News Channel 4

WELLSTON, Ohio (WCMH) — A Jackson County woman has been sentenced to two years in prison after a jury convicted her of stealing more than $40,000 from an athletic booster club.

According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the former treasurer of a Wellston City Schools booster club was sentenced to 24 months in prison after being found guilty for stealing from the organization. Lisa Frisby, 46, was convicted of grand theft and telecommunications fraud during a six-day trial in September.

In addition to the prison sentence, a Jackson County Court of Common Pleas judge ordered Frisby to pay $40,200 in restitution to the Golden Rocket Athletic Boosters, the successor organization of the Big W Football Boosters.

Cash in your pennies: Giant Eagle doubles value in new promotion

The investigation, headed by the attorney general’s charitable law section, found that Frisby embezzled the money for personal use during her five years while serving as treasurer.

Frisby, who had full control of the organization’s accounts, concealed her theft until the club’s vice president grew suspicious and obtained bank statements, which did not match the account balances reported by Frisby.

At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Frisby repaid the boosters club with a check.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Cincinnati man was arrested in southern Ohio reportedly in possession of over $50,000 worth of suspected drugs.

According to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office, a man was arrested in Portsmouth after an investigation was conducted by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force. Eric Johnson of Cincinnati is facing drug trafficking and possession charges after he was arrested on Oct. 27.

Olentangy Schools bond issue won’t raise taxes

Task force officers and a Portsmouth Police Department SWAT team executed a narcotics-related search warrant at a home near the intersection of 12th and Lincoln streets. Investigators seized about 391 grams of suspected fentanyl and/or opiates and 51 grams of suspected crack cocaine.

• Authorities seized suspected narcotics, cash and a weapon in Portsmouth, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2025. (Courtesy/Scioto County Sheriff's Office)
• Authorities seized suspected narcotics, cash and a weapon in Portsmouth, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2025. (Courtesy/Scioto County Sheriff's Office)
• 
• Authorities seized suspected narcotics, cash and a weapon in Portsmouth, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2025. (Courtesy/Scioto County Sheriff's Office)
• Authorities seized suspected narcotics, cash and a weapon in Portsmouth, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2025. (Courtesy/Scioto County Sheriff's Office)

In addition, officers confiscated a loaded gun, digital scales, sandwich baggies, additional evidence of drug trafficking and $1,673 in cash. The estimated street value of the suspected drugs is $51,900.

Johnson, 28, is being detained at Scioto County Jail while under bond. His case will be presented to a grand jury for the consideration of additional felony charges.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Franklin County couple has been charged with stealing and selling Bath & Body Works products.

Tamica Jones, 46, and her husband, Rahsaun Douglas, 43, were each indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday on one count each of organized theft of retail property, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, and grand theft.

According to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Bath & Body Works stores across the region reported in February at least 20 instances of theft by a “masked duo.”

In April, a group of people stole items from the Bath & Body Works store at the Easton Market. A short time later, a law enforcement officer noticed a suspicious vehicle circling the parking lot of the Lennox Town Center, about 15 miles away. The officer ran the vehicle’s license plate and discovered the car was registered to Jones.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the thefts, and after reviewing surveillance footage and reports, the detective found 56 reports of theft from Bath & Body Works stores between October 2024 and May 2025 involving Jones, Douglas, and, in some instances, an accomplice.

The stolen items are valued at nearly $63,000.

Both Jones and Douglas were convicted in 2023 in Delaware County on theft and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity charges and sentenced to community control.

Jones was arrested in May for violating her community control and is being held in the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

Douglas remains at large after being taken to a hospital for a mental health complaint. He was also scheduled to be arrested in May but has not been located since leaving the hospital.

Jones was set to appear in court for her arraignment on Friday.

“Retail crime impacts us all, from local businesses and major corporations to consumers,” Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said in a statement.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — While the battle for blood donations with that state up north might be well known to Ohio State fans, a new competition involving lost cash is now entering the Michigan rivalry.

This November, the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds is asking people to search for missing money by visiting the agency's recently updated website, which makes it easier to claim funds. The state of Michigan will also urge its residents to look for forgotten cash using its online system.

