Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the first changes to Columbus' zoning code in over 70 years head to a vote, city leaders introduced amendments Monday in response to months of public feedback.

After its first reading, Zone In's final draft is expected to be voted on by Columbus City Council at its meeting July 29. The initiative represents an overhaul of the city's zoning code - how and where homes and businesses can be built -- with the goal of preparing for millions of new residents expected to move in by 2050.

Ride inspection at Ohio State Fair is underway

After two years, the first draft of the zoning code was introduced in April, before the start of 3 1/2 months of public feedback. City leaders then introduced amendments at a news conference at the Zone In Gallery, a place where Columbus residents can learn about the program.

"The vast majority said two things," Mayor Andrew Ginther said. "It's time for change, and I want more density in my neighborhood."

Anna Teye-Kasongo, a resident and part of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, spoke in support of the initiative. The coalition is focused on Black and minority home ownership, which drew her to the project.

"I wanted to be a part of the process," Teye-Kasongo said. "I felt that back in 1954, whenever the zoning code was drafted, people like me were not in the room."

Here are the introduced changes proposed for Zone In.

Historic preservation

The city added language clarifying that existing protections for historic districts will stand, even in the areas affected by zoning changes.

"The administration understands how important it is to preserve the historic nature of our communities and that's why we felt it was already built in," Council President Shannon Hardin said. "But we heard a true concern, a real concern. So, we wanted to make it abundantly clear that the guidelines for preservation must be followed first."

With Biden out, will Ohio see a Democratic candidate before ballot deadline?

The code protects historic sites through requirements that design and demolition are reviewed by historic commissions and that scale and design of new development follow guidelines. The amendments also make historic districts exempt from objective design standards and reinforce design review processes in place in East Franklinton and the University District.

Preserving the history of Columbus is even more important than zoning, according to Hardin.

"That supersedes even the zoning code," Hardin said.

Parking

One major change coming from the zoning code is the introduction of a market-based approach to parking, as opposed to the current one-size-fits-all parking requirements. With this change, parking impact studies were added to the code, making sure extra space is used for more homes instead of being left empty for cars that won't use it.

"We as a city need to prioritize people over parking," President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans said.

Downtown bar and kitchen shuts down after lease goes unrenewed

Parking is one of the main drivers of housing costs, according to Dorans, who said it's time to prioritize putting roofs over residents' heads.

The studies will allow the city to look at projects individually to determine whether enough parking is provided. This project-by-project approach will allow Columbus to find different ways to mitigate parking issues in a neighborhood, with a study required for any project with a ratio of less than one parking space per unit.

Sustainability

To reduce the environmental impacts that come with growth, encourage walkable neighborhoods and support transit, the city added language focused on sustainability. Dorans said he heard from many residents concerned about the environment.

"One of the things that I heard from lots of different folks across the City of Columbus was, 'How does this code affect sustainability in Columbus?' And I was very excited to hear that," Dorans said.

Vance holds first solo rally as VP pick in Middletown

Creating denser, more walkable neighborhoods is one of the best ways to create a more environmentally friendly community, Dorans said, adding that the city's focus on sprawling out goes against that goal. Language added to the code included requirements for landscaping, using native trees and having electric vehicle charging stations.

The rest

Other changes to the code included additional objective design standards and landscape buffers.

The city said 200,000 units are needed over the next decade to meet growing demand. Zone In's first phase is one step toward that goal, allowing for around 88,000 units.

"We don't just need more affordable housing," Ginther said. "We need more housing at all price points because of this supply crisis right now. Because we don't have enough market-rate housing and workforce housing and affordable housing, our lowest wage-earners are feeling the greatest crunch."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fast food chain Chick-fil-A and gas station Sheetz are expanding by bulldozing several central Ohio restaurants, including demolishing a Buca di Beppo, a chicken wing eatery and several Max and Erma's locations.

Chick-fil-A recently launched a new location on the former site of a long-standing Tee Jaye's Country Place in Clintonville and is planning to raze Buca di Beppo in Worthington along with Mackenzie River, a former Max and Erma's, near Polaris. Meanwhile, Sheetz has opened gas stations after bulldozing a Max and Erma's in Hilliard and Woody's Wing House in Worthington, and plans to demolish another Max and Erma's in Dublin.

The chicken chain has also propelled a new location on open New Albany land and will launch a new restaurant on a vacant Powell site. Concurrently, a local real estate group recently submitted its third proposal for a new Sheetz to be built on an empty Gahanna property. The gas station chain also opened a new location on a previously wooded lot at 4881 Roberts Road on Tuesday.

614 Restaurant Week returns: See where to find specials

Learn more about each central Ohio restaurant being razed to build new Chick-fil-A and Sheetz locations below.

