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No. 14 Ohio State opened the 2024-25 season with a dominant victory over Cleveland State, 104-69, on Tuesday at Value City Arena. At the center of the Buckeyes' success was freshman Jaloni Cambridge.

Entering the season as ESPN's No. 2 recruit from the class of 2024, Cambridge finished her first collegiate game with 31 points and 5 steals. Cambridge was one of six players making their Buckeyes debut, while just four returning players appeared for Ohio State.

"I didn't really have any nerves, I was just excited to be here," Cambridge said. "I just got to my spots. My teammates allowed me to get to my right spots, and just had confidence in me."

The Buckeyes' starting lineup, which lost three players whose eligibility expired, included Cambridge alongside transfers Chance Gray and Ajae Petty. Veteran Buckeyes Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry rounded out the starters.

Less than 52 seconds into the game, Cambridge scored her first two points with a mid-range jumper.

Graduate forward Petty followed up with a transition layup to take the lead from Cleveland State, who opened the game with a 3-pointer.

Standing at 6-foot-3, Petty was brought to Ohio State to help with its rebounding struggles. Petty had 8 points and 6 rebounds by the end of the game.

From Petty's basket at the 2:28 mark, the Buckeyes had the advantage.

Ohio State's new starting lineup looked comfortable running the fast-paced, transition-forward style of play that Kevin McGuff has made a staple in his more than decade as coach.

"With this being my first time, it's something new," Cambridge said. "But just using my speed, along with my teammates, it's going to get better for us."

After 10 minutes of play, Ohio State was ahead 24-9. Ten of the Buckeyes' points were scored off Cleveland State's 10 turnovers in the first.

Cambridge finished the first quarter with 8 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field with four steals. To open the second, Cambridge hit back-to-back 3-point baskets.

The efforts of Cambridge and McMahon led Ohio State to a 42-24 lead going into the second half.

McMahon, the Buckeyes' top returning scorer from last season, was honored before the game for reaching her 1,000th career point last year.

Already known for her ability to drive to the basket, McMahon opened her junior campaign with a jumper from beyond the arc.

Her 3-point shooting was an area McMahon said she had focused on improving during the offseason. She finished the game with 17 points, 12 coming from behind the 3-point line.

In the third quarter, Ohio State slowed down and allowed Cleveland State to score more points than it had in the entire first half. The Buckeyes still outscored the Vikings 33-27 in the quarter behind Cambridge, who nearly doubled her point total with 12.

"We were fine on offense, but we were sloppy defensively," McGuff said. "Just need to be more disciplined in our coverage and some of the things we were trying to do with this game. So, I think that's an area where we've got to get a lot more consistent."

The Vikings were led by Mickayla Perdue with 29 points.

Oregon transfer Gray went 0-for-4 from the field in her first three quarters as a Buckeye but finished as the fourth quarter's leading scorer with 8 points.

"I thought she got some good looks early on, but didn't go in," McGuff said. "So, I was happy to see her make some shots and hopefully walk out with some confidence."

The Buckeyes finished easily ahead of the Vikings in nearly every statistical category – except for rebounding. Ohio State grabbed 39 rebounds compared to Cleveland State's 36.

It will be a week until the Buckeyes' next game, when they take on Charlotte on Nov. 12 at Valley City Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

Results from the Tuesday elections show voters in six out of the 10 central Ohio school districts rejected a variety of school levies and bonds.

While most schools failed their levies Tuesday, a contingent of four suburban Columbus-area school districts successfully passed their bonds and levies. Rural districts, on the other hand, struggled and, in some cases, were roundly rejected by voters.

Some levies sought money to finance new construction or school improvements, especially in rapidly growing suburban districts like New Albany-Plain, Groveport Madison, Westerville and Buckeye Valley Local Schools, The Dispatch previously reported.

New Albany-Plain Local Schools and Grandview Heights City Schools were the only districts on the ballot in central Ohio where voters approved bond issues.

Some levies that were sought by school districts such as Bexley and Reynoldsburg because they are needed for operational expenses, and districts have warned of potential cuts if they fail.

School levies in recent cycles have struggled to receive voter approval, with all local levies failing in the March 2024 primary and only a handful passing in the November 2023 election. Voter appetite for supporting local levies appeared to be diminished in recent election cycles by 2023 property reappraisals throughout the region, which led to soaring property valuations throughout much of Franklin and neighboring counties.

