Ohio News

For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) – Two people who were found dead at their home have been identified.

According to the Licking County Coroner's Office, Sada Dhimal and Tika Dhimal were found dead in the 8600 block of Robbins Loop Drive on Wednesday morning. Their ages were not immediately available.

Licking County locals speak out against wastewater treatment proposal

Reynoldsburg police responded to reports of a person “down” in the backyard of the residence. Officers arrived at 8:37 a.m. and found Sada Dhimal outside of the home in the yard and Tika Dhimal inside the home. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Reynoldsburg police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were canvassing the scene for additional information but also said that there was no threat to the community.

Reynoldsburg police are investigating the deaths of two individuals, July 17, 2024. (NBC4/Anna Hoffman)

Neighbors expressed shock and worry over the incident.

"I'm 20, 21 years in this house, never been like this. To fear about something like this and its bad, its terrible," Ruby Galovski said.

Robbins Loop Drive was closed for much of Wednesday due to the investigation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - From festivals and tournaments to live entertainment at the Columbus Commons, here are things to see and do this weekend in central Ohio:

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest

Scioto Mile from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday

The annual festival by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offers jazz music and a variety of food vendors featuring barbeque eats, dessert and more through the entire weekend. Admission is free.

The Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest at Bicentennial Park. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)

Franklin County Fair

Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard through Sunday

Fairgoers can partake in a selection of activities and fun at the annual fair including rides, games, food and more.

Franklin County Fair 2022

The Columbus Duck Race

Riverside Crossing Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday

Watch thousands of rubber ducks race down a 300 foot slip and slide where three winners will be announced by the 2024 patient champion. The 13th annual event is held through the Development Board of Nationwide Children's Hospital. Proceeds go towards pediatric research at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's.

Cody Fry with the Columbus Symphony

Columbus Commons at 8 p.m. on Saturday

Grammy nominated artist and American Idol finalist Cody Fry will perform with his genre-bending music for one night only.

Rock Paper Scissors Tournament

Seventh Son Brewing Co. from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday

The local brewery is holding a friendly competition of rock, paper, scissors to support the Special Olympics. Several prizes and gift cards will be given out to winners of the contests. There will also be drink specials as well for anyone at the event. Participants must be 21 years of age.

Other top summer Columbus events

• This summer is packed with central Ohio’s favorite festivals, along with numerous star-studded concerts in the city’s biggest venues. View all the events, festivals and shows in Columbus this summer here.
• There's also a list of county fairs in central Ohio happening now through October.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After being acquired by new owners in 2023, the Downtown bar Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails may soon undergo a makeover.

The owners of Arch City Tavern in the Short North took charge of Tip Top at 73 E. Gay St. last year. At a Downtown Commission meeting on July 23, its new owners are scheduled to present renovation plans to give the over 100-year-old building a new look.

Changes include a newly painted storefront, the removal of the existing mansard roof, a restoration of the original brick veneer and an indoor remodel. Tip Top's current sign would also be removed, with new signage and a canopy being added to the storefront.

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Tip Top's partial second floor would be changed into a space with multiple uses. The removal of its current roof would make way for a rooftop patio with outdoor seating and indoor space for private dining.

Renderings submitted to the Downtown Commission show what Tip Top's storefront and rooftop patio would look like.

• Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails may soon undergo a makeover. (Courtesy Photo/Franklin County Auditor's Office)
• Renderings of a proposed makeover to Tip Top were submitted to the Downtown Commission. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)
• Renderings of a proposed makeover to Tip Top were submitted to the Downtown Commission. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)
• Renderings of a proposed makeover to Tip Top were submitted to the Downtown Commission. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)
• Renderings of a proposed makeover to Tip Top were submitted to the Downtown Commission. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)
• Renderings of a proposed makeover to Tip Top were submitted to the Downtown Commission. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)

A staff report from the Downtown Commission found the proposed changes to be consistent with its guidelines.

Tip Top is a Downtown bar with Ohio comfort food, whiskey concoctions, microbrews, coffee and desserts. It also offers pinball and music, according to its website.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) – Pickerington Local School District is asking for community feedback regarding future start and end times for the school day.

