Ohio
Lawmaker takes action after Ohio Supreme Court rules 'boneless' chicken wings can have bones
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a man who ordered boneless wings should have expected bones to be in them, denying him a jury trial after he suffered major injuries, including several surgeries and two medically induced comas. A state legislator is so outraged by the decision that he plans to propose a bill to change the law.
State Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) is an avid wing fan, having weekly wing nights with his friends when he was in college. Just recently, he went to an all-you-can-eat boneless wings event.
“I did not expect to have a bone in my boneless wings,” DeMora said.
But that isn’t how the state sees it.
Chicken wings advertised as ‘boneless’ can have bones, Ohio Supreme Court decides
The case
Back in 2017, Michael Berkheimer ordered boneless wings at Wings on Brookwood in Southwest Ohio, according to his lawsuit filed in Butler County. The menu of the restaurant was included the court documents and did not feature any disclaimer saying bone fragments could be in the food. As of Friday, it still doesn’t.
He had cut up his wing into thirds, eating the first two pieces of it normally. On his third one, Berkheimer felt like something went down the wrong “pipe,” the court documents said. He ran to the restroom and tried to vomit, unsuccessfully. That night, he developed a fever, and for the next two days, he couldn’t eat a bite of food without throwing up, records state.
He was rushed to the ER with a 105-degree fever, the lawsuit states. Doctors found a 1 and 3/8 inch chicken bone in his throat, one that tore open the wall of his esophagus. From there, he developed a “massive infection in his thoracic cavity,” the document says.
“The severity of the infection, which centered on Mr. Berkheimer’s heart and lungs, required several surgeries, two medically induced comas, and a week-long stay in intensive care, followed by two-to-three additional weeks in the hospital,” the lawsuit states.
The medical issues are still ongoing, records state.
Berkheimer sued the restaurant and their chicken suppliers, arguing that the sellers’ “negligence” led to his injuries.
Both the Butler County Court of Common Pleas and the Twelfth District Court of Appeals sided against Berkheimer, arguing that “common sense dictated the presence of bone fragments in meat dishes,” according to the courts. Neither court let the case go to trial.
Supreme Court
On Thursday, the majority of the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the lower courts made the right decision, denying Berkheimer the ability to continue his lawsuit to a jury trial. The court was split four Republicans to three Democrats.
The justices were just supposed to decide whether or not it could go to trial, Case Western Reserve University law professor Jonathan Entin said.
“The majority said no way this case shouldn’t go to trial at all because no reasonable consumer would think that boneless chicken wings might not have bones in them, especially since bones are part of chickens,” Entin explained.
The court didn’t believe a jury would rule in Berkheimer’s favor, he said.
In the majority opinion, Justice Joe Deters wrote that the restaurant wasn’t liable “when the consumer could have reasonably expected and guarded against the presence of the injurious substance in the food.”
Deters added that “boneless wings” are a cooking style, according to the opinion. He compared “boneless wings” to the food “chicken fingers,” noting that people would not actually think they are eating fingers.
The courts used the ‘Allen test’ method to determine negligence, which evaluates both if the harmful substance was foreign to the food or natural and whether the customer could reasonably guard against it. They found that the bone was natural and large in comparison to the piece of chicken.
“Any reasonable consumer should have been able to find it,” Entin said, explaining the court’s opinion.
The Democrats emphatically dissented.
“The result in this case is another nail in the coffin of the American jury system,” dissenting opinion author Justice Michael Donnelly said.
The case is merely about whether Berkheimer can have a jury of his peers decide if the restaurant and suppliers were negligent according to law, he said.
“The majority opinion makes a factual determination to ensure that a jury does not have a chance to apply something the majority opinion lacks— common sense,” the justice continued.
He continued on to explain that they didn’t have the full facts, being unable to see what the bone looked like.
“If it did, then I suggest that the majority suffers from a serious, perhaps disingenuous, lack of perspective,” the justice said.
The idea that the label “boneless wing” is a cooking style is “Jabberwocky,” the Democrat said, saying the absurdity of the opinion reads like a “Lewis Carroll piece of fiction.”
This could have ripple effects, Donnelly argued. For people who are nut, dairy or gluten-free, the court seemed to have decided that if they order allergy-free food, it could still have the allergen because that is “natural” to the food.
Deters responded to this, claiming it was different.
“But unlike the presence of the bone in this case, the presence of lactose or gluten in a food that was advertised as lactose-free or gluten-free is not something a consumer would customarily expect and be able to guard against,” Deters said.
It’s a lot harder to detect gluten or lactose than it is to detect a bone, Entin explained.
Reaction
This is insane, DeMora said.
“This defies logic, it defies reason, it defies common sense,” DeMora said. “Now the definition of boneless, according to the Ohio Supreme Court, means… it could have a bone.”
The justices are blocking Berkheimer from having a jury trial because they don’t care about the “regular Ohioan,” he said.
“You get screwed out of your day in court because we have to protect our donors and our corporations more than we protect our citizens,” the lawmaker said.
DeMora has already directed his team to start looking into what they can do to help Berkheimer and other Ohioans.
“We can’t really pass a law saying that boneless chicken means there’s no bones in it — Although maybe we can, I don’t know. If that’s possible, I’m gonna do it for sure.”
Regardless of that idea, he is also researching other consumer protection provisions he can draft bills around, he said.
Berkheimer’s attorney, Robb Stokar, agreed that this case wasn’t fair.
“I believe the dissent correctly wrote that the ruling was “another nail in the coffin of the American jury system.” Mr. Berkheimer suffered catastrophic injuries from a bone contained in a menu item unambiguously advertised as “boneless” at every level of commerce. All we asked is that a jury be able to make a commonsense determination as to whether he should be able to recover for his injuries. But the Court’s majority ruled otherwise, simultaneously denying him that opportunity, and rendering the word “boneless” completely meaningless,” Stokar told me.
Some of these justices are up for reelection, so Entin anticipates some politicos could put ads up about this decision — especially because Deters’ tone did not need to be as harsh as it was.
“You don’t have to get into all of the technical details of legal doctrine to be able to say this is a decision that shows that a majority of the current court are not sympathetic to ordinary people who get hurt through, basically, no fault of their own,” Entin said.
Deters, Donnelly and dissenting Justice Melody Stewart are all up for election in November.
“Boneless means without bones,” DeMora said. “I can’t understand the logic of the Republican majority.”
Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.
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.
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.
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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