Ohio News

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) – A former quartermaster of a central Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars post was sentenced Wednesday after stealing funds from the agency.

According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the former quartermaster from VFW Post 4044 in Union County has been ordered to repay more than $35,000 in stolen funds. Court documents state that Guy Andonian engaged in a check-writing scheme and siphoned $35,007.30 from charitable accounts between October 2017 and September 2019.

Investigators found that checks with notes in the memo reading “help veterans in need” were issued from the VFW post’s charitable accounts to be cashed by co-conspirators in Union County.

In Union County Common Pleas Court, Andonian pleaded guilty to telecommunications fraud, a third-degree felony, and was sentenced to make full restitution of the stolen funds and serve five years of community control.

Andonian is also barred from serving as a financial power of attorney or in any fiduciary capacity.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One game left. A journey that began in late August with a mix of Ohio State veterans and stars from the transfer portal comes to an end in Atlanta on Monday night.

The eighth-seeded Buckeyes will meet No. 7 seed Notre Dame for the College Football Playoff national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. OSU seeks its ninth title and first since 2015, and Notre Dame will try to add its 12th championship but first since 1988.

Monday night will mark the ninth meeting between the schools. Ohio State has won the last six against the Irish, who haven't beaten the Buckeyes since 1936.

Final preparations underway for Ohio State, Notre Dame ahead of title tilt in Atlanta

Here's what to know about the national championship.

Smith looks to be Ohio State's X-factor ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 18: Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media during the Ohio State Buckeyes media day at the Georgia World Congress Center prior to the 2025 CFP National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

During back-to-back games in the playoffs, freshman Jeremiah Smith came up with multiple explosive plays, including two touchdowns each against Tennessee and Oregon. He smashed Ohio State's freshman receiving records previously held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter.

Yet, Smith was limited to just one catch for three yards in the playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl against Texas. And the Miami Gardens, Florida, native is determined not to let that happen again.

"It's pretty frustrating me having a game that I had in the Rose Bowl and then coming to the Cotton Bowl. Just them doing different things, changing their scheme up against me," Smith said. "But I mean, like I said, whatever I could do to make the team win, it's not really a big deal for me. As long as we win, that's all I really care about. And it got us to the national championship."

Notre Dame hopes to prevent Smith from becoming an X-factor on Monday night. The Irish defense ranks first in pass efficiency (99.50), turnovers gained (32) and in defensive touchdowns (6).

"You're going to have to do some different things to try to keep him off balance, but also keep the rhythm of the quarterback off balance," Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. "But the other part of that is we've got good players, too. We've got to do what we do and we're going to trust our guys to, you know, get the job done no matter what we call it defensively."

Former Buckeye looks to spoil OSU's run ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 18: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish media day at the Georgia World Congress Center prior to the 2025 CFP National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While Monday marks Marcus Freeman's first national championship appearance as a head coach, he's no stranger to the big stage. As a linebacker for Ohio State two decades ago, Freeman played in back-to-back BCS title games in 2007 and 2008. And the Huber Heights, Ohio native will make history by becoming the first Black and Asian American head coach to appear in a college football title game.

But Freeman has deflected most of the questions regarding his past and his background. Instead, he wants the focus to be on the players.

"I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for the team and everybody getting their job done," Freeman said. "I know that's what the media or perception has to be. There has to be a person or cause and effect for why we're in this position, but the reality is it's everybody. It's
everybody in this program getting their job done."

And just like how the Buckeyes want to win for coach Ryan Day, the Irish want victory for Freeman.

"He's unbelievable. Truly one of the best leaders I've been around the totally a players coach," Notre Dame center Pat Coogan said. "And it's someone you want to go to battle for because, you know, he's got your back and we've got his back. So it's really been an awesome experience being underneath him and learning from him and and growing with within him and his leadership. It's been awesome."

