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One dead after being hit by vehicle in south Columbus

News Channel 4 - Sat, 03/02/2024 - 04:19

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead after being hit by a vehicle early Saturday morning in south Columbus.

A police dispatcher said that officers were called to the intersection of Leach Drive and Parsons Avenue just before 1 a.m. on the report a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. Authorities arrived and found one person injured.

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The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:55 a.m. Columbus police is continuing to investigate.

Categories: Ohio News

Temps continue warming trend this weekend

News Channel 4 - Sat, 03/02/2024 - 03:45
Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:
  • Today: Some clouds clearing, high 55
  • Tonight: Partly cloudy, low 55
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 68 (48)
  • Monday: Partly sunny, high 73 (52)
  • Tuesday: Spotty showers, high 65 (48)
  • Wednesday: Chance of rain, high 58 (42)
FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Much of Central Ohio will wake up to some foggy conditions this Saturday morning. Fog will lift and visibility will improve as the day progresses. During the afternoon temperatures will warm into the mid 50s and clouds will begin to clear a little bit.

Overnight skies will start off partly cloudy and clear out a bit more by the early morning hours. Lows will fall into the mid 40s. Winds will stay mainly light across the area. Though it will be a mild nigh, temperatures are still running well above normal for this time of year.

Tomorrow will by mostly sunny. A beautiful day is in store as temperatures make their way to the upper 60s. The warming trend will continue into Monday where highs will reach the low to mid 70s. A cold front will move through Monday night into Tuesday and will bring rain showers and a slight drop in temperatures.

Categories: Ohio News

Pelotonia organizers aim to break record number of riders

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 21:18

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The 16th Pelotonia Ride Weekend may still be five months away on Aug. 3 and 4, but the fundraising and recruiting has already begun. 

"We opened up registration yesterday at noon. We've had our best registration that we've ever had," said CEO of Pelotonia Joe Apgar. 

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He's been with the organization for about eight years but is in his first year at the helm as Chief Executive Officer.

He's aiming high for the 2024 ride. Around 6,500 riders participated in last year's ride. He wants more this year. 

"We're shooting for over 7,000. I'd love to have 75,000 this year, would be amazing,” Apgar said.

Apgar said they're aiming for a new fundraising record, too. The record is $27.4 million. He said if they reach that 7,000 rider mark, the goal is in sight.

For those who missed the launch party in Columbus Friday, there's no reason to worry. Apgar said people can sign up throughout the year. 

"We have people sign up until the day of the event. So, registrations open now, but it goes through, really, Aug. 2. It's the opening ceremony, Aug. 3 and 4 is our ride weekend. Then we've actually got a fall event we're doing for the second time this year. So, Sept. 28 is Gravel Day. It's on gravel, dirt trails, sort of getting offroad. It's a different style of cycling, a whole different style of bike. It's hills and climbing, it's adventurous," Agpar said.

Kathleen Green is entering her 15th year as a Pelotonia rider. She's now a team captain and helps recruit new riders and spearheads fundraising efforts. A lot of times, she said that's the toughest part.

"Most people say they're intimidated by the fundraising. I always tell them, it's not about you. You're not putting the money in your pocket. And if you don't ask people you're making the choice for them," Green said.

As for the actual bike riding, participants can choose a route that works for them come race weekend. There are routes starting at 20 miles all the way up to the two-day 155 mile route.

"It's just like riding a bike. You just get on and you ride what you can, you do what you can, and you build your base and before you know it you go from 20 to 100 miles," Green said.

Green started riding 15 years ago after her brother died of colon cancer. Then in 2020, cancer struck again. 

"In 2020, I lost my boyfriend to glioblastoma, and we met through cycling. So now that's primarily who I ride for is in his memory. Since I lost my boyfriend to glioblastoma, his doctor is actually part of a research team that is making strides in treating glioblastoma. So I like to think that I've had a part in that," she said.

