COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The group backing Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment to change how the state's political districts are drawn, has raised nearly $34 million more than the organization against the measure.
Pro-Issue 1 group Citizens Not Politicians has raised $39,476,270 since the start of the campaign last year, including $12.5 million donated since July 1. The group's latest election finance report shows that they have spent more than $37 million of that haul so far, with about $25 million going to advertising.
The group's top donor is Article IV, a nonprofit that provides support to state-led campaigns to "give citizens more choice and agency in how their government is run," which has given nearly $10 million. The Ohio Education Association, the union representing Ohio's teachers and faculty members, has donated $2 million, and Our American Future Foundation, a left-leaning advocacy group, has given $2.45 million.
Who are the judges running for the Ohio Supreme Court?Anti-Issue 1 group Ohio Works has raised $5.6 million since late August and has spent about $4.5 million. A majority of that, nearly $3.5 million, has been used for television advertising through Strategic Media Placement. The group also sent $70,000 to Agincourt Political Consultants, a firm where former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Paduchik is president.
The group's top donor is the American Jobs and Growth Fund, a conservative group that also opposed Issue 2 last year legalizing recreational marijuana in Ohio, who has given $1.75 million. Ohioans for a Healthy Economy, a group tied to the chamber of commerce, has donated $1 million, and American Action Network, a group supporting Republicans, gave $400,000.
If passed, Issue 1 would eliminate the Ohio Redistricting Commission, made up of seven politicians who are responsible for drawing the districts for seats in Congress, the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate. In place of the commission, Issue 1 would create a panel of 15 Ohio citizens, selected by retired judges from across the political spectrum, who would draw boundaries for the state's 15 congressional districts, 33 state Senate districts and 99 state House districts.
USPS urges voters not to delay mailing their ballotsCitizens Not Politicians and Ohio Works are both using the term "gerrymandering," a practice where political maps are manipulated to favor one side over the other, in their marketing. Proponents say that passing Issue 1 will end gerrymandering, while opponents say passing it will force more gerrymandering upon the state.
A "yes" vote would be in support of the citizen-led commission, and a "no" vote would keep the politician's redistricting commission as is.
Citizens Not Politicians has argued a change is needed after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled seven times that the redistricting commission’s maps were unconstitutionally favoring Republicans. The group boasts endorsements from more than 100 organizations, like the American Federation of Teachers and the Ohio Farmers Union, along with support from nonpartisan election experts.
"Issue 1 is an effective remedy to Ohio's long-standing problem with partisan gerrymandering and should be adopted by Ohio's voters to restore the integrity of democracy in the state," said Edward B. Foley, director of Ohio State University's Election Law program at the Moritz College of Law.
COTA seeking sales tax boost to fund LinkUS projectsOhio Works argues Issue 1 would "gerrymander more than what we have now" through "an unaccountable commission" comprised of members who could yield "virtually unlimited power to spend Ohio tax dollars, with no control by Ohio voters." The group is backed by a number of organizations, like the Ohio Manufacturers' Association and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
"Our concern is, if passed, the consequence could result in raising the cost of doing business in Ohio, making our state less competitive for business, and impacting critical issues our members care deeply about," said Steve Stivers, Ohio Chamber of Commerce president.
Happy Monday!
We start the workweek off on a warmer note, with highs heading to the upper 60s this afternoon under mostly sunny skies. Winds remain fairly light for today, but that all starts to change tomorrow.
For our Tuesday, expect gusty southerly winds to send highs into the upper 70s during the afternoon. It will be warm, but expect strong winds most of the day. We'll also see a few more clouds out, but a mainly dry day.
By Wednesday, we will see more sunshine, but those gusty winds hold in place. Highs warm close to 80 for the midweek.
Then for Halloween on Thursday, winds remain strong, and highs top out in the mid to upper 70s. An approaching cold front brings rain showers and a few rumbles, mainly during the mid-afternoon and evening timeframe. Keep the umbrellas handy for the holiday.
That front passes through early overnight and into Friday morning. We'll then see gradual clearing on Friday, with highs falling back to the lower 60s.
-McKenna
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Election Day is eight days away and the early voting period ends in just six days in Ohio. According to the Ohio Secretary of State's office, more than 1.6 million people have cast a ballot already, either in person or via mail-in ballot.
Franklin County has seen over 157,000 ballots cast so far, with around 74,000 of those being in-person early voting at the Franklin County Board of Elections headquarters. A spokesperson for the Board of Elections said that puts the county on pace to surpass the record number of in-person early votes from 2020, which was around 117,000.
An estimated 4,000 people voted in-person early on Sunday afternoon. The line was around the building off Morse Road, but voters said the line moved quickly. A volunteer estimated the longest wait time was around an hour and a half. Many people voting early had different reasons for wanting to vote early.
"I came out to vote early because of my work schedule, and I wanted to make sure I got in for what could be a historic vote," voter Sonja Hunter said.
"You never really know what's going to happen on Election Day. Whether it's going to be a family emergency car wreck, you get sick, and plus, it allows people that don't get that day off to, actually have time to vote if you're not in the line," Eowyn Livengood said.
"The weather is beautiful to be outside and just wanted to make sure that I do it on time in case I get hit by a COTA bus, I want to be in on time," Mary Mutegi said with a laugh.
The early voters NBC4 spoke to had a plethora of different reasons for getting out to vote and had different issues they found important when considering who to vote for.
