Marion Press


Marion Press to cease publication

Marion Press to cease publication

JordanAug 2, 20243 min read

The Marion Press has been publishing the news, sports, obituaries, and opinions of the Marion and McBain area, since 1889. But starting next week, that will unfortunately no longer be the case. After 135 years of operation, and over 7000…

McBain NNC soccer conducting drop-ins

Editorial StaffJul 26, 20241 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MCBAIN – McBain Northern Michigan boys soccer coach Taylor Mulder reports he’s had drop-ins three times a week for his players.Drop-ins “are when kids show up and we play, scrimmage depending on how many show up.” Mulder…

Obituary: Percy Harold Watson

Obituary: Percy Harold Watson

Editorial StaffJul 26, 20242 min read

Percy Harold WatsonMay 24, 1933 – July 22, 2024 Percy Harold Watson, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 24, 1933, in Marion, MI, Percy…

Postcard from the Pines: It’s Odd Love Story

Postcard from the Pines: It’s Odd Love Story

Editorial StaffJul 26, 20245 min read

M&J Market July 1970 Marion, Michigan has a mystical hold on those who come from here, no matter where they may be. I’ve spent considerable time thinking about the Marion phenomena, trying to understand. I’ve written about it more than…

Marion District Library millage is on August Primary ballot

Marion District Library millage is on August Primary ballot

Editorial StaffJul 26, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins As parents, we all know the strain summer vacations can have on our nerves with the kids home and often complaining of being bored, despite not really missing school yet. It is wonderful to know that there…

McBain Heritage Days brings community together

McBain Heritage Days brings community together

Editorial StaffJul 26, 20242 min read

Mary Silvernail and her granddaughter take a break after trying to tackle greased pigs kids line up for the Children’s bicycle parade antique tractors line main street in Marion By Genine Hopkins McBain Heritage Days took place this past Friday…

Mecosta-Osceola Transit Authority offers new service for non-emergency care

Mecosta-Osceola Transit Authority offers new service for non-emergency care

Editorial StaffJul 26, 20242 min read

Driver Natha Hoezee and MOTA’s Mobility Director Marsha Cornelius can’t wait to help Mecosta-Osceola County citizens get to their non-emergency medical appointments and pharmacy needs! By Genine Hopkins The Mecosta-Osceola County Transit Authority (MOTA) is pleased to offer a new…

Local softball team 4-1 in Kentucky

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Michigan Expos 18U team from Marion triumphed over Midwest Pride 18U in Kentucky on Wednesday in the USSSA Great Lakes Nationals tournament.
Michigan Expos 18U, coached by Ryan Raymond of Marion, took the lead late in…

Obituary: Edwin Lee Woodard

Obituary: Edwin Lee Woodard

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

Edwin Lee Woodard, 84, a beloved figure of Marion, Michigan, sadly left our world on July 5, 2024 after a life richly lived in service and kindness.  Known for his devotion to God, Edwin was a beacon of light and hope…

Postcard from the Pines: Next Holiday, Please

Postcard from the Pines: Next Holiday, Please

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

Now that July 4th has come and gone, Marion’s Old Fashioned Days is rising fast on the horizon. Almost before we can turn around, we’ll be off to the Friday night Main Street Cruise, the Saturday morning parade and visiting…

Former Marion athlete performs for Michigan rowing

Editorial StaffJul 5, 20243 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Georgia Meyer was an extremely successful athlete at Marion in sports such as softball, volleyball and basketball before graduating in 2023. But this most recent season she had a unique and successful career on the…

Obituary: James Peter Ritsema

Obituary: James Peter Ritsema

Editorial StaffJul 5, 20241 min read

James Peter Ritsema, age 65 of Marion passed away at his home on July 1, 2024 following a short illness. He was born on April 9, 1959 in Grand Rapids to Peter and Lois (Quist) Ritsema.He had worked at Herman…

Misunderstanding leads to tense meeting in Village of Marion

Misunderstanding leads to tense meeting in Village of Marion

Editorial StaffJul 5, 20246 min read

Chrystal Clavier protests denial of park and path to citizens Marion’s Village Council hears citizen complaints William Zeilinger, Little League Director for Marion, expresses concern with lack of access to the baseball diamonds By Genine Hopkins  What started as a…

Local softball team stays busy

Editorial StaffJun 28, 20241 min read

By John RaffelCorespondent MARION – Marion softball coach Ryan Raymond is coaching a Michigan Expos summer team which was in action last weekend in a Traverse City tournament.Raymond’s team includes his daughter Malley Raymond and seven girls from Evart plus…

Postcard from the Pines: A chip off the old Block

Postcard from the Pines: A chip off the old Block

Editorial StaffJun 28, 20245 min read

Bob Peters Bernie and Julie Sept 25 1950 It’s no secret that I am fond of old things and have, through the years, gathered a rather unusual collection of bits and pieces of Marion memorabilia. For example, I have a…

Payment issues, lack of attendance scar Marion Fair

Payment issues, lack of attendance scar Marion Fair

Editorial StaffJun 28, 20245 min read

Matt Mohr, the Fair Board President, explains to the board and the audience that a loan from Horizon Bank is required to remain financially viable. VFW Auxiliary member Amy Simons and her daughter TeAnna worry about the future of the…

Area July 4thcelebrations and events plentiful around Marion

Editorial StaffJun 28, 20243 min read

By Genine HopkinsArea communities will be holding numerous, family fun events.  Below are just some of the incredible things to do in our area (Fireworks events are bolded and red): Saturday, June 29, 2024Fireworks in Houghton Lake at dusk. The show will…

Marion finishes at 14-15

Editorial StaffJun 21, 20241 min read

By John Raffel MARION – Coach Ryan Raymond’s Eagles finishes the season recently at 14-15.“We had a lot of good players on the team,” he said. “We didn’t have that dominant pitching that we’re used to. We had some girls…

Obituary: Ann Marguerite Coon

Obituary: Ann Marguerite Coon

Editorial StaffJun 21, 20245 min read

Marion – Ann Marguerite Coon, lifelong resident of the Marion area passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare. She was 90.Ann was born on April 25, 1934, at home in Middle Branch Township to…

Postcard from the Pines: The Old Swimmin’ Hole

Postcard from the Pines: The Old Swimmin’ Hole

Editorial StaffJun 21, 20245 min read

Summer has settled right in and no one can dispute that it is just plain hot. The temperature has topped 90 for three days now and leaves hang in want of water. It is oddly quiet and there is next…