Groveport Messenger - July 24th, 2022

Messenger 

Groveport 

July 24 - August 6, 2022 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XL, No. 3 

Hometown Realtor 

Marylee Bendig 

 

580 Main St., Groveport, OH 43125 

(614) 218-1097 

marylee@maryleebendig.com 

Farmer’s Market underway 

PRSRT STD 

ECRWSS 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

COLUMBUS, OHIO 

PERMIT NO. 1516 

EDDM 

POSTAL PATRON 

Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove 

The Groveport Farmer’s Market is underway for the season. The market is held every Thursday through 

Sept. 8 from 4-6 p.m, at Groveport’s Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Road (with the exception of Aug. 4 when the 

market will be held in conjunction with First Thursday in Cruiser Park, 4677 Bixby Road). Pictured here, 

Kristiauna Trelay buys some produce from Groveport’s Brian Casserly at the Farmer’s Market on July 14. 

Homicide/suicide 

at local warehouse 

By Rick Palsgrove 

Groveport Editor 

Decision on fireworks use delayed 



Groveport City Council has again postponed further 

discussion and a vote on an ordinance regarding 

the personal use of fireworks within city limits. 

Because of this, as of now, the use of personal 

fireworks remains banned in Groveport. 

At council’s July 11 meeting, council decided to 

delay more talks or action on the legislation until its 

July 25 meeting because Councilman Ed Dildine 

was not present at the July 11 meeting. Council 

members felt all members should be present during 

consideration of the fireworks legislation. 

The proposed ordinance originally restricted the 

personal use of consumer grade fireworks to only on 

the Fourth of July within the Groveport city limits. 

However, on June 27 by a 4-2 vote, council amended 

the proposed ordinance to instead allow the use of 

personal fireworks on 15 days, which would make it 

consistent with the new state law regarding the personal 

use of fireworks. (Council members Jean Ann 

Hilbert and Jack Rupp opposed the amendment.) 

A new Ohio law, which went into effect July 1, 

allows individuals to possess consumer grade fireworks, 

eliminating a requirement that purchasers 

transport consumer grade fireworks out of the state 

within 48 hours of purchase. 

The new state law allows any person authorized 

to possess consumer grade fireworks to discharge 

them on their own property or on another person’s 

property with permission on the following days: 

New Year’s Day; Chinese New Year; Cinco de Mayo; 

Memorial Day weekend; Juneteenth; July 3, 4, and 

5 and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays preceding 

and following; Labor Day weekend; Diwali; and 

New Year’s Eve. 

However, the law permits local governments to 

restrict the dates and times when individuals may 

discharge consumer grade fireworks or to impose a 

complete ban on the use of consumer grade fireworks. 

A motion on June 27 to pass, as an emergency 

measure, Groveport’s amended ordinance that 

would adhere to the new state law failed by a 3-3 

vote. (Five votes are needed to pass legislation as an 

emergency. Council members Ed Dildine, Scott 

Lockett, and Becky Hutson voted to approve while 

Jean Ann Hilbert, Jack Rupp, and Shawn Cleary 

opposed.) 

The amended ordinance goes on to its third reading 

and a possible final vote on July 25. If it is 

passed at that time it would go into effect 30 days 

later and then allow the use of personal fireworks on 

the days listed in the state law. 

See FIREWORKS, page 3 

A woman and a man are dead as the result of a murder/suicide 

that occurred at a warehouse near Groveport. 

According to Groveport Police, at about 5:24 a.m. on July 11, 

police officers were dispatched to the SK Food Group warehouse 

in the 3000 block of Toy Road on the report of an active shooter. 

Upon arrival, officers learned it was a possible domestic situation 

between the adult female victim and an adult male suspect, both 

employees of the warehouse through a temp agency. The male suspect 

approached the female in the locker area of the business and 

an argument allegedly ensued. The male suspect then shot the 

woman multiple times with a handgun before fleeing the building. 

According to Groveport Police Detective Josh Gilbert, 

Groveport Police patrol officers arrived on the scene quickly and 

began conducting life saving efforts on the woman. He said the 

woman was transported to Grant Hospital where she died of her 

wounds. 

Gilbert said the male suspect allegedly attempted to shoot himself 

inside the same locker area in the building, but his gun malfunctioned. 

The suspect then fled the building. 

According to Gilbert, the suspect then lay down in the roadway 

in an apparent suicidal effort to have vehicles run over him. When 

that failed, the suspect climbed a nearby utility pole. The suspect 

was found dead at the base of the pole. 

According to Gilbert, it has not yet been 

determined whether the suspect died from 

electrocution from the power lines or from a 

fall from the pole. 

Gilbert said it is not known what the victim 

and the suspect were arguing about. 

According to the Groveport Police, no 

other employees at the business were injured 

as a result of this incident and there were no 

shots fired by law enforcement. 

“SK Food Group does a good job of safety 

training and the company made sure its 

employees were safe,” said Gilbert. 

See HOMICIDE, page 3 

Sain Insurance Agency Inc. 

Lisa Sain, Agent 

Groveport, OH 43125 

www.lisasain.com 

Bus: 614-830-0450 

Being there 

is why I’m here. 

Total average savings of 

$ 

761 

when you combine home and auto. 

Call my office for a quote 24/7. 

*average annual household savings based on national 2015 survey of new 

policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. 

State Farm Murual Automotive Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, 

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, 

State Farm General Insurance, Bloomington, IL 

P097136.1

PAGE 2 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - July 24, 2022 

Free clothing and shoes 

There will be a free clothing and shoe give away on Aug. 6 from 

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Groveport United Methodist Church, 512 East 

Main St., Groveport. Gently used clean clothing and shoes will be 

available for all sizes from newborn to adult. This is open to all. 

The Gilmore Group 

Office: 614-834-HOME (4663) 

Cell: 614-774-4416 

www.GilmoreGroupHomes.com 

Look for our 

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 

SCHEDULE 

in our 

AUGUST 7 TH EDITION 

Another local church could close 



Groveport may possibly lose another historic church 

congregation. 

A year ago the Groveport Presbyterian Church, 

which had operated on College Street since 1853, 

closed due to decreasing membership and finances. 

Now, the Catholic Diocese of Columbus is considering 

closing St. Mary Catholic Church, 5684 Groveport 

Road, as part of its Real Presence Real Future initiative 

that includes the potential consolidation of parishes. 

No decision has been made yet on whether St. Mary 

Catholic Church will close as the Real Presence Real 

Future initiative is still in its research phase. 

According to realpresencerealfuture.org, “Real 

Presence, Real Future is a two-year diocesan-wide consultative 

process that invites participation from clergy, 

lay ecclesial ministers, parish volunteers, and all the 

faithful. By listening to the needs of our people and 

hearing your ideas, concerns and desires, this process 

will help determine the best path forward to increase 

the presence of the Church throughout the Diocese of 

Columbus.” 

The website states the initiative is considering people’s 

needs as well as the needs of the culture. 

According to Jason Mays, director of communications 

with the Diocese of Columbus, more information 

about the program and its potential impact on St. 

Mary Catholic Church can be found at realpresencerealfuture.org 

and on a video at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F5RDjWznTw&fe 

ature=emb_title. 

Per the video, attendance at mass in the entire diocese, 

which serves a mix of 105 urban, suburban, and 

rural parishes in central and southern Ohio, has 

dropped from 80,000 in 2008 to 48,500 in 2021. 

Information on the video indicates that decreasing 

attendance leads to fewer resources. The diocese has 

more priests retiring or passing away than there are 

new priests to replace them. Consolidation of parishes 

is one of the options the diocese is considering to 

address these issues. 

Per information provided in the video, attendance 

at mass at St. Mary in Groveport has declined from 

274 in 2019 to 192 in 2021. 

One plan under consideration by the diocese is to 

consolidate St. Mary with St. John XXIII, which is 

located at 5170 Winchester Southern Road in Canal 

Winchester. Mass attendance at St. John XXIII has 

decreased as well, from 649 in 2019 to 456 in 2021. 

The Real Presence, Real Future initiative is considering 

a variety of options for the diocese and the review 

and study of the situation is ongoing. 

Recommendations are pending. 

St. Mary Church member speaks 

“It’s devastating,” said Kathy Frank, a member of 

St. Mary Catholic Church since 1967, of the potential 

closure of her church. 

She said the church fulfills a vital spiritual role in 

the community as well as a helping hand to those in 

need. 

“We do a lot of community outreach that helps both 

the Groveport community and the Groveport Madison 

school district,” said Frank. 

She said examples of the church’s community outreach 

include helping people in financial and material 

need under its St. Vincent DePaul program; providing 

assistance to the Groveport Food Pantry; and providing 

food to a homeless shelter in Columbus. 

“If we’re not here, the community loses these vital 

services as well as others,” said Frank. 

She said the church fosters a family, close knit 

www.columbusmessenger.com 

Messenger photos by Rick Palsgrove 

St. Mary Catholic Church in Groveport. 

A special feature at St. Mary Catholic Church is its 

Stations of the Cross garden located behind the 

church. 

atmosphere. 

