🏙️ Downtown deals

Good morning, Licking County. Downtown Columbus is witnessing a remarkable real estate boom, with the five-story office building at 101 E. Town Street recently selling for a jaw-dropping $8.3 million—more than triple its 2007 price tag. The fully-leased property joins several other major downtown transactions, highlighting the area's resilience despite nationwide office market challenges. This property's diverse tenant mix, from Subway to a data center, apparently makes it quite the hot commodity.

The summer soundtrack for Central Ohio is taking shape as the Columbus Symphony unveils its star-studded 2025 Picnic with the Pops lineup. Running from mid-June through July, the outdoor concert series will feature performances by Rick Ross, Tower of Power, and a nostalgic celebration of boy bands. Mark your calendars for the Dolly Parton multimedia experience and the traditional finale featuring the beloved OSU Marching Band—lawn seats start at just $36.75 for these musical evenings under the stars.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Newark

38°

70°

Pataskala

39°

73°

Heath

38°

70°

Granville

38°

70°

Johnstown

39°

72°

72%

Buckeye Lake

41°

74°

Hebron

41°

74°

Utica

38°

70°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏢 Downtown Columbus office building fetches triple its previous selling price. The five-story property at 101 E. Town Street sold for $8.3 million last month to Ohio-based 150 Holdings LLC, significantly up from its 2007 price of $2.7 million. The 53,106-square-foot building is fully leased with diverse tenants including Subway, Primrose School daycare, a data center, and two office tenants. Capitol Equities Realty handled the transaction and will continue managing the property, which includes a gated parking lot and playground. This sale joins several recent downtown property transactions, including the $13.2 million purchase of 2 Miranova Place and two hotel sales.

🎵 Columbus Symphony announces star-studded summer concert series lineup. The 2025 Picnic with the Pops will run from June 14 to July 26 at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion, featuring performances by Rick Ross, Tower of Power, and a celebration of boy bands. Special highlights include a Dolly Parton multimedia experience and the return of fan-favorite Ohio State University Marching Band for the final weekend. Tickets range from $36.75 to $52.50 for lawn seating, with tables available up to $1,157.

Luxury Ranch Waterfall Car Paradise: Priced at $434,900, this custom built raised ranch home offers 4 beds, 3 baths, spacious living areas, peaceful outdoor space with flower beds and a waterfall, plus an 8+ car pole barn with concrete floors and electric.

Spacious Newark home near OSU: A 348k Newark gem boasts 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, full basement, and spacious lot near OSU/COTC. This well-situated property in west Newark offers lovely living and won't stay available long.

Wooded Estate Double Garages: This home in Water's Edge Estate neighborhood is on the market for $675,000. Nestled in serene wooded surroundings, it offers both an attached 2-car garage and an oversized detached 2-car garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👶 Apr. 2 - Tots and Twos: Bring your little ones to "Tots and Twos" at 101 W Main St on April 2! This delightful gathering gives your toddlers a chance to play, learn, and make new friends in Newark.

⚾ Apr. 2 - LV Dirtbags Home Opener: Cheer on the LV Dirtbags at their 10U home opener at Legacy Park! Watch these young sluggers kick off their season with excitement on April 2, 2025 in Newark. Bring your rally caps!

📚 Apr. 3 - Step Up Quality Lab: Step up your childcare game at the free SUTQ Working Lab on April 3 at Licking County Library in Newark! Bring your teachers and questions as Action for Children guides you through quality standards.

🍔 Apr. 3 - Burger Night: Satisfy your midweek cravings at Virtues Golf Club's Burger Night! Head to One Long Drive in Nashport on April 3 for juicy burgers and good company in a beautiful setting.

📊 Apr. 3 - Monthly Team Meeting: Join neighbors at the Monthly Meeting of West Licking Firefighters Association on April 3. Connect with your community at 428 Jefferson St, Pataskala, and stay informed about local happenings.

🛍️ Apr. 4 - Winter Market at Arcade: Step into the historic Newark Arcade for the Canal Market District's first-ever indoor winter market! Browse local vendors and artisans every Friday from 4-7pm, starting February 7, 2025.

🏛️ Apr. 5 - Hidden Artifacts Open House: Peek behind the scenes at The Works' Collection Building on April 5! Explore hidden Licking County treasures and chat with our history educator. Included with admission, free for members. Ages 13+.

⚡ Apr. 5 - Power Pathways Workshop: Unlock your energetic potential at the Power Pathways Workshop with Reiki Practitioner Courtney Churry! Join this transformative experience on April 5 at Hope Valley Wellness Retreat Center in Newark.

🙏 In Remembrance

Norma L. Krueger

Norma L. Krueger, 93, of Granville, passed away on March 28, 2025, at Licking Memorial Hospital. She had a distinguished career in special education, teaching for over 30 years at The Eleanor S. Weiant School before retiring in 1996. Norma was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Licking County Art Association, Licking County Players, and Granville Kiwanis Club, and was a devoted member of The Church of Saint Edward the Confessor. She is survived by her two daughters, Kathryn and Kristine, and three grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Baird, and her two sisters.

Sandra T. Hurst

Sandra Tracy Hurst, born in 1951 in Circleville, Ohio, passed away at age 73 in her Granville home on March 30, 2025. She was a devoted wife to Rufus Hurst and a loving mother to Tracy, Alexander, and Nathaniel, having been predeceased by her daughter Kayla. Sandra was actively involved in her community, holding memberships at the local country club and Buckeye Lake Yacht Club, while her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She leaves behind six grandchildren and a legacy of kindness, love, and encouragement that touched many lives.

Charlotte Sue Sexton

Charlotte Sue Sexton, born June 3, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and love. As a single mother to three children, she demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience while finding joy in life's simple pleasures, particularly fishing on Lake Erie with her life partner, Albert Reeves. Charlotte is survived by her son George Wellman, her partner Albert, her sister Shirley, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her parents, two children, and four siblings. Her viewing and funeral service will be held on April 9, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Columbus, where loved ones will gather to honor her remarkable life.