Worthington: 5 top stories from 2020

The past 12 months have brought about some of the greatest challenges the nation and world have experienced in recent memory.
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the nationwide protests against police brutality and all of the socioeconomic consequences that followed – and all that taking place in a presidential-election year – have put many communities through all they can handle.
But the Worthington community has proved resilient and has conducted business as usual in many cases. Here is a brief recap of five noteworthy stories published in ThisWeek Worthington News over the past year.
A growing community – Several major development projects have taken root in Worthington as developers work with city officials to bring proposed residential and commercial projects to fruition.
Highlights include the High North project, a proposed redevelopment and rebranding of the Shops at Worthington Place mall at 7227 N. High St; the Worthington Gateway project and all the mixed-use development accompanying it on the site of the former Holiday Inn that had stood for more than 40 years at 7007 N. High St. before it was demolished in late 2018; and a new restaurant and residential use at the iconic Worthington Inn building at 649 High St.
Related story:High North proposal making its way through development process
Related story:Trivium’s plan would replace nixed Tru hotel for Worthington Gateway
Related story:New plan for Worthington Inn includes restaurant, residential use
A vision of the future – Worthington officials wanted to tap into the minds of residents in early 2019 to determine the direction they want their community to take in the years ahead.
The Worthington Community Visioning initiative is the culmination of that effort.
Related story:Vision Worthington has end in sight
Related story:Committee settles on Worthington vision statements; implementation comes next
The show goes on – Business continued throughout Worthington amid the backdrop of the coronavirus, albeit with restrictions.
Worthington students found ways to channel their entrepreneurial spirits, with sisters Jordan and Jillian Cross using their yard-sign business, Cardinal Yard Cards, to spread positive messages and joy and a Thomas Worthington High School sophomore, Lindsey Oguntuase, launching an online-based bakery business, Lindz’s Desserts.
Related story:Play: CBUS offers adrenaline-inducing indoor adventures in Worthington
Related story:Enterprising Worthington sisters spread positive messages with Cardinal Yard Cards
Related story:Thomas Worthington sophomore finds recipe for success with online bakery
Related story:Restaurants with outdoor dining prepare for winds of winter
Related story:Worthington Schools trying to meet students’ needs during coronavirus closure
Related story:Worthington Schools will begin transitioning employees back to buildings
Related story:Worthington Schools officials ready to implement hybrid learning
Related story:Worthington students will return to remote learning; sports will continue without spectators
More changes for schools – Worthington Schools also made changes relating the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd in May while he was in the custody of Minneapolis police officers.
The school board voted 3-2 on July 27 to end its school-resource-officers program started in 2018; board members had questioned whether police officers were necessary in school buildings. The vote came after a board resolution proclaiming Worthington Schools an antiracist district committed to social justice.
Related story:Worthington school board eyes role of SROs
Related story:Worthington school board votes to discontinue SRO program
Related story:Worthington Schools' new director of diversity, equity and inclusion building relationships
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