Columbus Man, 21, was arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office after robbing a Brinks armored vehicle employee in Valleyview.
Columbus Man, Yelon Shepherd Arrested for Robbing Brinks Employee in Valleyview – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of snatching a bag full of cash from a Brinks armored vehicle employee in Valleyview.
Yelon Shepherd, 21, faces serious charges of robbery and felony theft following the incident that occurred early Wednesday morning. Deputies responded to a call about a man who stole a money bag from an employee of the Brinks armored delivery service.
The employee was in the process of servicing an ATM at a store located on the 2800 block of Valleyview Drive when Shepherd approached, grabbed the bag of cash, and fled the scene. Despite the employee’s attempt to chase after him, Shepherd managed to escape in a dark Ford SUV, the sheriff’s office reported.
Later that evening, around 11:30 p.m., authorities tracked Shepherd down and arrested him. He is now being held at the Franklin County Jail.
Shepherd appeared for an arraignment hearing on Friday morning at the Franklin County Municipal Court. The judge set his bond at $20,000 in cash and imposed a condition preventing him from returning to the store involved in the robbery.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 614-525-3351.
Stay tuned for further updates as this case develops.
The New Albany Roundabout at Main and Market Streets will temporarily close for gas line repairs this weekend. Stay updated on detours and roadwork times.
New Albany Roundabout at Main and Market Streets to Close This Weekend for Gas Line Maintenance
Columbia Gas will be conducting essential repairs to a gas main, which will result in a temporary road closure in New Albany this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know:
Closure Details:
Location: Main Street (U.S. 62) at the Market and Main Streets roundabout in the heart of New Albany.
Affected Lane: The northbound lane through the roundabout will be closed.
When: The closure will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Work begins at 7 a.m. Saturday and will continue until midnight. The road will be reopened overnight before work resumes on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for final repairs.
Southbound Lane: The southbound lane will remain open throughout the weekend.
Detours and Updates: To minimize disruptions, the city will implement detours and post message boards along the route to keep drivers informed of any updates or changes. Make sure to follow posted signs to navigate around the closure.
This necessary repair work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe and reliable gas service. Plan your routes accordingly and allow extra time for travel.
Stay informed for any further updates on this closure, and be prepared for changes in traffic flow.
Columbus Winter 2024-2025: A look at snowfall, temperatures, and severity rankings.
Columbus Winter 2024-2025: How It Compares to History
Spring is officially here! The vernal equinox has passed, marking the start of a new season in the Northern Hemisphere—including right here in Columbus.
Even though winter is technically behind us, the chill in the air says otherwise, with temperatures dipping into the 20s this week. But how does this past winter stack up against Columbus’ historical winters? Let’s break it down using data from the Midwest Regional Climate Center.
How Harsh Was Columbus’ Winter This Year?
While you may still be shivering from recent cold snaps, Columbus’ 2024-2025 winter was classified as only “moderate” in severity, according to the Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI).
What Is AWSSI?
AWSSI is a scoring system used by climate experts to rank winter severity based on key factors like:
Snowfall accumulation
Snow depth
High and low temperatures
A higher AWSSI score means a harsher winter, while a lower score indicates milder conditions. This year, Columbus recorded an AWSSI score of 319, placing it 52nd out of 74 recorded winters—meaning it ranks among the 25 least severe winters in local history.
Columbus’ Most Intense Winters on Record
For comparison, here are the harshest winters in Columbus based on AWSSI scores:
While the calendar says winter ends in March, AWSSI defines the season differently. According to this system, winter starts when:
The first measurable snowfall (≥ 0.1 inch) occurs
The first high temperature stays at or below 32°F
If neither happens early, winter officially starts on December 1
Winter ends when:
The last measurable snowfall occurs
The last day with at least 1 inch of snow on the ground
The last day where the high temperature is 32°F or colder
If none of these conditions continue, winter ends on February 28/29
Could More Snow Be Coming?
Even though spring is here, winter may not be done with Columbus just yet! In fact, history shows that snowfall in Columbus has happened as late as May 9, 1923, when 0.3 inches of snow fell. So, while the flowers may be blooming, keep that winter coat handy—just in case.
Jack Sawyer’s performance at Ohio State has earned him a spot in the 2025 NFL Draft, with projections placing him close to home in Cincinnati.
