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Tag: Ohio Dayton Top Stories

  • Cedarville University reports record student enrollment

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    DAYTON, Ohio — While many universities and colleges across the country, both public and private, are seeing a decline in enrollment; Cedarville University is seeing a record growth. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Cedarville welcomed its largest student body, 7,265 undergraduate, graduate and dual-enrolled program students this fall

    • Of the incoming students, 1,199 are first-year students along with 111 transfers

    • Cedarville also saw 700 new students enroll in its graduate school, an 18.6% increase from last year

    Kicking off the fall semester, Cedarville welcomed its largest student body, 7,265 undergraduate, graduate and dual-enrolled program students, including online undergraduate degrees. 

    “We are deeply grateful for each and every student God has called to Cedarville University to pursue a Christ-centered education,” said Dr. Thomas White, president. “While enrollment numbers are not our primary measure of success, we are committed to equipping these students for their vocations and ministries. We give all glory to God for what He is doing on our campus and will seek to be faithful stewards of every student He sends our way.” 

    Of the incoming students, 1,199 are first-year students along with 111 transfers. Cedarville saw 3,566 returning students, marking a 12.5% increase from last year. Dual-enrollment courses, which are offered online and through partner high schools, saw a 26% growth with 2,244 high schoolers taking courses for college credit. 

    There are 62 students enrolled in the five new online undergraduate programs, which include accounting, communication, finance, IT management and management, and starting in January, a bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies will be available online. 

    Cedarville also saw 700 new students enroll in its graduate school, an 18.6% increase from last year. The university offers nearly 30 master;s and doctoral degree programs, including new paths in a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Communication and Organizational Leadership  

    “We offer 175 different academic programs, including accredited professional degrees that aren’t available at many Christian universities,” said Janice Supplee, vice president for marketing and communications and dean of graduate studies. 

    The university is continuing to focus on campus expansion and facilities, including the $35 million Bolthouse Academic Center and new apartment housing scheduled to open next academic year. Since 2018, Cedarville has added seven new residence halls. 

     “Our focus is not only on short-term growth but also on long-term sustainability,” he said. “We are dedicated to ensuring that Cedarville remains faithful to our mission of being ‘for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ’ in all we do.”

    Cedarville continues to focus on its 10-year campus master plan and its fundraising initiative, the One Thousand Days Transformed campaign. The campaign has so far raised over $195 million toward scholarships, facilities and long-term initiatives. The final campaign amount will be announced on Friday, Oct. 2.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • How redrawing congressional districts may affect the results

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    OHIO — The Ohio General Assembly is facing a deadline of Sept. 30 to pass a new congressional map with bipartisan support.

    If they don’t meet that deadline, the task turns over to the state’s redistricting commission, which would have just one month to draw the maps that will be in effect for next year’s elections.

    What You Need To Know

    • Republican chairman of Summit County hopes the GOP gains the seat back, after several decades being led by Democrats
    • Democratic chairman of Summit County is concerned of politicians redrawing maps but is optimistic with their Democratic representative
    • District four is another one that gets heat because of its boundaries
    • The Democratic Chair says they’re fighting its gerrymandered lines, but the Republican Chair disagrees and says most voters are conservative in the area regardless of the lines

    Political experts say redrawing maps can affect results, and one example is district 13 in northeast Ohio, which is one of the most competitive ones. Bryan Williams, the Republican chairman of Summit County, hopes to get that seat back.  

    “We have not had our own county district since really 1970,” Williams said. “When Bill Ayres, a Republican, represented Summit County and since then, over the next 50 years, the state during the redistricting process has cut us up in as many as four parts at one point, so I’d like to see Summit County stay whole.”

    Democratic Congresswoman Emilia Sykes currently represents district 13.

    Mark Derrig, the Democratic chairman of Summit County, said things get heated there, especially when they redraw maps.

    “I think everyone is concerned when politicians decide it’s their job to pick voters instead of voters picking them,” Derrig said. “We already have redrawn maps in Ohio numerous times, and every time we end up in court and so on.”

    David Niven who’s a professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati said there’s an opportunity for the Republican party to take back the seat in District 13 for the first time in decades.

    “The key question, as the lines get redrawn, is are they going to borrow a few voters from the surrounding district to make this district that is the slightest advantage to Democrats into an advantage for Republicans,” Niven said.

    Williams, from the Republican party, said he doesn’t think the average voter really looks at the district boundaries to decide how to vote.

    Bryan Williams, Chairman of the Summit County Republican Party, works at his office. (Spectrum News 1/Chrissa Loukas)

    What constituents are looking at, Williams said, is who would represent their interests from a fair and balanced viewpoint.

    “I think Kevin Coughlin does that very well,” Williams said. “I would submit that Emilia Sykes is very polarizing, is very good representative of the left wing of her political party, not really the center of the party, and when you have a competitive district, you really have to be able to govern for the entire district.”

    Derrig, from Summit County’s Democratic party, said constituents all over the district from Summit to Stark County want a member of Congress who’s approachable and meets their needs.

    Some of the biggest needs have to do with housing, Derrig said, and things that would help them with their daily lives and their commutes to work.

    In the meantime, there are more than 1.5 million registered republicans and more than 800,000 registered democrats in Ohio, according to the Ohio Secretary of State.

    “We have maps that are drawn 13 to 2 and we’ve picked up three seats just because we have better candidates than they do that are out there delivering for their constituents,” Derrig said. “Summit County is the fourth largest county in the state, and this is the first time in many, many years where we’ve had one representative from Congress, and I think that’s paid dividends and the people see that and realize that.”

