What's Happening in Champaign County, Ohio?

Let's Eat Cake celebrates 5 years of business

9/25/2022

If you had to pick one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? You all said cupcakes, right?! Lucky for you we have an amazing cupcake business right here in Champaign County. For five years, Tina Knotts and her culinary team have been serving up scrumptious cupcakes, cakes and cookies at Let’s Eat Cake.

This year, Tina expanded her resume to party planner, opening up an adorable event space where she does all the work for her guests. Her shop not only has yummy goodies, but also an array of party supplies, T-shirts, and candles. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce included Let’s Eat Cake as part of their scavenger hunt for their Leadership class this year, where Tina showed teams how to decorate a cupcake. It was a highlight for the teams to decorate and more importantly, eat their cupcakes. So, if you are in need of a mid-week pick-me-up, head over to Let’s Eat Cake and grab something sweet.

First Central National Bank-A St. Paris treasure

9/23/2022

What is the oldest bank in St. Paris? That's a trick question because First Central National Bank is the only bank located in St. Paris. First National bank opened in 1880. Followed by Central National bank in 1906. The two banks merged in 1935 creating the First Central National Bank. They expanded to Rosewood in 1964 and Christiansburg in 1980.

They recently expanded again, opening a branch in Urbana. First Central National bank offers an array of products, from checking and savings to money market and health savings accounts. With hometown banks going by the wayside, it is wonderful to know Champaign County has a local bank available for the needs of the community.

Crabill's: A Local Legend

9/18/2022

Who doesn’t remember making the dash to Crabill’s Hamburgers after school? The iconic little burgers with relish and brown mustard served in a brown bag.

For over 95 years, Crabill’s hamburgers have been synonymous with Urbana. Forest Crabill began making his famous little hamburgers in his parents' garage.

Eventually he moved his business into a building about as small as his burgers. After Forest passed away, his wife Freda continued the business until the building was sold in 1988. In 1989, Freda’s granddaughter Marsha, reopened the business and eventually relocated to their current building on Miami St. The new building is only slightly bigger than the original, but the burgers remain the same. So, when you're in the mood for a good burger, or three, head on over to Crabill's Hamburgers. Bring your cash, and don’t forget the napkins.

Carmazzi's - A local treasure

9/12/2022

Carmazzi's Candy & General Store

From housing an army general in 1812 to becoming a fruit store in 1893, the building we know as Carmazzi’s Candy & General Store has been the anchor of our small town.

In 1893, Bianchi’s fruit store opened, started by Sam Bianchi, the uncle of Victoria Carmazzi. Victoria and her husband Frank took over the store and renamed it what we know it as today, Carmazzi’s.

Beyond fruit, Carmazzi’s is best known for their assortment of candy, especially hard to find candy, as well as other goodies.

Generations of residents grew up running to Carmazzi’s to get candy before seeing a movie (Don’t tell the Gloria) or an after-school treat. Now under new ownership, Carmazzi’s continues to be the go-to place for all your sweet tooth needs.

Spotted Owl Coffee Bar & Berry Digital Solutions join forces

9/8/2022

The new location of the Spotted Owl Coffee Bar and Berry Digital Solutions.

A cow and an owl walk into a coffee shop..... Seriously though, how many coffee shops can a town have? In my opinion, not nearly enough. And I’m glad the folks at the Spotted Cow agree.

Opened in 2014, The Spotted Cow Coffeehouse began as a way to provide job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Bobbie McKee's parents started Downsize Farms in 2007 as a day program, expanding it to help those with disabilities learn skills they can put into a vocation.

The Spotted Cow gave them a place to use those skills. Now expanding to the square, the Spotted Owl Coffee Bar will be another business that will utilize the talents of those with disabilities. Employees learn important social skills along with making great lattes and yummy food.

Housed in the same location will another growing business, Berry Digital Solutions. I can’t think of a better combination. Along with coffee, tea and food options, the goal is to also have wine at the Spotted Owl in the evening, making it a perfect option morning or night. The Spotted Owl Coffee Bar and Berry Digital Solutions will be holding a Ribbon Cutting on September 15 at 12 pm at their new location, 113 N. Main Street, in Urbana. Stop by anytime between 8 am - 2 pm to see the new spaces and learn more about what's happening in downtown Urbana.

come see first central national bank's urbana location

7/5/2022

Celebrate the growth of First Central National Bank on July 21st at their new location in Urbana.

Located at 1754 E US Hwy 36, Urbana, Ohio 43078, First Central National Bank will be holding an Open House from 11 am - 2 pm with a Ribbon Cutting at Noon.

For more information on their expansion, click here!

West Liberty Summer Street Market June 25th

6/9/2022

Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10am-8pm
Sponsored by Malia Hughes with Fathom Realty and the WLBA

Street Vendors
Food Trucks
Live Entertainment
Car/Bike/Quarter Midget Show - (All entries that pre-register will receive a dash plaque. Trophies awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in different categories. Car Show sign-in is June 25 at the Town Hall Fire Dept. Look for the blue canopy. Registrations will be taken up until 3pm. Trophies awarded at 5pm.)
Fireworks at dusk at Lion's Park sponsored by The Village of West Liberty, Liberty Township & private donors.

Interested vendors, food trucks and car show participants are encouraged to register at MyWestLiberty.com.

Abuela's Kitchen Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

5/13/2022

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Friday, May 13th for Urbana's new Venezuelan restaurant, Abuela's Kitchen. Abuela's Kitchen is a Latin American restaurant, family-owned, and has a welcoming atmosphere. The eatery is located at 23 Monument Sq. Urbana, OH 43078, with the operating hours of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am- 9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, and closed on Wednesdays.

Pictured left to right: Marcia Bailey, Derrick Fetz, Beth McCain , Rich Ebert, Carissa Sellman-Luza, Keelie Lyden, Kristin McIntire, Audra Bean, Ashley Mershon, Carmen Marulanda, Silvana Marulanda, Lizilbeth Molinares, Matt Davis, Heather Sheeley, Andrea Ortega, Madisyn Norris, Brett Neeley, Sandra Arbogast, Mike Arbogast, Michael Nitchman, and Chris Phelps

"Bad Art" Top Prize Goes to Cani

5/10/2022

Urbana Daily Citizen
Sarah Cani’s pressed floral creation won top honors at the 11th annual “Bad Art by Good People” fundraiser for the Champaign County Arts Council (CCAC) on Friday evening at the VFW’s BrownRidge Hall in Urbana. Brad Winner (right) purchased the winning piece for $900 during the dinner and auction. The CCAC raised a grand total of $26,169 from the event, which funds arts and music outreach in many sectors of the community including schools and nursing homes.

Williams Hardware Celebrates 50 Years!

4/28/2022

Williams Hardware Urbana Celebrates 50 Years of Business

William's Hardware was started in 1972 by Owen Williams. Owen chose to start his business in Champaign County due to the vibrant economy and close-knit community. The store is now celebrating 50 years in business!

Doug Williams took over his father's business in 2012 and has remained the owner for the past ten years. Doug decided to keep the location of the business because of the community support and the personal and business relationships that have been built over the years. He has stated that he loves Urbana and would never leave the city.

A lot has changed in the past 50 years. Doug Williams commented, "Retail space has gone up, consumers now have multiple choices, and business is more competitive". Changing with the times and keeping an open mind has helped the store continue to thrive. The business has always stayed pliable and open to new ideas.

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