Westside Messenger - August 8th, 2021

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PAGE 2 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - August 8, 2021 City sets aside funding for crime reduction programs Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced $400,000 in funding for two crime reduction programs led by Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Jessica D’Varga and Franklin County Prosecutor G. Gary Tyack. The programs receiving funds are designed to ensure public safety and reduce recidivism by providing support and resources to help mostly non-violent offenders successfully navigate and emerge from their time in the criminal justice system. “We cannot and will not accept rising crime rates as our new normal,” said Ginther. “We must continue to address this issue from every angle, which includes working to educate and reform our neighbors who engaged in criminal behavior. This is a community-wide effort, and the partnerships we are supporting represent the kind of innovate and thoughtful actions that are needed to build a safer, more resilient Columbus.” The Unleashing Potential (UP) program in Judge D’Varga’s courtroom will receive $200,000 to provide transformative justice for young adults with moderate-tohigh risk of recidivism, many of whom are still cognitively capable of ceasing criminal activities when engaged with proper guidance, knowledge and resources. Summer lunch program at CML Columbus Metropolitan Library has again partnered with Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to provide students with free lunches and snacks at several library locations. Serving Your Community Malek & ATTORNEYS AT LAW Malek Proudly Announcing Adding New Attorneys To Serve You! WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH SLIP & FALL INJURY DOG BITE INJURY Since 1972 Douglas, Ed, Jim and Kip Malek “Hablamos Español” FREE Initial Consultation www.maleklawfirm.com 614-444-7440 1227 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206 Participation in the program generally lasts one year or longer and includes access to behavioral health services, trauma-informed care, parenting support, education and workforce development, and other public assistance resources. Upon completion, a participant’s case is resolved according to a negotiated agreement, which may include the reduction or dismissal of charges — enabling graduates of the program to become productive, law-abiding members of their communities. “This program will provide support and stability to our justice-involved 18-25 year olds, setting them up for success through individualized case management plans that will greatly reduce the chance that they will come back into our court system and eliminating barriers to their achievement. Investing in our youth is an investment in this community that I believe will make a meaningful and long-term impact for our city,” said D’Varga. The city is also allocating $200,000 for the expansion of the Gun Violence Reduction Initiative in the county prosecutor’s office, which seeks to decrease illegal gun possession and, by extension, the resulting gun violence. Franklin County is currently trending toward 1,200 illegal around the westside The summer lunch program runs through Aug. 20. The meals are offered from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Hilltop Branch and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklinton Branch. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, lunches will be distributed as grab and go meals for kids to take home. Prairie Township Farmer’s Market The Prairie Township Farmer’s Market is held on Monday afternoons from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 27 at the Prairie Township Community Center, 5955 West Broad St. in Galloway. On Aug. 9 the market will feature a free petting zoo. For more information, visit prairietownship.org. Free lunch at UHMC The United Hilltop Methodist Church will host a free community lunch every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 99 S. Highland Ave. PARKS Continued from page 1 Melissa Green, liaison for the city’s department of neighborhoods, said while city leaders explore options for additional recreation space in the area, residents could utilize the Prairie Township Community Center. “The interim has been 20 years,” said commissioner Nancy Day-Achauer said in response to using the township’s facility. “A promise was made.” Commissioners said they are concerned about the size of the township’s center, saying it may be too small to accommodate many westside residents. “I want to make sure that what I am advocating for is what the commission wants,” said Green. “We want to link youth and families to what is available now to keep them off of the streets so that they are safe and productive.” Possibilities were discussed for a more timely solution to the problem such as requiring new housing developments and apartment complexes to provide green space and a playground for its residents. “We are pressing people to come to the westside but not giving them anything to do once they get here,” www.columbusmessenger.com gun possession cases in 2021. The city’s support will help the prosecutor’s office expand its personnel to more effectively administer illegal gun possession cases, which are up 31 percent over 2015 levels and far exceed peer-county caseloads. Prosecuting attorneys in this unit also work on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a misdemeanor charge or probation may be warranted instead of a harsher sentence to avoid negatively impacting future employment and other opportunities on a permanent basis. “Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack’s Gun Unit assesses every case with an eye toward tailoring a result that will assist those who are at risk so that they do not become a danger to the community, that will protect the public from those who are already a danger to the community and that will allow those who pose no danger to the community to resolve their case without a significant negative impact on their lives,” said John Gripshover, the unit’s director. Columbus City Council approved this funding measure at its July 26 meeting. Blood drive The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Road. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-448- 3543 or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Openings on the Westland Area Commission The Westland Area Commission is seeking community minded people who live, work, or own property within the boundaries of the area to serve on the commission. The commission boundaries are west of I-270 from the Conrail railroad tracks to the north, Centerline of I-270 and Big Run South to the east, Centerline of Grove City Road to the south and Hellbranch Creek to the west. Find out more information at cbusareacommissions.org/westland-areacommission. said commissioner Bill Steimer. There is available parkland on West Broad Street, however there is no time line for that development. “The promises keep coming and the politicians keep going,” said commissioner Jeff Tanner. “It’s hard enough to hear, let alone getting on another call with other city council members to hear the problems with their recreation centers and that they want another one. We will take your old one. These are things that city council doesn’t seem to understand.” Day-Achauer relayed to the commission the importance of getting westside representation on the parks and recreation committee so that the westside has a voice. Anyone who would like to apply to be on the committee can do so through the mayor’s office. In other news, commissioner Shawn Thomas is resigning from the Westland Area Commission due to other obligations. The commission will not have a meeting in August. It will resume meeting on Sept. 15 at a to be determined location.
