AGP Executive Report

Road Safety in Ohio: A serious crash on Route 224 in Poland Township killed a 4-year-old and sent two others to the hospital; Ohio State Highway Patrol says the SUV went off the road, drug impairment is believed to be a factor, and the vehicle was closed for hours. Local Tourism & Museums: Mansfield’s Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit for the Westinghouse “Home of Tomorrow” museum, limiting hours, group size, and parking to keep neighborhood impact tight. Travel Health Watch: Ohio travelers should note the expanding Cyclospora situation nationwide—FDA investigations show multiple outbreaks where the specific food source isn’t always identified yet. Deportation & Airport Activity: As TPS for Haitians expires, Ohio officials say ICE deportation flights are continuing, including at Akron-Canton Airport—an issue that could affect local communities and visitors. Outdoor Season Tips: With ticks active, Ohio readers are reminded to take Lyme precautions during hikes and camping. Family Road-Trip Planning: WalletHub ranks Ohio among the best states for summer road trips, balancing driving experience with affordability.

Tourism Marketing: Trumbull County Tourism is a national finalist for the Excellence in Print Marketing Award at the ESTO Awards, with its 2025 “Truly Trumbull Trip Ideas” visitor guide competing against major out-of-state destinations. New Retail for Travelers: IKEA is coming to Northeast Ohio—Crocker Park in Westlake announced a small-format store opening in spring 2027, taking over the former Dick’s Sporting Goods space and aiming to draw regional visitors. Family Fun & Events: Norwalk’s Summit Motorsports Park hosts the 49th Annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire this Saturday, a major nitro drag racing spectacle with fireworks and exhibition action. Health & Community: Toledo’s Empowered Wellness Foundation plans a Rise & Thrive Back-to-School Community Health Fair on Aug. 8 at the Wayman Palmer YMCA, featuring screenings, school supplies, and family activities. Road & Drive Planning: Beavercreek begins widening Beaver Vu Drive at N. Fairfield Road in August, adding a left-turn lane and storm sewer work, with completion targeted by late October. Safety Alerts: A serious two-vehicle crash on SR 219 in Auglaize County left both drivers in serious condition, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol. Weather/Travel Disruption: A confirmed tornado hit near Appleton, Wisconsin, knocking out power for thousands and prompting local officials to warn drivers away from damaged areas. Local Culture Spotlight: Lebanon’s Charm at the Farm celebrates its 10th anniversary with new ownership and expanded community-focused experiences.

Engineering & Infrastructure: Ohio’s ODOT District 2 Deputy Director Patrick McColley received the 2026 Professional Engineering Management Award from NSPE-Ohio, highlighting leadership behind bridge-deck upgrades using GFRP reinforcement. Local Travel & Safety: ODOT crews are finishing paving on the new U.S. 22 and Jamison Road roundabout in Washington Court House; it’s open in final configuration, with temporary lane closures expected through September 2026. Parks & Outdoors: Summit Metro Parks bought the 85-acre “Historic Quarry” area in Peninsula for $2.75 million (Clean Ohio grant included); the site stays closed for now, with possible future trails and swimming unlikely. Roadside & Family Fun: Lorain and North Ridgeville received ODOT Highway Safety funds for sidewalk and crossing upgrades, supporting safer walking for visitors and locals. Tourism & Community Events: Fairfield’s River City Rhythm is gearing up for the 29th annual Summer Music Games, while Louisville’s Schnitzelburg hosts the 56th annual World Championship Dainty Contest. Weather Watch: A thunderstorm complex may bring damaging winds and heavy rain to parts of the Ohio Valley into early Tuesday. Immigration Impact on Ohio Communities: Springfield braces as Haitian TPS protections end, with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine calling the deportation plan a “mistake” that could hurt the local economy. Travel Tech & Privacy: A debate continues over Flock Safety license-plate reader cameras—public-safety benefits versus privacy safeguards communities need.

New Attractions in Hocking Hills: Ohio’s first mountain coaster is coming to Hocking Hills near Logan, with 3,640 feet of track, speeds up to 26 mph, and construction expected to start soon—plus a gift shop and kids’ gem mining. Road Safety for Travelers: A serious two-vehicle crash in Auglaize County near St. Marys sent two drivers to the hospital with serious injuries, and a separate I-71 three-vehicle serious injury crash in Richland County involved a Bronco hitting a parked Lexus and tow truck. On-the-Road Disruptions: ODOT plans I-71 resurfacing in Richland County with nightly lane closures and ramp shutdowns around SR 13 and SR 39 through late July, with work stretching into October 2026. Mobile Convenience: D4 Auto Spa launched mobile car detailing across the Columbus area, bringing interior/exterior service to homes and workplaces. Family Fun & Weather Watch: Ohio’s tax-free weekend returns Aug. 7–9 for qualifying school items, while parts of Ohio and Indiana face an Enhanced Risk for severe storms Monday with damaging wind gusts possible.