QBs with similar paths meet in title game ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 18: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media during the Ohio State Buckeyes media day at the Georgia World Congress Center prior to the 2025 CFP National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Ohio State's Will Howard and Notre Dame's Riley Leonard have a lot more in common than you might think. Both quarterbacks are transfers from another Power Four conference: Howard from Kansas State and Leonard out of Duke. And both have been open about their faith getting them to this point in the season.

On the field, the two have proven to be dual threats. Howard's seven rushing touchdowns this season are the most by a Buckeye quarterback since Justin Fields ran for ten touchdowns in 2019. Meanwhile, Leonard has 35 career rushing scores, which ranks second among active FBS quarterbacks.

"I know him from Duke I mean he came in after me but the way everybody talked about him there, he's a guy that he'll scrape himself off the ground and keep playing," OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. "He's just going to keep coming at you. And he's tough and he's fast."

They've even been roommates at one point. Both shared the same room when they attended the Manning Passing Academy last summer. And now the two are just one win away from the ultimate prize in college football.

"We knew it was going to be a grind, but we were ready for it. And I think we've done a really good job of taking care of our bodies and rejuvenating and getting back ready for every game," Howard said. "We just got to finish this one off. We got nothing left in the tank after this one. So we got to empty it."

Central Ohio Weather and Radar

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The coldest air of the season so far is poised to arrive on Monday and linger through midweek.

A lobe of the polar vortex over Greenland, the coldest air in the Northern Hemisphere, periodically becomes extended once every two or three winters, allowing frigid air that originates over Siberia to cross over the North Pole and dive southward into the northern U.S.

A surge of arctic air will slide across the northern Plains and advance into the eastern half of the country, eventually reaching the Gulf and Atlantic coasts by Tuesday.

Wind chills will reach -50 in the Upper Midwest and -25 northern portions of the Ohio Valley states on Monday, when the wind will be strongest out of the northwest.

In central Ohio, temperatures will hover in the low 20s on Sunday, with occasional snow showers later in the day that will leave a coating and create some slick spots. A secondary cold front will move through the state, sending temperatures plummeting into the single digits Monday.

The wind chill will Monday morning will dip to a teeth-chattering -10 to -15 degrees in central Ohio, and as low as -25 in the northwestern part of the state, as winds gust to 20 mph.

Afternoon temperatures will struggle to surpass 10 degrees Monday and Tuesday, after starting out near zero at daybreak.

At these levels, hypothermia and frostbite can set in within 10 to 20 minutes, so caution is strongly advised, and any outdoor exposure should be very limited. Dress in layers if you have to be outdoors for even a brief period of time, covering your head and extremities. Keep extra blankets and coasts in your car when traveling.

With such extreme cold, area school districts will likely consider options to keep everyone safe Tuesday and Wednesday in light of the harsh cold.

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The coldest morning in Ohio will come on Wednesday, as winds relax under arctic high-pressure, with temperatures ranging from -5 in the Columbus area to -10 or lower in the normally colder locations.

Temperatures will gradually moderate Thursday and Friday, rising into the 20s to around 30 degrees. No significant storms are expected to impact the region during the workweek.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday annually observed on the third Monday of January, falls on Jan. 20 this year.

Like other federal holidays, some services, such as mail and trash collection, will be unavailable. Additionally, certain workers and students will have the day off on MLK Day.

Will mail and packages be delivered on Jan. 20?

The U.S. Postal Service will not make regular mail deliveries in observance of MLK Day. Post offices will also be closed, but Priority Mail Express will be operational. Customers can expect USPS service to return to normal on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.

FedEx will have modified services on MLK Day, while its Freight, Office, Critical, and Logistics arms will remain open. UPS will be closed for the day, but limited locations and Express Critical service will be available.

Will banks and government offices be closed on MLK Day?

Because MLK Day is a federal holiday, banks will also be closed. However, ATMs and online services should still be accessible. The New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ will be paused.

Federal employees will have a paid day off on Jan. 20, per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Federal, state, county and city offices, which include courthouses, will be closed.

Is trash collected?

