🎠 Carousel comeback

Good morning, Marion County. Twelve Ohio State international students can breathe easier this week as their suddenly revoked visas have been restored after weeks of uncertainty. The Justice Department's reversal comes amid nationwide legal challenges to what many affected students described as unexplained cancellations. This resolution brings welcome relief to campus communities where international students enrich the academic landscape with diverse perspectives and cultural contributions.

Meanwhile, history comes alive in two distinct ways across our community. Young artists at Fairbanks Middle School celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through creative patriotic tributes honored by the Daughters of the Revolution. And for those fascinated by America's vanishing carousel heritage, master restorer Todd Goings brings 35 years of expertise to Marion on May 13, offering insights into preserving the mere 150 wooden carousels that remain from thousands once spinning across America's landscape.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎓 Revoked student visas restored for twelve Ohio State students. The international students had their visas suddenly canceled in March without explanation or warning from the Trump administration. Ohio State confirmed that all Student and Exchange Visitor Program records have been restored, and affected students have been notified. The Justice Department reversed the decisions for students with minor legal infractions amid dozens of court cases and restraining orders nationwide. The visa revocations came as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts and during ongoing investigations into alleged antisemitism at dozens of universities including Ohio State.

Read more

🎖️ Young patriots honored for artistic tributes to U.S. Navy and Marines. The Plain City Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution celebrated winners of the Junior American Citizens contest at their April meeting. Students from Fairbanks Middle School submitted 87 entries across various categories including poems, posters, banners, short stories, and digital creations. The contest theme celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. First-place winners and their families were invited to a dessert reception where students proudly shared their patriotic creations with DAR members.

Read more

🎠 Master carousel carver will share restoration secrets in Ohio lecture. Todd Goings, a National Endowment of the Arts Heritage Fellow, will lead Ohio State University's "Buckeye Talks on Tap" event on May 13 at Bucci's Italian Scratch Kitchen in Marion. With 35 years of experience, Goings has dedicated his career to preserving America's wooden carousels, of which only 150 remain from the thousands originally built between the 1880s and 1930s. The casual lecture begins at 5:30 pm, followed by an open discussion where attendees can enjoy food and drinks while learning about this unique American folk art.

Read more

⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

The Commodores sailed to victory as Perry topped Elgin 4-1 in league action, with both squads now sporting identical 9-3 records heading into their midweek matchups. The real drama awaits on Wednesday when they'll face different foes with polar opposite momentum.Meanwhile, Galion's Tigers roared to a convincing 13-3 triumph over Pleasant in a Mid Ohio Athletic showdown. In an unusual scheduling quirk, these same teams will square off again tomorrow—giving the 3-8 Spartans an immediate shot at revenge against the 7-2 Tigers who just overwhelmed them.

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Ontario Warriors delivered a scoreless knockout to Marion Harding, cruising to a 14-0 victory that left Presidents fans searching for answers. The Warriors improved to 12-6 with the shutout win, setting up an immediate rematch Wednesday when these teams face off again in Marion.Meanwhile, Galion Tigers roared past Pleasant with a convincing 10-3 victory, improving their season mark to 6-12. The Tigers will look to complete the season sweep when they visit the struggling Spartans (2-11) on Wednesday in what's becoming a week of softball rematches across the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Budget investment opportunity awaits: This foreclosure property on Auction.com is available for purchase at the auction price (currently unlisted). Buyers can bid online or in-person to potentially invest in this neighborhood and generate profit, with support from the platform's team.

Auction Only Zero Dollar Property: This foreclosure property, listed at $0, is available exclusively through Auction.com—the nation's leading online investment property marketplace where savvy buyers can search, bid and win potentially profitable real estate deals.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 In Remembrance

Virginia Lee Radebaugh Virgina Lee Radebaugh, 75, of Marion, OH, passed away at the Kobacker House in Columbus. Born to John Adams and Louise Price on March 12, 1950, she worked as an office manager at the Mills Company for over 15 years before retiring. A devoted member of the Pentecostal Believers in Christ Church, Virgina enjoyed collecting antique dolls, cooking pies, and listening to classic rock, while deeply loving her family and her dog, Bella. She is survived by her husband Keith, whom she married in 2000, along with six children, siblings, extended family, and 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Colonel Edward George Buck Jr. MD Colonel Edward G. Buck, Jr. M.D., a retired Army urologist who served from 1964-1984 and later maintained a private practice in Marion until 1999, passed away on April 27, 2025, at age 88. Born in New Mexico in 1937, Edward was a devoted Lutheran who married his wife Marilyn in 1963, sharing 61 years together. He was passionate about automobiles, even building his own car in high school and later racing at various tracks. Edward is survived by his wife, two sons, two grandchildren, and a brother.

JOan M Smith Joan Marie Smith, 88, of Morral, Ohio, passed away on April 27, 2025, after a life dedicated to her family. Though quiet and private by nature, she enjoyed hosting gatherings and spent her free time reading, solving puzzles, and tending to her rose bushes. Joan is survived by her siblings, seven children, granddaughter Chelsea Smith who was like a daughter to her, and numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Smith, daughter Bobbie Smith, two siblings, and her parents.

Daniel A Meyers Daniel A Meyers, 68, of Centerburg, OH, passed away at home on April 24, 2025, having been born in Columbus, OH on November 24, 1956. He is survived by his son Joel, daughter Jewel, stepson Ian, and sisters Pam and Joyce, along with numerous grandchildren. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Thelma Meyers, his significant other Phyllis Ware, and daughter Bobbie Napier. As the owner of a taxidermy business, Daniel enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing and hunting, as well as artistic pursuits like painting and drawing.