In a Facebook post this month, Pickerington schools announced an update to discussions about possibly changing the school day schedule, facilitated by a third-party consulting group. Assistant Superintendent Alesia Gillison stressed there is no proposal to change the times, and no decisions have been made. 

Licking County locals speak out against wastewater treatment proposal

School Board Member Mark Hensen said the discussion follows transparency concerns from early 2024 when the district first considered changes in the school day schedule. He said it appeared a decision had already been made to introduce a new schedule, making some community members feel unconsulted. 

Now, the district is implementing a review process emphasizing community feedback. Gillison said the review process will have three parts: open listening sessions for anyone who wants to voice an opinion, regular updates, and a committee made of select parents, teachers, staff, childcare providers and community leaders. 

The district has also hired an outside consulting firm, Columbus-based RAMA Consulting, to facilitate the process. Gillison did not say how much the contract will cost but said it will not exceed $39,530.

Hensen said he believes a third-party company will help ensure the process is different this time around, and Gillison said the consulting firm will allow an objective process. 

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“I view this as a worthwhile cost to help improve our transparency, because that's really the primary thing this is all about,” Hensen said. 

Gillison said the district sent out a survey in February asking for parent and staff feedback on the possibility of a new start and end time. With more than 1,000 responses, opinions were decidedly split. According to the survey results, 27% of participants indicated they thought changing the times was a good idea, and 22% indicated they felt negatively about the idea. Hensen said some responses were relatively neutral.

According to survey results, parents and teachers shared concerns about logistical and safety implications of a changed start time, as well as worries about the impact on extracurriculars and student well-being.

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“If we make a change, I hope the only change we make is because whatever we come up with is going to improve student learning,” Hensen said. “Everything else, to me, is secondary. It’s not that we shouldn’t pay attention to them, but those other considerations should not drive the decision.” 

According to a presentation by the Teacher Advisory Committee on March 11, the initial proposal had all students except for high schoolers starting earlier. 

GradesCurrent arrival/dismissalProposed new timeDifferenceK (a.m.)
K (p.m.)
1-49:15 a.m. to noon
1:05-4:05 p.m.
9:15 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.8:55-11:55 a.m.
12:45-3:45 p.m.
8:55 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.20 minutes earlier5-69:15 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.7:35 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.65 minutes earlier7-87:15 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.7:05 a.m. to 2 p.m.10 minutes earlier9-127:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.15 minutes laterTable details gathered from the March 11 presentation to the Pickerington School Board

Hensen said he hopes the district will consider multiple options, which will likely each require additional considerations. He said some plans to optimize start times may require more buses and drivers operating in shorter shifts to address new needs, which he estimated to cost several million dollars. 

He said busing changes were discussed previously with start time adjustments; however, the district is only gathering feedback right now, and proposals and their needs will be future endeavors if the district decides to move forward.

Gillison said there is a long way to go before any decisions are made.

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“Our primary goal is to implement a schedule that supports the diverse needs of our entire community,” she said.

The first stakeholder committee meeting will take place this month, with that process continuing until late January 2025, according to Gillison. Three community listening sessions will also take place between August and December.

Watch a previous NBC4 report from when 'Superman' began filming in Ohio in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new Superman movie will wrap filming in Ohio this week after several weeks of rolling cameras at iconic Buckeye State sites, including Cincinnati's Union Terminal and Cleveland's Public Square.

The DC Studios movie titled simply "Superman" closed a stint of filming in Cleveland on Tuesday and is shooting in Cincinnati late this week for the movie's final days in Ohio, according to northeast Ohio agency Angela Boehm Casting. Film crews are now being spotted at Cincinnati's Union Terminal, closed on Thursday for a "private event rental"; the building is known to be the inspiration for the Justice League's headquarters in the 1970s animated "Super Friends" series.

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NBC4's northeast Ohio sister station, WJW, captured the cast and crew filming at Cleveland's Public Square, Progressive Field, Headlands Beach State Park and in Sandusky. Actor David Corenswet, cast as Superman, was also seen donning the character's iconic costume while walking down the steps of City Hall.

