Larry Phillips
Fort Worth
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Articles by Larry Phillips
Vivid autumn colors begin to explode across northern Ohio
COLUMBUS — Driving through northern Ohio, bright fall color stretches along the roadways and fills the tree canopies. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) says sugar maples are still blazing with spectacular hues, while dogwoods are settling into rich, velvety reds and purples.
Vivid autumn colors begin to explode across northern Ohio
COLUMBUS — Driving through northern Ohio, bright fall color stretches along the roadways and fills the tree canopies. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) says sugar maples are still blazing with spectacular hues, while dogwoods are settling into rich, velvety reds and purples.
Friends of the Richland County Park District to host Fall Festival at Fleming Falls
MANSFIELD — The Friends of the Richland County Park District is hosting its first annual Fall Festival, Fall at the Falls, on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the beautiful Fleming Falls Preserve, 2294 Fleming Falls Road, Mansfield. The festival will be a day full of family friendly fun with a campfire, s’mores, hay rides, guided hikes, live music, pumpkin decorating and face painting for the kids.
Ohio firefighters among nationwide wildfire response team in 2026
COLUMBUS – Battling wildfires is a year-round, nationwide team effort, and this year, when called upon, Ohio wildland firefighters answered the bell many times. Wildland firefighters, including those from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, have spent 2026 supporting wildfire response efforts across the country and mobilizing personnel and equipment to incidents in Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, and Oregon.
Lake Erie selected North America’s best fishing hotspot
Lake Erie has been named North America’s best fishing hotspot, according to new research analysing 59 bodies of water across the USA and Canada. The study, analyzed by Hard Rock Bet, ranked fishing locations using factors including total catches, catches per angler, visitor ratings, number of ratings and Google search interest.
Colts rally in 4th quarter to overcome Highland in tense tussle
SPARTA — Clear Fork’s clash with backyard rival Highland became more uncomfortable as the night unfolded. It reached a near fever pitch until the final 61 seconds, when Nash Evans burst through on an 8-yard bolt to finally put the Colts in front for good in a 20-14 Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference win. That touchdown offset a fine performance by the Scots’ Kane Stover. The senior standout, and cousin to former Lexington Mr. Football Cade Stover, ran for 132 yards and all 14 points.
Ohio firefighters are among nationwide wildfire response team in 2026
COLUMBUS – Battling wildfires is a year-round, nationwide team effort, and this year, when called upon, Ohio wildland firefighters answered the bell many times. Wildland firefighters, including those from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, have spent 2026 supporting wildfire response efforts across the country and mobilizing personnel and equipment to incidents in Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, and Oregon.
OHSAA releases weekly football computer ratings
COLUMBUS – The Ohio High School Athletic Association released the official football computer ratings on Tuesday afternoon. The weekly ratings report is released each Tuesday for the remainder of the season, leading up to the final report on Sunday, October 25. The top 12 in each region will qualify for the playoffs, with the top four seeds getting a first-round bye. The top 16 schools in each region are listed below.
18-year-old pleads guilty in crash that killed off-duty Ohio police officer
JACKSON — An 18-year-old from Jackson County has admitted his involvement in a crash last year that killed an off-duty Wellston police officer and injured another, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced Tuesday. The defendant, who has since moved to Athens County, pleaded guilty Monday to a second-degree felony count of aggravated vehicular homicide and a third-degree felony count of aggravated vehicular assault in Jackson County Juvenile Court.
Bayer to invest $2.2 billion for manufacturing site in New Albany
COLUMBUS — Bayer plans to invest $2.2 billion in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing site in New Albany, according to a Friday afternoon press release issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Bayer and JobsOhio. Bayer is expected to create around 600 high-value jobs in the New Albany International Business Park and roughly 1,500 construction jobs during the facility’s construction.
Vibrant fall colors are in Ohio’s October forecast
COLUMBUS – For many Ohioans, autumn represents pumpkin carving, the harvest season, Halloween campouts, and corn mazes. Spotting the first glimpse of fall color — seeing the leaves changing to strong reds, vivid yellows, and bold oranges — is also a favorite activity. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will help people find the best places to view the changing colors throughout the season with weekly updates starting Oct. 1.
Ohio’s minimum wage will increase by 3.5 percent in 2027
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance’s Bureau of Wage and Hour Administration announces that Ohio’s minimum wage will officially increase on Jan. 1, 2027. The adjusted amounts, $11.40 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.70 per hour for tipped employees, represents a 3.5-percent increase from the current 2026 rates of $11 for non-tipped employees and $5.50 for tipped employees.