Mackenzie River to be bulldozed for Chick-fil-A The restaurant at 1515 Polaris Parkway launched after Glacier Restaurant Group purchased all Max and Erma's locations and transformed several into Mackenzie River eateries. (Delaware County Auditor's Office)

A shuttered restaurant that replaced Max and Erma's, the eatery auctioned off its furniture in March ahead of the building's demolition to make room for Chick-fil-A. The grill and pub at 1515 Polaris Parkway closed after eight years in business, according to the eatery's listing. The restaurant launched in 2016 when Montana-based Glacier Restaurant Group purchased all Max and Erma's locations and transformed several into Mackenzie River eateries.

The Polaris Fashion Place location's closure dwindled the Mackenzie Rive concept to four Ohio restaurants, with one in Pickerington at 1281 Hill Road N. and three near Cincinnati.

Max and Erma's to be bulldozed for Sheetz Max and Erma's Montana-based owner, Glacier Restaurant Group, closed the Sawmill Road location in 2020. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

The convenience store and gas station chain has taken over the former restaurant's site at 7480 Sawmill Road in Dublin, according to a Columbus city permit. Glacier Restaurant Group closed this location and the brand's other Dublin restaurant at 411 Metro Place North in 2020.

Buca di Beppo to be bulldozed for Chick-fil-A

• The Italian restaurant at 60 E. Wilson Bridge in Worthington was purchased by the fast food chain on April 17. (Worthington Planning and Building Commission)
• The Italian restaurant at 60 E. Wilson Bridge in Worthington was purchased by the fast food chain on April 17. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

The Italian restaurant at 60 E. Wilson Bridge in Worthington was purchased by the fast food chain in April, Franklin County auditor's office records show. While the restaurant remains open with a shuttering date yet to be announced, the location's closing will dwindle Buca di Beppo to three Ohio eateries: one in downtown Columbus, another in Strongsville and a third near Cincinnati.

Downtown bar and kitchen shuts down after lease goes unrenewed

Buca di Beppo, which has called the Worthington property home since 2001, is not immediately closing at the site and said in a statement to NBC4 that the restaurant plans to continue operating through at least April 2026, when the eatery's lease expires. 

Plans call for the Buca di Beppo to be bulldozed later in 2026 to clear the site for construction of a 5,000-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant with a 2027 opening, a proposal approved by the city of Worthington states.

Woody's Wing House demolished for Sheetz

• The restaurant building converted from a Champps before it began operating as a wing house in late 2017. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)
• A two-acre site the gas station purchased for $3,750,000 last August before Woody's permanently shuttered in October. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

The site of Woody’s Wing House, a bulldozed restaurant that replaced Champps, is now home to a convenience store and gas station after the property was bought for more than $3 million by Sheetz.

The newly constructed Sheetz opened in May at 161 E. Campus View Boulevard in Worthington, a two-acre site the gas station purchased for $3,750,000 last August before Woody’s permanently shuttered in October. The restaurant building converted from a Champps before it began operating as a wing house in late 2017.

Shopping center developer purchases properties near Easton and Polaris

Founded by the owner of J. Liu Restaurant and Bar in Dublin and Worthington, Woody's had expanded to two locations after opening at 1840 Hilliard-Rome Road in 2020, which has also since closed.

Tee Jaye's Country Place demolished for Chick-fil-A Tee Jaye’s Country Place at 4910 N. High St. closed in 2021. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

Tee Jaye's Country Place at 4910 N. High St. closed in 2021 to make way for a Chick-fil-A, which opened in April. Construction at this property included preserving the site's 20th-century sign that has received a facelift with Chick-fil-A branding.

Max and Erma's demolished for Sheetz Max and Erma's at 4279 Cemetery Road in Hilliard was demolished in 2021. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

Max and Erma's at 4279 Cemetery Road in Hilliard was demolished in 2021 after the restaurant had been closed for more than a year, with the site now home to a Sheetz.

View the player above to see previous coverage.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – While Columbus police officers' use of lethal force on a man armed with knives drew backlash from some activists, a local police official states officers acted in accordance with their training.

Columbus police officers shot and killed a man on July 16, less than a mile away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where 40 Columbus officers were stationed to provide extra security. 

With Biden out, will Ohio see a Democratic candidate before ballot deadline?

Body camera video shows on-duty officers noticing a man holding two knives while approaching another person. The officers ran toward the suspect, and commanded him several times to drop his weapons. Police said the man did not listen, resulting in five officers firing the deadly shots. 

“It’s tragic that oftentimes you have to take a life to save a life, but that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” said Fraternal Order of Police President Brian Steel, who supervises the lodge for central Ohio. “We have a duty to stop the threat every time.”

City Attorney Zach Klein and Mayor Andrew Ginther both released statements stating officers prevented potential harm to another person. However, some community members were critical of the officers’ response.

