News
December grad overcomes obstacles to earn dental school admission
KOKOMO, Ind. — As Gracie McClain’s parents drove her to an emergency room, she couldn’t help but think her lifelong dream of becoming a dentist was gone. “It was really scary,” she said. “I temporarily lost my ability to speak properly. Everything that came out of my mouth was gibberish, and I couldn’t see very well. It was a very unusual experience.” McClain, who was 17 at the time, learned within a few days she’d had a stroke. Luckily, it didn’t have long-term effects — and did not keep her from
NMAT Students Create Logo for Local Not-for-profit Science Fair
KOKOMO, Ind. — When the 63rd annual Howard County Science Fair takes place in February 2027, it will include a new logo created by an Indiana University Kokomo student. Erika Creighton’s design was chosen from eight submitted by students in the Identity, Design, and Branding class taught by Michael Koerner, associate professor of new media, who said the project mimicked the competitive process students might experience as graphic design artists, and allowed them to practice what they’ve learned during
Women In Faith Mission Fundraiser
New or gently used shoes (men's, women's, and children's) are being collected through June 15. This fundraiser provides funds for local missions, and more importantly, the shoes collected are used globally in under-resourced countries for people to start micro-businesses. Shoes can be dropped off at First United Methodist Church in downtown Marion (7th & Adams Streets). Look for designated locations in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall. At the end of the campaign, we will BLESS them before sending them to
Larson to Take Lead for Marion High School Athletics
Marion High School’s next athletic director is a familiar face, as he has been a part of the MHS staff for many years. Nate Larson will take the reins for MHS athletics, building on his experience as a teacher and a coach. The Marion Community Schools Board of School Trustees approved his hiring as Marion High School athletic director at their regular meeting on April 28. He will start in this new position July 1. “I am truly honored to serve as the new Athletic Director at Marion High
Marion High School Alumni Association Honors Scholarship Recipients
Marion High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce 45 scholarship awards totaling more than $37,000 for 20 outstanding Marion High School graduating seniors! MHSAA is proud to note that this is another record-setting amount, and it includes two new scholarships awarded for the first time this year. MHSAA is grateful for our collaborative relationship with Marion Community Schools and the community, which enables us to help provide excellent opportunities for Marion students! The following
GRAE Open House & Ribbon Cutting
On behalf of Grant Regional Adult Education, I am pleased to invite you to a special Open House and Ribbon Cutting event on Wednesday, May 14th, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This event marks an exciting milestone for our program as we continue expanding opportunities for adult learners in our community. Our mission is to empower individuals through education, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning, and this celebration is an opportunity to showcase the impact of that work. We would be honored to have
Steps of Honor Veterans Walk
STEPS OF HONOR VETERANS WALK Join us for Steps of Honor, a community walk honoring the men and women who served our country Saturday, November 7 Mississinewa High School Track HONOR SPONSOR $1,000Limited availabilityLarge logo on event shirtsEvent signageSocial media recognition5 registrations PATRIOT SPONSOR $500Business name on event shirtsEvent signageSocial media recognition3 registrations VENDOR BOOTH $50Table spaceConnect with the communityLimited availability All proceeds benefit local
Coworking Space Available!
We are excited to announce we will be hosting a coworking space at The aMPersand on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9am-1pm. Not only will there be reliable Wi-Fi, but there will be accountability to be productive with others. While there will be accountability, there will also be community! Studies show that we are more productive when our brains take breaks every so often and connect with others. What a perfect space to do this!We will also offer 10% off your entire purchase if you select one of
Summer Learning: GRCC offers Advanced Manufacturing Camp
Summer learning: GRCC offers Advanced Manufacturing Camp Grant Regional Career Center has a new opportunity for area students this summer: an Advanced Manufacturing Camp in partnership with Wiley Metal. Students ages 12 to 16 from around the region are invited to participate in this special opportunity. This free camp will offer students the chance to explore modern manufacturing in a real-world setting, with hands-on learning in a safe environment. Using CAD software, students will actually
All-City Art Show to Feature Marion Students' Visual and Performing Arts on May 15-16
The All-City Art Show features work from Marion students at all grade levels. The show will be open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Visitors will enter through the Walton Performing Arts Center, where some of the artwork will be displayed, and continue on into the art hallway to view more displays. The All-City Art Show features will include:Interactive art experiencesPerformances by Marion Community Schools music ensembles (times to be
Radiant Health to Host Free ''Mental Health Matters'' Event for Youth and Families
[Marion, IN – 4/16/26] Radiant Health will host Mental Health Matters, presented by TJR Group, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gardens of Matter Park. This is a free community event focused on supporting youth mental wellness and overall well-being. Designed for youth of all ages and their families, the event will feature engaging, hands-on activities that help young people build emotional self-regulation, learn healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their overall well-being.