Some might find it surprising that Ohio needs to encourage residents to locate money they are owed, but the state notes that not everyone is aware that the fund exists. Even after Gov. Mike DeWine made headlines in July for signing a budget bill that allowed the Cleveland Browns to receive $600 million from the fund for a new stadium, many individuals have not received the message.

“Every year, millions of dollars go unclaimed simply because people don’t know about it,” said Susie Wagner, outreach supervisor for the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds. “This fun challenge aims to change that by educating and engaging residents of both states while tapping into the excitement of the rivalry.”

The “battle for unclaimed bucks” challenge runs through Nov. 30, the day after the Ohio State-Michigan game. The winning state will be decided by counting completed unclaimed fund searches for both the Ohio and Michigan sites. The state with the most searches will be declared the winner. The results will be announced the week of Dec. 1.

“The real goal is to help as many people as possible connect with their hard-earned money,” Wagner said. “The more searches that Ohioans conduct, the more people we can connect with their forgotten funds. This really is a win-win for everyone involved.”

To participate, Ohioans should visit unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov and search for missing money using their name or the names of friends and family. The process is free and visitors do not need to make an account. Anyone can file a claim on the spot if they find money using the simplified system. See more details below.

How to search for unclaimed funds

The Division of Unclaimed Funds recommends using this three-step process:
• Search for unclaimed funds and generate a claim form by accessing the new system at com.ohio.gov/UnclaimedFunds.
• Review and gather the required documentation.
• Submit the claim form and any documents by mail or upload them directly through the system.

The Division of Unclaimed Funds, part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, wants Buckeyes to spread the word and encourage everyone they know to participate.

“This campaign is about more than just bragging rights,” said Wagner. “It’s also about raising awareness and helping Ohioans discover money they may not even know exists.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person has died following a shooting on Columbus' southeast side on Halloween night.

According to Columbus police dispatchers, police were called to the intersection of South Ohio Ave and Frebis Ave around 8:15 p.m. Friday. Police located one person suffering from a gunshot wound, and they were originally transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Testimony wraps in alleged STRS misconduct trial

Police say the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital thirty minutes later. Details leading up to the shooting and a possible suspect were not available. Columbus police say the incident is still under investigation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Despite a judge's ruling that the federal government must continue to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown, local food pantries are still preparing to serve more clients.

Friday was another busy day at the Mid-Ohio Market at St. Stephen's Community House. It came with more unknowns than usual, as there is no exact date for when SNAP recipients will receive their funds.

“That's why people are nervous. Because they don't know what they’re going to do. That's everybody's dilemma right now," said Antwan McCarrel. 

Chronic Kidney Disease research in cats developing

McCarrel is one of 1.4 million Ohioans, including more than 173,000 Franklin County residents, who are helped by the SNAP program.

As the government shutdown continues, pantries like the one at St. Stephen's have been doing what they can to assist more families. On an average market day, they serve 200 households. Marilyn Mehaffi, CEO of St. Stephen's, said on Wednesday alone they served 340 households, which was a high for the year.

“The need is increasing, people coming to use our pantry are increasing, and food costs are increasing," Mehaffi said.

With the expectation at the beginning of October 31 that November SNAP benefits would not be going out, the St. Stephen's team was getting ready to keep helping between 300 and 350 households a day. Even with the judge's ruling, SNAP must be funded, Mehaffi said. More clients will still be coming in because when and if the benefits do come out, she said, they'll likely be delayed.

"I think people are scared. They’ve come in saying they’re scared. They’re not sure about next week," she said. "And then for me, I think we’re afraid of staff burnout. This is a lot of people coming through our pantry on a regular basis.”

She encouraged anyone who can to support their local food pantries, whether by donating or volunteering.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the Buckeyes get ready to take on Penn State at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, the Ohio State University Marching Band is also gearing up for a performance, including an elementary teacher at South Western City Schools who is dotting the i.

Kelly Scott said she lives a bit of a double life. She teaches students all day and then heads to OSU’s campus right after school for band practice, where she plays the sousaphone.

Scott teaches third grade at Bolton Crossing Elementary School.