"Economy and economy is number one on my list and also the fairness of all people,” Hunter said. “I'm also very concerned about, mainly the economy is number one on my list, honestly.”
"Honestly, immigration policy is pretty big, and also abortion rights,” Livengood said. “I know we voted for it once in Ohio, but seems like we got to vote for it again," added Eowyn Livengood.
"Wanting the best for our country and for our government because it is in need of repair. And, you know, I just want to ensure that the so the, the correct people are in position of making that change and just supporting the longevity of our country and our government. That's very important because I don't think people realize how once those things are gone, you know, it's I don't find it being beneficial to our women in our country or just to our community as a whole," explained first time voter Jeremiah Neal.
Neal came to the Franklin County Board of Elections with his parents to cast his very first vote in a presidential election.
He added, "I feel like wholeheartedly, especially as a young person, I really take to heart, like the testimonies of females and just their, their support from our government and, you know, our, our leaders."
Still many others brought young ones along with them to the polls. Imani Akita is just 14, but wanted to see what it was like to go to the polls.
"Right now, I just get to see how it works so that when that time comes, I'll be able to do it," she said.
Lots of parents brought their kids to show them the importance of making their voice hear through their vote. The 18-24 age group is consistently the lowest turnout in every election, and so far in Ohio, that trend is continuing, according to secretary of state data.
"I think, being youth, it's good to have our voices heard because these are issues that affect us currently and if we can have a say on what happens in the future, it'd be good,” Akita said.
Early voting ends Nov. 3. The remaining hours for early voting in Ohio are:
MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A technology issue has caused a central Ohio school district to cancel classes Monday.
In a message to parents sent Sunday, the Marysville Exempted Village School District said it recently began experiencing an incident that affected some of the district's computer systems. The district did not disclose the nature of the incident.
The district said the disruption is compromising its "safety protocols, plans and communication ability," which is why it is closing all schools on Monday, including the district's School Aged Child Care Programs.
The district has IT specialists investigating the incident and working to restore the affected systems. The district did not say when the specialists' work would be finished.
The district's full message to parents can be read below:
Dear MEVSD Families,
Marysville Exempted Village School District recently began experiencing an incident that has affected the operability of certain computer systems. We are working diligently with third-party IT specialists to investigate the source of this disruption, confirm its impact on our systems, and to restore full functionality to our systems as soon as possible. We have significant resources devoted to this process and our work to resolve this issue is ongoing.
The IT team will be working throughout the night but at this point we are not sure the depth of disruption to our systems. The impacted systems are creating challenges that impact our daily operations within the school building and across the entire district. Due to our phone lines, voicemail, and internet not working properly, this compromises our safety protocols, plans, and communication ability. As a result, all buildings in the district will be closed tomorrow Monday, October 28th, 2024. SACC will not be available for students.
We appreciate your patience and understanding and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. As this work continues, we ask that you direct any questions to Assistant Superintendent, Jonathan Langhals at jonathan.langhals@mevsd.us. Marysville Exempted Village School District’s primary concern remains providing a supportive environment where all students learn, grow, and succeed. As a member of our community, we thank you for your patience as we work through this process with as minimal inconvenience as possible.
Sincerely,
Marysville Schools
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A sea of pink flooded downtown Columbus on Sunday morning for the 16th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
“You know you know a survivor. Or you know someone who’s going through cancer who can use the support. When you come down here you see how happy we are and there is life after cancer,” said Lydia Kemerling Back, member of the walk’s planning committee and 25-year breast cancer survivor.
It’s hosted by the American Cancer Society and for the last three years, NBC4's Daytime Columbus host Robyn Haines has emceed the event. She is 14 years cancer free and wants to encourage other women to be their own advocates. “If you feel something isn’t right, you’ve got to keep going and that’s what I did. I had a lot of people tell me that I was too young. It turns out I wasn’t,” she said.
Watch: Ohio State marching band plays the tunes of Frank Sinatra for halftime showThe American Cancer Society says while the number of cases aren’t dropping, death rates have dramatically declined. “While we are not eradicating it, we are certainly making strides. We are certainly making a difference,” said Haines.
For the first time, she was also joined by NBC4’s Cierra Johnson on stage. She is an ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s Voices of Black Women study. “Every year, it’s all done online, filling out a study talking about what’s going on in your life, some of the external factors, some of the health questions and then they combine all of the information to see if there are any trends,” said Johnson.
They are looking for 100,000 women between 25 and 55 years old to participate. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk raises money for research, patient programs and education. “This is all for Columbus. It stays right here. It helps the community here from everything they need,” said Kemerling Black.
You can learn more about the American Cancer Society’s mission and see how you can participate in the Voices of Black Women study here.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has released the pairings for the first round of the state's high school football playoffs.
Games will be played at the home field of each division's top eight seed and are scheduled for this Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. unless otherwise specified.
For the third year in a row, the top 16 teams in each region made the playoffs, totaling 448 schools across Ohio.
The state championship games are scheduled for Dec. 5-7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
For ticket information, click here; tickets for that week's playoff games go on sale on Mondays.
The schedule for the first week of the playoffs is below.
