Good morning, Franklin County. In a stark reminder that workplace disputes can spiral into shocking violence, a south Columbus Wingstop became the scene of an alarming hit-and-run that left an employee hospitalized and a community rattled. While that incident fortunately ended in an arrest, another local case continues to haunt investigators - the 2016 murder of William Howard remains unsolved, with Crime Stoppers now hoping fresh eyes might finally crack this cold case.
On a brighter note, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein is proving that career paths, like basketball plays, don't always follow a straight line. From NCAA referee to public servant, Klein's journey from courtside to courthouse shows how passion and public service can make for an winning combination. Because in Franklin County, even our legal eagles sometimes wear striped shirts.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚗 Wingstop worker pinned against wall in shocking workplace hit-and-run. A heated argument between an employee and Stefannie Cook, 36, escalated into violence at a south Columbus restaurant location. Cook allegedly followed the victim outside, struck her with a Honda CR-V from behind, and pinned her against the building's wall. The impact caused significant damage to the restaurant's structure, while the victim was hospitalized with leg injuries in stable condition. Cook was later arrested at her home and faces felonious assault charges.
🔍 Eight years later, a Columbus murder remains shrouded in mystery. The November 2016 shooting death of William Howard continues to puzzle investigators after he was found unresponsive in a West Side doorway. Police say Howard had agreed to meet an unknown person at the residence before being shot and robbed. Though evidence including a handgun and broken glass was recovered at the scene, no suspects have been identified. Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest in the cold case.
⚖️ From basketball referee to city power player: Zach Klein's evolving career. Columbus City Attorney Klein's journey includes serving as City Council President and challenging Ron O'Brien for Franklin County Prosecutor in 2016. While maintaining his love for basketball as a NCAA women's referee until 2023, Klein has tackled major issues like challenging Trump's ACA dismantling and opening the $37 million Fran Ryan Center. Now coaching his daughter's basketball team, Klein continues to balance public service with his passion for sports. His tenure has been marked by bipartisan relationships and community development initiatives.
🏒 Hockey Scoreboard
The New Albany Eagles soared to new heights with an 8-1 dismantling of Archbishop Moeller, while Upper Arlington squeaked past Olentangy Orange 2-1 in a nail-biter. Meanwhile, Olentangy Liberty continued their hot streak, shutting out Dublin Jerome 7-0 - looks like the Patriots are playing their best hockey when it matters most.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Upper Arlington (25-6-2) | ||
vs Olentangy Orange* | W 2-1 | |
 Dublin Jerome (25-7-3) | ||
vs Olentangy Liberty* | L 7-0 | |
 New Albany (27-4) | ||
vs Archbishop Moeller* | W 8-1 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
In a Saturday hoops triple-header, Buckeye Valley squeaked past East 57-53, while Eastmoor Academy had no trouble dispatching Marion-Franklin 67-45. The real eye-opener came from the Africentric Early College Nubians, who dominated Utica 59-21 to improve to an impressive 21-2 on the season - looks like somebody forgot to tell them it's not nice to share.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 East (9-12) | ||
@ Buckeye Valley** | L 57-53 | |
 Marion-Franklin (2-20) | ||
@ Eastmoor Academy** | L 67-49 | |
 Africentric Early College (21-2) | ||
vs Utica** | W 59-21 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
Talk about a Saturday slam fest in Columbus! Upper Arlington (22-2) edged Grove City 54-46, while Olentangy delivered the day's most lopsided victory, steamrolling Hilliard Bradley 58-17. The Westerville South Wildcats kept the momentum rolling with a dominant 64-29 win over Dublin Scioto, proving that defense wins championships - and apparently regular season games too.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Arlington (22-2) | ||
vs Grove City* | W 54-46 | |
| Africentric Early College (18-7) | ||
vs Fredericktown* | W 46-38 | |
 Hilliard Bradley (12-12) | ||
vs Olentangy* | L 58-17 | |
| Dublin Jerome (19-5) | ||
vs Hilliard Darby* | W 48-40 | |
 Hilliard Darby (15-9) | ||
vs Dublin Jerome* | L 48-40 | |
 Dublin Scioto (8-17) | ||
vs Westerville South* | L 64-29 | |
 Westerville South (20-5) | ||
vs Dublin Scioto* | W 64-29 | |
 Grove City (19-4) | ||
@ Upper Arlington* | L 54-46 | |
 Canal Winchester (9-16) | ||
vs Big Walnut* | L 48-38 |
🎤 Featured Event of the Week
Underground Railroad in Central Ohio Exhibit
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Northside Branch
When: February 24-28
🚂 Discover Central Ohio's hidden role in the Underground Railroad. The Columbus Metropolitan Library's Northside branch is hosting an immersive exhibit from February 24-28, shedding light on the region's history as a crucial stop for freedom seekers. Visitors will explore probable Underground Railroad sites in Columbus and learn about the brave individuals who helped enslaved people escape to safety. This free exhibit offers a deep dive into a powerful chapter of American history. Don't miss this chance to connect with the past in a meaningful way.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Versatile home with customization options: The Beacon by Fischer Homes, priced at $373,990, is a versatile 1,419-square-foot home featuring 2-3 bedrooms, an open kitchen with an oversized pantry, and customizable options for comfort and style.
Spacious modern home with comforts: Discover this spacious 3-bed, 2.5-bath home listed at $285,000, featuring fresh paint, vaulted ceilings in the primary suite, a versatile loft, and a cozy fireplace option in the living area. Enjoy stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, a new patio, and included washer and dryer for ease of living.
Updated home near downtown amenities: This charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at $260,000 is move-in ready with modern updates and a lovely garden-friendly backyard. Its convenient location near Nationwide Children's Hospital and downtown adds to its appeal.
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