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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Early voting begins on Oct. 7 and people across Franklin County will see multiple levies and bond issues on their ballots, depending on where they live.

Experts said property taxes could have an impact on the election, as all eyes are on the Statehouse right now to see how lawmakers address property taxes.

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Homeowners want to see relief, but schools and municipalities said they still need levies and bond issues to fund essential services.

“Property values have been rising, particularly for homes and in a lot of places, that is translating into higher taxes in a way that has not usually been the case in Ohio,” said Howard Fleeter, a research consultant with the Ohio Education Policy Institute.

Fleeter said in recent elections, many levies and bond issues have not been passing, which could be because of high property taxes.

“I think it's going to be hard for people whose taxes have already gone up to go to the ballot and look favorably upon a levy in that circumstance,” said Fleeter.

But just because there is a levy or bond issue on the ballot does not necessarily mean property taxes will increase if passed.

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Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano encouraged people to use the Levy Estimator to help at the polls.

“It’s an opportunity for you to plug in your address and see what issues would be on the ballot and potentially what impact it could have to your property taxes,” said Stinziano.

While property tax relief remains uncertain, voters are able to see how their home could be directly impacted, which could give them a better idea on what they want to vote for in November.

For example, the city of Columbus has bond issues on the ballot that will not actually increase residents’ property taxes.

“What we often see are people learning about those issues, understanding that, ‘Hey, maybe this does not increase my property taxes, but it can provide essential services,’” said the auditor.

Fleeter said right now, people may assume that any kind of levy or bond issue would mean higher taxes, so they vote against it.

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That’s why education is key.

“I think there is so much concern about property taxes right now that any government entity that has to put a levy on the ballot, I think, is at least a little bit worried about whether their voters are going to show up and vote for it,” said Fleeter.

“We want this to be a tool people can rely on. Look at the numbers, understand what the ballot language is going to be, and make their own decision on their issues for their community,” said Stinziano.

Election Day is Nov. 4.

To see what levies and bond issues may be on your ballot in Franklin County and what they could cost you, check out the Levy Estimator by clicking here.

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) -- When it comes to public safety, trust between law enforcement and the people they serve is everything, but sometimes trust grows strongest through personal connection. 

"We might be in law enforcement, but we're all human at the end of the day," Licking County Sheriff's Office Deputy Brad May said. 

The Licking County Sheriff's Office's Citizen's Academy is designed to educate residents on different aspects of law enforcement. For Aaron Smith, it became much more than that: It gave him a badge, a mission, and a family.

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"He absolutely loved police officers, deputies and troopers and wanted to know more about the sheriff's office," Licking County Sheriff's Deputy Connor Shook said. 

Aaron was first connected to Shook and May years ago. He's always been fascinated by law enforcement. So, when they suggested he join their citizen's academy, he didn't hesitate.

"Aaron's very special to our agency," May said. "We started years ago. We do parades for his birthday. We'll turn our cruiser lights on, and we'll drive down his road with our lights and sirens on, snd then we take him out to Bob Evans, where he likes to go."

Over the course of 13 weeks, Aaron not only learned about SWAT operations, jail procedures and patrol duties, but he also found belonging.

"Our job specifically is to bridge that gap between law enforcement and the community," May said. "So, we like to showcase that we don't have a specific type of person that we will reach out to and do things with. And we really liked the fact that Aaron was the first person to kind of set that off."

‘We did our part’: Central Ohioans in lease-to-purchase program fight to become homeowners

Aaron was even awarded his own badge at graduation. 

"I'm proud of it," Aaron said. 

One week after graduation, Aaron suffered a stroke, but his bond with the sheriff's office held strong.

"We all went over and saw him and visited with him for a little while, and got to see him and lift his spirits," Shook said. 

Licking County Sheriff's deputies rallied around Aaron. They visited him in the hospital, checked in constantly, and reminded Aaron he was still one of them. 

Short North fee set to go into effect

"It hit really hard," May said. "We're very close with Aaron and the first thing that me and Connor immediately said is, 'When can we come visit?' We want to make sure that he knows that his brothers here at the sheriff's office care about him."

In fact, Aaron had so many visitors that his nurses had to limit them so he could rest and recover.

Now, Aaron is part of the Citizen's Academy Alumni Association. He volunteers at events and greets neighbors with pride and purpose. The three are best friends with one unbreakable bond. 

For more information on how to join the Licking County Sheriff's Office's Citizen's Academy, click here to fill out an application. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The government has officially been shut down for two days, and many federal workers are affected, including TSA agents.

Many employees are working without pay until the government reopens. This is happening as the TSA and Federal Aviation Administration are facing staffing shortages.

If the shutdown continues, it could lead to longer lines, flight delays and even cancellations. Some travelers at John Glenn Columbus International Airport like Margaret Srnec showed up four hours before her flight.

She also shared the respect she has for the TSA agents.

"I'm just really thankful that they came to work today and I'm going to say something when I go through and say 'I thank you for being here today,'" she said.

The longest government shutdown lasted for 35 days back in 2019.

This week on Columbus Business Beat, Digital Anchor Rachel Ramsey talks to Mark Somerson, Managing Editor of Columbus Business First, about business news across central Ohio.

To watch this week’s episode, view the video player above.

• Site of former movie theater in Hilliard to be redeveloped into new apartment complex
• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams launched first franchising program
• South Bloomfield not interested in warehouse projects
• What homebuyers can find in Central Ohio for $250,000

Digital reporters David Rees and Ava Boldizar also discuss some of their business stories in this latest episode.

