Marion making moves amid COVID-19 crisis

City leaders announce closures, restrictions at Marion facilities over pandemic concerns

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe, locally, the City of Marion has begun rolling out its own response. City leaders have sent out a series of updates via the City of Marion Facebook page.

“As information regarding coronavirus precautions are changing rapidly, be assured that the City of Marion is dedicated to providing city services while protecting our employees and residents,” read a post on Friday.

The update included information from specific city departments.

■ ■ Public Works: The garbage pick-up schedule is unchanged. Please call 870-739-5419 with any questions regarding garbage pickup or any other sanitation issues.

■ ■ Water Department: The Water department is closed to walk-in traffic. Residents are encouraged to pay online via x-press-pay. com or call 870-739-3073 to pay with credit or debit card. Cash payments, in a sealed envelope, may be placed in the drop box located next to the front door of the water department. If requested, a receipt will be mailed for cash payments.

■ ■ City Hall: The Building Inspector and the Permit Office are operating but closed to walk-in traffic. Those services may be arranged and conducted by calling 870-739-5416.

The City Court is under the governance of the Arkansas Office of the Courts and will remain open until further notice. However, walk-in traffic is discouraged. If you have any business with the city court, please contact 870-739-5411 for amended court schedules and instructions for payment of fines.

■ ■ Marion Police Department:

Police officer patrols are continuing as usual. With respect to employee safety, access to the Police Department building is controlled. If you have questions or concerns requiring an officer, please contact 870-739-2101.

“Additional questions or concerns may be directed to Mayor Frank Fogleman, at 870-739-3289. You may also contact Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Brick, at 870-733-5767. As of today, Marion does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19.”

As testing becomes more widespread, the number of cases is expected to rise.

“As patients are tested, the Arkansas State Health Department will notify the the Office of Emergency Management,” said the post. That office will notify County

See VIRUS, page A3

BRICK

FOGLEMAN VIRUS

From page A1

Judge Woody Wheeless of any con_rmed cases. Judge Wheeless will pass that information onto the city mayors in Crittenden County. During this unprecedented time, the city leadership is in daily communication with county and state leaders and is continuing to work to protect city employees and residents. You are encouraged to follow the guidelines from the CDC and the Arkansas Health Department.”

Later in the day, another post was made, including updated case numbers and additional restrictions and guidelines for Marion residents.

“The total number of con_rmed COVID-19 cases in Crittenden County has been updated to 7, as of March 26,” said the post. “Please continue to practice social distancing and take recommended precautions to minimize exposure to yourself and to others. We will update you with the number of Crittenden County cases as we are updated.”

Additional city info:

■ The Sultana Museum is closed until further notice.

■ The Woolfolk Library is closed to the public, but is offering curbside pickup and drop-off. You can still park at the library and use their WiFi, but please stay in your cars while using it to help maintain social distancing. The network is WPL and the password is readbooks (all one word, all lower case).

■ City of Marion ball _elds are closed through April 17, at which time the matter will be reevaluated by city of_cials.

■ All walking trails, lakes, parks and playgrounds will remain open to the public. Please follow the rules of social distancing and do not gather in groups or allow children to play in groups.

The latest restrictions come due to recommendations from federal and state of_cials to limit gatherings of 10 or more people.