Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two of six defendants facing over 120 felony charges in connection with a human trafficking ring received their sentences this week.

According to a spokesperson with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Sarah Dotson and Shahee Siler, charged with 29 and 10 charges respectively, each received six- to nine-year prison sentences for their involvement in a sex and drug trafficking case that included six adults, 127 total charges, and a murder.

Dotson, facing 29 charges, pleaded guilty to engaging in corrupt activity, trafficking in drugs, having weapons under disability and compelling prostitution. Two dozen charges were dropped in the plea agreement, including possession of drugs, promoting prostitution and trafficking in persons.

Siler, who was facing 10 charges, including two counts of murder, pleaded guilty to three counts of promoting prostitution and a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Dotson was ordered to register as a Tier II sex offender upon her release and Siler as a Tier I sex offender upon his. Both sex-offender registrations are to last 25 years, with evaluations every 180 days.

Dotson and Siler, along with James Antwan Dukes-Johnson, Michael Anthony Davis, Alexias Carr-Johnson and Tyler Payne, were arrested as part of a Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force investigation, which resulted in a large indictment in December 2023.

Dukes-Johnson and Davis were charged in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Adrian Smith on May 31. Dukes-Johnson was arrested on July 2023 in connection to the homicide while Davis was arrested on Aug. 2023.

They were each sentenced in June, with Dukes-Johnson ordered to serve at least 96 years in prison and Davis 81 years.

Alexias Monay Lashel Carr-Johnson of Marysville pleaded guilty to permitting drug abuse and receiving money involved in a crime and is scheduled for sentencing in November. Payne was sentenced to two years of community control for permitting drug abuse and receiving money involved in a crime.

The group was accused of shooting Smith on the 1900 block of Lockbourne Road on May 31, 2023. Police said Smith was standing in a parking lot when several people in a passing vehicle shot him and another victim, a 31-year-old who survived after being transported to an area hospital.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus State Community College and the YMCA of Central Ohio are partnering on a proposal to build a 50,000-square-foot YMCA on the college's Downtown campus.

The $38 million facility would offer fitness amenities, wellness programs, and drop-in child care for student parents. Located at the corner of Long Street and Cleveland Avenue, the YMCA would be built on a surface parking lot. To fund the project, a student vote will be held this fall to approve a proposed fee.

If the majority of students support it, the plan will move forward for approval by the Columbus State Board of Trustees and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

The Columbus State YMCA would include a gymnasium, cardio and strength training areas, an indoor track, pickleball courts and a lap pool. It would also provide wellness programming and intramural sports opportunities. Columbus State, which currently lacks a dedicated fitness facility, sees the YMCA as a crucial addition for student well-being.

"This transformative partnership with the YMCA will help enhance student success by addressing some of the non-academic barriers that can derail students' plans," said David Harrison, president of Columbus State. "By offering health, well-being and drop-in child care, the Columbus State YMCA will provide new resources for our students, particularly those who work, are parents, or both."

A key feature of the proposed YMCA is its drop-in child care, offering up to five hours per day for student parents at no additional cost. This service would help the approximately one-quarter of Columbus State students who are also working parents.

Currently, the college provides full-time daycare through its Center for Early Learning, but the YMCA's child care would give students more flexibility, as the center offers full-time daycare slots on weekdays, not drop-in availability. Licensed YMCA Youth Development staff would care for children with age-appropriate activities that support learning and social skills.

"This proposal has the potential to be a catalyst for the continued growth of the Discovery District," said Tony Collins, CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. "In partnership with Columbus State, we envision a state-of-the-art facility that advances student success, especially for parents balancing academics and family, while strengthening the health and vitality of the Creative Campus."

If the student vote is successful, the YMCA facility could open in the fall of 2028, with access to regional and national YMCA locations for eligible Columbus State students starting in 2026.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The City of Dublin recently launched the Dublin Wellness Alliance, a public health initiative aimed at strengthening residents’ well-being.

Several public, private, and nonprofit organizations partnered with Dublin for the initiative. Overall, the city said its residents are healthier than the state and national average.

However, a community-wide assessment, completed by Dublin adults, showed there was room for improvement. The Dublin Wellness Alliance’s four priorities from the survey are healthcare navigation, transportation, youth behavioral health, and community connections.

