Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Marion County / March 28, 2025

🖨️ Printing powerhouse

Marion County • March 28, 2025

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Good morning, Marion County. After 14 years of creative success in the Short North, Fireball Press has turned the page to a new chapter. Owner Doug Holmes has expanded his printing operation to a sprawling 3,700-square-foot facility on Huntley Road, complete with wide-format equipment that transforms client visions into eye-catching banners, signs, and graphics. What began as a one-person graphic design shop in the late '90s has evolved into a full-service printing powerhouse—proving that sometimes the best business stories are written in ink.

Time is ticking for homeowners looking to challenge their property tax valuations, with March 31 deadlines approaching across Ohio's major counties. Meanwhile, our community remembers civic leader Robert Gene Wiley, whose remarkable 90-year life journey included 48 years at Parker Hannifin, decades of educational leadership, and deep involvement in harness racing. His legacy of service reminds us that the most meaningful imprints we leave aren't printed on paper, but in the lives we touch.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🖨️ Columbus printer outgrows Short North after 14 years of success. Fireball Press has relocated to a spacious 3,700-square-foot facility on Huntley Road, complete with a warehouse housing new wide-format equipment for banners, signs, and graphics. Owner Doug Holmes started the business in the late '90s as a graphic designer before gradually bringing printing in-house to meet growing demand. The expansion allows the company to offer faster turnaround times, lower prices, and more product options. For Holmes, the most rewarding aspect remains helping clients see their creative visions transformed into tangible printed materials.

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🏠 Property tax valuation challenge deadlines loom across Ohio counties. Homeowners in Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Lucas counties have until March 31 to contest their property valuations. Counties offer various submission methods including online forms, email, fax, mail, and in-person filing, though requirements vary by location. Several counties are hosting information sessions and community outreach events to assist residents with the filing process. Each Board of Revision reviews complaints and can adjust property values based on evidence presented during hearings.

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🕊️ Longtime civic leader Robert Gene Wiley dies at 90 in Marysville. The Richwood resident worked at Parker Hannifin for 48 years as a Production Manager while dedicating himself to education, serving on various school boards since 1971. Wiley was deeply involved in harness racing as a member of multiple associations and as a Licensed Official for the Ohio State Racing Commission. A respected Mason and Shriner, he leaves behind three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday at Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Modern ranch awaits new owners: Priced at $134,900, this ranch-style home offers a modern interior with new flooring, updated kitchen featuring stainless appliances and butcher-block countertops, plus recent plumbing and electrical upgrades and a fenced backyard.
Real estate listing image Highway Condo With Private Garage: For $252,525, this well-maintained condo near major highway interchange offers a master suite with walk-in closet, second bedroom, attached garage, patio, and warranted appliances. HOA fees cover landscaping, snow removal, and community amenities.
Real estate listing image Cozy Marion home near everything: This modest Marion, OH home at $138,500 offers three bedrooms, one bathroom, a full basement, and attic space, all wrapped in classic charm while remaining conveniently close to local amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏛️ Mar. 29 - Night at Heritage Hall: Step back in time at the 19th Annual "A Night at Heritage Hall" on March 29! Explore Marion County's rich history from 5-8pm at the Historical Society on E Church Street.
🏍️ Mar. 29 - Elite Flattrack Championship: Rev up your engines for Round 3 of the Elite Championship Motorcycle Flattrack at Marion County Fairgrounds! RPM Promotions brings grassroots racing excitement back to Marion on March 29. Don't miss the dirt-flying action!
🤼 Mar. 29 - Extreme Midget Wrestling: Tiny titans take over the Marion County Fairgrounds for Extreme Midget Wrestling! Feel the high-flying action on March 29 at 7:00 PM. Secure your ringside seats via UNATION today!
🔨 Mar. 29 - Annual County Auction: Bid high and mingle with fellow community members at the Annual Auction 2025! Join the excitement at Marion County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 29 at 6pm. Chamber members pay just $65 per ticket.
🎸 Mar. 29 - Sneaky Pete Rocks OK Café: Sneaky Pete & the Players bring their high-energy party to OK Café in Marion on March 29! Catch this rockin' band live at 734 E Center St for a night of unforgettable music.
🍗 Mar. 29 - Mad Wingz Food Truck: Spice up your Thursday night at Shovel City Drinkery as the brand new Mad Wingz and Thingz Food Truck serves up delicious bites from 5-9pm on March 29. Find them at 181 N Main St, Marion!
🍹 Mar. 30 - Sunday Funday Happy Hour: Kick back at Shovel City Drinkery's Sunday Funday! Sip on brunchy cocktails and $5 drafts during all-day Happy Hour from 12-5pm on March 30 at 181 N Main St, Marion.
🏠 Mar. 30 - Open House Tour: Step inside this charming Marion home during our Open House at 519 E Church St! Explore exciting possibilities on March 30 from 12-2PM—no appointment needed.

💰 Financial Friday

Before making a large purchase, take a moment to wait 24 hours and assess whether it's a need or a want; this simple trick can help curb impulse buying and lead to smarter spending decisions.

🙏 In Remembrance

Johnny Edward Friley Sr.

Johnny E. "Whitey" Friley, Sr., age 64, passed away on February 27, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Plain City, Ohio, he worked as a mechanic at various locations including oil rigs, Conns Auto, and Alloy. Johnny was passionate about working on cars, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved riding his Harley motorcycle. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren and is survived by his girlfriend Tina Lust, five children, five step-children, numerous grandchildren, and siblings. A visitation and funeral ceremony will be held on March 5, 2025, at Snyder Funeral Homes in Marion, Ohio.

Johnny Edward Friley Sr.

Angela Gaye Apthorp

Angela "Angi" Gaye Apthorp, 61, passed away on March 20, 2025, after battling kidney disease and ovarian cancer. Born in Marion, Ohio, in 1963, she enjoyed 43 years of marriage with her husband Daniel Ray Apthorp. She loved fishing, camping, lottery tickets, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Angi is survived by her husband, three children, five grandchildren, two sisters, and extended family, with a Celebration of Life scheduled for March 26, 2025, at Boyd Funeral Home.

Angela Gaye Apthorp

Daniel Lee Robinson

Daniel Lee Robinson, age 60, passed away on March 25, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. A car enthusiast and handyman, Daniel was married to Lisa Leonard for over 30 years and was known for his generosity, understanding nature, and love of pranks. He is survived by his wife, son, two brothers, grandsons, extended family, and pets, while being preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. Funeral services will be held on March 31, 2025, at Boyd Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Grand Prairie Cemetery.

Daniel Lee Robinson

Marilyn Ann Creager

Marilyn Ann Creager, 89, passed away on March 24, 2025, after a life centered on family and faith. Born in Marion, Ohio in 1935, she enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage with her husband Jim, with whom she loved taking family trips to Florida. Marilyn was a devoted grandmother who took her grandsons on adventures, a loving mother to her two daughters, and an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran church. She is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Sharon, three grandchildren, and extended family, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories, kindness, and love.

Marilyn Ann Creager

Donald Alan Mayse

Donald Alan Mayse, 53, passed away on March 23, 2025, at Prestige Gardens of Marysville after a long battle with cancer. Born on June 12, 1971, in Marion, Ohio to Kenneth Mayse and Carolyn Shearer, Donnie worked in construction and carpentry throughout his life. He was an animal lover with various pets and enjoyed hobbies including gaming, fishing, and playing pranks on his siblings. Donnie is survived by his mother, daughter Faith, siblings Gregory and Tonya, and several nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by his father and brother Jeffrey.

Donald Alan Mayse
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