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Columbus Diocese Lowers Confirmation Age

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Columbus Diocese Lowers Confirmation Age
Bishop Earl Fernandes addresses the Diocese of Columbus on the new confirmation age policy starting in 2025.

Columbus Diocese Lowers Confirmation Age

Columbus, Ohio – Bishop Earl Fernandes has announced that the Diocese of Columbus will officially lower the age for the Catholic sacrament of confirmation to students in the fourth gradeโ€”typically 9 to 10 years old. The new initiative will begin in fall 2025, with full implementation across all parishes and schools by 2029.

This significant change comes after years of study, discussion, and input from pastors, religious educators, and Catholic school staff. The goal is to provide children with spiritual support and strengthen their Catholic identity amid increasing societal challenges.

“We are witnessing a generation facing challenges to their faith at a much earlier age,” said Bishop Fernandes in a public address. “Our young people need the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit much sooner.” He noted that the traditional confirmation ageโ€”typically between ages 12 and 16โ€”has not prevented youth from drifting away from the faith.

The bishop emphasized that confirmation should not be seen as a โ€œgraduationโ€ from religious life, but rather a vital sacramental foundation to accompany children through their formative years. The new plan aims to build stronger family engagement in catechesis and reinforce the Churchโ€™s presence in children’s daily lives.

This move aligns the Columbus Diocese with a growing national trend, following similar decisions by dioceses in Pensacola-Tallahassee, Baltimore, Seattle, and Baton Rouge. Each diocese has taken steps to adjust confirmation timing in order to address early secular influences and declining youth participation in church life.

Over the next four years, the Columbus Diocese will roll out comprehensive training for parish catechists, Catholic school educators, and religious education teams to ensure a smooth transition and strong formation programming.


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82-Year-Old Woman Killed in Head-On Collision on Route 36 in Delaware County, Ohio

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82-Year-Old Woman Killed in Head-On Collision on Route 36 in Delaware County, Ohio
Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates the scene of a fatal crash involving two vehicles on Route 36 in Delaware County.

82-Year-Old Woman Killed in Head-On Collision on Route 36 in Delaware County, Ohio

A tragic two-vehicle collision in Scioto Township on Saturday evening has left one woman dead, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

The crash occurred at approximately 5:05 p.m. on State Route 36 near milepost 1.

Investigators report that a Buick Enclave traveling eastbound crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound Honda Accord. The impact forced both vehicles off opposite sides of the road, with each striking a ditch.

The driver of the Honda Accord, identified as Brenda Farley, age 82, of Mechanicsburg, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Buick suffered minor injuries and was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus for treatment.

According to authorities, all occupants were wearing seatbelts, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation by OSHP.


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Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and Nepali Among Columbus’ Fastest-Growing Languages

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Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and Nepali Among Columbus' Fastest-Growing Languages
Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and Nepali Among Columbus’ Fastest-Growing Languages

Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and Nepali Among Columbus’ Fastest-Growing Languages

Columbus, Ohio – As Columbus continues to grow, so does its linguistic and cultural diversity. According to the recently released Franklin County 2025 Healthmap, a significant number of residents are now speaking languages other than English at home โ€” with languages like Spanish, Somali, Arabic, French, Nepali, and several West African languages seeing steady increases.

Spanish remains the dominant non-English language in Columbus, with speakers rising from 49,949 in 2019 to 56,763 in 2022. However, the city’s changing immigrant and refugee demographics are fueling growth in other language groups.

Angela Plummer, Executive Director of Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), noted that the rise is consistent with an increase in resettled refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and various African nations following global conflicts in recent years.