“We knew that we could find a lot of county data and state data, but we wanted to dive a little bit deeper and try to assess what the true needs of our community truly were,” said Mollie Steiner, Recreation Administrator for the City of Dublin.

The immediate goals are to better connect residents to health resources, to educate parents on youth behavioral health, and to build strong relationships between community members.

“We had a large percentage of people in the community that reported that they didn't feel connected to the community, they didn't feel like they belonged,” said Steiner.

Dublin created Good Neighbor Week to help with this, where people are encouraged to reach out to their neighbors and give back through acts of kindness.

“We’re really just trying to encourage those connections and for people to, you know, have opportunities and ways to not feel so socially isolated,” said Steiner.

The city said the Wellness Alliance wouldn’t exist without its community partners like the Franklin County Public Health Department.

“We are fully committed to implementation of the strategies and the priorities that the community has identified,” said Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola.

Other partners include COTA, Dublin City Schools, the library, and all of central Ohio’s major healthcare systems.

Mazzola said what Dublin is doing is brand new.

“We’ve seen some really strong commitment there from the city of Dublin,” said Mazzola. “They have really put some staffing behind it and put some additional resources behind it.”

Steiner said the goal is for the Dublin Wellness Alliance to be a sustainable initiative that continues to reassess community needs.

Visit the newly launched website here for more information.

GALENA, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation hosted its annual Golf Classic charity event as a part of the organization's celebration of its 25th NHL season.

On Friday, fans were able to golf with a Blue Jackets Player at the Double Eagle Club for the annual Golf Classic. The Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) say this charity event is one of their largest fundraisers for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.

Proceeds from today's event are invested into local charities in Central Ohio, primarily focusing on areas of pediatric cancer, education, health and safety, and growth and development of youth hockey.

Those participating in the golf outing also received an exclusive CBJ gift package, a luncheon where each group of four drafted their celebrity golfer, and an evening cocktail reception where the winning group will be announced.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- Habitat for Humanity-Mid Ohio celebrated the grand opening of its new ReStore facility in Hilliard Friday morning.

A grand opening celebration was held Friday morning in Hilliard for the new ReStore facility created by Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio. ReStore is a non-profit improvement store where anyone can donate new and reusable items from home remodeling projects or overstock inventory.

The new location, located on 5419 Roberts Rd, will sell a range of products. The inventory will include appliances, furniture, home accessories, paint, lumber, and much more. According to Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, the items will be sold at a fraction of the regular retail price.

"Habitat aims to be a leader in helping solve the region’s affordable housing crisis through affordable home ownership and critical home repairs. Habitat ReStores provide opportunities for people of all income ranges to buy necessary items to upkeep their homes while serving as a vital economic engine for our work in building and financing affordable housing," says Habitat MidOhio's CEO Brandi Al-Issa.

Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio has two other Restore locations in central Ohio, one in Westerville and another in Newark. Anyone interested in donating items or shopping online can visit their website here.

We had a nice late summer day, with temperatures reaching the low 80s. Clouds increased ahead of a cold front swinging southeast across the state that brought gusty southwesterly winds.

A disturbance will trigger scattered showers early Saturday, as a wave moves along the front, with improving conditions for the game Saturday by kickoff at 3:30 p.m., although clouds will linger. Temperatures will be slow to rise, eventually nearing 70 degrees later in the day. 

Skies will be mostly sunny on Sunday, with temperatures in the low 70s, after a crisp morning in the upper 40s. The weather will be pleasant early next week, with high pressure building across the region, providing a northwesterly flow of cool, dry air, followed by a midweek warming trend.

Forecast

• Tonight: Partly cloudy, breezy, scattered showers late. Low 58
• Saturday:  Morning showers, cooler. High 71
• Sunday: Sunshine, crisp. High 71 (51)
• Monday: Mostly sunny. High 74 (47)
• Tuesday: Sunny. High 77 (49)
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 81 (54)
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 82 (58)
• Friday: Showers. High 76 (60)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Central Ohio Home & Design Show began on Friday.

More than 150 exhibitors are showcasing their designs and services. People can get inspiration from interior design firms highlighting the latest style trends and they can hire services on the spot, including window work, landscaping and remodels.

