Immigration: What to know about border security, US immigration policy and more

Immigration in the United States has become a controversial topic in the political arena. There are several steps one must take to become a U.S. citizen, which are outlined on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. These steps include preparing an application for naturalization, paying fees, completing an interview and taking the oath of allegiance to the United States.

President Donald Trump and his administration prioritized securing the border and cracking down on the millions of undocumented immigrants already living in the country. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws. Since beginning his second term in the White House, Trump has worked to initiate the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Los Angeles for protest demonstrations over immigration. The scene turned from peaceful to violent as rising unrest prompted police to deploy tear gas. The Los Angeles immigration protests were among other nationwide protests against federal immigration raids conducted by ICE agents. California Gov. has continued to blame Trump for the escalating protests, claiming that they were peaceful demonstrations before the National Guard and Trump’s rhetoric intensified the conflict.

“Alligator Alcatraz,” the nation’s newest detention facility for undocumented immigrants, is located in the Florida Everglades and surrounded by swampland teeming with alligators and pythons. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized the construction of the detention center on a 30-square-mile property in the swamplands of Miami-Dade County under an emergency order in June 2025. The property, a former airport, has been outfitted with sturdy tent structures to house 5,000 undocumented immigrants amid the Trump administration’s deportation blitz to remove the millions of migrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohioans who have dedicated their lives to the conservation and preservation of Ohio’s natural resources received top honors July 26 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Family, friends, and fairgoers watched as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, ODNR Director Mary Mertz, and other ODNR officials inducted seven people into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame and awarded seven others with ODNR’s Cardinal Award.

The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was created in 1966 to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting Ohio’s natural resources. With the most recent inductions, the number of people presented with this honor is 193.

The Cardinal Award, created in 1971, honors individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the department’s mission statement: “To ensure a balance ‘tween the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Cardinal Award recipients have included outdoor writers, educators, farmers, biologists, naturalists, businesses, sporting organizations and volunteers across the state of Ohio.”

HALL OF FAME

Denis Case. Case was employed by ODNR as Chief of the Division of Research from 1973 to 1975. In 1975, he recommended to the Director of ODNR that his division and position be eliminated and that each division should conduct their own research. From 1975 to his retirement in 1996, he was a wildlife biologist with ODNR’s Division of Wildlife, responsible for developing and prioritizing terrestrial endangered species and biodiversity programs. Case was the driving force behind Ohio’s first bald eagle recovery program as well as recovery of the river otter, peregrine falcon and a host of other endangered species. Since his retirement, he and his wife Rita have worked with the Appalachian Ohio Alliance to protect land parcels, and since 2006 they’ve volunteered their time radiotracking timber rattlesnakes.

D’Arcy Patrick Egan. Egan began his journalism career as an editor and sportswriter in Coshocton, Medina County, and Cleveland in the 1960s and 1970s. Later, Egan was the full-time outdoors editor for the Cleveland Plain Dealer for 40 years and full-time editor of The Beacon (Port Clinton) for the last five years of his career leading up to his retirement in 2023. He focused on Lake Erie and northern Ohio woods and waters in his coverage. Egan spearheaded a successful movement to ban gill nets in Ohio waters, fighting invasive species such as Asian carp and promoting sound research to advance Ohio fisheries, especially Lake Erie walleye and the highly successful steelhead trout program. He extensively wrote about hunter safety, safe boating practices and, as a licensed Lake Erie fishing guide, introduced anglers to safe and ethical fishing. In 2008, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources presented Egan with the Cardinal Award.

Tom Kashmer. Kashmer, who died in June, was a dedicated conservationist with more than 40 years of service in Ohio. He started banding birds in 1983 and founded the Green Creek Wildlife Society in 1984. His educational and research organization focused on bird education and conservation, something he also promoted as an Ohio History and World Geography teacher at Gibsonburg High School for 28 years. Under Kashmer’s direction, Green Creek Wildlife Society members installed more than 1,000 bluebird boxes, leading to the banding of more than 16,000 eastern bluebirds and 26,000 tree swallows. He was also involved in small stream research, colonial wader banding and graduate research programs on rails and shorebirds. After retirement from teaching and up until his passing, he led numerous bird, eagle, and kayak tours as a research coordinator for the Sandusky County Park District.

