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Tag: Lydia Taylor

  • Evergreen Recycling, LLC closing Clyde plant

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — Evergreen Recycling, LLC plans to close its Clyde plant, which will result in 163 employees losing their jobs, according to a WARN Notice submitted to the state. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The WARN Notice also stated that its closing another facility in New Albany, N.Y.

    • In total, 247 employees are being laid off. 

    • The layoffs will be permanent, and most job eliminations will occur on Feb. 24

    The WARN Notice also stated that its closing another facility in New Albany, N.Y. In total, 247 employees are being laid off. 

    The layoffs will be permanent, and most job eliminations will occur on Feb. 24, with all layoffs being completed by April 24. 

    “The reason for the termination of operations is that on February 13, 2026, the Company’s revolving credit facility lender (the “Revolving Credit Lender”) unexpectedly swept all of the Company’s cash, even though the Company had advised the Revolving Credit Lender that the Company had several going-concern bidders who had conducted diligence and at least one of which was expected to provide non-binding letters of intent to purchase the Company this week,” the company stated in the notice. 

    Then, on Feb. 17, the Revolving Credit Lender told the company that it’s taking control of the company’s capital assests an stopping funding. 

    “The Revolving Credit Lenders actions were unforeseeable and unexpected, and leave the company with no option but to cease operations immediately,” the company stated.

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  • Poll: Ohio voters support local library services, funding

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    OHIO — A recent poll released by the Ohio Library Council shows that a majority of Ohio voters support local library services and the funding to keep them going. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Through Public Opinion Strategies, the poll included interviews with 800 registered Ohio voters in addition to an oversample to reach a total of 496 township residents

    • More than 90% say public libraries are important to their local community 

    • OLC noted that if an amendment abolishing property tax passes, it’s likely libraries will lose out on a large chunk of funding, resulting in the loss of resources

    Through Public Opinion Strategies, the poll included interviews with 800 registered Ohio voters in addition to an oversample to reach a total of 496 township residents. The margin of error on the 800 sample of voters is +/- 3.95%, and for the township sample is +/- 5.02%.

    The OLC noted that across Ohio, public libraries rely on locally approved property tax levies. Those tax levies account for more than half of their overall funding across the state. 

    Recently, a constitutional amendment was proposed to eliminate property taxes statewide, which could begin as early as 2027 if passed. The amendment was proposed by “Citizens for Property Tax Reform,” and the group is currently gathering signatures for the November ballot.

    OLC said since no other funding source has been identified, it’s likely public libraries would lose out on a large amount of funding. Other consequences could include reductions in hours and potential branch closures, weakened community partnerships and the loss of local control. 

    The poll, conducted in January, found the following:

    • 92% say public libraries are important to their local community 
    • 87% say they get their money’s worth from library services for the taxes they pay
    • 87% believe they get their money’s worth in services from their local libraries for the taxes they pay, including 83% of Republicans, 85% of Independents and 93% of Democrats
    • 71% believe libraries provide many of the most basic services people rely on in their daily lives
    • 69% can recall a specific time their library helped them personally
    • 64% say they or a family member used a library service within the past few months
    • Residents consistently ranked libraries among the highest-rated local public services

    OLC said an independent analysis also showed that $1 invested in Ohio’s public libraries returns more than $4 in value to residents and more than $3 billion in direct economic impact statewide.

    “They are locally supported, widely used and deeply trusted,” OLC wrote in a statement. “Protecting them means protecting the local services residents rely on.”

    To read more about the poll, click here.

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  • UD head coach Anthony Grant to lead 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Anthony Grant, the University of Dayton head men’s basketball coach, has been named as the 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team head coach, USA Basketball announced Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • This will be Grant’s second time serving on the USA National Team’s U18 coaching staff during his time at UD

    • He helped the team win gold in 2018

    • Grant will be assisted by Matt langel of Colgate University and Nate Oats of the University of Alabama

    This will be Grant’s second time serving on the USA National Team’s U18 coaching staff during his time at UD. He also served as an assistant in 2018, the year the U18 National Team won gold. 

    Grant will be assisted by Matt Langel of Colgate University and Nate Oats of the University of Alabama. The coaching squad will lead the U.S. this summer at the 2026 FIBA U18 Men’s AmericaCup, which runs from June 1-7. A location has yet to be announced.

