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.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently celebrated its 10th annual SIU Day of Giving. This year’s event brought...
10/19/2025

Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently celebrated its 10th annual SIU Day of Giving. This year’s event brought in $5,714,315 from 1,073 donors in just 24 hours.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup.com | Published in October 2–8 edition of The Marion Star

Trick-or-treat hours and Halloween events have been announced across Williamson County. Marion will hold trick-or-treati...
10/18/2025

Trick-or-treat hours and Halloween events have been announced across Williamson County. Marion will hold trick-or-treating from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Herrin’s hours are 5 to 8 p.m., Carterville’s are 6 to 8 p.m., and Johnston City and Creal Springs will both go from 5 to 8 p.m.

Events include Marion’s “Downtown Trail of Treats” on Saturday, Nov. 1, The Patch’s “Haunted Harvest Glow,” Carterville Lions Club’s Haunted Hayride, John A. Logan College’s “Not-So-Scary Trick or Treat,” Herrin’s “Pumpkins in the Park,” and Pittsburg’s “Trunk or Treat.”

See full details at swinfordmediagroup.com.

“Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee” returns from a short hiatus with Episode 57 and we’re coming back strong with one...
10/18/2025

“Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee” returns from a short hiatus with Episode 57 and we’re coming back strong with one of Southern Illinois’ most respected coaching figures, Mark North, the legendary Sparta High School cross country and track coach. Across more than three decades, North built Sparta into a model of excellence, leading his teams to 20 boys’ conference titles, 14 girls’ conference titles, 18 regionals, six sectionals, and a 2004 state championship, while also coaching standout Becky Garrett to an individual state title in 1990. A 2015 Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, North is known not only for his winning tradition but for his infectious humor, mentorship, and lifelong dedication to teaching and athletics. In this episode, host Kerry Martin and Coach North swap stories of success, lessons learned, and the friendships that last long after the finish line. Catch the full episode next Thursday at noon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. And if you missed Episode 56 featuring SIU Baseball Coach Lance Rhodes, it’s streaming now at linktr.ee/coachesatcrownbrewpod.

10/18/2025

In a game that had a little bit of everything, the Marion Wildcats rallied from a 27-0 lead that slipped away to pull off a thrilling 39-35 win at Carbondale. Senior quarterback Callahan Roper’s first career rushing touchdown with just over two minutes left proved to be the difference after a late onside kick recovery set up the go-ahead drive. The comeback was fueled by several Black Diamond Family of Businesses Thrilling Moments of the Game, including Roper’s clutch touchdown run, Blake Winters’ highlight-reel 31-yard catch that could go down as the “Catch of the Year,” and even a jaw-dropping hurdle over a Carbondale defender earlier in the night. Marion, now 5-3 and playoff eligible, returns home next week to host Mattoon on Senior Night. Watch the full game on The Marion Star page and the Swinford Media Group YouTube Channel.

The 38th annual Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days was another major success this past weekend at John A. Logan ...
10/18/2025

The 38th annual Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days was another major success this past weekend at John A. Logan College, drawing thousands of visitors for two days of outdoor fun.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup.com | Published in October 2–8 edition of The Marion Star

Approximately 40 attendees gathered at the SIU Stone Center for the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) op...
10/17/2025

Approximately 40 attendees gathered at the SIU Stone Center for the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) opening program of the year, featuring Dr. Susan Wegmann and the presentation of annual community awards.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup.com | Published in October 2–8 edition of The Marion Star

10/17/2025

“𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐩” 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟓𝟐 - 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

In this 52nd episode of “Squared Up,” Bill, Monica and Tom talk to their friend Darla Harms of the Salvation Army. Did you know that, in 2024, 1,580 children and 380 homebound seniors received Christmas gifts, over 20,000 food parcels were distributed, more than 700 senior citizens received food commodities, 1,800 diapers and hygiene packs were provided to families in need, 400 households benefited from utility assistance, 160 families avoided eviction through rental support, nearly 10,000 articles of clothing were distributed and assistance was provided to more than 100 families impacted by fire or tornado disasters – all because of the generosity of Southern Illinoisans through the Salvation Army? The organization’s annual Red Kettle Campaign will kick-off on Tower Square on Friday, Nov. 7. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. 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/OQfqSEXzvoo
🔗 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

Wildcat Gameday hits the road one last time this season tonight! 🏈 Marion travels to Carbondale for a big conference mat...
10/17/2025

Wildcat Gameday hits the road one last time this season tonight! 🏈 Marion travels to Carbondale for a big conference matchup under the lights — coverage starts at 6:15 PM! Catch every play live on The Marion Star page and the Swinford Media Group YouTube channel.

10/16/2025

🎙️ New Episode Drops Tomorrow!
In Episode 52 of Squared Up, Bill, Monica and Tom sit down with Darla Harms from the Salvation Army to talk about the incredible impact the organization has across Southern Illinois — from providing Christmas gifts to kids and seniors to offering food, clothing, and emergency aid to hundreds of local families.

The annual Red Kettle Campaign kicks off Nov. 7 on Tower Square! 🔔

Tune in tomorrow on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts — and stay “Squared Up” with what’s happening around Marion and Swinford Media Group!

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW HAMPTON INN BY HILTON HOTEL IN MARION——————A new Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel is officially on...
10/16/2025

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW HAMPTON INN BY HILTON HOTEL IN MARION
——————
A new Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel is officially on the way to Marion through a partnership between Oasis Enterprises and Smith Hafeli.

The project will be built in the Marion STAR Bonds District, right next to the 94-acre, $40 million Oasis Sports Complex and upcoming Mammoth Fieldhouse; a major multi-sport facility that’s expected to attract thousands of visitors each year.

Construction is already underway, and the hotel is expected to open in summer 2026. Once complete, it will feature 109 guest rooms, a complimentary hot breakfast, and other amenities built to Hampton’s well-known standards. The property will also offer easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions within the district.

“This hotel expands lodging options for our visitors, supports our sports and event infrastructure, and contributes to economic vitality in Marion,” said Rodney Cabaness of Oasis Enterprises.

Smith Hafeli, a construction management and contracting firm with experience across the Midwest, is leading the design and development. Aaron R. Smith, president of Smith Hafeli, said the project fits perfectly with the city’s growth.

“Offering a strong, recognizable lodging option like Hampton Inn fits well with Oasis’s vision and amplifies Marion’s growing appeal to both residents and travelers,” he said.

City and tourism officials say Marion’s hotel industry has already been operating at high occupancy rates, and this addition will help meet the increasing demand from visitors attending sports events.

The project is underway along with another active hotel construction site in the city of Marion. Construction is already underway on TownePlace Suites by Marriott; a new 77-room hotel on Halfway Road at the entrance to Sam's Club. Additional hotel projects in the area are expected to be announced soon.

PICK UP A COPY TODAY! Check out this week’s top stories in your hometown’s weekly news from Swinford Publications! 📰✨The...
10/16/2025

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

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