Latest news with #OhioTaskForce1
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ohio Task Force 1 returning from Kentucky floods search & rescue efforts
Ohio Task Force 1 (OH-TF1) is heading home. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The team received demobilization orders on Thursday to return home as Kentucky transitions from rescue operations to stabilization efforts. They're expected to return to the Vandalia headquarters late Friday morning. TRENDING STORIES: Hallmark star pushed woman, pulled out 'fistfuls' of her hair, deputies say Fire destroys portable classroom behind local Catholic school 'Let's go, let's go;' Scary moments for family, firefighters during Dayton house fire OH-TF1 was activated on Saturday and left on Sunday for Perry County, Kentucky to assist in search and rescue following deadly flooding in the state. The 47-person team spent three days conducting search and rescue missions in Martin and Floyd counties. They used bots and UTVs to access communities cut off by flood waters. The team also worked with search and rescue teams from Indiana and Missouri to assist with evacuations. 'It was a pleasure to serve our Kentucky neighbors along side such dedicated teams,' an OH-TF1 spokesperson said. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ohio Task Force 1 continues rescue mission in KY as severe weather persists
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — As Kentucky continues to recover from intense flooding over the weekend, Ohio Task Force 1 continues their mission to help our neighbors to the south. Ohio Task Force 1 is currently deployed to Martin County, Kentucky where they continued their search and rescue efforts across Kentucky and West Virginia border Tuesday. How to help with Kentucky flood recovery efforts The team of 47 spent the day around the state border continuing evacuations of residents in the remote towns of the Appalachian Mountains, where they continue to battle the floodwaters in their efforts to get people out of harm's way. 'Water, especially when it's moving fast as it does in these floods, is dangerous,' said Jim O'Connor, OTF1 task force leader. 'The water, the power is amazing. It can push our boats, so we have to be very careful about how we operate.' The death toll has now risen to 14 people, and there are still more that need to be evacuated. O'Connor says most residents are relieved when they see Ohio Task Force 1 arrive. 'Most people are happy to see us. There's always the question of, okay, do I want to leave my house? Because I want to be in my house. But the conditions aren't favorable here, so I need to go for other reasons,' said O'Connor. 'I think there's some relief to get out to solve the problems. Some people do choose to stay.' The one constant challenge they have had, has been communication, since they are in such a remote area. 'It's a challenge to communicate,' said O'Connor. 'We're prepared to work in these environments, so we have been using a lot of satellite communications here. We bring our own radio systems that we're able to communicate with and those help up us in these areas.' The weather won't help the rescue efforts, as most of Kentucky is under a Winter Storm Warning, with up to a half a foot of snow expected tomorrow, and wind chills in the single digits. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
12 reported dead in KY floods, ways to support recovery efforts
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — As flooding remains throughout Kentucky, the state is looking for support in any way possible. At least 12 people are dead due to the flash floods. Ohio Task Force 1, as well as the Butler County Sheriff Office's Emergency Response Services (ERS) Team have been deployed to help with rescue efforts. The state of Kentucky has also established the 'Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund ,' which is actively accepting donations. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says that donations are tax-deductible and that every dollar will go towards helping Kentuckians recover from the damages caused by the floods. The fund is also an open record and subject to legislative oversight. Donors will receive a receipt for tax-purposes. 'The people can start donating to now to help out our friends and our neighbors with both the needs they'll have over the next week, but also what it will take to get them back on their feet,' Beshear said. 'We're strong. We'll get through this. We'll get through this together, just like we always do.' The University of Kentucky is also helping with recovery efforts. The university has three funds to help students, employees and the community. Those three funds can be found here. There is also the Appalachian Crisis Aid Fund providing support as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Dayton's TechFest gives kids a chance to explore STEM passions
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Local students had the chance to explore their STEM passions at Tech Fest this weekend. The annual event brought together dozens of kids of all ages and backgrounds from across the Miami Valley. It was the 22nd year for the event to inspire young people in the region to dive into science, technology, engineering and math – STEM – with hands-on experiences. Ohio Task Force 1 in Kentucky, ready to help after devastating flooding The two-day event featured more than 50 exhibitors, showcasing different aspects of STEM, from chemistry to robotics to computers, and even motion picture technology. 'This event is all about inspiring kids to see what their passions are in STEM,' said Kara Combs, TechFest's exhibits coordinator. 'We're hoping that they will see something here that they might not get to see every day. And that really ignite the spark that inspires them to continue on it.' Attendees got an educational hands-on experience in the field from professionals across the region.'We hope that when kids come that they will find something Stem related that might inspire them to continue on and pursue as a future career or a college degree,' said Combs. For Combs, TechFest is a full-circle moment harkening back to when she attended the event as a kid, and now she's one of the key organizers. 'I feel like it's a way to give back,' she said. 'This is definitely one of my first experiences and ultimately helped me get where I am today.' She said TechFest plans to continue, even expanding the number of exhibitions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Yahoo
Driver accused of causing crash that killed local mother facing charges
The driver accused of causing a crash that killed a mother of three in Trotwood last fall is now facing charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Christopher Matheney, 46, was indicted by a Montgomery County grand jury on Friday on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide and two misdemeanor counts of OVI, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records. TRENDING STORIES: Snow totals: How much did your neighborhood get? Snow emergency issued for area counties; What does it mean? Ohio Task Force 1 activated in response to heavy flooding in Kentucky, surrounding states The charges stem from a crash that happened at State Route 49 and Free Pike on September 7, 2024. As previously reported, 33-year-old Lakeisha Brown was driving westbound on Free Pike, crossing State Route 49, when she was hit by Matheney, who investigators said ran a red light at the intersection. Brown, a mother of three children, was killed in the crash. Her family previously told News Center 7 that Brown was 'the life of the party' and that there was never a dull moment with her. A Trotwood Police crash report shows Matheney's blood alcohol level was .0235. That's nearly three times Ohio's legal limit of 0.08. Matheney is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