Paul E. Knoop, Jr. Knoop’s career spanned 35 years as education director at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. In 1995, Aullwood opened the Paul Knoop Prairie adjacent to the farm near Dayton International Airport. After retirement, Knoop and his wife Cathy moved to Hocking County and continue to be involved in nature education. They both teach natural history field classes for Ashland University and lead wildflower hikes at the Land Conservancy Arc of Appalachia. Knoop co-wrote “The Birds of Hocking County, Ohio”, published in 2016. Knoop has earned many honors, including the George B. Fell Award, given by the Natural Areas Association. He is a founding member and the inaugural secretary of the Appalachia Ohio Alliance. Founded in 2001, the Alliance preserves and restores natural ecosystems, facilitates the protection of historical landmarks, and supports educational and outreach activities in Ohio’s Appalachia region.

Dr. Larry B. Mixon, Sr. Mixon, who died in March, discovered a love for Ohio’s natural resources at a young age. Mixon grew to be an avid outdoorsman, enjoying rabbit and wild turkey hunting, bow hunting for deer, and fishing. In 2003, recognizing Mixon’s passion for the outdoors and his commitment to serving the public, Gov. Bob Taft appointed him to the Ohio Wildlife Council, an eight-member board that approves proposed rules and regulations by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Mixon was very involved in Wildlife Council proposals and presentations, taking all of the information into consideration and providing positive feedback to the Division of Wildlife on rule proposals. Mixon served in positions of increasing responsibility and authority in the U.S. Army. He held positions as interviewing officer, executive officer and company commander. Later, he held many roles as an administrator for Columbus Public Schools, serving as superintendent from 1993 to 1997.

Eric Partee. Partee led the Little Miami Conservancy for 40 years as executive director and played a big role in saving a national treasure right here in Ohio. He oversaw the protection of 2,000 acres of land along the river and its tributaries, hundreds of river sweeps involving thousands of volunteers to clean up hundreds of tons of river debris, implementation of water quality programs to monitor the overall health of the river and the planting of over 50,000 native trees and over 100 acres of prairies to preserve the water and floodplain habitat. Post-retirement, Partee continues to be a valuable advisor for the welfare of the river and helps monitor wildlife and water quality.

Carolyn Watkins. Watkins has been an exceptional advocate for environmental and conservation-focused education for more than 30 years. As chief of the Office of Environmental Education at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency since 1998, Watkins has played a pivotal role in securing millions of dollars in grants for conservation efforts and has personally taught various curricula to thousands of students and educators. Along with her contribution to Project WET, Project WILD and many other nature-based learning programs, she’s worked alongside ODNR as a facilitator for Project Learning Tree, the Division of Forestry’s environmental education standard. Watkins is also the recipient of the Division of Forestry’s John Hug Award for outstanding leadership in environmental education, the Environmental Education Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award for environmental education in Ohio, and many other awards.

CARDINAL AWARD

Dave Apsley. Apsley founded A DAY IN THE WOODS, a program designed to educate and promote good stewardship and active management for all forestland in Ohio. Twice a month from May through November, he can be found teaching private woodland owners everything from identifying trees to understanding local wildlife. A DAY IN THE WOODS celebrated its 100th educational event at Vinton Furnace State Forest in June. Currently a natural resources specialist at Ohio State University Extension, Apsley has been an advocate and educator for forest management in Ohio for over 20 years. Apsley also serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Collaborative Oak Management Initiative and helped develop Call Before You Cut Ohio, a public program that connects landowners with resources and professionals to manage their woodlands.

Kristen Beck. Beck has been rehabilitating our native wildlife since the early 1980s. In 2013, she established North Canton’s Clover Field Wildlife Center. Beck operates this center herself and does not have any staff to assist her. She has been instrumental in conservation efforts around the state by rehabilitating species of concern such as the gray fox and four different species of bats. In 2022, her donation-based rehab center admitted almost 900 injured, orphaned or ill animals. Beck has been an outstanding member of the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitator Association board for 13 years and a critical component in educating thousands of Ohioans about wildlife and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts to help protect our natural resources.

Burr Oak Alive! More than a decade ago, Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center was slated to be demolished and Burr Oak Alive! was founded by locals determined to save it. They rallied enough support to encourage ODNR leadership to shift gears and route the funds intended for demolition to renovation, instead. The friends group for Burr Oak is an invaluable asset to the visitor experience at the park, proven by the incredible work they’ve continued to do ever since the lodge was saved. Just a couple of weeks ago, Burr Oak Alive! and ODNR cut the ribbon on the Lodge to Lake Trail, a concrete trail behind the lodge. From assisting with naturalist programs, sponsoring events such as the Halloween Spooktacular and Boat Flotilla, organizing tree plantings, and manning aide and water stations during long trail hikes and runs, this organization does it all.