District 1Region 1
16. Cleveland St. Ignatius (1-9) at 1. Mentor (10-0)
15. Cleveland John Marshall (2-8) at 2. Toledo Whitmer (8-2)
14. Medina (2-8) at 3. Perrysburg (8-2)
13. Brunswick (3-7) at 4. Massillon Jackson (7-3)
12. Parma Normandy (3-7) at 5. Canton McKinley (6-4)
11. Berea-Midpark (3-7) at 6. Lorain (9-1)
10. Findlay (4-6) at 7. Lakewood St. Edward (5-5)
9. Cleveland Heights (6-4) at 8. Strongsville (6-4)
Region 2
16. Grove City Central Crossing (1-9) at 1. Kettering Fairmont (8-2)
15. Beavercreek (3-7) at 2. Centerville (7-3)
14. Dublin Coffman (2-8) at 3. Galloway Westland (8-2)
13. Hilliard Bradley (2-8) at 4. Springfield (6-4)
12. Marysville (3-7) at 5. Hilliard Davidson (6-4)
11. Clayton Northmont (2-8) at 6. Lebanon (6-4)
10. Dublin Jerome (4-6) at 7. Springboro (6-4)
9. Middletown (5-5) at 8. Huber Heights Wayne (5-5)
Region 3
16. Lancaster (3-7) at 1. Powell Olentangy Liberty (8-2)
15. Pataskala Watkins Memorial (3-7) at 2. Pickerington Central (8-2)
14. Reynoldsburg (4-6) at 3. Gahanna Lincoln (8-2)
13. Lewis Center Olentangy (8-2) at 4. Lewis Center Olentangy Orange (8-2)
12. Newark (7-3) at 5. Upper Arlington (8-2)
11. Grove City (7-3) at 6. Delaware Olentangy Berlin (8-2)
10. Westerville North (6-4) at 7. Pickerington North (8-2)
9. Delaware Hayes (7-3) at 8. Groveport Madison (6-4)
Region 4
16. Cincinnati Sycamore (1-9) at 1. Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (9-1)
15. Cincinnati Walnut Hills (1-9) at 2. West Chester Lakota West (9-1)
14. Morrow Little Miami (1-9) at 3. Cincinnati Winton Woods (9-1)
13. Fairfield (2-8) at 4. Cincinnati Princeton (8-2)
12. Cincinnati Oak Hills (4-6) at 5. Hamilton (8-2)
11. Milford (4-6) at 6. Cincinnati St. Xavier (7-3)
10. Mason (5-5) at 7. Cincinnati Elder (5-5)
9. Cincinnati West Clermont (7-3) at 8. Liberty Township Lakota East (7-3)
Region 5
16. Willoughby South (3-7) at 1. Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (10-0)
15. Akron Firestone (5-5) at 2. Akron Archbishop Hoban (8-2)
14. Solon (3-7) at 3. Macedonia Nordonia (8-2)
13. Mayfield (5-5) at 4. Austintown-Fitch (7-3)
12. Cleveland John Hay (5-5) at 5. Warren G. Harding (7-3)
11. Painesville Riverside (4-6) at 6. Uniontown Green (6-4)
10. North Canton Hoover (6-4) at 7. Uniontown Lake (6-4)
9. Hudson (5-5) at 8. Youngstown Boardman (6-4)
Region 6
16. North Olmsted (5-5) at 1. Avon (10-0)
15. Fremont Ross (5-5) at 2. Medina Highland (10-0)
14. Cleveland Rhodes (5-4) at 3. Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (10-0)
13. Toledo Start (7-3) at 4. North Ridgeville (8-2)
12. North Royalton (5-5) at 5. Wadsworth (9-1)
11. Sandusky (6-4) at 6. Oregon Clay (8-2)
10. Toledo St. Francis de Sales (7-3) at 7. Avon Lake (6-4)
9. Amherst Steele (6-4) at 8. Olmsted Falls (7-3)
Region 7
16. Logan (1-9) at 1. Sunbury Big Walnut (9-1)
15. Worthington Kilbourne (4-6) at 2. Columbus Walnut Ridge (10-0)
14. Pataskala Licking Heights (4-6) at 3. Massillon Washington (7-2)
13. Columbus St. Charles (4-6) at 4. Ashland (10-0)
12. New Albany (4-6) at 5. Columbus St. Francis DeSales (8-2)
11. Westerville South (5-5) at 6. Canal Winchester (7-3)
10. Columbus Briggs (6-4) at 7. Ashville Teays Valley (6-4)
9. Massillon Perry (5-5) at 8. Columbus Northland (7-3)
Region 8
16. Trenton Edgewood (3-7) at 1. Cincinnati Anderson (10-0)
15. Monroe (4-6) at 2. Cincinnati La Salle (8-2)
14. Sidney (5-5) at 3. Xenia (9-1)
13. Trotwood-Madison (5-5) at 4. Hamilton Badin (8-2)
12. Cincinnati Aiken (6-3) at 5. Cincinnati Mount Healthy (8-2)
11. Troy (6-4) at 6. Marrison (8-2)
10. Cincinnati Withrow (5-5) at 7. Kings Mills Kings (8-2)
9. Lima Senior (9-1) at 8. Vandalia Butler (8-2)
Region 9
16. Youngstown Chaney (3-6) at 1. Youngstown Ursuline (9-1)
15. Akron East (6-4) at 2. Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (9-1)
14. Hunting Valley University School (4-5) at 3. Cuyahoga Falls CVCA (8-2)
13. Bedford (5-4) at 4. Aurora (9-1)
12. Madison (7-3) at 5. Geneva (9-1)
11. Tallmadge (7-3) at 6. Chardon (7-2)
10. Maple Heights (7-3) at 7. Chagrin Falls Kenston (7-3)
9. Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (7-2) at 8. Gates Mills Hawken (8-2)
Region 10
16. Rocky River Lutheran West (2-8) at 1. Toledo Central Catholic (9-1)
