Central Ohio News Briefs - April 12-19, 2026
Sunbury — The I-71 northbound exit ramp to U.S. 36/Route 37 remained reduced to one lane as part of the $31 million ODOT Sunbury Parkway project following a fatal crash on April 11.
Dublin — Dublin’s Teen Buddy Program received a ServeOhio Award during Global Volunteer Month for its intergenerational volunteer work aimed at reducing loneliness.
Galena — An ODOT weekly road project report included infrastructure updates affecting the Galena area as part of the broader Delaware County schedule.
Gahanna — Gahanna schools held a Board of Education Finance and Facilities meeting on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall.
Powell — Powell’s State of the City was April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Hilliard — Hilliard hjeld “Aging in Place” meeting for April 14 at 1 p.m. and a Health and Wellness Fair the same day from 10 a.m. to noon at The Well.
Sharon Township — The Board of Trustees met meet April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Sharon Township Administration Building.
Reynoldsburg — The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for April 14 was canceled.
Reynoldsburg — The city is reviewing possible regulations for short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO after increased complaints and a March incident involving gunshots at a party. No draft ordinance or hearing date had been announced.
Groveport — Little Italy Ristorante donated 15% of sales on April 14 and 15 to support the families of three Ohio Air National Guard members killed in a refueling crash in Iraq, with proceeds routed through the Rickenbacker Military Families Foundation.
Obetz — Columbus Humane hosted a free pet vaccine clinic at Fortress Obetz on April 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grove City — A Fischer Homes subsidiary moved forward with a reduced-scale residential project known as The Breckenridge after an earlier council rejection.
Reynoldsburg — The Ohio Fire Academy honored 34 graduates of Firefighter Class 243 at a graduation ceremony at its Reynoldsburg campus after a 10-week, 468-hour training program.
Reynoldsburg — Garage sale permits remained available for $5 at City Hall or online, and the city announced a citywide free garage sale event for June 5 to 14.
Powell — A deer crashed through a window at Olentangy Liberty High School, prompting a school safety response.
Hilliard — Hilliard Davidson High School awarded the Rick Hausman Scholarship to senior Abigail Starr during its senior awards ceremony.
West Jefferson — Human remains were discovered by kayakers in Little Darby Creek near Martin Avenue and North Franklin Street on April 18. Officials said the case appeared to be an isolated incident, and the Madison County coroner is investigating.
Hilliard — Local officials are seeking a comprehensive safety plan for a proposed energy system meant to power a data center, citing community concerns about operations and risk.
Hilliard — Wind-blown debris caused a power outage along a mile of Hilliard Rome Road in Columbus on April 18. Service was restored later that afternoon, and no crashes or injuries were reported.
Gahanna — A new Chinese hot pot restaurant opened, adding another dining option in the city.
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