• Corenswet seen donning the character's iconic costume while walking down the steps of Cleveland's City Hall. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for the "Daily Planet," the fictional newspaper in the "Superman" comic books. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for the "Daily Planet," the fictional newspaper in the "Superman" comic books. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for an appliance store with a retro aesthetic. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for an appliance store with a retro aesthetic. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for a generic book store with the letter "S" in the sign that appears to be an homage to the classic Superman font. (FOX 8 Photo)

Director James Gunn took to social media Wednesday to thank Cleveland and wrote that when he first came to scout the city for possible filming locations a year ago, Terminal Tower was lit up with Superman's signature colors.

"Cleveland -- today we are leaving you after six amazing weeks of shooting," Gunn's post reads. "I would walk down your streets and someone would stop me and tell me how grateful they were we were shooting in their city -- not once, not twice, but dozens of times."

Gunn noted "the pride you feel in being where Jerry and Joe first created Superman," referring to writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster who brought Superman to life while attending Cleveland's Glenville High School in 1933.

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The director also thanked the local background actors who "were always so fun and funny and they clapped after takes, something that reminded us Hollywood cynics why we make movies in the first place."

Angela Boehm had posted casting calls for the movie in April, calling for Ohioans to apply to be background actors earning $12 per hour. Calls were also posted for stand-in actors, who worked firsthand with Gunn and earned $13 per hour. The Greater Cleveland Film Commission also announced that "Superman" was accepting applications from those wishing to work as a member of the crew.

Angela Boehm and the commission referred to the film as "Genesis," the movie's code name listed in an Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit application that states the project received $11,091,686 in tax credits. The application also said the movie was expected to hire 3,254 Ohio residents to take part in the production.

DC's Ohio-related expenses are projected to exceed $36 million, which makes up about 10% of the movie's total budget of more than $363 million. Gunn, an American filmmaker, also wrote the movie, which started filming on Feb. 29.

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Gunn is the director of Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy and is relaunching DC's cinematic franchise with Corenswet as Clark Kent, replacing British actor Henry Cavill who first starred as Superman in 2013's "Man of Steel." Rachel Brosnahan from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult from "The Great" as Lex Luthor round out Gunn's cast.

"Superman" is scheduled to be released in theaters July 11, 2025.

See a report about Licking County water quality in the player above.

ALEXANDRIA, Ohio (WCMH) – In a small church in Licking County, more than 200 local farmers, advocates and small business owners packed the pews Tuesday night to voice their perspectives on the proposed Raccoon Creek Wastewater Treatment Center.

Hosted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the meeting offered a space for community feedback about the proposed facility while the EPA considers its permit application, offering a glimpse into the reality of rapid development.

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The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District plans to build the treatment center to address the manufacturing, commercial and residential growth in the area that will be anchored by Intel's Ohio One facility. However, some locals argue the wastewater treatment plan’s average flow of 3 million gallons per day would harm wildlife and nearby communities.

The facility proposal would discharge into Moots Run, flowing from the small waterway into Raccoon Creek. According to Alexandria’s 2023 Water Quality Report, Alexandria and nearby Granville both rely on wells supplied by Raccoon Creek for the water in homes and businesses. 

The plan for construction requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, which regulates wastewater discharge and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. The treatment center cannot operate without the permit.

Jim Roberts, executive director of SWLC, said the company is dedicated to providing environmentally safe water and sewer services. He invited concerned citizens to tour the plant facilities to learn about their regulations. 

Roberts said the location of the plant and discharge was chosen after coordination with the Ohio EPA. He said the plant would be designed to have treatment processes that comply with strict requirements. 

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“Our advanced treatment process will likely improve water quality in Moots Run and Raccoon Creek,” Roberts said.

Many locals strongly disagree. A letter to the Ohio EPA on behalf of Granville, Alexandria, the nearby city of Johnstown, and the Johnstown-Monroe Local School District condemned the project this past May. The eight-page letter said the application lacks discussion of how the treatment plant would benefit the area or impact its current users, among other concerns.

The proposal is one of many in the area as the nearby Intel plant emerges. Mayor of Alexandria Sean Barnes said he – along with much of the community – just wants to be heard.

“My hope is that this at least gets people communicating with each other and that they get to know the community and their needs,” Barnes said. “We would really like to be a part of the talks of bigger developments.”