The City of Columbus will not collect trash on MLK Day and the color-coded collection schedule will rotate one day forward until the next holiday. Rumpke will continue to collect recycling and yard waste on schedule.

Are buses running? Is parking free?

The Central Ohio Transit Authority will operate Holiday Service on Jan. 20. When COTA operates Holiday Service, transit lines operate on their Sunday schedules.

The City of Columbus Parking Services is closed and parking will be free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Will the library be open?

The Columbus Metropolitan Library, will close all its locations the Sunday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19, and remain closed through the Monday holiday on Jan. 20.

However, on Monday, Jan. 20, CML will open the lobby and auditorium of its main library at 96 S. Grant Ave. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those seeking refuge from the cold.

Will schools be closed?

Some, but not all, schools close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Locally, Columbus City Schools and most other local school districts will have the day off.

Ohio State University will be closed and has designated the holiday as a day of service. Columbus State Community College will be closed and host a celebration of the Civil Rights leader.

Do businesses close?

Most private businesses, including stores, restaurants, entertainment spaces, parks, gyms, etc. typically remain open on MLK Day. It is recommended for people to call ahead or check online to confirm hours.

After MLK Day, the next federal holiday will be Feb. 17, 2025, when Presidents' Day is observed.

SUNBURY, Ohio (WCMH) — The city of Sunbury is working to make its roads and streets safer. The goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities on the city's major roads, sidewalks and paths. 

Sunbury has been awarded $150,000 in federal funding to complete a 'Roadway Safety Action Plan'. The plan, funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Roads and Streets for All (SS4A) program, will help identify portions of the transportation network that are dangerous, difficult to navigate, or are otherwise unsafe.

According to Sunbury City Administrator, Daryl Hennessy, the city has formed a committee to analyze crash data over the last ten years.

"Over that ten-year period, there have been almost 900 crashes on the city's roadway network and of that, there have been five fatalities and twenty serious injuries so there's definitely some work that we need to do," Hennessy said. 

Hennessy said one key component of the federal funding is including the community in the conversation. 

"In some instances, maybe while we've got data on crashes, there are also parts of our roadway network where maybe we don't quite know yet that they're not quite as safe, because the data isn't showing up quite yet," Hennessy said. "But residents know that, and that's the reason to really begin to engage them."

One of the problem areas that's been identified is State Route 37 on the east side of town. 
"It's had three of the five fatalities on that side of town," Hennessy said. "Some of that may be just the way that the road is designed. It's also an area where you come around a bend. You're also approaching a school district or a school area, there's a crosswalk in that area. And the speed limit, you're basically coming from a rural area into an urban area."

Hennessy said another area that has emerged as a hotspot is State Route 3, near CVS. 
"That's the primary intersection," Hennessy said. "And most of the crashes there are really more rear ending or a pedestrian or a movement, a turn of a vehicle that might be a side impact of some sort. Not as many fatalities in that area, but because of the number of cars going through that area, that's been one of the trouble spots."

Hennessy said Sunbury is growing rapidly and while traffic volume can impact roadway safety, there are other factors too. 

"There may be some communication issues, they may be an enforcement issue, there may be distractions," Hennessy said. "There may be a signage issue. I mean, there are lots of things that we can do to help reduce the number of fatalities, serious injuries. And so that's the reason why we are undertaking the plan."

A survey was put out to residents to help identify portions of the transportation network that are dangerous or difficult to navigate.

"Community input is absolutely essential to understanding where these hotspots are and their thoughts in terms of what we might be able to do to make them safer," Hennessy said.
Hennessy said the goal is to have the results of the survey by Jan. 25.

Once all the data is collected, the city will present a draft version of the plan to the community for additional feedback before finalizing it. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The morning after arriving in Atlanta, it was time for both national championship contenders to set the narrative ahead of Monday's showdown.

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame met with the media at the Georgia World Congress Center before taking the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their respective practices.

While individual Buckeyes may have their own sources of motivation to win on Monday, the overall consensus among the players is that they want to win for Ryan Day.

