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BUCYRUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado in Bucyrus Wednesday. The city in Crawford County saw top speed wind of 110 mph just after 4 p.m.

Homes, businesses, and power lines were all part of the wreckage visible Thursday. 

Large hail falls Wednesday but no reports of widespread damage

"It was like something from a movie," said local business owner Breck Baker.

NBC4 caught up with Baker Thursday evening at the Old 30 BBQ, a restaurant located at the Golf Club of Bucyrus. 

"You just try to remain calm. Because you know as owners, everybody's looking at us for guidance," he said about the situation at Baker's Pizza, the Old 30 BBQ, and Golf Club.

A massive tree in front of the golf club fell directly onto the main power line, cutting power to the whole property. When NBC4 spoke with Baker Thursday around 7 p.m., the power had yet to be restored. 

"I went to Columbus to get a generator last night. He met us here at 11 p.m. last night so we could, we've had a generator running our cooler so we wouldn't lose all of our meat and stuff like that," said Baker.

The electricity was just one of many problems for Baker and his team to clean up. 

"We have an amphitheater stage behind here. It actually ripped the roof off of that. The roof was actually attached to a tree, back behind here. We probably had about seven or eight trees on the golf course that were out," he said.

Thankfully, he has had plenty of help clearing trees and getting the place up and running, as much as possible. 

"They all came out here on a moment's notice and helped us starting last night and they were out here this morning. So, we've gotten a lot of it cleaned up. Definitely glad to have all the local guys around us to help us get through this. But yea, it says a lot," he said.

Baker isn't the only business owner or Bucyrus resident that needs help. A young family living on West Charles Street were surprised to see a shed in their backyard (not their shed), a fence post through the side of their home, a yard riddled with the remnants of their deck, and a house next door that was completely off its foundation.

Brent Richardson was supposed to make a service call to the home to check out an electrical issue. 

"I was supposed to have a service call, but he called and canceled because a storm trashed the house. I asked what was going on, he said a bunch of windows were out. I told him I'd get some plywood and help board it up for him. So, come up here from there and been here ever since," Richardson said.

Richardson lives about a mile outside of Bucyrus. He spent all day Thursday helping clear debris and haul away wood from the home on West Charles Street. He didn't need to, but he did. 

"If you've got the time and the ability, and I guess I'd just hope somebody would help me, everything flipped upside down on me, I'd hope somebody would help me if I needed it," said Richardson.

The American Red Cross made rounds through Bucyrus beginning Wednesday night and all day Thursday as well. There were no injuries reported in the aftermath of the storm, but the Red Cross still set up a reception center at Bucyrus Nazarene. They walked door to door Thursday collecting damage surveys and finding out what people needed. 

Elsewhere in Bucyrus, more than half a dozen crews were working on restoring power. They were on scene for more than 24 hours as most of the city was in the dark. By Thursday around noon, there were more than 220 customers without power. That number was less than five by dinner time.

"A lot of good people. I think it brings them closer after things like this. Starting to let people actually come give you a hand, actually do care about each other," said Richardson of his experience after the storm.

Baker has a long way to go to rebuild, but he's thankful for the help he's had thus far. 

"Just hopefully it doesn't happen again anytime soon," he said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As a tragic hit-skip goes unsolved, many in the city are focusing on how to make Columbus roads safer for everyone.

NBC4 showed viewers John Decker’s story earlier this week. In early March, Decker was hit while riding his bike in north Columbus. The car did not stop and there are still no answers. Decker was taken off life support earlier this week. 

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This story is one that pulled on heartstrings for one Columbus bicyclist and is also shining a light on the work Vision Zero Columbus is doing to try and make the roads safer for everyone.

Jim Silcott lives in Columbus and heard about the hit-skip on the news. It hit close to home; he was badly injured in a hit-skip about four years ago.

"I suffered a shattered shoulder and four ribs," Yay Bikes! Board member Jim Silcott said. 

When he heard about Decker’s hit-skip, he wanted to see if he could help.

"Probably three days after the accident, I called Riverside, found out where he was and went to see him. He was, it turned out, one of the few days that he was actually conscious and speaking, though he was certainly not in great shape at that time," Silcott said. "He kept saying, 'it’s not fair.’”

Silcott is a part of Yay Bikes!, an advocacy and education group in the city. Columbus itself also has a branch that focuses on road safety. 

"We want to see zero fatal or serious injury crashes by 2035," Vision Zero Columbus Vision Zero Coordinator Katherine Swidarski said. "It's data-informed. And we also want to be thinking of equity in every part of policy, process, and those data."

For Swidarski the cause is also personal. She hasn't owned a car in more than 10 years. 

"There's a lot of joy to experience being on a bicycle, and that is part of the objective of Vision Zero and a lot of the relationships that we're building with different partners is it's not to keep us always in the depths of despair, but to look at the possibility. Imagining Columbus in 2035, where no one is dying on our streets," she said. 

As the city works towards that goal, those like Silcott are trying to raise awareness and hopefully honor Decker in a ride of silence next month.

