Central Ohio News Briefs - February 15, 2026
Dublin — The city earned the highest possible credit ratings (AAA/Aaa) from all four major national rating agencies for a second consecutive year, reinforcing its borrowing strength for municipal projects.
Dublin — Dublin-based reAlpha announced its CEO and CFO will participate in a virtual fireside chat on February 12, 2026 to discuss the company’s 2026 growth strategy, including artificial intelligence integration and mergers and acquisitions plans.
Dublin — City Council voted unanimously February 11 to keep the annual Halloween Spooktacular as a two-day event, citing higher attendance and improved accessibility.
Dublin — Wendy’s ranked ninth globally among restaurant brands in 2026 with a reported brand value of $4.9 billion, down 4% from the prior year. The company said it plans to close underperforming U.S. locations and projected flat sales and lower profits in 2026.
Dublin — Cardinal Health reported that its Q2 FY2026 at-Home Solutions segment revenue increased 34% to $1.7 billion, driven in part by the Advanced Diabetes Supply acquisition and automation investments.
Gahanna — The city is preparing to relocate City Hall, the senior center, and police headquarters into a new $59 million civic center in April 2026, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for April 25, 2026.
Gahanna — Parents alleged bullying of students who declined to participate in school ICE protests at Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.
Galena — One person died in a crash on Sunday, February 11. Police released additional details February 12 as the investigation continues.
Grove City — City Council again denied a special use permit for the Ohio Clean Leaf Dispensary at 3989 Jackpot Road in a 4–3 vote.
Grove City — Grove City Christian defeated Berne Union 68–49 on February 13, with Josiah Harmeyer scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Grove City — Lincoln edged Grove City 43–39; Brody Willis scored 11 points.
Groveport — Local boys and girls basketball teams were featured in February 13 roundups highlighting area performances.
Hilliard — The city filed suit to block Amazon’s plan for a six-acre array of 228 natural gas–fed fuel cell units intended to power a data center.
Hilliard — City Council unanimously approved Joshua Rauch as the next city manager with a $255,000 base salary beginning April 20, 2026.
Hilliard — Hilliard Bradley defeated Olentangy Orange 47–37 on February 13 to clinch the OCC-Central boys basketball title, with senior Ben Mirgon leading the defensive effort.
Obetz — The city announced its 2026 Senior Resource Fair for March 11 at the Obetz Community Center.
Obetz — The 2024 Hot Rod Power Tour route included a stop in Obetz.
Powell — Police will transition their fleet to Chevrolet Tahoes, a move projected to save nearly $400,000 in maintenance over five years.
Reynoldsburg — Black History Month banners honoring Black residents were unveiled as part of a joint effort with Whitehall and Bexley.
Reynoldsburg — Reynoldsburg boys basketball upset Newark 64–50 on February 13 to move into a tie atop the OCC-Buckeye standings.
Reynoldsburg — Steven Sunday, a Season 10 participant on Love Is Blind, filed a defamation lawsuit related to social media allegations stemming from May 2025.
Sunbury — The roof of the Atlas Insurance building collapsed under heavy snow February 4; no injuries were reported.
Sunbury — Brad Slack, a 20-year department veteran, was appointed Sunbury police chief February 11, emphasizing community policing.
Sunbury — Big Walnut defeated Dublin Scioto 80–70 on February 13.
Worthington — Worthington Steel announced a $2.4 billion acquisition of Germany-based Klöckner & Co., with the deal expected to close in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approval.
Worthington — A $2 million grant was awarded for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project addressing a failing vacuum sewer system.
Worthington — A Kroger store at 60 Worthington Mall was temporarily closed February 11 following a Columbus Public Health inspection.
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