Groveport Messenger - November 27th, 2022

Messenger
Groveport
November 27 - December 10, 2022 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XL, No. 12
Hometown Realtor
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580 Main St., Groveport, OH 43125
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Brawl at the high school
Messenger photos by Rick Palsgrove
Veterans Day
Groveport held its annual Veterans Day
ceremony on Nov. 11 in Veterans Park.
The guest speaker, Groveport resident
Mary Miller, who is chief human
resource officer at the Ohio Department
of Veterans Services and a military veteran,
said veterans are a “shining example
of valor, courage, and sacrifice...who
never waivered in defending the idea of
America and protecting our way of life.”
The 2022 Veterans Brick honorees in the
park are: U.S. Army - Lowell Mathews.
James McMahan, Robert Patrick; U.S.
Marine Corp - Jason Huston; U.S. Navy -
William Johnson, John Karlich, John
Pellior; and U.S. Air Force - Donald
Grant. Pictured above playing “Taps” at
the ceremony is Katie Cordle, who is the
Groveport Madison Middle School
South band director and assistant director
of the Groveport Madison High
School marching band. Visible behind
Cordle are some of the Hometown
Heroes veterans banners that were displayed
at major Main Street intersections
this year. These 2022 Hometown
Heroes Military Honorees were: U.S.
Army - Montgomery Dotson, Marion
Gray, Mark Keller, Wayne Whisman; U.S.
Marine Corp - Scott Clinger, David
Flowers; U. S. Navy - Bill Branscomb,
John Karlich; and U. S. Air Force - David
Frashier, Joseph Jackson, Jonathan
Pierce, William Schweinsberg. A new set
of Hometown Heroes banners are displayed
from Memorial Day to Veterans
Day each year. At right, members of
American Legion Robert Dutro Post 486
raise the flag at the ceremony.
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Officers from three police departments
responded to a brawl that broke out among
students at Groveport Madison High
School on Nov. 15.
According to Groveport Police Chief
Casey Adams, a disturbance occurred
among students in the school cafeteria
around 12:30 p.m. He said it is believed
that verbal altercation stemmed from a
dispute among students earlier that morning
at a school bus stop located outside of
the city of Groveport.
In a written statement, school officials
said that the verbal altercation was “broken
up before it could escalate into a fight.
Because of the large number of students
who gathered around, the school resource
officer requested additional police support
to ensure the situation remained under
control.”
About 10 police officers from the
Groveport Police, Madison Township
Police, and Franklin County Sheriffs
deputies responded. Officers spread out
around the cafeteria hoping their presence
would calm the situation, according to
Adams.
“Our presence didn’t seem to phase the
kids,” said Adams.
Then, according to Adams, around 1
p.m., he saw students running to a nearby
academic hallway as what he termed, “a
large scale fight” involving about four students
broke out. He said a large crowd of
students gathered around to watch the
fight and make videos of it. School staff,
security guards, and police officers worked
to break up the fight and disperse the students.
As they did so, Adams said some
school staff, security personnel, and officers
were struck by punches from the fighting
students.
“The students weren’t trying to hit the
officers and staff, but the kids were just
throwing wild haymakers,” said Adams.
Police made the decision to use pepper
spray to end the fight and disperse the
crowd. Adams said a full, four to five ounce
See BRAWL, page 2
Parents speak out about fights
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
A large crowd of parents and community
members came to the Nov. 17 Groveport
Madison Board of Education meeting on
expressing concerns about safety and security
issues at Groveport Madison High
School.
The school is plagued by fights among
students and recently two students were
found to be in possession of guns while at
the school.
“We, as a board, administration, and
staff deeply care about the well the being of
our students,” said Board President Chris
Snyder. “We don’t have a simple answer for
all this. We are meeting with staff to work
to improve safety and security.”
Citizens’ reactions
Twelve citizens spoke at the meeting
about their worries about problems at the
high school. During the meeting, audience
members also called out from their seats
demanding immediate action from the
board and officials to end the fights and
related problems in the school.
Security solutions proposed from the citizens
included: installing metal detectors or
using metal detector wands at the school;
improving transparency in communications
from district officials to the citizens; listening
to suggestions from students on how to
improve the safety and culture at the high
school; making sure students know the consequences
of their actions; expelling and
banning repeat offenders from school (in
Ohio, if a student is expelled they cannot
attend any public school); increasing the
number of security personnel and hiring
more female security personnel (currently
the school has five security staff members
including one female, there are also two
See PARENTS, page 6
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PAGE 2 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - November 27, 2022
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Another gun found at high school
BRAWL
Continued from page 1
bottle of pepper spray was emptied on to the crowd.
