Ohio News Roundup: DeWine Sends Help to Flood-Hit Counties, Lightning Strike Hospitalizes 16, Cleveland Temple Dedicated and More

Published Aug 17, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Ohio news. Gov. Mike DeWine deployed state crews and National Guard members to Perry, Muskingum and Morgan counties after another round of flooding, and 16 people were hospitalized after a lightning strike at an Ohio correctional facility. Elder David A. Bednar dedicated the new Cleveland Ohio Temple, an Ohio city fired an officer who fatally shot a 15-year-old and settled a lawsuit with the family, and the Ohio Wildlife Center took in more than 150 storm-displaced animals.

DeWine sends state crews and National Guard to flood-hit Perry, Muskingum and Morgan counties

Gov. Mike DeWine deployed state resources, including National Guard crews, to Perry, Muskingum and Morgan counties Sunday after another round of severe storms triggered flooding and new rescues across southeast Ohio. Perry County residents were cleaning up after floodwaters swept through again, with officials describing a second round of flooding in the region. (WSYX, 10TV, WHIO TV, WHIZ, Spectrum News, NBC4 WCMH-TV, Aug. 16-17, 2026)

Lightning strike at Ohio correctional facility hospitalizes 16

Sixteen people were hospitalized after a lightning strike at an Ohio correctional facility. No additional details about the facility were released in initial reports. (ABC News, Aug. 17, 2026)

Elder Bednar dedicates Cleveland Ohio Temple

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the new Cleveland Ohio Temple on Sunday, bringing the house of the Lord “back home” to northeast Ohio, according to church officials. Church News described the dedication as “prophecies fulfilled” for local members. (Church News, Deseret News, KSL, Church Newsroom, Aug. 16-17, 2026)

Ohio city fires officer who fatally shot 15-year-old, settles lawsuit with family

An Ohio city has fired a police officer who shot and killed a 15-year-old and has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit with the teen’s family. (ABC News, Aug. 14, 2026)

Ohio Wildlife Center takes in 150+ storm-displaced animals

The Ohio Wildlife Center says it has admitted more than 150 animals displaced by recent storms and is requesting donations to help care for them. The center has been overwhelmed as severe weather battered central Ohio. (WSYX, Aug. 16, 2026)

For more on the Buckeye State, see the Ohio guide.