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"As a team. We faced adversity this year, but I don't think no one faced one person who didn't coach day. So, I mean, he's my coach, man. He's my leader," Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom said. "I'll do anything for him. So to go out there and try to win this for him, it means everything."

The OSU head coach was met with an avalanche of criticism a month ago in the wake of the loss to Michigan. But the Buckeyes took the backlash personally and have rewritten the narrative with their run in the inaugural 12-team playoff.

"You see everything that he's been through this year. People saying he should be fired and this, that and a third. But I've seen everything that he's been through this year," wide receiver Jeremiah Smith said. "I've seen everything people say about him on Twitter. I wasn't here when he first got the head coaching job. But I know this year for sure, we definitely have got to win this for him."

Day is the only active coach with four playoff appearances in the last six years. A win on Monday night against the Irish would mark his 70th victory with Ohio State.

"He's a really caring person. He does everything that he can for the team,": Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs said. "And you can you can know that in his heart, he truly cares about his players and that he'll do whatever he can to help us."

Both Day and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman will meet on Sunday morning for a joint press conference ahead of the national championship, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Monday night.

Media Day Snapshots

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CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area of an active incident at the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Circleville post.

Sergeant Ryan Purpura with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OHSP) said troopers are on the scene of an active incident in the OHSP Circleville post parking lot. Purpura said there is no danger to the public, but asked citizens to stay away from the area, which is off of U.S. Route 23 at this time.

Purpura said the incident is contained, but could not offer further details at this time. Circleville police could confirm that the county assisted with the incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office is investigating an aggravated murder.

According to Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape, the sheriff's enforcement bureau responded to a home on the 3000 block of Tschopp Road in Lancaster on Jan. 17. At the residence, officers found Darby Russell, 51, dead from a gunshot wound.

Lape said Kimberly Russell, 44, was detained, arrested and booked into the Fairfield County Jail on one count of aggravated murder.

Less than a month ago, a social media post from a Kimberly Russell married to a Darby Russell living in Lancaster show a couple together, with the caption dubbing Darby the "love of her life" and stating Kimberly had never been happier.

Lape said his office is still actively investigating the case and invited anyone with knowledge of the incident to use the "submit a tip" feature on the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office app, or call 740-652-7911.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 20, and several events throughout central Ohio are honoring King with keynote speeches, marches, service projects and more. Find an event near you below.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

Whitehall Community Park YMCA, from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• The City of Whitehall invites the community to its annual event. the theme, “Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community,” is inspired by King’s groundbreaking book. Hear from keynote speakers while honoring King's legacy of service.

34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning

Capital University, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Capital University is hosting its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning. This year's theme, "Legacy of Courage: Celebrating the Voice that Inspired Change," invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community to honor King's work. Activities are planned throughout the day.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Worthington

Worthington United Methodist Church, 11 a.m.

• Enjoy musical performances from Capriccio Columbus and Urban Strings Columbus, as well as keynote speakers honoring King. Attendees are also asked to bring canned food items that will be donated to the Worthington Resource Pantry as a tribute to King's commitment to helping others.

Comparing Ohio State and Notre Dame’s most recent championship teams 5th Annual MLK March in Linden

1555 E. Hudson St., from noon to 2 p.m.

• The annual march honoring King will step off at Good Shepherd Baptist on E. Hudson Street, meeting at 11 a.m. The march ends at Point of Pride Corner (Cleveland and 11th Avenue.)

MLK Open House

Ohio History Center, from noon to 4 p.m.

• Join NBC4 and the King Arts Complex in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual MLK Open House. The event is free and open to everyone. Enjoy live performances, engaging art exhibits and family-friendly activities.

City of Columbus MLK Jr. March and Program celebration

Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long Street

• The annual event will celebrate the life and legacy of King. A march kickoff program in front of theatre starts at 3:30 p.m. Theatre doors open at 4:30 p.m. offering live performances from saxophonist Eddie Bayard, Dance Elite Performance Academy, winners of the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest, the African American Voices Gospel Choir and Ladies of the Lincoln singers and more.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A member of Ohio State's women's golf team has been invited to play in the prestigious Augusta National Women's Amateur.