“It was horrifying to witness the brutality Columbus police inflict on our community members in Columbus, happen in Wisconsin in real time,” a statement from nonprofit Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change says. “It is abundantly clear that training does not result in appropriate use of force. Columbus has a higher rate of killings by police than over 99% of police departments nationwide.”

Downtown bar and kitchen shuts down after lease goes unrenewed

The Columbus Division of Police’s use of force policy states sworn personnel should attempt to de-escalate a situation through communication skills, using a barrier or other techniques when it is “safe to do so.” 

Officers may use deadly force when they "have reason to believe the response is objectively reasonable to protect themselves or others from the imminent threat of death or serious physical harm,” the department's policy states. 

“We have a use of force continuum,” Steel said. “It starts, the use of force continuum, as your officer presence, verbal commands and then we move up. We could physically take you to the ground, put you in an escort position, mace, Taser, fists, feet, impact weapons such as a baton or flashlight and dog bites and then ultimately deadly force is the absolute last [resort].”

When using their firearms, Steel said officers are trained to aim for the "center mass," or the largest exposed area on the aggressor, in order to "stop the threat." He said that, at times, stopping the threat can take multiple bullets.

New Goodwill facility in Grove City offering its four resources at one location

Groups like Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change are pushing to restrict officers' use of deadly force, including preventing officers from using their firearms on individuals armed with a knife.

“According to our research, there has been one instance of a police officer being stabbed to death by a person with a knife in the United States in the last 20 years,” a spokesperson with the organization said. “Lethal force in the presence of a knife is unjustifiable, unnecessary, and a significant over-response.”

In situations where an individual is armed with a knife, the group said it encourages verbal de-escalation, Tasers and other forms of “non-lethal force.”

Steel said Axon, the company that manufactures Tasers used by CPD, rates them as only effective in the field 66% of the time. This is why Steel said Tasers are not used when someone could face serious bodily harm.

Columbus Metropolitan Library holding summer reading events

“If somebody could find out some magic ray gun or magic net that could stop this, I guarantee you the police departments would buy it, but this is reality,” Steel said. “We can only utilize the tools on our belt.”

Tasers can be ineffective if barbs fail to penetrate clothing or darts do not fire, Steel said. He stated Columbus officers are trained to use a taser only when five things are present: officers have time on their side, distance from the suspect, a barrier between them and the armed individual, lethal force backup and the use of the Taser is “reasonable.”

“In the Milwaukee incident, there was no barrier,” Steel said. “It wasn't reasonable due to the imminent threat of serious physical harm or death to the person about to be stabbed.”

Officers are advised to take an individual’s mental health status into account prior to using force if they are unarmed. Force may be used during a “medical emergency” if the person is incapable of making rational decisions and poses an immediate threat.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Scattered showers, high 86
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, low 67
• Wednesday: Rain & rumbles, high 86 (68)
• Thursday: Spotty storms, high 84 (62)
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high 84 (63)
• Saturday: Few clouds, high 88 (67)

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Tuesday starts off partly cloudy, but skies will fill in with more clouds by the afternoon. Chances for scattered rain showers will arrive later in the afternoon and evening hours. A few rumbles of thunder are also possible. Seasonable temperatures are expected with highs reaching the mid 80s.

Tonight after the rain chances subside skies will return to partly cloudy. Winds will be very light coming from the south. Temperatures will fall to the mid 60s.

Tomorrow begins with partly cloudy skies for the first half of the day. This includes a dry start to the Ohio State Fair. More chances for rain and rumbles pick up by the afternoon and evening hours. Some showers may fall during the MLS All-Star Game in downtown. Highs will be in the mid 80s.

As the work week comes to an end so will central Ohio's rain chances. The amount of predicted precipitation will still be very small and not greatly improve current drought conditions.

By this weekend a ridge of high pressure will build over the Great Lakes. This will keep our weather fair with plenty of sunshine. A warming temperature trend starts up again by the beginning of next week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus City Council approved a collective bargaining agreement between the city and the union representing Columbus firefighters, Local #67 of the International Association of Firefighters.

The contract outlines wages, hours, and other terms of employment. Some highlights include 17.5% raises across the board over the next three years.

Negotiations on the deal ended in September 2023, but then conversations continued until they went to a third party to help resolve disputes in the negotiations.

Columbus hit by cybersecurity ‘incident’

Previously, both sides said they were satisfied with the deal that was reached.

"We're one of the busiest fire EMS agencies in the country," President of Columbus Firefighters Union Steve Stein said during a June Columbus City Council meeting. "The growth of this city we're seeing everywhere, that growth is also turning in our call volume as well, which means the demands on our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. We're going to need to continue to innovate our responses and have an agile workforce that doesn't go home ever."

At that time, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther sent out the following statement on the contract:

“Although this is not the outcome my administration had hoped to achieve, negotiations between the City of Columbus and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 67, have solidified that Columbus firefighters are the best paid in the state of Ohio. The Fact Finder’s recommendation will cost $103 million to implement over the next three years. Now we must continue to assess the full economic impact of this agreement.”