Back-to-School Help (Toledo/Lima): Verizon’s “School Rocks” backpack giveaway at Secor Road in Toledo ran out for about half the families in line, while a separate Lima youth ministry is collecting backpacks and school supplies for an Aug. 8 event at Faurot Park. Local Safety (Canfield): Canfield police stepped up e-bike and scooter education and enforcement, citing recent injuries and pushing helmet and speed compliance. Outdoor & Family Fun (Ohio fairs & events): The Wood County Fair’s truck and tractor pull returns with multiple divisions Aug. 8, and local cyclists are rolling for the American Cancer Society’s Pan Ohio Hope Ride. Travel Planning (Indiana maps): Indiana stopped free paper highway maps in 2021, while nearby states like Ohio still offer them—good news for road-trippers who like offline backups. Health Alert (Ohio & beyond): The FDA/CDC expanded the cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, now including Ohio among nine states. Weather Watch (Great Lakes/Ohio Valley): Forecasters warn of damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding risk affecting the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley into Monday.

Severe Weather Watch: Ohio confirmed nine tornadoes after the July 21 storms, with EF0–EF1 touchdowns across multiple counties—plus forecasters warn more damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding risk for the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes this week. Road Safety: OSHP is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on SR-58 in Pittsfield Township and a serious multi-vehicle crash on I-71 near Richland County. Travel & Getting There: Airlines are adding extra flights for five Ohio State football weekends, including boosted capacity into Columbus and major travel help for the Texas road game. Local Events: Cincinnati Music Festival drew packed crowds for day three, and Mansfield’s Music on the Mountain continues to bring drum-and-bugle corps from across the U.S. and Canada. Family-Friendly Stops: Wyandot Lake’s history and updates, plus a reminder of upcoming back-to-school backpack giveaways at Verizon locations. Gas Prices: Week ending July 18 saw Ohio regular gas average around $3.85 statewide, with notable low points like $3.61 in Washington County.

Air Travel for Buckeye Fans: Airlines are adding 25 extra flights (about 3,700 seats) for five major Ohio State football weekends in 2026, including a big boost for the Sept. 12 road game at Texas. Theme-Park Safety: Cedar Point and the Ohio State Highway Patrol honored 13 Ohio crash survivors in the “Saved by the Belt” ceremony, spotlighting how seat belts can prevent tragedy. Back-to-School Giveaways: Verizon-authorized retailers are hosting free backpack giveaways in Ohio and nearby areas, including Toledo events and a northeast Indiana/northwest Ohio run. Food Safety Watch: The FDA/CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, now listing cases in Ohio among other states—travelers may want to stay alert for recalls and symptoms. Local Community Fun: The Cincinnati Music Festival drew crowds for day 3 with music, food, and family activities, while a Zanesville-area VFW kids’ summer party handed out back-to-school bags to 430+ children. Health & Travel Causes: The Pan Ohio Hope Ride (American Cancer Society) rolled through the Dayton area, aiming to raise $1M+ for the Cleveland Hope Lodge. Bed Bug Warning for Visitors: Orkin’s 2026 bed bug list again flags Chicago as the worst U.S. city for infestations—inspect rooms and luggage carefully. New Aviation in Springfield: Electra plans its first production facility for a hybrid-electric aircraft in Springfield, Ohio, with a major $850M investment and up to 800 planes per year.

Family Travel Spotlight: Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers (Lake Erie) was named one of the 12 best waterfront family resorts in the U.S., adding to the park’s strong 10Best momentum. Road Trip & Outdoor Escapes: Pokagon State Park in Northern Indiana—near the Michigan and Ohio borders—highlights forest camping, trails, fishing, and winter fun with an on-site inn. Local Stays & Policy: Swanton council voted down a short-term rental ban in residential areas, keeping AirBnB-style stays in place while state legislation is pending. Gas Prices Watch (Ohio): GasBuddy reports show midgrade and diesel deals in multiple counties, including $3.85 midgrade in Allen County and $3.81 diesel in Montgomery County for the week ending July 18. Safety on the Road: OSHP is investigating a fatal Ashtabula County motorcycle crash, and another serious head-on crash in Trotwood involved impairment concerns. Health Alert for Travelers: The cyclospora outbreak continues to drive shoppers toward local produce and raises questions about food safety during summer travel. Community & School Updates: Yellow Springs Schools expects to start Aug. 20 as planned, with a contingency calendar ready if construction delays push the first day back.

