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Sunday Briefing: Charlie Kirk; STRS oversight

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 12:58

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on the Sunday Briefing:

  • The assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves throughout the country this week.

“We’re devastated,” Delaware County Republican Party Executive Chairperson Britney Walker said. “I don’t even know how to put it.”

What we know about the latest incident in a string of violence against political figures.

“Maybe this is a turning point that leads people on both sides of the aisle to think,” Capital University Political Science and Economics professor Kevin Lucas said.

“All I am looking for is a little light transparency,” former Ohio Treasurer and Secretary of State Ken Blackwell said.

Hear why he said retirees deserve better than what they’re getting and how the pension fund is responding.

  • Is there a way to heal the country’s fractured political environment? Republican strategist Mark Weaver and Democratic strategist Spencer Dirrig join the all-star roundtable to discuss the issue.
Categories: Ohio News

Ohio State keeps No. 1 ranking heading into bye week

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 10:55

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 3-0 record in nonconference play that was capped with a 37-9 victory over the Ohio Bobcats has kept the Ohio State Buckeyes as the top-ranked team in the land.

Ohio State (3-0) was once again voted by the coaches of college football as the best team in the nation, ahead of Big Ten rivals Penn State, who remain ranked second. The Buckeyes won its nonconference games against Texas, Grambling State, and Ohio by a combined score of 121-16.

Mascots meet again at the Horseshoe for first time since 2010 Rufus vs. Brutus brawl

The third week of the season was highlighted by two incredible all-ranked shootouts as No. 3 Georgia beat No. 15 Tennessee 44-41 in overtime and now No. 10 Texas A&M dropped Notre Dame 13 places in the coaches rankings with a 41-40 win in South Bend on NBC4.

Four teams joined the top-25 heading into Week 4. Those teams are No. 19 Georgia Tech, No. 22 Missouri, No. 23 Vanderbilt, and No. 25 Auburn. All four are 3-0.

2025 USA Today coaches rankings (Sept. 14, 2025) 1Ohio State (62)2Penn State (3)3Georgia (1)4LSU (1)5Oregon6Miami7Texas8Illinois9Florida State10Texas A&M11Ole Miss12Oklahoma13Iowa State14Alabama15Tennessee16Texas Tech17Indiana18Utah19Georgia Tech20Michigan21Notre Dame22Missouri23Vanderbilt24South Carolina25Auburn

The Fighting Irish's 0-2 start has taken them out of the projected playoff picture completely. It has also once again swapped Ohio State's potential first round opponent. Using the current coaches rankings, the No. 1 Buckeyes would be projected to play either No. 8 Illinois or No. 9 Florida State in a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.

Projected playoff bracket using coaches poll

Ohio State will be off Saturday before kicking off Big Ten play on Sept. 27. The Buckeyes' first conference game is also its longest road trip of the regular season as they face Washington, who joined the Big Ten in 2024.

A kickoff time and broadcast assignment is expected to be announced Monday afternoon. Due to the west coast time zone, it is unlikely the game would kick-off at 12 p.m. Eastern and instead looks poised to kick-off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern or later.

Categories: Ohio News

Man found passed out in car in Grandview Heights charged with drug trafficking

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 07:00

GRANDVIEW HIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) — A man found passed out in a parked car in Grandview Heights has formally been arrested months after his detainment.

According to police, Grandview Heights officers were called to the intersection of Gladden and Timberman roads, near Northwest Boulevard, on reports of a vehicle with front end damage and a person passed out in the driver's seat. The vehicle was still running, police said, and an officer opened the door to shut off the engine.

The driver, 25-year-old Asjath Jabeer, woke up and reportedly attempted to drive away, despite police identifying themselves, the report stated.

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Jabeer allegedly began resisting police and attempted to disarm one officer while trying to pull himself away. Officers deployed a taser, and Jabeer was arrested.