Junior Kary Hollenbaugh will have her first career Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA) appearance this April, one of just 72 amateur women selected to compete in the international tournament.

“All glory to God; I am so lucky and blessed to have these opportunities and I’m just so thankful,” Hollenbaugh said. “It’s surreal that I get to play at Augusta National with the best amateur golfers in the world, representing Ohio State."

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The 72 competitors will play over 54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes, a cut will take place and the leading 30 players will advance to the final round of competition at the historic Augusta National Golf Club. The event was announced during a press conference at the 2018 Masters Tournament to encourage participation and interest in the women's game. See previous coverage of events helping spur interest in women's golf in the video player above.

Hollenbaugh had a strong winter season, winning her second straight South Atlantic Women's Amateur title with a four round score of 283 (-5). That victory and her third place success at the Patriot All-America secured her invitation to the ANWA.

"Getting invited to the tournament has been a goal of mine for a long time. I am so excited for the experience, and I am looking forward to making incredible memories," Hollenbaugh said. "I am so thankful to my coaches and my team at Ohio State for helping me get here.”

So long as the winner remains an amateur, the ANWA champion will be invited to the next five ANWAs, the U.S. Women's Open, the AIG Women's Open, the Chevron Championship, the Evian Championship and and USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur championships she is eligible for during the year after her victory.

GALION, Ohio (WCMH) – A shooting and a hostage negotiation ended with two people injured and an arrest in Crawford County.

According to the Galion Police Department, a 911 emergency call was received at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday regarding a shooting in the 900 block of East Walnut Street, east of the city.

Officers arrived and found two people outside who had been shot. The victims, each with non-life-threatening injuries, identified the shooter as Jerold Frazier II before they were taken to a hospital.

The victims said Frazier was inside and armed, along with another man. Frazier then called the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and said he shot at least one person and had a hostage inside.

Frazier threatened to shoot the hostage if anyone came inside the home, prompting a standoff for several hours. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the negotiations that followed.

Just before 6:30 p.m., Frazier and the hostage came outside. Police arrested Frazier without further incident, and the victim was unharmed.

Police took Frazier to the Crawford County Justice Center, and charges are pending.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Social media star and walk-on Ohio State football player Caden Davis is no longer a member of the team, Davis announced ahead of the national championship game.

Davis, a sophomore at Ohio State, amassed more than 275,000 followers on TikTok, in part for his behind-the-scenes looks into his life as a defensive end on the Buckeyes. His TikTok bio still reads "DE @OSU" as of publication, and although he only recently announced the change, records show he has not been a part of the team for several weeks.

Davis joined the team as a preferred walk-on. Although he never played a snap for the Buckeyes, he neared 400,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram for his videos. On Jan. 15, Davis published a photo of himself in his Ohio State jersey announcing his departure from the team.

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"I am so very appreciative to the coaches, staff and players for welcoming me into the team. I truly cannot thank them enough for allowing me to live my dream for the last two years and mentoring me the way they have," Davis wrote. "With changes in the NCAA and personal career reasons, I will not be a [walk-on] at the OSU. I appreciate the support of everyone and your help to respect my privacy about the decision made."

Davis' most recent Ohio State football posts were videos about the Cotton Bowl, including coverage of the Cotton Bowl trophy and custom sculptures. However, a spokesperson for Ohio State athletics said Davis has been off the team for some time. He said he could not comment further due to privacy protection laws.

Davis posted several behind-the-scenes videos about the Rose Bowl, which was played on Jan. 1. However, a program from the Rose Bowl did not list Davis on the roster for Ohio State.

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According to reporting by The Lantern, Ohio State's student newspaper, a now-deleted post by Davis implied he was on the Buckeyes' trip to the Cotton Bowl but allegedly used footage from last year's appearance. The article claims offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick commented "You don't play here."

