Groveport Messenger - November 27th, 2022

Messenger 

Groveport 

November 27 - December 10, 2022 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XL, No. 12 

Hometown Realtor 

Marylee Bendig 

580 Main St., Groveport, OH 43125 

(614) 218-1097 

marylee@maryleebendig.com 

A name you KNOW, 

the name you TRUST 

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 



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 



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.”


A Heritage Holiday 



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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Groveport City Council to reconsider fireworks ban 



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 

BUY ONE! RENT ONE! 

3, 4, and 5 and the Fridays, Saturdays, and 

Sundays preceding and following; Labor 

Day weekend, Diwali; and New Year’s Eve. 

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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PHONE: 614-836-5611 

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Sunday Worship 11 A.M. 

Christmas Concert - Sun. Dec. 11, 7:00 pm 

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Cookie Reception Following


Groveport Madison gets 

updated enrollment estimates 



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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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 

threats, 5 vandalism, 14 juvenile complaints, 

81 traffic citations, 2 sex related 

crimes, 23 school related calls, 8 suicide 

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 


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. 

Groveport Garden Club 

The Groveport Garden Club meets the 

first Tuesday each month at Groveport 

Zion Lutheran Church, 6014 Groveport 

Road. Call (614) 218-1097. 

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.


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! 


columbusmessenger.com 

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. 

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 

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Gro oveport Rd Main St 

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Phone:614-946-8461 

Experthvacllc@gmail.com 

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$100 Preventative Maintenance (tune up) 

Expert service - affordable prices - Locally owned from Groveport 

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

GROVEPORT 

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6021 Groveport Rd 

(Near Kroger) r 

614-350-8280 

GREAT is 

saving 

money, 

too. 

$1 

OFFER EXPIRES: 1/13/23 

ANY HAIRCUT 

11 99 

Not valid with any other 

offer s. Limit one coupon per 

customer. 

No copies. Taxes may apply. Valid at Groveport Plaza. 

greatclips.com | jobs.greatclips.com | greatclipsfranchise.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 



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.



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 

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encouraged for high school students in their freshman, sophomore, 

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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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HTHS Rangers Marching Band 

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“One Stop Christmas Shopping” 

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Dec 4th 

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Cookie Receptrion 

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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 

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meeting). 

The public is invited to attend and participate. 

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West, Canal Winchester, South & Madison editions -Tuesdays at 5 p.m. 

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xCome & Get It! 

INFORMATION 


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 

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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 

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Sunday’s publication. Messenger Newspapers is not responsible for any complications 

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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



Financial forecast indicates more revenue needed for Groveport Madison Schools 



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.” 

FALL IN LOVE WITH 

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CHECKING 

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• ID Theft Assistance 

• Discounts at S 

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OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT TODAY AT TELHIO. 

ORG $ 

Telhio is open to anyone who lives, w orks, worships, or goes to school in Central and Southwest Ohio. Federally Insured b y NCUA. EqualHousing Lender. Early Dir ect Deposit 

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availability of any direct deposit you receive. Please see our Funds Availability Policy Disclosure for additional details. Membership eligibility requirements ements apply. 

614-221-3233

Groveport Messenger - November 27th, 2022

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