"There's a poem that we read every year. I'd love to have one of his friends read the poem and certainly just show his friends who have rallied to him in these final days that we support him," Silcott said. The Ride of Silence will take place on Wednesday, May 15, starting at Our Lady of Peace School,  40 E. Dominion Blvd. in Columbus. Riders will begin gathering at 5:30 p.m., there will be a ceremony honoring those who have lost their lives and then at 7 p.m. the 10 mile ride will begin.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – On Thursday, Columbus State Community College (CSCC) and Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) announced new programs designed to improve student access and affordability. 

The partnership will help Columbus State students earn their bachelor’s degree faster. It’s a three-part partnership between the two institutions. Not only will this focus on access and affordability, it will also address the teacher shortage that we faced in Ohio and across the United States.

Columbus clinic offering free anti-theft software to Kia owners

The three programs will be tuition match, teach now and an expansion of the preferred pathway program. 

Tuition Match program:

Beginning this fall, up to 25 qualified Columbus State graduates will be able to enroll at OWU yearly to complete their bachelor’s degree while paying the same tuition they paid during their final semester at CSCC. According to educators, that’s roughly a tenth of the sticker price to attend OWU. This is open to students who have earned an associate degree, they must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 and be in good academic standing. 

“I always say that debt is a choice, it is avoidable if folks know the path. A partnership that Ohio Wesleyan has come in with and the tuition match is unprecedented. Again, the ability for students to start at Columbus State and knowing what their bachelor's degree is going to cost at our tuition rates is something that I don't think is happening anywhere in the country,” said David Harrison, president of CSCC.

Teach Now program: 

This is OWU’s accelerated teacher licensure pathway that addresses central Ohio’s teacher shortage. Starting this fall, qualified high school students will be able to combine College Credit Plus/Dual Enrollment classes completed through Columbus State with Teach Now enrollment in OWU’s education program. This will enable students to graduate from OWU with their bachelor’s degree and Ohio teaching licenses in as little as two years. 

“Talking with superintendents has just been thrilled with the possibility of bringing teachers straight into, you know, from their classrooms, into our classrooms and then out into the field in as little as two years,” said Sarah Kaka, associate professor at OWU.

“That's really what this is all about, is changing lives, but lowering the barriers to entry for teachers so that we can tackle that issue head on,” said Matt vandenBerg, president, OWU. 

Preferred Pathway program:

This is an expansion program with OWU that ensures that additional qualified Columbus State graduates are able to enroll at OWU and earn their four-year bachelor’s degrees without credit-transfer concerns.

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – Wednesday evening's storms brought roughly quarter sized hail to parts of central Ohio leaving some homeowners concerned about their roofs.

Sizable hail fell right outside of NBC4's studios. Some of the biggest hail with that storm system hit Gahanna.

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“I have not seen hail that big I don't think ever in my lifetime," said Nancy Radke, a Gahanna resident.

At one point, hail piled up in parts of her yard looked like little piles of snow. She said small hail fell at first, then the bigger pellets came. Once the storm passed, the Radke's checked their flowers and other places around the house.

“No siding damage, no roof damage, nothing on the trucks, nothing outside. It was here and gone. Kind of amazing," she said.

While the Radke's did not feel the need to call a roofing company, that was not the case for some others in the area. Tony West, owner of the Roof Medic, got a few calls from homeowners in Gahanna following the storm.

“On some of the pictures I’ve seen there were some pretty big pieces, some of them were I’d say inch, inch and a quarter, inch and a half maybe, that's definitely big enough to cause damage to any shingles, soft metals would definitely have some dents in it," he said.

He said it was not the type of storm which left a lot of homeowners with damage. The team at Newman Roofing Thursday also received calls from concerned customers. They said most of the calls were from Gahanna residents. Most people who called asked about the possibility of damage as opposed to seeing obvious signs of it, according to the company.

“It’s possible the hail we received yesterday could have caused some damage. It is possible, and it's also possible it may not have left any damage at all," said Mark Ezell, a production coordinator with Newman Roofing.

The experts also listed signs people can look out for without needing to get on their roof. They said visible damage to cars, siding, screens,and patio furniture covers are all signs of possible roof damage. 

If someone notices any of that, calling a company is not a bad idea – they stressed the importance of reaching out to a reputable one.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A bill has been introduced for a third time at the Ohio Statehouse that seeks to create more protections for survivors of domestic violence.

House Bill 486, known as “Aisha’s Law” is named after a Cleveland woman who was killed by her ex-husband.

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“Aisha’s story is not just a statistic,” friend of Aisha and Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Meredith Turner said. “Aisha’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for A-C-T-I-O-N, action.”

“Far too many individuals continue to be abused and live and fear,” Representative Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) said.

House Bill 486 is sponsored by Representatives Carruthers and Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland). Brent said this is an issue that hits close to home for everyone.

“This is happening in every district, all 88 counties this is happening,” Brent said. “Enough is enough.”