Former Ohio State Star Jack Sawyer Lands Ideal NFL Destination in Latest Mock Draft, Keeping Him Close to Home
The Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2024 football team boasted an elite roster, securing the program’s first National Championship in a decade. With a wealth of talent returning for 2024, expectations were high in Columbus. As the season concludes, many Buckeyes are now eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft, where Ohio State could challenge the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs’ record of 15 draft picks.
One standout player who’s generating significant buzz for the 2025 NFL Draft is Jack Sawyer, a former five-star recruit and Ohio State fan favorite. He’s set to be selected in the upcoming draft, with a bright future ahead in the NFL.
Jack Sawyer’s Projected NFL Draft Destination: Cincinnati Bengals a Strong Fit
In the latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Jack Sawyer is expected to be picked up in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals, a destination that fits his skill set. For Ohio State fans, Sawyer’s potential move to Cincinnati would be exciting, as it would keep him close to home and allow fans to watch his progress on the field.
Sawyer’s career at Ohio State was marked by his impressive pass-rushing ability, and Cincinnati could provide the perfect opportunity for him to thrive. With former Buckeye Sam Hubbard retiring, the Bengals have a clear need for another edge rusher to help strengthen their defensive line.
Despite not testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, Sawyer’s solid pass-rushing profile, coupled with his five-star recruit status and experience in big games, makes him a strong candidate for a Day 2 selection. His ability to fit the Bengals’ defensive scheme makes this landing spot even more likely.
Jack Sawyer’s Impact at Ohio State: A Playmaker with Leadership
Throughout his time at Ohio State, Jack Sawyer demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays. One of his most notable moments came during the Cotton Bowl when he scooped up a fumble and ran it over 70 yards for a touchdown to seal the Buckeyes’ victory over Texas.
In 2024, Sawyer finished with 9 sacks, 59 tackles, and 1 interception. Known for his leadership on and off the field, Sawyer is not only a talented player but also a high-character teammate. Many may not know that Sawyer was also a Division I basketball recruit in high school, showcasing his diverse athletic abilities.
Where Will Jack Sawyer Go in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Jack Sawyer is expected to be drafted in the second or third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Cincinnati Bengals being a strong contender for his services. However, the Cleveland Browns could also be in the mix, as they’re looking to add more depth behind their star pass rusher, Myles Garrett.
Wherever Sawyer lands, one thing is certain: Buckeye fans will continue to support him as he takes the next step in his football career.
Whitehall is taking action to protect immigrant rights and ensure access to gender-affirming care, making the city a safer and more inclusive place for all residents.
Whitehall Council Moves to Protect Immigrant Rights and Gender-Affirming Care
Whitehallis taking significant steps to uphold the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals by ensuring they can use restrooms in city buildings that align with their gender identity. Additionally, the city is working to prevent local resources from being used in federal mass deportations while strengthening protections for immigrants and individuals seeking gender-affirming health care.
During a recent City Council meeting, Council Member Amy Harcar introduced two resolutions aimed at safeguarding immigrant rights and designating Whitehall as a safe haven for gender-affirming medical care.
Harcar explained that her initiative was inspired by similar efforts in other communities. Her goal is to create an environment where immigrants and individuals seeking gender-affirming care feel safe and respected in Whitehall. To ensure these measures effectively address community needs, Harcar will collaborate with another council member and local residents to gather feedback. Whitehall residents interested in contributing can reach out via email at [email protected].
Key Aspects of the Proposed Resolutions
Immigrant Rights Protection
Whitehall will not use local resources to enforce federal immigration laws or aid in mass deportations.
Immigrants and refugees, regardless of status, will be treated with dignity and fairness.
The city will provide essential services—such as food, healthcare, education, and housing—to all residents, irrespective of immigration status.
Language access services will be available to help immigrant communities engage in civic life.
Support for Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Whitehall will ban conversion therapy within city limits.
Transgender and nonbinary individuals will have the right to use restrooms that align with their gender expression in city buildings.
The city will protect legal access to gender-affirming healthcare.
No person or organization will face criminal prosecution or penalties for providing or receiving gender-affirming care.
While there is no set timeline for when these resolutions will go before the full City Council for a vote, Whitehall is actively working to shape policies that foster inclusivity, safety, and equal rights for all.
Stay updated on Whitehall’s progress and share your thoughts by reaching out to [email protected].
Former Union County Humane Society executive director Steffen Baldwin sentenced for animal cruelty and fraud involving euthanized dogs.
