2010 Census Day is April 1, 2010:  Please take part - It's in our hands

The census occurs every 10 years. In 2010 it’s more important than ever,

especially in Michigan. The population numbers collected from the census are

used in numerous ways including the allocation of dollars for food and shelter programs, Head Start, grants to educational agencies, schools, roads, public transportation, and Senior services, just to name a few. The numbers reflect who we are, what our community looks like, how it has changed and how those changes impact our daily lives.

 

Over 400 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities, based on census data.  Because Michigan’s population is on the decline, it is imperative to get every resident in our community counted. Marathon Township is at risk to lose valuable monies if we don’t count every single person. To find out how you can make sure you are counted, please refer to the attached CENSUS flyer.

 

Remember, OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS.

 

BUILDING PERMITS: Building permits for Marathon Township and the Village of Columbiaville are issued at the Township Hall during regular business hours.  This application can take up to 30 Minutes, so please call ahead and see that you have all the papers and info that is required.  Click here to download forms.

 

BURN PERMITS: A permit must be obtained in person the first time at Marathon Township Hall, during regular business hours.  Afterward, a telephone call (810)793-2002 during business hours can renew the permit.  There is no charge for the permit. Click here to download forms.

 

Future Road Improvements:  The Briggs Road tile project from the pond at 4300 Briggs Road to the county drain was completed. Two cross tubes were installed and processed gravel laid to finally complete the Marathon Road project started in 2007.  Ditching and tree removal took place on Williams Road Gravel was laid on Cusenza Drive, June Road, Catlin Road to provide a better surface. Still this Fall, a cross tube will be installed on Klam Road between Columbiaville and LeValley Roads.  Drainage tiles will be installed on Flint River Road near LeValley and on Barnes Lake Road near Lonsberry to counter the effects of upheaval to the roads caused by the winter frosts.

 

Additional road improvements included installing reflective strips on most stop sign posts in the Township making them much more visible at night. All gravel roads received three brine applications this summer and a double swath mowing.

 

RECYCLING PROGRAM:  Marathon Township continues to participate in the Lapeer Community Recycling Program. Collections are on the first Saturday of the month at the Lapeer Cinemas and the third Saturday of the month at the North Lapeer Recycling Center at 5728 N. Lapeer Rd. Materials accepted for recycling are newspapers, glossy flyers, magazines and catalogs, junk mail and scrap paper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum, tin and steel cans, number 1 and 2 plastics and clear glass bottles and jars  Please recycle. It saves our forests, keeps our landfills from filling up and sets a wonderful example for our children and grandchildren to follow.  It’s a great feeling to know you are doing something good for our environment. Call Deerfield Disposal at 810-793-1636 if you have any questions. Click here for more information

 

SOUTHERN LINKS TRAILWAY: The second phase of the trail from Otter Lake to Millington is underway with a completion date of  Spring 2010. Once completed the trail will offer 10.2 miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding

 

A grand opening event was held in September 2009 to celebrate the first segment of the trail between Columbiaville and Otter Lake. The trailway is now used by hundreds of area residents on a daily basis.

 

The support of the entire community is needed to help maintain the trail. Please be mindful to pick-up litter, remove branches and weeds encroaching on the trail and to clean-up after your pets. It is a pleasure to offer this magnificent recreational asset to residents of our community. Donation boxes are now available at the trailheads in both Otter Lake and Columbiaville.  Any donations made will be used to maintain the trail and would be greatly appreciated. Check out the trailway website at www.southernlinkstrailway.com 

 

Friends of the Southern Links Trailway is a group that promotes trail usage and raises funds to  support development of the trail, as well as provide volunteers to help with maintaining the trail. The group is always looking to recruit new members. They meet on the First Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 pm in the Otter Lake Community Center  Call Ray Benson at 810-691-8880

for more information.