“We have generations who have attended here,” 

said Frank. “Our choir is small, but mighty, and it feels 

like if the church closes we’ll lose our choir family and 

our church family as everyone would most likely disperse 

elsewhere.” 

Frank said a special feature of St. Mary is the 

Stations of the Cross located behind the church. 

“It’s a comforting, beautiful place where people can 

go to contemplate regardless of their denomination. 

It’s very spiritual,” said Frank, who said the Stations 

of the Cross area is open during daytime hours. 

She said church members are writing letters to 

Bishop Earl Fernandes in support of keeping St. Mary 

open. Bishop Fernandes will also attend a special service 

at the church on Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m. that the public 

is invited to attend. A reception follows the service. 

“We are banding together in support of our church,” 

said Frank. “We’re not going to give up.” 

St. Mary first opened in 1871 in a small brick 

church on the southwest corner of Blacklick and Front 

streets in Groveport. The building was expanded in 

1949 and the church served the community at that site 

until 1977 when a new (now current) church was built 

at 5684 Groveport Road. 

A long time popular community event at the church 

is the smorgasbord, which began in 1951. Many people 

know the familiar red, white, and black sign that pops 

up in town announcing the event each year. 

Visit groveportstmary.org for information on the 

church.


Neighborhood security 

Elmont Place subdivision 

plans to install security 

cameras in neighborhood 



FIREWORKS 

Residents in a Groveport neighborhood 

are taking steps to improve the safety and 

security there. 

At Groveport City Council’s July 11 

meeting, J. Scott Bumgardner, president of 

the Elmont Place subdivision’s homeowners 

association, said the group plans to buy 

and install three security cameras to be 

placed on poles at strategic spots in Elmont 

Place. 

He noted the Elmont Place area has 

recently suffered from a couple of shootings, 

speeders, and other problems. 

One shooting occurred in August 2021 

where a man fired 15 rounds from a rifle 

inside his house in the subdivision before 

police arrested him. 

Then in December 2021 a suspect fired 

six rounds from a .40 caliber weapon at a 

house in the subdivision. 

No one was injured in either of the 

shooting incidents. 

Bumgardner said the camera will cap- 

HOMICIDE 

Continued from page 1 

ture the license plate numbers of vehicles 

entering the subdivision and, if the technology 

detects there is a warrant out on 

that number, the camera’s computer will 

notify the police and enable officers to 

investigate. 

The gathered information would be 

stored on a police computer server. The 

camera can also register the speed a vehicle 

is traveling. 

Bumgardner said the camera system 

will cost the homeowners association 

$7,500 per year and that the group is ready 

to make the purchase, but needs council’s 

approval to place the camera poles in the 

right-of-way. 

“We feel like this is a good idea for the 

city and for Elmont Place,” said 

Bumgardner. 

Groveport Law Director Kevin Shannon 

advised council that it can consider a 

licensing agreement with the Elmont Place 

homeowners association that would allow 

the group to place the camera/security 

poles in the right of way in the subdivision. 

There would also be signage at the entryways 

to the subdivision announcing that 

the premises/area are monitored by security 

surveillance. 

Council could possibly consider entering 

into the licensing agreement with the subdivision 

at council’s July 25 meeting. 

Gilbert said, in addition to the 

Groveport Police, other responding law 

enforcement and emergency agencies that 

responded to the incident included the 

Madison Township Police, Obetz Police, 

Columbus Police, Franklin County Sheriff 

deputies, Franklin County SWAT team, 

Madison Township Fire Department, 

Hamilton Township Fire Department, and 

Columbus Fire Department. 

Gilbert said the warehouses in the 

Groveport area are large structures and 

when there is an incident at one of them it 

is not easy for officers to know the situation 

immediately. 

“We treat it as an active shooter and 

respond accordingly until we know otherwise,” 

said Gilbert. “Our officers run 

toward the bullets and put their lives on 

the line. Our officers are human and regular 

people, but they do not hesitate to confront 

danger.” 

Gilbert said there has not been an 

increase in violent crime in the warehouse 

industrial parks in Groveport. He said the 

more common crimes in the warehouse 

area are property crimes, such as stolen 

cars. 

“This particular shooting incident 

stemmed from issues outside of Groveport 

brought on by people not from Groveport,” 

said Gilbert. “It is an isolated incident.” 

The investigation remains ongoing by 

the Groveport Police. 


According to Groveport City 

Administrator B.J. King, under existing 

Groveport law there is currently a complete 

ban on the use of personal fireworks 

in the city. 

Council members Lockett and Dildine 

have both expressed the desire that 

Groveport follow the new state law that 

allows the personal use of fireworks and 

make changes if problems arise. 

Hilbert and Rupp favor restricting the 

use of personal fireworks. Both said they 

are concerned about the potential injuries 

brought on by the use of personal fireworks. 

Groveport Police Chief Casey Adams 

said individuals must be responsible when 

using personal consumer grade fireworks. 

He said people must ensure everyone in 

and around a launch is safe and the fireworks 

are launched away from others and 

structures that could sustain injury or 

damage when the fireworks explode and 

fall to the ground. He said the negligent 

use of fireworks without proper precautions 

could lead to criminal charges being 

filed against those responsible for the fireworks. 

Groveport Police statistics 

June crime statistics, according to the 

Groveport Police: 13 arrests, 13 accidents, 

2 assaults, 1 burglary, 5 domestic disputes, 

4 domestic violence, 3 OVI and alcohol, 11 

thefts/robberies, 1 stolen/unauthorized 

use, 0 missing persons, 2 weapon related 

calls, 0 narcotic related offense, 2 parking, 

2 threats, 2 vandalism, 1 juvenile complaint, 

49 traffic citations, 0 sex related 

crimes, 0 Groveport Madison School 

District criminal reports, 0 Groveport 

Madison School District non-criminal 

reports, 3 suicide/attempts. 

Groveport news 

July 24, 2022 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 3 

Groveport city 

income tax revenue 

The city of Groveport’s income tax revenue 

year-to-date as of June 30 was $10.4 

million, which is 15 percent higher than 

the same time in 2021, according to 

Groveport Finance Director Jason Carr. 

Carr noted the general fund balance was 

$6.2 million as of June 30 or $1.5 million 

higher than the same time last year. 

Income tax revenues year-to-date comprise 

54 percent of all city revenues, the largest 

part of all the city’s revenues. 

Website:Expert-hvac.com 

Phone:614-946-8461 

Experthvacllc@gmail.com 

FREE ESTIMATES 

on system installs 

$100 Preventative Maintenance (tune up) 

Expert service - affordable prices - Locally owned from Groveport 

Mention this ad and get $20 off a $110 service call.



They’re heading out west to the rodeo nationals 



A pair of friends are fulfilling some 

rodeo dreams this summer. 

Arly Kisner of Groveport and Allie 

Beerman of Columbus qualified for the 

National High School Finals Rodeo in 

Gillette, Wyoming, from July 17-23. 

Kisner competes in team roping, breakaway 

roping, goat tying, barrel racing and 

pole bending events. She qualified for 

Nationals in team roping, goat tying and 

pole bending. 

Beerman runs barrels and poles in her 

rodeo events. She qualified for Nationals in 

barrel racing. 

Both attend Eastland Career Center. 

Kathy Kisner, Arly’s mother, said Arly 

started riding horses at age seven. She said 

Arly and Allie are rodeo friends. 

“Arly began competing in rodeo events 

at age 10,” said Kathy. “She was introduced 

to rodeo by family friends Kim 

McCutchen and Valerie Burch.” 

Arly competes in rodeos with two horses 

- Yoder, a 17-year-old gelding she has 

worked with for two years; and Bunny, an 

11 year-old mare she has been competing 

with for five years. 

“Arly was named the Female Rookie of 

the Year in the state of Ohio as this is her 

ASBURY 

SOUTH UMC 

4760 Winchester Pike 

Columbus, Ohio 43232 

Telephone: 614-837-4601 

Rev. Sherri Upchurch Blackwell 

Sunday Worship 10 a.m. 

Inside and Parking Lot 

Sunday School 9 a.m. 

first year competing,” added Kathy. 

Arly said she “loves the challenge of 

rodeo and working towards getting faster 

times in all her events.” 

According to Arly, her most exciting and 

memorable experience with rodeo was 

when she broke the arena record for pole 

bending at Crazy Woman Ranch in 

Lancaster during the 2020-21 Winter 

Rodeo series. 

Allie’s horse’s name is Shiner. 

“Allie started riding when she was nine 

and participated in some small local rodeos 

and at age 14 she started competing in the 

Ohio high school rodeo association,” said 

Allie’s mother Robin Rodgers. “She loves 

competing and when she has a good run, it 

makes her feel like all the hard work she 

puts in with Shiner pays off. Plus she 

enjoys encouraging others to excel in their 

events.” 

According to Allie, one of her best 

moments was going to Fort Worth earlier 

this year to compete at the Junior Patriot 

Rodeo. 

“It was a great experience,” said Allie. 

Rodgers said Arly and Allie have been 

friends since elementary school. 

