Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A local, globally recognized coffee roaster is opening its second brick-and-mortar store and café.

Crimson Coffee and Tea is opening a café inside the recently renovated St. Thomas More Newman Center across from Ohio State University. The local coffee company, which roasts its beans in Columbus, has sold both wholesale and at-home quantities of coffee online for years before opening its first retail store and cafe at Easton Town Center in 2020.

“With the rising popularity of our Crimson Easton Town Center location, we knew there was a coffee enthusiast population who loved the Crimson experience and we wanted to share that with a wider audience,” CEO Greg Ubert said in a news release. He added that the cafe has a large student customer base, and they wanted to cater to it.

Hummingbirds are migrating; when they will arrive in Ohio

Like the flagship Easton location, Crimson at 64 W. Lane Ave. will highlight its roasts and blends of coffee and tea with a rotating menu of drinks alongside coffeeshop staples. The shop will also serve breakfast sandwiches, baked goods from local bakeries and new items being developed.

Crimson has won multiple national and international awards for its coffee, including earning second place among small franchise roasters for its espresso blend and single origin Peruvian coffee at the 2023 Global Bean competition. Its newest single origin offering, Colombia Sudan Rume, earned bronze at the 2024 Golden Bean World Series in the filter category.

Ubert and others at Crimson go on sourcing trips to Costa Rica, Kenya, Guatemala and other countries to identify small-plot farmers. Crimson directly trades with farmers through its Friend2Farmer initiative. Crimson has won multiple Good Food Awards, which recognize both quality and commitment to responsible business practices.

Crimson hopes to open its second store at 64 W. Lane Ave. in mid-to-late April, noting the shop will have “shared comfortable space” with the Newman Center. The hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Some of the smallest species of birds in the world known for their bright metallic feathers and the humming sound created by their wings are traveling north for the summer, and will soon arrive in Ohio. 

Beginning in late February, hummingbirds embark on a long journey, migrating north from their winter homes in Central America and Mexico. The birds, known for their fast-fluttering wings and long beaks, stops in southern states to breed before flying further north, touching the northernmost areas of the United States and reaching into Canada.

More towers, less parking: The zoning code changes that could reshape Columbus for 'generations'

“We should start seeing hummingbirds in southern Ohio by about the second week of April and  then they’ll continue further north by about the third week of April, so they’re coming soon,” said Assistant Communications Manager with the Ohio Division of Wildlife Meredith Gilbert.

With their bright metallic green and blue feathers, ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common type of hummingbird in the U.S., and the species most frequently seen in Ohio. The eastern portion of the U.S. primarily sees ruby-throated hummingbirds, while the West sees a variety of species. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only species that nest in Ohio, but occasionally some Western species come to visit, according to Gilbert. 

“We have had about four or five other species of hummingbirds with sightings in Ohio,” Gilbert said. “More often than not they’re rare visitors, like the rufous hummingbird, the allen hummingbird, those are species that are seen fairly often but in very small numbers.”

For Ohioans who want to attract the tiny bird to their yard, Gilbert suggests putting up a hummingbird feeder. Anyone can create their own hummingbird nectar by adding four parts water to one part table sugar, boiling it, letting it cool and adding it to a feeder. Gilbert notes not to add any artificial sweeteners or honey. 

“For hummingbirds, you should actually be thinking about starting to get those feeders up here in the next couple of weeks, because it’s early season, those hummingbirds will be tired from their journey,” Gilbert said. 

Planting nectaring flowers is also a great way to attract the unique birds to one’s yard – hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that are tubular in shape and shades of orange and red. Gilbert suggests native honeysuckle, cardinal flowers, beebalm and dillweed.

“They are basically the smallest species of birds that we have here,” Gilbert said. “They weigh less than an ounce and one of the really amazing things about hummingbirds is just their ability to fly very, very fast. They can fly up to 60 miles per hour but they can also fly forwards, they can fly backwards, they can hover.”

Disqualified trans candidate prompts call for change to little-known Ohio law

Another unusual aspect about hummingbirds is their nests, which are the smallest bird nests in the world, according to the American Bird Conservancy. Although they are small, Gilbert said if residents keep an eye out, they could catch a glimpse of their velvety nests in wooded areas. 

“They’re teeny-tiny little walnut-sized nests that they put on the upperside of a branch,” Gilbert said. “They will hold their nests together using spider silk, then they’ll cover and camouflage the outside of the nest with lichens and moss.”

