Ohio
'Failing Ohio': Hundreds of thousands without power in Cuyahoga County, but officials refuse help from state
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine is offering help to Northeast Ohio after the devastating storms Tuesday, however, Cuyahoga County claims they are handling it. This comes as hundreds of thousands of citizens are still without electricity and wifi, prompting outrage from lawmakers.
Tuesday’s storm was the most powerful to hit Northeast Ohio since 1993 in terms of impact, and crews are still out in the field restoring power to the 400,000 customers who lost it.
“This is becoming a public health crisis,” state Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) said. “It’s catastrophic.”
Upchurch lost power and wifi but said his community members are facing worse.
“The refrigerator isn’t running, people lose food,” he said. “And not to mention, you have residents that have medical conditions that rely on the electricity for their oxygen tanks.”
FirstEnergy’s Ohio President, Torrence Hinton, provided an update on the company’s progress in restoring power to thousands of Northeast Ohio customers Friday morning, saying most customers will have their power back on by next Wednesday.
State Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) also lost power and wifi. He is incredibly frustrated by what he calls FirstEnergy’s lack of preparedness.
“FirstEnergy took $456 million for a grid maintenance fee that they essentially never did any grid maintenance for,” Smith said. “Now, if they would have used that half billion dollars to better prepare the service area, to make the grid more resilient, to replace aging equipment, to do tree trimming in places where lines might be in jeopardy — I got to believe that if that half billion would have been used for its intended purposes and not squirreled away to FirstEnergy shareholders, then we would not be in as bad of a position now as we are.”
The senator is the ranking Democrat on the state’s Energy and Public Utilities Committee and has been a watchdog on FirstEnergy ever since the company bribed Statehouse leadership and admitted to the $61 million bribery scheme.
FirstEnergy has continuously said that this was simply a bad storm.
“The illuminating company has not seen a storm of this nature for about 30 years,” Hinton said.
According to the president, the company is in collaboration with more than 5,000 contractors to help with restoration.
In the wake of the storm, a large swath of News 5’s southern viewing area was flooded by overnight storms early Friday morning.
News 5 and the Scripps Howard Fund are teaming up Friday through Monday for a tornado and flood relief textathon to benefit the Red Cross.
News 5 and Scripps Howard Fund launch textathon for tornado and flood relief
Amid this disaster, Upchurch, Smith and the coalition of Northeast Ohio lawmakers have been asking for help. Gov. Mike DeWine says he is listening. The governor issued a proclamation requiring all state departments and agencies to be ready to use their resources to help the area.
Ohio’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has been monitoring the situation, according to DeWine. His release stated that, at this moment, the Department of Health had issued the only request for assistance regarding medical supplies.
“The state might be able to help the utilities get power restored by helping to clear down trees that are blocking access to streets and, and buildings,” Case Western Reserve University law professor Jonathan Entin said.
But Entin explained that the governor’s office can only do so much. The chain of command starts with the Cuyahoga County EMA, which has to request help. DeWine’s spokesperson, Dan Tierney, told us that so far, they haven’t. When the state team reached out to them to assess, Cuyahoga County allegedly declined.
State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) said this is reprehensible.
“I don’t know what they’re doing down at the county EMA, but whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it way too slow,” Patton said.
We pressed the agency to see why they hadn’t reached out for help. After this story aired, spokesperson Kevin Friis talked with us. In a roundabout way, Friis said that they can handle the requests so far.
“For what we’ve gotten as requests, we’ve been able to fulfill,” Friis said.
However, he then said that they are waiting on jurisdictions within the county to come to them with requests.
“The communities have to identify what their needs are first and that takes some time,” he said. “Then let us know what they need so we can try and source it for them.”
The spokesperson gave an example, admitting that people have been requesting generators for senior high rises.
“We need to know how much power does it need to supply to do emergency power and potentially an elevator,” he added. “The requests that we are still waiting to submit to the state are ones in which we needed more clarification.”
