On a recent Saturday night, the G&R in Waldo was packed for fried bologna sandwiches and mile-high slices of pie. However, there were only two local license plates. All of the rest were outside of Marion County. Those visitors, along with many others, make a tremendous impact on Marion’s economy. In 2023, direct visitor spending […]
Programs
Imagination Library Celebrates Five Years of Serving Community
In the five years since the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio, 4,473 Marion County children received books in the mail at no cost to their families. “We want to thank the community for helping us take on this literacy challenge,” said Gary Branson, director of the Marion Public Library. “We could not have done […]
Y-Men Service Club: Help Neighbors in Need for 82 Years
In 1943, a group of Marion men met in the basement of the local YMCA and started service organization. Eighty-two years later, generations of members have helped neighbors in need. “The club’s motto is: ‘People serving people.’ That’s what we do! All proceeds stay in Marion and help construct wheelchair ramps for Marion residents with […]
New Year’s Eve will be Popping in Marion
Marion residents are gearing up for a night to remember as the NewsForce247.com hosts its annual Rockin’ Poppin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration, a beloved community tradition. Held at the Marion County Fairgrounds at 220 E. Fairground Street in Marion, the event promises an evening of family-friendly entertainment, music and festive fun. “This year’s event is […]
Generous Local Hearts Help Hurricane Helene Survivors
As Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States, leaving parts of North Carolina devastated, some residents felt called to help survivors who are struggling to rebuild. While many gave individually or through groups, two local organizers were inspired to think bigger by creating hurricane relief drives. “I couldn’t imagine waking up to houses floating […]
Volunteers Work to Put Smiles on 1,500 Children’s Faces on Christmas Morning
As weather turns colder, hundreds of volunteers and donors are working to warm the hearts of more than 1,500 Marion County children this winter through the Junior Service Guild’s Christmas Clearinghouse. “What motivates us is a strong belief that all children deserve a smile on their face on Christmas,” said Bev Young, a member of […]