15. Norwalk (2-8) at 2. Medina Buckeye (9-1)
14 Tiffin Columbian (4-6) at 3. Cleveland Benedictine (8-2)
13. Parma Heights Holy Name (3-6) at 4. Rocky River (7-3)
12. Lexington (5-5) at 5. Maumee (8-2)
11. Bowling Green (6-4) at 6. Defiance (6-4)
10. Grafton Midview (5-5) at 7. Parma Padua Franciscan (5-5)
9. Richfield Revere (6-4) at 8. Copley (5-5)
Region 11
16. Vincent Warren (7-3) at 1. Columbus Bishop Watterson (10-0)
15. Delaware Buckeye Valley (6-4) at 2. Steubenville (9-0)
14. Carrollton (7-3) at Dresden Tri-Valley (10-0)
13. Wintersville Indian Creek (8-2) at 4. Newark Licking Valley (9-1)
12. Columbus Bishop Hartley (6-4) at 5. Carroll Bloom-Carroll (8-2)
11. Dover (7-3) at 6. Granville (9-1)
10. Columbus Linden McKinley (7-3) at 7. The Plains Athens (9-1)
9. New Philadelphia (7-3) at 8. Jackson (8-2)
Region 12
16. Oxford Talawanda (3-7) at 1. Tipp City Tippecanoe (10-0)
15. Franklin (4-6) at 2. Wapakoneta (10-0)
14. Dayton Meadowdale (7-3) at 3. Bellbrook (9-1)
13. Hamilton Ross (4-6) at 4. London (10-0)
12. Dayton Chaminade Julienne (5-5) at 5. Bellefontaine (8-2)
11. Celina (6-4) at 6. Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (8-2)
10. Wilmington (6-4) at 7. Batavia (8-2)
9. Washington Court House Miami Trace (7-3) at 8. St. Marys Memorial (8-2)
Region 13
16. Ravenna (4-6) at 1. Mentor Lake Catholic (10-0)
15. Akron Buchtel (4-6) at 2. Perry (9-1)
14. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (3-7) at 3. Streetsboro (10-0)
13. Hubbard (5-5) at 4. Beloit West Branch (10-0)
12. Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (5-5) at 5. Cleveland Glenville (7-3)
11. Pepper Pike Orange (7-3) at 6. Canal Fulton Northwest (8-2)
10. Norton (7-3) at 7. Struthers (7-2)
9. Mogadore Field (8-2) at 8. Cleveland Heights Lutheran East (9-1)
Region 14
16. Upper Sandusky (5-5) at 1. Sandusky Perkins (9-1)
15. Elida (3-7) at 2. Shelby (10-0)
14. Bellville Clear Fork (4-6) at 3. Ontario (9-1)
13. Napolean (5-5) at 4. Lorain Clearview (8-2)
12. Lodi Cloverleaf (5-5) at 5. Bay Village Bay (6-4)
11. Tontogany Otsego (5-5) at 6. Clyde (7-3)
10. Ottawa-Glandorf (5-5) at 7. Galion (7-3)
9. Caledonia River Valley (5-5) at 8. Vermilion (8-2)
Region 15
16. Columbus Marion-Franklin (4-6) at 1. St. Clairsville (10-0)
15. Heath (5-5) at 2. Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (10-0)
14. Canton South (4-6) at 3. New Lexington (9-1)
13. Millersburg West Holmes (5-5) at 4. Chillicothe Unioto (9-1)
12. East Liverpool (6-4) at 5. Columbus East (8-2)
11. Duncan Falls Philo (5-5) at 6. Circleville Logan Elm (7-3)
10. Waverly (5-5) at 7. Lancaster Fairfield Union (6-4)
9. Plain City Jonathan Alder (5-5) at 8. Columbus Bishop Ready (6-4)
Region 16
16. St. Bernard Roger Bacon (6-4) at 1. Clarksville Clinton-Massie (8-2)
15. Cincinnati Shroder (7-3) at 2. Cincinnati Wyoming (10-0)
14. New Richmond (5-5) at 3. Germantown Valley View (8-2)
13. Brookville (6-4) at 4. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (9-1)
12. Springfield Kenton Ridge (7-3) at 5. Cincinnati Taft (8-2)
11. Urbana (7-3) at 6. Cleves Taylor (8-2)
10. Kettering Archbishop Alter (5-5) at 7. Eaton (8-2)
9. Cincinnati Indian Hill (7-3) at 8. Dayton Northridge (7-3)
Region 17
16. Navarre Fairless (4-6) at 1. Canfield South Range (10-0)
15. Youngstown Liberty (5-5) at 2. Akron Manchester (9-1)
14. Canton Central Catholic (5-5) at 3. Poland Seminary (8-2)
13. Garfield Heights Trinity (6-4) at 4. Garrettsville Garfield (9-1)
12. Cortland Lakeview (5-5) at 5. Sugarcreek Garaway (8-2)
11. Martins Ferry (9-1) at 6. Columbiana Crestview (8-2)
10. Chagrin Falls (6-4) at 7. Burton Berkshire (7-3)
9. Richmond Edison (7-3) at 8. Girard (6-4)
Region 18
16. Johnstown Northridge (5-5) at 1. Milan Edison (10-0)
15. Utica (4-6) at 2. Liberty Center (10-0)
14. Fredericktown (5-5) at 3. Oak Harbor (10-0)
13. Delta (6-4) at 4. Creston Norwayne (9-1)
12. Archbold (6-4) at 5. Pemberville Eastwood (9-1)
11. Genoa Area (6-4) at 6. LaGrange Keystone (9-1)
10. Fairview Park Fairview (7-3) at 7. Findlay Liberty-Benton (9-1)
9. Johnstown (9-1) at 8. Wooster Triway (7-3)
Region 19
16. Worthington Christian (5-5) at 1. Ironton (9-1)
15. Chillicothe Zane Trace (6-4) at 2. Proctorville Fairland (9-1)
