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Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Employee Admits to Smuggling Drugs into Local Jail

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Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Officer Admits to Smuggling Drugs into Local Jail
Investigation launched after Franklin County jail staff admits to smuggling Suboxone

Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Employee Admits to Smuggling Drugs into Local Jail

Since December, the family of Courtney Rhode has been searching for answers after her tragic fentanyl overdose inside the James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Franklin County. Despite an ongoing investigation, her family says they have received no clarity on how she obtained the drugs.

New concerns have emerged following a search warrant that revealed a Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Office employee admitted to bringing Suboxone into the Jackson Pike Jail on at least three occasions for a specific inmate. The staff member allegedly had the drugs in her purse during questioning and has since been charged with conveyance.

Rhodeโ€™s aunt, Stacy Collins, said this discovery has sparked new questions about jail security. โ€œAre we just going to keep allowing this to happen?โ€ she asked in an interview with 10 Investigates.

Major Mychal Turner of the Sheriffโ€™s Office confirmed that Suboxone is one of the most commonly trafficked drugs in county jails. While procedures exist for searching inmates, attorneys, and contractors, questions remain about how staff members are vetted.

Collins insists more must be done: โ€œStaff should be checked all the time before shifts, after breaks, everything. That is the only way to stop this.โ€

Despite repeated requests for comment on the employee in question, the Sheriffโ€™s Office has not responded. Data shows that more than 200 people have died from overdoses in Franklin County jails since 2021, and there are still no clear answers regarding staff accountability.


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American Dreams Tour Kicks Off in Columbus to Champion LGBTQ+ Rights

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American Dreams Tour Kicks Off in Columbus to Champion LGBTQ+ Rights
The Human Rights Campaign launched its 2025 American Dreams Tour in Columbus, Ohio

American Dreams Tour Kicks Off in Columbus to Champion LGBTQ+ Rights

Columbus, Ohio – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a national leader in LGBTQ+ rights, selected Columbus, Ohio as the launch site for its American Dreams Tour: Equality Across America, which kicked off on July 30, 2025.

HRCโ€™s President, Kelley Robinson, emphasized the importance of sharing personal LGBTQ+ stories to challenge stigma and spark change. โ€œReal progress starts in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities,โ€ Robinson stated, adding that storytelling is a powerful tool against censorship and discrimination.

Despite statewide challenges including Ohioโ€™s low ranking in LGBTQ+ inclusivity (ranked 39th by Out Leadership) and its poor showing on the State Equality Index, Columbus stands out as a beacon for change. The city recently launched an official LGBTQ+ Commission to advise leaders on inclusion and equity.

Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin, an openly gay official, welcomed the national spotlight, saying itโ€™s no surprise the tour began here. โ€œWhile state legislation moves backward, Columbus is moving forward with love, progress, and policy,โ€ he noted.

The tour stop featured:

  • A community celebration with U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3)
  • A roundtable discussion at City Hall with local LGBTQ+ advocates
  • Conversations at Stonewall Columbus, a key LGBTQ+ community hub

Ohio is also the home of Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage. The stateโ€™s complex legacy makes Columbus a fitting place to initiate a new push for equality.

The American Dreams Tour will continue across 12 U.S. cities, elevating stories and pushing back against anti-LGBTQ+ efforts at all levels of government.


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2025 Hartford Independent Fair – What to Expect

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2025 Hartford Independent Fair
2025 Hartford Independent Fair

2025 Hartford Independent Fair – What to Expect

If you are looking for unforgettable family fun this summer, the 2025 Hartford Independent Fair is where you need to be. Taking place from August 3โ€“9 at the Hartford Fairgrounds in Licking County, this iconic Ohio event offers a full week of exciting activities, contests, live entertainment, motorsports, and community celebrations.

Now in its 167th year, the fair has earned the title โ€œThe Biggest Little Fair in the Worldโ€ and for good reason.


