Ohio News

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

High pressure will build into the region from the west, bringing plenty of sunshine and a westerly breeze.

A warm front will nose into the state from the west late tonight, allowing for more clouds and a few sprinkles to develop Friday morning. Those clouds will move on in the afternoon, resulting in some sunshine and milder weather.

Clouds will thicken Friday night ahead of a northern system that will bring showers on Saturday. a frontal boundary will sag south in the afternoon, shifting the focus for showers and a few rumbles of thunder into the southern half of the state. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with readings near 60 degrees.

Clouds will decrease early on Sunday, before thickening up later in the day ahead of a low-pressure system forming the in Central states that will track northeast early next week. Several rounds of showers and storms are likely through Tuesday.

Blustery and cooler weather will follow behind a cold front midweek.

Forecast

• Thursday: Mostly sunny, seasonable. High 53
• Tonight: Clouds increase, shower late. Low 38
• Friday: Early sprinkles, some sun p.m. High 61
• Saturday: Showers, isolated thunder, breezy, mild. High 63 (47)
• Easter: Mostly cloudy, few showers. High 60 (46)
• Monday: Showers, storms. High 64 (49)
• Tuesday: Showers, storms. High 59 (51)
• Wednesday: Mix clouds, sun, shower possible. High 48 (39)

View a previous report from the initial installation of "Current" in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A floating sculpture that made Columbus history as its longest public artwork ever will return to the downtown area.

The Columbus Museum of Art announced on Wednesday that the 229-foot sculpture built from 78 miles of Twine -- "Current" by internationally renowned sculptor Janet Echelman -- is scheduled to be reinstalled on Saturday, April 6. Originally set up in June 2023, the blue and red floating sculpture hangs above people passing through Gay and High Streets. The sculpture is returning from a seasonal "hibernation," and was previously taken down at the end of 2023.

(Courtesy Photo/Infinite Impact)

Each evening after its installation, the art piece will be illuminated, which the museum said reflects the city's evolving role as a leader of innovation. A news release from CMA highlighted Columbus' early adoption of street arches illuminated by gas lighting after the Civil War and its present status as a technological hub.

The sculpture changes shape with wind currents and was designed with consideration for wildlife safety. During its design, a bio-engineering firm was consulted to ensure the structure and materials were safe for birds and other animals.

French bistro Chouette coming to Downtown this summer

Due to support from the Edwards Family, Current is now a part of CMA's permanent collection. The funding of the sculpture represents the largest private contribution to public art in the history of Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – When it's too late for breakfast but too early for lunch -- Columbus has you covered. A list of the highest-rated brunch restaurants in the Columbus area according to Yelp offers a variety of options to locals looking for a bite to eat.

Taking the number one spot is Scotty’s Café, located at 2980 E. Broad St. in the North Eastmoor neighborhood. The restaurant serves traditional breakfast foods, along with lunch options such as burgers and deli sandwiches. 

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“Lovely little diner with the best staff,” one Yelp user wrote. “Definitely a Columbus staple. It truly feels like you're a part of the family when you come in.”

Coming in second place is Kitchen Social, located at 8954 Lyra Drive in Polaris. The restaurant also has a location in Dublin. Kitchen Social's brunch menu offers dishes such as breakfast nachos, chicken and waffles, and crème brûlée French toast. Reviews highlight the restaurant’s “delicious” food and “top notch” atmosphere. 

The third highest-rated brunch spot in the Columbus area is Joya’s, located at 657 High St. in Worthington. Joya’s offers breakfast tacos, kati rolls, fried rice, teas and coffees. The eatery serves a variety of gluten-free and vegan options. Reviews praise the restaurant’s “fresh” ingredients and “delightful” staff. 

In fourth place is 4th & State, located at 152 E. State St. in the Uptown District. The diner’s extensive menu is completely vegan, serving meat and dairy-free breakfast bowls, pancakes, omelets, burgers and pizzas. 

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“Went for the first time this morning and it was so good!” one review reads. “As a picky eater who isn't vegan, I wouldn't have tried this place if not for my vegan friends but I'm so glad I went. The restaurant was clean and cute, the staff was nice and the Vrunchwrap and loaded fries were delicious. Definitely recommend.”

