Thursday, April 17, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1964, Newark native Jerrie Mock landed her single-engine Cessna at Port Columbus International Airport, becoming the first woman to fly solo around the world.

Looking for children’s Easter activities? Several places around the state will host Easter egg hunts this weekend. Find out more in Top Stories.

Big Announcement: The Flyover Podcast is launching on April 28, and we need your help! Before we make episodes available to the public, we’re inviting our readers to join our focus group. You’ll get an exclusive first look (and listen) at episodes on YouTube starting this Monday, April 21, and you’ll have the chance to help shape the podcast by giving feedback to our hosts Ayla and Amy regarding content, format, delivery, and new ideas.

Your voice will be essential in helping shape the future of The Flyover Podcast. To help, just click HERE and click the subscribe button on the Flyover YouTube page (bottom left corner.) We’ll shoot you an email with a private episode link starting Monday, April 21. Thanks for your help!

We’re sponsored today by RYSE, offering an opportunity in new smart home technology.

Fire Triggers Hazmat Response

A large fire broke out after an explosion at fertilizer company Nutrien Ag Solutions in Pickaway County early Wednesday morning, prompting a hazardous materials response.

The fire began about 4 a.m. in a chemical storage building. No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the company’s property at Five Points Pike in Mt. Sterling. The cause of the explosion remained under investigation.

Air quality remained within safe limits, and the state Environmental Protection Agency continued to monitor water runoff.

Residents were asked to stay indoors until the smoke cleared following reports that some people in the area experienced slight respiratory-related discomfort.

Police Parade Honors Young Cancer Patient

Springboro police organized a birthday parade for 6-year-old Eli, who is battling leukemia and dreams of becoming a police officer.

More than 60 cruisers from across the region joined the celebration. Other agencies sent messages of encouragement, including a police unit from Great Britain.

Hamilton Township Police Officer Megan Graham, who is also undergoing cancer treatments, said becoming a police officer was a childhood dream of hers, and “if I have cancer and I can do it, then so can he.”

Diagnosed with T-cell leukemia, Eli is in remission and will continue treatment for two years.

Easter Egg Hunts Ready to Roll

Easter Weekend in Ohio will be packed with family-friendly events, including the Cleveland Botanical Garden hosting a Saturday morning egg hunt alongside crafts and bunny photos, while Cuyahoga Falls offers its 69th annual Egg Dash across three parks. You can see more events here.

Columbus-area events include the Granville Annual Egg Hunt at Bryn Du Mansion and Obetz’s 40,000-egg hunt at Fortress Obetz, both on Saturday. Guide Church’s Easter EGG-splosion is also on Saturday. See a list of central Ohio activities here.

In the Cincinnati area, families on Saturday can visit the zoo for Easter enrichment activities or enjoy Operation Egg Drop in New Richmond. On Friday and Saturday, the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad offers a train ride, egg hunt, and visit with the Easter Bunny. Here are more southwest Ohio events.

Easter Sunday brings more celebrations, including a family brunch and egg hunt at Landoll’s Mohican Castle and the annual egg hunt at Young’s Dairy, where more than 7,000 hard-boiled colored eggs will be up for grabs.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Columbus: The Columbus Messenger ended publication after 50 years due to financial challenges. The newspaper’s editions covering Grove City, Groveport, Madison County, South/Canal Winchester, and Westside also closed. (More)

➤ Akron: School Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson was placed on paid leave after an investigation found he allegedly violated district policies and fostered a “toxic” workplace. (More)

➤ Wright-Patterson AFB: Former base commander Col. Christopher Meeker pleaded guilty to fraternization and disobeying a lawful order. He was sentenced to 21 days of confinement and loss of pay. (More)

➤ Marion: The city was named the 2025 Strongest Town in a national contest recognizing growth in transportation, housing, and fiscal responsibility. (More)

➤ Youngstown: A firefighter was placed on leave after being charged with aggravated menacing for allegedly pointing a rifle at a firefighter from a neighboring department. (More)

➤ East Cleveland: Three former police officers were sentenced to prison for crimes including assault, fraud, and dereliction of duty. (More)

➤ The Columbus Blue Jackets were eliminated from playoff contention after the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2. (Standings)

➤ Kent State fired head football coach Kenni Burns, citing alleged misuse of a credit card and other contract violations. The Golden Flashes went 1-23 under Burns. (More)

➤ Cleveland will field a Division II professional women’s soccer team in 2027 as part of the new WPSL Pro league. (More)

➤ Cincinnati Bearcats baseball outfielder Donovan Ford went viral on social media for making an incredible basket catch in deep center field. (Watch Video)

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➤ Ohio’s first Wawa upscale convenience store opened Wednesday in Liberty Township, marking the Pennsylvania-based chain’s Midwestern debut. Wawa plans to open eight to 10 Ohio locations this year. (More)

➤ Two Toledo businesses say they were scammed by a woman who falsely claimed to represent autism and youth charities in soliciting cash donations. (More)

➤ More than a dozen of the state’s Big Lots stores will reopen in May with new ownership. (Details)

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➤ Leroy Campbell, a 93-year-old Korean War veteran from Miamisburg, was awarded a Purple Heart decades after being injured in combat. (Watch Video Report)

➤ An Ohio State graduate student sued the Trump administration, alleging violations of free speech and due process rights after his visa was revoked following participation in pro-Palestine protests. (More)

➤ State Attorney General Dave Yost, along with 38 other state attorneys general, urged Congress to ban companies from simultaneously owning pharmacy benefit managers and competing pharmacies. (More)

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