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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The network of nonprofits that run Ohio’s victim service programs faces a funding cliff – and if it’s left unaddressed, some won’t survive the fall.

Over 300 organizations across the state help crime victims access housing and healthcare, navigate the courts and recover from violence. From rape crisis shelters to mental health programs and court-appointed advocates, these agencies rely on federal funding from the Victims of Crime Act, funding that has been cut nearly in half after several years of significant decline.

Bill to remove spousal rape exception and more set for vote at Ohio Statehouse

In fiscal year 2018, Ohio received more than $118 million for its assistance programs from the Crime Victims Fund, which is not financed by taxpayers but rather through fines, penalties, and forfeited bail bonds in federal cases. Last year, the state received $46.6 million. In fiscal year 2024, Ohio has been awarded $26.7 million, a 42.8% decrease from 2023 and a 77% decrease from 2018.

VOCA awards aren’t the only funding source for victim assistance programs, but they’re often a significant portion of agencies’ budgets. Some organizations rely wholly on VOCA grants to sustain their operations, said Rosa Beltré, president and CEO of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV).

OAESV and other agencies are calling for action at the local, state and federal level to bridge the funding gap. The statewide sexual violence prevention organization, which oversees nearly three dozen local rape crisis centers, could face devastating impacts to service, Beltré said.

“It would mean layoffs, service reductions. Programs will continue to go ahead and reduce staffing. It would be a crisis,” Beltré said. 

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Local rape crisis centers run their own hospital advocate programs, meaning they send advocates to emergency rooms to meet victims and survivors. But OAESV provides hospital accompaniment and legal help in 12 rural communities without local crisis centers – and those services are also at risk.

Court-appointed special advocate programs in Appalachian counties are also likely to bear the greatest weight of VOCA funding cuts, said Doug Stephens, executive director of Ohio CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which oversees CASA programs in 60 counties. Court-appointed special advocates are volunteers who look out for children’s best interests when navigating the court system. 

Advocates make up what Stephens called the third leg of a three-legged stool: Lawyers figure out what’s legally required for a child, social workers determine what’s physically safe for a child, and court-appointed special advocates make recommendations as to what is emotionally and socially best for a child. That might mean advocating for a child to live with a family member who lives in the same school district or ensuring proximity to mental health care providers.

Stephens said it’s hard to secure local funding for CASA programs because they’re not required by law. While programs in large counties will likely be able to weather the storm, Stephens said up to 10 programs, mainly in Appalachian counties, face closure due to the funding cut.

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“Judges, they’re making these life and death decisions for these children. And the lawyers do their part, and the social workers do their part, but the judges can always use more information,” Stephens said. “It’s the judges that asked for this, but it’s not mandatory.”

In February, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and more than 40 state attorneys general urged Congress to provide funds to bridge the VOCA award gap. Beltré said state lawmakers can help make up the lost funds, too, without necessarily making taxpayers foot the bill.

Spokespersons for the Ohio House and Senate majority caucuses did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did the Attorney General’s office.

The funding decrease comes amid rising demand for services. LSS Choices, Franklin County’s sole domestic violence shelter, is frequently at capacity, said Rachel Lustig, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. The funding cliff is particularly worrisome as domestic violence homicides in the area rise; a record number of domestic violence homicides happened in Columbus last year.

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“It's happening just when people are needing us the most,” Lustig said. “So here we are, our primary funding source no longer there, providing us with something that we can count on when people need a safe place to go.”

Beltré said OAESV, meanwhile, has seen a 93% increase in care requests since the start of the pandemic. A one-time funding boost from the federal government would help stave off imminent threats, but it won’t solve the long-term problem. Ohioans need to understand the breadth of services at risk without buy-in from their communities, Beltré said.

“It really takes a village to actually eradicate violence of any type within our communities of practice,” Beltré said. “We need the alliance of our communities to step forward.”

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Slow clearing, breezy, high 55
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, frost, low 33
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 62
• Friday: More clouds, showers late, high 73
• Saturday: Sct'd storms, breezy, high 77
• Sunday: Some sun, iso. storm, high 82

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Wednesday!

Rain has cleared the region, and drier, albeit colder air is settling in. Expect cloud coverage most of the morning, before clouds slowly begin to break into the afternoon and evening. Highs drop back to the middle 50s this afternoon, with a slight breeze.