    “It is an honor to serve and compete with USA Basketball alongside a great team of players, coaches and staff,” Grant said. “We look forward to uniting this summer toward the goal of the FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup gold medal.”

    The USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Committee made the coaching selections, which were approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors. 

    To learn more about Anthony Grant, click here.

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  • Rural Ohio fire departments to receive $593,000

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    OHIO — Fire departments in rural areas will receive a total of $593,000 for 95 projects, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry announced Thursday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The VFA grants are for fire departments that have at least 80% volunteer firefighters and serve areas with a population of less than 10,000 people

    • Fire departments may use the funds to purchase all-terrain vehicles, wildfire water tanks and pump units, wildfire and structure fire safety equipment, radios, tools and more

    • The funding is through the Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program

    The funding is through the Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program, ODNR said. 

    “In addition to wildland fire training, this funding helps departments serving Ohio’s wildfire protection area enhance their equipment and operational readiness,” said Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Investing in local departments strengthens emergency response at the community level.”

    The VFA grants are for fire departments that have at least 80% volunteer firefighters and serve areas with a population of less than 10,000 people within the ODNR Forestry wildfire protection area.

    Fire departments may use the funds to purchase all-terrain vehicles, wildfire water tanks and pump units, wildfire and structure fire safety equipment, radios, tools and more, according to ODNR. The grants can fund up to 50% of the total project cost, but they are to not exceed $10,000 per grant.

    “Many rural fire departments in Ohio have tight budgets, and most of their limited resources must be focused on keeping essential emergency services running,” ODNR wrote in a release. “ODNR Forestry’s VFA grant program helps supplement fire department budgets and facilitates important purchases, such as firefighter personal protective equipment and basic fire suppression equipment.”

    A list of the fire departments receiving the grants is below:

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  • ODA issues statewide quarantine for invasive spotted lanternfly

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide quarantine for the invasive spotted lanternfly on Tuesday. 

    Previously, just 18 Ohio counties were under the quarantine. Now, all 88 counties are included. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species, which can cause plants to die

    • ODA said the spotted lanternfly is especially a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry

    • Under the statewide quarantine, trees and nursery stock can’t be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate

    Spotted lanternflies, native to Asia, tend to be beautiful, colorful creatures, but they’re toxic for the environment. They feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species, which can cause plants to die. Additionally, they excrete a substance called honeydue that promotes mold growth, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    ODA said the spotted lanternfly is especially a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry. The industry contributes $6 billion in economic activity each year, and the spotted lanternfly could threaten it. The insect was first found in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, and ODA said it’s likely it came over through imported goods. 

    Under the statewide quarantine, trees and nursery stock can’t be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate, according to ODA. Additionally, producers who ship those products to non-regulated areas must have stock inspected, as well as have a certificate showing their product is free of spotted lanternflies. 

    ODA is no longer asking Ohioans to report sightings of the inspect. Instead, it asks Ohioans to read the recommendation guide for treatment methods if spotted lanternflies are on your property. 

    “The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio’s agricultural industry,” ODA Director Brian Baldridge said. “ODA is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of SLF.” 

    More information on the spotted lanternfly can be found here.

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  • 41 employees to be affected by Saks Fifth Ave closure in Polaris

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — As a result of Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, 41 employees at Saks Fifth Avenue in Polaris are losing their jobs. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store

    • The goal is to focus on its most profitable businesses
    • All employees at the Polaris location will be let go between April 11 to April 30

    The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store as it focuses on its most profitable businesses and pares down debt.

    Among the cities affected by the closures include Columbus. 

    The entire Polaris facility is set to close, and all employees will be let go between April 11 to April 30. The closure is expected to be permanent, according to a WARN Notice. 

    Saks Global also said Tuesday it will be winding down 14 standalone Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suites on Saturday, though it will keep three standalone sites. It also will close its home site called Horchow.com, a business that Neiman Marcus acquired in the late 1980s. As of Feb. 19, shoppers will be redirected to the home category on NeimanMarcus.com, where they will find the full assortment previously available on Horchow.com.

    The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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  • FC Cincinnati unveils ‘The Seven Hills’ kit ahead season opener

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    CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati’s newest kits pays ode to the city’s history. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The team unveiled “The Seven Hills” kit on Wednesday just before the Major League Soccer season starts in 10 days

    • The term “Seven Hills” goes far back in the city’s history, going all the way back to the 1800s

    • The kit replaces the Canvas Kit from the past two seasons

    The team unveiled “The Seven Hills” kit on Wednesday just before the Major League Soccer season starts in 10 days. 