• (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)
• Ruby-throated hummingbirds are bright emerald or golden-green on their backs, with gray or white underparts. Males have an iridescent red throat. (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)
• (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)
• A female ruby-throated hummingbird. (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)

Hummingbirds’ affinity for bright-colored objects can often lead to them getting stuck in structures such as garages. If one comes across a hummingbird stuck in a garage but still moving, Gilbert suggests giving the bird as many exits as possible and letting it leave on its own. She advises against trying to catch it in a net or shooing it out. 

If an individual comes across an exhausted hummingbird, Gilbert said they can gently collect the bird using gloves, making sure to wash their hands after.

“Maybe put it in a box, maybe lined with paper towels,” Gilbert said. “You could give it a little bit of that nectar, but then if it’s not recovering you could also call a wildlife rehabilitator.”

Hummingbirds will stick around the Buckeye state for about five months, before beginning their annual trip south for the winter in August or September. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The City of Columbus is seeking public opinion on changes to the zoning code -- previously unaltered for decades -- that are intended to help keep up with rapid growth.

City council voted on Monday to declare its intention to amend Columbus' Zoning Map. This is part of a plan to modernize the city's 70-year-old zoning code for anticipated population growth and to combat the rising housing crisis. The newly passed resolution didn't change the current zoning code, but opened up a 60-day comment period for the public to provide feedback on the proposal.

Disqualified trans candidate prompts call for change to little-known Ohio law

The resulting decision will have a major impact on the city that lasts for a long time, according to Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans.

"Why should you care? Fundamentally, this is what's going to shape what Columbus looks like going into the next two generations," Dorans said. "Also, if you care about more families having a house or a roof over their heads, this code is something that can help unleash that."

Mayor Andrew Ginther introduced the proposed changes on Thursday. 88,000 new homes are expected to be built in the next 10 years because of the plan, but Ginther said the city would only be able to create 6,000 without the proposal. The initiative would also create six zoning districts, prioritize taller buildings to increase density and focus less on parking.

Dorans said the 60-day period for public comment marks the beginning of a new stage of zoning code discussions.

Why DeWine’s State of the State address will differ from last year’s speech

"We're moving out of sort of this aspirational, general discussion about the need, I think we've identified there's a clear problem here," Dorans said. "I think we now have a solution that's on the table. And now's the opportunity for folks to review that."

While the public comment period has only just begun, Dorans said that public response has been largely positive since the proposal was announced.

The legislation requires two public hearings, but Doran said he expects there to be more than that. He also said the 60-day period will likely go beyond the allotted days, and could last late into the summer. Setting guidelines was still important, according to Dorans, because it showed the city was taking the public's response seriously.

A "Zone In Gallery" at 141 N. Front Street opened Tuesday to give residents a chance to learn more about the changes. Dorans explained that the gallery will provide a more hands-on experience to really show residents what could change with the proposal.

"See, feel and touch is the best way for a lot of folks to really understand some of these changes," Dorans said. "So, you know, the zoning gallery is sort of the city's attempt to have that sort of experience."

Five Guys set to expand in Columbus with German Village spot

Dorans was firm about listening to comments from the public. He said that community feedback could identify something in the zoning code proposal that needs to be reconsidered.

"Myself and I think the council president and all of council, we want to address those things, potentially by amending legislation," Dorans said.

The city's zoning code has remained the same for the past 70 years. Dorans noted this shows the importance of the public comment period, because the community may not get another chance to influence the zoning code for decades.

"We haven't done this in 70 years, right?" Dorans said. "So, folks care about what the next 70 years of building looks like in Columbus, now's the time to engage, really to understand what these changes proposed have been. If folks have thoughts, ideas, criticisms, council wants to hear those now."

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – One person has been hospitalized after a north central Columbus shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning.

According to Columbus police one person was taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition after being struck by gunfire at an apartment complex in the 2700 block of Brentnell Avenue in the Farmingham neighborhood. Officers responded to the scene at around 12:10 a.m., when they found one victim wounded.

One injured in west Columbus hotel shooting

Police said several apartment units were also struck by gunfire and that two suspects were believed to be involved. After 1 a.m. police detained two people from an adjacent apartment complex on Genessee Avenue a few blocks away from the shooting.