In Jabeer's vehicle, police reportedly found 9.2 grams of marijuana, numerous empty clear plastic baggies, preparation tables, scales, a money counter and about $400 in cash. The vehicle was impounded, and initial warrants were filed for resisting arrest, improper handling of a firearm and drug trafficking.

While Jabeer was in custody, police said he stated that he was having a medical emergency. Medics responded and transported him to a hospital, and he was temporarily released from custody.

Criminal charges were filed that day, police said, and Jabeer was arrested on Wednesday. A Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Jabeer a $10,000 fine and set a preliminary hearing for Sept. 19.

Categories: Ohio News

Columbus police seek new leads after murder charge is dropped against suspect

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 06:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police are still investigating a June homicide after a suspect was arrested before the charge was dropped.

While investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Jayvon Gore, a Columbus Police SWAT unit arrested a man in connection to it as well as an alleged carjacking that occurred about a mile away.

On June 18 at 1:04 a.m., Gore was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near the E.Z. Oakland Park Plaza in the 1400 block of Oakland Park Avenue in North Linden. Multiple tips after the incident pointed to a person of interest, and three weeks later, police arrested 33-year-old Toreal Crawford.

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Crawford, who also had a warrant issued for his arrest in late May, is facing aggravated robbery charges, stemming from an incident in which a rideshare driver was accosted at a gas station in the 2700 block of Cleveland Avenue. While Crawford’s carjacking case remains ongoing in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the initial murder charge against him was dropped.

Reports of several individuals exchanging gunfire were received during the June shooting, with the outside of a Columbus Division of Fire station across the street being struck. Police said upon arrival multiple witnesses fled and no one has come forward with information since the phone tips. See an earlier report in the video player above.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

Categories: Ohio News

What we learned from Ohio State's 37-9 win over Ohio

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 05:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It may not have been pretty at first, but a win is a win. No. 1 Ohio State got the job done against in-state foe Ohio, improving to 7-0 all-time against the Bobcats and extending its unbeaten streak against Ohio programs to 54 straight games.

But the Buckeyes also showed that there's plenty of lessons to be learned heading into a pivotal bye week ahead of Big Ten play.

"I felt like we were moving the ball well, we just have to finish those drives off," coach Ryan Day said. "Which is frustrating. But these are the things we have to learn."

Here are three things we learned from Saturday night's OSU victory.

Redzone offense needs to improve

It must've been frustrating for any Ohio State fan to see the offensive production that the Buckeyes had in the first half, but only 13 points to show for it.

OSU had 278 total yards compared to OU's 28, with most of that production coming through the air (199 passing yards vs. 23). But the Buckeyes also failed to convert half of their third down opportunities and were plagued by five penalties that set them back 45 yards.

"When we got down to the redzone, we weren't able to execute. And those runs were not efficient," Day said. "If we're not going to score touchdowns in the redzone, we put ourselves at risk."

Quarterback Julian Sayin eventually made key throws, including two deep ball passes to Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, that helped the Buckeyes gain a comfortable lead. But the sophomore, who also threw two interceptions against his three touchdown passes, knows it's not going to get any easier from here.

"All the guys on offense knew that we were moving the ball consistently. We just had to execute and it starts with me," Sayin said. "Those first three drives, we didn't get a touchdown in the redzone so we gotta do better there. It's all about execution and improving."

Mascots meet again at the Horseshoe for first time since 2010 Rufus vs. Brutus brawl Ohio State defense remains a cornerstone

Despite the Buckeyes' struggles to find the endzone in the first half, the OSU defense has remained a bedrock in the team's identity. While the Bobcats' nine points are the most the OSU defense has allowed this season, Matt Patricia's unit didn't allow OU to gain any momentum, even when QB Parker Navarro got the Bobcats within four at the start of the second half.

Ohio State had seven tackles for a loss against the Bobcats, including four sacks.

Senior linebacker Sonny Styles said that despite the close contest in the first half, he knew the defense was in control of the game.