    The term “Seven Hills” goes far back in the city’s history, going all the way back to the 1800s. At the time, the city recognized the seven hills as: 

    • Mount Adams
    • Walnut Hills
    • Mount Auburn
    • Vine Street hill
    • College Hill
    • Fairmount
    • Price Hill (formerly known as Mount Harrison)

    “The popular origin of Cincinnati’s ‘seven hills’ stems from the 1881 book “History of Cincinnati, Ohio” by Henry A. Ford, A.M. and Mrs. Kate B. Ford, who reflected that the hills of Cincinnati formed naturally beautiful amphitheaters and created a ‘splendid panorama of the city below,’ which nowhere else in the nation could rival in beauty,” wrote Carter Chapley for FC Cincinnati. “The official interpretation of the names of the seven hills have been debated over the years, but the sentiment remains the same – the communities that make up the city’s peaks and valleys are as much part of Cincinnati as the geology they are founded on.”

    The kit replaces the Canvas Kit from the past two seasons. It’ll be worn as the secondary uniform along with the primary Orange and Blue Legacy Kit, which was worn last season. 

    “The Seven Hills” kit is unique, as the white and orange combination is a first for the team.

    It’ll be worn during the season opener at TQL Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 21 against Atlanta United. “The Seven Hills” kit is also available to buy on FCCGo.com and at the FCC Team Stores.

    Fans can purchase their Seven Hills Kit online at FCCGo.com or by visiting the Over-The-Rhine Team Store (1433 Vine Street) and the TQL Stadium Team Store (NE corner of the stadium; 1501 Central Parkway) which will be open for special hours Wednesday through Saturday.

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  • Duke Energy warns of scam targeting consumers

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    Duke Energy said it’s aware of a scam going around that’s trying to trick customers.

    Related: Track and report power outages in your area

    Customers have reported receiving a text claiming to be from Duke Energy, saying they will be affected by a scheduled outage. 

    It then asks the recipient to click on a link. 

    “This message did not come from Duke Energy,” Duke Energy wrote in a Facebook post. “Customers should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from businesses or individuals they do not know, and they should contact Duke Energy directly to discuss their account or visit company communications channels for the latest updates.”

    Duke Energy said it will only use official communication channels to communicate grid conditions. 


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  • $245,000 to go toward improving maternal, infant health outcomes in Ohio

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation announced it has recently awarded $245,000 in grants across Ohio to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than one in 10 babies in the state were born early in 2024

    • The state’s infant mortality rate is also 7.2 deaths per 1,000 births, which is well above the national average of 5.6

    • The funding is going toward programming at four organizations

    According to the March of Dimes, more than one in 10 babies in the state were born early in 2024, which put Ohio at 37th place for pre-term births. 

    The state’s infant mortality rate is also 7.2 deaths per 1,000 births, which is well above the national average of 5.6. Babies born to Black mothers have rates nearly twice as high. 

    “Maternal Health Awareness Day on Jan. 23 is an important reminder that too many women in Ohio still face barriers to safe, healthy pregnancies,” said Michelle Stoughton, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Ohio. “Through these grants, we’re investing in community-based organizations that are closing health gaps—from housing instability and substance use disorder to access to perinatal and postpartum care—so families can get the support they need at every stage of their journey.”

    The funding will support programming at four organizations across the state: 

    • Community Development for All People (Columbus) for its Thrive to 5 program
    • Community Shelter Board (Columbus) for its Homelessness Prevention Program for Expectant Mothers
    • First Step Home (Cincinnati) for its Maternal Addiction Program
    • Pregnant With Possibilities Resource Center (Cleveland) for its 13-week Making Opportunities Matter (M.O.M.) Program

    “Addressing maternal and infant health challenges depends on strong partnerships and continued investment,” said Stoughton. “By supporting these organizations, we’re helping build healthier starts and stronger futures for families across Ohio.”

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  • Cleveland experiencing rock salt shortage

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    CLEVELAND — As Ohio braces for another potential wintry system this weekend, the City of Cleveland said it’s experiencing a rock salt shortage, as is the rest of the region.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cleveland stated it’s because of delayed deliveries from Cargill, the state-contracted supplier for Cuyahoga County

    • The Department of Public Works placed salt orders in August, but some of the orders haven’t been delivered

    • There will be temporary operational changes until more salt is delivered

    Cleveland stated it’s because of delayed deliveries from Cargill, the state-contracted supplier for Cuyahoga County. 