Officers did report any other victims injured and did not have any additional information.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Showers later, high 71
• Tonight: Spotty showers, low 55
• Wednesday: Spotty rain, high 65
• Thursday: Rain & storms, windy, high 68
• Friday: Few showers, gusty, high 55
• Saturday: Mainly sunny, high 64

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Tuesday!

After a beautiful Monday in Central Ohio, changes are arriving this morning. Clouds have returned, and showers move in later. For the first half of the day, expect mainly cloudy skies, a slight breeze, and highs back in the lower 70s. Scattered showers and rumbles then roll in from mid-afternoon through this evening, first in our southern and southeastern counties. Far from a washout, but I would keep the umbrellas handy!

Spotty rain then continues overnight. For Wednesday, expect isolated showers during the first half of the day, with more scattered rain rolling in during the late-afternoon and evening. Highs drop back to the middle 60s.

By Thursday, we're looking at more widespread showers and thunderstorms. It's a day we'll be watching for any potential for severe thunderstorms. Highs stick in the upper 60s, and the wind really picks up, with gusts as high as 40 MPH.

A cold front works through into Friday, and behind it, we're left with lingering and light showers, mainly during the first half of the day. Temperatures drop back to the middle 50s, and we hang onto the wind.

Expect breezy conditions Saturday, with highs returning to the middle 60s, and mainly sunny skies.

-McKenna

Watch a previous NBC4 report on former Ohio candidate Vanessa Joy in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Legislators are advancing a bill to change a little-known Ohio law that questioned the certification of transgender candidates who omitted their former legal names while running for seats in the state's House of Representatives.

House Bill 467 would amend Ohio's revised code requiring Statehouse candidates who change their name within five years to circulate petitions with their current and former names. Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna), the legislation's primary sponsor, said the bill proposes "a modest change" that would add an exemption from disclosure if the change of name was granted by any court in the state of Ohio.

Biden could miss the deadline for the November ballot in Ohio, the state’s election office says

"H.B. 467 will remedy an issue recently brought to light by a few candidates who followed all of the guidelines as written, but still were disqualified by a little-known and unpublicized state law," Piccolantonio said. "This bill will bring uniformity, certainty, and address safety concerns for potential candidates and provide clarity for voters and election workers."

Piccolantonio's proposal comes after Vanessa Joy, a Stark County Democrat, was disqualified from running in House District 50 for not including her deadname -- the name a trans person was assigned at birth but does not align with their gender identity -- on petition paperwork. While Joy appealed her disqualification, the board of elections voted to keep her off the ballot.

The bill would also add space to Ohio's "Declaration of Candidacy" form so that candidates who are required to provide previous names used in the last five years will have space to do so. In addition, the secretary of state would be instructed to begin including this provision in the "Ohio Requirement Candidate Guide" so candidates are aware.

"Allowing people to run for office under their chosen, legal names acknowledges the basic human right to self-identification and personal autonomy," said Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo), the bill's other sponsor. "It's a step towards more inclusive and representative governance."

‘No evidence of dog fighting’ at Delaware County home where 40 dogs taken

Arienne Childrey, another trans candidate, was nearly disqualified from running as a Democrat in House District 84 due to the name-change law. While the Mercer County Board of Elections had received a protest to Childrey's certification from the county's Republican Party Chairman Robert Hibner, the board said Hibner's protest was invalid because he is from the opposing political party.

In response, Rep. Angie King (R-Celina), Childrey's opponent in November's election, has announced she is introducing a bill that would allow any voter regardless of party to protest an individual's candidacy for a political party nomination. King's legislation doubles down on the current name-change law and recodifies the following reasons under which any eligible voter may protest a candidacy:

• The individual is not a U.S. citizen;
• The individual does not meet the minimum age requirements to hold office;
• The individual would exceed an applicable term or age limit;
• The individual has a criminal conviction; or
• The individual does not include their former name on required documentation to run for office.

"Our bill ... clarifies a requirement that has been a part of Ohio law for more than 50 years," said Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria), the bill's other sponsor. "I am committed to ensuring Ohio elections are the most secure, fair, transparent and accurate in the nation."

While Gov. Mike DeWine previously said that the name-change law should be amended and county boards should stop disqualifying trans candidates on these grounds, he did not say how it might be amended.

Will Dublin City Schools turn a Cardinal Health building into a fourth high school?

"We shouldn’t be denying ballot access for that reason," the governor told Cleveland.com’s editorial board. "It certainly should be fixed."