• Hot Chicken Takeover founder reflects on 50 cent sale and closures
• Sheetz opens in Gahanna after lengthy approval process and pushback from residents
• A new Mediterranean restaurant from a local chef is set to open in the Columbus riverfront space once home to Milestone 229

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- There is just one day left until Ohio State University's Homecoming parade, and students spent Thursday putting the final touches on floats for the Homecoming parade.

Thursday was the last day to work on the parade floats, and students said they would be doing so until 9 p.m.

Amelia Scheetz with the university's Office of Student Life said students have been hard at work for months on the floats.

"Students from different organizations, sororities, fraternities come down here to The 'Shoe and they work on building their homecoming floats,” Scheetz said. “Some organizations start designing their floats as early as August, but the float building process started on Monday.” 

There is also a major theme for this year's parade: Brutus will be the focus on many of the floats to celebrate the mascot's 60th birthday.

“Brutus is actually going to be our grand marshal this year, which is awesome,” Scheetz said. “It's for his 60th birthday. So, we get to celebrate Brutus and Homecoming at the same time. I think, I also just love getting to see alumni of all ages, get to meet and interact with current Buckeyes so they can form that lifelong Buckeye connection.” 

The 113th Homecoming celebration starts Friday with the parade at 6 p.m., starting at Ohio Stadium. Many students like Nathan Snizik are excited to join the tradition.

“I think it's really important because Homecoming has been a tradition on OSU's campus for as long as I know,” Snizik said. “This is kind of what it's about, it's, you bridge the alumni and the current students and bring it all together in something really special.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Central Ohio Walk to End Alzheimer’s is just over a week away and it will include teams from all over the greater Columbus region.

It will also include one supporter who is traveling nearly 2,000 miles to join the walk.

When a family first receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it can be a gut punch, not just for the patient, but for the people who love them.

Two women, one in Columbus and one in Denver, were each looking for answers after their husbands were diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. They each went to the Alzheimer’s Association website, where they found answers and each other.

“We noticed that people were sharing their stories, so I shared mine about Greg, and then Courtney shared hers, and we realized how much they were alike, and before we knew it, we were texting each other, emailing, sending cards to each other,” Columbus resident Patty Williams said.

It is the kind of support you can only get from someone who has walked in your shoes.

“You know, young onset has a very definitive aspects that are very different from aged onset Alzheimer's, and Patty and I were struggling with behaviors and sleepless nights and also, you know, trying to love these guys through their fears and their worries and their distress and our distress,” Denver resident Courtney Walsh said. “And when we connected, it was just that immediate feeling that someone knew exactly what you were going through.”

Going through things like an Alzheimer’s patient suddenly wandering away,

“And I was total panic,” Williams said. “I just didn't even know what to do, and so I sent Courtney the story because it's always so much help for somebody that knows, and she said her husband had walked away on a vacation out of a hotel and got lost.”

Early onset Alzheimer’s usually hits in the late 50s or early 60s and progresses quickly.

“One of the biggest challenges is being married to a man who looks  at 215 pounds of healthy and young and vibrant and has no functional ability anywhere out in public or in any realm, that people just can't grasp that concept when they see older people or they see you in a bathroom stall with them,” Walsh said. “They think older people, that's normal. But for a young onset husband, that is not understandable.”

“His memory started declining so rapidly he didn't know who I was, he didn't know who was kids or his grandkids were, and he would call me names of friends,” Williams said.

They were there for each other when each of them lost their husbands.

“Patty has been a huge mentor to me in that respect because our husbands passed a year apart,” Williams said. “She was modeling for me the healing process and widowhood and how I was. She was showing me what a survivor was going to look like, and I needed that so much.”

Williams flew to Denver to support Walsh, and now Walsh will fly to Columbus to support Williams’ team in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“I’m, I’m super excited,” Walsh said. “I think it's going to be so meaningful, and I've been making a long list of names of people that I need to put on the flower this year.”

“The walk is the top one, yes, for sure,” Williams said. “But I do have to show her the pumpkin show since my husband is from Circleville, and that was his thing. So, we definitely will see the pumpkin show. There's just so many things in Ohio and Columbus to see and I love living here. I, and I can't wait to just share it with her.”

Walsh is joining the central Ohio walk, but she is going to visit central Ohio for two weeks.

Right now, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is behind on its fundraising goals. If you would like to support the effort, click here. Donations to NBC4’s Colleen Marshall’s team page, Betty and Mary’s Kids, can be made by clicking here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man arrested and charged with a rape more than 30 years ago has had his case dismissed.

Anthony Shinaul was arrested in June 2024 and charged in a rape and burglary case in July 1994, according to the Franklin County Prosecutors' Office.

According to court documents, the case against Shinaul was dismissed after the court found the case violated his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial and the statute of limitations for the crime as laid out in the Ohio Revised Code.

Shinaul was indicted last summer on charges of aggravated burglary, kidnapping, and three counts of rape.

In 2013, with Ohio’s 20-year statute of limitations for sex crimes approaching, prosecutors filed an indictment using a placeholder name and DNA profile created from evidence collected at the scene. This allowed the case to remain open until a suspect could be identified. However, the court ruled this week that "... the State did not use 'reasonable diligence'... to investigate, identify, or otherwise commence prosecution in this case."

The court issued its ruling on Tuesday; Shinaul's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case in March.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Customers in the Short North could soon see a new fee on their receipts.

Business owners in the Columbus neighborhood can choose to opt into adding a 1% fee to food, shopping, or hotel purchases; the fee then doubles to 2% between the hours of 12 a.m. and 3 a.m.

Leaders say this is through the Short North New Community Authority.

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Short North Alliance Executive Director Betsy Pandora the fee, levied through the Short North New Community Authority, is part of the Short North Re-Investment Program, which the alliance is using to keep up with growth in the city.

“So there are new demands on our community as really every corner of the city of Columbus is growing,” Pandora said.

