The Marion Star - Swinford Media Group

The Marion Star - Swinford Media Group The Marion Star is the hometown weekly newspaper for Marion, Illinois. Pick up a free copy today and see our recent articles at SwinfordMediaGroup.com

Founded in 2014, The Marion Star is Marion's newest newspaper. The Marion Star publishes 3,000 copies each week and distributes them around town for residents to pick up for free. The Marion Star is focused at covering everything about Marion, including city, community, school and athletic news.

08/22/2025

Join us live tonight on The Marion Star page! Our Wildcat Gameday crew will be on air at 6:00 PM with a full preview of the Marion football season, highlighted by the Week 0 scrimmage vs. Harrisburg. Don’t miss the breakdown, analysis, and first look at your 2025 Wildcats under the lights!

Saluki basketball Hall of Famer, Jamaal Tatum and Athletics Against Substance Abuse (AASA) is proud to announce Reunion ...
08/22/2025

Saluki basketball Hall of Famer, Jamaal Tatum and Athletics Against Substance Abuse (AASA) is proud to announce Reunion at the Rim, a powerful evening of connection, inspiration, and purpose; bringing together Saluki basketball legends (the 2002 and 2007 Sweet 16 teams), community advocates, and youth mentors to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention through athletics.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 5:15–8:00 PM at the Giant City Lodge Banquet Room in Makanda, Illinois.

Highlights of the evening will include:

• Keynote Speaker: Chris Carr, former NBA player and SIU standout

• Panel Discussion moderated by Mike Reis with Coach Rodney Watson

• An exclusive art auction featuring original works by Jamaal Tatum

• Dinner, networking, and signed memorabilia from the legendary Sweet 16 Saluki teams

Only 80 seats are available for this intimate, purpose-driven gathering. Proceeds support Athletics Against Substance Abuse, a nonprofit committed to using sports as a platform to educate, uplift, and empower youth to live drug-free lives.

“This event is more than a reunion, it’s a recommitment to the next generation,” says Tatum, founder of AASA and former SIU All-American. “We’re using the power of sports to spark real change.”

For more information, interviews, or media inquiries, contact: [email protected] and visit their website www.aasaofficial.org.

08/22/2025

“𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐩” 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟒𝟖 - 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝!

In this, the 48th episode of “Squared Up,” we celebrate the matrimonial union of two of our hosts (no, not Bill and Tom). Get a look at some early images from wedding weekend and join the celebration as Bill and Monica recount the experience and Tom gives his critical review. We also meet Monica’s son Seth before he heads off to Oregon State University to study Nuclear Engineering! Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew” or “Hometown Heat", or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/9J_S-GSdahc
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/squareduppodcast
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/squared-up/id1745972207
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/431d324a-aa79-41ce-b193-2a89e0e6a0df

Tune in tomorrow on The Marion Star page as our Wildcat Gameday crew will be live around 6:00 PM to preview the...
08/22/2025

Tune in tomorrow on The Marion Star page as our Wildcat Gameday crew will be live around 6:00 PM to preview the Marion football season with a Week 0 scrimmage against Harrisburg!

📸 Sheila Burns

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠In Episode 51 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented b...
08/21/2025

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐊𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

In Episode 51 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with one of Southern Illinois’ most recognizable voices—retired broadcaster Mark Kiesling. From his start at WSIL in 1981, to 16 years as sports director, to two decades as a trusted news anchor, Kiesling built a career defined by professionalism, respect, and storytelling.
As a host of Sports Extra, he turned Friday nights into a regional tradition, spotlighting athletes, coaches, and communities in a way that became Southern Illinois’ own version of SportsCenter. After shifting from sports to news, he guided viewers through some of the region’s biggest stories over four decades, earning multiple broadcasting awards along the way. Kiesling also served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, investing in coaches and young people across Southern Illinois, before returning to the anchor desk and later stepping into retirement.
Now, he’s entering a new chapter—this fall, Kiesling is launching Illinois Backroads, a WSIU series that celebrates the people and places of our state. In this episode, he reflects on his journey from small-town Missouri kid to one of Southern Illinois’ most trusted media figures. He shares stories of building Sports Extra, the lessons learned in both sports and newsrooms, and the values of faith, respect, and connection that have guided his path.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode with a Southern Illinois legend whose career has touched generations of athletes, coaches, and viewers.

Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/Ws1Px_MSrik
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachesatcrownbrew
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaches-at-crown-brew-getting-coffee/id1709412544
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6ea26f0-09d9-4998-976a-1edd9d053da4

Click the links above to listen or watch now, and be sure to subscribe for more amazing episodes to come!

