Good morning, Westerville. A state audit has uncovered financial irregularities at Big Walnut Local Schools, where treasurer Darren Jenkins reportedly received over $10,000 in unauthorized compensation beyond his contracted salary. The finding comes as part of the district's financial audit, with Jenkins and his bonding company now jointly responsible for repaying these funds—a stark reminder that even school finances require vigilant oversight.
On a more appetizing note, Chef-O-Nette has reopened its doors after a year-long renovation that blends nostalgic charm with modern upgrades. The 1955 Upper Arlington landmark now features reupholstered chairs, infrastructure improvements, and an outdoor patio while preserving its beloved menu classics. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Killian Sullivan is soaring to new heights as the American Birding Association's Young Birder of the Year, having turned a chance encounter with Steller's jays into a remarkable journey that's taken him across 49 states in pursuit of feathered friends.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
💰 School treasurer pocketed over $10,000 in unauthorized pay. A state audit found Darren Jenkins received $10,666.72 more than his contracted $128,000 salary at Big Walnut Local Schools in Delaware County. The overpayment occurred because Jenkins was compensated at an elevated rate during his working periods before eventually taking unpaid leave. Both Jenkins and his bonding company are now jointly liable for repaying the misappropriated funds. The finding was included in the district's financial audit covering July 2023 through June 2024.
🍽️ Historic diner reopens with fresh look after year-long renovation. Chef-O-Nette, a decades-old Upper Arlington restaurant established in 1955, is now under new ownership with Mike Purdum of Old Bag of Nails at the helm. The restoration preserved original features while adding modern upgrades, including reupholstered chairs, infrastructure improvements, and an outdoor patio. While the menu received some updates, family favorites remain alongside new additions like homemade cinnamon rolls and upgraded ingredients. The 2,700-square-foot restaurant is now open Wednesday through Monday, serving the community with both familiar and new staff faces.
🦉 13-year-old birding prodigy named Young Birder of the Year. Killian Sullivan of Gahanna earned the prestigious American Birding Association title after completing projects including digital art, photography, and teaching classes. The teen's passion ignited during a family trip when he spotted Steller's jays, leading to adventures across 49 states in pursuit of his goal to identify 700 American bird species this year. Besides developing impressive skills like trip planning and bird identification by sound, Killian hopes to transform his birding passion into a career as a tour guide or field researcher.
🎤 Featured Event of the Week
Fourth Friday Street Festival, June 2025
Where: Uptown Westerville Inc, 27 E Home St, Westerville, OH
When: Jun 27
🎉 Westerville's beloved Fourth Friday Street Festival returns to transform State Street into a vibrant community celebration this June 2025! The monthly festival will take over the historic Uptown area on June 27th, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to experience the charm of this Ohio community. Attendees can stroll along E Home Street while enjoying local vendors, entertainment, and the unique atmosphere that makes Fourth Fridays a Westerville tradition. Don't miss this summer evening of community connection in one of Central Ohio's most picturesque historic districts.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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