According to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, between July 1 and June 30 of last year, 112 domestic violence deaths were reported, that included 22 children.

“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the epidemic of domestic violence plaguing our communities,” Turner said. “Domestic violence transcends race, class and gender. It shatters lives, tears families apart and leaves scars on our society.”

The bill aims to expand the offense of child endangerment to include the offense of domestic violence when a child is present, expand the offense of aggravated murder. The bill also requires courts that issue protection orders to be available to accept a petition 24/7.

“That was a sticking point, however we found out it was not too big a hill to climb,” Carruthers said.

“Going to get a protection order is probably one of the hardest things somebody can decide to do,” Brent said. “So, making sure our court system is available, because you never know when somebody may need to do it, that part of our legislation is vital.”

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorney’s Association supports the bill. Their executive director, Lou Tobin said, “Ohio prosecutors have said for a long time that the state needs to do more to protect the victims of domestic violence…Aisha’s Law is another critical piece of protecting these victims and another tool for prosecutors to hold domestic abusers accountable.”

The bill also requires police officers who handle domestic violence complaints to have intervention technique training. The bill allocates $150,000 to accomplish that; Brent and Carruthers said the funding is imperative.

“We need to put the funding in there to make sure our police department are properly funded with training and resources,” Brent said.

“This is not a huge amount for training,” Carruthers said. “And as I said, this is the most dangerous thing police walk into.”

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This version of Aisha’s Law does not include strangulation offense portions. That was passed in Senate Bill 288 at the end of last general assembly.

Despite the Ohio House passing Aisha’s Law twice in full, with bi-partisan support, the Senate has yet to do so.

“Much to many people’s frustration,” Carruthers said.

Carruthers said she thinks some members of the Senate do not think this legislation is a “big deal.” Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) chairs the committee where the bill was heard last general assembly and will likely be heard again this year.

“We certainty do [make this a priority],” Manning said. “When we hear from interested parties that there might be issue with the bill, we certainly take that seriously, we don’t just rubber stamp it.”

“We must get this done,” Brent said. Enough is enough. We have to listen to people who are being affected.”

Manning said the reason only part of the bill made it across the finish line last year is because there were “a lot of concerns,” with some of the language.

“I worked with the advocates and prosecuting attorneys and said, ‘hey what is the most important part in here,’ because it was a complicated bill,” Manning said. “We prioritized the strangulation aspect, from talking to everyone, that was the most important aspect of that bill. So, we didn’t have a lot of process on the other parts.”

Carruthers said this bill has been “well-vetted and well thought out;” she said it seems to not be a priority for the Senate.

“If this was such a priority, why are they introducing it a year and four months into the general assembly,” Manning said. “I think it’s unfair to say we don’t prioritze this when they could’ve introduced it much earlier.”

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Brent said passing the legislation is long overdue and they would like to see it done soon. But Manning said by the time the legislation makes it to the Senate, it may be too late to send it to the governor’s desk before the end of the year.

“I prioritize domestic violence issues, but we really look at the words and how this could affect things,” Manning said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – What started out as a TikTok trend, demonstrating how to quickly and easily start and steal certain car models, led to a massive rise of thefts, crashes and more across central Ohio.

"Specific 2010 to 2022 models. These are Hyundai and Kia models that use a key to start the car, not a push button," said Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief of CARFAX.

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Olsen spoke with Better Call 4 about the issue last year. He said the problem is that these models lack immobilizers, or devices that prevent an engine from starting if there is no physical key in the ignition.

But as the trend took off, automakers came up with a solution for the millions of cars -- and people -- affected.

"We went directly to our associates in research and development in Korea and came up with this software upgrade solution," said James Bell with Kia America.

Bell said the automaker rolled out the solution to dealerships nationwide early last year. But throughout 2023, in some areas -- like Columbus -- the problem of theft persisted. That's why Kia America brought the solution to Capital City car owners, by hosting an in-person, mobile software upgrade service clinic last October.

"When I was given the list of cities that we were going to look at, I took Columbus and put it up at the top, because I knew that it had to be," Bell said.

And continues to be, as Kia America announced that it will hold another anti-theft software upgrade clinic in Columbus April 19 through April 21 at Historic Crew Stadium.

A representative said:

"Kia America is aware of the impact this social media-fed crime wave has had on Ohio, and especially the greater Columbus area, so we wanted to come back to be sure all Kia owners have a chance to process the upgrade and feel confident once again."

During the clinc, specially-trained technicians will be on-hand to install the upgrade, at no cost to car owners. And the process will be simple, according to Marco Nickens, with Kia America.

"It's about the same time as an oil change. So, about 30 minutes," said Nickens. "30 minutes of your time and it will be completed. We even have free WiFi. So, if you need to come and do some work, you can get some work done."

The clinic takes place at Historic Crew Stadium on One Black and Gold Boulevard during the following times:

• Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those who are unsure if their vehicle is eligible for the upgrade can find more information here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police are asking for help in solving the Sunday homicide of a 13-year-old boy.

