Ohio 4-H announces the debut of CareerNext: Are You Ready?, an innovative online course designed to equip young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in tomorrow’s workforce. 

As the career landscape rapidly evolves, Ohio 4-H recognizes the need to prepare youth for forthcoming challenges and opportunities. CareerNext stands as a comprehensive program integrating practical knowledge, interactive modules, and real-world scenarios to empower participants to explore various career paths, hone critical skills, and make informed decisions about their future. 

“CareerNext marks a significant milestone in our commitment to nurturing the personal and professional growth of Ohio’s youth,” said Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader. “By furnishing participants with essential skills and knowledge, we empower them to carve their own paths and thrive in the swiftly evolving job market.” 

Ohio 4-H is the youth development program of Ohio State University Extension, the outreach program of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Key features of the online course include interactive learning modules covering resume building, interview techniques, post-secondary education, and financial literacy. Participants also gain from expert guidance, flexible learning options, hands-on activities, and resources for career exploration. 

“In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability and resilience are paramount for success,” said Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager, Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future. “CareerNext not only equips participants with practical skills, but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a growth mindset, all essential qualities for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.” 

Ohio 4-H remains dedicated to empowering youth to become confident, capable, and compassionate leaders. With CareerNext, Ohio 4-H reaffirms its commitment to providing transformative learning experiences that prepare youth for success in an ever-changing world. 

For more information about CareerNext: Are You Ready?, visit go.osu.edu/careernext.

MARIETTA, OH. (WTAP) – A Songwriters Series Fundraiser for the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley is coming to the Lafayette Hotel on Friday, May 17th.

Described as a casual get-together for music lovers, Moon Mullen hopes to entertain while helping out his area shelter.

Moon Mullen will be the host and a performer during the night. Joining him will be father-son musicians, Joe Wharff and Jack Wharff.

Mullen said, “the Songwriter-in-the-Round is my favorite way of highlighting the craft of songwriting.” He explained that each artist will share a song and the story behind it.

“All three of us have written songs about Marietta,” according to Mullen, “it will be a real back-home moment!”

The event will be in the Gun Room at The Lafayette Hotel at 8 p.m.

There is a suggested donation of $10, or a large bag of Purina dog chow or cat chow.

Moon explained that representatives with the HSOV said they have about 85 dogs, which is a lot for them.

Buddy, who is available for adoptions, stopped by to do the interview with Mullen.

Buddy is about 2-2.5 years old. He’s listed as a Boxer/Shepherd mix. He has a great personality. He knows several tricks and is very treat motivated. He loves to cuddle and is great with everyone, including children.

If you’d like to adopt Buddy, head over to hsov.org and fill out an application. Or, you can stop by the shelter and meet him in person.

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The initial shooting occurred around 4:At around 40 p.m. on Sunday at the warehouse in West Jefferson; the shooting was caught on surveillance CCTV footage, they said during their Monday news conference.

Ali Hamsa Yusuf, 22, stunned onlookers when he fired a shot at close range at the back of his supervisor’s head, narrowly missing his target.

According to ABC News, the Amazon facility was promptly evacuated as Yusuf fled the scene, leaving over 100 employees shaken but unharmed.

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Supervisor narrowly escapes gunman’s deadly aim

West Jefferson Chief Brandon Smith revealed, “The supervisor helped obtain video footage from inside the Amazon facility showing Yusuf about 3 feet behind the supervisor with the gun pointed at the supervisor’s head. The gun appears to have jammed and the bullet barely missed the supervisor.”

The supervisor stated, “He shot at me twice but he missed. He almost executed me.”

“The firearm would have to have been brought in concealed, Smith West Jefferson Chief Brandon Smith said. As of Monday evening, detectives did not have a motive as to why Yusuf attempted to kill his supervisor, he said,” ABC reported.

Yusuf’s intentions became alarmingly clear when he later targeted a Columbus police officer, hitting the officer’s bulletproof vest with a bullet. The officer escaped with minor injuries.

Madison County Sheriff’s office and West Jefferson police said Yusuf had no prior criminal records.

The Columbus Dispatch reported, “The Madison County Sheriff’s office said in a post on its Facebook page that deputies got a call about a possible active shooter at the warehouse located west of West Jefferson. The sheriff’s office and West Jefferson police responded and are investigating.”

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Police chief recounts the gunman’s encounter

Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, recounted, “Franklin Township police officers pulled their vehicles in front of the man’s sedan at a traffic light and a Columbus police cruiser with its dashcam on came up from behind. Yusuf exited his vehicle and began firing at the Columbus officer. Yusuf then began to run around the rear of his car.”

“As Yusuf tried to run away, law enforcement officers began shooting at him and the Columbus police officer, whom the division is not identifying citing Marsy’s Law, realized he had been hit in his bulletproof vest.”

The confirmation of Yusuf’s demise by the West Jefferson police and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office marked the conclusion of a tumultuous ordeal.

Amazon later clarified that Yusuf was a contract employee assigned to the warehouse by a third-party partner. Amazon spokesman Steve Kelly said, “We’re thankful that no one at our facility was injured during this incident and for the work of our team on the ground and first responders.”

“As this is an active investigation, we’re cooperating with the West Jefferson Police Department and will defer further comment to them at this time.”