All the money raised by Pelotonia goes to fund cancer research at the James Cancer Hospital at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

"It's one of the best cancer research programs not only in the country but in the world. We have it right here in our own backyard," said Apgar.

Jim Coleman is a longtime Pelotonia rider as well. He's participated in every ride since the inception 16 years ago. 

"It seemed like a great idea, and I had no idea when I did it how it would grow and how it would become such a big part of my life," Coleman said. 

He rode for a long time because he enjoyed cycling and he wanted to support cancer research. His story became more personal in the last couple years. 

"Cancer showed up on my front porch. And it was just really different at that time. What's amazing is the people I've been riding with, friends or just acquaintances all came to our aid. And really were amazing," Coleman said. 

The Pelotonia community became a family. 

"They were riders, they were friends, they were family. And then we kind of all became this huge community of people fighting for this common cause," said Coleman.

Now, he's helping recruit more riders as a team captain for Team Ruscilli. 

"We're finding new people that either, they love cycling or the cause is very personal to them. I have two first time riders in the first 36 hours on Team Ruscilli,” Coleman said.

More information on how to join a team or to give to the cause can be found at Pelotonia.org.

Categories: Ohio News

Madison County officials assess damage caused by tornadoes

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 17:30

MADISON COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Officials in Madison County are still assessing all of the damage caused by Wednesday's tornados as cleanup in the area continues. 

Two tornadoes touched down in Madison County. One hit the Madison County Airport. 

“Two brand new, well relatively new hangars, they were about four years old that are flattened. They’re basically not there anymore," said Rob Slane, Madison County Administrator. "Four or five other hangars were significantly damaged, and all the hangars just about received some sort of damage.”

He also said several planes were damaged but due to some collapsed hangars, crews have not gotten to all of them yet. A structural engineer was at the airport on Friday.

“See what buildings need to come down and which buildings can be saved and then we’ll go through that process of essentially replacing those hangars," Slane said.

County commissioners held an emergency meeting Friday where an emergency declaration was passed.

"That allows us to move a little quicker, immediately on the response. Because essentially that raises our bid limit from $75,000 to $125,000," Slane said.

The county will also be applying for reimbursements from FEMA, according to Slane. His conservative estimate was more than $1 million in damage at the airport. There's no timeframe for when it will reopen. Given the amount of damage around the county, leaders continue to be amazed that no one was hurt.

“That’s really an interesting fact considering the severity of the storm and the amount of damage that occurred that we didn't have any injuries, so we’re extremely grateful for that," Slane said.

Deb Sims, Director of Madison County Emergency Management Agency, has worked with the agency for 18 years. She said between damage to homes, the airport, and Ohio State University's Molly Caren Agricultural Center where the Farm Science Review is held, it's the worst damage she's seen in person.

Categories: Ohio News

Short North launches new safety efforts

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 17:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) –This weekend Short North visitors may see some more police officers. That’s because the Short North Alliance is re-launching their crime interdiction program in a partnership with Columbus police.

The re-launch comes just in time for a busy weekend with thousands of people in town for the Arnold Sports Festival. Saturday is also the first Short North Gallery Hop of the season.

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Last May, safety in the Short North was put under the microscope after several violent weekends.

Nate DeMars is the owner of Pursuit, a clothing shop in the Short North. His business has been here since 2015. Although he owns a daytime business, his shop sat in the center of a few violent weekends in the arts district.

“It was jarring last year when we had incidents right here on our own block and it was, you know, something that the whole neighborhood in the city took very seriously,” DeMars said.

Multiple people were shot the first weekend in May followed by a homicide the week after.

“It's a very rare thing, but it's memorable. So I think we've been trying to combat perceptions based on what people remember from last year,” DeMars said.

Those incidents did prompt a city wide response with strict rules and visible changes. Betsy Pandora, the Executive Director of the Short North Alliance, was very involved in the safety efforts. She said safety has always been a top priority for them.

“We are so pleased that there have been a whole number of systematic changes that have been instituted across the city that certainly have impacted the Short North community in a positive way,” said Pandora.