Bayer to invest $2.2 billion for manufacturing site in New Albany
COLUMBUS — Bayer plans to invest $2.2 billion in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing site in New Albany, according to a Friday afternoon press release issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Bayer and JobsOhio. Bayer is expected to create around 600 high-value jobs in the New Albany International Business Park and roughly 1,500 construction jobs during the facility’s construction.
Letter to the Editor: October is national Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month
October is National Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event to honor individuals living in long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home and call attention to their rights. It is an opportunity to focus on the dignity, respect, and quality of life experienced by each individual receiving long-term care services and supports. The federal Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees these rights and places strong emphasis on individual choice and self-determination.
U.S. Marshals detail shooting incident in suspect’s death at Akron residence
AKRON – A 34-year-old man died Thursday in Akron after a shooting incident involving authorities who were trying to arrest him, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Authorities stated that at approximately 8:30 a.m. members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force attempted to arrest Johnathan Moore, 34, for an active felony warrant for Vandalism at a home in the 500 block of Brown Street.
Delaware woman indicted in theft from food pantry
DELAWARE — A former co-director of a Delaware food pantry has been indicted for allegedly stealing at least $37,500 from the organization and its donors, including elderly Ohioans, Attorney General Andy Wilson announced on Wednesday afternoon. Kathryn Whiting, 62, of Delaware, faces felony charges of theft from a person in a protected class, telecommunications fraud, and prohibited acts and practices for charities in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
Willard man sentenced to 24 years in prison for child sexual abuse and firearms offenses
TOLEDO – A 46-year-old man was sentenced to federal prison for sending and receiving child pornography through a social media platform and for committing firearms offenses. Ricardo Gibson, of Willard, was sentenced to 292 months (24.33 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick after pleading guilty in May to the charges in the indictment: Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).
18 Ohio Medicaid providers indicted on fraud charges
COLUMBUS — Indictments filed this week by the office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson accuse 18 Medicaid providers of stealing more than $355,000 from the government healthcare program for the needy. “No matter the scale, Medicaid fraud is a crime against taxpayers and the Ohioans who rely on the program for their medical care,” Wilson said.
Columbus pedestrian killed in I-71 crash in Morrow County
MOUNT GILEAD – A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed Thursday night while standing on I-71 near mile post 147, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Brandon Miller, 38, of Columbus, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Morrow County Emergency Services, authorities stated. The incident took place at approximately 10:23 p.m. in Harmony Township of Morrow County.
New Phila. man sentenced to prison after killing truck driver that encroached on his lawn
CADIZ, Ohio — A Harrison County man was sentenced Wednesday to 24 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a New Philadelphia man after the victim drove a tanker truck onto the edge of the defendant’s lawn, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced. “This was a senseless crime that warrants today’s sentence of time behind bars,” Wilson said.
Stop with the wet weather already; I gotta mow my yard! Original
MANSFIELD — Need to mow your yard? Me too, but it’s probably going to be a few more days. Sarah Potes, director of the Richland County Emergency Management Agency passed along the forecast Tuesday afternoon from the National Weather Service. Here are the expected weather impacts for the coming week: Temperatures are anticipated to trend slightly above normal to near normal as we head into October.
Madison teacher Matt Godsil headlines Kokosing Valley Arts Alliance workshop at Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON — The Kokosing Valley Arts Alliance (KVAA) will welcome accomplished Ohio landscape painter and longtime Madison art teacher Matt Godsil for a free Arts Alliance Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the historic Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon. The event is free and open to the public and is generously sponsored by Bickerdyke Table & Tap in partnership with the Woodward Opera House.
Willard man dies after last week’s crash with truck driven by Mansfield man
NEW HAVEN – A Willard man died Sunday after a two-vehicle crash on Sept. 16 in Huron County, according to the Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Edwin Lynch, 74, of Willard, suffered serious injuries at the scene. He was later flown to Cleveland Metro Hospital where he was pronounced deceased on Sept. 20. The crash happened at the intersection of State Route 61 and State Route 103 at 10:15 a.m. in New Haven Township.
ODNR launches new website to buy Ohio-grown trees
COLUMBUS – From buckeye to pawpaw to American chestnut, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry is making it easier for Ohioans to purchase locally-grown trees with the Buckeye State Tree Nursery online ordering system. Customers can visit nursery.ohiodnr.gov to browse available tree species and place orders directly online. The new system expands access to seedlings grown at the Buckeye State Tree Nursery in Zanesville.