    The Department of Public Works placed salt orders in August, but some of the orders haven’t been delivered. 

    The city said it’s affecting municipalities throughout northeast Ohio, but as officials continue to press for delivery, the following temporary adjustments are being made:

    • Plowing will continue on all streets, including residential areas. Efforts will be increased depending on conditions 
    • Salt will be prioritized for main roads, hills, dangerous intersections and areas near hospitals and schools
    • Residential streets will be plowed but may not be salted. Slippery conditions could last longer because of this
    • Crews will work extended hours to help maintain safe travel conditions. This includes nights and weekends

    “These operational changes are temporary and will remain in place until salt deliveries resume,” the city said. 

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  • Cincinnati VA Medical Center Hamilton Outpatient Clinic moving locations

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    CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati VA’s Medical Center announced its Hamilton Outpatient Clinic is moving to a new location.

    The new address will be 7215 Gateway Ave. in Hamilton. Its doors will open on Jan. 26

    “This new location will allow us to continue providing high-quality, convenient care in a modern and welcoming space for the Veterans we serve. We look forward to welcoming you to our new clinic soon!” the Cincinnati VA Medical Center wrote in a post on social media.

    For questions, people can all the Hamilton Outpatient clinic at 513-870-9444.

    More information about the Cincinnati VA Medical Center can be found on its website.

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  • How unsafe heating practices can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning

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    OHIO — The temperatures keep dropping outside. Many areas are experiencing sub-zero wind chills this week.

    The Ohio Department of Health is warning residents that while staying warm is important, heating yourself and your home safely can save your life. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can go undetected and cause serious damage to your health

    • ODH gave a variety of tips to help heat up your home safely

    • Unintential carbon monoxide poisoning causes 400 deaths a year, more than 100,000 visits to the ER and over 14,000 hospitalizations

    Heating up the home unsafely can come with the risk of fire, but it can also come with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The problem with carbon monoxide is that it’s an odorless, colorless gas that goes undetected and can lead to oxygen deprivation, and even death. 

    In the United States, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes 400 deaths a year, more than 100,000 visits to the emergency room and more than 14,000 hospitalizations. 

    ODH said, especially during the winter, the way people heat up their homes can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some tips:

    • Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside
    • Do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space
    • Don’t preheat or start your car inside a closed garage
    • Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home and that they’re working
    • After storms, make sure outside stack or vents for dryer, stove, furnace and/or fireplace aren’t blocked for proper ventilation
    • Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors
    • Never leave lit candles unattended
    • Never run a generator indoors (even the basement or garage)
    • Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors
    • Keep as much heat as possible inside your home
    • Check the temperature inside your home often during severely cold weather
    • Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warm
    • Leave all water taps slightly open during severely cold weather

    Carbon monoxide affects the brain and heart the most, according to Mayo Clinic. Here are the symptoms to look out for:

    • Headache
    • Weakness
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Shortness of breath
    • Confusion
    • Blurred vision
    • Drowsiness
    • Loss of muscle control
    • Loss of consciousness

    If you feel as though you may be getting carbon monoxide poisoning, experts recommend getting fresh air immediately, such as opening windows or stepping outside, and get medical care immediately.

    For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, click here.

     

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  • How to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting in cold temps

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    CLEVELAND — With repeat periods of below-freezing weather, it’s possible for pipes to freeze. 

    The City of Toledo and AAA has these tips to help prevent it from happening to avoid unnecessary expenses and repairs, as well as to help keep the water running. 