Ryan Gasser, Eastland-Fairfield Career 

Center coordinator of communications and 

marketing, said Arly, a junior, and Allie, a 

Be a Part of Our Local Worship Guide 

Our Worship Guide is geared toward celebrating faith and helping readers 

connect with religious resources in our community. Make sure these readers 

know how you can help with a presence in this very special section distributed to 

more than 19,000 households in the Groveport area. 

Contact us today to secure your spot in our Worship Guide. 

614.272.5422 • kathy@columbusmessenger.com 


South 

Arly Kisner and her horse in action. 

senior, are both enrolled in the welding 

program at Eastland Career Center. Arly’s 

home high school is Teays Valley and 

Allie’s is Hamilton Township. 

“Having two area students and both 

being welding students at Eastland Career 

Center is pretty awesome,” said Gasser. 

Photo courtesy of Abbey Schulz of Schulz photography 

Kathy said Arly would like to go on to 

college and also compete in collegiate 

rodeo. 

Rodgers said in the future Allie wants to 

start her own welding business and continue 

rodeoing. 

Allie Beerman and Shiner in action. 

Photo courtesy of Robin Rodgers



Back - to - School 

The history of the graduation cap 

Graduation ceremonies are a tradition 

that dates back to the first high 

schools and universities. While many 

aspects of graduation ceremonies have 

evolved over the years, the graduation 

cap has remained a hallmark of such ceremonies. 

Graduation caps are one of the most 

visible aspects of graduation dress. Many 

scholars believe the mortarboard style 

cap graduates don was developed from 

the biretta, a similar-looking Italian hat 

worn by Roman Catholic clergy. In the 

12th and 13th centuries, students and 

teachers typically wore clerical clothing 

because the church was highly influential 

at this time. Medieval universities 

helped inspire academic dress, including 

the familiar graduation cap. 

Mortarboards are shaped like a 

square, perhaps to give them a scholarly appearance like a book or to 

represent the shape of a quad on the campus of England’s Oxford 

University, where many graduation dress customs are believed to have 

originated. Others theorize that the mortarboard, which is named after 

the flat board used by bricklayers and masons, represents the skill of a 

master workman. 

Many graduation caps were 

initially black or gray. When 

color photography became the 

norm in the 20th century, 

schools began to use gowns and 

caps in different shades 

because they would show up in 

photographs. Schools often 

coordinate caps and gowns so 

their colors reflect their official 

school colors. 

While certain degrees warrant 

different styles of gown, 

cowls and hoods, mortarboard 

caps are relatively standard. 

In addition to the cap, there is 

a single button at the top. 

Tassels hang from these buttons. 

At commencement, tassels 

are traditionally worn on 

the right side of the cap and then moved to the left once graduates 

receive their diplomas. 

Graduation caps are part of the larger scope of academic dress that 

comprises school traditions. Millions of graduates across the globe will 

don their caps and toss them into the air later in celebration of their hard 

work. 


history films 

Two documentary films 

on the history of Groveport, 

produced by the Groveport 

Heritage Society and 

Midnet Media, are now 

available for viewing online 

on YouTube. 

The films are: 

“Groveport: A Town and Its 

People” and “The Story of 

John S. Rarey and Cruiser.” 


Heritage Museum 

The Groveport Heritage 

Museum contains photographs, 

artifacts, and documents 

about Groveport’s 

history. The museum is 

located in Groveport Town 

Hall, 648 Main St., and is 

open during Groveport 

Town Hall’s operating 

hours. Call 614-836-3333. 

614.574.4100 Grades K-4 614.574.0037 Grades 5-8 

4485 S. Hamilton Rd., Groveport, Ohio 43125 

Groveport Community School 

Now Enrolling K-8 

Check out our Facebook Page or our website 

www.imaginegroveport.com to see what we are all about. 

Developing Character 

and Enriching Minds 

• All Day Kindergarten 

• Free Breakfast and Lunch 

• Free Tuition 

• Individualized and small group instruction with rigorous curriculum 

• Dress Code 

• 1:1 Technology will be offered for all students 

• We also offer Gym, Spanish, Music, Technology, Art and Life Skills




Groveport Resident Day 

at Motts Military Museum 

City of Groveport residents will receive 

free admission with a complimentary event 

ticket to Motts Military Museum, 5075 S. 

Hamilton Road, on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 

p.m. Pick up your complimentary event 

ticket at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main 

St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from July 6 to 

Aug. 4. Proof of residency required. Must 

live within the 185 tax district. For information 

call 614-836-3333. 

School board meetings 

The Groveport Madison Board of 

Education meets the second and fourth 

Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the 

District Service Center, 4400 Marketing 

Our Family Caring For Yours 

Place, Suite B, Groveport. The board may 

also schedule special meetings, as needed. 

Helping youth 

Dylan Knecht, a Groveport resident and 

a co-owner of RE/MAX Apex in Lithopolis, 

is volunteering along with two of our other 

real estate agents at Camp Hamwi, a camp 

in Danville, Ohio, for youths with diabetes 

– put on by Lifecare Alliance/Central Ohio 

Diabetes Association. Knecht is a Type 1 

diabetic and attended the camp as a youth. 

Southeast Library 

The Southeast Branch of the Columbus 

Metropolitan Library is located at 3980 S. 

Hamilton Road, Groveport. For information 

visit www.columbuslibrary.org or call 

614-645-2275. 

Dr. Sacheen Garrison 

5055 S. Hamilton Road 

Groveport, OH 43125 614-836-0500 

www.groveportsmiles.com 

Groveport Madison school 

start and dismissal times 

There is a change in the start and dismissal 

times for Groveport Madison 

Schools for the 2022-23 school year. To 

allow for more time for teacher collaboration 

and professional development opportunities, 

school start and dismissal times 

(bell schedules) have been modified slightly 

for the upcoming school year. The times 

are: high school 7:20 a.m. — 1:45 p.m.; middle 

schools 8:15 a.m. — 2:45 p.m.; and elementary 

schools 9:15 a.m. — 3:40 p.m. 

Open house schedule 

Every Groveport Madison school hosts 

an open house/welcome night before the 

start of the school year. Open houses help 

parents and students familiarize themselves 

with their school and meet our 

teachers and principals. Open houses are: 

Groveport Madison High School — Aug. 9, 

5—8 p.m.; Middle Schools — Aug. 10, 5:30— 

7:30 p.m.; Elementary Schools — Aug. 11, 

4—6 p.m.; and Kindergarten (all schools) — 

Aug. 16, 4:30—6:30 p.m. 

School supply lists online 

Groveport Madison School supply lists 

are available on gocruisers.org. Having the 

necessary supplies and materials for students 

to meet their educational goals is a 

partnership between the school district 

and our families. Groveport Madison 

Schools provides our schools with most of 

the essential materials and supplies they 

need; however, many class- and teacherspecific 

supplies are also required from 

families. 

School supply lists for each of our elementary 

and middle schools are available 

on the district’s website at 

gocruisers.org/backtoschool2022.aspx. The 

district does not publish traditional school 

supply lists at the high school level 

because of the array of courses available. 

Instead, the high school teachers will 

inform their students of any supplies or 

materials needed for specific classes once 

students arrive. 

Golden Cruiser Club 

Groveport Madison Schools invites senior 

residents of the district to attend athletic 

and performing arts programs showcasing 

the talents of its students. The 

Golden Cruiser Club is a free program for 

residents of the Groveport Madison School 

District who are age 60 and older. Club 

membership provides free access to all 

school and district sponsored athletic contests, 

plays, concerts, and other events. To 

become a member of the Golden Cruiser 

Club, obtain an application at 

www.gocruisers.org, at any of the school 

offices, or call (614) 492-2520. 

The requirements for membership are 

that applicants be age 60 or older and be a 

resident of Groveport Madison Schools 

(verified by the Franklin County Auditor’s 

website). 

Boy Scout Troop 71 

Groveport area scouts of Boy Scout 

Troop 71 meet at Groveport United 

Methodist Church, 512 Main St. Cub 

Scouts, boys and girls in grades K-5, meet 

on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts ages 

11-18 meet Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The Girls 

Troop ages 11-18 meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. 

For information visit Beascout.org or contact 

Tina Dillman at 

christinadillman@aol.com. 

PAID ADVERTISING 

Madison Christian students 

excel with faith based education 

Madison Christian School offers quality 

Christian education with a classical approach for 

preschool through 12th grade on a beautiful 64- 

acre campus in Groveport, Ohio. 

A commitment to biblical truth and a passion 

for excellence permeate everything Madison 

Christian does in and around the classroom. 

Families experience a wonderful community in a 

partnership to develop students into strong 

Christian servants who will lead in their vocations, 

churches, and families. 

Students enjoy outstanding faith-based education, 

quality athletic teams, fine arts offerings, 

and other exciting extracurriculars in a safe community 

environment. Madison Christian is 

pleased to offer many diverse opportunities for 

students to explore their interests as they grow 

into the confident young man or woman they will 

become by graduation day. 

Madison Christian’s spiritual formation, rigorous 

curriculum, and faculty mentoring all foster 

some of the most important things parents can 

give their children: a relationship with Jesus, an 

excellent education, and a desire to bless and 

serve others. 