Like Childrey, Bobbie Arnold, a West Alexandria trans candidate, also had her possible disqualification dismissed by the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Ari Faber, an Athens County trans candidate, is cleared to run for an Ohio Senate seat but must use his deadname since he has not legally changed it.

H.B. 467 is receiving its first hearing in the House Government Oversight Committee on Tuesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot at a motel on Columbus' west side Monday night.

According to Columbus police, the shooting happened at the Rodeway Inn on the 1300 block of West St. James Lutheran Lane in the Hilliard Green section of the city.

The victim was flown to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

A police dispatcher said officers are looking for two possible suspects.

There is no other information available at this time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that happened in Franklinton last month.

Derrick L. Brown, 55, was arrested Monday. He is accused of shooting 56-year-old John R. Lang on March 25.

‘No evidence of dog fighting’ at Delaware County home where 40 dogs taken

Columbus police said officers responded to the area of Meek Avenue and Jones Avenue at approximately 12 p.m. for a report of an unresponsive man, later identified as Lang, lying in an alleyway. Lang was pronounced dead at the scene.

Brown is being held at Franklin County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- In less than two days, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will give this year’s State of the State address. Last year, he said the state was “on the move.”

“We meet at a time of great opportunity for Ohio, a time of great opportunity for Ohio and its citizens,” DeWine said last year. “It is also a time of great challenges.”

Biden could miss the deadline for the November ballot in Ohio, the state’s election office says

During last year’s State of the State, DeWine laid out what he wanted to see in the state budget.

“It’s a budget that focuses on our people, on our families and our children,” he said.

While lawmakers heeded some of his requests, not everything made it across the finish line.

In the budget, DeWine asked lawmakers to repeal the state sales tax on “critical infant supplies” like diapers, car seats and strollers; that law went into effect back in October.  But that is not the only tax break he proposed.

 “I am also asking you to enact a $2,500 per child state tax deduction,” DeWine said.

Here’s where women voters stand in the Biden-Trump rematch

That ultimately did not come to fruition, though families still do get a child tax deduction, calculated based on income.

DeWine also wanted to increase adoptions in the state; a new grant program has allowed that to happen and now lawmakers are looking to put more money into the program.

DeWine also wanted to see a new department of children and youth come to fruition — that was established in the state budget and has since become active. That department, DeWine said, is to focus on the health of mothers, infants, and children; children’s behavioral health; children in foster care and early child education.

DeWine asked for an expansion of education choice voucher eligibility.

The Spectrum: Accommodating Columbus’ growth; classroom culture war

“A historic investment, the ed choice scholarship program, by expanding eligibility to families at, or below, 400% of the federal poverty level,” he said.

While he called for the expansion of ed choice, state lawmakers took it a step further and made the program universal. The budget also put more funding into public schools and put $200 million towards career-tech programs, though DeWine originally requested $300 million.

And as for economic development, DeWine called for a $2.5 billion investment to go into the “All Ohio Future Fund,” to prepare the infrastructure for large economic development sites “in every part of Ohio.”

“We simply do not have enough shovel-ready, development-ready sites for the kinds of calls we are getting from companies all over the world,” DeWine said. “We want all regions of the state to participate in Ohio’s economic revival and for all Ohioans, no matter where they live, to prosper from it.”

Car crashes into Easton Town Center sign during police chase

DeWine called that fund a one-time investment that will “provide a lifetime of returns.” Lawmakers ultimately allocated $750 million to that fund.

The governor also talked at length about mental health funding.

“We must do more,” DeWine said. “We must not accept that mental illness and addiction are inevitable.”

The funding for mental health programs did increase in the budget. The funding, for example, for early childhood mental health, increased by 164% in FY 2024.

DeWine also called on a quality-assurance guarantee for nursing homes.

“Too many of the facilities in Ohio have very inconsistent compliance with standards of care,” he said.

Which Ohio marijuana convictions could be expunged as part of pending bill?

The budget also increased funding for nursing home facilities, and DeWine recently unveiled a new tool to help Ohioans choose one.

The budget, as DeWine proposed during his address, also includes $40 million, each year, for law enforcement training.

This year’s State of the State address is on Wednesday. DeWine likely will not be laying out appropriations, as he did last year, since it is not a state-budget year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The total eclipse on Monday afternoon made for awe-inspiring moments that were captured on video and through photos.

