Columbus Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, September 28th, 2025. We begin our day with breaking news from the northeast side. Columbus police continue to investigate an early morning shooting near Ponderosa Drive and Sierra Ridge, just off East Dublin Granville Road. Officers say the victim, who was injured in what appears to have started as a robbery, is now in stable condition at Riverside Hospital. The suspect left the scene, and anyone with information is urged to contact authorities. Shifting to a quieter but concerning incident overnight, a house fire near Tuttle Mall damaged a garage in the early hours. Firefighters responded quickly and managed to contain the blaze, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.

Turning our attention to the weather, we’re waking up to mild temperatures in the low 60s and can expect a high near 87 later today. Sunshine dominates the forecast, making this a perfect day for outdoor plans, but be mindful of the heat if you’re headed out this afternoon.

Now let’s talk real estate and jobs. The local job market remains competitive, with companies like Chipotle listing more than 60 open positions in Columbus, including kitchen, service, and management roles across the city from High Street to East Broad and Polaris Parkway. For those interested in community development, the Mid-West Mega Commerce Center, less than an hour from downtown, is now highlighted as the state’s largest job-ready site, promising future economic growth in the region.

If you’re hungry or looking to support local businesses, there are some new spots to try and a few changes to note. A Creole restaurant from Cleveland just opened in the Short North, bringing a taste of Louisiana to our food scene. Counterbalance Brewing Company has completed its rebrand and is now inviting regulars and newcomers alike. Sadly, Bottoms Up Coffee in Franklinton will soon close its original location after nearly a decade serving the neighborhood.

Looking ahead to culture and community events, the Grandview Hop was in full swing last night, with Grandview Avenue buzzing with shoppers, food trucks, and live music. This coming week, young professionals may want to check out the Fall Euchre League at Ohio Brewing Company, or the Scioto Arts Market, which runs from 10 to 2 on Saturdays, bringing together local makers and artists. The Columbus Coffee Festival kicks off in early October and is sure to draw crowds of java lovers.

Buckeye Nation is celebrating as Ohio State remains undefeated, grabbing their first Big Ten road win of the season with a commanding 24 to 6 victory over Washington in Seattle. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State’s next home game against Minnesota is set for October 4, and fans are already fired up.

Our schools are also shining. Several high school teams advanced in Friday’s city soccer and football playoffs, and students at Metro Early College Hi

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, September 27th, 2025. We’re waking up to a picture-perfect early fall weekend. Right now, Metro Columbus has blue skies and crisp air with temperatures near 58 degrees. It’ll warm up to the low 80s by this afternoon, so it’s a great time for outdoor plans. As we look ahead, expect sunshine to stick around through Monday, and we’ve got more warm weather in store.

Here’s what’s shaping our city this morning. In breaking news, last night in North Columbus, a car crashed into a strip mall early Friday, causing some shop closures on Cleveland Avenue while repairs are underway. No serious injuries have been reported, but some business owners face tough days ahead as they regroup and evaluate next steps. Also from the north side, police are searching for two masked suspects who held up the Mack Mattress Outlet at gunpoint earlier this week. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The Columbus Division of Police urges anyone with tips to come forward as safety remains a top concern in the Linden and Cleveland Avenue corridors.

Turning to City Hall decisions, the Olentangy School District is proposing a $325 million bond to build a new high school and elementary, aiming to address severe overcrowding and keep up with growing enrollment. This could mean big changes for families north of Columbus, with possible new bus routes and neighborhood shifts, depending on how the vote lands.

On the positive side, our schools have something to cheer for. Bishop Watterson heads to St. Francis DeSales tonight for what’s become one of the most anticipated “Friday Night Rivals” football matchups in Central Ohio. Also, Wellington School has made history by naming its first female head of school in 42 years, a milestone for inclusivity and leadership.

