Good morning, Westerville. From food truck to statewide recognition, Victor Omar D'Angelo's journey embodies the American dream in motion. The owner of Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food and Palmas Tropical Escape has been named Ohio's 2025 Small Business Person of the Year, proving that resilience pays off. Despite launching brick-and-mortar locations just before COVID hit, D'Angelo has built what he proudly calls a "bulletproof" business while maintaining his commitment to community and inclusivity.
History is making waves elsewhere in Columbus too. A Confederate battle flag captured during Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg—the only privately owned flag from that pivotal moment—heads to auction this month, stirring both historical interest and controversy. Meanwhile, Columbus City Schools faces scrutiny after inadvertently exposing transgender students' identities during a name change reversal, with officials and advocacy groups offering conflicting explanations about what state law actually requires.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🍽️ Argentine restaurateur conquers Columbus, then captures statewide recognition. Victor Omar D'Angelo, owner of Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food and Palmas Tropical Escape in downtown Columbus, has been named Ohio's 2025 Small Business Person of the Year. D'Angelo's journey began as a food truck in 2016 after immigrating from Argentina, expanding to brick-and-mortar locations just before the pandemic hit. Despite COVID challenges, he proudly declares his business "bulletproof now" and plans to expand further to share Argentine cuisine with more communities. Beyond serving food, D'Angelo emphasizes community support and inclusivity, stating, "My business is not just a business."
🏫 Columbus schools apologize for outing transgender students in name change debacle. The district reverted student names to match birth certificates, inadvertently exposing transgender identities when names appeared on classroom smart boards. Officials claimed the change was due to Ohio's new "bathroom bill," though the law contains no requirements about student names. TransOhio's executive director contradicted the district's explanation, stating no legislation necessitates such changes. Superintendent Angela Chapman acknowledged the harm caused while maintaining the district "must operate within the bounds of the law."
🏴 Historic Civil War flag captured at Gettysburg heads to auction. A rare Confederate battle flag from the 11th Virginia Infantry, seized during Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, will be sold at Fleischer's Auctions in Columbus this month. Long thought lost to history, it's the only privately owned flag captured from Pickett's division during this pivotal Civil War battle that marked the Confederacy's decline. The artifact has sparked controversy, with some calling for its destruction, while auctioneer Adam Fleischer emphasizes its historical significance as both a Confederate relic and a symbol of Union heroism. He describes it as "the rarest historic artifact ever offered from the Civil War era."
🎤 Featured Event of the Week
Daisy the Great
Where: A&R Music Bar, 391 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH
When: Apr 4
🎵 Indie-pop duo Daisy the Great is bringing their enchanting Ballerina Tour to Columbus this spring! The beloved Brooklyn-based band will take the stage at A&R Music Bar on April 4, 2025, performing their signature harmonies and thoughtful lyrics that have captivated fans across the country. This intimate venue on Neil Avenue provides the perfect setting to experience their melodic storytelling and vibrant stage presence. Don't miss this PromoWest Productions event that promises to be a highlight of Columbus's spring music calendar.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Ranch Condo Complete Package: This $425,000 ranch-style condo offers low-maintenance living with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a spacious kitchen, sunroom, private patio, and 2-car garage, plus community amenities like a clubhouse and pool.
Updated gem with luxury upgrades: Offered at $599,900, this meticulously maintained home boasts new LVP flooring, fresh paint, vaulted ceilings, a marble fireplace, granite counters, and an owner suite with soaker tub and double walk-ins.
Spacious home multiple outdoor areas: This stunning, well-maintained home in the Oaks at Highland Lakes, priced at $579,900, features an open concept floorplan, three bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a finished basement, and outdoor spaces for relaxation.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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