Debbie Holmes

1 week ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

A new tick testing laboratory service at Ohio State University's Extension is now available to identify the most dangerous ticks that spread diseases. Summer is around the corner, which means it will be tick season. The pests have been spreading in Ohio, especially since new species have invaded. WOSU’s Debbie Holmes spoke with veterinarian, Dr. Tim McDermott, an educator at OSU Extension. Debbie Holmes: How big is the tick problem in Ohio and is it worse in certain parts of the state?

1 week ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

A charity event for members of the Haitian community will happen in Springfield on Saturday at the John Legend Theatre. Michael Brun, a Grammy-winning Haitian producer and DJ, will host the benefit for the Haitian Support Center, which helps refugees and immigrants with housing, interpreting, job searches, welfare assistance and other services. WOSU’s Debbie Holmes spoke with Brun about the event. Debbie Holmes: Tell me about the Haitian Support Center.

2 weeks ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

Despite the spread of avian flu in Ohio which has killed more than 15 million chickens in the state, raising hens for eggs or food in suburban and urban areas has been growing in popularity. Gahanna resident Scot Wootten said it's about connecting with wildlife and not the eggs they produce. He owns nine chickens. Wooten’s wife and children help him care for them in a chicken coop he bought for $1,000. “Those there are about the healthiest chickens you're going to come across,” Wootten said.

4 weeks ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

As the Trump administration targets immigrants for removal from the United States, Columbus leaders have established a Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. It’s estimated more than 23,000 international migrants moved into Columbus between 2023 and 2024. The commission’s new chair, Bartholomew Shepkong, spoke with WOSU’s Debbie Holmes to explain what the agency will do. Debbie Holmes: What are the biggest needs of these communities and has that changed over the years?

4 weeks ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

As the Trump administration targets immigrants for removal from the United States, Columbus leaders have established a Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. It’s estimated more than 23,000 international migrants moved into Columbus between 2023 and 2024. The commission’s new chair, Bartholomew Shepkong, spoke with WOSU’s Debbie Holmes to explain what the agency will do. Debbie Holmes: What are the biggest needs of these communities and has that changed over the years?