Jason Kirkman and Adam Wolfe graduated from Elgin in 2001. Both were part of the construction trades program at Tri-Rivers with Mike Hock and Dan Tripp. Right out of high school, Kirkman and Wolfe began conversations about starting their own company. “In 2003, we started the business, and my contribution was the name,” said Kirkman. […]
Places
Stengel Museum & Home of Marion Community Foundation Has Rich History
Young attorney Ozias Bowen came to Marion in 1828 and started his law office. Five years later, he married Lydia Baker, daughter of town founder Eber Baker. Their house at 270 East Center Street was the first brick house in the village of Marion (now occupied by Laipply’s Printing & Marketing Services.) Bowen admired the ancient […]
Marion City Parks Department
Marion City Parks Department employs seven full-time staff and six seasonal staff. They operate and maintain 19 city parks, 21 green spaces, 14 ball fields, the aquatic center, and Marion Municipal Airport. Lincoln and McKinley parks have been in Marion for over 100 years. “The goal of the Marion Parks Department is to provide and […]
The past, present and future of the Women’s Club
Marion Women’s Club and home both became designated as national historic sites in December 2019. Records were found in a cedar closet located inside the home dating back to 1895. Club meetings began in the home in 1905 after it was built by Shauck Elah Barlow and Ida Harsh Barlow. It was donated in 1945 […]
Decades-Long Tradition Continues in Local Agency
A local insurance agency continues its tradition of service to the Marion community. Jay Hafer, a farmer in LaRue, started the insurance agency more than 50 years ago. Thomas Milligan bought it in 1979 and operated it for 38 years. Allen Douce started working at the agency in 2004. His son, Caleb Douce, joined the […]
Explore-It-Torium Back in Full Swing
A family-focused creative place of discovery, Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum of Marion provides hands-on learning for children ages 2 through 12. “We want to thank the community for getting us through the COVID pandemic with their generous donations, which also provided funding to improve, update and change our exhibits so that guests always have a new […]