Guests can also get advice from gardening experts and the Better Business Bureau.

"The biggest thing we like about these shows that we produce is you can come down and dream," said Stephen Buzza, director of the Central Ohio Home & Design Show. "There's nothing wrong with dreaming. It doesn't mean you have to do it. But you have an idea or even if you want to generate ideas you can come down and reimagine what your place might look like."

Admission is free all weekend.

Organizers also partnered with the Franklin County Dog Shelter, so people can adopt a pup on-site and the show covered all fees.

The Home & Design Show is open through the weekend in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Saturday's Ohio State vs. Grambling State matchup is bringing HBCU culture and tradition to central Ohio.

Ahead of the historic game, one Columbus native is feeling the excitement in a special way.

Evan Clark, better known as 'DJ IQ', is a former member of the Grambling State marching band. This weekend his two worlds are colliding in his hometown making it a homecoming like no other for him. 

"I can't believe OSU and Grambling are playing each other in the first place," Clark said. "When I first saw the schedule, I called all my friends from down south like, yo, y'all gotta come, ya'll gotta come. And they're all here. So, it's exciting. It's a lot of their first times in Ohio and so I'm showing them around."

Clark's college roommate at Grambling State even made the trek to central Ohio for Saturday's game. Clark graduated from Independence High School in Columbus before making the big move down south. He went to Grambling on a band scholarship and played Quints on the drumline.

"That was 2004 and it was an awesome experience," Clark said. "It was like a culture shock to me because it was so different. It was so hot too. The heat was crazy."

With Grambling's band coming to Ohio Stadium, Clark said it's a full-circle moment for him.

"These two bands together, it's one big powerhouse," Clark said. 

Even Ohio State football players are excited Grambling's band is making the trip.

"We just found out that one of our old coaches there is a legend, and they got a, you know, big league background there," Ohio State football player Will Kacmarek said. "And their band coming in. I mean, we're really excited and we're preparing hard for this game."

According to Clark, Grambling's band has a history of breaking barriers and seeing them on the same stage as Ohio State's renowned marching band will be something special. 

"Grambling was the first band to ever perform in Africa," Clark said. "The first band to perform for President Clinton. We did a lot. We performed in Seattle. We performed for the Dallas Cowboys, for the Seattle Seahawks."

For Clark, having his alma matter bring its sound, style and culture to his hometown is personal and he said he's proud to share that with central Ohio. 

"I'm hoping they get that experience, that excitement, especially we bring to the football games and the halftime show," Clark said. "You don't want to miss that."

Clark said this weekend feels like a piece of home coming home. He will be busy all weekend with different HBCU parties and events. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's a big weekend in Columbus as the city hosts HBCU alumni weekend.

From career opportunities to cultural celebrations, organizers said it's about showcasing the pride and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The three-day event kicked off Friday with a job and career fair, connecting recent graduates and professionals with opportunities ranging from education to government and business.

According to organizers, it goes beyond job opportunities, it's about education, legacy, and celebrating the culture of HBCUs.

"Without them, many of us wouldn't be here," organizer Lawrence Lemon said. "When you look at the impact that HBCU alum have made, not only in our city but across the nation, it is one that is undeniable."

HBCU alumni weekend runs through Sunday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Local experts are concerned about the rise in COVID-19 numbers amid national vaccine recommendation changes.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department rolled back recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine. This comes as the CDC is now reporting Ohio is one of 24 states with a rise in cases of covid 

Dr. Ben Bring with OhioHealth notes this increase probably stems from newer variants that may be more infectious yet don't cause as much severe illness.  

“One thing we are noticing, though, is a definite uptick in positive cases within the state of Ohio,” Bring said. “I just recently visited the CDC website; It showed that Ohio was one of the higher states of increased COVID-19 infections. So, we do know that our positivity rate is increasing.” 

Since August 28th, Ohio has seen over 200 hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Those being affected are mostly older adults with chronic medical conditions. But with immunizations at a five-year low for the state, some health officials are stressing the importance of being vaccinated.     

“I think the misinformation is rampant right now, and so I think what I would do is look to the experts,” Bring said.  

When it comes to various infectious diseases like COVID, the Flu, and RSV, Bring urges people to get their vaccines. He also hopes older adults get the COVID-19 booster shot if they haven’t already.

