AGP Executive Report

Travel Safety & Driving: Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to buckle up, stressing seat belts save lives and that troopers will enforce Ohio’s safety belt law with zero tolerance during stops. Road Conditions & Projects: Salem District has a weekly traffic alert for Oct. 2–9, and ODOT is also warning about month-long lane cuts near Easton amid I-270 project work. Gas Prices & Holiday Travel: Gov. DeWine signed a 90-day Ohio gas tax holiday starting Sunday, Oct. 4, suspending the 38.5-cent-per-gallon state gas tax (and diesel tax) through early January. Great Lakes Shipping: Toledo Harbor dredging begins Oct. 2, removing about 750,000 cubic yards to support more than $1B in annual economic impact. Local Attractions: Medina’s new Cellar Stage black box theater opens Oct. 15–31 with “Night of the Living Dead,” a 50-seat “splatter zone” Halloween run. Arts & Culture (Dayton): WYSO Weekend spotlights Broadway director Schele Williams and Dayton aviation students, plus a local studio session from Joel David Weir. Outdoor Season Tips: North Carolina’s insurance commissioner highlights peak deer-collision risk in October–December and offers practical driving tips for Ohio-area travelers. Sports (Ohio): Ohio State hosts Iowa in a major GameDay matchup, while UC travels to Arizona for its first true road game of the season.

Judicial Tourism & Education: Ohio schools can now apply for transportation grants to visit the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, with Supreme Court funding expanded for 25% more schools; tours are free and run through June 2027, with applications open until Oct. 9. Road Trips & Planning: ODOT and the Ohio Turnpike Commission released a final feasibility study for a potential US-23 to I-71 connector from northwest Ohio to Columbus, proposing an ~18-mile route and estimating costs of $857M–$1.2B if construction starts in 2035. Local Commuter Disruptions: Expect month-long lane reductions on I-270 ramps near Easton Town Center starting Oct. 4 as part of interchange improvements, with delays likely through summer 2027. Trail Safety: Akron-area trail users are raising concerns about faster electric bicycles sharing paths with walkers, pets, and slower cyclists. Memorial Travel: The Wall That Heals opened at the Belmont County Fairgrounds, drawing hundreds for a Vietnam veterans tribute. Arts & Culture: Rachel Barton Pine brings rare historic violins to the National Music Museum in Vermillion on Oct. 17.

Defense Tech & Local Ties: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth unveiled “Project Meridian,” bringing Elon Musk (Ohio-linked), Anduril’s Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich into a fast-moving effort to shape future warfare. Rail Safety & Hazmat Training: PHMSA awarded $128.2M in hazmat grants; Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Short Line Safety Institute received funding for instructor training, emergency response, and state inspections. Road Safety Watch: Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly Shelby County crash where a concrete mixer hit a Buick after a stop-sign failure. Interstate Disruptions: Pennsylvania police detailed an I-80 multivehicle crash tied to fog and a trailer fire that shut part of the highway. Tourism Funding: Fayette County Travel and Tourism Bureau opened applications for its 2027 Tourism Assistance Grant Program (up to $5,000). Local Mobility Rules: Aurora advanced electric bike and scooter ordinance changes, including speed limits and sidewalk restrictions for certain classes. Family Travel & Fall Fun: Farm Credit Mid-America released a free “Farm and Fun” agritourism directory highlighting seasonal farm experiences across Ohio and nearby states.

Outdoor Recreation & Events: Geauga County hosted Orienteering Masters Nationals, drawing 250 competitors ages 10–89, with the Northeast Ohio Orienteering Club offering low-cost, beginner-friendly training like “Orienteering 101” in winter. Conservation & Fishing: A conservation-minded op-ed ties clean water, habitat protection, and public lands to outdoor recreation, including fishing. Tourism Spotlight: Erie’s Bayfront was named a finalist in the Great Lakes “Coolest Destination” pitch contest, highlighting Lake Erie recreation and maritime history. Local Travel & Infrastructure: ODOT and the Ohio Turnpike Commission released the final U.S. 23/I-71 connector feasibility report, proposing an 18.2-mile route and estimating a roughly $1.1B total with tolling models still to be determined. Public Safety for Travelers: Ohio’s annual fall burn ban starts Thursday, limiting daytime open burning through October and November. Health Alerts: Wood County confirmed a measles case in Bowling Green and listed multiple exposure sites at BGSU, Pagliai’s, and Wood County Hospital. Sports Tourism: Cleveland’s USA Boxing National Open returns at the Cleveland Public Auditorium (Sept. 26–Oct. 29), expected to bring fighters and visitors downtown.

Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the week ending Sept. 19 brought some of the lowest midgrade and E15 deals in Ohio—like $4.52 midgrade in Crawford County and $3.80 E15 in Logan County—while premium and diesel averages stayed higher statewide. Road & Bridge Updates: ODOT is asking for public input on whether to repair or replace the 1931 SR 82 bridge in Brecksville/Sagamore Hills, with comments due Oct. 28. Travel Planning & Safety: Early voting starts Tuesday for Ohio’s Nov. 3 election, and officials urge voters to plan routes amid ongoing construction. Tourism & Culture: Toledo Museum of Art bought F. Holland Day’s major 1898 photo work “The Seven Words,” set to go on view next year. Sports Travel Spotlight: ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Iowa City for Ohio State-Iowa, a big draw for fans traveling in for the top-25 matchup. Transit Funding: ODOT awarded $13.5M to transit agencies across 13 counties to improve workforce transportation. Weekend Events: Southwest Ohio is packed with fall fests, craft shows, and family-friendly Halloween-themed events. Outdoor Travel: West Virginia announced nearly $20M in state park upgrades, including a new campground and snowmaking improvements.

Tourism & Local Hospitality: Adams County held ribbon-cutting for a new Welcome Center at Adams County Lake State Park, with ODNR land support and local history/wildlife displays—another stop for travelers heading into Ohio’s scenic backroads. Public Health: Wood County Health Department confirmed a measles case in Bowling Green and listed possible exposure spots at BGSU buildings, Pagliai’s, and Wood County Hospital/ Falcon Health Center; officials urge close contacts to use the online form and monitor for symptoms. Travel Safety & Disruptions: Toledo crews are repairing a gas line after a driver rammed a pump, triggering a leak; the station stays closed while police search for the driver. Community Events: Fayetteville Roller Derby marked 20 years, highlighting how local sports build long-term community ties. Sports Calendar for Visitors: Ohio University released its week schedule, including the Oct. 3 MAC opener at Kent State and multiple home events in Athens—useful for planning a fall trip around game days. Destination Cleveland Spotlight: Destination Cleveland CEO David Gilbert discussed how the nonprofit (funded by a hotel tax) supports jobs and shapes the region’s visitor image. Midterm Campaign Travel: President Trump says he’ll begin a 32-day campaign tour with stops including Ohio—expect extra traffic and security around major events.

Ohio Politics: New polls in the Ohio governor’s race show Democrat Amy Acton leading Republican Vivek Ramaswamy—Suffolk has her up 9 and Marist up 6—keeping the race tight heading into the midterms. Road & Travel Planning: ODOT is asking for public comments on multiple bridge and culvert projects in the District 1 area, with construction expected to start in late summer 2027 and beyond. Tourism & Events: Lake Barkley tourism is planning its first “Beast Fest” for Nov. 13–14 at the Lyon County Convention Center in Eddyville, aiming to draw visitors beyond summer. Local Safety: A fatal crash in Highland County involved a car rear-ending a horse-drawn carriage on State Route 138; the carriage operator died. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports Washington County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.69/gal for the week ending Sept. 19, with Ohio’s premium average at $5.44. Sports Travel Buzz: ESPN College GameDay is returning to Iowa City for Ohio State vs. Iowa, with fans urged to arrive early (overnight camping prohibited).

Fall Foliage Spotlight: Ohio just landed two parks on USA TODAY’s 2026 “best fall colors” list—Hocking Hills State Park (No. 2) and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (No. 4)—with peak color still weeks away, so now’s the time to book lodging and plan routes. Passenger Rail Push: Toledo will host RailNation Toledo (Oct. 2–4) at the MLK Jr. Amtrak station, bringing federal and state leaders to focus on passenger rail’s tourism and economic impact, including a proposed Cleveland–Toledo–Detroit corridor. Health Alert: Ashland County confirmed its first measles case, as Ohio’s 2026 total climbs to 180—officials say they’re identifying and notifying possible exposures. Road Safety: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal I-480 crash in Brooklyn Heights that killed an Akron woman, and a separate fatal crash on U.S. 20 in Lucas County. Local Events: The Fort Ligonier Association marked its 80th anniversary with a livestream celebration, and the Harrison County Ohio Horse Council hosts a free Dorothy Glover Memorial Ride Oct. 10 at Harrison State Forest.

