Ava Moore, a missing teen last seen in Reynoldsburg on April 25
Missing Teen Alert: Help Find 15 Year Old Ava Moore from Reynoldsburg, Ohio
A community-wide search is underway for a missing teen, 15 year old Ava Moore, who was last seen on April 25 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is working with local law enforcement to locate Ava and is appealing to the public for help.
Ava Moore is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs around 130 pounds, and has brown eyes and black loc’d hair. She is known to have at least two ear piercings.
Authorities believe she may still be in Reynoldsburg, elsewhere in Franklin County, or possibly in Akron, Ohio.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of 15 year old Ava Moore, please contact the Reynoldsburg Police Department at 614-866-6622 or the NCMEC.
Ava Moore, a missing teen last seen in Reynoldsburg on April 25
Stay informed with local alerts and community updates from Columbus and throughout Ohio.
Great Lakes Hyundai proudly receives endorsement from the Somali community in Ohio, solidifying its position as a trusted car dealership.
Great Lakes Hyundai | Leading Halaal-Approved Hyundai Dealership in Columbus, Ohio
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Reynoldsburg couple pleads not guilty in Ja’Kai Smith case
Reynoldsburg Couple Pleads Not Guilty in Death of 4-Year-Old Ja’Kai Smith
Columbus, Ohio – In a developing case from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, a young couple has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in connection to the death of 4-year-old Ja’Kai Smith. On April 25, a Franklin County grand jury indicted Kailee Smith-Parks (19) and Linwood Allison Jr. (20) on a total of over 40 counts of child endangerment, along with one count each of aggravated murder and murder.
According to Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor, the abuse allegedly began on March 21 and continued until April 10, when Smith-Parks brought Ja’Kai to Mount Carmel East. He was then transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he tragically passed away.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the couple harming Ja’Kai, according to the prosecutor’s office. Favor stated that the couple’s actions appeared intentional and sustained, resulting in the fatal injuries.
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) confirmed that they had previously interacted with the family over child endangerment concerns in December 2023, although the case was closed before Ja’Kai’s death.
During the arraignment, Smith-Parks waived the reading of her indictment, while both she and Allison Jr. remain held without bond. As of now, no future court dates have been scheduled.
The case of Ja’Kai Smith has sparked widespread attention in Columbus and Franklin County, raising serious questions about child protection systems and how such a tragedy could occur despite prior intervention.
City council discusses Avery’s Law as Reynoldsburg proposes stricter dog attack legislation after a brutal mauling incident.
Reynoldsburg Proposes Stricter Dog Attack Legislation After a 12-year-old girl was Attacked last summer.
Reynoldsburg proposes stricter dog attack legislation in response to a devastating 2023 dog mauling incident involving 12-year-old Avery Russell. The proposed bill, known as Avery’s Law, would tighten city rules and increase penalties for dog owners whose pets attack people or other animals.
The legislation was introduced at a recent city council meeting by Assistant City Prosecutor America Andrade, with Avery and her family in attendance. Avery sustained severe injuries in the attack, losing one ear and part of the other, and spending time in a coma. Her recovery has included five surgeries and extensive therapy.
“Her injuries and what she’s endured call for stronger legal consequences,” Andrade said.
Key Provisions of Avery’s Law:
Upgrades dog attack charges to a first-degree misdemeanor, with a max penalty of 6 months in jail and higher fines
Mandatory bite reporting by veterinarians and dog owners
Liability insurance requirement for owners of designated dangerous dogs
A 3 to 5-year ban on owning dangerous dogs for those convicted
“We want this law to be a deterrent, not just a punishment,” Andrade noted.
Avery’s Journey of Recovery and Advocacy
Despite her physical and emotional scars, Avery is back in school and playing basketball. She says her friends and family have helped her see her own strength.
“It was hard to look in the mirror,” she said. “But now, I think I’m beautiful—and I always have been.”
Her story has also sparked statewide attention. Ohio Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe is backing a similar state-level initiative that aims to redefine “dangerous dogs” and increase accountability for pet owners.
“We’ve identified legal gaps. It’s time to close them,” Rep. Lawson-Rowe said.