Freeze alerts then take effect tonight, as clearer skies allow for a steep temperature drop, back near freezing into Thursday morning. If you have outdoor plants, you'll want to cover them or bring them inside.

For Thursday afternoon, we'll see mainly sunny skies, with highs back into the lower 60s, with less of a breeze.

We really heat up on Friday, with highs into the lower 70s, and partly cloudy skies. We'll be dry most of Friday, before scattered showers move in Friday night into Saturday.

We will see some shower chances this weekend, but it's far from a washout, and not a weekend everyone will see rain or storms. It will be very pop-up type activity, and very scattered, as our southerly flow kicks in. That warms us up, but also increases our moisture. Highs will be in the upper 70s Saturday, low 80s Sunday, with a strong wind both days.

-McKenna

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- ADAMH, a mental health service in Franklin County, said post-pandemic, alcohol use disorder affects about 1 in 9 adults in the county.

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health also shows a troubling trend: more adults and young adults are binge drinking in Franklin County than compared with the national average.

Bill to remove spousal rape exception and more set for vote at Ohio Statehouse

However, ADAMH said alcohol use disorder goes beyond statistics. It’s also about spreading awareness and creating a space where people feel comfortable asking for help.

It’s a message one Columbus man is emphasizing as he nears the end of his time at an addiction treatment center.

In January 2023, Ronald Lockhart woke up in a hospital bed.

"There was a doctor next to my bed, flipping through this clipboard and he told me I wasn't going to make it. 'You're going to die.'" Lockhart, currently a Maryhave client, said.

This wasn’t the first time.

Express may lay off over 600 employees at corporate offices in Columbus

"That was the 10th time that had happened to me and I had pretty much just given up," he said. "But this time, I don't know, I could change. I had changed, I didn't want to die."

Lockhart admits he struggles with addiction.

"If I take a drink of liquor, I can't stop drinking," he said. "And I know there's people that can understand that."

Now he’s sharing his story in the hope it can inspire others to get the help they need.

"I made up my mind that I was going to stay clean and sober no matter what, and my sobriety date is actually today of last year," Lockhart said. 

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He credits Maryhaven with his progress. Maryhaven, an ADAMH partner, offers addiction counseling, in-patient stays, and much more to help those with substance use disorders live better lives.

"The other problem with alcohol and other substances is that once you start to use them, your body develops that tolerance to it," ADAMH System Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Delaney Smith said. "You get psychological dependence on it as well. So it can be very, very hard to stop."

ADAMH and its partner organizations are working to make sure people feel comfortable asking for help, no matter if they just realized they are struggling or are at rock bottom.

"What we're really wanting to do is open up conversations so people feel comfortable getting help, reaching out to loved ones, maybe starting a conversation with someone that they're concerned about the pattern of their alcohol use," Smith said. 

Former Hocking County prosecutor blames alcohol, mental health for actions

Data sent by ADAMH shows binge drinking in adults and young adults in cental Ohio is higher than both the national and state average by about three percent. They said not only is the area seeing the increasing problematic use of alcohol but also the negative health consequences that come along with it. These can include liver impairment, withdrawal symptoms and even death.

"I hope if anybody sees this, you can learn from my mistakes because you don't need to go through all that. It's not necessary. You can get the help you need," Lockhart said. "Alcohol is a lot more silent to get addicted to because you don't realize it until it's too late."

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, ADAMH encourages you to reach out. More information can be found here. 

LOGAN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Facing disbarment and a sexual harassment lawsuit, Hocking County's former prosecutor said alcohol use and mental health disorders contributed to his conduct.

In response to a filing with the Ohio Supreme Court Board of Professional Conduct, former Hocking County Prosecutor Ryan R. Black denied all allegations levied against him by the state disciplinary board.

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One of those allegations includes coercing a woman who worked in the office into a sexual relationship, which is the subject of a civil lawsuit filed in February.

The response also denies that Black engaged in a sexual relationship with then-Hocking County Commissioner Jessica Dicken in August 2023, when Dicken, as a commissioner, was a client of Black, who served as the commission's legal counsel.

In addition to denying all the accusations against him, the response, filed Tuesday, also claims alcohol and a mental health issue led to Black's alleged behaviors.

"... at times relevant to the allegations in the Complaint, Respondent [Black] suffered from a mental health disorder and an alcohol use disorder (for which Respondent is seeking ongoing treatment), which contributed to cause any conduct for which Respondent is responsible," the response states.

