Ohio

Travel: Ohio artifacts can be seen in England

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2024

Travel: Ohio artifacts can be seen in England

Steve Stephens
| Special to The Columbus Dispatch

Many travelers and history buffs are aware that the British Museum in London is, controversially, the repository for the ancient Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, removed from the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and brought to England in the early 19th century.

But the museum also holds many other historic items from around the world, including some of the most important archeological artifacts from Ohio.

In a glass display case in the British Museum’s Room 26, visitors will find more than two dozen exquisitely fashioned pipes, as well as bowls and other objects recovered from mounds built by the prehistoric Hopewell people of the Scioto Valley.

The display, though small, is the most comprehensive in the world, and is only a small fraction of the Ohio Hopewell items the museum owns.

The pipes, carved some 2,000 years ago from various types of soft stone, known collectively as “pipestone,” were used to smoke tobacco, perhaps during ritual ceremonial observations.

Though some of the pipes are simple bowls, many are exquisitely detailed effigies of birds, frogs, beavers, turtles and other creatures from the Scioto Valley. They demonstrate a level of artistry that offers an intriguing glimpse into the culture of a people we still know relatively little about.

Most of the stone is also native to the area around modern-day Chillicothe, although a few pipes were carved from rock from as far away as Minnesota, indicating a surprising level of travel and trade at the time.

How the items made their way from the vicinity of Chillicothe to England is a fascinating tale in itself.

Although the prehistoric mounds of Ohio were objects of curiosity and speculation since the time of the earliest European trappers and traders in the area, the first real attempt at a scientific exploration of the earthworks was conducted from 1845 to 1847 by Ephraim Squire and Edwin Davis, who surveyed and excavated many of the earthworks in the vicinity of Chillicothe.

Their findings were detailed in the very first volume of the “Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,” published in 1847 by a brand new scientific organization called the Smithsonian Institution.

Of course, Squire and Davis had gathered quite a significant collection of about 1,300 artifacts from the mounds and in those days, well, finders keepers.

Davis later decided to sell the artifacts, hoping to place them with the Smithsonian which, unfortunately, didn’t have the funds. And so, the Ohio Hopewell collection was purchased by the owner of a private museum in England for $10,000 and sent across the sea.

In 1931, the collection was purchased by the British Museum, which has been its home ever since.

Of course, travelers who are interested enough to stop by the British Museum to view the Hopewell collection (and a whole, whole lot of other great stuff) may also want to see some of the prehistory of England, itself. There’s no better place for that than out on the Salisbury Plain, the home of Stonehenge, as well as a large number of Bronze Age burial mounds that almost perfectly resemble the many prehistoric mounds found in Ohio.

And even though the Hopewell collection is in England, the original Hopewell mound sites are much, much closer to home.

The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe is, like Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of just 25 in the United States. The park includes the Mound City group of earthworks and several other earthworks in the Chillicothe area.

The Mound City site also offers a small visitors center and museum that tells the story — at least as much of it as we know — of the Hopewell people and their culture. The park is a can’t-miss destination for history buffs and for anyone intrigued by Ohio’s enigmatic prehistoric peoples. Just don’t expect to see a lot of original artifacts.

For more information about the British Museum’s Hopewell collection, including an interactive online walk through the museum’s Room 26, visit britishmuseum.org.

Steve Stephens is a freelance travel writer and photographer. Email him at sjstephensjr@gmail.com.

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Ohio

Ohio prisons, including Butler County, making millions to house immigrants for federal officials

Published

8 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Ohio prisons, including Butler County, making millions to house immigrants for federal officials

Ohio prisons are making millions of dollars to house immigrants for federal authorities, including in Butler County, which has raked in more than $6 million.Records show six correctional facilities across Ohio are currently holding immigration detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Last year alone, those facilities brought in more than $13 million in federal payments. Butler County received a large share of that money, serving as a primary holding site for immigration arrests, including operations out of Columbus.Documents show ICE pays facilities a daily rate per detainee, along with transportation costs. Those rates can range from about $68 to $125 per person each day.In November, Butler County updated the agreement with ICE and is now paid $105 per detainee.Advocates say these agreements raise concerns about detaining people who are not facing criminal charges.But some Ohio sheriffs defend the practice, saying it helps support federal immigration enforcement and provides local resources.These agreements are expected to continue into this year, with Butler County remaining a key location for immigration detention in Ohio.

BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio —

Ohio prisons are making millions of dollars to house immigrants for federal authorities, including in Butler County, which has raked in more than $6 million.

Records show six correctional facilities across Ohio are currently holding immigration detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Last year alone, those facilities brought in more than $13 million in federal payments. Butler County received a large share of that money, serving as a primary holding site for immigration arrests, including operations out of Columbus.

Documents show ICE pays facilities a daily rate per detainee, along with transportation costs. Those rates can range from about $68 to $125 per person each day.

In November, Butler County updated the agreement with ICE and is now paid $105 per detainee.

Advocates say these agreements raise concerns about detaining people who are not facing criminal charges.

But some Ohio sheriffs defend the practice, saying it helps support federal immigration enforcement and provides local resources.