The job market here continues to hum along. This week, Intel faced renewed pressure from Senator Bernie Moreno over delayed progress at their Licking County site, but industries along the 270 corridor are still hiring, with roughly 800 new openings posted this week in manufacturing, logistics, and tech services. Real estate sees slight cooling as we move into fall, yet homes near Short North and German Village are still averaging just two weeks on market.

Looking toward our music and cultural scene, the Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival returns tonight at The Yard at Easton, supporting cancer research at OSU. And for families, the Ohio History Center’s “Fright at the Museum” brings some spooky season fun kicking off next month. If you’re a theater buff, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” tickets are now being offered through the Golden Snitch Lottery for its run at the Ohio Theatre.

For sports fans, Ohio State Buckeyes hit the road this weekend aiming to defend their number one national ranking as they face Washington, who bring a 22-game home win streak. Crew supporters are worried as forward Wessam Abou Ali is out for weeks with a foot injury, putting extra pressure on the

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, September twenty-six. We start today with breaking news out of Linden where a recent spike in violence has led community leaders and Columbus police to join forces, holding a gathering at Joyce Avenue and East Hudson Street last night. Neighbors are urging one another to look out for each other and calling for peace. The increased patrols should mean we see more police visibility in the area today.

Switching to the weather, it’s a cool and partly cloudy morning, right around fifty-nine degrees as we head into Friday. Expect a high of seventy-eight later today with sunshine poking through by late afternoon. Perfect for heading out to some local events or enjoying an evening stroll, and Saturday looks to be even warmer as we continue through the first autumn weekend.

From City Hall, officials are responding to neighborhood concerns over proposed annexations. Darby Township is holding a big meeting tonight to discuss Dublin’s proposal to incorporate seventy-nine acres of township land. The decision could shift property taxes and community services for many residents near the border.

In business news, Centrus Energy just announced a major expansion of its uranium plant in Pike County, bringing over one thousand three hundred new jobs to central Ohio. Meanwhile, Starbucks plans to close several Columbus stores as part of its national restructuring, meaning roughly nine hundred jobs lost citywide. Local job seekers should keep an eye out for positions opening at the new energy facility while hospitality hiring remains uncertain.

On the real estate front, Columbus home prices remain steady with average sales for single-family homes around three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Rental demand is strong near the Short North and Grandview Heights, but listings are a bit tight as we move toward fall.

Now for a taste of what’s happening this weekend: The MAiZE at Little Darby Creek opens Saturday and offers games, food, and autumn fun for the whole family. This evening, the Mac and Cheese Festival kicks off downtown, supporting young adult cancer survivors and promising delicious local eats. If you want a cozy coffee break, Sufi Coffee House pops up at the Westerville Farmer’s Market with South Asian flavors.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer about—Ohio State football prepares for a key matchup at Ohio Stadium, while local high schools celebrate big wins, including Wellington welcoming its first female Head of School and regional cross-country teams posting record times this week.

Turning to public safety, Columbus police arrested a woman in a stolen car, charging her with more than thirty-eight thousand dollars’ worth of thefts affecting neighborhoods from Grove City to Upper Arlington. A rash of crimes on the south side has neighbors on edge, with recent footage showing unidentified people lurking after dark. Police urge everyone to lock up and report suspicious activity. In Grove City, federal

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, September 25th. We wake up today after a night of steady rainfall, with drizzle expected to stick around through the morning commute and into the lunch hour. The highs will top out in the upper 60s, so grab that umbrella on your way out the door, especially if you have plans near Goodale Park or Short North. The good news is a dry, sunny weekend is ahead for all of us, with temperatures rebounding into the upper 70s for Friday and Saturday.

Turning to breaking and developing stories, city officials have launched a new Resilient Housing Initiative to support residents at risk of eviction. Columbus is on pace to issue 25,000 eviction notices this year as pandemic rental assistance runs out, but local leaders say new resources are now available to help families stay in their homes, especially in neighborhoods like Linden and Hilltop. Meanwhile, the city council is continuing to review zoning and small business incentives along Parsons Avenue in hopes of encouraging more locally owned shops and restaurants.