Pandora said this weekend relaunch of their crime interdiction program is coming just in time for warmer weather. This brings in special duty officers to work in the late night hours. They are also planning to add to their Short North ambassador team and keeping up programs to help the homeless.

“We really are continuing to see people be excited by our Short North community,” Pandora said.

Demars said he’s seen the shift too.

"From that point forward, the neighborhood has felt, honestly, far more like the neighborhood I've known for many years,” DeMars said.

He said in the last year he’s watched new businesses come in and more people step up than ever before to keep the violence away.

“These were meetings where we expected there to be 10 or 15 people. There were maybe 100 people in the room,” DeMars said. “I take offense to internet comments about the state of the Short North. This is where I built my entire business. This is associated with pursuit and always will be. And the neighborhood that I know is extremely safe, it's extremely vibrant.”

Pandora said they are also making physical investments. They are being considered for grants from the city to help make that happen. She said when the weather gets warmer they plan to add more cameras and new lighting in the area.

Categories: Ohio News

Toledo man sentenced to prison for Columbus armed robbery in 2020

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 16:46

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Toledo man was sentenced to prison on Thursday in relation to a 2020 armed robbery that occurred in Columbus.

Juarvez Reemos Juan Whitfield-Neeley, 25, of Toledo, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison, according to the United States Attorney of the Southern District of Ohio Kenneth Parker.  

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According to court documents, in March 2020, Whitfield-Neeley shot three people during two separate robberies. On March 15, 2020, Whitfield-Neely robbed the Berkeley & Main Market in Columbus and shot a store clerk in the back of the knee. A struggle followed the shooting, during which a gun fell out of the clerk’s pocket. Whitefield-Neely then stole the clerk’s gun and fled the scene.

Two weeks later in Toledo, Whitfield-Neely used the gun he stole and fired several shots at two clerks in a corner store. He shot both clerks in the torso, stole a gun from one of the injured clerks and took cash from the register, according to Parker. 

In June 2020, Whitfield-Neeley was charged for the Columbus robbery and shooting.

He was later taken into custody in the Northern District of Ohio, where he pleaded guilty to crimes associated with the Toledo robbery and was sentenced to 207 months in prison.

Whitfield-Neeley will serve the 121-month sentence consecutively to the sentence he is already serving.

Categories: Ohio News

Could an IVF ruling like Alabama's happen in Ohio?

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 16:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Three in-vitro fertilization, or IVF, clinics in Alabama paused services after the state supreme court ruled frozen embryos are considered children

NBC4 is taking a look at whether something similar could happen in Ohio. Back in November, Ohio voters approved an overarching reproductive amendment that not only addressed abortion, but also, fertility treatments like IVF. 

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Professor of law at Capital University Law School Dan Kobil said that adds several protections. A majority of Ohio Supreme Court Justices oppose the amendment; they are ultimately charged with interpreting the language, but Kobil said it is straightforward. 

“I can’t see how the Ohio Supreme Court could logically look at the reproductive freedom amendment and say, at the same time, that the constitution believes that any fertilized embryo is a person,” he said. “I doubt that the Ohio Supreme Court could do that, but at the end, I am not a fortune teller, so I can’t guarantee that.” 

Kobil said the language is mostly direct, some things are still up for interpretation, like a wrongful death suit for a frozen embryo. 

“If a clinic were negligent in storing embryos and people wanted to sue in that negligence, I don’t think there would be anything in Ohio’s reproductive freedom amendment that would prevent that,” Kobilsaid. 

In Ohio, there have already been lawsuits related to that. Back in 2019, 150 families settled lawsuits with university hospitals in Cleveland, after a faulty freezer destroyed hundreds of eggs and embryos

But, Ohio and Alabama do have a major difference: in Alabama, their constitution defines personhood at conception, whereas Ohio’s newly enacted amendment is on the other side of the debate. 