The fifth highest-rated brunch spot is Goood Friends, located at 171 N. 4th St. in the Uptown District. The restaurant serves a variety of breakfast sandwiches, French toast, biscuits and gravy, and a yogurt parfait. Reviews praise the restaurant’s “unique” sandwiches and large portions.

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Taking sixth place is Emmett’s Café, located at 2571 Neil Ave. in Old North Columbus. The restaurant serves banana bread, overnight oats, avocado toast, sandwiches and wraps. Reviews applaud the eatery’s coffees and cozy ambiance.

Coming in seventh place is The Lox, located at 772 N. High St. in the Short North. The bagel shop offers multiple bagel flavors to be paired with a spread or jam, as well as breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and cocktails. 

“Bagel sandwiches that are tasty and satisfying,” one Yelp user wrote. “Bagels are a staple breakfast food, and it's not out of the ordinary to have bagel breakfast and lunch sandwiches. But this place takes what would be considered ordinary and makes it exceptional.”

French bistro Chouette coming to Downtown this summer

The eighth highest-rated brunch restaurant is HangOverEasy, located at 51 Parsons Ave. in the Olde Town East neighborhood. The restaurant also has locations in Cincinnati, Athens, Perrysburg and near Ohio State’s campus. The eatery serves chicken and waffles, avocado toast, omelets, cinnamon roll French toast and more. Reviews compliment the restaurant for its “creative” menu and “excellent” service.

In ninth place is Northstar Café, located at 951 N. High St. in the Victorian Village neighborhood. Northstar’s other central Ohio locations include restaurants in Westerville, Easton and the Whetstone neighborhood. The restaurant’s brunch menu includes burritos, pancakes, sandwiches and an extensive alcohol menu. 

“Everything on their brunch menu is delicious and the place is always clean and the staff is always professional and friendly!” One Yelp user said. 

Coming in tenth place is High Bank Distillery, located at 1051 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview Heights. The eatery also has a location in Gahanna. The restaurant’s brunch menu includes a breakfast burrito, pancakes, avocado toast and steak and eggs. Reviews highlight the restaurant’s $5 mimosas and “phenomenal” service. 

This list is accurate as of Wednesday – Yelp reviews frequently fluctuate. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - A festival for wine enthusiasts is returning for its sixth year.

The Columbus Summer Wine Festival is coming back on Saturday, June 8. From 1 to 7 p.m., patrons can try from a selection of more than 30 wines. The festival, which will take place Downtown at McFerson Commons, will also offer the Front Street Flea and other arts and crafts vendors available as well.

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While shopping around and trying a variety of sips, the festival will also bring live entertainment from Eric Chin, who performs live acoustic, rock music. The summer event is also benefiting CD 102.5 For The Kids, a local charity to help support children in central Ohio.

Tickets are on sale now for the festival with general admission costing $35 and includes 10 taste tickets and a souvenir glass. Anyone who wants to buy tickets early can get them for $20 until April 1.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A French bistro is coming soon to Downtown Columbus, and it will set up shop at the corner of Gay and High streets.

Chouette will serve classic French cuisine all day in the heart of Downtown. The new restaurant from Makeready will be located at 66 N. High St.

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The bistro is committed to having wide open doors to everyone, creating an atmosphere where customers are "embraced like old friends," according to Makeready. Chouette's menu will feature classic and favorite dishes, which Makeready said will celebrate the essence of and serve as an ode to the allure of French cuisine.

Dining at Chouette will begin with freshly baked bread, made in-house. The restaurant's bread will follow what they called a cherished tradition, with a "warm bread and butter ritual." Signature churned butter and warm slices of bread will make every moment a celebration of flavor and the joy of good company, according to Makeready.

In addition to its French cuisine and freshly baked bread, Chouette will offer a wine menu featuring mainly French wines, and a cocktail menu with French-inspired drinks.

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According to Makeready, the restaurant's name translates to "owl" in French but is also used in casual conversation to mean "cool" or "nice." They said the name evokes age-old wisdom and boundless creativity found in France's cuisine.