"We all believe in each other, we trust in each other. We knew that we were going to be alright," Styles said. "The way we responded was well. We gave up the X play quick. That's a big play right out of the half. I thought we responded pretty fast. So being able to respond to some of those negative plays and plays we're not happy about, I thought we did pretty well."

Give the Bobcats credit

Bobcats head coach Brian Smith knew that the pressure was on the top team in the nation to perform at its best. And his team did its best to keep the pressure on into the second half and forcing the Buckeyes to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.

"I thought our defense played extremely well," Smith said after the game. "I think all these experiences are good experiences, and I think a lot of our guys are disappointed in the outcome of the game, but I think that they do see our true potential as a team. I think it's great for our confidence moving forward, just them understanding how well they're playing against good teams and how close they are to wins."

OU should still be a team that will contend for a repeat MAC championship by the end of the year after these early season tests against Power Four schools, including last week's win against West Virginia.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are thankful that they came out of this unexpected challenge with the victory.

"I think within the next two weeks it's about improving everywhere, including recognizing coverage, commanding the offense, moving us down the field and improving in our red zone execution," Sayin said. "I think we can improve in all areas."

Categories: Ohio News

Three Ohio billionaires among the richest people in America, Forbes list shows

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 05:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Three Ohioans ranked among Forbes’ 2025 list of the richest people in the United States, including Les Wexner, who climbed several spots compared with last year’s report.  

The American business magazine Forbes released its annual list of the 400 wealthiest Americans on Sept. 9, and those included in the ranking are worth a combined record of $6.6 trillion, which is more than $1 trillion greater than last year’s list. 

The same three Ohioans who made the 2025 list were also the only ones from the state included in last year’s ranking – and their wealth has continued to grow.

Les Wexner, 88, of New Albany, and his family, placed at No. 137 on the list, with a net worth of $9.3 billion. Wexner jumped nine spots from last year's report, in which the family ranked at No. 146 with a net worth of $7.9 billion.

Wexner founded L Brands — a global retail empire that formerly owned Victoria’s Secret — and served as CEO for more than five decades. Wexner announced in 2020 that he would step down and sell a majority stake in Victoria’s Secret for $525 million to a private equity firm. He purchased Victoria’s Secret for $1 million in 1982.

Wexner has come under fire in recent years for his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his former financial manager. The pair had a financial and personal relationship from the mid-1980s until Wexner reportedly severed ties in 2007, after discovering Epstein had misappropriated money from Wexner’s family. Wexner has not been legally implicated in Epstein’s crimes, but some victims have suggested he had involvement

The second-richest person in Ohio is Denise York, 74, of Youngstown, who placed at No. 163. Forbes found York and her family, who own over 90% of the San Francisco 49ers, are worth $8.4 billion. The York family’s wealth also grew, as they ranked at No. 184 in 2024, with a net worth of $6.7 billion.

The final Ohioan to make the list is Mike Brown, 90, of Cincinnati, who placed at No. 301, with a net worth of $5 billion. In 2024, Brown marked the only newcomer from the state on the list. He sat at No. 338, while boasting a net worth of $3.9 billion.

For the fourth year in a row, the richest person in America is Elon Musk, 54, with a net worth of $428 billion. Musk has co-founded seven companies, including rocket producer SpaceX and artificial intelligence startup xAI. He was also an early investor in electric car maker Tesla. 

Musk was followed on the list by 81-year-old Larry Ellison ($276 billion), the co-founder of the software company Oracle Corporation, and 41-year-old Mark Zuckerberg ($253 billion), the co-founder of Facebook. 

Categories: Ohio News

Without new owner, central Ohio brewery sets closing date after 14 years

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 04:30

GRANVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio brewery that had hoped to pass the taproom to new ownership has set a closing date after 14 years of business.

Licking County's Granville Brewing Company at 5371 Columbus Road will be shutting its doors on Sept. 27, founders Jay Parsons and Ross Kirk announced on social media. The announcement comes after Parsons and Kirk said in July they were offering the brewery up for sale, having decided "it is time for our tenure as owners of GBC to come to an end."