“You have very different constitutions, each of them valuing something different,” Kobil said. “And so that’s why I think you have very, very different outcomes with regard to IVF in Ohio and Alabama.” 

At the Ohio Statehouse, in past years, there have been efforts to define personhood at the point of conception, but with the amendment in place, lawmakers cannot preempt the constitution. 

“To my knowledge, there’s no current legislative activity,” Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said.

So, as far as the personhood of an embryo goes, Kobil said, likely, the only way to pre-empt the state constitution, other than passing another amendment, is at the federal level. 125 congressmen signed on to a “Life at Conception Act.

“If they do enact a law that said that, that would have huge implications,” Kobil said. “That, to me, seems to be a greater likelihood that the Ohio Supreme Court doing that.” 

Kobil said the November 2024 election could determine the political make-up of congress and make the “Life at Conception Act” more, or less likely to pass, depending on the party in power. 

“The 2024 federal election will be crucial for ensuring that reproductive rights, at least in Ohio, continue along the lines that voters decided last fall,” he said.

Categories: Ohio News

Ohio Amber Alert: Truck stolen with sleeping child

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 13:13

MARSHALLVILLE, Ohio (WJW) -- An Ohio Amber Alert has been issued for a 2-year-old boy who was sleeping in the back of a pickup truck when it was stolen on Friday afternoon.

Sutton Eggeman, 2, is described as standing 2 feet tall and weighing 35 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing fuzzy green pants and jacket with a gray frog on the left. He was not wearing shoes, but was wearing black Under Armour socks that are ripped on the bottom.

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Eggeman was sleeping inside a black 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck stolen from a Dollar General at 62 S. Main St. in Marshallville, Wayne County, just after 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1, according to the alert.

The truck's license plate number is JTC9063.

The suspect is described as a white man with a slim build and medium height, wearing a black beanie and a checkered flannel shirt.

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Anyone who sees the boy or the truck is urged to call 911, the Amber Alert line at 1-877-AMBER-OH (877-262-3764) or the Wayne County Sheriff's Office at 877-287-5705.

Categories: Ohio News

Accused of killing boy, 5, Columbus woman remains on $4 million bond

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 12:12

For a previous report on this story, view the video player above.

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – The woman who was found in a Cleveland suburb after allegedly murdering a 5-year-old boy in Columbus, appeared before a judge for a second arraignment hearing.

Pammy Maye, 48, was formally indicted Tuesday by a Franklin County grand jury on charges of aggravated murder, abuse of a corpse, and three counts of tampering with evidence. She appeared in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas court Friday.

A judge upheld a $4 million bond Maye was issued in municipal court one week ago. Defense council Sam Shamansky asked that Maye be transferred to a psychiatric facility of his choosing at future date to undergo a health evaluation.

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Maye was first accused of kidnapping Taylor on Feb. 14, setting off a statewide Amber Alert. However, court records show that when Maye’s husband called 911, he told the operator that Taylor was dead.

Maye drove to Brooklyn, Ohio, a southwestern suburb of Cleveland, and her SUV  was found abandoned later that day at the Parkview Estates apartment complex. Maye was arrested in Brooklyn on Feb. 15, and Taylor’s body was found in a south Columbus sewer drain one day later.

Darnell Taylor, left, and Pammy MayeDarnell Taylor, left, and Pammy Maye

She was taken to Cuyahoga County Jail on a fugitive warrant after an Amber Alert was issued for Taylor, who was thought to have been abducted by Maye.

Maye and her husband became legal guardians of Taylor in May 2023. Prior to that, Taylor was referred to multiple service agencies, including behavioral health at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and case management, according to children’s services.

Categories: Ohio News

CD 92.9's radio and bar building in Columbus is going up for sale

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:51

View a previous report on CD 92.9's farewell party at its building in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The home of former alternative radio station CD 92.9, which left the FM airwaves at the beginning of February, is now up for sale.

