🌞 Summer youth boost

Good morning, Westerville. A staggering $28.2 million investment in Columbus youth programs signals the city's commitment to turning summer months into opportunities for growth. Mayor Ginther's announcement that $8.6 million will fund 112 community organizations offering everything from academic enrichment to workplace skills represents more than just budget numbers—it's a deliberate strategy to provide structure and possibility for young people who need it most.

In a striking cultural contrast, magical transformations of a different kind arrive at the Palace Theatre this week as "Sailor Moon: The Super Live" brings one of manga's most beloved heroines to Columbus. The all-female Japanese cast will perform in their native language with English subtitles, celebrating a franchise that's sold over 46 million copies worldwide. Meanwhile, a much darker story unfolds as Darnell Jones, charged with the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, moves from hospital bed to corrections facility, awaiting Thursday's arraignment.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Westerville

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏆 Columbus pours $28.2 million into youth success programs. Mayor Ginther announced that $8.6 million will fund 112 community organizations offering summer activities focused on academic performance, health, and workplace skills. The initiatives target underserved youth disproportionately affected by crime and violence, with Ginther emphasizing the city's commitment to providing structure and opportunity. City Council will discuss the funding ordinances on April 12, complementing an additional $19.6 million already approved for city-sponsored programs including police and fire cadet classes, job readiness, and youth sports.

🌙 Iconic anime "Sailor Moon" comes to life on Columbus stage. The Palace Theatre will host "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live" on April 12, featuring an all-female Japanese cast performing in their native language with English subtitles. Based on Naoko Takeuchi's beloved manga series about teen girl Usagi Tsukino who transforms into the magical Sailor Moon, the show continues the legacy of one of the world's best-selling manga franchises with over 46 million copies sold. Tickets for this unique theatrical experience range from $39 to $119, available through capa.com or cbusarts.com.

💔 Toledo father accused of murdering daughter now in custody. Darnell Jones, charged with killing his 5-year-old daughter Kei'Mani Latigue, has been booked into a Columbus corrections facility after being hospitalized for gunshot wounds inflicted by police. Jones, who was the last person to see Kei'Mani alive before her March 18 disappearance, faces murder, felonious assault, and abduction charges after her body was discovered in an abandoned Toledo home. According to the coroner, the child died from multiple deep cuts to her neck. Jones is scheduled for arraignment Thursday, with no timeline yet for his extradition to Toledo.

Modern golfer's paradise awaits: Priced at $250,000, this move-in ready 3-bed, 2.5-bath condo in Little Turtle features a remodeled kitchen, three outdoor spaces, and community pool access, all nestled among mature trees and golf course views.

Brand New Westerville Beauty: Priced at $539,000, this bright Westerville home in Parkside features an open floor plan, three bedrooms with walk-in closets, first-floor office, and was built in 2022 with energy-efficient upgrades.

Spacious park-view estate: Priced at $575,000, this spacious Heritage Estates home features a first-floor primary suite, natural light throughout, a great room with skylights, and backs onto Hoff Woods Park on a generous 0.47-acre lot.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👔 Apr. 10 - Runway for Cancer Hope: Strut for a cause at BLUE: Runway for Hope! This glamorous fashion event at Hollywood Casino Columbus raises vital funds for prostate cancer awareness on April 10. Dress up and make a difference!

🎸 Apr. 11 - Live Music @ Two-One: Groove to live tunes at The Two-One Restaurant and Bar this Friday! Unwind with great music and drinks inside the Renaissance Westerville Columbus-Polaris on April 11.

🎵 Apr. 11 - Mach & Daddy Live: Get ready to dance the night away with Mach & Daddy at Spain Night Club! Join the excitement on April 11 at 9:00 PM for an unforgettable performance at 6136 Busch Blvd, Columbus.

🐰 Apr. 12 - Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza: Hop into spring at Oasis City Church's Easter Egg Hunt! Join the fun at Pointview Elementary on April 12 from 1-3 PM for free games, snacks, bounce house adventures, and egg-citing prizes.

🐰 Apr. 12 - Westerville Easter Egg Hunt: Hop into spring at Westerville Christian Church's Easter Egg Hunt! Kids 5th grade and younger can search for colorful treasures on April 12 from 3-5pm at 471 E College Ave.

❤️ Apr. 12 - Speed Dating Night: Looking for love? Mingle with fellow singles at The Crescent Lounge's relaxed speed dating night for ages 25-39. No whistles or name-tags—just authentic connections this Saturday, April 12th on Godown Road.

🎵 Apr. 13 - Future Joy Live: Groove to electrifying beats as Future Joy lights up Woodlands Tavern on April 13! Doors open at 7:30 PM for this can't-miss Columbus show at 1200 W 3rd Ave.

🙏 In Remembrance

William "Bill" Merriman

Bill Merriman, a long-time Westerville resident, passed away on April 5, 2025, at age 84. A Michigan native with degrees from Ohio State and Northwestern, he had a distinguished career in journalism, working for several newspapers before moving into roles at Ohio State University and Battelle Memorial Institute, followed by teaching positions at various colleges. Merriman was active in the Westerville community, serving on multiple boards and commissions, and was recognized with the Monroe Courtright Award for Outstanding Service. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Harriet, along with his sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, and two grandsons.

Sue Ann Moore

Sue Ann (King) Moore, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, with her husband of 66 years by her side. Born in Huntington, WV in 1937, she is survived by her husband Jack, two daughters, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, Sue Ann contributed her organizational and leadership skills to numerous religious, cultural, and educational organizations while also earning an Associate's degree and working in various professional roles. A lifelong Presbyterian with a talent for needlework, Sue Ann's most significant legacy was her loving presence in her family's lives, guiding them with Christian faith, elegant wit, and determination.