Ohio News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What time does the solar eclipse start in Ohio?

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

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

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

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

Camera spots repeat suspect in Columbus nightclub break-ins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Eclipse Day in Ohio: What to know

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

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

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

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

How to safely watch the total solar eclipse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Guys set to expand in Columbus with German Village spot

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

(Courtesy: Finjan Cafe)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

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

Live VIPIR radar from NBC4

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

Live traffic conditions for Columbus and central Ohio

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

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

Forecast

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

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

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

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viral video leads to Delaware County dog seizure

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

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Dublin City Schools is weighing whether to transform a central Ohio healthcare provider's headquarters into a new high school for the district.

The school district signed a nonbinding letter of intent with Cardinal Health to assess the feasibility of buying the company's west campus headquarters at 7200 Cardinal Place. The letter allows the district more than a year to determine if the building can be effectively configured to serve as a school.

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

"During this time, district leaders will also be implementing several community engagement initiatives to determine how the purchase of Cardinal Health West aligns with the district's long-term goals," Dublin City Schools said in a news release. "One possibility is its conversion into a fourth high school."

• Dublin City Schools signed a letter of intent with Cardinal Health to assess the feasibility of buying the company's west campus headquarters at 7200 Cardinal Place. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)
• Dublin City Schools signed a letter of intent with Cardinal Health to assess the feasibility of buying the company's west campus headquarters at 7200 Cardinal Place. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

The three-story building sits on more than 31 acres and offers enough space to accommodate the addition of an athletic stadium and gym. With projected enrollment growth expected to necessitate additional secondary space by 2030, the school district said the acquisition of Cardinal Health's west campus could address this need. 

Enrollment projection reports show the district will grow by 2,000 students in the next five years. Jerome High School, which just opened a 58,000-square-foot addition in August, is already near capacity and will be more than 1,000 students over capacity by 2030 if nothing changes, Dublin City Schools said.

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The district noted that while Dublin voters approved a $145 million bond issue and a 7.9 mill operating levy last November providing the funding needed to build a 15th elementary school, that is not enough to also build a new high school. 

Due to the size and scope of a high school facility, Dublin City Schools estimates it could cost more than $150 million to build new. The school district said that's why exploring the acquisition of Cardinal Health's building makes sense.

"Converting office space leverages pre-existing infrastructure and amenities, reducing costs and providing significant savings for Dublin City Schools taxpayers," the district said.

Special livestreamed coverage of the eclipse from NBC4 will begin at 11 a.m. Monday and continue through 6:30 p.m. Watch live in the player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Marking the first time since 1806, Ohio will be in the direct path of the rare total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon.

What time does the solar eclipse start in Ohio?

Forecasters predict Monday's phenomenon will last for just up to four minutes and 28 seconds, possibly twice as long as the previous eclipse in 2017. The 124-mile-wide path of totality, where the sun will be 100% blocked by the moon, will span from the southwest to the northeast portion of Ohio. Everyone outside this coverage area will have a different view of the occurrence, but all of the state falls in at least a 95% coverage zone. 

How to view the eclipse

It is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing, according to NASA. Viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause a severe eye injury.

"You must look through safe solar viewing glasses, 'eclipse glasses,' or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times," NASA states on its "Total Solar Eclipse Safety" site. "Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun."

When and where traffic could be the worst on solar eclipse day

While NASA does not approve any particular brand of solar viewers, the agency does recommend those watching the eclipse purchase glasses that comply with the "ISO 12312-2 international standard."

Where traffic could be the worst

Matt Bruning, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation, said the department expects to see the worst traffic immediately after the eclipse. He compared the event to a fireworks display. All morning, afternoon and evening, people trickle in to see the display, but when the grand finale goes off and the fireworks are done, everyone leaves at the same time. 

ODOT has created an interactive map to display an hour-by-hour look at four potential traffic scenarios based on the number of visitors the state sees: 150,000, 350,000, 575,000 and 625,000.

Bruning's overall advice to drivers is to “plan, prepare and be patient.” He advises drivers to top off their fuel tank before leaving the spot where they watched the eclipse in case they get stuck in hours of traffic. 

Could gas station run out of fuel?

Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager for AAA, said stations running out of gas is a possibility, and whether gas stations will have extra gas stocked up for the eclipse will vary on a station-by-station basis. 

Lorain County, which is located just outside of Cleveland and is directly in the path of totality, issued a warning that residents could have issues accessing certain items, including gas. The county has also recommended residents fill up their tanks before the weekend. 

Can’t catch the eclipse? The next one is sooner than you might think

Franklin County Emergency Management director Darrel Koerber said the number of gas stations in and around the county are capable of supporting large crowds, as seen with Ohio State football games and the fair. He also said the agency encourages residents to fill their tanks ahead of eclipse day.

NBC4 has a gas price tracker, and it can be used as a way to find a station near you.

