Community Corner
🌱 Will Marion’s $112 million mall makeover really pay off for residents?
And check out An Austen Afternoon on the Marion Patch calendar

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! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Find out what's happening in Marionfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Marionfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- 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.
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• 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.
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📸 Around Marion
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
📣 Marion Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- An Austen Afternoon
206 S Market St , Marion
2:00 pm - Board Meeting
Herrin CUSD 4 , 500 N 10th St , Herrin
5:30 pm - CIS 5th and 6th grade Band Concert
Carterville High School , 1415 W Grand Ave , Carterville
7:00 pm - Bowling-V Girls @ Herrin High School (Game)
Herrin High School Away -
4:00 pm - Bowling-V Boys @ Herrin High School (Game)
Herrin High School Away -
4:00 pm - Basketball-JH Girls @ Eldorado HS-MS (Game)
Eldorado HS-MS Away - ELDORADO HS-MS
5:30 pm - Basketball-V Girls @ Massac County High School (Game)
Massac County High School Away - MASSAC COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
6:00 pm - CHS Band and Choir Concert
Carterville High School , 1415 W Grand Ave , Carterville
7:00 pm - Wrestling-V Boys @ Unity High School (Game)
Unity High School Away -
4:30 pm - Basketball-V Boys @ Goreville High School (Game)
Goreville High School Away - GOREVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
6:00 pm - Live at Little Nashville: Family Soul
The Little Nashville Cafe , 1200 Tower Square Plaza , Marion
6:00 pm - Project Management Techniques Training Course in Herrin, IL
Herrin U-store self storage , 3205 S Park Ave , Herrin
9:00 am
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Friday December 26
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 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)
- Taco Bell posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Marion. Apply here.
- 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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