Legend. Veteran. Entertainer. Entrepreneur. After 91 years serving our community and our country, George James Kasotis died on May 29, 2025. “George will forever be remembered as a pillar of our community. He will be greatly missed,” Julie Blashinsky Blackledge said. “George always championed Marion and was such a gracious host. He will be dearly […]
People
Marion County Council on Aging: Helping Senior Citizens
Senior citizens who live at home independently have a local agency ready to help. The Marion County Council on Aging has been serving residents ages 60 and older with a demonstrated need since 2006. Helping All Senior Citizens in Need Regardless of Income “Many people assume that we only serve seniors with limited financial resources. […]
Local Radio Legends
In the 1970s and 1980s, two new radio hosts joined the airwaves in Marion: Mary Ann Michaels and Bob Bender. Mary Ann Michaels had lived in Marion since the 1950s. She worked as a teacher in Marion and hosted several programs on community antenna television before being hired by a Dayton television station. Michaels worked […]
Marion’s Broadcasters Led the Way
Starting the Golden Age of radio, a group of radio broadcasters laid the groundwork for Marion today. From Bob Mason to Charlie Evers, each one made a mark on the community. Bob Mason: Mr. Radio Founded WMRN One of the first memorable radio hosts was Bob Mason, who was known as “Mr. Radio” in town. […]
100-Year-Old World War II Veteran Shares Secret to a Long Life
Jim Hedge of Marion is still going strong after celebrating his 100th birthday on Feb. 21. The former Navy sailor says the secret to his longevity is “clean living. No drugs, alcohol or smoking. Stay young in spirit and do healthy things. Early to be bed, early to rise!” 100th Birthday A Big Celebration Hedge […]
Huber Family Shaped Marion
Marion was a small community of about 2,000 people when inventor Edward Huber and his wife, Elizabeth, came to Marion to build a revolutionary invention in 1865. The move accelerated Marion’s growth and development which their son, Frank, continued. “In my opinion, the Hubers were the most influential family in Marion and shaped Marion’s future […]
