Daily editionFriday, September 18th, 2026
Good morning, Delaware.
The 5AM Delaware Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of September.
Community
Last September, the Kiwanis Club finished 50 years by pledging to serve 50 children monthly.
In August, members donated 64 jars of peanut butter to the Free Store run by Common Ground Ministries, helping over 100 children + supporting local student leadership programs.
The Delaware GazetteRead more
The Sunday at Delaware County Fair will feature the second-year Beef Breeding Show with beef showmanship and grooming events in the Junior Fair Show Arena at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 (boosting 4-H enrollment), with more entries expected this year.
The Delaware GazetteRead more
Starting Monday, July 20, Delaware County District Library offers cardholders up to 3 dollars in free printing each day, covering about 60 black-and-white or 20 color pages.
Patrons who exceed the free limit will be charged regular rates.
Delaware County District LibraryRead more
Delaware County Fair Queen Kylie Simpson and King Jake Wecker spent the last year representing the community at events and fairs and will have their coronation tomorrow at 4 p.m. The duo shared experiences from 4-H camps plus community parades that highlighted local traditions.
The Delaware GazetteRead more
Culture
Delaware’s historic Strand Theatre will host the Ohio Goes to the Movies Grand Finale on Wednesday, Oct. 14 with a free screening of 42 and a panel discussion (featuring local baseball heritage figures) following the film.
Attendees must reserve free tickets (max two per person) as seating is limited.
Delaware SourceRead more
Economy
Delaware City Council approved a 15-year, 75% CRA tax abatement for Sawmill Delaware Investments LLC to build a 100,000 sqft speculative industrial building on Innovation Court near the Municipal Airport (construction will begin around Oct. 1 and finish by Dec. 1, 2028), and the facility may add 150 jobs.
Delaware SourceRead more
Education
Delaware County schools report cards for the 2025-26 year show that Olentangy Schools earned five stars for a fourth consecutive year, Delaware City Schools improved to 4.5, Buckeye Valley Local Schools maintained five stars, and Big Walnut Schools averaged 4 stars while the Delaware Area Career Center scored a 5.
Delaware SourceRead more
Buckeye Valley Local Schools earned a 5 star overall rating on its state report card this week, marking the third consecutive year with the highest rating.
Superintendent Ric Stranges praised the staff's work (nearly 90 percent of third graders met reading proficiency) and said targeted interventions will boost early literacy.
The Delaware GazetteRead more
Local school officials gave updates on enrollment trends & state funding challenges at the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the Schools presentation on Thursday in Delaware.
Leaders from Delaware City Schools, Big Walnut, Olentangy and Buckeye Valley stressed balancing growth with local taxpayer concerns.
The Delaware GazetteRead more
Today at the 2026 Delaware County Fair, officials welcomed youth participating in 4-H and FFA as they acknowledged the hard work of volunteers and educators supporting county agricultural projects.
The Delaware GazetteRead more
Environment
Deer hunters in Delaware County’s Marlboro, Oxford, and Troy townships follow special season dates set to slow CWD spread (archery hunting began Sept. 12 while early gun season runs from Oct. 10 to Oct. 12).
Delaware SourceRead more
Government
Powell approved a veteran banner program Tuesday to honor local U.S. Armed Forces members, with banners hung on 43 city-owned utility poles during two windows (from Armed Forces Day through Memorial Day and from seven days before to seven days after Veterans Day).
The Delaware GazetteRead more
Sports
Gov. Mike DeWine will be inducted into the Little Brown Jug Wall of Fame (at the Log Cabin on Sept. 22) and recognized on Sept. 24 after the race for his eight years of support in Delaware.
His annual attendance and state funding have helped grow the event.
The Delaware GazetteRead more