Southwest Messenger - March 8th, 2020

PAGE 2 - SOUTHWEST MESSENGER - March 8, 2020
Active Shooter Training
The Grove City Division of Police is
offering Active Shooter Response Training
from 8:30 a.m. to noon March 28 at the
Faith Community Church of God, 4203
Brian Niklos, age 53, formerly of Grove City,
Ohio passed away unexpectedly January 15, 2020 while
traveling to San Antonio, Texas. He was born in
Columbus, Ohio on August 13, 1966 to the late Anthony
(Tony) and Carolyn Niklos. He graduated from Grove
City High School class of 1985.
Brian worked as a telecommunications circuit
provisioner for many years which allowed him to follow his love of
travel. He was always known to his sister as a “World Traveler” as Brian
lived in many different states throughout the US from Ohio to
California and many places in between. Most recently he returned back
to Ohio to be closer to family, especially his nephews Bradlee and
Kameron.
Brian attended The Ohio State University and regardless of where his
travels took him, he was a diehard Ohio State fan. Not only did he have
a smile that could brighten up any room, he could entertain anyone
for hours whether it be family and friends or while in the spotlight on
stage with with his amazing voice.
Brian was preceded in death by his father and mother Anthony and
Carolyn Niklos, grandfather and grandmother Raymond and Lettie Fulk
and niece Kayla Sotherland.
Survived by his sister Danielle (Ryan) and his pride and joy, his
nephews Bradlee and Kameron Griffin, along with many cousins and
close friends. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Brian Anthony
Niklos on Saturday March 21st 2020 from 11-1 at The Grove City
Church of The Nazarene 4770 Hoover Rd Grove City, Ohio 43123
with a Memorial Service to follow immediately after. Please join us for
a fellowship gathering that will take place at conclusion of the service
provided by the ladies of the church.
PROTECTING YOU
SINCE 1972
Malek &
Malek
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
WORK INJURIES
WORKERS’
COMPENSATION
SAFETY VIOLATIONS
WRONGFUL DEATH
PERSONAL INJURY
SLIP & FALL INJURY
DOG BITE INJURY
“Hablamos Español”
FREE Initial Consultation
www.maleklawfirm.com
614-444-7440
1227 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206
Alkire Road. This free training is open to
the public, but registration is required.
Participants must be age 16 or older by
March 26.
Class size is limited, so register early
using activity code
Douglas, Ed, Jim
and Kip Malek
Ben Churchhill
around the southwest
STREETSCAPE
Continued from page 1
3082003.01. Register by phone at 614-277-
3050 or in person at the Grove City Parks
and Recreation office, Kingston Center,
3226 Kingston Ave., weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5
“No matter where people enter or leave the city,
they will be exposed to the planters,” said Walters. “It
is a real stroke of color and calmness.”
The planters contain a mix of flowers, including
petunias and amethysts. The planters will be hung in
May and will remain on the poles for 18 weeks.
According to Walters, the project will cost $95,000 a
year. The price includes the flowers and the maintenance
of the flowers.
Part of this streetscape project also includes banners.
The planters will be hung on every light pole and
banners will be placed on every other light pole, along
the chosen roadways.
Walters said this project falls in line with Grove
City 2050, which is an effort to update city plans and
policies to shape how the city grows. He said one of the
guiding principals of Grove City 2050 is to keep a
small-town feel.
“This helps to keep a positive community identity,”
said Walters.
Councilman Ted Berry asked city administrators if
there were any other ideas to beautify the city.
“Flowers are nice but is there more we can do along
62?” asked Berry.
The councilman said that area, along Broadway
COMMUNITY
Continued from page 1
“I am so proud to have served this historic village
and I am proud to continue to serve,” he said. “It was
been a true honor and a privilege.”
He said that when he recalls his time on the council,
he is most proud of its advancements. He cited an
upgrade to the storm sewer system, the widening of
residential roads and the building of a new municipal
complex as some examples that have taken place during
his tenure.
Warr said that while he feels “rested,” he is keeping
the door open to another council run in the future.
Also receiving the Distinguished Service Award
were the late William Daniel Saunders, his daughter
Sharon D. Saunders and Willie Sanders Sr. They were
recognized for their activism in the community and
willingness to put others above self.
William Daniel Saunders, more commonly known
as “Farmer” to village residents for his love of bib overalls,
was the first street commissioner, a council member,
a World War II veteran and a long-time custodian
at the Urbancrest Elementary School. He was also
honored for his spirituality.
“He was an intricate part of the village from a religious
standpoint as well,” said village Mayor Joseph
Barnes Sr.
Sharon D. Saunders was recognized not only for her
service to the village in governance (she served on
council and was noted by event organizer Elberta
Barnes for her willingness to “stand for what is right”)
but her humanitarian efforts and willingness to volunteer
at any event. Saunders also played an integral
role in the implementation of a children-led community
garden.
Former board of public affairs trustee Willie
Sanders Sr., said Barnes, is a tireless worker who
www.columbusmessenger.com
p.m. The registration deadline is March 24.
To register, visit www.grovecityohio.gov
or call the Parks and Recreation Office at
614-277-3050.
near Interstate 270, needs more work than just
planters. He said that area is going to be a gateway
into the redeveloped Beulah Park neighborhood.
“We have put a substantial investment in that
area,” said Berry.
City Administrator Chuck Boso said the planters
and banners will make a visual impact in that area but
said part of the problem in beautification and roadwork
efforts is that some of 62 is located in the city, but
other parts fall into the village of Urbancrest and private
properties.
The village of Urbancrest has been cooperative with
the city on beautification efforts.
In other news, council voted in favor of a dispatching
and communication services agreement with
Jackson Township. This new agreement will be for five
years.
According to the agreement, the township will pay
the city $175,282 in 2020 for emergency services dispatching.
According to Boso, the cost will go up 4 percent
each year of the contract. By 2024, the township
will pay the city $205,000.
The agreement will end on Dec. 31, 2024.
The city also provides dispatching and communication
services for Prairie and Pleasant townships.
“turned his own front yard into a tool shop” when
strong winds tore down limbs from trees in the village.
“When we had tornado-like winds sweep through
our area a few years ago, Mr. Sanders volunteered to
help people in the community remove tree limbs from
their yard and make repairs to homes and buildings.”
Barnes said his willingness to lend a hand — most
often unprompted — is what made Sanders worthy of
the award.
Receiving the Mayor Ellen Walker-Craig Jones
Community Service Award were attorneys Linda and
Rodd Lawrence, community activist Mohamed Osman
and restaurant manager Rena Saroiberry.
The Lawrence’s have been working with the village
for more than a decade, with Rodd serving as its current
law director. Barnes said the Lawrence’s have
been instrumental in “keeping the village legal” as it
pertains to contract negotiations, litigation and other
codified matters.
Osman was recognized for his work with the village
youth, especially with its growing Somali community.
Osman said he was inspired to create goal ceremonies
to celebrate their achievements no matter how small
they may seem.
“I want to encourage them to be somebody,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if they are in kindergarten or all the
way in high school, I want them to know that they can
be somebody and can help lead others through encouragement
and by setting a good example.”
Saroiberry, a manager of the Subway restaurant on
Broadway in Grove City, was recognized for her “devotion
as a community partner.” Elberta Barnes said
Saroiberry has been volunteering and catering events
held throughout the village for more than a decade.