From the Marengo Mayor: Thank you, pool staff

I would like to start off by thanking all our pool staff for doing a great job this summer and their extra effort to keep the pool open until school started. Everyone I talk to has had great things to say about our new pool and the “downtown” recreation area.

There were nearly 12,000 visits to the pool with an average daily attendance of 140 people. The pool also hosted 24 parties over the summer.

I would like to say congratulations to Compass Memorial Hospital on the opening of their new Emergency Department. The community is very grateful and appreciative for the services of the hospital, but also the support and leadership for the community that they provide.

It has been quite a busy last couple of years in Marengo, and it’s been wonderful to hear all the positive comments about our community.

I probably should mention something about our public safety camera system, since there has been some misinformation on social media. First of all, they are security and surveillance cameras, not speed cameras. They are on most of our public buildings and at each entrance to town.

They are a deterrent to prevent crimes, but they also will aid in investigations of crimes and traffic accidents. Hopefully, we never have to experience anything like a kidnapping in our community, but increasing our capability to solve a crime like that will hopefully deter criminals from such actions in our community.

Construction is starting on our wastewater (sewer) treatment facility with crews starting to mobilize equipment and materials. The May Street project was completed and the street opened before the start of school.

I would like to remind everyone that nomination petitions for the Nov. 4 city election are available at City Hall. The mayor and three city council positions are up for election.

Nomination petitions must be turned in at City Hall by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.