HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A cow on the run that shut down Interstate 270 near Hilliard Monday night had just about everyone on social media talking. Police-worn body camera footage released Tuesday shows just how utterly chaotic it got.  "Just letting you guys know, hopefully we get it open up very soon, but I'll be [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther laid out his vision for the city's future by unveiling his proposed $1.26 billion operating budget. "Things are happening in Washington, in the statehouse, and in our economy that require us to proceed with an extra degree of caution," Mayor Ginther said. Most of the money would [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The countdown to the rivalry game is on. We all know Buckeye fans take their love for Ohio State seriously, but some wear that passion a little more permanently than others. From Block O's to Brutus the Buckeye, fans are proving there's no better way to show their scarlet and gray [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As temperatures drop, making sure your home heating system is running safely is about more than just comfort; it's about protecting your family.  "You don't want to find out you have an issue with your furnace when it's 10 degrees outside and 3 in the morning," Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As temperatures continue to drop, Sunday’s rain turned into a wintry mix, which means some slick spots could be waiting for you on your way into work Monday morning. "We would remind people, just be careful out there because in inclement weather, there are a lot of what ifs," AAA Club [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As more people experiment with psychedelic drugs, researchers say that without clear dosage guidelines, users can find themselves in dangerous or overwhelming situations. 

Now, Ohio State is stepping up with a new training program to help first responders and health care workers handle those emergencies. 

The Ohio State University's Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) just received a $400,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to launch the PEACE Program. It's designed to help professionals support psychedelic users experiencing adverse reactions. 

"Because they're highly regulated and not easily accessible, they're finding ways to get access to them and using them on their own," CPDRE associate director Stacey Armstrong said. 

According to researchers, growing media attention on the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics has fueled curiosity. 

"As more people use them, especially in uncontrolled settings, it's important that if and when they have challenges or difficulties that come up, that professionals are ready to help them with those difficulties, especially our medical first responders and other behavioral health care workers," CPDRE director Dr. Alan Davis said. 

The PEACE program is short for psychedelic education, acute and continuing care education. It will provide free, evidence-based training to more than 127,000 professionals in Ohio, giving them tools to respond safely in times of crisis with understanding and compassion.

"If we can help our workforce understand how to show up in a supportive way, then we're hoping that can lead to fewer challenges, problems or long-term consequences from the use of a psychedelic," Armstrong said.

According to researchers, that kind of support can make all the difference. 

"If they're in a setting where they're not receiving support, it could actually turn into a very challenging and potentially problematic situation for somebody," Armstrong said. 

The program is designed to reach as many of the allied health professionals in Ohio as possible. 

"In each of those trainings, we're going to dive into with national experts, how do you actually plan to interact with people?" Davis said. "How can you manage those cases when and if they come up?"

Ohio State researchers hope the PEACE program becomes a model for other states.

"It's important that we see that Ohio is leading the way in promoting and paying for this type of curriculum and wanting to make sure that we're leading the pack in the United States ahead of the curve, to educate our workforce," Davis said. 

Davis said that under the right conditions, psychedelics can be safe and effective in helping people with various mental health conditions. 

"But at a time where they're not regulated and we don't have FDA approval, we really need to make sure that we're making, that people are equipped with the information they need to do that safely, and if they have problems, they know there's people they can turn to for help," Davis said. 

In-person seminars will be held in January, March, and July of 2026. Free online modules will also become available for all healthcare professionals in the state by next summer.

CPDRE has developed an online certificate program for anybody interested in learning more about psychedelics. For more information, visit this link.

MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCMH) -- The future of the Mifflin Township Police Department is now uncertain after voters struck down a police levy for the second time this year.

"We felt confident putting it on yesterday and I'm just shocked," Mifflin Township Trustee Chair Kevin Cavener said. 

The levy failed by a vote of 55% to 45%. According to Mifflin Township leaders, the impact could be devastating. The department relies entirely on levy funding and without it, leadership said they might not be able to keep officers on the streets. 

"I'm afraid to think what's going to happen," Cavener said.

The levy would have generated $400,000 a year. That money would have funded two full-time and two part-time officers, doubling the department's current working staff of four. 

"I was shocked and sad at the same time because in May, when the levy failed, we had neighbors come to the sub and say how sorry they were that they didn't vote for it and that they really want a police department," Cavener said. 

Cavener said the department was already struggling after two officers were shot and injured in May. The department continued paying their salaries while they recovered. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office helped with patrols but will now only respond to emergencies, which could mean longer response times.

"With this levy failing, Mifflin Township police will not be there as fast as they used to be," Cavener said. "And the sheriff's department definitely won't be there as fast. All priority one calls, it will take the sheriff probably 20 to 30 minutes to get there."

Longtime resident Cherry Manns had passed out flyers in support of the levy. She said she's disappointed and worried about what comes next. 

"It was very shocking to see that individuals didn't step up, come out and support Mifflin Township in their time of need," Manns said. "And they are out here on a daily basis making sure that they support us and take care of the neighborhood."

In a statement to NBC4, Mifflin Township Police Chief David Briggs said: 

"The voters have spoken, while it is disappointing, I understand, they feel taxed out. The future of the police department is being discussed, the trustees and township legal counsel are going over the options."

"Look at all the levies that went on yesterday," Cavener said. "There are just levies everywhere. And so, I understand what the people said and we're listening to them."

Township officials said the department may be forced to shut down and they worry crime will increase.

"If they aren't able to get money that they need, all I can say is that we just have to band together as a community and look out for each other a little bit better than we have in the past," Manns said. 

Mifflin Township's fiscal officer and trustees plan to meet Nov. 18 to look at their options and discuss next steps.