    But whether you’re in a blue district or at a red leaning place like in Shelby County, the process of redrawing maps can impact people across the state.

    And the fight continues in Shelby County, which is in the fourth district, one that’s been represented by Republican Jim Jordan since 2007.

    Yet, political professor Niven said, there’s a way to get a fair map.

    “Four runs all the way from the outskirts of the Cleveland metropolitan area all the way over to the outskirts of the Dayton metropolitan area, and the problem with that, of course, is the folks at either end of these districts don’t have a heck a lot in common,” Niven said. “States including Michigan and Colorado have chosen to use an independent redistricting commission, which basically means two things: One, politicians don’t draw their own lines and two, those commissions are balanced by parties so that neither party can choose the map.”

    Chris Gibbs is the chairman of the Democratic party in Shelby County and also a farmer.

    Gibbs said he used to be a Republican for about 20 years, up until 2019, which was the year he lost about 20% of his product.

    Gibbs said this district is gerrymandered and doesn’t meet agricultural needs.

    “We have a whole host of folks that do not have a voice in their government,” Gibbs said. “Because we’re not able to break through to have a congressional representative that represents all of the people, not just 60% of them.”

    Dan Cecil is the chairman of the Shelby County Republican party.

    He’s now retired after 30 years in the Air Force.

    Cecil disagrees about this district being gerrymandered and said it does meet people’s needs. 

    “We’re still like nine Republicans to one Democrat in Shelby County as far as people that are registered to vote,” Cecil said. “But it’s even higher than that for the way people vote when they vote in general elections, so no I don’t think it’s gerrymandered at all in this area.”

    Cecil said Democrats have also been using redistricting to their advantage, and it’s not only the Republican party.

    “I think Republicans are just fed up with it and have decided that we’re going to make the best of it that we can,” Cecil said.

    In the meantime, the General Assembly has until the end of the month to redraw maps.

    They need 60% to vote yes, and they need at least half of the minority party to be on board. 

    But Gibbs said, even though outnumbered, they’re not backing down.

    “The gerrymandering fight is what’s in front of us and we’re going to continue to punch,” Gibbs said. “We’re going to continue to punch all the way down, if it’s down to the bottom and we’re going to land blows because this is unfair, and it can’t stand.”

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    Chrissa Loukas

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  • Thousands of kids left without a bus ride as private school transport expands

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — A scramble is underway for some Ohio families over a staple of the back-to-school season: rides on the big, yellow school bus.

    What You Need To Know

    • A scramble is underway in Ohio over a staple of the back-to-school season: rides on the big yellow school bus

    • Public school districts canceled bus transportation for thousands of high schoolers again this year while in some cases still busing students to private and charter schools to avoid steep fines under state requirements

    • A nationwide bus driver shortage is being compounded by the effects of Ohio’s recent expansion to a universal voucher program to help more kids attend private schools
    • Districts have been required for years to transport voucher students, but disputes over how to do that are intensifying as the program grows

    Public school districts canceled bus transportation for thousands of high schoolers again this year, while in some cases still busing students to private and charter schools to avoid steep fines under state requirements. In Dayton, a stopgap effort that gives students public transit passes in lieu of school bus rides was temporarily restored by a judge last week. This came after the district sued, alleging the state illegally restricted the program.

    The crunch for rides emerged as a bus driver shortage was compounded by Ohio’s school transportation regulations and its expansion to a universal voucher program to help pay for students to attend private schools. Districts have been required for years to transport students with EdChoice vouchers, but disputes over how to do that intensified as the program added nearly 90,000 students over the past four years.

    Public dollars for busing private students

    Advocates for public education argue Ohio’s transportation mandates are inflexible, vague and expensive.

    It makes public school districts responsible for transporting K-8 students to their private or charter schools, even on district holidays or when buses break down. It also requires districts to extend whatever transportation service they offer to their own high schoolers to every high schooler at a private or charter school in the same area.

    Some large districts responded by canceling bus service to high schools altogether, providing city transit passes where available or leaving public school students to find their own rides. And those districts still might have to bus private students if those students weren’t notified within a certain timeframe.

    “To know that they are having to take those public dollars to funnel into other entities is not a fair situation, and I don’t think that it’s right,” said Ronnee Tingle, a Dayton mom whose 7th-grader rides the school bus and whose teens in public school have to take a city bus.

    Her daughter Suelonnee Tingle, a senior, begins her mornings checking an app for when a public bus will arrive at her stop. Riding it is “not bad,” but learning routes, catching connections and getting to school on time can be challenging as arrival times fluctuate, she said.

    Dayton Superintendent David Lawrence calls it “madness” that the Republican-led Legislature diverted roughly $2.5 billion in state education funding to the voucher program over the next two years — and is still is requiring public districts to foot transportation costs for those students. His district runs 54 bus routes for its students and 74 for non-public students, according to data compiled by the Ohio 8 Coalition, representing the eight largest districts.

    The Dayton district could easily provide bus rides for all of its public school students if the state ended some of the requirements about transporting voucher students, Lawrence said.

    “If we didn’t have to transport charter school and parochial students, we could transfer all of our students almost door to door from K through 12,” he said. That would also help eliminate ancillary issues that arose with public high schoolers making their own ways to school, including disruptions on city buses and threats to their physical safety, he said.

