MEVSD Implements New Approach to Combat Misinformation as State House Interest in Data Centers Wanes

Ohio State Secures Future of Women’s Hockey Program with Muzerall Contract Extension

Ohio State University has taken a significant step to maintain its position as a national powerhouse in women’s hockey by securing head coach Nadine Muzerall with a new five-year contract. Athletic Director Ross Bjork announced the deal on March 19, ensuring the Marysville resident will continue her remarkable tenure with the program.

Since taking the helm in 2016, Muzerall has transformed the Buckeyes from an also-ran into a consistent championship contender. Under her leadership, Ohio State has made six consecutive Frozen Four appearances—a remarkable achievement considering the program had never reached that stage before her arrival.

The results speak for themselves: two national championships (2022 and 2024) and a program that now stands among the elite in collegiate women’s hockey. This season’s team continued the winning tradition, dominating Northeastern 5-0 in the NCAA semifinals before falling just short in a closely contested 3-2 championship game against Wisconsin on Sunday.

While financial terms of Muzerall’s new contract were not disclosed, the extension represents a clear commitment from the university to maintain continuity in one of its most successful athletic programs.

Marysville Schools to Launch “Straight from the Lion’s Mouth” to Combat Misinformation

Marysville School District Superintendent Zack Howard is taking proactive steps to address the spread of misinformation about the district by creating a new section on the district’s website called “Straight from the Lion’s Mouth.”

The initiative, announced at last Thursday’s board meeting, aims to provide families with accurate information directly from school officials, particularly in response to false claims that often circulate on social media.

“There’s a lot of things that get shared,” Howard told board members. “Quite frankly, some of it’s true, but some of it is rumor mill, and it gains legs.”

Howard illustrated the need for such a resource with a recent example where social media posts claimed students were served strawberries that had expired in 2020. The district was able to verify that the fruit actually would not expire until 2028. With the district serving more than 6,000 people daily and rotating food deliveries weekly, Howard felt it important to provide a central location where such misconceptions could be addressed.

The superintendent emphasized that while the district may occasionally make mistakes, the new web page will provide “the rest of the story” behind viral posts and give community members access to verified information. The district continues to encourage parents to contact school buildings directly with concerns, but the new page will serve as an additional official source for community members seeking accurate information about district operations.

District Faces $74 Million in Building Repairs and Equipment Needs

Marysville schools are confronting a significant financial challenge as they work to address approximately $74 million in building repairs and equipment replacement costs expected in the coming years.

Director of Operations Ryan Walker explained at the March board meeting that many district facilities were constructed during the same time period, resulting in major components like roofs and HVAC systems reaching end-of-life simultaneously. The district aims to take a proactive approach to these maintenance issues rather than waiting for emergency failures that could prove more costly.

Compounding the challenge is significant inflation in construction and equipment costs. Walker noted that the price of a new school bus has increased by 60% since 2020, straining the district’s capital improvement budget.

Treasurer Todd Johnson outlined the financial dilemma facing the board. While the district’s general fund could theoretically cover some of these expenses, those resources are not “unlimited” and would reduce funding available for educational operations. Johnson suggested that a bond issue renewal might represent the most viable path forward, describing it as a potential “reset” that would enable the district to address multiple aging infrastructure needs simultaneously.

Without such community support, Johnson cautioned that the board would face “tough decisions” as current funding streams cannot adequately address all maintenance requirements. Board President Jermaine Ferguson emphasized the direct connection between facility conditions and student learning, noting that deteriorating buildings create environments where it becomes “much harder for students to focus on learning.”

The district has already approved a $257,000 project to begin replacing the fire alarm system at Marysville High School, identified as a critical safety priority. Looking ahead, administrators will develop a detailed three-year plan to transparently communicate to the community how capital improvement funds will be allocated.

Data Center Expansion Faces New Scrutiny as State Incentives Come Under Review

The future of data center development in Union County and across Ohio may be entering a period of uncertainty as state lawmakers reconsider the incentive structures that have fueled the industry’s rapid growth.

Economic Development Director Eric Phillips recently warned local leaders that the policy environment supporting data centers is shifting. “I know there’s a lot of debate now on the sales tax exemption at the state,” Phillips noted, explaining that incentives that once made Ohio highly attractive for these facilities are increasingly being evaluated on a “case-by-case basis” rather than through standard formulas.

This evolving landscape comes amid growing concerns about data centers’ impact on local communities. Critics have raised questions about their substantial energy and water consumption relative to the limited number of permanent jobs they create after construction. A recent report highlighted increasing pushback against these projects, with particular emphasis on infrastructure strain and whether the tax breaks they receive deliver adequate public returns.

The Ohio legislature is now considering potential modifications to the incentive framework that could significantly influence future development decisions. Phillips acknowledged this uncertainty, saying, “That’s what’s made it attractive for data centers to locate in Ohio,” while adding, “we’ll see what happens.”

For Union County, which has positioned itself as a destination for technology infrastructure, these policy discussions in Columbus could have far-reaching implications for economic development strategies and future growth.

Jerome Township Updates: Speed Limit Changes and Fire Department Improvements

Union County Engineer Jeff Stauch has announced plans to reduce the speed limit on a section of Industrial Parkway between Mitchell Dewitt Road and Weldon Road from 55 mph to 50 mph following a completed traffic study.

“It’s not a dramatic change,” Stauch noted, “but it reflects the conditions we’re seeing out there.” The adjustment is part of a broader county initiative to review speed zones in response to increasing traffic volumes, particularly in rapidly developing areas. Similar reductions are anticipated this spring on sections of Jerome Road, Brock Road, and other high-traffic corridors.

These changes will require formal approval through the Ohio Department of Transportation and county commissioners before implementation. Once approved, new signage could be installed within weeks.

Meanwhile, Jerome Township’s fire department is preparing to welcome a significant addition to its fleet. Fire Chief Doug Stewart informed township trustees that the department’s new aerial ladder truck is nearing completion, with a final inspection scheduled for April 16. If all goes well, the vehicle should be ready for service by August following equipment installation and comprehensive firefighter training.

“It’s going to be a great addition to the township for our operations,” Stewart said. The truck was funded through community authority resources and federal rescue act money, with no expenditures from the regular fire department budget.

In other infrastructure news, Jerome Township is participating in Ohio Edison and First Energy’s five-year program to replace conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures. Township officials have opted for a two-tier approach that will install brighter 4K lights on main thoroughfares while using softer 3K lighting in residential neighborhoods and side streets. This thoughtful implementation aims to balance safety considerations with preserving the character of local communities.

The lighting upgrades will be implemented gradually as part of the utility companies’ ongoing regional modernization program.

As spring approaches, experts recommend homeowners check their sump pumps to prevent potential basement flooding. Weeks Plumbing offers professional inspections and installations, including battery or water-powered backup systems. For service, call 937-642-7723.

Additionally, Richwood Bank encourages residents to consider using tax refunds to establish emergency savings accounts, noting that “small steps now mean fewer financial surprises later.”

AI: Human