🌍 Culinary crossover - Franklin County

Good morning, Franklin County. Here's how I'd write that introduction:You know a city's dining scene has truly evolved when a restaurant serving Bengali-inspired hot dogs and Thai-Mexican fusion can dethrone the white tablecloth establishments that have dominated for decades. That's exactly what's happening in Columbus, where newcomer Agni is shaking up the fine dining hierarchy (sorry, Lindey's!). It's just one of several fascinating shifts happening in our city, from local artists building digital bridges across oceans to help Israeli creators find their market, to a wild police chase that read more like a scene from Fast & Furious than your typical Thursday morning in Dublin. Pour yourself something warm and settle in – we've got quite a few stories to catch you up on today.Alternative version:Remember when "fusion cuisine" meant putting wasabi on everything and calling it a day? Those times are officially behind us, Columbus. Our city's new culinary king, Agni, is showing us what thoughtful cultural blending really looks like – and earning national attention in the process. Speaking of cultural connections, we've got an inspiring story about how one Columbus native is helping Israeli artists reach global audiences during challenging times. And because not all local news is quite so uplifting, we'll fill you in on yesterday's high-speed chase that had half of Columbus checking their traffic apps. Let's dive in.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Columbus

32°

36°

69%

Dublin

31°

35°

64%

Gahanna

32°

35°

66%

Hilliard

31°

35°

85%

Reynoldsburg

32°

35°

66%

Grove City

32°

36°

69%

Westerville

31°

35°

67%

Upper Arlington

32°

35°

80%

Worthington

31°

35°

64%

Whitehall

32°

35°

66%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍽️ New fusion restaurant Agni dethrones longtime Columbus fine dining favorites. The wood-fired eatery, which opened in March 2023, claimed the top spot in Columbus Underground's annual reader survey for best fine dining establishments in 2024. Chef Avishar Barua's creative menu blends Eastern flavors from Bangladesh, Japan, and Thailand with Western influences from the US and Mexico. The restaurant has quickly earned both local devotion and national recognition for its unpretentious approach to elevating humble foods. Rounding out the top three spots were local stalwarts Lindey's and The Refectory, marking a changing of the guard in Columbus's upscale dining scene.

🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)

Team	Opponent	Date/Time
Briggs Bruins
	@ Eastmoor Academy	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Beechcroft Cougars
	vs East	12/20 @ 6:00pm
Centennial Stars
	vs Northland	12/20 @ 6:00pm
East Tigers
	@ Beechcroft	12/20 @ 6:00pm
Independence 76ers
	@ Marion-Franklin	12/20 @ 6:00pm
	vs Dunbar	12/21 @ 2:00pm
Linden-McKinley Panthers
	vs Whetstone	12/20 @ 6:00pm
	vs Horizon Science Academy	12/23 @ 6:00pm
Mifflin Punchers
	vs Columbus International	12/20 @ 6:00pm
Marion-Franklin Red Devils
	vs Independence	12/20 @ 6:00pm
Walnut Ridge Scots
	@ Africentric Early College	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Northland Vikings
	@ Centennial	12/20 @ 6:00pm
	@ Lancaster	12/21 @ 2:00pm
West Cowboys
	vs South	12/20 @ 7:00pm
South Bulldogs
	@ West	12/20 @ 7:00pm
	vs Thomas Worthington	12/21 @ 7:00pm
Whetstone Braves
	@ Linden-McKinley	12/20 @ 6:00pm
Thomas Worthington CARDINALS
	vs Marysville	12/20 @ 7:30pm
	@ South	12/21 @ 7:00pm
Africentric Early College Nubians
	vs Walnut Ridge	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves
	vs Big Walnut	12/20 @ 7:30pm
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars
	vs Olentangy Liberty	12/20 @ 7:30pm
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats
	vs Dublin Coffman	12/20 @ 6:00pm
	@ Bishop Ready	12/21 @ 3:30pm
Hilliard Darby Panthers
	@ Olentangy	12/20 @ 7:30pm
	@ Pickerington North	12/21 @ 12:45pm
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks
	@ Hilliard Davidson	12/20 @ 6:00pm
Dublin Jerome Celtics
	@ Olentangy Berlin	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Lincoln Lions
	vs Westerville Central	12/20 @ 7:30pm
Westerville North Warriors
	vs Westland	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Westerville Central Warhawks
	@ Lincoln	12/20 @ 7:30pm
	@ St. Francis DeSales	12/23 @ 7:30pm
Westerville South Wildcats
	vs Hayes	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Grove City Greyhounds
	@ Pickerington North	12/20 @ 7:30pm
Franklin Heights Falcons
	@ Buckeye Valley	12/20 @ 7:30pm
Central Crossing Comets
	vs New Albany	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Reynoldsburg Raiders
	vs Groveport-Madison	12/20 @ 7:30pm
	@ Anthony Wayne	12/21 @ 7:00pm
New Albany Eagles
	@ Central Crossing	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Bexley Lions
	@ Columbus School for Girls	12/20 @ 6:30pm
	@ Bishop Ready	12/23 @ 3:00pm
Whitehall-Yearling Rams
	vs Grandview Heights	12/20 @ 6:15pm
Grandview Heights Bobcats
	@ Whitehall-Yearling	12/20 @ 6:15pm
Canal Winchester Indians
	vs Teays Valley	12/20 @ 7:30pm
Graham Local Falcons
	@ Northwestern	12/21 @ 12:30pm
	@ Urbana	12/23 @ 6:00pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Family home near Big Run Park

Beautifully listed at $309,900, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in a family-friendly neighborhood offers a covered porch, rear deck, and a fenced yard backing up to Big Run Park for nature enthusiasts. The first level features stylish laminate flooring, a bright great room with a wood-burning fireplace, and an eat-in kitchen with new appliances, while upstairs boasts plush carpeting and a spacious master suite. Additionally, the lower level includes a pool room complete with a pool table and bar.

