Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Marion County / April 17, 2025

💪 Strength in numbers

Marion County • April 17, 2025

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Good morning, Marion County. Being crowned America's Strongest Town isn't just a title—it's validation of Marion's remarkable community spirit. After defeating 15 competitors from across North America, our city has earned international recognition for its grassroots approach to overcoming challenges. Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn specifically praised local residents for "rolling up their sleeves" rather than looking elsewhere for solutions, highlighting innovative parking reforms and housing programs that are transforming our community.

Safety takes center stage next month as local organizations unite to host a Situational Awareness Workshop for people with developmental disabilities. The May 13 event will equip participants with essential skills for recognizing potential dangers, navigating wheelchair safety, and protecting themselves online. It's completely free (lunch included!), though preregistration through the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities website is required. This valuable training exemplifies the kind of community care that makes our town truly strong.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🔰 Free workshop teaches safety skills to those with developmental disabilities.Local organizations are joining forces to host a Situational Awareness Workshop specifically designed for people with developmental disabilities on May 13 in Marion County. The event will feature presentations on recognizing potential dangers, wheelchair safety awareness, and online protection strategies. Open to individuals with developmental disabilities, providers, family members and caregivers, the workshop aims to help participants become more mindful of their surroundings and enhance their personal safety. The free event includes lunch, but preregistration is required through the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities website.

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🏆 Marion crowned America's Strongest Town after defeating 15 competitors. The Ohio city's victory in the international competition has sparked renewed community pride and optimism, validating years of grassroots efforts to overcome economic hardship. Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn praised Marion's residents for "rolling up their sleeves" rather than looking elsewhere for solutions, highlighting the city's parking reform, housing programs and passionate community spirit. As part of their prize, Marion will be featured in a documentary and send representatives to the 2025 Strong Towns National Gathering in Rhode Island. Community leaders are now focused on maintaining momentum, with planning aide James Walker hoping "no one will ever be ashamed to say they're from Marion ever again."

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🏆 Small Ohio city triumphs as America's Strongest Town. Marion, Ohio defeated 15 competitors from across the US and Canada to claim the prestigious title. The contest recognized towns that prioritize transportation, housing, and fiscal resiliency for residents' long-term benefit. Strong Towns praised Marion for how enthusiastically the entire community embraced the competition, from local newspapers to after-school clubs. As part of their victory, two Marion representatives will be flown to Rhode Island in June to receive their award, and a documentary about the community will be produced.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
Ridgedale (1-3)
@ Upper Scioto Valley
L 17-7

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
Marion Harding (3-8)
@ River Valley
L 31-0
Ridgedale (4-4)
@ Upper Scioto Valley
W 11-0

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Renovated ranch near local amenities: For $309,900, this 4-bedroom ranch in Marion offers one-level living with a partial basement, featuring new flooring, fresh paint, updated trim, and stainless-steel appliances, all in a quiet neighborhood near local amenities.
Real estate listing image Updated River Valley Gem: $200,000 buys you a charming home in River Valley school district with refinished hardwood floors, modernized kitchen and bathrooms, and updates including new AC, electric, and landscaping.
Real estate listing image Spacious family home under 200k: Priced at $185,000, this 4-bedroom, 1.5 bath home offers newly updated floors, fresh paint, a fenced yard with deck, and a one-car garage for whoever is ready to make it their own.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌮 Apr. 17 - Birria Madness @ Shovel: Satisfy your cravings at Birria Madness, pulling up outside Shovel City Drinkery on April 17! Swing by 181 N Main St in Marion from 5-9pm for mouthwatering birria treats.
🐰 Apr. 18 - Easter Late Skate: Roll into spring at Zoomers Skate Club's Easter Late Skate! Glide across the floor April 18th from 6-11pm for just $20, including a hotdog, chips, and drink at 1683 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd.
🚚 Apr. 19 - Monster Truck Bash Outdoors: The Monster Truck Bash roars into Marion County Fairgrounds for its first-ever outdoor spectacle! Catch all the high-octane action on April 19th at 220 E Fairground St. Grab your tickets now!
🐰 Apr. 19 - Easter Egg Extravaganza: Hop on over to the Egg-citing Easter Extravaganza at Garfield Park! Kids ages 0-12 can enjoy FREE spring fun on April 19th at 1 PM. Bring your baskets and join the community celebration!
🥙 Apr. 19 - Greek Village Food Truck: Satisfy your Mediterranean cravings as Greek Village on the Go parks at Shovel City Drinkery! Indulge in gyros, falafel, feta fries and more from 5-9pm on April 19. No passport required!
🐣 Apr. 20 - Easter Sunday Celebration: Experience the spirit of restoration this Easter Sunday at Marion Centre! Join the celebration with your choice of three uplifting services at 8, 9:45, or 11am on April 20. All are welcome.

🙏 In Remembrance

Gregory Kenneth Hodges

Gregory Kenneth Hodges, 64, passed away at his residence on April 4, 2025, due to natural causes. Born in Marion on September 9, 1960, he graduated from Harding High School and Tri-Rivers in 1979, later working for WDIF Radio as an overnight personality and then for Micrcom Corporation. Greg was passionate about music, especially rock and roll, playing bass guitar both recreationally and at his church, Corner Stone Alliance Church. He is survived by his two brothers, Doug and Court Hodges, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss him.

Gregory Kenneth Hodges

Harold William Brown

Harold William Brown, 68, of Marion, Ohio passed away on April 9, 2025, after being born there in 1956 to Carl Brown and Faith Dial. He received his high school diploma from Harding High School, earned certifications in heating and air conditioning, and worked as a master electrician at Marion Steel. Harold enjoyed fishing at Lake Erie and Indian Lake, as well as golfing in his free time. He is survived by his mother, two sons, a granddaughter, and many friends, while being preceded in death by his father, two brothers, a sister, and his stepfather.

Harold William Brown
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