The contract goes into effect immediately and firefighters will get back pay for when the contract was set to start -- November 2023.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The city of Columbus is working to restore its cybersecurity systems unrelated to Friday’s global CrowdStrike outage.

In a statement released Monday, the city said it first noticed the “incident” on Thursday, with the city’s IT department acting quickly to limit the city’s potential exposure, which included severing internet connectivity.

Downtown bar and kitchen shuts down after lease goes unrenewed

The city said some resident-facing IT services are out of service due to the incident and that it may take time for those to be restored. The city did not say what those affected services are.

“However, the city’s 911 and 311 systems, as well as employee payroll, remain operational,” the city said.

In the statement, the city said it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to limit further risks.

COLUMBUS, Ohio  (WCMH) -- The best of the best are in Columbus this week for the Major League Soccer All-Star game, and it comes with more than great soccer.

Monday was the MLS All-Star Day of Service, when people in the community came together to pack boxes filled with food for those in need.

Food insecurity is a big issue in Columbus, with about one in seven families experiencing it, but some are about to feel some relief. Local fans, Columbus Crew players, and staff like MLS Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer Sola Winley all gathered to help families in need.

“I grew up being on food stamps,” Winley said. “I had a single mom, we had a hot breakfast, we had a hot lunch that were given to us during school. It was a lifesaver. So, it's a blessing to be able to be out here.” 

In partnership with the charity U.S. Hunger, MLS and the volunteers packed 100,000 meals, each box feeding a family of six. The food will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Student Success stores, which will spread the meals throughout Columbus.

Rebecca Quintavalli, a senior event lead with U.S. Hunger, enjoys the fact that people can see how they are about to change someone's life. 

“It makes me so excited to see all these volunteers who ring the bells in the background,” she said. “They're cheering for each meal that they're creating. They get a tangible impact to see what they're doing firsthand for the community and they're getting together and celebrating that.”

Volunteers like Nick Auddino understand why there must be help for these families.

"I mean, a family without this, a family ain’t going to eat,” Auddino said. “So, you know, feeding them and making sure they have food to eat. I mean, it’s really important."

Former Crew players like Frankie Hejduk were also excited to be giving back, especially while being surrounded by fans.  

"I know all these people, I know all the fans, I hang out with all of them,” Hejduk said. “It's a high five and, ‘hey, let's get to work, let's have fun, and let's start feeding the community as much as we can,’ and that's what we're doing here."

Officials at the event said these families are making decisions like not getting gas or letting their lights go off because they need to eat, which is why it is so important to hold the event.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Learning how to identify the signs of human trafficking, particularly among teen survivors, is the focus of a new program launched by the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

The training is a video-based learning series and includes real-life scenarios that local first responders like nurses or EMTs could face. The videos train first responders to look for both verbal and physical indicators of potential human trafficking and a discussion guide helps to facilitate conversation about next steps and best practices for identifying trafficking of teens.

“We’re hoping that the survivors of trafficking, when they encounter people in the health care system, are going to get the services, help, that they need,” Yost said.

To continue the work of addressing human trafficking, Yost is set to deliver opening remarks at the initiative’s fifth annual Human Trafficking Summit, scheduled for Aug. 7 in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is four weeks from Monday and there are more questions going into it with President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the race.

"I love Joe Biden, I was saddened that he dropped out, but again, he is so empathetic and so cares about the country as a whole that he did it for the party and for the country, and how many people are that selfless to do that," said Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus).

Report explores violent crime statistics and underlying causes in Ohio

DeMora is not a delegate for the DNC but he is the coordinator for Ohio's delegation, meaning he will be in Chicago for the convention.

"Theoretically, when Joe Biden dropped out, every delegate became a free agent," DeMora said. "Theoretically, they can vote who they want to vote for. Now you’ve seen all our members of Congress, Sen. Brown, and all five members of Congress have come out endorsing the vice president. I think you’ve had some local public officials do the same. I am going to wait until we talk as a delegation to determine what's going to happen."

Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council President, will also be at the DNC.

"What I know for sure is that the Democratic party will come together and be unified," Hardin said.

Vance holds first solo rally as VP pick in Middletown

The nomination will not be official until the DNC. Biden and other high-profile Democrats have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. So has Hardin.

"I am all in for Kamala Harris," he said. "I actually endorsed her four years ago and so I'm just doing so again because I think she certainly is the most qualified person. She has stood side by side with President Joe Biden while we faced some of the largest issues in our country."

The Ohio delegation has a previously scheduled meeting set for next week

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Hundreds of Ohioans made their way to Middletown on Monday for Sen. JD Vance’s first solo rally since becoming former President Donald Trump’s pick for vice president.

“I will never forget where I came from,” Vance said. “Ladies and gentlemen, I came from Middletown, Ohio and I’m proud of it.”

