Good morning, Wooster.

Lt. Paul Mickolick, a firefighter paramedic with Town + Country Fire District, died last week after being struck by a car while helping a stranded motorist, and his funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Wooster with a procession of fire department units escorting him to a graveside memorial at West Salem Cemetery.

Melinda Hill, a long-time educator with OSU Extension in Wayne County, will retire on April 30 after 37 years of teaching food safety and financial literacy to local families—her programs, including Money 101 and annual pressure canner testing, have helped many improve their lives.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that federal student loan collections for defaulted loans will resume May 5—Ohio borrowers in default will be emailed instructions and must contact the Default Resolution Group to choose repayment options.

Ohio will ban the common privet on January 1st, 2026—making it the 64th invasive species prohibited after the plant was shown to spread rapidly in fields, roadsides and forest understories.

The shrub, native to Europe and Northern Africa, appears in roughly two-thirds of the state, including 18 reported occurrences in Summit County.

Taxpayers who electronically filed and had their returns accepted by April 7 may receive a federal refund by direct deposit on April 28 or by mail on June 6, while those accepted on April 15 may see a direct deposit by May 6 or a mailed refund by June 16.

Ohio residents can track state refunds using the Department of Taxation's eServices Tool plus monitor their federal refunds through the IRS refund tracking tool.

Ohio residents must obtain a REAL ID from BMV deputy registrar agencies starting May 7 for airport security and federal building access.

Applicants need to bring documents that prove full legal name+date of birth+legal presence in the US+social security number+Ohio street address+proof of name change.

Biking Canal Fulton to Vanderhoof

5-7 p.m. — St. Helena Heritage Park — Free — Enjoy a casual bike ride along the scenic canal return at your own pace.

Antique Engine Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Lehman's — Free entry — Explore a fascinating exhibition of antique tractors powered by steam.

Vegetable Flats Sale

8 AM – 5 PM — Boyert's Greenhouse and Farm — $16.99 for vegetable flats — Mix and match your favorite veggies at this one-day sale!

Women in Sobriety Meeting

12–1 p.m. — St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception — Free entry — A supportive group meeting for women addressing alcohol addiction and recovery.

Golden Girls Themed Ladies Night Out

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Main Street Wooster — Register for swag and enjoy shopping, dining, and tropical fun with a Golden Girls flair.

The Great Lakes Fiber Show

All day — Wayne County Fairgrounds — Admission TBA — Discover a plethora of fiber arts with over 100 vendors showcasing yarn, garments, and competitions.