Lucas ground attack brings home first victory in Northern 10 Conference
COLUMBUS — Four weeks are in the books for Ohio’s high school football season and here’s who earned the spotlight last Friday night: -Lucas’ Brady Anschutz ran for 147 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown while Brady Guegold added 136 yards on 22 carries and a score in the Cubs’ 28-22 Northern 10 Conference football victory over Willard. Carter Cox added 38 yards and a TD and Cooper Day ran for 29 yards and a score as the Cubs piled up 366 yards rushing for the game.
Ohio School Report Cards show 5-year high in literacy proficiency
COLUMBUS —Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin announced Tuesday the release of the 2026 Ohio School Report Cards. The results show Ohio students are making significant gains in literacy, with statewide English language arts proficiency reaching a five-year high of 62.2 percent.
ODNR celebrates fall migration with 3rd annual Headlands Birding Festival
MENTOR — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has announced the return of the third annual Headlands Birding Festival, happening Sept. 18 to 20, at Headlands Beach State Park and other nearby natural areas. This vibrant, three-day event celebrates the breathtaking phenomenon of fall migration, when countless bird species travel thousands of miles on their journeys to wintering grounds — some as far away as South America.
Ohio ranks third nationally for high school sports participation
COLUMBUS — Ohio ranks as the third-largest state for high school sports participation with almost 350,000 high school student-athletes during the 2025-26 school year, according to the annual NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, trailing only Texas and California.
Motorcycle passenger from Ashley killed in Sept. 4 crash on U.S. 42 in Morrow County
MOUNT GILEAD – An Ashley woman was killed and another person was hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Sept. 4 in Morrow County, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Amanda Pickens, 38, of Ashley, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Morrow County EMS. Tyler Weaver, 30, of Cardington, was injured as a result of the crash and was transported to Morrow County Hospital. The incident took place at approximately 8:02 p.m., in Westfield Township of Morrow County.
Ohio ranks third nationally for high school sports participation
COLUMBUS – Ohio ranks as the third-largest state for high school sports participation with almost 350,000 high school student-athletes during the 2025-26 school year, according to the annual NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, trailing only Texas and California.
Ohio father and son convicted for their roles in murder of USPS mail carrier
CLEVELAND – A federal jury convicted a father and son Thursday for their roles in the pre-meditated murder of an on-duty United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in March of 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. After a nearly two-week-long trial in front of U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent, Kaprise Sledge, 24, of Warren, and Thomas Sledge, 44 of Youngstown, were found guilty of: Murder of an Officer and Employee of the United States.
U.S. Marshals: 79 reported missing children found in Ohio
COLUMBUS – A total of 79 reported missing children have been found in Ohio during Operation Meridian, according to the United States Marshals Pete Elliott, of Northern Ohio and, Michael Black of Southern Ohio. The U.S. Marshals Service, in coordination with its federal, state, and local partners announced Monday morning the successful conclusion of an operation that located missing and endangered children cases between the ages of 6 and 17 across the state.
U.S. Marshals: 79 reported missing children found in Ohio
COLUMBUS – A total of 79 reported missing children have been found in Ohio during Operation Meridian, according to the United States Marshals Pete Elliott, of Northern Ohio and, Michael Black of Southern Ohio. The U.S. Marshals Service, in coordination with its federal, state, and local partners announced Monday morning the successful conclusion of an operation that located missing and endangered children cases between the ages of 6 and 17 across the state.
Ohio father and son convicted for their roles in murder of USPS mail carrier
CLEVELAND – A federal jury convicted a father and son Thursday for their roles in the pre-meditated murder of an on-duty United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in March of 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. After a nearly two-week-long trial in front of U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent, Kaprise Sledge, 24, of Warren, and Thomas Sledge, 44 of Youngstown, were found guilty of: Murder of an Officer and Employee of the United States.
Ohio teachers can bring the great outdoors to the classroom for free
COLUMBUS – Ohio: Wild at Heart, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ movie and educational experience, is available for schools to play in classrooms. In fall 2025, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and MacGillivray Freeman Films invited audiences to experience the film in giant-screen theaters. The film is now available online for free and available for streaming in classrooms.
Ohio AG announces $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta for safety measures on Instagram, Facebook
Skip to content Home » Ohio AG announces $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta for safety measures on Instagram, Facebook Enter the code sent to your email Email address Enter your password Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email. We'll send a verification code to . Sign in or create a free account to continue with Delaware Source and stay connected to trustworthy local news that matters to you.
