The future of mobility is taking shape in Central Ohio, and it's happening faster than most people realize. A groundbreaking partnership between Lextant and the Marysville/Union County Port Authority is transforming the Automotive and Mobility Innovation Center (AMIC) into a hub for transportation innovation, drawing attention from companies worldwide.

Ohio's Beta District—stretching along the 33 corridor between Ohio State University and the Transportation Research Center—has quietly become a premier testing ground for autonomous vehicles, drone technologies, smart infrastructure, and connected transportation systems. The fiber-equipped corridor enables the real-world testing of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems. At the same time, Marysville itself has become a laboratory for smart city implementation, featuring connected intersections that communicate directly with passing vehicles.

What makes this initiative unique is its unwavering focus on human-centered design. As Chris Rockwell, CEO of Lextant, explains, all the AI and automation ultimately need to serve human needs. "Mobility is fundamentally about freedom and empowerment," he notes, emphasizing that technology must be designed to enhance human capabilities rather than fight against natural behaviors. This approach addresses the trust gap that has slowed adoption of autonomous features—people reject technology that feels ambiguous or unpredictable.

The Innovation Park is already home to companies developing life-saving technologies. Pairwave is creating drones for first responders, RMV is pioneering robotic roadway repair systems that keep maintenance workers safe, and Ease Logistics is advancing commercial truck platooning for improved fuel efficiency. These innovations don't just represent technological advancement; they're solving real problems and potentially saving lives.

Beyond creating a hub for established companies, AMIC serves as an incubator for startups and a talent development pipeline that's creating opportunities for engineers and innovators. The facility is open to the public for innovation workshops, design thinking sessions, and collaborative meetings, inviting broader community participation in shaping the future of transportation.

Want to see firsthand how mobility innovation is transforming our region? Visit the AMIC or Beta District websites to learn more about tours, events, and opportunities to engage with the technologies that will reshape how we move in the coming decades—all this and more on Central Ohio Matters. Don't forget to download, like, and share to help us grow.

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The controversial plan to use $1.7 billion from Ohio's unclaimed funds to build a Cleveland Browns stadium takes center stage in this episode. Attorney Mark Dan breaks down why this decision violates constitutional protections while explaining how citizens can search for and claim their own unclaimed money—money that rightfully belongs to them, not the state.

Beyond this political controversy, we dive into pressing summer health hazards with Delaware County Health Commissioner Garrett Ghiozzi. Learn why this year's tick season is breaking records, and how to remove a tick properly. Ghiozzi also shares surprising information about increased cases of rabies found in bats and the risks they pose, including what to do if you find one in your bedroom.

The conversation shifts to practical advice for managing summer electricity costs with AEP Ohio's Julia Ivinskis. Discover how Ohio's deregulated electricity market allows you to shop for better rates, and learn about the cutting-edge tools that let you track your home's energy usage down to 15-minute intervals—potentially saving you significant money during peak air conditioning season.

These three distinct conversations offer vital information for every Central Ohio resident: protecting your constitutional rights to unclaimed money, safeguarding your family's health from seasonal hazards, and managing your household budget during expensive summer months. Subscribe to Central Ohio Matters for more in-depth conversations about the issues shaping our region's future.

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Revolutionary War connections run deeper in Delaware County than most residents realize. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Delaware County Historical Society Executive Director Donna Meyer reveals the fascinating links between our community and the nation's founding that have remained hidden in plain sight for generations.

When the cash-strapped new American government couldn't pay Revolutionary War soldiers with money, they compensated them with "bounty lands" - including what would later become Delaware County. The more prestigious your military rank, the more acreage you received. These land grants directly shaped our community's development, with many veterans selling their properties to speculators who would eventually establish settlements. Moses Bixby, the town's founder, acquired numerous such deeds before planting the town of Delaware in 1808. Even today, our street names - like Winter Street, named after Bixby's wife's maiden name (Witter) - reflect this founding history.

Perhaps most remarkable is the discovery that over 100 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried throughout Delaware County. William Warrington, interred at Mill Creek Cemetery near Ostrander, served as one of George Washington's personal bodyguards and reportedly intercepted poison intended for the general - potentially altering American history. Warrington, who fathered 17 children through four marriages, represents just one of countless stories waiting to be uncovered.

The Historical Society has launched several initiatives to celebrate America's 250th birthday, including mapping Revolutionary War graves, creating cemetery driving tours with costumed reenactors, and establishing a Student Ambassador Program for high school students. These young history enthusiasts complete volunteer hours with local historical organizations and attend special classes on America's founding to earn ceremonial graduation cords.

Explore this rich heritage yourself by visiting the Meeker Museum (housed in an 1823 home built by Revolutionary War veteran Forrest Meeker), the Nash House Museum, or the historic jail during First Friday tours. The Delaware County Historical Society offers walking tours, driving guides, and research resources to help uncover the revolutionary history hiding beneath our feet.

Connect with your community's revolutionary past and join in celebrating America's 250th anniversary through these upcoming events and historical explorations. Visit delawareohiohistory.org to learn more about how our local story intertwines with the nation's founding narrative.

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