Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Marion County / August 26, 2025

🦢 Golden ghost center

Marion County • August 26, 2025

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Good morning, Marion County. Two years after demolition, the Golden Bear Shopping Center site in Upper Arlington sits eerily vacant—a prominent reminder that even the most promising development plans can hit unexpected roadblocks. While vertical construction remains on hold as developers consider expanding the project, the once-bustling commercial property waits in limbo, its future still unwritten as residents wonder what will eventually rise from the cleared grounds.

In more poignant news, the Columbus Zoo is mourning Allen, a 23-year-old magpie goose known for his vibrant personality and tendency to chase less-favored zookeepers. The beloved bird, who celebrated his final birthday with a Taylor Swift-themed party, was humanely euthanized due to worsening arthritis. Meanwhile, Ohio's youth are receiving a significant boost with a $1.2 million investment in youth-led prevention programs, empowering young people to address mental health and addiction issues within their communities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏗️ Upper Arlington development stalls after two years of demolition delays. The Golden Bear Shopping Center redevelopment project has been put on hold while the developer revises plans for the property. Though the shopping center was demolished nearly two years ago, vertical construction hasn't begun at the site. Reports indicate the developer is considering expanding the project, potentially incorporating an Arby's location into the new development. The pause represents another setback for the prominent Upper Arlington commercial property transformation.

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🦢 Beloved zoo goose Allen dies after years of charming visitors. The Columbus Zoo's magpie goose was humanely euthanized due to worsening arthritis that left him struggling to stand. Known for his vibrant personality, Allen would honk at guests and chase zookeepers who weren't among his favorites. He enjoyed birthday celebrations, including his final Taylor Swift-themed party when he turned 22. The 23-year-old goose, who lived at three different zoos during his lifetime, leaves behind a legacy of "silly antics" that delighted both staff and visitors.

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🌟 Ohio invests $1.2 million to empower youth-led prevention programs. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services awarded the grant to Youth to Youth International, a program of CompDrug, to lead the newly established Ohio Youth-Led Collective. OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn emphasized that this investment demonstrates their commitment to supporting young people as leaders in prevention initiatives within their schools and communities. The collective represents an innovative approach to youth engagement in mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts across Ohio. This funding aims to strengthen youth-driven programs that build psychological resilience and address addiction issues.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious corner Marion modern home: This recently-built Marion home is on the market for $225,000, offering 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and modern updates including fresh paint and new flooring—all on a desirable corner lot with fenced yard.
Real estate listing image Renovated gem near Delaware access: Priced at $374,900, this newly renovated 3-bedroom home boasts fresh carpeting, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a heated two-car garage just 30 minutes from Delaware with shopping and highway access nearby.
Real estate listing image Renovated Marion gem ready now: This fully renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Marion is available for $179,000, featuring a new metal roof, modern kitchen with new appliances, first-floor bedroom and bath, plus a fenced yard for outdoor enjoyment.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🤝 Aug. 26 - Soft Skills Workshop: Sharpen your professional edge at the Chamber's Soft Skills workshop! Join fellow community members on August 26 from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Garden Room. RSVP required.
📚 Aug. 26 - Book Show & Tell: Share your literary treasures at Book Show & Tell! Swing by Marion Public Library on August 26 at 3pm to chat about your favorite reads with fellow book lovers in this monthly gathering.
🎓 Aug. 26 - EMIS Grad Reports Troubleshooting: Dive into graduation data troubleshooting at META Solutions on August 26! This hands-on session helps you master EMIS reports and verify student graduation requirements, available both on-site and via Zoom.
🏛️ Aug. 26 - PCAA Annual Board Meeting: Join the Palace Cultural Arts Association for their Annual Meeting on August 26 at 276 W Center St, where members will elect new board members and handle important business. Begins at 6:00 p.m.
🧳 Aug. 27 - Ohio Travel with Nick: Join "Dr. Breakfast" Nick Dekker at Marion Public Library on Aug 27 as he dishes out delicious Ohio travel destinations and food recommendations within driving distance of Marion. Perfect for local adventure seekers!
🏈 Aug. 27 - Vikings vs Spartans Showdown: Catch the gridiron showdown as River Valley Vikings battle Pleasant Spartans at River Valley High School on August 27! Local football rivalry heats up at 4280 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd in Caledonia.
📚 Aug. 28 - Book Club: Funny Story: Join the Storyteller Society as they dive into Emily Henry's "Funny Story" at Bucci's Italian Scratch Kitchen on August 28th at 7 PM. Bring your laughs and literary insights to this lively book club gathering!
🌮 Aug. 29 - Machete Mexican Street Food: Machete Taqueria brings authentic Mexican street food to Shovel City Drinkery! Grab "the machete" and other favorites out front from 5-9pm on August 29 – your taste buds will thank you!
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