ThisWeek CW 11/12/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/09/groveport-accepts-companys-donation-of-3-5-acres.html

The city of Groveport will gain approximately 3.5 acres after Groveport City Council agreed last month to accept the donation from Evans Capital Investments.

Council members unanimously approved emergency legislation Oct. 26 to allow the company to sign over 20 parcels of land located just northeast of the Greenfield Place Senior Citizen Apartments at 283 Green Ave. The site is otherwise surrounded by single-family houses.

According to City Administrator Marsha Hall, the company had offered to sell the property to the city in the past, but due to the location and drainage issues, it wasn’t considered a worthwhile purchase.

“They’d come to us a while back to ask if we wanted to buy it but we weren’t interested in buying, and they are required to maintain the land while they own it,” Hall said. “They recently came to us to offer it as a donation, which would then mean we’d maintain it and could decide to do something in the future, like maybe a park; but for now, it would just be left as it is.”

Law Director Kevin Shannon said in addition to the drainage issues, the parcels are considered landlocked, making them unmarketable.

Originally, the land had been platted for as many as 20 single-family residences.

Now that city has agreed to accept the donation, Evans Capital Investments can sign over the title for the land at any time, although it is not required to.

Councilwoman Jean Ann Hilbert suggested the city consider using the land for a natural prairie park.

ThisWeek CW 11/12/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/09/saving-money-improving-service-on-new-trustees-agenda.html

Newly elected Madison Township trustee John Kershner has his eye on the bottom line as he prepares to take office in January.

Kershner came out on top in a five-way race for one trustee seat, besting longtime incumbent Gary McDonald and three other candidates Nov. 3.

He said he was humbled by the win and thanked McDonald for his service and hard work.

“I’ve learned so much through my discussions with so many people over the past few months and am looking forward to working with Victor Paini and Ed Dildine to continue to move our township forward,” Kershner said. “I am excited about the possibilities and will work to help find areas where efficiency may be gained, services improved, and tax dollars saved or invested wisely.

“There were many great choices for trustee and all the candidates should be proud of the positive, well-run campaigns they spearheaded,” he said.

McDonald said he was disappointed not to be elected to another term but promised to remain active in the community.

According to unofficial final results from the Franklin County Board of Elections, Kershner won with 1,692 votes. McDonald was next, with 1,481 votes, followed by Sharon Whitten with 1,183 votes, Kathleen Walsh with 753 votes and Kimberly J. Jordan with 522 votes.

“This community has been good to me and I appreciate everyone’s support while in office,” McDonald said. “I think we’ve all worked together to make good improvements over the last four years and I remain committed to the township.

“I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built with Groveport and with the schools and I think we’ve got a talented group of people to keep us heading in the right direction.”

Groveport Madison

Newcomer Christopher Snyder will join incumbent Mary Tedrow, who won re-election Nov. 3, on the Groveport Madison Board of Education.

Tedrow received the most votes – 4,103 – to retain her seat, with Snyder gaining 3,637 votes and Maria J. McGraw receiving 3,574.

Tedrow said she hopes to continue pushing for higher academic achievement across the district.

“My biggest concern for the schools is to improve our academic performance,” she said. “It’s my hope that the building of the new high school, improved career and college preparation programs, and making preschool available so that our students will enter kindergarten ready to learn will help accomplish this.”

She said her goals are to remain active in not just board meetings but school activities as well.

Groveport

In Groveport, Mayor Lance Westcamp held off newcomer David Gale to retain his seat. Westcamp received 981 votes to Gale’s 799, according to unofficial results.

He said he was grateful for the “tremendous amount of support” he received from voters and looks forward to continuing to work to improve citizens’ quality of life, maintaining the city’s “excellent financial rating” and completing the historic district’s redevelopment.

Incumbent council members Sean Cleary and Jean Ann Hilbert, who ran unopposed, both said they are excited to be able to serve the city for another four years.

“I’m very grateful for the support that voters have given me again,” Cleary said. “I look forward to being available to any citizen who wants to approach me for any type of issue.”

He said he is available to talk in council chambers two hours before every regular council meeting.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount of building with industry and next I’d like to see more money invested in infrastructure and financial security for the future by increasing our rainy day funds,” Cleary said.

Hilbert said she will remain focused on responding to the needs of residents and businesses.

“I’d like to see the remainder of the town center developed, with an anchor restaurant being the main focus at this time,” Hilbert said. “I believe we’ve evolved as a leader in central Ohio with our transportation programs and we are a model others will follow. We saw that need and responded with positive action.”

ThisWeek CW 11/12/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/09/canal-winchester-city-council-new-members-focus-is-on-development-planning.html

The three men elected to Canal Winchester City Council Nov. 3 said they are looking forward to starting their terms and focusing on economic development, infrastructure and long-term planning.

Bob Clark, Bruce Jarvis and Mike Walker emerged as winners in the race to fill three seats, according to final unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections, defeating Tim Waibel and incumbent Rick Deeds.

Incumbents Joe Abbott and Marilyn Rush-Ekelberry did not run for re-election.

All three winners said they’re humbled by the voters’ confidence in them.

Clark said he is looking forward to getting to work and keeping Canal Winchester moving “in the right direction.”

“I can promise one thing — that I will listen to all sides of an issue, be impartial and make the best decision with all the facts being considered that moves our community forward in a positive way,” Clark said. “Economic development will always be a high priority of mine. We must focus on prudent development … and we need to double down our efforts on higher paying jobs, like advanced manufacturing, which pays around 19 percent more than the average wage.”

Walker said his campaign was a family affair involving his parents, Jo Ann and Jack Walker, as well as his wife, Diane, and children Heidi, Necole, Chelsie and Michael.

