Central Ohio News Briefs - April 27 to May 2, 2026
Dublin
City Council on April 27 unanimously approved annexations totaling 226 acres, including 79 acres from Darby Township and 147 acres from Washington Township.
Council adopted the West Innovation District Integrated Implementation Strategy on a 6-1 vote.
Council also unanimously adopted the Premier Athletic and Recreation Campus Vision Framework and approved Irish Festival alcohol permits and infrastructure easements.
Dublin City Schools restarted high school redistricting at the April 27 board meeting, with map adoption expected within roughly two weeks.
The citywide street maintenance program launched April 27 and is expected to bring lane closures.
The Dublin Wellness Alliance launched a Community Wellness Navigator program to help residents connect with mental health, substance use and social services.
Bristol Republic announced a June opening at Bridge Park alongside a second concept, The Saddle Club.
reAlpha Tech said a 1-for-25 reverse stock split would take effect April 30.
Cosgray Commons advanced to a third planning review, with revised plans presented for the proposed $900 million mixed-use project.
Worthington
Gov. Mike DeWine announced April 28 that Centric HC will expand its Worthington headquarters, adding 200 full-time jobs and $14 million in annual payroll.
City Council’s next meeting is May 4.
The Worthington Inn reopened after renovations through a new partnership with Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, with a ribbon-cutting held April 29.
Hilliard
Police are investigating after a weapon was discovered at Weaver Middle School on April 27. School officials said the situation was handled safely and there was no broader threat.
CAVA Mediterranean opened at 1790 Hilliard Rome Road, its first Columbus-area location.
City Council met April 27 with a mural application, a National Library Week proclamation and commission reports on the agenda.
Hilliard City Schools released Class of 2026 graduation details on April 27.
Upcoming public events include Touch A Truck on May 14, Celebration at the Station concerts in June and the Independence Day Parade on July 4.
West Jefferson
A scooter rider was hospitalized after a crash at West Main and Twin streets on April 27. The incident remains under investigation.
The Strategic Planning Committee met April 28.
The village posted a construction and maintenance update April 27.
A roof fire at an Amazon facility in Jefferson Township on May 1 prompted a large emergency response and employee evacuation.
Workers also continued raising concerns about air quality after the earlier Amazon warehouse fire.
West Jefferson High School was ranked No. 16 statewide in the USA Today Ohio Super 25 baseball rankings.
Sunbury
Sunbury’s moratorium on data-center development continued to draw outside attention this week, with coverage highlighting the pause through January 2027.
The Events and Commemorations Committee met April 21 to plan Arbor Day, fishing derbies and an October festival.
A bid opening for the 2026 Street Improvement Program was held April 22.
Planning and Zoning held contested April 27 hearings on a DR Horton model home parking lot and a construction-business storage and office proposal at 82 E. Granville St., with notable resident opposition.
Council met April 29 at Big Walnut High School, though no outcomes had been published by the time of the summary.
Grove City
No new council activity was highlighted during the week.
The next public hearing is scheduled for May 18 on a backyard chickens and ducks ordinance.
The Mayor’s Cup golf event benefiting Meals on Wheels is set for May 4 and was reported at capacity.
Summer Sizzle Concert Series dates were posted for June through September.
Powell
The Powell Street Market and Business Expo is scheduled for May 3.
The city relaunched its S.A.F.E. Passage Initiative to improve safety on Sawmill Parkway through Labor Day 2026.
Powell resident Voicu Marian received the Brian Lonsway Memorial Award for Humor in Craft.
Reynoldsburg
Council met April 27, though no published minutes were noted.
A May Day workers’ rights protest was planned for May 1 at City Hall.
H2Ohio and COSI hosted a fourth annual Earth Day celebration in Reynoldsburg focused on water quality and environmental improvements.
Gahanna
Council met April 27 and held a public hearing on zoning code amendments.
Groveport
Council met April 27, though no public outcomes had been posted.
Obetz
Council met April 27, though no minutes had been published.
Spring Sports Opening Day was held May 1 at Fortress Obetz.
Full Throttle Thursdays began May 1.
Columbus Taco Fest returned to Fortress Obetz for its 10th edition.
Fyda Freightliner bought a 30,000-square-foot-plus warehouse on Groveport Road for $5.69 million, signaling possible expansion.
Galena
Village Council held its regular meeting April 27.
The next meetings are May 18 for council and May 20 for Planning and Zoning.
The museum reopened May 1.
Genoa Township
A Fire Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for May 5.
A 50th Anniversary Open House is set for May 9.
Harlem Township
The week was otherwise quiet, but the Delaware County Engineer announced April 29 that roundabout construction will begin May 4 with related road closures.
A woman died in a house fire May 2 in the 6000 block of Harlem Road.
A Zoning Commission hearing on revisions to Article XXIV was set to reconvene May 4.
Mifflin Township
The township continues recruiting for fleet technician and emergency dispatcher positions.
The next trustee meeting is May 4.
Sharon Township
Trustees placed a 2.34-mill fire levy on the May 5 ballot.
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