Franklin County • February 18, 2025
Good morning, Franklin County. Here's a number that might stop you in your tracks: 15,000. That's how many Ohio foster kids have found their forever homes through the Dave Thomas Foundation's adoption program. While most headlines focus on what's broken in our systems, this quiet revolution happening in our own backyard is proving that some stories do have happy endings - even if there's still more chapters to write.
And while we're talking about numbers that matter, Ohio's pharmacy landscape is shifting beneath our feet, dipping below 2,000 locations statewide. But it's not all challenging news - the upcoming school board race is bringing fresh energy to local politics, with ten candidates stepping up to shape our educational future. Because in Franklin County, every number tells a story about where we're headed.
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👨👩👧👦 Ohio adoption program hits remarkable milestone: 15,000 foster kids find homes. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption achieved this breakthrough through their Wendy's Wonderful Kids program over the past 20 years. Ohio, the first state to fully implement the initiative, accounts for over 10% of all adoptions. Despite this success, the foundation's CEO Rita Soronen emphasizes there's more work ahead, noting that 20,000 children age out of foster care annually without families. The organization aims to ensure no child lingers in the system waiting for adoption.
🗳️ Ten candidates vie for Columbus school board in heated May primary. The Franklin County Board of Elections certified candidates for three open Columbus City School board seats and one City Council position. For Council District 7, which covers downtown and surrounding areas, three candidates qualified to compete for Otto Beatty III's vacant seat. Two potential candidates failed to qualify for the ballot. Current Columbus Council members Rob Dorans, Emmanuel Remy, and Christopher Wyche face no opposition in their reelection bids.
💊 Ohio pharmacy crisis deepens as state dips below 2,000 locations. A new dashboard launched by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy reveals a troubling 7% decrease in pharmacies statewide, with 191 chain locations closing last year alone. The interactive tool tracks pharmacy access, closures, and "pharmacy deserts" across the state through monthly updates. The dashboard helps policymakers identify areas where residents must travel more than 10 miles (rural) or 1 mile (urban) to reach a pharmacy. State officials emphasize that nearby pharmacy access remains crucial for Ohioans' health, especially those dependent on daily medications.
Updated home on scenic lot: Discover a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home listed at $439,900 on a picturesque 2-acre lot in the Hilliard School District, featuring a brand-new kitchen, finished basement, and numerous upgrades. With fresh paint, new flooring, and an oversized garage, this home blends modern convenience with scenic charm.
Updated home near OSU campus: This updated home at 170 E. Maynard Avenue, listed at $350,000, boasts three spacious bedrooms, a sunroom, and a large patio, all just two blocks from High Street in the OSU North Campus area. Recent upgrades include a new roof and systems for peace of mind, making it a solid investment opportunity.
Affordable fixer-upper near Columbus: This charming Shepard home, listed at $80,000, boasts a unique front porch, driveway, and basement, along with recent updates like a new furnace and roof. It’s a short commute to downtown Columbus, making it an ideal fixer-upper opportunity.
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