Ohio's first eclipse since 1806 took place, with a path of totality that missed most of Columbus but covered parts of central Ohio to the north and west.

Storm Team 4 Chief Meteorologist Dave Mazza was at Delaware State Park, where he took multiple photos.

• Image of the 2024 solar eclipse from Delaware State Park near Delaware, Ohio (Dave Mazza/NBC4)
• Image of the 2024 solar eclipse from Delaware State Park near Delaware, Ohio (Dave Mazza/NBC4)
• Image of the 2024 solar eclipse from Delaware State Park near Delaware, Ohio (Dave Mazza/NBC4)
• Image of the 2024 solar eclipse from Delaware State Park near Delaware, Ohio (Dave Mazza/NBC4)
• Image of the 2024 solar eclipse from Delaware State Park near Delaware, Ohio (Dave Mazza/NBC4)
• Image of the 2024 solar eclipse from Delaware State Park near Delaware, Ohio (Dave Mazza/NBC4)

Video submitted to NBC4 showed how the sky got dark in Marysville.

After the eclipse, stay with NBC4 for the latest traffic information as travelers head home from the path of totality.

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- AEP Ohio blamed a theft for a Monday power outage affecting multiple towns in the southwestern portion of Columbus.

The outage was affecting around 4,500 customers as of 1 p.m., according to AEP Ohio's outage map. The power company said the issue was affecting parts of Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington and Marble Cliff as well.

What time does the solar eclipse start in Ohio?

AEP Ohio said the outage was intentional as crews conducted emergency repairs on a substation feeding power to the area. The utility provider said a theft of equipment in the station caused the need for the repairs, but did not elaborate on what was stolen.

The company added that it would restore power as quickly as safely possible, but did not give a time estimate.

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – A pursuit that began in Licking County ended with an east Columbus mall sign damaged and an arrest.

According to both the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police, deputies were in pursuit of a vehicle out of the city of Pataskala. The agencies shared limited details about the pursuit, but confirmed the chase ended with the car attempting to make a high-speed left turn before slamming into a sign for Easton Town Center, at the intersection of Easton Way and Stelzer Road.

Camera spots repeat suspect in Columbus nightclub break-ins

Large letters that formed the word, “Easton” were torn off the sign, leaving just the “O” and a partially lit “N” standing. The vehicle put a hole through the brick wall base of the sign, where the driver was apprehended.

A police pursuit ended at Easton Town Center, where a wall and sign were damaged after a crash. (NBC4 Photo/Dan Hammond)

The police report stated that the car was stolen and the driver, 29-year-old Gaivile Pazereckaite, was taken to Wexner Medical Center after sustaining possibly serious injuries. At the hospital, officers followed up with Pazereckaite, who was reportedly in and out of consciousness, on potential charges.

An Easton Town Center representative did not provide comment on the incident, its impact on shoppers or parking, or how long it might take to repair or replace the sign.

Watch an earlier report on the removal of 40 dogs from a Delaware County property in the video player above.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Delaware County Dog Warden on Monday morning sought to clarify what he said was "a lot of misinformation flying around" about the seizure of 40 dogs from a residence near Sunbury over the weekend.

The dogs, most believed to be pit bulls and pit bull mixes, were removed from a property on the 7000 block of Kilbourne Road on Sunday afternoon. A video went viral on Saturday showing the conditions on the property: dogs wearing heavy chains and confined to small, waterlogged patches of mud, with only blue barrels to shield them from the elements.

The dogs are getting evaluated by veterinarians, and while many were underweight, Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett told reporters Monday morning that most weren't severely underweight. At this time, it appears no dog needs to be euthanized, he said.

It’s Eclipse Day in Ohio: What to know

Garrett said the owner of the property had been on the county dog shelter's radar since he moved there in 2020. Reports about animal care conditions started shortly after.

At the shelter's first visit, they observed six dogs living outside but within the parameters of state law. Reports kept coming. After the ninth visit, Garrett said the man's attorney said any future conversation or visit would need a court order.

While the county continued to field complaints about the property, Garrett said no one was willing to go on the record with their claims.

"Until recently, everybody that was calling -- while I appreciate the information -- a lot of them wanted to remain anonymous," Garrett said. "And with anonymous people comes no witness statements, comes no evidence, and I can’t take that into court."