Pelosi endorses Harris as Democratic nominee

Nearly 900 people, some who stood in line as early as 7 a.m., packed into the Middletown High School auditorium and hundreds more gathered outside to listen to Vance’s speech.

But before Vance gave his remarks, several other Ohio Republicans took to the stage.

“He is going to be a great vice president,” Attorney General Dave Yost said.

• Supporters gather outside Middletown High School for a rally for vice-presidential candidate JD Vance on Monday, July 22, 2024. (NATALIE FAHMY)
• Supporters gather outside Middletown High School for a rally for vice-presidential candidate JD Vance on Monday, July 22, 2024. (NATALIE FAHMY)
• Supporters gather outside Middletown High School for a rally for vice-presidential candidate JD Vance on Monday, July 22, 2024. (NATALIE FAHMY)
• Supporters gather outside Middletown High School for a rally for vice-presidential candidate JD Vance on Monday, July 22, 2024. (NATALIE FAHMY)
• Supporters gather outside Middletown High School for a rally for vice-presidential candidate JD Vance on Monday, July 22, 2024. (NATALIE FAHMY)

“There’s one thing America’s going to learn about JD Vance:  he’s a great human being,” Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Bernie Moreno said.

“The Democrats are in the fight for their lives to save their pitiful party, the Republicans are in the fight of their lives to save their country,” State Senator George Lang (R-West Chester) said.

Lang also said, during his remarks, that he is “afraid if we lose this one, it is going to take a civil war to save this country.” He later retracted that comment in a post on X.

Once Vance took the stage, he spent the first several minutes of his speech talking about his connection to Middletown, his grandmother, and sharing personal remarks, like how and when Trump asked him to run as his VP.  He then delved into why he believes this election is so crucial.

.@JDVance1 just took the stage at his first solo rally since being nominated as Trump’s VP.

The crowd chanted “JD, JD, JD.”
“We love you JD”
“I love you guys too.”

900 ppl are in the auditorium & more outside. I’m told speakers are set up outside for those who can’t get in. pic.twitter.com/NfVMRhYn3e

— Natalie Fahmy (@NatalieFahmy) July 22, 2024

“Now, after four years of Joe Biden’s presidency, or whoever is calling the shots in Joe Biden’s White House, we are ready to re-elect Donald Trump,” he said.

Vance has been in the Senate for less than two years, and his chance at the White House comes with an unlikely partner; Vance acknowledged that he, at first, was not a Trump supporter, but of course, has since come around. Vance said Trump “fights for American citizens.”

“The country has made a lot of stupid decisions and President Donald Trump was right about every single one being a mistake,” Vance said.

Republicans ask Biden to resign

Vance soon started talking about the Republican platform.

“We are going to fight for every single worker,” he said. “If you work hard and play by the rules, you ought to be able to put dinner on the table and send your kids to whatever vacation.”

Vance said part of fighting for every worker means also fighting for energy workers and creating more energy in America. “Drill baby, drill,” he said.

“We are sitting on the Saudi Arabia of natural gas, the next 100 years we could be energy dominant,” Vance said.

He said aside from energy, more things need to be made here. He used antibiotics as an example, and said the bar is low.

“I got to be honest with you, I don’t trust a damn plastic toy coming from China,” Vance said.

With Biden out, will Ohio see a Democratic candidate before ballot deadline?

He said there also needs to be strong voter ID laws in this country, said he wants to “shut down” the southern border and “fight” back against “indoctrination” in schools.

The VP nominee also took the chance to criticize the Democratic party, and President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign. Vance said the fact that the Democrats will likely be choosing a new candidate, without having a primary election, is “not okay.

“What is going on in this country is absolutely disgraceful,” he said. “If you want to run for president, you have to make your case to voters.”

Vance left the energized 900-person crowd by telling them “Let’s re-elect Donald J Trump, let’s get this country back.”

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus Division of Fire firefighter has been charged with rape, according to a complaint filed on Sunday.

Court records show that 38-year-old Christopher Allen Shaffer, of Pickerington, had a warrant for his arrest filed on Monday and faces one charge of first-degree felony rape. Shaffer is next scheduled to appear in Fairfield County Common Pleas Court on July 31.

Truck driver charged in I-70 bus crash that killed six

A Columbus fire spokesperson confirmed that Shaffer was a member of the department.

"The Columbus Division of Fire is aware of the criminal charges against one of its members," Columbus Fire Batallion Chief Jeffery Geitter said. "The employee has been placed on administrative duty, in a role where he will have no contact with the public. Per division protocol, upon the conclusion of the criminal case, the Division of Fire will initiate an administrative investigation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – It’s just two days until the start of the Ohio State Fair and final preparations are underway, including making sure rides are safe and ready to go.

Fair organizers said they take ride safety very seriously.

