Marion News

Police are hoping for a fabulous find of their own. They need the public's help locating the person who entered Fabulous Finds thrift store on Rutherford Road a couple of weeks ago and swiped a cashbox and an undisclosed amount of currency inside it.

The N.C. Highway Patrol investigated a traffic accident near Marion in McDowell County this morning.

The first of a series of forums about Marion's economy and its future will be held Friday.

Loyal customers gathered Saturday at Legendary Ford-Mercury to thank the dealership's staff for their years of dedicated service and also express their outrage with how the business was suddenly shut down by Ford Motor Co.

cit o mar said in the Marion Forum:

Tobacco smoke stinks like crap to those who don't smoke. You may not mind the smell of your own farts, but you wouldn't want to be in a room eating where everybody else is farting. I used to smoke a lot, so I know that you who smoke can't understand this, but the rest of us do.

Lower Numbers said in the Marion Forum:

Warning: Long post, not meant to be self-congratulatory, but encouraging! I was recently in your same situation. I asked my dr to give me another test in six weeks to determine if I could make a significant impact on my numbers without meds. I had tried lipitor once before and had similar side effects to color me blue.

Officials from the local, state and even federal level are trying to convince Ford Motor Co.

The city of Marion wants to make sure everyone gets counted. The city is working with the U.S. Census Bureau to promote the 2010 census.

Anna said in the Marion Forum:

Y Steve Little is all about 'self interest', not community. I would not have voted for the man. Some day I do hope to see good things happen for this town, this county, but until we find a way to make effectual changes it will not happen. Sadly, I have no idea, no answers, as to what/how to bring about this much needed change until people like Steve Little, Chuck Abernathy, etc. are removed from positions of authority. It's very hard to change a community when people become disillusioned and apathetic to the powers that be and burdened by the years of continual frustration and disappointment. It is also very difficult to change when the majority of the populous is low income, low education, and just trying to get by day to day with their lives. It becomes more important to find a way to put food on the table than to do something about who your city officials are.

On Tuesday, voters in Marion selected Steve Little to be the next mayor of Marion.

Marion Police Chief Mika Elliott announced Tuesday his retirement, effective Feb.

Steve Little will be the next mayor of Marion. And Juanita Doggett, Everette Clark and Lloyd Cuthbertson will take their seats on the Marion City Council.

Local businessman and philanthropist Ford Miller tried again Monday to keep Legendary Ford-Mercury in operation.

When news broke last week that Legendary Ford-Mercury would close its doors, dealer principal Tommy Calhoun told The McDowell News there was no possibility the dealership could reopen.

Question All Authority said in the Marion Forum:

I think many of the comments I have heard in public about the election for mayor can be traced to the filings of Mr. Clark and Mr. Little. I have heard many many people say, "Do you honestly think Steve just decided to run for mayor without talking to Everette and Everette just decided to step down as mayor and run for council without talking to Steve"? Few if any truly believe each reached their decision to run for a different office independently of the other and then had an "oh my goodness" moment when they told one another of their plans. The public is fickle. Remember Churchill was voted out of office in July 1945 after doing an admirable job, a very difficult job and giving 100% of his effort (I have never met a human being who could give more than 100%) but he was voted out by the people. So too will the voters decide on Steve who is probably just as you describe him, but that may be irrelevant. The question is do they want more of the same. It's a what can you do for me next week type of attitude rather than an I know what have you done for me last week thing. The election will boil down to if you like the direction of the city for the past 20 plus years, the incumbents will be kept. If the voters are ready for a change and breath of fresh air, then they will give someone else a chance.

Within the next year or so, Marion should have better looking and more informative signs and new trees that will provide plenty of shade and improve the downtown's appearance.

Cliff McLarty said in the Marion Forum:

I normally don't post on this site but I wanted to get the word out to everyone that I will be having a Town Hall meeting on October 27th from 7-9 pm at the community building. Please come for the meet and greet. We will have a question and answer period so you will see where I stand on the issues. (No political spin.) I hope you will come and bring other city voters so they will get to know the candidate. Thanks to all my supporters!!

Presnell's General Merchandise in Pleasant Gardens will remain closed for business after a car crashed through one wall of the store Tuesday morning.

North Carolina's teen pregnancy rate fell to a 30-year low in 2008, according to new data released on Thursday.

Taxable retail sales in Marion increased during fiscal year 2008-2009 by 10.21 percent over the 2007-2008 fiscal year.