Lola Lewis. Lewis was part of ODNR’s Division of Forestry’s Regional Urban Foresters team for 28 years, representing 13 counties in east central Ohio. Her job focused on helping elected officials, staff, and volunteers better understand the importance of trees in their communities. Lewis hosted annual urban forestry conferences, pruning workshops and led tree commission meetings. She also took the lead when the emerald ash borer was first found in Ohio. Lewis was a member of the Ohio Urban Forest Strike Team, designed to work with FEMA and assist communities after a storm event. After retirement, Lewis now advises the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation’s TreeCorp program, helping plant and maintain healthy trees in the city of Youngstown. She was recently recognized as a True Professional Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Brenda Metcalf. Metcalf has served as the executive director of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio for the past 20 years. She developed quality relationships with the Ohio EPA through their Partnership Grant that supports the Environmental Careers Program. Her partnerships with the Ohio Department of Education helped foster the Ohio Environmental Literacy Plan in 2012 — one of the first in the country. Metcalf also fostered a long-term positive relationship with ODNR through her constant support of Project WILD, Project Learning Tree and other initiatives. She has a long partnership with the Ohio Division of Wildlife through a grant to support high school research on wildlife and their habitats, support of the Ohio Student Wildlife Research Symposium, through the EECO regional director networks that regularly host Project WILD workshops, and the promotion of our resources and materials through her outreach efforts into classrooms and conference displays.

Preservation Parks of Delaware County. Preservation Parks of Delaware County has pursued a program of vigorously acquiring lands to expand park space in Ohio’s fastest-growing county, and they are committed to the protection of natural habitats, conservation of natural resources, restoration of native landscapes, watershed protection and helping residents connect with the landscape and its natural history. The park system hosts daily seasonal programming for all ages, maintaining 11 local parks and a section of the 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail. For several years, the Ohio Geological Survey has collaborated with Preservation Parks in the expansion of Shale Hollow Park, ensuring that its significant geological features are preserved and explained to the public. With Preservation Parks’ cooperation, Geological Survey has produced field guides and other educational materials that help in ODNR’s mission.

State Sen. Tim Schaffer. Schaffer, a three-term Ohio senator currently serving Fairfield, Licking and parts of Perry County, has a notable track record of involvement in issues related to natural resources, conservation and agriculture. He serves as chairman of the Senate’s standing committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. During this recently passed Biennial Operating Budget, Schaffer was a champion for securing critical funding for the Department of Natural Resources. With his leadership, he was able to successfully restored $37 million to the department’s operating budget. He also played a crucial role during the work to repair the Buckeye Lake Dam. While serving in the Ohio House, Schaffer acted as a key liaison to address the needs of his constituents while also relaying the facts of the project to the people of his district.

ENTERTAINMENT

Elephants? Johnny Cash? See decades of Ohio State Fair history in our photos

These teen-agers experience some of the thrills and excitement of the Ohio State Fair Friday as they whirl over the midway. From left: Richie Tabor, Danny Quinn, Jeff Sergent, Scott Sizemore in 1981. Charles Rex Arbogast

The Columbus Dispatch building, directly across from the Grandstand, is again “open for business” at the Ohio State Fair in Aug. 1953. Fair visitors are invited to take advantage of the lounge facilities, send messages overseas by special short wave radio, obtain fair maps and programs and find out details of Dispatch insurance. Signs advertise Free ROUND the WORLD MESSAGES to SERVICE MEN (via short wave), and PROTECT the Whole Family with DISPATCH Accident Insurance. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Undated photo of the Ohio State Fair Columbus Dispatch File Photo

1976 Ohio Pork Queen, Gina Ward, 19, of Urbana, with Bob Evans, founder of Bob Evans Farms, Inc., and Kevin Unger at the Ohio State Fair. 8/31/76. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Dolly Parton sings at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 26, 1979 Joe Pastorek

Matt Brewer finally gets to take a break and snooze with his cattle. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Ohio State Fair, 1890s Columbus Dispatch File Photo

