Ohio

Ohio Wesleyan to become tuition-free for lower-income Delaware County students

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2024

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Ohio Wesleyan to become tuition-free for lower-income Delaware County students

At Ohio Wesleyan University, history seems to happen on the stage at University Hall’s Gray Chapel.

The chapel has been graced by change-makers like Congressman John Lewis, Olympian Wilma Rudolph, U.S. President Gerald Ford and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. When President Theodore Roosevelt visited Gray Chapel 124 years ago, the student newspaper reported that the excitement on campus was palpable.

Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg tried to conjure that same excitement Friday morning during his inauguration ceremony at Gray Chapel, where he made some history of his own.

Higher education: Columbus State, Ohio Wesleyan partnership could save students thousands on tuition

VandenBerg announced a number of projects and initiatives, including the new Delaware County Promise, which will provide full-tuition scholarships to Ohio Wesleyan for qualifying students from Delaware County.

Beginning this fall, all high school students who live in or go to school in Delaware County, who have a 3.5 or higher grade-point average, and who’s family has an annual adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 will be able to attend Ohio Wesleyan tuition-free.

VandenBerg said the Delaware County Promise is a way to say thank you to the place that has supported OWU for more than 180 years.

He recounted how the Rev. Adam Poe visited every resident of Delaware asking for money to purchase the Mansion House, known today as Elliot Hall, to found a college for the community in 1840. Residents donated the money to Poe, and Ohio Wesleyan University was charted two years later.

OWU wouldn’t be here without the generosity of Delaware County, vandenBerg said, so it’s now only fitting to pay it forward.

Fighting “the regulars”

VandenBerg — described as a man of boldness, innovation and moxie by those who introduced him Friday morning — did not mince words in describing the challenges facing higher education today.

He noted how April 19 is a significant day in American history, “not just because of Taylor Swift’s new album release.” It was on that same day in 1775, he reminded, that Paul Revere carried the news that British troops were on their way.

But contrary to popular belief, vandenBerg said, Revere did not cry, “The British are coming.” Rather, he said, “The regulars are coming,” a name folks would’ve known then as their common enemy.

Higher education has plenty of its own “regulars” today, vandenBerg said, but these enemies aren’t necessarily human.

He described a general malaise about higher education, decades of mounting pressure, scarcity mindsets and feeling tossed back and forth between cutting programs to the bone or stretching and flexing to become all things to all people.

“To say there are difficult times in higher education is an understatement of epic proportions,” vandenBerg said. He said there is a pain that feels heightened for residential liberal arts colleges like OWU.

The problem begs the question, he said: “How should we engage the regulars of our time?”

“Our most precious asset”

VandenBerg said the answer lies with “investment in our most precious asset — our people.”

He promised faculty and staff that he will invest in better compensation and professional development, starting with a doubling of merit awards for faculty on top of cost-of-living adjustments beginning next academic year. The university will also launch a Center for Teaching, Learning and Innovation.

VandenBerg also teased a new $3-million student social hub called The MUB 3.0, a nod to OWU’s former student center housed in the Memorial Union Building. Construction is already underway on renovating the former Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house into the new student-centric space.

And he touted promising student retention rates that Ohio Wesleyan has not seen for decades.

The first-to-second-year retention rate hit 84% this academic year, up about nine percentage points in the last two years. First-generation students and Pell-eligible students are also seeing promising numbers, with retention up about 10% and 7% respectively.

The Delaware County Promise was the highlight of vandenBerg’s initiatives Friday, but he promised this was only the beginning.

“Today is a celebration of who we are and what we’re doing,” he said. “It’s not ‘mission accomplished.’ It’s ‘mission launched.’”

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here.

shendrix@dispatch.com

@sheridan120

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Ohio

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Published

8 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Ohio primary voters will send one of two Republican state treasurer candidates on to the 2026 general election.

Current Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is term-limited and cannot seek reelection for the role. Former southeast Ohio state Rep. Jay Edwards and northeast Ohio state Sen. Kristina Roegner are both seeking the GOP nomination for the general election in November.

The winner of the May primary will face Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh, who is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate.

Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.

Jay Edwards

Age: 36

Campaign Website: edwardsforohio.com

Background: Jay Edwards is a native of Nelsonville, Ohio, and a proud son of Appalachia. He earned a B.S. in mathematics from Ohio University, where he played football on scholarship. After college, he started a successful real estate company that he still manages today. At age 27, he flipped a longtime Democratic seat to become state representative for Ohio’s 94th District (2017–2024). He served as House Majority Whip and later chaired the House Finance Committee, where he helped pass a $3.2 billion tax cut and universal school choice. Term-limited in 2025, Edwards is now a Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, committed to fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and supporting working families and businesses across the state.

Why are you the best candidate?: I combine proven fiscal leadership, hands-on experience managing state budgets, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

A graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in mathematics, I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at age 27 and served from 2017 to 2024. As House Finance Committee chair, I helped deliver a $3.2 billion tax cut for Ohio families and businesses, advanced universal school choice, and secured critical investments in infrastructure and economic development.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio treasurer, I will modernize the office and restore taxpayer trust through targeted initiatives.

