Plain City Public Library will soon break ground on an expansion that will house a workshop, also known as a maker space, where patrons will have access to specialized equipment to support and nurture their creativity. (Posted Jan. 5, 2023) By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor Plain City Public Library expects to break ground this month on a building expansion–years earlier than expected, thanks to the generosity of a local, retired businessman and to a favorable construction bid. “We’ve been working on plans for a new space for the community for some time,” said library Director Chris Long. Wit ..read more

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By Rick Palsgrove Groveport Editor Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove The future of Crooked Alley KidSpace building, located at 630 Wirt Road in Groveport, could be decided soon. The fate of Groveport’s Crooked Alley KidSpace could be decided in early 2024. The city of Groveport’s 2024 budget includes $500,000 listed under capital projects for “KidSpace Building improvements.” Last year’s city budget included funds for the proposed demolition of the 3,100 square foot KidSpace building, located at 630 Wirt Road, and replacing it with additional public parking at an estimated cost of $500,000. Bu ..read more

By Rick Palsgrove Managing Editor Image courtesy of the city of Obetz This is a rendering showing a bird’s eye view of the proposed improvements to Obetz’s Lancaster Park. Obetz’s Lancaster Park is getting an upgrade. Lancaster Park, located at 4390 Lancaster St. in Obetz, is a four-and-a-half-acre park that currently features a shelter house, playground equipment, two Bocce ball courts, and a 60×12 foot splash pad that in the winter converts to an ice rink. The city of Obetz has a multi-phase revitalization plan to add improvements and more features to the park. “The park’s upgrades are a res ..read more

Groveport Madison Schools has an initiative to enhance the overall educational experience for students. District officials invite the community to participate in the development of the Groveport Madison Schools Facility Master Plan. According to district officials, “Your input is not just valued; it is essential to shaping the future of our district and ensuring a vibrant learning environment for generations to come. At Groveport Madison Schools, we understand the crucial role that collaboration plays in fostering a thriving educational community.” The Facility Master Plan is a comprehensive i ..read more

By Rick Palsgrove Groveport Editor Over the night of Dec. 30 and early morning of Dec. 31 Groveport Police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle and person lurking around businesses in the Director’s Boulevard, Marketing Place, and Williams Road area. According to Groveport Police Chief Casey Adams, the suspect was dressed “all in black” as he hopped fences and rummaged through parked cars. Officers found the suspect’s vehicle, which was loaded with stolen packages from nearby apartments as well as scrap metal allegedly taken from area businesses. A suspect was found later and, pending ..read more

By Linda Dillman Staff Writer Retired Canal Winchester High School teacher Todd Phillips is not one to sit on his laurels or in a rocking chair after decades spent working with students in music and theatre. Phillips is turning his time and talents to establishing the Performing Arts Collective for Canal Winchester and bringing music, theatre, and arts opportunities to the community at large. He began talking to people in spring of last year as his retirement neared and he looked for new ways to contribute to the community. “The old joke is that ‘you never retire from Performing Arts,’ said Ph ..read more

By Linda Dillman Staff Writer A trio of Community Reinvestment Agreements bundled into one ordinance were given the green light by Canal Winchester City Council. “This would authorize the city to enter into three separate CRA agreements,” said Development Director Lucas Haire during council’s Jan. 2 meeting. The Northpoint Development project contains three buildings that previously appeared as a two building development at Rager and Bixby roads at a 15-year, 100 percent real estate abatement. In 2019, the city adopted a resolution approving the initial CRA agreements with Northpoint. In 2022 ..read more

(Posted Jan. 3, 2024) The city of London has formed a Christmas Decorating Committee with the task of making the city glitter with Christmas magic for the holiday season in 2024 and in years to come. The public can get involved by donating decorations and/or becoming a volunteer. Needed items include: • lights; • garland and tinsel; • large ornaments and baubles; • tree toppers and stands; • inflatables and yard decorations; • artificial trees. All donations must be in good working order. They can be dropped off at city hall, Suite 100, 20 S. Walnut St., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday throug ..read more

(Posted Jan. 3, 2024) In December, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced that nine land trusts, seven counties or townships, and 25 Soil and Water Conservation Districts will receive funding to help preserve farmland across the state. These organizations will receive allocations from the Clean Ohio Fund to select, close, and monitor easements under the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP). Ohio landowners interested in selling an agricultural easement on their farms can fill out an application with their LAEPP sponsor organization. A total of $6 million will be mad ..read more