City Council Hopes to Pass the Law by Summer
The proposed legislation is expected to be finalized and voted on by early summer. For Avery and her family, this moment marks both healing and hope.
“This won’t undo what happened,” said Avery’s mother, Drew, “but it might stop another family from going through the same pain.”
Residents of Gahanna are invited to share input at the “Our Gahanna” Vision Festival event.
Gahanna Residents Invited to Share Ideas at “Our Gahanna” Vision Events This May
Gahanna residents are encouraged to participate in shaping their city’s future through the “Our Gahanna” Vision Events, a series of community engagement activities happening in May 2025. These events are part of a larger strategic planning initiative aimed at gathering public input to guide long-term development across Gahanna, Ohio.
Hosted by the City of Gahanna in partnership with Columbus-based planning firm Planning NEXT, the initiative will establish core values and priorities to support sustainable growth, improved services, and enhanced quality of life. The Vision Festival includes four key public events, each designed to engage different segments of the community:
“Our Gahanna” Vision Festival Events:
May 6, 5–7 PM: Taco Tuesday Family Fest @ Hannah Park Enjoy tacos, kids’ activities, face painting, and share your ideas about the future of Gahanna.
May 7, 7:30–9 AM: Small Business Coffee Networking @ Gahanna Library Connect with other entrepreneurs and city leaders over coffee and discuss business priorities.
May 7, 11:30 AM–1 PM: Senior Lunch @ Gahanna Senior Center Seniors are invited to share insights and experiences over a community lunch.
May 8, 4–6 PM: Young Professionals Happy Hour @ Edison Brewing Co. Network with fellow young professionals and city staff to contribute to the city’s vision.
In addition to in-person events, Gahanna residents can complete the online community survey at OurGahanna.com between May 6–20. The city will also be gathering feedback at the Annual Economic Development Event (May 15) and a Gahanna Bananas baseball game (May 17).
According to Planning NEXT, previous community input helped define the draft plan’s core values: enhancing local programs and green spaces, improving regional connectivity, and preserving Gahanna’s identity. Focus areas include boosting the local economy, elevating unique areas like Creekside, and delivering effective local government services.
Mayor Laurie Jadwin emphasized the importance of resident participation, noting that the strategic plan will shape decisions that impact neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and daily life.
Don’t miss this chance to shape Gahanna’s future — your voice matters.
Police investigate fatal shooting on Fountain Lane, Columbus, Ohio
Columbus Police Identify Victim in East Side Shooting on Fountain Lane
The Columbus Police have identified the victim in a deadly shooting that took place early Monday morning on the city’s East Side. The incident occurred in the 1300 block of Fountain Lane, just south of East Main Street, shortly after 4:00 a.m.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered 34-year-old Jamal Jones suffering from a gunshot wound outside an apartment complex. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.
At this time, the Columbus Division of Police has not released any information about a suspect. The case remains under active investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the Fountain Lane shooting is encouraged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or submit anonymous tips to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
Check back for updates as the investigation into the Fountain Lane shooting continues.
Memorial rock for Garrett Burton outside his Galloway, Ohio home, representing a call for peace and youth empowerment.
Honoring Garrett Burton’s Legacy Through Community Action
Columbus Ohio – Outside a home in Galloway, Ohio, a simple painted rock stands as a touching tribute. Colored blue with a drawing of Winnie the Pooh and marked “Garrett” (1992–2008), it quietly tells a story of tragedy and hope.
Garrett Burton was just 16 when he was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman on August 30, 2008. He and his friends had been throwing eggs at passing cars when they were confronted. Garrett was shot and died at the scene. The suspect has never been found, and his case remains open.
Now, Garrett’s older brother, Georden Burton, is honoring Garrett’s legacy by turning grief into community action. As a youth mentor at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio, Georden devotes his life to helping young people avoid the paths that lead to violence.
“Most teenagers make mistakes and live to learn from them. Garrett didn’t get that chance,” said Georden.
To mark National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Georden is raising awareness about safer, healthier choices for teens. His efforts include helping kids find outlets to express anger, pain, and stress—before tragedy strikes.
“Turn your pain into purpose. I’ve been through trauma and depression, and I use that experience to guide others,” Georden shares.