It is unclear why Davis is no longer a part of the team. Ohio State representatives said further comments would violate privacy law, and Davis did not respond to requests for comment.

Although Davis will not be on the sideline, Ohio State will take on Notre Dame at the College Football Playoff national championship Monday night, kicking off at 7:45 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio is one of the best states to start a business in 2025, according to a recent study. 

Swoop Funding, a savings and financial advice organization, analyzed 11 factors -- including office rental costs, sales tax rates, unemployment rates and business survival rates -- to discover the best states in the country to start a business this year. Data was sourced from entities such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and The Tax Foundation.  

Ohio is the second-best state to start a business, the study found. It has the cheapest office rent in the country at $14.82 per square foot, and 55% of businesses survive past five years, according to the analysis. 

Texas took the No. 1 spot, boasting the highest number of coworking spaces in the country, at 280. The Lone Star State also ranked first for business support quality and 53% of businesses survive past five years. Completing the top 10 was North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Montana, Georgia and Tennessee. 

The study found the worst state to start a business in 2025 was Washington, which had a business survival rate of 41.10%, an average office rent cost of $25.15 per square foot and one of the highest sales tax rates in the country – 9.38%. Washington was followed by Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Alaska, Nevada, Wyoming and Arizona. 

While 670,000 small businesses are launched each year, 21% fail within their first year and only 25% make it past the 15-year mark, according to Swoop Funding.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio State Buckeyes receive a special sendoff from fans as they travel to the national championship game.

Hundreds of people lined the streets near the Woody, wishing the team good luck as they headed to the national championship. 

Fans started showing up an hour before the team was set to leave for the airport. Everyone was sporting their best scarlet and gray. They also showed up with homemade signs, flags that read ‘Ohio Against the World’ and pom-poms were handed out. 

Before loading up on the bus, players and head coach Ryan Day interacted with fans, giving out high fives and signing merch. After everyone got on the bus, it was time for the fans to wave goodbye. 

No matter your age, it’s clear this team has inspired so many people in different ways. Young Buckeye fans say they really look up to this team and some even came dressed as an Ohio State football player. 

“I look up to Will Howard, Jack Sawyer, and Jeremiah Smith,” said Declan Hamilton. 

Fans know that there’s a chance the Buckeyes could come back to Columbus as national champions, so they’re grateful they got to be a part of this moment. 

“Truly an unbelievable story. You know, one that if Hollywood did it, you wouldn't even believe it, where we are at in the season,” said Ryan Vonderhaar. 

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Ryan Vonderhaar was a freshman at Ohio State when the Buckeyes won the national championship in 2014, so he says this feels like a 10-year reunion for him. 

“For them to have rallied together and have gotten to this point and to be able to be a team, to be the ninth team ever in Ohio State history, to put up a national championship. It's winning cures all. There's no other way to say it,” he said. 

Another cool moment during the send-off, as busses drove by and the fans were cheering, you could see the players taking videos on their phones. It was clear that this goodbye meant just as much to the players as it did to the fans.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Three men have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a Short North "sucker-punching" incident.

According to a media release from the U.S. Marshals Service, a Franklin County grand jury indicted the three men on felonious assault charges related to an incident back in December on North High Street. The release says that the suspects, Phillip Moore III, Daz'Quan Anderson and Dale Seymore, sucker-punched multiple strangers while walking down the street.

The U.S. Marshals Service and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office SWAT team arrested Phillip Moore III on Friday morning.

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According to an affidavit from the Franklin County Municipal Court, one victim was hospitalized for their injuries and a second victim briefly lost consciousness. The document also states that Anderson admits to antagonizing and then punching the two individuals after one person called him a racial slur.

All three men face four counts of felonious assault in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Anderson is expected back in court for his trial on Jan 30th. Seymore is scheduled for an arraignment on Tuesday the 21st and a hearing for Moore has not yet been scheduled.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It was a big day at the Ohio Statehouse, and not just because of a new Senate appointment.

