Good morning, Powell. The Ohio State Fair is turning a deeper shade of green in 2025 with a sustainability makeover that goes far beyond recycling bins. Eight new water bottle refilling stations will dot the fairgrounds, while a comprehensive recycling program sends materials to Columbus's Rumpke Recycling Center—proving that even funnel cakes and livestock shows can coexist with environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, Union County drivers might want to dust off those detour maps as major closures hit U.S. 42 southbound and multiple state routes for construction projects stretching well into next year.
After two decades of perfecting their pies, Antonio's Pizzeria in Westerville will serve its final slice on July 19. The beloved establishment—which collected numerous awards including first place at Slice of Columbus in 2011—is closing due to "irreconcilable differences" with the landlord. The shuttering marks the end of a culinary legacy that dates back to recipes from a 1977 Westerville original that had pizza lovers lining up for years.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
♻️ Ohio State Fair goes green with eco-friendly initiatives. The 2025 fair will feature eight new water bottle refilling stations across the fairgrounds, funded by a $15,000 Ohio EPA grant. A new recycling program will include designated bins and cardboard collection points, with all materials taken to Columbus's Rumpke Recycling Center. Visitors can learn about conservation through interactive exhibits at H2Ohio, Natural Resources Park, and ConServe Ohio. Fair-goers are encouraged to bring reusable bags, water bottles, and utensils to support the sustainability efforts.
🚧 Major road closures hit Union County for multiple construction projects. U.S. 42 southbound will close from July 8 until Fall 2025 between SR 745 and U.S. 33, with northbound lanes remaining open. State Route 736 is closed for a 120-day bridge replacement, while the SR 161 eastbound ramp to U.S. 33 southbound will remain closed through Summer 2025. Drivers should follow posted detours, reduce speed in work zones, and remember to move over or slow down for construction workers.
🍕 Columbus pizzeria closes after 20-year run due to landlord dispute. Antonio's Pizzeria in Westerville will serve its final slice on July 19, ending a legacy that began in the early 2000s. Owner Rita Vaccari Pavuk cited "irreconcilable differences" with the landlord as the reason for the unexpected closure. The beloved eatery, which carried on recipes from a 1977 Westerville original, had collected numerous awards over the years, including first place at Slice of Columbus in 2011. Antonio's also achieved top 10 finishes in the North American Pizza Pizazz Competition from 2007-2009.
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