The Marion Star has served Marion County, and portions of Union, Delaware and Morrow counties, since Oct. 8, 1877. The nation's 29th president, Warren G. Harding, moved to Marion at age 17. In 1884, the 19-year-old Harding and two friends, whom he later bought out, raised $300 to acquire the Star. He served as editor-publisher and turned it into one of Ohio's most successful small-town papers. His influence continues, with the county's largest high school, a memorial and a meeting center all named in his honor. In recent years, The Star was owned by Thomson Newspapers until its sale to Gannett in August 2000.

Marion is located in north central Ohio, 45 miles north of the capital city of Columbus. Agriculture and diversified industries form the economic base of the area. Approximately 80 percent of Marion County's land is devoted to farming, with corn, soybeans, hogs and dairy cattle as principal products. There is an increasing mix of technologies in the non-agricultural sectors. GTE operates a three-state regional headquarters, Macola Technologies produces award-winning software, and Whirlpool's dryer manufacturing facility is the largest in the world. A new industrial park brought U.S. Yachiyo and Marion Industries, which make parts for Honda, and LTV Tubular, which makes tubular steel for autos.

Marion serves as host to regional celebrations, including the Marion County Fair, Tour of Ohio bicycle race, Popcorn Festival and Saturday in the Park.

Area population: 141,411
Median family household income: $42,722
Median age: 38.1
Largest employers: Whirlpool; Wyandot; Marion Steel; Marion General Hospital; Dana Corp.; Drypers Corp.; Parker Hannifin; Macola Technologies; Golden Valley Foods; regional prisons.
Key colleges: The Ohio State University at Marion; Marion Technical College; Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware)