Episode Details

(The email version of this post incorrectly stated The Well would be opening in its entirety on April 9th. The piece has been updated to reflect more complete information -eds)The Well Sets Partial Opening Date & Memberships Go Live Soon

Hilliard’s much-anticipated community center, The Well, is officially opening some of its doors on April 9th as the Athletic Complex element of the facility goes live. A wider opening date has not been determined but is targeted for fall 2025.Memberships go on sale March 4th, with founding member rates at $288/year for city residents (or those who work and pay taxes in Hilliard). Non-residents will pay nearly double. Early members will receive special perks, though specifics remain to be seen. As the city takes a more active role in providing these additional direct services to residents, all eyes are on execution—we’re excited to see The Well deliver on its promise! Here’s some detail from the Recreation and Parks department and more information, FAQ’s, and an interactive residency map to determine your rates and requirements can be found by clicking HERE or on the image below.

Jim Tressel, LifeWise, and the Lieutenant Governor Shuffle

Governor DeWine has tapped Jim Tressel, former OSU football coach and Youngstown State president, as his pick for Ohio’s next lieutenant governor. Tressel’s ties to Hilliard-based LifeWise Academy, a privately funded program offering Bible-based education to public school students during school hours, have come under the spotlight. LifeWise is currently renovating the old Aquatic Adventures building on Cemetery Road, where the “Tressel Coaching Hall” will train instructors for its growing national footprint. With state lawmakers set to confirm the appointment, it seems likely that we’ll be seeing more of Tressel in central Ohio—and possibly on a future ballot.https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/education/2025/02/11/ohio-state-university-football-coach-jim-tressel-ohio-lieutenant-governor-lifewise/78388552007/

JobsOhio: Economic Powerhouse or Unchecked Monopoly?

A Toledo Blade editorial sounded the alarm on JobsOhio, the state’s privatized economic development agency, as Governor DeWine pushes to extend its control over state liquor profits for another 15 years—without paying a dime more. Originally granted a 25-year lease in 2013 for $1.4 billion, JobsOhio now rakes in $255 million annually. Critics argue the extension cements an unaccountable financial stronghold that sidelines local governments. Supporters point to big wins like the recently announced Anduril Arsenal One, a 4,000-job defense and drone systems manufacturing project. But as economic development strategies shift toward mega-deals with corporate giants, what happens to grassroots entrepreneurship?https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/editorials/2025/02/12/editorial-why-extend-jobsohio-dewine-administration-ohio-economic-development/stories/20250212006

Local Business News: The Coffee Mess Finds New Hands

After 20 years, The Coffee Mess is moving to new ownership. Founder Tim has officially handed over the reins to Trevor Luther of Grove City Brewing, alongside roasti