This wish for communication is what led Barnes to his position in the first place. Picking dahlias on his family’s farm while he spoke with NBC4, he joked that “wanting” to be mayor is not the right term for what transpired. He said he was encouraged to run for mayor when he and others saw local representation missing from corporation-led conversations about the area.

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Barnes acknowledged Alexandria’s proximity to Columbus, but said the area is like “a whole different world.” The serene environment and rural way of life are part of what locals are working to protect in the midst of rapid developments.

“People identify with that, there’s that desire to identify with their small community and towns,” he said. “There’s a cultural connection to the land and the community people are worried about losing.”

Ohio EPA Press Secretary Bryant Somerville confirmed a public comment session is typically required for certain permits and when there is a high level of interest or concern. He said he knows it can feel as if public comments are minimized; however, he was adamant the EPA takes them seriously.

“Every single one of these comments will be reviewed and considered,” Somerville said.

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According to the Ohio EPA’s website, after each comment is reviewed as part of an official record, EPA officials will draft a response and submit a recommendation to the director, who makes the final decision. If the public is unsatisfied with the decision, they have 30 days to appeal. 

Elaine Ashbrook Robertson attended the meeting with hopes the permit would not be granted, and said she felt it went well.

"Many of us on both sides of the issue know each other," she said. "Only time will tell."

Central Ohio Weather and Radar QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Decreasing clouds, high 81
• Tonight: Mainly clear, low 58
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high 83
• Saturday: Mainly sunny, high 86
• Sunday: Few clouds, high 87
• Monday: Partly sunny, high 88

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Thursday!

Following several days with muggy conditions, warm temps, and scattered storm activity, the forecast makes improvements going into the weekend. For today, expect decreasing cloud coverage, with highs in the lower 80s, and comfortable humidity. Just a light breeze out today, with nice and dry conditions.

We'll see lots of sunshine the next several days, with highs warming to the low to middle 80s on Friday, and into the mid to upper 80s for both Saturday and Sunday. This upcoming weekend will be a nice one, with temperatures right near normal, and comfortable humidity remaining in place.

Clouds start to build back in on Monday, ahead of shower chances going into the middle of the next workweek.

-McKenna

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio State University President Ted Carter sat for a forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club and moderated by NBC4’s Matt Barnes on Wednesday.

The two discussed many topics ranging from the cost of tuition to the school’s enrollment numbers.

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Carter began his presidency on Jan. 1 and now, after just seven months in the role, he addressed a room full of Columbus community leaders, OSU faculty, and students.

During the forum, Carter said Ohio State is working to provide accessible and affordable education to both in-state and out-of-state students, citing that students receive an average of $10,000 in scholarships.

Carter also touted high enrollment expected this fall, despite declining national numbers.

“When our student body shows up this fall, we think that we may be the largest incoming freshman class at our Columbus campus – combined with our regional campuses – that we’ve had since 1870,” he said. “Largest ever.”

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Carter also says he is happy to see the city of Columbus is growing alongside the university and looks forward to continuing the bond between the school and the city.

For more on Carter’s comments at the forum, watch the video above.

Watch a previous report on the protests in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Four people were each fined $50 after pleading guilty to a disorderly conduct charge tied to the pro-Palestine protests on the Ohio State University campus earlier this year.

According to court documents, the four were initially charged with criminal trespass but had the charge reduced to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. They entered their pleas on Wednesday.

The four people are the first of about 35 protesters arrested in late April at Ohio State to plead guilty. The remaining cases are scheduled to appear in court over the next few weeks.

The protests, held over a number of days towards the end of the Spring 2024 semester, called for Ohio State to disclose, and ultimately divest, its investments in companies tied to Israel's war in Gaza.

The protests drew both support and condemnation from politicians and university administration. Ohio State University President Ted Carter defended the arrests, saying they were "not about limiting free speech," but to avoid "significant safety issues" he said arose at anti-war encampments at other universities at the time.

You can watch the Republican National Convention starting at 10 p.m. live in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump's running mate, is scheduled to speak Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in a speech introducing himself to the nation.

Trump announced his selection of Vance on Monday. Vance is the first major party candidate for vice president from Ohio since 1944, when former governor John Bricker was running mate to presidential candidate Thomas Dewey, also a former Ohio governor.