A current parent recently described Madison 

Christian School as an “academically challenging 

school that teaches from a strong biblical worldview. 

Not only prepares your student for college 

if they choose that path, but prepares them for 

life.” 

Visit mcseaglesoh.org, call 614-497-3456, or 

schedule a campus tour to learn more!




Superintendent search continues 



The Groveport Madison Board of 

Education is reviewing its options in its 

search for a new district superintendent. 

At its July 13 meeting,the board heard 

presentations from two organizations that 

could possibly assist in the superintendent 

search - Finding Leaders and the Ohio 

School Board Association. However, the 

board delayed making a decision on selecting 

either organization. 

“We are still working on what we want 

to do, as a board,” said Board President 

Chris Snyder. “The tight time frame is 

adding some extra pressure to the decision, 

but we want to make sure that we are taking 

in all of the thoughts and concerns of 

our board before we decide what to do. The 

choosing of a search firm seemed a bit premature 

(at the July 13 meeting), so we 

wanted to wait a bit to really think about 

the decision, and therefore we tabled the 

vote (on selecting a search firm).” 

The new superintendent will replace 

former superintendent Garilee Ogden, who 

left the district to become superintendent 

of Reynoldsburg City Schools on July 1. 

Ogden served as Groveport Madison 

superintendent since 2018. 

Snyder previously said the board hoped 

to have a new superintendent starting on 

Photo courtesy of the 

Groveport Heritage 

Museum 


School 

playground 

Aug. 1. 

When asked what qualities and experience 

the board is looking for in the new 

superintendent, Snyder said, “We would 

like to select someone with district knowledge 

and experience. We would like to 

have a superintendent who can cultivate 

strong relationships with our community 

leaders, and is able to work well with staff, 

parents, and community members. We 

would also like someone who is able to continue 

our academic growth and who also 

has the ability to deal with the operations 

of the district.” 

Groveport Madison Deputy 

Superintendent Jamie Grube agreed to 

serve as the district’s interim superintendent 

until July 30. 

New computers for schools 

The board approved the purchase of 500 

Dell Chromebook computers for the high 

school and middle schools and 300 Dell 

Chromebook for the elementaries for the 

2022-23 school year from XTek Partners at 

a cost of $265,000. According to district 

officials, the computers will be paid for 

from equipment funds in the budget. 

School playground project 

The board approved $126,396 in funding 

for a playground equipment and 

repairs project for the district’s elementary 

schools. 

Our Pictorial Past by Rick Palsgrove 

This is a view from 

1926 of the playground 

at 

Groveport School 

(now Groveport 

Elementary. Up 

until the 1950s, the 

school housed all 

12 grades. In the background at right, part of the Elmont Hotel, which was once 

next door to the school, is visible. Playground equipment in the photo includes a 

set of swings and “teeter-totters.” Also, faintly visible at the left of the photo is a 

pole with heavy hanging chains with stirrups that kids would hold on to and spin 

around the pole. This pole with the chains was still in use up until the 1960s. 

Groveport School, built in 1923, will celebrate its 100th birthday next year. The 

school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

ENROLL NOW 

FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR 

DON’T WAIT! 

Register your child for school today using our online 

system, SpeedyStart. Begin the process by visiting our 

website at gocruisers.org/enrollment.aspx. It’s as easy 

as 1, 2, 3. 

SCHOOL STARTS ON AUG. 12 

Don’t wait until August to register 

your child. Enrolling early helps to 

ensure a smooth start to the school 

year for your child – and you! 

HAVE YOU RECENTLY MOVED? 

Even if your child is already enrolled 

in Groveport Madison Schools, but you’ve 

moved to another address within the District, 

you must log into your FinalForms account, found at 

gocruisers.org/FinalForms.aspx, to update your address 

 

 

 

GROVEPORT MADISON SCHOOLS 

Welcome Center 

4400 Marketing Place, Suite B 


(614) 491-8288


Kendall Collins is a survivor 


By Linda Dillman 

Staff Writer 

There are many chapters to the story of 

Kendall Collins, a woman shot 15 times by 

her estranged husband in 2015 and left for 

dead by the side of the road near the 

Groveport Recreation Center. 

Domestic abuse, a plea deal with a 

lawyer that never should have happened, 

gun violence, three months in Grant 

Hospital and a series of 31 corrective surgeries 

over seven years with more planned 

are all a part of her life. 

But Collins is the first person to tell you 

that she is a survivor because of her family, 

faith and fortitude. 

The Lockbourne resident and her former 

husband were high school sweethearts who 

met in 2000. 

“All throughout high school we dated 

and attended two proms together,” recalled 

Collins. “We had a seemingly normal relationship, 

young love you could say. From 

the beginning he was controlling and jealous, 

but I thought that meant he loved me. 

We stayed together for many years with 

rough patches and many break ups.” 

The couple had two children. Their relationship 

continued to deteriorate, eventually 

leading to multiple separations. 

“In 2013 we hit a breaking point...he 

locked me in my room while my children 

were in the living room,” said Collins. “We 

ended up getting into a fight that began 

with him tackling me to the ground. I called 

the police that night and he was arrested 

and taken to jail for domestic violence.” 

At his court hearing, he faced a felony 

charge. However, Collins’ lawyer advised 

her to lower the charges to a criminal mischief–a 

misdemeanor instead of a felony. 

“The lawyer said he would be court 

ordered to attend counselling and would 

have to complete anger management courses. 

I agreed to lower the charges down to a 

misdemeanor,” said Collins. “He attended 

his counseling faithfully for the year and he 

seemed to benefit from it. He seemed happier 

and was less aggressive towards me 

verbally and we did not have any other 

physical fights during that time.” 

After the year was up, Collins said he 

fell back into his previous pattern of 

aggression. She filed for divorce in the summer 

of 2015 and on Sept. 10 of that year, 

her life changed forever. 

Because the domestic abuse charges 

were reduced to criminal mischief, her former 

husband was able to buy a gun legally 

at a gun store two days before he shot 

Collins eight times in her right leg, three 

times in the right arm, one time in the 

stomach, once in the chest, once in the 

lower back and once in the pelvic bone. 

“We had just had a meeting two days 

before (Sept. 8) with the lawyers and had 



BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER in Groveport 

Pick-Up At These 

Locations: 

Groveport Senior Village - 5124 Hendron 

Madison Township Office - 4575 Madison Lane 

Paddock Pub/Groveport Golf Ctr. - 1005 Richardson Rd. 

Southeast Library - 3980 S. Hamilton Rd. 

Asbury Methodist Church - 4760 Winchester Pike 

Groveport Municipal Building - 655 Blacklick St. 

Groveport Town Hall - 648 Main St. 

Flyers PIzza/Groveport - 296 Main St. 

Ace Hardware - 726 Main St. 

Little Italy Pizza - 619 Main St. 

Huntington Bank/Groveport - 556 Main St. 

Groveport Recreation Center - 7370 Groveport Rd. 

READ US ONLINE: www.columbusmessenger.com 

Messenger photo by Linda Dillman 

Kendall Collins stands not far from a field near the Groveport Recreation Center 

where she was shot 15 times in the early morning hours of Sept. 10, 2015. 

signed paperwork for custody of the kids 

and how we would separate the assets,” 

said Collins. “After church, he called and 

asked if I could meet him at Arby’s on Alum 

Creek to give me money for the kids. I 

agreed to meet him after the kids were 

asleep at my mom’s house.” 

As soon as he got inside Collins’ car, she 

realized the meeting was a mistake. She 

said he began screaming as she turned onto 

Groveport Road. 

“He did not let up as we drove a little 

further,” Collins recalled. “I was finally fed 

up with his yelling and I told him that I 

loved him, but I was no longer in love with 

him. At that point he pulled out the gun 

and laid it on his lap pointing it at me. I 

remember how shiny it was, and it scared 

me as I screamed. I remembered that there 

was a cornfield beside the rec center, and I 

thought that I could run and hide in the 

cornfield to get away from him in the darkness 

of the night.” 

She was about to open her door and run 

when she saw police lights coming towards 

her and did not know what to do. If she ran, 

she thought the police might think she was 

running away from them. 

It was around 2:30 a.m. 

“As I came to the stop sign, the police 

had their lights on my car. My (former) 

husband picked up the gun and cocked it. 

Without thinking I reached over to him and 

said ‘Put the gun away. We can get out of 

this.’ He looked at me and said, ‘I’m sorry it 

has to be this way.” 

Groveport Police Sgt. Josh Guiler was 

responding to another call when Guiler saw 

Collins’ auto in the recreation center driveway 

facing southbound near a stop sign. He 

watched her former husband attempt to 

exit the car and then heard the distinctive 

sound of a firearm hitting the pavement. 

“I then pulled my service weapon out and 

started to command him not to pick up the 

gun,” said Guiler. “I saw him reach for the gun 

and as he did, he stayed ducked down behind 

the passenger door. At this point I believed he 

was going to grab the gun and either come up 

shooting at me or take off running.” 

Guiler found what happened next unbelievable. 

“I saw his back turn as if he were going 

to run away from the vehicle,” said Guiler. 

