 WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, October 9, 2026
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review
For the week ending October 9, 2026
Friday, October 2, 2026
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Friday afternoon that President Trump has approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for seven Ohio counties impacted by severe weather in August.
The counties approved for federal disaster assistance are Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum, and Perry.
The declaration activates FEMA’s Individual Assistance Grant Program, which includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance, replacement of personal property, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, and disaster legal services. The declaration also makes low-interest loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Governor DeWine joined thousands of Ohioans to celebrate the milestone accomplishment of the 25th Columbus Buddy Walk®.
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Monday, October 5, 2026
 Governor DeWine joined Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local officials to celebrate the opening of new rest areas along I-75 in Butler and Auglaize counties.
Across the state, Governor DeWine is enhancing the safety, experience, and accessibility for travelers in Ohio, while sharing Ohio’s natural history, historic past, and popular attractions at re-imagined rest areas. New facilities include native Ohio plants, dog trails, rocking chairs, and Storybook Trails, which give kids and families the chance to read a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book along a short trail while stretching their legs.
“In Ohio, the Heart of it All, our rest areas are not only a place for travelers to stop and stretch their legs, but also provide an opportunity to tell Ohio’s amazing stories,” said Governor DeWine. “We want travelers to enjoy modern rest areas, learn something about Ohio’s history, beautiful natural resources, and forward-thinking Ohioans, while they think about exploring attractions right down the road.”
 Governor DeWine celebrated the dedicated educators across Ohio who empower our young Ohioans to reach their God‑given potential during World Teachers' Day.
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel announced that every college and university in Ohio with an athletic program is partnering with the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge to bring student-athletes into participating schools in their communities. Throughout the fall, those student-athletes will visit nearby schools and share lessons from their own experiences, encouraging students to set goals, build confidence, support their teammates, and develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
"It's important that Ohio's students know their goals are within reach," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "Our student-athletes are real, local examples of what is possible and reminders that their dreams may not be as far away as they seem. By sharing their time, experiences, and encouragement, these athletes can give our young people the confidence to believe in themselves and become the best version of who they are."
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Students at Cassingham Elementary are proving that success is built one good decision at a time. Lt. Governor Tressel encouraged students to keep working, keep learning, and keep moving forward during his Team Tressel Fitness Challenge visit!
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Tuesday, October 6, 2026
 First Lady Fran DeWine joined Kroger's Columbus Division, Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau, America 250-Ohio, and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to kick off Ohio Food and Farms Month with a "Feeding our Neighbors" meal-pack event.
 Lt. Governor Tressel along side several Team Tressel Fitness Challenge Buddies joined the First Lady and more than 300 volunteers to pack 10,000 meal bags for Central Ohio hunger-relief organizations. Each bag contained ingredients for a chili bowl, a jar of peanut butter, a recipe card, and a note recognizing the organizations that made the donation possible.
 Governor DeWine announced that the number of people pardoned through the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project has now exceeded 300.
Governor DeWine created the program in 2019 to support individuals with relatively low-level criminal records who have led exemplary, law-abiding lives in the decades since their convictions.
To date, Governor DeWine has signed expedited pardons for 323 individuals. More than 340 people are actively working toward an expedited pardon.
"A criminal record comes with a lifetime of restrictions, but I believe those who've truly reformed their lives deserve a second chance to live up to their full potential -- and that second chance starts with a pardon," said Governor DeWine. "It has been great to hear about the transformational impacts these expedited pardons have had on recipients' lives and how doors are finally opening to allow them to achieve their dreams."
Lt. Governor Tressel asked the students at Bloom-Carroll Elementary School to give him their best effort, and they delivered!
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Wednesday, October 7, 2026
 Governor and First Lady Fran DeWine had a great time with Lt. Governor Tressel in Cedarville for the Lt. Governor's 90th Team Tressel Fitness Challenge assembly!
The students really brought the energy, and they learned about the importance of setting and achieving their goals. The Governor, First Lady, and Lt. Governor want all Ohio students to create healthy habits they can take with them for the rest of their lives so they can reach their full potential!
 Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the successful conclusion of the Appalachian Children's Health Initiative, an innovative program that dedicated more than $64 million to bring transformative care to children and families across Ohio's Appalachian region.
Last week, the Appalachian Children's Health Initiative opened its 29th health clinic, located within the Chillicothe City School District. Chillicothe's new clinic is the final clinic funded through the program.
“Too many children in Appalachia have had to travel long distances to get even basic healthcare. Today, more families can find that care close to home, including right at their child’s school,” said Governor DeWine. "These clinics are a lasting investment in the health and future of Ohio’s children. Tomorrow’s leaders are receiving care today because of this program, these clinics, and the many, many people who have helped this idea become reality.”
Thursday, October 8, 2026
First Lady DeWine received an honorary degree from the University of Findlay in recognition of her work promoting early literacy among Ohio's children.
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Lt. Governor Tressel had a great visit to Mapleton Elementary for the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge where students worked hard and learned about the importance of good fitness, nutrition, and sleep.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
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