Tree Huggers Invited To Alum Creek. Pumpkin Lovers Invited To Saturday Market. Car Crash On Cleveland-Driver Runs Away. Kohl's Property Sold In Sheriff's Sale.
Arbor Fest Returns Today – Climb, Paint, and Explore the Trees!
Get ready to branch out—Autumn Arborfest is back tomorrow for its 8th annual celebration of all things leafy and green! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alum Creek Park North, Westerville Parks and Recreation rolls out a tree-loving lineup that’s as fun as it is educational.
This is where Westerville shows off some of the gear and skills that keep the city proudly holding its Tree City USA title. You’ll see the big rigs and tools used by city crews—and in true Arborfest fashion, that means kids (usually braver than their parents) will be lining up for bucket truck rides, tree climbing, and even rappelling gear to dangle from the limbs of towering park trees.
Unfortunately, one iconic tree won’t be part of the fun: the American Elm at the top of the sledding hill is missing from the lineup. But don’t worry—there’s still a forest’s worth of fun ahead.
Expect live demonstrations, more than 35 local vendors, and a chance to chat with real arborists about Westerville’s tree canopy. Free giveaways and hands-on environmental education sessions will take place throughout the day, making this a can’t-miss event for families, nature lovers, and curious climbers of all ages.
Admission is free, and the memories are guaranteed to stick—just like sap on a sunny day.
Car Crash Closes Southbound Cleveland Avenue
A two-car crash happened just north of the Cleveland Avenue entrance to the community center, blocking the southbound lanes of Cleveland Avenue while police investigated the unusual incident.
Police on the scene said it appeared that a northbound car, shown in the photo above, drifted into the southbound lanes at the intersection and struck another vehicle on the right front fender. Both cars were heavily damaged on the front right corner, showing the unusual contact.
The driver of the northbound car left the scene. The 911 caller told the dispatcher that he was seen walking across the sports field to the bike path behind it and then heading toward County Line Road while on the phone. Police detained him before he could leave the sports fields.
The Westerville News has requested the crash report for more details. (Editor’s Note: Westerville firefighters are gathered around the police car to change a flat tire, which happened at the crash scene.)
Next-to-Last Chance: Westerville Saturday Farmers Market Nears Season Finale
The Saturday Farmers Market is down to its final two weekends, marking the fast-approaching end of a season rich in color, flavor, and local connection.
Shoppers have just two more chances to grab farm-fresh produce, homemade goods, and seasonal specialties before the market wraps for the year. And with fall looming, each tomato, pepper, and peach feels a little more precious—especially the green tomatoes, destined for frying in someone’s kitchen just like the ones bought last week.
This week's edition of Eating My Way Through The Saturday Farmers Market reflects on the bittersweet final stretch, where even simple purchases carry the weight of the season’s end. As noted in the column, “produce is taking on a special intent,” with customers stocking up before the stalls disappear until spring.
The market runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Uptown Westerville. Don’t wait—next Saturday is the last.
Read more: The Real Cost of Fresh Tomatoes – EMWTTSFM
News Brief
Foreclosed Westerville Kohl’s Property Sold for $7.5M to Florida Firm - Kohl’s Is Still Open
The Kohl’s property in Westerville has been sold for $7.5 million following foreclosure proceedings, with Miami-based Rialto Capital acquiring the site through a sheriff’s deed.
The 100,000-square-foot building at 133 Huber Village Blvd. was previously owned by SPMC 1 LLC, which defaulted on a loan from Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. After SPMC failed to respond to legal filings, a Franklin County judge ruled in favor of foreclosure, leading to the property’s receivership and eventual sale.
Deutsche Bank appointed Rialto as special servicer for the distressed loan. Rialto subsequently purchased the asset at the sheriff’s sale, with the firm entitled to a $7.4 million credit against the sale price. Remaining funds are to be distributed to local government offices for fees and taxes.
SPMC had acquired the property in 2015 for $10.75 million. Court documents link the company to Kodiak Properties, a Maryland-based real estate firm founded by Alan Hammerschlag and Scott Spector. Hammerschlag was named in the foreclosure case.
Despite the foreclosure, the Kohl’s store continues operations. The location has not been affected by Kohl’s corporate decision earlier this year to shutter more than 20 stores, including two in Ohio.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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