14. Wheelersburg (6-4) at 3. Barnesville (10-0)
13. Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (6-3) at 4. Canal Winchester Harvest Prep (7-2)
12. Piketon (7-3) at 5. Gahanna Columbus Academy (9-1)
11. Belmont Union Local (8-2) at 6. Nelsonville-York (8-2)
10. Columbus Africentric Early College (7-3) at 7. Zanesville West Muskingum (7-2)
9. Amanda Clearcreek (6-4) at 8. Portsmouth (7-3)
Region 20
16. St. Paris Graham Local (3-7) at 1. Jamestown Greeneview (10-0)
15. Arcanum (6-4) at 2. West Liberty-Salem (9-1)
14. Middletown Madison Senior (4-6) at 3. Waynesville (7-3)
13. Marion Pleasant (5-5) at 4. Camden Preble Shawnee (9-1)
12. Versailles (5-5) at 5. Lewistown Indian Lake (8-2)
11. Cincinnati Madeira (5-5) at 6. Williamsburg (9-1)
10. West Milton Milton-Union (6-4) at 7. Casstown Miami East (7-3)
9. Lima Bath (5-5) at 8. Carlisle (5-5)
Region 21
16. Rootstown (4-6) at 1. Kirtland (10-0)
15. Sullivan Black River (4-6) at 2. New Middletown Springfield (8-2)
14. Mineral Ridge (4-6) at 3. Andover Pymatuning Valley (9-1)
13. Ritman (5-5) at 4. Columbia Station Columbia (8-2)
12. Mogadore (5-5) at 5. Hanoverton United (9-1)
11. Youngstown Valley Christian (7-3) at 6. Dalton (7-3)
10. Wickliffe (7-3) at 7. Toronto (7-3)
9. Smithville (7-3) at 8. Leavittsburg LaBrae (7-3)
Region 22
16. Castalia Margaretta (4-6) at 1. Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (9-0)
15. Paulding (7-3) at 2. Bluffton (9-1)
14. Ashland Crestview (5-5) at 3. Toledo Ottawa Hills (8-1)
13. Metamora Evergreen (6-4) at 4. Hamler Patrick Henry (8-2)
12. Carey (5-5) at 5. Defiance Tinora (7-3)
11. Elmore Woodmore (5-5) at 6. Sherwood Fairview (8-2)
10. Spencerville (5-5) at 7. Huron (6-4)
9. Attica Seneca East (6-4) at 8. Collins Western Reserve (7-3)
Region 23
16. Marion Elgin (5-5) at 1. Columbus Grandview Heights (9-0)
15. Caldwell (5-5) at 2. Galion Northmor (10-0)
14. Mechanicsburg (7-3) at 3. West Lafayette Ridgewood (9-1)
13. Lore City Buckeye Trail (6-4) at 4. Beverly Fort Frye (7-3)
12. Milford Center Fairbanks (7-3) at 5. Waterford (8-2)
11. Newcomerstown (8-2) at 6. Grove City Christian (8-2)
10. Centerburg (7-3) at 7. Reedsville Eastern (8-2)
9. North Robinson Colonel Crawford (8-2) at 8. Woodsfield Monroe Central (9-1)
Region 24
16. Covington (3-7) at 1. Coldwater (9-1)
15. Cincinnati Deer Park (4-6) at 2. Cincinnati Country Day (9-1)
14. Lima Perry (5-5) at 3. Anna (7-3)
13. Chesapeake (5-5) at 4. Portsmouth West (7-3)
12. Miamisburg Dayton Christian (4-5) at 5. St. Bernard Elmwood Place (8-2)
11. Cincinnati Purcell Marian (4-5) at 6. Bainbridge Paint Valley (7-3)
10. London Madison-Plains (6-4) at 7. Ironton Rock Hill (7-3)
9. Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy (4-6) at 8. Springfield Northeastern (6-4)
Region 25
16. Crestline (5-5) at 1. Berlin Center Western Reserve (9-1)
15. Fairport Harding (5-4) at 2. Jeromesville Hillsdale (9-1)
14. Lucas (5-5) at 3. Malvern (9-1)
13. Independence (4-6) at 4. Monroeville (9-1)
12. East Palestine (6-4) at 5. Warren John F. Kennedy (8-2)
11. Lowellville (6-4) at 6. McDonald (7-3)
10. Salineville Southern (6-4) at 7. Windham (9-1)
9. Cuyahoga Heights (5-4) at 8. Norwalk St. Paul (6-4)
Region 26
16. North Baltimore (4-6) at 1. Columbus Grove (10-0)
15. Delphos St. John’s (3-7) at 2. McGuffey Upper Scioto Valley (9-1)
14. Arlington (5-5) at 3. Gibsonburg (8-2)
13. Edgerton (6-4) at. 4. Sycamore Mohawk (8-2)
12. McComb (7-3) at 5. Edon (9-1)
11. Leipsic (6-4) at 6. Ada (8-2)
10. Dola Hardin Northern (6-4) at 7. Tiffin Calvert (6-4)
9. Pandora-Gilboa (7-3) at 8. Lima Central Catholic (7-3)
Region 27
16. Bridgeport (3-7) at 1. Danville (8-2)
15. Strasburg-Franklin (3-7) at 2. Beaver Eastern (10-0)
14. Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy (3-7) at 3. Bowerston Conotton Valley (7-3)
13. Hanibal River (4-6) at 4. Steubenville Catholic Central (7-3)
12. Racine Southern (3-6) at 5. Corning Miller (8-2)
11. Lancaster Fisher Catholic (4-6) at 6. Glouster Trimble (6-4)
10. New Matamoras Frontier (4-6) at 7. Crown City South Gallia (6-3)
9. Shadyside (3-7) at 8. Portsmouth Notre Dame (5-5)
Region 28
16. Cedarville (4-6) at 1. Maria Stein Marion Local (10-0)
