FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — Tucked in the middle of all the new construction on Trabue Road in Franklin Township is Johnnie's Tavern.

It's an old stand-out restaurant known not just for its burgers, but also for being one of the last properties on that section of the road that hasn't changed hands from Franklin Township to the City of Columbus.

It's a visual representation of the reality of annexation all across the township.

The continued decline in the township's tax base has led to several failed levies and a fire station closure in recent months.

A temporary levy to keep its only operating fire station open just passed by 63 votes.

"We were never so close as losing not just the fire station but our identity as Franklin Township," said Township Trustee John Fleshman.

But Fleshman sa

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