“He then fired two shots into the vehicle 

which I believe hit Kendall Collins and ran 

to the rear of Kendall’s car. I then could 

see him looking through the back windshield 

for her. I then made a split second 

decision to fire a shot through the front 

windshield towards him hoping to pin him 

down. While waiting on back-up I was very 

focused watching for him to come back up. 

I then saw Kendall crawling from the driver 

seat to the passenger side of the vehicle. 

I yelled for her to stay in the car but she fell 

out on the ground in the fetal position facing 

him and the rear of the vehicle.” 

Guiler said as soon as Kendall hit the 

pavement, her former husband fired several 

rounds at her, never coming up from 

behind the vehicle. Guiler said he felt hopeless 

at this point thinking he could not get 

to her in time due to the distance between 

them. 

“After he shot her several times, I knew 

I had to get to her,” said Guiler. “He finally 

jumped up from behind the vehicle and 

started running away pointing his firearm 

See SURVIVOR, page 9



SURVIVOR 


at me. I then fired several more rounds at him as he ran to the 

cornfield. He did fire one more shot.” 

Another sergeant arrived and kept watch on the cornfield. 

Guiler heard Kendall yelling and moving and could not believe she 

was still alive. Groveport Police Officer Danny Amabile arrived on 

scene and the two used a cruiser as a barricade to get to Collins. 

“She rolled over from her side and said, ‘Will you do me a favor 

and get my hair out of my face?’ I couldn’t believe she was still able 

to communicate with us and I did move her hair out of her face,” 

said Guiler, who moved Kendall to a safe place. “She had to be 

moved because the medics would not respond directly to her 

because the scene was still active and we did not know his location 

or if he was still a threat. As I sat her down in the grass, I could 

see she was losing a lot of blood from her leg. Franklin County 

deputies were able to escort the medics to her now that she was in 

a safe place. They then took Kendall and were able to stabilize her 

until they reached the hospital.” 

Guiler said several agencies responded to the scene, including 

Hilliard’s K-9 unit which helped locate Collins’ former husband in 

the cornfield. He was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted 

gunshot wound. 

On the way to the hospital, as one of Collins’ lungs started to 

collapse, she prayed to stay alive and breathe. She said she made 

a silent pledge to God that if she lived, she would tell everyone He 

saved her life and had given her a purpose. 

She was in a medically induced coma for 18 days and spent 

three months in the hospital. She then spent three months in a 

rehabilitation facility learning how to walk again. 

“I had to learn how to talk, walk, write and all basic things all 

over again,” said Collins. “It was a long process. I was very lucky 

to have my current husband Seth there with me every day. He 

helped keep me motivated when I felt like giving up. Seth stayed 

with me through everything. He has been my rock. Life has not 

been easy for us, but we have made it together.” 

For women experiencing domestic abuse, Collins urges them to 

leave before the situation escalates. 

“It will get worse,” Collins said. “Lean on your faith and family, 

but get away from the abuser. Abusers do not change. They only 

get worse when they lose that control. Protect yourself and your 

children. A restraining order is only a piece of paper.” 

For help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call the National 

Domestic Abuse Hotline, 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); LSS Choices 

Crisis Line, 614-224-4663 (HOME); or the Ohio Domestic Violence 

Network, 1-800-934-9840. 

CW Blues and Ribfest 

The annual Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest will be held 

July 29-30 in historic downtown Canal Winchester. 

The two day summer street celebration features live blues 

music, world-class ribs, a wide variety of quality non-rib food 

options, children’s activities, fan-cooled dining areas, and a beer 

and wine garden for guests age 21 and over. 

On/off-street public parking is available in the areas adjacent 

to the festival grounds. Handicap tag and sticker parking available 

at the West Waterloo Street entrance east of Washington 

Street. 

As Ohio’s only blues and ribs festival, this event draws serious 

rib and blues aficionados from around the state with annual 

attendance estimates in excess of 32,000. 

Visit www.bluesandribfest.com for more information and a 

music performance schedule. 

Concert in the Park 

The city of Groveport’s Concert in the Park summer music 

series will be held the last Saturday of the month in July and 

August in Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Road. Bring a picnic dinner, a 

blanket or lawn chair, and invite your friends and family to this 

free concert series. Food Trucks will be available to purchase food 

and non-alcoholic beverages from 5:30-8 p.m. Bands play from 6- 

8 p.m. Scheduled bands are: July 30 - Rob Adams; and Aug. 27 - 

The Outlaw Uprising. For information call 614-836-3333. 

CLASSIFIED ADS 

Deadlines: Groveport and West editions, Wednesdays at 5 p.m., • South/Canal Winchester, Grove City, Madison editions, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. 

All editions by phone, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. • Service Directory, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. 

xPreschool/Daycare 

INCREASE YOUR 

FALL ENROLLMENT! 

ADVERTISE YOUR 

PRESCHOOL OR DAYCARE 

in 

The Groveport Messenger 

For More Info, CALL Kathy 

614-272-5444 

Preschool/Daycare 

ASSOCIATION ADS 

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: 

Call Today for a FREE 

QUOTE from America’s Most 

Trusted Interstate Movers. 

Let us take the stress out of 

moving! Call now to speak to 

one of our Quality Relocation 

Specialists: 877-541-6320 

Put on your TVEars & 

hear TV w/unmatched 

clarity. TVEars Originaloriginally 

$129.95 - now 

w/this special offer only 

$59.95 w/code MCB59! 1- 

888-805-0840 

DISH Network. $59.99 for 

190 channels! Blazing fast 

internet. $19.99/mo. (where 

available) Switch & get a 

$100 Visa gift card. Free 

voice remote. Free HD 

DVR. Free streaming on all 

devices. 1-866-979-4029 

Become a Published 

Author. We want to Read 

Your Book! Dorrance 

Publishing-Trusted by 

Authors Since 1920 

Book manuscript submissions 

currently being reviewed. 

Comprehensive Services: 

Consultation, Production, 

Promotion and Distribution. Call 

for Your Free Author’s Guide 1- 

866-482-1576 or visit 

http://dorranceinfo.com/macnet 

Wesley Financial Group, 

LLC Timeshare Cancellation 

Experts Over 

$50,000,000 in timeshare 

debt & fees cancelled in 

2019. Get free 

informational package & 

learn how to get rid of 

your timeshare! Free 

consultations. Over 450 

positive reviews. 888-965- 

0363 


Looking for assisted living, 

memory care, or 

independent living? A 

Place for Mom simplifies 

the process of finding 

senior living at no cost to 

your family. Call 1-833- 

910-1576 today! 

HughesNet - Finally, superfast 

internet no matter 

where you live. 25 Mbps 

just $59.99/mo! Unlimited 

Data is Here. Stream 

Video. Bundle TV & 

Internet. Free Installation. 

Call 866-499-0141 

Replace your roof with the 

best lookng and longest 

lasting material -- Steel 

from Erie Metal Roofs! 

Three styles and multiple 

colors available. 

Guaranteed to last a 

lifetime! Limited Time 

Offer - $500 Discount + 

Additional 10% off install 

(for military, health 

workers & 1st responders) 

Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1- 

855-338-4807 

DENTAL INSURANCE 

from Physicians Mutual 

Insurance Company. 

Coverage for 350 plus 

procedures. Real dental 

insurance - NOT just a 

discount plan. Do not wait! 

Call now! Get your FREE 

Dental Information Kit with 

all the details! 1-877-553- 

1891 

www.dental50plus.com/ 

macnet#6258 

xAdult Care 

Call us for an extra set 

of hands with shopping, 

cooking, chores, 

laundry, gardening, 

small repairs and so 

much more. 

Paying top cash for men’s 

sportwatches! Rolex, 

Breitling, Omega, Patek 

Pillippe, Heuer, Daytona, 

GMT, Submariner and 

Speedmaster. Call 833- 

603-3236 

Safe Step. North 

America’s #1 Walk-in Tub. 

Compreshensive lifetime 

warranty. Top-of-the-line 

installation and service. 

Now featuring our free 

shower package & $1600 

off - limited time! 

Financing available. 1- 

833-356-1954 

Looking for assisted living, 

memory care, or 

independent living? A 

Place for Mom simplifies 

the process of finding 

senior living at no cost to 

your family. Call 1-844- 

428-0445 today! 

Discount air travel! Call 

Flight Services for best 

pricing on domestic & 

international flights inside 

& from the US. Serving 

United, Delta, American & 

Southwest &many more. 

Free quote! Have travel 

dates ready! 844-951- 

2014 

Like getting ting a little help 

from your friends ® 

 

 

 

 

advertise 

Adult Care 

Donate Your Car To 

Veterans Today! Help and 

Support our Veterans. 

Fast - FREE pick up. 

100% tax deductible. Call 

1-800-245-0398 

Vivint Smart Security. 

Professionally installed. 

One connected system for 

total peace of mind. Free 

professional installation! 

Four free months of 

monitoring! Call to 

customize your system. 1- 

833-841-0737 

Aloe Care Health, medical 

alert system. The most 

advanced medical alert 

product on the market. 