The Ohio State Fair: What to know before you go

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is in charge of inspecting each ride at the fair, and the state has some of the strongest ride safety regulations due to Tyler’s Law, named after 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell who died from a fair ride accident in 2017.

Each ride at the fairgrounds is looked at by two inspectors before being cleared for operation.

There are 10 full-time inspectors with the Department of Agriculture. And they go through rigorous training each year to stay up to date with the latest ride safety regulations.

David Miran, the deputy director of regulatory programs with the Department of Agriculture and the chief ride inspector, said there have only been very minor problems they’ve come across at the fair, with all of those fixed by the ride company almost immediately.

“Our inspectors go through the ride as it’s being set up, as it’s fully set up, and as it is being operated as well to ensure the ride is being maintained and operated in conformance with manufacturer specifications,” Miran said.

New Goodwill facility in Grove City offering its four resources at one location

The Ohio Department of Agriculture said it’ll have multiple inspectors out each day of the fair to ensure everything is operating smoothly.

The Ohio State Fair opens Wednesday, July 24, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- General manager Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets have found their next coach to replace Pascal Vincent.

The Jackets announced the hiring of Dean Evason on Monday, ending a search that began when Vincent was let go on June 17.

“Dean Evason brings to coaching what he brought as a player – passion, hard work and tenacity – and I couldn’t be happier that he will serve as the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets,” Waddell said. “He has spent well over two decades in this league as a player, assistant coach and head coach and I believe that experience, combined with the outstanding person he is, will allow Dean to get the best out of our players and put us in a position to succeed as a team.”

Columbus Blue Jackets 2024-25 schedule announced

Evason has been coaching since 1999, starting in the Western Hockey League as an assistant with the Calgary Hitmen. He most recently served as coach of the Minnesota Wild, spending five seasons at the helm until last November, when he was fired after a 5-10-4 start.

“There is a great core and a lot of young talent on this team," Evason said of the Jackets. "I am really looking forward to working with this group and helping us become a team that plays extremely hard and competes at the highest level.”

A native of Manitoba, Evason's playing career dates to the 1980s, when he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round of the 1982 draft. He went on to play for the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. The center forward also played for the Canadian national team, winning gold at the 1997 world championships in Finland.

Evason becomes the 12th coach for the Blue Jackets, who look to return to winning ways after they went 27-43-12 in Vincent's lone season. They have missed the playoffs for four seasons.

The Jackets just wrapped up its player development camp earlier this month, which featured their top draft pick, Cayden Lindstrom. They're set to open the 2024-25 season on Oct. 10 against the Minnesota Wild.

View a previous report on President Joe Biden's exit from the race in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- First, Ohio changed its rules to give Democrats enough time to nominate President Joe Biden and get him on state ballots for November. Now, with Biden ending his reelection bid Sunday, the state's rules -- and temporary rules -- are worth examining again.

The results of a special legislative session, which Gov. Mike DeWine called for in May, meant that Ohio's election officials would delay the certification of candidates on the ballot to Sept. 1. The governor signed House Bill 2 on June 2, which gave Democrats the one-time extended window to finalize presidential and vice presidential picks for the November general election.

State law previously required this step be completed by Aug. 7. The change came from a scheduling conflict with the Democratic National Convention -- which would have seen Biden officially nominated as the party's candidate -- set for the week of Aug. 19.

The Democratic National Committee had its own plan in place to address the Ohio deadline. It promised in May to pick Biden as the nominee in a virtual roll call ahead of the August convention. But with Biden exiting the race Sunday, that approach may no longer apply.

Kamala Harris stepped forward as a new candidate within the same day, armed with Biden's endorsement. As of Monday, however, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said Harris wouldn't be guaranteed the same roll call.

“In the coming days, the party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward,” Harrison said in a statement. “This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.“

In a prediction on July 8, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose did humor how the state's ballot situation would play out if Biden dropped out -- something even Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown called on the president to do. From his perspective, the DNC "set their own rules" to get a candidate to his desk, through whatever means Harrison vaguely described.

"The DNC, any time before Sept. 1, could decide to go with a different candidate -- assuming they could get around bylaw and delegate restrictions," LaRose wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "After Sept. 1, unless there were some sort of court ruling, they wouldn't be able to change who they certify to the ballot."

Harris is the only candidate with access to Biden's campaign funds, under federal campaign finance rules. But even with an instant advantage like that, Democrats will be going into their August event as an open convention as of Monday. In this scenario, party delegates could cast votes for any candidate, and the one with a simple majority becomes the new Democratic nominee.

As of Monday, however, no other candidates have stepped forward to challenge Harris.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) - A new Goodwill facility is open in central Ohio, bringing all four service areas the company offers in one building.

Goodwill held its grand opening and ribbon cutting July 18 at its newest location at 4178 Buckeye Parkway in Grove City. The facility is not only home to a retail store but offers a donation center, job training center and adult day services.