“The decision is use pepper spray was made after
verbal and physical efforts to stop the fight and disperse
the crowd failed,” said Adams. “The use of pepper spray
prevented major injuries from occurring and stopped
the incident from getting further out of control.”
He said after the pepper spray was deployed the
crowd of students rushed out of the hallway.
Adams said there were no reported injuries from the
fights and those hit with pepper spray were treated.
When asked why the fights occurred, Adams said police
www.columbusmessenger.com
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
For the second time in less than a month, a gun was
found on a student at Groveport Madison High School.
According to Groveport Police Lt. Josh Short, on Nov.
9 officers arrested an 18-year-old male student who was
in possession of a loaded SCCY 9mm hand gun.
Earlier, on Oct. 24, a 16-year-old male student was
found in possession of a loaded Glock 19 - 9mm handgun
at the school. That student was charged with illegal
weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety
zone, a fifth degree felony, and he was transported to
Franklin County Juvenile Detention, according to the
Groveport Police.
Regarding the Nov. 9 arrest, Short said school officials
had received a tip that the 18-year-old suspect
was in possession of a gun at school and the school
resource officer went with school security and administrative
staff to remove the suspect from class.
“At that time the suspect refused to listen to staff or
the officer and quickly walked from the building and
out to the front driveway,” said Short. “School
Resource Officer Boso called for assistance from patrol
officers and continued to follow suspect out toward
Hamilton Road. As the suspect reached the south
driveway, patrol officers arrived and approached suspect
who immediately dropped his backpack and complied
with officers’ orders. The gun was found in suspect’s
backpack.”
When asked why did the suspect brought the gun to
school, Short replied, “During his interview he told
officers he brought the gun to school for protection.”
Short said the 18-year-old suspect was charged and
jailed for illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon or dangerous
ordnance in a school safety zone, a fifth degree felony.
Short said, for the most part, issues like this incident
start at home.
“If parents/guardians are engaged with their children
they can better monitor their activity and help
them find safer and more appropriate ways to handle
neighborhood problems,” said Short. “When young people
have no parental over site or mature adult guidance
they often become societal problems.”
Short said when such issues are communicated to
Groveport Madison school staff they do their best to
navigate through the situation and maintain a safe
school environment.
“Over the past decade I have personally seen a
switch for school administrators working on educational
issues to dealing almost exclusively with discipline
and safety problems,” said Short. “We want to encourage
our community to continue letting school staff or
law enforcement know when there is credible information
about guns at our schools or and other school safety
concerns. Our last two gun arrests at the high school
have come from information received from concerned
district residents. We could not do this without the
community support.”
Short added the Groveport Police will meet with
officials from Madison Township Police and Fire and
the Groveport Madison school district to discuss the
recent gun issues at the school as well as other school
safety topics.
“Local law enforcement has a great relationship
with Groveport Madison Schools and we are in regular
communication about improving school safety,” said
Short. “The district regularly asks for our input on how
to improve and aggressively encourages officer presence
on campuses as a regular daily activity. Public
safety is a shared responsibility. This isn’t a just a
school district or law enforcement job - it takes a family,
a neighborhood, a community.”
“are not getting a lot of cooperation” from those involved.
No arrests were made yet, but Adams added, “We’ll
look at the security video to see who the instigators
were and pursue criminal charges. We are not going to
tolerate it.”
Recently two students were found in possession of
hand guns at the high school, but Adams said there
were no weapons involved or reported in the Nov. 15
altercations.
“My big fear is if one day weapons were to get
involved with fights. Weapons would make a situation
10 times worse,” said Adams. “We are
aggressive whenever there are reports of
weapons at the school and we take immediate
action.”
Adams said representatives from the
Groveport Police, Madison Township Police,
and Madison Township Fire Department
will meet with Groveport Madison Schools
officials on Nov. 17 to discuss safety issues.
In a letter sent to parents, students, and
staff, Groveport Madison High School
Principal Duane Bland wrote, “While fights
of any kind are unacceptable and remain a
serious concern, it’s important to keep in
mind that the vast majority of our students
behave themselves as expected and consistently
follow the instructions of school personnel.
When students refuse to follow the
rules and cause disruptions for everyone
else, we will take firm action(s) to address
their behaviors.”

www.columbusmessenger.com
A Heritage Holiday
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Santa Claus is coming to
Groveport!
The city of Groveport will host its
Heritage Holiday on Dec. 4 from 3-6
p.m. in Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Road
in Groveport.
Santa Claus, along with Mayor
Lance Westcamp, will make a grand
entrance to the event on a Madison
Township fire truck at 3 p.m. Kids
can visit with Santa Claus in the log
house from 3-6 p.m.
“The festival promotes community
pride. Heritage Holiday brings the
community together to participate in
holiday-themed activities, to view the
city’s tree lighting, and make memories,”
said Kristiauna Trelay,
Groveport Community Affairs executive
assistant.