This photo of harness racing at the Ohio State Fair is dated 1936 Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Two young persons were presented gifts of stuffed animals by Governor Rhodes as the Ohio State Fair officially opened in 1968. From, left to right, are Jeff Conway, 12, who was injured last year when he fell from a shuttlebus; Rhodes; Anne Murrell, Miss Ohio State Fair; Thom Olszewski, 17, who spent 33 hours in line waiting and was the first customer to enter the grounds; and Jerry Kaltenbach, fair manager. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

George Monaghan and Greg Ackers (on ladder) paint the welcome sign at the Ohio State Fairgrounds on July 29, 1982. MARY CIRCELLI BORDERS, The Columbus Dispatch

Eighteen-year-old Barbara Bailey won her third beauty contest Sunday, capturing the Miss Wool of Ohio title at the Ohio State Fair in 1969. Fair Manager Jerry Kaltenbach, performing one of his more pleasant tasks, presents her crown. In 1968, Miss Bailey was homecoming queen at Xenia High School and also was Miss Miami Valley Dairy Princess. Glen Cumberledge, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State Fair midway, August 1978 Rob Rhees

Pam Hammond got a trip to the Ohio State Fair on her 13th birthday and a part on the head from her mother, Judy. Pam was born here at the main gate of the fair so the visit was pretty special. Taken on Aug. 26, 1974. Rob Rhees, The Columbus Dispatch

8/15/81 — Chris Alexander, 23, of Westerville, and Sherry Reid, 23, of Westerville, stroll along the midway in the rain Saturday morning at the Ohio State Fair. Glen Cumberledge

Bright and early this morning, Gov. Lausche joined breakfast chow line ordinarily restricted to the teen-agers who are exhibiting at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 1, 1955. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Wrestling at the Fair. Aug. 14, 1985. Tag teams face off during professional wrestling in front of the grandstand at the Ohio State Fair. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

August 22, 1968 — There are few people who don’t recall those tragic headlines in November, 1963, announcing “JFK IS DEAD.” But what about the headlines devoted to American women getting the right to vote, sinking of the Titanic or Germany’s surrender in World War II ? For a short course in history, stop by The Dispatch exhibit at the state fair in the Buckeye Building and see the 38 historic front pages. Here a young fair previewer, Mitchell Ross, of near Delaware, looks at sketches of Dispatch comic characters along the front page display. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Fans wait to see New Kids on the Block at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 4, 1989 Chris Russell

Ohio State Fair – August 1977 grand champion steer. Third from left is Wendy’s Dave Thomas. Beside him is Ohio Gov. James Rhodes. AMY WOLFE

Ohio State Fair entrance from the 1920s Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Workmen started Friday to tear down the 11th Ave. entrance to the Ohio fairgrounds to make way for a new five-lane entrance to be built as part of the $2.5 million capital improvements program in 1966. A plaque on the old entrance states it was erected in 1924 under Gov. Vic Donahey. The new entrance will feature a huge OHIO. William Blackstone, The Columbus Dispatch

Admirers of U.S. Senate candidate Robert Taft Jr. gather around his golf cart as the Rep. standard-bearer visited the Ohio State Fair Saturday with two former Ohio Senators. At left is Frank J. Lausche, at right is John W. Bricker on Sept. 6, 1970. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Gov. James A. Rhodes. August 22, 1968 – From the original caption: First Fair Fish — Governor Rhodes helps Richard Stultz, 8, of 2162 Eden Ave. as the boy lands the first fish caught at the Ohio State Fairgrounds Thursday. Fishing is free for children at the pond provided by the Department of Natural Resources. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Visitors thronged into The Dispatch photo center in the center of the grounds at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 28, 1966. Staff photographers developed negatives, printed and transmitted pictures to the newspaper office. Interested visitors watched the photo transmitting machine in operation. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Jay Cochrane rests on his perch 180 feet above the ground after setting up a pole for his high wire act at the Ohio State Fair on July 30, 1990. Cochrane, 50, will walk the 500 feet from one pole to another each night of the fair which begins Aug. 2. Tom Dodge

Nancy Hammer of the State Fair Public Relations Office and Columbus Dispatch’s “Grumpy Gourmet” Doral Chenoweth eat a Belgian Queen waffle on Aug. 6, 1982 at the Ohio State Fair. Mary Circelli