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"Though we do not yet know what is written for us, we are beyond fortunate to have such a supportive, loyal, and kind community with us as we take our next steps," the brewery's September post said. "The words 'Thank You' don't feel big enough, so be sure to come have a beer or two so we can express our deepest love for all y'all."

Granville Brewing Company at 5371 Columbus Road. (Courtesy Photo/Granville Brewing Company)

Granville Brewing was founded 14 years ago and offers Belgian-style beers and ales. The brand's brewery sits among farmland and is located near the intersection of Columbus Road and Outville Road in a renovated horse barn, inviting customers to the property's taproom, barnyard patio, or for carryout.

"Granville Brewing Company, which started as a conversation over beers in 2011, has been an amazing journey filled with good friends, laughs, tears, and a lot of great beer," the brewery's July social media post said. "The brewery brought you all to the same place and you built an amazing community of people from all walks of life through conversation and beers."

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The brewery, which is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, is offering all beers at $5 a glass until the Sept. 27 closing date.

Categories: Ohio News

Columbus Public Safety Week returns to connect communities with first responders

News Channel 4 - Sun, 09/14/2025 - 02:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Public Safety Week is back, hoping to improve security in central Ohio.

Columbus Public Safety Week will run from Sept. 14-19. It was started in 2023 with Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel Remy spearheading the effort.

“This week's all about providing resources," Remy said. "It's about getting the residents up close and personal with the fire and police personnel that are here in the city of Columbus and just working together to collectively improve public safety."

The week of community events is in partnership with Columbus Division of Police, Columbus Division of Fire, religious organizations and several other community groups. Each year, the events are focused on a different area. This time the spotlight is on the Mideast.

“I think in every neighborhood that we've been able to do, the Milo Grogan community, the Linden community, and now the Mideast area, we've found that people have really embraced this and they've had the opportunity to get excited, to get to know their public safety, their first responders better,” Remy said.

Safety Week will be kicked off with a worship service at City of Grace on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. After the service is the Cadet Canvas. Residents will receive smoke alarms, gun locks and first aid kits.

On Monday at 4:30 p.m., Columbus City Council will recognize public safety partners and Tuesday is the Community Conversation & Dinner at City of Grace from 5-7 p.m.

“It is going to be exciting to have the opportunity to sit down with Shayla Favor, our prosecutor, with the first Assistant Chief Potts, have a conversation about our youth in the community and what we're doing to help provide de-escalation techniques, to provide alternatives to getting involved in crime and just really engaging with our youth,” Remy said.

He said he wants this year to be focused on young people.

“We've been investing every year in the city of Columbus, over $20 million a year in youth programming. We need to continue to build relationships with our youth to make sure that they understand there are other alternatives to getting involved with things on the street and in crime,” said Remy.

He also said it’s important to incorporate some fun and entertainment. On Thursday at Barnett Recreation Center is Safety Fun Fest from 4-7 p.m. The family-friendly festival will be filled with music, games, food and safety resources.

“We want to make sure that we're engaging the community as a whole and so providing some opportunities to do something fun is part of the process really brings more people out and engages more with the community,” Remy said.

Columbus Public Safety Week will be capped off with a Mideast Litter League Competition. From 12-2 p.m., teams from Columbus Division of Police, Fire Cadets, youth and local leaders will compete in a clean up at Walnut Ridge High School.

RSVP to the community events here.

Categories: Ohio News

Mascots meet again at the Horseshoe for first time since 2010 Rufus vs. Brutus brawl

News Channel 4 - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 22:58

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The first meeting between Ohio State and Ohio in 15 years also meant a reunion of sorts for the school's mascots after the infamous "Rufus Bobcat vs. Brutus Buckeye" brawl in 2010.

There was no animosity between the mascots when the two programs took the field prior to kickoff. But game organizers did set up a revenge match of sorts during a break in the second quarter.

