Ohio
Ohio’s most dangerous spiders in midst of mating season
OHIO (WJW)- In Ohio, all but one species of spider are venomous, but only two are considered dangerous to humans — the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse.
Fortunately, experts say these spiders are relatively uncommon in the Buckeye State, and spider bites (even small, non-concerning ones) are less common than you might think but here are some notes to keep in mind as both are in the midst of mating season — a time to be more cautious.
Brown Recluse
According to a Common Spiders of Ohio field guide, are “quite rare here” and most spiders believed to be a “Brown Recluse,” even by medical or pest control professionals, are misidentified. Experts note, that usually, the only time someone comes across a Brown Recluse is during mating season in June or July, when the males wander in search of females.
Brown Recluses are most likely to be found in warm, dry, and dark places. Outdoors, they might be spotted near rocks or woodpiles. Indoors they may be found in any area that goes undisturbed.
“At dawn, these wandering individuals may take refuge in clothing lying on the floor. When someone picks up the clothing and puts it on, the spider is crushed against the skin and may bite,” reads the field guide.
-
Brown Recluse Spider isolated on white background -
Brown Recluse Spider sitting on a white background.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a Brown Recluse bite often goes unnoticed at first because they are painless. Bite reactions later vary from a mild irritation to a potentially dangerous reaction.
Dr. Christopher Bazzoli, an emergency physician at the Cleveland Clinic, said those bitten often report a “red, white and blue-type of bite” that becomes visible one to three days later followed by a scab.
According to Dr. Bazzoli, the scab should be monitored.
“When those areas of tissue are killed, in their place is a shallow ulcer or an open wound,” said Bazzoli. “In about 10% of cases of more severe brown recluse bites, you’ll need a plastic or general surgeon to basically clean out that ulcer. You may even need a small skin graft to reduce scarring.”
The Cleveland Clinic reports severe symptoms including rash, fever, dizziness, vomiting, and chills. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Black Widow
According to a Common Spiders of Ohio field guide, the infamous ‘Black Widow’ is not nearly as common in Ohio as in southern states, and only female Black Widows pose a bite risk but, a bite can be serious, and anyone bitten should seek medical attention immediately.
Experts report, that Black Widows are not aggressive but can bite defensively, with most bites taking place when someone brushes up against a web.
Black Widow breeding season takes place in late spring and early summer.
“When they’re laying eggs, female black widow spiders can be a little bit more defensive,” said Dr. Bazzoli. “We often see black widow bites on the hands and the ankles — the places where people are reaching into an area.”
-
A Black widow rolling up a fresh kill -
A black widow eating a captured roach -
a spider captures food in her web in Aransas National wildlife Refuge
Black Widows prefer warm and dry climates. Outdoors they may be found under rock ledges, woodpiles or in gardening equipment. Indoor experts say they are more likely to hide in cluttered areas such as basements, closets, and attics.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the venom of a Black Widow attacks the nerve endings in muscles, causing symptoms such as severe, bodywide muscle pain and cramping.
A black widow spider bite causes a sharp pain, followed by numbness. The Cleveland Clinic reports symptoms can include trouble breathing, swollen or droopy eyes, headache, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating, and fever. CLICK HERE to learn more.
When’s Ohio’s 2026 primary election? Date, candidates, changes to know
See which candidates are conditionally qualified for Ohio’s 2026 primary ballot and key election deadlines.
Ohio’s primary election season has begun – Election Day is May 5. Ohio’s candidates are vying for spots on the ballot for the November midterm elections.
That’s nothing new, but Ohio made significant changes to mail-in voting that voters need to know about.
What has changed with Ohio’s mail-in ballots?
Voting through a mail-in ballot? There are some changes voters should know.
Signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine in December 2025, Senate Bill 293 requires absentee ballots to arrive by the close of polls to be counted, with an exception for military and overseas voters.
Any mail-in or absentee ballots must now be received before or on Election Day by 7:30 p.m. in order to be counted. There is no longer a 4-day grace period after Election Day.
The primary election is May 5, and the general election is Nov. 3, 2026.
So, when should you send your mail-in ballot in Ohio? The sooner the better. The U.S. Postal Service does not necessarily postmark your mail the day it is received unless you specifically request it. So, you ballot may not make it to a postal processing center until the day after you drop it in a mailbox.
