🩺 Cancer curve change

Good morning, Marion County. A startling health trend is emerging across America – colorectal cancer rates are climbing 1-2% annually among younger adults, with 10% of cases now affecting people under 50. In response, OhioHealth has stepped up with twice-weekly screenings at their Delaware Avenue campus. Dr. Akeek Bhatt emphasizes what could be lifesaving news for many families: early detection through routine screenings can catch precancerous polyps before they develop into something far more serious.

On the education front, financial concerns are rippling through Ohio's school districts as the "All In for Ohio Kids" coalition highlights potential funding challenges in the proposed state budget. The group has created an online tool allowing residents to check potential impacts on their local schools – a development particularly relevant to communities that recently approved school levies. As both healthcare and education evolve in our community, these changes remind us that staying informed is the first step toward positive action.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Marion

38°

69°

81%

Prospect

38°

69°

81%

Waldo

38°

69°

81%

LaRue

38°

70°

88%

Green Camp

38°

69°

81%

Morral

38°

72°

79%

Caledonia

37°

68°

79%

New Bloomington

38°

70°

88%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🩺 Colorectal cancer screenings now weekly in Marion, Ohio. OhioHealth has launched Monday and Friday screenings at its Delaware Avenue campus to combat rising cancer rates among younger adults. Alarmingly, 10% of colon cancer cases now affect people under 50, with cases increasing 1-2% annually for unclear reasons. It's currently the deadliest cancer for young men and second deadliest for young women. Gastroenterologist Dr. Akeek Bhatt emphasizes that early detection through routine screenings can save lives by catching precancerous polyps before they become dangerous.

🏫 Ohio schools face $103 million loss in DeWine's proposed budget. The "All In for Ohio Kids" coalition warns that public education funding would be slashed if Governor Mike DeWine's budget passes. The group has created an online tool allowing residents to see how much their local districts stand to lose. Parents like Kia Reyes Woodward argue the cuts are especially unfair to communities that recently passed school levies. DeWine's office defends the formula, saying it provides more support to districts with less local property tax revenue.

Affordable modern split-level with updates: This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom split-level home is listed at $175,000 and features modern LVP flooring, a bright white kitchen with sleek cabinetry, and spacious living areas in a convenient location.

Spacious country home awaits buyer: This charming 4-bed, 2-bath home on nearly 3 acres in River Valley Schools offers a first-floor primary suite with heated bathroom floors, spacious living areas, and multiple outdoor spaces including a 3-car garage, priced at $319,900.

Remodeled perfection large yard ready: This completely remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home is on the market for $230,000, featuring new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, new flooring, updated HVAC systems and a large fenced yard.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 Apr. 4 - Blues with King Red: Get your blues fix with King Red & the Cadillac Band at Shovel City Drinkery! Groove to their signature mix of old-school blues and blues rock on Friday, April 4th at 181 N Main St, Marion.

💼 Apr. 04 - Acloche Open Interviews: Looking for new opportunities? Stop by Acloche Open Interviews at Ohio Means Jobs - Marion County on April 4. Meet recruiters face-to-face and discover your next career move at 622 Leader St.

🥢 Apr. 5 - Cupzilla Korean BBQ Truck: Craving Korean BBQ? Cupzilla food truck rolls into Shovel City Drinkery on April 5! Treat yourself to massive bowls loaded with noodles, rice, and multiple protein options, plus potstickers and spring rolls.

🏀 Apr. 5 - Willie Q Jones Memorial Classic: Hoop dreams come alive at the 12th Annual Willie Q Jones Memorial Classic! Boys' teams (grades 2-11) compete April 5 at Marion Harding High School with a 3-game guarantee for $200-$260 entry.

📚 Apr. 5 - Marion Looks Like Me!: Celebrate diverse children's literature at "Marion Looks Like Me!" on April 5 at Tri-Rivers Career Center. The Peace and Freedom Committee's inaugural event showcases inclusive books that represent our community's beautiful diversity.

🏹 Apr. 6 - New Bloomington Archery Events: Aim for bullseye fun at Archery in New Bloomington! Grab your bow and join fellow archers on April 6 at 1658 Agosta-Meeker Rd N, Marion for an exciting day of target practice.

🙏 In Remembrance

Patricia Ann Carey

Patricia Ann Carey, 89, passed away on March 26, 2025, at Kingston Assisted Living Facility with hospice care. Born in 1935, she was a lifelong Marion resident who married her husband Don in 1957 until his death in 2022. Patricia was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed singing, including performances with the Sunday School choir and at the WMRN radio station. She is survived by her son Craig, daughter-in-law Danielle, and grandson Jonathan, while no services are currently planned.

Len Earl McComas

Len Earl McComas, a 69-year-old self-employed handyman, passed away on March 26, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. He was a devoted horseman who trained and showed horses, participated in the World Championship horse show multiple times, and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. McComas took pride in his landscaping, maintained a vegetable garden, and cherished family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by two daughters, a girlfriend, multiple siblings, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with a memorial service to be held at a later date.