“I knew my goal in band was to dot the i and that requires four years,” said Scott. “So I found a job in South Western City Schools that allowed me to be flexible with the work hours and still allowed me to get to rehearsal on time.”

Scott said she started playing tuba as a sixth grader at Worthington Schools with the sole purpose of eventually dotting the i.

Columbus man runs past cancer diagnosis in the Big Apple

Her dreams all come on Saturday, and on Friday, all the staff and her students at Bolton Crossing wore t-shirts to support Scott.

“The i-dotters each game create a t-shirt designed to have for friends and family to wear and to celebrate the big moment,” said Scott.

“It’s really comfortable and I’m really happy because her family and friends paid for it and someday we can pay them back,” said third-grader Ravyn Golden.

Scott has been teaching her students about the band all school year.

“How we learned how to walk when we’re doing the Ohio, when we are scripting Ohio State,” said third-grade student Liam Gault.

“We get to learn lots about the band and see videos of it,” said Sadie Genson, another one of Scott’s students.

To help her practice before the performance, the third graders at Bolton Crossing marched in a line spelling out ‘Ohio’ behind the school with Scott dotting the i.

Her students said they’ll be watching on Saturday.

“She’s really good at it, and she gets to dot the i on Saturday,” said Golden.

“I think it'll also be cool because I can see my teacher and then my family can also see who she is too,” said Genson.

Scott said bringing her passions of teaching and the marching band together this year has been special, and seeing her students get excited about music and the band has made the buddy schedule worth it.

“It’s a pretty special honor, and being able to provide that experience and share that with all of these students is amazing, and I love being able to combine them together,” said Scott.

Script Ohio will take place right before the game kicks off at noon on Saturday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A trial investigating alleged misconduct on the state teachers' pension fund wrapped up testimony Friday, but a decision is not expected until mid-November.

The state alleges State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Chairman Rudy Fichtenbaum and former board member Wade Steen improperly tried to maneuver control of the $90 million teachers' pension fund to an outside investor, QED. Fichtenbaum and Steen agree they met with QED and proposed a collaboration, but claim there was no wrongdoing. See previous coverage of the trial in the video player above.

The pension fund generates money for STRS, which is used to pay staff and to fund benefits for 500,000 current and retired teachers. When STRS discontinued annual cost of living adjustments, teachers told NBC4's Colleen Marshall that they blamed poor pension fund performance. Fichtenbaum and Steen jointly proposed having QED manage the fund's investments, and said they thought the investment firm's investing plan would improve performance.

Judge halts Trump administration from withholding SNAP funding during shutdown

The case asks whether or not Steen and Fichtenbaum breached their fiduciary duty, meaning their legal and ethical responsibilities to the board. The state said part of that duty was to foster public confidence in the board, and pointed to board member codes of conduct. The defense said the duty was to the teachers, and that the pair were fulfilling that duty by coming up with new ideas to support the fund.

"When I think of STRS, I think of the beneficiaries, the teachers," Steen testified Friday. "The rest of us are all support staff, whether we're board, whether we're investment staff, whether we're helping process claims -- whatever we do, we're support staff to the teachers."

Friday marked the fifth day of the trial, and the court heard from Fichtenbaum and Steen for a second time. The two men were called by the state on the first and second days of trial, and called again Friday by the defense.

Earlier this week, Franklin County Judge Karen Phillips also heard from current and former STRS employees, consultants involved in the case and lobbyists for retired teachers organizations. Witnesses with retired teachers' groups testified they felt Fichtenbaum and Steen were looking out for STRS. Some other witnesses, like a former external consultant who stopped working with STRS due to the QED complications, thought the pair had harmed STRS' reputation.

The state alleges Fichtenbaum and Steen made a backroom deal with QED. Both men testified that they did not receive compensation from the firm. The state said some of their communications, including private Signal chats, indicated secrecy and possible misconduct.

OSU surgeon sues doctor, hospital for sexual discrimination

Fichtenbaum testified Friday that he was denied the ability to appropriately present the idea of partnership with QED, saying there were interruptions that made it difficult to get the point through. He said it was his duty to explore options, especially as he had campaigned to improve the pension plan and restore benefits.

