🌱 Will Marion’s $112 million mall makeover really pay off for residents?
Hi there, Marion! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Will Marion’s $112 million mall makeover really pay off for residents?
- Which local teams shined at Marion’s Wildcat Duals wrestling meet?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Marion? Post it to Marion photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
- Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 45 and low of 33 degrees.
- Wednesday: Clouds and sun, temps: high: 53, low: 42.
- Thursday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 55 and low of 22 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Once dying Southern IL mall getting mighty makeover, but project hits speed bump (25newsnow.com) — Marion’s ambitious STAR Bonds redevelopment of the aging Illinois Centre Mall into the “Marion Oasis” entertainment and retail district is moving ahead even as one original developer faces foreclosures and multiple lawsuits. City officials and remaining partners insist the $112 million, sales-tax-backed project will still deliver hotels, sports facilities, and new attractions aimed at boosting jobs and tourism. Residents ultimately depend on its long-term success to strengthen Marion’s economy.

• Caldwell Wrestlers Finish 3-2 at Wildcat Duals (yoursportsedge.com) — A multi-team high school wrestling meet in Marion saw Caldwell go 3-2 at the Wildcat Duals, defeating Johnston City, Goreville and Fort Campbell before falling to Freeburg and Salem. Several Caldwell wrestlers earned pins throughout the day, and 23 teams competed overall. The squad now turns its attention to the upcoming Armstrong Duals in Princeton.

📸 Around Marion
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🗓 Events Nearby
Tuesday December 16
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An Austen Afternoon
206 S Market St , Marion
2:00 pm
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Board Meeting
Herrin CUSD 4 , 500 N 10th St , Herrin
5:30 pm
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CIS 5th and 6th grade Band Concert
Carterville High School , 1415 W Grand Ave , Carterville
7:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
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Bowling-V Girls @ Herrin High School (Game)
Herrin High School
Away -
4:00 pm
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Bowling-V Boys @ Herrin High School (Game)
Herrin High School
Away -
4:00 pm
Thursday December 18
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Basketball-JH Girls @ Eldorado HS-MS (Game)
Eldorado HS-MS
Away - ELDORADO HS-MS
5:30 pm
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Basketball-V Girls @ Massac County High School (Game)
Massac County High School
Away - MASSAC COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
6:00 pm
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CHS Band and Choir Concert
Carterville High School , 1415 W Grand Ave , Carterville
7:00 pm
Friday December 19
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Wrestling-V Boys @ Unity High School (Game)
Unity High School
Away -
4:30 pm
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Basketball-V Boys @ Goreville High School (Game)
Goreville High School
Away - GOREVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
6:00 pm
Saturday December 20
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Live at Little Nashville: Family Soul
The Little Nashville Cafe , 1200 Tower Square Plaza , Marion
6:00 pm
Friday December 26
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Project Management Techniques Training Course in Herrin, IL
Herrin U-store self storage , 3205 S Park Ave , Herrin
9:00 am
Have we missed something on our calendar?
Add an event yourself!
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Anyone needing a puppy for the holidays I have black lab/golden retriever puppies to give away for no price.
The mom is full blooded black lab and the dad is a full blooded golden retriever.There are 4 left 2 fluffy blonde one slick hair blonde and one… (Nextdoor Wildcat Rd)
- A Dog was Lost on 2025-12-01, more info at https://petfbi.org/api/view/759080/2f962873
Lost or found a pet? Report it to Pet FBI at https://petfbi.org (Nextdoor Lake of Egypt)
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Taco Bell posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Marion. Apply here.
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Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Marion. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Marion here.
🗞 Nearby News
Carbondale
- Carbondale police share tips to prevent car break-ins (wsiltv.com)
- A passion for fashion — and function (news-gazette.com)
- This Week in Saluki Athletics: December 15-21 - Southern Illinois University Athletics (siusalukis.com)
Ok Marion! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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