Growing Language Communities in Columbus (2019โ€“2022):

  • Arabic speakers nearly doubled from 8,437 to 15,285
  • Somali and Afro-Asiatic language speakers increased from 25,051 to 27,074
  • West African languages (e.g., Yoruba, Twi, Igbo): from 10,904 to 12,435
  • Nepali and Marathi speakers grew from 9,668 to 11,076
  • French and French dialects rose from 5,789 to 7,579
  • Chinese language speakers decreased significantly from 13,072 to 8,188

Columbus currently holds the second-largest Somali population in the U.S., following Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Language Diversity by ZIP Code in Franklin County

The Healthmap report also breaks down language use by ZIP code, revealing concentrated diversity in specific neighborhoods:

  • 43231 (Northland/Minerva Park):
    • 26% speak a non-English language
    • Top countries of origin: Somalia, Ghana, Kenya
  • 43229 (Forest Park/Northland):
    • 21% non-English speakers
    • Common origins: Ghana, El Salvador, Somalia
  • 43224 (North Linden/Maize-Morse):
    • 20% speak another language
    • Dominant origins: Somalia, Ghana, Mexico
  • 43219 (East Columbus/North Central):
    • 16% speak a non-English language
    • Birth countries: Somalia, Mexico, India

This growing multilingual population reflects Columbus’s transformation into a global city โ€” not only economically, but also culturally and linguistically.


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5-Year-Old Mansfield Boy Dies After Being Left in Hot Car for Hours

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5-Year-Old Mansfield Boy Dies After Being Left in Hot Car for Hours
Experts urge parents to check the back seat every time they exit a vehicle to prevent hot car tragedies.

5-Year-Old Mansfield Boy Dies After Being Left in Hot Car for Hours

A 5-year-old boy has tragically died after being left inside his motherโ€™s vehicle for nearly nine hours on a scorching summer day. Authorities were called to a parking lot on Marion Avenue around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, where they found the child unresponsive in his motherโ€™s arms.

Investigators report that the child had likely been left in the vehicle since 6:30 a.m., as outdoor temperatures soared to 91ยฐF. The boy was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Educators and caregivers in the Mansfield area are devastated. Olivia Kidd, a kindergarten teacher and daycare worker who knew the boy, described him as “a sweet, funny, and loving child who brought joy to every room he entered.”

โ€œHe told me he loved me every single day,โ€ Kidd said. โ€œIt is heartbreaking. I will remember him at every T-ball game, every school event โ€” everything.โ€

Child safety advocates are using this tragedy to remind parents and caregivers about the life-threatening dangers of hot cars. According to Kids and Car Safety, this incident marks the ninth hot car death in the U.S. this year.

Safety Tips for Parents & Caregivers During Hot Weather:

  • Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.
  • Place visual cues like a diaper bag or toy in the front seat.
  • Always open the back door after parking โ€” even if you think it is empty.
  • Keep essentials (phone, purse, laptop) in the back seat as a reminder.
  • Ask daycare providers to alert you if your child has not arrived on time.
  • Clearly confirm with others who is responsible for removing each child from the vehicle.

Lt. Nicholas Davis of the Columbus Division of Fire emphasized:

โ€œEven a quick errand can turn deadly in extreme heat. A few minutes can be fatal for a child in a hot car.โ€

Police are continuing to investigate. Prosecutors will determine whether charges will be filed once all facts are reviewed.


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Ottawa County Water Treatment Plant Worker Found Dead

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Ottawa County Water Treatment Plant Worker Found Dead
Ottawa County officials respond to a fatal accident at the local water treatment plant

Ottawa County Water Treatment Plant Worker Found Dead

Authorities in Ottawa County, Ohio, have confirmed the tragic death of a longtime employee at the Ottawa County Water Treatment Plant on June 23, 2025, but have ruled out foul play.

The deceased, identified as Jeffrey Kukay, was found unresponsive in Filter Tank #1 at around 6:15 a.m. He was discovered wearing a safety harness inside the open-top tank, suggesting an accident during routine duties.

Kukay, who had served at the plant for over 20 years, had completed his 7 p.m. water sample test during a 12-hour overnight shift. Further tests were not conducted, prompting a precautionary boil water advisory across Ottawa County.

County officials, including Sheriff Stephen Levorchick and Sanitary Engineer Zachary Mulder, emphasized that no signs of trauma or criminal activity were found.

As a safety measure, the boil advisory remains in effect in select areas, with Port Clinton being the first to be cleared. Full clearance across the county is expected by Thursday evening, pending final water safety results.

County agencies have provided bottled water and home flushing guidelines through the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), ensuring public safety.