Students from across Ohio had a chance to showcase their award-winning inventions at the Statehouse Friday for the annual Invention Convention. Students, including 14 from the Columbus area, presented creative inventions in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium.

The program was organized by the Ohio Invention League, an organization that works to support student problem solving skills. The Ohio Invention League teaches through hands-on, project-based learning, designed to reflect real-world situations.

The inventor event was designed to help students gain confidence and 21st-century skills. It also works to help increase workforce readiness, even from a young age. Friday's showcase built on prior invention programs, where students participated in STEAM-based activities at school.

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Fourth grader and inventor Dylan Mudalige created a smart training wheel called the Balance Buddy, which he displayed at the Statehouse.

"When you're tilting to fall down, a sensor called a gyroscope senses it, and when you're falling, it senses it, sends a signal to a motor, which makes it go back down," Mudlalige said.

The event aligned with National Kid Inventor Day which takes place each Jan. 17, coinciding with Benjamin Franklin's birthday. Franklin was known for his adult inventions and American contributions, but his inventive journey began at just 11 years old.

Many of the young inventors will go on to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals 2025 in June.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Being about a four-hour drive apart, it's not uncommon to find connections between Ohio State University and Notre Dame, and one sits in a building just blocks away from Ohio Stadium.

On the roof of the St. Thomas More Newman Center is an Ohio State flag, but on the inside on a wall in one of the offices is a Notre Dame Diploma.

“Now it's interesting because both teams are having great years," Father Dan Moloney said.

Moloney's ties to Notre Dame started well before he took the position at the Newman Center. He was born while his father was in law school at Notre Dame and was baptized there. He would go on to get his doctorate and master's at Notre Dame. His sisters went there for undergrad too, but Moloney grew up in Columbus and has been the assistant chaplain at the Newman Center since July.

“There’s kind of a nice connection between the Catholic center and members of the team, and that was the most interesting thing for me," Moloney said.

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Some would think having strong ties with both universities in the national championship is tough. Moloney said he sees the positives.

“With Notre Dame, I don't know any of the players, right. I’m rooting for the brand, I'm rooting for the history and the connections and stuff," he said. "So Notre Dame might be my team but it's the players for Ohio State that I particularly want. I want them to succeed because they’re part of my community and so that's kind of the way I look at this now.”

He said some of the players are Catholic and come to bible studies. 

“I’m rooting for a good game. I don't like this gigantic point spread, I want the game to be close. I'd like for it to be close for the whole game and that the best team win at the end," he said. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Being the head coach of Ohio State's football team is a no easy feat, maneuvering through the demands of the job and the weight of public opinion, especially after a big loss.

This season Ohio State experienced that weight first-hand after the Buckeyes lost to Michigan, after which many fans were calling for coach Ryan Day to be fired. Now with a national championship title almost within reach, NBC4 looked into the mental game within the physical one.

Dr. Chris Stankovich, a professional athletic counselor, said playing with something to prove is different than just playing to win. 

Where schools will be open after Ohio State plays

“That might be the funniest thing about the whole story. Coming back with a chip on your shoulder after Michigan might actually be the impetus to kind of roll us through the playoffs and win a national championship. Who knows if it plays out the same had we gotten the win against Michigan,” Stankovich said.

He said that mentality has been evident with Day’s impressive playoff run, adding he thinks Day has a lot of things to be proud of.

“A lot of times it comes down to confidence, focus, resiliency, a lot of the things between the ears -- not necessarily the X's and O's,” Stankovich said.

Stankovich said part of being head coach at a place like Ohio State is blocking out the noise, which he knows is not always easy. Stankovich said the noise can impact the players too, but again, he said it's about the mindset.

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“It sounds like from some of the players in the interviews I've seen, they're playing for him," Stankovich said. "I think they have a place in their heart, maybe he's been unfairly charged (in) doing his job because of one loss,” Stankovich said. 