Featured Events & Entertainment Highlights

Hereโ€™s what to look forward to at the 2025 Hartford Independent Fair:

  • Aug 3:
    • Lumberjack Contest โ€“ 12 p.m. at the Grandstands
    • Pedal Tractor Pull โ€“ 3 p.m. at Grubb Arena
    • Car Show โ€“ 10:30 a.m.
    • Live Music โ€“ 8 p.m. in the Beer Garden
  • Aug 4:
    • Derbydog Demolition Derby โ€“ 7:30 p.m. at the Grandstands
    • Columbus Zoo Visit โ€“ 1 p.m. at the Natural Resources Area
  • Aug 5:
    • KOI Drag Racing โ€“ 7:30 p.m.
  • Aug 6:
    • Monster Truck Show โ€“ 7:30 p.m.
  • Aug 7:
    • Motocross Racing โ€“ 7:30 p.m.
    • Archery and Paddling hosted by Licking Park District
  • Aug 8:
    • Rough Truck Event โ€“ 7:30 p.m.
  • Aug 9:
    • Hartford Fair Autocross โ€“ 7 p.m.

Live music will take place every night from 8โ€“10 p.m. and there is plenty more for all ages throughout the fairgrounds.


Ticket Information & Pricing

  • Daily Admission:
    • $10 at the gate
    • $9.50 online
  • Weekly Pass:
    • $60 at the fair
    • $55 online
  • Kids Under 8: Free
  • Rides Break: Daily from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
  • Grandstand Seating: Free and open to all (no reservations)

Parking, Camping & Accessibility

  • Free Parking at Gates A and D
  • Preferred Lot: $20/week
  • Livestock Trailer Lot: $50/week
  • Camping:
    • Electric Sites: $350
    • Non-Electric/Concession: $250

The fairground enforces rules prohibiting alcohol, weapons, drones, glass containers, and unauthorized vehicles. Only service dogs are allowed.


Community Involvement & Special Features

The fair is more than rides and races โ€” itโ€™s about giving back. Community organizations, including the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will offer inclusive resources such as an accessible restroom and sensory room for individuals with special needs.

The โ€œFight the Hunger, Stock the Trailerโ€ initiative also returns, encouraging visitors to donate food and funds to support the Food Pantry Network of Licking County and junior fair programs.


Location & More Information

๐Ÿ“ Hartford Fairgrounds
14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013
For schedules, vendor info, and updates, visit: www.hartfordfair.com


Why Visit the 2025 Hartford Independent Fair?

The 2025 Hartford Independent Fair offers an authentic blend of rural charm, family-friendly events, and big entertainment. Whether you are a local or visiting from Columbus or nearby towns, this fair promises a memorable summer experience for all.


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Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer Program Paused Amid Budget Cuts

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Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer Program Paused Amid Budget Cuts
Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer players during practice in Columbus, Ohio

Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer Program Paused Amid Budget Cuts

Columbus, Ohio โ€” The future of the Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer program is uncertain after budget cuts forced MY Project USA to temporarily suspend operations. The soccer initiative has served as a safe haven for more than 150 children in the Hilltop area, protecting them from street violence, drugs, and gang involvement.

Since its launch eight years ago, the program has become a beacon of hope for underserved youth, providing athletic training, leadership development, mentorship, and educational support. Some players have even progressed to the Columbus Crew Academy, earning opportunities to thrive both on and off the field.

โ€œThe Hilltop Tigers are more than just a soccer team, they are a family,โ€ said Zerqa Abid, Executive Director of MY Project USA. โ€œThis pause is heartbreaking, but necessary given the severe funding challenges we are facing.โ€

The nonprofit is now prioritizing basic needs such as food distribution, academic programs, and healthcare services which serve the same families whose children are part of the Tigers team. With limited funding from city, state, and federal levels, tough decisions had to be made.

The cost to run the program is approximately $230,000 annually, covering coaches’ salaries, indoor facility rentals, transportation, and meals. By comparison, Franklin County reportedly spends over $185,000 per year to incarcerate one youth a figure that underscores the preventative value of the Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer initiative.