Remodeled ranch with modern upgrades

This tastefully remodeled ranch home in Holly Hill is listed for $239,900. Featuring a new kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a stylish tile backsplash, this home also boasts fresh paint, modern lighting, updated bathrooms, a finished basement, and a two-car garage, making it the perfect turn-key option for new owners.

Modern elegance with cozy allure

This newly remodeled home priced at $314,900 combines modern elegance with cozy allure, featuring a charming fireplace in the living area and a sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The spacious, fully fenced yard offers ample space for outdoor fun, while the two-car garage adds convenient storage—making it a perfect blend of comfort and functionality.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

❄️ Dec. 20 - School's Out Winter Break: Keep the winter break blues away at Scioto Southland Community Center's day program! Kids can enjoy supervised activities from 8am-5pm at 3901 Parsons Ave - just remember to pack lunch and wear sneakers.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up a separate savings account specifically for unexpected expenses; this way, you'll have a financial cushion that protects you from dipping into your primary funds when surprises pop up. Building this habit can foster both discipline and peace of mind in your financial journey.

🙏 In Remembrance

Susan M. Summerfield

Susan M. Summerfield, 74, passed away on December 13, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. A devoted mother and grandmother, she was actively involved in her community through volunteering at Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Bank. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, and siblings but is survived by her sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. Visitation will take place on December 20, 2024, followed by a funeral service and burial at Union Cemetery.

Clarence Josef McLin

The obituary is under revision and not currently available for viewing. Updates will be provided soon, so interested readers are encouraged to check back later for complete information.

William Jenkins

William "Billy" Franklin Jenkins, 47, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2024. Born on August 12, 1977, he was preceded in death by his father and sister, but is survived by his two sons, mother, siblings, many nieces and nephews, and a close friend. Known for his selflessness and love for children, Billy was an avid fisherman, a passionate baseball fan, and a skilled mechanic. He was cherished for his humor and ability to connect with everyone. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on January 4, 2025, in Grove City, Ohio.

Richard T. Southall

The obituary is currently under revision and additional information will be provided later. For the latest updates, please check back soon.

Hiawatha Telfair Thomas

The obituary is currently under revision and will be available for viewing soon. Readers are encouraged to return later for complete details about the individual’s life and accomplishments.

Steven E. Kirk

Steven E. Kirk, aged 48, passed away on December 10, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his parents, Pastor Gary and Deborah Kirk, his brother Michael, close friend Jason Parke, and several cousins. Steve cherished time with his family and enjoyed watching Raiders games at home. The family expresses gratitude to Frontier Electric Company and the medical staff for their support during his illness. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on December 29, Steve's birthday, at Good Shepherd Community Church in Columbus, Ohio.

Woodrow W. Wellman

Woodrow (Woody) Wilson Wellman, aged 95, passed away on November 25, 2024, in Columbus, OH. Born on September 26, 1929, in Fort Gay, WV, Woody is survived by his children Glen, Joyce, and David, and is preceded in death by his wife Laura Alice Wellman and siblings. His parents were Gordon and Verna Wellman. A funeral service was held on December 6, 2024, at Evans Funeral Home, with visitation prior to the service, which was also live-streamed for those unable to attend.

David Alan Beidelman

David Alan Beidelman, 66, passed away on December 13, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by his father, mother, sister, brother, half-brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. A veteran of the Army, David enjoyed a long career at Kroger after working at Macy's, and he had a passion for reading, music, movies, and investing. He loved traveling, particularly on cruises to the Caribbean and West Coast. A private family service is scheduled for December 28, 2024, followed by a sea burial in January 2025.

Demetrius Bushawn Carroll

Demetrius Bushawn Carroll, known as Meechi, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31 on December 13, 2024. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he was a creative and ambitious individual with dreams of becoming a millionaire, embodying roles such as Mufasa, Michael Jackson, and a business mogul. Meechi was recognized for his vibrant personality, sense of humor, and lasting impact on those around him. He is survived by his parents, three siblings, and numerous extended family members, while being preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and uncles. His legacy of joy and laughter will always be remembered by family and friends.

Paul Keith Throgmorton

Paul Keith Throgmorton, 76, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away at home on December 14th, 2024. He is survived by his wife Susan, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage, along with their children Elizabeth Bowen, Matthew Throgmorton, and adopted children James and Jennifer. Paul, a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, also earned a Masters of Divinity and served as a bi-vocational pastor for 11 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and had a diverse engineering career. The family plans a memorial service and asks for no gifts in his honor.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

-Philippians 4:13