Trelay said that new to the event
this year is the addition of two live
music performances - by Wade & Darr
from 3-4:15 p.m. and Mora & Dalton from
4:30-5:30 p.m. - on Heritage Park’s main
stage.
“Also new will be an iceless skating rink
in the Heritage Park parking lot,” said
Trelay. “We are also excited to welcome the
Paddock Pub to the event. They will be providing
free beverages and cookies at the
park’s shelter house.”
Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp, Santa
Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a group of happy elves
lighting the city’s Christmas tree, as well as
many more lights strung throughout Heritage
Park, at a past Christmas celebration in
Groveport.
The Groveport Madison Area
Community Choir will perform carols in
front of the Christmas tree in Heritage
Park from 5:30-6 p.m. and Santa and the
mayor will conduct the annual tree lighting
at 6 p.m.
Heritage Holiday also features hayrides
around Palm Pond, face painting, ice carvings,
kids’ crafts, and food trucks.
For information call 614-836-3333.
Cookies and candy
Groveport United Methodist Church,
512 Main St., Groveport, will host a
Christmas Cookie and Candy Sale on Dec.
10 from 9 a.m. - noon. Homemade holiday
cookies and candy (fudge) will be available
for purchase.
Township’s Santa parade
Madison Township will hold its annual
Santa Parade on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. The
parade travels through the streets of
Blacklick Estates. The route can be found
on the Madison Township Facebook page.
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2022
November 27, 2022 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - November 27, 2022
www.columbusmessenger.com
Groveport City Council to reconsider fireworks ban
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
On Nov. 28, Groveport City Council will
vote on legislation to expand the use of personal
fireworks within the city limits.
The city’s existing law bans the use of
personal fireworks within city limits.
If approved, the proposed legislation
would make the city consistent with state
law to allow the use of personal fireworks
on designated days during the year.
The legislation would allow individuals
to possess consumer grade fireworks and 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
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State 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 previous attempt to enact the legislation
failed earlier this year. Councilman
Scott Lockett brought it back before council
because he said all the council members
were not present at the prior vote.
At council’s Nov. 21 committee meeting,
resident Greg Keller recommended council
limit the use of personal fireworks to only
the Fourth of July holiday instead of the
full slate of holidays listed in the state law.
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“It’s a very fine line between consumer
vs. commercial fireworks,” said Keller.
“Either kind can kill or maim. It’s a hazard
in an urban setting because there’s not
enough room to ensure safety.”
Keller also said the loud noise of fireworks
is harmful to military veterans suffering
from post traumatic stress syndrome
and to people’s pets.
“Protecting the safety of the citizens is
job one for council,” said Keller.
Council will vote on the fireworks issue
at its Nov. 28 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the
municipal building, 655 Blacklick St.
Other news
•Bruce Smith, one of the organizers of
the Blacklick Haunted Park held in
October, said the event drew about 1,800
visitors this year and raised $8,608 that
will be split between the Groveport Food
Pantry and Groveport Madison Human
Needs.
“You’ve created an amazing event for
the city,” said Councilwoman Jean Ann
Hilbert.
•Groveport Madison Schools is requesting
a zoning variance for 4180 Bixby Road
from Groveport City Council to allow the
construction of a school bus garage facility.
The school district wants to build a new
$4.5 million transportation center that
would include a 9,900 square foot bus compound
building, along with the accompanying
bus lot and parking lot, at 4180 Bixby
Road. Because the 129 acre site is zoned as
rural, it needs council to approve a variance
for it. T
he site is located on school districtowned
land at the northeast corner of
Bixby and Hendron roads abutting Three
Creeks Metro Park.
“Basically, we’re out of space (at the
existing bus garage located behind the
District Service Center, 4400 Marketing
Place, Groveport), said Groveport Madison
Communications Director Jeff Warner earlier
this year.
Buses will continue to be parked at the
District Service Center, 4400 Marketing
Place, Groveport, while the district’s new
transportation center is under construction.
Warner said earlier this year that, if all
goes well, the district hopes to open the
new bus facility in the summer of 2023.
•Council is also considering a zoning
variance request for property at “0”
Hendron Road (site of the former
Groveport Madison Recreation Club swimming
pool site, which is now a vacant lot) to
allow for the construction of 4,067 square
foot veterinary clinic.
The site is currently zoned for suburban
office, which does not include veterinary
offices as a permitted use.
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Groveport Madison gets
updated enrollment estimates
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Groveport Madison Schools officials
recently received updated student enrollment
projections and will use the information
to determine how to address overcrowding
issues in the district.
One issue is determining the cost and
finding funds to create more space at the
high school.