Coach Bashir Ahmed, who has been a mentor to many players, shared concerns about the ripple effects of halting the program. โ€œWithout the Tigers, we risk losing these kids to the streets. This team provides purpose, discipline, and a consistent support system.โ€

Despite the setback, MY Project USA is actively seeking new funding through grants and community donations to resume the program as soon as possible.

โ€œWe are not giving up,โ€ Abid said. โ€œWe are committed to bringing back Hilltop Tigers Youth Soccer and we need the communityโ€™s support to do it.โ€


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Dorothy Teater, Columbus Womenโ€™s Political Pioneer, Dies at 94

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Dorothy Teater, Columbus Womenโ€™s Political Pioneer, Dies at 94
Dorothy Teater, a trailblazer in Columbus politics, dies at 94.

Dorothy Teater, Columbus Womenโ€™s Political Pioneer, Dies at 94

COLUMBUS, OHIO โ€” July 30, 2025 โ€” Dorothy Teater dies at 94, leaving behind a legacy as one of Columbusโ€™s most influential political leaders and a trailblazer for women in public service.

Teater passed away on July 29 at Ohio State University Hospital due to heart failure, her family confirmed. Known for her integrity, bold leadership, and dedication to community service, Teater made history as the first woman elected Franklin County Commissioner in 1984 โ€” a groundbreaking moment in central Ohio politics.

Before that, she served on the Columbus City Council, where she was elected in 1979 and re-elected in 1983. In 1999, she became the first woman to run for Columbus mayor on a major party ticket, challenging Michael Coleman in a historic race that marked a pivotal point for diversity in city leadership.

โ€œDorothy was a true trailblazer,โ€ said Mike Curtin, former Ohio House Representative and Dispatch editor. โ€œShe opened the door for women in politics and never held back from speaking her mind.โ€

Her son, Andy Teater, currently a member of the Hilliard City Council, said his parents modeled a life of faith, honesty, and public service. โ€œWe were lucky to have such strong role models,โ€ he said.

Dorothyโ€™s late husband, Bob Teater, also served Ohio with distinction, including as director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. He helped establish The Wilds wildlife conservation center and served three terms on the Columbus Board of Education. Together, the couple was widely regarded as a โ€œdynamic duoโ€ in Ohioโ€™s civic life.

Though she and Coleman were political rivals, he remembered her with great respect. โ€œI admired her deeply,โ€ Coleman said, recalling a moment when Teater even beat him in a horse and buggy race at Scioto Downs. โ€œWe always laughed about that.โ€

As Columbus remembers Dorothy Teater, her lifeโ€™s work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders , especially women who see public service as a path to real and lasting change.


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Why Are So Many Roads Closed in West Columbus and Prairie Township This Week?

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Roads Closed in West Columbus and Prairie Township This Week?
Temporary detours in Prairie Township due to Norfolk Southern rail work โ€“ July 2025.

Why Are So Many Roads Closed in West Columbus and Prairie Township This Week?

If you have recently found yourself rerouting through unfamiliar neighborhoods in West Columbus or Prairie Township, you are not alone. Thousands of residents and commuters are facing major disruptions due to road closures caused by ongoing railroad maintenance by Norfolk Southern.

The affected areas span nearly 5 miles of track, with temporary closures at:

  • Phillipi Road
  • Hilliard Rome Road
  • Doherty Road
  • Alton Darby Creek Road
  • Cole Road
  • Amity Road

These closures, some of which were announced with little to no notice, have caused severe congestion on key corridors like West Broad Street, especially west of I-270โ€”currently the only viable route across the railroad line in some areas.

Local governments, including Franklin County and the City of Columbus, say they werenโ€™t given sufficient notice about the closures. Some officials only became aware after residents began reporting blocked roads.

