A new Kids Count Data Book report found that while Ohio ranks 12th nationally in education, 68% of the state’s fourth graders are not proficient in reading and 68% of eighth graders are not proficient in math.

Marion City Council will hold a committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 20 in Council Chambers at Marion City Hall.

Community members are invited to enjoy a baked potato bar, silent auction and 50/50 raffle while raising money for Alzheimer’s awareness and support services during the Spud-Tacular Memories fundraiser on July 24 in Marion.

POET Bioprocessing–Marion awarded $10,000 in Community Impact Grants to four local organizations, supporting projects that improve accessibility, recreation, shelter services and community facilities throughout the Marion area.

The public is invited to the annual Presidential Wreath laying Ceremony at the Harding Memorial on July 18 at 10:30 a.m., where a brigadier general representing the sitting president will help honor President and Mrs. Harding and the service of the nation’s past leaders.

The Marion community will gather Sept. 26 at Ohio State Marion for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, bringing together families, caregivers, community leaders and supporters to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research and care.

Marion firefighters say staffing shortages are limiting Station 2’s ability to respond to emergency calls, prompting renewed concerns about response times and calls for increased staffing levels.

Marion County will enjoy a comfortable start to the week before warmer, more humid conditions develop and the chance for showers and thunderstorms increases late in the week, according to the National Weather Service.