One Columbus resident takes his Independence Day celebrations beyond fireworks

Richard Jessing is almost as proud of his Fourth of July display as he is to be an American. For more than 50 years, the 80-year-old Columbus resident has collected flags, banners and festive ornaments to envelop his Hunter Avenue home, near the Short North, each Independence Day. “This is his thing,” said Marge Jessing, 75, of her husband. “It’s something he’s done forever and ever and ever.”