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In addition, Black is accused of trying to intimidate the county's IT director Mark Stout into putting his office's computer system issues above the director's other county responsibilities, threatening to have Stout arrested.

The complaint also accuses Black of "erratic" behavior often consisting of "screaming outbursts" and "refus[ing] to speak to staff members for several days," and of making sexually charged comments to women working in his office.

Black is facing three counts in the misconduct complaint: inappropriate sexual conduct with employees, inappropriate sexual conduct with client, and inappropriate use of public office.

Two judges and a mediator -- none of whom live in Black's district -- were appointed to the panel that will hear his case. A date for that hearing hasn't been scheduled as of Tuesday.

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Should the panel find against Black, he faces sanctions up to and including disbarment.

Black, who was on the primary election ballot in March and finished last, resigned in March, with the resignation taking effect on April 19.

Black received his license to practice law in Ohio in November 2018 and was elected Hocking County prosecutor in November 2020.

The complaint as well as Black's response can be read below.

WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE IN THE DOCUMENTS BELOW. DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Complaint-against-Ryan-BlackDownload Answer-to-Complaint-Download

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – More than a year after it was declared over, Columbus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to learn from the central Ohio measles outbreak which spanned from late 2022 to early 2023.

“It certainly was concerning, worrisome, brought with fear for families and patients," Dr. Akua Amponsah, a primary care physician with Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH), said. 

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Thirty-six of the 85 cases led to hospitalizations, according to numbers from Columbus Public Health (CPH); 94% of the cases hadn't received any dose of the MMR vaccine. Amponsah is one of many healthcare professionals hoping to increase vaccine coverage and confidence.

“It really did sort of highlight how important vaccinations are for children's health and how much of a responsibility it is for all of us, particularly in the medical profession, in our settings, to make sure that we are educating our families," she said.

A team from the CDC visited CPH last week to follow up on the outbreak and discuss ways to increase vaccine confidence.

“We’d been working with them remotely for several months now and they really wanted to come to our community to meet us face to face and meet with some of our community partners to see how we’re working collectively together to improve vaccine confidence and reduce vaccine hesitancy," CPH Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts said.

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She said CPH works closely with schools, NCH, and other community partners. Roberts said part of the goal is using what was learned last week and over the past year to help other communities. Amponsah, who also met with the CDC, shared a similar message.

“It’s more than just our city," Amponsah said. "Yes we’ve had this recent outbreak and so we certainly want to focus on some of the lessons learned here and hopefully those can be extrapolated to other communities around the country."

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A member of the Ohio National Guard is facing rape charges in Delaware County.

According to online court records, Steven Vicario, 39, of Delaware, was arrested by Delaware police on Friday. He is charged with three counts of rape and one count each of gross sexual imposition and tampering with evidence. Court records show the charges stem from two separate incidents in October and November of 2023.

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A grand jury indicted Vicario on April 18.

Vicario is a lieutenant colonel currently serving as the Mobilization, Plans and Readiness Division Chief with the Ohio National Guard, according to his social media account.

Vicario is being held in Delaware County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Delaware County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – It is lining up to be a busy day at the Statehouse on Wednesday, with both the House and Senate in session, and some high-profile bills will get sent to the governor’s desk. 

House Bill 161 would make spousal rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual imposition, and sexual imposition all punishable by law, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the offense. 

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“If it had passed in 1970 it would’ve been overdue,” citizen lobbyist Chris Graham said. “This is perhaps the most overdue thing in the Statehouse.” 

As it stands, if force or threat of force was used, then someone can act against their spouse for sexual assault. But if there was any type of intoxication, like alcohol or drugs, that spousal rape case is thrown out. House Bill 161 passed the House back in November. 

If it does pass the Senate on Wednesday, it will then head to the governor’s desk. If he does sign it, it will become 90 days later.   

“There are coming of age moments, and in Ohio, this is one of them,” Graham said. “Removing the spousal exemption and recognizing that men and women are equal and women are not the property of men is a really big deal.” 

The senate is also going to vote on House Bill 250, a bill originally about state diploma seals for military enlistment, that was amended to require the Department of Education and Workforce to also create policies for cellphone use in K-12 schools. 

House Bill 8, known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” is legislation to allow parents to opt their students out of certain lessons in school, passed the House on party-lines back in June. 

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On Tuesday, the bill was scheduled to get a Senate committee vote, but that did not ultimately happen. The chair of the committee said they are still working on the legislation. The bill will not be on the senate floor on Wednesday.  If the senate does end up passing HB8, the House would have to agree with changes the Senate made before it goes to the governor’s desk.  

