The Marion Star - Swinford Media Group

12/05/2025

Marion High School senior Ehren Neikes was on one of the nation’s biggest stages, marching through the streets of New York City as part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup | Published in November 27–December 3 of The Marion Star

12/04/2025

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

12/04/2025

Celebrate the season with the JOY Singers Gospel Choir as they present The Star Still Shines, a Southern Gospel Christmas musical filled with hope, worship, and the message of the manger.
✨ Sunday, December 14, 2025 – 6 PM
📍 First Baptist Marion, IL
Join us for an evening of powerful music and Christmas joy. All are welcome!

12/04/2025

Setup is underway just outside our office for this weekend’s Very Merry Market in Marion! The market will run on Friday from 4–8 PM, Saturday from 12–8 PM, and Sunday from 12–6 PM.

Thousands are expected for the event, bringing vendors from across the region with handmade, unique, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The event also features hot cocoa and a family-friendly atmosphere!

(*Anyone needing access to our office during business hours or to pick up a newspaper will not be able to park on Tower Square through Sunday. Additional parking is available in the lot behind Tower Square Pizza and in front of Pookie’s.)

12/04/2025

The Williamson County Courthouse was filled with emotion, celebration and relief as 34 children in foster care officially joined their forever families. The event marked the county’s seventh year participating in “National Adoption Day,” a nationwide observance that highlights the importance of permanency for youth in foster care.

Read more on swinfordmediagroup | Published in November 27–December 3 of The Marion Star

12/04/2025

12/04/2025

🏀 Basketball is BACK! 🏀
The Wildcats hit the court for three home matchups this weekend:
• Friday, Dec. 5 – Marion Boys vs. Cahokia (Freshmen at 4:45 PM, JV & Varsity to follow) • Saturday, Dec. 6 – 11:00 AM – Marion Girls vs. Triad (Varsity Only) • Saturday, Dec. 6 – 7:00 PM – Marion Boys vs. Freeburg (Varsity Only)

Swinford Media Group’s Wildcat Gameday crew will be there to livestream all three games on Facebook and YouTube. Marion High School Athletics

12/03/2025

Fire crews and Ameren are currently working the scene of a gas line that has been struck on Blue Heron Drive between Culver’s and IHOP. The road is temporarily closed while crews work to repair the leak.

12/03/2025

Dive into the holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. for one of Marion’s most unique traditions — The HUB Recreation Center Scuba with Santa, in partnership with Mermet Springs!

Take the most unforgettable family photo ever — a picture with Santa… underwater!

Arrive early at 1 p.m. for storytime and crafts with Mrs. Claus in The HUB Café. This event is free, but RSVPs are required through Mermet Springs’ website or by calling 618-527-3483.

12/03/2025

Marion senior wide receiver and kicker Sam Adkins made it official this morning, signing with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) at Cuss Wilson Gymnasium.
A three-year varsity starter, Adkins set the school record with 3,238 kickoff yards and added 742 receiving yards this season, finishing fourth all-time in career receiving yards at Marion. He and teammate Junious Thomas share third all-time in career touchdowns with 19.
Adkins, who also contributed at safety and defensive back, will continue his academic and athletic career just 57 miles from home as the Redhawks compete in the NCAA Division I FCS and the Ohio Valley Conference.
He becomes the latest Wildcat to move on to Division I football, joining Hunter Simmons (Wisconsin) and Venson Newsom (SIU).
Adkins is the son of Alana and Mark Adkins and will also suit up for Marion basketball this winter.

12/02/2025

Step inside ThrillHouse’s massive 3,000-square-foot Laser Tag Arena — an immersive “Aliens vs. Terrans” battleground coming soon to Marion’s Oasis Mall. Designed by Creative Works, the arena features multi-level architecture, cinematic set pieces, fog, lighting, and DMX-powered special effects that make every base, target, and prop feel alive. Powered by Delta Strike’s cutting-edge equipment, players are dropped into a fast-paced, story-driven experience that feels straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. Get an exclusive look at the gameplay and environment in this video produced by Swinford Media Group.

Step inside ThrillHouse’s massive 3,000-square-foot Laser Tag Arena — an immersive “Aliens vs. Terrans” battleground coming soon to Marion’s Oasis Mall. Desi...

12/02/2025

Experience the story of Christmas like never before as the Music Ministries of Marion First Baptist Church present God With Us, a multigenerational musical celebrating the birth of Christ.
✨ Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 10 AM
📍 First Baptist Marion, IL
Bring the whole family for a morning of worship, music, and the true meaning of Christmas.