Morrow County, Ohio

Quality of Life

When it comes to quality of life, Morrow County has the best of both worlds: relaxed, rural living with easy access to the metropolitan areas of Columbus and Cleveland, and to smaller metropolitan areas of Marion and Mansfield.  County residents can commute easily to these areas to attend professional and college sports, shop at regional shopping centers, enjoy performing arts, and participate in other urban amenities without the pressures associated with city living.

Law Enforcement and Fire Protection

The unincorporated areas of the county are serviced by the County Sheriff's Department.  In addition, all villages are provided with police protection.  

Morrow County is home to a State of Ohio Highway Patrol post located at the I-71 and State Route 95 intersection.

County fire protection and emergency squad service is provided by the Morrow County Firefighters and Squadsmen Association.  This organization was formed in 1972 when the fire departments and emergency squads throughout the county united to provide county-wide coverage through one central dispatching location.  This association was one of the first organized in Ohio.  The association is composed of six fire departments, six dispatchers, six life squads, a diving team, and more than 250 volunteers who act as dispatchers, firemen, and squadmen.  Morrow County is fully covered by a county wide 911 system.  

Elementary and Secondary Schools

Public elementary and secondary education is provided by four school districts: Cardington-Lincoln Local, Highland Local, Northmor Local, and Mt.Gilead Exempted Village Schools.  High School students and adults are offered intensive vocational training at two vocational schools: Tri-Rivers in Marion and Pioneer in Shelby.

Gilead Christian School  located in Mount Gilead operates as a private institution and is accredited in the State of Ohio.  Marion Catholic elementary and high school is located in nearby Marion.

Whetstone School and industries provides educational and vocational training for mentally and physically handicapped individuals of all ages who reside in Morrow County.  A new workshop comprising 24,000 square feet was completed and occupied in 1990.  Whetstone School was expanded in 1999.

Colleges and Universities

Thirteen colleges and Universities are located within 50 miles of Morrow County including the Ohio State University at Columbus.  OSU has branches at both Marion and Mansfield.  Marion and Mansfield are also home to State financed technical colleges.

Medical Facilities

The county is serviced by the Morrow County Hospital in Mount Gilead.  The hospital is staffed by many physicians specializing in many specific areas, houses an extended care facility, and  a "home health" center.  The hospital also sponsors many different health related programs for county residents.