How to safely watch the total solar eclipse

On Friday -- before the viral video was posted -- Mitchell got what he needed. He said a concerned citizen drove past the property, and within a half hour of first reaching out, she signed a witness statement. But Garrett still needed to jump through logistical hoops, including getting a warrant and making room for the dogs by coordinating temporary shelter for dogs currently under the county's care.

Contrary to rumors circulating online, Garrett said there was "no evidence of dog fighting." He couldn't detail specifics due to the ongoing investigation, but he said the outside of the property mirrored the photos and videos posted to social media.

Garrett said the prosecutor intends to file charges and is determining exactly what those charges may be. The owner of the property wasn't cited Sunday because he wasn't there during the dog removal, Garrett said.

The Humane Society of Delaware County and RICO Pet Recovery are coordinating donations. The Humane Society is housing 13 of the 40 dogs, executive director Jana Cassidy said in a statement.

"A lot of dogs, a lot of bedding, a lot of laundry," Garrett said, encouraging anyone looking to donate to contact the nonprofits.

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Columbus police shared security camera footage Thursday of a suspect they said has repeatedly broken into a local business and stolen from it.

The brief video around five seconds -- timestamped around 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 9 -- showed a man forcing his way into the District West nightclub through a rear window. After getting inside, he proceeded toward a bar visible from the camera. He left with multiple bottles of alcohol, according to police.

Café offering sweet treats and baked goods opens in Hilliard Columbus police are searching for a man accused of breaking into District West in Downtown, Columbus, and stealing bottles of alcohol. (Courtesy/Columbus Division of Police)

The incident report also said that the suspect had hit this location multiple times from February to April. The unidentified man is wanted for breaking and entering.

Police ask that anyone with information on the man’s identity to call Detective Beard at 614-645-2091, email bbeard@columbuspolice.org, or call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) - A café known for specializing in brewing Yemeni coffee has opened its first Ohio location.

Finjan Café opened at 4734 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, located in the Hilliard Square Shopping Center. The company, which started in Garden City, Michigan, has its mission of bringing its authentic flavors to customers with its Yemeni coffee.

Five Guys set to expand in Columbus with German Village spot

The coffee company is taking over the former site of the Citadel Café. The coffee shop will serve a variety of sips including lattes, tea, coffee and more. There's also refresher drinks including Finjan Hibiscus, Mixed Berries, Raisin and Barley.

(Courtesy: Finjan Cafe)

Finjan Café also has pastries including Milk Cakes, Cheesecakes, and Sabaya, which is a treat with layers of bread sheets, butter and topped with honey. There's also specialty Frappuccino's at the shop from Carmel to its cheesecake frap.

Finjan Café is open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A national burger chain is expanding in central Ohio.

Five Guys is looking to set up shop in German Village, according to plans submitted to the city. The restaurant's latest Columbus venture is set to be located at 491 E. Livingston Ave.

Max and Erma’s to be demolished for Sheetz gas station

A project description shows that changes will be made to the building before Five Guys moves in. New partition walls, ceilings, restrooms, plumbing, electrical, HVAC with a kitchen exhaust hood, and new floor and wall finishes are among the interior improvements.

The burger joint features 250,000 ways to customize burgers and 1,000 milkshake combinations. In addition to its burgers, the chain is known for its fresh-cut fries, which are cooked in pure peanut oil.

Five Guys was founded in 1986. The Virginia-based chain has been in Columbus since 2009 and has continued expanding with restaurants in Dublin, Blacklick, Gahanna and more.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Patchy high, thin clouds will not impede a view of the total solar eclipse, although high clouds moving in later in the afternoon could diminish some of the clarity during totality.

Live VIPIR radar from NBC4

Temperatures will warm up into the low 70s to start the week. Clouds move back tonight, which will keep readings in the mild 50s.

Live traffic conditions for Columbus and central Ohio

More widespread rain is likely to develop Tuesday afternoon, with on and off showers and a few storms through Thursday accompanying a storm system in the Plains that will move slowly northeast to the Great Lakes.

Cooler air will move in briefly on Friday, with a few lingering showers. Mild and dry conditions are expected next weekend

Forecast

• Monday: Partly cloudy, milder. High 72 
• Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 53
• Tuesday: Clouds thicken, showers p.m.. High 70 
• Wednesday: Showers. High 65 (55)
• Thursday: Showers, storm. High 63 (56)
• Friday: Some sun, shower possible, cooler. High 56 (43)
• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High 65 (41)
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, few showers. High 67 (49)

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Gas prices took a sharp incline throughout the country last week, including in Columbus, where prices at the pump rose nearly 20 cents.