“The purpose of the Parents’ Bill of Rights is for parents to know what's going on in schools. That's really the heart of that bill,” Speaker of the Ohio House Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said. “I have to see what the changes actually come out from the Senate and then we'll discuss it as a caucus from there.”

“The title sounds nice and innocuous, but the reality is this bill has provisions in it that force the outing of students,” Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said. “And I think put students at risk of potential safety of students.” 

A few weeks ago, Stephens said he wants 10 to 12 bills to be voted on every session. Six will be voted on in the House session Wednesday.  

“We have an appointment for a new member, we also will be appointing a new minority whip, plus the recognizing the former Speaker of the House,” Stephens said. “So, we will have several other things beside bills.” 

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House Republicans will be filling former Rep. Bob Young’s seat on Wednesday. That seat has been vacant since October. 

Among the bills is also one to add state regulations to where drones can be flown, legislation to increase penalties for drug trafficking, and a bill to create a penalty for the grooming of minors. If those bills do pass the House floor, they will head to the Senate for consideration.

Other high-profile bills like Senate Bill 83, known as the “Higher Education Enhancement Act,” will not be getting a House floor vote. Stephens said it does not have support. 

House Bill 51, or the “Second Amendment Preservation Act,” and House Bill 183, known as the “Bathroom Bill,” will also not be getting house floor votes. 

“We're still talking about that along with several other bills,” Stephens said. 

The Senate session is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and the House session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – What a journey it's been for Eric and Brenda Nickolas.

Better Call 4 first spoke with the Pataskala couple months after they noticed some unusual activity in their bank account -- nearly $24,000 was withdrawn from their home equity line of credit.

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The couple insisted they had nothing to do with that transaction. So, they took the issue to investigators and their bank.

"They're very sympathetic when you're talking to them, but, pretty much the bottom line is they said once money is wired out, they can't do anything about it," Nickolas said.

Meaning the couple was on the hook for that cash.

Seeking a solution, the couple submitted a fraud claim twice and was denied twice because, according to the bank's investigation, the withdrawals were approved from Brenda's personal device.

"We'll both take a polygraph exam if that's what it takes to say, 'We didn't do this,'" Nickolas said.

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That's when they called Better Call 4. I called the bank, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Then, connected the Nickolases with the OCC's Customer Assistance Group. Not long after, Eric sent me a message, which said, in part:

"Thanks to you for providing the information about the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller, which we contacted. As a result, we have received restitution from them."

Meaning the couple was no longer responsible for repaying the nearly $24,000.

At that time, though, Eric said they were still responsible for the interest, which he estimated to be around $750.

The couple had been working to sort that out. And their perseverance paid off, as Eric sent another message in mid-April, that said the bank agreed to "refund the overpaid interest" on the money.

Need help? Contact ‘Better Call 4’

He added, "We won thanks to you. A check for over $1,400 is in the mail on the way."

After the story aired, several viewers reached out with similar experiences. Every situation is different, but you can reach out to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to find out if the Customer Assistance Group can help: Call 1-800-613-6743 or visit https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Monday marked the official end of the semester at Ohio State University, 15 campus students spent it studying in a prison through the Ohio Prison Education Exchange project.

The students met with 15 inmates for a class called, "Corrections," which is focused on understanding the judicial system and preparing all 30 students for the future.

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What has the look and feel of a traditional classroom sits inside a prison — the London Correctional Institution.

"So really what we're doing is we're looking at there are corrections system, but we're looking at together," said Dr. Terrance Hinton, who teaches "Corrections" at Ohio State University.

For two years now, Hinton's classroom has been inside correctional facilities. Campus students spend a semester alongside, who Hinton calls "incarcerated students." The incarcerated students are serving time for various offenses. The focus is restorative justice.

"The question I always ask myself is, 'What does that look like for individuals when they are coming out?' and that kind of led me down a different path of looking at public safety from the other end of the spectrum and really assisting individuals when they come out of prison," said Hinton.

Once a week, the students work on the same assignments, engage in conversation and learn about life from another person's perspective.

"From that understanding, comes empathy, comes humanizing," said Hinton. "And that's what I like about this classroom. It's really humanization — these individuals are talking. We find out we have a lot in common and once we have that bond, we can learn about the corrections system together."