    Footing the bill

    Republican state Sen. Andrew Brenner, a school choice advocate who chairs the Senate Education Committee, said he doesn’t believe that financial hardship, logistical nightmares and driver recruitment challenges are creating a school transportation crisis in Ohio, as public education advocates contend.

    “That’s a completely inaccurate description,” he said. “What they have done is they’re excluding all the kids with school choice in many districts, and they’re doing everything they can to avoid transporting them.”

    Brenner said lawmakers provided districts with $1,500 per student to cover the costs of transporting voucher students, and he accused districts of abusing a provision that lets them deem busing the voucher students “impractical” and make “payment in lieu” of transportation to those families. The amount ranges from roughly $600 to $1,200 per student this year to offset the families’ costs.

    Public school districts argue that transporting both public and private students costs way more than the state provides for it, contributing to budget woes. For Ohio’s largest districts, the gap can total millions of dollars.

    Transportation burdens for parents

    Cleveland paid families for 2,739 students it deemed impractical to transport to private schools this fiscal year, according to state data. Columbus was second on the list, paying for about 2,500. The state has sued Columbus schools, accusing the district of shirking mandates about transporting voucher students.

    “Parents are being forced to quit their jobs, rearrange their lives and scramble for transportation, while the school board fails to meet its legal duties,” Republican Attorney General Dave Yost said last year. The case is still pending.

    Columbus defended the decision, arguing that folding those non-public school students into its operation — a sophisticated, software-driven enterprise whose buses transport more than 16,000 public and 3,400 non-public students along some 450 routes — was unworkable. Spokesperson Mike Brown said the district has $75 million budgeted this school year for transportation, and another $15 million budgeted for transportation-related fines.

    Lawrence said Ohio’s setup requires public districts to cover overhead for transportation systems. In Dayton, that includes buses that can cost more than $150,000 each, a stable of $66,000-a-year mechanics, a $1.1 million maintenance division, and drivers who make about $22 an hour with benefits on average. Those wages aim to offset the “Amazon effect” of drivers choosing package delivery over ferrying children for reasons including comfort, schedule flexibility and pay.

    Brenner said he’d like to see more public schools explore the benefits of combining operations within counties to share resources.

    The state’s largest urban and suburban districts — the Ohio 8 — argue lawmakers could help solve the issue by updating “antiquated” laws and regulations to align with current realities.

    A study group was created in the last budget but tasked with studying just one issue: how to get non-public students to school on days when public districts are closed. Its recommendations are due in June 2026.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Statue of iconic Reds sportscaster to be unveiled

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    OHIO — For more than four decades he was known as The Voice of the Reds, and he brought passion, energy and storytelling to the airwaves unlike any other.

    Marty Brennaman has become an icon in Cincinnati, and this weekend a bronze statue will be unveiled at Great American Ballpark to honor his legacy. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A statue honoring Marty Brennaman is being unveiled at Great American Ballpark this weekend

    • Spectrum News 1 spoke with Brennaman about his love for the game

    • The statue unveiling and dedication is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, with on-field ceremonies scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel have issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 as “Marty Brennaman Day” in Ohio.

    Spectrum News 1 had the opportunity to speak with Brennaman about his love for the game and what it means to him to secure a lasting place in Cincinnati’s history.

    For Marty Brennaman, every night brought unique challenges and served as a chance to see something new. 

    “This is the hardest sport of all to do because nothing happens until the pitcher throws the ball and you can’t sit there for 25 seconds and not say anything,” Brennaman said.

    It’s an art form he mastered, but believe it or not, in the beginning the Virginia native never aspired to be a big league baseball broadcaster.

    Despite working Spring training games, nothing was like April 4, 1974.  

    “Nothing down there in Florida prepared me for working game 1 with 55,000 people at Riverfront stadium. I was awed by the crowd,” he said.

    The feeling stuck, and over the years he’s witnessed history from the broadcast booth. 

    “I was blessed to have so many great events, and I was at the microphone,” Brennaman said. “Pete Rose’s record breaking hit, Tom Browning’s perfect game, back in ’79 the only new hitter that Tom Seaver ever pitched in his big league career, and he’s one of the great pitchers of all time.”

    “His ability to tell the story, to describe the action on the field, is unparalleled. What he’s been able to do for Reds fans for 46 years, bringing the game to your living rooms, to your automobiles, your backyards, and just wherever you were you could feel part of the game. That’s what made him so special, and I think why people revere him so much,” said Reds Hall of Fame Executive Director Rick Walls. 

    “I’m as equally stunned today as I was when Rick Walls told me back in March that the next one was going to be yours and we were going to dedicate it and unveil it on September the 6th of this year,” Brennaman said. “I’m still having a hard time coming to grips with it.”

    Over the decades, he’s watched baseball change and the city that become home. 

    “Once they determine that you’re one of them, they will go to bat for you, and they will love you, and they will do whatever they can for you, but you, in turn, need to show how you feel,” Brennaman said.

    “In the community, he has been a great ambassador for this team, and for the club and raised money for so many worthy charities, whether it’s the Reds Hall of Fame or the Reds Community fund, he’s always been there,” Walls said. 

    It’s not just about the 46 years behind the mic.  

    “I can’t imagine living anywhere where I could have been happier than Cincinnati Ohio. I love this city with a passion and the people here. There’s nobody that’s had a better career with a greater outcome that I had in all the years I did Reds baseball in this city,” he said.

    In his retirement at age 83, Brennaman enjoys spending time with his wife and seeing broadway shows and traveling. 

