🏠 Legacy builders

Good morning, Marion County. At 96 years old, Florence Farmwald's legacy lives on through the echoes of her Sunday School teachings, choir directions, and what her brothers claimed was "the best homemade bread in the county." The Plain City native, who diligently registered tuberculosis cases for the Ohio Lung Association, passed peacefully on June 29th, leaving behind a story of faithful service and simple joys that reminds us how ordinary lives can create extraordinary impacts.

In a different kind of legacy, Columbus native Dennis Kerr transformed his personal recovery journey into Hope Thru Housing, now offering others the second chance he once received. His 24-month residential treatment program doesn't just provide shelter—it builds skills through the organization's thrift store, lawn care service, and farmer's market. Meanwhile, Delaware County's real estate market continues its hot streak with recent property transfers ranging from $225,000 to an eye-catching $875,000 for a Rambling Brook Way home.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Marion

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Prospect

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Waldo

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LaRue

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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

🕊️ Florence Farmwald's 96-year journey ends peacefully in Ohio. The Plain City native, who passed away on June 29, 2025, was remembered for her faithful service at Shiloh Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School and directed choirs. Florence worked at the Ohio Lung Association and was known for registering tuberculosis cases in Union County. Her family celebrated her love of travel, education, and making "the best homemade bread in the county," according to her brothers. A visitation will be held July 2nd at Shiloh Mennonite Church, followed by funeral services and interment.

🏠 Dennis Kerr's recovery journey led to helping others find freedom. The Columbus native founded Hope Thru Housing, a residential treatment program that offers 24-month recovery support for men and women. After finding sobriety through a similar program in North Carolina, Kerr returned home in 2010 to create a therapeutic community model where residents learn job skills through the organization's thrift store, lawn care service, and farmer's market. These businesses cover 75% of operating costs while teaching valuable skills. Former resident Zack Borders exemplifies the program's success, rebuilding his life and now helping others on their recovery journeys.

🏠 Delaware County real estate market sizzles with high-value property transfers. Recent transactions reveal homes selling from $225,000 to $875,000 across Delaware, Powell, and surrounding communities. Notable sales include a Rambling Brook Way property in Delaware for $875,000 and a Quarter Way residence fetching $695,000. New construction remains strong with developers like Pulte Homes, NVR Inc, and Rockford Homes closing multiple deals on newly built properties. The transfers demonstrate continued demand across various price points in this desirable central Ohio market.

Historical Dollar Auction Mansion: This historical two-story gem, priced at just $1, features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, period details like pocket doors and an oak mantle fireplace, and will be sold at live auction on July 30, 2025.

Spacious family home with yard: This $209,900 home features four spacious bedrooms upstairs, a family room open to the kitchen, and a concrete backyard with a porch. The main floor includes a formal dining room, living room, and half bath.

Foreclosure deal zero dollars: This foreclosure property is being offered at $0 on Auction.com, where it may sell below market value. Interested buyers can save the listing to receive auction date alerts on the platform, which has sold over half-a-million properties.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏍️ Jul. 3 - OK Café Bike Night: Rev up your Thursday night at Route 30 H-D / OK Café Bike Night! Rock out to John Mullins while enjoying tasty eats and chance to win prizes on the patio. July 3rd at 734 E Center St, Marion.

🍔 Jul. 3 - Bologna Express Food Truck: Satisfy your cravings at Bologna Express Food Truck outside Shovel City Drinkery! Indulge in German bologna, massive burgers, and walleye sandwiches from 5-9pm on July 3rd at 181 N Main St.

🐄 Jul. 4 - Open Hearts Livestock Show: Celebrate Independence Day with the Open Hearts Livestock Show at Marion County Fair! See prize-winning animals and enjoy community spirit on July 4th at 165 W Center St, Marion, OH.

🍹 Jul. 6 - Sunday Funday Happy Hour: Kick back at Shovel City Drinkery's Sunday Funday! Sip on brunchy cocktails and $5 drafts during all-day Happy Hour, July 6 from 12-5pm at 181 N Main St, Marion.

🙏 In Remembrance

Kenneth Martin "Kenny" Spafford

Kenny Spafford, a beloved fixture in Marion, Ohio, passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 61. Known throughout the community for his volunteer work, Kenny raised over $100,000 for various charities and received recognition including Marion's Distinguished Citizen Award and the Hometown Hero Award. Despite facing personal challenges including a lifelong mental disorder, he maintained an incredible work ethic through jobs at The Marion Star, MARCA Industries, and Goodwill, while also dedicating himself to beautifying the town. Kenny was famous for his community spirit, encyclopedic memory, and his motto: "Let's work together to make this the best darn town in the state."

Violet Mary Griffith-Ward

Violet Mary Griffith-Ward, 95, passed away on June 26, 2025, in Dublin, OH, after a life marked by professional success as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper. An adventurous traveler who visited nearly every continent, Vi was also deeply committed to community service through her church involvement, hospice volunteering, and work with the Marion Homeless Shelter. She was particularly devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren, with whom she loved spending time. Violet is survived by her son, daughter, two sisters, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with a memorial service scheduled for July 19, 2025, at Boyd Funeral Home.

Birdie Lea Howard

Birdie Lea Howard, 83, of Marion, OH, passed away on June 29, 2025, following 58 years of marriage to her late husband Billy. Born in Kentucky in 1941, Birdie worked for 36 years at Core Systems and was known for her faith, family dedication, and famous soup beans and cornbread at family gatherings. She enjoyed gardening, canning, card games, and was an avid sports fan of the Kentucky Wildcats, Cincinnati Reds, and Ohio State Buckeyes. Birdie is survived by her three children, siblings, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives, with funeral services scheduled for July 7 at Marion Enterprise Baptist Church.

John Andrew Spires

John Andrew Spires, 57, of Marion, OH, passed away at home on June 26, 2025. He was a truck loader for Sika, a former trucking company owner, and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who enjoyed flipping houses, coaching youth sports, and running 5K races. John was known for his charismatic personality and love for animals, particularly his dogs and cat. He is survived by his four children, sister, grandchildren, and extended family, with memorial services to be held at Boyd Funeral Home followed by a later graveside service.