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"One of our major goals as a department is to bring hope back to the correctional facilities and drive that into not only our population but the community as well," said Warden Michael DeMartino.

"Roughly 90% of the individuals that are incarcerated are coming back to our communities and we want them to come back better when they came here. We want them to have more resources, more tools and better cognitive behavior. So, we really try to drive that here at this facility.

"You paid for your crime. And when you get out, there's stuff that's available to you. You have a purpose. That's a huge part of rehabilitation is making sure someone has hope and purpose to be successful when they reach the community."

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Licking County man was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of killing his mother and then burying her body in the backyard of their home.

David A. Perrine, 41, was found guilty last week of aggravated murder, murder, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and two counts of theft.

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In addition to the mandatory life in prison without parole sentence for the aggravated murder charge, Perrine was also given six additional years in prison for the other charges; those sentences will be served concurrently with the life sentence.

On Dec. 23, 2022, Licking County Sheriff's deputies performed a wellness check for 67-year-old Debra Perrine at her home on Darlene Drive in Newark after family members said they hadn't heard from her in over a week.

When deputies entered the house, they found Debra's son David inside with another man. Deputies found no sign of the woman but did see evidence of foul play and an attempt to remove evidence. Perrine was then arrested for a pretrial bond violation, based on charges of grand theft of a vehicle, robbery, and felony theft.

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Less than a week later, on Dec. 29, sheriff's detectives and investigators with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation found Debra Perrine's body buried in the backyard of the home; the sheriff's office said the body had "obvious signs of trauma."

Perrine was indicted in his mother's death by a grand jury in May 2023.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Express has announced it may close down its Ohio corporate offices and lay off over 600 employees. 

Express, whose portfolio includes Bonobos and UpWest, filed for bankruptcy Monday and plans to close 95 Express stores and all 10 of its UpWest stores. The company did not specify which Express locations will be shut down.

In a news release, Express claimed the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was to “facilitate the sale” of most of its operations to an investor group, which includes WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties. Subject to court approval, Express said it received a letter of intent from the investors to buy the assets.

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In connection to the company’s bankruptcy filing, Express stated it expects closing offices at 1 Express Drive, near Easton Town Center, and at 235 N. Fourth St. Downtown.

In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, notice filed Tuesday with the state, the company said if restructuring efforts fail or the buyer fails to provide a sufficient number of job offers to current employees, all 614 Ohio office employees would be permanently laid off. Layoffs are expected to occur in late June.

Express has 11 stores in Ohio, including at Easton and Polaris Fashion Place. The state is home to one Bonobos store in Columbus' Victorian Village neighborhood. The company did not share the fate of these locations as of Tuesday. None of the company’s 10 UpWest stores is located in Ohio. 

A previous report can be seen in the player above.

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Lakeview woman is facing up to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to charges related to the death of a teenager.

Charges were filed against Briana Mohler, 32, in February for the death of 17-year-old Chloe Hodge in a Jan. 25 head-on crash in Logan County. On Tuesday, Mohler pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence and driving under suspension. She faces at least three years in prison, but prosecutors are recommending a sentence that could last as long as 16 years, the Logan County prosecutor's office said.

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Hodge, a junior at Indian Lake High School, was driving a Honda southbound on County Road 130 when she was hit head-on by a Ford driven by Mohler that traveled left of center from the northbound lane.

“Chloe was a bright light who always wanted to help people,” the school district said in a statement. “She was smart, funny, and always quick to lend a hand. Chloe continues to help others as an organ and tissue donor.”

Mohler's sentencing is scheduled for May 28.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff.

Flags have been lowered on Ohio’s public buildings and grounds throughout the state of Ohio at all Ohio Department of Transportation facilities in honor of former Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray, who died recently.

The flags will also be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Licking County, at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower, from Tuesday until sunset on the day of his funeral.

Wray, the only two-time director of the department, served under Governor Voinovich from 1991 to 1999 and Governor Kasich from 2011 to 2019. He is one of the longest serving state DOT directors in the nation’s history at 16 years.

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According to ODOT's website, under Wray's leadership the department recruited a record number of women, minorities, and veterans. The department additionally put greater emphasis on making sure public contract opportunities were available to minority and disadvantaged companies. Wray also established a second-chance apprentice program to help transition ex-offenders from the Ohio Reformatory for Women into employment opportunities to prevent recidivism.

"Jerry was passionate about transforming ODOT into an organization that displayed what he called ‘excellence in government,' DeWine said. "The changes he ushered in will benefit our state for decades to come."