Russell Noel, 17, who travels with his girldfriend, Lori Milligan, 17 (of Florida), started in the carnival business with his cousin who operated a motorcycle show. He says people think carnival types are always greasy, but says, “They see us when we’re working on equipment. Why don’t people think the same of carpenters?” Ohio State Fair. on Aug. 28, 1978. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Melvin Heck of New Lebanon, Ohio, might be leery of getting on another scale in a few days after he downs this triple-dip cone in the Dairy Building at the Ohio State Fair. Visitors lined up to weigh themselves at the north entrance Tuesday, but even more lined up to buy ice cream, cheese sandwiches, milk shakes and other milk products. Taken on 8/24/1977. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Steve Crotts, 29, of Maple Heights, Ohio balances a hot dog sign at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 9, 1989. Tom Dodge

Tracy Hunt, 18, from Richmond, Va. is “Serpentina” at the “International Palace of Illusion” located in the Ohio State Fair midway on Aug. 3, 1988. Tom Dodge

Aerial of the Ohio State Fair, fairgrounds, in 1963 Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Meagan Holt, 5, of Columbus gets some hands on experience milking a cow at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 5, 1989. Molly Stevens, right, of Urbana was teaching children how to milk cows. Fred Squillante

Undated aerial shot of the Ohio State Fair Columbus Dispatch File Photo

This photograph of the entrance to the Ohio State Fairgrounds is dated 1952 Columbus Dispatch File Photo

The Fair Gateway of the Future is shown by the Ohio Expositions Committee, from left, William G. Lyden, Chair Norman Treadon and Ralph Cobey, in this photo dated 1963. In 1962, Gov. James A. Rhodes began a capital improvements program for the fairgrounds site, renaming it the Ohio Expositions Center. The “OHIO gate” was designed as a signature piece for the site. It was built to shorten lines of traffic entering the fairgrounds to park; it had more entry points than the previous gate. It was first used in 1966 at the 11th Avenue entrance to the state fairgrounds. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Taken Aug. 16, 1977. Three grandchildren of Gov. James A. Rhodes handled the ribbon cutting duties Tuesday at the opening of the state fair under the watchful eye of John Evans, fair manager, left, and their grandfather. Missy Moore, 13, is clipping the ribbon, getting help from her sister, Allyson, 4, left, and cousin, Sharon Jacob, 6. Ken Chamberlain Jr., The Columbus Dispatch

1976 Ohio State Fair tug-of-war competition Amy Wolfe

There was lots of shouting and shoving as thousands of young fans turned out for the first day of the 123rd Ohio State Fair to hear the famed Osmonds singing group in the main grandstand on Aug. 26, 1976. A squad of State Highway Patrolmen had its hands full keeping the fans from the stage. Forty-two teenage girls were treated at the fair first aid station for what officials called “Osmonditis,” described as a combination of hysteria and hyperventilation. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

9/1/1971 — Elephant walking at the Ohio State Fair. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Ohio State Fair photograph from 1941. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Newspaper Industry — Columbus Dispatch — Promotions. Ohio State Fair 1954 . Dispatch-Journal Picnic Area Columbus Dispatch File Photo

With his wife, June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash performs at the Ohio State Fair in 1969. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

August 31, 1962 – Ohio astronaut and Lt. Col. John H. Glenn Jr. moves through the Science Exhibit area in the Youth Center. He praised the students at the science exhibits, characterizing the winners, and youth in general, as “most valuable for one asset they all share — a tremendous curiosity.” Glenn visited all the displays, and was particularly drawn to projects on algae, bones, topology, outer space photography and seismographs, the newspaper reported. One young exhibitor said to the astronaut, “Please, Colonel, next time you take one of those space rides, grab me a meteorite.” The boy had a collection of rocks. Earlier that year, in February 1962, Glenn had become the first American to orbit Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury’s Friendship 7 spacecraft. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Lt. Col. John H. Glenn Jr. speaks at the Ohio State Fair. Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1962 . Ohio’s famed astronaut, bareheaded and without protection from a persistent rain, delivers an inspiring talk directed toward youth, but thought-provoking for everybody, young and old, who jammed the Ohio State Fairgrounds grandstand Friday. Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Confetti fills the air as Governor George Voinovich cuts the ribbon to officially open the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 1, 1997. Chris Russell

Merlin “Woody” Woodruff, right, the outgoing Ohio State Fair Grand Champion Auctioneer passes the gavel to John Regula, left, the incoming Ohio State Fair Grand Champion Auctioneer at the Celeste Center on the Ohio State Fairgrounds in 1998. Woody has been the auctioneer since the start of the sale 31 years ago. James D. DeCamp

