Ken Bonnell is shown speaking at an event. Bonnell, longtime chairman of the Union County Military Family Support Group, announced that he and his wife, Bonnie, will step away from the organization at the end of the year after two decades of helping local veterans and their families. Retired Army Col. Homer Rogers will succeed Bonnell as chairman in 2027. (Photo submitted)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks Monday during Honda’s announcement of a new $3 billion automobile manufacturing plant in Union County. The facility, planned between Honda’s existing Marysville and East Liberty plants, is expected to begin production in 2029 and have the capacity to manufacture 240,000 vehicles annually. (Journal-Tribune photo by Michael Williamson)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks Monday during Honda’s announcement of a new $3 billion automobile manufacturing plant in Union County. The facility, planned between Honda’s existing Marysville and East Liberty plants, is expected to begin production in 2029 and have the capacity to manufacture 240,000 vehicles annually. (Journal-Tribune photo by Michael Williamson)

The 165-acre farm that is looking to be brought into Jerome Township’s commerce district, identified above within the red border, is owned and operated by longtime farmer and township resident Carl Mitchell. With no heirs to pass the farm to, Mitchell is looking to sell the land to be developed under the township’s commerce district, which could open it up to many development uses including data centers if it is rezoned from rural residential district. (Graphic submitted)

"In my experience as a city planner, I can say that this type of situation is the epitome of very bad city development." - City Manager Kim Sharp

The railroad crossing on Bear Swamp Road in Liberty Township, shown above, is slated to be replaced by an overpass after Union County was awarded up to $23.52 million in federal funding. The estimated $29.4 million project will eliminate the at-grade crossing over the CSX rail line, reducing traffic delays and improving safety and access for motorists, school buses and emergency vehicles. Construction is not expected to begin for several years as the project moves through engineering, design and other preliminary work. (J-T file photo)