She said the arts district is on pace to see a record more than 10 million visitors this year. The money generated from the fee will be used for safety and beautification enhancements. In August, city council said half of the money generated would go toward safety, the rest toward cleanliness, landscape and culture.

Pandora said the improvements will enhance services already being provided and can get more specific on projects at a later date.

“Depending on how it performs, we would be able to significantly increase the types of resources that are made available in the community, be that for support to address a clean environment, a safe environment, and an environment that feels fun and exciting to continue to visit,” Pandora said.

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One business owner, who did not want to appear on camera, said she does not want to add the fee due to rising costs across the board.

Some shoppers said they feel the fee is helpful.

“I think it's definitely interesting, but I also think that the Short North gives so much to Columbus, so 1%, I don't think it's too much,” Columbus resident Anna Bench said.

Others agree and said it will not deter them from visiting.

“With all of the traffic that comes here in cars or people, I think it's important to have this as clean as possible because this is a popular area,” Pickerington resident Eriehl Perry said.

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Pandora said they are modeling this after similar Ohio communities that use the fee, like Bridge Park in Dublin and The Banks in Cincinnati.

“So we've really tried to be curious about the ways in which this has worked in other places,” Pandora said.

Pandora could not say how many businesses have chosen to charge the fee as they are still working through logistics. She said the fee will be implemented later this fall.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Dozens of families across central Ohio are fighting to become homeowners through a lease-to-purchase program.

Pay rent for 15 years, then buy the home. But NBC4 Investigates found dozens of local families who’ve paid rent for more than 15 years and still aren’t homeowners. 

When they couldn’t get answers, they turned to NBC4 Investigates to find out why. Families tell us they feel misled, even lied to. 

NBC4 Investigates spoke to more than a dozen families in three Columbus neighborhoods, who, instead of paying a mortgage, are still paying rent that keeps going up. 

“I shouldn't be tied to anybody at all. I did my 15 years here,” said Nichole Hardy, who lives in one of the lease-option homes. 

“We’re going to fight, whatever it takes,” Tamani Lucy Thompson said. 

Thompson lives in the same neighborhood as Hardy. So does Eldridge Law, another neighbor we spoke with. They’ve all been in the southeast Columbus neighborhood for 16 years. 

“According to the original contract, the home should be ours flat out,” Eldridge Law said. 

Janet Daniels is in another neighborhood, but also joined the lease-option program through the same company 21 years ago. 

“I'm not trying to be mean, but I've got an attitude now because they walked all over me and I thought I was the only one for years,” Daniels said. 

“There's no follow-through. A lot of broken promises. A lot of 'I'll call you back.' A lot of no call back at all,” said Tracee Black-Fall, who lives in a third neighborhood with the same problem.

Homeport is the nonprofit behind these developments. It develops affordable housing in Columbus. 

“The thought of being a homeowner for the first time in the family is big in our community,” Hardy said. 

“It gave us hope. Definitely something to achieve and accomplish and even just keep persevering towards having that goal,” Thompson said. 

The Levelgreen community in northeast Columbus is the Homeport neighborhood Black-Fall moved into more than 20 years ago. At the time, she was recovering from a brain aneurysm.

“Considering what all I had been through, it was a dream come true,” Black-Fall said. 

Throughout Columbus, Homeport builds neighborhoods and individual homes.

“I was just starting a family that long ago and it was a great idea to get in on this,” Law said. 

“I saw advertisements, several of them for affordable homes for anybody. I said, that sounds great,” Daniels said. 

Homeport receives federal and state dollars, approved by the City of Columbus, for its lease-option program. Low- to moderate-income families can rent a home for 15 years and then get the option to buy, which is outlined in the contract with Homeport that they each signed.

“I was beyond excited, I was a single mom,” Hardy said.  

That excitement has turned to frustration, as calls and emails requesting to buy the homes have gone unanswered, and instead of paying a mortgage, they are still paying rising rents. NBC4 Investigates read through the contracts and researched state requirements for this program, and we found these families are entitled to buy their homes. 

“The rent's been going up $100 every year, every year. So the past four years now” Law said. “I feel like they're waiting us out, trying to wait us out.”

“Put me in the mortgage,” Daniels said. 

Homeport did not give NBC4 Investigates an interview for this story and did not explain the delay. A spokesperson for Homeport sent an email confirming: “now that these homes have completed the required 15-year term – we can move forward with sales.” It adds no one will be denied the opportunity to buy their home, but does not state when or how.

“We have ran into several other communities that said they been in their homes over 20 years and they're running into the same thing. But we're not waiting until 20 years,” Hardy said. 

“We did our part. We complied with everything they asked us to comply for. We took classes. We've taken care of the property. We've done everything they asked. And to not get a call back. It's not acceptable,” Black-Fall said. 

The email from Homeport acknowledges the delays, but a spokesperson did not respond to our questions of why this has happened across multiple communities. 

“Don’t get people’s hopes up,” Daniels said. 

“Sell us the homes. Not 90 days, not 120 days, 30 days, sell us the homes,” Law said. 

Those NBC4 Investigates spoke with at the southeast Columbus neighborhood were supposed to be able to purchase their homes in January of this year. Daniels and others at Levelgreen have been waiting since 2019, when mortgage rates were half of what they are now. 

Homeport tells us everyone will have the opportunity to buy their home. We’ll let you know when it happens.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A second suspect in the brutal death of a 9-month-old was indicted in court on Wednesday.

According to court records, 29-year-old Anfernee Barthel has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering children in connection with the death of an infant in the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus.

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The infant was hospitalized after Columbus Fire medics were called to the 900 block of North 4th Street on reports of an unresponsive child just after 5 p.m. on Sept. 17. Columbus police were then contacted at about 6:30 p.m. by the hospital about the infant, who had reportedly sustained injuries believed to be caused by foul play.