ODOT’s Central Office facility on West Broad Street was officially renamed the Jerry Wray Building as a dedication to Wray in December 2021.

"Jerry was a dedicated public servant and it is fitting that the (ODOT) building bears his name as he was beloved and respected by ODOT employees, contractors, and everybody who came into contact with him at work and in life," DeWine said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is thanking the community for its support after the shelter announced the facility was at capacity last week.

In a post on social media, the organization announced a record-breaking week with 186 dogs being adopted or taken into foster-to-adopt homes. Additionally, more than two dozen lost pups were reunited with their families.

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The shelter specifically noted some of the furry friends who found new homes by name and photo, with shoutouts to Alvin, Agnes, Houston, Pixie, Eleanor, Chris, Liam, Poppy and Emmett.

• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)
• Adopted dog (Franklin County Dog Shelter)

"To all of our proud new pet parents, thank you for choosing adoption and for opening up your heart and home to a shelter dog!" the post read.

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The agency also invited anyone considering adopting a dog to visit the shelter. There are nearly 200 dogs still waiting for homes. "No appointments are needed. No application is required! Walk-ins are always welcome!" the shelter wrote.

Those interested can visit the shelter's website for real-time updates, adoption prices and personality information.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Deputies in Clark County recorded conversations with a scammer they said unintentionally orchestrated a deadly shooting with an Uber order and phone calls.

The scammer had been calling 81-year-old William Brock on March 25, telling him that one of his relatives was in jail and demanding money, according to the sheriff's office. Separately, the same scammer or an accomplice placed an order on Uber, sending 61-year-old Lo-Letha Hall to pick up a package at Brock's home west of South Charleston.

Hall was completely unarmed when she arrived, and wasn't aware of the calls Brock received before she came there, the sheriff's office said. A dashcam in her car recorded her trying to leave as Brock followed her and pointed a revolver at her. When deputies came to the home after Brock called and reported a robbery, they found Hall on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and the elderly man with injuries to his head and ear.

While emergency crews were at the scene, Brock's phone rang again. Detective Sheila Crews picked it up while a deputy's bodycam was rolling. After initial greetings and the caller asking who was on the line, they made comments revealing themself as the scammer. The man on the phone spoke without any apparent accent, and the voice did not appear to be computer-generated since he displayed natural stammering.

"May I ask who I'm talking to?" Crews asked.

"Yes, this is the officer speaking," the scammer said.

"Okay, what officer?" Crews said.

"Yes," the scammer said.

"No, I need to know what officer, sir," Crews said.

"You're gonna be in trouble," the scammer replied.

Crews then asked the scammer if he knew Hall, and he said yes. The detective then identified herself as an actual law enforcement official and told them that Hall had been in an "accident." But when she finished speaking, she realized the phone call had been disconnected.

Another bodycam recording showed the scammer calling Crews back, apologizing that the call disconnected. The scammer inquired further about Hall.

"No, uh, she's not doing well," Crews said

"Oh no," the scammer said.

Crews explained Hall was going to the hospital, and the scammer asked which one. But the detective said the scammer would have to come to Brock's home to talk to her before she would share that information.

"Okay, I'm gonna be there, give me 20 minutes?" the scammer asked.

He also asked where Brock was, and Crews said he was talking to the deputies.

The scammer never showed up at Brock's home, according to the sheriff's office. It said its team was investigating the scam calls and Uber app order that led to the shooting, and looking for the man or accomplices that coordinated the incident. But as of Tuesday, the sheriff's office had not shared any new details on the scammer.

Another deputy's bodycam recorded emergency crews' attempts to help Hall, as well as interviews with Brock while he sat in a deputy's car. Medical crews had removed some of the Uber driver's clothes to treat her gunshot wounds before loading her into an ambulance. Wind blowing on the bodycam's microphone obscured the majority of Brock's conversation with deputies, but he could be heard asking if medics were able to stabilize Hall after the shooting.

Lo-Letha Hall's dashcam in her car captured her attempting to leave as William Brock held her at gunpoint. (Courtesy Photo/Clark County Sheriff's Office)

Hall's obituary listed her as a Columbus native. Her funeral service took place on April 5 at a church on the Northeast Side.