Will cellphone signals be affected?

Don Stevens, director of the Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University, speculated that because of the potential for congestion, major network providers may deploy mobile cellphone towers like the ones used during natural disasters where coverage has been impacted. But Verizon in particular told NBC4 that its network has become so advanced that it won’t need to do anything like that.

Another major carrier, AT&T, told NBC4 it doesn’t expect serious issues thanks to the widespread adoption of 5G cellular technology.

How has Ohio prepared for the eclipse?

Gov. Mike DeWine said during a press conference on Friday that he is not activating the Ohio National Guard for the eclipse, but asked Adjutant General John Harris to be on standby in case they are needed with situations like traffic congestion.

"He has worked it out so some training exercises are occurring this weekend, and they certainly will be prepared and will monitor the situation, and if we need the guard to come in, we certainly will be able to do that," DeWine said.

List: Solar eclipse viewing events, watch parties in central Ohio

Additionally, the governor said he would activate the Emergency Operations Center beginning on Sunday and running through Tuesday as part of the state's precautionary measures for the eclipse. Ohio Emergency Management Agency Director Sima Merick said the teams there would monitor highway traffic cameras, as well as weather radar to keep an eye on both of the state's main concerns for the event.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Partly cloudy, high 71
• Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low 52
• Tuesday: Afternoon showers, high 70
• Wednesday: Isolated showers, high 65
• Thursday: Rain & storms, high 66
• Friday: Early showers, high 56

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Monday!

We start the day off with clouds as a quick system works through the region, bringing a few showers with it. That rain clears very early, and then the clouds gradually break through the morning and into this afternoon. Expect highs to top out in the upper 60s and lower 70s this afternoon.

We will notice a quick temperature drop, by about 5-10°, as we enter totality of the solar eclipse, then we heat right back up afterward.

In addition, our greatest chances for clearer skies will be NW of I-71, which is great news, as that is right in the line of totality. Expect a few high clouds around, which are mainly more transparent clouds. If we have to have clouds, this is a better case scenario. I do think most of us will get a great view.

Clouds build back in Tuesday, and rain returns Tuesday afternoon. Expect scattered shower activity, with highs topping out near 70.

By Wednesday, we're looking at just isolated shower activity, with highs dropping back to the middle 60s.

Then for Thursday, that's our more widespread rain day. We'll also be watching thunderstorms moving through the region as a cold front tracks through. We hold steady in the middle 60s Thursday.

Temps drop Friday, back into the middle 50s. We start the day with a few showers, but those clear during the first half of the day.

-McKenna

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center looked at how prepared people are for Monday’s solar eclipse.

The survey of approximately 1,000 people found that 30% did not know that looking at the eclipse without proper eye protection could cause permanent damage. Another 10% also believe that the eclipse can cause natural disasters, sleep problems, and mental health issues. None of those are real dangers of an eclipse, the university said in a statement.

What time does the solar eclipse start in Ohio?

Some Ohio State students said the message has been clear and they have expectations for the event.

“I have no idea what to expect and I don’t want to be underwhelmed,” Ohio State student Kate Baldwin said.

One student doesn’t have class, another is driving with her family for the best view, and a third is still figuring out her plan.

“I’m hoping my class gets canceled,” Baldwin said. “If it doesn’t, I honestly might think about going to watch the eclipse because it’s the first time this is happening in 70 years, so I definitely want to see it.”

Solar eclipse inspires Columbus songwriter

“My class got canceled, so probably just, you know, putting on my glasses,” Ohio State student Addisynne Siefike said.

A doctor with the Wexner Medical Center said having the proper glasses is important.

“We may see patients come to the emergency department with a painful eye, much like a welder would get if they didn't use appropriate protection,” Dr. Nicholas Kman, an emergency physician with the medical center, said.

Kman said being aware of the potential traffic backup and having a plan is important.

“That might include a full tank of gas, it might include some supplies that I would advocate you always have in your car, but, you know, a cell phone charger, jumper cables, full tank of gas. Maybe if you're traveling, medications, anything your kids might need, snacks, you know, be prepared,” he said.

How is Ohio preparing for Monday’s total solar eclipse?

Kman said the event shouldn’t be doom and gloom – he wants to make sure everyone is prepared and has a plan.

“We saw after the 2017 eclipse that people were in traffic for up to 17 hours going from Kentucky back to Ohio,” he said. “So, you know, be ready for that. Are you prepared in your vehicle for a standstill traffic event like that?”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that sent one motorcyclist to the hospital Sunday afternoon.

According to police, the crash happened on West Broad Street near Rhodes Park in the Highland West section of the city at approximately 5:34 p.m.

Four years later, east Columbus homicide remains unsolved

The motorcyclist was driving west on West Broad Street when it was hit by a car turning from Rhodes Park onto the street, police said. The car then fled from the scene.

The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive.

Police did not describe the suspect vehicle.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit at 614-645-4767.