    The statue unveiling and dedication is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the Reds vs. Mets game at Great American Ball Park.

    On-field ceremonies are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

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    Alese Underwood

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  • Springboro football coach brings 20 years of leadership on and off the field

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    DAYTON, Ohio — It’s not everyday that you find a head high school football coach devoted equally to growth of the entire student body both on and off the field.

    What’s even more rare is to be in that role for two decades.

    What You Need To Know

    • Springboro High School head coach Ryan Wilhite is also a school counselor

    • He’s been in his role since 2006

    • For 20 years Wilhite has helped students and athletes reach the next level and it’s something he takes pride in

    • Springboro takes on Elder at home at 7 p.m. on Friday Sept. 5

    From practice on the field to hours spent in the weight room, the Springboro High School football team has their eye on the prize as they prepare to take on Elder.

    “There’s probably a lot of people here at Springboro that are surprised we even play that game, to play a school as big as Elder down in Cincinnati. We’ve played them three times and came really close one of them, so this is the fourth meeting and our guys are hungry. They’d like to get one of those for sure,” said head coach Ryan Wilhite. 

    Wilhite is also a school counselor.  

    “I think the people here really really care about each other,” he said. “The schools are a point of pride for our community.”

    For Wilhite, the days are long, but the years fly by.

    He’s been in his role since 2006, and a lot has changed.

    “We went from a small school that was just becoming Division I to the big school you’re at today and I’ve kind of grown with it. That’s been kind of neat to see how our program has evolved how the community has evolved. A lot of our coaches on staff are former players, guys that I’ve coached,” he said.

    And a lot of the players have grown up together.

    “It’s a great community. My dad was my peewee coach until first grade to sixth grade. So that was really nice and same seniors this year, the guys I’ve been playing with since first grade. So it’s going to be really sad to see them go after this year, but I’m ready to put that work in,” said senior Jack Harper. 

    In the beginning, Wilhite didn’t think he’d stay at Springboro so long, but he said it’s been a great place to raise a family and have an influence on the program, including the creation of the nearly 7,000 seat stadium.  

    “I was on the planning committee for the building and the stadium we built. So you get to be on the ground floor of those kinds of things and help with the planning and see it evolve,” he said.

    As a counselor, he’s also seen students and their needs change.

    “There’s something about being in a role of helping, not just your football players but all students here. I think that helps you and that gives you a good in when it comes time to meet with your players, meet with their parents. They see you as someone who helps others in the school, I’ve always kind of embraced that,” Wilhite said.

    “He’s a really great guy, knows how to get a program going. One thing I like about him is he likes to keep the seniors in charge. So yes he’s the head coach, but he gives the seniors a lot of opportunities to be the leaders on the team as well,” said senior Mattias Brunicardi.

    For 20 years Wilhite has helped students and athletes reach the next level and it’s something he takes pride in.  

    “If you ask me do I feel like Springboro is me, 100%. I would say it defines me as much as anything,” he said.

    Springboro takes on Elder at home at 7 p.m. on Friday Sept. 5.

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    Alese Underwood

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  • Report highlights job cuts nationally and in Ohio

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    OHIO — There have been plenty of stories regarding layoffs and job cuts this year, and the numbers seem to back up that trend, according to a Challenger, Gray & Christmas Challenger Report for August 2025.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Challenger, Gray & Christmas Challenger Report for August 2025 highlights job cuts throughout the U.S.

    • Nationally, there have been 892,362 announced job cuts YTD in 2025

    • In Ohio, there have been 39,491, the highest in the Midwest

    The report notes that employers based in the U.S. announced 85,979 job cuts last month. That’s a 39% increase from July and a 13% increase from August in 2024. Year to date, there have been 892,362 announced job cuts, the release states, “the highest YTD since 2020 when 1,963,458 were announced.”

    “After the impact of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) on the Federal Government, employers are citing economic and market factors as the driver of layoffs,” said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and labor expert for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, in the report. “We’ve also seen a spike in cuts due to operation or store closings and bankruptcies this year compared to last.”

    Here’s a breakdown of cuts in the Midwest:

    The report notes the top five industries for YTD job cuts include:

    • Government with 295,273 job cuts (the report cites DOGE as a leading factor)
    • Technology with 102,239 job cuts
    • Retail with 83,656 job cuts
    • Services with 55,300 job cuts
    • Financial with 44,986 job cuts

    The report also drills down to specific regions and states. Within the Midwest, Ohio leads with the most YTD job cuts in 2025, at 39,491. The Buckeye State also led YTD last year, though with a much smaller 20,832 job cuts. That accounts for a more than 89% increase in YTD job cuts.

    Overall, the Midwest has accounted for 97,086 job cuts so far this year, per the report. When compared against the 2024 YTD numbers, this is an almost 8.3% increase.

    “September is typically when we begin to see large seasonal hiring announcements, which foretell how Retailers expect the holiday season to go,” Challenger said in the report. “Coming off the lowest August on record for hiring plans, it may be a troubling sign.”

    View the full report here:

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Conference recognizing sports officials with banquet each season

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — In high school sports, the spotlight usually shines on the athletes and coaches. 

    But one conference in the state is pushing to recognize another group that makes every game possible.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Capital Conference is made up of 33 schools

    • They are recognizing the officials at a banquet each season 

    • Steve Petros is the commisioner 

    Being a sports official isn’t easy — they’re charged with making the tough calls.