These agreements are expected to continue into this year, with Butler County remaining a key location for immigration detention in Ohio.

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Ohio

Dumplings recalled in 38 states, including Ohio, for potentially containing glass

Published

20 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Dumplings recalled in 38 states, including Ohio, for potentially containing glass

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Dumplings sold in 38 states were recalled after the FDA learned the product may contain glass.

The Food and Drug Administration issued two recalls for dumpling products manufactured by JFE Franchising Inc. after the organization learned that the product may contain glass.

The affected products were:

Dumpling Vegetable 4.5 oz, UPC 011110658067
Loaded Dumpling Vegetable 5.7 oz, UPC 011110696953
Dumpling Party Tray (20pcs) Vegetable 13 oz, UPC 011110661173
Dumpling Party Tray (40pcs) Vegetable 26 oz, UPC 011110661180
Cheetos Flamin Hot Loaded Dumpling Vegetable 6oz, UPC 011110663474

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Customers who purchased the product should not consume them and should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them.

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Ohio

Commitment 2026: Key races, dates ahead of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana elections

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Commitment 2026: Key races, dates ahead of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana elections

2026 is shaping up to be a massive one in the political sphere, particularly in the Bluegrass and the Buckeye states.Ohio will hold races for a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats and governor, bringing a ton of publicity to the state as midterm elections heat up around the country. Kentucky also has a Senate race that is growing in national prominence, and Indiana will be re-electing their U.S. House representation. Need a refresher on important races and dates to know for the 2026 elections? Below is what you need to know for all three states.OhioBig Races to KnowGovernor: With Republican Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited at the end of 2026, Ohio voters will elect a new leader in November. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton appear destined for a close race down to the end for the governor role, with polls at the end of 2025 showing a close race to succeed DeWine.U.S. Senate: Less than two years after replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, Republican Jon Husted will look to defend his seat in 2026. The most likely candidate to oppose him looks to be former Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to make a comeback after losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024. Like in the governor’s race, polls are showing a close race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.U.S. House: Ohio’s 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in 2026. It comes after the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map that could boost Republican chances in districts currently held by Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman in Cincinnati and Marcy Kaptur near Toledo.Dates to KnowApril 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 5: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 6: Early in-person voting beginsNov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarkedNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Ohio’s election dates to know, click here.KentuckyBig Races to KnowU.S. Senate: With longtime Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell choosing not to run for re-election in 2026, candidates are lining up for a chance to succeed him and represent the Bluegrass State. There are already a handful of candidates who have thrown their name in the mix for the seat, including Andy Barr, Nate Morris and Daniel Cameron on the Republican side. Amy McGrath and Charles Booker are among declared candidates on the Democratic side.U.S. House: Kentucky has six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. The state’s fourth congressional district could be one to keep an eye on, as well-known Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from several candidates, including Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who President Donald Trump has publicly supported.Dates to KnowApril 20: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 19: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 29: Early in person voting beginsNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Kentucky’s election dates to know, click here.IndianaBig Races to KnowU.S. House: Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by seven Republicans and two Democrats.Dates to KnowApril 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 5: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 24: Early in person voting beginsNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Indiana’s election dates to know, click here.

2026 is shaping up to be a massive one in the political sphere, particularly in the Bluegrass and the Buckeye states.

Ohio will hold races for a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats and governor, bringing a ton of publicity to the state as midterm elections heat up around the country. Kentucky also has a Senate race that is growing in national prominence, and Indiana will be re-electing their U.S. House representation.

Need a refresher on important races and dates to know for the 2026 elections? Below is what you need to know for all three states.

Ohio

Big Races to Know

Governor: With Republican Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited at the end of 2026, Ohio voters will elect a new leader in November. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton appear destined for a close race down to the end for the governor role, with polls at the end of 2025 showing a close race to succeed DeWine.

U.S. Senate: Less than two years after replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, Republican Jon Husted will look to defend his seat in 2026. The most likely candidate to oppose him looks to be former Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to make a comeback after losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024. Like in the governor’s race, polls are showing a close race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. House: Ohio’s 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in 2026. It comes after the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map that could boost Republican chances in districts currently held by Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman in Cincinnati and Marcy Kaptur near Toledo.

Dates to Know

April 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 5: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 6: Early in-person voting begins

Nov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Ohio’s election dates to know, click here.

Kentucky

Big Races to Know

U.S. Senate: With longtime Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell choosing not to run for re-election in 2026, candidates are lining up for a chance to succeed him and represent the Bluegrass State. There are already a handful of candidates who have thrown their name in the mix for the seat, including Andy Barr, Nate Morris and Daniel Cameron on the Republican side. Amy McGrath and Charles Booker are among declared candidates on the Democratic side.

U.S. House: Kentucky has six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. The state’s fourth congressional district could be one to keep an eye on, as well-known Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from several candidates, including Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who President Donald Trump has publicly supported.

Dates to Know

April 20: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 19: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 29: Early in person voting begins

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Kentucky’s election dates to know, click here.

Indiana

Big Races to Know

U.S. House: Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by seven Republicans and two Democrats.