Around 10:17 p.m., officers arrived in the 1300 block of East Hudson Street in North Linden, where they found Angel Diaz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. They rendered aid to the victim until medics arrived at 10:24 p.m. and pronounced him dead at the scene.

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Police are searching for people riding in a Ford Escape who might have witnessed events surrounding the death of Diaz, the department said in a social media post.

To gather additional evidence, police are asking neighbors to check video from their surveillance cameras from April 14 between 8:15 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. to see if anything related to the child's death was captured.

On Wednesday investigators said they were unsure what led to the shooting and did not have any suspect information.

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Columbus police asked anyone with information to call the division's homicide unit at 614-645-4730. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers by calling 614-461-TIPS (8477).

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - An agency that provides used furniture to those in need is having a special event this weekend.

The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio is having its second Furniture Bank Day on Saturday at the Furniture with a Heart thrift store, 2165 Morse Road. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the nonprofit will be celebrating its efforts to raise awareness on its mission and accepting donations of gently used furniture and household items.

In 2023, the organization helped 3,738 families and is working on expanding its efforts to help more people in the community. President and CEO Philip Washburn said there are a number of ways residents can make an impact by donating or volunteering.

"When you think about the need of furniture, a lot of us take it for granted," Washburn said. "Furniture Bank Day is one day where we're just spotlighting that need and the work we're doing all year long to make sure every family in the community has the furniture they need."

Several activities include face-painting, caricature artists, crafts and more from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patrons can also expect to see a Furniture Flip competition featuring students from Columbus City Schools. Students will showcase their gently used furniture that they revamped, and the items will be scored by judges.

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"It's really about creating an environment where people can come out, see the work we're doing and have a little fun while celebrating the important work," Washburn said.

Anyone is welcome to volunteer for the day. Those who are interested can sign up at this link. Volunteers will help accept and sort donations, along with building furniture kits for families. If you are not able to donate at the event, you can schedule a pickup by calling 614-545-3838.

For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Hilliard man who surrendered to police after a warrant was issued for his arrest for a North Central Columbus homicide faced a judge Thursday morning.

According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, 34-year-old Rashaud Roberts was issued a $1 million bond for allegedly shooting and killing a man in the 2100 block of Lisa Drive, in the Oriole Heights neighborhood.

Police said that on Friday at approximately 11:23 p.m., officers responded reports of a shooting at the home, where a party had taken place.

Donovan Lewis’ family sues Columbus police, city for ‘culture of excessive force’

The shooting reportedly stemmed from a verbal argument between Roberts and the victim, 36-year-old Isaac Price. Officers found Price, who reportedly ran from the scene, in a driveway of the 1400 block of Dubay Avenue, around the corner from the incident. He was pronounced dead at 11:41 p.m. by Columbus Fire medics.

Multiple witnesses identified Roberts as the shooter and was arrested on Tuesday after he turned himself in. Roberts will next appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 26.

Watch a previous report on the legal battle between STRS board member Wade Steen and Gov. Mike DeWine in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The governor overstepped his authority when he removed a member of the state teacher pension board, a court has ruled. 

Ohio’s 10th District Court of Appeals sided with ousted State Teachers Retirement System investment expert Wade Steen on Thursday, ruling that Gov. Mike DeWine did not have the constitutional authority to remove Steen from his opinion on the pension board. The decision cements a magistrate’s recommendation that Steen be reinstated to the board to complete his term.

Steen sued DeWine and other STRS board members last June after DeWine, who reappointed Steen to the board in 2020, replaced him with a little more than a year left to his term. DeWine’s office cited reports of Steen’s poor attendance record for board meetings, reports Steen has disputed. Retirees at the time told NBC4 that they believed DeWine replaced Steen, who advocated for sweeping reforms at STRS, because the recent election of another progressive board member tipped the balance of power.

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Investment experts appointed by the governor serve for fixed terms, not "at the pleasure of the governor," the court ruled, mirroring the magistrate's decision. But the panel of judges went farther than the magistrate did, finding not only that the governor has no constitutional or statutory authority to remove a previously-appointed board member, Ohio law actually precludes the governor from "unilaterally removing the appointee before the conclusion of the term of office."

"The General Assembly could have made the governor’s appointed investment expert STRS board member’s term subject to the governor’s pleasure, but it did not. Instead, it expressly defined the term of an investment expert board member as four years," Judge Kristin Boggs wrote for the court. "We may not by judicial fiat add language to the statute to accomplish a result at odds with the statutory language employed."

Within hours of the court's ruling, Steen was sworn in -- ceremonially -- by a retired teacher at the STRS meeting. Minutes later, the meeting was abruptly adjourned, to the dismay of Steen and other members.

"They are trying to stop change, but change is coming," Steen told NBC4.

Steen was vocal in calling for changes to STRS after the system paid out $10 million in investment staff bonuses in a fiscal year ending in June 2022 while the pension fund for teachers lost more than $5 billion. Last April, STRS proposed setting aside another $11.1 million for performance-based bonuses for the staff in 2024 — a 30.6% increase from the prior year’s incentives.