    “Officials put in so much time and effort, and always have to make the tough decisions, and upset either the AD, or a coach or player,” said Bart Andrews, an official for the Ohio Capital Conference.

    Andrews officiates football, basketball and baseball, and he said sometimes, parents can get out of control. 

    “There was an incident this past weekend where a parent followed the officiating crew from the stadium to their car complaining how the game ended or some calls,” Andrews said.

    He said they often hear things from the stands, but try to ignore it and focus on their job. 

    “Unless it gets too belligerent or persistent or the foul language then you have to take care of it,” Andrews said.

    “They have a hard job, people show up to a game and its about as challenging for them as some of the athletes at times,” said Steve Petros, commissioner for the Ohio Capital Conference.

    For the last two years, Steve Petros has been the commissioner of the Ohio Capital Conference.

    The OCC is made up of 33 schools in central Ohio.

    But Petros said there’s been a shortage of officials, and he’s trying to do something about it. 

    “I thought maybe they don’t get recognized enough for some of those efforts,” Petros said.

    Petros took it into his own hands and decided to start recognizing the officials. They have a banquet three times a year by season. 

    “It’s kind of cool because each school votes on it so we like to consider ourselves a top conference in the state of Ohio so when you get recognized as official of the year, you’re pretty good,” Petros said.

    Andrews said he’s happy that the OCC commissioner is meeting with the ADs to make sure everyone is on the same page about treating the officials with respect. 

    “And recognizing that you have to enforce this stuff and we recognize the good job that you’re doing,” Andrews said.

    And he has spoken to other officials in the OCC that said they appreciate the recognition. 

    “It’s nice. It is a rather thankless job and only some people see it, so when you do have others from the outside see it and recognize it, it does mean something different,” Andrews said.

     

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    Cassidy Wilson

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  • USGS records 2.5-magnitude earthquake near Springboro

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.5-magnitude earthquake that shook the state’s southwestern side on Sunday.

    The USGS said the earthquake hit just a few miles northwest of Springboro around 11 a.m., which is between Dayton and Cincinnati. It was rated as a “minor” earthquake. The depth of the earthqauke was around 7.5 miles deep, according to USGS. 

    There have been no damage reports so far. Shaking may have been felt in Miamisburg and Centerville, according to USGS. 

    More information on the earthquake can be found here. A list of Ohio’s recent earthquakes can be found here. 

     

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Officials to spray for mosquitoes in Washington Township

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Dayton and Montgomery County – Public Health announced it’ll spray for mosquitoes in Washington Township after a pool of them tested positive for West Nile virus. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The spraying will take place on Tuesday at School House Park and Forest Field Park

    • The department said it’ll be using the mosquito control product Duet, which has been evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency and doesn’t pose a significant risk to people or animals

    • So far, Montgomery County has had 22 pools of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

    The spraying will take place on Tuesday at School House Park and Forest Field Park. Timing will be dependent on weather. Signs will be placed to warn residents about mosquito spraying as well. 

    The department said it’ll be using the mosquito control product Duet, which has been evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency and doesn’t pose a significant risk to people or animals. 

    Residents and pets can still be outdoors amid the spraying. The mist dissipates within 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the weather. 

    So far this year, there have been more than 2,000 mosquito pools that have tested positive for West Nile virus in Ohio. Montgomery County has had 22 pools test positive, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

    There have been 10 human cases of the virus this year, but none are in Montgomery County. 

    For the latest information on West Nile virus, click here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Training prepares churches to respond to violence

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    MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — In the wake of a deadly church shooting in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured many others, congregations in Ohio gathered recently at Quest Church in Middletown for hands-on training on how to respond to violence in houses of worship.

    What You Need To Know

    • Congregations in Ohio participated in hands-on training at Quest Church in Middletown to prepare for potential violence in houses of worship

    • The session included tactics, medical drills and the use of SIRT pistols, with trainers stressing awareness, preparedness and de-escalation

    • Organizers said many congregations remain unprepared, and attendance at these classes has more than doubled since they began

    The session, organized by the Buckeye Firearm Association and led by former law enforcement officers and professional trainers, included drills on tactics, medical response and the use of SIRT pistols. The training weapons are equipped with lasers to simulate real firearms. Organizers said the goal was to make the exercises as realistic as possible.

    “It’s a sad reality that we have to have something like this in our churches, but we want to make sure that we are ready, prepared, and we’re in the right mindset for any situation that comes toward us,” said Kyle Eaton, who leads the safety and security team at Quest Church.

    Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearm Association, said many congregations are vulnerable.

    “Unfortunately, churches are soft targets. A lot of people all in one place not paying attention. And something can happen and they’re simply not prepared,” Rieck said.

    Rieck added that state law complicates security efforts.

    “Most congregations are not prepared at all. Unfortunately, in the state of Ohio, firearms are banned from churches,” Rieck said. “The government says you can’t have firearms in churches unless the church specifically says that they are going to allow it.”

    Rieck said many congregations are unprepared and that state law complicates security efforts. Under Ohio law, firearms are generally prohibited in places of worship unless the congregation decides to allow them.

    Former Police Chief Jeff Lehman, one of the trainers, said security starts with awareness and basic preparedness. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation, knowing how to manage people in crisis, and understanding when to hand situations over to law enforcement. Lehman added that training should be ongoing, much like CPR or other life-saving skills.

    At Quest Church, Eaton said that preparation translates directly into peace of mind for the congregation.