Voice-activated! No wi-fi 

needed! Special offer-call 

and mention offer code 

CARE20 to get $20 off 

Mobile Companion. Call 

today-1-877-728-4065 

Safe Step. North 

America’s #1 Walk-in Tub. 

Compreshensive lifetime 

warranty. Top-of-the-line 

installation and service. 

Now featuring our free 

shower package & $1600 

off - limited time! 

Financing available. 1- 

855-417-1306 

Home & Heart 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUR ADULT 

CARE SERVICES 

Call Kathy 

at The Messenger 

For More Info 

272-5422 

ASSOCIATION ADS ASSOCIATION ADS ASSOCIATION ADS 

 

Aloe Care Health medical 

alert system. The most 

advanced medical alert 

product on the market. 

Voice-activated! No wi-fi 

needed! Special offer 

w/code CARE20 for $20 

off Mobile Companion. 1- 

855-341-5862 

!!OLD GUITARS WANT- 

ED!! GIBSON, FENDER, 

MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 

1980’s. TOP DOLLAR 

PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 

1-866-433-8277 

Become a Published 

Author. We want to Read 

Your Book! Dorrance 

Publishing Trusted Since 

1920 Consultation, 

Production, Promotion & 

Distribution. Call for Free 

Author’s Guide 1-877-729- 

4998 or visit 

dorranceinfo.com/ads 

Update your home with 

beautiful new blinds & 

shades. Free in-home 

estimates make it 

convenient to shop from 

home. Professional 

installation. Top quality - 

Made in the USA. Free 

consultation: 877-212- 

7578. Ask about our 

specials!



CLASSIFIED ADS 

Deadlines: Groveport and West editions, Wednesdays at 5 p.m., • South/Canal Winchester, Grove City, Madison editions, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. 

All editions by phone, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. • Service Directory, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. 

xEmployment 

“HELP WANTED” 

SIGN 

NOT WORKING? 

TO ADVER 

VERTISE 

Call Kathy at 

The Columbus Messenger 

614-272-5422 


Protect your home from 

pests safely and 

affordablly. Pest, rodent, 

termite and mosquito 

control. Call for a quote or 

inspection today 844-394- 

9278 

Directv Stream - Carries 

the Most Local MLB 

Games! CHOICE 

Package, $89.99/mo for 

12 months. Stream on 20 

devices in your home at 

once. HBOMax included 

for 3 mos (w/CHOICE 

Package or higher.) No 

annual contract, no hidden 

fees! Some restrictions 

apply. Call IVS 1-866-629- 

6086 


Stroke & Cardiovascular 

disease are leading 

causes of death according 

the American Heart 

Association. Screenings 

can provide peace of mind 

or early detection! Call 

Life Line Screening to 

schedule your screening. 

Special offer - 5 

screenings for $149. 1- 

866-518-8391 

BUYING CLASSIC CARS, 

TRUCKS, SUVs 

**American and Foreign** 

Any Condition. Buying 

entire car collections. 

$$PAYING CA$H$$ 

Please call 717-577-8206 

KRMiller1965@yahoo.com 


WANTED! 

MOTORCYCLES! 

ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. 

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, 

Yamaha, Triumph, BSA 

and other foreign models. 

$$PAYING CA$H$$ 

717-577-8206 

KRMiller1965@yahoo.com 

Thinking about installing 

a new shower? American 

Standard makes it 

easy. FREE design consulation. 

Enjoy your 

shower again! Call 1- 

833-769-0995 today to 

see how you can save 

$1,000 on installation, or 

visit www.newshowerdeal.com/mac 


AT&T Internet. Starting at 

$40/month w/12-mo agmt. 

1 TB of data/mo. Ask how 

to bundle & SAVE! Geo & 

svc restrictions apply. 1- 

855-364-3948 

Eliminate gutter cleaning 

forever! LeafFilter, the 

most advanced debrisblocking 

gutter protection. 

Schedule a FREE LeafFilter 

estimate today. 15% off 

Entire Purchase. 10% Senior 

& Military Discounts. 

Call 1-855-791-1626 

Looking for auto insurance? 

Find great deals 

on the right auto insurance 

to suit your needs. 

Call today for a free 

quote! 866-924-2397 


READER 

ADVISORY 

The National Trade Association 

we belong to has 

purchased the following 

classifieds. Determining 

the value of their service 

or product is advised by 

this publication. In order 

to avoid misunderstandings, 

some advertisers do 

not offer “employment” 

but rather supply the 

readers with manuals, directories 

and other materials 

designed to help 

their clients establish mail 

order selling and other 

businesses at home. Under 

NO circumstance 

should you send any 

money in advance or give 

the client your checking, 

license ID or credit card 

numbers. Also beware of 

ads that claim to guarantee 

loans regardless of 

credit and note that if a 

credit repair company 

does business only over 

the phone it’s illegal to request 

any money before 

delivering its service. All 

funds are based in US 

dollars. Toll Free numbers 

may or may not 

reach Canada. Please 

check with the Better 

Business Bureau 614- 

486-6336 or the Ohio Attorney 

General’s Consumer 

Protection Section 

614-466-4986 for more 

information on the company 

you are seeking to 

do business with. 

Employment 


SELL YOUR ANTIQUE 

OR CLASSIC CAR. 

Advertise with us. You 

choose where you want 

to advertise. 800-450- 

6631 visit macnetonline. 

com for details. 

DISH TV $64.99 for 190 

Channels + $14.95 high 

speed internet. FREE installation, 

Smart HD DVR 

included. Free Voice Remote. 

Some Restrictions 

apply. Promo Expires 

1/21/23. 1-866-590-5561 

Attention Viagra users: 

Generic 100 mg blue pills 

or generic 20 mg yellow 

pills. Get 45 plus 5 free + 

S/H. Call Today 1-877- 

707-5518 

Elminate gutter cleaning 

forever! LeafFilter, the most 

advanced debris-blockiing 

gutter protection. Schedule 

Free LeafFilter Estimate 

today. 15% off Entire 

Purchase. 10% Senior & 

Military Discounts. Call 1- 

833-610-1936 

The Generac PWRcell 

solar plus battery storage 

system. Save money, 

reduce reliance on 

grid, prepare for outages 

& power your home. Full 

installation services. $0 

down financing option. 

Request free no obligation 

quote. Call 1-877- 

539-0299 


The Generac PWRcell, a 

solar plus battery storage 

system. SAVE money, 

reduce your reliance on 

the grid, prepare for power 

outages and power 

your home. Full installation 

services available. $0 

Down Financing Option. 

Request a FREE, no obligation, 

quote today. Call 

1-866-783-0292 

The bathroom of your 

dreams for as little as 

$149/month! BCI Bath & 

Shower. Many options 

available. Quality 

materials & professional 

installation. Senior & 

Military Discounts 

Available. Limited Time 

Offer - FREE virtual inhome 

consultation now 

and SAVE 15%! Call 

Today! 1-877-540-2780 

READY TO BUY, SELL 

OR RENT YOUR 

VACATION HOME OR 

HUNTING CAMP? 

Advertise it here and in 

neighboring publications. 

We can help you. Contact 

MACnet MEDIA @ 

800-450-6631 or visit our 

site at MACnetOnline. 

com 

BATH & SHOWER UP- 

DATES in as little as 

ONE DAY! Affordable 

prices - No payments for 

18 months! Lifetime warranty 

& professional installs. 

Senior & Military 

Discounts available. Call 

855-761-1725 


Internet &WIFI Starts at 

$49 Call us Today to Get 

Started. Find High-Speed 

Internet with Fiber Optic 

Technology No Credit 

Check, No SSN Required. 

Call us Today 866-396- 

0515 

Don’t let the stairs limit 

your mobility! Discover 

the ideal solution for 

anyone who struggles on 

the stairs, is concerned 

about a fall or wants to 

regain access to their 

entire home. Call 

AmeriGlide today! 1-844- 

317-5246 

IMPORTANT 

NOTICE 

The following states: CA, 

CT, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, 

LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, 

NE, NC, NH, OH, OK, 

SC, SD, TX, VT and WA 

requires seller of certain 

business opportunities to 

register with each state 

before selling. Call to 

verify lawful registration 

before you buy.

www.colulmbusmessenger.com 

xCome & Get It! 


xClassified Services 

COME AND GET IT! 

Need to Get Rid of Something Fast - Advertise It Here For FREE! 

Deadlines are Mondays by 5 pm. 

Call For Publication Schedule 614-272-5422 

FREE Garden Straw for gardens or bedding. Call for appointment for pickup. 

Circle S Farms, 9015 London-Groveport Road, Grove City, 43123 

Grove City - 614-878-7980 

.FREE - Downed Tree, needs cut into sections. Free for anyone that wants it. 

CC - Obetz - 614-632-1013 

FREE - Children’s Wooden Play Set - Good Condition w/Sand Box under it, Step Ladder up 

Slide to go down & a rope swing. Also separate Swing Set w/4 swings. 

