This Week In The Westerville News – January 17-23, 2026

Here’s a day-by-day look at the stories published in The Westerville News over the past week. You’ll find local government, public safety, community updates, and other Westerville news below.
Friday, Jan. 23
City Council And School Share Goals And Aspirations + Uptown Westerville Inc. Needs Signatures For Ballot Issue
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/city-council-and-school-share-goals
City leaders and school officials discussed shared priorities including workforce development, housing, and transportation. Uptown Westerville Inc. is also collecting signatures for a site-specific ballot issue tied to expanded alcohol service during events.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Courtright Volunteer Service Award Nominations Open
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/courtright-volunteer-service-award
The Rotary Club of Westerville is accepting nominations for its annual award recognizing outstanding volunteer service in the community.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Westerville Approves Aldi After Road Dispute Resolved, Environmental Concerns Raised
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/westerville-approves-aldi-after-road
City Council approved the first phase of an Aldi development after resolving a connector-road dispute, though residents raised concerns about runoff and wetlands enforcement.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Man Charged After Reported Gun Threat Triggers Evacuation at Westerville Meijer
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/man-charged-after-reported-gun-threat
A reported gun threat led to a Meijer evacuation and later resulted in a felony inducing-panic charge.
MLK Breakfast Honors Students And Calls For Action
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/mlk-breakfast-honors-students-and
Speakers at Westerville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast emphasized civic engagement and action, while two seniors received Fouse Awards.
Monday, Jan. 19
Police Respond To Report Of Shooting. The Grape Report.
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/police-respond-to-report-of-shooting
Police responded to a report of a possible shooting at the Meijer on Polaris Parkway. No injuries were reported and no shots were confirmed fired.
The Grape Report
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/police-respond-to-report-of-shooting
This week’s Grape Report reviews Autumn Crisp grapes, looking at flavor, texture, pricing, and how patented “designer” fruit is reshaping produce markets.
Westerville Obituaries – January 18, 2026
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/westerville-obituaries-january-18
Obituaries published for Leonard “Len” Pavuk, Robert “Bob” McCullough, Debra Dale Crabtree, Myra Ann Kilgore Wetzel, and Mary Lou Carder.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Uptown Westerville Inc. Needs Help. Job Openings.
https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/uptown-westerville-inc-needs-help
Uptown Westerville Inc. announced multiple job openings following a year of increased programming and visitor activity.

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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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