This Week In The Westerville News – January 24-31, 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.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Uptown Snow Removal On State – House Fire On Walnut + Chief Miller Retires
City crews worked overnight to clear major roads after a severe winter storm, firefighters responded to a house fire on East Walnut Street with no injuries reported, and Fire Chief Brian C. Miller announced his retirement after 26 years of service.
Friday, Jan. 30
Civil War Documentary Links Westerville History to Black Union Soldiers
A documentary screening at the Westerville Public Library explores Camp Delaware, the 5th U.S. Colored Troops, and the life of William Hannibal Thomas, the first Black student at Otterbein.
Thursday, Jan. 29
A Life in the Public Square: Michael Heyeck on Faith, Service and Westerville
Former mayor and longtime council member Michael Heyeck reflects on faith, conscience, and local government in a new book drawing from his decades of public service.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Uptown’s Snow Joys and Hazards – Time For A Margarita
Snow removal continued in Uptown after heavy snowfall and extreme cold slowed cleanup, and the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club announced “Margarita in the ’Ville” on Feb. 7 to raise funds for local children’s charities.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Restaurant Week Began At Level Three
Westerville Restaurant Week began amid extreme cold and heavy snow, with participating restaurants offering special menus despite difficult travel conditions.
Monday, Jan. 26
Survey Applauds City Services, But Concern With Taxes And Development Continues
Westerville’s 2025 resident survey drew 2,158 household responses and found that 88% of residents are satisfied with City services, particularly police, fire, and EMS, while concerns about property taxes, development pressure, and traffic continue to grow.
Also included in each week’s Sunday edition is a roundup of news from cities around Westerville, recent obituaries, and a calendar for the upcoming week. Subscribers get this in their email each Sunday evening.
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.
Reader funding, including subscribers, protects editorial independence, so coverage is guided by journalists rather than owners or corporate profit goals. It also reduces pressure to chase clicks, letting the newsroom focus on stories worth readers’ time. And it helps keep the site accessible to everyone, including people who can’t pay or live in places where a free press is under threat.