"I think they felt threatened by any change in investment strategy," Fichtenbaum said.

Steen also testified that he had transparency concerns with the board. Fichtenbaum spoke about posts he had made about his concerns with STRS not fully considering QED. The state indicated the posts could have reduced public trust in the board, which they said violated his duty. Fichtenbaum said he felt it was part of his duty to keep the public informed.

The state had several witnesses testify that they felt Fichtenbaum and Steen's actions harmed the board's reputation and working relationships. All state witnesses testified in the first half of the trial.

At the trial's close, Steen's attorney, Norman Abood, tried for a second time to get the court to dismiss the case. The state is seeking to remove Fichtenbaum from his current position and bar both men from serving again. Among other arguments, Abood said the attempt was moot as Steen was no longer on the board and not eligible to be elected to it. The judge dismissed the attempt once again.

The court decided to have written closing arguments, which will be due in roughly two weeks. A decision will come after the arguments are submitted, likely in mid-November.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man was arrested Friday and charged with murder in connection with a September shooting in the Short North, police said.

A warrant for murder was issued for Deswquan Woods-Fafahana, 19, on Monday and he was taken into custody by Columbus Police SWAT personnel on Friday.

Officers were called Sept. 21 to the 1100 block of North High Street just before 2:45 a.m. for reports of a disturbance. Officers heard gunshots when they arrived and found 25-year-old J’Vontia Cassell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

Cassell was taken to a hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 5:02 a.m.

Surveillance video showed the shooter getting into the passenger seat of a vehicle being driven away, according to an affidavit. A search of the driver's social media resulted in law enforcement identifying Woods-Fafahana as the suspected shooter.

Woods-Fafahana is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday morning, according to online court records.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Mark Bloomfield of 2025 is not the Mark Bloomfield people saw 10 years ago. That's when he was smoking three packs a day, not moving much, and after a health scare during a hunting trip, decided it was time to get in shape.

"So, I came home. I was on Groupon and they had a Groupon for a Spartan sprint for $25," said Broomfield. I’m like, okay, I have no idea what this is. I looked it up. I'm like, that sounds like fun. So, I hired a trainer, and he trained me. And I still smoke, but not quite as much."

Broomfield gradually gave up smoking and got addicted to something else: running. He would take on multiple 5K's, Spartan races, and half marathons.

But then in October 2020, there was a new obstacle. After a routine blood test, his doctors found multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

"If they hadn't caught it when they did, I wouldn't be standing here," said Broomfield. "That is what the doctors at OSU told me because most of the time they find it when somebody breaks a leg or something like that and it's beyond where they can save you."

Waffle House eyeing new central Ohio location near Gahanna

Thankfully they did and as fast as he could, Broomfield got moving again.

"So, I just went forward and worked beyond my cancer treatment. Within 11 months, I had done two half marathons and a 10-mile race," said Broomfield.

In 2023, Broomfield decided to push even further, running the London Marathon.

"I've done the 25K's and all the 10K's. Let's get a new challenge," said Broomfield. "So, I hooked up with a charity in London, and I did it. The race took me 7 hours and 15 minutes. Know what? I finished it."

And this weekend, he's in New York, to conquer another World Major marathon and inspire all of us to stop making excuses.

"One step at a time, one mile at a time. If you do that, that philosophy, you can do what you want to do."

Broomfield's cancer is in remission, but it is expected to come back. Doctors, however, have a plan. He is running for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and raising money for the organization.

If you would like to donate, you can do so at https://give.themmrf.org/fundraiser/6171954.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio may have to furlough some state employees amid the federal government shutdown, the Department of Administrative Services warned Friday.

The Ohio Adjutant General's Department, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety were notified of the potential impacts.

The union contract requires agencies to make an announcement 14 days before funding could be interrupted and is informational only, according to the DAS.

Of the 9,000 employees who were notified on Friday, the DAS expects the number who may be subject to furlough to be less than half of that, adding that the passage of a continuing resolution within the next two weeks would negate the announcement.

"While we hope for a resolution from Washington soon, we must prepare for the potential impact on our workforce in the coming weeks should the shutdown continue," DAS Director Kathleen C. Madden said in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate the situation daily and will have more specific information should further action become necessary."