A video played on the scoreboard, revisiting the scuffle that took Brutus and the crowd by surprise. A makeshift scoreboard on the field showed Rufus leading 1-0 when Brutus came down to the tunnel in an entrance reminiscent of WWE to get revenge on the Bobcats' mascot.

The two characters engaged in a "tug of war" which Brutus won to even the score. Later in the game, Brutus and Rufus took part in a 100-yard dash down the field, which coincidentally Brutus also emerged victorious.

The Buckeyes ended up beating the Bobcats, 37-9, to improve to 3-0 this season.

  • COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 13: Rufus the Ohio Bobcats mascot, performs during the game against the Ohio Bobcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 13: Brutus Buckeyes preforms during the game against the Ohio Bobcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 13: Rufus the Ohio Bobcats mascot, performs during the game against the Ohio Bobcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 13, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Categories: Ohio News

Hitting all the right notes

North Country Public Radio - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 22:00
Categories: News

Live updates: No. 1 Ohio State hosts Ohio in first meeting of in-state foes since 2010

News Channel 4 - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 16:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- No. 1 Ohio State finishes out its non-conference slate with a meeting against in-state foe Ohio, marking the first meeting between the two schools in 15 years.

The Buckeyes have never lost to the Bobcats in its previous six meetings. In addition, OSU hasn't lost to an Ohio school since 1921, when it fell to Oberlin 7-6.

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Ohio is facing a Power Four program for the third straight week after opening the season with a loss to Rutgers before beating West Virginia in front of a record crowd at home last week.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is approaching a milestone, needing just 23 yards to become the fastest Ohio State wideout to reach 1,500 receiving yards. Michael Jenkins holds the record for reaching 1,500 yards in 20 games from 2000 to 2001.

The game is airing on Peacock, which is owned by NBC and not NBC4's parent company, Nexstar.

Scroll below for live updates.

Categories: Ohio News

Man in Hilltop house had over 500 grams of narcotics, deputies say

News Channel 4 - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 07:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A man suspected of drug activity was arrested in a west Columbus home this week after he was allegedly in possession of over 530 grams of illegal narcotics.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies with the Special Investigations Unit, along with support from Columbus SWAT and the U.S. Marshals Service, executed a search warrant at a Hilltop home in the 200 block of South Hague Avenue.

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Investigators say they found 26-year-old Anthony Warren had hundreds of grams of drugs, including 294 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 180 grams of suspected fentanyl and 58 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Warren, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2019 conviction, was also found with a one when he was arrested. He was charged with felony possession of fentanyl and issued a $25,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court.

In 2019, Warren pleaded guilty to having weapons under disability and tampering with evidence. He served 21 months in prison, which included 12 months mandatory for the weapons charge.

Categories: Ohio News

Case against fugitive accused in fatal shooting near north Columbus bar moving forward

News Channel 4 - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 06:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The case against a suspect in a fatal shooting outside a Columbus bar is moving forward after an arrest was made last month.

According to court records, a tentative trial date has been set in the case against Andre Jordan, who is accused of killing 40-year-old Bryan Morris. Jordan, 34, is alleged to have shot Morris outside of Ledo’s Tavern, in the Old North neighborhood.

On Aug. 8, police arrived at the intersection of North High and Duncan streets and found Morris suffering from a gunshot wound. He was hospitalized around 2:30 a.m. in critical condition and died soon after.

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  • One person was shot dead near Ledo's Tavern in Old North Columbus, Aug. 8, 2025 (NBC4/Gracie Collins)
  • One person was shot dead nearof Ledo's Tavern in Old North Columbus, Aug. 8, 2025 (NBC4/Ronald Clark)
  • P:olice search for a suspect in New Albany after one person was shot dead outside of Ledo's Tavern in Old North Columbus, Aug. 8, 2025 (NBC4/Ronald Clark)

Jordan reportedly left in a white BMW, which was found parked at an apartment complex near New Albany. Police identified Jordan as the suspect in a media release that evening, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Six days later, the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team was conducting surveillance on Jordan’s suspected significant other and followed her to a hotel in Springfield. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the hotel and saw Jordan getting out of another vehicle and entering a hotel corridor.