“Before I went to medical school, I was a scientist first and so, you know, it's really important to take data for what it actually is and to make sure we're actually interpreting data correctly, and that the overwhelming data on these vaccines is that they are safe, they are effective, they're going to reduce hospitalizations,” Bring said. “They're going to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality in patients.” 

This spike in cases comes as we head into colder months, and Bring warns that if vaccine rates stay low and we see more cases of COVID or other viral illnesses, that could lead to our hospitals being strained.   

“A lot of E.R.s are in the red range, meaning they're already at capacity. Some E.R.s get so busy, they get they go on diversion, meaning we have to start sending patients to other hospitals,” Bring said. “What happens during respiratory season, though, is as these E.R.s get overwhelmed, we run out of hospital beds, we run out of resources, we run out of doctors in space, too, to be able to care for people.” 

Dr. Bring shared it's also important to remember simple safety tips like washing your hands, wearing a mask, and staying home if you feel sick to prevent the spread. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The American Red Cross and the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrated 25 years of partnership, hosing their annual blood drive.

Everybody who went on Friday received a complimentary shirt and a buy one, get one free ticket offer for upcoming Blue Jackets games. But it doesn't stop on Friday. Blood donors in the region through the end of the month will receive that same deal.

Red Cross officials said the donations from Friday are going to save someone's life next week, and the commitment from the team to help in that effort means the world.

"The Blue Jackets deeply care about the community, and from day one of those organizations starting up here in Ohio, they've cared about the community and know the Red Cross is built on helping in alleviating suffering and just seeing that connection come through for years and years and years now," American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Don Hawkins said. "I see the same folks coming out to donate at this drive. Every year I get to see the same Blue Jackets staff members coming to donate."

Those who couldn't make it to the blood drive on Friday can visit redcrossblood.org and enter their ZIP code to find the nearing blood drive and snag that Blue Jacket ticket offer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tough times are ahead for people struggling to pay their rent, according to one nonprofit leader, as pandemic emergency rental assistance money runs out.

NBC4 Investigates is looking into what federal dollars running out means for the community and what resources are still available in Franklin County.

"Filings are at an all-time high," Franklin County Municipal Court Magistrate Tony Paat said. "The people who come here, they're way ahead of the game. You'd be surprised how many people just don't respond to the eviction filings."

In the span of a few months, there are fewer resources at eviction court as organizations have to pull back as funding runs out. There's still the same demand, but fewer organizations are able to meet it.

"The tough times that we’ve talked about that were going to come, they’re here," IMPACT Community Action CEO Robert 'Bo' Chilton said. 

With federal resources, IMPACT Community Action and its partners helped almost 40,000 households across Franklin County with more than $132 million. Now there’s less than $1 million to help those who have already applied.

"We were virtually able to help almost everyone who came our way, and that was very rewarding. But now we have to turn a lot of people away and that is very discouraging," Chilton said. 

Those federal dollars are not coming back, so now community organizations are looking to local leaders.

"What we know now is that housing prices are on the rise. We're seeing an uptick in evictions. Our shelters are starting to fill up and the resources are coming to an end," Chilton said. 

IMPACT still has the programs that do not rely on pandemic federal dollars, such as helping households with heat and energy costs and connecting families with housing opportunities and support services.

"We do still have a very robust utility assistance program. We serve over 35,000 customers a year, but the robust rental assistance that people have become accustomed to will no longer be there," Chilton said. 

The city of Columbus has announced the 'Resilient Housing Initiative' to support around 600 households. The county has not yet announced any additional support.

"Tough times are ahead, but we live in a community that really cares. They talk about the Columbus way. It's something I believe in. Our community rallies to support everyone, and that is our vision," Chilton said. 

Franklin County Municipal Court has resources through its self-help center. More information about that can be found here. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Buckeyes football returns to Ohio Stadium on Saturday as they take on Grambling State.

There are many advantages to a home game, especially when you have The Best Damn Band in the Land on your side. The marching band is already made up of more than 200 members, and it's going to grow by more than 600 for the alumni game.

“You get to see all of your old friends. You get to experience the crowd. I mean the crowd is bonkers,” said Mark Weaver, alumni i-dotter.