Defeating Democratic challenger Tim Ryan in 2022 and taking over former Sen. Rob Portman's seat in January 2023, the 39-year-old Vance will appear on the presidential ballot with less than two years of experience in elected office. Before his political career, Vance was a venture capitalist who wrote a 2016 memoir-turned-Netflix-movie called "Hillbilly Elegy."

In 2016, Vance was a Trump critic, calling him a "total fraud," "moral disaster" and "America's Hitler." Vance has since said Trump's performance as president proved his original stance.

Vance is scheduled to speak at 10:30 p.m., after Donald Trump Jr. and Vance's wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, speak starting about 10.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The trial that could impact healthcare for Ohio’s transgender minors has hit the halfway point.

The plaintiffs in the trial are asking Republican Judge Michael Holbrook to strike down the Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act. If enacted, the law would ban minors from receiving gender-affirming care. It was supposed to go into effect in April but was put on hold by Holbrook before it could, and at least for the duration of the trial.

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Wednesday was a slow start to the morning to get the trial started, as the defense was calling for the case to be dismissed. Ultimately, the judge decided to move forward with testimony as the defense called its first witness, Dr. James Cantor, to the stand. 

“Now politics have become so extreme on both sides, it’s very, very difficult to get an objective measure,” Cantor, a sex researcher, said.

Cantor said he has been a sex researcher of what he called “atypical” behaviors for three decades. His testimony took a stark contrast to medical experts from the past two days, who said gender-affirming care can help save lives. Cantor testified to the contrary. 

“People with gender dysphoria do indeed have elevated rates of suicide and suicidality but that is also true after treatment,” Cantor said. “It doesn’t come down after treatment, they continue to have higher rates.”

Police release new surveillance video in fatal carjacking that killed single mother Alexa Stakely

Cantor went through direct examination for about three hours and has not yet been cross-examined by the plaintiffs. During those three hours, he also testified that often, based off his research, he finds that minors realize they are not transgender as they go through puberty.

“As they start to experience the onset of sex drive and getting crushes and so on, the majority of them figure out that they felt like the other sex just because they were destined to be gay or lesbian, but they misinterpreted their affiliation for dolls instead of sports, they misinterpreted what they meant,” Cantor said. “They interpreted that to mean they were the other sex.”

Cantor said that “medicalized transition doesn’t even need to get this far,” adding that the risks outweigh the benefits.

“That’s enough to say that one oughtn’t do it except in very restricted circumstances,” he said.

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On Tuesday, Dr. Sarah Corathers testified that she finds the exact opposite in her clinical experience.

“After a series of hundreds of encounters now with families in which we’ve gone through an informed consent discussion, we find together that the relative benefit of these therapies far outweighs the relative risk of these therapies,” she said

At the conclusion of the trial, the decision whether to allow the law to go into effect or to strike it down will be up to Holbrook alone, not a jury.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus and Milwaukee city leaders are voicing their reactions after Columbus police officers shot and killed a man Tuesday near the Republican National Convention site in Milwaukee.

The officers had traveled there to provide extra security. Milwaukee city leaders praised the Columbus Division of Police on Wednesday for how quickly they released the police body camera footage of the incident.

Milwaukee Police also sent out a new release saying the Columbus Police officers - who were working bike patrol - were in their assigned area along the soft perimeter at the time of the shooting. They said those involved in the incident will not continue working the event.

Police search for 3 suspects in Stakely's death

After the incident, MPD said they will assign more of their officers to work the outer edge to help with the community’s needs.

Milwaukee’s Mayor Cavalier Johnson spoke out in a news conference Wednesday. He said he is saddened by the death and that no one wanted this outcome.

“The deceased individual had family, had friends and my thoughts certainly are with them. My thoughts are also with the police officers from Columbus, Ohio," Johnson said.

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant released body camera footage just a few hours after five Columbus officers were involved in the deadly shooting in Milwaukee.

The body camera video shows officers notice a man holding two knives threatening another person. The officers run toward the suspect, and command him to drop the weapon several times. Police say the man did not listen to the officers commands. That’s when five officers fire the deadly shots. 

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“The information we have leaves a clear impression that these Columbus officers, they saved the life of an unarmed man from death or perhaps serious injury,” Johnson said.

