Sunday, September 6, 2026

Church Fire, Buckeyes Win, and the Renaissance Festival

A massive Saturday morning fire tore through the former St. Agnes Church in Toledo, sending heavy black smoke over the neighborhood and bringing down the church's steeple. No injuries were reported.                
͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌  
Top Stories

Article Icon 1Fire Topples Church Steeple

A massive Saturday morning fire tore through the former St. Agnes Church in Toledo, sending heavy black smoke over the neighborhood and bringing down the church's steeple. No injuries were reported.

Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, while residents were advised to close windows and turn off their air conditioning even though air monitoring detected no unusual readings.

The cause remains under investigation, and officials said emergency authorization would be issued to demolish and remove the heavily damaged building.

The Diocese of Toledo announced in 2004 that the parish would close and merge with St. Catherine Parish, and the church closed the following year.

Article Icon 1Ren Fest Opens 37th Season

The Ohio Renaissance Festival opened its 37th season Saturday in Harveysburg with a new turn lane and a temporary traffic light on State Route 73 designed to ease recurring festival congestion.

The village has fewer than 600 residents, but the festival draws roughly 285,000 visitors annually over nine weekends.

Since opening in 1990, the attraction has grown from about 10 acres to nearly 40, with more than 100 live performances across 22 stages.

The festival was named the nation's top Renaissance fair in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards earlier this year. Visitors can expect costumed performers, artisan shops, themed weekends, giant turkey legs, live jousting tournaments, and fantasy attractions.

Article Icon 1Film Revisits Annie Oakley's Story

A new documentary, North Star, looks beyond Annie Oakley's famous sharpshooting feats to examine the difficult childhood, discipline, and determination that carried the Darke County native from poverty to international fame.

The film also examines myths surrounding her years with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and highlights three longtime Garst Museum researchers who have helped reconstruct her story.

The film played to a sold-out audience in Greenville and is screening in Columbus this month before heading to the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in October. North Star can also be viewed at the Garst Museum.

Flying together with our sponsor

The Flyover

The DIY Trick That "Flushes Out" Calories

What if I told you there’s a “metabolic switch” you can flip — that can help your body “flush out” excess body fat?

Well, it might seem outlandish at first...

But by activating 1 specific process in your body — thousands of people are losing stubborn fat and keeping it off for good.

Just do THIS once each day (takes about 2 minutes).

Around Ohio

➤ Ottawa County: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin toured U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Coast Guard facilities in Port Clinton and Marblehead to assess needs at both locations. (More)

➤ Northeast Ohio: The House Ethics Committee's 60-day deadline passed with no findings released in its investigation of U.S. Rep. Max Miller, R-Rocky River, over domestic abuse allegations he denies. (More)

➤ Lake Erie: Officials determined that E. coli levels were likely to exceed water quality standards at Villa Angela and Euclid beaches. The general public was advised to avoid swimming at those beaches. (See Details)

➤ Columbus: A Columbus City Schools parent says her fifth grader has arrived late to school every day because of bus delays and once didn't get home until 7:30 p.m. (More)

➤ Steubenville: Steubenville High School students cast mock ballots Friday using voting booths and scanners in a class election organized with the Jefferson County Board of Elections to mirror the real voting process. (See Details)

➤ Dayton: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will conduct a simulated active shooter training exercise Sept. 9 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, temporarily closing the museum. (See Details)


Enjoy reading The Ohio Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

Ohio Sports

➤ Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and accounted for four touchdowns, connecting twice with star receiver Jeremiah Smith as Ohio State rolled past Ball State 56-3 in its season opener. (More)

➤ Cincinnati extended its home-opener winning streak to 25 games with a 34-15 victory over Boston College, as JC French accounted for four touchdowns. (More)

➤ Ohio University trailed Nebraska by just one point at halftime before the Cornhuskers pulled away for a 49-21 win. (More)

➤ St. Ignatius High School quarterback Jacob Mikin threw six first-half touchdown passes against Mentor on Friday, taking a 48-0 lead into halftime en route to a 51-7 victory. (More)

➤ Ohio State’s quarterbacks, including starter Julian Sayin, visited Celina High School quarterback Parker Wynk at the university’s hospital on Friday as he recovers from a spinal cord injury suffered during a game last month. (See Photo)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | MLB | Soccer | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

ServicePlus Home Warranty’s Labor Day Sale is here with savings designed to help protect your budget from unexpected home repairs. For a limited time, get 50% off plus 2 FREE months of home warranty coverage. Protect essential home systems and appliances while taking advantage of this special holiday offer.

Flying together with our sponsor

Top Doctor: "Oats are one of the best ways to fatten us up"

For decades, Americans were told oatmeal is the perfect healthy breakfast.

However, a new report reveals “oats are one of the best ways to fatten us up.”