If any employees need to be furloughed, those employees would be individually notified, according to the DAS.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) — A Dublin veterinary clinic is taking part in groundbreaking research that could extend the life of a cat suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).

According to a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, CKD affects 30-to-40 percent of cats over the age of 10. That increases to 80 percent in cats over 15 years old.

Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic is taking part in a nationwide study that is showing promising results managing the disease.

“It's a really great opportunity to become a part of research the disease more closely and investigating if there are treatments that could improve or potentially reverse the disease,” said Dr. Ashlie Saffire, a Feline Veterinarian at Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic.

Cash in your pennies: Giant Eagle doubles value in new promotion

Saffire notes that symptoms of CKD in cats might often be missed by pet owners. Signs she said to look out for include increased thirst, GI problems, decreased appetite, or loss of weight or muscle.

The clinic is looking for more felines to participate in the local study. A cat must be diagnosed with CKD, weigh at least 4.85 lbs., and be under the age of 17 to qualify. All medical costs under the study are covered. Participants even receive a stipend.

Saffire said research studies like this could not only help advance feline health but eventually human health.

“It’s really been interesting that a lot of feline models and health conditions can be a model for human health and so there is a lot of overlap,” said Sapphire.

To apply for the CKD study, click here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's time for the postseason, where it's win or go home.

While the top four seeds in each region are enjoying a week off, the other eight teams begin their path to a state title on Halloween night. Among the matchups, Dublin Jerome and Hilliard Bradley meet in our Football Friday Nite Game of the Week. Both at 5-5 after the regular season, they'll compete to see which meets No. 2 seed Troy next week.

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.

Playoffs Week 1 Schedule

• No. 12 Independence (6-4) at No. 5 Hamilton Township (8-2)
• No. 12 Canton South (5-5) at No. 5 East (9-1)
• No. 9 Thornville Sheridan (7-3) at No. 8 Granville (7-3)
• No. 10 Groveport Madison (5-5) at No. 7 Gahanna Lincoln (7-3)
• No. 12 Newark (6-4) at No. 5 Olentangy Liberty (6-4)
• No. 11 Athens (9-1) at No. 6 Buckeye Valley (8-2)
• No. 10 Linden McKinley (8-2) at No. 7 Bloom-Carroll (7-3)
• No. 9 Worthington Kilbourne (7-3) at No. 8 Walnut Ridge (7-3)
• No. 10 Dublin Jerome (5-5) at No. 7 Hilliard Bradley (5-5) - Game of the Week
• No. 11 Westerville Central (4-6) at No. 6 Upper Arlington (8-2)
• No. 12 Marysville (5-5) at No. 5 Springfield (6-4)
• No. 11 Westland (5-5) at No. 6 Huber Heights Wayne (6-4)
• No. 9 Grove City (5-5) at No. 8 Olentangy Berlin (5-5)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from withholding funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the government shutdown.

Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must to continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.

Columbus joined several others in a lawsuit arguing that halting the program was unlawful. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

List: Where central Ohioans can get food support if SNAP benefits run out

"This decision is a lifeline for Columbus children, families, seniors, veterans and all those whose lives would have ben upended had their food security been ripped away from them in the next 24 hours," Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said in a statement.

The administration said it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund with about $5 billion in it for the program, which reversed a USDA plan from before the shutdown that said money would be tapped to keep SNAP running. The Democratic officials argued that not only could that money be used, it must be. They also said a separate fund with around $23 billion is available for the cause.

A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled from the bench that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds – and asked for an update on progress by Monday.

A Massachusetts-based judge also gave the administration until Monday to say whether it would partially pay for the benefits for November with contingency money or fund them fully with additional funds

It wasn’t immediately clear how quickly the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy groceries could be reloaded after the ruling. That process often takes one to two weeks.

The rulings are likely to face appeals.

"While we continue to call on Congress to get a deal done to reopen the government, we cannot allow the Trump administration to let people go hungry when there are funds available to them to mee this dire need in Columbus and across the country," Klein said.