It’s one of the most beloved traditions at Ohio State, Script Ohio. Getting to dot the i is the greatest honor for a veteran band member, particularly a sousaphone player.

“I remember the first time I was looking around and you can see the whole crowd and you can pick people out. It’s something that you just don’t forget,” said Randy Hann, alumni i-dotter.

Script Ohio will quadruple in size for the alumni game and be performed at all four sides of the stadium. Hann and Weaver will dot the i’s on the west and north Script Ohios.

“It’s so unique to be up there," Hann said. "Every time I watch an i-dotter do it, it’s a special experience for me just to watch them knowing that I did it before."

They have both dotted the i before. Weaver even did so at a Cleveland Browns game. After countless walks down memory lane, he’s looking forward to re-living that glory.

“It does not become less nerve-wracking. It does not become less special. It’s very exciting. There’s a lot of hype around these now,” he said.

This performance is a family affair for Hann. He met his wife in the marching band and now the couple will march alongside their daughter who is a sophomore at OSU.

“The crazy part is the last time I dotted the i, I proposed to my wife at Skull Session. So it’s really coming full circle now that our daughter is going to be on the field with us,” Hann said.

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- Lancaster police are responding to a barricade situation Friday evening.

Police said a man who is possibly armed with a gun is barricaded inside of a home in the 900 block of Fairfield Avenue.

Map shows approximate location

The public is asked to avoid the area.

No other details were immediately available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Nationwide Children's Hospital confirmed on Friday it will soon no longer provide any forms of treatment known as gender-affirming care for transgender patients, including those age 18 and older.

The hospital said in a statement it's ending all such trans medical care, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, effective Sept. 26. The change will also impact those patients that were "grandfathered in" when the Ohio Statehouse passed House Bill 68, a contested 2023 law banning youth from receiving gender-affirming care. Watch a previous NBC4 report on H.B. 68 in the video player above.

"Although we are currently in compliance with state and federal regulations, in order to proactively plan and support our providers and patients in a rapidly changing regulatory environment, Nationwide Children's providers will discontinue prescribing gender-affirming medications," the statement said.

"The hospital will be working with affected patients to end their prescriptions, always with patient safety as a top priority," the hospital continued. "Nationwide Children's will continue to support these patients and families through the provision of behavioral health services, and any other needed healthcare."

Nationwide Children's announcement comes after the Ohio Supreme Court said in July it will decide whether H.B. 68 is constitutional. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost asked the justices to consider the case after an appeals court ruled in March that the law is unconstitutional, arguing it "infringes on parents' fundamental right to direct the medical care of their children."

Ohio's top court, which voted 6-1 along party lines to take up Yost's appeal, said in late April that the state can continue enforcing the law while litigation continues.

Boding well for H.B. 68, a Tennessee law that also prohibits trans minors from receiving such treatment was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in June. Still, the ACLU of Ohio, which filed the lawsuit against H.B. 68 on behalf of two families with trans children, previously said it remains confident in challenging Ohio's version of the law.

H.B. 68, which also bans trans female athletes' participation in women's sports, faced a contentious road while advancing through Ohio's legislature. The measure was condemned by top Ohio doctors, including Nick Lashutka, president of the Ohio Children's Hospital Association, who argued at the Statehouse in 2023 that "it is a dangerous precedent for government to dictate when medication is appropriate in pediatrics."

While the Statehouse approved H.B. 68 in December 2023, Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed the legislation the following month. The governor said he made his decision after visiting patients at five children's hospitals, arguing that "these are gut-wrenching decisions that should be made by parents and should be informed by teams of doctors." Still, both chambers of the Statehouse moved to override DeWine's veto.

The ACLU filed its lawsuit against H.B. 68 later that spring, putting the law temporarily on hold and setting up a five-day Franklin County trial in July 2024. Ultimately, Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook ruled that the legislation could go into effect given it didn't violate Ohio's constitution. The ACLU then appealed Holbrook's decision to the appeals court.

"This has been a long hard fight to protect minors in the state of Ohio," said Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery), H.B. 68's primary sponsor, in a statement after Holbrook's ruling. "A strong cross-section of Ohioans ... recognize that decisions like these are too consequential to be made for and by minors who are incapable of providing informed consent."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the calendar turns to September, it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders in Week 3 of the high school football season.