First, I will upgrade the Treasurer’s office from its outdated 1970s-era ACH system to 21st-century technology. This will improve efficiency, security, and speed while making all state financial transactions more accessible.

I will enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make it even simpler and more user-friendly, so every Ohioan can easily see exactly where their tax dollars are spent — bringing real transparency and accountability back to government.

To support public safety, I will launch a Link Deposit program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. In our largest cities, where respect for police and law enforcement has eroded, this program will strengthen partnerships that keep our communities safe. If cities refuse to support the police and public safety, then it is time for the state to step up.

These practical steps — modernization, transparency, and support for those who protect us — will ensure Ohio’s finances work efficiently and earn the trust of every taxpayer.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: As Ohio treasurer, my decisions on investments, including Israel bonds, will be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers — prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.

I am troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for purely political reasons. These bonds have a strong track record of low risk, reliable repayments, and competitive returns that benefit Ohio’s portfolio.

Without access to the current detailed portfolio data, I cannot commit to specific adjustments today. However, any changes would be based strictly on financial merit, not politics.

I have long stood as an ally to the Jewish community. The recent dramatic rise in outright hatred toward Israel and Jewish people is sickening and must be rejected. Ohio should continue to make prudent investments that deliver strong value while upholding fiscal responsibility.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio’s next treasurer, I believe AI should serve as a powerful efficiency tool — not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. In the treasurer’s office, AI can analyze investment portfolios in real time to maximize returns on state funds, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims, streamline cash-flow forecasting, and automate routine back-office tasks. These applications will cut administrative costs, reduce waste, and deliver better results for Ohio taxpayers without growing government.

Every AI use must include strict human review, ironclad data security, and full transparency so citizens can see exactly how their money is being managed. We embrace innovation to strengthen fiscal responsibility — never to expand bureaucracy. Responsible AI will help us protect and grow Ohio’s financial resources while keeping decision-making firmly in accountable hands.

State Sen. Kristina Roegner

Age: 57

Campaign website: kristinaroegner.com

Background: I’ve built my professional career on financial oversight. After earning a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business, I worked for Westinghouse and subsequently McKinsey & Co, where financial discipline and results were paramount. Starting my service in elected office on Hudson City Council, I went on to serve eight years in the Ohio House and am currently completing my eighth year in the Ohio Senate. As the chair of the General Government Committee, I am steadfast and laser-focused on protecting taxpayers and ensuring responsible, conservative decision making.

Why are you the best candidate?: The treasurer is a role where background, expertise, and integrity matter. Having earned my MBA in finance combined with experience in management consulting, I am by far the most prepared candidate for this role. I served with integrity during my 15 years in the legislature, and earned a reputation for being above reproach. I am grateful to have the endorsement of every single member of leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate as well as a supermajority of my Republican colleagues in both chambers. Notice: these leaders from across Ohio – who have worked alongside both me and my opponent – they know us both and endorse my candidacy.

I have been consistently loyal to our Republican principled conservative ideals. I have a reputation for working hard and getting things done. My legislative accomplishments can attest to that. I was always faithful and never censured; never associated with any corruption scandals.

I’m the best choice to be Ohio’s next treasurer because I bring the right mix of real-world experience, proven leadership and financial stewardship. I’m respected by my colleagues in Columbus and voters across Ohio. I am guided by faith and driven to serve.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As treasurer, I will strengthen oversight and internal controls to ensure every dollar is tracked, protected, and used as intended. With cyber-attacks on the rise, I will prioritize best-in-class cybersecurity defenses for the treasurer’s office.

I will also proactively reunite Ohioans with their unclaimed funds by moving administration from the passive Department of Commerce to the Treasurer’s office. Legislation to achieve this (HB480) is already moving forward. Once in place, I will streamline the claims process and proactively match citizens with their money.

Ohioans deserve full transparency with their tax dollars. I proudly supported HB175 in 2013, which created www.ohiocheckbook.com. I will expand this to include municipalities and schools by supporting pending legislation (HB413) and implementing it as treasurer.

As chief investment officer, I will maximize conservative, safe returns to generate additional revenue to help minimize tax burdens on Ohioans.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: The Israel bonds currently held by the Ohio Treasurer’s office are all investment grade, as is required. It is my understanding that they are one of the best returning investments in the portfolio and they have never defaulted on a payment. From a risk-return perspective these assets have performed very well. Every Ohio State Treasurer over the last 30 years – both Republican and Democrat – have invested in Israel bonds. Interestingly, these Israel bonds only mature to the “purchaser of record,” meaning Ohio must hold them to maturity. Going forward, I would consider differing maturities for Israel bonds; shorter maturities would provide Ohio more flexibility with liquidity.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: AI should be a tool to strengthen sound financial stewardship, but should not replace responsible human supervision of taxpayer dollars. In the treasurer’s office, AI can enhance fraud detection, improve reporting in Ohiocheckbook.com, and enhance cybersecurity by quickly spotting threats. Used responsibly, it can analyze investment data to support better decision-making within conservative guidelines. That being said, any use of AI must prioritize data security, transparency, and accountability, ensuring taxpayer information is protected and decisions remain in the hands of humans.