LeBron James to Philly: After weighing retirement, LeBron is signing a two-year, $8M deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that will pull more NBA fans into the region’s travel plans. Food-safety alert: The CDC/FDA expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, including Ohio, with nearly 2,000 reported illnesses and dozens hospitalized—travelers should watch for symptoms and follow local health guidance. Road work for drivers: PennDOT cut the speed limit to 50 mph on I-80 in Mercer County through mid-November, with lane shifts and added safety measures. Family fun in Ohio: Cedar Point hosted “Saved by the Belt,” honoring Mansfield residents whose crashes were survivable thanks to seat belts. Transit updates: Columbus’ COTA is planning bus rapid transit and wants some routes to run 24 hours, pending federal grant funding. Weather watch: NWS confirmed a tornado touched down across WV into Frederick County, VA, after supercells tracked over the Ohio River Valley.

Road Safety: A Fairborn man was seriously hurt in a rollover crash on I-75 North near Troy after a Chevrolet HHR hit a median and a Volvo tractor-trailer; hazmat crews responded to a fuel leak and the right lane stayed closed for cleanup and investigation. Transit & Local Travel: Springfield’s on-demand micro transit service (via Via Transportation) topped 100,000 rides in its first year within a 21-mile zone, with $2 one-way fares and plans to expand hours into weekends. Nature & Family Fun: Medina County Park District announced a full August lineup, including free hikes, Jurassic in the Park at the Susan Hambley Nature Center, and hands-on wetlands and evening programs. Tourism & Community: A Trumbull County economic-development feature earned international attention, highlighting industrial heritage, tourism growth, and brownfield and housing progress. Outdoors/Heritage: Lake Shore Live Steamers in Kirtland keep railroading traditions alive with public mini-steam rides at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Food Safety Watch: Health officials say cyclosporiasis links include Ohio among other states, with ongoing investigation into contaminated produce. Gas Prices (Road Trip Planning): GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Scioto County at $3.33/gal (week ending July 18), with other county-by-county lows also trending in the low-to-mid $3 range for regular.

Outdoor Adventure: Southeast Ohio just completed the 88-mile Baileys Trail System in the Wayne National Forest—now the longest continuous mountain bike trail system east of the Mississippi, with trailheads in Chauncey, Buchtel and York Township. Family Travel & Events: Preble County’s “Christmas in July” kicks off July 24-25 at The Gym & Star Theatre at Eagle’s Point, with Ohio movie trivia, giveaways and a free screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Railroad Tourism: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its America 250 coast-to-coast run; it’s in Salina overnight, then heads west Friday with stops in Wilson and Hays. Local Community & School Prep: Mercy Health hosts a back-to-school event in Toledo (July 31) with free backpacks and supplies plus adult screenings. Public Safety/Travel Disruption: The Page Road bridge over the Ohio Turnpike in Streetsboro reopened after months of repairs. Food Safety Watch: A multistate cyclospora outbreak is still being tracked, with Ohio mentioned among affected states. Immigration & Work: Ohio’s CDL policy change is leaving some lawful permanent residents unable to work while waiting on updated green card documentation. Lake Erie Visitor Safety: A fatal shooting at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille in Put-in-Bay led to an arrest and a temporary closure.

Invasive Species Watch (West Virginia): Spotted lanternfly was confirmed in Kanawha County near St. Albans, adding the 22nd WV county to the growing list and prompting residents to report sightings as officials coordinate with USDA for treatment. Wildlife Safety (Michigan): A camping rattlesnake bite in Oakland County renewed attention on how to identify the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Michigan’s only venomous species, which favors wetlands and is protected. Northern Lights Alert: Spaceweather.com says minor solar activity could spark a G1 geomagnetic storm, with aurora potentially visible from northern-tier states overnight. Ohio Travel & Tourism (Rail): Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is set to stop in Hays as part of a 250th-anniversary coast-to-coast tour—another reminder that rail-themed stops can be big draws for travelers. Public Health & Travel Caution: The cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” outbreak keeps expanding nationally, with CDC/FDA updates still shifting what’s considered the likely source—plan food safety carefully while traveling. Ohio Business & Jobs (Aviation): Electra is investing $850M in a Springfield, Ohio hybrid aircraft plant, targeting major job creation and future production.