Former Humane Agent Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Animal Cruelty and Fraudulent Pet Rehabilitation Scheme
Steffen Baldwin, the former executive director of the Union County Humane Society, has been sentenced to 15½ years in prison after being convicted of a disturbing scheme that exploited pet owners and rescue groups. Baldwin, 44, promised to rehabilitate dogs or find them new homes for a fee, but instead kept the payments for personal gain and euthanized the animals without permission.
Baldwin was found guilty of 32 charges, including animal cruelty, theft, bribery, and other serious offenses, following a January 2024 trial. In addition to his lengthy prison sentence, Baldwin is permanently banned from owning or caring for any animals.
Presenting himself as a compassionate dog lover with a 99% success rate in rehabilitating challenging dogs, Baldwin lured pet owners and rescue groups into trusting him. However, he never fulfilled his promises. Instead, he lied about the status of the animals in his care, often claiming they were doing well, when in reality, he had them euthanized. Many of these dogs were perfectly healthy, but Baldwin misled their owners for months, leaving them in the dark.
One heartbreaking case involved Remi, a 3-year-old pit bull. The Kargakos family from No Fear Rescue entrusted Baldwin with Remi, who had been labeled a “dangerous dog” after two bite incidents. Baldwin assured them that he could remove this designation for $1,000. However, after receiving the payment and taking Remi into his custody, Baldwin made no effort to follow through on his promise and, instead, euthanized the dog in December 2016, falsely claiming Remi had been severely injured in a dog fight.
Baldwin also deceived the Blue Chip Rescue group regarding a dog named Gucci, telling them that Gucci was happily adopted when, in fact, the dog had been euthanized months earlier.
Arrested in August 2020, Baldwin faced 42 felony charges related to the deaths of at least 18 dogs. He will serve time in prison and remain under post-release control (parole) for up to five years upon his release.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of trusting responsible, transparent animal care professionals and the devastating consequences of exploitation in the pet care industry.
Displaced homeless families and their pets are left without shelter after the Loyalty Inn in Columbus is shut down for safety reasons.
Homeless Families and Their Pets Displaced After Columbus Hotel Closes Due to Safety Concerns
Columbus, OH – Over the weekend, a group of homeless individuals and their pets were left without shelter after the Loyalty Inn, located at 5910 Scarborough Blvd. on Columbus’ Southeast Side, was shut down. This closure follows escalating safety and crime issues at the hotel, which had been used to house 30 residents who could not stay in regular shelters due to the presence of their pets.
The Community Shelter Board had been funding the hotel since mid-December, providing a temporary housing solution for residents coming from homeless camps that the city had ordered to vacate. However, the Loyalty Inn’s closure on Saturday resulted from an agreement between the hotel’s owner and the City Attorney’s Office Property Action Team, which has been working to address the hotel’s ongoing problems.
In 2021, the Franklin County Environmental Court had declared the Loyalty Inn a public nuisance and required the property’s owner to make significant improvements. The current owners have not complied with the court’s orders, and recent inspections found multiple violations, including 17 issues identified by the State Fire Marshal. Over the past year, Columbus police responded to the hotel more than 100 times, further highlighting the building’s safety concerns.
City Attorney Zach Klein expressed his concerns about the challenges the situation presents, stating that had something tragic occurred, his office would have faced serious scrutiny for not acting sooner. Despite offering the hotel owner additional time to relocate residents, the decision was made to close the hotel early.
The shelter program was initially set to last until the end of March, with the Community Shelter Board paying between $43 and $49 per night for the rooms. Following the closure, alternative shelter options were offered, including traditional shelters where pets would be housed at the Franklin County Animal Shelter. However, all the impacted residents declined these options, with some choosing to return to the streets or find other accommodations with friends or family.
This situation underscores the critical shortage of affordable housing in the area. As Community Shelter Board spokesperson Niél Jurist explained, if there were more affordable housing options available, hotels and motels would not need to serve as emergency shelters for the homeless and their pets.
Men arrested in Columbus for trafficking operation, rescuing four victims, including a juvenile.
Two Texas Men Arrested in Columbus for Human Trafficking Operation Involving Juvenile Victim
Columbus, OH – Two men from Texas have been arrested in Columbus, Ohio, following a joint human trafficking operation that rescued four victims, including a juvenile. The suspects, aged 26 and 27, were apprehended on March 13 after a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies in central Ohio. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost confirmed the arrests on Monday, shedding light on the successful operation.