• (Courtesy: Goodwill Columbus)
• (Courtesy: Goodwill Columbus)
• (Courtesy: Goodwill Columbus)
• New Goodwill facility officially opens in Grove City, offering its resources in one building (Courtesy: Goodwill Columbus)

This is the first Goodwill Columbus facility to offer all four services at one spot. According to the company, the location will also feature a digital skills hub as well. Community members will be able to take advantage of the store's resources, which are free.

Columbus plans new courthouse building Downtown

The new location is the third opening in 12 months for the company. Along with shopping and donations, the center will have a computer lab, access to career coaches, one-on-one training and more to help residents find jobs. The Adult Day Services will also give those with development disabilities the opportunity to learn and grow in Franklin County, according to the company.

Another location that offers a variety of services under one roof including Goodwill's Clintonville location that opened in July 2023, offering a retail store, donation center and job training center.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new report dives into the underlying causes of violent criminal offenses in Ohio, pointing to housing affordability, neighborhood zoning and more as drivers of crime. 

More than 30,000 violent crimes, including homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, were reported in the state in 2023, a new report by the nonprofit Health Policy Institute of Ohio states.  

Biden withdraws from race in presidential earthquake

Ohio ranks 34th in the nation for homicide deaths, which peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not returned to pre-pandemic rates, according to the report. The leading method of homicide in Ohio is the use of firearms, with 80% of homicides being gun-related in 2022.

The report emphasizes how social structures and community conditions can support or prevent violent crime. State leaders can improve the safety of communities by addressing drivers of violent crime, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio states.

Historical racism affects community crime rates today

Multiple historical policies and practices have resulted in poor community stability, lower home valuations, increased foreclosures and limited economic mobility in majority-Black, Hispanic and Asian neighborhoods, the report says. One example is the construction of the International Highway System through communities of color in the 1950s.

“As a result, many of these communities experienced concentrated disadvantage, which includes limited educational and employment opportunities and higher rates of poverty, unemployment and food insecurity that continue today,” the report states.

Columbus woman charged with reckless homicide following Saturday shooting

Concentrated disadvantages, or the geographic clustering of people of a lower socioeconomic status caused by historic and ongoing policies, are associated with higher rates of violent crime.

Income inequality, affordable housing and other financial factors

Income inequality is listed as another driver of violent crime. Ohio ranks 30 out of 50 states and Washington, D.C. on income inequality, which puts people at risk for a shortened life span, poor health and increased neighborhood violence. 

Research shows that increases in income supports, such as earned income tax credits and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, can lead to reduced violence. Similarly, a quality education, access to healthcare and affordable housing can help deter violent crime, by reducing residents’ financial stress and providing more work opportunities. 

Neighborhood planning and zoning

Since violence is highly concentrated in specific areas known as hotspots, zoning and neighborhood planning impact violent crime. Concentrated poverty, crowded housing and vacant buildings and lots can increase violent crime. Conversely, neighborhood factors such as painted crosswalks, parks and tree canopies can deter crime. 

Man in “extremely critical” condition after northeast Columbus shooting

Additionally, a relationship exists between how many alcohol outlets a community has and the amount of violent crime it faces. Off-premise outlets such as liquor and convenience stores are associated with higher rates of violent crime compared to on-premise outlets such as bars and restaurants. Ohio ranks 34th in the nation for excessive drinking, and liquor sales have steadily increased over recent years, according to the report. 

Policing and criminal justice policies

Criminal justice practices and policies also play a role in the state’s violent crime. Research suggests additional police officers in a community can reduce crime rates. Currently, multiple Ohio law enforcement agencies are facing recruitment struggles.

“Our law enforcement agencies are struggling to fill their essential positions, which are crucial for safe communities,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said during a July speech.

However, the evidence also suggests the threat of incarceration does not deter crime. Having been incarcerated also does not deter future crime and may increase the likelihood of a person reoffending, the report says, leading it to list mass incarceration as a driver of violent crime. The report states this is because incarceration is “traumatic” and does not provide resources for a person to re-enter society, limiting the "chances for Ohioans to break generational cycles of poverty and incarceration."

Potential solutions

In order to reduce violent crime in Ohio, the report suggests strengthening the social and economic stability of individuals, families and communities. Interventions may include increasing housing affordability, changing alcohol policies as well as education, employment and criminal justice reform.

Other suggestions include implementing mentorship programs, more firearm-safety policies and working to eliminate inequality.

A previous report can be seen in the player above.

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) – A man has been arrested months after driving a semi-truck that started a chain reaction crash on Interstate 70 that resulted in six people being killed, including three high school students.

Jacob McDonald, 61, has been arrested and charged after driving a Freightliner semi-truck on Nov. 14 that began the fatal chain reaction crash on I-70, according to the Licking County Prosecutor's Office and court documents. He faces 26 charges which include six for vehicular homicide, nine for vehicular assault, and 11 for misdemeanor assault.