    Eliminate drafts

    • Make sure windows and doors are tightly closed
    • Fill in cracks around windows and in walls

    Provide warmth

    • To help warm air circulate, open the door to where the pipes are located
    • Never use open flames to keep pipes warm; instead, put a lighted bulb near them
    • Use insulation or heat tape to wrap pipes to keep them warm
    • Allow warm air to reach pipes by opening the cabinet door below the sink

    Protect outside faucets and meters

    • Make sure to turn off water to the garden hose connections and also drain the exposed piping
    • Check for cracks in the outdoor meter cover and that it fits properly to avoid cold air getting in

    Turn on the water

    • Flowing water can help break up ice
    • Remember it’s less expensive to regularly run faucets in below-freezing temperatures than to repair a frozen or burst pipe

    What to do when pipes freeze

    • If no water comes out, it’s possible the pipes near a wall, door or window are frozen
    • Start by opening the faucet near the frozen pipe — this will release vapor from the melting ice
    • Then start warming the pipes near the faucet, working toward the frozen section (this can be done by using a hair dryer)
    • Once water starts flowing again, allow a pencil-sized stream of water flow through the faucet

    How to tell if pipes are frozen

    • Odd smells from a faucet or drain, which could mean it’s partially or completely blocked
    • Little to no water is coming out from a faucet
    • You can see frost or condensation on the exterior of the pipes
    • You touch the pipe and notice a spot that feels colder than the rest

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  • Bash on the Bay pauses event for 2026

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — Organizers for Bash on the Bay, an annual country music festival held in Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, announced Monday it’s pausing the event this year, citing scheduling conflicts. 

    “Having the event during the week poses many difficult hurdles,” organziers wrote in a Facebook post. “We are working on moving the festival to Friday and Saturday.”

    They said if it’s not possible in Put-in-Bay, other venues will be explored, possibly on the mainland. 

    “We appreciate all the fan support over the past 10 years for the eight shows we have done and look forward to many more,” organizers wrote. 

    Last year’s Bash on the Bay featured many artists, including Luke Bryan, Parmalee, Kin Faux, Alex Miller and Sam Hunt. 

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  • Dayton-area lawyer faces over 90 felony charges

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    DAYTON, Ohio — A grand jury has indicted an Oakwood lawyer on 91 counts, Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. announced. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Matthew Currie faces 49 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and 40 counts of voyeurism

    • He also faces two counts of unauthorized use of computer/telecommunications property

    • Heck said Currie was previously the managing attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality

    Matthew Currie faces 49 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and 40 counts of voyeurism, as well as two counts of unauthorized use of computer/telecommunications property. 

    He was taken into custody in Oakland County, Michigan, on Wednesday, according to the county’s jail roster.

    An investigation by the Oakwood Police Department found that Currie allegedly took illicit photos of a 17-year-old Oakwood High School student through her bedroom window, and when she moved away, he continued taking photos of women through windows. 

    Additionally, the investigation found that Currie attempted to film up skirts in a video taken at Oakwood High School as he walked through the auditorium. 

    “This defendant was stalking and photographing an underage Oakwood High School student,” Heck said. “He then went on to sneaking around and photographing and videotaping other women in his neighborhood by looking through their windows. Everyone should feel safe and expect privacy in their own home. This defendant will be held accountable for this activity.”

    Heck said Currie was previously the managing attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality. He was also named a “Community Gem” by the Dayton Daily News in Aug. 2025. 

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  • The stories Toledo cared about the most this year

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    BY

    Lydia Taylor

    Toledo


    PUBLISHED 5:13 AM ET Dec. 31, 2025
    PUBLISHED 5:13 AM EST Dec. 31, 2025

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  • Editor’s picks: Some of our top stories of the year

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    OHIO — With the batches of stories Spectrum News 1 Ohio’s team pumps out every year, there are editors behind them that look at each one before they get published. 

    It was hard to pick some of our favorites, but the digital team compiled this list of some stories that stood out to them the most. 

    A storied rivalry: What makes Ohio State and Michigan embattled enemies?

    A rivalry that seems as old as time heated up once again this year. But what makes the Ohio State and Michigan matchups mean so much to students, alumni and fans? 

    Did you see them? Northern Lights dazzle across Ohio

    For two years in a row, the Northern Lights danced across the sky, giving a beautiful sight to Ohioans. 

    Experts encourage embracing boredom for mental reset

    In a world filled with scrolling, swiping and stimulation, our attention is constantly being hijacked. A surprising trend is taking over social media — people recording themselves doing absolutely nothing for an hour. There’s no talking, no music and no multitasking. Just sitting

    Bald eagle population soaring across Ohio, officials say

    The Ohio Department of Natural Resources released data on Ohio’s bald eagle nests, which shows the population has grown substantially over the past five years. This year’s 2025 bald eagle nest census confirmed 964 active bald eagle nests across the state. That’s 36% more than the last census completed in 2020, which documented 707 eagle nests, according to ODNR.