The suspects, one from Houston and the other from Cypress, Texas, were taken into custody by a team from the Columbus SWAT, Sharon Township Police Department, and other law enforcement units. The 26-year-old suspect was arrested after barricading himself inside a home on West Kanawha Avenue in Sharon Township. The operation was carried out by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, along with the Columbus Police SWAT team and the Police And Community Together (PACT) Unit, which succeeded the disbanded Vice Unit.
The investigation began when the FBI’s Houston office and the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted Ohio authorities on March 13, alerting them to a juvenile trafficking victim believed to be in Columbus. Following this tip, law enforcement launched an investigation that led them to the two suspects and the discovery of three additional victims. All four victims were identified as being from Texas.
The victims are currently receiving care and support from the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. One victim was found with the Cypress suspect, while two others were located with the Houston suspect after he barricaded himself. A fourth victim was discovered at a separate location.
Both men face serious charges, including human trafficking and compelling prostitution of a minor. They are currently awaiting extradition back to Texas for further legal proceedings. This successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.
One person died in a fatal crash in Columbus’ Minerva Park neighborhood on March 16, 2025, marking the third deadly crash in less than 24 hours.
Fatal Crash in Minerva Park, Columbus: One Dead and Two Injured
A tragic crash occurred Sunday night in Columbus’ Minerva Park neighborhood, resulting in the death of one person and leaving another injured.
At approximately 10:18 p.m., 30-year-old Melany Devore, from Grove City, was driving southbound on Cleveland Avenue near the intersection of Minerva Avenue in a Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle veered into the northbound lanes, leading to a head-on collision with a Honda Odyssey.
Both drivers were rushed to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. While the driver of the Honda sustained only minor injuries, Devore tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:05 p.m.
The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating the cause of the crash.
Third Fatality in Less Than 24 Hours in Columbus
This incident marks the third fatal crash in Columbus in less than 24 hours. Earlier Sunday afternoon, a 7-year-old boy tragically lost his life after falling out of an SUV and being run over by the vehicle in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood.
In another deadly crash early Monday, a Jeep Cherokee flipped over a guardrail on Interstate 70 near the I-270 interchange, colliding head-on with a semi truck. One person was killed in that crash as well.
All three crashes are still under investigation by local authorities.
Ohio’s highways now rank 10th in the nation for cost-effectiveness and road condition, marking significant progress in safety and infrastructure.
Ohio’s Highways Rank Among the Top 10 in the U.S. for Cost-Effectiveness and Condition
According to the latest 28th Annual Highway Report from The Reason Foundation, Ohio’s highways are now ranked 10th in the nation for cost-effectiveness and overall condition, marking a significant improvement from last year’s position at 17th. This annual report evaluates state highway systems based on multiple factors, including cost-effectiveness, condition, and safety, using data from 2022.
Ohio’s Strong Performance
Ohio’s highway system shines in several key areas, earning top-ten rankings for the following:
Rural Arterial Pavement Condition: With just 0.36% of these two to four-lane highways in poor condition, Ohio ranks 9th nationwide in maintaining smooth roads that connect cities and regions.
Rural Fatality Rate: Ohio boasts the 9th-lowest rural fatality rate, with just 0.86 deaths per 100 million rural vehicle miles traveled, indicating the state’s commitment to road safety.
Capital and Bridge Disbursement Rate: Ohio excels in efficiently managing bridge and highway construction costs, ranking 6th with a rate of 0.55—lower than expected, meaning the state effectively stretches its budget.
Areas for Improvement
However, Ohio’s highways do face challenges in a few areas, particularly in urban regions:
Urban Interstate Pavement Condition: Ranked 32nd, with 4.15% of these critical roads in poor condition, Ohio’s urban interstates need improvement.
Urban Arterial Pavement Condition: Ohio’s urban arterial highways, which serve as major connectors in urban areas, are ranked 36th, with nearly 13% of these roads in poor shape.
Fatality Rate on Other Roadways: Ohio’s fatality rate on minor roads, such as collectors and local routes, is ranked 31st, with 1.56 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, indicating room for improvement in these areas.
How Ohio Compares to Other States
When compared to nearby states, Ohio’s highway system performs better than those in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Among states with similar population sizes, Ohio outperforms Georgia but falls slightly behind Illinois in highway performance.
With continued improvements and investments, Ohio is on track to maintain its position as one of the nation’s leaders in cost-effective and well-maintained highways.