190 Inah Ave., Cols, 43228 near the Fire Dept. 

West Columbus - 614-878-1930, ask for Linda 

. Come and Get It! is a bi-weekly column that offers readers an opportunity to pass 

along surplus building materials, furniture, electronic equipment, crafts, supplies, 

appliances, plants or household goods to anybody who will come and get them - as 

long as they’re FREE. NO PETS! Just send us a brief note describing what you want to 

get rid of, along with your name, address and phone number. Nonprofit organizations 

are welcome to submit requests for donations of items. 

Send information to The Columbus Messenger, Attention: Come and Get It, 3500 

Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH43204. Deadline is Tuesdays by 5 pm for following 

Mondays publication. Messenger Newspapers is not responsible for any 

complications that may occur. Please contact us when items are gone. 272-5422 


Vivint Smart Security. 

Professionally installed. 

One connected system for 

total peace of mind. FREE 

professional installation! 

Four FREE months of 

monitoring! Call to 

customize your system. 1- 

855-870-2073 

Dental Insurance - 

Physicians Mutual Insurance 

Comopany. Covers 350 

procedures/ Real insurance - 

not a discount plan. Get your 

free dental info kit! 1-855- 

.526-1060 www/dental50 

plus.com/ads #6258 

DISH TV $64.99 FOR 190 

Channels + $14.95 High 

Speed Internet. Free Installation, 

Smart HD DVR 

Included, Free Voice Remote. 

Some restrictions 

apply. Promo expires 

1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516 

Prepare for power outages 

today with a GENERAC 

home standby generator. 

$0 Money Down + Low 

Monthly Payment Options. 

Request a FREEQuote-- 

Call now before the next 

power outage. 1-855-465- 

7624 

Directv Now. No Satellite. 

$40/mo 65 Channels. 

Stream news, live 

events, sports & on demand 

titles. No contract/ 

commitment. 1-866-825- 

6523 

Protect your home w/home 

security monitored by 

ADT. Starting at $27.99/ 

mo. Get free equipment 

bundle including keypad, 

motion sensor, wireless 

door & windows sensors. 

833-719-1073 

Come & Get It! 


New authors wanted! 

Page Publishing will help 

self-publish your book. 

Free author submission 

kit! Limited offer! 866- 

951-7214 

Attention oxygen therapy 

users! Inogen One G4 is 

capable of full 24/7 oxygen 

delivery. Only 2.8 

pounds. Free info kit. 

Call 877-929-9587 

VIAGRA and CIALIS 

USERS! 50 Generic pills 

SPECIAL $99.00. 100% 

guaranteed. 24/7 CALL 

NOW! 888-445-5928 

Hablamos Espanol 

Prepare for power 

outages today with a 

GENERAC home standby 

generator. $0 Down + Low 

Monthly Pmt. Request a 

free Quote. Call before the 

next power outage: 1-855- 

948-6176 

NEED IRS RELIEF 

$10K-$125K+ Get Fresh 

Start or Forgiveness. 

Call 1-844-431-4716 

Monday through Friday 

7am-5pm PST 

AUCTIONS 

Personal Property of 

Dena J. Stone-A11, C17; 

Jade N. Eberhardt-A29; 

Chester Isaacs-B16; 

Johnny Estep-B33; David 

Newman-C4; Thomas 

Braswell-K20, C8; Kim 

McLean-C12; Greg Clark 

Jr-C26; Samantha 

Barrow-D9; Stephanie 

Harley-D11; Christina 

Harrell-F4; Michael Jones- 

E9; Austin Burgett-H3; 

Jacob Patterson-H7; 

Desereie L. Coleman- 

H21; Daniel McComis-I38; 

James Ratcliff-J24; Allisen 

Hapke-I19 to be 

auctioned at 10am on 

Friday, July 29th, 2022 at 

Access Storage Ohio Inc, 

5625 Groveport Rd., 


PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE 

Get A Head Start 

on Fall Enrollment! 

ADVERTISE Your 

Preschool/Daycare 

in the Messenger 

Call Kathy at 

The Messenger 

272-5422 

HELP WANTED 

Kings Kids Daycare in 

Grove City is hiring fun, 

loving teachers for PT& 

FT shifts. Pleaes email 

sarragc@outlook.com or 

call 614-539-0349 

PT Helper Needed 

for Lawn Care Service 

3-4 Days a Week 

Call 614-935-1466 

WANT TO BUY 

We Buy Cars & Trucks 

$300-$3000.614-308-2626 

ANTIQUES 

WANTED 

Victrolas, Watches, 

Clocks, Bookcases 

Antiques, Furn. 

Jeff 614-262-0676 

or 614-783-2629 

WE BUY JUNK CARS 

Call anytime 614-774-6797 

BUYING VINYL RECORDS. 

LPs and 45s - 1950-80s 

Rock, Pop, Jazz, Soul. 

614-831-0383 

We Buy Junk Cars & 

Trucks. Highest Prices 

Paid. 614-395-8775 

MISC. 

FOR SALE 

Electric Wheelchair - If 

interested, call 614-928-2352 

AIR CONDITIONING 

AIR CONDITIONING 

Complete System 

Clean & Check 

$49.95 

Free Electronic Leak Testing 

All Makes • All Models 

46 Yrs. Exp. • Senior Discount 

614-351-9025 

BLACKTOP 

SANTIAGO’S 

Sealcoating & Services LLC 

Quality Materials Used 

SUMMER IS HERE! 

Driveway Seal & Repair! 

Top Seal Cracks! 

Residential & Commercial 

Mulching, Edging & Clean-ups 

“Ask for whatever you need.” 

BBB Accredited-Fully Insured 

Call or text for Free Est. 

614-649-1200 

AGM OHIO 

ROOFING & 

SEALCOATING 

Free Estimates 

Cell 614-512-1699 

CARPET SALES 

CARPET 

Gray Saxony 

270 sq.ft. w/6 lb Pad 

$398.00 

Other Carpet AvailableA 

Phone or text Ray 

740-927-3504 

Delivery & Inst. avail. 

CLEANING 

Looking for Mrs. Clean? 

For excellent cleaning serv 

at reas. rates w/great refs, 

dependable. 10% Seniorr 

Disc. Free Est. Also runs 

Errands - Gwen 614-226-5229 

INFORMATION 

7/31 A 

BLACKTOP SEALING 

Driveways & Parking Lots 

614-875-7588 

8/14 

A/M 

CARPET CLEANING 

CARPET CLEANING 

Any 5 areas ONLY $75 

Home Powerwash $99-$300 

614-805-1084 

Specializing in Pet Odors 

FOR ONLY 

$74.00 

You Can Reach 

Over 41,000 Homes 

In 

Groveport & South/ 

Canal Winchester 

For Info Call 

272-5422 

7/31 e/se 

CONCRETE 

AJ’s Concrete, 

Masonry 

Good Work - Fair Prices 

Block Foundations 

Driveways • Sidewalks 

Epoxy/Overlay Floors 

Bonded-Ins. • Free Ests. 

614-419-9932 

www.hastingsnsons.com 

Driveways & Extensions 

Patio & Walkways, 

Porches & Steps, 

Garage/Basement Floors 

Hot Tub/Shed Pads, 

Stamped/colored concrete 

Sealing of new & 

existing concrete. 

FREE ESTIMATES 

Contact Adam 

614-756-1754 

hastingsandsons. 

columbus@gmail.com 

ALL-CITY CUSTOM 

CONCRETE 

All Types Concrete Work 

New or Tear Out-Replace 

40 Yrs. Exp. 

(614) 207-5430 

Owner is On The Job! 

EDDIE MOORE 

CONSTRUCTION 

Quality Concrete Work 

Lt. Hauling & Room Add., 

Block Work & Excavation 

Stamp Patios, 

Bsmt. Wall Restoration 

35 Yrs Exp - Lic & Ins. 

Free Ests. 614-871-3834 

INFORMATION 

ONLY 

$50.00 

For This Ad In Our 

South/Canal Winchester 

& Groveport 

For Info Call 

614-272-5422 

GUTTERS 

Bates & Sons 

GUTTER CLEANING 

5 ★ Google Reviews 

614-586-3417 

HOME 

IMPROVEMENTS 

SINCE 1973 

Phil Bolon Contr. 

Windows & Siding 

Decks, Kitchens, Baths 

Room Additions, 

Flooring, Roofing 

Bsmt Waterproofing 

Deal With Small Non-Pressure Co. 

47 Yrs. Exp. - Refs. Avail. 

Lic.-Bond-Ins. 

7/31 

A/M 

Free Est. - Financing Avail. 

Member BBB Of Cent. OH 

O.C.I.E.B. ID #24273 

614-419-3977 

or 614-863-9912 

7/31 A 

HOME 

IMPROVEMENTS 

C&JHandyman 

Services LLC 

Minor Plumbing 

& Electric 

Install Hot Water Tanks, 

Dishwashers & Disposals 

Also Fencing & 

Interior/Exterior Painting 

Free Est. ~ 18 Yrs. Exp. 

CDC/EPA Approved Guidelines 

614-284-2100 

KLAUSMAN HOME 

IMPROVEMENT 

Siding-Windows- 

Doors-Roofing-Soffit- 

Fascia-Gutters-Trim 

Earn FREE Seamless 

Gutters with Siding Over 

1000 Sq. Ft. 

FREE Shutters with 

Soffit & Trim 

EPA Certified 

Member of BBB 

Financing Available 

Over 20 yrs exp. • Free Est. 