    “People don’t need to be fearful if the churches are doing their job to prepare,” Eaton said. “You know, we come here to worship the Lord. The Lord is always on our side and protecting us.”

    Organizers said attendance at these classes has more than doubled since they began earlier this year.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Sean Bauman becomes first Strongsville alumnus to ‘dot the I’

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Some of Sean Bauman’s first memories include the scarlet and gray. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Sean Bauman will be the first Strongsville High School graduate to ‘dot the I’ during Script Ohio for the Ohio State marching band 

    • Bauman was cut from the OSU marching band three times before finally making it in 2022

    • He says ‘dotting the I’ at Ohio Stadium is something he’s dreamed about his entire life

    “My mom has been telling me about this since I was like 2 years old,” Bauman said. “The marching band, dotting the I, all of these traditions that we have at Ohio State.” 

    Bauman is a senior sousaphone player in the Ohio State marching band, and this Saturday he gets to fulfill a childhood dream when Ohio State opens the season against Texas. 

    “I’ve been dreaming about this moment my entire life,” he said. “This means the world to me. I grew up a Buckeye, and now I get to do the thing I’ve always dreamed of.” 

    When Bauman ‘dots the I’ during Script Ohio, he will become the first Strongsville High School graduate to receive the honor, something Strongsville High School band director Brian King takes pride in. 

    “I know that that was his dream, and he went on and he followed that through until he got it, and he didn’t care how many times it took to get it,” said King. 

    Bauman played the saxophone at Strongsville and taught himself to play the sousaphone at Ohio State in efforts to join The Best Damn Band in the Land. The journey to dotting the I was filled with ups and downs. 

    “I got cut from the band three times,” Bauman said. “I finally made it my fourth time trying. I put 100% on the field and now I can confidently say I deserve to be here.” 

    Bauman still has a relationship with King and said he helped him get to this point. 

    “He found out that I was wanting to be in the marching band, and he gave me a sousaphone mouth piece I still play on today,” said Bauman. 

    Bauman’s dad, Bob, said he proud of all of his son’s hard work behind the scenes that has led to this moment. 

    “He kept his eyes on the goal, and he strove for it,” he said. “That’s what he’s learned in life now too.”

    Bauman’s mother, Mary, graduated from Ohio State and said her son receiving the milestone is something she wouldn’t trade for the world. 

    “All of the late nights, early mornings, it’s all worth it,” she said. “To see that smile on his face and him happy in his environment. There’s no amount of money you could give anybody to replace that.”

    As Bauman realizes his dream in front of over 100,000 people, he said his focus will be on the one person who taught him how to be a Buckeye. 

    “My mom is one of my biggest supporters,” said Bauman. “Some might say I’m doing this for her.” 

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    Jack Berney

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  • Pudge The Cat has everyone purring on the Bowling Green football team

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    BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Retired NFL star and current coach Eddie George has some competition when it comes to being the most popular figure on Bowling Green’s football team.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pudge the Cat has become a social media sensation for Bowling Green’s football team

    • Receiver Finn Hogan posted a TikTok video showing Pudge in the Falcons’ locker room, and the big orange cat quickly gained popularity. The 3-year-old exotic shorthair Persian belongs to long snapper George Carlson, who brought Pudge to lift teammates’ spirits

    • Pudge now has his own Instagram page and even wears a jersey
    • Through a NIL deal, T-shirts featuring Pudge are being sold. Head coach Eddie George, who is allergic to cats, has even become a fan, saying Pudge is now part of the football family

    Pudge The Cat has become a social media sensation since receiver Finn Hogan put a video on TikTok that showed the feline inside the locker room at the Sebo Athletic Center. Since then, the big orange cat has racked up the shares and likes across multiple platforms and gotten shoutouts on the likes of “Good Morning America.”

    Pudge made his sideline debut Thursday night, complete with a cameo on ESPN, as the Falcons defeated Lafayette 26-7.

    The 3-year-old exotic shorthair Persian belongs to long snapper George Carlson, who brought Pudge to the complex to lift the spirits of his Falcons teammates during an off day.


    “I enjoy just making people happy and putting smiles on people’s faces. He’s done that for me for so long, so I wanted to share that joy,” Carlson said.

    Besides the TikTok video, Pudge also has his own page on Instagram and wears his own jersey when inside the locker room. Through a NIL deal, T-shirts featuring a cartoon caricature of Pudge wearing a BG helmet are being sold.

    “It’s awesome to see he’s taking off, great for the program and great for George because he’s a great cat,” said linebacker Gideon Lampron, who added that people are asking him about the kitty on campus.

    Pudge did have some doubters at first, especially George, the head coach, and cornerback Jalen McClendon. George is allergic to cats and McClendon was attacked by a cat when he was 13. There have been no cat-astrophes: Both have become fans of the feline, whose breed is hypoallergenic.

    “Pudge is cute. My wife loves Pudge. He’s become part of the [football] family,” George said. “Pudge stays out of my way, I stay out of his way and we are fine.”

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Some Dayton households to receive annual resident survey in mail

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Thousands of Dayton residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the city on its programs/services through the annual Dayton Survey, according to a city press release.

    They will be selecting around 13,000 households at random to receive the survey in the email this month or early next. Those surveys will include around 80 questions, and the respondents will remain anonymous.

    “The Dayton Survey helps City leaders better understand community needs and guide policy and budget decisions,” the release reads.

    Those wishing to fill out the survey need to return it within two weeks or submit their responses online here. They just need a PIN code that will be included with the survey they receive in the mail.