A number of schools look to improve to 3-0 this week, including Upper Arlington, Watterson, Olentangy, Olentangy Orange and Pickerington Central. But the Braves and Pioneers face each other on Friday, ensuring that one of these undefeated teams will suffer its first loss of. And it's one of a handful of rivalry games that headline this week's action.

Below is a list of games that will be featured on Football Friday Nite at 11:15 p.m. A complete list of games in the state is at the bottom. Check back all evening for updated scores and highlights.

• Teays Valley (2-0) at Watkins Memorial (1-1)
• Pickerington Central (2-0) at Pickerington North (1-1) (Game of the Week)
• Bloom-Carroll (1-1) at Jonathan Alder (2-0)
• Dublin Coffman (1-1) at Dublin Jerome (2-0)
• Olentangy (2-0) at Orange (2-0)
• Canal Winchester (2-0) at Kilbourne (2-0)
• Granville (2-0) at Johnstown (2-0)
• DeSales (2-0) at Africentric (2-0)
• Hamilton Township (2-0) at Independence (2-0)
• Bradley (1-1) at Grove City (2-0)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Zoo's baby elephant now has a name after it made its debut last month.

The baby Asian elephant is named Rita Jean, after Rita Jean Wolfe, a member of Wolfe family with deep ties to the zoo's history.

The Wolf family encouraged the city to develop a zoo in 1926. The family contributed funds to the zoo's first habitat and brought the first animals in 1927.

"Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants -- strength, resilience and boundless compassion," the zoo wrote in a social media post.

The zoo thanked the community for sharing its excitement about the elephant and for sharing name suggestions. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

• Courtesy Photo / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Courtesy Photo / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Courtesy Photo / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Courtesy Photo / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Courtesy Photo / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

"We are so grateful for the joy and excitement our community has shared since the calf's arrival," the zoo said. "While Rita Jean's name was chosen to honor a remarkable woman, every idea reflected the love you feel for our elephant family, and we can’t wait to share each new milestone with you as she grows."

Her birth marked an important milestone for the zoo given Asian elephants are classified as endangered with less than 50,000 worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An upcoming documentary is shedding light on Summit Station, Ohio's first and longest-running lesbian bar that was recognized in 2023 with a historical marker for serving as a crucial haven for the Columbus LGBTQ+ community.

Titled "Free Beer Tomorrow," the film captures the enduring legacy of the bar that stood as a vital gathering place at 2210 Summit Street, now occupied by Summit Music Hall. The project is helmed by Julia Applegate, a former Summit patron and senior lecturer at Ohio State University, who helped secure the historical marker and is now a co-director for the documentary.

"This was a safe space in a time over decades where it just wasn't safe to be LGBTQ+ outside of those doors," Applegate said in an interview with NBC4. "As things got better through the '80s, '90s and 2000s, that space was still important because things weren't better enough."

Applegate and a team of filmmakers set out to showcase the range of longtime customers and trailblazing figures that shaped and relied on Summit, from Petie Brown, the bar's longest-serving owner, to pioneering Columbus attorney and professor Rhonda Rivera. Over the course of several years, the group interviewed more than 50 people across 13 states, capturing firsthand accounts of the bar's impact.

"We followed every single tip we got, we interviewed as many people as we could," Applegate said. "It's been an incredible journey, I feel like it's one of the best gifts I've ever had in my life. It's been a real honor."

Opened in 1971 and originally named Jack's A Go-Go, Summit was one of the first lesbian pubs in the nation and welcomed patrons for nearly four decades before closing in 2008. Named after a "Free Beer Tomorrow" neon sign that hung inside the bar, the documentary also aims to demonstrate the power of finding community in a physical space, Applegate said.

"The resounding message of the film is really about community, love and what happens when we come together in a physical space," she said. "Virtual spaces are fantastic and they can provide so much for people, but there's something special about sharing physical space... there's something about the energy in our bodies that is transferred in physical spaces that we just don't get virtually."

The documentary's production comes amid setbacks for LGBTQ+ historical preservation in Ohio. Earlier this year, Ohio History Connection lost federal funding at the hands of DOGE for a project that was meant to install 10 other LGBTQ+ historical markers, given Summit's marker stands as only the third in the state to honor the LGBTQ+ community. Applegate also served as a consultant for the additional markers.