He said he plans to follow up on his promise to work on water-quality issues.

“I’m honored and humbled by the voters’ support and I’ll do what I do best, talking and communicating,” Walker said. “As I promised in my campaign, we’ll begin this ‘Walk the Walk with Walker’ for continuing improvement in the quality of our water and improving our infrastructure.”

Jarvis, who previously served 16 years on council prior to leaving to become executive director of Destination: Canal Winchester, said the trust and faith of the voters will be his motivation to do the best job he can. He plans to focus on programs and activities that drive revenue while enhancing residents’ quality of life.

“It’s been six years since I served on council, so I’m sure there are some administrative changes I’ll need to learn,” he said. “And, of course, I’m excited to be there as the Interurban Depot is finally brought back to life. My involvement in that project goes back to 2006 and represents just one of the new public amenities I hope the city will deliver to residents over the next several years.

“I plan to focus my energy on optimal future development and institutionalizing long-term planning as a proactive tool for all branches of city government.”

Deeds said he was disappointed about the loss but will remain active in the community, particularly with Canal Winchester’s annual Christmas in the Village.

“Unfortunately, my workload and schedule kept me from making it to as many doors this election as I usually do,” Deeds said. “I apologize to my supporters for letting them down. I wish the new electees the best of success in guiding our great town. I really like living in and being a part of Canal Winchester and my wife, Beth, and I have been involved in many activities over the years and I don’t expect that to change.”

Mayor Michael Ebert was re-elected in what became an uncontested race after challenger Victor Paini withdrew.

“I feel like my staff and I still have things to accomplish over the next four years, such as establishing an entertainment district to enable Canal Winchester to enjoy the types of restaurants we see in surrounding communities,” Ebert said. “We also want to see what our options are for a citywide recycling program. I look forward to another four years as mayor in the greatest little city in Ohio.”

ThisWeek CW 11/5/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/02/holiday-celebrations-waiting-in-the-wings.html

The holidays are nearly here and along with the arrival of wish-list catalogs come visits with Santa Claus and annual year-end celebrations such as Christmas in the Village.

Canal Winchester officials said area children will have a chance to visit with Santa while enjoying a “Norman Rockwell-esque” Christmas event including carriage rides, ice sculptures and more. A week later, they’ll have a chance to join him for breakfast.

The Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St., will play host to the popular Breakfast with Santa. Tickets cost $5 each and are required for adults and children, except children younger than 1, who are admitted free.

Only 75 tickets are available for each of two sessions taking place Dec. 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Tickets will be sold between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 9, at the municipal building, 36 S. High St., and the community center and at Roman’s Pizza, 17 N. High St., which is open nights and weekends. All proceeds benefit the Canal Winchester Human Services’ Adopt-a-Family program.

The full breakfast includes eggs, sausage, french toast sticks and drinks.

Santa will hand out small gift bags and parents are encouraged to bring cameras to take pictures.

“Every year, a new generation becomes a part of this Canal Winchester tradition and you can’t believe how great it is to watch that happen over time,” Destination Canal Winchester Executive Director Bruce Jarvis said.

Christmas in the Village, the city’s annual two-day event, kicks off each night with Santa riding into town to light the Christmas tree.

“We are fortunate to live in a close-knit community where free events like Christmas in the Village help bring us together even closer,” Jarvis said. “It’s the nearest any of us will come to seeing a Norman Rockwell painting of a good old American small town Christmas celebration come to life.”

This year’s Christmas in the Village takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 and from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 in the historic downtown area around the intersection of High and Waterloo streets.

A Gingerbread House contest and a craft bazaar are planned as part of Christmas in the Village. To register for the contest, call Amanda Lemke at 614-837-8276 or email her atalemke@canalwinchesterohio.gov.

For information about participating in the craft bazaar, call Jarvis at 614-270-5053 or emailinfo@destinationcw.org.

After the tree-lighting each night, Santa will be joined by the Grinch and both will be available to meet visitors. In addition, a number of family activities are planned to keep everyone entertained, Jarvis said.

“If this event doesn’t get you deep into the holiday spirit, I can’t imagine anything will get you there,” he said.

ThisWeek CW 11/5/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/02/groveport-will-honor-veterans-with-nov–11-ceremony.html

Groveport residents and veterans are invited to show appreciation for the men and women who have served in the armed forces at this year’s annual Veterans Day program.

The event is scheduled at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, atVeterans Park, 421 Main St., under the direction of Warren Motts of the Motts Military Museum. It will include several distinguished guests and the recognition of new commemorative bricks to honor veterans.

“It is important for the city of Groveport and its residents to show respect and appreciation to those who were willing to give their lives to this great country and to serve their country proudly,” said Patty Storts, event organizer and city community affairs director.

Storts estimates the Veterans Day observance draws about 100 people or more annually.

This year’s program will include a flag-raising by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10523; the singing of the national anthem and God Bless America by U.S. Navy vocalist Udo Marascher; prayers led by Pastor Paul Barnes of Madison Christian Church; and speeches by Mayor Lance Westcamp and U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio).

The Groveport Police Department Honor Guard will present a 21-gun salute with Master Sgt. Jane Pinkley of the Ohio National Guard performing Taps.

Sgt. Ron Coffman, U.S. Army (retired), will recognize the following veterans for whom new bricks will be added to the brick walk at Veterans Park: Roy Arnett Sr., Bob Panian, Lois J. Peterson, Ed Reeves, Scout Dog Prince, Sydney Smith and Jesse Smith.

Following the Veterans Day program, all attendees are invited to the Motts Military Museum for a flag-retirement ceremony and reception sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America Troop 71.