With their helium almost deflated, balloons celebrating the new year float close to the ground and blow in the wind across the sidewalk in Uptown Westerville. My Final Photo for December 31, 2024.

The smooth waters of Schrock Lake sit in a blue glow after sunset with the thin ice warning sign that might be more of a weather forecast and a statement of conditions as a series of polar storms are forecast to bring Arctic temperatures and winds to the Midwest. My Final Photo for December 30, 2024.

Three fishermen compare notes on the roiling waters below the Alum Creek North lo head dam after rains increased flow over the dam, increasing the opportunity for better fishing as all anglers hope for after a winter rainstorm. My Final Photo for December 29, 2024.

A family of five fishes and plays on the widened shoreline of Hoover Reservoir at Red Bank Park, enjoying a warm winter day on the lake with low water levels. My Final Photo for December 28, 2024.

A Columbia Gas work crew attaches a steel plate covering the hole that contained an old gas pipeline leading to a house demolished about twenty years ago. Originally capped at the house, the line needed to be capped in the street at the main pipeline. My Final Photo for December 27, 2024.

A photographer displays the IV to restore his fluids after a Christmas Day fight against pneumonia. My Final Photo for December 26, 2024.

Spending Christmas with the promise of a Beyonce halftime show with a small tree decoration to make the occasion. My Final Photo for December 25, 2024.

Bill and Shelley Morgan share champagne with Carida McCalla, left, over the nearly empty counter of Morgan’s Treasures in Uptown, where McCall was the jeweler’s first customer in his three stores in Westerville. The jeweler is retiring after 38 years of making custom jewelry. My Final Photo for December 24, 2024.

Barriers blocking West Main and Park Road over I-71 are removed Monday afternoon after the road was temporarily restriped for two-way traffic during a break in construction for the next two weeks. My Final Photo for December 23, 2024.

A family stands together reading the historical marker at Westerville Florist as they make their way through Uptown Sunday, reading the plaques and taking in the ice sculptures. My Final Photo for December 22, 2024.

Mrs. Claus takes the center position sandwiched between an elf who took the opportunity to make sure he was seen more than her at the Minions ice sculptures in Uptown Westerville Saturday afternoon. My Final Photo for December 22, 2024.

Ice sculptures fashioned after Minion cartoon characters are placed on pedestals in Uptown Westerville as three of the collection of frozen treats decorating the sidewalks the weekend before Christmas. My Final Photo for December 20, 2024.