NBC4 spoke over the phone Wednesday with Robert Bauman, the Alderman for District four in Milwaukee where this shooting happened.

“It was brilliant of your police chief to release the body camera video so quickly,” Bauman said.,

He said what he saw of the body camera footage supports the police chief’s statement that the officers' actions were justified. Bauman said this area is known to have a large homeless population, but he doesn’t blame officers who are unfamiliar with the area.

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Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein put out a statement Wednesday also praising Chief Bryant for releasing the body camera footage so quickly.

"The video shows a tragic and unfortunate loss of life, but it also shows how officers' quick actions saved another human being’s life," Klein said in the statement. "My office will provide whatever assistance and guidance necessary as the investigation moves forward.”

Johnson said he still expects a thorough investigation. NBC4 has multiple public records requests out to Columbus Police and Milwaukee Police, and are still waiting on a response.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus police have released new information about three suspects in a fatal carjacking that resulted in the death of a single mother last week.

Police released new surveillance videos Wednesday showing the suspects after they stole 29-year-old Alexa Stakely's car with her sleeping 6-year-old son in the back seat. The fatal carjacking took place on July 11 at approximately 1:30 a.m.

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The new video shows one of the suspects driving Stakely's Honda with two other suspects chasing after it, happening moments after Stakely was hit and killed. Police said the suspects then abandoned the Honda and the three of them walked away, heading north on Brynwood Green Drive.

• Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police
• Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police
• Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police
• Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police
• Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police

Police said Stakely attempted to stop the carjacking and save her son when she was killed. Her son was found safe and asleep in the Honda.

Stakely, a single mother who worked as a speech therapist in Canal Winchester, had just finished a shift at her second job when she arrived at her son's babysitter's apartment to pick up the child when the incident happened.

A map of the area of interest to police in the fatal carjacking on July 11, 2024. (COLUMBUS POLICE)

With the way the suspects walked around the area, police said they may be familiar with the community and either live there or know people who live there.

Police are asking residents of Brynwood Green Drive, White Oak Park Condominiums, The Green, Brynwood Reserve, The Residences at James Place, and the Residents at Akita Lane for any video they may have that shows the suspects in the early morning of July 11.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Columbus Police Det. Lemmon at 614-645-2558, email ralemmon@columbuspolice.org, or scan the QR code to submit any relevant video of the incident.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Parents are suing the Columbus Board of Education and a district teacher after she allegedly physically assaulted their 5-year-old.

The student, who is an elementary student in the Columbus City Schools, was sitting on the floor in his Pre-K class on May 3 when a teacher tripped over him, according to the legal complaint. The teacher then allegedly asked another instructor to kick the student when he did not move quickly enough. 

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When the other teacher refused, the complaint alleges the teacher involved in the lawsuit “intentionally struck (the child) and knocked him over.” According to the complaint, after he was knocked over, the teacher kicked the child when he was on the ground before picking him up “like a football” and carrying him away. 

According to the complaint, the 5-year-old is diagnosed with autism, which the school is aware of. The child is on a plan with the district that mandates school responsibility for accommodations for the student.

The complaint also alleges the teacher had previously been caught drinking on the job, threatened to harm students and that the district did nothing. NBC4 asked about the teacher's current employment status, but the district did not acknowledge the question. She remain listed on the district's website as a Pre-K teacher.

"The District has not been served with a copy of the complaint," said Jacqueline Bryant, interim executive director of communications for the district. "Upon official service of the Complaint, the District will file a response as appropriate."

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The complaint has five claims against the teacher and district. The school board is being sued for failing to properly train and supervise employees. In addition to assault and battery claims, the teacher is facing due process claims for the incident. She is also named in a civil liability claim for knowingly causing harm. Both parties are facing an intentional infliction of emotional distress claim. 

The parents are seeking damages, both financial and punitive, and a trial by jury. 

Watch a related video on Ohio State students' reactions to Vance's VP nomination in the player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — JD Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” has garnered renewed interest following his selection as former President Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick.

