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Intel’s Ohio One Project Hangs in the Balance: Is Silicon Heartland at Risk?

When Intel announced its $28 billion investment in Ohio’s semiconductor manufacturing with Ohio One, it wasn’t just a victory for the company it was a promise of economic growth, technological advancement, and jobs for the region. Yet, as Intel grapples with losses, layoffs, and plummeting investor confidence, the tech giant may be rethinking the future of this monumental project.

Intel initially envisioned Ohio One as the core of its “Silicon Heartland,” aiming to bring 3,000 jobs and world class chip production to New Albany. But recent challenges have Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger reportedly considering drastic cost-cutting measures, including potentially selling off Intel’s foundry division, which could leave Ohio’s project in a precarious state.

A Project with Major Stakes for Ohio

For Ohio, Intel’s plans meant more than new factories; they represented a tech driven future. The state invested $600 million in grants and earmarked millions more for local infrastructure improvements to support Intel’s operations, from road upgrades to a new water reclamation facility. Yet all these investments hinge on Intel’s commitment to finish the job by 2028. If Intel scales back or stalls the project, Ohio could demand back its investment under the state’s clawback agreement, a costly and symbolic blow.

Intel’s Financial Troubles and the Foundry’s Fate

The stakes are high for Intel as well. After a year of declining stock and wary investors, Intel announced sweeping layoffs and paused dividend payments. While Intel claims it is “committed” to the Ohio project, delays have pushed the completion target to 2028. Gelsinger’s reported options to either sell the foundry division or seek a new partner like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) underscore the uncertainties surrounding the future of Ohio One.

The Uncertain Road Ahead for “Silicon Heartland”

With walls rising at the New Albany site and progress underway, Ohio stands on the edge of transformative growth. But as Intel faces hard choices, the fate of “Silicon Heartland” teeters between becoming a beacon of American tech resurgence or a cautionary tale of ambitions unmet.

For Ohio, the project isn’t just an economic boost; it’s a future defining moment, with local communities, infrastructure investments, and thousands of jobs at stake. As Intel’s leadership weighs the project’s feasibility, Ohio waits to see whether the promises of Silicon Heartland will materialize or dissolve. In the end, the question may come down to whether Intel can overcome the headwinds and realize the vision it once boldly set for itself and for Ohio.

Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: How many times has Ohio State Tied Michigan?

A) 4
B) 0
C) 9
D) 6

From Model T’s to Morning Toast: The Revitalization of Columbus' Historic Kroger Bakery

After decades of fueling Columbus with bread and car parts, the storied Kroger Bakery on Cleveland Avenue is set to rise again.

This abandoned industrial landmark, closed since 2019, is getting a second chance, courtesy of the same development team that transformed Franklinton’s River & Rich district. Casto, Kelley Companies, and The Robert Weiler Company acquired the 10-acre property for $8.15 million with grand plans to bring life back to a site where Ford’s assembly lines and Kroger’s ovens once churned out products that fueled the city’s growth.

The bakery’s legacy dates back over a century, starting with the South Building, built in 1914 as a Ford Model T assembly plant. This factory wasn’t just another building; it was part of Henry Ford’s mission to make cars accessible nationwide. Ford’s engineers ingeniously shipped parts from Detroit to Columbus, where they were assembled floor by floor until they hit the showroom on the ground level, ready for local drivers. Though Ford’s assembly line innovations soon outgrew the multi story plant, this iconic structure continued its industrial legacy until Kroger repurposed it in the 1970s.

Then there’s the North Building, which became Kroger’s famed bakery in 1928. This was no ordinary bread factory locals dubbed it “Columbus’ Pantry.” With a 75 foot long oven, mixing bowls that held over 1,000 pounds of dough, and massive banana-ripening chambers, this was a production powerhouse, churning out 2,400 pounds of bread per hour. For nearly a century, the scent of fresh bread defined the neighborhood before the bakery finally closed its doors in 2019, marking the end of an era for the 411 employees who once worked there.

Are Any New Apartments Gentrification?

Now, the developers envision a blend of apartments, office spaces, event venues, and retail shops allowing Columbus to once again make memories within these walls. They’re also seeking historic tax credits, which will help preserve iconic architectural details like the oversized industrial windows and intricate terra cotta trim, keeping the buildings’ character intact while opening doors to a new era.

This redevelopment isn’t just about repurposing old buildings; it’s about revitalizing a part of Columbus’s past and creating a future that local residents can celebrate. The Ford assembly plant, Kroger’s golden bread ovens, the hundreds who worked these floors all these elements give the project a depth that resonates with the city’s enduring character: resilient, adaptive, and ready for a fresh start.

So keep an eye on Cleveland Avenue. From endangered landmark to reimagined community, the Kroger Bakery is set to become Columbus’s latest comeback story a space where history meets progress and memories are baked into the walls.

🦃 Smoked to Perfection: Holiday Turkey from Smoked on High

This year, our friends at Smoked On High are pulling out all the stops! Choose from their signature smoked, succulent turkey breast or explore something new with their 100% Vaad-certified Kosher turkey breast.

Both options are slowly smoked over shagbark hickory wood in their rotisserie smokers, promising a rich, smoky flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or any festive gathering. No stress is required—these turkeys come pre-sliced and ready for the table.

🦃 Click here to gobble up all the details and secure your order before it’s too late.

Chillin' in Columbus: The Hockey Legacy that Ignited Central Ohio

Before the Columbus Blue Jackets took their first skate in the NHL, the city had a different hockey hero: the Columbus Chill. Launched in 1991 as part of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), the Chill were a minor league team with a major league attitude and a fashion sense to match. Their black-and-white jerseys, boldly emblazoned with "CHILL," became an instant classic, a badge of rebellious pride for fans who embraced hockey as their new local pastime.

Games weren’t just games; they were events. Chill fans packed the Ohio Expo Center’s rink, creating a roaring, infectious energy that often turned the stands into a frenzy. Promotions were quirky, often wild, and always memorable. The Chill didn't just play hockey they put on a show that made the fairground rink feel like the place to be on a Friday night.

But the Chill’s biggest impact was perhaps off the ice. Their popularity didn’t just make them local legends; it convinced the NHL that Columbus could be a hockey town. When the Blue Jackets took to the ice in 2000, they inherited an audience already primed and passionate for the game, thanks to nearly a decade of Chill enthusiasm. And while the Chill hung up their skates in 1999, their legacy lives on. The Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association (CCYHA) has grown into one of the region’s largest youth programs, inspiring kids to dream big on the ice.

For high school players, the Columbus Chill Hockey Club still offers competitive play and the chance to don that iconic name, keeping the Chill spirit alive. Those jerseys bold, sleek, and loaded with attitude continue to rally players and fans alike, reminding Columbus of its underdog hockey roots.

The Chill may be gone from the rink, but their legacy isn’t going anywhere. With every goal scored and every skater stepping onto the ice, they’ve left Columbus a town that learned to love the cold, one unforgettable season at a time.

Trivia Answer:

D: 6 (almost hurts as much as losing)