The numbers
Earlier this year the district contracted
with Cropper GIS Consulting for a school
capacity study and an enrollment demographic
study at a cost of $35,500. Also, as
part of the Master Facilities Plan process,
the board also approved contracting with
SHP Architects for $77,000 for facility planning
regarding the potential renovation,
expansion, or replacement of the district’s
existing elementary and middle schools.
The district’s current student enrollment
is 6,351, according to district officials.
As of October 2021, the district had
6,271 students. Enrollment was 5,569 in
2015-16. Total enrollment is expected to
rise to 6,652 by 2029-30.
According to district officials, here is the
current, updated enrollment per school
building (building classroom capacity is in
parentheses): Asbury Elementary: 488
(385); Dunloe Elementary: 492 (444);
Glendening Elementary: 477 (480);
Groveport Elementary: 464 (408); Madison
Elementary: 354 (359); Sedalia
Elementary: 629 (456); Middle School
Central: 467 (463); Middle School North:
510 (583); Middle School South: 467 (485);
High School: 1,889 (1,500).
Making space at the high school
According to district officials, the original
design capacity for the new high school
was set at 1,500, based on the Ohio School
Facilities Construction Commission’s
Facilities Master Plan (which included
OSFCC enrollment projections). When the
OSFCC shared its enrollment projections,
the board and the district’s administration
disagreed with the OSFCC, believing their
projections to be substantially low, especially
at the high school.
“Despite the districts objections, the
high school was constructed for 1,500 students,”
said Groveport Madison
Superintendent James Grube in an interview.
“Knowing there were already 1,900
plus high school schools enrolled before its
opening, the district spent a portion of its
local share of the project’s budget on
upgrading the foundation and HVAC components
of the building to accommodate a
future addition to the front of the southeast
wing of the school.”
Grube said discussion centers on building
out classrooms in some of the extended
learning areas at the end of each of the
school’s wings. He said there is space to
construct 12 classrooms within the existing
footprint of the high school building.
Groveport Madison Communications
Director Jeff Warner said there is almost
$5 million in funds left over from the high
school construction project. Of this amount
$2.4 million is the district’s local share and
$2.6 million is the state’s share.
“We believe we should have those
funds,” said Warner.
However, the OFCC considers the project
closed and rejected releasing the
remaining state funds to the school district.
Warner said the district also has about
$1 million in its permanent improvement
fund available.
The Groveport Madison Board of
Education approved obtaining estimates
for potentially constructing more space at
the high school.
Warner said the project to create additional
space at the high school would entail
converting existing space within the building’s
wings. He said the work could be done
this summer.
Modular classrooms
Regarding the elementary and middle
schools, it is not yet determined how many
additional modular classrooms will be
needed. Currently the district has 24 modular
classrooms in use, including a single
quad-classroom unit at Groveport
Elementary, two double-classroom units at
Asbury Elementary and Dunloe
Elementary, and six double-classroom
units at Sedalia Elementary.
The cost of additional modular classrooms
is still to be determined. Warner
said the modulars would most likely be
leased and that the northern part of the
district is in the most need of space.
Ballot issues
A potential bond issue to fund new
buildings could appear on the November
2023, May 2024, or August 2024 ballot. A
bond issue must pass by August 2024 or
else the district would have to reapply for
OFCC funding.
The district’s five year renewal general
operating levy is tentatively scheduled for
the November 2024 ballot as that is latest
date it can be approved for the district to
start collecting money in 2025.
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November 27, 2022 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 5
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PAGE 6 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - November 27, 2022
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Groveport Police statistics
October crime statistics, according to
the Groveport Police: 2 arrests, 24 accidents,
4 assaults, 1 burglary, 13 domestic
disputes, 1 domestic violence, 1 OVI and
alcohol, 17 thefts/robberies, 3 stolen/unauthorized
use, 6 missing persons, 5 weapon
related calls, 0 narcotic related offenses, 8
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attempts/mental health.
Income tax revenue
PARENTS
Continued from page 1
school resource police officers - one each
from the Groveport and Madison Township
police departments); providing more mental
health counseling; eliminating the use
of backpacks; reducing overcrowding in the
high school; and creating a long term safety
and security plan.
Several parents said their kids are
scared to attend the high school, including
John Weston who said his son is afraid to
go to the school. Weston said fights happen,
but the real threat is weapons in backpacks.
“There are more weapons there than
anyone knows,” said Weston. “A culture of
disrespect exists at the school. Give the
students clear rules and let them know the
ramifications of what they do.”
Citing the dangers, Mechelle Raine said
there is “no way her child” will attend the
high school.
Added Jocelyn Houck, “Transparency is
an issue from the top down at Groveport
Madison. Everyone needs to know the consequences
of their actions.”
Jennifer Silva noted her son said kids at
the school are angry and every day there
are fights, especially in the restrooms.