Counseling support has also been extended to employees and Kukay’s family as the coronerโ€™s office continues its investigation into the exact cause of death.


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Celebrate Somali Independence Day 2025 in Grove City with Cultural Dance, Music & Family Fun

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Somali Independence Day Grove City, West side Ohio

Somali Independence Day Grove City, west side Ohio

Join the Somali community in Columbus, Ohio, for a vibrant celebration of Somali Independence Day 2025 on June 28th from 4 PM to 10 PM at 4500 Big Run South Rd, Grove City, OH 43123.

This family-friendly event features a full lineup of entertainment including Somali Bantu cultural dance, live performances by Safiya Tusmo, Al Fanaan Bimalo, Al Fanaan J King, and Abdinur Daljir, and exciting kids’ activities like inflatables and obstacle courses.

Organized by the Community Initiative for Social Service Organization and Dalmar TV, this cultural festival brings together community members, leaders, and sponsors in a celebration of unity, freedom, and heritage.

For more information, contact:
๐Ÿ“ž Abdihakim Abdirahman at (614) 596-8136
๐Ÿ“ž Shafi Shafat at (614) 772-8631

Come celebrate Somali culture, enjoy authentic entertainment, and connect with your community!


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Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I-70 Near Reynoldsburg -One person dead, one injured

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Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I-70 Near Reynoldsburg -One person dead, one injured
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I-70 Near Reynoldsburg

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I-70 Near Reynoldsburg -One person dead, one injured

A deadly multi-vehicle crash occurred in the early hours of June 26 on Interstate 70 near Brice Road, just south of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, resulting in one fatality and another person being hospitalized.

According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to reports of a collision at approximately 1:49 a.m. Two individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Sadly, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at 3:02 a.m. The second victim is currently in stable condition.

The crash involved multiple vehicles, causing significant traffic disruption. I-70 was temporarily closed as emergency responders secured the scene and cleared the wreckage. The highway has since reopened to traffic.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Updates will follow as more details become available.


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Columbus Judge Launches Delaware County teen driving program

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Columbus Judge Launches Delaware County teen driving program
Judge Hejmanowski shares the consequences of unsafe driving during a Columbus juvenile court session.

Columbus Judge Launches Delaware County teen driving program

In Delaware Countyโ€™s juvenile traffic court, teens accompanied by their parents stand before Judge David Hejmanowski each week to face consequences for low-level traffic offensesโ€”such as speeding, failing to stop, or minor accidents. Most will lose their licenses for about a month, face fines, and earn a stern warning from the veteran judge.

But this is not just about punishment. Judge Hejmanowski keeps a sobering list with himโ€”names of local teens who lost their lives in traffic crashes over the past five years. “It is much too long,” he tells them, urging more careful driving.

To help prevent future tragedies, Hejmanowski is spearheading a new teen driver safety initiative using $30,000 from the countyโ€™s title fund. Launching this July, the program will offer hands-on advanced driving skillsโ€”such as maneuvering on icy roads, reacting to unexpected obstacles, and mastering safe habits behind the wheel.

The goal? To reduce juvenile traffic incidents before they escalate into fatal accidents. In 2023, 90% of the 685 juvenile traffic cases involved minor misdemeanorsโ€”like seatbelt violations or fender benders.

By partnering with experienced teen driver education providers, like Better Ohio Teen Drivers, the court will offer reduced license suspensions in exchange for program participation.

This proactive approach is fueled by years of heartbreaking experience. As Judge Hejmanowski explains, itโ€™s often minor errors that lead to devastating outcomesโ€”like a simple overcorrection on a gravel road or hitting a patch of black ice.

โ€œI have seen too many promising lives cut short,โ€ he said. โ€œI am done watching youth die in preventable crashes.โ€

This innovative program puts Columbus and Delaware County on the map for pioneering teen traffic safety reformsโ€”and saving lives before tragedy strikes.