Steen had argued that once appointed, he was entitled to due process if DeWine wanted to remove him. His complaint accused DeWine of usurpation of office. In February, a magistrate agreed with Steen. DeWine's office said it would wait on the court's final opinion.

At oral arguments in late March, the attorney for Brian Perera, who now holds Steen’s board seat, argued that due process statutes weren’t written to protect the governor’s original appointees – only the replacements the governor picks. A judge on the panel called the argument “absurd.” Boggs echoed her colleague's assertion.

"We cannot condone a reading of the statute that is not only unsupported by the plain and unambiguous statutory language, but that also gives rise to an absurd result," Boggs wrote.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

A strong cold front crossed the state Wednesday evening, accompanied by showers and gusty thunderstorms. Hail, powerful wind gusts and isolated tornadoes came with some of the stronger storms.

Behind the cold front, drier air filtered into the region, providing mostly sunny skies. The afternoon will be pleasant, as readings reach the mid-70s.

The front will stall south of the Ohio River, then lift northward with a disturbance tracking from the central Plains to the Ohio Valley. Showers and storms will move across the state late tonight, ending Friday morning, with a few lingering showers during the early commute.

Skies will gradually clear Friday afternoon, with temperatures in the low 60s.

The weekend looks to be very pleasant and on the cool side, with lots of sunshine. High pressure will edge southeastward from the northern Plains across the Ohio Valley, resulting in a northwesterly flow.

The next chance for showers arrives on Tuesday.

Forecast

• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 75
• Tonight: Showers, storms late. Low 57
• Friday: Early showers, partly sunny, breezy. High 64
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, cooler. High 58 (44)
• Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 57 (36)
• Monday: Sunny. High 63 (37)
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, showers. High 64 (44)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The National Weather Service has confirmed that at one tornado touched down in Delaware County during Wednesday’s wave of severe storms in central Ohio.

The NWS said an EF1 tornado was detected along Fancher Road, between New Albany and Johnstown, with maximum winds estimated to be 90 MPH at 3:56 p.m. Wednesday.

The weather service was still surveying damage in Crawford County and had yet to say, as of 11 a.m., whether a tornado had touched down there.

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Bucyrus Police Chief R. Thomas Walker said about 4 p.m. Wednesday the city was struck by what then was perceived to be a possible tornado. The area lost power, and residents were forced to seek shelter due to high winds, powerful rain and flying debris.

Emergency crews were dispatched to assist residents with multiple reports of downed power wires, fallen trees and severe property damage. No injuries were reported.

Officers who spoke with residents said several witnesses observed rotation and the touchdown of a tornado. Police were told the tornado tracked from southeast section of town as it traveled in a northeastern path through Bucyrus.

• Wednesday's severe storms brought down several trees in Bucyrus, Crawford County. (NBC4)
• 
• Wednesday's severe storms brought down several trees in Bucyrus, Crawford County. (NBC4)
• 
• Wednesday's severe storms brought down several trees in Bucyrus, Crawford County. (NBC4)
• 
• Hail fell in Gahanna, Ohio on April 17, 2024. (NBC4 Photo/Brian Hofmann)

Bucyrus police asked residents not to tamper with power lines or attempt to remove tree limbs from the roads. City crews and American Electric Power teams are working to clear the streets and restore power. It remains unknown how long the process will take, though it was estimated that power would be restored sometime Thursday.

Northern Franklin and southern Delaware counties were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 6:15 p.m., along with portions of Madison and Union counties. A tornado warning was briefly issued for Licking County for an indication of rotation near Johnstown.

Counties farther north had tornado warnings between 4 and 5 p.m. Bucyrus police confirmed rotation from a tornado warned cell that caused significant damage to powerlines and trees.

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This storm is added to an already record Spring for severe weather. Twenty-eight tornados have been confirmed in Ohio this year. The yearly average is twenty-two. Storm Team 4 Meteorologist Ben Gelber has experienced more than 40 Ohio springs. He believes this is a trend in our weather patterns.

“We’ve never seen so many tornadoes so early in the season. And that is a byproduct of an unusually warm winter. Very mild ground, very warm water in the Gulf of Mexico, historic warmth. The Atlantic is as warm as it is in July, even though we’re only in April. So, you have all the ingredients or fuel for storms that we never see so early in the season,” Gelber said.

Watch a previous report on the charges against ex-Officer Ricky Anderson for the death of Donovan Lewis in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The family of a Black man killed by a Columbus police officer while in bed is suing the city and police department for creating a “culture of excessive force,” particularly against residents of color.

The lawsuit, which will be filed Thursday in federal court, comes from the family of Donovan Lewis. Former Columbus Police Officer Ricky Anderson fatally shot 20-year-old Lewis, who was in bed in his Hilltop apartment, in August 2022 while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. 