In crime and public safety, concerns remain high after a deadly shooting in the Short North over the weekend, shaking both business owners and neighbors on High Street. Another shooting just off East 12th Avenue near the Ohio State campus early Saturday has further stoked safety worries among students and staff. Columbus Police say felony assaults are down compared to the last two years, but parents and local merchants are urging for more night patrols, especially as the student population is now at a record high of about 67,000. Investigators have arrested two suspects in these recent incidents, and extra police presence is expected on campus and in nightlife hotspots all week.

On a positive note, we celebrate some feel-good community news. Over in Westgate, a local couple cleaning out their home found a forgotten lottery ticket tucked in a recipe book and discovered it was worth 13 million dollars. The winners say they plan to donate a portion to area schools and food banks, spreading some long-overdue smiles.

From the schools, Columbus City Board’s decision to close five schools after months of debate continues to ripple through the community. Meanwhile, Westerville City Schools have just proposed a new earned income tax levy for the November ballot to support expanded academic offerings. At Otterbein University, a new career readiness curriculum is giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market at a time when regional unemployment hovers near six percent.

For local sports, Ohio State football is gearing up for a big matchup at the Horseshoe this Saturday, riding high off last week’s win. High school soccer and cross-country teams across the city are pushing through postseason play, with several squads, especially out of Upper Arlington and Grove City, making headlines with strong finishes.

Downtown, a semi rollover accident closed the I-71 south ramp to I-270 east late last

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, September 20th, 2025. We are starting today with a quick look at breaking news in southeast Columbus. Last night, a police officer shot and wounded a man holding a gun who tried to run from a traffic stop near Burstock Road and Fairgate Place. The man was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive. Columbus police say no one else was hurt, but it’s a reminder for all of us to stay alert and look out for each other as investigations continue.

It feels like real September out there—expect patchy sunshine through the afternoon with highs around seventy-four, great weather if you have outdoor plans. Some clouds rolling in by late tonight, but no rain in the forecast for most of the day. Perfect timing for the Columbus Crew home match at Lower.com Field this afternoon at four-thirty as our Crew takes on Toronto. Downtown should see an extra surge of fans and traffic, so plan ahead if you’re headed out.

On the city hall front, the growth in health care jobs is on everyone’s mind. Yesterday, Columbus State Community College broke ground on the new OhioHealth Hall at Cleveland Avenue and East Spring Street. This 80,000-square-foot building will double the number of healthcare graduates, addressing our region’s pressing need for skilled nurses and medical professionals. Leaders expect it to make a big difference in filling the nine thousand new healthcare jobs projected in Central Ohio over the next few years.

Job seekers have a lot of opportunities right now. For folks looking for flexible part-time work—no experience needed—there are well over five hundred entry-level jobs on local listings. You could greet guests at Captivating Worlds in New Albany for about fourteen dollars an hour, pick up shifts as a barista downtown, or explore roles in food service, cleaning, and even at John Glenn International Airport. Machine operators are also in demand—the average pay is now about twenty-two dollars an hour.

In real estate, we’re noticing steady listings, but a focus on affordable housing is back in the spotlight. Columbus State is partnering to build nearly two hundred affordable apartments by campus, with some rooms set aside just for students. This effort should ease some of the pinch on renters and bring stability to the neighborhood.

On the music and cultural front, the Downtown Art Walks are back tonight around the Short North, with pop-up galleries and live music. Meanwhile, fans of local flavors can hit the Clintonville Farmers Market this morning or catch music in Goodale Park later today. Looking ahead, remember that the fall festival season is kicking off with the Westgate Autumn Fest next weekend—always a favorite with families.

In high school sports, the Beechcroft Cougars edged out Walnut Ridge last night in a tight football game, continuing a strong start to their season. Columbus City Schools also reported a jump in graduation rates this year—a small but important win for ou

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, September 19th, 2025.

