Central Ohio News Briefs: News Reported Sept. 7–12, 2026
Public safety, government policy and transportation led Central Ohio’s local news during the week, alongside school updates, community events and high school sports.
Gahanna
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools released revised attendance-boundary maps for the 2027–28 school year. District officials said the revisions affect fewer than 250 elementary and middle school students and protect students who were moved during the previous redistricting process from being reassigned again. The district published the updated maps Sept. 8.
Galena
Delaware County commissioners approved a petition to annex about 58.4 acres of the former Debolt Farm in Berkshire Township into Galena. Galena Village Council must still approve the annexation. The village Zoning Commission will review proposed development plans and make recommendations to council.
Grove City
A group of Grove City fathers completed a 24-mile run over 24 hours Sept. 10 and 11 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The effort raised money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which assists injured service members, first responders and families of fallen public-safety personnel.
Arts in the Alley will return Sept. 18–20. The annual downtown festival will feature work by regional artists, live entertainment and community activities.
Groveport
The Wheels of Color gathering at Three Creeks Metro Park added a 5K on Labor Day in memory of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, an Ohio airman who died in 2026. The Sept. 7 race joined the event’s car show and community activities.
Hilliard
COTA began service on Line 30 on Sept. 7, giving Hilliard riders a direct transit connection through Upper Arlington and Ohio State University to downtown Columbus. The route is part of the agency’s September service changes and expands fixed-route access on the region’s northwest side.
Hilliard held its annual Sept. 11 remembrance at First Responders Park. The memorial includes steel recovered from the World Trade Center and honors those killed in the 2001 attacks.
Johnstown
The Johnstown Downtown Development Association held Fall Fest on Sept. 12. The afternoon event brought vendors and family activities to downtown Johnstown, with Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply serving as the presenting sponsor.
On the football field, Johnstown-Monroe defeated Mount Vernon 37–30 on Sept. 11. Northridge also won, edging Lakota 23–22 in a nonconference game.
Lockbourne
A 13-year-old girl missing since July 2024 was recovered from a home in the 900 block of Hibbs Road during Operation Meridian, a monthlong U.S. Marshals Service initiative that located 79 missing children across Ohio. Authorities said the girl was found concealed in a basement crawlspace. Her mother was arrested on an outstanding Franklin County warrant.
New Albany
New Albany resident Alaina Buckingham was among six Central Ohio children selected for the National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square video presentation on Sept. 12. The annual presentation featured photographs of people with Down syndrome from across the country.
New Albany’s boys golf team won the OCC-Ohio championship, and Elijah Hall-Bromberg earned the conference’s player of the year award. The football team added a 28–21 road victory over Upper Arlington on Sept. 11.
Canine Companions announced that DogFest will be held Sept. 20 at its North Central Training Center. The fundraiser will celebrate service-dog partnerships and support the organization’s training and placement programs.
Obetz
The 2026 Obetz Zucchinifest concluded Sept. 7 at Fortress Obetz. The final day included New Ohio Wrestling, rides, animal encounters and zucchini-themed food and vendors.
Powell
Powell City Council awarded Strawser Paving Co. a $2,996,266.74 contract for the city’s 2026 Street and Path Maintenance Program. Work will include road resurfacing, shared-use path and sidewalk repairs, and curb-ramp improvements.
Powell residents Carter Cherry and Samuel “Sammy” Rodriguez Barreto were featured in the National Down Syndrome Society’s Sept. 12 Times Square video.
Reynoldsburg
Mayor Joe Begeny ordered the immediate shutdown of Reynoldsburg’s Flock Safety license-plate reader system Sept. 9, citing concerns about transparency and possible misuse of the data. The city removed the cameras as it reviewed its policies and participation in the surveillance network.
A community resource center also opened to help residents recover from recent flooding. The center offered supplies and assistance from local agencies and relief organizations, including help addressing mold and other damage left by flooded basements.
Sunbury
Big Walnut shut out Delaware Hayes 46–0 in varsity football Sept. 11, extending a strong start to its 2026 season.
West Jefferson
West Jefferson’s Week 5 football game against Springfield Catholic Central was canceled because of injuries on Catholic Central’s roster. West Jefferson instead played Cedarville on Sept. 11 and won 44–6.
Worthington
Worthington will conduct another controlled deer reduction from December 2026 through February 2027, with a possible extension into March if needed. The city plans to use U.S. Department of Agriculture sharpshooters after its previous operation removed 100 deer in eight days.
Opponents of a 20-acre redevelopment at 445 E. Dublin-Granville Road are collecting signatures for a referendum that could place the project before voters. City Council approved the Elford Development proposal July 20. Plans call for 246 housing units.
The Whispering Page opened Sept. 3 at 661 N. High St. The independent bookstore sells books alongside coffee, pastries and alcoholic beverages.
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