🎪 Festival fever

Good morning, Powell. Talk about a small town with big appeal! Sunbury's "Sizzle & Sounds" festival just drew a crowd nearly twice the size of its entire population, transforming this community of 6,614 into a bustling hub for 8,000-10,000 visitors. After 15 years, what began as a modest gathering has evolved into a regional attraction that has city officials eagerly planning for its future growth while preserving the hometown charm that makes it special.

In the realm of higher education, Ohio Wesleyan University is strengthening its academic roster with three impressive new professors bringing expertise in data analytics, freshwater research, and social norms. Meanwhile, downtown Delaware is driving into the future with comprehensive parking code updates that shift from outdated holiday provisions to a more flexible, data-driven approach. According to Vice Mayor Kent Shafer, these changes represent just the "first big, really important step" in modernizing the city's parking strategy.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Powell

68°

86°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎵 Sunbury's summer bash draws twice the town's population. The annual "Sizzle & Sounds" event celebrated its 15th year in the city's town square, attracting between 8,000-10,000 visitors to the community of just 6,614 residents. Families enjoyed rides, food, and live music in what has evolved from a small gathering into a major regional attraction. The Big Walnut Civic Association carefully plans the event, focusing on quality entertainment and maximizing space to accommodate growing crowds. The city recently reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the festival and is inviting community input for future events.

🎓 Ohio Wesleyan welcomes three new professors with impressive backgrounds. The tenure-track faculty members will join OWU for the 2025-2026 academic year as classes begin August 20. Mehwish Abbasi, a Data Analytics expert with multiple teaching awards, Carolina Barbosa, a freshwater researcher focusing on water quality, and Benjamin Douglas, who studies social norms, are part of OWU's innovative "cohort model" hiring approach. Provost Karlyn Crowley praised the new professors for their commitment to providing "life-changing teaching" that helps students achieve their career and life goals.

🅿️ Delaware revamps downtown parking with sweeping code changes. The City Council approved amendments to multiple parking ordinances, giving the public safety director more flexibility to establish zones and regulations. Police Chief Adam Moore explained the updates will allow for quicker adjustments based on parking data collected through new electronic payment systems. The changes also repeal outdated "bargain days" and holiday free parking provisions from the 1990s and early 2000s. According to Vice Mayor Kent Shafer, these modifications represent the "first big, really important step" in a data-driven approach to improving downtown parking.

Spacious entertainer with dining flow: The Waverly, priced at $547,990, offers a two-story design with formal dining, an open kitchen that flows into a great room, and a layout ideal for both growing families and entertaining guests.

Luxury home designed for living: The Portico, listed at $656,135, offers luxurious single-level living with an open layout, optional gourmet kitchen, spacious owner's suite, and flexible bonus space designed to blend elegance with practicality.

Modern dream awaits new owner: This modern gem priced at $699,900 awaits your personal touch, with details available through the sales team for those ready to explore their next dream home.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🚗 Aug. 18 - Powell Cruise & Pig Out: Rev up your engines for the Powell Cruise In and Pig Out! Join Tattletale's Auto Smarts Radio Cruise N Ride on August 18 in downtown Powell, where classic cars and delicious food await.

🎵 Aug. 18 - Vinyl Night @ Powell: Spin your favorite records at Vinyl Night at Nocterra Brewing Co. in Powell! Bring your best albums and enjoy craft brews while sharing music with fellow enthusiasts on August 18 at 41 Depot Street.

🎡 Aug. 18 - Powell Back-to-School Carnival: Kick off the school year with Powell's Back to School Carnival at Recreations Outlet! Just $5 per child gets you face painting, balloon art, Kona Ice, and carnival games on August 18.

🏡 Aug. 18 - Upscale Powell Condo Tour: Step inside a stunning Romanelli & Hughes end-unit condo at this Powell open house! Explore rich woodworking and soaring architectural details in this private, gated community on August 18 at 3750 Echo Pl.

🎤 Aug. 18 - Student Open Mic Night: Unleash your talent at Music Royale's free Open Mic Night! Step into the spotlight in a no-pressure atmosphere on August 18 at 480 W Olentangy St in Powell, OH.

🎭 Aug. 18 - Natasha Pearl Hansen Comedy: Laugh your way through the weekend with comedian Natasha Pearl Hansen at Columbus Funny Bone on August 18! Grab tickets now for a night of side-splitting comedy at Easton Town Center.

🎸 Aug. 18 - Phillip Fox Live: Catch the soulful sounds of Phillip Fox at Local Roots on August 18! Swing by 15 E Olentangy St in Powell for one of the venue's most captivating performances, starting at 6:00pm.

🚚 Aug. 18 - Columbus Food Truck Fest: Savor the flavors of summer at Columbus Food Truck Festival 2025! Dig into culinary delights from dozens of vendors while enjoying live entertainment at Franklin County Fairgrounds on August 18.

🙏 In Remembrance

Evelyn Helen Workman

Evelyn Helen Daiber Workman, 86, passed away on August 14, 2025, in Powell, Ohio. A Cleveland native, she earned her degree in speech and hearing therapy from Ohio University and worked in education, as a proofreader, and as a standardized test grader throughout her career. Evelyn was passionate about volunteering, tutoring ESL students, and assisting with tax preparation services. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 45 years, Philip, and a loving mother to their three children and grandmother to her granddaughters. Evelyn, who enjoyed reading, music, gardening, and word games, is survived by her children, grandchildren, and sister.