Buckeye fans we talked to said it is evident the players love Day, and that his playoff energy has been intense.

“I know he gets a lot of hate, but you can tell that the players love him, especially when Jack Sawyer picked him up. You can tell that all the players actually support and love him," Ohio State student Emma Tracey said.

“He's fired up. I've never seen like a Ryan Day like this before. So it's very exciting to see that,” Ohio State student Jake Colter said.

Stankovich said in times intense situations like a national championship, it's all about focusing on things you can control. He said the way the Buckeyes rebounded in these last three games shows they and Day are meant to be there.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's state Treasurer Robert Sprague is considering a run for Ohio's highest office, newly filed paperwork shows.

Sprague filed a Designation of Treasurer document on Friday, the same day Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was appointed Ohio's newest Senator. The designation was for a change in office, with "Governor" listed as the new office Sprague is seeking.

A Designation of Treasurer must be filed with the state before a candidate campaign committee, PAC, campaign fund or political party purchases anything or raises any money. Designations of Treasurer act as the official registration documents for campaign committees.

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Sprague, a Republican, has yet to announce an official gubernatorial run, but the form listed him as a candidate for Governor in 2026. The filing also listed a campaign committee named Sprague for Ohio, which owns an up-to-date website under the same name. The website does not expressly mention a run for governor, but it is up-to-date and offers space to donate to his campaign, despite not stating what campaign it is.

Sprague is not the only one eyeing the Governor's desk. Dr. Amy Acton, who helped lead Ohio's early pandemic response, announced her run for Governor on Jan. 7. Ohio billionaire and "DOGE" appointee Vivek Ramaswamy is also reportedly looking toward the role, as is Attorney General Dave Yost, who has posted vague videos hinting toward a governor run and who told NBC4 he's looking toward a higher office.

Sprague hails from Findlay and has been Ohio's treasurer since 2019. Before stepping into the role, he served as a state Representative and as auditor and treasurer for the city of Findlay. He lives in Findlay with his wife, Amanda, and their five children.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- TikTok may be going dark on Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s parent company to divest from the app.

With the decision, the TikTok ban is set to take effect on Sunday. Many Americans use the app daily to watch videos on pop culture, travel, food and more, but the ban would arguably have the biggest effect on the content creators who rely on income from TikTok.

Among content creators based in central Ohio is user Jackie Mitchell, who makes videos about living on a budget. Although TikTok isn’t her full time job, she said she made good money from her content creation.

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“TikTok is supplementary income for my husband and I,” said Mitchell. “So I get paid monthly through TikTok and it’s been a really nice boost. It helped us last year be able to save up for a house actually.”

Mitchell said TikTok is unique and it’s much easier to reach a large number of people on the app compared to other social media sites. Mitchell and a number of other content creators may be starting from scratch come Sunday.

“I would say that while it’s not the income that I live off of, it helped us reach a lot of our financial goals so we definitely will miss it. Absolutely,” said Mitchell.

Megan Carver runs the account @meganincolumbus and makes videos about hidden gems in central Ohio. Carver doesn’t make much money off the app, but she said she uses TikTok every day to consume content.

“I learned so much like how to take care of my house and travel inspiration. I love to travel and I always make my itineraries for travel from what I see on TikTok. Cooking videos, exercises,” said Carver. “Part of me is still in denial honestly that something is going to happen.”

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It’s not just the content creators who will be affected. Annie Dickson owns Bite This By Annie, a goth-inspired bakery in Clintonville.

“Because these people are discovering me on their For You Pages and they’re local to Columbus, it gains me a considerable amount of traffic,” said Dickson.

She said her small business will definitely be affected by the TikTok ban, both in exposure and finances.

“To put it in perspective, the same video on TikTok has close to 700,000 views and the same video on Instagram has, like, 7,000,” said Dickson.

These local content creators said they plan on moving to other platforms to continue making videos, but they said it won’t be the same. They also said they don’t expect to reach the same number of people as they do on TikTok.