🍽️ Dining revolution

Good morning, Marion County. Liberty Social's grand opening in Powell marks the transformation of the former Gallup's spot into a dining destination with seating for 240 guests across two levels. Meanwhile, Ohio punk band Jocks is creating waves with their "Devo on crack" sound—combining spastic synths with literary references that range from political assassinations to Dostoevsky, all while maintaining that quintessential Midwestern attitude of "who gives a shit?"

Over in Hilliard, the landscape is literally changing as the 27-acre TruePointe development begins welcoming residents this summer. With 360 apartments, two massive parking garages, retail spaces featuring Drunch Eatery+Bar and Yes Sushi, plus a 107-room Hilton hotel, the former office park is blossoming into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood—complete with 500 new trees to create central and office parks within the development.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Marion

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Prospect

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Waldo

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Green Camp

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Morral

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Caledonia

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New Bloomington

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍽️ Powell's dining scene heats up with Liberty Social's arrival. The casual restaurant and bar opened April 26 in the former Gallup's location on North Liberty Street. With seating for 240 guests across two levels, Liberty Social offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch options. Chef Andre Saultz boasts that their scratch-made wings are "the best in Ohio," while the diverse menu features everything from smash burgers to lamb chops. Owner Syam Duddela emphasizes the restaurant's social atmosphere with theme nights and specials for the diverse Powell community.

🎸 Ohio punk band Jocks creates frantic, lo-fi music with zero pretension. The four-piece group, formed by musicians who play in multiple other bands, embraces a "Devo on crack" sound with spastic synths and serrated riffs on their debut album "Speedbuster." Unlike other egg punk contemporaries, vocalist Nate Wilder opts for complex, high-concept lyrics exploring everything from political assassinations to Dostoevsky's theories. Despite their casual approach—"We're from Ohio, so who gives a shit?"—the band has cultivated a distinctive sound while maintaining that their music is simply "a fun thing to do on a Friday."

🏙️ Hilliard's office park transforms into vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. The 27-acre TruePointe development is taking shape with its first 360 apartments opening this summer. Kenneth's Hair Salons and a renovated office building will follow, along with the new 100,000-square-foot headquarters for Advance Drainage Systems. The project includes two massive parking garages, retail spaces featuring Drunch Eatery+Bar and Yes Sushi, and a 107-room Hilton hotel. An impressive landscaping effort will add 500 trees to create central and office parks within the development.

Modern Prospect gem awaits homeowners: For $220,000, this remodeled 3-bed, 1-bath home in Prospect offers bright living spaces, modern kitchen with stainless appliances, and numerous updates including new drywall, flooring, windows, and a new garage roof.

Investor Opportunity Needs Renovating: This $99,900 investor special offers a 3 bed, 2 full bath home with great potential, but cash buyers should come ready to renovate as this diamond in the rough requires some TLC.

Classic value near downtown shops: Marion charmer priced at $179,900 offers a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with original hardwood floors, modern kitchen, 2-car garage, and convenient location near downtown shops and parks.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 May 10 - Ryan Ratliff's Return Performance: Ryan Ratliff returns to the Marion Palace mainstage on May 10! Catch this versatile performer as he belts out everything from classic rock to country at the May Pavilion, 276 W Center St.

💪 May 10 - Women of Hope: Ladies, gather for connection and inspiration at Women of Hope! Join the community on May 10 at The Remnant Tea & Coffee in downtown Marion for meaningful conversation and refreshments.

🎸 May 10 - Ryan's Musical Comeback: Ryan's back on stage at Marion Palace Theatre & May Pavilion! Catch this musical chameleon as he emerges from retirement with a diverse repertoire spanning rock, pop, country, and Christian hits on May 10.

💃 May 10 - Center Stage Dance Recital: Step into the spotlight at Center Stage Dance Factory's 2025 Recital! Young performers dazzle audiences with their talent on Saturday, May 10 at River Valley High School in Caledonia, OH.

🎸 May 10 - Analog Youth Patio Party: Groove to live tunes as Analog Youth rocks the patio at OK Café on May 10! Grab dinner and drinks while this local band gets your feet tapping at 734 E Center St in Marion.

🚗 May 10 - Music & Wheels Car Show: Rev up your spring at the Music To Our Ears Car Show! Cruise to Elgin High School on May 10 for an evening of sweet rides and tunes, supporting Elgin Music Boosters from 5-8 PM.

🥌 May 11 - Curls & Cocktails: Sip, socialize, and learn styling secrets at Curls & Cocktails! Join the fun at Brush. Hair & Skin Bar on May 11 for a delightful evening of cocktails and hair curling techniques.

🙏 In Remembrance

Kenneth Richard Holsinger

Kenneth "Kenny" Richard Holsinger, 69, passed away on May 4, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born in 1956 in Portsmith, Ohio, he was married to Joyce until her passing in 2024. Kenny was passionate about radio, mechanics, and slot cars, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Pap." He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, several siblings, two daughters, and a grandson, while leaving behind numerous children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members who will remember his life at services scheduled for May 13, 2025.

Margie D. Gamble

Margie D. Gamble, 87, of Richwood, passed away on May 6, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Marysville. A 1956 graduate of LaRue High School, she proudly raised five children on her own and had diverse career experiences, including working for the American Cancer Society, JC Penney, and owning her gift shop "Decorating on a Shoe String by Marge." She was an active member of Richwood First Methodist Church where she directed the choir and played piano, and she served on the Richwood Park board for many years. Margie is survived by her five children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with funeral services scheduled for May 10, 2025, at Richwood First Methodist Church.

Mark G Hostetter

Mark G Hostetter, born on July 5, 1952, in Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. A graduate of Marion Catholic High School and Ohio University, Mark worked as Manager of Electric Sales and Service before delivering bread with his friend Tom Taylor. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 671 and cherished his relationships with his brothers, nieces, nephews, and extended family. A Celebration of Life will be held at the OK Cafe in Marion on May 9, 2025, with memorial donations directed to the local Humane Society.

James Augustine Copley

James Augustine Copley, stillborn on May 3, 2025, is remembered with love by his parents Christopher and Destiny Copley, his siblings, grandparents, and extended family. A Rite of Naming and Commendation was held at Marion General Hospital, with a private burial planned at St. Mary's Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather on May 9, 2025, at Snyder Funeral Homes, and donations can be made to help with expenses or to St. Mary Catholic Church in James's memory.