The child was originally reported to have been hospitalized in extremely critical condition with traumatic injuries, including what prosecuting attorneys described as multiple fractures in the skull and neck, brain and carotid artery bleeding, and dilated pupils.

Court documents said the child was only being kept alive due to life support measures, and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed the baby’s death at Nationwide Children’s Hospital on Sept. 22 at 11:24 a.m. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

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The mother of the child, 30-year-old Billie Jo Tustin, reportedly told police that she would throw the child, including distances of up to 15 feet, spank him, and slap him in the face. She is charged with aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, and endangering children.

Barthel, Tustin's live-in boyfriend, was named as a co-defendant, pleaded not guilty, and was issued a $750,000 bond on Wednesday in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Tustin, who also pleaded not guilty, was issued a $1 million bond last week and ordered to have no contact with Barthel.

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) — A man accused in a mass shooting at a New Albany warehouse has been declared competent to stand trial, but his defense counsel plans to appeal Thursday’s ruling.

According to court records, a competency hearing was held for Bruce Foster III, who was indicted in May on 19 total charges related to the deaths of two people in a shooting at the KDC/One warehouse in February.

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The shooting took place at the warehouse, in an industrial section of New Albany. Foster, an employee, had been working for several hours before opening fire and then leaving in a rideshare vehicle, authorities said.

Foster, who was found not competent to stand trial four months ago, is charged with four counts of murder, murder, four counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, and six counts of inducing panic, along with a firearm specification.

Witnesses reported Foster firing a handgun at people along a production line, including one victim who was shot at close range in the head. One of the shooting victims was able to get the handgun away from Foster, prompting Foster to then flee the building.

• Scene of a large police presence at a New Albany manufacturer on Feb. 5, 2025. (NBC 4/El Richards)
• KDC/One building (NBC4 Photo)
• Cars line up along with law enforcement vehicles outside the KDC/One building in New Albany following a shooting Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (NBC 4)
• A Columbus police SWAT unit responds to a tip at a residence near Morse Court Shopping Center. No arrests were made in connection to a New Albany Mass shooting, Feb. 4, 2025. (NBC4/Jackie Gillis)
• Multiple police vehicles outside a local hospital after a shooting at a New Albany manufacturer on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (NBC4)
• 
• This photo provided by New Albany Police, shows Bruce-Reginald-Foster-III, a suspect in a fatal shooting at an Ohio cosmetics warehouse, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (New Albany Police via AP)

Approximately 150 people were inside the warehouse at the time of the shooting, with some not knowing about the incident until police arrived. Police arrested Foster about 12 hours later in an apartment in Weinland Park, north of Downtown Columbus.

At the time police said there was reportedly no altercation prior to the incident and witnesses reported that Foster arrived at work intoxicated and smelling of marijuana.

Foster was found not competent to stand trial twice before being treated to restore competency. He has since been released from Central Ohio Behavior Healthcare and was returned to Licking County jail.

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However, Foster’s attorneys are challenging the medical report and have requested a second opinion.

"On behalf of the defense we’ll stipulate to the report, and its admission into the record. But making the court aware we don’t agree with the ultimate conclusions and would be asking another doctor to review it,” attorney Brandon Shroy said. “If that doctor makes the same finding, then we’ll be proceeding sort of as per usual."

Arguments will be heard on Oct. 27 in what court records state will be an oral hearing on mental health evaluation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Past and present Buckeyes will flood the campus area this weekend to enjoy Ohio State University's 113th homecoming. NBC4 has your homecoming guide for the weekend.

Ohio State Homecoming Parade

Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. -- Free

The Homecoming Parade is one of the university's largest and longest-running traditions. This year's grand marshal is Brutus Buckeye, who is also celebrating a 60th birthday this year. The parade marches from Ohio Stadium to the Ohio Union and will feature floats and banners from student organizations, college departments, community organizations and local celebrities.

Parade route for the Homecoming Parade (Courtesy: The Ohio State University)

Brutus will lead the promenade down Woodruff Avenue and along College Road. Both streets will be closed from 5:15-8:30 p.m. Friday, as will 19th Avenue; Annie and John Glen Avenue at Neil Avenue; 18th Avenue at College Road; and 12th Avenue between High Street and Neil Avenue. The parade will also be streamed online.

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Saturday, Oct. 4 before the football game

Homecoming Court was first established in 1921, and the university continues to select students each year for their contributions on campus. The 20 court members were selected from an online application process that included written responses and a resume. All students have at least 60 credit hours completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson (left) smiles with the 2022 homecoming court royalty, Shayna Kling (middle) and Kelsey Lowman (right) as the Buckeyes prepared to take on Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 1 (Courtesy Photo/Maeve Walsh)

Each Homecoming Court member selected a charity or project to raise money for, and the students had raised about $20,000 as of Thursday. Causes include dementia care, central Ohio homeless youth organizations, and free legal services for Columbus immigrants.

All 20 students will be recognized as the 2025 Royal Buckeyes are crowned on Saturday before the football game.

Ohio State Homecoming Game

Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. -- tickets range in price, or watch on NBC4

No. 1 Ohio State will take on Minnesota at home Saturday night. Off a 24-6 win on the road last weekend, the Buckeyes (4-0) will be greeted back at Ohio Stadium for its first Big Ten home game. This week's Homecoming Game will be broadcast on NBC4.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Tight end Max Klare #86 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a touchdown with Tight end Will Kacmarek #89 and Offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa #78 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) Other events

Although the football game, parade and Homecoming Court are highlights of the weekend's festivities, there are plenty of other events for Buckeyes. Through Oct. 10, anyone can take part in the free Scarlet & Games scavenger hunt to find Brutus statues throughout the campus area. Buckeyes celebrating from afar can also take part via a virtual option.