15. Manchester (3-6) at 2. Minster (8-2)
14. South Charleston Southeastern Local (4-6) at 3. Cincinnati College Prep (7-2)
13. West Alexandria Twin Valley South (5-5) at 4. Ansonia (9-1)
12. DeGraff Riverside (4-6) at 5. Sidney Lehman Catholic (8-2)
11. Fort Loramie (5-5) at 6. Mount Victory Ridgemont (8-2)
10. New Bremen (5-5) at 7. St. Henry (6-4)
9. New Madison Tri-Village (8-2) at 8. Waynesfield-Goshen (7-3)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- This week on The Spectrum:
Hear from all six candidates on the ballot who are looking to take on the state's biggest cases:
High pressure centered over Ohio has provided beautiful fall weather this weekend. Temperatures will reach the seasonable low 60s. Tonight will be mainly clear and chilly, with frost, as readings dip into the low 30s in most areas.
As the high slides east early in the week, a substantial warmup will commence, with readings rebounding into the warm upper 70s. Some high clouds will spread east from time to time with a couple of week upper-air ripples but the weather will remain dry through Wednesday.
A cold front will arrive later on Thursday, accompanied by a band of showers that will affect trick-or-treaters. Temperatures on Halloween will fall back from the low 70s into the 60s.
Dry and cooler weather will follow in the wake of the cold front heading into next weekend.
ForecastFor a previous report on this story view the video player above.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus police have charged a third man in connection to the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy in April.
22-year-old Mekhi Webster has been added as the third suspect in the death of Angel Diaz on April 14 in the North Linden neighborhood in northeast Columbus. Webster remains at-large with police telling anyone who has information to call 614-645-4730.
This is the second development in this case in the past week with CPD arresting the second suspect, 21-year-old Dock Parker Jr., on Thursday. Police arrested the initial suspect, 20-year-old Jaivon Jones, in June. Both are charged with murder and were issued bonds of at least $1.5 million in court during arraignment hearings.
Former Ohio school employee guilty of sexually abusing a minorPolice said that at least four individuals inside a white Ford Escape were seen on video surveillance driving along Medina Avenue, near East Hudson Street, on April 14, when shots were fired from the vehicle. Investigators began looking for video surveillance between 8:15 and 10:15 p.m. and discovered evidence of a “muzzle blast” coming from the SUV in question.
ShotSpotter technology showed shots were recorded from the area where the suspects were allegedly driving while traveling 15 mph and a witness also observed gunshots coming from the vehicle. Diaz was found around 10:15 p.m. in an alley behind East Hudson Street suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m.
Parker Jr., who has previous convictions for assault and multiple weapons charges, is next scheduled to appear in court Friday for a preliminary hearing.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Despite a narrow 21-17 win over Nebraska Saturday, Ohio State was able to avoid dropping in the new rankings as they have a top-four game on the horizon.
The Buckeyes (6-1, 3-1) are still No. 4 in the new USA Today coaches poll heading into their anticipated game at No. 3 Penn State this Saturday at noon. Both teams had to fight late for wins Saturday as the Nittany Lions took down Wisconsin 28-13 while the Buckeyes won with a fourth quarter Quinshon Judkins touchdown catch.
Three takeaways from Ohio State’s 21-17 homecoming win over NebraskaCollege football came back down to earth for Week 9 after a month of shocking upsets and topsy-turvy poll changes. The only ranked teams that lost on Saturday lost to other ranked opposition with former No. 8 LSU being the highest-ranked team to fall, losing to Texas A&M 38-23.
The Aggies moved up to No. 11 while LSU fell to No. 16. One team rejoined the top-ten as No. 9 Notre Dame is back after a blowout win over Navy. Two new teams joined the coaches poll with Washington State taking the No. 22 spot and Memphis getting in there at No. 25.