Hunter Education Instructor of the Ohio Division of Wildlife Dennis Earl teaches Governor John Kasich how to shoot a bow and arrow in the Natural Resources Park of the Ohio Fairgrounds, Wednesday morning, July 24, 2013. Eamon Queeney

Children, from left, Madison Maxwell, 11, Alex Janusz, 8, Elicia Allen, 7, and Sami Allen, 4, eat hot dogs on sticks while attending the Ohio State Fair with the Allen’s mother Diana Allen on Aug. 14, 2000. JEFF ADKINS

Hundreds of people flood into the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park on the Ohio State Fairgrounds Monday afternoon 7-21-97 on a hunt for hidden treasures that were donated by area corporations and businesses. The biggest prize given away during the hunt was two America West Airline tickets to anywhere in the United States. Other prizes included compact discs, posters, mugs, concert and fair tickets, as well as many other things. The hunt was put on by the Ohio State Fair Marketing Office to possibly attract people to the upcoming Ohio State Fair. MATT SULLIVAN

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and wife Fran eat cream puffs at Schmidt’s stand while grandchild Steven Dudukovich waits his turn at the 2019 Ohio State Fair. Kyle Robertson

Brooke Egbert, 13, of Botkins, Ohio, sheds tears as she rests her head on her reserve champion market steer, realizing that she was moments away from selling him to the highest bidder at the Ohio State fair Sale of Champions, Sunday, August 3, 2014. Jenna Watson

Ryleigh Egbert, 16, holds onto Cruiser, her Grand Champion Market Beef animal, as the Ohio State Fair’s Sale of Champions auctioneers fetch her a record $225,000 for Cruiser on Aug. 8, 2022. During the bidding, auctioneers mentioned that Ryleigh’s grandfather passed away earlier this year, and that brought a tearful reaction from Ryleigh and many people in the audience. A record $675,000 was raised at the Sale of Champions this year. Doral Chenoweth

Columbus police recruiter and patrol officer Mark A. Whitfield, right, talks with Clifton Hickman of Columbus at the Ohio State Fair. Whitfield was at the fair handing out pamphlets and trying to recruit new officers on Aug. 14, 1997. LYNN ISCHAY

Avery Coles 10 along with cousin Jewely Coles 4 both of Columbus enjoy some ice cream while sharing a seat outside the Dairy Products Building at the state fair. They were at the fair with Avery’s mom Lizzy Coles and grandmother for both Sharon Watterson on Aug. 2, 1996. ERIC ALBRECHT

Marketa Corbin 21 of Columbus says power washing off the last of the butter off the butter cow frame at the dairy building was hilight of her employment at the Ohio State fair on Aug. 24, 1998. She said, “We came, we worked and destroyed the butter cow.” ERIC ALBRECHT

Brent Myers, 10, of Troy, OH, tries to control three Jersey heifers as he waits outside the Coliseum to show the bovine beauties in the “Three Best Females” competition at the Ohio State Fair on Aug. 16, 1997. LYNN ISCHAY

The Ohio State Fair at night on Aug. 9, 1996 John F. Martin, COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Auctioneer Todd Woodruff yells out the bid of Mark (left) and Megan Kvamme (center), of Columbus, as their daughter Gracie Jean, 1, smiles along at the Sale of Champions, Sunday, August 3, 2014, in the Celeste Center at the Ohio State Fair. Jenna Watson

Two young boys point towards two young girls as they pass by each other on the Sky Glider ride at the Ohio State Fair, Friday Evening, August 10, 2007. Kyle Robertson

Johnny Welde, 46, from Myakka City, Fla. walks his 6-month old European Brown Bear “Bruno” at the Ohio State Fair and Expo Center on July 30, 2002. Welde has 10 bears at the fair this year and hopes to raise money for his 15 acre bear preserve called Big Bear Pines. Tom Dodge

Barb Ballard, Reynoldsburg, indulges in a snack of Deep Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough at the Ohio State Fair in 2004. Chris Russell

Bobby Snaglewski of Montreal descends from 85 feet during the High Dive Show at the Ohio State Fair on Monday, August 1, 2016. Jonathan Quilter, Columbus Dispatch

Dispatch Columnist Joe Blundo at the Ohio State Fair eats a foot long hotdog in 2001 Columbus Dispatch File Photo