State Fire Marshal K‑9 Finn retires after nearly a decade of dedicated service
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal celebrated the retirement of Ignitable Liquid Detection K-9 Finnegan “Finn” Tuesday afternoon. The Division held a special send-off ceremony at its campus in Reynoldsburg to recognize the labrador retriever’s distinguished nine-year career, which involved serving alongside fire investigators throughout the state, primarily in southern Ohio.
Husted: Helping Ohioans afford their first home
Dear friends and neighbors, For many Ohio families, owning a home is a cornerstone of their American Dream. Unfortunately, for too many working families, that dream feels out of reach. I believe hard work should open the door to opportunity, and that includes making it easier to achieve the goal of owning a home. That’s why I introduced the First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in the United States Senate.
Trump: $3.15 million to expand pharmacy connectivity throughout rural Ohio communities
The Trump Administration announced Wednesday that $3.15 million investment is being delivered to strengthen pharmacy connectivity and improve care across rural communities in Ohio through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Mansfield man killed in Tuesday night motorcycle crash
MANSFIELD – A Mansfield man was killed Tuesday night after a motorcycle crash, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Wesley Perdue, 27, of Mansfield, was pronounced dead at the scene, the Patrol stated. The incident took place on South Trimble Road near West Cook Road in Madison Township, at 11:27 p.m. The preliminary investigation shows a 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic was traveling south on South Trimble Road.
Ohio AG announces $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta for safety measures on Instagram, Facebook
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement on Wednesday with Meta that will require the company to implement sweeping new safety measures designed to better protect children and teens on Instagram and Facebook. “With this historic settlement, Meta agrees to establish meaningful protections for young users,” Wilson said.
Trump: $3.15 million to expand pharmacy connectivity throughout rural Ohio communities
The Trump Administration announced Wednesday that $3.15 million investment is being delivered to strengthen pharmacy connectivity and improve care across rural communities in Ohio through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Columbus man charged with threatening to murder U.S. Congressman and his family
ORLANDO, Fla. – Alex Justin Miller, 26, of Columbus, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of a threat to injure, according to a Tuesday press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the criminal complaint, on Aug.
Justice Dept. sues Ohio landlord for sexual harassment & retaliation against female tenants
YOUNGSTOWN — — The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the owner and manager of rental properties located in and around Girard, Ohio, for engaging in sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges that Alfred Falgiani, Jr., 72, of Girard, sexually harassed female tenants beginning in 2008.
Ohio AG: Grand jury issues indictments in sweeping child sex abuse, endangerment cases
MCARTHUR, Ohio — A Vinton County grand jury issued indictments in three criminal cases involving sexual abuse and child endangerment, Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer, Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain and Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced Friday. “These indictments are the latest developments in the ongoing investigations, but our work is far from complete,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson.
U.S. Marshals: Man arrested in New Phila. sought in Canton murder, arson case
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A man was arrested in New Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon who was sought by Canton Police for aggravated murder and aggravated arson, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
State Fire Marshal K‑9 Finn retires after nearly a decade of dedicated service
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal celebrated the retirement of Ignitable Liquid Detection K-9 Finnegan “Finn” Tuesday afternoon. The Division held a special send-off ceremony at its campus in Reynoldsburg to recognize the labrador retriever’s distinguished nine-year career, which involved serving alongside fire investigators throughout the state, primarily in southern Ohio.
More than $675,000 in missing money discovered at the 2026 Ohio State Fair
COLUMBUS –Thousands of attendees at this year’s Ohio State Fair took the first step to reconnect with their missing money thanks to outreach and educational efforts of the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds. The Fair officially concluded this evening. Throughout the event, the Division had representatives available at a dedicated kiosk located in the agency’s ‘Exploration Commerce’ booth to assist fairgoers in uncovering forgotten money.
Dreamers Academy welcomes kindergartners a day early
SARASOTA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - Dreamers Academy welcomed its newest kindergarten students Friday, giving them a one-day head start before the rest of the school returns to class Monday. The Sarasota public charter school said the annual early start is meant to help young students and their families ease into the school year. Parents walked their children to classrooms before gathering for breakfast with the school's head of school and administrative team.
Ohio State Highway Patrol promotes bus safety ahead of new school year
COLUMBUS – As a new school year approaches, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging drivers to promote safety by sharing the road with school buses and following all traffic laws. The Patrol is also reminding school districts of the importance of staying up to date on school bus inspections. “Every student in Ohio deserves a safe ride to and from school, and that safety is a responsibility all drivers share,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.
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