We wake up today to cool, clear skies, the first real hint that fall is right around the corner. Expect our high to reach the upper 70s with abundant sunshine across the region, and just a gentle afternoon breeze. It looks like a near-perfect Friday for those heading outdoors or attending after-school events, so let’s make the most of our late summer warmth before the chill of autumn really sets in.

Our top story this morning is one that’s shaken the east Columbus community. Yesterday, police responded to a shooting on Kelton Avenue. One woman, 22-year-old Janaysia Lewis, was killed and two others were injured. Officers have charged Zandra Wignal in connection with the incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, and the area remains under heightened patrols today as police continue their investigation. City officials remind everyone that addressing gun violence remains a top priority for Columbus leadership.

A quick note from crime and public safety: after last weekend’s Ohio State football game at the Shoe, law enforcement is highlighting the work of K-9 Cedric, from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Cedric and his handler were on duty at Ohio Stadium, working with the Columbus Division of Fire to sweep for explosives, a critical security step for events that welcome tens of thousands of us to campus. Cedric brings not only safety but a little joy, visiting Wolf Creek Local Schools as a resource officer when he’s not on stadium patrol.

There’s also disruption in our cultural calendar today, as fans of country music are still buzzing about the late-breaking announcement. Country star Cody Johnson has cancelled his Columbus shows at Nationwide Arena this weekend because he has lost his voice, with doctors advising immediate rest. Johnson promises to work with the venue to reschedule, so ticket holders are encouraged to hold onto those passes for new dates in 2026.

If you’re planning your weekend, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy. Scioto Fest runs today and tomorrow at Audubon Metro Park, offering Yappy Hour, camping, and live music all set beside the river. Over in Hocking Hills, families are gearing up for the Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival, just an hour’s drive and the perfect spot to see local artists in action, with plenty of outdoor fun for kids and adults alike. Back in the Short North, bring your appetite, as the Ampersand Supper Club is closing its original spot after Sunday, with food lovers making the most of a final weekend slurping ramen at one of our city’s hot spots.

On the business front, job market indicators remain steady, with local employment hovering near last month’s numbers, and a few small retail shops opening their doors along High Street, especially near Clintonville and Old North. Real estate agents report a stable market, with most homes listed under two weeks before selling—good news if you’re thinkin

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, September 18. We start with breaking news from last night on the East Side. First responders rushed a baby to Nationwide Children’s Hospital just before midnight in critical condition. According to Columbus police, foul play might be involved and this is now a criminal investigation. Officers are encouraging anyone with information to come forward as the family and neighborhood wait for updates.

Turning to weather, our streak of sunshine and dry skies continues, testing our patience and our lawns. We wake up to temperatures in the upper 50s, but they climb quickly. By mid-afternoon, we reach the upper 80s and even brush against 90 degrees, especially along Bethel Road and through German Village. Humidity stays low, so while it’s hot, it doesn’t feel sticky yet. If you have little ones headed to after-school sports or if you're planning to catch local high school football at Westerville Central or down by Bishop Hartley Friday night, make sure everyone stays extra hydrated on these unseasonably warm evenings. There's just a slight, ten to twenty percent chance of a quick rain shower late Saturday, mainly near Chillicothe Pike, but most of us will stay dry straight through the weekend. Bigger changes arrive next week with higher rain chances and hopefully relief from our late-summer drought that’s now rated at level two out of five for our region.

From City Hall, Columbus City Council has finalized the next round of small business grants, focusing on new retail and restaurants in Franklinton and along Parsons Avenue. The hope is to boost foot traffic before the holidays. City leaders also announce completion of the long-awaited Henderson Road bike lanes, expanding safe cycling from Upper Arlington into Clintonville. Work on North High Street road improvements has been delayed until November, so expect some extra congestion downtown.

On the jobs front, hiring continues to climb locally. OhioMeansJobs reports around 4200 open positions in Franklin County, with immediate needs for warehouse, nursing, and tech roles. If you’re looking for something new, several major employers including CoverMyMeds and Nationwide Children’s are hosting job fairs next week.