More:Central Ohio schools seek ballot success after property value spikes, past levy failures

Here are the results from districts across central Ohio on Tuesday:

Bexley City Schools passes operating levy

With 100% of precincts reporting, the Bexley City Schools operating levy passed 56.9% to 44.1%, according to unofficial results.

Bexley City School District sought a proposed additional incremental tax levy for five years to fund operations. The district had previously warned that it would have to cut costs, specifically in district staffing levels, if the levy failed.

The original tax is 5 mills for 2024. The first increment increase is 2.5 mills for 2025; second increment 2.5 mills for 2026; third increment 2.5 mills for 2027; fourth increment 2.5 mills for 2028. The maximum is 15 mills. The levy will cost property owners $525 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value for a continuing period.

Buckeye Valley Local School District (Delaware and Union counties) levy fails

The Buckeye Valley Local Schools District levy bond issue failed, according to unofficial results Tuesday evening. With all the Delaware County precincts reporting (where most of the district lies), the measure failed 61.1% to 38.9%. In Union County, where only five people voted with all precincts reporting, only one person voted in favor.

Buckeye Valley Local Schools was seeking a levy totaling 4.46 mills (2 mills the first year and another 2.46 mills the second year) to fund a $100,000 bond issue for 39 years to build a new high school on the current high school/middle school campus.

The bond levy would have cost property owners $156 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, but the cost is expected to decrease over the life of the levy as the district continues to grow.

Grandview Heights City School District levy passes

Grandview Heights City Schools levy passed with 100% of precincts reporting, according to unofficial results, with nearly 60% in favor and 40% against the levy.

Grandview Heights City Schools proposed a 36-year bond issue levy of 6.95 mills to fund $69.5 million in school construction and improvements, including building a new Stevenson Elementary and an athletic complex.

Property owners would pay $243 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value.

Jon Ohlinger, a member of the levy committee, said he was excited about what this means for the Grandview Heights district.

"There’s great things to come, allowing our students to thrive and compete," Ohlinger said.

Groveport Madison Local School District bond issue appears to fail

The Groveport Madison Local Schools bond issue has failed, with 94% of precincts reporting. According to unofficial results, 55.2% of voters were against the levy, and 44.8% were in favor.

Groveport Madison Local Schools proposed a 37-year bond issue levy of 2.44 mills to raise $78.3 million toward the local share of the cost to build three new middle schools, and a high school addition.

If approved by voters, property owners would have paid $85 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value. The remainder of the nearly $135 million total bond cost would come from the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

Hilliard City School District (Franklin and Union counties) appears to pass

With all precincts reporting, the Hilliard City Schools bond and levy has passed in Franklin County, according to unofficial results. In Franklin County, the initiative is leading 53.5% to 46.5%.

Union County results are in for the district with no ballots cast on either side in the sole precinct, according to unofficial results in that county.

Hilliard City Schools officials sought a proposed bond issue and additional tax levy.

The 30-year bond issue levy of 1.84 mills would generate $142 million to create three new elementary schools and a sixth-grade complex. It would cost property owners $64 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value. However, the bond issue comes as the district is retiring an existing 1.84 mill bond debt, meaning that if approved, taxes will not increase for property owners.

The tax levy of 6.9 mills would be for a continuing period and would be used to fund operating expenses. If approved, property owners would pay $242 for each 100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, beginning in 2024.

The district had warned that as many as 100 jobs could be cut if the levy fails.

Madison-Plains Local School District (Madison and Franklin counties) fails again

The Madison Plains Local Schools bond issue and tax levy has steeply failed for a fourth time, according to unofficial results. With all precincts reporting, the levy lost, with nearly 63.3% of voters against it and 36.7% in favor.

Madison-Plains Local Schools sought a combined bond issue and tax levy totaling 4.3 mills.

The 37-year bond issue levy of 3.8 mills that would have raised $38,875,296 to pay the no more than 50% local share of constructing a new K-8 elementary and middle school, abate and demolish the existing intermediate school, site improvements, furniture, utilities, equipment and related expenses. The rest of the cost would be funded through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission Exceptional Needs School Facilities Assistance Program.

The bond levy would have cost property owners $133 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, commencing in 2024.

There was also a proposed additional 0.50-mill tax levy that would generate $230,000 annually for the acquisition, construction, enlargement, renovation and financing of permanent improvements. Property owners would pay $18 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value for 37 years if approved.

This is the district's fourth attempt in two years to seek a bond issue to construct new facilities.