Licensed-Bonded-Insured 

Owner & Operator 

James 614-419-7500 

HOME 

REMODELING 

MultiCraft Const. 

& Handyman Services 

All Types Handyman Services: 

Decks, Fences 

Kitchen/Baths 

Window/doors installed 

Interior Painting 

Drywall Repairs 

All Types of Flooring 

Call/Text 614-774-2923 

multicraftconstruction@gmail.com 

LANDSCAPING 

A-1 QUALITY 

TREE & LANDSCAPE 

Family Owned 

Serving Central Ohio 

Since 2004 

Bed & Yard Maint. 

Weeding, Mulching, etc. 

Hedge/Shrub Trimming 

*Stump Removal 

614-596-9504 

Insured - Free Est. 

LAWN CARE 

The Lawn Barber 

Cut, Trim, Blow away 

Hedge Trimming, Edging 

614-935-1466 

LET US MAINTAIN 

YOUR LAWN & GARDEN 

FOR YOU 

Summer, Spring, 

Winter or Fall 

WE DO IT ALL!!!! 

Lawn Cuts, Edging, 

Trees & Shrubs, Garden, 

Mulching, Hauling, 

Garden Pond & 

Home Maint. 

Free Ests. Low Rates 

$20 & Up 

Kevin - 614-905-3117 

Classified Services 

7/17 A 

8/14 A 

7/31A 

PEST 

CONTROL 

TERMITE & 

PEST CONTROL 

614-367-9000 

TORCO® 

TERMINATES 

TERMITES 

Locally Owned & Operated. Any Pest. Anytime. 

$ 

50 00 OFF Service 

Free Termite Inspection 

LAWN CARE 

LAWN REPAIR 

Patchi - Refurbish 

Total Redo’s 

Overseeding, Fertilization 


since 2004 

Free Estimates 

614-596-9504 

MOWER REPAIR 

LAWN MOWER DR. 

“House Calls Only” 

Overall Checkups 

Oil Change & Filter, 

Spark Plug & 

Blades Sharpened 

MINOR REPAIR 

John 

614-395-7909 

johnellis0333@sbcglobal.net 

PAINTING 

Painter Over 30 Yrs. Exp. 

Free Est. Reas. Rates 

Daniel - 614-226-4221 

A Job Well Done Again 

A lic. General Contractor 

Some Skilled Services 

Incl: Painting • Stucco, 

Repair•Carpentry•Exterior 

Drainage & Home Maint. 

Call Today! 614-235-1819 

PLUMBING 

7/17 A 

MYERS 

PLUMBING 

Exp. Expert Plumbing 

New Const. & Fast Repairs 

Lic. - Permit Available 

Water • Sewer • Gas 

614-633-9694 

All About Drains & Plumb. 

Will snake any small drain 

$145. 614-778-2584 

CHRIS’ 

PLUMBING 

“Plumbing & Drain Professional 

That You Can Count On” 

24 Hrs., 7 Days/Week 

No Overtime Charges 

24 Yrs. Exp. in Plumbing & 

Drain Cleaning Field 

Call For A Free Phone Estimate 

$100.00 For Any Small Drain 

614-622-4482 

30% OFF with AD 

8/14 A&M 

8/14 A 

PEST 

CONTROL 

PLASTERING 

DRYW 

YWALL & 

PLASTER 

7/31 

A&M 

REPAIR 

Textured Ceilings 

614-551-6963 

Residential/Commercial 

BIA 

POWER WASHING 

POWERWASHING 

at Reasonable Rates 

Gwen 614-226-5229 

MRS. POWERWASH 

Any house wash $149+tax 

Single deck $69+tax 

2 Tier deck $99+tax 

Best Wash in Town 

Over 45,000 washes 

Ashley 614-771-3892 

Bates & Sons 

Soft Wash & Powerwash 

5 ★ Google Reviews 

614-586-3417 

SEWING MACHINE 

REPAIR 

REPAIR all makes 24 hr. 

service. Clean, oil, adjust 

in your home. $49.95 all 

work gtd. 614-890-5296 

TREE SERVICES 

A-1 QUALITY 

TREE & LANDSCAPE 

Family Owned 


Since 2004 

614-596-9504 

Insured - Free Est. 

Brewer & Sons Tree Service 

• Tree Removal 

• Tree Trimming 8/14 

A&M 

• Stump Grinding 

• Bucket Truck Services 

Best Prices • Same Day Service 

614-878-2568 

BURNS TREE SERVICE 

Trimming, Removal & 

Stump Grinding. 

614-584-2164 

7/31 A&M


AUTO HOME 

Beplerinsurance.com 

614.837.4379 

staff@beplerinsurance.com 

3246 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43232 

Keep tabs on the latest news in 

Groveport & Madison Township 

Look for Groveport Messenger on 

Become a fan! 

southeast 


(Distribution: 8,000) 

Rick Palsgrove ...................................Groveport Editor 

southeast@columbusmessenger.com 

Published every other Sunday by 

The Columbus Messenger Co. 

3500 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43204-1887 

(614) 272-5422 

The Columbus Messenger Co. reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel 

any advertisement or editorial copy at any time. The company is not 

responsible for checking accuracy of items submitted for publication. 

Errors in advertising copy must be called to the attention of the company 

after first insertion and prior to a second insertion of the same advertising 

copy. 


Groveport’s agricultural heritage 

Groveport is a town with deep agricultural 

roots extending from its founding in 

the early 19th century through most of the 

20th century. 

Editor’s Notebook 

Rick 

Palsgrove 

Even in the rapidly 

commercially developing 

21st century, 

some active farms 

still neighbor the town. 

In the late 18th and into the 19th century, 

settlers were drawn to the Groveport 

area by the rich land and abundant fresh 

water that made for great farming. Early 

county histories referred to Madison 

Township as the garden spot of Franklin 

County. 

Businesses throughout much of 

Groveport’s history were geared to serving 

the many Madison Township farms that 

encircled the town. These included blacksmiths, 

a creamery, wagon makers, farm 

implement dealers, livestock dealers, canal 

shipping, grain dealers, sawmills, railroad 

shipping (in 1875, five million pounds of 

freight of mostly livestock and grain were 

shipped by rail from Groveport), hardware 

stores, and more. 

An ad from 1944 for one business, the 

Groveport Chickery, which operated just off 

west Main Street, said it could quickly provide 

farmers with young chickens and chicken 

feed as well as with brooder equipment. 

But one did not have to reside on a farm 

to embrace the agricultural lifestyle. In 

essence, throughout Groveport’s history, 

everyone who lived within the town limits 

was a farmer in their own way. Residents 

maintained large vegetable gardens in 

their big yards for their own use and sometimes 

sale. Particularly in the older parts 

of town the individual residential lots were 

originally platted to be large to accommodate 

big gardens, barns, and livestock. If 

you take a walk through the alleys in historic 

areas of town you can see many of 

these old barns, stables, and chicken coops 

still standing, though they are now used as 

garages and storage buildings. 

The “garden” at the Elmont Hotel, once 

located on Main Street where Middle 

School Central now stands, at one time featured 

14 acres of potatoes and another 40 

acres of tomatoes, cabbage, beets, onions, 

peas, beans, asparagus, melons, apples, 

plums, cherries, and strawberries. 

Many town residents raised chickens and 

tended hogs. People stabled horses they 

used for transportation. Crops were important 

enough that in the 1870s Dr. J. H. 

Saylor stored wheat in the unfinished front 

room of his large brick home on Main Street. 

The Palsgrove farmhouse along 

Shannon Road in Madison Township as 

it looked in 1940. The house was built 

in 1849 by William Whims. 

An example of how this agrarian focus 

carried on well into the 20th century is a 

livestock audit of Groveport completed by 

Franklin County in 1920. It revealed that 

living in Groveport at that time were 14 

horses, 16 cows, 4 sheep, 32 hogs, and 

1,543 chickens, ducks, and geese. 

Farming once boomed so much in the 

Groveport area that two, grain elevators - 

North Grain and the Farm Bureau - operated 

along the railroad tracks near Front 

Street in the 20th century. 

“Gro”-veport has always been good at 

growing things! 

Rick Palsgrove is editor of the Groveport 

Messenger. 

MEDICARE QUESTIONS? 

Learn more about your 

medicare options that you 

may qualify for. 

Too busy enjoying summer to think about Medicare? 

As a local neighborhood agent, help finding the right plan is 

closer than you THINK! Call or Text today 614-460-0601 

Call me Today $0 Consultation $0 Fee 

Terri Curcio 614-460-0601 

“Who do you call about Medicare when all the commercials are gone? 

A Local Licensed Agent!” 

I'm here all year long providing Medicare members with the plan options that fit their needs. Also, we could review if 

you qualify for extra help on your prescription copays, along with insulin coverage. Reviewing the plan information over 

the phone or in person, you need to be confident in your decision. Guiding you on the right path to Medicare.

Groveport Messenger - July 24th, 2022

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template ?