🎸 Creed comeback

Good morning, Marion County. After eleven years of silence, Creed's powerful reunion concert lit up Columbus with pyrotechnics and nostalgia at the Schottenstein Center. The 14,000-strong crowd united in an emotional tribute to 3 Doors Down's Brad Arnold, who's battling cancer, as phone flashlights illuminated the arena during performances by opening acts Mammoth, Wolfgang Van Halen's band, and Daughtry before Scott Stapp delivered hit after hit alongside heartfelt messages.

Meanwhile, there's welcome relief for our neighbors in West Virginia as federal disaster aid finally arrives for communities devastated by June floods that claimed nine lives in Ohio County and caused significant damage in Marion County. Closer to home, Columbus and Ohio State are tackling the annual student housing transition with an innovative recycling partnership, setting up collection sites for everything from household trash to gently used furniture—keeping neighborhoods clean while diverting reusable items from landfills.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Marion

56°

89°

Prospect

56°

89°

Waldo

56°

89°

LaRue

56°

87°

Green Camp

56°

89°

Morral

56°

89°

Caledonia

56°

89°

New Bloomington

56°

89°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎸 Creed's reunion concert electrified Columbus after eleven Creed-less years. The Schottenstein Center show featured powerful performances from Mammoth (fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen) and Daughtry, who replaced 3 Doors Down after singer Brad Arnold's cancer diagnosis. Both opening acts and Creed paid tribute to Arnold during emotional moments that united the 14,000 fans with phone flashlights glowing. Beyond the pyrotechnics and leather-clad rock star personas, frontman Scott Stapp delivered heartfelt messages between hit songs like "Higher" and "With Arms Wide Open," turning the night into a celebration of nostalgia, gratitude and stadium rock's enduring power.

🌊 Federal disaster aid finally arrives for flood-ravaged West Virginia counties. The major disaster declaration, announced Tuesday, will provide FEMA assistance to homeowners and renters affected by devastating June floods. Flash flooding in Ohio County on June 14 destroyed dozens of homes and killed nine people, while Marion County suffered significant property damage from floods the following day. West Virginia's congressional delegation praised the Trump administration for approving the state's request for federal disaster aid. The declaration unlocks supplemental financial assistance for state agencies and local governments to help communities recover and rebuild.

🗑️ Columbus tackles student move-in waste with innovative recycling partnership. Ohio State University and the city are setting up over two dozen collection locations for students moving in and out of off-campus housing from July 25 through August 11. The program aims to prevent illegal dumping while diverting reusable items from landfills. Special dumpsters will accept household trash, furniture, mattresses, and recyclables, with designated areas for donations of gently used items. Officials emphasize that proper disposal helps maintain neighborhood cleanliness during the busy transition period.

Affordable cooling backyard entertainer's delight: For $159,500, this cozy home offers a newly installed AC, spacious living areas with flexible use, a fenced backyard perfect for entertaining, and covered front porch and patio for outdoor relaxation.

Historic gem double lot: Priced at $199,900, this four-bedroom, 1.5-bath historic Prospect home offers vintage character with original woodwork, built-ins, and period details, plus a sunlit kitchen and two-car garage on a double lot.

Upgraded ready home attic potential: Priced at $159,950, this move-in ready 3-bed, 2-bath traditional home boasts major upgrades like a new roof and furnace, plus a spacious garage and an attic with potential for conversion into additional living space.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍷 Jul. 23 - Wine Wednesday Specials: Sip and save at Shovel City Drinkery's Wine Wednesday! Treat yourself to $5 select glass pours, discounted bottles, and a featured wine of the month on July 23 at 181 N Main St.

🌽 Jul. 23 - YMCA Farmers Market: Fresh produce awaits at the Marion Family YMCA parking lot every Tuesday! Stop by from 4:30-6:30pm for the weekly Farmers Market, where local vendors showcase summer's bounty through August.

🔍 Jul. 23 - Downtown Date Night Adventure: Spark romance in downtown Marion with Let's Roam's Discovery Adventure! Navigate Delaware Avenue together on July 23, solving clues and creating memories on this interactive date night experience.

🥪 Jul. 24 - Food Truck: Paninis & Soup: Warm up your taste buds at Shovel City Drinkery on July 24! The Panini and Soup Truck rolls in with delicious hot sandwiches and steamy soups at 181 N Main St, Marion.

🙏 Jul. 25 - Worship Night at Remnant: Lift your spirits at Rise Night! Join RCC and The Remnant Tea & Coffee for an evening of worship and fellowship on July 25th. Connect with community at 187 W Center St, Marion.

🔥 Jul. 25 - Revival Nights Marion: Experience three nights of Holy Spirit power at REVIVAL NIGHTS MARION! Join this divine appointment for breakthrough July 25-27 at 1190 E Fairground St. Not just another service—it's your gateway to spiritual renewal!

👥 Jul. 25 - Acloche Open Interviews: Looking for a new opportunity? Stop by Acloche Open Interviews at Ohio Means Jobs - Marion County on July 25. Meet recruiters face-to-face and explore your next career move at 622 Leader St.

🎄 Jul. 26 - Christmas in July Festival: Jingle all the way to Glenwood Park for Christmas in July! The Jingle Bells & Summer Sales Craft Festival brings holiday magic to summer on July 26 in Marion, OH.

🙏 In Remembrance

Marjorie Ruth Armbruster

Marjorie Ruth Armbruster, 86, of Marion, OH, passed away on July 19, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. Born in 1938 to George and Mildred Ferguson, she was married to Carl E. Armbruster from 1957 until his death in 1995. Marjorie worked at Tecumseh Products for over 17 years and later as a Walmart greeter for 10 years before retiring. A woman of faith who attended Emanuel Lutheran Church, she was known for being "strong willed" and a "straight shooter" who enjoyed spending time with family and playing bingo. Her funeral service will be held on July 29, 2025, at Boyd Funeral Home, followed by interment at Caledonia Cemetery.

John Thomas Rutter

John Thomas Rutter, 66, of Marion, OH, passed away on July 4th, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. He is survived by his partner Kathy Whitted, nine children, four siblings, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. John worked with J.R. Lawn Care and was self-employed with various contract jobs, taking great pride in his landscaping and yardwork. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, was involved in fair and carnival life with his family, and loved bluegrass music and spending time at local lodges with friends.

Michael Dean Severns

Michael Dean Severns, 71, of Prospect, passed away on July 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1954, Mike served in the U.S. Navy, worked at Marion Steel and ArcelorMittal until retiring in 2017, and spent 36 years married to Vicki Layne. A dedicated family man with strong principles, he enjoyed classic rock music, traveling to baseball stadiums, beach trips, and fishing. He is survived by his mother, former wife, three children, five grandchildren, three brothers, and extended family.