🌱 Patch AM: Which Marion native just earned major academic and soccer honors?

Greetings Marion! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Which Marion native just earned major academic and soccer honors?
• How Marion’s library inspired a new bird-saving move in Linn County

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Strong winds developing, with a high of 42 and low of 7 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Friday: Colder with sun and clouds, temps: high: 27, low: 24.
• Saturday: Not as cold, with a high of 38 and low of 17 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Bush, Greer Named to United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region Team (hawkeyesports.com) — A Marion native, Hawkeye soccer standout Sofia Bush has been named to the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-North/Central Region first team, recognizing both her grades and play. She and teammate Millie Greer earned multiple Big Ten and academic honors, with national Scholar All-American selections still to come.
   

• Linn County Conservation turns to bird-safe film to reduce fatal window collisions at Wickiup Hill (thegazette.com) — Linn County Conservation is adding bird-safe window film at the Wickiup Hill Learning Center to cut down on deadly bird collisions, following the lead of places like the Marion Public Library. The translucent patterned film makes glass more visible to birds while keeping views clear for visitors, and installation will proceed in Toddville as weather allows.
   

📸 Around Marion

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Marion

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Friday December 19

• Varsity Boys Wrestling - Fort Madison Wrestling Invitational
  Fort Madison Junior and Senior High School Competition Gym
  4:30 pm

📣 Marion Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 18

• Expressive Arts for Teens
  Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
  4:00 pm
• Varsity Boys Swimming - Cedar Rapids Washington vs Iowa City High
  Mercer Park
  6:00 pm
• Junior Varsity Boys Swimming - Cedar Rapids Washington vs Iowa City High
  Mercer Park
  6:00 pm
• Varsity Boys Wrestling - Wamac Triangular
  Independence High School , Independence
  6:00 pm
• Hiawatha Public Library Comic Book Club
  Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
  7:00 pm
• Junior Varsity Boys Basketball - Marion vs Center Point-Urbana
  Center Point-Urbana High School
  7:30 pm
• Alburnett Boys Varsity Basketball @ Lisbon
  Lisbon High School , 235 School St , Lisbon
  8:00 pm

Friday December 19

• Friday Film Classics
  Ely Public Library , 1595 Dows St , Ely
  2:00 pm
• Varsity Boys Wrestling - Fort Madison Wrestling Invitational
  Fort Madison Junior and Senior High School Competition Gym
  4:30 pm
• Solon Boys Varsity Basketball @ Center Point-Urbana
  Center Point-Urbana High School , 145 Iowa St , Center Point
  7:30 pm

Sunday December 21

• SANTA BRUNCH
  Cedar Ridge Distillery , 1441 Marak Rd NW , Swisher
  9:00 am

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

• If you love snow, we could use your help!
  We are looking for volunteers who can help clear sidewalks for neighbors who aren't physically able. Sign up to be a Snow Hero today at: CityofCR… (Nextdoor )
• In Marion, off Newcastle, north of Robbins Road.
  Does anyone know this kitty? Has been coming around on and off for a while. Is this someone’s indoor/outdoor baby? Meowed at me tonight through the… (Nextdoor Newcastle)

• Presbyterian Homes & Services posted a job opening for Housekeeping/Laundry Services Assistant - Full Time in Marion. Apply here.
• McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Marion. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Marion here.

🗞 Nearby News

Hiawatha

• Terry L. Bernhardt, 81, Cedar Rapids (pencitycurrent.com)
• CR Prep to expand grades with new location (kcrg.com)

Cedar Rapids

• Colorado cold case leads investigators to seek DNA from Cedar Rapids residents (kcrg.com)
• Photos: Kirkwood Men's and Women's basketball doubleheader vs. Southwestern - (12/17/25) (thegazette.com)
• Jefferson High School hosts holiday dinner, showcases future changes (kcrg.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. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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