“Every child deserves to be safe,” said
Thomas Ridenour.
Kathryn McCormick said she cannot
believe what is happening at the school.
“This is not Groveport. It’s ruining
pride. It’s ruining property values. It’s
infecting the kids’ mental health. There’s
no reason for kids to go to school scared.
Please help us!” McCormick told the board.
Harold MacHarrie believes school officials
have “lost control of the school’s environment.”
“These are not typical schoolyard
fights,” said MacHarrie. “Heads are getting
stomped on. It’s become a failing
school district because kids are not safe.”
Brandie Walton said the problems at
the school are conditioning kids to feel that
trauma is normal.
“We need an actionable plan,” she said.
Anthony Murphy of Lead The Way
Learning Academy said the district must
give students a voice.
S. Brad Wilson said he was “disgusted
by the school system” and plans to send his
kids to school elsewhere.
Shaun Raleigh said, “All Groveport
Madison students deserve better. Put student
www.columbusmessenger.com
The city of Groveport’s income tax revenue
year-to-date as of Oct. 31 was $18.3
million, which is 22 percent higher than
the same time in 2021, according to
Groveport Finance Director Jason Carr.
Carr noted the general fund balance was
$9 million as of Oct. 31 or $2.1 million
higher than the same time last year.
Income tax revenues year-to-date comprise
55 percent of all city revenues, the largest
part of all the city’s revenues.
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and staff safety above ineffective policies.”
Board and administration reactions
Board member Libby Gray said her
heart goes out to the parents and the community.
“We need a safety plan,” said Gray. “We
can’t wait. We have to do something. Kids
cannot be educated if they are scared.”
Board member Seth Bower said the
board has heard the community “loud and
clear” and the district “needs to do something
now.”
Board member Kathy Walsh said safety
policies must be reviewed, student offenders
must be expelled, community roundtable
discussions about the high school
should be held, and more social workers
and security personnel should be hired.
Board member LaToya Dowdell-Burger
said she heard the sentiments of the public
about safety. She suggested students using
clear backpacks so no weapons could be
hidden in them and establishing a student
advisory council to the board.
Snyder said district is working on the
problems.
“We want to make sure everyone is
safe,” said Snyder. “We’re all in this together.”
Audience members called out during the
board’s comments stating, “There’s no time
to wait for research,” “We need action and
we need it now,” “Protect our kids,”
“Enough is enough,” and “Groveport is better
than this.” Audience members also
offered to personally pay for metal detector
wands.
Superintendent James Grube said officials
are “actively working” on changes and
improvements to how the high school operates,
security, and discipline.
Deputy Superintendent Paul Smathers
said, “We care so much. We are worried.
There are so many talented kids that are
being overshadowed by all this.”
Safety hotline
Students and adults can anonymously
share information with school officials and
law enforcement about threats to student
safety by calling or texting to 844-SaferOH
(844-723-3764). Calls are answered by the
Ohio Homeland Security’s Threat
Assessment and Prevention Unit. When
action is needed, the TAP Unit immediately
notifies school officials, law enforcement
agencies and others, if necessary.

www.columbusmessenger.com
Our Pictorial Past by Rick Palsgrove
School buses bought
The Groveport Madison Board of
Education approved the purchase of four
Cummins 72 passenger school buses from
Rush Truck Centers at a cost of $119,311
each (for a total expenditure of $477,244).
Keep tabs on the latest news in
Groveport & Madison Township
Look for Groveport Messenger on
Become a fan!
November 27, 2022 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 7
columbusmessenger.com
southeast
Messenger
(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.
Interurban depot
GOOD is
saving time
on a haircut.
Photo courtesy of the Groveport Heritage Museum
Pictured is an early 20th century photo of the Scioto Valley Traction Line depot in
Groveport, which was located on th northwest corner of Blacklick Street and Brook
Alley. The SVTL was an electric railway that operated through Groveport and around
Central Ohio from 1904 until about 1930. The interurban rails are still visible embedded
in Blacklick Street. The interurban was powered by electricity. A “third rail” carried
a 600 volt electric current that propelled railway cars along standard rails.
Looking great has never
be een so convenient.
317
Gro oveport Rd Main St
Kroger
Tallman St
Website:Expert-hvac.com
Phone:614-946-8461
Experthvacllc@gmail.com
FREE ESTIMATES
on system installs
$100 Preventative Maintenance (tune up)
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Mention this ad and get $20 off a $110 service call.
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(Near Kroger) r
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No copies. Taxes may apply. Valid at Groveport Plaza.
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PAGE 8 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - November 27, 2022
www.columbusmessenger.com
Historic gymnasium turns 70 years old
The cavernous historic gymnasium at
Groveport Madison Middle School Central is
now 70-years-old.
