The City of Marion, NC

06/21/2026

06/18/2026

Immediate Press Release:

On Wednesday June 17th at approximately 2:36PM officers with the Marion Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence on South McDowell Avenue in Marion. Upon officer’s arrival, it was discovered that 15-year-old W/M juvenile was inside the residence in a back bedroom suffering from a single gunshot wound.

McDowell County EMS responded and immediately began life saving measures on the juvenile and transported him to the McDowell Hospital. Those efforts were unsuccessful and shortly after being transported, he later succumbed to his injuries at McDowell Hospital. Investigators with the Marion Police Department responded to the residence as well and have assumed the investigation.

Preliminary investigation into this incident has revealed that there were multiple people inside the residence at the time of the incident. Investigators are working diligently to interview all parties that were present during the incident. However, at this time it does not appear that anyone inside the residence was involved in the shooting other than the juvenile mentioned above in this release. Additionally, no other individuals inside were injured.

The Marion Police Department will release more information when it becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends involved in this incident as they navigate through this difficult time. Our agency would also like to thank McDowell County EMS for their valiant efforts during this incident.

Authority Chief Allen Lawrence

06/16/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT 🚧

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will begin paving on Sugar Hill Road today from roughly the area near Walmart/Sheetz to Stroud Street.

Motorists should expect traffic delays, intermittent lane closures, and the presence of construction equipment and personnel in the area. Please use caution, reduce your speed, and allow extra travel time if your route includes Sugar Hill Road.

We appreciate your patience as these roadway improvements are completed.

06/15/2026

UPDATE: The gas leak Emergency has been mitigated and E. Court Street is now back open!

⚠️ TRAFFIC ALERT ⚠️

A gas leak has been identified on East Court Street. For public safety, East Court Street will be closed between Baldwin Avenue and South McDowell Avenue until further notice while crews work to address the issue.

Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and will provide updates as soon as additional information becomes available and the roadway is reopened.

06/08/2026

Faces of Marion: Employee Spotlight
Meet the people who serve our City!

This month we’re introducing Chad McHone, who serves as Fire Engineer.

Years with the City of Marion: 1

About Chad:
Chad joined the Marion Fire Department in February of 2025 and has already proven to be a valuable member of the Marion Fire Department team. Assigned to B Shift, he brings with him many years of experience in the fire service prior to coming to Marion. Throughout his career, Chad has served in multiple roles within the volunteer fire service, including the rank of Fire Chief—demonstrating strong leadership, commitment, and a passion for serving others.

Beyond the firehouse, Chad is a devoted family man. He is married to his wife, Sam, and they are proud parents to their two children, Addison and Walter.

We are grateful to have Chad as part of the team. His experience, leadership, and dedication make him a tremendous asset to the Marion Fire Department and the community we serve.

Thank you for your service, Chad!

06/05/2026

We were honored to welcome Representative Dudley Greene and partners from the American Flood Coalition to Marion this week as they toured the site of an important flood resilience project alongside Mayor Steve Little and City Manager Woody Ayers.

Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated funding for critical flood resilience projects across the state. Thanks to the advocacy and support of Representative Greene and Senator Warren Daniel, the City of Marion was awarded $1.4 million to replace the access bridge serving one of our wastewater lift stations.

This project will provide reliable access for City crews during major rain events, when flooding can make the existing bridge impassable. Maintaining access to this critical infrastructure ensures our wastewater system continues operating effectively when our community needs it most. The investment will also help protect equipment, reduce future maintenance costs, and improve the long-term resilience of our utility system.

We appreciate Representative Greene taking the time to visit the project site, discuss its importance to our community, and see firsthand how this state investment will strengthen Marion's infrastructure for years to come.

Thank you to Representative Greene, Senator Daniel, and our partners at the state level for supporting projects that help keep Marion safe, resilient, and prepared for the future.

05/29/2026

Know Before You Go! The Marion and Old Fort pools are preparing to open for the summer! Please see below for important information about the 2026 Pool Season!

Admission:
Adult - $4.00
Student (Ages 5-17) - $3.00
Child (4 and under) - $2.00
Senior (65 and older) - $2.00
Lap Swim & Sensory Swim - $2.00
CASH ONLY, EXACT CHANGE IS PREFERRED

Marion Pool - Opens June 6th
Mondays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Tuesdays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM | Lap Swim 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Wednesdays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Thursdays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM | Lap Swim 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Fridays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Saturdays - 11:00 to 5:00 PM
Sundays - 1:00 to 5:00 PM

Old Fort Pool - Opens June 9th
Mondays - Closed
Tuesdays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Wednesdays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Thursdays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Fridays - 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Saturdays - 11:00 to 5:00 PM
Sundays - 1:00 to 5:00 PM

** Hours are subject to change based on the Mariners Swim Team practice schedule. An expanded swim schedule will be offered at the conclusion of their season. **

Important Information
- Horseplay of any kind at the pool is strictly prohibited.
- An adult MUST accompany swimmers 16 and under.
- An adult MUST be in the water with any child who is five or younger.
- Floats and inflatables are not allowed in the pool.
-Floatation devices may be worn if securely fastened to the body. An adult MUST actively supervise children wearing floatation devices.
- Canopy Tents or large umbrellas are not permitted on the pool deck. Foldable chairs with integrated canopies are permitted. Small personal umbrellas are permitted if secured to the chair.
- Pool Furniture is first-come, first-served. We encourage patrons to bring their own foldable chairs!
- No smoking, va**ng, or use of to***co products at the pool. No glass or alcoholic beverages are permitted at the pool. Possession of alcohol or drugs is prohibited; anyone suspected of being under the influence will be asked to leave the facility.
- Swim diapers or rubber pants are required for children not toilet-trained.
- Pets are not permitted at the pool. Service Animals are allowed.
- No music devices are allowed at the pool.
- If lightning is within seven miles, the pool deck will be cleared. The pool will reopen 30 minutes after lightning has left the area.