Westerville's Neighboring Cities and Townships - May 18-24

Dublin

A fatal crash was reported early May 20 on I-270 South near Dublin, where a Toyota Camry struck the rear of a slowing semi. The victim was pronounced dead later that morning. The investigation remained ongoing, and the victim’s name had not been released in the initial report.

Gahanna

Gahanna City Council met May 18 in special session at City Hall for an executive session involving confidential economic development matters and pending or possible court action. The regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting was canceled.

The city also issued notices for Finance Committee and Board of Zoning and Building Appeals meetings, and the Parks and Recreation Board met May 20 at City Hall.

On May 22, City Council scheduled a special meeting to discuss the 2026–2027 budget and a proposed ordinance involving the Creekside District.

The Spring 2026 edition of Uniquely Gahanna was also published during the week.

Galena

The Village of Galena held a Planning and Zoning meeting May 20.

The Senior Resource Center also promoted a “Create & Connect” zentangle art class for seniors.

Grove City

Nationwide Children’s opened a 24,000-square-foot “Close To Home” pediatric outpatient center, expanding pediatric care options in the community.

Council business included consideration of $47,856.78 for the Grove City Town Center Wine & Arts Festival.

The Grove City Town Center also hosted a Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop, and the Grove City Chamber Farmers Market was held May 23.

The Big Splash splash pad opened for the 2026 season May 23.

The Southwest Franklin County Historical Society also held an open house May 23.

Hillview Elementary teacher Amanda Wilhelm won first place in the Pet Care Trust “Success Story Video Contest” for a classroom pet video.

Groveport

Groveport City Council held a Rules of Council Committee meeting during the week.

The city also posted notice May 22 for a City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.

City administrative offices were scheduled to close May 25 for Memorial Day.

Harlem Township

Harlem Township trustees met May 20, followed by a public hearing on zoning code revisions involving several sections of the township zoning code.

Two community events were listed May 22: BW Sizzle and a Columbus Sharks game.

Hilliard

An 11-year-old girl, Scarlett Hightower, died May 15 after being struck May 13 on Hilliard Rome Road. Columbus police said the investigation was ongoing, and no charges had been filed as of the May 18 report.

A proposed 79-home development also drew attention because of a possible conflict with the draft Big Darby Accord.

Hilliard Darby High School also received an unusual graduation surprise when Bruno Mars sent a branded Little Ladies Soft Serve ice cream truck to the school’s graduation event. The district confirmed the visit with photos.

Lockbourne

A funeral Mass for Adam Carfagna was held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, followed by burial at Lockbourne Cemetery.

VanTrust Real Estate also announced Park 762, a 1 million-square-foot speculative industrial facility along Route 762 in Lockbourne.

Mifflin Township

Daveonte Dixon, 22, accused of shooting two Mifflin Township police officers on May 28, 2025, appeared for a pretrial hearing May 20. Charges include attempted murder and felonious assault. A plea deadline was set for less than two weeks from the hearing date.

Obetz

The Obetz Splash Pad was scheduled to open for the summer season over Memorial Day weekend. Hours were listed as 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with access for children 12 and younger.

Powell

Law enforcement identified K Spa on North Liberty Street in Powell as a location under investigation for human trafficking and sexual misconduct.

Reynoldsburg

Reynoldsburg’s varsity baseball team hosted Franklin Heights in a non-conference game May 18.

Licking Heights also hosted Reynoldsburg in a non-conference baseball game May 22.

Sharon Township

Sharon Township trustees approved the purchase of a Western Star plow truck with snow and ice equipment for $298,171.49 at their May 4 meeting. The action was reported May 18.

Sunbury

The Sunbury Board of Zoning Appeals held a May 18 public hearing at Town Hall on a Drees Homes variance request involving cul-de-sac maximum distance requirements for three parcels.

A Cedar Fair-sponsored blood drive was held May 22 at Sunbury United Methodist Church.

West Jefferson

Crews were scheduled to temporarily close West Jefferson Street at U.S. 31 on May 18 for additional storm drain work.

West Jefferson also defeated Southeastern Local 1–0 in a neutral-site playoff softball game May 22.

Worthington

Worthington City Council held a May 18 public hearing on two amendments to the Orange Township Joint Economic Development District. The amendments involved adding property for Orange Gooding LLC and UV Land Lease LLC.

Council also passed three bond ordinances May 18, noticed May 20, authorizing $2.5 million for a new outdoor swim facility, $1 million for sewer improvements, and $1.2 million for water improvements.

Regional Notes

Strong to severe storms moved through central Ohio on the evening of May 19.

A flood watch was issued May 22 for Franklin, Licking, Pickaway, and Fairfield counties because of heavy rain and saturated ground.

A crash at East Fifth Avenue and North 20th Street in northeast Columbus on May 22 sent two people to the hospital, including a police officer listed in stable condition. Another person was taken into custody.

Central Ohio elementary students also showcased community service projects through the “See Kids Dream” program.

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