After prices dropped by a dime the previous week, the cost for a gallon of gas jumped by 19.2 cents to $3.54 per gallon, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations. The current price is 11.5 cents per gallon higher than one month ago but remains 18.3 cents lower than this time one year ago.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $3.13 a gallon, while the most expensive was $3.65, a difference of 52 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also rose by nearly the same amount, 20.5 cents, from one week ago, averaging out at $3.51, while nationally, gas prices rose slightly (6.5 cents) to $3.57 per gallon.

According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, the rise in cost isn’t unexpected for this time of year, and the rest of the country will continue to follow west-coast price increases later this month.

"Gas prices have leapt back up, driven by extensive refinery maintenance on the West Coast, where prices have increased notably; only a handful of states have seen prices decline over the last week," said De Haan. "The West Coast is likely to see gas prices continue to jump, and in a week or so, will be joined by the mid-Atlantic and Northeast states as they wrap up the transition to summer gasoline."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohioans are hoping that winter is behind them and spring is on its way. Part of the change of season means another chance to win rare bottles of bourbon from the Division of Liquor Control.

This year's spring lottery entrance opened early Monday and will run until 11:59 p.m. April 15. Anyone who is 21 or older is allowed to enter if they have a valid Ohio driver's license or state ID card. Entrants can only win one bottle of liquor.

While many Ohio residents can enter to win, restrictions for entry include "employees of the Ohio Division of Liquor Control and their families, employees of JobsOhio or companies in contract with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control's Agency Operations section and JobsOhio Beverage System, agency store owners and their employees/family members, or the product’s broker and supplier."

Among the spring bottles available to win for this season's lottery:

• The Last Drop Signature Blend by Drew Mayville - Whiskey - $4,000 value
• Michter's 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon - $1,499.99 value
• Michter's Single Barrel 20 Year - Whiskey - $1,149.99 value
• King of Kentucky - Bourbon - $299.99 value
• Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey - $299.99 value
• Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 2nd Edition - Whiskey - $289.99 value
• Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bottled in Bond Decanter - Whiskey - $239.97 value
• Parker's Heritage Collection 17th Edition 10 Year Rye - Whiskey - $184.99 value
• Old Forester Birthday Bourbon - Bourbon - $179.98 value
• Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year - Whiskey - $170 value
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 10 Year Decanter - Whiskey - $139.99 value

Winners will be selected randomly and notified by email of their winning product, purchase location, and purchasing time period. The names of winners will also be announced on this site.

To enter or learn more about the lottery and bottles available to win, click here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The City of Columbus has released an annual report detailing substances found in the three water plants that supply the metropolitan area.

The city's sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs and wells. Each home, school and business in the greater Columbus area receives water from one of the following three water plants:

• Dublin Road Water Plant
• Hap Cremean Water Plant
• Parsons Avenue Water Plant

In late March, the city released its annual City of Columbus Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report. The report showed contaminants found in the water, an explanation of the city's water treatment process and more.

Gateway Film Center spring series to celebrate Studio Ghibli, Martin Scorsese and more

The report showed small amounts of multiple regulated contaminants in the water, including fluoride, barium, nitrate, atrazine, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, organic carbon, chlorine, turbidity, lead and copper. Most of the contaminants were found in last year's report, but bromate was a new addition. Last year, coliform bacteria was found, but this year it was not listed.

Contaminant levels remained relatively similar. Nitrate, altrazine, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, organic carbon and chlorine saw slight increases, though most only changed by less than a single unit. Overall, contaminants didn't see a relevant uptick in recorded levels.

Despite the contaminants, the report found that water delivered to the city's 1.4 million consumers met or exceeded national Safe Drinking Water Act requirements as well as all other state and federal standards. The report stated that drinking water, including bottled water, can be reasonably expected to contain at least a small amount of some contaminants, but that their presence does not necessarily pose a health risk.

Viral video leads to Delaware County dog seizure

“The City of Columbus is fortunate to have adequate water supplies and an ethic of proactive planning," Columbus Director of Public Utilities Kristen Atha said. "Throughout the decades, the engineers and planners of our water system made excellent decisions, including our three distinct water sources and an interconnected water distribution system. The Department of Public Utilities continues that tradition today with a focus on informed investment into our infrastructure, which has positioned the city well for continued growth in the region.”