• A historical marker honoring Summit Station, Ohio’s first and longest running lesbian bar, was installed in June 2023. (Courtesy Photo/Ohio History Connection)
• Petie Brown, owner of Summit Station, sitting atop the bar in the 1980s. (Courtesy Photo/Priscilla Ridall)
• Summit Station was one of the first lesbian pubs in the nation. (Courtesy Photo/Julia Applegate)

"It's really devastating to see the funding for that program go away. ... We spent countless hours unpaid, doing research, going before city council, going before our neighborhood association, raising money to get [Summit's] marker installed," she said. "With the DOGE cuts, all of the resources to put those markers in all corners of Ohio are gone."

Although "Free Beer Tomorrow" is still in production, rough-cut screenings are ongoing. A showing is scheduled for late September to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Ohio State Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department. Additional screenings for Dayton and Cincinnati are set for later this year, with a formal premiere possible in spring 2026.

Applegate emphasized that the film isn't just about preserving history, but also inspiring future generations.

"Love does win, it wins in lots of different ways," she said. "It will triumph over time and so I hope the film will inspire people, and that it's not just the lesbians that it inspires or the gay men that it inspires, or the trans folks, but it is our straight allies who we need now more than ever."

Learn more about the upcoming documentary at WatchFreeBeerTomorrow.com.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A woman was killed Friday morning in a Delaware County fire, authorities said.

The fire was called in by a passerby, officials said, and occurred just before 6 a.m. in the Shroyer's Mobile Homes community off of U.S. 23, just outside of Delaware city limits.

A woman in her 70s died in the fire, Tri-Township fire officials said. She was the only one in the home.

The cause of the fire, which reportedly originated in the bedroom, remains under investigation.

WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Almost one in four Whitehall residents ages 16 to 64 are unemployed, according to the U.S. Census. City government is trying to change that.

"Helping to ensure families have access to sustainable wages is a key priority," Mayor Michael Bivens said. "Our residents deserve workforce opportunities that can enhance their lives."

Bivens is taking the challenge personally. During his tenure as mayor, Whitehall has incorporated job fair events into city gatherings, such as the annual Food Truck Festival and the State of the City address. Bivens even goes to Mayor's Court every Tuesday to provide job opportunities to residents.

Bivens said Whitehall has the highest poverty rate in central Ohio, with 17.3% of residents living below the poverty level in the 2020 census. He said workforce development and access has an "all-encompassing affect" on Whitehall residents, leading to these projects.

Each Tuesday, Bivens offers lists of employers to residents who are in Mayor's Court. The court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations, and the Health Police Institute of Ohio found a direct link between reduced financial stressors for residents and reduced crime in the state. Bivens offers opportunities weekly, including distributing a list of employers to anyone at court who wants assistance.

The city also uses community events to expand the workforce. In April, Whitehall held an opportunity fair before the State of the City address. Attendees were able to network, get feedback on resumes and even take part in on-site interviews. The event included job opportunities at the airport, Walmart, PCG Consulting Group, Whitehall City Schools and at least a dozen more employers.

Whitehall similarly transformed its annual Food Truck Fest into a job opportunity site. The event attracts thousands of attendees each year, and more than 300 of them connected with employers and wellness partners at the 2025 event. Whitehall representatives said 60% were screened for employment, and 30% received job offers or continued in the hiring process, largely in tech and trade jobs.

The 2025 event was shut down early due to potentially dangerous weather, so the 2024 event had even more opportunities for attendees. The 2024 event was the first to feature workforce opportunities, connecting more than 600 attendees with employers. Of those hundreds, 42% moved forward with employment screenings, 40% of whom received job offers in healthcare, tech and trade positions.

"The residents, their families and relationships with employers are vital in solidifying Whitehall as the City of Opportunity," Bivens said.

Even if residents did not get a job, attendees benefited from other resources geared toward addressing poverty disparities. Whitehall said more than 500 residents in 2025 and more than 3,000 residents in 2024 received critical health screenings at the Food Truck Fest. At the festival, a handful of attendees both years also took steps toward receiving their high school diplomas.