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- A notice posted to the Upper Arlington Schools website says too many staffers are taking Monday off for the solar eclipse, requiring the district to cancel classes.

"Unfortunately, the uniqueness of the circumstances surrounding the eclipse have placed us with staffing challenges that impact our ability to safely supervise all students," the notice states. "At this point, we decided it was best to make the call now and give families time to arrange for any childcare needs."

What time does the solar eclipse start in Ohio?

The district was set to have an early dismissal so students and staffers could view the eclipse.

Nearly all other districts in central Ohio are either closed or offering an early dismissal Monday.

KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCMH) -- Forty dogs have been removed from a Delaware County property after a video showing their living conditions went viral over the weekend.

On Sunday, the Delaware County Dog Warden removed the dogs -- most believed to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes -- from a property on the 7000 block of Kilbourne Road in the northeastern part of the county.

Clearing skies forecasted for some in central Ohio Monday during eclipse

According to a statement released by the county, the owner of the property was not at home at the time the dogs were removed and no charges have been filed at this point, but are anticipated.

The removal of the dogs started at approximately 11:30 a.m. Sunday and took about three hours. The dog warden had help from the Humane Society of Delaware County, the Marion County Dog Warden's Office, and the Humane Society of Morrow County.

The rescued dogs are being cared for by the Delaware County dog shelter and the county's humane society.

Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett said his office was aware of the property owner for several years, but previous investigations only turned up six dogs, all of whom were in good health.

What time does the solar eclipse start in Ohio?

"Complaints continued to come in... but, in recent years, no one would complete a witness statement that would enable the Dog Shelter staff to act," the county's statement said. "A statement was received Friday night, alleging many more dogs on the property than were previously known and that they had been observed in abusive conditions."

A video posted to TikTok Saturday showed the dog's living conditions. In the video, nearly all the dogs are shown wearing heavy chains, living in mud or water with only an uninsulated blue bucket for shelter. One of the dogs in the video appears to be biting their chain and pulling against its stake.

Online court records show the property owner was charged with animal cruelty in North Carolina in 2012.

Organ transplant recipients and donors reunite at Ohio State hospital pinwheel planting

NBC4 is not naming the property owner because criminal charges have not been filed in Delaware County.

The dog warden is continuing an investigation into the living conditions of the dogs. A briefing with Garrett is scheduled for Monday morning.

Garrett's statement said the dogs at the shelter at the time of the seizure were being cared for by the nonprofit group Rico Pet Recovery.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The astronomical event decades in the making is here – the April 8 solar eclipse across North America is just hours away.

But when should you pop on your eclipse viewing glasses because, let’s be honest, they aren’t exactly the most flattering or practical everyday eyewear?

Clearing skies forecasted for some in central Ohio Monday during eclipse

According to experts, the event will begin with a partial solar eclipse becoming visible in central Ohio at 1:55 p.m. as the moon’s shadow begins to move across the sun.

About 75 minutes later, the parts of central Ohio south of the path of totality (which runs north of Columbus from Worthington on up to Lake Erie on a northeastern arc) will experience 99.6% coverage of the sun by the moon starting at 3:12 p.m., lasting for four minutes.

The moon will complete its path across the sun at 4:27 p.m. All told, the full eclipse should last 2 hours and 31 minutes – long enough (if you skip the credits) to finish watching Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but not long enough to finish Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood.

List: Solar eclipse viewing events, watch parties in central Ohio

View the map below to see where the sun will be fully covered in Ohio, or type in the name of a town to check its specific coverage level.

The eclipse will first be seen in the United States starting at 12:06 p.m. Central time (1:06 p.m. Eastern) as a partial eclipse near Eagle Pass, Texas, with totality starting at 1:27 p.m. CST (2:27 p.m. EST).

The last to see the eclipse in the U.S. will be Houlton in eastern Maine, with the partial eclipse starting there at 2:20 p.m., totality at 3:32 p.m., and the eclipse ending at 4:40 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on The Spectrum:

• Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and with that growth comes growing pains, from housing to transportation to workforce education.

“The growth that we’ll see over the next 20 years, 1 million more people into our region,” Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said.

Ohio lawmakers lay out their spring priorities

Hear what city leaders are working to address to make sure the city is capable of supporting the predicted population boom.

• Two controversial bills at the Ohio Statehouse are poised to move forward this week. Hear how they could make the classroom the center of the culture wars.

• The expert the Trump campaign hired to investigate claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election has a new book out telling his side of the story.

“This was about it’s either there or it wasn’t,” said data specialist Ken Block, author of the book Disproven.

Criminal justice bills working through Ohio House

See what he found and what he said can make our elections better.

• As the war between Israel and Hamas drags on, can anything be done to prevent more civilian deaths in Gaza? Republican strategist Bob Clegg and Democratic strategist Lou Gentile join the roundtable to weigh in.