USA Today coaches poll (Week 10) 1Oregon (53)2Georgia (1)3Penn State4Ohio State5Miami (FL)6Texas7Tennessee8Clemson9Notre Dame10Iowa State11Texas A&M12BYU13Indiana14Alabama15Kansas State16LSU17Pittsburgh18Mississippi19Boise State20SMU21Army22Washington State23Missouri24Illinois25MemphisOhio State's game against Penn State will be instrumental for the team's chances of pursuing a Big Ten championship and getting into the 12-team College Football Playoff. Oddsmakers currently list the Buckeyes as a 4.5-point favorite in Happy Valley.
A victory for the Buckeyes, which would be the eighth straight against the Nittany Lions, would increase OSU's Big Ten title game chances considerably. A loss could virtually end Ohio State's playoff chances with more than a dozen unbeaten and one-loss teams.
While the showdown in Happy Valley is the highlight of Week 10, other games to watch include No. 1 Oregon playing at Michigan, undefeated No. 13 Indiana traveling to Michigan State, and an all-ranked ACC clash in Dallas between No. 17 Pittsburgh and No. 20 Southern Methodist University. NBC's coverage continues Saturday night when Wisconsin meets Iowa at 7:30 p.m.
The first College Football Playoff rankings of the 12-team era will be revealed on November 5.
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former Scioto County school employee has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor.
Caroline Johnson, 36, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to two counts of sexual battery and faces up to 10 years in prison.
Johnson is set to be sentenced on Nov. 25.
Adam Coy trial: Testimony in murder case of police officer who shot unarmed manAccording to court records, Johnson was employed as an intervention specialist and coach at Bloom-Vernon Local School District when she engaged in sexual activity with a student on two occasions – October 2022 and May 2023.
Johnson was indicted after an investigation by the Ohio attorney general’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation in December 2023.
Each count that Johnson pleaded guilty to carries a sentence of one to five years in prison; in addition, she will be required to register as a Tier III sex offender for the rest of her life.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One of the most elaborate costume parties took place in the Short North.
Highball Halloween kicked off early Saturday and brought people from all over Columbus together to enjoy the spooky season. It has everything from fashion shows to main stage performances, celebrating all this Halloween. The event went from 2 p.m. until 12 a.m. and the arts district was lined with food trucks, games like axe throwing, a live escape room and some
of the best costumes you have ever seen.
Throughout the night, there were rotating DJ sets to keep the party alive. Organizer Betsy Pandora noted the best part of the day is seeing the costumes people come up with.
“Everybody comes to see the couture fashion show each year, but we have public costume contest tickets, costume showcase and tons and tons of vendors that are actually selling fun things on the street this year, Spooky items, fashionable items, you name it,” Pandora said.
Having events like this is important because it gives people something to look forward to each year and brings a greater sense of belonging to all who attend.
“Columbus is a rising city, and more and more we are home to so many,” Pandora said. “We're growing in population, So big events really connect us, they make us feel a part of a community. That's what's really exciting about Highball, it's an event that was founded by the community. It's rooted in community, but it is celebrated by everyone."
This year, the event has free admission, the only thing patrons had to pay for was food and drinks.
NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- There was a huge Diwali celebration in New Albany on Saturday, in which community members gathered for a festival that symbolized light over darkness.
The event was held at the Hinson Amphitheater, and there were several dance performances, a children's fashion show and food trucks. For those in attendance, like Divya Prakash, it was more than honoring the Indian holiday, it was about bringing people of all backgrounds together.
Get out and do something this weekend in central Ohio, Oct. 25-27"For one day, it's like you know, you have Irish festival, for one day everybody is Indian, you know, everybody's enjoying it,” Prakash said. “So, this is another way, you know, you we celebrate and are part of different communities but one day everybody's Indian and enjoying the festival."
This was the second year the event has taken place. A firework display coated the night sky as festival goers watched with joy closing out the night. There's a hope of making this an annual event.
“It is a great way to get the whole community together,” Prakash said. "We hope we can continue to do this for all the cities out here.”
For previous reports on this story view the video player above.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Eight years after a west Columbus homicide authorities are still searching for leads that could lead to an arrest.
On October 27, 2016, Columbus police responded to a shooting on the city’s west side, near the 200 block of Columbian Avenue. At 8:45 p.m., officers located David Lee Hodge, who had been shot several times by unidentified suspects. Hodge was pronounced dead at Mount Carmel West hospital at 9:20 p.m.
According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, it is believed the suspects broke out windows to enter a home in the 100 block of Columbian Avenue where Hodges was staying. Hodges and a witness, both on the second floor, confronted the suspects before Hodges was shot by at least one of the suspects.
Nearly eight years later, the home invasion-murder of David Lee Hodge remains unsolved.All suspects, who police believe knew Hodges, left the scene, reportedly in a silver Nissan Rouge.
Crime Stoppers is again asking for community assistance and offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Clocks are turning back an hour this week for the end of daylight saving time.
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, closing the annual period when U.S. clocks "spring forward" an hour in March and "fall back" in November. Yes, this means we get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday when the clock remains in the secondhand position for another hour.
Ohio is among more than a dozen states that have pushed to observe daylight saving permanently. The state's House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to urge the U.S. Congress to pass the "Sunshine Protection Act," a bill to transition to perpetual daylight saving nationwide.