Chouette will open in late summer 2024.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Mugsy, a dog up for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, is ready for a home that will let him bring his favorite toys with him.

The 7-year-old pit bull mix has been at the shelter since December, and had a particular affinity for one toy in particular during NBC4's visit. He even preferred it over getting treats from the shelter's staff.

"He loved this purple rabbit," said Hannah Henschen, animal care manager for the shelter. "He wanted to carry it around with him when he went on walks, he wanted to lay by it and hang out with it. If he walked away from it and you tried to take it from him, he'd go right back and say 'nope, that's mine today!'"

Mugsy. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Mugsy is available for meet-and-greets at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus, and costs just $18 to adopt. Below are some additional dogs up for adoption as well:

Bernard. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Bernard

• Brown and white Saint Bernard mix
• 3-year-old male
• Neutered and up to date on shots

Cairo. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Cairo

• Brown pit bull mix
• 5-year-old male
• Microchipped, neutered and up to date on shots

Brutus. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Brutus

• Grey large breed mix
• Male between 2 and 5 years old
• Up to date on shots

Pinky. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Pinky

• Brown and grey small breed mix
• Senior female 6 years or older
• Housetrained and up to date on shots

FARMINGTON, Pa. (WCMH) – Five Delaware, Ohio, residents are dead, including one infant, after a multivehicle crash Tuesday in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

According to the Fayette County coroner, five people were traveling eastbound in a black Honda on U.S. 40 near Farmington when it crossed a double yellow line while navigating a curve. At that time a tractor trailer was heading westbound, and the two collided head on.

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Emergency crews arrived at the scene about 1:20 p.m. and pronounced everyone in the Honda dead. They have since been identified as:

• Harold Nibert, 55
• Bradley Thivener, 47
• Krystal May, 36
• Amanda Dawson, 33
• Kullen Dawson, 7 months

According to NBC affiliate WPXI of Pittsburgh, two people in a third car suffered minor injuries. The driver of the semi was not hurt. U.S. 40 was shut down for several hours before the Honda and truck were towed away.

The incident remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police and the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. Farmington is approximately 60 miles south of Pittsburgh.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- From Fall Out Boy at the Schottenstein Center to Eggs, Paws and Claws at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, here are things to see and do this Easter weekend in central Ohio.

Fury vs. Valkyries

Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. on Friday

• The Columbus Fury face the Orlando Valkyries.

Fall Out Boy | So Much For (2our) Dust

Schottenstein Center at 6:30 p.m. on Friday

• The multi-platinum selling rock band's worldwide "So Much For (Tour) Dust" tour is continuing with So Much For (2our) Dust, a more than 20 date run across the United States.

(Courtesy Photo/Live Nation) Eggs, Paws and Claws

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Friday and Saturday

• Hop on over for the two-day "Eggs, Paws and Claws" event that will feature photos with the Easter Bunny, Eggbert and Shelley’s Rolling Shell-ebration, the Egg-Splore-N-Find, and more.

(Courtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium) AMC Theatres' Halfway to Halloween

AMC Easton Town Center 30 from Friday through Tuesday

• Say hello to horror with Blumhouse’s Halfway to Halloween series. Watch a different genre-defining classic and receive a mystery gift with purchase.

Blue Jackets vs. Penguins

Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. on Saturday

• The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche

Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. on Monday

• The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Colorado Avalanche.

Buddy Guy | Damn Right Farewell Tour

Palace Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday

• At age 86, Buddy Guy is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues.

'The Prom'

Short North Stage beginning through April 7

• 'The Prom' follows a group of Broadway actors who travel to a conservative town to support an LGBTQ+ teen's fight to attend her high school prom with her girlfriend.

'The Prom' follows a group of Broadway actors who travel to a conservative town to support an LGBTQ+ teen's fight to attend her high school prom. (Courtesy Photo/Short North Stage) Easter egg hunts, events in central Ohio

• From the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's two-day celebration to grand-scale egg hunts and Easter Bunny meet and greets, central Ohio communities are rounding out their Easter celebrations this weekend.