Carla Marable from the Franklin County Engineerโ€™s Office noted that while their team usually gives one weekโ€™s notice, changes in the contractorโ€™s schedule made timely updates difficult. โ€œWe recognize the inconvenience and are working on better coordination in the future,โ€ she said.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact on first responders. Prairie Township leaders mentioned that residents’ safety could be compromised without clear communication and advanced planning.

Long-term solutions are being explored. A proposed bridge project over the railroad at Hilliard Rome Road, with an estimated cost of $30 million, is intended to improve traffic flow and emergency access. However, it did not receive federal funding in the latest grant cycle.

Meanwhile, Prairie Townshipโ€™s fire department has implemented new tech to monitor emergency response routes and minimize delays.


Road Closure Timeline:

  • July 28 โ€“ July 30:
    • Phillipi Road
    • Hilliard Rome Road
    • Doherty Road
  • July 29 โ€“ July 31:
    • Alton Darby Creek Road
    • Cole Road
    • Amity Road

Residents are encouraged to follow local government pages and news sources for real-time updates on roads closed in West Columbus and surrounding areas.


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Second Lady Usha Vance visits Ohio State Fair

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Second Lady Usha Vance visits Ohio State Fair
Usha Vance reads โ€œThe Very Hungry Caterpillarโ€ with Fran DeWine at the Ohio State Fair’s storytime event promoting childrenโ€™s literacy.

Second Lady Usha Vance visits Ohio State Fair

Columbus, Ohio – Second Lady Usha Vance visited the Ohio State Fair on Sunday for a joyful and educational mission to spark a love of reading among Ohioโ€™s children. Joined by Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine, the event took place at the ODNR Amphitheater and featured Storytime, a fireside chat, and the official launch of Vanceโ€™s Summer Reading Challenge.

Speaking to a lively audience of kids and their families, Vance shared how childhood reading programs once inspired her own passion for books. โ€œReading is a door,โ€ she said. โ€œIt can take you to a different country, a different time, even a different planet.โ€

The Summer Reading Challenge, open to Kโ€“8 students across Ohio, encourages children to read 12 books of their choice between June 1 and September 5. Participants log their progress and write brief reflections. Upon completion, kids can mail in their logs to receive a certificate, a small prize, and a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. with a guardian.

Vanceโ€™s initiative complements Fran DeWineโ€™s long-standing support for Dolly Partonโ€™s Imagination Library of Ohio, which delivers free books monthly to kids under five. Today, over 400,000 children in Ohio are enrolledโ€”the highest number nationwide.

DeWine and Vance also shared a delightful reading of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. To mark the occasion, DeWine wore themed earrings and invited families to take part in a scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds. Winners received their own copy of the beloved childrenโ€™s book.

This memorable event highlighted the importance of literacy, imagination, and community engagement. Vanceโ€™s appearance coincided with Vice President JD Vanceโ€™s visit to Metallus, a Canton-based steel manufacturer, as part of the federal governmentโ€™s One Big Beautiful Bill Act initiative.

As the fair continues, so does the message: books have the power to change lives and Ohioโ€™s leaders are working to ensure every child gets that opportunity.


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Columbus approves $2.9 billion spending bill

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Columbus approves $2.9 billion spending bill
Downtown Columbus, Ohio โ€“ one of the key areas benefiting from the $2.9 billion spending bill.

Columbus approves $2.9 billion spending bill

Columbus, Ohio – In a historic decision, Columbus City Council approved a $2.9 billion spending bill, the largest operating budget in the cityโ€™s history. This substantial investment for 2025 focuses on key priorities such as public safety, affordable housing, and critical infrastructure development.

Among the major allocations:

  • $14 million for the construction of a new Easton Police Substation
  • $1 billion toward building the cityโ€™s fourth water treatment plant
  • $50 million to fund affordable housing projects
  • $9 million for the cityโ€™s first-ever participatory budgeting initiative, allowing residents to vote on local neighborhood projects

Councilmember Nick Bankston highlighted the importance of investing in roads, bridges, and neighborhood parks, calling them essential to improving quality of life for Columbus residents. Mayor Andrew Ginther emphasized the focus on ensuring every resident is safe, healthy, and housed whether they live on the east side, west side, or anywhere in between.