    “As an added incentive, survey administrator ETC Institute will randomly select one participant to receive a $500 VISA gift card,” the release reads. “To be eligible, residents must be included in the initial mailing group and return a completed survey either by mail or online. The resident selected to receive the gift card will be notified by ETC Institute directly, before the end of the year.”

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Kings Island announces new ride with familiar name

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    MASON, Ohio — Kings Island announced a new ride is coming to the park in April 2026, and it should be a familiar sight to some.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new ride has been announced for spring 2026 at Kings Island 

    • It is called Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare

    • It will be in the same location as the original Phantom Theater ride

    The Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare ride will be in the same location as the original Phantom Theater ride which ran until 2002. That is the same spot as Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, according to a press release from the park.

    “The comedic and fast-paced family adventure begins with a dark and stormy night, setting the tone for the grand (and ghostly) re-opening of the haunted Phantom Theater,” the release read. “Inside, a long-awaited performance by Maestro, the theater’s resident organist, is set to begin. During the storm, a lightning strike unleashes the ghost notes — mischievous musical spirits that wreak havoc across the theater — from Maestro’s mighty pipe organ.”


    The park stated guests will take a ride inside “enchanted opera boxes” and will use capture these release ghost notes using “spellbound flashlights.”

    “Families who have visited Kings Island will remember how special the original Phantom Theater was, and they’ve always wanted it to return,” said Tony Carovillano, park manager of Kings Island, in the release. “While paying homage to the original ride, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare’s modern and advanced features will help create new memories and stories for all who take their seat inside this amazing experience.”

    The park also reminded guests they have until Sept. 1 to ride Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, as this new ride will occupy its location.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Day keeping simple approach as Ohio State prepares for Texas

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Coach Ryan Day is trying to keep the message simple for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin before his first college start on Saturday, when the No. 3 and defending College Football Playoff champion Buckeyes host top-ranked Texas.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sayin played in four games last season

    • Sayin is the fifth quarterback under Day to make his first start, joining Dwayne Haskins (2018, as offensive coordinator), Justin Fields (2019), C.J. Stroud (2021) and Kyle McCord (2023)

    • Day knows there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to a first start

    “The message is just to win, find a way to win,” Day said on Tuesday. “I think when you start setting expectations, you can get yourself out of whack. He’s got a good group of guys around him. He needs to lean into those players and find a way to win the game.

    “We’ll try to get him into a rhythm and then go from there. It’s the first game, and we’re excited for him.”

    Sayin played in four games last season. He took 27 snaps and was 5 for 12 for 84 yards and one touchdown.

    Day has been impressed with the sophomore throughout preseason practices. Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline both said the one-time five-star prospect has made his biggest improvement in becoming more of a leader.

    “He has found his voice I believe here in preseason and then his competency is how well he’s gonna play in the game,” Day said. “We’ve challenged him to have command of that huddle and have command of the game plan. Now it’s time to go put it on the field. But you’re definitely seeing a lot of changes with him and a lot of growth.”

    Sayin is the fifth quarterback under Day to make his first start, joining Dwayne Haskins (2018, as offensive coordinator), Justin Fields (2019), C.J. Stroud (2021) and Kyle McCord (2023). The four previous to Sayin averaged 3,927 yards, 40 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 68.9% completion rate.

    Day knows there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to a first start, but he is hoping his experiences through the years have made him a better evaluator.

    “The thing about first games is you make a lot of assumptions. You got to trust your coaching and make sure that their minds are in the right spot and focused on what really matters,” Day said. “We know this week it’s going to come down to avoiding distractions. There’ll be a lot of distractions this week. We have to make sure that we’re avoiding distractions better than Texas.”

    One player who will need to have a better game against Texas is wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The AP Preseason All-America pick was held to one catch for 3 yards — both season lows — in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

    The offensive line appears set, except at right tackle where Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa continue to vie for the starting spot.

    Besides having a new quarterback, Day will have a new play-caller for the offense as Hartline becomes the sole coordinator.

    Day still has veto power, but he also wants plenty of back and forth in challenging his staff.

    “I challenge them about their players, scheme and their technique. As the head coach you constantly have to challenge these guys. And then you also find out what they like, what they feel confident in their players in,” Day said.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Grassroots effort to ban mail-in voting in some Ohio counties gaining attention

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    OHIO — A grassroots effort to ban electronic voting machines in two Ohio counties is drawing state and national attention and potential legal action. Organizers behind the “Coalition of Concerned Voters of Ohio” say it’s not about politics, but about security, cost and giving citizens the right to decide how elections are run.

     

     

    Petitions in Seneca and Monroe Counties gathered more than enough signatures to put a question on the ballot but they were rejected by the Secretary of State, Frank LaRose. The state says current law only allows counties to adopt the use of machines, not reject them. But organizers argue the law gives counties discretion. Now, they are exploring legal options.

    They also say hand-counted ballots would be less expensive and more secure, especially in smaller counties. Tim Stechschulte, from the Coalition of Concerned Voters of Ohio, says part of the issue has to do with the cost.

    “With the total cost of the machine, not anything else other than the machine added cost and you divided by the people that voted, it came out to $63.60 to process one ballot. That is a huge burden on especially the small counties that are struggling. If you look at hand counting for a dollar a ballot in straight labor costs, versus $63, that is just a game changer,” he said in an interview.

