Good morning, Franklin County. In an era where maker spaces are vanishing faster than vintage arcades, Columbus just pulled off something remarkable. The beloved Idea Foundry - that buzzing hive of creativity in Franklinton - has found a $7.5M guardian angel in Columbus Next Generation Corporation, ensuring our community's innovative spirit keeps thriving. It's like watching your favorite indie bookstore get saved by a plot twist worthy of its own story.
And speaking of plot twists, 2024 is already delivering some unexpected drama - with not one but two cars deciding local businesses would make good drive-throughs. Meanwhile, over at Franklin University, Monica Wood is proving that leadership and learning go hand in hand, completing her master's degree while directing vital community health initiatives. Just another week of keeping Columbus colorfully chaotic and curiously inspiring.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏭 Historic Columbus maker space finds new owner in $7.5M deal. The Idea Foundry and neighboring Gravity Experience Park in Franklinton have been acquired by Columbus Next Generation Corporation from Kaufman Development. The beloved maker space and coworking facility, operating since 2014, will continue its normal operations, along with the adjacent outdoor recreation area run by Land Grant. The city-backed nonprofit paid $5 million for the Idea Foundry building and $2.5 million for the Experience Park lot, stepping in specifically to preserve these community assets. The purchase aligns with Columbus NextGen's mission of strategic development, following their successful projects like Adelphi Quarter and Mulby Place.
🎓 Local health director achieves major educational milestone at Franklin University. Monica Wood, Director of Administration at Clinton County Health District, recently completed her master's degree in nursing with a focus on administration. Her academic journey includes previous degrees from Wilmington College and Southern State Community College, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. Wood has been serving the CCHD since 2012 and stepped into her current leadership role in June 2024. As she transitions from direct healthcare to administration, Wood expressed gratitude for community support and pledged to strengthen local health initiatives through deeper partnerships.
🚗 Two cars smash into Columbus businesses during wild first week. In a bizarre start to the New Year, separate vehicles crashed into both a Kroger supermarket in Delaware and a Grandview salon. At the Kroger location on North Houk Road, witnesses reported not one but two vehicles colliding with the building - a gold car hit the brick entrance while a blue vehicle plowed through the exit doors. Despite the dramatic incidents, no injuries were reported and the grocery store remains open for business. The incidents continue a peculiar Columbus tradition of vehicles crashing into local establishments.
🏒 Hockey Schedule
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Thomas Worthington CARDINALS | ||
| vs Bishop Watterson | 1/10 @ 8:00pm | |
| vs Olentangy Orange | 1/12 @ 3:10pm | |
 Worthington Kilbourne Wolves | ||
| vs Dublin Jerome | 1/10 @ 7:30pm | |
| vs Bishop Watterson | 1/12 @ 6:30pm | |
 Dublin Jerome Celtics | ||
| @ Worthington Kilbourne | 1/10 @ 7:30pm | |
 Dublin Coffman Shamrocks | ||
| @ Lincoln | 1/10 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ New Albany | 1/11 @ 6:20pm | |
 Lincoln Lions | ||
| vs Dublin Coffman | 1/10 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ Bishop Watterson | 1/11 @ 4:00pm | |
| vs Beavercreek | 1/14 @ 1:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Colonial home ideal for entertaining
This charming colonial home is listed at $725,000 and features four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a stunning 2-story great room with a cozy fireplace. With an open eat-in kitchen that leads to a spacious patio, a primary suite with a vaulted ceiling on the main level, and fresh interior paint and new carpet throughout, it’s an ideal space for both relaxation and entertaining, plus there’s a 2-car garage and a backyard perfect for gatherings.
Affordable condo with community perks
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in a gated community is listed for $145,000 and offers a welcoming open living area and a well-equipped kitchen. With community amenities that include a pool, tennis courts, and included services like lawn care and snow removal, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle in a secure environment.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
-Lamentations 3:22-23