Real estate agent Doug Tenenbaum, of Columbus, confirmed to NBC4 that he made a listing on Tuesday for the building at 1036 S. Front St. at the owner's request. Randy Malloy operated CD 92.9 and owns WWCD, Ltd. as well as the LLC that owns the building. Not only did he provide audio for the FM frequency licensed to other radio companies through the space, but he also ran a bar out of it.

Tenenbaum said he anticipated developers would be interested in the CD 92.9 property, since the half-acre space is currently zoned in a way that would allow a new building or add-on to be constructed up to six stories high. However, the real estate agent mentioned that a buyer could get it with the intention of running a new radio station or bar out of it as well.

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Franklin County Auditor records showed Malloy's Swiss Family Homes, LLC acquired the building in 2013 for $400,000. It hosted multiple iterations of his radio station that last aired on 92.9 FM, including other frequencies 102.5 and 101.1. Since leaving terrestrial radio, Malloy told listeners his team would switch entirely to internet streaming as WWCD Radio.

Since Malloy's WWCD, Ltd. stopped providing audio to 92.9 FM, frequency licensees Delmar Media and ICS Communications have since spun up their own radio station on it. Called 93X, the station promised to continue airing alternative music as well as highlighting local artists.

Categories: Ohio News

Gun test leads to arrest for 2023 Gahanna road rage shooting of infant

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:37

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) -- Police in Gahanna said they recognized similarities in a man and his car during a traffic stop, eventually leading them to arrest him for a months-old shooting on Thursday.

An officer pulled over Rickey R. Hill, 19, on Oct. 5 for speeding in a 2014 Ford Fiesta, according to the Gahanna Division of Police. They noted that Hill didn't have a valid driver's license, and while searching the car, they found a loaded handgun underneath the driver's seat.

The officer arrested Hill on a charge of improper handling of a firearm, since he was not old enough to own a handgun legally. While reviewing the arrest report, detectives noticed similarities between the car Hill was driving and one involved in an Aug. 17 shooting on Interstate 270. They also noted his appearance was similar to suspect descriptions given by a victim and a witness.

A photo of the vehicle Gahanna police said was involved in an Aug. 17, 2023, road rage shooting. (Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation via Gahanna Division of Police)

The shooting a month prior stemmed from a road rage incident, where Gahanna police said Hill shot a 25-year-old man and a 1-year-old infant as they were traveling on the highway. Both victims survived their injuries with treatment from local hospitals.

The detectives sent Hill's handgun to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, where lab tests confirmed one of the bullets found during the shooting came from Hill's firearm. Gahanna police then arrested Hill again on Thursday, and charged him with two counts of felonious assault.

Categories: Ohio News

Columbus is getting nonstop flights to 2 new cities from Spirit Airlines

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 09:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Spirit announced on Friday the airline is adding nonstop flights from Columbus to two popular vacation destinations.

The airline is introducing service from John Glenn International Airport to New York-LaGuardia daily and resuming service to Myrtle Beach four times a week beginning on May 8. Spirit's new flights to New York will increase the airline's Columbus service to six nonstop destinations.

"Our new service to these two popular vacation destinations provides convenient, affordable options to reach Myrtle Beach's relaxing coastline and New York City's stunning skyline," said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "We're happy to add these new high-value flight options for Columbus travelers."

Spirit's existing nonstop service from Columbus includes daily flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and twice daily flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Categories: Ohio News

Cameron Mitchell restaurant in Short North is shutting its doors

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 09:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A restaurant owned by Cameron Mitchell is closing down this weekend.

El Segundo Mexican Kitchen, at 698 N. High St. in the Short North, is closing Sunday, a social media post said. The restaurant offered dishes inspired by Mexican street food, using fresh and local ingredients.

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El Segundo's made its own tortillas, sauces and signature ingredients from scratch.

Cameron Mitchell is a restaurant group that owns over 20 restaurants, including Cap City Fine Diner, Lincoln Social, Marcella's and Mitchell's Ocean Club.

