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Speak out about “Zone In Columbus” - then face retribution and scorn

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Two South Side area commissioners resigned recently from that position after getting pushback from City officials for raising awareness about “Zone In Columbus,” a project that could lead to big changes at the Great Southern Shopping Center and other parts of Columbus, as well.

Earlier this week at Columbus City Council’s Monday public meeting, the zoning chair for the Greater Hilltop Area Commission, Rachel Wenning, told Councilmembers that so far, the zoning code overhaul is being “intentionally rushed” so to “avoid public input.”

After her testimony, Councilmember Nick Bankston scolded her, suggesting she was being conspiratorial.

Franklin County Treasury Negligent on Israel Bond Holding Amounts and Dates, Cozy with Lobbyists

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Representatives of Israel Bonds maintain frequent and close contact with Franklin County Treasurer Cheryl Brooks Sullivan and members of her staff, according to emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by Columbus Free Press.

This relationship has proven quite lucrative for Israel Bonds. Franklin County currently holds at least $33 million in Israeli debt, at interest rates ranging from 1.2 percent to 5.74 percent.

Israel Bonds is the common name for the Development Corporation of Israel, the US company that manages the sale of debt securities for the state of Israel.

Members of its regional office based in the Cleveland area are on a first name basis with the staff of the Franklin County Treasurer’s office. In addition, recent reports indicate a close personal relationship between Treasurer Brooks Sullivan and Israel Bonds investment staff.

Sara's Song: Chapter 29

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Nice Men Don’t Cheat 

We didn’t get to school at all that day. After Annie told us that Mr. Jimmy was her father and started to cry, she ran off towards Franklin Park. Jean and I were frozen for a few seconds in shock, because even though we kind of knew that it might be something like Annie being related to or knowing Mr. Jimmy, we, or at least I, never thought he was her father. Mr. Jimmy had never mentioned he had a daughter my age. Ever. That seemed weird to me. Why wouldn’t he tell me about Annie?

I snapped out of my daze and shouted after Annie to stop running and wait for us to catch up to her. She kept running until she got to Franklin Park and our favorite spot, the place we first met, where she flopped down on the ground. By the time we caught up with her she wasn’t crying anymore. Her face was blank. “Annie, are you alright?” I asked as I sat down beside her on the ground. She didn’t answer me. “Annie! Earth to Annie!” Jean shouted. Still no answer from Annie. “Sara, maybe we should leave her alone and go on to school.” Jean suggested. “Come on, let’s go. We’re gonna be late.”

Felice Thomas is WGRN "Producer of the Year"

Felice Thomas

The Free Press Second Saturday Salon will present an Earth Day Birthday celebration and awards event for WGRN 91.9 FM community radio on Saturday, April 13, 2024. WGRN will honor it’s “Producer of the Year,” Felice Thomas, and “Volunteer of the Year,” Board member Joe Keehner.

The doors will open at 5:30 with light refreshments, socializing and an awards ceremony. It is followed by a 7:00 PM concert by folk musician Tom Neilson. It is free and open to the public.

The celebration and awards event will be held in Beach Hall at the First Unitarian Universalist Church at 93 West Weisheimer Rd. in Columbus. For information, contact: spatzer1959@gmail.com.

WGRN is pleased to present the “Producer of the Year” award to Felice Thomas, one the first local producers to join the station. Her program has run on WGRN since 2016 and she has been a tremendous supporter of the community radio station.

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