When does Ohio early voting start? Key dates for early, absentee, mail-in votes
The primary election will be held May 5, 2026, according to this year’s voting schedule.
Early in‑person voting began on April 7, including the Saturday and Sunday before Election Day. Absentee voting by mail also began on April 7.
On Election Day, May 5, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by your local board of elections by 7:30 p.m., per the voting schedule.
Ohio voter registration deadlines for 2026 elections
Ohioans must register or update their voter registration no later than 30 days before an election. The registration deadline for the May 5 primary was April 6, 2026.
Here are the upcoming voter registration deadlines in 2026:
- April 6, 2026, for the May 5, 2026, primary and special election
- October 5, 2026, for the November 3, 2026, general election
If you register or update your information after the deadline, the changes will apply for the next election.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mrs. Mary Lucille Young, 74, of Youngstown, departed this life on Friday, April 10, 2026 at her residence where God welcomed her home.
Mary, affectionately known as “Mary Lou” and “Tang”, was born March 8, 1952 in Youngstown, a daughter of Lawrence and Ada Mae Alexander Hamilton Young.
She was a proud 1971 graduate of South High School.
Mary was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.
She attended Louis Weinberger Hill Beauty School, and was accepted as a model with Barbizon Modeling Agency.
Mary worked and retired from Youngstown Sheet and Tube.
She enjoyed looking her best, dancing, shopping, casinos and decorating her home. Mary was strong, bold and took no mess. She was loved by many people.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her pride and joy, two daughters, Adalatesha Bright and Richlynn Bright; two sons, Ja-Juan Young and Dr. Ty-Juan Bright all of Youngstown; five grandchildren; two sisters, Cynthia (Floyd) Davis, Janet (Steve) Gardner both of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Lamar Young; three brothers, Isaiah, Edward, Lorenzo Young.
Private services were held at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lucille Young, please visit our floral store.
The NWSL is once again expanding, this time the league is heading to Ohio where Columbus NWSL 2028 will take the field. Of course, Columbus NWSL 2028 is a placeholder for now and the the new team will unveil its name, crest, and uniform to build an identity around as it approaches its first season.
News of the club was announced yesterday, though this has been in the works for some time, in a press conference. Team owners, the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, spoke about what they hope the club will bring to Columbus and women’s soccer more broadly.
“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world.”
Nationwide insurance has been a corporate partner in both NWSL and MLS for years and now joins an ownership group deepening those ties. “Today’s announcement is about inspiring young athletes across Central Ohio, elevating women’s professional sports and reminding the world that Columbus is a first-class sports city,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide Chief Executive Officer. “As Nationwide marks 100 years, this is a powerful way to celebrate our milestone with the community that has been our home from the very beginning.”
The Edwards family has deep roots in the Columbus soccer scene with Dr. Pete Edwards serving as team doctor for the Crew in 1996 and the family joining the team’s ownership in 2019 during the Save The Crew effort. “Columbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, we’ve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. We’ve seen how a men’s professional soccer team has brought people together and created a positive impact in our community. It’s truly special to now welcome an NWSL club and the incredible women athletes who will also uplift our city on and off the pitch,” said Dr. Christine Edwards. “We’re very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we can’t wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Club’s first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.”
The NWSL has continued its expansion with the announcement and the team will join Atlanta in its inaugural season in two years.
-
Georgia17 seconds agoWildfires rage across Georgia and northern Florida amid severe drought
-
Hawaii6 minutes agoBench in Honokaʻa to Hilo storefront: Knickknackery Hawaii brings old-time island charm to Hilo
-
Idaho12 minutes agoIdaho ranks last in per pupil spending, again – Local News 8
-
Illinois18 minutes agoArlington Heights Bears fans cheer as ‘Megaprojects’ bill passes Illinois House
-
Indiana24 minutes ago99th Fire Department Instructors Conference draws 38,000 firefighters to Indy
-
Iowa30 minutes agoSee where all 9 Iowa State women’s basketball transfers ended up
-
Kentucky42 minutes agoIntrepido horse trainer, jockey, owner for Kentucky Derby 2026
-
Louisiana48 minutes ago2 critical, multiple hurt following mass shooting at Mall of Louisiana