📚 Legacy lives on

Good morning, Marion County. A remarkable 93 years of missionary service came to a close with the passing of Julia Ann Waters, whose impact stretched from Guatemala to the halls of Marion General Hospital. Her legacy of compassion lives on through six children, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great and great-great grandchildren—a testament to a life richly lived in service to others.

As spring approaches, both history and future possibilities are in the spotlight. While we're celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Columbus East's historic basketball championship against Marion Harding, our diamond is buzzing with fresh energy as ten local softball teams gear up for what promises to be an exciting season. With returning stars like Ridgedale's Kenzie Delaney (.717 batting average!) and new coaching talent in the dugout, championship dreams are taking shape across Marion County diamonds.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Marion

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Prospect

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Waldo

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LaRue

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Green Camp

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Morral

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Caledonia

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New Bloomington

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🕊️ Julia Ann Waters, missionary and community servant, dies at 93. The longtime Marion Christian Center member passed away on March 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service that spanned multiple countries. With her late husband Howard, she served as a missionary in Guatemala, Belize, and Costa Rica, while also driving a school bus for North Union Schools for 15 years. Julia volunteered extensively with Marion General Hospital, her church's food pantry, and the Salvation Army. She is survived by six children, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great and great-great grandchildren.

🏀 Columbus East's 1963 basketball championship made central Ohio history. The Tigers defeated Marion Harding 41-32 in the Class AA title game at St. John Arena, marking only the second time two Columbus-area teams faced off in the state tournament. East's defense dominated throughout, jumping to an early 9-0 lead and never trailing. The "trampoline trio" of Avery Godfrey, Ken Fowlkes, and Ed Waller led the way, with Waller scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds. After the victory, the team was celebrated with a parade to the Statehouse where Governor Rhodes declared "Columbus East Day."

⚾ Marion-area softball teams gear up for promising 2025 season. Ten high school teams are preparing to hit the diamond with returning talent and fresh faces across multiple conferences. Ridgedale returns eight letter winners including reigning Marion Star Player of the Year Kenzie Delaney, who posted a .717 batting average last season. Several programs welcome new head coaches, including Pleasant's Mike Lindsey and River Valley's Emily Clark-Lindsey, a former Ohio State softball player. Teams like Cardington, North Union, and Elgin have set their sights on competing for conference championships with a mix of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen.

Modest foreclosure needs work: This modest foreclosure at $37,500 offers a traditional 3-bedroom home with 1,371 square feet on a small lot. Buyers can choose their closing company but must cover all costs and avoid trespassing.

Foreclosure Auction Investor Opportunity: With a list price of $0, this foreclosure property is being sold exclusively via Auction.com, offering investors a chance to bid on a potentially profitable opportunity through their online marketplace or in-person auction events.

Spacious luxury awaits new owner: Priced at $339,900, this luxurious free-standing condo offers nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of open-concept living with upscale features including custom crown moldings, a modern kitchen, and a private owner's suite with walk-in shower.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌕 Mar. 20 - Full Moon Live: Experience the enchanting sounds of "Full Moon" live at Kingston Residence of Marion on March 20. Join your neighbors for an evening of music and community at 464 James Way.

🌮 Mar. 20 - Birria Madness Food Truck: Spice up your Wednesday at Shovel City Drinkery with Birria Madness! This exciting new food truck is serving up authentic birria on March 20 - perfect for first-timers and flavor-seekers alike.

🌅 Mar. 20 - Business Breakfast @ Aspire: Jump-start your morning with Aspire Ministries at their Business Before Hours networking event! Join fellow Chamber members on March 20 for a light breakfast in their first-floor conference room at 205 W Center St.

💼 Mar. 21 - Acloche Open Interviews: Looking for your next career move? Stop by Acloche Open Interviews at Ohio Means Jobs in Marion on March 21st. No appointment needed—just bring your resume and enthusiasm to 622 Leader Street!

