Marion County proclaims Work Zone, Earth Day and Volunteer Week; volunteer program reports 1,927 volunteers in 2024

Marion County commissioners on April 16 approved proclamations recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21–25), Earth Day (April 22) and Volunteer Week (April 20–26).

Public Works representative Scott Wilson summarized the county’s work-zone safety outreach, citing the national 2022 figure of 891 people killed in work-zone crashes and local safety improvements including automatic flagger stations, LED flagging paddles and flashing beacons. Commissioner Kevin Cameron urged involvement of the Sheriff’s Office in enforcement, noting Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd told the board that traffic tickets in work-zone areas are increasing.

Human Resources and community representatives presented the 2024 Volunteer Annual Report. Sherry Lintner and Dana Castano said the county had 1,927 volunteers who together contributed 66,472 hours in 2024, with an estimated monetary value of $2,309,235. Program highlights included volunteers supporting the dog shelter, county fair, law library, justice court, victim assistance, emergency management, environmental services and Sheriff’s Office programs such as Search & Rescue and reserve deputies. The report noted 35 student volunteers contributed 8,485 hours and one AmeriCorps volunteer contributed 1,320 hours; 150 advisory-board members provided 2,407 hours across 18 committees.

The board approved each proclamation by voice vote and encouraged residents to participate in Earth Day events and volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Program requested additional recruits and provided contact information for those interested in serving.

The meeting then proceeded to consent and action items.