Columbus City Council approved $25,000 in emergency funding to support the Mid-Ohio Food Collective in the wake of a potential lapse in benefits. Gov. Mike DeWine also announced Thursday that Ohio would be providing $25 million in food assistance for those who are most in need.

In statements to NBC4 on Friday, both DeWine's office and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said it was too soon to comment on the ruling.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo has welcomed its second baby calf this year.

Members of the staff say this is an important and exciting moment for the community, which now has a chance to see the calf in person.

The calf, born to 38-year-old Asian elephant Phoebe, weighs 222 pounds. The calf is reaching milestones like standing and nursing, as well as remaining curious about his surroundings.

The calf doesn't have a name yet, but staff members have various nicknames for him, like Nugget and Junior.

Zoo leaders said Asian elephants are endangered, with less than 50,000 of them in the wild, but they're glad two of them have a home at the Columbus Zoo.

This is the first time in the zoo’s history that two elephant calves have been born in one year.

Elephant keeper Laura Garcia said being able to continue to learn about the calves and how they will impact and change the herd dynamics has been the highlight of this year.

"It's always exciting when we have babies, especially two babies at the same time," she said. "It's special because this is the first time the zoo has ever had two babies together and they're almost exactly three months apart, so that's very exciting to see that."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A long-awaited brewery opens Friday in Steelton Village, a mixed-use Columbus development being built around a repurposed warehouse and planning to add residential units.

Honest Friend Brewing is celebrating its grand opening from 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday at 2112 S. High St. The 6,000-square-foot brewery has been taking shape since 2020 and is among several companies rounding out the Steelton development, which is anchored by The Fort -- a former 19th-century fire truck factory that now houses a range of businesses, from furniture makers and architects to coffee roasters and photographers.

"Our location within Steelton Village puts us at the forefront of larger efforts to introduce more destinations to the surrounding community," Honest Friend's founders -- Chris Carter, Kayla Lewis and Will Gutmann -- wrote on the brewery's website. "We couldn't be happier to be part of Steelton's restoration and to serve the creative community at The Fort." Watch a previous NBC4 report on Steelton in the video player above.

When clocks fall back in Ohio this weekend for end of daylight saving time

"Serving as just one of many creative outlets, our beer -- plus cocktails, seltzers and more -- complements a taproom full of curious spaces with dedicated areas such as an event space and stage," Honest Friend's website continues. "Plus, the atmosphere is perfect for kicking back and enjoying a beer or three, because we specialize in lower ABV beers."

Honest Friend Brewing is celebrating its grand opening from 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday at 2112 S. High St. (Courtesy Photo/Honest Friend Brewing)

Honest Friend is celebrating its opening as Steelton developers Justin McAllister and Kyle Katz are preparing to build residences within the complex. Columbus' zoning committee approved a variance on Oct. 20 to rezone the property across the street from The Fort at 2025 S. High St. from a manufacturing to a mixed-use residential development use.

"Lotus Company, a developer with a track record of mixed-use and affordable housing projects, is partnering with the owners to deliver a transformative community anchored by affordable housing," the variance application said. "Granting the requested use and height variances will unlock the site's potential, allowing the creation of hundreds of affordable and market-rate units."

How government shutdown could affect child care in Ohio

It's unclear when construction will begin on Steelton's residential area. Once completed, the apartments will sit next to another building in the development known as The Stable, a 33,000-square-foot structure that includes a co-working space with 13 businesses and another brewery.

In an interview with NBC4 in 2022, McAllister and Katz said the residential units will be connected to the village by a tunnel under South High Street. Katz emphasized the goal is to develop a walkable "community of vital energy" with residents who live, work, and play in Steelton Village. 

"We are a reflection of not the past, but rather what's coming next," Katz said. "What we want to do with Steelton is really design and build for that next Columbus, not for the one that exists today."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Redistricting Commission on Friday unanimously approved a new Congressional map that is more GOP-friendly.

Currently, Republicans hold 10 of the 15 Congressional seats. With the new map, Republicans could pick up one or two additional seats.

New map

Courtesy: Ohio Redistricting Commission

Current map

Courtesy: Ohio Secretary of State

The new map makes districts held by Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati) and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) more competitive for Republicans, while the district held by Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) is more blue.