In real estate, we’re still seeing a hot seller’s market. The average home price in Columbus nudged up to just over 320,000 dollars last month. If you’re looking to buy, inventory remains low but a handful of new listings just popped up in Victorian Village and Merion Village this morning.

In other city news, congratulations go out to the students at Thomas Worthington High, who brought home top honors at the state science fair this week, including best-in-category for renewable energy. And over at Upper Arlington, the girls’ volleyball team snagged their eleventh straight win, keeping their undefeated season alive.

Looking ahead, the annual Moonlight Market returns to Gay Street Friday evening, featuring local makers, music, and street f

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, September fourteenth.

We start with breaking news out of Columbus from the past few days. Tragedy struck Wednesday evening near Greens Mill Road when a toddler, Willow Sellers, was seriously injured after running into the path of a truck while fishing with her family. She was taken to UNC Hospital and our hopes go out to her for a swift recovery. Meanwhile, in a heartbreaking update, Reagan Nicole Powers has been charged with multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse following an August thirtieth fire that claimed the lives of four children. The community continues to support the families affected as the investigation moves forward, with Powers currently out on bond.

Switching gears, let’s talk about the weather. It is another sunny and warm day in Columbus, with highs expected to reach the upper eighties. Perfect weather to get out with family or friends and enjoy our parks, festivals, and outdoor events. This stretch of sunshine and above-normal warmth looks to continue throughout the week, with cooler air not arriving until next weekend, so it is a great time for those last summer barbecues and outdoor adventures.

Our business landscape is witnessing both continuity and change. Downtown’s iconic Guiton’s Drug Store, a local staple since 1928, officially has a new chapter as Whiteville Family Pharmacy. Angela Soles, who managed the store for years, purchased it last December and is keeping the classic soda and ice cream fountain alive—a sweet nod to Columbus tradition.

Big news for Columbus fashion lovers as Fashion Week Columbus 2025 kicks off today, running through September twentieth. Expect stunning designs and bold looks from rising stars such as local designer Tiraj Lucas. This event draws visitors and attention from across the Midwest and supports our vibrant creative scene.

If you are looking for things to do, the Delaware County Fair is in full swing through the twentieth, with rides, exhibits, and entertainment for all ages. Tonight, grab a lawn chair and head over to Bicentennial Park for a free jazz concert under the stars.

In sports, the Buckeyes put on a show last night at Ohio Stadium, rolling over Ohio University thirty-seven to nine. Quarterback Julian Sayin dazzled with three touchdowns and three hundred forty-seven yards, while Jeremiah Smith reached a career milestone. On the MLS front, Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi netted a hat trick in a thrilling five-four victory over Atlanta United, keeping the Crew in playoff talks and energizing fans across the city.

Columbus City Schools wrapped up the first weeks of the academic year, and students are already making us proud. The Ohio State and Ohio University marching bands teamed up for a rare and energetic halftime show—What is Hip—at yesterday’s game, wowing the crowd and showcasing Ohio’s best talent.

Turning to city hall, officials are reassuring residents about the security of the Pick

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, September 13, 2025.

We are waking up to a bright and comfortable Saturday across Columbus. Our skies are mostly clear, starting out around 57 degrees and warming up nicely, with highs near 86 today and just a light breeze. It is simply perfect September weather for getting out, whether your plans include the Short North, a walk in Schiller Park, or heading to campus for game day.

Let’s start with the biggest headline. Tonight, all eyes are on Ohio Stadium where Ohio State hosts the Ohio Bobcats at 7 p.m. The Buckeyes come in undefeated, having thrilled the city with a gritty win over Texas and a blowout against Grambling State. The Bobcats are fresh off an upset win against West Virginia, so the energy is sky high. And if you plan to be anywhere near campus this evening, expect heavy traffic and rolling road closures around Lane Avenue and Woody Hayes Drive. At halftime, fans will be treated to a dazzling drone show over The Shoe, as the Buckeyes help raise cancer awareness with the annual Buckeyes for a Cancer-Free World event.