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Lewis’ death is emblematic of systemic issues within Columbus police, Cooper Elliot and Wright & Schulte, the firms representing Lewis’ family, said in a release. The firms said excessive force has been a problem within Columbus police for decades – citing a 1998 federal investigation into false arrests, improper use of force and discrimination – and Black residents disproportionately bear the brunt.

"Through this lawsuit, Donovan's family seeks accountability, fair compensation, and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies like the unjust death of their beloved son and brother," attorney Rex Elliott said in a written statement. "It is imperative that the City of Columbus and its police department address these longstanding issues and commit to meaningful change to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”

The complaint singles out the Zone 3 Enforcement Team, a group of officers that, since 2022, has overseen "proactive policing" operations on the west side of Columbus, according to the lawsuit. It was the Zone 3 Enforcement Team that attempted to serve Lewis the overnight arrest warrant the day he was killed.

"The City, Chief, and Columbus Police knew before the police killing of Donovan Lewis that Columbus Police officers faced little or no disincentive from engaging in excessive use of force and regularly failed to comply with the letter or spirit of training and policies on use of force," the lawsuit reads.

The complaint outlines several reforms for Columbus police, including calling for a full Department of Justice investigation into use of force, the publication of all stop and arrest data, and creation of a timeline for the city to update the public on officer-involved shooting investigations, and asks the court to order the department to address the “culture of excessive force and racial animus." Attorneys and Lewis’ mother will have a news conference at 10 a.m. to discuss the lawsuit.

Lewis’ family is already suing Anderson and several other officers who attempted to serve an arrest warrant at the Sullivant Avenue apartment in the early hours of Aug. 30, 2022. Lewis was facing misdemeanor charges of improperly handling a firearm, assault and domestic violence.

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Anderson, who was a K-9 handler, shot Lewis in the abdomen within a second of opening the bedroom door. Lewis was unarmed. 

Body camera footage showed that officers waited a minute before calling for paramedics and approaching Lewis. Officers then carried Lewis down the apartment stairs, at one point dropping Lewis’ upper body, before laying him on the grass outside and rendering aid nearly four minutes after he was shot. His family has argued the officers violated Andre’s Law by not immediately rendering aid and by moving Lewis’ body when he was critically injured. 

The wrongful death lawsuit remains pending in Franklin County court and is scheduled to go to trial in September. 

Anderson retired from Columbus police in bad standing last March. Five months later, a grand jury indicted 61-year-old Anderson on charges of murder and reckless homicide for Lewis’ death. He has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys have asked for a change of venue due to “voluminous and prejudicial media coverage” and other pretrial publicity. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 22.

Ohio to purchase mobile homes for training public school staff in firearms

Anderson is one of several former law enforcement officers facing murder charges for killing Black Columbus residents while in the line of duty. 

On Monday, a trial date was set for the second murder trial of Jason Meade, a former Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy who killed Casey Goodson Jr. in the doorway of his grandmother’s house in 2020. Meade retired from the sheriff's office in 2021. A hung jury forced a mistrial in February.

Adam Coy, a former Columbus police officer who killed Andre’ Hill in 2020, is set to go to trial in October after it was delayed multiple times due to his cancer diagnosis and treatment. Coy shot Hill after seeing him in an open garage while responding to a non-emergency call in the area.

Coy was fired from Columbus police a week after he killed Hill, with city officials citing his failure to render aid and turn on his body camera as justification. The city enacted Andre’s Law in 2021, requiring Columbus police officers to turn on their body cameras when responding to incidents and to immediately render aid and request emergency medical services when they seriously injure a person.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Amber, a dog up for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, is looking for a foster home while she finishes treatment for her condition.

Animal Care Manager Hannah Henschen said the 3-year-old pit bull mix is going through care for heartworm disease. While the condition affects her daily routines for now, it's only temporary.

"We'll be taking care of all that treatment for her. … It's usually over a course of three to six months," Henschen said. "It's not permanent, once we treat it, she'll be cleared of it. … She can go on very, very short walks out to the bathroom, things like that. But no running, no jumping, no excessive activity."

Amber. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Henschen said Amber is a social dog who has gotten along with everyone she's met, including kids. However, she would need to be kept separate from other dogs during her heartworm treatment, and can't go to a home with cats.

Despite the need for less activity during the heartworm treatment, Henschen said Amber can still enjoy lounging with something like a chew toy or a Kong filled with a treat like peanut butter.

Because the shelter has more than 300 dogs in its care, it is offering all dogs over six months old for $18 until April 30. Amber 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:

Simon. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Simon

• Tan medium breed mix
• Young male between six months and two years old
• Microchipped, neutered and up to date on shots

Luca. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Luca

• Black, tan and white Australian Shepherd mix
• Adult male between two and five years old
• Up to date on shots

Pebbles. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Pebbles

• Black and white medium breed mix
• Young female between six months and two years old
• Microchipped, spayed and up to date on shots

Royce. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) Royce

• Grey and white terrier and pit bull mix
• Adult male between two and five years old
• Neutered and up to date on shots

LONDON, Ohio (WCMH) – Honeywell is closing another Ohio facility and laying off nearly 100 employees.