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Ohio

Spring wild turkey hunting in Ohio broken into four seasons this year

Published

20 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Spring wild turkey hunting in Ohio broken into four seasons this year

Spring turkey hunting is about to start in Ohio and is broken into four separate seasons this year.

That covers youth and adult hunts across two different zones: northeast and south.

Ohio’s northeast zone consists of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Trumbull, Lake and Ashtabula counties. The south zone is comprised of the state’s 83 other counties, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Youth spring wild turkey hunting season will be April 18-19 for Ohio’s 83 southern counties and April 25-26 in the five northeast counties.

For adult hunters, the spring wild turkey season runs April 25 to May 24 in the south zone and May 2 to May 31 in the northeast zone.

Spring gobbler hunters in Ohio are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey in 2026.

Hunters should refer to the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations for turkey hunting requirements.

Seasons established to manage size of state’s flock

The seasons are in place to regulate the turkey population of the Buckeye State, Nathan Cass, an ODNR wildlife officer in Crawford County, previously told the News Journal.

“In the early 1900s, they were pretty much gone from Ohio,” Cass said.

Management practices allowed the birds to rebuild their flocks. A century later, they were just as plentiful as ever.

“Probably the 1990s and early 2000s was when the population was at its highest,” Cass said.

Predators and loss of habitat have reduced the state’s turkey numbers slightly over the last two decades, but there are still plenty of gobblers for hunters to harvest this spring.

Hunters who scout their local flocks ahead of the season will notice the bird strutting to entice a mate.

“We try to time our season right after the peak breeding time,” Cass said. “It gives the birds an opportunity to breed and then some of the hens will start incubating their eggs and sitting on their nest.”

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508

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Ohio

Giaunna Renee Lee Jackson, Youngstown, Ohio

Published

1 day ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Giaunna Renee Lee Jackson, Youngstown, Ohio

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Giaunna Renee Lee Jackson, affectionately known as “Gigi” departed this life suddenly on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Youngstown, Ohio at the tender age of 22.

Born January 15, 2004, to Thomas Hall, Sr. and the late Fannie M. Jackson, Giaunna was a smart, determined and resilient soul whose sassy charm and confident spirit made her believe she could conquer anything she set out to do.

Whether it was playing the trumpet, making the softball, basketball and volleyball team, finding a job or being on the honor roll at school she set, and most times conquered her goals. She was a hard worker and held several jobs with her most recent employment at Walmart and McDonald’s.

Giaunna’s educational journey began at Martin Luther King Elementary and included Campbell Memorial Middle School, Rayen Early College, and Campbell Memorial High School where she graduated in 2022. She continued her education at Youngstown State University where she majored in Criminal Justice.

Giaunna enjoyed going out to dinner, shopping, binging on Netflix & Hulu, creating her own personal quotes, coloring books and listening to chill music. However, what she loved most was cooking for her brothers and grandmother, late night conversations with her brother Gerald, car rides with her brother Joshua, face timing her dad for cooking recipes, hanging with her cousins and with her best friends, Emily, Aiyana and Amy. Over the last several months, Giaunna opened her heart to let God in as she began to join her grandmother on what she called “grandma’s Jesus’ line” and as she joined her “Aunt Katrett” for Thursday devotions.

Giaunna was preceded in death by her mother, Fannie M. Jackson; maternal grandfather Abraham Jackson, maternal aunt Debbie Jackson Woodside, paternal grandparents; Thomas & Creola Hall and paternal uncle Bruce Harris.

Giaunna’s life will be treasured and remembered by her father & stepmother; Thomas (Monica) Hall, Sr. of Campbell, Ohio, brothers; Gerald and Joshua Jackson both of Youngstown, Ohio, Thomas Hall ,Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia and step-brother Darnell Heard of Columbus, Ohio, sister Devan Hall of Greenville, North Carolina, grandmother Elder Bessie Jackson, Aunts; Patricia Jackson McLendon of Bellevue, Michigan, Brenda (Rev Arthur) Jackson-Mackey, Jr. of Roosevelt, New York and Janet Jackson of Youngstown, Ohio, uncle; Barry Harris of Wellsville, Ohio and a host of cousins, godparents and loving friends. Rest in peace, dearest Giaunna. You will forever live on in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at New Beginnings Outreach Ministries, 2007 Shenley Ave. Youngstown, OH 4451. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 am. Bishop Chris Crump, Eulogist. Internment: Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave. Youngstown, Ohio.

Arrangements are being handled by the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Giaunna Renee Lee “Gigi” Jackson, please visit our floral store.

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