JD Vance, the venture capitalist and author of "Hillbilly Elegy", speaks with supporters following a rally Thursday, July 1, 2021, in Middletown, Ohio, where he announced he is joining the crowded Republican race for the Ohio U.S. Senate seat being left by Rob Portman. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Originally published in 2016, “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” details Vance’s upbringing in a struggling Appalachian family and highlights the broader socioeconomic challenges of community members. The book quickly became a bestseller, earning spots on various bestseller lists, including the New York Times.

At the Republican National Convention, after Trump announced the senator from Ohio as his choice for vice president, the work spiked to No. 1 on Amazon’s bestselling book list.

The film adaptation, released four years after the book, was directed by Ron Howard and featured a cast including Amy Adams, Glenn Close and Gabriel Basso.

The house where "Hillbilly Elegy" author Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, grew up. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Significant parts of the Hollywood production were shot in Middletown, Ohio, where Vance was raised by his grandparents. Key locations in the city between Cincinnati and Dayton ranged from a neighborhood on Harrison Street, used for the Vance family home, to the historic Sorg Opera House on Main Street, according to filmloc.com.

FILE - This April 30, 2019 photo shows filmmaker Ron Howard posing for a portrait in New York. The Ron Howard-directed movie "Hillbilly Elegy" will film for a few days in the Ohio city where most of the book is set. Andy Lipschutz of the movie production company says some 125 people will be involved in shooting that begins Aug. 5 in Middletown, Ohio. (Photo by Christopher Smith/Invision/AP)

Close received both an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Razzies nomination for Worst Supporting Actress for her role as Mamaw, highlighting the mixed reception of her performance. Additionally, Howard and scriptwriter Vanessa Taylor earned Razzies nominations for Worst Director and Worst Screenplay, respectively.

On Rotten Tomatoes, “Hillbilly Elegy” holds a 25% on its "Tomatometer" based on more than 250 reviews, with critics describing it as a “bland melodrama” that failed to capture the depth of Vance’s memoir. Its audience score is more favorable at 82%, with fans calling it a "great heartfelt and inspirational movie."

Metacritic scores it at 38 out of 100, reflecting generally unfavorable critic reviews. The movie was scrutinized for perpetuating stereotypes about the poor, although some reviewers appreciated its high production values and strong acting performances. However, user reviews on the site gave the picture a 7.5 out of 10, noting it is a "painful and inspiring story about an underrepresented demographic group."

The film is currently available on Netflix, where it has climbed into the streamer's top 10 most-watched movie chart.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 38-year-old Delaware man will serve at least eight years in prison after he was found guilty of raping a minor.

Kyle Butler was found guilty of rape by a Delaware County jury on July 11 after a three-day trial, according to Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel. Butler was then sentenced to eight to 12 years in prison by Judge Schuck on Monday.

Schiffel noted that the Delaware County Sheriff's Office began an investigation in July 2020 after the victim reported the offense to a family member. According to court documents the 15-year-old minor, "Jane Doe", told police that Butler forcefully performed sexual acts on her.

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"Rape is often a crime perpetrated in secrecy and behind closed doors. But for the strength of this victim and her strong support system, Butler may not have ever seen the justice system," said Schiffel.

The county prosecutor did not provide any other details relating to the incident.

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) – Two people, a man and a woman, were found dead at a home in Reynoldsburg Wednesday morning.

According to Reynoldsburg Division of Police, officers responded to the 8600 block of Robbins Loop Drive at 8:37 a.m. Wednesday morning. A caller reported that a person was "down" in the backyard.

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Police discovered two unresponsive individuals - a man outside of the home and a woman inside. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Reynoldsburg police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are canvasing the scene for additional information, but also said that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Robins Loop Drive is closed during the investigation, which has yet to reveal what led to the deaths.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Big Lots, the discount retail chain headquartered in central Ohio, is closing dozens of stores this year amid speculation the company will file for bankruptcy.

The chain is planning to shutter 35 to 40 stores by the end of 2024, according to a filing the company submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The closings come as Big Lots' sales dropped 10.2% between the first quarters of 2023 and 2024, equating to a loss of about $114 million.

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"In 2024, the U.S. economy has continued to face macroeconomic challenges include elevated inflation, which has adversely impacted the buying power of our customers," the retailer, whose headquarters are in the 4900 block of E. Dublin Granville Road, wrote in the filing.