Women's History Month events

• Interactive panels, art workshops, donation drives and more are popping up across central Ohio this March in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Top spring concerts and shows

• From the reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at the Schottenstein Center to Olivia Rodrigo and Bruce Springsteen at Nationwide Arena, more than two dozen top artists and shows are performing in central Ohio this spring.

For more events, view NBC4’s community calendar.

View a previous report on one of the suspects' arrests in the video player above.

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – A Groveport man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor over a span of eight years, and was one of multiple sex offense cases this month in which authorities took someone into custody.

According to Franklin County court records, the mother of a 13-year-old girl walked into her daughter’s room at 3 a.m. Monday and found 33-year-old Jonathan Chavarria in bed with the girl.

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Police reported that Chavarria immediately fled the scene, and the girl was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she was interviewed by sexual assault nurses. The victim told investigators that Chavarria had been abusing her since she was 5.

Chavarria was arrested Tuesday and faced a Franklin County Municipal Court judge Wednesday for an arraignment hearing. He was issued a $250,000 bond and ordered to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 5.

Hospital visit turns into arrest

Also arrested Tuesday was 31-year-old Marcos Elias, who arrived at a hospital emergency room that morning with a 15-year-old girl.

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The girl was being treated for unspecified medical reasons, but an Ohio State police officer contacted the sexual assault unit on reports that the suspect allegedly admitted to having sexual relations with the girl.

Elias was charged with sexual conduct with a minor and was issued a $25,000 bond in municipal court. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 5.

Two girls report months of abuse

On Monday, police arrested 47-year-old Joseph Henry, who police say sexually abused two girls over the past three months in the Central Hilltop area. Court documents show that Columbus police received a call from a 13-year-old girl, who said that Henry sexually abused her on Feb. 8.

Police additionally learned that a 15-year-old girl was allegedly molested “almost every day” by Henry from December to January. Police interviewed Henry on March 20, when he admitted he asked one of the girls to take her clothes off but said it was a “prank” and a “learning lesson.”

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Henry was charged with two counts of sexual battery and was issued a $250,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is also scheduled for April 5.

Victim flees to safety

Ten days prior, Columbus police arrested 37-year-old Christopher Morgan, who is charged with the rape and kidnapping of an unknown-aged female on March 15 in northeast Columbus, near Westerville.

The victim told police that Morgan entered her room and began assaulting her and she was unable to fight him off. He then reportedly ordered her to shower. The victim hid in her closet afterward. Court documents said once she thought Morgan was gone, she left the home and called police.

The victim was taken to Mount Carmel St. Ann’s for a sexual assault exam, and police collected evidence for testing. Morgan was issued a $350,000 bond and will next appear in court on April 5.

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Through March, NBC4 has covered other sex offense cases, including a former basketball coach charged with having sex with multiple players, including one for over two years. On March 18, a Madison Township man was arrested and accused of raping an 8-year-old girl, who told police that the abuse had been occurring over the previous months. And earlier in March, a Belmont County man was arrested in North Carolina after he drove six hours south, from Ohio to Rowan County, to meet a teenager he met online with the purpose of having sex.

In recent court developments, two central Ohio men have been sentenced for sexual crimes: Joseph Ennemoser, of Sugar Grove, was sentenced to 19-23 years after pleading guilty to abduction and importuning. And on Feb. 28, a nine-day, civil-suit trial of Matthew Schaitel ended with a $10 million settlement for a group of ten women, who accused the massage therapist of sexual imposition in 2021.

View a previous report in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- AEP Ohio will be taking a bigger cut from its customers' wallets in the future, but there could also be relief on the way, according to the state's utility regulator.

From 2022 to 2024, the electricity provider has moved to raise prices at least three times, with two being approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. A fourth price increase is on the way, as PUCO approved a $154 million transmission charge bill, also known as a rider, for AEP. The Ohio Consumers' Counsel, which commonly contests the power company's price increases, filed paperwork asking for federal intervention.