McDonald is scheduled to be arraigned in Licking County court on July 30 at 8:30 a.m.

Downtown bar and kitchen shuts down after lease goes unrenewed

The semi-truck was seen in dash camera footage driving closely in traffic and failing to slow down, hitting another vehicle before hitting a charter bus that caught fire after the collision.

Inside the bus were students and chaperones from Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School in northeast Ohio. Six people — students John W. Mosley, 18, of Mineral City; Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, of Bolivar, and Katelyn N. Owens, 15, of Mineral City, and adults Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre; Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar, and Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar — were killed in the crash.

McDonald was tested at the scene after the crash for impairment but none was found. At least five other vehicles were involved in the chain reaction as the semi-truck rear-ended a Nissan, which hit the bus, then a Toyota and finally a Volvo that were all driving west on I-70.

Warning: Raw body and dash cam footage from the crash. Viewer discretion is advised.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Downtown bar and kitchen that's been in Columbus since 2016 has closed its doors after its lease went unrenewed.

Hadley's Bar and Kitchen on the corner of South 4th and East Cherry streets recently shut down after eight years. The closure was confirmed by Crafted for You -- the group behind the restaurant -- with the company citing the end of its lease.

"The building's ownership has received offers to purchase the building and the parking lot that they are currently reviewing," said James Ball, director of operations. "Unfortunately, those offers have different plans for the retail space."

With the lease approaching its end, the company chose to put up the shutters so it could transition its staff to other locations. Grandview Cafe is among the other locations operated by Crafted for You.

The restaurant served bar food like burgers and wings, brunch such as chicken biscuits and doughnut French toast with candied bacon, craft beers, and more.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- 614 Restaurant Week is back with nearly 200 restaurants showcasing menu favorites and new creations for a discounted price.

This summer's specials run Monday through Saturday with participating restaurants offering three-course meals ranging from $15 to $50. Guests can request the restaurant week menu when dining in, with many businesses also offering their specials for carryout.

Shopping center developer purchases properties near Easton and Polaris

Deals span restaurants across central Ohio, including Aladdin's, Condado Tacos, El Vaquero, High Bank Distillery, Mandrake, Mitchell's Steakhouse, Rusty Bucket, The Pearl and Valentina's.

614 Restaurant Week is Monday through Saturday. (Courtesy Photo/614 Media Group)

Restaurant week also boasts more than 20 new eateries joining the lineup this summer, including BD's Mongolian, Brio, Gallo's On High, Mecca, Pho Social, Slurping Turtle, Smokey Bones and Texas Roadhouse.

Asuka Ramen is offering guests a $20 meal, with appetizers like the Monster Fries with cheese, main courses like the classic Tonkotsu ramen and desserts like the green tea tiramisu. Columbus Brewing Company's Beer Hall is offering a $35 meal, including charred miso cabbage, Brussel sprouts and a pork schnitzel. For $40, guests can visit Cameron Mitchell's Valentina's in Dublin.

On the pricier end, FYR in the Short North is offering a $50 meal including gnocchi soufflé, double-cooked pork belly steak and Carmel flan. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian menu options are also available. View all participating restaurants divided by price point here.

Ohio-based Big Lots to close dozens of stores, at risk of bankruptcy

The weeklong event is also partnering with nonprofit organization RescuedOhio, dedicated to serving dogs in need by assisting partner shelters and providing comprehensive care until a compatible home is found.

Ten giveaway winners will win dinner for two at a participating Restaurant Week location. For every unique entry, $0.25 will be donated to RescuedOhio up to $5,000. In addition, use the hashtags #614RestaurantWeek and #eat614 when posting on social media and 614 will donate an additional $1 to the organization.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As we hit the back end of July, gas prices in Columbus have seen a steady increase over the past week.

GasBuddy reported that gas in Columbus went up 14 cents in the last week to reach an average price of $3.51 per gallon. That is nearly 11 cents more expensive compared to last month and 22 cents higher than at this time one year ago.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

The most expensive gas station in Columbus was priced at $3.69 per gallon while the cheapest sits 53 cents lower at $3.16 per gallon. While Ohio's gas prices saw a steady spike, the national average fell 2 cents to hit an average of $3.47 in the last week.

Compared to last month, the national average is up 3.5 cents but is 10 cents lower than one year ago. Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy Patrick De Haan said a power outage at a Chicago refinery caused a spike for Midwestern states' prices while most of the country saw decreases.

"While a good portion of the nation saw average gas prices decline, severe weather completely knocked out power to a major refinery outside Chicago early last week, immediately impacting gasoline supplies to Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, and pushing prices up considerably," said De Haan. "We've often said how critical refineries are, and with a long power outage, we're seeing the impact very quickly, but relief will eventually arrive."