Editor’s Notebook
Rick
Palsgrove
Built as part of a
then new Groveport
Madison High School
in 1952, this gym was
the third home for
Cruiser winter athletes.
The first Groveport Madison gym was not
a gym at all, but the second floor ballroom of
Groveport Town Hall where the boys and
girls basketball teams played from the early
1900s to 1922. In 1923 the basketball teams
played in the gym in Groveport School.
In 1952 a new gym was built beside
Groveport School (now Groveport
Elementary). It was the first phase constructed
in what would become Groveport Madison
High School (and later Middle School
Central) on Main Street. When it was built,
this gym was the largest high school gym in
Franklin County. Its features included spacious
balconies, a linoleum tile playing floor,
and a large theatrical stage at its south end.
The gym served as the Cruisers’ home court
until 1971 when the teams moved into a then
Groveport
Messenger
BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER in Groveport
READ US ONLINE: www.columbusmessenger.com
new high school gym on South Hamilton
Road — which itself was replaced when the
new high school was built in 2018.
The 1952 gym looks much different now
than it did in its glory years when it was
home to teams like the 1963-64 Mid-Eight
League boys basketball champions.
The 1952 gym today has fewer bleachers,
but still has its sprawling balconies and huge
stage which afford great viewpoints for
games. The linoleum tile floor of its early
years was later covered with carpeting, but
thankfully the tile and carpeting were
replaced years ago by a nicer wood floor.
In its heyday, large, enthusiastic crowds
filled the massive old gym in the 1950s,
1960s, and early 1970s.
In an interview six years ago, former
Cruiser basketball player and 1971
Groveport Madison graduate Buddy Waters
said of the 1952 gym, “It was very loud. With
the pep band playing and people yelling you
could hardly hear. What a great gym!”
Waters said he has great memories of the
gym besides the basketball games, including
homecoming dances, proms, concerts, and
other events.
“The class of 1971 was the last varsity
team to play there,” said Waters. “I remember
the balcony was always full as were the
bleachers. Mr. Neil Stevenson worked the
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.
popcorn machine
located in the lobby as
you came in from the
outside. The gym
doors from the lobby
we’re always open
and I can remember
the smell of fresh popcorn
and Mr.
Stevenson looking in
and cheering.”
The old gym, now
seven decades old,
still sees a lot of
action as Middle
School Central teams
and fans keep the
place alive.
One may say,
“Well, it’s just an old
gymnasium.” But, it
is our shared public
places - like gyms,
parks, churches,
schools, downtowns,
and even our neighborhood
streets and
sidewalks - that
spark memories,
create immersive
experiences, and
maintain a connection
to our past,
present and future.
Such places link a
community together.
Rick Palsgrove is
editor of the Groveport
Messenger.
Photo from the 1965 Madisonian
A jump ball in the former Groveport Madison High School gym on Main Street in 1965.
Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove
A jump ball in the same gym from the same perspective in 2016. The Groveport Madison
Cruisers varsity basketball team (white uniforms) played a one time home game in the old
gym against Hamilton Township on Dec. 3. 2016. The Cruisers shone bright in their former
home with an 80-34 victory.
Photo courtesy of the Groveport Heritage Museum
The former Groveport Madison High School gym on Main Street as it looked when it was
new in 1952. The gym originally was a free standing, independent building until the classroom
and cafeteria wings of the high school were built. The school was built in stages
from 1952-56 and is now Middle School Central.

www.columbusmessenger.com
November 27, 2022 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 9
CLASSIFIED ADS
Deadlines: Grove City, Groveport & All editions - Mondays at Noon.
West, Canal Winchester, South & Madison editions -Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the city of Groveport
Brunch and song
The Columbus Chorus Sweet Adelines performed musical
selections at a brunch held at Groveport Town Hall on Nov. 19.
Eastland-Fairfield open house
Students interested in attending or learning more about the
programs offered at Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical
Schools are invited to the district’s open house Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m.
Eastland Career Center and Fairfield Career Center will open
their doors to prospective students and their families, and anyone
interested in enrolling in the Eastland-Fairfield school district
through its programs.
All programs at Eastland or Fairfield
Career Center will have their labs open for tours and staff will
answer questions. Plan to visit the career center that is the home of
your programs of interest.These satellite programs will be on hand
at Eastland Career Center for those interested in applying:
Marketing & Logistics Management, Teaching Professions, and
Multimedia.
Open House is open to students of all ages, though it is highly
encouraged for high school students in their freshman, sophomore,
or junior years. Adult education options will be on display
at both campuses, courtesy of EFCTS Adult Workforce
Development. If high school seniors or other family members are
interested in adult programming, visit our staff on site for information.Visit
EastlandFairfield.com/OpenHouse for information.