Upon notifying Jordan and other occupants of his room of their presence, Jordan reportedly fired a shot through the window and toward the outdoor pool, where additional officers were positioned. After an hours-long standoff, and several more shots fired from Jordan’s room, he surrendered with no injuries reported.

Jordan was detained at Clark County Jail until extradition to Franklin County, which took place on Aug. 27. He was arraigned in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas on Aug. 28 and issued a $2 million bond.

A trial date was set for Oct. 1, although it could be delayed.

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Jordan is facing charges of aggravated murder, murder, tampering with evidence, having weapons under disability and unlawful use of a weapon as a violent career criminal. Watch an earlier report in the video player above.

Previous felony convictions for Jordan include receiving stolen property (2008), robbery (2010), having weapons under disability (2012) and forgery (2013).

Categories: Ohio News

Longtime Westerville sushi eatery closes, replaced by Miamar Grill

News Channel 4 - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 05:00

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A longtime Westerville Thai and sushi restaurant that permanently closed in August has already been replaced.

Sapporo Sushi Factory at 732 N. State St. in Westerville announced Aug. 6 on social media that it shuttered for good. Known for its sushi boats, Sapporo didn't provide a reason for the closure, but said in the post that "it's the right time."

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"We've made the decision to close our business permanently," Sapporo said. "We're truly grateful for everyone who supported us, whether you stopped by once or were with us from the beginning. Thank you for being part of our story."

It's unclear how long the Westerville sushi spot was open, though previous social media posts show that the restaurant briefly closed in 2015 when it transitioned to new management and expanded its hours to being open seven a days a week.

Now, Miamar Grill is open at the North State location and boasts serving up "delicious dishes, crafted with care."

"Whether it’s a quick bite for lunch or a long dinner, we’ve got the perfect plate for you. Visit us and make your meal unforgettable," Miamar's social media pages state. "Casual dinning, no reservation required."

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The grill opened on Aug. 19 with a menu that includes salads, sandwiches, soups, subs, seafood entrees, and dinner options like Cajun chicken, beef skewers and lamb chops. A kids menu, desserts and a selection of appetizers round out the offerings.

Miamar is open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Categories: Ohio News

Hummingbirds leaving Ohio as they begin their migration south for winter

News Channel 4 - Sat, 09/13/2025 - 04:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio residents will likely spot their last hummingbirds of the year soon, as the birds stop to refuel at feeders before migrating south for the winter.

In August, hummingbirds typically begin traveling south to their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. The birds continue to depart on their journeys throughout September, with the last hummingbirds leaving the state as late as mid-October, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

The migration is triggered by decreased daylight, lower temperatures and dwindling food sources, such as flowers and insects, the American Bird Conservancy stated. 

People can support the tiny birds on their long journeys by maintaining feeders with hummingbird nectar throughout the fall, according to the National Audubon Society. The environmental nonprofit noted leaving out feeders will not deter the birds from migrating south. 

Anyone can create their own hummingbird nectar by adding four parts water to one part table sugar, boiling it and letting it cool. Wildlife experts advise against adding dyes or other additives to the sugar water, and recommend regularly cleaning the feeder to prevent the spread of any diseases. 

A hummingbird’s journey south from the northern United States typically takes around two to three weeks. Research has found that hummingbirds fly at an average speed of 20-30 mph, and can travel up to 500 miles at once during migration, Audubon reported.

During migration, the birds’ wings flap 15 to 80 times a second, and their heart can beat up to 1,260 times a minute, according to Hummingbird Central. To support this high level of energy exertion, the birds will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before the trek. 

Those who regularly leave out hummingbird feeders may see some visitors from years past as they prepare for their expedition. The species can recall feeder locations years later, thanks to its excellent memory, according to the ABC.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds, which boast blue and green metallic feathers, are the most common hummingbird species in the U.S. and the one almost exclusively seen in Ohio. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds are characterized by their bright red neck feathers, while females have white or gray feathers in the same spot. 