The international conglomerate, which manufactures products ranging from thermostats to airplane engines, gave notice to the state on April 11 that, starting in October, it will begin to lay off 98 employees based in London. Honeywell will close its Intelligrated manufacturing facility in London by May 2025.

The layoffs will come in two waves: About three dozen employees will be laid off on Oct. 31, and the remainder will be laid off in December. Most of the employees are machine operators, product assemblers, welders, painters and material control managers.

Some employees are represented by the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, according to the notice, but the company did not say how many. Those who aren’t union-represented will be offered severance and “outplacement benefits.”

A spokesperson for Honeywell said in a written statement that the company is closing the manufacturing site due to "decreased demand" and in an effort to consolidate the company's footprint.

"This is not a plan we made lightly as we realize this will unfortunately affect valued employees," the spokesperson said.

It’s the third Ohio facility the company has closed – and laid off the corresponding workforce – in less than a year.

Last April, Honeywell announced the permanent closure of its Intelligrated facility in West Chester. It laid off about 223 employees. Months later, in August, the company announced it would lay off 66 employees and close its facility in Fairfield by the end of April 2024.

Honeywell Intelligrated is an arm of Honeywell that focuses on automation technology in manufacturing and distribution centers, according to its website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- From Bruce Springsteen's long-awaited Nationwide Arena concert and rock band Toto at the Schottenstein Center to an annual walk raising awareness for Ohioans living with HIV, here are things to see and do this weekend in central Ohio.

Clippers vs. Bisons

Huntington Park through Sunday

• The Columbus Clippers face the Buffalo Bisons in a six-game series.

Fury vs. Vibe

Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. on Friday

• The Columbus Fury face the Atlanta Vibe.

'Unextinct'

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Friday and Saturday

• Enter a world where 70 extinct and endangered species come to life using tech-driven theatrical illusions, allowing guests to learn about the importance of conservation and the role we all play in species survival.

Tchaikovsky & Prokofiev with the Columbus Symphony

Ohio Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

• Hear Columbus Symphony concertmaster Joanna Frankel perform Prokofiev’s second violin concerto, a staple of the solo violin repertoire. Also on the program, Rossen Milanov leads the orchestra’s string section in Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw’s "Entr’acte," originally written as a string quartet and later expanded for string orchestra.

AIDS Walk Ohio

Genoa Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday

• A fan-favorite drag queen from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is taking part in an annual walk to raise awareness for Ohioans living with HIV. 

(Courtesy Photo/Shellee Fisher Photography)

Crew vs. Timbers

Lower.com Field at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday

• The Columbus Crew face the Portland Timbers.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Nationwide Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday

• The concert was originally supposed to take place on March 9, 2023. It was then postponed to Sept. 21 before he canceled the remainder of his tour for the calendar year “out of an abundance of caution," according to a press release.

Bruce Springsteen performs onstage during the 17th Annual Stand Up For Heroes Benefit presented by Bob Woodruff Foundation and NY Comedy Festival at David Geffen Hall on Nov. 6, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Toto | Dogz of Oz Tour

Schottenstein Center at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday

• The total plays of the band’s collected works across all platforms is now approaching five billion. Amongst the most listened to recordings, “Africa” accounts for more than one billion streams on Spotify alone.

WWE Raw

Schottenstein Center at 7:30 p.m. on Monday

• WWE world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Nia Jax, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Damian Priest, Drew McIntyre and more.

Blooms and Butterflies

Franklin Park Conservatory through July 7

• Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Blooms and Butterflies has returned featuring various butterflies from around the world inside the largest indoor biome at the conservatory.

Approximately 12,000 butterflies will be a part of the exhibition this year, with 700-800 butterflies arriving each week. (Courtesy Photo/Franklin Park Conservatory)

Top spring central Ohio events

• This spring in central Ohio is packed with highly anticipated festivals and shows, from the reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at the Schottenstein Center and Disney’s “The Lion King” at the Ohio Theatre to the Columbus Arts Festival.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus police are evacuating a one-mile area and highway exit ramps are shut down near the Scioto River, west of Downtown Columbus.

According to Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Geitter a Hazmat team has been called to investigate a situation in which a trailer attached to a semi-truck was smoking Thursday morning. At around 5:20 a.m. crews were called to the 1600 block of McKinley Road in North Franklinton, near Grandview Avenue, where a trailer of a semi-truck with Hazmat placards on the side was seen with smoke exiting vehicle.

A large police and fire department presence is at the scene investigating and Geitter said it is considered a hazmat situation because the truck may contain hazardous materials.

Smoke exiting the back of a semi-truck trailer has caused the evacuation of an area in North Franklinton. (NBC4/Ronald Clark)

The incident appears to be around the train tracks next to McKinley Avenue, which is closed in both directions as of 6 a.m. Authorities are evacuating residents within a one-mile radius around the incident as well as people in the COTA maintenance facility on McKinley Avenue.

