Good morning, Westerville. In the world of public service, the fine print often matters most. Middletown's city manager Ashley Combs finds herself at the intersection of conflicting rules—living outside city limits despite charter language, but protected by a 2009 Supreme Court ruling that invalidated such residency requirements. While legal technicalities sort themselves out, another public servant is closing her chapter after decades of dedicated work, as Columbus City Clerk Angie Blevins attended her final council meeting amid emotional farewells from colleagues.
Leadership transitions continue at one of our region's most vital institutions, with Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell appointed as the new CEO of Ohio State's comprehensive cancer center. The former National Cancer Institute director brings impressive credentials to her role at OSUCCC-The James, where she'll also hold the university's largest-ever endowed position. Her appointment represents another step forward in Ohio State's ambitious mission to create "a cancer-free world" through cutting-edge research and compassionate patient care.
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88%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏙️ Middletown's city manager doesn't live where charter requires her to. The city's residency requirement conflicts with Ohio state law, which banned such requirements in 2006 and was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2009. Current manager Ashley Combs lives in West Chester Township despite charter language stating managers "shall reside within the city." While some residency restrictions remain legal for emergency responders, Middletown's council previously considered letting voters decide whether to change the charter rule but never put it on a ballot. At 38, Combs is the city's youngest-ever manager and second female in the role.
👋 Columbus City Clerk retires after decades of dedicated service. Angie Blevins attended her final city council meeting before her May 19, 2025 retirement date, surrounded by family and colleagues who honored her career. Council President Shannon Hardin offered a heartfelt hug during the emotional ceremony. Throughout her tenure, Blevins handled significant civic responsibilities, including managing petition signatures for proposed amendments and safeguarding historical documents like the original 1914 Columbus charter.
🏥 Ohio State cancer center appoints renowned expert as new CEO. Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell will lead OSUCCC-The James starting May 27, following a national search and pending board approval. The former National Cancer Institute director brings impressive credentials, having previously served in leadership roles at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina. Rathmell will also hold the inaugural $10 million Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Distinguished Chair in Cancer, the largest endowed position ever established at Ohio State. She expressed excitement about joining the institution's mission to create "a cancer-free world" through innovative research and compassionate care.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Luxurious pond estate new roof: Luxury living meets custom craftsmanship in this $1,299,998 estate featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a full walkout basement, complete with heated floors, real oak finishes, and pond views—all crowned with a new 2024 roof.
Spacious Westerville ranch near hospital: This .7-acre Westerville ranch priced at $645,000 offers 2400+ square feet with three bedrooms, two baths, an updated kitchen, partially finished basement, and convenient access to St. Anns Hospital.
Wooded luxury lake home views: This custom Highland Lakes home with wooded ravine views is listed at $879,000, featuring renovated hardwood floors, a sunroom addition, 10-foot ceilings, and a lower level with full windows, custom bar, and exercise room.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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