His office is filled with thank-you notes from the teens whose lives he’s impacted. His advice to youth is simple: “Don’t make a permanent choice based on a temporary feeling.”
In Garrett’s honor, the Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio will host its Opportunity Fair & Mental Health Resource Rally on June 20 from 5–8 p.m. at the Milo-Grogan Club. This event will provide high school students with access to local universities, military recruiters, job opportunities, and mental health support.
For the first time, the rally will also feature a youth-led gun violence prevention initiative focused on healing, accountability, and strengthening community connections.
Seventeen years after Garrett’s death, the pain still runs deep. But through mentoring and advocacy, Georden and the Columbus community are committed to honoring Garrett Burton’s legacy and creating a safer future for the next generation.
Columbus police respond to fatal shooting on Fountain Lane early Monday morning.
Man Killed in Early Morning Shooting on Fountain Lane in Columbus, Ohio
A man was killed early Monday morning during a shooting on Fountain Lane in Columbus, Ohio, according to the Columbus Division of Police. The shooting happened shortly after 4 a.m. in the 1300 block of Fountain Lane, located just south of East Main Street. Officers arrived at an apartment complex to find a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 4:38 a.m. At this time, no information about a suspect has been released. Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting.
Community members celebrate the revitalization of Columbus corridors under the Clean and Safe Initiative.
Columbus Residents Welcome City’s Improvement Plans in 4 Columbus Corridors
Columbus , OH – Columbus residents are feeling hopeful as the city’s revitalization plans bring noticeable improvements to four major corridors. Recent efforts under the “Clean and Safe Corridor Initiative” have transformed areas like Parsons Avenue, where new trees, freshly painted crosswalks, and cleaner streets are now visible.
Over two weeks in early April, city teams collected 514 bags of litter, met with property owners about compliance issues, and addressed safety concerns. The city invested $164,000 in labor and infrastructure, alongside a $165,000 grant to the South Side Thrive Collaborative to ensure continued progress.
Residents like Sheila Eubanks and Barbara Thornton have seen positive changes firsthand. Eubanks shared her hope that cleaner streets will encourage homeowners to maintain their properties and help reduce crime rates. Thornton emphasized the need for the initiative to expand deeper into South Side neighborhoods.
Beyond Parsons Avenue, community-driven events are making an impact. On April 27, about 20 volunteers and members of the Hilltop Arts Collective gathered along West Broad Street for a cleanup and celebrated the creation of a new mural above the overpass. Emily Smith, Hilltop Arts Collective’s Engagement Chair, praised the community spirit, noting how small actions like trash cleanup contribute greatly to neighborhood pride.
Work continues across Columbus corridors, with projects underway on Sullivant Avenue, upcoming improvements scheduled for Livingston Avenue (May 10–30), and North High Street in the Short North (June 9–20). Through the 311 system, Columbus residents can share feedback to help guide future developments.
Local business owners, like Letef Barrow of Sonny’s Barbershop on Sullivant Avenue, see the revitalization as a game-changer. Barrow advocates for better marketing support for businesses and more parks and safe spaces for families.
Mayor Andrew Ginther confirmed that additional funding from the capital budget will enhance infrastructure, lighting, security, and community spaces, reinforcing the city’s dedication to building stronger, safer neighborhoods for all Columbus residents.
Rick Andermatt, a school janitor in Central Ohio, was arrested for distributing child sexual abuse material to a minor.
School Janitor Arrested in Central Ohio for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
A school janitor in Central Ohio has been arrested for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material. Rick Andermatt, 41, was apprehended by Columbus Police after being involved in inappropriate conversations with a minor. These exchanges led to the creation and distribution of explicit content.
Court records reveal that Andermatt, who worked at Indian Trail Elementary School in Columbus, Ohio, exchanged explicit photos with a 16-year-old victim. They had also arranged to meet in person. However, the victim did not attend the same school where Andermatt was employed.
In response to the arrest, Canal Winchester Local Schools acted swiftly, placing Andermatt on administrative leave and ensuring he would not access school property or attend district events. The district emphasized the importance of student safety, assuring the public that none of their students were involved in the case.
Andermatt faces two serious charges: one for pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor and another for pandering obscenity involving a minor.