🎵 Mar. 21 - Songwriting Series Begins: Unleash your inner songwriter at Grant Middle School's seven-day creative series! Join the musical journey on March 21 at 420 Presidential Dr, Marion, where words and melodies come together in perfect harmony.

🍕 Mar. 21 - Mr. Bill's Pizza Night: Pizza lovers rejoice! Mr. Bill's Wood Fired Pizza returns to Shovel City Drinkery on March 21. Stop by 181 N Main St in Marion to enjoy these beloved wood-fired creations in a friendly atmosphere.

🍪 Mar. 22 - Crumbl Cookie Truck: Cookie heaven arrives at The Woods Park & Pavilion when the Crumbl Food Truck rolls in on March 22! Treat yourself to freshly baked gourmet cookies with their ever-changing delicious menu at 1775 Marion-Waldo Rd.

🌿 Mar. 22 - Little Shop of Horrors: Elgin High School brings the delightfully devious "Little Shop of Horrors" to Marion Palace Theatre on March 22. Join the fun as this beloved musical combines thrills, laughs, and unforgettable tunes in one captivating show!

🙏 In Remembrance

Earl Jean Hornbeck

Earl J Hornbeck, 79, of Marion, OH, passed away on March 16, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. Born to Clarence and Mary Hornbeck in 1945, Earl married Linda Redmon in 2002 and worked for Islay's Ice Cream and the City of Marion for 29 years. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW, and is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Following his wishes, there will be no visitation, with graveside services to be held at Brown Cemetery in Prospect, OH at a later date.

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald, 58, of Marion, Ohio passed away on March 7, 2025. Born on May 14, 1966, to the late Janie Gregory and Frank McDonald, he was a Marion Harding High School graduate who loved fishing and held several records for catching the biggest fish. Michael was known for his handiness, always tinkering in his backyard and fixing broken items with parts and tools he had on hand. He is survived by his beloved dog Skye, who was his constant companion, as well as his sisters Pam Champer and Nancy Hindman, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Dean Weaver

Dean Weaver, 87, of New Bloomington, OH, died on March 15, 2025, at his home with family present. Born on February 7, 1938, in Jefferson County, PA, to Elvin and Lorraine Weaver, he is survived by his wife Shirley Kay, whom he married in 1990. Dean leaves behind his children Bill, Amy, Andrew, and Holli; three grandchildren; and many other family members. He was preceded in death by his sons Jimmy and Jon, two grandsons, and four siblings.

Verna Ashba

Verna A. Ashba, age 64, of New Bloomington, Ohio, passed away on March 15th, 2025, at Marion General Hospital surrounded by family. She married her life partner Darrell in 1977 after meeting him at age 13, and they spent 51 years together raising two children, Darrell Jr. and Angie. Throughout her life, Verna worked in the medical field, helped with daycare, and devoted herself to her family, including her two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, gardening, and listening to music around the fire, and is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, five sisters, and two brothers.

Gordon Lewis Wall

Gordon Lewis Wall, 82, passed away in Columbus, Ohio on March 15, 2025. A Vietnam War veteran who served as a frontline radio repairman, Gordon later earned his Master's in Political Science from The Ohio State University and worked at Marion Automatic Music before retiring from Fujitsu after 25 years. He was known for his many skills and talents, as well as his love for family, sports, reading, and war-themed movies. Gordon is survived by his wife Marsha, son Jason, several siblings, in-laws, and extended family, with funeral services scheduled for March 21, 2025, at The Boyd Funeral Home.

Dean Weaver

Dean Weaver, 87, of New Bloomington, OH, died on March 15, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Born in 1938 in Pennsylvania, he is survived by his wife Shirley, whom he married in 1990, as well as his children Bill, Amy, Andrew, and Holli, and several grandchildren. Dean was preceded in death by his sons Jimmy and Jon, two grandsons, and four siblings. Condolences may be shared online at the funeral home's website.