Farewell Marion
It's been nice knowing you, Marion. I have been here about six months, and am going to be moving on now, after the next edition of the Marion County Record. My last day here will be Oct. 16.
You have a great little city here, but then, you already know that. Very dynamic. No ghost town, this. What with all the lovely old historic buildings, Art in the Park, Old Settlers' Day, and Chingawassa Days, you are a fun-loving community that reveres tradition, while at the same time welcoming modernity.
It looks as if you will even have a movie theater again before long, for the first time in 40-some years. And a community center with it.
You have good schools, lots of recreation with the two lakes and other facilities, and capable, conscientious municipal and county governments, I believe.
You have a good hospital, something many towns this size lack.
You have enough businesses and manufacturing to offer jobs to at least some of the young people, cutting down the "brain drain" effect. Of course, like all towns, you could always use more businesses and industries.
You have a good grocery store, and several good restaurants — many more than most towns your size.
You have a vibrant downtown, unlike many towns.
I wish you well in the future. I will be here for a few weeks after leaving "the paper." I intend to go into some kind of business. I might even buy a small weekly newspaper of my own, in Kansas or in a neighboring state. I have not decided yet. It's just one of several options I'm considering.
See ya.
— JERRY BUXTON