On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Men's Basketball is holding a free open practice at the Schottenstein Center. Anyone interested in getting a sneak peek of this year's Men's Basketball team is welcome to watch through 4:30 p.m. Each college and regional campus will also hold its own activities.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Meet Scottie! He is available at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Scottie is 11 months old and is full of fun, according to the shelter. Shelter volunteers who spend a lot of time with Scottie say he is super sweet, loves to run around the play yard with his toys and will greet anyone who walks by.

The shelter says Scottie can play by himself, but loves to share his personality with his person. Scottie likes to receive attention and will give anyone all of the kisses. The shelter says he loves to just cuddle up and cuddle.

• Scottie (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Scottie (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Scottie (Franklin County Dog Shelter)

Right now, Scottie knows "sit" but he is very treat-motivated and will be easy to train in the future. He also takes his treats gently and is a great listener, according to the shelter. Along with being a well-behaved pup, Scottie also walks well on leash.

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If you want to give this sweet, loving dog a forever home, you can visit Scottie now at the shelter, located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus. His adoption fee is just $18, according to the shelter website. For the full list of adoptable dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, visit their website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- When Phillip Daniels gets to the line of scrimmage on Saturday night against Minnesota, he'll see more than a few familiar faces on the other side.

The Cincinnati native transferred to Ohio State from the Golden Gophers in the offseason, playing in 12 games in 2024 and making three starts.

With the Buckeyes, Daniels started in all four games at right tackle. Coach Ryan Day said he's earned his spot as a starter.

"He's made great progress. He's an Ohio player who has a lot of pride in this state. He knows what it means to be a Buckeye," Day said. "We love the intensity. We love the passion. We love how hard he plays. He gives us an edge. He continues to get better in everything that he's doing and he has a higher ceiling than where he's at right now."

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Junior left guard Luke Montgomery said Daniels plays with the biggest edge of all the offensive linemen.

"You learn that he's a kill-minded human being on the field. He loves putting people in the dirt, and you feed off of that as an offensive lineman. And he's kind of changed our group a little bit. We see a little bit of a different identity with our group this year," Montgomery said.

With Daniels set to face the school where he spent two seasons, he's become a valuable asset to the rest of the offensive line.

"He pretty much shared what he knew," left tackle Austin Siereveld said. "He's a little different this week. He's ready to go out there and compete on Saturday."

The Buckeyes think those emotions can add fuel to the fire against the Golden Gophers.

"This will be a big week playing his old team for sure," Day said. "But I think the guys appreciate what he brings every day."

Saturday's game against Minnesota kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on NBC4.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — October kicks off with plenty of weekend events around central Ohio, from outdoor family fun to concerts, theater and sports.

Families can bring a blanket to Columbus Commons for CAPA’s free “Goosebumps” movie night on Thursday, with food trucks, giveaways, and a Columbus Crew appearance. New Albany’s Oktoberfest and the Latino Heritage Art Festival both offer free, family-friendly celebrations, while Darby Creek Day at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park features outdoor activities along the creek.

Fall festival season is in full swing with the Ohio Gourd Show at the Delaware County Fairgrounds and the Columbus Coffee Festival at Franklin County Fairgrounds. The Short North’s October Gallery Hop adds even more art, performances, and local shopping to the weekend.

Music and theater fans have a wide range of options. O.A.R. headlines a concert at Kemba Live! and hosts the Crazy Game of Hockey at the Ice Haus, while the Columbus Symphony performs “Scheherazade” at the Ohio Theatre. Denison University presents “The Grown-Up,” Shadowbox Live stages “Freak Show,” and “Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: Hamlet” offers an offbeat twist on the classic.

Ohio Stadium will light up once again on Saturday night as the Buckeyes face the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Free Sunset Movie: 'Goosebumps'

Columbus Commons, Thursday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.
• Every Thursday in October, CAPA will present a free Halloween-themed outdoor movie at the Columbus Commons. Attendees can bring a chair or blanket, grab a drink at the bar, dinner at a food truck and enjoy complimentary popcorn. The family-friendly night will include giveaways and activities. Plus, there will be a special appearance by the Columbus Crew. The team will showcase its new black “Goosebumps” kit featuring bright yellow slime that glows under ultraviolet light. This event is part of a city-wide celebration of “Goosebumps” creator and Bexley native R.L. Stine.

62nd Annual Ohio Gourd Show and Festival

Delaware County Fairgrounds, Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5
• Gourds, gourd art, gourd music, gourd food and special programs are highlights at the Show.
This year, the “Artistry in Gourds” competition and “Gourd Costume Contest” are open to the public, with a cash prize for 1st place. Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no entry fee.

O.A.R.'s Crazy Game of Hockey Weekend

Kemba Live!, Friday, Oct. 3
• On Friday, celebrate 25 years of Blue Jackets hockey with a special anniversary concert headlined by the platinum-certified band, O.A.R., which has deep ties to Columbus and the Blue Jackets. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $65.

Ice Haus, Sunday, Oct. 5
• On Sunday, O.A.R. presents the Crazy Game of Hockey at the Ice Haus, featuring celebrities, NHL athletes, former Jackets, and trick shot pioneers. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., puck drops at 1:30 p.m. Fan activities and entertainment. Proceeds benefit The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Admission is $26.25 to $52.50

'The Grown-Up'

Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, Denison University, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.
• “The Grown-Up” is a funny, bittersweet, and fantastical adventure about growing up. Ten-year-old Kai uses a magic crystal doorknob to travel through space and time to see his future. This production includes adult situations and strong language and may not be suitable for young children. See website for tickets.