Sen. JD Vance attends the Ohio State Fair in Columbus with his family in 2023. Barbara J. Perenic

The sturgeon moon, the first of two supermoons in August, rises over the Ohio State Fair on Aug 2, 2023. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, August’s full moon is called the sturgeon moon because the giant sturgeon fish that could be readily caught in the Great Lakes this time of year. The next full blue moon will occur on Aug. 30. Adam Cairns

Visitors to the Ohio State Fair on enjoy rides on the midway as sun sets on the Columbus skyline. Adam Cairns

Gus Smithhisler of Marengo, Ohio, holds onto a tether that is attached to the ballon as it takes flight on the morning of Friday, July 25, 2014, at the state fairgrounds, in Columbus, Ohio. The 1100 pound, 97 foot tall, Smokey Bear hot air balloon will be flown for the first time at the fair on Friday. (The Columbus Dispatch | Logan Riely Logan Riely, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ronald G. Mills

Punta Gorda, FL – Ronald G. Mills, 70, of Punta Gorda, Florida, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital. Ron, the son of the late Rhod and Carolyn Mills, was born on October 25, 1950. He grew up in New Lexington, Ohio with a relative on nearly every corner. As a boy he explored the hills of southern Ohio and reveled in his summers with his cousins in Mt. Storm, West Virginia where he developed his deep interest and love of nature. His ever supportive parents put up with hawks in the back yard, owls in the basement, and raccoons in the living room. His musical and artistic talent and love of performance were shared with the community in high school plays and the long running New Lexington Lions Club Minstrel. Ron’s attachment to home was evident in the song he wrote and recorded, “Perry County, Ohio”.

Ron graduated from the University of West Virginia with a B.S. in Recreation Resources and Management. He enjoyed a lifetime career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, first working as a State Naturalist in southeastern Ohio and later as a Program Section Manager. Ron traveled all over Ohio, to parks, schools, and civic groups sharing his joy and passion for the environment. Each corner of Ohio held something or someone special (including his favorite places to eat). He educated and entertained groups with animals from the state nature centers, owl calling on night hikes, drawing “surprise” animals in chalk talks, and portraying his interest in Ohio history as a medicine show huckster. And… to those who actually wanted to buy some of Ron’s elixirs…no, he might have been convincing, but it was all for fun! Each year Ron could be found at Malabar Heritage Days, the Hocking Hills Winter Hike, Scouting Outings, and School Day events held in the Ohio State Parks. During the Ohio State Fair Ron loved doing snake talks on the ODNR stage and dressing in pioneer clothing to help make Ohio’s past come to life in the cabin. He worked with Ohio teachers, developing “Port-a-Park” and taught courses at Hocking Technical College.

Ron loved to fish. His first experiences were at the New Lexington Reservoir with his “pop” but later he ventured into the strip pit swamps of Perry County, and deep sea fishing on vacations to Florida. Ron treasured his Canada bluegill fishing and Michigan ice fishing trips with the “boys”.

Ron and his wife Tobi retired to Punta Gorda in 2004 from Ohio. Ron never lost his enchantment with the natural world and he loved to share it with others. As President of the Peace River Audubon Society, he shared his enthusiasm for conservation and education.

Ron also shared his love of nature through his art. His friendly, warm presence and artistic talent were a part of the Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market where he shared “Florida Reclaimed” with Tobi for ten years. If you ever visit the Punta Gorda area, Ron’s vision of natural life along the Peace River and his quirky cartoons can be seen both outside and inside at the Nav-A-Gator Bar and Grill.

Ron had a commitment to giving back and helping others. He was a lifetime member of the Lions Club International, being involved with both the New Lexington and Punta Gorda Lions Club. He also served on the board of the Early Learning Coalition of Florida Heartland.

Ron is survived by his best friend and wife of 44 years, Tobi Mills, by his beloved Aunt Barb, brothers-in-law and their families in Virginia and Texas, and close cousins in Ohio, Florida, and across the country.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 126 South High St., New Lexington, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ron Mills Scholarship Fund, Attn. Kristie Barnett, New Lexington City Schools, 2549 Panther Drive, New Lexington, Ohio 43764.

Ron loved meeting and talking to people. He had a way of making each person he met feel special and important. His gentle kind heart and joyful humor infected everyone around him. May his memory be a blessing to all he encountered.