Closures, Delays & Snow Emergencies Snow-covered roadways have led to multiple closures and traffic delays across Central Ohio. I-270 westbound is closed beyond Sawmill Road due to a crash, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. Hilliard and Dublin police also reported ongoing issues with road conditions, though specific details about the extent of the closures were not immediately provided. Several counties in the region have declared snow emergencies as light snow showers with patchy accumulations continue to affect the area. These declarations typically trigger emergency response protocols, including the deployment of snowplows and the opening of shelters for residents. Local authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions. In a separate incident, police in Bucyrus are investigating a caseworker for Marion County Children Services who allegedly smoked fentanyl while on duty. The worker was en route to a home visit when they were stopped by law enforcement, and authorities believe the incident may have prevented a potential tragedy. The case highlights ongoing concerns about substance use among public service professionals. A Columbus family is seeking answers after a fatal crash during a police pursuit claimed the lives of both parents, Franklin Ward and his wife, who were 71 and 52 years old, respectively. The incident occurred in South Linden over the weekend, and local officials have been contacted to provide further details. Newly released documents have revealed a connection between a female podcaster and former Ohio State University President Ted Carter.#ohio_state_university #ohio_department_of_transportation #marion_county_children_services #columbus #south_linden
Ohio State's Ted Carter Steps Down Over Inappropriate Relationship Ohio State University President Ted Carter has resigned after disclosing an inappropriate relationship with an individual seeking public resources to support her personal business. The board of trustees accepted his resignation and will soon announce a transition plan. Carter, 66, stepped down after about two years in the role, following a rare three-hour executive session held by the board on March 7. He informed trustees beforehand that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship and offered to resign, which the board accepted. In a letter accepting Carter’s resignation, Ohio State Board of Trustees Chair John Zeiger expressed surprise and disappointment at learning about the matter, emphasizing the board’s serious consideration of its potential impact on the university. Zeiger acknowledged Carter’s decision and appreciated his cooperation in ensuring a smooth leadership transition. The university did not provide further details about the nature of the relationship when asked by The Dispatch. Carter’s tenure at Ohio State, which began in January 2024, was marked by praise from trustees for his steady leadership and advocacy for the university’s land-grant mission. During his time in office, the board approved a 4.5% merit raise, totaling $51,233, bringing his base salary to $1,189,733, along with a $398,475 bonus—approximately 35% of his base pay. In a statement to the campus community on March 9, Carter acknowledged his mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership. He expressed regret for not being able to continue as president and praised the university’s students, faculty, and staff as among the best in the world.#ohio_state_university #ted_carter #john_zeiger #university_of_nebraska_system #board_of_trustees
Ohio State University President to Resign Following Disclosure of Inappropriate Relationship The Ohio State University will soon be led by a new president after the board of trustees accepted the resignation of Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., the institution’s 17th leader. Carter, who assumed the role in January 2024, announced his decision to step down following the disclosure of an “inappropriate relationship” with an individual who sought public resources to support her personal business. In a statement released by the university, Carter acknowledged his mistake, stating, “For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University. I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.” The board confirmed that Carter had voluntarily offered his resignation, citing the nature of the relationship as a critical factor in his decision. Carter’s tenure at Ohio State followed his previous role as president of the University of Nebraska, where he served from 2020 to 2024. Before his academic leadership positions, he served as a former Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. The university’s board expressed appreciation for his contributions during his time in office, noting his efforts to advance the institution’s mission and growth. The board emphasized that it would provide updates on the transition process in the coming days, though specific details about the next president or timeline for the search were not disclosed. Carter’s statement concluded with gratitude for the university community, stating, “Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community.#ohio_state_university #walter_ted_carter_jr #board_of_trustees #university_of_nebraska #us_navy
OSU President Resigns Following Disclosure of Inappropriate Relationship Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. has stepped down from his role after informing university trustees of an inappropriate relationship with an individual seeking public resources to support her personal business. The Board of Trustees accepted Carter’s resignation on March 9, following his disclosure of the relationship and his offer to resign. In a statement, the university acknowledged Carter’s contributions, highlighting his leadership during the past two years, including progress on the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, improved national rankings, increased research funding, and the introduction of new scholarship programs. The institution also credited the leadership team he assembled for elevating Ohio State’s status as a national leader. Carter expressed regret over his decision to resign, stating, “For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University.” He admitted to allowing “inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership” and apologized for not being able to continue in his position. Carter emphasized his pride in the university’s achievements, calling its students, faculty, and staff “among the very best in the world” and expressing confidence in the strategic plan’s ability to secure Ohio State’s future success. The president also thanked the board of trustees for their support, noting, “I have enjoyed a strong working relationship with the board of trustees, and I’m grateful for their support and guidance.” He concluded with a farewell message, stating, “Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community.#ohio_state_university #education_for_citizenship_2035 #osu_president #walter_ted_carter_jr #board_of_trustees
Ohio State President Ted Carter Resigns Following 'Inappropriate Relationship' Allegations Ohio State University President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. has resigned from his position after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with an individual seeking public resources to support her personal business, the university announced. Carter submitted his resignation letter to the Board of Trustees on Saturday, and the board accepted it on Sunday. In a statement, Board Chairman John Zeiger expressed surprise and disappointment at the situation, emphasizing the board’s serious consideration of the matter’s potential impact on the university. Zeiger acknowledged Carter’s decision and thanked him for his cooperation in ensuring a smooth leadership transition. The board also highlighted Carter’s contributions to the university during his two-year tenure. According to the university, Carter disclosed to the board that he had allowed inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership, prompting his decision to resign. The board plans to provide further details about the transition in the coming days. Carter was appointed as Ohio State’s 17th president in 2023, succeeding Kristina Johnson, who resigned in November 2022. He assumed his role on January 1, 2024. Before joining Ohio State, Carter served as president of the University of Nebraska System, where he oversaw four campuses with nearly 70,000 students, faculty, and staff. In his resignation statement, Carter acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret over not being able to continue as president. He praised the university’s students, faculty, and staff, calling them “among the very best in the world.” Carter also commended the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, which he said positions Ohio State for long-term success.#ohio_state_university #ted_carter #john_zeiger #university_of_nebraska_system #education_for_citizenship_2035
Dublin Native Emma Sears Makes Impact with USWNT Ahead of SheBelieves Cup in Columbus Emma Sears, a forward for the U.S. women’s national team, is set to make her mark in her hometown as the SheBelieves Cup returns to Columbus for the second time. The event, which took place in 2024 before Sears gained national team recognition, now marks a significant milestone in her career. Sears, a native of Dublin, Ohio, will represent the U.S. in her hometown for the first time, with over 30 friends and family members in attendance to support her. Sears, who has made 14 appearances for the national team since October 2024, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to play in Columbus. “It’s really nice to be home,” she said, highlighting the comfort of having familiar faces in the stadium. Her journey to the national team began with a strong foundation in central Ohio, where she played for Dublin Jerome High School and later joined Ohio State University. After earning All-Ohio honors as a junior and senior, Sears transitioned to collegiate soccer, becoming a three-year starter for the Buckeyes. During her five seasons at Ohio State, she scored 25 goals, recorded 15 assists, and tallied two hat tricks, joining a select group of players with multiple hat tricks in program history. Sears’ professional career took off when she was selected 28th overall by Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL draft. She quickly made an impact, breaking into the starting lineup within two months and setting a rookie record with five goals in her first season. Her performances caught the attention of U.S. national team coach Emma Hayes, who acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a non-traditional path to the national team.#shebelieves_cup #uswnt #ohio_state_university #emma_sears #racing_louisville_fc