Columbus Symphony: 'Scheherazade'

Ohio Theatre, Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m.
• An enchanting evening full of rich orchestral textures and evocative musical storytelling. The evening unfolds with Debussy’s Nocturnes. Each movement paints an impressionistic picture portrayed by the voices of the Columbus Symphony Women’s Chorus. Kaija Saariaho’s “Vers toi qui es si loin” is an exploration of longing and connection to what lies beyond our human existence. Finally, escape into Rimsky-Korsakov’s colorfully orchestrated “Scheherazade.” Tickets are $10.33 and up.

Columbus Coffee Festival 2025

Franklin County Fairgrounds, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5, starts at 9 a.m.
• The festival features more than 40 coffee roasters, vendors and tea vendors from all over Ohio and the surrounding states. Attendees will receive a commemorative mug for sampling from the on-site coffee and tea vendors. Choose from a variety of ticket options to attend the event. Tickets range from all-day passes to two-day passes to single tickets throughout each day. Admission ranges from $20 to $75.

New Albany's Oktoberfest

Rose Run Park, Saturday, Oct. 4, noon to 10 p.m.
• A lively celebration in the heart of New Albany with traditional polka music, local food vendors, OSU on the big screen and a featured “Masskrugstemmen” or steinholding competition. This family-friendly event is free.

Latino Heritage Art Festival

Blockfort, 162 N. 6th St., Saturday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• A family-friendly cultural festival where art comes alive through arts activities, live music, traditional games, and Latino food trucks. La Feria is a celebration of art, culture, and community, showcasing the creative expression of Latino heritage through live performances, interactive art, and games for all ages.

October Gallery Hop

Short North Arts District, Saturday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m.
• Visitors can view new work by various Ohio-based artists at locally owned galleries. This monthly event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features a dynamic blend of local creativity and community spirit. Featuring live performances, public art and locally-owned shops and eateries along High Street.

'Freak Show'

Shadowbox Live, Saturdays through Nov. 15 and Friday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.
• Shadowbox Live's “Freak Show” is a Halloween-themed carnival of comedy sketches and haunting musical performances. Shadowbox sells tickets by the table to accommodate food and drink service before the show. Tickets range from $52 to $312.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Ohio Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.
• Ohio State takes on Minnesota at Ohio Stadium.

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: Hamlet

Southern Theatre, Saturday, Oct. 4, 8 p.m.
• Shakespeare’s greatest work gets the full boozy treatment. Performed in under two hours, this show includes profanity and brief nudity; audience members must be 18 or older to attend. Admission starts at $43.

Darby Creek Day

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Indian Ridge Picnic Area, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• A celebration of the anniversary of Darby Creek's designation as a Scenic River. Attendees can enjoy activities such as seining in the creek, observing live animals, participating in crafts, trying archery, and more along the banks of Big Darby Creek. Food trucks will be available on-site. This family-friendly event is free.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio lawmaker has introduced a bill offering a state income tax credit to businesses that provide financial bonuses to employees who get married, framing it as part of a broader push to strengthen family structures. 

House Bill 342, titled the "Invest in Marriage Act," would grant employers a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $50,000 per year if they implement a "qualifying marriage bonus policy." Under the bill, employers would be eligible for a $1,000 credit for each employee who receives a marriage bonus of at least that amount.

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To qualify, employers must provide the bonus to any employee who submits a marriage license or marriage record. The legislation allows unused credits to be carried forward for up to five years.

Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania), the bill's primary sponsor, said the legislation is intended to incentivize marriage by engaging employers in supporting family formation.

"We've been looking at the studies, not only studies from conservative groups like [the Center for Christian Virtue] but also from BGSU on the outcomes of children that are raised in single parent households, specifically single mother households, and the detrimental impact that it can have," Williams told NBC4. "Our society has been getting away from incentivizing marriage."

Williams added that the bill is also a response to what he said are disincentives built into public assistance programs, which he argues discourage two-parent households.

"We have, you know, the marriage penalty when it comes to other public assistance programs," he said. "We just thought of a way to be able to incentivize marriage here in the state of Ohio, and we wanted to make sure that the employers were engaged in that encouragement."

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Williams said the $1,000 minimum bonus was chosen to ensure it would be meaningful to employees and could potentially influence hiring or employment decisions.

"We thought $1,000 minimum seems like a reasonable bonus amount, and something that an employer will be kind of vested in to provide," he said. "Maybe Company A offers this bonus, and Company B does not. And a qualified employee wants to make the decision on where he wants to be employed at."

H.B. 342 is part of Williams' "Family First Agenda," a suite of proposals focused on strengthening nuclear families in Ohio. Other bills include a measure to designate the weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day as Natural Family Month, a tax credit for in vitro fertilization, and others aimed at supporting parenthood and marriage.

"It is a group of bills that we intentionally designed to promote family units here in the state of Ohio," Williams said. "We want Ohio to be a place where people want to… meet their spouse, get married, plant their roots right here in Ohio, and raise a family."

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Democratic lawmakers and policy analysts have not yet publicly commented on H.B. 342. Critics of similar proposals in other states have expressed concern that tax-based marriage incentives can marginalize unmarried people and may not address deeper economic or social challenges facing families.

The bill has been referred to the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee but has not yet received a hearing.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's Property Tax Reform Work Group released its final report this week, offering 20 proposals to provide relief.

The 11-member group had until Tuesday to unveil its suggestions. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed the group after vetoing measures this summer that would have provided tax relief at the expense of schools and services reliant on property tax revenue.

The group does not have the authority to implement changes, so it focused on suggestions that members thought Ohio legislators might be amenable to. The suggestions dive into complicated tax law, so NBC4 broke down each provision below.