Marysville Exempted Village School District emergency levy narrowly fails

With 100% of precincts reporting, the Marysville Exempted Village Schools levy has failed, according to unofficial results. With a margin of just 400 votes, it appears to have failed with 51% against and 49% in favor of the levy.

Marysville Schools sought an emergency operating levy of 5.5 mills for 10 years. Last year, voters rejected a similar levy 56% to 44%, leading to cuts to to kindergarten programs, staff and more.

New Albany-Plain Local School District appears to pass

The New Albany-Plain Local Schools bond issue has passed with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results in Franklin County. The bond issue garnered over 60% support.

The New Albany-Plain school district proposed a bond issue levy of 4.46 mills that would raise $135 million to fund construction and major improvements of school facilities as part of the district's master plan.

The bond package will allow the district to build a new elementary school and expand the high school's campus in a plan proponents say wouldn't raise taxes for a majority of taxpayers. Property owners will pay $156 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value.

The bond issue will also coincide with the end of 1.95 mills of special assessment for a "community design charge" enacted via the New Albany Community Authority, which expires at the end of 2024.

Residents who live within the New Albany Community Authority area, which includes a majority of district taxpayers, will experience either no property tax increase, a decrease or a slight increase once the community design charge expires, according to district administrators.

Reynoldsburg City School District (Franklin, Fairfield and Licking counties) levy fails

The Reynoldsburg City Schools levy has failed with all precincts reporting in Franklin, Fairfield and Licking counties, according to unofficial results. Overall, the measure failed, with 53% against and 47% in favor.

Reynoldsburg City Schools was seeking an additional tax levy of 6.65 mills for five years to meet emergency spending requirements of the district, which has not asked for a funding levy in 14 years and began deficit spending last year.

If approved, property owners would pay $233 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, commencing in 2024.

Westerville City School District (Franklin and Delaware counties) levy fails

The Westerville City Schools levy has failed, with all precincts reporting in Franklin County and Delaware counties, according to unofficial election results. Overall, the levy failed with 52.2% against the measure and 47.8% for the levy.

Westerville City Schools was seeking a bond issue and additional tax levy. The 37-year bond issue would cost 1.66 mills and generate $140 million for school construction and improvements. Property owners will pay $58 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value.

The additional tax levy would be 4.9 mills for a continuing period. Property owners will pay $172 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value for the tax levy.

This story was updated to include additional information about the New Albany-Plain Local Schools and Hilliard City Schools levies.

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

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Local sales tax is set to increase next year by a half percent after a Central Ohio Transit Authority sales tax levy passed Tuesday.

The tax will fund LinkUS, a plan for more bus service, rapid bus lines, and sidewalks and bike paths.

"LinkUS is going to change the trajectory of this community," Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said Tuesday night.

According to unofficial results, 57% of Franklin County voters voted for the levy, and 43% voted against it.

Franklin County and slivers of four surrounding counties — Delaware, Licking, Fairfield and Union — voted on the levy.

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The levy permanently renews an existing 0.25% sales tax and adds another 0.5% sales tax. Combined with another 0.25% sales tax levy that is not on the ballot, approval of this levy brings COTA's total share of sales tax to 1% and Franklin County's total sales tax to 8%.

The levy will bring in an estimated $6.2 billion by 2050. COTA says it will use that money to make the LinkUS plan a reality and increase service by 45%, build the region's first rapid bus lines and fund more than 500 miles of sidewalks, bike paths and trails by 2050.

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin told The Dispatch this levy is historic and will allow Columbus to be more connected as it grows.

"Columbus has been the largest city in the country without advanced transit and today we took a huge step forward," Hardin said.

Related coverage:COTA levy campaign raised $1.2 million. Here's who's backing it

The request came at a time when COTA ridership remains down after the pandemic. But the region's population is growing, and local officials say central Ohio is behind its peers in investing in public transit and building out the infrastructure.

This new levy will bring COTA in line with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, which collects a 1% sales tax.

COTA President and CEO Monica Tellez-Fowler said residents will start seeing improvements next year with expanded hours and improved frequency on some lines. And construction on the first rapid bus line will begin next year on West Broad Street.

"All of COTA is very thankful for the voters helping us take this historic step forward for an inclusive, connected Central Ohio," Tellez-Fowler said.

LinkUS plan: What would levy pay for?

Columbus area leaders have been fleshing out the LinkUS plan for several years.

LinkUS calls for the construction of at least five rapid transit lines, the first three of which are mostly planned and will be bus rapid transit lines. Light rail is currently not planned, but officials say they wouldn't rule it out.

