New Albany
A judge found Bruce Foster III not guilty by reason of insanity in the February 2025 warehouse shooting that killed two people and wounded four others. The verdict was issued Sept. 16 after a bench trial focused heavily on Foster’s mental condition at the time of the shootings. His attorney, Jeffrey Stavroff, discussed the judgment after it was announced.
The New Albany Community Foundation opened its Jeans for Green collection Sept. 19. Wearable denim will be distributed through the New Albany Food Pantry, while damaged material will be recycled into home insulation. Collection continues through Oct. 4 at Village Hall, New Albany schools and the Plain Township fire station.
Genoa Township
Construction continued at the State Route 3 and Lewis Center Road intersection, where Delaware County is widening the roads and adding turn lanes. Utility relocation and construction are scheduled through fall 2026. The trail along State Route 3 near Lewis Center Road was closed in September for the work.
An auction involving woodworking tools and lumber was excluded because it was held in Medina, Ohio, rather than Genoa Township.
Sunbury
Sunbury police are investigating whether an international online extortion scheme contributed to a 14-year-old’s suicide attempt near Viola Drive. Police used the case to warn parents about sextortion schemes targeting young people through social media and messaging services.
Authorities encouraged parents to monitor their children’s online activity and discuss requests for photographs, money or private information. Investigators also cited Ohio’s Braden’s Law, which provides additional tools for intervention in exploitation cases.
The Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest will move to Freedom Park for its Oct. 3 event. Sunbury City Council approved the relocation as organizers prepare for an expanded festival.
Gahanna
Gahanna Lincoln defeated Hilliard Darby 10–7 in varsity football Sept. 18.
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools also reminded families that classes will not be held Sept. 21 because of a teacher professional-development day.
Reynoldsburg
Reynoldsburg City Schools teachers reported missing, withdrawn or incorrect pay following an expected payday. The district attributed the problem to a third-party payroll provider and said it had been resolved, but employees told the school board that some money remained missing.
The district issued paper checks as a temporary response. Some teachers said they did not receive checks, while others said the amounts failed to cover their missing pay. The district had not identified the provider or disclosed how many employees were affected.
Watkins Memorial defeated Reynoldsburg 4–3 in boys soccer Sept. 17. Reynoldsburg’s record fell to 7–4.
The Franklin County auditor held an Affordable Housing Resource Fair in Reynoldsburg on Sept. 18.
Worthington
A wrong-way crash on Interstate 270 killed 51-year-old Mario Tufts-Davison and critically injured another person early Sept. 17. Columbus police said a Ram 250 entered the interstate from an exit ramp and struck a Kia Optima shortly after 12:29 a.m. The Columbus police Accident Investigation Unit is investigating.
Worthington Kilbourne defeated Dublin Scioto 49–20 in varsity football Sept. 18.
Worthington held its Touch-a-Truck event Sept. 18 at the Worthington Community Center. The city’s yard-waste drop-off facility was closed that day because of construction in the Service Department yard.
Powell
Powell City Council adopted a five-year capital improvement program covering more than $60.5 million in planned spending from 2027 through 2031.
The program assigns about $12.2 million for 2027, including street and path maintenance, stormwater work, park improvements, traffic signals, technology, and planning for Bennett Farm. The total represents a 0.7% increase from the previous five-year program.
Hilliard
Hilliard City Council voted unanimously Sept. 15 to pause the city’s use of Flock Safety license-plate readers while officials examine privacy, data-access and misuse concerns. Hilliard joined several Central Ohio governments that suspended or ended use of the camera system.
Police also released body-camera video from an officer-involved shooting on Lowell Lane. Officers were attempting to arrest 62-year-old Frank Toscano on a public-indecency warrant when police said he displayed a firearm. An officer shot and wounded Toscano. No officers were injured.
Toscano was hospitalized and faces additional charges. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the shooting.
In varsity football, Gahanna Lincoln defeated Hilliard Darby 10–7 on Sept. 18.
Groveport
Groveport published highlights Sept. 13 from its annual Dog Paddle Palooza at the city’s outdoor aquatic center.
Motts Military Museum and the Madison Township Fire Department also marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a public program featuring first-responder accounts and artifacts connected to the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a New York City firetruck.
The city announced that Blacklick Haunted Park will return Oct. 16 and 17.
Grove City
The 47th annual Arts in the Alley festival filled Grove City’s historic town center Sept. 18–20. The free festival featured juried art shows, live music, children’s activities, a parade, and The Voice of Grove City singing competition.
A Rally’s restaurant on Stringtown Road also closed as the chain reduced its Central Ohio presence. The closing came amid continued local expansion by Dutch Bros and 7 Brew coffee shops.
Obetz
Volunteer youth soccer coach Billy Wilburn III was arrested on two felony counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. Authorities alleged that Wilburn shared material through the Kik messaging service on June 14.
The city suspended Wilburn and revoked his access to the youth soccer program. Officials said the charges did not establish that any program participant was involved. Bond was set at $250,000.
West Jefferson
West Jefferson defeated Washington Court House 28–14 in varsity football Sept. 18.
Minerva Park
The Minerva Park Community Association held its community garage sale Sept. 18–20, beginning with a Friday evening preview.
Dublin
Dublin held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new shared-use path along the south side of Shier Rings Road. The project will connect Avery-Muirfield Drive with Cosgray Road.
Organizers also announced that the 10th annual Dublin Moon Festival will be held Sept. 26 at Riverside Crossing Park.
Dublin Scioto lost 49–20 to Worthington Kilbourne in varsity football Sept. 18.
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