Airport Dining & Local Flavor: Dayton International Airport is rolling out new post-TSA local spots, with Warped Wing Brewing Company and Buckeye Pie opening as part of a concessions overhaul. Farm-to-Travel: Akron-Canton Airport launched a walk-up store near Gate 5 selling goods from local farmers and small businesses, partnering with Ohio State’s Ag Innovation Center and Purplebrown Farm Store. Back-to-School Giveaways: Salvation Army’s Tools for School program is accepting registrations for free grade-based backpacks for Lucas County students, while Bowen Health is hosting a free backpack giveaway and health fair in Fort Wayne. Outdoor & Community Events: The Athens Gravel Challenge returns Saturday in Chauncey with multiple course options on the Baileys Trail System. Travel Weather Watch: NWS confirmed an EF0 tornado touched down in Clinton County (Sabina) and also confirmed another EF0 in Brown County (Hamersville area). Health Alert for Travelers: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to a multistate outbreak continue to surge, with Ohio reporting nearly 1,200 cases this year and CDC warning summer travel can spread exposure. Tourism Spotlight: Hardin County highlighted Ray Brown Memorial Park in Alger as a new educational stop honoring the Negro Leagues pitcher.

Food Safety & Travel Health: The CDC says 2026 is the worst year on record for cyclosporiasis, with 4,173 confirmed domestic cases across 41 states since May 1 (plus 767 travel-linked). Investigators are still sorting multiple sources, but one major cluster tied to shredded iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms has been linked to Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky—so travelers and Ohio families are being urged to avoid recalled lettuce, ask restaurants about produce sources, and wash produce well. Severe Weather Disruptions: Tornadoes and severe storms across the East have knocked out power for 220,000+ people and canceled thousands of flights, a reminder to check forecasts before road trips and airport departures. Ohio Aviation & Jobs: CFM International (GE Aerospace in Evendale) says preliminary design reviews are complete for its Open Fan engine, advancing toward ground testing by 2030. Tourism Industry Recognition: Destinations International reports 33 destination organizations earned or renewed DMAP accreditation, highlighting growing focus on stewardship and community impact. Local Community & Travel-Adjacent Events: A Cedarville University student group is launching “Hustle House,” blending entrepreneurship and community building—another sign Ohio’s campus-to-community travel culture keeps expanding.

Severe Weather & Power Impacts (Ohio): Central Ohio storms left thousands without power, with about 6,700 still out in Licking County as of 9 p.m. July 21; Newark saw roughly 4,500 outages and Granville about 800. A storm tore off part of The Church Triumphant roof in Newark, and flash-flood warnings were issued for parts of Licking and Fairfield counties due to heavy downpours. Travel Disruption (Regional): Tropical Storm Bertha churned in the northeastern Gulf, with tropical-storm warnings stretching from Florida’s Panhandle into coastal Louisiana; officials warned of dangerous surf and rip currents and expected heavy rain and localized flooding near potential late-Wednesday landfall. Food Safety for Travelers (Cyclospora): The CDC reported 4,173 domestically acquired, lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, with more than 7,400 additional reported cases not yet lab-confirmed; investigations continue into an outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, and health officials urged caution and proper washing. Local Tourism/Community (Ohio): Mansfield is adding new decorative lighting along North Main Street as part of its Main Street Improvement Project, aiming to boost nighttime visibility and safety as construction continues toward an end-of-October completion. Family Travel Planning (Ohio): A Fort Wayne Roof Program offers qualified low-income homeowners zero-interest loans up to $20,000 for roof replacements—useful for travelers who may be relocating or planning longer stays.

Cincinnati Tourism Boost: Cincinnati is set to break ground on a new 700-room downtown Marriott headquarters hotel, aiming to replace lost event capacity and draw more conventions and visitors to the Convention Center District. Ohio River Safety: A tragic rescue attempt on the Scioto River in Powell left five people dead after several jumped in to help a struggling swimmer as water ran high and fast. Health & Travel Caution: The FDA says a lab test in the Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce was a false positive, but the recall remains in effect as cases keep climbing nationwide—worth noting for anyone planning food stops or picnics. Air Quality Alerts: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air-quality alerts across Ohio and much of the Midwest/Great Lakes, with officials urging limits on outdoor activity. Family-Friendly Events: The Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel is headed to the Ohio State Fair in Columbus after its National Mall run. Local Additions: Italian Herbs opened a second dispensary in Geneva-on-the-Lake, adding another stop for visitors on the Strip. Railroad Nostalgia: Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive tour made a Kansas City stop with public viewing—another reminder of the kind of road-trip attractions drawing crowds.