🎸 Rock revival roars

Good morning, Westerville. After an eleven-year hiatus, Creed brought their legendary rock sound back to Columbus Sunday night, igniting the Schottenstein Center with pyrotechnics and nostalgia. The show became especially poignant when fans illuminated the arena with phone flashlights in tribute to 3 Doors Down's Brad Arnold, who's battling cancer. Between Scott Stapp's powerful vocals and Wolfgang Van Halen carrying his father's musical legacy with Mammoth, the night proved that great rock never truly fades away.

Meanwhile, Columbus is looking to join Cincinnati and Cleveland in modernizing housing options, with Councilmember Otto Beatty pushing to simplify permits for in-law suites and accessory dwelling units. The timing couldn't be more critical as housing shortages persist across Central Ohio. In less harmonious news, North Linden's First Stop Bar and Grill faces legal action from the city following multiple violent incidents and safety violations that have plagued the establishment since last fall.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Westerville

57°

90°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎸 Creed's reunion rocked Columbus after eleven Creed-less years. The Tallahassee legends performed at the Schottenstein Center Sunday alongside Mammoth (fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen) and Daughtry, who replaced 3 Doors Down after singer Brad Arnold's cancer diagnosis. Both opening acts and Creed paid tribute to Arnold during the show, with fans lighting up the arena with phone flashlights in solidarity. Under intense pyrotechnics and a five-panel jumbotron, Scott Stapp and bandmates delivered hits like "Higher" and "With Arms Wide Open" to ecstatic fans, proving their glory days are far from over.

🏠 Columbus aims to make in-law suites easier to build. City Councilmember Otto Beatty is championing legislation to simplify the permit process for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family properties. Current regulations from the 1950s and 60s make building these separate living spaces unnecessarily complicated, with only 45 ADUs approved in the last five years. The proposed changes would maintain safety standards while addressing housing shortages and helping families keep aging relatives nearby. Several other Ohio cities including Cincinnati and Cleveland have already relaxed similar restrictions.

🍺 North Linden bar faces lawsuit after violent crime wave. The City of Columbus is suing First Stop Bar and Grill for numerous safety violations and criminal incidents, including multiple shootings. City Attorney Zach Klein announced the lawsuit following the establishment's failure to address issues despite a 2022 agreement. Police have responded to reports of violence, including shootings, stabbings, and assaults since September 2023. Recent inspections revealed fire code violations, moldy equipment, and an underage alcohol sale, prompting officials to take legal action.

4th Fridays

Where: Uptown Westerville Inc, 27 E Home St, Westerville, OH

When: Jul 25

🎉 Westerville's beloved 4th Fridays festival returns to transform State Street into a vibrant community celebration! The July 2025 edition will take over the historic Uptown district, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to experience the charm of this monthly tradition. Hosted by Uptown Westerville Inc at 27 E Home St, this community-centered event brings together food, entertainment, and local culture in one festive evening. Mark your calendar for July 25th and join your neighbors for this summertime staple that showcases the best of Westerville's community spirit.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Luxurious golfer dream home nestled: This $835,900 property in Medallion Estates offers an elegant two-story home with rich cherry hardwood floors, a first-floor owner's suite, and multiple upgrades including a whole-house generator, all nestled near a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Upscale Westerville townhome near trails: Listed at $569,900, this new three-bed townhome in Towns on the Greenway boasts upscale features like KitchenAid appliances and smart home tech, all within walking distance of Westerville's shops and Alum Creek Greenway trails.

Luxury updates Highland Lakes gem: Priced at $699,900, this Highland Lakes home features a grand foyer, remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, primary suite with custom closet, finished basement, and updates including a new roof and tankless water heater.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎯 Jul. 23 - Name That Tune Trivia: Test your knowledge at Hump Day Trivia every Wednesday at The Draft Room! Enjoy $6 Mules while flexing your brain muscles at 6:30pm, with Name that Tune on July 23rd. Located at 570 W Schrock Rd, Westerville.

🎨 Jul. 23 - Little Creators Art Workshop: Spark your little one's creativity at Little Creators: Imagination Art! Preschoolers will paint, craft and explore their artistic side on July 23 at Lazelle Woods Community Center in Westerville.

🎵 Jul. 23 - Music & Movement Fun: Groove and wiggle at Music and Movement at Whetstone Community Center! Little ones enjoy instruments, dancing, and peer interaction at a fraction of the cost of branded music classes. July 23rd on N High St.

🎡 Jul. 24 - Ohio State Fair: Get ready for midwestern magic at the Ohio State Fair! The Ohio Expo Center transforms into a wonderland of rides, food, and fun on July 24 at 7:00 PM in Columbus.

🎭 Jul. 25 - Uptown Community Festival: Stroll through historic Uptown as Westerville's 4th Fridays festival takes over State Street on July 25, 2025! Join the community celebration with local vendors, entertainment, and summer fun in the heart of town.

🎭 Jul. 25 - Cookout Comedy Show: Laugh your Thursday night away at The Cookout Comedy Show! Bringing backyard vibes and fresh stand-up to The Attic Comedy Club on July 25—your perfect summer date night in Columbus.

🎡 Jul. 25 - Ohio State Fair: Funnel cakes and farm fun await at the Ohio State Fair! Explore exhibits, arts displays, and the famous butter cow at the Ohio Expo Center on July 25, starting at 9:00 a.m.

🎵 Jul. 26 - FREE Summerfest @ Polaris: Groove into summer at Polaris Fashion Place's FREE Summerfest on July 26! Celebrate the season with live entertainment and family fun, all powered by Wright-Patt Credit Union at 1500 Polaris Pkwy.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carol Jean Sullins

Carol Jean Sullins, 74, passed away on July 18, 2025, after battling dementia. She was predeceased by her husband Eugene "Marty" Sullins, son Benjamin Thompson, and parents Dwight and Marjorie Rhoades. Carol is survived by her sons Chad and Kyle Thompson, two grandchildren, and her siblings Steve Rhoades and Mary Brenner. A graveside service will be held on August 2nd at Venedocia Cemetery in Ohio.