McCulloch Junior High Invites Community Professionals to Participate in Career Day
Marion, IN — McCulloch Junior High School is inviting community members to participate in its upcoming Career Day on May 15, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.The event will include four 20-minute sessions scheduled throughout the morning, giving students the opportunity to learn about a variety of career paths and gain insight into the education, skills, and experiences needed to achieve their goals."Our students are eager to learn about a variety of career paths and gain insight into the education, skills,
Cory Simon Named Greater Fort Wane Business Weekly's 40 Under 40
Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling proudly recognizes Cory Simon for being named to Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, honoring emerging leaders making an impact across Northeast Indiana. Cory, who serves as the Hiring Consultant at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling, was recognized last week for his leadership, professional achievements, and commitment to the community.
Formal Tea at the Mansion
Celebrate the ladies, both young and young at heart in your life with a formal tea service at the Historic Mansion for Mother's Day month. Pre-Paid Reservations required. Buy Tickets at: Formal Tea | Hostess House
The Beauty of U.S. Opening Reception at Kennedy Art Center: Saturday, May 9th 1-3pm
In recognition of the 250th birthday of the United States, the Kennedy Art Center & Marion Arts Commission are honored to mark this celebratory moment by featuring works created by the Grant County Art Association. The Beauty of U.S. invites our community, county, and country to grow closer through the shared language of painting, photography, and sculpture. Our goal is to unite us through the beauty found in the United States. This collection reflects what the GCAA artists love about the United States of
HMW Standout Business Episode: Wendy Puffer of Marion Design Co.
How Marion Works Ep. 7 — Marion Design Co.‘s Co-founder/CEO Wendy Puffer discusses the root of her business and her team’s thoughtful approach to assist individuals, businesses, and organizations large and small in reaching their goals. Listen at https://cityofmarion.in.gov/news-events/hmw-standout-business-episode-wendy-puffer-of-marion-design-co
Graduation Artists' Work Showcased in Senior Thesis Exhibition
Graduating artists’ work showcased in Senior Thesis Exhibition KOKOMO, Ind. — Celebrate the accomplishments of Indiana University Kokomo’s New Media, Art, and Technology (NMAT) program graduates at the annual Senior Thesis Exhibition.The exhibition opens Friday, April 17, and continues through Thursday, May 14 in the Gallery, in the IU Kokomo Library Building, 2300 S. Washington St. Admission is free, and free parking is available on campus.The show represents the culmination of each artist’s studies and
City of Marion Provides Funding to CASA of Grant County
Marion High School to Present Beloved Stage Classic Annie
MHS to present beloved stage classic Annie Marion High School is bringing the well-loved, family-friendly musical Annie to the main stage at the Walton Performing Arts Center this week! The cast features students from Marion High School as well as McCulloch Junior High. Come out and enjoy this heartwarming tale of the orphan who rises above a cruel and bitter start to bring light and love to the world around her, featuring some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including the
Nominate an Outstanding Senior for LifeStream's Golden Hoosier Award during National Volunteer Month
Nominations are now being accepted for the LifeStream Golden Hoosier Award. LifeStream is seeking those special older adults who demonstrate excellence, passion, and commitment to volunteering and helping others in their community. A committee will choose the top nominees and choose the winner of the LifeStream Golden Hoosier Award. This individual will then be nominated for the state of Indiana's prestigious Golden Hoosier Award. Nominations are due by April 20, 2026. Guidelines 1. Nominee
Mental Health Matters Scheduled for May 14th
Golden Senior Olympics
America at 250: Reflections on Community Exhibit at Minnetrista
What does it mean to be an American? Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites visitors to explore this question in America at 250: Reflections on Community, on view April 4 through October 25, 2026, in the Center Building’s Gallery 2. As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, this interactive exhibition centers on the people and perspectives that shape American identity today. Through dialogue, storytelling, and shared reflection, visitors are invited to consider their own experiences—and how individual
Lisa Edwards on How Marion Works: The Podcast
Catch the Latest How Marion Works Podcast ft. Lisa Edwards of MFD
Profitable Doesn't Mean Protected: Recession-Proofing Your Grant County Business
Recession-proofing your small business means building cash reserves, tightening collections, retaining key employees, and keeping customers close — all before economic pressure forces those decisions. Profitability alone doesn't guarantee survival: a 2025 peer-reviewed umbrella review in the Review of Managerial Science found that small businesses face steeper recession risk than large firms due to restricted capital access, limited managerial capacity, and dependence on a narrow customer base. For
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Wildcat Summer Academy: Creative Arts Camps (June 21-26)
Develop Skills & Explore Interests at WSA at Indiana Wesleyan University! The Wildcat Summer Academy delivers a college-like experience to high school students on campus from June 21–26. Students will:Experience dynamic learning and enriching social interactions in a supportive environmentDevelop new skills and engage with vibrant IWU faculty in exciting and thought-provoking waysExplore their interests and passions alongside like-minded students from around the countryIf you have students entering 9th
Grant Regional Adult Education Graduation