    LaRose’s office says an audit of last year’s voting in the presidential election and Senate race shows it was 99.997% accurate.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Millions in grant funding to support Ohio women facing substance use disorders

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    OHIO — More than $10 million in grant awards are going toward pregnant women and mothers of young children living with substance use disorders across the state. 

    The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said 45 providers in Ohio are receiving the funds.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said 45 providers in Ohio are receiving the funds

    • The providers are located in 31 counties 

    • Funding will support an estimated 8,500 families in Ohio

    “All children deserve the chance to live up to their full, God-given potential,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. “Supporting Ohio’s mothers, whether they are recovering from addiction or finding treatment, gives them an opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives and support their kids.”

    The providers are located in 31 counties and will use the funds to serve an estimated 8,500 families in Ohio with family-centered care, including: 

    • Behavioral health treatment
    • Medication for substance use disorders
    • OB/GYN and pediatric care
    • Primary care coordination
    • Therapeutic services for children

    “These investments are a step forward in addressing the unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “With these funds, we can expand access to the most compassionate care during a particularly vulnerable time and help thousands of women reclaim their lives, strengthen their families, and build healthier futures.”

    According to the Ohio Medicaid Assessment, nearly 76,000 Ohio women, including 7,600 expecting mothers, received treatment for alcohol or drug use in 2023. However, an estimated 13,728 women who needed treatment did not. According to OhioMHAS, many are hesitant to reach out for assistance because of stigma or fear, and even if/when they do, they may not disclose their substance use. 

    The funding aims to reduce those barriers, encourage engagement and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

    The money is funded through the Women’s Treatment portion of the federal Substance Use Block Grant

    View the full list of grantees below:

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Division of Liquor Control urges caution ahead of high school spring events

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    OHIO — Senioritis may be hitting seniors in college, but high schoolers also have some spring events to tide them over before they graduate or head into summer break. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio officials are aiming to combat underage drinking at major high school events
    • Prom and graduation season are right around the corner

    • Last year there were 393 alcohol-related vehicle crashes involving youth

    Graduation season is nearly upon Ohio, along with prom, and the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control is joining the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit to urge liquor permit holders, families, schools and communities to maintain safety through these events. 

    Many associate these events with underage drinking, and the division is pushing for steps to be taken to prevent potential alcohol-related incidents.

    The division said liquor permit holders are on the “front lines” to ensure that alcohol sales comply with the law, starting with checking IDs and refusing to sell to those under 21-years-old.

    “We rely on permit holders across the state to help us keep alcohol out of the hands of minors,” Division of Liquor Control Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. “Their vigilance and adherence to the law are essential to the health and safety of our communities, especially our youth.”

    Permit holders are urged to:

    • Verify all IDs for alcohol purchases carefully
    • Provide training to employees to uphold liquor laws confidently and consistently
    • Report suspicious activities or attempted illegal purchases to local authorities

    The division also encourages community members, schools and parents to collaborate in order to reduce risks.

    Last year, according to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there were 393 alcohol-related vehicle crashes involving youth between April to early June. It was a 10% decrease from the same time period in 2023.

    “As a parent, you cannot provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. While you may think you are providing a safe environment, you are committing a crime by providing alcohol to underage youth. This can result in injuries or death, jail time, fines and even civil suits,” OIU Executive Director Jamie Patton said.

    Schools and communities are encouraged to plan and promote alcohol-free events.

    “We applaud the work of parents, schools and businesses in stepping up to make this prom and graduation season a safe and memorable time for Ohio’s students,” DeGenova said. “Together, we can celebrate their achievements while protecting their well-being.”

    To report a bar, store or carry-out that sells liquor or beer to underage youth, call #677 or visit oiu.ohio.gov.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • University of Cincinnati mourns the death of freshman football player

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    CINCINNATI — Avon-native and University of Cincinnati freshman football player Jeremiah Kelly died unexpectedly Tuesday morning in his residence, the university confirmed in a press release.

    “The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” Head Coach Scott Satterfield in the release. “In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room. My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah.”

    Kelly was an Avon High School graduate, helping the team earn its first state championship last year with a 16-0 record. The university said he was named the SWC Lineman of the Year his senior year and earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors.

    Director of Athletics John Cunningham said they’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss.

    “All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead,” he said.

     

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Hunting results of opening weekend for spring wild turkey season

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    OHIO — Wild turkey season opened Saturday, April 19, and hunters checked thousands of birds, according to a release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

    For the opening weekend of the spring hunting season, hunters checked 4,281 birds. 

    Last year, hunters checked 4,367 wild turkeys on opening weekend. The three-year average from 2022 to 2024 is 3,912. The opening weekend results do not include the 1,740 birds taken during the youth-only weekend earlier this month.

    The top 10 counties for the opening of the 2025 season were:

    • Belmont (148)
    • Meigs (136)
    • Guernsey (135)
    • Monroe (134)
    • Carroll (122)
    • Coshocton (122)
    • Harrison (116)
    • Washington (116)
    • Columbiana (109)
    • Muskingum (109)

    The season is open in 83 counties that comprise the south zone. For Ohio’s northeast zone, including Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull, the season kicks off Saturday, May 3.

    Hunters are limited to one bird statewide for the season bag limit.

    For the first nine days in each zone, hunting hours are set for 30 minutes before sunrise until noon. In the south, beginning April 28, hours will be 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset until the season closes May 18. In the northeast zone, hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset from May 12 to June 1.

    Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a spring turkey permit, unless exempted. Turkeys must be game-checked no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day of the harvest.

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    Madison MacArthur

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