The spending bill also includes:

  • $1 million to upgrade the Milo-Grogan Youth Center at Star House
  • $450,000 for renovations at Freedom and Joan Parks

With council approval now in place, the city auditor is authorized to issue bonds to fund these long-term capital projects.

This bold budget reflects the growing needs of Columbus as it continues to expand and modernize. It represents not just a financial plan, but a commitment to the city’s people and future.


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Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy to Be Sentenced Monday for 2020 Shooting of Andre Hill

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Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy to Be Sentenced for 2020 Shooting of Andre Hill
Adam Coy appears in Franklin County Court for sentencing in the fatal 2020 shooting of Andre Hill.

Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy to Be Sentenced Monday for 2020 Shooting of Andre Hill

Columbus, Ohio โ€” Former Columbus police officer Adam Coy is set to receive his prison sentence nearly five years after the fatal shooting of Andre Hill, an unarmed Black man. The sentencing hearing will take place on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Coy, now 48 years old, was convicted in November 2024 on charges of murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault. These charges stem from the December 22, 2020, incident in which Coy shot Hill four times while responding to a non-emergency call in northwest Columbus.

Hill, 47, was holding a phone with its screen lit and had a set of keys in his other hand when Coy opened fire. Coy later claimed he believed Hill was holding a firearm. However, it was determined he was unarmed.

Significantly, Coy failed to activate his body-worn camera until after the shooting, capturing only 60 seconds of silent footage prior to the incident. Subsequent footage showed Coy failing to provide immediate medical assistance to Hill, who later died at a local hospital.

The trial had faced multiple delays โ€” initially scheduled for March 2022, postponed due to Coy’s Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in 2023. After a two-week trial and 12 hours of jury deliberation, the conviction was handed down.

Adam Coy is facing a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in prison. He had previously filed a motion for a new trial, but it was denied in June 2025 by Judge Stephen McIntosh.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.


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Flash Flooding Closes Groveport Golf Course, Central Ohio

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Flash Flooding Closes Groveport Golf Course, Central Ohio
lash flooding at The Links at Groveport submerged vehicles and forced closure

Flash Flooding Closes Groveport Golf Course, Central Ohio

Severe flash flooding on July 26 forced the closure of The Links at Groveport Golf Course in Central Ohio. One car was found submerged in a sand filtration pit, and at least three other vehicles were left stranded overnight as floodwaters quickly rose due to heavy rain from Little Walnut Creek.

Golf course director Tom Walker confirmed that nearly 4 inches of rain fell in under an hour, leading to the abrupt flooding. โ€œIt is not unusual for us to close for a day or two in early spring due to rain, but this was different,โ€ he said. โ€œOne vehicle was lifted into the sand pit by the rising water. Others couldnโ€™t start once water reached above their tailpipes.โ€

The National Weather Service lifted the flood warning on the morning of July 27, but a flood advisory remained in effect for Fairfield County. Roads were closed in the area, and additional rain is expected with an 80% chance of storms.

Meteorologist Toms Franks said rainfall totals varied dramatically across Central Ohio. While John Glenn International Airport reported 0.91 inches, Groveport recorded nearly four inches. โ€œStorm systems stalled over Groveport, dropping rain repeatedly in a short time,โ€ Franks explained. He also emphasized that climate change is contributing to more intense storms and higher flash flood risks.

Walker is now concerned about long-term damage to the course. If more rain falls, heat could scorch the already waterlogged turf, which would be devastating. โ€œWe lost the back nine fairways in 2017 under similar conditions,โ€ he said. โ€œWe will do what we can, but we donโ€™t want a long closure. This is a public course that served over 36,000 rounds last year, and weekends bring up to 250 golfers.โ€


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