Knowing When to Part Ways: A Practical Guide for Handling Employee or Contractor Terminations
Business leaders, HR managers, and founders eventually face one of the most difficult management decisions: letting someone go. Whether the person is an employee or a contractor, the decision affects morale, productivity, and the organization’s culture. Handling the situation thoughtfully protects the company while maintaining fairness and professionalism.Key Takeaways Performance patterns matter more than isolated mistakes. Clear expectations and documentation reduce legal and operational
How Huntington Business Owners Can Make Every Presentation Pay Off
Public speaking is one of the most underleveraged growth tools available to small business owners. A single well-delivered talk can generate leads, open doors with investors, and establish your credibility faster than any ad campaign. For owners connected to the Greater Grant County Chamber, that opportunity is closer than most realize — and the business owners who step up to speak are consistently ahead of those who don't.The Real Cost of Staying Quiet If you've decided public speaking "just isn't for
Why Financial Literacy Is a Core Skill for Small Business Owners
Small business owners operate at the center of every major decision their company makes. Financial knowledge—understanding cash flow, costs, pricing, and profitability—helps owners make decisions that keep the business stable and growing. Without a clear grasp of the numbers behind operations, even a strong product or service can struggle to sustain itself. When entrepreneurs understand how money moves through their company, they gain the ability to plan ahead, manage risk, and respond to unexpected
Labor Market Review: Region 3 December 2025
Your Monthly Snapshot of the Region Labor Market ReviewThe Labor Market Review contains a monthly snapshot of various labor market information in Economic Growth Region 3. This report consists of data for December 2025. Some of the data in this report includes:Labor force: employment and unemployment Consumer Price IndexUnemployment insurance claimsWARN NoticesIndiana Career Connect: applicants and job postingsIndustry employmentBureau of Labor Statistics commentaryView The ReportContact
Quarterly Reports from the IN Dept of Workforce Development
Quarterly Reports are Available Three different quarterly reports includes information on online job ads, industry sector employment and wages, and UI claimants in Economic Growth Region 6. Real-Time Job Demand Online job postings summary of real-time data including skills, certifications, and education/experience from many different online job boards.View the Report Industry Sector Snapshot A quarterly count of employment and wages by industry from the Indiana Department of
Hoosiers By the Lumbers Labor Market Review
Your Monthly Snapshot of the Region Labor Market ReviewThe Labor Market Review contains a monthly snapshot of various labor market information in Economic Growth Region 3. This report consists of data for November 2025. Some of the data in this report includes:Labor force: employment and unemployment Consumer Price IndexUnemployment insurance claimsWARN NoticesIndiana Career Connect: applicants and job postingsIndustry employmentBureau of Labor Statistics commentaryView The ReportContact
Take Charge of Your Own Small Business Marketing in Greater Grant County
Small business owners in Greater Grant County often juggle operations, customer service, and community involvement—but marketing is the lever that multiplies all of those efforts. Owning your marketing doesn’t require big budgets; it requires clarity, consistency, and a willingness to test what works in your community. Learn below about: How small businesses can build simple, durable marketing habits Why understanding your audience shapes every message you put out Where local owners tend to get
Thriving Through the Surge: Smart Ways to Handle Sudden Business Growth
When a small business experiences a sudden surge in demand, the initial excitement can quickly be tempered by the reality of stretched systems, overwhelmed staff, and precarious finances. Managing rapid growth isn’t just about keeping up — it’s about making intentional choices that preserve quality, protect cash flow, and prepare the company for sustainable scaling. Unplanned expansion can strain operations, hurt customer satisfaction, and create lasting financial instability if not managed carefully.
How Smart Accounting Keeps Small Businesses Confident and Compliant
When you’re running a small business, financial health is just as critical as customer growth. Owners often think of accounting only in terms of compliance — filing taxes or meeting state requirements — but in reality, disciplined accounting practices provide the visibility you need to make confident growth decisions. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, taking out a line of credit, or preparing for expansion, clarity in your books removes the guesswork. Track Cash Flow Like a Daily Pulse Cash
How Smart Companies Build Bridges Across Departments
The challenge isn’t that departments don’t want to collaborate. It’s that they often don’t know how to do it meaningfully. Despite the best intentions, silos form easily and solidify over time, leaving once-fluid organizations rigid and reactive. The businesses that figure out how to breach those invisible walls—those are the ones that grow faster, solve problems quicker, and weather disruption with less drama. Interdepartmental communication isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s the backbone of companies
Gilead Tenderloin Fry
Join us for the Gilead Tenderloin Fry featuring Rock’s Concessions’ “Greatest” Giant Tenderloins. This community event is a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a meaningful cause. Event Details Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location 4853 S Western Ave Marion, IN 46953 Tickets can be purchased at the Gilead office or online at MyGilead.org. For questions, please call 765-664-3734 or email gileadmin@gmail.com. All proceeds support the work of Gilead