The commission heard testimony about the proposed map on Thursday. Some speakers called the new map a gerrymander and said this proposed map does not represent what Ohioans had in mind when they passed a Constitutional amendment in 2018 to reform the redistricting process.

Gov. Mike DeWine said he is in favor of the proposed map. He said the goal was to propose a map that will get Democrats on board. If the commission didn't approve a new map by Friday, an even more GOP-friendly map could have been enacted by the legislature with a simple majority.

“For Republicans who might not like this, I would simply say that this very well could be a 12-3 map," DeWine said. "Those are pretty darn good numbers. And second, it resolves it, and I think lessens the chance that there'll be a referendum that our side might lose."

Democrats had initially proposed a map that had eight right-leaning seats and seven left-leaning seats. Democrats said Ohio is about 45% blue, while Republicans argued that recent elections show this is a very red state.

Sentiment toward the map was mixed to opposed, according to those who spoke out during the presentation.

“Who are the members of this commission really working for?” Ohioan Zachary Gibbs said. “Are you working for Ohioans? Are you working for sitting and future congressional representatives who seem to forget about Ohio as soon as that plane takes off for D.C.?”

“Just because you can screw us and you can gerrymander these maps, does not mean that you should do it,” another speaker said.

The new map has 15 counties that are split, but no county is split more than once. Thirteen of the 15 districts have 786,630 people, while the other two have 786,629. Six municipalities and 11 townships are split.

“We are committed to trying to find fairness for the people of Ohio, but this system that we have in the long run is probably going to need to be fixed again,” Ohio Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said.

Ohio was legally — and the only state — required to draw a new Congressional map because the 2022 map did not pass with bipartisan support.

Republicans in other red states have redrawn their boundaries mid-cycle at the request of President Donald Trump to help Republicans expand their slim House margin in the midterm elections, where a president’s party typically loses seats. That has prompted some blue states, like California, to also attempt to redraw their maps.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission is made up of seven state leaders, including Democrat and Republican lawmakers, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Auditor Keith Faber and Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

This story includes reporting from David Rees and Delaney Ruth.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Waffle House is eyeing a new central Ohio location near Gahanna.

Last month, the chain filed an application with the City of Columbus for a lot split at 5026 N. Hamilton Road to pave the way for a new location. The property is a large parking area outside of a northeast Columbus Meijer.

If the project moves forward, the Waffle House would sit near a Biggby Coffee that opened on the site this spring, and join just over 80 of the breakfast chain’s locations across Ohio. 

The Georgia-based chain was founded by two neighbors in 1955 and has since spread to more than 2,000 locations across 25 states. All Waffle House restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The chain serves classic breakfast items, such as pancakes, waffles, hash browns, grits, omelets, eggs and toast. It also offers lunch and dinner, including burgers, steak and sandwiches. 

The city has not yet approved the lot split. NBC4 reached out to Waffle House to see if the company could share any further details or a timeline for the proposed project, but did not receive a response. 

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- A neighborhood with million-dollar homes is coming to a 14-acre reserve in Dublin.

Dublin zoning officials recommended approval on Oct. 23 for a proposal by architecture firm MKSK that calls for 20 single-family homes to be built on the 14-acre property north of Bright Road, near the Grande Cliffs Estates and Hopewell Elementary School. The commission greenlit the plan, which was first reviewed by the city in June 2024, with little deliberation.

"This is an outstanding project, so I fully support it, I think this is really a great project, and thank you for bringing a project of this quality to us," said commissioner Gary Alexander.

Daycare chain breaks ground on second central Ohio location

Each home will have a $1.5 million to $2 million price tag, with central Ohio-based Corinthian Fine Homes as the neighborhood's designated builder. Brian Kinzelman, co-founder of MKSK, said during a previous commission meeting that the proposal aims to conserve several acres of green space, and reiterated that the development wouldn't be gated.

The proposal by architecture firm MKSK that calls for 20 single-family homes to be built on the 14-acre property north of Bright Road. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)

The development looks "forward to being part of this neighborhood, not exclusive of it," he said.