Local high school football is in full swing this weekend, with dozens of games lighting up the Friday night and Saturday scoresheets. Last night, Big Walnut clashed with Hayes in a marquee matchup, while Bishop Watterson hosted Columbian. Tonight, we have two more games—Eastern faces Clinton County and Worthington Christian battles Newark Catholic, both kicking off at 7 p.m. Plenty of families are heading out to support our teams under the lights.

In other school news, big changes could be coming for Columbus City Schools. After a tough budget year, the board is considering ending busing for grades nine through twelve. If approved, this could save the district about seven million dollars annually, but it would also mean high schoolers might have to use COTA buses or find other ways to get to class. The debate is ongoing, and the board is also considering shifting start times and other cost-saving measures.

Downtown, our local business scene is showing sparks of life this fall. Donatos Pizza is rolling out a new AI-powered call system, so the next time you order a large pepperoni, you might be talking to a computer instead of a person. Meanwhile, excitement is building as Fashion Week Columbus kicks off tomorrow, running through the twentieth, spotlighting designers like Xantha and showcasing local creative talent at venues throughout the Short North.

Turning to public safety, police responded quickly this week to a pair of alarming incidents. On Cleveland Avenue in Linden, two masked suspects held up a Mack Mattress Outlet at gunpoint. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but police are still searching for the suspects. And in Grove City, authorities are offering a five-thousand-dollar reward for information after a firearms dealer was burglarized near Stringtown Road early Thursday morning.

On campus, students at Ohio State are settling into the fall semes

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, September 12. We wake up to another beautiful September morning around Columbus. Temperatures started off near 50 in some spots but will quickly climb into the low 80s today, so if you’re heading out to work, running errands, or sending the kids to school, light layers are still a good idea before lunch. By midday, it’s all sunshine and warmth across the city, with almost no chance of rain and just a gentle northeast breeze. The forecast looks great for outdoor plans, so take advantage—gardeners, don’t forget to water your plants, as we haven’t seen much rainfall since early August. Looking ahead to the weekend, we’ll see these summery conditions hold, with Saturday’s highs near 83 and only a slim chance for a passing shower late Saturday night. That means it’s a perfect setup for Buckeyes football and plenty of outdoor events.

Now, to a story about hometown pride and service. Today, dozens of Columbus residents will be recognized by the Ohio Department of Public Safety at the annual Patriot Award Ceremony. This event honors local folks who’ve gone above and beyond in supporting public safety and their communities—a great reminder of the strength we see around us every day.

Turning to city hall, our council met last night to review proposals for new affordable housing developments near Parsons Avenue and Bethel Road. These projects aim to provide nearly two hundred new units to meet rising demand, with decisions expected next week. It’s also budget time, and leaders are weighing investments in road repairs, sidewalk upgrades, and expanded neighborhood policing. If approved, we could see several roadwork crews in Clintonville and Franklinton before the winter freeze sets in.

Let’s take a look at Columbus business life. High Street welcomed a new craft bakery called Sunbeam Sweets on Monday, adding to the string of local food startups this year. Meanwhile, the longstanding music shop, Counter Rhythm, is closing its doors after thirty years downtown, with owners citing increased rents. On the job front, the latest report shows about fifteen hundred new positions across manufacturing and logistics—especially on the east side, with hiring events posted at Easton and Reynoldsburg through the weekend.

For weekend fun, there’s no shortage of events to pick from. The annual Italian Festival returns to the Short North Saturday, with street food, live music, and family activities. If you’re craving some live entertainment, catch the Indie Roots concert at Schiller Park Friday night or cheer on our Buckeyes in their much-anticipated showdown with Ohio University Saturday night at Ohio Stadium. Sportswriters note the Buckeyes are favored, but Ohio’s recent win over West Virginia suggests we should expect a competitive matchup.

Our schools had a big week, too. Congratulations to Northland High’s robotics team, who swept the state qualifiers Wednesday, and best wishes to the Centennial Stars soccer tea

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