  • A male ruby-throated hummingbird. (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)
  • A female ruby-throated hummingbird. (Photo Courtesy/Ohio Division of Wildlife)

Male hummingbirds are typically the first to begin their journey south each year, since they are not involved in raising their offspring. This gives females and young birds enough time to gain weight beforehand, and a staggered departure also ensures less competition for resources, according to the bird feeder company Perky Pet. 

Rufous hummingbirds, identifiable by their orange feathers, are rare in Ohio but have occasionally been spotted in late fall and winter, per the ODNR. 

After Ohio’s hummingbirds travel south for the winter, residents can expect to see the birds again when they return to the state in the spring, likely in mid-April or May. 

Categories: Ohio News

OU grads show Bobcat pride and rally at Combustion Brewery ahead of Ohio State showdown

News Channel 4 - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 21:16

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- More than a hundred Bobcat alumni gathered at Combustion Brewery in Pickerington Friday night for a Bobcat Bash ahead of the Ohio showdown at the Shoe.

There are a large number of Ohio University grads who were born and raised here in central Ohio. They wear Scarlet and Gray every weekend, except for Saturday when OU plays Ohio State.

Many said they don’t believe the Bobcats will beat the Buckeyes, but they are showing up to the game Saturday in green.

“Might be the only time I’m rooting against Ohio State in the Shoe,” said OU grad Patrick Meyer.

“We’re rooting for the Bobcats,” said Keith Jackson, co-owner of Combustion and OU alum.

“Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat,” said Sarah Jackson, the other co-owner and OU grad.

The Jacksons said they were approached by the Central Ohio Alumni Network to host a Bobcat Bash.

“We’ve always wanted to do a big alumni event here, so we were all on board, very excited about it,” said Sarah.

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Ohio University graduates of all ages were at Combustion to celebrate their alma mater’s impending showdown with the Bucks. Some alumni are split on who they want to win.

“I’m an OU alum, but I am rooting for the Buckeyes,” said Meg Heischman. “I grew up here, and I don't want them to ruin their chances for a national championship.”

“Most of the year, you are Ohio State fans. It's kind of like the home team. But being OU alumni and having both of our kids, our daughters here, and so, yeah, definitely going for OU tomorrow,” said Patrick Meyer.

The fans are confident this Ohio matchup is going to be a great time for everyone.

“I think OU fans are just fun to be around, so I think the combination of OU fans and OSU fans. Obviously, we’re fans of both, but we’ve got to go OU, oh yeah, tomorrow,” said Anna Meyer, another OU graduate.

“I think it’ll be fun. I think everybody will get along. It's not going to be like Michigan, where there's some hatred. So I think it'll be a good atmosphere, fun atmosphere,” said Jon Heischman, who went to Ohio State.

Some fans are watching for a repeat of the infamous Rufus Bobcat versus Brutus Buckeye brawl 15 years ago.

“Honestly, we're talking about Rufus and Brutus quite a bit just because of what happened last time,” said current OU student Maddie Meyer. “We don’t think Rufus is going to, you know, do it again. But we think it'd be really funny if he did.”

People at Combustion said they expect to see a good mix of red and green at the Shoe Saturday. Some are even wearing a little bit of both colors to show their love of Ohio University and of Buckeye football.

Categories: Ohio News

South Columbus car crash under investigation after two hospitalized

News Channel 4 - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 20:51

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two people were injured in a car accident in south Columbus Friday evening.

Columbus police dispatchers say officers were called to a gas station in the 4500 block of South High Street around 10:09 p.m. on reports of a vehicle accident. One person was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

Man charged in deadly south Columbus shooting

Police say a second person was transported from the accident but was described as stable. Two cars were involved in the incident, and the cause of the collision is under investigation.

Categories: Ohio News

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