The first lines would travel along West Broad Street and East Main Street, and a third would travel Northwest from downtown Columbus to Dublin.

Bus rapid transit involves larger, 60-foot-long articulated buses traveling in primarily dedicated bus lanes. The idea is to approach the efficiency of driving a car and these buses would run frequently. To speed things up, buses would get traffic signal priority, there would be bus stations level with bus doors to expedite boarding, and passengers would pay before boarding.

COTA plans to expand bus hours to midnight over the next year and gradually add late-night service to run 24 hours on some high ridership lines.

LinkUS also calls for eight new COTA//Plus service zones where riders can use an app to request on-demand rides, similar to Uber or Lyft. There are currently three such zones.

And 27.5% of the levy proceeds, about $60 million per year, would go toward what the ballot calls "transit-supportive infrastructure" like sidewalks, bike paths and trails. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has announced the first 83 projects that will be built by 2030.

USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau reporter Haley BeMiller contributed to this report.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

After a brave battle with brain cancer, Linda B. Gleaves, age 67, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1956 to Paul and Beverly (Hamm) Rector, she moved to Dallas, Texas in 1958 and Upper Arlington, Ohio in 1967. She graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1974, attended The Ohio State University and Franklin University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. In 1979 she started her 41-year career with Physio-Control which manufactured and sold heart monitor and defibrillators. She was in an administrative role for 14 years and in sales for 27 years. One of the highlights of her career took place in 1998 when she testified at the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate on behalf of House Bill 717. The Bill was passed and allowed the use of automated external defibrillators (AED’s) by a lay person in the State of Ohio, thus helping save countless lives. In 1984 she married her beloved husband of 40 years, Mark Gleaves who survives her. She was a loving mother to her three children: son, Greg (Meggie) Gleaves of Upper Arlington, Ohio; son, Justin (Lyndsay) Gleaves of Ashburn, Virginia; and daughter, Beth Dunn (Chris Day) of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was affectionately known as GG (Grandma Gleaves) to her seven grandchildren: Amara, Izzie, Finley, Vann, Fox, Marley and Mason. Surviving her in death are her life-long friends, Dwight (Dee) and Peggy Holcomb and her three godchildren: Amanda Holcomb (Hammond), Chad and Tyler Holcomb, and Sister-in-Law Linda Gleaves Spohn (Mike) and her nieces: Nikki, Jessie and Shannon Spohn. Linda’s life was devoted to her husband of 40 years as well as her children and grandchildren. There is nothing she cherished more than spending time together during their annual family vacations and Thanksgiving gatherings. She loved life and people were drawn to her smile, positive energy and her friendly and warm nature. She was known for her endless entertaining, delicious caramel brownies, and ice cream desserts. She loved football and was a loyal Upper Arlington Golden Bears, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cincinnati Bengals fan. She served as a Director on the River Highlands Board of Directors. Her family thanks the Dublin Methodist Radiation Department and Compassus Hospice for their excellent care and support throughout her cancer treatment. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 3 PM at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately afterwards until 6 PM. Linda requests that since her life was so bright and fun, that attendees wear something colorful with minimal black to celebrate her life. Friends who wish, may contribute in her memory to the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/donate. Please make sure to select ‘dedicate this gift’ and type in ‘Linda Gleaves’. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.

Here is the 2024 Ohio State football schedule, including opponents, TV channels, game times and scores.

Last season, the Buckeyes finished 11-2 and lost to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

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Ohio State lost to No. 9 Missouri in the Cotton Bowl to close out its 2023-24 college football season. The Buckeyes went 11-1 in the regular season en route to earning the No. 7 ranking in the final CFP rankings released on Dec. 3.

Here’s what happened in every game of Ohio State's 2023 schedule:

2023 Ohio State football schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, results

College football schedule: Click or tap here for game times, TV channels and scores from every game

The CFP semifinals begin Thursday, January 9, 2025, with the Orange Bowl taking place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The following day, Friday, January 10, 2025, the Cotton Bowl Classic will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

BOWL SCHEDULE: Here's a complete college football bowl game schedule

The 2024-25 College Football Playoff national championship game will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The title game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This will mark the second time Atlanta will serve as the host of the CFP National Championship Game, making it the first city to host the event more than once. The championship game was previously held in Atlanta in 2018.

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2026: Miami (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida) - Jan. 19 2027: TBA