Categories: Ohio News

Japanese doughnut bakery Mochi Ring to open first Ohio shop in Columbus

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 08:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Mochi Ring, a bakery known for Korean corn dogs battered in Cheetos and vibrant doughnuts made with Japanese mochi, is opening its first Ohio location in Columbus.

The chain's Columbus bakery is opening this month at 1144 Kenny Centre Mall in Tensuke Market, which boasts itself as the largest Japanese grocery store in Ohio. The bakery's opening will mark Mochi Ring's tenth shop, with a location in Wisconsin, three in New Jersey and five in Pennsylvania.

Mochi Ring's signature doughnuts are created from a Japanese rice cake made from "glutinous" rice commonly found in east Asian cuisines. The chain's doughnuts come a variety of colorful flavors, including dragon fruit, pumpkin spice, cheddar cheese, s'more, matcha, coffee, coconut, brown sugar milk tea, churro and more.

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  • Mochi Ring's signature doughnuts are created from a Japanese rice cake made from "glutinous" rice commonly found in east Asian cuisines. (Adobe Stock)
  • The Mochi Ring menu is also home to corn dogs filled with mozzarella cheese, pieces of fried potatoes and Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

The Mochi Ring menu is also home to Korean corn dogs filled with mozzarella cheese, pieces of fried potatoes and Flamin' Hot Cheetos. A selection of brown sugar bubble milk tea drinks round out the bakery's offerings.

The chain is coming to Columbus as several other Korean snack chains have opened in central Ohio, including Chung-Chun Rice Hot Dog that opened at Polar Fashion Place's food hall last summer.

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Mochi Rings's exact opening date has yet to be announced.

Categories: Ohio News

Benny's Pizza in Marysville damaged after carryout kitchen catches fire

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 07:08

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Firefighters responded to a pizzeria in Marysville early Friday morning after the shop's takeout building caught fire.

Several fire departments were called to Benny's Pizza at 968 Columbus Avenue at about 2:45 a.m. on reports of a fire, according to the Marysville Fire Division. No one was inside the building when the fire began, and the flames inside the carryout kitchen were quickly extinguished.

Investigators are assessing the damage to find the cause of the fire.

Categories: Ohio News

Study: Ohio among most affordable states for aspiring homeowners

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 06:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A study listed the most affordable U.S. states to quickly save for a house deposit, with Ohio ranking in the top five. 

The study, conducted by Agent Advice, evaluated average household incomes and housing prices across the nation, revealing the most affordable states for aspiring homeowners that have the best income-to-house price ratio.  

Ohio ranked as the fifth-best state to quickly save for a deposit. The state has a median household income of $65,720 and an average home value of $213,149. Without factoring in median income, Ohio ranks as the ninth most affordable state for housing prices in the U.S., the study notes.

The most financially feasible state for those looking to save for a deposit is West Virginia, according to the study. Despite the state’s median household income of $54,329 falling below the national average of $74,580, the state has significantly lower house prices than other states, the study said. West Virginia has an average home value of $154,371, compared to the national average of $342,580. 

In second place is Iowa, with a median household income of $69,588 and an average home value of $205,375. Kansas secures the third spot following closely behind Iowa, with a median household income of $68,925 and an average home value of $212,995.

Illinois ranked in fourth place. The state has a median household income of $76,708, which pays $2,128 more than the national average. Additionally, the state has an average home value of $247,948, which is 28% less than the national average, the study said. 

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The top 10 is completed with Ohio in fifth place, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Kentucky tied for sixth place, North Dakota and Indiana tied for seventh place, Michigan in eighth place, Louisiana in ninth place and Nebraska in 10th. 

The worst states to save for a down payment according to the study are Hawaii, California, Montana, Oregon and Massachusetts. 

Categories: Ohio News

Report: Ohio among states with most puppy mills in country

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 05:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  – At-home surgeries, unsanitary conditions and a lack of vet care are just a few of the allegations noted in a report of problematic breeders in which Ohio is listed as the state with the second highest number of documented puppy mills in the country.