    ‘It’s haunting’: Hundreds of animals rescued from horrible conditions at fur and urine farm

    The Humane Society of the United States and local authorities completed an operation to rescue hundreds of animals that had been living in terrible conditions at a fur and urine farm. A total of 250 animals were rescued, but some had to be euthanized.

    The miraculous return of Mentor Marsh

    From one billion stems, to just a few thousand, this year represents a milestone for ecologists’ fight against an invasive plant at Mentor Marsh. Ecologists overseeing the marsh have been succesful in removing most of the once-dominate phragmites plant, restoring native wildlife.

     

    Mentor Marsh Habitat Restoration Manager Mia Yeager sits on a vehicle at Mentor Marsh. (Spectrum News 1/Corey O’Leary)

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  • Here are some of Ohio’s top weather events of 2025

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    OHIO — In 2024, Ohio broke its record for most tornadoes in a year, making it the standout weather story.

    While Ohio didn’t have anything quite that big this year, there were still major weather events that affected communities, brought wonder across the skies and turned the Buckeye State into a winter wonderland. 

    January-February

    Starting the year off strong, a snowstorm affected all of Ohio. In early to mid-January, several counties had to go under Level 3 Snow Emergencies because the roads were too hazardous for travel. Many areas received accumulation, with some reaching up to almost 10 inches, especially in southwest Ohio. 

    In February, the far northeast Ohio region got walloped with snow. 

    March

    March 30 was a night parts of central and southwestern Ohio saw multiple tornadoes. 

    Seven tornadoes were confirmed that evening. Five of them were in Ohio and the other two were in Indiana. All tornadoes were also either an EF-0 or an EF-1. 

    Two barns were destroyed — on ein Fayette County and another in Warren Countnty. Additionally, multiple trees were damaged. 

    April

    Spring came roaring in, especially for Cincinnati. 

    The city witnessed historic flooding. The Ohio River crested at 60.79 feet on April 7, more than double its normal height and the highest level in over 28 years. 

    Hamilton County commissioners had to issue an emergency declaration to help mobilize recovery resources. 

    The flooding damaged multiple buildings, affected riverfront parks and closed down several roadways. 

    November

    For two years in a row, the Northern Lights danced across Ohio skies. 

    A burst of strong solar flares helped the Northern Lights be more visible in the U.S. more than ever. Those solar flares are created bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, and when that energy hits the Earth, it can cause the aurora borealis. 

    December

    Ohio ended the year just as it started: with snow. 

    Just before winter began, a snowstorm blew through the state on the weekend of Dec. 13, dropping large amounts of snow in several cities. 

    With the snow also came Arctic cold. In some areas, wind chills dipped down into the negative double-digits. 

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  • Restaurants open and closed for Christmas Day in Ohio

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    OHIO — Whether it’s wanting to go out for Christmas dinner, not wanting to cook a meal or simply because you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s certain you should still have dinner. 

    Spectrum News 1 compiled a list of chain restaurants that will either be open or closed on Christmas Day to help Ohioans plan ahead. 

    Here’s what we found:

    Restaurants that are open

    • Applebees
    • Burger King
    • Dunkin
    • IHOP
    • McDonalds
    • Red Lobster
    • Starbucks
    • Subway
    • Wendy’s

     

    Restaurants that will be closed

    • Bibibop
    • Chick-Fil-A
    • Chipotle
    • Cracker Barrel
    • First Watch
    • Hardee’s
    • Jimmy John’s
    • Olive Garden
    • Texas Roadhouse

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  • Nearly 200 Ohio fire departments to receive millions from grant

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced Friday that 198 fire departments will receive nearly $4 million from the 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grant. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The fire departments represent 63 counties across Ohio

    • A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here

    • Funds will be distributed in early 2026

    The fire departments represent 63 counties across Ohio. 

    The MARCS radio system offers statewide, secure and reliable public service wireless communication for first responders, according to the department. It allows first responders to communicate with each other and with other agencies. Costs to acquire and operate the technology can become expensive. 

    “This grant funding is a major resource for fire departments across Ohio, especially since it helps give them access to MARCS radios that they might not otherwise be able to purchase,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”

    A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here. The fire departments will receive the funding in early 2026.

    The MARCS Grant is distributed annually to departments in areas with 25,000 residents, and they can receive up to $50,000. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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