Kelli Hykes for Norwich Township Trustee

09/11/2026

This morning, I joined our community to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the first responders who ran toward danger when others were trying to escape.

Thank you to Norwich Township Fire Department and Hilliard Police for hosting this morning’s memorial and for giving our community a place to remember together.

Twenty-five years ago, I was in southwest Virginia working on a political campaign when the attacks happened. Like so many Americans, I remember the disbelief, the fear, and the realization that the world had changed forever.

In the days that followed, I also remember how people came together. At the time, I hoped that sense of shared purpose would extend beyond the immediate response and the war on terror. I hoped we might hold onto the understanding that, despite our differences, there is far more that connects us than divides us.

That hope has stayed with me. It is part of why I continue to believe in public service, in bringing people together, and in creating space for conversations across differences.

Today, I remember those we lost, honor those who answered the call, and remain hopeful about what we can accomplish when we choose to see one another as neighbors first.

Never forget.

09/07/2026

Labor Day is a day to honor generations of working people who organized, stood together, and fought for safer workplaces, fair treatment, and a voice on the job.

Here in Norwich Township, I’m especially proud to recognize the firefighters and paramedics of IAFF Local 1723.

Every day, they answer the call for our community, often on our neighbors’ hardest days. They also carry forward a proud tradition of organized labor that has helped build a safer, stronger, and more professional fire service.

On my first Labor Day as a Norwich Township Trustee, I’m grateful to celebrate Local 1723 and all the working people who keep our community strong.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

09/03/2026

STORM DEBRIS CLEANUP UPDATE & DEADLINE:

The Township will allow residents until Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to be added to the storm debris collection list. This is for storm debris from the storms on August 11, 2026.

As a reminder, and to help our crews work as efficiently and safely as possible, please make sure your storm debris is placed correctly:

Larger piles for Township pickup:
• Place branches and storm debris parallel to the roadway.
• Keep piles as close to the road as safely possible, without blocking the roadway, sidewalks, mailboxes, or other access points.

Smaller bundles:
• Smaller amounts of branches can be bundled and placed out with your regular trash.
• Local Waste will collect these smaller bundles on your regularly scheduled trash pickup day.
• Please follow Local Waste's requirements for bundle size and preparation.

Please refer to the attached photos for examples of how to properly place your debris by the roadways. Do not place debris in the roadway.

Thank you for helping our Roads Crew safely and efficiently clean up following the storm! We know there is a lot of debris throughout the community, and our crews are working hard to get to everyone.

We sincerely apologize for the delay and inconvenience the storm debris has caused your property. After assessing the extent of the damage and the amount of storm debris placed out by more than 250 properties, we anticipate that collection will take an additional two-weeks.

The Road Department has been focusing its efforts in the Ridgewood Estates area, working on one roadway at a time. The Township has hired a local company to assist with the storm debris cleanup.

Please contact the Norwich Township Administration Office at 614-876-7694 if you need any additional information or need to be added to the clean up list.

08/25/2026

So excited to get to honor these amazing seniors who have made Norwich Township better for their efforts!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bh3E3SgZq/

08/17/2026

🚨 Today Monday 8/17 is Safety Training Day for Hilliard City Schools, Norwich Township Fire Department and Hilliard Police Department.

That means during normal school hours, you may hear sirens, see emergency vehicles around the area, and notice significant activity at Darby High School and Hoffman Trails Elementary.

This is planned training. It is also important training. Our schools and first responders practice together so they are prepared to work together when it matters most.

As a trustee, I’m grateful to the Norwich Township Fire Department, Hilliard Police and Hilliard City Schools for putting in the time to prepare together. Good emergency response starts long before an emergency. Days like today are part of how we keep our students, staff and community safe.

08/15/2026

One of the unexpected perks of serving as a township trustee has been the friendship I’ve built with Hilliard City Council President Emily Cole.

Whenever we can, Emily and I lace up our shoes and take a walk. And we talk. About governing, our community, the jobs we have outside of elected office. About how to lead well, make hard decisions, and keep showing up for the people who count on us.

There’s something valuable about having a friend who understands that public service is only one part of who you are, but also understands how deeply you want to do it well.

I expected serving as a trustee to bring new responsibilities, new challenges, and new opportunities to make a difference. I didn’t expect it to bring a friendship like this one.

These walk-and-talks, or , have become one of my favorite perks of public service. And I’m pretty grateful for the miles, the conversations, and the friend beside me for both.

08/12/2026

An important message about debris cleanup.

Norwich Township Residents - Storm Debris Collection
Following the recent storm, the Norwich Township Road Department will be working throughout neighborhoods with storm damage to collect storm debris.

To be placed on a collection list, please contact Norwich Township Administration Office at 614-876-7694.

To keep our crews working safely and efficiently, please place tree debris parallel to the road in 4 to 6 foot sections.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to clean up our community.

07/10/2026

Norwich Township Board of Trustees spoke up on behalf of our residents when Aqua Water proposed a significant water rate increase affecting Timberbrook households.

While the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved an increase, it was substantially less than Aqua Water originally requested and, importantly, the Commission rejected the proposed increase to the fixed monthly customer charge.

I want to thank my colleagues at the time, Trustees Brian Rothenberg and Rick Tidd, and every resident who submitted comments, attended the public hearing, and shared their concerns.

Public participation matters, and when communities speak with one voice, regulators hear more than numbers on a spreadsheet; they hear the real impact their decisions have on Ohio families.

As your Township Trustee, I believe it's our responsibility to advocate for transparency, accountability, and affordability whenever decisions made by other levels of government affect our community. I'm grateful that Norwich Township had the opportunity to make our residents' voices part of the official record.

NEW Aqua Water Rates - Timberbrook Residents

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved the new Timberbrook Aqua Water and Sewer Rates. Customers will see a $9.21 increase in their monthly bills. Aqua of Ohio originally requested an $11.94 monthly increase. Aqua of Ohio has been directed to file revised tariffs and notify customers within 30 days of the order taking effect.

https://puco.ohio.gov/news/puco-issues-order-on-aqua-ohio-rate-cases

07/08/2026

Excited that our Board has created a Fiscal Office page on our website to proactively share our budget and other documents in a effort to increase transparency and community engagement.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2qEpRmsc/

07/04/2026

It was an honor to celebrate Independence Day with so many friends and neighbors at the Hilliard Fourth of July Parade.

Serving as your Norwich Township Trustee is a privilege every day, but especially on days like today, when our community comes together to celebrate our country, our shared values, and one another.

As America marks 250 years since our founding, we have much to celebrate, and much to reflect upon. Our union has never been perfect. Our history is filled with moments of remarkable progress as well as painful lessons. But the promise of America has always been our willingness to keep striving toward a more perfect union, expanding opportunity, strengthening our democracy, and leaving our communities better than we found them.

That same spirit is alive here in Norwich Township. It is reflected in neighbors looking out for one another, in the dedication of our first responders, township staff, volunteers, local organizations, and in the families who make this community such a wonderful place to call home.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us today. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July. And stop by to get an America 250 blanket at Freedom Fest between 5 and 7pm tonight!

Happy Independence Day! Here's to the next 250 years of continuing the work of building an even stronger nation together. 🇺🇸🎆