"Having something as simple as a tasteful street sign is about as bold as we want to get," Kinzelman said. "We're looking to fit in to the neighborhood, not to be an exclusive place on Bright Road. So, no entry walls."

In previous zoning meetings, commissioner Kathy Karter said she appreciated the developers effort to mesh the development with the surrounding community, and commissioner Kim Way said it shouldn't "look like every other subdivision in Dublin."

Dublin City Schools pauses high school redistricting after pushback

"This is a really special and unique development, so obviously the applicant is really trying to do something that's above and beyond and I'm totally supportive of it as a concept," said Way. "I love the notion of the character of this and a brick side walk, I'd love to see that."

Commissioner Rebecca Call, chair of the commission, has also spoken in support of the proposal, emphasizing the uniqueness of the development.

"I've been on the commission a long time, you look at the last time Dublin did a development that had this quality of architecture, of design, of natural resources, of the totality of the application, we don't get these very often," said Call.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After playing three of its last four games on the road, No. 1 Ohio State returns home to take on Penn State in a meeting of two teams that are trending in opposite directions.

Saturday marks the 41st meeting between the programs, with the Buckeyes leading the all-time series 25-14. OSU owns an eight-game winning streak over the Nittany Lions dating to 2016. Due to expansion in the Big Ten, this will be the final matchup between the two until 2028.

Ohio State enters the game on an 11-game winning streak dating to last season's College Football Playoff, while Penn State is stuck in a four-game losing skid, falling out of the national polls after starting the season ranked No. 2 in the country.

"I don't think there's many teams in the country that have more talent than Penn State has, and I think people recognized that early in the season," coach Ryan Day said. "I'm sure it hasn't gone the way they wanted it to, but that doesn't change they still have really good players."

Here's what to know before kickoff at noon Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

Central Ohio native at QB for Penn State

When Penn State lost its third game in a row to Northwestern on Nov. 11, the program not only saw coach James Franklin get canned, but the team lost starting quarterback Drew Allar to a season-ending injury.

In Allar's place comes Ethan Grunkemeyer, a redshirt freshman who graduated from Olentangy High School, where he set records in categories including career passing yards, career passing touchdowns and season passing yards and touchdowns.

In his first start at quarterback against Iowa, Grunkemeyer completed 15 of 28 passes for 93 yards, throwing two interceptions.

"He's a very talented young man," Day said. "Very intelligent, competitive player that has a very bright future in the game. This is just his second start, but you can see the talent on the field. You can see he's got leadership skills."

The return of Jim Knowles

Just days after the national championship, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left Ohio State for the same job at Penn State, signing a three-year deal worth more than $3 million dollars that made him one of the highest paid coordinators in college football.

Since his departure, the teams couldn't have been on more different paths. The Buckeyes hired Matt Patricia to fill Knowles' spot, and the defense has never looked better. Ohio State is allowing opponents to score an average of 5.9 points through seven games, ranking as the best scoring defense in the country.

Meanwhile, Knowles' defense at Penn State is allowing an average of 19.4 points and 303.7 yards.

Day said his relationship with Knowles, who spent three seasons at Ohio State, is practically nonexistent since leaving Columbus.

"Like any relationship, when it breaks off, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, but there really hasn't been much communication," Day said. "He did a great job when he was here. Helped us win a national championship and kind of left it at that. And then we had to go make a replacement and move on from there. That's kind of how it is. It was abrupt, but we respect the work he did when he was here."

Honoring Nick Mangold

A moment of silence will be held before kickoff to honor the life and memory of former Buckeye Nick Mangold. The All-America center passed away last weekend at age 41 after a battle with chronic kidney disease.

Mangold played for Ohio State from 2002 to '05, taking part in four bowl game wins as well as the national championship victory at the end of his freshman season. He went on to become the first Buckeyes center to get drafted in the first round, by the New York Jets, where he spent 11 seasons.

"We talk about leaving legacies behind. When you hear that name in this building, people stand up straight," Day said. "This is a guy who had a tremendous amount of character and left a lot of that behind. He didn't just go through this place. He left a work ethic. He left a leadership. He left a discipline and certainly a body of work on the field. Everybody in Buckeye Nation is mourning his loss."