Five things to know for Wednesday, Sept. 24

Ramaswamy, Husted endorse one another

Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted have endorsed one another in their respective races next year, Ideastream reported.

Neither is likely to face serious opposition in next May’s primaries. Ramaswamy’s most serious potential opposition, Republican Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, announced he would not run for governor.

Licking County power plant to serve data center

The Ohio Power Siting Board has authorized the construction of the 200-megawatt Socrates North Power Generation Facility, a natural gas-fired electric generation facility located in New Albany.

Will-Power OH will build and operate the power plant on 20 acres in the New Albany International Business Park, and Sidecat, a Meta Platforms affiliate, will use the power. It will operate “behind-the-meter,” serving the electric load of an adjacent data center and will not be connected to the power grid.

PUCO issues Special Reconnect Order for winter

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has issued an order to help customers of PUCO-regulated utilities maintain or reconnect electric and natural gas service during the upcoming winter heating season. The season starts Oct. 13 and runs through April 15, 2026.

During the last winter heating season, more than 204,107 Ohioans benefited from the agency’s Special Reconnect Order.

Taiwan to buy corn, soybeans from Ohio farmers

Agricultural leaders from Ohio and Taiwan signed agreements outlining Taiwan’s intent to buy $6.4 billion in corn and soybean products from Ohio.

“Announcing this investment shows that Ohio is a global player and that we are open to continued investment in all sectors,” state Rep. Ty Mathews, R-Findlay, said in a release.

Eastern Ohio Housing Development head sentenced to prison

The former executive director of Bridgeport’s Eastern Ohio Housing Development Corp. was sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison for the theft of more than $2.3 million, Auditor of State Keith Faber announced.

Kaycie Antonik must pay more than $2.3 million in restitution as part of her sentence handed down in Belmont County Common Pleas Court. That total includes $19,639 in audit costs.