Dr. Steven Gundry exposes 3 “healthy foods” causing weight gain and reveals a groundbreaking discovery to help release excess calories instead of storing them as fat.

Click here to watch Dr. Gundry's full presentation before it's removed
Et Cetera

➤ More than 800 Cleveland-area volunteers will pack more than 270,000 meals Sept. 11 at the Wolstein Center as part of a nationwide day of service marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (More)

➤ Cincinnati police arrested five people after an overnight break-in Friday at the Cincinnati Masonic Center that investigators said may be tied to a TikTok challenge. (Watch Video)

➤ Lunken Airport Days continues today at Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport, showcasing tours of World War II aircraft, a classic car show, helicopter rides, food trucks, and a noon color guard ceremony. Parking and admission are free. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

Who should shape the way we think? Education is never neutral, and what we learn can have a lasting influence on how we understand the world. In A Battle for the Mind, R.C. Sproul examines education from a Christian perspective and the importance of grounding our thinking in biblical truth. Ligonier Ministries is offering the ebook free to readers. Discover A Battle for the Mind and download your free copy today.

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. 

➤ The jobs of tomorrow may involve caring for people or powering machines. (Hear More)

The NFL’s nicest and nastiest fan bases are finally revealed. (Listen Now)

➤  America’s tastiest small town is just a train ride from two major cities. (Podcast Available)

  

Check This Out

Check out Jim Tressel’s induction into Ohio State’s Ring of Honor!

video via Bucknuts - YouTube

The Poll

What’s your favorite part of a Renaissance festival?

  1. Food
  2. Jousting
  3. Costumes
  4. Games
  5. Shopping
  6. Other
  7. Never been

Yesterday's Results:

Which Ohio college football program do you follow most closely?

  1. Ohio State: 77%
  2. Other: 8%
  3. Cincinnati: 5%
  4. Ohio: 3%
  5. Miami: 2%
  6. Akron: 2%
  7. Bowling Green: 1%
  8. Toledo: 1%
  9. Kent State: 1%
Ohio Trivia

How many states does Ohio border?

Show me the answer

The Ohio Flyover

Join The Ohio Flyover

Facebook Icon Instagram Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon

Westwood Hills Update, $40M Airport Funding, and Oceanfront Surfing

In an update to Wednesday’s shooting, Waynesboro Public Schools now says the 19-year-old gunman previously attended Westwood Hills Elementary and Kate Collins Middle School. Initial information indicated that he had no ties to the school division.                
͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌  
Top Stories

Article Icon 1Virginia Airports Receive Nearly $40M

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced nearly $40 million in state funding for infrastructure and modernization projects at 65 public-use airports across Virginia.

Norfolk International Airport will receive more than $7 million for a deicing ramp, while Richmond International Airport will receive nearly $7 million for emergency and snow-removal equipment and a security-checkpoint relocation. Other awards include more than $5 million for a new terminal at Blue Ridge Regional Airport and more than $500,000 for maintenance and repairs at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.

The awards follow the first overhaul of the Commonwealth Aviation Fund’s allocation formula since 1986. State officials said the change directs more money toward airports with major capital needs while preserving baseline support for smaller facilities.

Article Icon 1Waynesboro Gunman Was Former Student

In an update to Wednesday’s shooting, Waynesboro Public Schools now says the 19-year-old gunman previously attended Westwood Hills Elementary and Kate Collins Middle School. Initial information indicated that he had no ties to the school division.

Police said Anthony Ignatiadis-Isabelle parked at Ridgeview Park, walked to the elementary school with a 20-gauge shotgun, and forced his way through a rear door after firing through it. Investigators have found no evidence of accomplices or a connection between the gunman and the special education aide who was wounded; his motive remains under investigation.

School resource officers arrived about 90 seconds after the first notification. The division will conduct a comprehensive security review, and Westwood Hills will remain closed through Tuesday before students and staff return Wednesday with an increased police presence.

Article Icon 1Cyclists Honor 9/11 Victims on 1,250-Mile Ride

Cyclists from eight states and the District of Columbia completed a 1,250-mile ride this summer connecting the nation’s three 9/11 memorial sites, marking 25 years since the attacks.

The 28-day journey began at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington and traveled through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Riders also visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, before returning to Arlington.

The annual ride began in 2022 and is organized by the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. Money raised supports the continued development and maintenance of the memorial trail.

Flying together with our sponsor

The Flyover

The DIY Trick That "Flushes Out" Calories

What if I told you there’s a “metabolic switch” you can flip — that can help your body “flush out” excess body fat?

Well, it might seem outlandish at first...

But by activating 1 specific process in your body — thousands of people are losing stubborn fat and keeping it off for good.

Just do THIS once each day (takes about 2 minutes).

