Columbus.  Columbus RetroMetro has reported on steps taken by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman’s office which suggest that city leaders are taking a serious look at bringing streetcars back to downtown. Speaking of Ohio’s capital city, the website for the 2012 Columbus Bicentennial celebration has been launched, and includes an opportunity for area residents to participate in event planning via blogs, video and online surveys.

Statewide.  Ever wondered about just how pervasive Wal-Mart has become across the country – and what happens when Wal-Mart closes a store? Take a look at these interesting maps provided by The Hometown Advantage (and Ohio in particular). The same page has a number of links to studies focusing on the impact of big-box retail on communities – from costs for social services and infrastructure (police, utilities, etc.) to the impact on locally owned business.

Circleville.  The July newsletter of the Roundtown Conservancy in Circleville brings news that their website (www.roundtownconservancy.org) now includes an interesting look at the Conservancy’s efforts to rectify a misspelling of one of the town’s founders on a local historical marker, as well as improved photographs of the Crites Octagon House( now under restoration).

Springfield.  The Westcott House Foundation in Springfield has announced summer garden tours featuring a look at the restored grounds. Tours will include a look at the process used to recreate the landscaping, and will feature historic documents. Reservations are required for the tours on August 7 and August 18; call 937-327-9291 for details.

Lisbon.  The next round of the History/Mystery Tours in Lisbon is scheduled for August 11. This repeat performance is due to great demand from the tours earlier this year, which featured both guided tours and horse-drawn wagon rides. Lisbon is a unique piece of Ohio history that you shouldn’t miss; click here for more details and reservation information.

Youngstown.  Parade Magazine has chosen a Youngstown location as one of 11 winners of the “Tell America’s Story” contest. The winning site is the former Burt’s Confectionary building, where the Good Humor bar was created. For younger readers, the bar was the flagship product of the Good Humor Ice Cream company, whose trucks and salespersons were a regular site in post-World War II small town America.

Photo: Westcott House, Springfield - Doug Miller/Creative Commons License