The Humane Society of the United States publishes an annual report called "The Horrible Hundred,” detailing known puppy mills and dealers. Ohio had the second highest number of appearances in the report. Six puppy mills resided in Tuscarawas County, four in Holmes County, one in Knox County, one in Madison County and one in Coshocton County.

“A puppy mill is a commercial scale dog breeder that sacrifices the health and wellbeing of puppies and dogs in their care in order to maximize their profit,” said Mark Finneran, state director for HSUS. 

At a puppy mill, the physical, psychological and behavioral needs of the dogs are not being consistently fulfilled, according to HSUS. The society report lists Missouri as the state with the most puppy mills, with 31 detailed in the report. Ohio, tied with Iowa, came in second with 13 puppy mills each listed in the report.

“Ohio is routinely amongst the states that have the highest number of appearances in The Horrible Hundred,” Finneran said. “Number one, it tells us clearly we have a puppy mill problem in our state, but secondly, it does speak to the value of our state-level dog breeder inspection program.” 

Finneran said that state employees inspect licensed commercial breeders and those reports lead into The Horrible Hundred report. He noted it's possible there’s other states where puppy mills may not be as closely tracked. 

  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture)
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).
  • Ohio puppy mill featured in The Horrible Hundred Report (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Department of Agriculture).

In the most recent horrible hundred report, 12 of the included breeders reportedly sold to Petland, including an Ohio breeder who was cited for performing his own ear-cropping surgeries on puppies. Petland is a Chillicothe-based chain, and is the only national pet store chain that sells puppies. The store recently found itself at the center of a lawsuit, backed by the HSUS, which claimed the store sold customers sick dogs from puppy mills.

Puppy mills in the state have a ripple effect on animal welfare and can become a burden to shelters and rescues, according to Finneran. 

“Sometimes [puppy mills] have litters of puppies they can’t turn a profit on, and when that happens, they’re just dumping these dogs on local humane societies, local rescues, that are kind of being overrun with these litters of these puppies, many of whom have these significant behavioral challenges because they’re not  socialized or have significant health issues that are extremely costly to take care of,” Finneran said. 

Finneran said the best thing Ohioans can do to combat the state’s puppy mill problem is to use their power as consumers and start at a local shelter when looking to get a dog. 

“If you do want to buy from a breeder the best thing you can do is look for a breeder that invites you to come be where the puppy was raised, maybe meet its parents, just give you an understanding of the environment it was brought up in and that’s what’s impossible to do if you’re buying a puppy from a pet store or an online broker, you really have no idea what environment that dog was coming from,” Finneran said.

The HSUS noted in its Horrible Hundred report that it's not possible to list all puppy mills across the country due to patchwork laws, inconsistent enforcement and other restrictions in some parts of the country – numerous puppy mills operate unseen.

The biggest effort from the Ohio branch of the HSUS to remedy puppy mills in the state is improving the way laws that already exist are enforced. The Ohio Department of Agriculture is the entity that enforces puppy mill laws and regulations. 

“One of our biggest challenges right now is not that we can’t find any puppy mills, it's that when we do find the puppy mill, [Ohio’s] choosing to allow them to stay in operation," Finneran said. "Some of these places are getting fined, but Ohio has the authority, and in certain cases the legal obligation, to stop issuing these commercial scale breeding licenses to breeders that have a history of violations that threaten the health and welfare of their dogs.”

Finneran said if an individual has come across what they believe to be a puppy mill, they should report it to the Ohio Department of Agriculture and follow up with local law enforcement, who can assist if an animal cruelty law was broken. The Horrible Hundred full report including the list of Ohio puppy mills can be found here.

Categories: Ohio News

Most expensive homes sold in Franklin , Delaware counties in February

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 04:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The most expensive Franklin County home sold in February went for $2.8 million, while the top Delaware County home was sold for $1.9 million.

