departments will operate as noted below:

• All offices in City Hall will be closed.
• Sanitation crews will collect garbage, recycling and yard waste on November 11.  It is requested that customers with Wednesday sanitation service have their collections at curbside by 7:00 am.
• Bus service through Marion Area Transit will be closed on November 11.  Marion Area Transit will resume normal hours of operation on Thursday, November 12.
• Marion Senior Center will be closed on November 11.  The Center continues to be closed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to protect the health and welfare of our members.  Contact the Senior Center (740-387-5444) for transportation options that are available through the Center on this day.

Essential services including fire, police, and airport will operate as usual. 

City residents are also reminded that yard waste and fall leaf pick-up will continue through Friday, December 11, 2020.  The options available for disposal of leaves are as follows:

1. Leaves may be raked to the tree lawn area to be vacuumed (Residents are reminded that leaves are NOT to be raked into the street or parking lane);
2. Leaves may be placed in biodegradable paper bags (limit 3 per week) for City sanitation workers to pick up; or
3. Leaves may be taken to the free drop off location at 560 Barks Rd. W. in biodegradable paper-bags.  Proof of City residency may be required.

    

Trick-or-Treat in the City of Marion will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Saturday, October 31.

In 1999, Marion City Council passed legislation which set "Trick-or-Treat" night within the City of Marion for October 31 of each year between the hours of 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, unless October 31 falls on a Sunday.  If October 31 falls on a Sunday, "Trick-or-Treat" night will be observed on the preceding Saturday.  As a result of the passage of this Ordinance, the date for Trick-or-Treat must be held as noted above.

While “Trick-or-Treat” is an annual tradition, parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise their own judgment on whether they allow children to participate.

Suggestions and Tips for 2020:

• Practice Social Distancing;
• Wear a face covering;
• It is suggested that individuals trick-or-treat with family members only (do not carpool with other neighbors or go out in large groups of friends);
• It is suggested that adults hand candy to each child rather than allowing children to grab candy from a bowl or a pile which reduces the number of hands touching the remaining candy and potentially spreading the virus;
• Everyone in the household should monitor for symptoms leading up to trick-or-treat night.  If someone in the household is sick or may have had contact with a positive COVID-19 case, stay home and/or do not give out candy. 

Inclement weather:  In the event of inclement weather, the set date will not change. Parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise their own judgment on whether they allow children to participate.

What is the Census?

The census is a 10-year count of all persons living in the United States, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.  The census also inventories various demographic information on persons living in the United States, including age, gender, and race.

Why should I take the Census?

The Census determines how millions of dollars in federal funding will get distributed and we want Marion to get all it deserves.  For every person who does not take the Census, Marion stands to lose out on $20,000 in federal funds over the next decade.  The Census also determines our representation in Congress.  It is vitally important for every single person living in Marion to be counted! 

Who should be counted?

You should count every person living in your home.  This includes infants and grandparents, citizens and non-citizens, family members and non-family members.  If someone is living in your home and therefore using City resources, they should be counted there.   Have questions about how to count your college student, service member, etc?  Check the Census website for details.

How will I take the Census?

For the first time ever, you can take the Census online.  You should have received an invitation in the mail with directions on how to take the Census online for your household.  If you do not have internet access, you can choose to visit your local library branch to use a computer there or you can call the Census Bureau to give your answers by phone.  There will also be a paper Census option.  Different languages are available.

Is it safe to provide answers for the Census?

All data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is confidential and may only be used for statistical purposes.  The Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about an individual, their home, or business, even to law enforcement agencies.  The law ensures that an individual’s private data is protected and their answers cannot be used against them by any government agency or court.

Is the Census a requirement?

Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution mandates that the Census be completed every 10-years.

With the approach of the July 4^th holiday and due to a significant uptick in illegal fireworks complaints, the Marion Police Department wishes to proactively remind residents that the use of 1G fireworks (inclusive of firecrackers, bottle rockets, etc.) is illegal according to Ohio Revised Code section 3743.65 (B).

“Many Ohio residents find it confusing that you can legally purchase these fireworks in Ohio but it is illegal to set them off in Ohio,” said Marion Police Chief Bill Collins. Chief Collins added that residents who purchase 1G fireworks in the State of Ohio are required by law to take the fireworks out of the State of Ohio within 48 hours of purchase.

 Quick Facts According to the 2018 Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Annual Report

• There were 121 non-occupational fireworks related deaths between 2003 and 2018
• 9,100 people were injured due to fireworks related incidents in 2018.
• Between June 22nd and July 22nd of 2018, there were 5,600 emergency room visits related to fireworks.
• Children 15 and younger accounted for 37% of Emergency Room visits.

Fireworks, particularly in the hands of untrained persons pose multiple safety risks to the person using the fireworks, but also to others nearby. Numerous injuries are caused by malfunctioning or improperly altered fireworks which can often result in unintended explosions of a serious nature. Also, the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs while handling fireworks significantly increases the risk of injury and/or death. Additionally, fireworks pose a fire hazard to nearby areas, particularly during dry spells with infrequent rains.

Chief Collins also points out that beyond the dangers of fireworks, they also cause an unwelcome noise disturbance for many who live in our community. Chief Collins states, “We hear from our complainants that they have dogs that are agitated and disturbed. Some have loved ones with PTS (post-traumatic stress) who indicate that the sudden and loud noises can be a triggering event for them. Others simply complain that they need to work in the morning and the sound disturbs their sleep”.

Regardless of their motivation, the simple reality is that 1G fireworks as defined by the Ohio Revised Code are both dangerous and illegal. As a result, the Marion Police Department will actively enforce all relevant sections of Ohio law and Marion City Ordinance relating to the illegal possession or lighting of illegal fireworks.

This educational release should serve as the only warning that will be issued relative to the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Marion. Those charged with a first offense fireworks violation are subject to a First-Degree Misdemeanor charge which carries a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail and the confiscation of any contraband fireworks.

For more information relating to fireworks in the State of Ohio, please visit the Ohio Department of Commerce/ State Fire Marshal FAQ page at https://www.com.ohio.gov/fire/FAQ.aspx.