Around Virginia

➤ Statewide: Labor Day travelers are facing record holiday fuel costs, with Virginia averaging about $3.96 per gallon and the Virginia portion of the Washington metro area averaging just over $4—nearly $1 more than a year ago. (More)

➤ Central Virginia: More than 11,000 homes and businesses lost power Friday night as severe storms swept through the region. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: Amtrak will temporarily reduce service from Roanoke and Lynchburg and suspend service to Danville from Oct. 17 through Oct. 25 while crews replace aging track components near Washington’s Union Station. Roanoke’s two daily Northeast Regional round trips will be cut to one, and Crescent stops in Lynchburg and Danville will be suspended. (More)

➤ Richmond: The Flying Squirrels’ owners sued the city and the Diamond District’s developer, alleging breach of contract and fraud related to delays in the redevelopment project surrounding the team’s new ballpark. (More)

➤ Manassas: A 16-year-old girl was killed and a 21-year-old man was seriously injured in a shooting during Friday night’s crowded First Friday event in Old Town. Police said about 10,000 people were attending and asked witnesses to submit photos or videos that could help identify the shooter or shooters. (See Details)


Like The Virginia Flyover? Share it with a friend! ✈️

Virginia Sports

➤ James Madison scored just three points in the second half but survived Liberty’s fourth-quarter comeback bid to win the Battle of the Blue Ridge 20-13. (More)

Washington Nationals rookies Andrew Alvarez, Harry Ford, Riley Cornelio, and Yohandy Morales wore costumes inspired by the United States’ founding fathers when they landed in Los Angeles ahead of the team’s West Coast road trip. (See Photos)

Virginia Tech football kicked off the James Franklin era as a 55.5-point favorite over FCS VMI last night at Lane Stadium. (See Score)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | MLB | Soccer | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

ServicePlus Home Warranty’s Labor Day Sale is here with savings designed to help protect your budget from unexpected home repairs. For a limited time, get 50% off plus 2 FREE months of home warranty coverage. Protect essential home systems and appliances while taking advantage of this special holiday offer

Flying together with our sponsor

Top Doctor: "Oats are one of the best ways to fatten us up"

For decades, Americans were told oatmeal is the perfect healthy breakfast.

However, a new report reveals “oats are one of the best ways to fatten us up.”

Dr. Steven Gundry exposes 3 “healthy foods” causing weight gain and reveals a groundbreaking discovery to help release excess calories instead of storing them as fat.

Click here to watch Dr. Gundry's full presentation before it's removed
Et Cetera

➤ The Super Girl Surf Festival is making its Virginia Beach debut this weekend, bringing more than 4,000 female athletes, 14 sports, and 22 free concerts to the Oceanfront through Monday. Events include professional surfing, skateboarding, beach sports, fitness classes, and performances by Switchfoot, CeeLo Green, Lupe Fiasco, and others. (See Schedule)

➤ The Parksley Volunteer Fire Company will close out Labor Day weekend with its annual barbecue chicken sale Monday at the former Wayside Park along Route 13, across from Royal Farms. (See Events)

Southwest Virginia Ballet will hold community auditions Sept. 13 for its December production of The Nutcracker, welcoming dancers ages 7 to 18 for roles including party children, mice, soldiers, gingerbread children, and more. Auditions will take place at the company’s Cave Spring studio, with performances scheduled Dec. 11-13 at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

Who should shape the way we think? Education is never neutral, and what we learn can have a lasting influence on how we understand the world. In A Battle for the Mind, R.C. Sproul examines education from a Christian perspective and the importance of grounding our thinking in biblical truth. Ligonier Ministries is offering the ebook free to readers. Discover A Battle for the Mind and download your free copy today.

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. 

➤ The jobs of tomorrow may involve caring for people or powering machines. (Hear More)

The NFL’s nicest and nastiest fan bases are finally revealed. (Listen Now)

➤  America’s tastiest small town is just a train ride from two major cities. (Podcast Available)

  

Check This Out

Here’s one of college football’s greatest entrances to get you ready for the season.

The Poll

Have you visited Monticello?

  1. Yes
  2. Not yet, but I'd like to
  3. No plans to visit


Yesterday’s Results:

Which Virginia college football team do you pull for?

  1. Virginia Tech: 36%
  2. UVA: 21%
  3. JMU: 12%
  4. None: 10%
  5. Liberty: 8%
  6. Other: 8%
  7. ODU: 5%
Virginia Trivia

How was Martha Jefferson related to Sally Hemings?

Show me the answer

The Virginia Flyover

Join The Virginia Flyover

Facebook Icon Instagram Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon

Church Fire, Buckeyes Win, and the Renaissance Festival

A massive Saturday morning fire tore through the former St. Agnes Church in Toledo, sending heavy black smoke over the neighborhood a...