Central Ohio News Briefs: Aug. 24–30, 2026
Dublin
Northwest Bank plans to move its corporate headquarters from the Easton area to a 75,000-square-foot building in Dublin’s Bridge North development. The bank expects to occupy the building during the first half of 2029.
Dublin City Council approved an economic development agreement supporting the John W. Danforth Company’s expansion. The city also awarded four $5,000 matching grants for neighborhood projects in Bishop’s Run, Llewellyn Farms, Wellington Place and Willow Grove.
Dublin golfer Peyton White won the Ohio Mid-Amateur Championship at Shawnee Country Club, finishing at 17-under 199. His eight-stroke victory established a tournament record for 54 holes.
The Hope Run for Inflammatory Breast Cancer was held Aug. 29.
Gahanna
Gahanna celebrated the opening of its new 138,000-square-foot Civic Center at 825 Tech Center Drive on Aug. 25. The building brings City Hall, the Police Division and the Senior Center under one roof. The city purchased the existing building for $8.75 million and spent approximately $59.6 million on renovations.
The Creekside Hops & Vines Festival was held Aug. 29, featuring craft beverages and live music while raising money for city parks and recreation programs. Saylor Twift performed that evening at Edison Brewing Company.
Galena
Village Council held its regular meeting Aug. 24 and an emergency meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 29.
Grove City
Approximately 15 to 20 juveniles were accused of taking merchandise valued at $4,552.04 from Dick’s Sporting Goods at 1656 Stringtown Road on Aug. 27.
Groveport
Groveport restored water service following emergency repairs to a major water line. The city lifted its boil-water advisory Aug. 27 after laboratory testing found the water safe.
A body believed to be that of missing Groveport resident Thurman Walker, 75, was found during an organized search in a floodplain near Big Walnut Creek on Aug. 28.
Harlem Township
The Cemetery Seekers Game was scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 30 at Fancher, Harlem and Maple Grove cemeteries. The family activity asked participants to locate the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and learn about township history.
Hilliard
Hilliard City Council unanimously approved regulations for bicycles, electric bicycles and scooters Aug. 24. The rules require riders younger than 18 to wear helmets and allow parents or guardians to be held responsible under certain circumstances. Police may also impound devices operated in violation of the regulations.
The Hilliard City Schools Policy Committee met Aug. 26. The ABC 6 and FOX 28 Senior Expo was also held at the Makoy Center, offering health screenings, community resources, music and activities.
Johnstown
A Crumbl Cookies pop-up was advertised for Aug. 29 at 721 W. Coshocton St., outside the UPS Store.
Organizers scheduled a petition-signing event in the Leafy Dell neighborhood Aug. 29 for a proposed Johnstown charter addressing industrial growth and data-center development.
Lockbourne
Lockbourne held a public hearing Aug. 24 at Lockbourne Historical Hall concerning the village’s comprehensive land-use plan.
New Albany
Panda Express opened its first New Albany restaurant Aug. 28 at 9872 Johnstown Road. The restaurant marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting and a $1,000 donation to Healthy New Albany.
Construction continues at Intel’s Ohio One semiconductor campus, although work is proceeding more slowly than first expected. The company continues to target 2031 for opening the facility. New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding said activity is increasing, while Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb said specialized manufacturing equipment had not yet been ordered.
Attorneys delivered closing arguments Aug. 28 in the bench trial of Bruce Foster III, who faces 19 counts connected to the February 2025 shooting at the KDC/One warehouse. Two employees were killed, and four were wounded. The judge will return a verdict later.
New aerial images documented continued construction within the New Albany International Business Park, including projects associated with Amazon, Google, Meta, QTS and Intel. A separate newspaper investigation examined state and local tax incentives granted to major technology companies for data-center projects.
A pet-rescue meet-and-greet was held Aug. 29 at Mutts & Co.
Reynoldsburg
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted toured flood-damaged areas of Reynoldsburg on Aug. 28 and called for faster federal disaster assistance. The city reported removing approximately 125 tons of debris following widespread flooding. At least one house was declared uninhabitable, and some residents reported experiencing their third major flood in six years.
Sharon Township
The Board of Zoning Appeals met Aug. 26 to consider Variance V1243 for a Schaldach accessory building and Conditional Use C1347 for Ruhlin business offices.
Sunbury
Sunbury received its 18th consecutive Tree City USA designation and its fourth Growth Award. An $852,822 grant will support park and trail work.
City Council held a special meeting Aug. 27 at Big Walnut High School to discuss data-center history, development, and possible surrounding land uses.
West Jefferson
West Jefferson defeated Washington 10-2 in girls’ soccer Aug. 25.
Worthington
High Road Gallery and Studios held its first annual fundraiser Aug. 29 at 12 E. Stafford Ave. The event featured food, live music, a silent auction, and a raffle supporting restoration of the gallery’s building, which dates to 1818.
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