Deputies later arrested Brock, and he faces charges including three counts of murder as well as one each of kidnapping and felonious assault, according to an indictment from Clark County Common Pleas Court. The sheriff's office argued that Hall wasn't an active threat to Brock, and he made no attempt to call for help during the confrontation either. Investigators accused him of shooting Hall as she tried to get in her car and leave.

Clark County Common Pleas Court records did not show any scheduled appearance for Brock as of Tuesday. However, a pre-trial order filed Friday said the court would issue a notice for pre-trial hearing and jury trial dates in the near future.

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus Zoo security and area authorities are on alert after six people allegedly stole one car and attempted to break into multiple others in the parking lot Monday afternoon.

According to a Delaware County Sheriff’s report, a deputy was dispatched to the Columbus Zoo on West Powell Road, where there were reports of several people running through the parking lot with hoods over their heads and masks on their face.

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A witness reported that the individuals were trying to break into or steal cars parked in the lot. Before the responding deputy arrived, the individuals allegedly left in a white Hyundai Sonata and an unidentified black sedan.

The incident report states that the witness was sitting in their car and observed four people checking vehicles and attempting to break into them. The witness said that the four people casing the parking lot were being followed by two cars with the drivers also wearing hoods and masks.

One of the cars reportedly had a window broken and the witness stated they could see weapons by the suspects' hips. The Columbus Zoo also reported it received at least two other calls to its guest relations desks regarding the suspects.

After the zoo closed, the sheriff’s office received another call from a person who said their car was missing from the lot. A description of the car matched that of the Hyundai Sonata which was reportedly being driven by one of the masked suspects.

The responding sergeant investigated the area and found documents belonging to the victim, including a W2 form, checks, bank statements and other documents, scattered near the parking lot exit.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery in Zanesville closes after more than 30 years

Zoo security shared that they observed the black vehicle entering the lot and then exiting three minutes later along with the Hyundai. Deputies were able to observe security camera footage, but they did not share it publicly, or if they found additional evidence.

The sheriff’s office asked anyone with information on this incident to call 740-833-2800 or email alee@co.delaware.oh.us.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Short North bar is closing after its lease went unrenewed to make way for a new development.

Mouton at 954 N. High St. will shut its doors soon, according to a social media post. In the announcement, bar owner Jonathan Klingler expressed his appreciation to the people of Columbus.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery in Zanesville closes after 30-plus years, but its story isn’t over

"From such simple beginnings to becoming a cherished cornerstone of the Columbus cocktail community, each cocktail shook, every glass poured, every smile exchanged, and every memory made has been a testament to the love and support Columbus has always shown us," Klingler said.

For more than a decade, the bar served a variety of cocktails, craft beers, wines, and even shared plates and bar snacks. Klingler thanked his staff for their hard work, creativity, and passion for the drink menu.

"You've poured your heart and soul into every cocktail, creating experiences that will be cherished by all who walked through our doors," Klingler said.

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Mouton said the bar is closing after its lease expired to make way for a new development with the adjacent space. Public records from the Franklin County Auditor's Office indicate the space is owned by a B B R Holdings LLC, which owns properties at 952 through 958 N. High St.

A final closing date will be announced in the coming weeks, according to Mouton's post.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Evening rain showers, high 65
• Tonight: Showers continue, low 48
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 56 (33)
• Thursday: Mainly sunny, high 60 (39)
• Friday: Chance of rain showers, high 74 (59)
• Saturday: Isolated t-storms, high 79 (63)

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Central Ohio will finally se temperatures close to average for this time of year, but this will be short lived. Highs will reach the mid-upper 60s this afternoon. A cold front will bring rain showers that will move across the area starting late this afternoon. Along with the rain showers, breezy conditions will last the rest of the day.

Tonight into early Wednesday morning rain showers will continue. Close to a quarter inch of rain will fall, bringing Columbus’s total precipitation totals for April close to 6 inches. Winds will remain breezy at times overnight as the cold front moves through.

Tomorrow will be noticeably chillier. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning temperatures will fall close to the freezing point. A rebound in temps starts heading towards this weekend. More rain and a few thunderstorms will move through the weekend. During this time highs will top off in the mid 70s Friday and close to the 80 degree mark between Saturday, Sunday, & Monday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - With spring in full swing, many farmers markets across central Ohio are opening up for residents to buy local produce and goods from vendors. Below is a list of markets, where they are located and when you can visit.

Franklin County

Bexley Farmers Market

• May 16-Oct. 24, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at East Main and Dawson Ave.