Eventually, the federal government should get involved, Smith said.
“The federal dollars will be needed to make individuals whole who are paying out of pocket for things that insurance won’t cover,” Smith added.
In order to get federal emergency dollars, the county must hit a certain amount in damages, according to the governor’s office. With that formula, Cuyahoga County EMA needs to prove they have $6.7 million in damages.
“What the administrator is saying is to ‘keep your receipts.’ Patton said. “If he wants to physically have receipts to show the $6.7 million, or estimates, he’s waiting too long.”
Tierney explained that it is common for FEMA to come after state assistance with supplies or boots on the ground. Patton doesn’t understand why no supplies or boots have even been on the ground.
“When [the state] contacted locally, [Cuyahoga County] said ‘we have everything under control,’ Patton said, recalling his Zoom Friday morning with the NEO lawmakers, Public Utilities Commission, Ohio EMA, governor’s office and Cuyahoga County. “As of today, there are still 196,000 people without electricity three days later — and they think this is under control?”
“Do you think the County EMA is failing Northeast Ohioans,” I asked Patton.
“Absolutely. The people of Cuyahoga County, they pay their taxes to the state to get this type of relief when a disaster occurs and the fact that somebody at the county level is reluctant to ask the state to come in is beyond my ability to understand,” Patton responded. “They are failing Ohio.”
Like Patton, Upchurch said the lack of action and lack of preparedness by the utility company warrants the need for change.
“There absolutely must be some legislative work done so that we can prevent this from happening again,” Upchurch said.
The governor’s team said they are ready to help as soon as they hear from Cuyahoga County.
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WEWS
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Ohio
Wanda Lou Bailey, Louisville, Ohio
ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.
A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.
Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.
Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.
The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.
Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.
Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.
Ohio
Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, East Liverpool, Ohio
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.
Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.
Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.
Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.
Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.
She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.
Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.
Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.
Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.
Romans 8:6
King James Version
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m.
A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.
There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.
Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.
A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
Ohio
Three Buckeyes Who Proved They Belong at Ohio State Spring Game
Fans got their first glimpse of the 2026-2027 Buckeyes during their spring game earlier today. In contrast to last year’s offensive takeover, it was the defense this year that shined for the most part.
With this, we still saw plenty of Buckeyes that proved that they are ready to play, and ready to play now. Here are three standouts from the Ohio State Spring Game.
Chris Henry Jr.
Coming into the game, most Ohio State fans had already penciled Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class according to ESPN, as the successor to Carnell Tate in the Buckeye offense.
Anyone that didn’t, probably should now.
The freshman wideout hauled in 4 passes for 96 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
Playing all snaps on the outside, Henry Jr. looked very poised, showcasing smooth route running and breakaway speed. The connection between him and another Buckeye on this list was the highlight of the offense for the day. There is no doubt he should be an immediate contributor in this Ohio State offense.
Tavien St. Clair
After a subpar showing at the spring game last year, Tavien St. Clair showed flashes of the top-10 recruit he was just two years ago.
He dazzled early with two big completions to Chris Henry Jr., showing off his big arm in the process.
His touchdown pass to Henry Jr. was a beautiful look off from St. Clair, who launched it right to the right pylon to find the freshman wideout.
It was not all sunshine and rainbows for St. Clair on the day though, as he was forced into a couple three-and-outs as well as a few balls that could have been intercepted.
All in all, all tools are there for St. Clair to be great when his number is called, and another year of growth under Julian Sayin should help him get there.
Beau Atkinson
Buckeye fans were surprised when Beau Atkinson was basically a non-factor on the defensive line a season ago, as the hype around him coming from North Carolina was immense.
The player they expected to see last year was on full display, as the senior finished the day with a sack and an interception off a Julian Sayin batted ball at the line of scrimmage.
His high motor was one to watch early, as his get-off and confidence at the position looked vastly improved from last year. He is one to seriously watch to be the starter next to Kenyatta Jackson Jr. come September.
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