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Columbus Homebuyer Resource Fair Empowers Residents with Tools for Affordable Homeownership

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Columbus Homebuyer Resource Fair Empowers Residents with Tools for Affordable Homeownership
Attendees speak with financial advisors and explore housing options at the 2025 Columbus Homebuyer Resource Fair

Columbus Homebuyer Resource Fair Empowers Residents with Tools for Affordable Homeownership

Columbus, Ohio – In the face of rising home prices, many aspiring homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, feel like their dream of owning a home is slipping away. But a recent Homebuyer Resource Fair aimed to change that narrative.

Organized in collaboration with Fifth Third Bank, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and COCIC-Franklin County Land Bank, the event served as a community-focused initiative to equip residents with essential tools for navigating the path to homeownership.

Attendees were invited to sit down with financial advisors, explore personalized planning options, and gather valuable information to begin their homebuying journey. A standout feature of the fair was the Fifth Third eBusโ€”a mobile financial empowerment center offering on-the-spot financial education, access to social services, and banking tools.

โ€œItโ€™s all about finding a reliable advisorโ€”whether itโ€™s your bank or another expertโ€”who can guide you through setting realistic homeownership goals,โ€ explained Mary Propes, Financial Wellness Manager at Fifth Third Bank.

Propes emphasized that even those not quite ready to buy can benefit by setting long-term goals for the next one to five years. Contrary to common belief, a massive savings account isnโ€™t always necessaryโ€”but strategic planning is.

One attendee, Justina Brown, shared how the event helped her begin the homebuying process with clarity.

โ€œUnderstanding credit and where to access resources is crucial. This event showed me we have helpโ€”I just need to use it,โ€ she said.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency also unveiled its 2025 First-Time Homebuyer Guide, outlining essential steps such as consulting a lender, budgeting realistically, hiring a real estate agent, and preparing for hidden costs like inspections and insurance.

Propes offered a final tip:

โ€œJust because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it all. Consider your full financial pictureโ€”including everyday expenses.โ€

Residents can continue accessing Fifth Third Bankโ€™s mobile eBus services at upcoming stops this week:

  • June 25: Lower Lights Health Center (10 AM โ€“ 4 PM)
  • June 26: Student Success Block Party @ Clarence Lumpkin Point of Pride (4 PM โ€“ 7 PM)
  • June 27: IMPACT Community Action (9 AM โ€“ 4 PM)

For many in Franklin County, events like this mark a new chapter in their journey toward affordable homeownership.


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Vice President JD Vance Delivers Powerful Keynote at GOP Dinner in Lima, Ohio

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Vice President JD Vance Delivers Powerful Keynote at GOP Dinner in Lima, Ohio
Vice President J.D. Vance addresses supporters at a sold-out Ohio Republican event in Lima

Vice President JD Vance Delivers Powerful Keynote at GOP Dinner in Lima, Ohio

Lima, Ohio – Vice President JD Vance made a notable return to his home state of Ohio on Tuesday, where he headlined the Ohio Republican Partyโ€™s sold-out dinner in Lima. Over 1,000 GOP leaders and grassroots conservatives from across the state gathered for what was dubbed an โ€œevening of support.โ€

Vance began with light humor, referencing global affairs, before delving into serious topics such as U.S. military strategy, recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and President Trumpโ€™s commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

He outlined the โ€œTrump Doctrineโ€, emphasizing Americaโ€™s need to define its interests, engage in tough negotiations, and, if required, apply overwhelming military force to protect national security.

The Vice President also addressed pressing issues like illegal immigration, border security, and the economic implications of Trump-era tariffs.

Born in Middletown, Ohio, Vance’s inspiring life journey from a troubled youth to becoming a best-selling author, venture capitalist, U.S. Senator, and now Vice President, resonated strongly with attendees.

His 2016 memoir, โ€œHillbilly Elegyโ€, which became a national bestseller, significantly influenced his political rise, cementing his relationship with the Trump family. With support from Donald Trump, Vance returned to Ohio, focused on fighting the opioid crisis, and launched a political career that led to his 2021 Senate victoryโ€”powered by Trumpโ€™s endorsement.

Now as Vice President of the United States, Vance continues to share his conservative vision for America and remains deeply connected to Ohioโ€™s political landscape.


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