Ohio Senate overrides governor's veto, eliminates levy options for schools Changes to levy abilities

One suggestion limits entities from "carrying over" more than 100% of what they spent into the next fiscal year. If a school spent $1 million in FY 2026, they could not bring $1.2 million into FY 2027 without permission. This allows entities to save money where needed but prevents hoarding tax dollars.

Some changes would add more levies to the 20-mill floor, a complicated tax program that ensures school districts get at least 2% of their possible tax revenue. Districts making less can adjust tax rates to ensure they are getting the minimum amount.

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The group recommended including more levy types in the 20-mill floor, making it harder for schools to raise tax rates. They also recommended passing House Bill 186, which would stop districts at the 20-mill floor from increasing taxes at a higher rate than inflation.

Some recommendations are now obsolete. On Wednesday, the Senate voted to override one of DeWine's vetoes, eliminating emergency levies, which offer limited funding for day-to-day needs, or replacement levies, which expand emergency levies to reflect tax base changes. The group suggested limiting, not abolishing, emergency levies.

Supporting existing tax bills

The group threw its support behind House Bills 156 and 154, Senate Bill 42 and other existing bills. The first would freeze the amount of property taxes owed by qualifying long-term homeowners. The group suggested amending the bill to make it less expensive for the state while offering tax credits to low-income senior and disabled homeowners.

The group also supports ensuring school districts have a say before cities or counties give out property tax incentives for big developments. This protects districts from unexpected funding losses.

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Another supported idea adds Residential Stability Zones with limitations. The zones allow governments to set partial tax exemptions in designated areas. The group said this was a good idea, but recommended limits to ensure it is not overused.

The group suggested expanding eligibility for the Homestead Exemption, which gives tax reductions to eligible citizens. They also suggested implementing a property tax circuit breaker, which would refund a portion of a homeowner's bill if it equals too much income. Both ideas were introduced at the Statehouse, but could be costly.

County powers

One suggestion would allow County Budget Commissioners to reduce levies that are bringing in more money than is reasonably needed. DeWine vetoed a similar provision, fearing it would violate voters' will. The group's idea addresses his concern by requiring a public hearing before approving reductions.

The group suggested property tax levies that come from entities that don't have elected officials should be approved by county commissioners before making the ballot.

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The work group also recommended allowing levy boards to keep interest earned on levies, allowing for more income. County commissioners would still be allowed to recover any costs they spend helping to implement levies.

Ohio reappraises property values every six years, and does an update every three years. The work group said the current cycles differ from county to county, leading to possible inequities based on when those appraisals take place. The group recommended unifying timelines to be more equitable.

Support for homeowners

Ohio charges penalties when citizens are late on their taxes. The group said it was important to incentivize timely payments, but added fees can complicate residents' ability to pay. The group suggested revising the penalty and interest process for delinquent tax bills to offer some support for late payments.

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Seniors are among the hardest hit by rising property taxes. The group recommended creating a property tax deferral program for low-income seniors and disabled Ohioans who have lived in their home for at least 10 years. This could be costly but would protect those most vulnerable to tax hikes.

The group said legislators should address Ohio's "severe housing shortage." More housing means more people offering tax dollars, allowing lower rates to produce the same funds.

State changes

The group recommended several state-level fixes to reduce tax burdens. One suggestion was for the Ohio Secretary of State to approve an easily understood summary of what a levy does and how it will affect tax rates, offering more clarity at the ballot.

Group members also suggested implementing a more regular review of tax exemptions. They suggest exemptions that fail to meet their original purpose should be reconsidered or repealed.

The group hopes to prevent common tax abuses like the "LLC loophole." The loophole allows property transfers made by an LLC to go undisclosed to county auditors, therefore avoiding some taxes. The group suggests LLCs that buy residential or agricultural properties should have to disclose land transfers and pay related taxes.

Unsolved Ohio: Daughter seeks answers in father's 2023 disappearance

The group also suggested a system to more easily track people who claim tax credits in multiple counties when they should only be allowed to claim one. Counties don't have easy access to one another's information, so the group said unifying records could help identify systemic abuse.

Finally, they asked DeWine to form another work group tasked with improving government efficiency. They hope this group could help public services share resources, lowering costs and the need for more property tax revenue.

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (WCMH) – About two years have passed since Jeffrey Fultz’s family has seen or heard from him, and his daughter said she wants answers regarding his “suspicious” disappearance. 

Fultz vanished from Cambridge, a Guernsey County city with a population of around 10,000, in 2023. Seventy-three years old at the time, Fultz had been living out his retirement after working various jobs throughout his life, including as a truck driver and at a local factory, his daughter Robin Crew said. 

“My dad, he has a great personality,” Crew said. “He's funny, easy to talk to, very friendly. … He and I have a great relationship.”

• Jeffrey Fultz and his daughter Robin Crew.
• 
• Jeffrey Fultz, Robin Crew and her mother.
• 

Crew, who lives in California, said she called Fultz to wish him a happy birthday on Nov. 28, 2023, but he did not answer. Crew stated she then called Fultz’s wife, who claimed she had not seen him recently and had kicked him out of their home because he had been drinking.

A few days later, Crew said she reached out to some of her family members, who said they were unaware that Fultz may have moved out. One of his cousins reported him missing on Dec. 9, 2023, according to a Cambridge police report.

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The report further states Fultz's wife told the cousin that the couple had separated in late October due to Fultz's alleged alcohol use. Crew said Fultz had a history of alcoholism, but others in his life maintained he was sober. 

“His friends that he's known his entire life shared with me that he protected his sobriety and that they just don't believe that he started back to drinking,” Crew said. “He had been sober for at least 10 years or so.”