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The group said if unchecked, this would look like another $10 hitting residential bills starting in April. It would come simultaneously as AEP Ohio reduced transmission charges for businesses, or let them opt out of paying for the charge under the new rider.

"Ohio utilities’ transmission spending that receives no regulatory review for need or prudence continues to be a problem for Ohio utility consumers that foot the bill," OCC Director Maureen Willis wrote.

Most customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in Columbus are already paying monthly bills around $200, which have been unseen in the past decade. Historical data on how much Columbus residents have paid for electricity shows the steep price hikes from AEP are a recent phenomenon, rather than a steady trend following inflation. The chart below reviews nearly 10 years' worth of billing history from PUCO, and breaks down annual changes in itemized charges on AEP Ohio bills. It also shows how much a customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity paid in a month as the years progressed.

PUCO Public Affairs Director Matt Schilling explained the different itemized charges on a bill, which were affected over the decade by different factors.

"Generation prices are set by market forces, transmission rates are overseen and set by the federal government at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the PUCO oversees and sets rates for distribution service," Schilling said.

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The oldest data available from the utilities commission was from January 2015. NBC4 reviewed data on July bills for the years afterward, because federal and state alterations to electricity bills have historically gone into effect by June of each year.

In 2017, AEP Ohio proposed a 120% increase in fixed fees for customers, which would look like $10 more. PUCO confirmed to NBC4 that the 2017 fixed fee increase was approved and later went into effect. And a 2022 increase of 2 cents in price per kilowatt-hour bumped the average 1,000 kWh customer's bill up around $20 as well.

In the most significant increase, AEP Ohio instituted a 28% rate increase in 2023, sending Columbus electricity bills around $200 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours if they were using the provder's standard service offer. Company president Mark Reitter previously wrote the change was "out of our control," while Schilling noted external factors.

“The inflationary pressure that the entire economy is facing, and upward pressure on the price of natural gas due to the war in Ukraine, meant that the auction prices that cleared to provide energy came in at a significantly higher price,” Schilling said.

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Later in 2024, however, Schilling said bills for the same customer could look more in the ballpark of $189.50. Both the utilities commission and AEP Ohio are anticipating energy costs could fall by around $30 after wholesale prices drop.

Another relief for customers could come in lower than previously anticipated price increases. AEP Ohio drafted a proposal called Electric Security Plan V which would seek millions in funding for infrastructure and equipment upgrades after a lengthy 2022 summer outage. An analyst for the company previously predicted it would bring another $8.16 monthly charge for customers, but Schilling pointed to more recent filings in December 2023 that put that increase closer to $1.50.

AEP Ohio's media relations team did not respond to a request for comment on the new bill increase.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Breezy sunshine, high 53
• Tonight: Few clouds, iso. sprinkle, low 36
• Friday: Iso. AM sprinkle, partly cloudy, high 61
• Saturday: Sct'd showers, high 63
• Sunday: Showers later, high 61
• Monday: Rain showers, high 62

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Thursday!

We've got a nicer day on tap, with slightly warmer, but still below-average temperatures. Expect highs to top out in the low to middle 50s this afternoon, with a bit of a breeze. We'll see mainly sunny skies through at least the first half of the day, with a few more clouds building in this evening.

We've got a weak disturbance that works through overnight into Friday morning, which brings with it just an isolated sprinkle chance. Friday is still mainly dry overall. Expect highs Friday to warm into the lower 60s, under partly cloudy skies.

We'll then see more rain overnight and into Saturday. Saturday does look to be our wetter weekend day, with scattered showers throughout the day. The bulk of the rain, however, looks to fall during the morning and early afternoon. Highs Saturday stick in the low to middle 60s.

Then for Sunday, we've got some lower-end rain chances earlier in the day, with just isolated shower activity, especially south. The bulk of Sunday's rain does look to hold off until the evening and then overnight into Monday. Expect highs Sunday to top out near 60.

For Monday, we are looking at some widespread, and heavier rain showers. Keep the umbrella handy, as this is just one of a series of disturbances that continues to work through the region next week. Highs stick in the lower 60s.

Still looking at scattered shower activity through the middle of the next workweek.

-McKenna