Holiday Train display
Columbus Metropolitan Library is hosting a free holiday open
house on Nov. 30 at its Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave. in
Columbus. From 6-8 p.m., families can enjoy activities, sing-along
carols and refreshments, plus a visit from live reindeer and a very
special guest. The biggest draws will be the tree-lighting of
Topiary Park and the return of the Huntington Holiday Train. A
ceremonial switch will be flipped on for the train, which will
delight library customers through Jan. 8, 2023. Parking for the
event in Main Library’s attached garage will be free.
The 600-square-foot Huntington Holiday Train includes multiple
miniature trains running on more than 280 feet of track surrounded
by more than 50 pounds of snowflakes. The miniature
buildings are modeled after actual structures in Germany.
This marks the 30th year of the holiday attraction, which was
built in 1992 by Applied Imagination founder Paul Busse. The
train was originally displayed in the lobby of the historic
Huntington building at Broad and High streets. In 2009,
Huntington loaned the train to CML.
Highlights include a six-foot-tall cathedral, an eight-foot-tall
castle and a waterfall that pumps 600 gallons of water an hour.
Each building in the display took between one and three weeks to
create. The entire display takes two days to set up.
The Huntington Holiday Train will be on display through Jan.
8 during regular library hours — Monday through Thursday from
9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The first hour of parking in the library
garage is free.
For information, visit columbuslibrary.org.
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xPublic Notices
PLANNING AND
ZONING COMMISSION
***NOTICE OF MEETING***
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022 - 6:00 P.M.
GROVEPORT MUNICIPAL BUILDING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS—2ND FLOOR
#2022-05 A request by Jim Voorhis representing
Groveport Madison School District for a Use
Variance at 4180 Bixby Road, Parcel #185-
000901 (tabled from the November 7, 2022
meeting).
The public is invited to attend and participate.
Public Notices
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PAGE 10 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - November 27, 2022
www.columbusmessenger.com
CLASSIFIED ADS
Deadlines: Grove City, Groveport & All editions - Mondays at Noon.
West, Canal Winchester, South & Madison editions -Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
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xCome & Get It!
INFORMATION
November 27, 2022 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 11
xClassified Services
COME AND GET IT!
Need to Get Rid of Something Fast - Advertise It Here For FREE!
Deadlines are Mondays by Noon
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 - Metal from old camper frame, Need a truck to pickup..
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
FREE - Pipe for wood burning stove, appr. 20’ plus misc. parts; 10 wood window
sashes, various sizes; Frames for real estate signs, varios sizes;
One gallon plastic gas containers.
West Columbus - 614-570-5372, ask for David
FREE - Firewood - All you want! U cut U Haul. Text me if you want it.
Obetz - 614-519-7986
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 Mondays at NOON for following
Sunday’s publication. Messenger Newspapers is not responsible for any complications
that may occur. Please contact us when items are gone. 272-5422
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Jeff 614-262-0676
or 614-783-2629
We Buy Cars & Trucks
$300-$3000.614-308-2626
We Buy Junk Cars &
Trucks. Highest Prices
Paid. 614-395-8775
MISC. FOR
SALE
HP PRINTER
CARTRIDGES FOR SALE
HP 901 Color Cartridges (3);
HP 901XL and 901 Color
Multi Pack (1);
HP 901XL Black(1).
$15.00 each.
Columbus Messenger,
3500 Sullivant Ave.
Call Office 614-272-5422
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITY
Snow Removal
Accounts Available
in Canal Winchester
Price Negotiable
email for more info
SYNeeds@mail.com
11/20 e/se
CARPET CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING
Any 5 areas ONLY $75
614-805-1084
Specializing in Pet Odors
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. Also does Painting. Free
Est. Gwen 614-226-5229
DEEP CLEANING &
WALL WASHING
Call Judy 614-746-0273
CONCRETE
AJ’s Concrete,
Masonry
Good Work - Fair Prices
Block Foundations
Driveways • Sidewalks
Epoxy/Overlay Floors
Bonded-Ins. • Free Ests.
614-419-9932
ALL-CITY CUSTOM
CONCRETE
All Types Concrete Work
New or Tear Out-Replace
40 Yrs. Exp.
(614) 207-5430
Owner is On The Job!
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
INFORMATION
NEED SOMETHING
DONE THIS FALL? F
CHECK OUT OUR
CLASSIFIED SERVICES!
FOR ADVERTISING
INFO. CALL
614-272-5422
THE COLUMBUS
MESSENGER
11/20 e/se
12/18 A
GUTTERS
Bates & Sons
GUTTER CLEANING
5 ★ Google Reviews
614-586-3417
HEATING & COOLING
HVAC
HEATING & A/C
Fast Service - Licensed
614-633-9694
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.
