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Mercury memories

Remember as children when our parents told us to look both ways before crossing the street and don't run with scissors?

Among those warnings, parents probably should have been told us "don't play with mercury."

Some people remember "playing" with mercury in school science classes. I remember playing with it at home when a thermometer broke or getting some from my dad (not sure what he did with it).

Now they're telling us mercury is dangerous and lethal.

The City of Peabody is having to jump through expensive hoops to dispose of just a tad of the metallic marvel.

Amazing how something natural and innocent 30 to 40 years ago suddenly has become toxic.

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I am pleased to see the City of Marion is finally convinced by a group of business leaders to construct a shell building in the industrial park. Hopefully it will be the start of many things to come.

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Kudos to Mayor Martin Tice and other council members who see the importance of decent city streets. Tice hit the nail on the head during Monday's meeting when he said the first thing visitors see in a community are the streets.

City streets, like the downtown district, is a reflection of the community. A rundown, dilapidated, empty downtown does not influence developers or potential residents to locate to our community.

I hope the next project on the city's list is finding a way to finance enhancements to the downtown district.

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Marion County Commission got a first glimpse of a jail and judicial center design. Although still in the early stages of hammering out details, the concept appears to be comprehensive.

It certainly makes sense to include a judicial center (courtroom and court services offices). New security measures may be difficult to implement on the third floor of the courthouse.

The ultimate decision will be in the hands of county residents but either way, we're going to have to pay for the added security, whether it's in a new or old building.

— SUSAN BERG

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