Road & Rail Updates: ODOT will close Cincinnati’s Lytle Tunnel on overnight schedules this week (I-71 northbound Mon/Tue 10 p.m.–5 a.m.; I-71 southbound Wed/Thu 10 p.m.–5 a.m.), with detours via nearby ramps and I-75/I-471—plan ahead if you’re commuting or visiting downtown. Fall Travel Picks: Ohio’s leaf-peeping season is expected to peak mid-October to early November, and USA TODAY’s 10Best named both Cuyahoga Valley National Park (No. 4) and Hocking Hills State Park among the nation’s best. Tourism Tech: Ohio Wines VIP launched an enhanced Explorer app with a redesigned photo booth and easier sharing to help travelers explore more wineries across the state. Local Events & Community: Evangelization Lab is helping Catholic groups reach “digital travelers” with tools for online-to-in-person faith experiences. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest prices in Ohio’s counties for the week ending Sept. 19, including regular as low as $3.96 (Crawford) and premium deals around $4.45 (Lorain).

Political Travel: President Trump is set to campaign in Ohio Saturday for Sen. Jon Husted in Vandalia, a key Senate battleground as Democrats push a comeback. Sports & Tourism Buzz: Browns fans packed Cleveland’s Muni Lot for the home opener, with downtown energy boosted by the team’s 2029 move countdown to Brook Park. College Football Spotlight: ESPN College GameDay returns to Iowa City for Ohio State vs. Iowa, a major travel draw for fans heading to the Midwest. Family-Friendly Nature: A monarch migration guide maps when the butterflies may reach your area, plus tips for backyard watching. Local Outdoor Fun: Art on the Wabash brings artists and live music to the riverfront, a strong weekend plan for visitors. Public Health Watch: CDC reports the worst U.S. measles year since 1991, with Ohio measles activity continuing to be monitored. Gas Prices: GasBuddy tracks lower midgrade and diesel prices in parts of Ohio, with Muskingum County midgrade hitting $4.33 in the week ending Sept. 19.

College Football Travel: ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming to Iowa City for Week 5, with Nick Saban and the crew set to broadcast live from Kinnick Stadium for Iowa vs. Ohio State—fans are urged to arrive early and note overnight camping is prohibited. Local Events & Tourism: Ohiopyle’s Youghtoberfest drew hundreds downtown for artisan booths, food trucks, and a brewery/winery tasting area, raising money for the borough’s aging sewage system as the park welcomes about 1 million visitors a year. Road Trip Planning: Drivers in the Cincinnati area should expect overnight construction impacts, including a U.S. 35 ramp closure and I-75 lane restrictions as crews remove overhead signs. Family Fun & Food: Oxford’s Daybreak Coffee opened as a coastal-themed camper-turned coffee shop, already pulling long lines in a college town craving “vacation vibes.” Safety Watch: A 12-year-old was charged after a gun was found in a backpack at West Clermont Middle School; officials said there were no threats found. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show spotty low E15 and regular deals across Ohio counties, with prices varying week to week.

Road Trip Inspiration: US Route 50 turns 100 on Nov. 11, 2026, and the “highway that still lets you see America” follows a historic east-west corridor from West Virginia to the Sierra Nevada. Family Travel & Safety: A 12-year-old is in custody after a gun was found in a backpack at West Clermont Middle School in Clermont County; the student was charged and suspended. Local Events: Indianapolis’ 42nd annual Circle City Classic Parade filled downtown with music, dancing, and Black culture tied to HBCU legacy. Sports Tourism Buzz (Ohio): Nebraska swept Ohio State volleyball, while Iowa’s last-second win over Michigan had big College GameDay-location chatter. Fuel Watch (Ohio): GasBuddy reports the cheapest Scioto County regular at $3.89/gal (week ending Sept. 19), plus diesel at $5.49/gal; E85 deals also showed up in multiple counties. Travel Planning Note: A “skip the hub” trend highlights more nonstop leisure flights from smaller regional airports, aiming to cut hassle and cost.

