Ohio
Ohio taxpayers sent families $966 million for private school tuition: Capitol Letter
Rotunda Rumblings
School work: The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce said that as of Aug. 7, the state has shelled out $966.2 million for private school scholarships for the school year that just ended. The General Assembly expanded one of the five voucher programs to include upper-income Ohioans and its participation has ballooned from 23,272 participating students in the 2022-2023 school year to 89,770 students last year. Numbers will be finalized in October, Laura Hancock reports.
Let’s make a deal: FirstEnergy on Monday signed an agreement with Attorney General Dave Yost’s office on Monday to pay $20 million to avoid prosecution on state charges over the House Bill 6 scandal, as well as to drop FirstEnergy from Yost’s HB6-related civil lawsuit. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, the agreement means the Akron-based utility will pay a total of just $250 million, plus an expected $100 million regulatory fine, to skirt charges for its role in the largest bribery scandal in Ohio history; consultants previously warned the company it could face up to $3.8 billion in fines if it was indicted.
Job qualifications: U.S. Sen Sherrod Brown, a Cleveland Democrat, has introduced legislation that would make it easier for workers who lack four-year college degrees to get federal government jobs, Sabrina Eaton reports. The “Federal Jobs for STARs Act” that he introduced with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, would remove unnecessary educational requirements from federal civil job postings on USAJOBS.com.
Failed investment: An indoor agriculture startup called AppHarvest that U.S. Sen. JD Vance invested in and publicly pitched “not only failed as a business after pursuing rapid growth, but also provided a grim job experience for many of the working-class Kentuckians” the Cincinnati Republican vowed to help, CNN reports. The rise and fall of the company, which declared bankruptcy last year, and Vance’s role in it, cuts against his image as a champion for the working class — an image that helped catapult him to the top of the Republican ticket as Donald Trump’s running mate.
Red meat: Although the speech Vance’s wife, Usha, delivered to last month’s GOP convention praised her husband for adapting to her vegetarian diet despite being a “meat and potatoes kind of guy,” the vice-presidential candidate is not a vegetarian and has frequently appears in photos “alongside all manner of plated flesh”, the Los Angeles Times clarifies. Only 4% of Americans identify as vegetarians, according to a recent Gallup poll. And these days, there’s little doubt: In popular American culture, vegetarianism often is perceived as “liberal, wimpy and feminine,” a food studies professor told the publication.
Speaking of red meat: A Washington Post fact check has evaluated a trio of claims that Vance made about Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, including a claim that she “wants to take away your ability to eat red meat,” and found them to be false. Other false claims it examines are Vance’s contention that Harris wants to take away gas stoves and his insistence that Harris has said it’s reasonable not to have children over climate change.
It pays to advertise: The National Republican Senatorial Committee canceled its fall cable ad reservations totaling more than $700,000 in the Ohio Senate race between Brown, the Democratic incumbent, and GOP challenger Bernie Moreno, Washington Examiner reports. According to AdImpact, NRSC canceled its full cable reservation in one of the most competitive races in the country in which ads were set to run between Aug. 31 and Election Day. In a social media post, the GOP Senate campaign arm said it still regards Ohio as a top pickup opportunity but believes its money can be more efficiently spent on hybrid ads.
Delayed again: For those anticipating an order over whether the state’s six-week “heartbeat” abortion ban is constitutional, the wait goes on. First, Hamilton County District Court Judge Christian Jenkins gave himself a deadline for the order on May 20. Then he pushed it to June 25. Then he pushed it to Tuesday. And on Tuesday, he pushed his deadline to Aug. 29. The state has been prohibited from enforcing the heartbeat law for 22 months, meaning women can obtain abortions past six weeks. But abortion clinics and doctors want Jenkins to weigh the law against the new abortion rights amendment that voters passed last November and strike down the law for good. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost agrees the ban is no longer constitutional but thinks other parts of the law should stand.
New job: Lee Strang, a University of Toledo law professor who was a driving force behind the legislature creating five new “intellectual diversity centers” at a handful of universities, was hired to lead one of them. Strang will be executive director of the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society at Ohio State University. Strang was also the leader of the University of Toledo’s intellectual diversity center, and has testified to the legislature on a number of issues, including in favor of the special election last year that was intended to foil the abortion rights amendment, Ohio Capital Journal’s Megan Henry reports.
Lobbying Lineup
Five organizations lobbying on House Bill 103, which would establish a K-12 social studies task force to implement the American Birthright standards by the conservative Civics Alliance. The bill hasn’t had any hearings since June 13, 2023.
1. Cleveland Metropolitan School District
2. Ohio Council of Churches
3. Ohio Federation of Teachers
4. Buckeye Association of School Administrators
5. Warren City Schools
Birthdays
State Rep. Thomas Hall
Grace Flajnik, legislative aide to state Rep. Justin Pizzulli
Straight From The Source
“Any application question or line item requesting an applicant’s race or ethnicity was removed from all materials provided to application readers or other individuals participating in admissions decisions.”
-A section of Ohio State University’s website, as reported by Ohio Capital Journal’s Megan Henry, who looked at how Ohio’s universities are treating affirmative action after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down race-based admissions policies last summer.
Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
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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