The day Fultz went missing remains a mystery. According to the report, the cousin went to Fultz's residence on Dec. 9 before reporting him missing, and a man working on the property said he had not seen Fultz in "over a month." Fultz's friends also told the cousin they had not seen him in two months, the report says.

Fultz uses an oxygen tank that he cannot go long without, according to Crew. Since his disappearance, Crew said he has missed doctor’s appointments and his phone has been disconnected. His car and other belongings were found at the residence he shared with his wife.

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Cambridge residents participated in a search for Fultz in January 2024, and police held a search before that, The Daily Jeffersonian reported. Yet, Fultz remains missing. The police department has not publicly named anyone as a suspect in his case and told NBC4 it is limited in what it can share "as to not interfere with the ongoing investigation."

“I don't want to allow my mind to go down that road of theories,” Crew said. “I just want facts and the truth, and I’m fighting hard for that.”

Although Crew said she finds her father's sudden disappearance "suspicious," she is “at a loss” as to what happened to him and there has been little evidence to work with. She asked anyone who may know anything to speak up. 

“I think about it 24 hours a day,” Crew said. “It just pains me to the core that we don't know. The family, we need help, and that's coming from my heart.”

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At the time of his disappearance, Fultz was 5 feet 11, 150 pounds, and had brown eyes and gray hair, according to the national missing persons database NamUs. Today, he would be 75 years old. 

Anyone with information on his disappearance may contact the Cambridge Police Department at 740-439-4431.

If you’re a family member of an individual with an unsolved missing persons or homicide case in Ohio, reach out to aboldizar@wcmh.com.

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo and Liberty Township remain at odds over a $1 surcharge on zoo admission aimed at funding emergency services the township provides.

"We estimate that a typical run, regardless of any type of run, whether it's the zoo or to somebody's home, it's about somewhere around $3,500," Liberty Township fiscal officer Rick Karr said. 

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The Protect and Serve Charge officially went into effect Oct. 1 after township leaders delayed it by a month to give the zoo time to comply. But there are questions about whether the zoo is collecting it. 

When NBC4 tried buying a zoo ticket online Wednesday, there was no sign of the new fee, only the standard conservation and processing fee. 

"The idea of the fees is that there is an additional burden by nonprofit organizations when they have visitors, over 2,000 people per day, that they do create a safety burden to those in the township," Karr said.

Under Ohio House Bill 315, Ohio townships like Liberty can now add a fee of up to $1 per ticket to help cover the rising costs of these services. 

Zoo leaders filed a lawsuit against Liberty Township, arguing the law isn't meant for non-profits like itself, but a judge ruled the zoo qualifies as an entertainment venue and the township could impose the charge. 

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"We've said a number of times we're willing to sit down and have further discussions on coming up with a solution that might be more beneficial to both the zoo and the township and all those in the city of Powell," Karr said. 

The zoo has around 2 million visitors every year. That could mean an extra $2 million annually for the township. According to township leaders, those visits come at a cost, especially for medical runs. The township fire department made 87 emergency runs to the zoo last year, which cost the department close to $300,000.

"In addition to that, there's a lot of training and additional things that the fire department, EMS goes through in Liberty Township to support and provide all the additional services that the zoo may require if there is a variety of incidents that could happen at the zoo," Karr said.

The Columbus Zoo issued the following statement to NBC4: 

"We believe that Liberty Township has no legal authority for this tax to be imposed on our guests. We are continuing to make our legal case, and at this time since we are in litigation, we cannot make any further comments."

Ohio Senate overrides governor’s veto, eliminates levy options for schools

According to Liberty Township, the Protect and Serve Charge is not a tax; it is a designated service fee collected by the venue and remitted to the township to directly offset the costs of police, fire, and emergency medical services needed to safeguard guests and staff at high-capacity venues.

"The trustees foresee that we'll continue to play this out in Delaware Common Pleas Court and continue to focus on moving forward with the protect and serve fees," Karr said.

Since this is an active legal matter, the zoo directed NBC4 to its attorneys for further comment, but we've yet to hear back. 

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) -- Reynoldsburg City Schools was in a tough financial situation after its levy failed in November 2024, and it was forced to cut millions of dollars from the operating budget.

While the district’s finances have improved, leaders said they are now facing uncertainty from the Ohio Statehouse.

Lawmakers are looking to override some of the governor’s vetoes from the state budget, like a limit to the amount of cash a district can carry over. Reynoldsburg’s school board discussed this during a special meeting Wednesday.

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“I don’t know where we are with some things such as the 20-mill floor, the cash balance,” Reynoldsburg School Board President Angela Abram said. "Property tax, yeah. So those are the three main things that come to mind that I know will have an impact on how the district manages its money going forward.”

District leaders presented the most recent five year forecast, showing the district’s financial situation has stabilized.

The district recently cut $8.5 million from its operating budget, which included laying off 51 teachers, at the end of last school year.

“Because we made the necessary reductions that were recommended by our team, we are in a better place now, so I think it'll be a little while before we would need to go to our voters to ask for additional funding,” Abram said.

Reynoldsburg Treasurer Emily Hatfield said the numbers from the five-year forecast could change depending on what happens at the Statehouse over the next few months.

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“It’s really just making sure that everything's lining up the way that we thought it would,” Hatfield said.

Lawmakers and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine have been at odds over how much property tax revenue school districts across the state should receive, especially as home prices rise. For now, at Reynoldsburg schools, it’s time to wait and see.

“We are just trying to do our best with the information we have and we will just continue to make adjustments as needed,” Abram said.

Reynoldsburg Schools has another five-year forecast due in February and leaders hope they’ll have more concrete answers on finances by then.

Abram encouraged community members to reach out with any questions; find contact information for school board members by clicking here.