Road Safety: A Columbus man, Brandon Miller, was killed after being struck while standing in the northbound lanes of I-71 in Morrow County; the driver, Brandon Diguilio of Lorain County, stayed at the scene and investigators are still determining what led to the crash. Gas Watch (Sept. 19 week): Drivers in Scioto County saw regular hit a low of $3.89 and diesel $5.49; Geauga premium dipped to $4.99; Lorain E85 reached $3.39; Franklin County E85 bottomed at $3.19; Hamilton County diesel hit $5.39. College Football (Ohio ties): Week 4 is packed with ranked matchups, including Texas at Tennessee (noon ET on ABC) and Ohio State vs. Illinois coverage and viewing info circulating ahead of the Illibuck game. Local Fundraising: A Fairview Park couple dedicated their wedding to pediatric cancer support, raising toward a $100,000 goal for The Littlest Heroes. Sports Notes: Michigan State men’s soccer beat Wisconsin 3-0; Southern snapped a long losing streak with a 39-12 win over Trimble.

College Sports (Ohio TV/Streaming): Week 4 college football is packed for Ohio fans, with No. 7 Ohio State hosting Illinois on FOX and the Illibuck rivalry trophy tradition back in Columbus; Notre Dame at Purdue is Peacock-exclusive, so viewers may need a subscription plan. Public Health (Ohio travel risk): Toledo-Lucas County health officials are tracking measles exposure after an Amtrak passenger arrived Sept. 13; contact tracing is underway for people who were near the symptomatic traveler. Safety at Schools (Clermont County): A 12-year-old was charged after a gun was found in a backpack at West Clermont Middle School; the student was suspended while the district handles next steps. Opioids (regional impact): A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states and linked to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee, raising concerns for travelers and communities along major corridors. Fall Travel & Outdoors (Ohio region): Birdwatching peaks in fall along Lake Erie and local hotspots like Magee Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge as migratory birds refuel through early November. Local Events (tourism tie-in): The Circle City Classic returns to Indianapolis with HBCU football and a parade, drawing large crowds and music events.

Arlington National Cemetery Concern: A proposed Trump triumphal arch would add a 161-foot open-air observation deck, raising worries for military families about viewing funerals from above. Ohio Medicaid Crackdown: Ohio AG Andy Wilson announced indictments of 18 Medicaid providers accused of stealing $355,000+ through alleged billing fraud. Local Cemetery Update: Miami Township trustees moved closer to opening the Pine Forest natural burial section at Glen Forest Cemetery, with plot sales now expected to start around Oct. 15. Gas Prices Watch (Ohio): GasBuddy reports show diesel and gas deals across the state, including Clermont County diesel at $5.63/gal and Hocking County midgrade at $4.59/gal, with premium and E15 prices also varying by county. Dolly Parton Day: California and Ohio declared Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, with events planned nationwide. Travel Ideas: Shores & Islands Ohio highlights Lake Erie getaways, including Put-in-Bay and Marblehead Lighthouse, as a “stay a little longer” route. Community Spotlight: Browns QB Shedeur Sanders earned NFLPA Community MVP after handing out 500 backpacks in East Cleveland.

Outdoor & Family Fun: Dayton’s Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience returns Oct. 3-4 at Eastwood MetroPark with two days of free activities, from ziplining and paddling to climbing, fishing, slacklining, and dog-friendly outdoor recreation. Weekend What to Do (Lincoln, Nebraska): A free “Remembering Modern Art” tour at the Sheldon Museum of Art kicks off Family Weekend (Sept. 25-27), plus Hispanic Heritage Month events and a fall plant sale. Sports (Ohio): Ohio men’s soccer heads to Akron Friday for a BIG matchup at FirstEnergy Stadium; Georgetown also travels to Akron for a Friday contest. Arts & Film (Cleveland): The Mandel Jewish Community Center’s 20th Cleveland Jewish FilmFest runs Oct. 8-18 with 39 films across Greater Cleveland, plus five streaming selections. Travel Costs (Gas Watch): GasBuddy reports bargain pockets across Ohio—regular lows include $3.39 in Lorain County and $3.49 in Montgomery County for the week ending Sept. 19. Local Culture: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opens in Logan, with a grand-opening overnight line for a year of free ice cream.