Also closed are the following exit ramps:

• Ramp to Grandview Avenue from I-670 West
• Ramp to Grandview Avenue from I-670 East
• Ramp to U.S.-40/Broad Street From I-70 East
• Ramp to U.S.-40/broad Street From I-70 West

NBC4 staff has been removed from the immediate area, but will continue to update this developing story.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- A vacant site sandwiched between office buildings in Dublin could soon be home to a mixed-use development with a five-story apartment building, retail, a restaurant and a dog park.

Plans call for the development to be built on a 16-acre site at the northeast corner of Emerald Parkway and Woerner Temple Road owned by VanTrust Real Estate, according to a proposal submitted to the Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission. An apartment complex with 280 units, 25,000 square feet of commercial space and green space would be among the property's amenities.

Developer suing Dublin proposes new mixed-use project

Owner of the site since 2016, VanTrust is asking the commission on Thursday to rezone the site, arguing the property's current zoning which only allows office buildings "is not viable." Neither VanTrust or Duke Realty, who owned the site previously for 15 years, "was able to make office buildings work on this site for a number of reasons," the proposal states.

• Plans call for the development to built on a 16-acre site at the corner of Emerald Parkway and Woerner Temple Road. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)
• Plans call for the development to built on a 16-acre site at the corner of Emerald Parkway and Woerner Temple Road. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)
• Plans call for the development to built on a 16-acre site at the corner of Emerald Parkway and Woerner Temple Road. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)

"We believe the vacant lot could be transformed into a walkable mixed-use development that would provide numerous benefits to the community and the existing office uses which are our neighbors," VanTrust said.

The proposal claims the development would provide "much-needed amenities to neighboring office buildings" including UnitedHealth Group, BMI Federal Credit Union, Farmers Insurance and Emerald EyeCare. VanTrust states the company has gathered letters of support from nearby office tenants and owners.

Ohio to purchase mobile homes for training public school staff in firearms

While the site is barren and generating almost zero in tax revenue, VanTrust said projections forecast tax revenue or more than $10 million in combined tax revenue to the city and schools over the 10 years following construction.

"This development would enhance the value of the vacant property owned by the city immediately east of the subject site and accelerate and improve the development prospects for the city's site," the proposal said.

The Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposal's concept plan on Thursday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Surveillance cameras outside of a northwest Columbus bar captured an alleged robbery in progress nearly one week ago.

According to a Columbus Division of Police incident report, a robbery took place in the parking lot of Yogi’s Bar and Grill on West Henderson Road, near Kenny Road, in the Governours Square area. Police said that on April 12 at 1:41 a.m., an adult male approached the victim outside of the bar and pointed a handgun at him while demanding all of his money.

Anti-violence efforts in Columbus highlighted as fight continues Images from security cameras at and outside of Yogi's Bar and Grille capture a suspect wanted for aggravated robbery. (Courtesy/Columbus Division of Police)

The victim threw all of his cash on the ground before the suspect picked it up and fled the scene. Security cameras were able to capture images of the suspect inside of the bar and outside during the alleged incident.

The suspect is believed to be between the ages of 21 and 23 years old and is wanted for aggravated robbery. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Robbery Unit at 614-645-5665. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-4655-TIPS (8477).

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Although many pieces remain in play, efforts to redevelop the North Market continue apace, even as the dining and other stalls remain open through it all.

For CEO and executive director Rick Harrison Wolfe, it's part of being on such a prime piece of real estate in Columbus, at a venue that sees over 1 million visitors each year and is home to some 30 vendors.

What the major road construction projects are this summer in Franklin County

"I like to say we're Boardwalk on the Monopoly board," Wolfe said. "We're the gateway from the Short North to Downtown."

A 36-story tower remains under construction on the site of the former North Market parking lot, with it on schedule to open in the summer of 2026, Wolfe said. That's after construction was initially stalled when it was discovered that the parking lot was built over top of a 19th-century cemetery and that not all the bodies had been moved by the time it had closed.

Look: Merchant Tower construction site in April 2024

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"That was really a huge part of this project to make sure that was once and for all done properly and respectfully," Wolfe said. "I like to say we righted the wrongs of 150 years in that, there were portions of the property that should have been addressed long, long ago."

In 2022, dozens of grave shafts were discovered on what was once part of an 11-acre cemetery. Wolfe said those found during the exhumation process would receive a proper reburial. The cemetery closed sometime in the 1860s, and the market originally opened in 1876.

Ohio to purchase mobile homes for training public school staff in firearms

Two major changes are coming with construction: the Merchant Building tower and an expanded North Market. The Merchant Building will include a 206-room hotel and residential and office spaces. North Market will gain 15,000 square feet over two stories, including space for 8-9 new vendors. A new plaza and a farmers' plaza will be added, Wolfe said.

Also coming will be space for special events, private events and more. That will help the market financially.

"The market being a nonprofit, we need to come up with all the types of ways we can make a buck," Wolfe said.

Also to that end, Columbus City Council recently approved up to $350,000 for operational support. That came after council approved more than $30 million for the project last July.