NBC4 analyzed daily property sale records from the Franklin and Delaware county auditor’s offices and filtered for "one-family dwellings" to not include apartments, duplexes, or unrelated land purchases.

Excluding transfers for $0, 1,043 single-family home purchases were made in Franklin County in December. The average price was $297,579 and the median price was $257,000. In Delaware County, 112 single-family home purchases were made. The average price was $501,723 and the median price was $449,450.

The 10 most expensive homes sold in Franklin County in February

10. This home at 1625 Essex Rd. in Upper Arlington sold for $1,070,000 on Feb. 21.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

9. This home at 7589 Alpath Rd. in New Albany sold for $1,080,000 on Feb. 12.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

8. This home at 7600 Wills Run Lane in Gahanna sold for $1,150,000 on Feb. 2.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

7. This home at 6935 Harlem Rd. in Columbus sold for $1,153,152 on Feb. 28.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

6. This home at 566 S. Fourth St. in Columbus sold for $1,175,000 on Feb. 16.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

5. This home at 2166 N. Parkway Dr. in Upper Arlington sold for $1,225,000 on Feb 5.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

4. This home at 244 Stanbery Ave. in Bexley sold for $1,565,000 on Feb. 27.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

3. This home at 7105 Armscote End in New Albany sold for $1,900,000 on Feb. 13.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

2. This home at 2356 Oxford Rd. in Upper Arlington sold for $2,000,000 on Feb. 6.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office)

1. This home at 7192 Dublin Rd. in Dublin sold for $2,800,000 on Feb. 21.

(Franklin County Auditor's Office) The 10 most expensive homes sold in Delaware County in February

10. This home at 680 White Fawn Run in Delaware sold for $794,900 on Feb. 9.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

9. This home at 5001 Sunbury Rd. in Westerville sold for $853,000 on Feb. 8.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

8. This home at 1675 Braumiller Rd. in Delaware sold for $875,000 on Feb. 27.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

7. This home at 5525 Forest Highlands Ct. in Westerville sold for $889,900 on Feb. 26.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

6. This home at 8544 Creighton Dr. in Powell sold for $995,000 on Feb. 8.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

5. This home at 1924 Liberty Bluff Dr. in Delaware sold for $1,270,000 on Feb. 12.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

4. This home at S. Parkway Dr. in Delaware sold for $1,350,000 on Feb. 2.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

3. This home at 79 Parkway Dr. in Delaware sold for $1,350,000 on Feb. 2.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

2. This home 8510 Lucera Loop in Dublin sold for $1,360,000 on Feb. 15.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)

1. This home at 8100 Tillinghast Dr. in Dublin sold for $1,950,000 on Feb. 27.

(Delaware County Auditor's Office)
Categories: Ohio News

Storm Team 4 certified ‘Most Accurate’ for 10th year in a row

News Channel 4 - Fri, 03/01/2024 - 04:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The results are in, and Storm Team 4 continues to deliver the “Most Accurate” forecast in central Ohio, now 10 years in a row.

"I am so proud of Storm Team 4, and this recognition we have earned,” said Dave Mazza, Storm Team 4 Chief Meteorologist. “This confirms that when our neighbors turn to the meteorologists they trust at NBC4, they continue to get the 'Most Accurate Forecast.'"

Video: See 100-mph tornado as it nears Madison County homes

According to WeatheRate, an independent weather research company, NBC4 led the market in forecast accuracy during the 2023/2024 research cycle. WeatheRate monitors forecasts in markets across the country and verifies accuracy by comparing local TV station forecasts then scores the accuracy of the forecasts.

This forecast data cycle was collected from March 1 of the prior year and runs through the end of February of the current year. For the 2023 scoring year, Storm Team 4 is certified as Most Accurate for the central Ohio viewing area.

Daylight saving time: When will clocks spring forward in Ohio?

To get central Ohio’s Most Accurate forecast you can download the Storm Team 4 Weather App.

Categories: Ohio News

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