Big Lots also fell an additional $72.2 million into debt between the first quarters of 2023 and 2024, bringing the company's total debt to 573.8 million. The chain said in the SEC filing that it now has "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue," leading to speculation of a potential bankruptcy filing.

The retailer reported 1,392 operating stores across the nation at the start of 2024, down from 1,425 in the first quarter of 2023. The SEC filing did not disclose which stores would be among the 35 to 40 that will be closing.

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Big Lots is home to dozens of stores across Ohio, including a Delaware location that was transformed last year into "Big Lots Home," a new brand of stores dedicated to furniture and décor. The location was one of 10 Big Lots that underwent the rebranding, including stores in Louisville and Georgetown, Kentucky.

If Big Lots does end up filing for bankruptcy, it will join a sea of other stores and restaurants that have also done so since the COVID-19 pandemic. Red Lobster is closing a chunk of Ohio locations after filing for bankruptcy in May, citing $1 billion in debt. Bed, Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy last year, shuttering a number of central Ohio stores.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A fourth person is in custody after a fatal shooting occurred in southeast Columbus at an apartment complex over one month ago.

Chaz Cooley-Ward, 29, is allegedly one of at least four suspects arrested in connection to the death of Jahaan Harris, who was gunned down in the 2700 block of Brandy Drive in the Walnut Hills neighborhood on June 14.

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According to court documents, Harris was walking with a group of individuals, from Noe Bixby Road onto Refugee Road and towards the Amberly Square Apartments complex. Cooley-Ward reportedly coordinated with a second group of individuals to follow Harris and the others before opening fire.

Police said Harris, 25, suffered a gunshot wound to his upper back at around 1:40 a.m. Approximately 50 minutes later he was pronounced dead at Mount Carmel East Hospital.

A warrant was issued for Cooley-Ward’s arrest on July 1 and he was apprehended on Tuesday. He was issued a $1 million bond and is next scheduled to appear in court on July 26 for a preliminary hearing.

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Also arrested in connection to the shooting was 28-year-old D’Angelo Gravely, who was issued a $2 million bond on June 22. Danielle Hardy was issued a $1 million bond on June 23. And Caleb Johnson, 26, was arrested on June 27 by Chillicothe police after a SWAT situation, according to the U.S. Marshals Office.

All three pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, four counts of felonious assault, aggravated murder and a weapons charge in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The Ohio State Fair is one week away, officially kicking off July 24 through Aug. 4 at the Ohio Expo Center. The fair will feature rides, games, exhibits and a variety of food to choose from, along with a full lineup of live entertainment.

If you plan to go to the fair, here's what you need to know and what you can expect to see this year.

Gate admission prices

• Adults (ages 13-59): $12
• Youth (ages 6-12): $10
• Senior (ages 60 and older): $10
• Kids under 5: Free
• Veterans, military and first responders: Free with ID

NBC4 Family Discount Day: Monday, July 29 where adults will be admitted for the kids' admission cost of $10. Kids ages 12 and under will be free all day. Fairgoers can also buy ride-all-day wristbands for $19 until 5 p.m.

Ride prices

• Ride-All-Day Wristband, Advance-sale: $33
• Ride-All-Day Wristband, At the Fair: $36
• Fairgoers can buy individual ride credits for $1 each. All rides require 3 or more credits.

Parking

• General parking is free in the main lots north of Cardinal Gate

Fair hours

• Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except Aug. 4, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.
• Most buildings and activities close at 6 p.m. and all fair activities are done by 9 p.m.

New food

• Asian Cajun and Cleveland Corned Egg Rolls - Eggroll Love
• Blueberry Crumble Sundae - North American Food Service, Inc.
• Cotton Candy Cream Puff - Schmidt’s of German Village
• Pickle Lemonade - Miller & Company Concessions
• Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Leg - Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ

For full list of new foods, click here.

Traditions and attractions to see

• Butter Cow
• Smokey Bear
• Petting Zoo
• Kayak Pond
• Lumberjack Show

The 2023 butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair celebrates Ohio’s rich history of innovation and features several notable Ohio inventors alongside their groundbreaking inventions. (Courtesy/ American Dairy Association Mideast)

For additional information on the Ohio State Fair including building hours, directions and more, click here.