Who are the judges running for the Ohio Supreme Court?The measure is now under consideration in Ohio's Senate, where it received a hearing in the General Government Committee in June. Reps. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), the bill's primary sponsors, argued the U.S. no longer needs the biannual tradition of changing clocks, pointing to studies that say moving clocks in the spring and fall causes a number of work, school, safety and sleep-related issues.
"Continuing to change the time results in a higher number of cardiac issues and strokes and prolonged seasonal depression," Creech said. "A recent study revealed that sleep loss, even for as little as one hour, can decrease a child's quality of life, showing significant negative impacts on the children’s physical well-being as well as their ability to cope with the school environment."
One study said adult workers on average sleep 40 minutes less, have 5.7% more workplace injuries, and lose 67.6% more work days because of injuries the day following the spring shift than on other days. Another, after researching 21 years of fatal accidents in the U.S., found a significant increase in accidents on the Monday following the spring forward and another increase on the Sunday after the fall back.
However, Jay Pea, president of the nonprofit Save Standard Time, said in a previous hearing last year that daylight saving would delay Ohio's sunrise past 8 a.m. for more than four months, sometimes as late as 9:06 a.m., and noted Ohio rejected an effort in 1974 to enact daylight saving permanently. Rather, Pea advocates for extending standard time to the entire year.
COTA seeking sales tax boost to fund LinkUS projects"Permanent standard time would protect start times for schoolchildren and essential workers by letting most sleep naturally past dawn year-round. Its benefits to circadian health would improve immunity, longevity, mood, alertness, and performance in school, sports, and work," Pea said. "Standard time is the natural clock, set to the sun."
Creech and Peterson's resolution notes an effort to enact daylight saving in Ohio would be curtailed until federal law changes. Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states can change to standard time but not daylight saving, which requires a change to federal law to transition to perpetual daylight saving.
Passing the Sunshine Protection Act would mean later sunsets in the winter, but also later sunrises. For example, the sun rises around 7:15 a.m. and sets around 4:30 p.m. on the first day of winter in New York. The Sunshine Protection Act would change sunrise to 8:15 a.m. and sunset to 5:30 p.m.
The seasonable temperatures continue to finish the weekend. Highs will only reach 60 degrees. As a surface high pressure system mover over the state, winds are going to be very light for much of the day. This will also help keep skies bright and sunny during the afternoon. Overall expect a very beautiful day.
Tonight skies are staying mainly clear. Light winds will continue as well. Temperatures are going to fall even cooler across Central Ohio. More areas outside of the city center will fall to at or below the freezing point of 32 degrees.
Tomorrow starts the next warm up for the entire region. As skies become partly cloudy, highs will reach the upper 60s. Winds will start to pick up a little more on Monday to start the work week. In general no weather related issue are expected to kick off the last work week of October.
Near record temperatures are expected between Tuesday and Wednesday. High on those days will reach the upper 70s to low 80s. Wind speeds on those days will become very breezy as well. This comes ahead of a cold front that will pass over Central Ohio on Halloween Thursday. This front is expected to bring pretty decent rain chances really close to trick or treating times.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in critical condition after being shot near a Kroger in north Columbus on Saturday afternoon.
Columbus police were dispatched on reports of a person shot at North High Street and Clark Place around 2 p.m., near a Kroger. The victim was in critical condition, according to police dispatchers.
Columbus man gets life in prison in 2022 fatal shooting on State Route 104The investigation by Columbus police is ongoing.
In the wake of a cold front crossing the state late Friday, the weather turned bright and crisp this weekend, with afternoon temperatures around 60 degrees, which is seasonable for late October. Tonight will be clear and frosty, as morning readings fall to near freezing.
High pressure will build across the region, providing fair skies through the early part of the week.
A substantial warmup will commence on Tuesday and continue through Halloween, with readings soaring into the 70s.
A cold front will arrive later on Thursday, accompanied by a band of showers, followed by cooler weather returning next weekend.
ForecastCOLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Best Damn Band In The Land went back in time to play the songs of one of the most iconic singers of all time.
During halftime of the Buckeyes' homecoming game against Nebraska, the marching band performed the songs of Frank Sinatra for the Ohio Stadium crowd. From "New York, New York" to "Come Fly with Me", TBDBITL made a unique collection of formations for Ol' Blue Eyes with planes, apples, hats, and more.
Live updates: Ohio State-NebraskaThe Buckeyes that competed at the Paris Olympics this summer were honored at midfield during the halftime show as the band played the iconic NBC Olympic theme song. Among the Olympians honored included swimmer Hunter Armstrong, who won three medals in France, and artistic swimmers Ruby Remati and Keana Hunter, who helped Team USA to a silver for its first medal in the sport in 20 years.
You can watch the halftime show in the video player above.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two weeks after losing to Oregon on the road, Ohio State is back at home to take on Nebraska for homecoming weekend.
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes are well rested heading into the matchup, coming off their second bye week of the season. Saturday marks the first meeting between the two programs in three years. Ohio State has won seven straight against the Cornhuskers since losing in Lincoln, Neb. in 2011.
Ohio State injury report: Safety Lathan Ransom out for Nebraska gameOSU has played five regular season games after a loss in the last ten years, owning a 5-0 record in rebound games. This last happened in 2021, when the Buckeyes defeated Tulsa, 41-20, after falling to, coincidentally, Oregon.
Scroll below for live updates.