This Week in Westerville – June 14-20, 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.
At Asterisk, Meatloaf Tastes Like It Came From Home
Asterisk Supper Club’s meatloaf passed the fork test, breaking apart without a knife while remaining moist and substantial. Brown sugar gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans completed a dinner that tasted less like restaurant food and more like a meal served from a family kitchen.
Beyond Helmets: The Real Question in the E-Bike Debate
An editorial examining Westerville’s proposed electric transportation ordinance argued that helmet rules address injuries but not the conflicts caused by speed, weight and acceleration on sidewalks and shared trails. Regulations should distinguish slow mobility devices from high-speed electric vehicles and include a practical enforcement plan.
Utility Work Closes Vine Street Through Uptown Westerville
Vine Street was closed to through traffic between Park and Home streets as crews installed sanitary sewer lines south of East College Avenue and natural gas lines north of College. The work was scheduled for completion before Hanby and Emerson elementary schools reopen Aug. 18. Traffic signals also were being installed on new roads serving the East of Africa development.
New Fire Chief, Citizen Comments at Council, and Juneteenth
Joshua Lester was sworn in as Westerville’s new fire chief and outlined priorities that included firefighter safety, training, readiness and community service. Residents continued questioning the city’s handling of the abandoned 64 E. Walnut St. redevelopment plan, while WeRISE prepared Juneteenth programs at the library, Birdie Books and Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop.
Westerville Police Field Scam Reports Almost Weekly, Chief Says
Police Chief Holly Murchland said the department receives scam reports almost every week and that attempted losses approaching $400,000 are not unusual. A 76-year-old woman avoided surrendering 80 gold bars after going to police, allowing officers to arrest a suspect during a planned exchange. The scammers had posed as Amazon, bank, federal and Westerville police representatives.
Business Briefs: Kohl’s Property Sold at Auction, Indian Restaurant Planned
The Robert Weiler Co. purchased the Westerville Kohl’s property for $5.8 million and plans to keep the department store as a tenant. Kohl’s lease runs through October 2031, with renewal options extending through 2041. Bombay House Restaurant & Bar also prepared to open in the former Winking Lizard restaurant space on Polaris Parkway.
First Tomatoes of the Season Packed With Nostalgia
The first locally grown tomatoes of summer arrived at the Westerville Farmers Market, raising questions about what qualifies as an heirloom variety. Whether historic heirlooms or newer specialty tomatoes, their colors, flavors and arrival at the market marked the beginning of another summer food season.
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.
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