Bronzeville Growers Market

• July 11-Sept. 26, Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at 925 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Canal Winchester Farmers Market

• May 25-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 100 N. High St.

Clintonville Farmers Market

• April 27-Nov. 23, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 3535 N. High St.

Dublin Market at Bridge Park

• May 4-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6741 Longshore St.

German Village Farmers Market

• April 21-Dec. 8, Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1108 City Park Ave.

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market

• May 11-Sept. 14, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 3444 Park St.

Groveport Farmers Market

• July 18-Sept. 12, Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at 551 Wirt Rd.

Hilliard Farm Market

• May 21-Sept. 3, Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 5445 Scioto Darby Rd.

New Albany Farmers Market

• June 6-Aug. 29, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 202 E. Market St.

Pearl Market in Downtown Columbus

• May 16-Oct.10, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gay Street and Pearl St.

Reynoldsburg Farmers Market

• June 6-Aug. 29, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 7232 E. Main St.

Upper Arlington Farmers Market

• May 15-Oct. 23, Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 2140 Tremont Center

Westerville Farmers Market

• May 18-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 21 S. State St.

Worthington Farmers Market

• May 4-Oct., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Old Worthington Historic District

Delaware County

Main Street Delaware Farmers Market

• May 25-Oct. 26, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 20 E. William St.

Lewis Center Market on Orange

• July 2-Aug. 27, Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3467 E. Orange Rd.

Powell Farmers Market

• May 25-Oct. 5, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 240 N. Liberty St.

Sunbury Farmers Market

• May 25-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 51 E. Cherry St.

Whitehall Market on the Green

• June 11-Aug. 27, Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 105 Norton Park Dr.

Fairfield County

Baltimore Farmers Market

• June 4-Sept., Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 8865 Lancaster-Kirkersville Rd.

Lancaster Farmers Market

• May 4-Oct. 5, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Chestnut Street, between Broad St. and North Columbus St.

Pickerington Farmers Market

• June-September, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 89 N. Center St.

Licking County

Granville Farmers Market

• May 4-Oct. 26, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 1225 River Rd.

Pataskala Farmers Market

• Dates and times to be announced, 337 S. Main St.

Madison County

Madison County Farmers Market

• June-Sept., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 300 Lafayette St. in London

Plain City Farmers Market

• Season kickoff on July 4 from 9a.m. to noon
• Thursdays from July 11-October 3 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 101 S. Chillicothe St.

Union County

Union County Farmers Market

• May 18-Oct. 5, Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 125 E. 6th St. in Marysville

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio pizzeria known for New York-style pies announced it's closing after more than 30 years of business.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery at 1250 Maple Ave. in Zanesville permanently shuttered on March 24, co-owners Antonino Russo and Vincenzo Buzzetta shared on social media. Russo and Buzzetta's other longtime Picnic Pizza location in the Colony Square Mall will remain open, one of two original remaining stores that opened with the mall in 1981.

"We are so thankful for being able to serve our customers at the Italian Eatery since 1992, but now we want to be able to spend more time with our families," the social media post said. "We are still serving our original pizza products at the Colony Square Mall shop, and hope to see all of our loyal Italian Eatery customers there."

Express files for bankruptcy, plans to close over 100 stores Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery at 1250 Maple Ave. in Zanesville permanently shuttered on March 24. (Courtesy Photo/Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery)

Picnic Pizza's closing came as Zamarelli's Pizza Palace at 4011 Front St. in Grove City closed earlier this month after 61 years in business. The restaurant opened to customers in 1963 under Andy Zamarelli, offering customers a variety pizza, subs and salads and other Italian dishes including spaghetti, gnocchi, eggplant parmesan and more.

Meanwhile, several other pizza eateries are opening in central Ohio this spring and summer. Tony's Pizza at 946 Galloway Road in Galloway is welcoming patrons after opening on April 2, taking over the former location of OH Pizza and Brew which moved to its downtown spot at 88 E. Broad St. in 2018.

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JT’s Pizza and Pub is opening a new pizzeria at 845 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview Heights this summer, partnering with Elford Development to open the location at the Southern Station apartment complex. The shop, known for its pizza, wings, calzones and more, also operates a Columbus location at 2390 W. Dublin Granville Rd.

In addition, Ronetti’s Pizza at 23 South Main Street in London has expanded with a food truck traveling across central Ohio. Not only will the food truck serve pizza and subs, but customers can also buy from Layla’s Sweet Treats Ice Cream as well.