www.columbusmessenger.com By Amanda Ensinger Staff Writer The Prairie Township Community Center is expanding its class offerings. At a recent meeting, the township trustees approved offering photography classes at the center and approved entering into a contract with John Conant as a photography instructor. Conant will be paid $100 per workshop (not to exceed $500). The trustees also approved using Amazing Athletes as a sports program and camp provider with a fixed rate of compensation of 70 percent of total registration fees (not to exceed $6,000) and Jilaine Anderson/Jump Bunch as a sports program and camp provider with a fixed rate of compensation of 70 percent of total registration By Amanda Ensinger Staff Writer A local township will work with an outside contractor for fiscal assistance through the summer. At a recent meeting, the Franklin Township trustees said the township would work with Jeff Wilcheck for fiscal office support. “Jeff continues to work on cleaning up issues from previous years. He continues to work on bank reconciliations and is doing a very good job,” said Nick Dunn, the township’s fiscal officer. “I have been learning a lot from Jeff and he has been a great asset to the township.” Wilcheck will be working on getting pension reports correct from prior years and the township approved an additional fees (not to exceed $6,000). These personal service contracts are effective through Dec. 31. The community center currently has 5,289 total members. Of those members, approximately 29 percent are township residents. The center also is slowly gaining back members, with an average of 100 new members joining or renewing their membership each month. Residents did question why the pool was still not fully open. Michael Pollack, director of the center, said they are now offering swim lessons and pool reservations are allowed. In other news, the board approved hiring The Motz Group to design and construct the artificial turf for the multi-use field at the Galloway Road Sports Complex. 200 hours for Wilcheck to complete these tasks. At the meeting Franklin Township Fire Chief James Welch also discussed hiring issues he is having. “We are struggling to hire employees due to a very shallow hiring pool,” he said. “We hope to be interviewing candidates soon.” Franklin Township Police Chief Byron Smith also provided an update on services in the township. “We have been stretching services as much as we need to and have been able to avoid stopping any services to the community,” Smith said. “I would like to set a date for a special meeting in order to discuss putting the levy back on the ballot, obtain opinions and answer questions.” Recently, the Franklin Township Police Department asked voters to approve a 7.37-mill permanent levy. This would have cost residents $737 a year per $100,000 home valuation. However, the levy failed. As a result, Smith said the department could have to cut the third shift to operate within their means. However, Smith says they are trying to do everything they can to avoid this. August 8, 2021 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 3 Township Focus Community Center in Prairie is slowly getting back to normal Township staffing discussed at board meeting Free produce market The Mid-Ohio Foodbank and the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #2898 will host a free produce market the fourth Friday of each month through the end of October at St. Agnes Church, 2364 West Mound St. in Columbus. The food pantry will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. For additional information, email Kevin Miller at km8007@att.net. around the westside Prairie Township history sought The Southwest Franklin County Historical Society is in the process of updating its website on Prairie Township and is looking for historical photographs and stories of that area. Individuals who are willing to share information or photos are asked to email pictures and information to grovecityohhistory@gmail.com. Of particular interest would be any information of old buildings and/or businesses in the communities of Alton, Rome or Galloway. Breakfast at the Lodge to benefit Special Olympics The Westgate Masonic Lodge #623 is preparing breakfasts once a month to benefit the Special Olympics. The public is invited to have breakfast the second Saturday of each month at 2925 West Broad St. Adults eat for a donation of $6, children age 3 and above pay $3. Serving is from 9 a.m. to noon. Produce giveaway at YMCA The Hilltop YMCA hosts a fresh produce giveaway the third Wednesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2879 Valleyview Drive in Columbus. For more information, call the YMCA at 614-276-8224. “The cost of the project is $978,892,” said Rob Peters, township administrator. “This is part of the overall sports complex paid with contributions and a grant through ODNR.” Recently, the township celebrated being awarded $1.5 million from the Ohio Capital Budget. The money will be used to create an innovative new field in the township to make playing sports more accessible to all. “This is the largest award issued by the state,” Peters said. “From a programming perspective, a lot is going to be happening in the township in the next two years.” According to Peters, the funds will be used for the One Field project. The project includes creating an artificial turf field for the township that is designed specifically for individuals with special needs to experience the joy and camaraderie that comes from being a part of a team. The field will have a hard surface, allowing people in crutches or wheelchairs to use the field more easily and won’t be as restricting for them as a natural field would be. The new field will be used for soccer, football and other field sports. The cost to build the field is approximately $880,000, but it is also part of a larger project that costs approximately $2 million. The project also includes the Galloway Road widening, turning lane and parking lot. ELECT ROD PRITCHARD FOR PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE Paid for by Rod Pritchard for Prairie Township Trustee
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Westside Messenger - August 8th, 2021

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