12/18
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
CandC
Handyman Services LLC
“See The Difference”
l
614-378-7469
12/18
Remodels, A
Water Heaters,
Plumbing, Fence,
Sidewalks, Decks
& Electrical Work
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
C&JHandyman
Services LLC
Minor Plumbing & Electric
Install Hot Water Tanks,
Dishwashers & Disposals
All Interior Remodels
Also Fencing &
Interior/Exterior Painting
Free Est. ~ 18 Yrs. Exp.
CDC/EPA Approved Guidelines
614-284-2100
12/4 A
12/4 A
HOME
MAINTENANCE
HANDYMAN SERVICES
614-235-1819
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
Charlies Handyman
Service
Over 40 yrs. exp.
Hot Water Tanks
Door Locks
Kitchen/Bath Remodels
Roofmg * Siding
Porches & Decks
614-319-6010
blantoncharles894@gmail.com
INFORMATION
FOR ONLY
$74.00
You Can Reach
Over 41,000 Homes
In
Groveport & South/
Canal Winchester
For Info Call
272-5422
LAWN CARE
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
PAINTING
Painter Over 30 Yrs. Exp.
Free Est. Reas. Rates
Daniel - 614-226-4221
PLASTERING
DRYW
YWALL &
PLASTER
12/18
A&M
REPAIR
Textured Ceilings
614-551-6963
Residential/Commercial
BIA
Classified Services
12/18 A
PLUMBING
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
POOL/SPA
MAINTENANCE
K&L Spa Cleaning
Hot Tub Cleaning and
Weekly Maintenance
Keith 614-316-9809
POWER WASHING
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
SNOW REMOVAL
GOOD NEIGHBORS
SNOW REMOVAL
SNOW & SALT SERVICE
PLOWING
• Driveways
• Sidewalks
• Parking Lots
WE ALSO DO CHURCHES
Cell-614-937-0658
614-238-9237
Ask For Bob 12/18
E/SE
TREE SERVICES
Warren Brewer Tree Service
• Tree Removal
• Tree Trimming 9/11
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
12/4 A&M
12/4 A

PAGE 12 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - November 27, 2022
www.columbusmessenger.com
Financial forecast indicates more revenue needed for Groveport Madison Schools
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Groveport Madison Schools are expected
to face a revenue shortfall of $3 million by
the end of fiscal year 2023.
According to the latest five year financial
forecast, the district’s expenses are
projected to exceed the district’s revenues
by $18 million by fiscal year 2027 if additional
revenue is not generated, according
to the district’s latest five year forecast.
“The district would need to cut its fiscal
year 2027 projected expenses by 16 percent
“A worsening cash balance can erode
the district’s financial stability over time.
A positive cash balance and having
cash on hand gives us time to plan.”
- Felicia Drummey, treasurer
Groveport Madison Schools
in order to balance its budget without additional
revenue,” said Groveport Madison
Treasurer Felicia Drummey.
She added that the district’s cash balance
is positive by the end of fiscal year
2023, but is expected to worsen by fiscal
year 2027.
“A worsening cash balance can erode the
district’s financial stability over time,” said
Drummey. “A positive cash balance and
having cash on hand gives us time to plan.”
According to the forecast, the district
receives 42 percent of its revenue from
property taxes, 40 percent from state funding,
and 18 percent from other sources.
One reason for a decrease in revenue,
according to Drummey, is because a change
in state funding which distributes money
where students attend school, not where
they live. Also, even though property valuations
are growing at almost 5 percent
annually, revenue is at only 1.22 percent
annually because a recent state law
reduces millage to offset inflationary
growth.
Salaries make up 52 percent of expenditures,
benefits are23 percent, and services
are15 percent.
According to Drummey, salary expenses
increase an average of 7 percent annually.
Benefits’ costs are also rising an average of
8.5 percent.
She noted spending has decreased annually
overall since 2018 with one of the reasons
for it being the effect of COVID closures
reducing operating costs.
The district’s most recent operating levy
was renewed by voters in 2019 and it is set
to expire in 2024. That five-year levy was a
“no new taxes” levy and it was the renewal
of an existing levy.
The earliest the district’s existing five
year renewal general operating levy can be
placed on the ballot is November 2023. It is
tentatively scheduled for the November
2024 ballot as that is latest date it can be
approved for the district to start collecting
money in 2025. Drummey noted the levy is
collecting almost 2 mills less than when it
was first approved in 2014 due to changes
in state law.
“We have maintained control of our
spending, but now are seeing the resumption
of normal inflationary trends due to
universal rising costs,” said Drummey. “We
can use the winter months for strategic
planning to determine action steps. Budget
reductions are likely necessary as well as
seeking additional levy revenue. We need
to plan for how best to address overcrowding
and modernization with our facilities.”
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