Be a part of Awana Clubs at First Baptist Marion, IL starting September 7th from 4:45–6:45! Open to kids from preschool ...
08/21/2025

Be a part of Awana Clubs at First Baptist Marion, IL starting September 7th from 4:45–6:45! Open to kids from preschool through 6th grade with Cubbies, Sparks, and Truth & Training programs. 📚✨ *Sponsored post

Tomorrow on Episode 51 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, we have a voice and face that sports and news fans acros...
08/20/2025

Tomorrow on Episode 51 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, we have a voice and face that sports and news fans across the region have trusted for more than 40 years. Mark Kiesling is one of the most recognizable media figures in Southern Illinois history. From his start at WSIL in 1981, to his 16 years as sports director, to two decades as a respected news anchor, Kiesling built a career defined by professionalism, respect, and storytelling.
As a host of Sports Extra, he turned Friday nights into a regional tradition, spotlighting athletes, coaches, and communities in a way that became Southern Illinois’ own version of SportsCenter. After shifting from sports to news, he guided viewers through some of the region’s biggest stories over four decades, earning multiple broadcasting awards along the way. Kiesling also spent time with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, investing in coaches and young people across Southern Illinois. Now retired, he’s embarking on a new adventure—this fall, he is launching Illinois Backroads, a WSIU series that celebrates the people and places of our state.
In this episode, Kiesling reflects on his journey from small-town Missouri kid to one of Southern Illinois’ most trusted voices. He talks about his love for storytelling, the mentors who shaped his path, and the legacy of respect that guided his career on and off camera.
Catch the full episode this Thursday at noon on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube. And if you missed our last episode with Marion girls basketball coach Erik Griffin, it’s streaming now at linktr.ee/coachesatcrownbrewpod.

John A. Logan College held a groundbreaking ceremony on a new $14.1 million expansion for the Career Technical Education...
08/19/2025

John A. Logan College held a groundbreaking ceremony on a new $14.1 million expansion for the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program. The new building is being constructed on campus between the Vocational Education Building and Building H. The cost also includes new improvements to both of those existing facilities.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup.com

After nearly two decades of coaching, Johnston City native Marshall Mummert is stepping into the role of head football c...
08/17/2025

After nearly two decades of coaching, Johnston City native Marshall Mummert is stepping into the role of head football coach for his hometown team.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup.com

UPDATE — An all clear has been given after a threat was made to the Marion Walmart location this evening. Multiple agenc...
08/16/2025

UPDATE — An all clear has been given after a threat was made to the Marion Walmart location this evening. Multiple agencies, including the Illinois State Police and Marion Police Department could be seen guarding a perimeter around the store.

Multiple agencies were requested to the scene prior to 7:00 PM for the report of a threat. It remains unconfirmed what type of threat was made. A store employee told WFCN News a bomb threat was made.

Police have swept the interior of the store and an all clear has been given for customers and employees to return. We are awaiting further updates from law enforcement.

UPDATE: Police are investigating after a 20-year-old man was treated for a gunshot wound to the upper arm Friday morning...
08/15/2025

UPDATE: Police are investigating after a 20-year-old man was treated for a gunshot wound to the upper arm Friday morning.

According to the Marion Police Department, officers were notified around 10:49 a.m. that the victim was receiving care at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center. Officers went to the hospital to speak with him and gather details about the incident.

Initial information pointed to a possible scene on Castellano Drive. As a precaution, Marion High School, Marion Junior High School, Longfellow School, and Marion High School were placed on a soft lockdown. Police later determined that location was not connected to the shooting.

Investigators now believe the incident happened in the 400 block of Cline Street, where the victim also lives. Officers searched and secured the area but did not find any evidence related to the shooting.

The victim was treated and released from the hospital about two hours later. No further details have been released at this time.

PICK UP A COPY TODAY! Check out this week’s top stories in your hometown’s weekly news from Swinford Publications! 📰✨The...
08/15/2025

PICK UP A COPY TODAY! Check out this week’s top stories in your hometown’s weekly news from Swinford Publications! 📰✨

The Marion Star: Swinford Media Group office (box), Post Office, Small's Meat Market, KB’s BBQ, Hucks (E. DeYoung St.), City Hall (box), Carnegie Library, Hucks (Court St.), Walt's Pizza & Restaurant, CVS, McDonald’s (Court St.), Hardee’s (box), Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, Kroger, Walmart, Hucks (W. DeYoung St.), McDonald’s (W. DeYoung St.), Hucks (Halfway Rd.), Motomart

The Herrin Independent: Swinford Media Group office (inside), Energy Village Hall, Polar Whip, Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens, Chuck’s BBQ, Farm Fresh, Burger Nook, Louie’s P&R, Library, First Southern Bank, Bank of Herrin, American Legion, City Hall, VFW, Williamson Co. Programs on Aging

The Courier: Farm Fresh, Steve and Rich's Barber Styling, City Hall, Post Office (box), Country Cupboard (box), First Southern Bank, McDonald’s

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1205 Tower Square Plaza
Marion, IL
62959

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Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

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